Part of “CHAPTER 76 – ADRENOCORTICAL INSUFFICIENCY“

The complete blood count can show a normocytic, normochromic anemia; neutropenia and eosinophilia (rarely >10%); and a relative lymphocytosis. Common chemical abnormalities include metabolic acidosis and prerenal azotemia. If the patient has not been eating, hypoglycemia can occur. Hyponatremia is found in 90% of patients with chronic primary adrenal insufficiency. Hyperkalemia occurs in 65%.36 Hypercalcemia occurs, but is rare37 (see Chap. 59).