COVID-19-Induced Hypopituitary Function Management

Immediate Management Priorities

• The American College of Rheumatology recommends continuing standard-of-care glucocorticoid administration and avoiding abrupt withdrawal due to risk of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression in patients with COVID-19-induced hypopituitary function 1
• The American College of Rheumatology suggests using the lowest effective doses to control underlying conditions while preventing adrenal crisis in patients with COVID-19-induced hypopituitary function 1
• Do not abruptly discontinue glucocorticoids in patients treated for COVID-19, as this risks adrenal crisis, according to the American College of Rheumatology 1

Special Populations and Complications

• Monitor for femoral head necrosis in patients treated with high-dose glucocorticoids during severe COVID-19, as recommended by the Pharmacological Research society 2, 3, 4