Comparing hydrocortisone and prednisolone for adrenal insufficiency treatment

Hydrocortisone Versus Prednisolone for Treatment of Adrenal Insufficiency Disease (HYPER-AID Study)

Observational Imperial College London · NCT03608943

This study is testing how switching between hydrocortisone and prednisolone affects people with adrenal insufficiency to see which treatment works better for their health.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London Academic / other
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT03608943 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to gather data on patients with adrenal insufficiency who are transitioning between hydrocortisone and prednisolone treatments. It will evaluate various health outcomes, including anthropometric and biochemical measures, as well as subjective health assessments. The study is particularly focused on understanding the effects of these glucocorticoids at lower doses, as prednisolone is often perceived to have more risks despite being more cost-effective. Participants will be monitored as they continue their usual care while switching medications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency for over six months and stable on their current glucocorticoid treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into safer and more effective treatment options for patients with adrenal insufficiency.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific comparison, other studies have explored glucocorticoid treatments, suggesting potential benefits of lower-dose prednisolone.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 - 85 years
* Male or female
* Diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency (AI) for over 6 months according to standard diagnostic criteria
* Established on stable hydrocortisone or prednisolone replacement, dose not altered for at least 4 months
* Individuals taking other hormone replacements are accepted providing that their replacement doses have not altered for at least 3 months;
* Individuals who are able and willing to give written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who are unable to give informed consent
* Pregnancy (determined by patients self-reporting pregnancy status)
* Patients using the combined oral contraceptive pill

Where this trial is running

London

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Adrenal Insufficiencyglucocorticoidsprednisolonehydrocortisone
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.