Disorders of the Adrenal Gland in Children and Adolescents

Steroid hormones produced by the outer adrenal cortex are essential for life, playing important roles in glucose homeostasis, salt balance, immune response, and sexual maturation. The inner adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines. Disorders of the adrenal cortex are characterized by excess or insufficient secretion of steroid hormones. This chapter provides an overview of the development and function of the adrenal gland, the regulation of adrenal steroidogenesis, and the etiology, investigation, and management of adrenal hypoplasia, adrenal insufficiency, conditions causing glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid and androgen excess, and conditions of the adrenal medulla.