Medicine

Discuss the role of the clinical chemistry laboratory in the diagnosis and support of patients with disorders of the adrenal gland.

Essay written by:

Omisakin Rufus Olasupo

(MIBS 377583)

Being Partial Fulfillment for the Higher Specialist Diploma Examination 2011

Of institute of the Biomedical Science

United Kingdom (IBMS)

Abstract

This report outlines the adrenal hormones which are secreted on routine basis. It intends to inform the current trend in endocrinology field, the diagnosis and support clinical chemistry laboratories given to individuals with abnormal levels of hormonal levels through the clinicians so that in addition to other diagnostic aids (CT, computed tomography, MRI, medical resonance imaging) they can by monitoring, appropriate exogenous supply of hormones and surgeries support the sufferers may live optimum life.

Keywords: Endocrinology, Computed tomography & Exogenous

Discuss the role of the clinical chemistry laboratory in the diagnosis and support of patients with disorders of the adrenal gland.

Introduction

An adrenal lies at the upper pole of each human kidney. Each gland is pyramidal in shape, is approximately 2 to 3cm in width, 4 to 6cm long, 1cm thick, and weigh approximately 4g, regardless of age, weight, or gender(Chris, 2009, p. 62). Each gland consists of a yellow, outer cortex and a gray inner medulla. Thus the adrenal glands have naturally two functionally distinct parts: the cortex and the medulla (Contreras, 2006, p. 350). The adrenal cortex is essential to life; it produces three classes of steroid hormone: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and androgens or sex hormones which are synthesized from cholesterol obtained from HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein) in plasma. The medulla oblongata secrets catecholamine along with epinephrine (adrenaline) which is said to be an integral part of sympathetic nervous system of the body. Many authors suggested that an uncommon secreting catecholamine tumour may occur and if not then this hormone is not essential to life (DeGroot, 2000, p.23).

The regulation of glucocorticoids and androgens is by pituitary gland through adrenocortico-trophic hormone (ACTH) which in turn is under the control of the hypothalamic corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH). Aldosterone is controlled by rennin- angiotensin system1.

This essay will outline all the adrenal hormones in general especially the ones in routine use and attempt to inform the current trend in endocrinology field, the diagnosis and support clinical chemistry laboratories give to individuals with abnormal levels of these hormones through the clinicians so that in addition to other diagnostic aids ( CT, computed tomography, MRI ,medical resonance imaging) they can by monitoring, appropriate exogenous supply of hormones and surgeries support the sufferers may live optimum life.

Brief Overview of Diseases Associated with Adrenal Disorder

What is adrenal insufficiency?

The adrenal glands, located above of the kidneys, produce hormones essential for the functioning of the body. There are three types of steroid hormones. The adrenal failure is a condition in which the cortex does not produce enough steroid hormones.

There are two types of adrenal insufficiency:

• Elementary, also called disease Addison. In this rare disorder, the adrenal glands do not work properly and not make enough cortisol. Usually, the production of aldosterone and androgens ...