Metabolic response to two-stage adrenalectomy ih patients with Cushing's disease.

In 5 patients with Cushing's disease the balance of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and chlorides was determined during 5 days before, and 10 days after bilateral two-stage adrenalectomy. The patients received substitute treatment with hydrocortisone in mean doses of 112 mg/24 hours after the first stage and 203 mg/24 hours after the second stage. After removal of the first adrenal the metabolic response of the cell mass and extracellular space was within the normal range of moderately intense responses. After the second adrenalectomy the cumulative balance of the components of the cell mass was slightly negative and retention of sodium and chlorides was more pronounced than after the first operation.