Effects of Cortisone on Electrocardiographic Changes in Adrenal Insufficiency.

Abstract

Admn. of cortisone to adrenal-insufficient dogs had no effect on the abnormal electrocardiogram if given when marked alterations in plasma Na and K levels had occurred. However, if the plasma Na level was restored to normal, admn. of cortisone prevented the occurrence of ecg abnormalities. It is suggested that cortisone is effective in preventing the ecg changes from occurring in adrenal-insufficient dogs only in so far as it corrects certain abnormalities in electrolyte excretion and maintains adequate Na and K levels.