Acute adrenal crisis Flashcards

1
Q

What is acute adrenal crisis:

A

A life threatening state of adrenocorticosteroid hormone deficiency leading to hypotension and hemodynamic shock

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2
Q

What are clinical features of AAC?

A
Hypotension/shock, orthostatic hypotension. 
Anorexia, nausea/vomiting
Abdominal pain 
Fever 
Lethargy/weakness
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3
Q

What is your DDx for someone who presents with clinical features of acute adrenal crisis?

A

Shock-septic, cardiogenic, spinal
Anaphylaxis
Other causes of hypotension

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4
Q

How do you manage AAC?
Of course, the first 2 things:
Then give what fluid?
What labs are you looking for? As soon as you draw labs, what are you doing?
Supporting system with?
Which electrolytes are you trying to correct?

A

Ensure adequate airway and gas exchange
Administer 100% O2
Expand circulating volume rapidly with dextrose in normal saline (up to 2-3 L may be requried)
draw blood for random cortisol and ACTH levels
As soon as i draw labs, im going to administer IV Glucocorticoid 100 mg IV and q6h as needed
Tyring to correct: hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypercalcemia

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5
Q

Precipitating cause?

A

iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency due to exogenous corticosteroid administration

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6
Q

Side note: What is Addison’s disease?

A

also called adrenal insufficiency, is an uncommon disorder that occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones

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