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Published on: September 15, 2017
Adrenal function in 23 children with paracoccidioidomycosis
Ricardo Mendes Pereira1, Gil Guerra-Júnior, Antonia Terezinha Tresoldi
1Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Rua Dr. Shigeo Mori 860, 13084-081 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. ricardom.p@uol.com.br
Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|January 16, 2007
Summary
This study assessed adrenal function in children with paracoccidioidomycosis. Results indicate that adrenal function remains intact in pediatric patients, even with systemic fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (P. brasiliensis) commonly affects adrenal glands, but studies have focused on adults.
- Limited data exists on adrenal function in children diagnosed with paracoccidioidomycosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adrenal function in pediatric patients diagnosed with the systemic form of paracoccidioidomycosis.
- To compare adrenal function before and after treatment in children with this fungal infection.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three children with systemic paracoccidioidomycosis were enrolled, divided into pre-treatment (Group A) and post-treatment (Group B) cohorts.
- Measurements included basal and ACTH-stimulated plasma cortisol, ACTH, renin activity, aldosterone, sodium, and potassium levels.
Main Results:
- Most adrenal function markers were within normal ranges for all children.
- Elevated renin activity and aldosterone were observed in some patients.
- Group A (pre-treatment) exhibited significantly higher basal and post-ACTH cortisol levels compared to Group B (post-treatment).
Conclusions:
- Adrenal function is not compromised in children with paracoccidioidomycosis.
- The study suggests preserved adrenal reserve despite systemic fungal infection in pediatric cases.
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