Fatima Hamad Al Jneibi
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, UAE
Title: Early diagnosis in familial glucocorticoid deficiency
Biography
Biography: Fatima Hamad Al Jneibi
Abstract
Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive condition, characterized by marked atrophy of zona fasciculata and reticularis with preservation of zona glomerulosa. Out of more than 50 published cases, 18 patients died as a result of glucocorticoid insufficiency. The main objective of this report is to emphasize the early diagnosis and treatment in our 17 month patient. Her presenting features following an upper respiratory tract infection were hypoglycemia, seizures as well as deep hyper pigmentation of the limbs and lips. A low cortisol concentration, elevated ACTH level and normal electrolytes and aldosterone level all supported the diagnosis of primary glucocorticoid deficiency. Parents were counseled about the diagnosis, management and the lifelong requirement of steroids. FGD is an easily treatable disease when recognized but frequently missed due to a non-specific presentation. FGD is a treatable disease, delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead significant morbid.