Researchers Debunk Classic Myths of Condition Often Seen in Critical Patients

Researchers have discovered that certain markers in a patient's blood do not necessarily mean they will develop RAI.
A study by researchers at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine proves certain diagnostic markers do not predict relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) in critically ill or injured patients.
RAI is a potentially life-threatening syndrome that results from inadequate basal or stress levels of plasma control, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. RAI is often under recognized and under diagnosed because current diagnostic tests are not sensitive enough to detect it.
Traditional teaching describes an association of hyponatremia (deficiency of sodium in body fluids), hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood), hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and eosinophilia (high level of white blood cells) in patients with RAI.
“Relative Adrenal Insufficiency and the Critical Care Setting: Debunking the Classic Myth,” a research study conducted in the medical and surgical intensive care units of University Medical Center of El Paso, and led by Fatuma Kromah, M.D., contradicts the aforementioned theory. In fact, Kromah and his research team found that many patients with RAI who participated in the study had opposite results.
Kromah and his team also concluded that in the critical care setting, classic laboratory tests are of minimal value in predicting patients who may have RAI. Physicians treating patients with severe stress should instead obtain a random serum cortisol level to test for RAI.
“This study is a good example of opportunistic clinical research from colleagues making the extra effort while fully engaged in the setting of a very busy clinical environment,” said Richard McCallum, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine.
Researchers who assisted with the study include Alan Tyroch, M.D., and Susan McLean, M.D., in the Department of Surgery; Harold Hughes, M.D., and Nina Flavin, M.D., in the Department of Internal Medicine; and Soyoung Lee, MCIS, MCTS, an analyst in the Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology.
Results of the study were recently published in the World Journal of Surgery.
Related Stories
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Rural Adolescents
Leigh Ann Reel, Au.D., Ph.D., CCC-A, discussed the causes and prevention strategies for noise-induced hearing loss, particularly for adolescents in rural areas.
Willed Body Memorial Service Honors Those Who Donated
On Memorial Day each May, a service is conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Institute of Anatomical Sciences to pay respect to the Willed Body Program donors and their families.
Molecular Pathology Preceptorship: Unmatched Value and Experience
Ericka Hendrix, PhD, MB(ASCP)CM, Program Director and Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Molecular Pathology program in the School of Health Professions spoke about the program’s preceptorship.
Recent Stories
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Earns SACSCOC Recognition
TTUHSC has received a clean bill of health from the regional accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), following a Fifth-Year Interim Review by a committee from peer institutions.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Rural Adolescents
Leigh Ann Reel, Au.D., Ph.D., CCC-A, discussed the causes and prevention strategies for noise-induced hearing loss, particularly for adolescents in rural areas.
TTUHSC Amarillo Awarded $50,000 Grant for Cutting-Edge Cancer Research
TTUHSC in Amarillo has received a $50,000 grant from the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation to support groundbreaking cancer research led by Hiranmoy Das, Ph.D.