Addison disease, also known as autoimmune adrenalitis, is an acquired primary adrenal insufficiency. Primary adrenal insufficiency is termed Addison disease when an autoimmune process causes the condition and is a rare but potentially life-threatening emergency condition. Addison disease results from the destruction of the bilateral adrenal cortex, leading to decreased adrenocortical hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. Addison disease’s insidious course of action usually presents with glucocorticoid deficiency followed by mineralocorticoid. However, the condition can also present acutely, often triggered by intercurrent illness. The presentation of adrenal insufficiency depends on the rate and extent of adrenal function involvement. The most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency is Addison disease, associated with increased levels of 21-hydroxylase antibodies.[1][2]Addison disease usually manifests as an insidious and gradual onset of nonspecific symptoms, often resulting in a delayed diagnosis. The symptoms may worsen over a period, which makes early recognition difficult. A high clinical suspicion should be maintained to avoid misdiagnosis.[22] In many cases, the diagnosis is made only after the patient presents with an acute adrenal crisis manifesting with hypotension, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypoglycemia. The diagnosis is established by demonstrating low cortisol and aldosterone levels, high renin levels, and a blunt cortisol response with ACTH stimulation. Addison crisis is a severe endocrine emergency; immediate recognition and treatment are required. For stabilized patients diagnosed with Addison disease, life-long treatment with hormonal replacement is needed. Maintenance therapy aims to provide a replacement to maintain a physiologic glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid level. This activity for healthcare professionals aims to enhance learners’ competence in selecting appropriate diagnostic tests, managing Addison disease, and fostering effective interprofessional teamwork to improve outcomes.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/17183
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 2.0 hours
Nursing: 2.0 hours
Pharmacy: 2.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABOS - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABOS)
ABPATH - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 2.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adolescent Medicine, Ambulatory/Outpatient, Cardiovascular, Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical Pathology, Critical Care Medicine, Endocrine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, General Operative Anesthesia, General Pediatrics, GI (incl. Liver, Pancreas, Bilary), Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatric Rheumatology, Renal/Medical Renal, Rheumatology, Sports Medicine, Surgical Critical Care