Primary adrenal failure due to viral infection in an infant

Akın L., Kurtoglu S., Kendirci M., Akın M. A., Kardaş F.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS, vol.169, no.7, pp.887-889, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 169 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00431-009-1103-0
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.887-889
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Acquired primary adrenal insufficiency is a rare disorder in childhood. The most common cause is autoimmune adrenalitis, especially as a part of polyendocrinopathy syndromes. Impaired adrenal function is seen in patients infected with HIV. In adult patients with AIDS, cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated adrenal insufficiency is a well-known condition, whereas CMV infection as a causing adrenal insufficiency in children is very rare. Here, we report an infant with transient adrenal insufficiency associated with CMV infection but without HIV. She was treated successfully with steroid replacement and ganciclovir. Early diagnosis and treatment is lifesaving in these patients.