Which condition is NOT a risk factor for adrenal insufficiency?

Which condition is NOT a risk factor for adrenal insufficiency?

• A. Metastatic cancer
• B. Tuberculosis
• C. Hypertension
• D. Gram-negative sepsis

Answer: (C)

Hypertension is not a risk factor for adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency happens when adrenal cortex tissue is destroyed or suppressed, so conditions that damage the glands predispose to it. Metastatic cancer can spread to the adrenal glands and reduce cortisol production, making insufficiency more likely. Tuberculosis can infiltrate and destroy adrenal tissue, historically a common cause of Addison’s disease. Severe infections like Gram-negative sepsis can trigger bilateral adrenal hemorrhage (Waterhouse-Friedrichsen syndrome) and abrupt adrenal insufficiency. In contrast, hypertension does not damage or diminish adrenal function, so it does not increase the risk for developing adrenal insufficiency.

Hypertension is not a risk factor for adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency happens when adrenal cortex tissue is destroyed or suppressed, so conditions that damage the glands predispose to it. Metastatic cancer can spread to the adrenal glands and reduce cortisol production, making insufficiency more likely. Tuberculosis can infiltrate and destroy adrenal tissue, historically a common cause of Addison’s disease. Severe infections like Gram-negative sepsis can trigger bilateral adrenal hemorrhage (Waterhouse-Friedrichsen syndrome) and abrupt adrenal insufficiency. In contrast, hypertension does not damage or diminish adrenal function, so it does not increase the risk for developing adrenal insufficiency.