Predisposing Factors for Adrenal Insufficiency

by Stefan R. Bornstein, M.D.

 

Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

Adrenal insufficiency — the clinical manifestation of deficient production or action of glucocorticoids — is a life-threatening disorder that may result from either primary adrenal failure or secondary adrenal disease due to impairment of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis.1,2 This article focuses on providing the practicing clinician with new insights into predisposing factors for adrenal insufficiency. When and during what situations should a clinician suspect adrenal insufficiency? What genetic disorders, infections, and medications should be considered? What are the current views on the underlying mechanisms?

 

The cardinal clinical symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency, as first described by Thomas Addison in 1855,3 include weakness, . . . [Full Text of this Article]

 

Hereditary Disorders Associated with Adrenal Insufficiency

 

Drugs as Predisposing Factors for Glucocorticoid Deficiency

 

Diseases the Clinician Should Consider

 

Glucocorticoid Insufficiency Related to Critical Illness

 

Conclusion

 

Source Information

 

From the Department of Medicine, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.

 

Address reprint requests to Dr. Bornstein at the Department of Medicine, Technical University of Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany, or at stefan.bornstein@uniklinikum-dresden.de