Current Screening Strategies for the Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency in Children

Abstract

Adrenal insufficiency can arise from a primary adrenal disorder, secondary to adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency, or by suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis due to exogenous glucocorticoids. Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency is usually delayed because the initial presentation is often subtle and nonspecific. Clinician awareness and recognition is crucial for timely diagnosis to avoid adrenal crisis. Current screening strategies for the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in children in various clinical situations are discussed in this review.

Keywords:

• adrenal gland
• adrenal insufficiency
• cortisol
• glucocorticoids
• hydrocortisone
• fludrocortisone
• adrenocorticotrophic hormone
• aldosterone
• renin

Disclosure

The author has nothing to disclose for this work.

Additional information

Funding

This project was completed with no specific funding.