Cutting-Edge Solutions for Adrenal Gland Disorders

The adrenal glands are best known for secreting the hormone adrenaline, which rapidly prepares the body to react to stressful situations. However, they also release hormones that are essential to living a healthy life.

Underlying adrenal gland disease can causes serious health consequences related to insufficient or excessive production of cortisol. At Health City Cayman Islands, we are committed to diagnosing adrenal gland disorders and treating the wide range of associated symptoms.

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Addison’s Disease
This is a rare endocrine disorder tied to insufficient production of cortisol (one type of corticosteroid). The disorder affects an estimated one in 100,000 people in the U.S., with an overall worldwide prevalence of 40 to 60 people per one million. An estimated 75% of cases are tied to damage to the adrenal cortex, resulting from an autoimmune reaction that is not fully understood. If left untreated, Addison’s disease may lead to severe abdominal pain, extreme weakness, low blood pressure, kidney failure, and shock, especially when a child is under stress.

Fatigue is the most common symptom of Addison’s disease, followed by hyperpigmentation over the lips borders, buccal mucosa, nipples, face, neck, and extensor surfaces of the hand, elbows, palms and plantar creases. The first line of treatment is often administration of corticosteroids, which may be taken orally or intravenously, depending on the child’s condition. A medication that helps restore and maintain the body’s levels of sodium and potassium may also be prescribed.

Cushing Syndrome
This is an endocrine disorder tied to overproduction of cortisol. Cortisol production is regulated by adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), which is produced in the pituitary gland. In rare cases, adrenal gland tumours may be the underlying cause. The syndrome affects an estimated 10 to 15 million people worldwide.

The primary side effects in children and adolescents are weight gain, growth retardation, and high blood pressure. Children and adolescents with this disorder may experience slowed growth with or without weight gain. Abnormally high blood pressure (hypertension) affects about 85% of people with this syndrome. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the excess cortisol.

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Please call us at 1 (345) 640-4040, or fill out our simple contact form to find out more about the paediatric endocrinology services we offer for a wide spectrum of conditions and disorders.