Diagnosis and management of Addison's disease : insights gained from a large South African cohort : review article

The prevalence of Addison's disease in South Africa is lower than in Western countries. This is concerning, since patients could be dying, undiagnosed. Enhanced awareness of this highly treatable condition is warranted. The epidemiology, aetiology, clinical presentation, screening and managemen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:JEMDSA : the journal of endocrinology, metabolism and diabetes of South Africa metabolism and diabetes of South Africa, 2011-01, Vol.16 (2), p.86-92
Main Author: Levitt, N.S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Addison's disease
Aetiology
Complications
Management
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The prevalence of Addison's disease in South Africa is lower than in Western countries. This is concerning, since patients could be dying, undiagnosed. Enhanced awareness of this highly treatable condition is warranted. The epidemiology, aetiology, clinical presentation, screening and management of Addison's disease are discussed. Autoimmunity predominated as the underlying aetiology mostly in patients of European descent. A low threshold is required for screening, intervention and follow-up of all patients for cardiovascular risk factors, given the atherogenic profile observed among Addison's disease sufferers in South Africa.
ISSN:1608-9677
2220-1009