Cushings Syndrome Flashcards
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
condition caused by excessive cortisol levels in the body.
How rare is true Cushing’s syndrome?
Very rare, with an incidence of about 5 cases per million people per year.
What are the main causes of true Cushing’s syndrome?
Adrenal gland tumours
Ectopic ACTH release (e.g., from some lung cancers)
What is iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome?
A common form caused by prolonged use of high doses of corticosteroids for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.
What are the signs and symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome?
Moon face
Central body obesity
Thin and bruised skin
Glucose intolerance
Hypertension
Excess hair growth
Osteoporosis
Kidney stones
Menstrual irregularity
Emotional lability
Increased susceptibility to infections
How is true Cushing’s syndrome treated?
Surgical removal of the tumour
Drugs blocking cortisol synthesis (e.g., metyrapone, trilostane, aminoglutethimide)
How is iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome treated?
Discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy (may not always be practical).
What is the unique property of cortisol released during stress?
has a strong anti-inflammatory effect.
Why are anti-inflammatory drugs important in treatment?
They control excessive inflammation, which can cause more harm to the body.
What are the cardinal signs of inflammation?
Redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
What are key challenges when using anti-inflammatory drugs?
They do not cure the disease, often requiring prolonged use
They increase susceptibility to infection
They may obscure disease symptoms
Why are anti-inflammatory drugs often used for chronic diseases?
Most chronic diseases have no cure, so corticosteroids are essential for controlling symptoms and inflammation.
