Adrenal Crisis

In this episode we’re going to be running through adrenal presentations; both Adrenal insufficiency and Adrenal Crisis. There are some parts of these that aren’t completely understood and a lack of a universal definition of Adrenal Crisis, but both insufficiency and a crisis are similar problems at different points on a spectrum and solid understanding of the endocrinology and physiology can really help to improve care in this area. There is huge potential for improving current morbidity and mortality.

We’ll run through both primary and central adrenal insufficiency, describe how this leads to different effects on mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids and the signs and symptoms that will occurs as a result. 

Many of the patients presenting to the department will be unknown to have adrenal insufficiency and we’ll run through those who are at higher risk, including a huge group due to ongoing medication, who may be those on steroid doses much lower than you would previously have considered as significant. 

NICE published their most recent guidance on Adrenal Insufficiency in August this year and we’ll be referring to a lot of this as we run through the episode. 

We’ll finish up looking at the critical presentation of Adrenal Crisis and the emergency and ongoing management, along with how we support patients with insufficiency to prevent a crisis occurring. 

Once again we’d love to hear any thoughts or feedback either on the website or via X @TheResusRoom!

Simon, Rob & James

Now that you have listened to the podcast, start the quiz to add it to your CPD Diary

Start Quiz

References

Adrenal Crisis. Elshimy. StatPearl. 2023

Exogenous steroids treatment in adults; Adrenal insufficiency and adrenal crisis-who is at risk and how should they be managed safely. Exogenous steroids treatment in adults. Adrenal insufficiency and adrenal crisis-who is at risk and how should they be managed safely. 2020

NICE Guideline; Adrenal insufficiency: identification and management

LITFL; Adrenal Insufficiency

The Curbsiders; Adrenal Insufficiency With Dr. Atil Kargi

High incidence of adrenal crisis in educated patients with chronic adrenal insufficiency: a prospective study. Hahner. J Clin Endocrinology Metab. 2015

Epidemiology of adrenal crisis in chronic adrenal insufficiency: the need for new prevention strategies. Hahner. Our J Endocrinol. 2010

Adrenal crises: perspectives and research directions. Endocrine. Rushworth. 2017

Course Content

Leave a Reply

© 2024 The Resus Room