Acute Adrenal Insufficiency

Question 1

Which disease is commonly the cause of Acute Adrenal Insufficiency?

Answer 1

Addisons disease

Question 2

What are some precipitating factors for Acute Adrenal Insufficiency?

Answer 2

Withdrawal from steroid medication
Increase in physical or psychological stress
Acute Illness

Question 3

What are some signs and symptoms of Acute Adrenal Insufficiency?

Answer 3

Altered GCS
Dehydration
Hyperkalaemia
Hypoglycaemia
N/V
Abdominal pain

Question 4

Protocol for Acute Adrenal Insufficiency?

Answer 4

Treat symptomatically
Follow existing management plan
OR
Hydrocortisone
>16 years 100mg
<16 years 4mg/kg up to 100mg