Clinical characteristics of acute adrenal insufficiency in emergency patients: an analysis of data in Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region of China
10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2025.085
- Author:
Guiying Dong
1
,
2
Author Information
1. Emergency Department, People&rsquo
2. s Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region, Lhasa 850000, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
World Journal of Emergency Medicine
2025;16(5):481-485
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The nonspecific clinical presentation of adrenal insufficiency (AI) frequently leads to misdiagnosis, often as psychiatric or gastrointestinal disorders. AI is classified anatomically as primary AI (PAI), secondary AI (SAI), or tertiary AI (TAI). Without timely recognition, progression to adrenal crisis (AC) can result in life-threatening outcomes. This study aimed to systematically analyze the clinical features, etiologies, and outcomes of AI in Lhasa’s emergency population to improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize clinical management.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis of emergency department admissions from January 2020 to August 2024 at People’s Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region was conducted. AI diagnoses were identified via International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes from electronic health records (EHR). Patients were grouped into incipient AC (IAC) or AC cohorts based on hemodynamic status. Demographic profiles, etiologies, clinical presentations, and laboratory results were analyzed.
RESULTS: Forty-three AI patients were identified. The population-standardized admission rate for AI increased from 9 to 16 per million person-years, with PAI cases doubling during this period. Adrenal tuberculosis (58.1%) and adrenal hematoma (18.6%) were the leading etiologies. Compared to the IAC group, the AC group demonstrated lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P=0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P<0.001); higher neutrophil count (P=0.048), eosinophil count (P=0.044), CRP (P=0.004), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P=0.007); lower sodium (P<0.001) and glucose levels (P=0.001). The hospital stay was longer in the AC group (20 d vs. 14 d; P<0.001).
CONCLUSION: AI incidence is rising in high-altitude regions, with adrenal tuberculosis remaining the most common cause. AC is associated with increased inflammatory responses, hemodynamic instability, and metabolic disturbances. Targeted interventions are required to improve outcomes.
