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Last updated:10-15-2008
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Definition and causes


A syndrome is a collection of symptoms. Cushing's syndrome is rare and consists of symptoms that have arisen as a result of increased levels of the hormonecortisolin the bloodstream. Cortisol is a vital stress hormone, which formed in binyrebarken, who has a wide range of effects. This is true effects on immune systems, metabolism of nutrients (sugars, protein, fat), building and degradation of connective tissue and bone, and more.

A Cushing's syndrome-like condition occurs most often after prolonged kortisolbehandling. Cortisol (Prednisolone) used as a drug to inhibit the immune system by various diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, blood and organ transplants and also as a replacement at a reduced function of binyrebarken (Addison's disease).

The syndrome can also result from overproduction of cortisol in the adrenal glands. Usually because of an over-producing, but usually benign, tumor (lump) in the pituitary. Pituitary is a gland in the brain, among other things, produces a hormone that stimulates the adrenal gland production of cortisol (see Hypofysetumorer. In such cases, the condition is called Cushing's disease and occurs most often in young and middle-aged women. Less syndrome can result from a hormone-producing tumor in the body binyrebarken or e

Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome


Cushing's syndrome occurs over months. The symptoms are many and varied because of cortisol many effects. Several of the symptoms is uncharacteristically and seen more frequently by other diseases. The typical symptoms are:

  • Fatigue, weakness.

  • Off-color.

  • Reduced muscle mass of arms and legs.

  • Obesity abdomen.

  • "Hump" of fat at the top of his back.

  • "Moon Face" with rødmosset appearance.

  • Patches on the skin.

  • Frequent bruising.

  • Rødviolette stripes on the abdomen.

  • Menstrual disorder in women.

  • Osteoporosis with a tendency to break.

 

In addition to developing other diseases as a result of changed metabolism, for example. high blood pressure, diabetes and heart failure.

Precautions and diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome


Cushing's syndrome can be dangerous, and by suspicion of state should immediately go to the doctor. Initially investigated the secretion of cortisol in urine for several days. It may therefore be necessary to have a longer explanation on a specialized, where both the pituitary and adrenal cortical hormones in the blood among other measured before and after administration of a substance that inhibits the production of these.

If you are treated with hydrocortisone or another adrenal cortical hormones preparation and experiencing the above symptoms, it is important that we do not even stop taking the medication, as this can be dangerous (see Addison's disease). Search therefore always doctor.

Treatment of Cushing's syndrome


If the syndrome is caused by medical treatment with a cortisol-preparation, the dose is adjusted, or the physician should consider an alternative to reading. Once the cause is a hypofysetumor, treated this with surgery, which removes the Gordian knot. Even where there is a tumor in binyrebarken or elsewhere, can be treated with surgery or radiotherapy of the Gordian knot, in most cases with good results. It is also possible to supplement the surgical treatment with drugs that inhibit

Select and complications of Cushing's syndrome


After surgery, where it may. have had to remove one or both adrenals completely, it may be necessary with subsequent lifelong kortisolbehandling. Most of those who undergo surgery for Cushing's syndrome because of a tumor, there will be significantly better or cured completely, but it is necessary to go to control the whole life, as the disease can occur again.



 

Related articles:

Addison disease (adrenocortical insufficiency)
Adrenal glands
Cushing's syndrome (including Cushing's disease)
Fæokromocytom
Hyperaldosteronisme (including Conns syndrome)




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