Adrenal conditions Flashcards
What is the name of the condition that is characterised by primary adrenal insufficiency
Addisons disease
What are the 3 types of hormones secreted from the adrenal cortex?
- mineralocorticoids
- glucocorticoids
- androgens
Give an example of a mineralocorticoid secreted from the adrenal cortex?
aldosterone
Give an example of a glucocorticoid secreted from the adrenal cortex?
Cortisol
What are the 5 physiological effects of cortisol on the body?
- Increases BP
- Immunosuppression
- Increases osteoclastic activity
- Metabolism
- Increases blood glucose levels
Describe the pathology that accounts for 70% of Addisons?
Auto antibodies that attack the adrenal cortex
What % of cases will about for autoimmune Addisons disease?
70%
True/False
Addisons disease is more common in men
FLASE
Addisons disease is more common in women
What is the name of the adrenal hormone secreted from the hypothalamus that acts on the pituitary?
Corticotrophin releasing factor
CRF
What is the name of the adrenal hormone that gets secreted from the Pituitary and acts on the adrenal cortex?
ACTH
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone
What feedback system controls hypothalamic pituitary axis?
Negative feedback
Whats is the name of the axis that controls the secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex?
Hypothalamic pituitary axis
What are the 3 T’s a patient with Addisons disease will present with?
Tanned
Tired
Tearful
What are the 5 symptoms that are a result from low glucocorticoids in Addisons disease?
- Generalised weakness
- tiredness
- Anorexia
- weight loss
- Pigmentations of the skin
What are the 2 symptoms that are a result from low androgens in Addisons disease?
- Less pubic and axillary hair
2. low libido
True/False
Patients with Addisons disease have primary hypertension?
False
Patients with Addisons disease have postural hypertension
What 2 blood pressure changes are visible in a patient with Addisons disease?
Lower BP
tachycardia
How might Addisons disease affect blood gluose levels?
Hypoglycaemia
Due to low levels of cortisol that is involved in increasing blood glucose levels.