STUDIES OF PITUITARY-ADRENAL HORMONES IN CHILDREN IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

[摘要] A few of the studies which have been performed in our laboratories concerning pituitary and adrenal cortical hormones have been reviewed. The use of direct measurements of concentrations of these hormones in body fluids in attempting to evaluate the status of pituitary-adrenal cortical function has been illustrated. The hormone pattern in one syndrome classically considered as an "endocrine" disorder, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and in one disease classically considered as "non-endocrine" in nature—rheumatic fever—have been presented. It has been demonstrated that in each of these conditions there exists an abnormal pituitary-adrenal cortical hormone pattern.The type of study reported here is tedious and time-consuming. Although a great deal of intensive effort on the part of many individuals has gone into this work, the results up to this time are only fragmentary. However, the importance of this type of study seems such as to justify its long-term continuation. For example, the clear-cut demonstration of relative adrenal insufficiency in patients with rheumatic fever provides the first definitive rationale for therapy in this disease. Since these patients have adrenal insufficiency, there is a clear indication for cortisone therapy, and since this adrenal insufficiency is relative rather than absolute , the patients being able to respond to ACTH administration, there is equally good rationale for ACTH therapy. It seems likely that data to be derived in the future from similar studies may have equally important clinical implications.Before closing, I wish to express once more my appreciation in behalf of my entire research team to the committee for the honor awarded us by my selection as the recipient of the Second Mead Johnson Award for 1954.

[学科分类] 儿科学