Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition in which the anterior pituitary gland does not make enough adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is responsible for regulating the adrenal gland (a gland near the kidneys that makes hormones that regulate many important bodily functions).
Adrenal crisis is very serious, and people with adrenal crisis require immediate treatment. If you suspect you have this condition, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Adrenal crisis may be caused by:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chances of developing adrenal crisis. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to adrenal crisis. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Almost all patients with adrenal crisis are dehydrated and will need large amount of fluids containing sodium and sugar.
Steroid and antibiotics drugs are needed in an adrenal crisis. If you are vomiting or unconscious, these medications will be given by injection or through an IV (intravenous).
To help reduce your chances of having adrenal crisis, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
http://www.aace.com
Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service
http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians
http://www.caep.ca
Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage.jsp?cw_page=home_e
References:
Acute adrenocortical insufficiency. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed101.epnet.com/Detail.aspx?style=1&docid=/dynamed/4cf9ed73610f4f6586256b3f004cb2f3 . Accessed December 3, 2006.
Adrenal crisis. Emedicine website. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic65.htm . Accessed December 3, 2006.
Adrenal crisis causes death in some people treated with human growth hormone. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/creutz/alert.htm . Accessed December 3, 2006.
Bouillon R: Acute adrenal insufficiency. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am . 2006;35:767-75
Omori K, Nomura K, Shimizu S, et al. Risk factors for adrenal crisis in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Endocrine J . 2003; 50:745-52.
Thomas Z: An Update on the Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency and the Use of Corticotherapy in Critical Illness. Ann Pharmacotherapy 2007:41:1456-65
Todd GRG, Acerini CL, Ross-Russell R, et al. Survey of adrenal crisis associated with inhaled corticosteroids in the United Kingdom. Arch. Dis Child . 2002; 87:457-61.
Last reviewed November 2008 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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