Diseases of the endocrine system and metabolic disorders (endocrinology)

Respiratory alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis is a primary decrease in PCO2 with or without a compensatory decrease in HCO~; pH may be high or close to normal. The cause is an increase in respiratory rate and/or tidal volume (hyperventilation). Respiratory alkalosis may be acute or chronic.

Hypolipidemia

Hypolipidemia is a decrease in lipoproteins in the blood plasma caused by primary (genetic) or secondary factors. This condition is usually asymptomatic and is diagnosed accidentally during a screening study of lipid levels.

Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is an increase in plasma cholesterol and/or a decrease in triglyceride or HDL levels, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. The causes of dyslipidemia may be primary (genetically determined) or secondary. The diagnosis is established by measuring the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins in the blood plasma.

Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a primary increase in PCO2 with or without a compensatory increase in HCO3~; pH is usually low but may be close to normal. The cause is a decrease in respiratory rate and/or tidal volume (hypoventilation) due to disorders of the central nervous system, respiratory system, or iatrogenic causes.

Alcoholic ketoacidosis

Alcoholic ketoacidosis is a metabolic complication of alcohol consumption and starvation, characterized by hyperketonemia and anion disturbances with metabolic acidosis without significant hyperglycemia. Alcoholic ketoacidosis causes nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia not associated with exogenous insulin administration is an uncommon clinical syndrome characterized by low plasma glucose levels, symptomatic stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, and CNS dysfunction.

Nonketone hyperosmolar syndrome.

Nonketone hyperosmolar syndrome is a metabolic complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by hyperglycemia, severe dehydration, plasma hyperosmolarity, and impaired consciousness. It is most often observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus, often under physiological stress.

Hypermagnesemia

Hypermagnesemia is a condition in which magnesium is elevated above 2.1 mEq/L (> 1.05 mmol/L). The main cause is renal failure. Symptoms of hypermagnesemia include hypotension, respiratory depression, and cardiac arrest. Diagnosis is based on serum magnesium levels. Treatment includes intravenous calcium gluconate and possibly furosemide; in severe cases, hemodialysis may be effective.

Secondary adrenal insufficiency

Secondary adrenal insufficiency is hypofunction of the adrenal glands caused by a lack of ACTH. The symptoms are similar to those of Addison's disease.

Addison's disease

Addison's disease (primary or chronic adrenocortical insufficiency) is a gradually developing, usually progressive insufficiency of the adrenal cortex.