Artri King-induced Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis Disruption: A Report of 3 Cases

Abstract

Abstract We present a case series of 3 patients who developed iatrogenic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis disruption while taking Artri King, an over-the-counter supplement marketed for joint pain that is reported to contain dexamethasone not listed on the supplement's label. Patient 1, a 58-year-old woman, presented with persistent hyponatremia, weight gain, proximal muscle weakness, dorsocervical fat pad, and new, red striae on her breast and abdomen in the setting of Artri King use. Her dexamethasone level was elevated (Table 1), confirming the suspicion of dexamethasone content in this supplement. Patient 2, a 55-year old woman, had presented with cushingoid features and a low morning cortisol level (Table 1) in the setting of Artri King use. Patient 3, a 59-year-old man, presented with poorly controlled diabetes in the setting of Artri King use and an elevated serum dexamethasone level. Supplements containing hidden glucocorticoids can cause not only iatrogenic Cushing syndrome, but also adrenal suppression, providing a diagnostic challenge for providers.