Endocrine

Question 1

How do you diagnose Addison disease?

Answer 1

Serum cortisol
SythnACTHen test
U&Es - low sodium and high potassium
Glucose because the cortisol is low

Question 2

What is the management of Addison disease?

Answer 2

Medical: aim to replace steroids
Hydrocortisone (glucocorticoid) twice daily
+/-
Fludrocortisone (mineralocorticoid) – if postural hypotension
Increased dose during “stress” - crucial to avoid addisonian crisis

Question 3

What is secondary adrenal insufficiency?

Answer 3

This when the pituitary gland doesn’t make enough ACTH and adrenal glands don’t make enough cortisol.