Hypoaldosteronism physical examination: Difference between revisions
Akshun Kalia (talk | contribs) (→Skin) |
Akshun Kalia (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
==Physical Examination== | ==Physical Examination== | ||
Physical examination of patients with hypoaldosteronism is usually unremarkable, unless there is severe hyperkalemia. The physical findings may represent underlying condition such as chronic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy. Increased level of serum potassium level may present with muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias. | Physical examination of patients with hypoaldosteronism is usually unremarkable, unless there is severe hyperkalemia. The physical findings may represent underlying condition such as chronic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy. Increased level of serum potassium level may present with muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias. | ||
Revision as of 15:28, 31 August 2017
|
Hypoaldosteronism Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Hypoaldosteronism physical examination On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hypoaldosteronism physical examination |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hypoaldosteronism physical examination |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Akshun Kalia M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Patients with hypoaldosteronism usually appear fatigued.Physical examination of patients with hypoaldosteronism is usually unremarkable, unless there is severe hyperkalemia. The physical findings may represent underlying condition such as chronic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy. Increased level of serum potassium level may present with muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
Physical Examination
Physical examination of patients with hypoaldosteronism is usually unremarkable, unless there is severe hyperkalemia. The physical findings may represent underlying condition such as chronic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy. Increased level of serum potassium level may present with muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.
Appearance of the Patient
- Patients with hypoaldosteronism usually appear fatigued.
Vital Signs
Skin
If hypoaldosteronism is from addison's disease, changes in skin and hair may be observed such as:
- Pigmented skin and mucous membranes - darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin, including areas not exposed to the sun; characteristic sites are skin creases (e.g. of the hands), nipples, and the inside of the cheek (buccal mucosa), also old scars may darken.
- Absence of axillary and pubic hair in females as a result of loss of adrenal androgens.
Heart
Hyperkalemia can lead to:
- Irregular heart rate
- Bradycardia
- Heart block
Neuromuscular
- Hyponatremia is unusual in isolated hypoaldosteronism since ADH is under inhibitory control of cortisol. However, in patients of Addison's disease there is decreased level of cortisol and aldosterone. Since there is no inhibition of ADH from cortisol, this leads to increased free water absorption and hyponatremia. Patients with hyponatremia may present with confusion when serum sodium level is <115 mmol/L
- Hyporeflexia/areflexia
Extremities
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle tenderness
- Fasciculations
- Depressed deep tendon reflexes