AMA Criteria for Permanent Impairment Associated with Hypoadrenalism

Hypoadrenalism (Addison's disease) can result in permanent impairment that can be quantified using the AMA criteria.

The syndrome may arise with disorders of the:

(1) pituitary

(2) both adrenal glands

Parameters:

(1) requirement for continuous therapy

(2) signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of hypofunction:

(1) fatigue

(2) weakness

(3) orthostatic hypotension

(4) pigmentation (in light colored persons)

(5) weight loss

(6) vomiting

(7) diarrhea

(8) adrenal crisis during acute infection or other stressor

Effectiveness of Therapy	Signs and Symptoms	Impairment of the Whole Person
not required	none	0%
required	none; no evidence of inadequate replacement	0 - 14%
required, but unable to correct totally	present, especially during acute illness	15 – 29%
required but unable to correct totally	recurrent and severe with crisis during major illnesses	30 – 90%

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