Authors:
Peter Igaz Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University 2nd Department of Medicine Szentkirályi u. 46 H-1088 Budapest Hungary

Search for other papers by Peter Igaz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Károly Rácz Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University 2nd Department of Medicine Szentkirályi u. 46 H-1088 Budapest Hungary

Search for other papers by Károly Rácz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Miklós Tóth Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University 2nd Department of Medicine Szentkirályi u. 46 H-1088 Budapest Hungary

Search for other papers by Miklós Tóth in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Edith Gláz Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University 2nd Department of Medicine Szentkirályi u. 46 H-1088 Budapest Hungary

Search for other papers by Edith Gláz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Zsolt Tulassay

Search for other papers by Zsolt Tulassay in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Restricted access

Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome is the most common form of hypercortisolism. Glucocorticoids are widely used for the treatment of various diseases, often in high doses that may lead to the development of severe hypercortisolism. Iatrogenic hypercortisolism is unique, as the application of exogenous glucocorticoids leads to the simultaneous presence of symptoms specific for hypercortisolism and the suppression of the endogenous hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The principal question of its therapy is related to the problem of glucocorticoid withdrawal. There is considerable interindividual variability in the suppression and recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, therefore, glucocorticoid withdrawal and substitution can only be conducted in a stepwise manner with careful clinical follow-up and regular laboratory examinations regarding endogenous hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. Three major complications which can be associated with glucocorticoid withdrawal are: i. reactivation of the underlying disease, ii. secondary adrenal insufficiency, iii. steroid withdrawal syndrome. Here, the authors summarize the most important aspects of this area based on their clinical experience and the available literature data.

  • Hopkins, R. L., Leinung, M. C.: Exogenous Cushing’s syndrome and glucocorticoid withdrawal. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North. Am., 2005, 34 , 371–384.

    Leinung M. C. , 'Exogenous Cushing’s syndrome and glucocorticoid withdrawal ' (2005 ) 34 Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North. Am. : 371 -384 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Newell-Price, J., Bertagna, X., Grossman, A. B. et al.: Cushing’s syndrome. Lancet, 2006, 367 , 1605–1617.

    Grossman A. B. , 'Cushing’s syndrome ' (2006 ) 367 Lancet : 1605 -1617 .

  • Jobling, A. I., Augusteyn, R. C.: What causes steroid cataracts? A review of steroid-induced posterior subcapsular cataracts. Clin. Exp. Optom., 2002, 85 , 61–75.

    Augusteyn R. C. , 'What causes steroid cataracts? A review of steroid-induced posterior subcapsular cataracts ' (2002 ) 85 Clin. Exp. Optom. : 61 -75 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Mankin, H. J.: Nontraumatic necrosis of bone (osteonecrosis). N. Eng. J. Med., 1992, 326 , 1473–1479.

    Mankin H. J. , 'Nontraumatic necrosis of bone (osteonecrosis) ' (1992 ) 326 N. Eng. J. Med. : 1473 -1479 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Axelrod, L.: Glucocorticoid therapy. In: DeGroot, L. J., Jameson, J. L. Eds. Endocrinology . Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, 2006, pp. 2329–2342.

    Axelrod L. , '', in Endocrinology , (2006 ) -.

  • Kaplan, J. G., Barasch, E., Hirschfeld, A. et al.: Spinal epidural lipomatosis: a serious complication of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome. Neurology, 1989, 39 , 1031–1034.

    Hirschfeld A. , 'Spinal epidural lipomatosis: a serious complication of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome ' (1989 ) 39 Neurology : 1031 -1034 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Vollenweider, P., Waeber, G.: Planifier un sevrage aux glucocorticoïdes: stratégie diagnostique et thérapeutique. Revue Praxis, 2003, 92 , 1675–1682.

    Waeber G. , 'Planifier un sevrage aux glucocorticoïdes: stratégie diagnostique et thérapeutique ' (2003 ) 92 Revue Praxis : 1675 -1682 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Ermis, B., Ors, R., Tastekin, A. et al.: Cushing’s syndrome secondary to topical corticosteroids abuse. Clin. Endocrinol., 2003, 58 , 795–796.

    Tastekin A. , 'Cushing’s syndrome secondary to topical corticosteroids abuse ' (2003 ) 58 Clin. Endocrinol. : 795 -796 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Kaliner, M. A.: Pharmacologic characteristics and adrenal suppression with newer inhaled corticosteroids: a comparison of ciclesonide and fluticasone propionate. Clin. Ther., 2006, 28 , 319–331.

    Kaliner M. A. , 'Pharmacologic characteristics and adrenal suppression with newer inhaled corticosteroids: a comparison of ciclesonide and fluticasone propionate ' (2006 ) 28 Clin. Ther. : 319 -331 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Suliman, A. M., Smith, T. P., Labib, M. et al.: The low-dose ACTH test does not provide a useful assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis in secondary adrenal insufficiency. Clin. Endocrinol., 2002, 56 , 533–539.

    Labib M. , 'The low-dose ACTH test does not provide a useful assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis in secondary adrenal insufficiency ' (2002 ) 56 Clin. Endocrinol. : 533 -539 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Fuchs, M., Wetzig, H., Kertscher, F. et al.: Iatrogenes Cushing-Syndrom und Mutatio tarda durch Dexamethason-haltige Nasentropfen. HNO, 1999, 47 , 647–650.

    Kertscher F. , 'Iatrogenes Cushing-Syndrom und Mutatio tarda durch Dexamethason-haltige Nasentropfen ' (1999 ) 47 HNO : 647 -650 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Bolland, M. J., Bagg, W., Thomas, M. G. et al.: Cushing’s syndrome due to interaction between inhaled corticosteroids and itraconazole. Ann. Pharmacother., 2004, 38 , 46–49.

    Thomas M. G. , 'Cushing’s syndrome due to interaction between inhaled corticosteroids and itraconazole ' (2004 ) 38 Ann. Pharmacother. : 46 -49 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Clevenbergh, P., Corcostegui, M., Gerard, D. et al.: Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome in an HIV infected patient treated with inhaled corticosteroids (fluticasone propionate) and low-dose ritonavir enhanced PI containing regimen. J. Infect., 2002, 44 , 194–195.

    Gerard D. , 'Iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome in an HIV infected patient treated with inhaled corticosteroids (fluticasone propionate) and low-dose ritonavir enhanced PI containing regimen ' (2002 ) 44 J. Infect. : 194 -195 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Iglesias, P., Gonzalez, J., Diez, J. J.: Acute and persistent iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome after a single dose of triamcinolone acetonide. J. Endocrinol. Invest., 2005, 28 , 1019–1023.

    Diez J. J. , 'Acute and persistent iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome after a single dose of triamcinolone acetonide ' (2005 ) 28 J. Endocrinol. Invest. : 1019 -1023 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Mann, M., Koller, E., Murgo, A. et al.: Glucocorticoidlike activity of megestrol. A summary of Food and Drug Administration experience and a review of the literature. Arch. Intern. Med., 1997, 157 , 1651–1656.

    Murgo A. , 'Glucocorticoidlike activity of megestrol. A summary of Food and Drug Administration experience and a review of the literature ' (1997 ) 157 Arch. Intern. Med. : 1651 -1656 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Richter, B., Neises, G., Clar, C.: Glucocorticoid withdrawal schemes in chronic medical disorders. A systematic review. Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North. Am., 2002, 31 , 751–778.

    Clar C. , 'Glucocorticoid withdrawal schemes in chronic medical disorders. A systematic review ' (2002 ) 31 Endocrinol. Metab. Clin. North. Am. : 751 -778 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Stewart, P. M.: Chronic corticosteroid therapy, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, and steroid withdrawal. In Larsen, P. R., Kronenberg, H. M., Melmed, S., Polonsky, K. S. Eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology , 2003, Saunders, Philadelphia, 507–508.

    Stewart P. M. , '', in Williams Textbook of Endocrinology , (2003 ) -.

  • Henzen, C., Suter, A., Lerch, E. et al.: Suppression and recovery of adrenal response after short-term high-dose glucocorticoid treatment. Lancet, 2000, 355 , 542–545.

    Lerch E. , 'Suppression and recovery of adrenal response after short-term high-dose glucocorticoid treatment ' (2000 ) 355 Lancet : 542 -545 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Graber, A. L., Ney, R. L., Nicholson, W. E. et al.: Natural history of pituitary-adrenal recovery following long-term suppression with corticosteroids. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., 1965, 25 , 11–16.

    Nicholson W. E. , 'Natural history of pituitary-adrenal recovery following long-term suppression with corticosteroids ' (1965 ) 25 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. : 11 -16 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • LaRochelle, G. E., LaRochelle, A. G., Ratner, R. E. et al.: Recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with rheumatic diseases receiving low-dose prednisone. Am. J. Med., 1993, 95 , 258–264.

    Ratner R. E. , 'Recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with rheumatic diseases receiving low-dose prednisone ' (1993 ) 95 Am. J. Med. : 258 -264 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Krasner, A. S.: Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency. JAMA, 1999, 282 , 671–676.

    Krasner A. S. , 'Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency ' (1999 ) 282 JAMA : 671 -676 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Stewart, P. M.: Assessing adequacy of function of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. In Larsen, P. R., Kronenberg, H. M., Melmed, S., Polonsky, K. S. Eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology , 2003, Saunders, Philadelphia, pp. 530–531.

    Stewart P. M. , '', in Williams Textbook of Endocrinology , (2003 ) -.

  • Aron, D. C.: Diagnostic implications of adrenal physiology and clinical epidemiology for evaluation of glucocorticoid excess and deficiency. In DeGroot, L. J., Jameson, J. L. Eds. Endocrinology . Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, 2001, pp. 1655–1670.

    Aron D. C. , '', in Endocrinology , (2001 ) -.

  • Fiad, T. M., Kirby, J. M., Cunningham, S. K. et al.: The overnight single-dose Metopyrone test is a simple and reliable index of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Clin. Endocrinol., 1994, 40 , 603–609.

    Cunningham S. K. , 'The overnight single-dose Metopyrone test is a simple and reliable index of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis ' (1994 ) 40 Clin. Endocrinol. : 603 -609 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Bangar, V., Clayton, R. N.: How reliable is the short synacthen test for the investigation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis? Eur. J. Endocrinol., 1998, 139 , 580–583.

    Clayton R. N. , 'How reliable is the short synacthen test for the investigation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis? ' (1998 ) 139 Eur. J. Endocrinol. : 580 -583 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Thaler, L. M., Blevins, L. S.: The low dose (1-µg) adrenocorticotropin stimulation test in the evaluation of patients with suspected central adrenal insufficiency. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., 1998, 83 , 2726–2729.

    Blevins L. S. , 'The low dose (1-µg) adrenocorticotropin stimulation test in the evaluation of patients with suspected central adrenal insufficiency ' (1998 ) 83 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. : 2726 -2729 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Soule, S., van Zyl Smit, C., Parolis, G. et al.: The low dose ACTH stimulation test is less sensitive than the overnight metyrapone test for the diagnosis of secondary hypoadrenalism. Clin. Endocrinol., 2000, 53 , 221–227.

    Parolis G. , 'The low dose ACTH stimulation test is less sensitive than the overnight metyrapone test for the diagnosis of secondary hypoadrenalism ' (2000 ) 53 Clin. Endocrinol. : 221 -227 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Hochberg, Z., Pacak, K., Chrousos, G. P.: Endocrine withdrawal syndromes. Endocr. Rev., 2003, 24 , 523–538.

    Chrousos G. P. , 'Endocrine withdrawal syndromes ' (2003 ) 24 Endocr. Rev. : 523 -538 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Papanicolaou, D. A., Tsigos, C., Oldfield, E. H. et al.: Acute glucocorticoid deficiency is associated with plasma elevations of interleukin-6: does the latter participate in the symptomatology of the steroid withdrawal syndrome and adrenal insufficiency? J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., 1996, 81 , 2303–2306.

    Oldfield E. H. , 'Acute glucocorticoid deficiency is associated with plasma elevations of interleukin-6: does the latter participate in the symptomatology of the steroid withdrawal syndrome and adrenal insufficiency? ' (1996 ) 81 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. : 2303 -2306 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Bhattachayya, A., Kaushal, K., Tymms, D. J. et al.: Steroid withdrawal syndrome after successful treatment of Cushing’s syndrome: a reminder. Eur. J. Endocrinol., 2005, 153 , 207–210.

    Tymms D. J. , 'Steroid withdrawal syndrome after successful treatment of Cushing’s syndrome: a reminder ' (2005 ) 153 Eur. J. Endocrinol. : 207 -210 .

    • Search Google Scholar
  • Collapse
  • Expand

Hungarian Medical Journal
Language English
Size  
Year of
Foundation
2007
Publication
Programme
ceased
Volumes
per Year
 
Issues
per Year
 
Publisher Akadémiai Kiadó
Publisher's
Address
H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
Responsible
Publisher
Chief Executive Officer, Akadémiai Kiadó
ISSN 1788-6139 (Print)
ISSN 1789-0403 (Online)