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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
06:08
A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Pregnancies associated with primary adrenal insufficiency
Carolina Fux Otta1, Paula Szafryk de Mereshian, Gabriel Santino Iraci
1Departamento de Endocrinología y Diabetes, Hospital Universitario de Maternidad y Neonatología de Córdoba, Córdoba Capital, Argentina. endofux@yahoo.com.ar
Fertility and Sterility
|December 18, 2007
Summary
Primary adrenal insufficiency (AI) in pregnancy is rare and often missed due to similar symptoms. Early diagnosis and proper management of AI are crucial for preventing severe maternal and fetal complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Primary adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare condition.
- AI diagnosis during pregnancy is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with gestation.
Observation:
- This case series reviews three pregnant women with AI.
- Two cases were diagnosed pre-conception, one during pregnancy.
- Two patients had concurrent autoimmune diseases.
Findings:
- Two newborns exhibited fetal distress; one mortality occurred.
- Poor outcomes were linked to inadequate treatment adherence.
- Key diagnostic clues include other autoimmune diseases, hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis, persistent nausea/vomiting, and orthostatic hypotension.
Implications:
- Prompt recognition and management of AI in pregnancy are vital.
- Untreated AI poses significant risks for maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
- Effective management can lead to successful pregnancy outcomes.
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