hyperaldosteronism

Question 1

what effect does aldosterone have?

Answer 1

• increases sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule
• increases potassium secretion in the distal tubule
• increases hydrogen secretion in the collecting ducts

Question 2

what is another name for primary aldosteronism?

Answer 2

Conn’s syndrome

Question 3

what is Conns syndrome?

Answer 3

-a disease where the adrenal glands are directly responsible for producing too much aldosterone

Question 4

what are some causes for Conn’s syndrome?

Answer 4

• adrenal adenoma (aldosterone secreting tumour)
• bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
• familial hyperaldosteronism
• adrenal carcinoma

Question 5

what would the aldosterone, renin and BP be like in someone with Conn’s?

Answer 5

• aldosterone increases
• BP increased
• renin decreased

Question 6

what is secondary hyperaldosteronism?

Answer 6

-when excessive renin production from kidneys causes increased aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands

Question 7

what are some causes of secondary hyperaldosteronism?

Answer 7

• renal stenosis (atherosclerosis)

- renal obstruction

Question 8

what would to aldosterone, renin and BP be like in someone with secondary hyperaldosteronism?

Answer 8

• aldosterone increased
• renin increased
• BP high in rest of body but low in kidneys

Question 9

what are signs of hyperaldosteronism?

Answer 9

• hypokalaemia
• high BP
• alkalosis

Question 10

what are investigations for hyperaldosteronism?

Answer 10

• check the renin: aldosterone ratio to find out if its primary of secondary hyperaldoteronism (primary renin is decreased and aldosterone is increased, secondary they are both increased)
• BP (hypertension)
• Bloods (hypokalaemia)
• ABGs (alkalosis)
• CT/MRI to rule out tumour on adrenal glands
• Renal doppler USS/CT to rule out renal stenosis or obstruction

Question 11

what is the treatment for primary hyperaldosteronism?

Answer 11

Aldosterone antagonists:

• spironolactone
• eplerinone

Surgery

Question 12

how may hyperaldosteronism present?

Answer 12

High blood pressure symptoms:

• headaches
• diziness
• vision problems
• chest pain
• shortness of breath

Hypokalaemia symptoms:

• fatigue
• muscle pain
• increased thirst and urination
• muscle weakness
• palpitations