| Popis: |
Background: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in children is an uncommon, but potentially fatal. The current symptomsinclude weakness, fatigue, anorexia, abdominal pain, weight loss, orthostatic hypotension, salt craving and characterized byhyperpigmentation. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective, hospital based-study,conducted at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH), during the period January 1989 and December 2014. Review of medical record of patient diagnosed with primaryadrenal insufficiency. The diagnosis was based on medical history, physical examination and low levels of glucocorticoidsand raised adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations were also reviewed. Results: During the period under review, January 1989 and December 2014, a total of 125 patients with the diagnosis ofprimary adrenal insufficiency were seen. Inherited disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hypoplasia were common,85.5%. However, variable autoimmune mediated etiologic diagnosis accounted for, 13%, were also seen. The appropriate various laboratory and radiological investigations should be planned. Conclusion: Although, congenital adrenal hyperplasia was the commonest etiology, however, congenital adrenal hypoplasiashould not be over looked. The diagnosis of PAI can be challenging in some patients, and therefore appropriate serologicaland radiological investigations should be done. |
