Category Archives: Doctor’s Articles

Clinical Guideline on the Diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Aug 22, 2008 | Diagnosis

In May of 2008, The Endocrine Society issued a Clinical Guideline on the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome (1). The purpose of the guideline was to provide recommendations for testing based on the medical literature and a consensus of experts. Another goal was to enhance early detection of the disorder and help reduce false diagnoses. An… Continue Reading

Medical Therapy for Cushing’s Disease: Spotlight on the Investigational Medication SOM230 (Pasireotide)

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Apr 30, 2008 | Medications for Cushing's

Cortisol is a hormone (chemical messenger) made in the adrenals, which are small, triangular shaped glands located on top of the kidneys. The production of cortisol is controlled by hormonal signals from the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, both of which are in the head. The pituitary hormone, called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is made in… Continue Reading

Ectopic Cushing’s Syndrome

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Apr 30, 2008 | Ectopic Cushing's

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol for a long time. It is a rare disease; an estimated 2-3 of every million people are affected each year. Most patients are adults aged 20 to 50. Cushing’s syndrome can result from excessive production of the adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH). ACTH is a hormone… Continue Reading

Improvements in Cortisol Replacement Therapy, 2008

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Apr 14, 2008 | Steroid Replacement

Ongoing research indicates that chronic adrenal insufficiency patients are suffering higher than expected mortality, as well as other long-term side effects, such as obesity, difficulty loosing weight, glucose intolerance, diabetes, muscle wasting, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. This results primarily from the highly un-physiological glucocorticoid replacement therapies currently available. There has been limited treatment innovation for… Continue Reading

Pregnancy and Cushing’s

Doctor's Articles | Published on: Sep 12, 2007 | Reproductive Issues

Cushing’s syndrome, a condition resulting from an excess of the hormone cortisol, is often difficult to diagnosis; both diagnosis and treatment are more difficult during pregnancy. It is important to make the diagnosis as soon as possible as the high cortisol levels have a very harmful effect on both the mother and the developing fetus.… Continue Reading