[Acute endocrinology].

The author presents a practical guide for diagnosis and management of some common emergencies. The most common are hypoglycaemia in persons with diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis and non-ketotic hyperosmolar diabetic coma. Acute adrenocortical failure is also quite common. These three conditions can be presented in persons with diagnosed disease. Therefore prevention should be possible with proper education. In rare cases the emergency situation is the presenting symptom. Thyreotoxic crisis, myxoedema coma and hypercalcemic crisis are less common. A high level of suspicion is important for early diagnosis and successful treatment of these conditions.