Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome and Corticosteroid Use

Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome is the most common form of this disorder. The term iatrogenic means that the disease is caused by medical treatment. In the case of Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome, the disease is a result of overuse of corticosteroids prescribed by a medical physician to treat unrelated disorders.

Doctors commonly prescribe corticosteroid medications for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. These medications are also used after organ transplants to suppress the immune system and lessen the risk of organ rejection.

Symptoms of Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome

The symptoms of Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome can be quite remarkable and cause changes in your appearance such as:

• An accumulation of fat located between your shoulder blades in upper back area. This area resembles a buffalo's hump and is sometimes referred to in this way.
• Your face may become red and puffy, a phenomenon commonly referred to as having a moon face.
• The upper torso may become obese while the legs and arms stay thin
• Women may experience abnormal and heavy growth of hair on the face and neck as well as on the chest, belly, and upper legs.
• Purple colored markings may appear on the skin overlying the breasts, belly, and upper legs. Your doctor will referred to these markings as striae
• Other changes to the skin may include acne, infections or skin that bruises easily.

Other symptoms of Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome may include:

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Decreased sex drive or impotence
• Irregularities in a woman's menstrual cycle
• Back pain
• Bone pain
• Osteoporosis
• Depression, anxiety, or mental deterioration

Differentiating Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome From Endogenous Cushing Syndrome

Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome is caused by prolonged or overuse of corticosteroids. The endogenous form of this disease is the result of a tumor located on the pituitary gland or the adrenal gland, which causes the overproduction of the hormone cortisol. The symptoms are similar for both forms of the disease.

Treatment of Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome

If the symptoms are a result of a tumor, surgery is typically used to remove the tumor if possible. If symptoms are the result of over use of corticosteroids, your doctor will work with you to gradually wean you off of the drugs.

If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms and you are taking corticosteroids, you should not discontinue taking the medication without first discussing the matter with your doctor. You can worsen your situation if you rapidly stop this or any prescription drug.

If you have a medical condition that requires the use of corticosteroids, you may not be able to stop taking the medication. In this case, your doctor will need to monitor your condition often and watch that your cholesterol and blood sugar levels stay under control and that your bones are not losing density due to the prolonged drug use.