Adrenal insufficiency - causes and laboratory diagnosis.

Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub

Third Department of Internal Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.

Published: October 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a syndrome that can be classified as primary, due to damage to the adrenal glands, or secondary, caused by a lack of stimulation from the pituitary gland.
  • Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation and various biochemical tests that measure hormone levels and assess adrenal function.
  • Proper diagnosis and timely hormone replacement therapy are essential to manage AI and prevent serious complications like adrenal crises.

Article Abstract

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) manifests as a clinical syndrome arising from either the direct impairment of adrenal glands, leading to primary AI characterized by deficiencies in glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, or adrenal cortex atrophy due to diminished adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation, a consequence of hypothalamic and/or pituitary damage, resulting in secondary AI. The diagnosis of AI is based on clinical assessment and biochemical tests, including basal hormone level measurements and stimulation tests. In evaluating the results of laboratory tests, it is necessary to consider factors that may influence both pre-analytical and analytical phases, as well as the chosen methodology. Correct diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and timely initiation of suitable replacement therapy are paramount. These steps are crucial not only for managing the condition but also to avert potentially life-threatening adrenal crises.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.5507/bp.2024.033DOI Listing

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