Adolescents with atopic disorders have an attenuated cortisol response to laboratory stress

Abstract Background: Patients with allergic disorders have been noted to have variations in cortisol patterns under natural conditions as well as a differential cortisol response to stress. Objective: The main goal of this study was to examine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis differences in atopic adolescents. Methods: Subjects were a community sample of 202 adolescents (52% male; mean age, 16.2 years). Atopic status was determined by skin testing and clinical history. Saliva samples for cortisol assay were obtained 4 times during a "typical day" and at 4 time points during laboratory procedures. Results: One third of the sample (33%) had a clinical atopic disorder, primarily allergic rhinitis; 39% had positive skin test results without clinical symptoms; and 27% had no signs or symptoms of allergic disorders. There were no significant effects of atopic status on home cortisol patterns. Presence of clinical atopy was significantly ( P