Diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency

Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2015 Mar;3(3):216-26. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(14)70142-1. Epub 2014 Aug 3.

Abstract

Adrenal insufficiency continues to be a challenge for patients, their physicians, and researchers. During the past decade, long-term studies have shown increased mortality and morbidity and impaired quality of life in patients with adrenal insufficiency. These findings might, at least partially, be due to the failure of glucocorticoid replacement therapy to closely resemble physiological diurnal secretion of cortisol. The potential effect of newly developed glucocorticoid drugs is a focus of research, as are the mechanisms potentially underlying increased morbidity and mortality. Adrenal crisis remains a threat to lives, and awareness and preventative measures now receive increasing attention. Awareness should be raised in medical teams and patients about adrenal insufficiency and management of adrenal crisis to improve clinical outcome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Insufficiency / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / drug therapy*
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / epidemiology*
  • Adrenal Insufficiency / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy / methods*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids