Author: Sobia Akhtar / Editor: Steve Corry-Bass / Reviewer: Emer Kidney / Codes: EnP1, NepC3, RP7, SLO3 / Published: 03/07/2019
You see a 20-year-old student in resus with vomiting. She is drowsy and incoherent so you are unable to get much information. You notice a Medic-Alert bracelet on her wrist that reads ‘Addison’s Disease’.
She is hypotensive (85/60), and tachycardic (120). Temperature and oxygen saturations are normal. She remains hypotensive despite fluid resuscitation. You suspect she is in adrenal crisis.
Module Content
Cardiac Arrest in Special Circumstances: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, multi-organ hypersensitivity reaction, typically of rapid onset.
Addisonian Crisis
Addison's disease otherwise known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism is a relatively rare disorder. It can affect people of any age, although it mostly occurs in women and in those between the ages of 30-50.
Phaeochromocytoma
The spontaneous presentation of phaeochromocytoma is normally between the age of 40 and 50 years, however the hereditary forms often present in younger individuals, including children.
6 Comments
Good
Very good, I have treated an adrenal crisis in the past and pts can be complex but they usually can tell you a great deal of history
Great 👍
excellant case
This was a good case prioritizing actions. Many organisations have abandoned use of 50% dextrose – because of phlebitis, extravasation (also difficulty drawing it up) instead using equivalent 10 or 20% dextrose.
nice snappy case with good questions