Hiperaldosteronismo e hipoaldosteronismo

Abstract

IntroductionAldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone which regulates the sodium homeostasis, the plasma volume and the blood pressure. EtiopathogeniaHypoaldosteronisms are a group of syndromes characterized by decreased levels of aldosterone (or resistance to its action). Primary hyperaldosteronisms have elevated levels of aldosterone and decreased of levels of renin, mainly due to primary adrenal hyperplasia (60%) or an aldosteronoma (30%). Clinical ManifestationsHypoaldosteronisms present with hyponatremia, natriuresis, hypovolemia and hyperkalemia/metabolic acidosis. Hyperaldosteronisms produce hypertension, sometimes with hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. DiagnosisThe association with a deficit of glucocorticoid should be discarded. The measurement of aldosterone and renin (basal / after stimulus) is necessary to guide the hypoaldosteronism diagnosis. The diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism requires a positive screening test and also a confirmation test; for differential diagnosis we should use adrenal CT and catheterization. TreatmentIn hypoaldosteronisms it is necessary to treat the precipitating cause and to administrate fludrocortisone. In hyperaldosteronisms the patient must be referred for surgery or treated with aldosterone antagonists according to the localization exams.