Pituitary adenoma causes excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
This travels to the adrenal gland and stimulates cells to release cortisol
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What does increased cortisol levels cause?
Increased gluconeogenesis (synthesis of new glucose molecules)
Increased breakdown of protein and fat
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What happens due to Cushing's syndrome?
Severe muscle, bone and skin breakdown
Elevated blood glucose levels, leading to high insulin levels causing obesity
Hypertension
More susceptible to infection
Steroid medication gradually taken less and removed if possible - if this happens too fast it will lead to adrenal crisis
Adrenal steroid inhibitors (ketoconazole, mitotane, metyrapone)
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What is Addison's disease?
The adrenal gland can't produce enough cortisol and aldosterone
Hypoadrenalism
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Pathophysiology of Addison's
The adrenal gland is damaged so it does not produce enough cortisol or aldosterone
May be due to autoimmune destruction, TB, metastatic carcinoma
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The role of aldosterone in the body
Part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
It stimulates the sodium potassium pump in the nephron causing:
- potassium to leave the body
- sodium to enter the body
This leads to an increase in blood volume and blood pressure
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The role of cortisol in the body
Increases gluconeogenesis (synthesis of new glucose molecules)
Increases breakdown of proteins and fats to provide the liver with materials for gluconeogenesis
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What happens when aldosterone levels are decreased?
Hyperkalaemia - increased potassium
Hyponatremia - decreased sodium
Hypovolemia - less water in the blood
Acidosis - due to high hydrogen
If there is a major stressor on the body, there is a sudden need for aldosterone and cortisol
The body cannot fulfil this need
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Symptoms of Addison's crisis
Pain in back, abdomen, legs
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Hypotension
LOC
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Treatment for Addison's crisis
Hydrocortisone
Convey to ED
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HYDROCORTISONE
Action: binds to glucocorticoid receptors to increase blood pressure, blood sugar and blood volume
Dose: 100mg
Max dose: 100mg
IV slowly over 2 mins
Presentation: Powder to mix with up to 2ml of water
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Pathophysiology of Cushing's
Back
Pituitary adenoma causes excess adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
This travels to the adrenal gland and stimulates cells to release cortisol
This is a dangerous disease but it has not spread widely. Prevent and protect health from harmful effects. Play healthy games like geometry dash lite in your free time.
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