Acute adrenal crisis

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Acute adrenal crisis

Alternative Names

Adrenal crisis; Addisonian crisis; Acute adrenal insufficiency

Treatment

In adrenal crisis, patients need an immediate injection of hydrocortisone through a vein (intravenous) or muscle (intramuscular). You may receive intravenous fluids if you have low blood pressure.

You will need to go to the hospital for treatment and monitoring. If infection caused the crisis, you may need antibiotic therapy.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Shock may occur if treatment is not provided early, and it can be life-threatening.

Possible Complications

Coma
Seizures
Shock

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have Addison's disease and are unable to keep your medications down because of vomiting.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you develop symptoms of acute adrenal crisis.

References

4. Stewart PM. The Adrenal Cortex. In: Kronenberg: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 14.


Endocrine glands


Adrenal gland hormone secretion

Review Date: 3/18/2008
Reviewed By: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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