Incidence and hospital outcomes of acute adrenal crisis in a Swiss-wide cohort study
Authors' conclusion
In Switzerland, AC-related hospitalizations have increased over the past decade, primarily driven by an increase in central adrenal insufficiency, likely linked to expanding glucocorticoid and immunotherapy use. Older adults remain disproportionately vulnerable to adverse outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Adrenal crises (AC)-related hospitalizations in Switzerland, 2012–2022
- Participants
- 2,302 AC-related hospitalizations
- Exposure
- AC-related hospitalizations vs matched controls
- ACn = 2,302
- Outcome
- Incidence of AC hospitalizations
Methodological detailsnationwide, hospital discharge data linked to national death registry, matched controls
- Nationwide
- Hospital discharge data linked to national death registry
- Matched controls
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
2012–2022
- Incidence increased over time, peaking in patients >80 years, with the steepest rise in central adrenal insufficiency
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | IRR (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Composite of in-hospital mortality, ICU admission and 30-day rehospitalization | 1.60 (1.48–1.73) | |
| ICU admissionPrimary driver of composite | 1.99 (1.8–2.21) | |
| 0.512Incidence rate ratio (log scale) |
In-hospital mortality, unspecified etiology of adrenal insufficiency
- IRR (highest odds among etiologies), 95% CI 1.48-2.19
- 1.8
1-year all-cause mortality, unspecified etiology of adrenal insufficiency
- IRR (highest odds among etiologies), 95% CI 1.23-1.62
- 1.41
Predictors of adverse outcomes
- Key predictors: unspecified etiology of adrenal insufficiency, advanced age, male sex, AVP deficiency, sepsis, cancer
Original publication
Incidence and hospital outcomes of acute adrenal crisis in a Swiss-wide cohort study. Eur J Endocrinol. Published 27 March 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →