Stimulated cortisol secretion is not correlated with prednisone dose or with steroid side-effects in children after renal transplantation.

Impairment of adrenocortical function and other adverse effects have to be considered whenever corticosteroids are applied for a prolonged period of time. We hypothesized that the assessment of adrenal function with adrenocortiocotropin (ACTH) stimulation reflects the sensitivity to corticosteroids and would predict the development of side-effects in pediatric patients on triple immunosuppression after renal transplantation.