MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Residual adrenal function in Addison's disease. Issue 2 (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pearce, Simon H S; Gan, Earn H; Napier, Catherine
• Is Part Of: European journal of endocrinology. Volume 184:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: R61
• Page End: R67
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Endocrinology -- Periodicals; 616.4005
• DOI: 10.1530/EJE-20-0894
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0804-4643

Abstract

Abstract : Over the last 10 years, evidence has accumulated that autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is a heterogeneous disease. Residual adrenal function, characterised by persistent secretion of cortisol, other glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids is present in around 30% of patients with established AAD, and appears commoner in men. This persistent steroidogenesis is present in some patients with AAD for more than 20 years, but it is commoner in people with shorter disease duration. The clinical significance of residual adrenal function is not fully clear at the moment, but as it signifies an intact adrenocortical stem cell population, it opens up the possibility of regeneration of adrenal steroidogenesis and improvement in adrenal failure for some patients.