Effect of Adrenal Cortical Extract, Desoxycorticosterone, and Added Potassium upon Electrolyte Balance in Normals and in Addison's Disease

Abstract

The diagnostic methods for adrenal cortical insufficiency are not entirely satisfactory. A reliable one is not available for the diagnosis of mild insufficiencies and those for Addison's disease are not without hazard. The production of a crisis by a high potassium intake either alone or in combination with a low sodium intake is dangerous. The Wilder (1) method in which a high potassium and low sodium intake are administered for a shorter period is the safest procedure, yet crises continue to develop with this test. It was pointed out in a previous report (2) that patients with Addison's disease are more sensitive to added potassium during periods of sodium chloride depletion than following corection of this depletion. It was also emphasized that sodium chloride restriction can be tolerated for long periods provided the sodium chloride stores are not depleted and provided that the potassium intake is low. Such restriction, however, with the sodium chloride stores depleted may provoke a crisis. These haza...