Sepsis and adrenal insufficiency: a potentially lethal combination

Hamblin, Peter S; Yeap, Bu B; Torpy, David J

doi:10.5694/mja2.50993

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To the Editor: The Coroners Court of Victoria made several recommendations in 2020 after a 38‐year‐old man died alone at home.1 The cause of death was determined to be sepsis in the setting of an adrenal crisis.

1 Western Health, Melbourne, VIC
2 University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
3 University of Western Australia, Perth, WA
4 Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA
5 Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA
6 University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA

Correspondence: peter.hamblin@wh.org.au

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

1. Coroners Court of Victoria. https://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-02/FrancisJohnStewart_351518.pdf (viewed Aug 2020).
2. Hahner S, Spinnler C, Fassnacht M, et al. High incidence of adrenal crisis in educated patients with chronic adrenal insufficiency: a prospective study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100: 407–416.
3. Rushworth RL, Torpy DJ, Falhammar H. Adrenal crisis. N Engl J Med 2019; 381: 852–861.
4. Endocrine Society of Australia. Adrenal insufficiency advice for patients and doctors: sick day management for patients on glucocorticoid therapy. https://www.hormones-australia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Sick-Day-Management-Plan-FINAL-fillable.pdf (viewed Aug 2020).

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