Adrenal Insufficiency

Question 1

T or F:

1. ACTH, GH and Prolactin can increase during serious illness?
2. FSH, LH and TSH can decrease during serious illness?

Answer 1

1. T
2. T

(ref: racgp check biochemistry 2012)

Question 2

What is the synacthen test?

Answer 2

Measure baseline cortisol –> IM synthetic analogue of ACTH (tetracosactrin, also known as Synacthen®), then a blood test at 30 minutes.

(ref: racgp check biochemistry 2012)