Clinical relevance of cardiac structure and function abnormalities in patients with Cushing’s syndrome before and after cure

Posted on February 15, 2012 by MaryO

Authors: Toja, Paola M.1; Branzi, Giovanna2; Ciambellotti, Francesca2; Radaelli, Piero3; De Martin, Martina1; Lonati, Laura Maria2; Scacchi, Massimo; Parati, Gianfranco; Cavagnini, Francesco1; Giraldi, Francesca Pecori

Source: Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 76, Number 3, 1 March 2012 , pp. 332-338(7)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

 

Abstract:

Objectives  Sustained hypercortisolism impacts cardiac function, and, indeed, cardiac disease is one of the major determinants of mortality in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical relevance of cardiac structure and function alterations by echocardiography in patients with active Cushing’s syndrome and after disease remission.

Study design  Seventy-one patients (61 women, 10 men) with Cushing’s syndrome and 70 age-, sex- and blood pressure-matched controls were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed in 49 patients with active disease and at several time points after remission in 44 patients (median follow-up 46·4 months), and prevalence of abnormal left ventricular mass measurements and systolic and diastolic functions indices was compared between patients with active disease, after remission and controls. Twenty-two patients were evaluated both before and after remission.

Results  Up to 70% of patients with active Cushing’s syndrome presented abnormal left ventricular mass parameters; 42% presented concentric hypertrophy and 23% concentric remodelling. Major indices of systolic and diastolic functions, i.e. ejection fraction and E/A ratio, respectively, were normal. Upon remission of hypercortisolism, left ventricular mass parameters ameliorated considerably, although abnormal values were still more frequent than in controls. Both cortisol excess and hypertension contribute to cardiac mass alterations and increase the prevalence of target organ damage.

Conclusions  Cushing’s syndrome is associated with an increased risk for abnormalities of cardiac mass, which ameliorates, but does not fully disappear after remission. Systolic and diastolic functions are largely within the normal range in these patients.

 

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04206.x

Affiliations: 1: Ospedale San Luca, Neuroendocrinology Research Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS 2: Department of Cardiology, Ospedale San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS 3: Department of Medical Sciences, University of Milan

Buy this article here: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/cend/2012/00000076/00000003/art00004

Filed under: Cushing's | Leave a comment »

New Endocrinology App

Posted on February 6, 2012 by MaryO

[prMac.com] South Dartmouth, Massachusetts – The Editors of Endotext and Thyroidmanager announce the release of their new medical app, “Endocrinology and Endo Emergency”.

The app provides concise, practical information on endocrine emergencies, and provides the answers needed RIGHT NOW for their care. Each of the 36 topics covered includes the clinical recognition, pathophysiology, diagnosis, differential, treatment, and follow up. In addition, references to available Clinical Guidelines, and important literature citations are provided.

Focusing on the critical information needed at the point of care, the app includes topics such as Cushing’s disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, managing acute type I and type II diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, adrenal insufficiency, hyperthyroidism, thyroid storm, and much more. Key facts are presented in tables and flow-charts to allow quick reference to crucial information.

The app is designed for physicians, nurses, emergency room caregivers, hospitalists, trainees, students, and any caregiver who needs to treat seriously ill patients.

The “Endocrinology and Endo Emergency” mobile application was created by the world-renowned endocrinologists who also brought you ENDOTEXT.ORG and THYROIDMANAGER.ORG, the most comprehensive and up-to-date web-based endocrine textbooks. Endocrinology and Endo Emergency is always updated with the latest information, and updates can be automatically downloaded by users.

To view or purchase the app in the Apple App store (also available for android) or go to endoemergencies website for information and to view a sample section. Qualified reviewers may contact us for promo codes.

* Covers endocrinology and endocrine emergencies

* Provides critical information needed at the point of care

* 36 topics covered

* written by expert endocrinologists from around the world

Device Requirements:
* iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad
* Requires iOS 5.0 or later
* 1.7 MB

 

Pricing and Availability:
Endocrinology & Endo Emergency 1.0 is $5.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Medical category.

Endocrine Emergencies
Thyroid Disease Manager
Endotext Web Book
Purchase and Download
Screenshot
App Icon

Produced and owned by Endocrine Education, Inc. and Mdtext.Com, Inc. Copyright (C) 2012 Endocrine Education, Inc. and Mdtext.Com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPod and iPad are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

From http://prmac.com/release-id-38000.htm

Filed under: adrenal, adrenal crisis, Cushing's | Tagged: , , , | Leave a comment »

Have You Been Diagnosed With Cushing’s? Earn $125 or $250

Posted on February 6, 2012 by MaryO

Update: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 is the last day to call.

We invite you to help us create better information, tools, and resources

for people with Cushing’s Syndrome

  • How: Share your opinions and give input in a one-on-one confidential interview. Your opinions will remain confidential. The overall results will help others with Cushing’s Syndrome. 

  • When: Market research interviews can be conducted by phone or in-person, in a location near you. The interview will last approximately 45 minutes.

  • If you are interested in a phone interview or in-person interview, please contact Clair Carmichael Johnstone (see details below). More information (including cities and locations for in-person interviews) will be provided on the phone. 

  • Am I Eligible? If you’ve been diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome and still experience symptoms of Cushing’s you are eligible to participate. Cushing’s Syndrome includes: Cushing’s Disease, ectopic Cushing’s and adrenal Cushing’s. Patients should have been diagnosed within the last 10 years. 

  • At this time, patients who are in remission, were diagnosed more than 10 years ago, or have had a bilateral adrenalectomy are not eligible for research.

  • Details: Participants eligible for market research will be asked to participate in the 45-minute interview. Patients participate also receive an honorarium (payment) for your time. Those who participate in an in-person interview will be compensated $250 and those who choose a phone interview will receive $125 for their time.

  • Why?  Corcept Therapeutics is interested in hearing from people who suffer from Cushing’s Syndrome in order to improve treatment and information available. This can lead to improved education and resources for those with Cushing’s and physicians treating Cushing’s.

How do I find out more?

If you have questions or would like to participate, please contact Clair Carmichael Johnstone at:

Toll-free number: (800) 856-6706, or

E-mail: cushing@compasshc.com

 

Please provide your name, phone number, and the best times to reach you so we can follow up promptly.

 

Filed under: Cushing's, Interview | Tagged: , , , | Leave a comment »

Dr. Theodore Friedman Interviews

Posted on January 26, 2012 by MaryO

Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D.Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D. has opened a private practice, specializing in treating patients with adrenal, pituitary, thyroid and fatigue disorders. Dr. Friedman has privileges at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Martin Luther King Medical Center. His practice includes detecting and treating hormone imbalances, including hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Friedman is also an expert in diagnosing and treating pituitary disorders, including Cushings disease and syndrome.

Dr. Friedman’s career reflects his ongoing quest to better understand and treat endocrine problems. With both medical and research doctoral degrees, he has conducted studies and cared for patients at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, including the University of Michigan, the National Institutes of Health, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and UCLA’s Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Read Dr. Friedman’s First Guest Chat, November 11, 2003.
Read Dr. Friedman’s Second Guest Chat, March 2, 2004.

Listen to Dr. Friedman First Live Voice Interview, January 29, 2009.
Listen to Dr. Friedman Second Live Voice Interview, March 12, 2009.
Listen to Dr. Friedman Third Live Voice Interview, February 13, 2011.

From http://www.cushie.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1146:dr-theodore-friedman-interviews&catid=10:media&Itemid=18

Filed under: Cushing's, growth hormone, Interview, pituitary, podcast | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Have You Been Diagnosed With Cushing’s? Earn $125-$250

Posted on January 25, 2012 by MaryO

We invite you to help us create better information, tools, and resources for people with Cushing’s Syndrome

How: Share your opinions and give input in a one-on-one confidential interview. Your opinions will remain confidential. The overall results will help others with Cushing’s Syndrome.

When: Market research interviews can be conducted by phone or in-person, in a location near you. The interview will last approximately 45 minutes.

If you are interested in a phone interview or in-person interview, please contact Clair Carmichael Johnstone (see details below). More information (including cities and locations for in-person interviews) will be provided on the phone.

Am I Eligible? If you’ve been diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome and still experience symptoms of Cushing’s you are eligible to participate. Cushing’s Syndrome includes: Cushing’s Disease, ectopic Cushing’s and adrenal Cushing’s. Patients should have been diagnosed within the last 10 years.

At this time, patients who are in remission, were diagnosed more than 10 years ago, or have had a bilateral adrenalectomy are not eligible for research.

Details: Participants eligible for market research will be asked to participate in the 45-minute interview. Patients participate also receive an honorarium (payment) for your time. Those who participate in an in-person interview will be compensated $250 and those who choose a phone interview will receive $125 for their time.

Why? Corcept Therapeutics is interested in hearing from people who suffer from Cushing’s Syndrome in order to improve treatment and information available. This can lead to improved education and resources for those with Cushing’s and physicians treating Cushing’s.

How do I find out more?
If you have questions or would like to participate, please contact Clair Carmichael Johnstone at:
Toll-free number: (800) 856-6706, or
E-mail: cushing@compasshc.com

Please provide your name, phone number, and the best times to reach you so we can follow up promptly.

Filed under: Cushing's, Interview, Rare Diseases | Tagged: , , | Leave a comment »

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