Pediatric Cushing's syndrome: clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.
Cushing's syndrome (CS) results from prolonged exposure to supraphysiological levels of circulating glucocorticoids, endogenously or exogenously derived. Although rare in childhood, CS remains a difficult condition to diagnose and treat. A multidisciplinary approach and close collaboration with adult colleagues is adopted at most large centres that manage pediatric CS patients. Although pediatric protocols are derived from adult data, significant differences exist between adult and childhood CS. Furthermore, long term outcome parameters including final height, bone mineral density, reproductive function, body composition and psychological health pose challenges for pediatric care. This article will aim to provide an overall view of pediatric CS highlighting some of the differences between adult and pediatric CS.
Chan
Li F
LF
Department of Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, St Bartholomew's and The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry. l.chan@qmul.ac.uk
Storr
Helen L
HL
Grossman
Ashley B
AB
Savage
Martin O
MO
D000236:Adenoma / Q000150:complications; D000293:Adolescent; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology; D000367:Age Factors; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D003480:Cushing Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D047748:Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000150:complications