Endocrine Abstracts

Adrenocortical insufficiency is a life-threatening hormonal deficiency which is readily treatable, but which commonly presents with longstanding, vague symptomatology. ACTH deficiency (the most common cause) requires only glucocorticoid replacement while patients with Addison's disease are also deficient in aldosterone and require fludrocortisone replacement.Hydrocortisone is the standard form of glucocorticoid replacement, and directly replaces the miss...

Background. Adrenal insufficiency requires life long corticosteroid therapy, but optimal dosing of hydrocortisone replacement has not received adequate attention.Chronic over or under treatment predisposes to morbidity and mortality.Objective.To examine the variables determiming hydrocortisone disposition and develop practical protocols for individualised prescribing and monitoring of treatment.Design. Prospective open study.<p...

Patients with hypoadrenalism are at risk of life-threatening events if they do not receive adequate glucocorticoid replacement during intercurrent illness. We think that these patients should know when and how to adjust their steroid dose when ill. We also think they should possess, and know how to give themselves, an injection of hydrocortisone for emergencies.Current education is given ad hoc at clinic visits, supported by written information, but ther...

With the right balance of daily medication, individuals with adrenal insufficiency can expect to have a normal life span and to lead busy and rewarding lives. Despite this, research finds that people with adrenal insufficiency often feel below par compared to healthy individuals.(1)(2) One recent study found that the rate of hospital admission for adrenal crisis is almost three times higher for women with autoimmune adrenalitis than it is for patients with secondary adrenal in...