Maternal Addison's disease and fetal growth retardation. A case report.

Maternal Addison's disease (primary hypoadrenalism) is an infrequent complication of pregnancy that poses a high risk of maternal mortality if not recognized and treated. If adequate steroid replacement therapy is provided, however, there is little risk for the mother during pregnancy. We treated a woman for previously undiagnosed Addison's disease during pregnancy that apparently interfered with normal fetal growth. This case supports Osler's observation that maternal Addison's disease can cause intrauterine fetal growth retardation.