Aims of the present study were (a) to estimate the prevalence of adrenocortical insufficiency as assessed with low dose ACTH stimulation a large series of adult thalassaemic patients; (b) to explore the usefulness of salivary cortisol during ACTH testing for the diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency; (c) to establish the impact of this endocrinopathy on the quality of life of patients with ß-thalassemia major. This evidence concerns the gene POMC and adrenocortical insufficiency.