Adrenal insufficiency: it is not too rare

Key words: Adrenal crisis, Mortality, Primary adrenal insufficiency, Secondary adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is a rare condition in childhood. Clinical characteristics of adrenal insufficiency in children may be non-specific. Therefore, the diagnosis may be suspected late. If unrecognized, adrenal insufficiency may present with life-threatening cardiovascular collapse. In this article, current knowledge of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of adrenal insufficiency in children and factors precipitating adrenal crisis are summarized.