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Addison's disease — SCE Endocrinology MCQ

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HardAdrenalAddison's diseaseSCE Endocrinology

A woman with known primary adrenal insufficiency presents shocked and vomiting after gastroenteritis. What treatment should be given immediately?

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Correct answer: E — Give parenteral hydrocortisone 100 mg and rapid saline

Suspected adrenal crisis is treated immediately without awaiting diagnostic confirmation: hydrocortisone 100 mg intravenously or intramuscularly and rapid isotonic saline resuscitation. Hydrocortisone is then continued at 200 mg per 24 hours or 50 mg every 6 hours while the precipitant, glucose and electrolytes are managed.

Reference: Society for Endocrinology emergency management of adrenal crisis (Current guidance, accessed 30 July 2026): https://www.endocrinology.org/adrenal-crisis; NICE NG243 recommendations for adrenal insufficiency (Published 28 August 2024): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng243/chapter/Recommendations