Modified-release hydrocortisone (Efmody®) in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a retrospective registry study - Report - MDSpire

Modified-release hydrocortisone (Efmody®) in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a retrospective registry study

  • By

  • Erwin Lankes

  • Levin Wiebelt

  • Kathrin Bettina Helge

  • Dirk Schnabel

  • Peter Kühnen

  • Oliver Blankenstein

  • Uta Neumann

  • July 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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Efficacy and Safety of Modified-Release Hydrocortisone in Pediatric CAH

Overview

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of hydrocortisone modified-release capsules (HMRC) in pediatric patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Results indicate changes in hormonal control and growth parameters following the switch to HMRC therapy.

Background

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic disorder that leads to cortisol deficiency, necessitating hormone replacement therapy. Traditional immediate-release hydrocortisone often fails to adequately control hormone levels, particularly in the morning. The introduction of HMRC aims to provide better hormonal control and growth outcomes in affected children and adolescents.

Data Highlights

ParameterPre-SwitchPost-Switch
Growth Velocity (SDS/year)0.1 (95% CI: 0.0 to 0.2)-0.1 (95% CI: -0.2 to 0.1)
Bone Age vs Chronological Age (years)--0.50 (IQR -1.17 to 0.27)
Mean Morning 17OHP (ng/L)337 (95% CI: 240–437)214 (95% CI: 155–294)
Mean Hydrocortisone Dose (mg/m²/day)-+2.4

Key Findings

  • The median age of patients at treatment switch was 10 years.
  • HMRC therapy resulted in a deceleration of growth velocity.
  • There was a significant reduction in morning 17OHP concentrations after switching to HMRC.
  • No adrenal crisis was reported during the HMRC treatment period.
  • The mean hydrocortisone dose increased during HMRC therapy.

Clinical Implications

The findings provide data on hormonal control and growth outcomes in pediatric patients with CAH following HMRC therapy.

Conclusion

HMRC therapy is associated with changes in hormonal control and growth parameters in children and adolescents.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Evaluating the Clinical Advantages of Extended-Release Hydrocortisone Formulations
  3. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Hydrocortisone for prevention or treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: long-term neurodevelopmental safety and efficacy—a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Diminishing Kidney Function Linked to Progressive Insufficiency of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2
  5. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Real-world use of hydrocortisone and dexamethasone in the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants <32 weeks: a nine-year cohort study
  6. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Guideline Resources | Endocrine Society
  7. Efmody | European Medicines Agency (EMA)
  8. Modified-Release Hydrocortisone in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia | The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism | Oxford Academic

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