Pediatric adrenal disorders

What are pediatric adrenal disorders?

The adrenal glands are located at the top of both kidneys. They release hormones that are important to your child’s health and growth. Adrenal gland hormones manage blood sugar levels, they regulate the balance of salt, potassium and water in the body; they control the body’s response to stress, and they control sexual maturation during childhood and puberty.

Health-related problems fall into one of two major categories. Some are related to too much of one or more hormones being produced. Others are seen when too little of a hormone is being released.

What are the different types of pediatric adrenal disorders?

• Addison’s disease

• Adrenal carcinomas​

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)

• Cushing’s syndrome

• Hyperaldosteronism

• Pheochromocytoma

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric adrenal disorders?

Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction can vary depending on a child’s age.

Newborns and infants:

• Dry skin and lips

• Feeding problems

• Vomiting

• Weakness

Older children may complain of:

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Stomach or muscle pain

• Trouble thinking clearly

• Weakness

They also may have a decreased appetite or weight loss along with a craving for salty food, and they might notice that skin color changes in sun-exposed areas. There also may be a decrease or absence of pubic hair following puberty.

How are pediatric adrenal disorders diagnosed?

Exactly what your child’s doctor does to diagnose your child depends on which disorder is suspected. Generally, blood or other fluid samples will be taken to look for abnormal levels of hormones. Depending on the results, the next step may be ordering CT scans or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies to see if there are any growths on the glands.

How are pediatric adrenal disorders treated?

As with diagnosis, treatment will depend on the problem’s cause. For many children with low hormone levels, replacement medication may be all that is needed. At high levels, your child’s doctor may prescribe medications to block production of the hormone. Surgery to remove growths on one or both of the glands may also be recommended.

Hydrocortisone injection video

This injection should be used when your child cannot take Hydrocortisone or Prednisone by mouth due to vomiting or unconsciousness. Please utilize this video as a periodic refresher so that if or when you need to give this injection you feel comfortable doing so. After administering Solu-Cortef, you should call 911 or call our office at 214-456-5959. Learn more about hydrocortisone injections in children.