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Glucocorticoid Treatment in Prenatal and Postnatal Life

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Endocrine Replacement Therapy in Clinical Practice

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

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Abstract

Untreated, complete glucocorticoid insufficiency leads to circulatory collapse and death. Although uncommon, the possibility of this endocrine emergency engenders vigilance, both for a new diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency as well as for exacerbation of a chronic, known condition. Conversely, overtreatment of adrenal insufficiency with excessive glucocorticoid carries the morbidity associated with iatrogenic Cushing’ s syndrome. Thus, glucocorticoid insufficiency presents two major challenges for clinicians: timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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Nieman, L.K., Rother, K.I. (2003). Glucocorticoid Treatment in Prenatal and Postnatal Life. In: Meikle, A.W. (eds) Endocrine Replacement Therapy in Clinical Practice. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-375-0_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-375-0_16

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61737-416-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-375-0

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