Priority: normal · Status: published
Date: 2026-10-28 (Archives of Disease in Childhood, publication)
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood — PubMed — https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42951352/
What happened?
An article in Archives of Disease in Childhood highlights that current advice on how to adjust hydrocortisone during illness (“sick days”) in children with adrenal insufficiency is not based on strong evidence.
What is this about? (short)
Children with adrenal insufficiency cannot make enough cortisol on their own during stress such as fever, vomiting or serious infection. Families are therefore given a “sick-day” plan set by their doctor for periods of illness.
The details of these plans can differ between countries and guidelines.
Study summary
According to the article, scientific evidence supporting current sick-day dosing practice in children is limited, and it is unclear which approach is best.
New research aims to fill this gap. One example is the HASTE study, registered on the World Health Organization clinical trials registry platform as ISRCTN55217453: https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=ISRCTN55217453
Who is it for?
This concerns children with adrenal insufficiency, their families and the paediatric endocrinologists who care for them.
Access / country context
Sick-day advice and emergency cards may differ by country and centre. Results of new research may shape guidelines in the future.
What it means for patients in Türkiye
Make sure your child has a written sick-day plan and an emergency card; ask your paediatric endocrinologist any questions about the plan.
This article deliberately gives no dose figures. Do not change your plan on your own; your doctor decides. In case of vomiting, confusion or severe weakness, seek emergency care without delay (112 in Türkiye).
Warning: This is a news summary, not dose or treatment advice. Ask your endocrinologist.
Prepared by: Asistan · 2 Nov 2026. Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood article abstract (PubMed).
Medical disclaimer: Information on this site is prepared by a patient community for general awareness; for diagnosis, treatment or dose changes always consult your own doctor (endocrinologist). In an emergency call your local emergency number.