Aldosterone deficiency

Hypoaldosteronism is an endocrinological disorder characterized decreased levels of the hormone aldosterone. Similarly, isolated hypoaldosteronism is the condition of having lowered aldosterone without corresponding changes in cortisol. (The two hormones are both produced by the adrenals.) Hypoaldosteronism is an endocrinological disorder characterized decreased levels of the hormone aldosterone. Similarly, isolated hypoaldosteronism is the condition of having lowered aldosterone without corresponding changes in cortisol. (The two hormones are both produced by the adrenals.) There are several causes for this condition, including adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and some medications such as certain diuretics, NSAIDs, and ACE inhibitors. Hypoaldosteronism may result in hyperkalemia and is the cause of 'type 4 renal tubular acidosis', sometimes referred to as hyperkalemic RTA or tubular hyperkalemia. However, the acidosis, if present, is often mild. It can also cause urinary sodium wasting, leading to volume depletion and hypotension. When adrenal insufficiency develops rapidly, the amount of Na+ lost from the extracellular fluid exceeds the amount excreted in the urine, indicating that Na+ also must be entering cells. When the posterior pituitary is intact, salt loss exceeds water loss, and the plasma Na+ falls. However, the plasma volume also is reduced, resulting in hypotension, circulatory insufficiency, and, eventually, fatal shock. These changes can be prevented to a degree by increasing the dietary NaCl intake. Rats survive indefinitely on extra salt alone, but in dogs and most humans, the amount of supplementary salt needed is so large that it is almost impossible to prevent eventual collapse and death unless mineralocorticoid treatment is also instituted. Patients with a suspected daignosis of Hypoaldosteronism are often screened with simple blood tests. Potassium levels, Plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity are the three most useful in the first instance. High aldosterone levels in the presence of low renin activity, often with low potassium, is associated with Primary aldosteronism. Secondary hypoaldersteronism may be suspected if Renin activity is high with high aldosterone concentrations. The plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio is calculated to determine if levels are sufficiently derranged to consider a daignosis of hypoaldosteronism. If screening test is suggestive, a more definitive diagnosis is made by performing either a saline suppression test, ambulatory salt loading test, or fludrocortisone suppression test. Imaging to detect an Adrenocortical adenoma may also be considered.