Growth and body composition at diagnosis and postcure in children with Cushing''s syndrome. Issue 1 (February 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Savage, Martin O; Storr, Helen L
• Is Part Of: Pediatric health. Volume 3:Issue 1(2009)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2009-02
• Subjects: body composition -- Cushing''s disease -- Cushing''s syndrome -- growth hormone deficiency -- linear growth -- pituitary surgery; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.2217/17455111.3.1.13
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-5111

Abstract

Pediatric Cushing''s syndrome is rare, but causes considerable morbidity and suffering. This rare endocrine condition presents a challenge to the pediatrician for diagnosis and optimal therapy. There are few pediatric endocrinologists with sufficient experience to manage these cases in isolation and we recommend close consultation with an experienced adult endocrinologist. Early diagnosis of pediatric Cushing''s syndrome will limit its morbidity. Suppression of normal linear growth is a feature in most patients at diagnosis and presents a challenge after cure. Body composition is also disturbed because of abnormal weight gain, reduced muscle mass and frequently subnormal bone mineral density. Successful cure of Cushing''s syndrome can be achieved in over 90% of patients treated in experienced units. Satisfactory postcure catch-up growth in Cushing''s disease patients frequently requires growth hormone therapy. Restoration of normal body composition is more difficult to achieve. These features will be discussed and data presented related to their status at diagnosis and after cure in the pediatric patient with Cushing''s syndrome will be presented.