Hyperaldosteronism is a condition characterized by the excess production of aldosterone by the adrenal glands, which leads to hypertension that is often resistant to standard treatments. Hyperaldosteronism presents initially as refractory hypertension in relatively young patients but is frequently undiagnosed. Hyperaldosteronism can be primary, originating from the adrenal gland itself, or secondary, resulting from external factors that increase renin production. Both forms present similarly and are differentiated through laboratory testing and diagnostic studies. Initial screening for hyperaldosteronism is recommended for all patients newly diagnosed with hypertension, especially if their hypertension is difficult to manage medically or they have adrenal nodules. Screening is relatively simple, requiring only serum levels of renin and aldosterone. A serum aldosterone level of more than 20 ng/dL or an aldosterone-to-renin ratio of more than 20:1 is considered diagnostic of hyperaldosteronism by most experts.Additionally, lateralization studies can differentiate between unilateral and bilateral diseases, which require different treatment approaches. Primary hyperaldosteronism caused by a unilateral abnormally functioning adrenal gland is best treated with a complete unilateral laparoscopic or robotic adrenalectomy. Patients with bilateral disease and nonsurgical candidates are best managed medically with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists such as spironolactone and eplerenone. Accurate diagnosis and differentiation are crucial for selecting the appropriate treatment approach, whether surgical or medical, to improve patient outcomes. This activity reviews the etiologies of hyperaldosteronism and provides clinicians with guidance on selecting appropriate diagnostic tests, managing the condition, and fostering effective collaboration among interprofessional healthcare providers to enhance patient care and outcomes.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/23092
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: IPCE Credits: 1.0 hours
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 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
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- Specialty: Adolescent Medicine, Ambulatory/Outpatient, Cardiovascular, Cardiovascular Disease, Chemical Pathology, Complex General Surgical Oncology, Critical Care Medicine, Endocrine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, General Operative Anesthesia, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Nephrology, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatric Rheumatology, Rheumatology, Sports Medicine, Surgical Critical Care