TREATMENT OF ADDISON'S DISEASE WITH DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE

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Abstract
Within the past twelve years there has occurred a tremendous increase both in the understanding of the pathologic physiology and in the treatment of Addison's disease. The study of this particular problem received its impetus essentially as a result of two major contributions, the preparation of a fairly potent adrenal cortex extract1and the recognition of the underlying blood electrolyte disturbances which occurred in the presence of destruction of the adrenal cortex.2 The results of these investigations showed that destruction of the adrenal cortex was followed by a marked excretion of sodium and chloride in the urine, a pronounced drop in the blood concentration of these ions, an increase in the blood potassium, and hemoconcentration and nitrogen retention. Treatment was directed toward reestablishment of a normal blood electrolyte pattern. This was accomplished both with the aid of injections of cortical extract and with the addition of large quantities