In a patient with mineralocorticoid deficiency and low sodium, what is a recommended treatment?

In cases of mineralocorticoid deficiency, the body is unable to retain sodium effectively, leading to low sodium levels (hyponatremia) and often resulting in a subsequent loss of fluid and increased levels of potassium. The recommended treatment involves administering hydrocortisone, which is a glucocorticoid that also possesses mineralocorticoid effects. By providing hydrocortisone, you are essentially compensating for the adrenal insufficiency, helping to restore the balance of electrolytes.

Hydrocortisone helps promote sodium retention, increases blood volume, and simultaneously reduces potassium levels, which is crucial for stabilizing the patient's condition. This intervention aids in correcting both the associated hyponatremia and hyperkalemia that often accompanies mineralocorticoid deficiency.

While other options might seem relevant, they do not address the underlying cause effectively:

• Increased fluid intake may worsen hyponatremia due to dilution.

• Potassium-sparing diuretics would exacerbate hyperkalemia, making them inappropriate.

• Sodium chloride infusion could help raise sodium levels, but does not address the need for mineralocorticoid replacement. Therefore, hydrocortisone administration is the most effective and directly targeted treatment in this scenario.