Could you Shed Some Light on Cushing’s Disease?

Posted on April 14, 2014 by MaryO

Dear Dr. Roach: Could you shed some light on Cushing’s disease? Four people in the same family have it. The doctors say it has something to do with the thyroid gland.

— Anon.

A: Cushing’s syndrome, which is different from Cushing’s disease, is an excess of cortisone or similar corticosteroids. It can be caused by taking too much steroid for too long, usually as treatment for a serious medical condition. Cushing’s disease is a special case of Cushing’s syndrome, when the excess cortisone is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, which spurs the adrenal gland to make excess amounts of hormone. Weight gain, almost exclusively in the abdomen, a striking round “moon” face, a fat pad on the back of the neck and upper back (“buffalo hump”), diabetes, pigmented stretch marks and high blood pressure are common findings in any form of Cushing’s syndrome.

It is very unusual for Cushing’s disease to run in families. Also, it does not affect the thyroid, although thyroid conditions can sometimes mimic Cushing’s (and vice versa). I suspect that what this might be is a rare condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN-1). This does run in families, and combines risk for pituitary, parathyroid and pancreatic islet cell tumors. (The parathyroid glands sit on top of the thyroid gland and secrete parathyroid hormone, responsible for calcium metabolism. The pancreatic islet cells are where insulin is made.) Not everybody with MEN-1 will have tumors in all of these glands. Parathyroid tumors are the most common.

An endocrinologist is the expert in Cushing’s and the MEN syndromes.

​Dr. Keith Roach writes for North America Syndicate. Send letters to Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or email ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.

From http://herald-review.com/news/opinion/editorial/columnists/roach/dr-keith-roach-teeth-grinding-is-common-in-the-elderly/article_bef63ba4-9b5e-5bff-b66a-3530be158857.html

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What would Harvey Cushing say about Cushing’s disease today?

Posted on April 3, 2014 by MaryO

harvey-book

(BPT) – More than 80 years ago renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Harvey Cushing, discovered a tumor on the pituitary gland as the cause of a serious, hormone disorder that leads to dramatic physical changes in the body in addition to life-threatening health concerns. The discovery was so profound it came to be known as Cushing’s disease. While much has been learned about Cushing’s disease since the 1930s, awareness of this rare pituitary condition is still low and people often struggle for years before finding the right diagnosis.

Read on to meet the man behind the discovery and get his perspective on the present state of Cushing’s disease.

* What would Harvey Cushing say about the time it takes for people with Cushing’s disease to receive an accurate diagnosis?

Cushing’s disease still takes too long to diagnose!

Despite advances in modern technology, the time to diagnosis for a person with Cushing’s disease is on average six years. This is partly due to the fact that symptoms, which may include facial rounding, thin skin and easy bruising, excess body and facial hair and central obesity, can be easily mistaken for other conditions. Further awareness of the disease is needed as early diagnosis has the potential to lead to a more favorable outcome for people with the condition.

* What would Harvey Cushing say about the advances made in how the disease is diagnosed?

Significant progress has been made as several options are now available for physicians to use in diagnosing Cushing’s disease.

In addition to routine blood work and urine testing, health care professionals are now also able to test for biochemical markers – molecules that are found in certain parts of the body including blood and urine and can help to identify the presence of a disease or condition.

* What would Harvey Cushing say about disease management for those with Cushing’s disease today?

Patients now have choices but more research is still needed.

There are a variety of disease management options for those living with Cushing’s disease today. The first line and most common management approach for Cushing’s disease is the surgical removal of the tumor. However, there are other management options, such as medication and radiation that may be considered for patients when surgery is not appropriate or effective.

* What would Harvey Cushing say about the importance of ongoing monitoring in patients with Cushing’s disease?

Routine check-ups and ongoing monitoring are key to successfully managing Cushing’s disease.

The same tests used in diagnosing Cushing’s disease, along with imaging tests and clinical suspicion, are used to assess patients’ hormone levels and monitor for signs and symptoms of a relapse. Unfortunately, more than a third of patients experience a relapse in the condition so even patients who have been surgically treated require careful long-term follow up.

* What would Harvey Cushing say about Cushing’s disease patient care?

Cushing’s disease is complex and the best approach for patients is a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals working together guiding patient care.

Whereas years ago patients may have only worked with a neurosurgeon, today patients are typically treated by a variety of health care professionals including endocrinologists, neurologists, radiologists, mental health professionals and nurses. We are much more aware of the psychosocial impact of Cushing’s disease and patients now have access to mental health professionals, literature, patient advocacy groups and support groups to help them manage the emotional aspects of the disease.

Learn More

Novartis is committed to helping transform the care of rare pituitary conditions and bringing meaningful solutions to people living with Cushing’s disease. Recognizing the need for increased awareness, Novartis developed the “What Would Harvey Cushing Say?” educational initiative that provides hypothetical responses from Dr. Cushing about various aspects of Cushing’s disease management based on the Endocrine Society’s Clinical Guidelines.

For more information about Cushing’s disease, visit www.CushingsDisease.com or watch educational Cushing’s disease videos on the Novartis YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/Novartis.

 

From http://www.jsonline.com/sponsoredarticles/health-wellness/what-would-harvey-cushing-say-about-cushings-disease-today8087390508-253383751.html

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Through The Art Of Makeup, People With Rare Pituitary Disorders Now Have Unique Resources To Help Address Common Physical And Emotional Changes

Posted on March 24, 2014 by MaryO

Did you know that applying contour powder on certain areas of your face, like the outer rim of the jaw, along the hairline or along the hollows of the cheek, can help make enlarged features less noticeable? Seems like a basic makeup tip, right? Well, to a person with a pituitary disorder that dramatically changes one’s facial features, this type of information may make a major difference – not only physically, but also psychologically.

This is why Novartis has teamed up with Kevyn Aucoin Beauty (KAB) to bring The Highlights Project to those living with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease. The program offers a variety of virtual tools such as makeup suggestions from professional artists and video demonstrations. These resources address common concerns expressed by patients while also educating about these rare, but serious pituitary disorders.

Kevyn Aucoin, founder of KAB and famed Hollywood makeup legend, was diagnosed with acromegaly in 2001 at the age of 40 and passed away less than 12 months later. Aucoin believed in the transformative nature of makeup and saw it as a reflection of both inner and outer beauty. In this spirit, The Highlights Project features a series of makeup tutorials, tips and inspirations designed to help enhance the self-image of pituitary patients. The program also includes the perspective of a psychotherapist who specializes in helping patients with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease.

Like so many other people with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease, Kevyn went undiagnosed for years and faced both emotional and physical challenges as a result of his condition. “Through Kevyn Aucoin Beauty’s partnership with Novartis on The Highlights Project, we hope that we can inspire others living with these pituitary disorders to see their own beauty and view makeup as Kevyn did, not as a mask, but as a tool for discovery,” said Desiree Tordecilla, Executive Vice President, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty.

Acromegaly and Cushing’s disease are pituitary disorders caused by the presence of a noncancerous tumor on the pituitary gland. The symptoms often include highly visual physical changes in the body. For people with acromegaly, enlarged facial features, jaw and brow protrusions, thickening of the skin and skin tags are common. People with Cushing’s disease frequently experience uncontrollable weight gain, facial fullness and redness, a buffalo hump, acne and oily skin. Beyond the external physical changes, these conditions often also cause serious health complications such as cardiovascular issues, fatigue, muscle weakness and cognitive changes. Those living with uncontrolled acromegaly and Cushing’s disease are also at an increased risk of death. Due to the rare nature of these diseases, receiving an accurate diagnosis can be difficult and may take several years – therefore, education and awareness is critical.

The Highlights Project aims to provide support and help those with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease manage the physical manifestations and psychosocial challenges often associated with these conditions.

“As someone who was self-conscious about how unfeminine my facial features appeared, I was amazed by the impact the simple makeup tricks I picked up from The Highlights Project had on my self-esteem,” said Shannon Goodson, who was diagnosed with acromegaly in 2008. “Staying positive, educating yourself about the condition and monitoring hormone levels to ensure the disease is under control are the first steps to empowering yourself and understanding that you are so much more than your diagnosis.”

The mission of The Highlights Project is to help put a face to the challenges those with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease may encounter and serve as a vessel for learning. Novartis is committed to helping to transform the care of rare pituitary conditions and bringing meaningful solutions to patients. To help support acromegaly and Cushing’s disease patients, and learn more about The Highlights Project, visit TheHighlightsProject.com. For more information about these diseases, visit AcromegalyInfo.com and CushingsDisease.com.
Read more from Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/sponsoredarticles/health-wellness/through-the-art-of-makeup-people-with-rare-pituitary-disorders-now-have-unique-resources-to-help-address-common-physical-and-emotional-changes8087390808-251841151.html#ixzz2wtDUV9iF

 

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Botch-up Costs Doctor an Adrenal Gland

Posted on February 7, 2014 by MaryO

Chennai, India: The state consumer forum has asked a Coimbatore hospital to pay 15 lakh to a doctor whose adrenal gland was surgically removed after a botched-up diagnosis.

In May 2006, A Indumathi, an ophthalmologist, started showing symptoms like rapid weight gain, hypertension, joint pain, puffiness of face and fatigue. She approached Kovai Medical Centre & Hospital in Coimbatore, where the consultant endocrinologist conducted various tests. Her condition was diagnosed as Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder, and she was advised to undergo surgery for removal of the left adrenal gland.

On September 18, she was operated on. However, the symptoms persisted and the doctor told her it would take some more time to get relief. She waited three more months, but when her condition worsened, she approached the doctor again. He asked her to undergo another surgery for removing her right adrenal gland.

Not willing to take a chance, Indumathi approached Christian Medical College, Vellore, in December, where doctors told her she was suffering from Cushing’s disease, not syndrome. After a month of treatment, she recovered.

She then approached the state commission saying she was misdiagnosed and because of the wrong surgery, she has to regularly go for blood tests for the rest of her life and could develop life-threatening complications. She said she also incurred medical expense of around 5 lakh and had to leave her medical practice for six months.

Denying the charges, the hospital said tests conducted on her showed she was suffering from Cushing’s syndrome. She, being a doctor, was aware of the test reports and gave consent for surgery, it said.

The state consumer disputes redressal commission bench comprising its president Justice(rtd )RRegupati and judicial member J Jayaram, in a recent order, said after a wrong diagnosis and surgery, the hospital should have been more diligent in reassessment but instead suggested removing the right adrenal gland. The bench said the hospital wrongly diagnosed her and removed “a precious, healthy adrenal gland.”

Stating it was a case of “gross negligence and deficiency in service,” the bench asked the hospital and two doctors to pay Indumathi 4 lakh towards medical and travelling expense, 1 lakh for loss of professional income and 10 lakh for “lifelong mental agony.”

From http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Botch-up-costs-doctor-a-gland-hospital-fined-Rs-15-lakh/articleshow/29925290.cms

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Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease) – Pipeline Review, H2 2013

Posted on November 6, 2013 by MaryO

DUBLIN — Research and Markets  (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/h78zrm/pituitary_acth) has announced the addition of the “Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease) – Pipeline Review, H2 2013” report to their offering.

‘Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease) – Pipeline Review, H2 2013’ provides an overview of the indication’s therapeutic pipeline. This report provides information on the therapeutic development for Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease), complete with latest updates, and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease).

Scope

– A snapshot of the global therapeutic scenario for Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease).

– A review of the Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease) products under development by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.

– Coverage of products based on various stages of development ranging from discovery till registration stages.

– A feature on pipeline projects on the basis of monotherapy and combined therapeutics.

– Coverage of the Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease) pipeline on the basis of route of administration and molecule type.

– Key discontinued pipeline projects.

– Latest news and deals relating to the products.

Reasons to buy

– Identify and understand important and diverse types of therapeutics under development for Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease).

– Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and design effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage.

– Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying players of the most promising pipeline.

– Devise corrective measures for pipeline projects by understanding Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease) pipeline depth and focus of Indication therapeutics.

– Develop and design in-licensing and out-licensing strategies by identifying prospective partners with the most attractive projects to enhance and expand business potential and scope.

– Modify the therapeutic portfolio by identifying discontinued projects and understanding the factors that drove them from pipeline.

Companies Mentioned

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Ipsen S.A.

Novartis AG

Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated

HRA Pharma, SA

Cortendo Invest AB

Orphagen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/h78zrm/pituitary_acth

About Research and Markets

Research and Markets is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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