Addisons Flashcards
1
Q
Addisonian Crisis
A
- Potentially life threatening condition that results from and ACUTE insufficiency of adrenal hormones
- Signs + symptoms: Weak, confusion, tachycardic, hypotensive, could be comatosed, oliguria
- Causes: sudden cessation of steroids, infection in an Addison’s pt, adrenal haemorrhage, trauma/surgery
- Rx: systemic support (ABCDE) and hydrocotisone IV STAT
2
Q
Addisions disease
A
- Addison’s disease, also called adrenal insufficiency, is an uncommon disorder that occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones.
- In addison’s disease, due to destruction of the adrenal glands, you produce too little cortisol and, often, too little aldosterone.
- 80% due to low autoimmunity
- Look for LOW sodium and HIGH potassium (due to low aldosterone and its effects on the kidneys)
- Look for LOW glucose (due to low cortisol)
Ix: Short ACTH stimulation test (synacthen)
- Addison’s is excluded if 30min cortisol >550nmol/L
- Rx: replace steroids (hydrocortisone)
