Treatment of Sheehan Syndrome with Central Adrenal Insufficiency due to ACTH Deficiency

Clinical Scenario

This protocol applies to patients with Sheehan syndrome presenting with central adrenal insufficiency (AI) due to ACTH deficiency — a condition in which inadequate cortisol secretion results from ACTH deficiency rather than primary adrenal failure.

Key Condition

Central adrenal insufficiency represents inadequate cortisol secretion due to ACTH deficiency. In this context, recognition of a suspected adrenal crisis demands an immediate, structured clinical response.

Treatment Approach (partial)

When adrenal crisis is suspected in this setting, the protocol calls for immediate glucocorticoid administration — the full regimen, including specific guidance, is detailed in the structured protocol below.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-2118

Central AI represents inadequate cortisol secretion due to ACTH deficiency.

We recommend that clinicians treat patients with suspected adrenal crisis (AC) due to secondary AI with an immediate parenteral injection of 50–100 mg HC.

View source ↗