MACS and Healthy Volunteers Bone Study

Overview

Adrenal adenoma is detected in 5-7% of adults and demonstrates mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS, dexamethasone suppression test \>1.8 mcg/dl) in 50% of individuals with adenoma. Published reports suggest a 48%-52% 2-year incidence of new vertebral fractures in patients with MACS without any significant changes in bone density measurements. A disproportionate decrease in bone quality versus density or other factors such as sarcopenia potentially contribute to development of new vertebral fractures. Determining which specific abnormalities in the steroid metabolome affect bone density, quality and strength as well as bone remodeling markers and body composition will potentially serve as a diagnostic biomarker of clinical significance.

In this study, we will determine whether patients with MACS (versus healthy age and sex matched controls) demonstrate: 1) decreased bone strength and quality disproportionate to the decrease of bone density and 2) abnormalities in the steroid metabolome correlate with the degree of abnormalities in bone parameters. In a cross-sectional study of 75 patients with MACS and 75 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, we will determine the relationship of the steroid metabolome to measurements of bone density, quality and strength, bone turnover markers, as well as body composition. All patients will be interviewed in regards to their health, to include questions on bone health, frailty, cognition (NIH toolbox), and quality of life. We will measure 1) BMD (bone mineral density) at the lumbar spine, hip and radius and body composition using dual-energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA), 2) radial and tibial bone microstructure by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), 4) bone turnover markers (osteocalcin, PINP, CTx, sclerostin). 5) Age reader measurement, 6) hand grip measurement, 7) 6 minute walk test. All patients will provide a 24 h urine for steroid metabolome analysis. For primary outcomes, we will determine if steroid metabolome profiling better predicts abnormal bone strength (as measured by trabecular bone volume/tissue volume \[BV/TV\] ratio).

Conditions