Abstract

Corticotrophin - ACTH (Acthar - Armour; ACTH-Crookes - Crookes; Cortrophin - Organon) stimulates synthesis and release of adrenocortical steroidal hormones. In certain circumstances its use may be preferred to corticosteroid administration,¹ especially in children in whom corticosteroids inhibit growth but corticotrophin restores the growth rate.² It is difficult to compare corticosteroid and corticotrophin dosage. We have already discussed the value of corticotrophin in acute episodes of multiple sclerosis, retrobulbar neuritis,³ and facial (Bell’s) palsy⁴ and the choice between corticotrophin and a corticosteroid in the treatment of asthma.⁵ Corticotrophin is sometimes used to stimulate the adrenal gland after prolonged suppression due to administration of corticosteroids,⁶ but the clinical usefulness of this has been questioned.⁷ It is used to test adrenal function.