Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's Dz) Flashcards
What is Addison’s Dz?
the diminished secretion of one or more adrenocortical hormones
What is the underlying pathophysiology of primary Addison’s Dz?
- the problem is the adrenal gland itself
- suspected immune-mediated destruction of part of the adrenal gland
What do scientists think the immune-mediated destruction caused by?
infiltration of adrenal cortex with lymphocytes & plasmas cells that results in chronic inflammation and leads to tissue fibrosis and eventual destruction of adrenocortical cells
List two types of Addison’s
Typical
Atypical
What zona(s) are destroyed in typical Addison’s? What does that result in?
Glomerulosa (mineralocorticoid deficiency) &
Fasciculata (glucocorticoid deficiency)
What does Aldosterone deficiency look like
loss: sodium, chloride, water
retention: potassium
How does an aldosterone deficiency show up on bloodwork?
hyponatremia (low Na) Hypochloremia (low Cl) Hyperkalemia (high K) Dehydration as azotemia (increased BUN & CRE) Decreased SG
What zona(s) are destroyed in atypical Addison’s? What does that result in?
zona fasciculata only
result = decreased secretion of glucocorticoids
How does a glucocorticoid deficiency affect the body?
- decreased formation of new glucose molecules
- increased update of glucose by body’s cells
- inability of body to respond adequately to stress
How can you tell if a patient has typical vs atypical Addison’s?
Look at bloodwork; if low Na & Cl but high K, you’re looking at typical Addison’s which is deficient in 2 hormones
List the clinical signs of Addison’s
- Shock & dehydration
- Bradycardia
- Shivering, shaking, lethargy, weakness
- Polyuria
- V/D/Anorexia
Pathophysiology in Addison’s for: Shock & dehydration
result of aldosterone deficiency
- body can’t maintain proper sodium, potassium, and water concentrations
- water and sodium loss decrease blood volume and BP
result of glucocorticoid deficiency
-body can’t respond to decreased blood volume and BP
Pathophysiology in Addison’s for: bradycardia
secondary to presence of hyperkalemia
Pathophysiology in Addison’s for: shivering, shaking, lethargy, weakness
secondary to hyponatremia
Pathophysiology in Addison’s for: polyuria
excessive sodium loss into the urine alters concentration gradient within the kidneys and makes it difficult for kidneys to concentrate urine