Hyponatremia and seizures caused by triamcinolone-induced adrenal insufficiency.
BACKGROUND
A 49-year-old woman presented to hospital with an 18-month history of hyponatremic episodes, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and fatigue.


METHODS
Physical examination, laboratory tests including full blood count, measurement of electrolytes, hormones, autoantibodies, thyroid and renal function, corticotropin-releasing-hormone stimulation test, 24 h urinalysis and abdominal ultrasonography.


METHODS
Severe symptomatic hyponatremia in a patient with secondary adrenal insufficiency caused by treatment of lumbago with triamcinolone injections.


RESULTS
Hydrocortisone replacement therapy (15 mg daily) for 3 months, followed by a tapering schedule over 12-24 months.
Reuter
Stefan
S
University of Münster, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik D, Albert-Schweitzer Strasse 33, 48149 Münster, Germany. sreuter@uni-muenster.de
Scholten
Niklas
N
Pavenstädt
Hermann
H
Hillebrand
Uta
U
Büssemaker
Eckhart
E
D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology*; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014221:Triamcinolone