Addison's Disease

Question 1

Addisons disease is ___ insufficiency

Answer 1

adrenal.

Question 2

causes of Addisons disease (4)

Answer 2

• autoimmune or idiopathic atrophy of adrenal glands (80-90% of cases)
• surgical removal of both adrenal glands
• infection of adrenal glands
• sudden cessation of exogenous adrenocortical hormonal therapy

Question 3

Addisons disease clinical manifestations (10)

Answer 3

• muscle weakness
• anorexia, weight loss, emaciation
• GI symptoms
• fatigue
• dark pigmentation of mucous membranes and skin
• hypotension
• hypoglycemia
• decreased Na, increased K
• depression, emotional lability
• confusion
• in severe cases –> chronic dehydration

Question 4

what happens if Addisons disease is not treated?

Answer 4

addisonian crisis (signs of shock)

Question 5

assessment and diagnostic findings (3)

Answer 5

• early morning serum cortisol and plasma ACTH
• primary= greatly increased ACTH level and decreased serum cortisol concentration
• decreased serum glucose, and Na; increased WBC and K

Question 6

Medical management of Addisons disease (6)

Answer 6

• restore blood volume: NS and D5W
• manage VS, electrolytes
• hormonal replacement (hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone)
• vasopressors if hypotension persists
• abx if infection has caused adrenal crisis
• supplementary salt intake