Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Exogenous adrenal insufficiency

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands

Alternative Names    Return to top

Drug-induced adrenal insufficiency

Definition    Return to top

Exogenous adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands release too little of the hormone cortisol, but there is no problem with the glands themselves.

See also: Addison's disease

Causes    Return to top

Steroid medications called glucocorticoids (such as prednisone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone) are similar to the natural hormone, cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including many inflammatory diseases such as asthma and some forms of arthritis.

Glucocorticoids can slow down the production of adrenal hormones by acting on the pituitary gland, the master gland that controls the adrenal glands.

If glucocorticoids are stopped or decreased too quickly, the adrenal glands may not begin making cortisol again fast enough to meet the body's needs. Adrenal insufficiency may result. This condition usually occurs when glucocorticoid drugs are given by pill or injection, rather than on the skin or inhaled. Higher doses and longer treatments increase the risk of adrenal insufficiency.

Quickly stopping treatment with glucocorticoids is the most common cause of exogenous adrenal insufficiency.

Other drugs that may cause adrenal insufficiency include:

These drugs have direct effects on the adrenal glands. They decrease glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormone production.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms may include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Someone who has been taking corticosteroids and has developed this condition will have signs similar to those of a person with Cushing syndrome:

The person will also have signs of adrenal insufficiency.

Tests will look for:

Treatment    Return to top

This condition is treated with glucocorticoids. Higher doses are needed in stressful situations (such as during infections, or before and after surgery).

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency usually improve quickly after treatment with glucocorticoids. The long-term outlook varies based on how dependent you are on these drugs, and any complications that occur.

If you no longer need glucocorticoid treatment for the original condition, the drugs can be very slowly tapered (dosage decreased gradually, over time), under a physician's supervision.

Tapering off the medication may take many months. Some withdrawal symptoms are possible.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Complications include:

Complications from steroid use include:

A serious complication is adrenal crisis, which requires immediate treatment with glucocorticoids. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, extreme fatigue, and low blood pressure. This usually follows a stress on the body, such as dehydration, infection, or another illness or injury. Adrenal crisis can generally be prevented by increasing (doubling or tripling) the steroid dose during illness or other physical stress.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you are taking glucocorticoid drugs and experience any of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. If the symptoms are severe, go to an emergency room or call 911 (or your local emergency number).

People with adrenal insufficiency should wear a Medic-Alert tag to alert health care professionals to this condition in case of emergency.

Prevention    Return to top

To reduce the risk of developing this condition:

People who use inhaled steroids can reduce their exposure by using a spacer, and by rinsing out their mouth after inhaling the medication.

References    Return to top

Stewart PM. The Adrenal Cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, Shlomo M, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2008: chap 14.

Update Date: 8/9/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.