Adrenal Flashcards
What is Aldosterone primarily under the influence of?
Angiotensin
What are the physiological effects of adrenal hormones?
- Metabolism
- CV Function
- Growth
- Immunity
When does Cortisol peak?
- AM
2. After meals: LUNCH!
What is the role of corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG)?
Binds 90% of circulating cortisol
When do we see an increase in CBG?
- Pregnancy
- Estrogen admin
- HYPERthyroidism
When do we see an decrease in CBG?
- Genetic defects
- Protein deficiency states
- HYPOthyroidism
What is Dexamethasone largely bound to?
Albumin
List the effects of a fasting state
Save the glucose for the brain:
- Gluconeogenesis
- Release of amino acids from muscle catabolism
- Lipolysis
- INHIBITION of peripheral glucose uptake*
What is the half life of cortisol?
60-90 minutes
How can we increase/improve the half life of cortisol?
- Administering LARGER AMOUNTS of hydrocortisone
- Stress
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver disease
Where is cortisol metabolized?
Liver
Who do we MCly see Adrenal Crisis in?
Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: Addison’s Dz
Adrenal Crisis si/sx’s
- Low BP*
- Hyperpigmentation*
- N/V/D
- Dehdrydation
- Abd Pain
How we test for Adrenal Crisis? Findings?
Cosyntropin Stimulation Test: No increase in cortisol
Adrenal Criss Treatment
IV Hydrocortisone (glucocorticoid) + Glucose+ IV Saline
Define Addisons Disease
- Primary adrenal insufficiency
- Etiology: Autoimmune
- Dysfunction/Absence of adrenal cortices: LACK of cortisol and aldosterone
Addison’s Dz si/sx
- Hypotension
- Hyperpigmentation
- Low Na+
- High K+, Ca++, BUN
- Small heart
- Low cortisol, High ACTH
Addison’s Dz treatment
- Glucocorticoids: Oral Hydrocortisone
2. +/- Mineralcorticoids: Fludrocortisone