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Transient corticotropin deficiency in critical illness
A I Kidess1, R H Caplan, R H Reynertson
1Section of Endocrinology, Gundersen/Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Critically ill patients with low cortisol may have transient corticotropin deficiency, not primary adrenal insufficiency. Glucocorticoid treatment is recommended when direct testing is difficult.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Critically ill patients can present with unexplained hypotension and low plasma cortisol levels.
- Distinguishing between primary adrenal insufficiency and secondary corticotropin deficiency is crucial for appropriate management.
- Transient corticotropin deficiency may occur in critically ill patients, complicating diagnosis.