What finding would suggest an improvement in a patient diagnosed with Addison's syndrome who is receiving corticosteroid medication?

In the context of Addison's syndrome, which is characterized by insufficient production of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol and aldosterone, the administration of corticosteroid medication aims to restore normal hormonal balance. A key function of corticosteroids is to help regulate electrolyte levels, including sodium and potassium.

An increase in serum sodium levels would suggest that the corticosteroid treatment is effectively replacing the deficient hormone actions in Addison's syndrome. Aldosterone, which is often lacking in patients with this condition, plays a critical role in sodium retention and potassium excretion. When corticosteroids, particularly glucocorticoids, are administered, they promote sodium retention in the kidneys, leading to higher serum sodium levels.

Conversely, elevated serum potassium is typically a concern in Addison's syndrome due to the lack of aldosterone, which normally helps excrete potassium. A decrease in serum glucose would not indicate improvement; rather, it can suggest inadequate cortisol levels since cortisol also plays a role in glucose metabolism. Increased urine output may occur for various reasons and does not specifically correlate with the correction of the electrolytic imbalance associated with Addison's syndrome.

Thus, the presence of an increase in serum sodium clearly indicates that the treatment is effectively improving the mineralocorticoid replacement aspect of patient management in Addison's