Cushing's Syndrome - Exogenous
Alternate Names : Corticosteroid-Induced Cushing's Syndrome, Cushing's Syndrome - Corticosteroid Induced, Iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome
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Treatment
The suggested treatment is slow withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy under medical supervision. In situations where the medication cannot be discontinued because of the underlying disease (for example, if steroids are needed to treat severe asthma), every effort should be made to reduce the possibilty of developing complications.
Excess glucocortoids can raise blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and increase bone loss.
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High blood sugar should be treated aggressively with diet, oral medications, and/or insulin
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High cholesterol should be treated with diet and/or medications
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Most experts recommend treating patients who will be on steroids for longer than 4-6 weeks in with medication to prevent bone loss (e.g., bisphosphonates like alendronate or risedronate). This will reduce the risk of fracture.
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