12 Adrenal Disorders Flashcards
Clinical presentations of cortisol deficiency
Weakness
Tiredness
Weight loss
Hypoglycaemia
Clinical presentations of minerocorticoid deficiency
Dizziness
Low Na+
High K+
Clinical presentations of androgen deficiency
Low libido - sexual desires
Low body hair in women
Clinical presentations of excess cortisol
Weight gain
Cushing’s syndrome features
Clinical presentations of excess mineralcorticoid
High BP
Low K
High Na
Clinical presentations of excess androgen
Increased male characteristics in women
Clinical presentations of excess ACTH
Skin pigmentation- melanocyte stimulation
Presentation of adrenal medulla disease
Sweating
Anxiety
Palpitations
Collapse
High or low BP
Symptoms of Addison’s disease
Fatigue
Weakness
Anorexia
Weight loss
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Signs of Addison’s disease
Underweight
Signs of weight loss
General feeling of discomfort
Most common cause of primary adrenal failure (Addison’s disease)
Destructive atrophy from autoimmune response
Clinical features of adrenal crisis
Collapse
Hypotension
Dehydration
Pigmentation
Coma
What will blood tests show in renal crisis?
Low cortisol level
Low Na
High K
Treatment of adrenal crisis
- Rapid rehydration with fluids
- correction of hypoglycaemia
- intravenous hydrocortisone -steroid hormone- treats inflammation
Maintenance treatment of Addison’s disease
-Lifelong replacement - glucocorticoid (hydrocortisone HC) + mineralcorticoid
- Education to prevent crises - steroid card and bracelet, emergency HC injection if vomiting
