The dexamethasone inhibition test is an examination that is performed when hypercortisolism is suspected. Hypercortisolism, also known as Cushing’s syndrome, is a condition that is associated with elevated cortisol levels. The increased cortisol level has a negative influence on the metabolism of the human body and it becomes unbalanced. Various symptoms can occur, such as … The dexamethasone inhibition test
The preparation There are a few points to consider in the preparation. The patient should be fasting when taking the blood sample so that the values are not falsified. However, sufficient water (no coffee, no other sweet drinks such as orange juice) should be drunk. An increased amount of liquid makes it easier to take … The preparation | The dexamethasone inhibition test
The risks Risks in a dexamethasone test are not known. Hypersensitivity to the active substance can lead to allergic reactions. What are the alternatives? There are alternative test methods available – such as a cortisol determination in the 24-hour urine collection, a so-called CRH test and an insulin hypoglycaemia test. They are best carried out … The risks | The dexamethasone inhibition test
Blood changes Serious changes in the blood count are rather rare in Cushing’s syndrome. Rather, changes in laboratory values at the beginning of a glucocorticoid therapy can be observed. Since it is usually initiated due to an excessive immune reaction of the body with inflammatory symptoms, a significant reduction of the inflammatory parameters can be … Blood changes | Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
Psychological changes Psychological changes are quite common side effects of glucocorticoids. However, it depends strongly on the individual case how the effect on the psyche is expressed in detail. The most frequent is the development from a depressive mood to a manifest depression. However, a rather sad mood and a lack of drive do not … Psychological changes | Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome
Synonyms in a broader sense English: Cushing’s syndrome Hypercortisolism Cushing’s disease Endocrine and exocrine Cushing’s syndrome Definition In Cushing’s syndrome (Cushing’s disease) there is too much cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the body itself, but is also used as a drug, for example to suppress inflammatory reactions. Overactivity … Cushing’s Syndrome
What is the Cushing’s threshold? Cushing’s syndrome describes a group of symptoms caused by an excessive level of cortisone in the blood. The symptoms are, for example, the development of diabetes mellitus, or a full moon face, trunk obesity, stretch marks on the stomach or osteoporosis. The most common reason for the occurrence of Cushing’s … What is the Cushing’s threshold? | Cushing’s Syndrome
Diagnosis If a Cushing’s syndrome is suspected, it must first be clarified whether the symptoms are caused by a drug-based cortisol therapy or not. If the patient takes cortisone regularly, an ectopic Cushing’s syndrome is most likely present. Special examinations are carried out if the patient is not treated with cortisol but has typical symptoms … Diagnosis | Cushing’s Syndrome
Therapy If cortisol is given as a drug, a reduction of the dose may be considered to reduce the symptoms of the cushing-. syndrome. If the disease is based on a hormone-producing tumour, surgery should be performed for the causal treatment of Cushing’s syndrome: The adrenal gland or pituitary tumour is removed surgically. The hormones … Therapy | Cushing’s Syndrome
What is the life expectancy for Cushing’s syndrome? Life expectancy in Cushing’s syndrome depends on the cause of the Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome can be caused by long-term use of excessive amounts of glucocorticoids, which have the same effect as cortisone in the body. In this case Cushing’s syndrome is curable by discontinuing the medication … What is the life expectancy for Cushing’s syndrome? | Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s syndrome in horses Cushing’s syndrome is also a comparatively common metabolic disorder in horses. The excess of the hormone cortisone has similar effects on the metabolic processes as in humans or many other animals. Metabolic processes involved in fertility, sugar and fat metabolism, the immune system and many other body processes are also disturbed. … Cushing’s syndrome in horses | Cushing’s Syndrome
Overview of typical symptoms Truncal obesity Moon Face Poor healing of skin defects Muscle loss (thin arms and legs compared to healthy people of the same age) Skin changes (thin parchment skin and tendency to bruising) Psychological changes (from mood swings to depression, in children often: aggressive behaviour) Clouding of the eye lens (cataract) Osteoporosis … Symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome