CUSHING'S SYNDROME

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Cushing's syndrome:

-          Result from excessive secretion of adrenocotical hormones.

-          Caused by hyperplasia of adrenal cortex, the primary lesion may occur in the pituitary gland, causing excess production of ACTH.

-          Caused by tumor of adrenal cortex.

x Clinical Manifestations:

1. Obesity.
2. ''Buffalo hump'' in the neck.
3. Obese trunk, thin arms & legs.
4. Moon face
5. Hypertension
6. Hyperglycemia
7. Hypokalemia
8. Osteoporosis
9. Protein wasting which causes muscle wasting and weakness.
10. Sodium & water retention with – edema.

x Therapeutic Intervention:

1. Reduce dosage of externally administered corticoids.
2. Surgical excision of adrenal tumors ( adrenalectomy)
3. Adrenal enzyme inhibitors.
4. Potassium supplements
5. High protein diet with sodium restriction.

x Diet:

# Protein          # Potassium             $ Sodium