Addison’s disease or primary hyperadrenalism is an endocrine disorder result consequently complete destruction of adrenal cortex and consequently reduced production of glucocorticoid , minerlcorticoid and sex-steroid.
Etiology
- Autoimmune destruction of 80%
- Tuberculosis
- Surgical removal
- Malignant infiltration
- Drugs, amyloid and hemorrhage
Clinical features
Symptoms
Weakness
Anorexia
Weight loss
Impotence/amenorrhea
Fever
Depression
Signs
Postural hypotension
Loss of body hair
Investigations
Plasma ACTH level
Plasma cortical aldosterone level
Blood glucose
Short and long ACTH stimulation level
Treatment
Treat the underlying cause in adrenal cortex and use the following drug therapy
Glucocorticoids
Cortical 30 mg/daily
Prednisolone 7.5mg /daily
Dexamethasone .7 mg /daily
Mineralocortoid
Fludrocorticoid .005 -.04 mg/daily