Cushing syndrome - exogenous

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Hypothalamus hormone production

Cushing syndrome - corticosteroid induced; Corticosteroid-induced Cushing syndrome; Latrogenic Cushing syndrome; Exogenous Cushing syndrome

The suggested treatment is to slowly stop taking any corticosteroids. This should only be done under medical supervision. Do not stop taking any medicine without first talking to your health care provider.

In situations where the medication cannot be stopped because of the underlying disease (for example, if steroids are needed to treat severe asthma), every effort should be made to reduce the possibility of developing complications.

Glucocorticoids levels that are too high can raise blood sugar and cholesterol levels and increase bone loss.

• High blood sugar should be treated aggressively with diet, medications taken by mouth, or insulin.
• High cholesterol should be treated with diet or medications.
• Most experts recommend treating patients who will be on steroids for longer than 4-6 weeks with medication to prevent bone loss (bisphosphonates like alendronate or risedronate). This will reduce the risk of fractures.

Slowly withdrawing the drug causing the condition can help reverse the effects of adrenal gland shrinkage (atrophy), although this may take as long as a year. During this time, a patient may need to restart taking their steroids in times of stress.

Cushing syndrome symptoms may cause constant discomfort.

Steroids may cause diabetes and high cholesterol levels. If left untreated, both of these complications can increase the risk of heart attacks. Untreated high blood sugar over many years can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves.

Cushing syndrome may also lead to weak bones (osteoporosis) and increase the risk of fractures

These complications can generally be prevented with proper treatment.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are taking a corticosteroid drug and you develop symptoms of Cushing syndrome.

Review Date: 08/08/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.