Endocrine Abstracts

Primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) is increasing common since the use of aldosterone to rein ratio (ARR) as a screening test. It occurs up to 10% patients with hypertension. Indentifying PHA is important as hypertension can either be cured by unilateral adrenalectomy or controlled by targeted medical therapy with mineralocorticoid receptor agonist in bilateral disease. Familiarising with the different assays and unit is crucial on interpreting ARR. Plasma aldosterone concentrati...

24 years old gentleman presented with 6 months history of nausea and occasional vomiting after eating, night sweats and pain on left side of abdomen. CT abdomen and pelvis showed left sided retroperitoneal mass measuring 6.3×5.8×8 cm with lying BP 120/100 and standing 140/100 pulse 100 per min Urinary noradrenaline was 27732 nmol/24hour. Repeat urine noradrenaline shown 12479 nmol and 13505 nmol/24hr. MIBG showed tumour on left upper abdomen with no uptake in the lun...

Addison's disease was first described by Thomas Addison in 1855 and at that time was mostly caused by destruction of the adrenal glands by tuberculosis. In current endocrine practice the most common cause of Addison's is an autoimmune attack on the adrenals, and TB is a rare cause. Other adrenal diseases and infiltrations can also rarely cause the condition. Prevalence is approximately 40–60 cases per million population with incidence of 3–4 new cases/million per yea...

Education surrounding steroid replacement is vital in the optimal management of patients with adrenal deficiency. Non-adequate replacement may be life-threatening, especially in case of severe physical stress, and unfortunately, acute adrenal failure is still a major cause of death. Our Endocrine Specialist Nurse Service is actively involved in the day-to-day management of patients with adrenal insufficiency offering advice and support during patient visits following referral ...

I have now lived with my Addison’s (adrenal failure) for 7 years. I have achieved a lot during that time and am grateful for the medical care I have received. I was in my 30s when diagnosed, whilst living and working in Germany, after having felt ill for a few months. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the same time, and started on 50 mcg thyroxine and 20 mg hydrocortisone, with doses of 10 mg - 5 mg - 5 mg. When I was given my first dose of hydrocortisone, it was ama...