Simultaneous investigation and treatment of suspected acute adrenal insufficiency

The increase in plasma-fluorogenic-corticosteroids in response to a single injection of tetracosactrin depot was measured in eleven patients with suspected acute renal insufficiency who were treated simultaneously with prednisolone and deoxycorticosterone acetate (D.O.C.A.). Acute adrenal insufficiency was excluded in seven patients within 24 hours. There was no response in the remaining four patients, and prolonged corticotrophin stimulation tests confirmed the diagnosis of Addison's disease.