hypoadrenalism (chronic)
Last edited 07/2021 and last reviewed 06/2022
Chronic hypoadrenalism can be:
- primary - inability of adrenal gland to elaborate sufficient adrenal steroid hormones (Addison's disease)
- secondary - the basic failure is in the elaboration of ACTH
If treated, a normal life span can be expected.
Iatrogenic, tertiary adrenal insufficiency induced by chronic administration of high doses of glucocorticoids (GCs) is the most common cause of adrenal insufficiency (1)
Reference:
- Nicolaides NC, Pavlaki AN, Maria Alexandra MA, et al. Glucocorticoid Therapy and Adrenal Suppression. [Updated 2018 Oct 19]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-.