Rare Endocrinology News
5 Facts you should know about
Adrenal insufficiency
1
Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) results from adrenal gland damage, whereas secondary adrenal insufficiency is typically due to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction.
2
The types of adrenal insufficiency thus refer to the level of the axis in which the dysfunction originates. Primary adrenal insufficiency is when the adrenal glands is not working properly. Central adrenal insufficiency is when the pituitary or hypothalamic signal is not working properly.
3
Even when carefully treated, children with adrenal insufficiency are still at risk for adrenal crises when they become ill or are under physical stress.
4
A common cause of adrenal insufficiency overall is suddenly stopping corticosteroids after taking high doses for a long time.
5
Dosing accuracy in children with adrenal insufficiency is essential- hydrocortisone has a narrow therapeutic dosing window.
Rare Endocrinology News
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