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Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones. The adrenal glands—also referred to as the adrenal cortex—normally secrete glucocorticoids (primarily cortisol ), mineralocorticoids (primarily aldosterone ), and androgens .
Adrenal crisis is a serious, life-threatening complication of adrenal insufficiency. Hypotension , or hypovolemic shock , is the main symptom of adrenal crisis, other indications and symptoms include weakness , anorexia , nausea , vomiting, fever, fatigue , abnormal electrolytes , confusion , and coma. [ 19 ]
An "adrenal crisis" or "Addisonian crisis" is a constellation of symptoms that indicates severe adrenal insufficiency. This may be the result of either previously undiagnosed Addison's disease, a disease process suddenly affecting adrenal function (such as adrenal hemorrhage ), or an intercurrent problem (e.g., infection, trauma) in someone ...
Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome (WFS) is defined as adrenal gland failure due to hemorrhages in the adrenal glands, commonly caused by sepsis. Typically, the bacteria responsible for triggering the bleeding is Neisseria meningitidis. [1] The bacterial infection leads to massive bleeding into one or both adrenal glands. [2]
The adrenal glands produce important hormones that have specific roles in the homeostasis of the body, which are regulated by other glands. These hormones include aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid that regulates the amount of salt in tissue and body fluids, cortisol, a glucocorticoid that regulates metabolism and usage of macronutrients in the body, and sex hormones, such as androgens and ...
The best known feature that suggests a possible underlying adrenal insufficiency is low blood pressure despite resuscitation with intravenous fluids, requiring vasopressor drugs. [4] These patients typically display tachycardia and other signs of hyperdynamic shock. [ 6 ]
When a person with adrenal insufficiency is known to be exhibiting symptoms of an adrenal crisis, treatment begins before diagnostic testing. [14] When adrenal insufficiency is suspected a blood sample can be collected to test serum cortisol and ACTH levels, while treatment begins during the wait for results. Once an acutely ill person has ...
In the early 20th Century, numerous adrenal steroids were isolated, and bioassays eventually distinguished glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. [236] In 1950, Wilkins, Bartter, and Albright revolutionized clinical endocrinology with the use of cortisone to treat CAH and ushered in a productive era of pediatric adrenal research.