Current Screening Strategies for the Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency in Children

Abstract

Sasigarn A Bowden Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital/The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USACorrespondence: Sasigarn A Bowden, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Division of Endocrinology, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA, Tel [phone], Fax [phone], Email [email protected]: 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

Keywords

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