Lead investigator
Dr Hima Bindu Avatapalle
Manchester Children’s Hospital
Manchester M13 9WL
Email: bindu.avatapalle@cmft.nhs.uk
»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË the study
Overview
The most common cause of severe adrenal insufficiency in children, now known as Addison’s disease, is autoimmune. In this condition, the body’s own immune system attacks the adrenal glands and destroys them.
People suffering from Addison's disease are also at increased risk of other organ-specific autoimmune diseases, e.g. of the thyroid gland.
If untreated the condition is life-threatening and unfortunately it is not always spotted early enough. Though it is now more than 150 years since it was first described, the disease remains under-diagnosed, leading to unnecessary morbidity and mortality.
Autoimmune Addison’s disease in children is an uncommon but potentially lethal condition.
We intend to undertake a 13-month study to evaluate this rare condition with important clinical relevance. The current incidence of autoimmune Addison’s disease in UK (under 16 yrs) will be identified. Clinical presentation and diagnostic strategies will be analysed and reported in scientific literature. Variations in emergency management will be highlighted (for instance provision of emergency injectable treatment, steroid card and ambulance cover).
You can download the protocol card, including references, below.
Case definition
Any child from birth up to but not including 16 years of age with newly presenting suspected or proven auto immune Addison’s disease should be reported on the BPSU orange card.
The diagnosis of autoimmune Addison’s disease can be made following clinical presentation of adrenal insufficiency or Addisonian crisis.
Reporting instructions
Please report any child seen for the first time in the UK or Ireland during the study period who satisfies the case definition regardless of country of birth.
If the diagnosis is awaiting confirmation, (adrenal cortical antibodies not done or awaited), the child should still be reported.
Duration
July 2011 - July 2012 (13 months).
Funding
Sir Peter Tizard Bursary.
Approval
This study has been approved by West London REC (Ref: 11/LO/0581) and has been granted Section 251 NIGB permission under reference: ECC 6-02 (FT4/BPSU)/2011.