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Motomura Y, Urai S, Bando H, Yamamoto M, Suzuki M, Yamamoto N, Iguchi G, Ogawa W, Fukuoka H. Diagnostic dilemma in Cushing's syndrome: discrepancy between patient-reported and physician-assessed manifestations. Endocrine 2024:10.1007/s12020-024-03935-9. [PMID: 39037671 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03935-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early diagnosis and immediate treatment of Cushing's syndrome (CS) are critical for a better prognosis but remain a challenge. However, few comprehensive reports have focused on this issue or investigated whether patient-reported manifestations are consistent with physician-assessed symptoms of CS. This study aimed to clarify the differences in patient-reported and physician-assessed manifestations of signs and symptoms of CS that prevent early diagnosis. METHODS This single-center retrospective study included 52 patients with CS (16 with Cushing's disease and 36 with adrenal CS). Upon clinical diagnosis, medical records were used to independently review the patient-reported and physician-assessed manifestations of typical (such as purple striae and proximal myopathy) and nonspecific features (such as hirsutism and hypertension). The correlations and differences between the patient-reported and physician-assessed manifestations were then analyzed. RESULTS We observed a positive correlation between the total number of manifestations of nonspecific features reported by patients and those assessed by physicians, but not for typical features. Moreover, manifestations reported by the patients were less frequent than those assessed by physicians for typical features, leading to discrepancies between the two groups. In contrast, there were no differences in most nonspecific features between the patient-reported and physician-assessed manifestations. Notably, the concordance between patient-reported and physician-assessed manifestations of typical features was not associated with urinary free cortisol levels. CONCLUSION Regardless of disease severity, patients often do not complain of the typical features of CS that are crucial for formulating a diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Motomura
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Shin Urai
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hironori Bando
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masaki Suzuki
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Genzo Iguchi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
- Medical Center for Student Health, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
- Department of Biosignal Pathophysiology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Wataru Ogawa
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hidenori Fukuoka
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan.
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Zhang CD, Ioachimescu AG. Challenges in the postsurgical recovery of cushing syndrome: glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1353543. [PMID: 38681763 PMCID: PMC11045978 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1353543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome is a challenging clinical phenomenon that can complicate the postsurgical recovery of Cushing syndrome. It is characterized by physical tolerance and dependence to supraphysiologic glucocorticoid exposure during active Cushing syndrome followed by the abrupt decline in cortisol levels after surgical treatment. The symptoms of glucocorticoid withdrawal often overlap with those of postoperative adrenal insufficiency and can be difficult for patients to cope with and for clinicians to treat. This mini review will discuss the clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and management of glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome while highlighting recent data in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D. Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Adriana G. Ioachimescu
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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3
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Halstrom A, Lin IH, Lin A, Cohen M, Tabar V, Geer EB. Different patient versus provider perspectives on living with Cushing's disease. Pituitary 2024; 27:141-150. [PMID: 38315244 PMCID: PMC11009766 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-024-01381-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with Cushing's disease (CD) face challenges living with and receiving appropriate care for this rare, chronic condition. Even with successful treatment, many patients experience ongoing symptoms and impaired quality of life (QoL). Different perspectives and expectations between patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) may also impair well-being. OBJECTIVE To examine differences in perspectives on living with CD between patients and HCPs, and to compare care goals and unmet needs. DESIGN Memorial Sloan Kettering Pituitary Center established an annual pituitary symposium for pituitary patients and HCPs. Through anonymous pre-program surveys distributed at the 2020 and 2022 symposia, patients and HCPs answered questions related to their own sense, or perception of their patients' sense, of hope, choice, and loneliness in the context of living with CD. PARTICIPANTS From 655 participants over two educational events, 46 patients with CD and 116 HCPs were included. Median age of both groups was 51 years. 78.3% of the patients were female vs. 53.0% of the HCPs. RESULTS More patients than HCPs reported they had no choices in their treatment (21.7% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.001). More patients reported feeling alone living with CD than HCPs' perception of such (60.9% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.08). The most common personal care goal concern for patients was 'QoL/mental health,' vs. 'medical therapies/tumor control' for HCPs. The most common CD unmet need reported by patients was 'education/awareness' vs. 'medical therapies/tumor control' for HCPs. CONCLUSIONS CD patients experience long term symptoms and impaired QoL which may in part be due to a perception of lack of effective treatment options and little hope for improvement. Communicating experiences and care goals may improve long term outcomes for CD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Halstrom
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - I-Hsin Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Lin
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary & Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc Cohen
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary & Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Viviane Tabar
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary & Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eliza B Geer
- Multidisciplinary Pituitary & Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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4
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Zhang CD, Li D, Singh S, Suresh M, Thangamuthu K, Nathani R, Achenbach SJ, Atkinson EJ, Van Gompel JJ, Young WF, Bancos I. Glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome following surgical remission of endogenous hypercortisolism: a longitudinal observational study. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 188:592-602. [PMID: 37395115 PMCID: PMC10376560 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS) is a scarcely studied phenomenon that complicates the recovery following surgical remission of hypercortisolism. We aimed to characterize the presence and trajectory of glucocorticoid withdrawal symptoms in the postoperative period and to determine presurgical predictors of GWS severity. DESIGN Longitudinal observational study. METHODS Glucocorticoid withdrawal symptoms were prospectively evaluated weekly for the first 12 weeks following surgical remission of hypercortisolism. Quality of life (CushingQoL and Short-Form-36) and muscle function (hand grip strength and sit-to-stand test) were assessed at the baseline and at 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS Prevalent symptoms were myalgias and arthralgias (50%), fatigue (45%), weakness (34%), sleep disturbance (29%), and mood changes (19%). Most symptoms persisted, while myalgias, arthralgias, and weakness worsened during weeks 5-12 postoperatively. At 12 weeks after surgery, normative hand grip strength was weaker than at baseline (mean Z-score delta -0.37, P = .009), while normative sit-to-stand test performance improved (mean Z-score delta 0.50, P = .013). Short-Form-36 Physical Component Summary score worsened (mean delta -2.6, P = .015), but CushingQoL score improved (mean delta 7.8, P < .001) at 12 weeks compared to baseline. Cushing syndrome (CS) clinical severity was predictive of postoperative GWS symptomology. CONCLUSION Glucocorticoid withdrawal symptoms are prevalent and persistent following surgical remission of hypercortisolism with baseline CS clinical severity predictive of postoperative GWS symptom burden. Differential changes observed in muscle function and quality of life in the early postoperative period may reflect the competing influences of GWS and recovery from hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Dingfeng Li
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Endocrine and Metabolism Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Sumitabh Singh
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Malavika Suresh
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medstar Health, Baltimore, MD 21237, USA
| | - Karthik Thangamuthu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rohit Nathani
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sara J Achenbach
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Atkinson
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | - William F Young
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Concepción-Zavaleta MJ, Armas CD, Quiroz-Aldave JE, García-Villasante EJ, Gariza-Solano AC, Durand-Vásquez MDC, Concepción-Urteaga LA, Zavaleta-Gutiérrez FE. Cushing disease in pediatrics: an update. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2023; 28:87-97. [PMID: 37401055 DOI: 10.6065/apem.2346074.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cushing disease (CD) is the main cause of endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) and is produced by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing pituitary adenoma. Its relevance in pediatrics is due to the retardation of both growth and developmental processes because of hypercortisolism. In childhood, the main features of CS are facial changes, rapid or exaggerated weight gain, hirsutism, virilization, and acne. Endogenous hypercortisolism should be established after exogenous CS has been ruled out based on 24-hour urinary free cortisol, midnight serum or salivary cortisol, and dexamethasone suppression test; after that, ACTH dependence should be established. The diagnosis should be confirmed by pathology. The goal of treatment is to normalize cortisol level and reverse the signs and symptoms. Treatment options include surgery, medication, radiotherapy, or combined therapy. CD represents a challenge for physicians owing to its multiple associated conditions involving growth and pubertal development; thus, it is important to achieve an early diagnosis and treatment in order to control hypercortisolism and improve the prognosis. Its rarity in pediatric patients has led physicians to have limited experience in its management. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the current knowledge about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of CD in the pediatric population.
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6
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Theiler-Schwetz V, Prete A. Glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome: what to expect and how to manage. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:167-174. [PMID: 36876715 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS) can develop after withdrawing exposure to supraphysiological levels of endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids due to an established physical dependence. It is characterised by symptoms similar to adrenal insufficiency but needs to be regarded as a separate entity. GWS is often under-recognised in clinical practice and affected patients can experience significant impairment in their quality of life. RECENT FINDINGS A cornerstone in GWS management is adequate patient education and reassurance that symptoms are expected and typically temporary. Patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome need to be aware that psychopathology may persist into the postoperative period. GWS is more likely to develop in severe Cushing's syndrome and in patients with very low levels of cortisol after surgery. Postoperatively, glucocorticoid replacement should be initiated and tapered in an individualised approach but there is currently no consensus on the best tapering strategy. If symptoms of GWS develop, glucocorticoid replacement ought to be temporarily increased to the previous, well tolerated dose. No randomised studies have thus far compared regimens for withdrawing glucocorticoids after treatment for anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive causes to determine the best and safest tapering strategy. One open-label, single-arm trial in patients with asthma has recently proposed a personalised glucocorticoid tapering regimen which included the systematic assessment of adrenal function. SUMMARY Awareness of GWS by treating physicians and patient education are essential. Evidence on optimal GWS management after Cushing's syndrome treatment is scarce, but new data are emerging for tapering after long-term glucocorticoid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Theiler-Schwetz
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, UK
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alessandro Prete
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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7
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Blazar PE, Zhang D, Bryant JK, Benavent KA, Yeung CM, Earp BE. Patient-Perceived Outcomes of Recovery After Trigger Digit Release. J Hand Surg Am 2023:S0363-5023(23)00167-3. [PMID: 37140516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trigger finger release (TFR) is one of the most commonly performed hand surgeries; nevertheless, the time until patients subjectively feel recovered has not been well documented. The limited literature on patient perceptions of recovery after any type of surgery has described that patients and surgeons may have differing views on the time until full recovery. Our primary study question was to determine how long it takes for patients to subjectively feel fully recovered after TFR. METHODS In this prospective study, patients who underwent isolated TFR completed questionnaires before surgery and at multiple time points following surgery until they reported full recovery. Patients completed visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) and were asked if they felt fully recovered at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS The average time to self-reported full recovery was 6.2 months (SD 2.6), and the median time to self-reported full recovery was 6 months (IQR 4 months). At 12 months, four out of 50 patients (8%) did not feel fully recovered. QuickDASH and VAS pain scores improved significantly from preoperative assessment to final follow-up. All patients reported improvement in both VAS pain scores and QuickDASH scores greater than the minimal clinically important difference between 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Higher preoperative VAS and QuickDASH scores were associated with failure to fully recover by 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS The length of time after surgery until patients felt fully recovered after isolated TFR is longer than the senior authors' expectations. This suggests that patients and surgeons may consider distinctly different parameters when discussing recovery. Surgeons should be aware of this discrepancy when discussing recovery after surgery. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip E Blazar
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Dafang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jessica K Bryant
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kyra A Benavent
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA
| | - Caleb M Yeung
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Brandon E Earp
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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8
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Gumaste N, Shah L, Cheesman KC, Geer EB. Evaluating Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cushing's Syndrome. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2022; 51:691-707. [PMID: 36244687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The importance of the patient's perspective on disease has increasingly gained traction among clinical investigators and clinicians. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are those which pertain to a patient's health, quality of life, or functional status (associated with health care or treatment) that are reported directly by the patient, without interpretation by a clinician. In this article, we will review PROs as they relate to the signs, symptoms, health-related quality of life, and comorbidities of active Cushing's syndrome (CS), and CS after treatment with surgery, radiotherapy, and medical therapy. We will explore long-term outcomes in the setting of remission, persistence, and recurrence in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Gumaste
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 505 East 70th Street, Suite 450, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Leena Shah
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L Levy Place, Box 1055, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Khadeen Christi Cheesman
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L Levy Place, Box 1055, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Eliza B Geer
- Department of Medicine, Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care, 530 East 74th Street, Box 19, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Multidisciplinary Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care, 530 East 74th Street, Box 19, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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9
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Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD), caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary tumor, is the most common form of Cushing's syndrome (CS), accounting for approximately 70% of cases. CD requires a prompt diagnosis, an adequate treatment selection, and long-term management to limit hypercortisolism duration and long-term complications and improve patient outcomes. Pituitary surgery is the first-line option, which is non-curative in one third of patients, therefore requiring additional treatments. Medical therapy has recently acquired an emerging role, with the availability of several drugs with different therapeutic targets, efficacy and safety profiles. The current review focuses on efficacy and safety of steroidogenesis inhibitors, and particularly the historical drugs, ketoconazole and metyrapone, and the novel drugs levoketoconazole and osilodrostat, which seem to offer a rapid, sustained, and effective disease control. Ketoconazole should be preferred in females and in patients without severe liver disease; levoketoconazole may offer an alternative to classical ketoconazole, appearing characterized by a higher potency and potential lower hepatotoxicity compared to ketoconazole. Metyrapone should be preferred in males and in patients without severe or uncontrolled hypokalemia. Both ketoconazole and metyrapone may be preferred for short-term more than for long-term treatment. Osilodrostat may represent the best choice for long-term treatment, in patients with poor compliance to the multiple daily administration schedule, and in patients without severe or uncontrolled hypokalemia. Steroidogenesis inhibitors may be used alone or in combination, and associated with pituitary directed drugs, to improve the efficacy of the single drugs, allowing a potential use of lower doses for each drug, and hypothetically reducing the rate of adverse events associated with the single drugs. Clinicians may tailor medical therapy on the specific clinical scenario, considering disease history together with patients' characteristics and hypercortisolism's degree, addressing the needs of each patient in order to improve the therapeutic outcome and to reduce the burden of illness, particularly in patients with persistent or recurrent CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II" di Napoli, Naples, Italy.
- Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Chiara Simeoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II" di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Paola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II" di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università "Federico II" di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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10
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Abstract
This brief review is devoted mainly to publications in the last 5 years dealing with health-related quality of life (QoL) after a diagnosis of endogenous hypercortisolism, due to pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease (CD) or any other cause of Cushing syndrome (CS). Despite improvement after treatment, persistent physical morbidity, neurocognitive problems like worse executive capacity and memory as well as stress intolerance, depressive symptoms and more anxiety, lead to long-term impairment of QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Webb
- Endocrinology Dept, Hospital Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, Research Center for Pituitary Diseases; Dept Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), CIBERER, Unit 747, ISCIII, 08041, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elena Valassi
- Endocrinology Dept, Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital & Research Institute, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), CIBERER, Unit 747, ISCIII, 08916, Badalona, Spain
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE Literature regarding endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) largely focuses on the challenges of diagnosis, subtyping, and treatment. The enigmatic phenomenon of glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS), due to rapid reduction in cortisol exposure following treatment of CS, is less commonly discussed but also difficult to manage. We highlight the clinical approach to navigating patients from GWS and adrenal insufficiency to full hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis recovery. METHODS We review the literature on the pathogenesis of GWS and its clinical presentation. We provide strategies for glucocorticoid dosing and tapering, HPA axis testing, as well as pharmacotherapy and ancillary treatments for GWS symptom management. RESULTS GWS can be difficult to differentiate from adrenal insufficiency and CS recurrence, which complicates glucocorticoid dosing and tapering regimens. Monitoring for HPA axis recovery requires both clinical and biochemical assessments. The most important intervention is reassurance to patients that GWS symptoms portend a favorable prognosis of sustained remission from CS, and GWS typically resolves as the HPA axis recovers. GWS also occurs during medical management of CS, and gradual dose titration based primarily on symptoms is essential to maintain adherence and to eventually achieve disease control. Myopathy and neurocognitive dysfunction can be chronic complications of CS that do not completely recover. CONCLUSIONS Due to limited data, no guidelines have been developed for management of GWS. Nevertheless, this article provides overarching themes derived from published literature plus expert opinion and experience. Future studies are needed to better understand the pathophysiology of GWS to guide more targeted and optimal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin He
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James W Findling
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Endocrinology Center and Clinics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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12
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Vogel F, Braun L, Reincke M. [Morbidity and mortality in Cushing's syndrome]. Internist (Berl) 2021; 63:34-42. [PMID: 34928397 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-021-01222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder that is fatal if left untreated. It can be distinguished into adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent (central and ectopic Cushing's syndrome) and ACTH-independent subtypes (unilateral or bilateral adrenal adenomas). The clinical presentation of patients includes typical stigmata of cortisol excess with physical symptoms of catabolic metabolism (myopathy, striae, parchment skin, osteoporosis) and components of metabolic syndrome (diabetes mellitus, obesity, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia). Biochemical diagnosis is performed in three steps: 1. Confirmation of the diagnosis by 1‑mg dexamethasone suppression test, 24‑h urine free cortisol, and measurement of late-night salivary cortisol. 2. Differentiation of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome from ACTH-independent adrenal Cushing's syndrome by measurement of plasma ACTH. 3. Further subtyping by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test, inferior petrosal sinus sampling, and imaging modalities. Therapeutic decisions are made on an interdisciplinary basis. First-line therapy for all subtypes is surgery when possible; additional options for all forms include drug therapy and bilateral adrenalectomy. Despite adequate treatment, Cushing's syndrome is associated with increased long-term morbidity and mortality. Interdisciplinary and multimodal therapy management is necessary in the long term to positively influence mortality and reduced quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Vogel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Ziemssenstraße 5, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Leah Braun
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Ziemssenstraße 5, 80336, München, Deutschland
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Ziemssenstraße 5, 80336, München, Deutschland.
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