Mineralocorticoid substitution and monitoring in primary adrenal insufficiency.

Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency usually show pronounced impairment of aldosterone secretion and, therefore, require also mineralocorticoid replacement for full recovery. Clinical signs of mineralocorticoid deficiency comprise hypotension, weakness, salt craving and electrolyte disturbances (hyperkalemia, hyponatremia). Mineralocorticoid deficiency is confirmed by demonstration of profoundly decreased aldosterone and highly elevated plasma renin activity (PRA).

Deficits in the management of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma in Germany.

Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis. Often, the physicians who first treat patients with ACC have no prior experience with the disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality of medical care for patients with ACC in Germany.

In vivo activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in man: effects of prednisolone and chenodesoxycholic acid.

The 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs) play a pivotal role in glucocorticoid (GC) action. 11β-HSD1 is a predominant reductase, activating GCs from inert metabolites, whereas 11β-HSD2 is a potent dehydrogenase inactivating GCs. Knowing the metabolic effects of GCs, a selective inhibition of 11β-HSD1 represents a potential target for therapy of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin insensitivity and central obesity.