Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the body is exposed to
too much cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the body and is also used in
corticosteroid drugs. Cushing's syndrome can occur either because
cortisol is being overproduced by the body or from the use of drugs that
contain cortisol (like prednisone). When Cushing's syndrome is caused
by long-term use of corticosteroid medications, it is also called
hypercortisolism.
About Cortisol
Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Cortisol is secreted by
the adrenal glands in response to the secretion of adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH) by the pituitary. One form of Cushing’s syndrome may
be caused by an oversecretion of ACTH by the pituitary leading to an
excess of cortisol.
Cortisol has several functions, including the regulation of
inflammation and controlling how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and
proteins. Corticosteroids such as prednisone, which are often used to
treat inflammatory conditions, mimic the effects of cortisol.
Causes of Cushing’s Syndrome
There are a few different causes of Cushing's syndrome.
Cushing’s Disease. Cushing's disease is one common
cause of the Cushing's syndrome that occurs when the pituitary releases
excess ACTH, leading to extra cortisol being made. This can result from a
pituitary tumor or other growth.
Iatrogenic Cushing’s Syndrome. The use of high doses of steroid medications
for a long time can cause this form of Cushing’s syndrome. Steroid
drugs or corticosteroid drugs are used to treat many inflammatory
conditions, including asthma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In some cases, they’re prescribed at high doses and for a long period of time.
Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome
Adrenal Gland Tumor. Finally, another cause, though
less common, is caused directly by a tumor on the adrenal glands. These
types of tumors cause high levels of cortisol, independent of ACTH
production from the pituitary gland. When the tumor is only in one
adrenal gland, the excess amount of cortisol produced can cause the
non-affected adrenal gland to begin to shrivel and shrink.
Symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome
Signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome can include the following:
- acne
- Buffalo hump (extra fat deposited on the back of the neck)
- elevated glucose levels
- excessive thirst
- fatigue
- increased urination
- headache
- high blood pressure
- hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
- menstrual changes
- obesity around the trunk
- psychological symptoms such as mood instability, depression, anxiety, panic attacks
- round, full face ( moon face)
- skin changes
- stretch marks on the abdomen, arms, breasts, buttocks, and thighs (also called striae)
- weakness
Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome
There are distinguishable physical characteristics, such as the round
moon face and buffalo hump, that are typical among people with
Cushing’s syndrome. If a physician suspects Cushing’s, after the routine
history, physical exam, and basic blood work, she will order blood and
urine tests to measure the amount of cortisol present in the body. If
those levels are high, the doctor may order a test called a
dexamethasone suppression test. This is a test where an oral steroid
called dexamethasone is given and blood and urine tests are taken again
to measure cortisol and other adrenal hormones. More tests may be
ordered if these initial tests come back with results that indicate
Cushing’s syndrome might be a concern.
A physician may move to a more intensive testing procedure if the
initial screening shows that this is necessary. If a tumor is suspected
as the cause of Cushing’s, other tests that might be ordered include a CT scan or an MRI.
While the testing can seem like a lot of work or inconvenient, it is
important to follow up and complete all of the testings that the doctor
orders.
Treatment for Cushing's Syndrome
Treatment for Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is best treated by determining what is causing the high levels of cortisol and removing it.
Cushing’s disease. Surgery is usually the first line treatment for patients with Cushing's disease. Removal of the pituitary tumour
and sometimes the entire pituitary gland, through a procedure called
transsphenoidal resection (behind the nose) by a neurosurgeon is usually
necessary. If the entire pituitary needs to be removed, supplements of
cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormones will need to be given. If surgery is
contraindicated or the tumor cannot be removed, radiation therapy can
be used to shrink the tumor. If the tumor is found to be malignant,
chemotherapy or radiation may be prescribed to reduce the risk of
reoccurrence. There are medical treatments available for treating
Cushing's disease as well, including Pasireotide (Signifor) and
Mifepristone (Korlym).
Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome. If the syndrome is
being caused by a prescribed medication, it is best to begin to taper
the medication down, supervised by a physician, to remove the excess
steroid. It is important to slowly decrease the amount of corticosteroid
taken over the course of weeks or even months. A different medication
or dose may be found to be a more appropriate treatment for the
underlying condition. It is important to follow instructions precisely,
as steroids cannot be stopped suddenly, but must be slowly tapered down.
If the steroids can't be stopped, or if it is going to take a long
time to stop them, other treatments might be given to manage some of the
signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome. Some of the aspects of this
syndrome that might need treatment with other medications and changes to
the diet include high blood sugar and high cholesterol. Reducing the
risk of fractures with medications used to treat osteoporosis might also
be necessary. In the case of depression or anxiety, referral to a
mental health specialist for treatment may also be effective.
Conclusion
In the case of Cushing's disease, most people recover well after surgery. Some signs of the disease may continue after surgery, such as hypertension, but these can often be managed with medications. If surgery isn't possible, there are also medical treatments available that can decrease the effects of increased cortisol.
In the case of Cushing's disease, most people recover well after surgery. Some signs of the disease may continue after surgery, such as hypertension, but these can often be managed with medications. If surgery isn't possible, there are also medical treatments available that can decrease the effects of increased cortisol.
Cushing's syndrome is a risk of taking steroid medications, but it is
not common. The use of steroids and the potential risk versus the
benefits should be discussed with a physician. Cushing's syndrome can be
treated by lowering the number of steroids being taken, and by treating
some of the signs and symptoms. The goal is always to get patients off
steroids as quickly and as safely as possible.
THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/
FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/
FOR CROCHET DESIGNS https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com
THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/
FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/
FOR CROCHET DESIGNS https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com
Labels: acne, adrenal gland, blood n urine tests, bufalo hump, cortisol, Cushing's Syndrome, Depression, Fatigue, high levels, moon face, tumour, weakness
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home