Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Pseudohyperaldosteronism (also pseudoaldosteronism) is a medical condition which mimics the effects of elevated aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism) by presenting with high blood pressure, low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia), metabolic alkalosis, and low levels of plasma renin activity (PRA).
Hyperaldosteronism is a medical condition wherein too much aldosterone is produced. High aldosterone levels can lead to lowered levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) and increased hydrogen ion excretion . Aldosterone is normally produced in the adrenal glands.
The cutoff normal individuals from those with primary hyperaldosteronism is significantly affected by the conditions of testing, such as posture and time of day. On average, an ARR cutoff of 23.6 ng/dL per ng/(mL·h), expressed in alternative units as 651 pmol/L per μg/(L·h), has been estimated to have a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 94%. [2]
Metabolic acidosis (increased blood acidity), also is due to loss of the hormone aldosterone because sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule is linked with acid/hydrogen ion (H +) secretion. Absent or insufficient levels of aldosterone stimulation of the renal distal tubule lead to sodium wasting in the urine and H + retention in the serum.
Screening may be considered in people with high blood pressure presenting with low blood potassium, high blood pressure that is difficult to treat, other family members with the same condition, or a mass on the adrenal gland. [1] Measuring aldosterone alone is not considered adequate to diagnose primary hyperaldosteronism.
Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1) is characterized by the body's inability to respond adequately to aldosterone, a hormone crucial for regulating electrolyte levels. This condition often manifests with dehydration as the kidneys struggle to retain sufficient salt, leading to symptoms like increased thirst and dry mouth.
Low blood sugar and hyponatremia are possible; however, blood potassium levels typically remain normal because affected patients are deficient in glucocorticoids rather than mineralocorticoids because of their intact renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. ACTH may be undetectable in blood tests, and cortisol is abnormally low. [1]
Low levels of cortisol means that it loses its ability to work with catecholamines to reduce vascular reactivity, which causes vasodilatation and hypotension. Low cortisol has an adverse effect on the liver's metabolism, resulting in hypoglycemia , decreased gluconeogenesis , lower levels of free fatty acids and amino acids in circulation.