Endocrine Abstracts

Delay in establishing a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency can lead to adrenal crisis. An adrenal crisis is a potential life-threatening complication of adrenal insufficiency, and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality if not treated appropriately. Adrenal crises have been defined as ‘acute disturbances of physiology that happen when the circulating levels of adrenal steroid hormones are insufficient for physiological requirements’. Adrenal crisis related deaths can occur in patients with undiagnosed adrenal insufficiency. It is recognised that some pharmaceutical preparations can provoke adrenal insufficiency and thereby increase the risk of adrenal crisis. Therefore, a high degree of clinical suspicion, and early recognition of presenting signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency is required to prevent deterioration. Identification of factors that can trigger an adrenal crisis is also imperative. This presentation will highlight a case that demonstrates the importance of recognising the impact medication can have on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Subsequent management and the role of the nurse throughout the patient’s pathway will also be discussed.