Outcome of Bilateral Adrenalectomy in Cushing’s Syndrome: A Systematic Review

  1. Katrin Ritzel,
  2. Felix Beuschlein,
  3. Anne Mickisch,
  4. Andrea Osswald,
  5. Harald J. Schneider,
  6. Jochen Schopohl and
  7. Martin Reincke

Author Affiliations


  1. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, D-80336 München, Germany
  1. Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Martin Reincke, M.D., Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ziemssenstrasse 1, D-80336 München, Germany. E-mail:Martin.Reincke@med.uni-muenchen.de.

Abstract

Background: The outcome of bilateral adrenalectomy (BADx) in patients with Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is not well characterized.

Methods: A literature search was performed with the search terms “bilateral adrenalectomy” or “total adrenalectomy” and “Cushing’s” or “Cushing.” Immediate and long-term outcomes after BADx in CS were analyzed using descriptive statistics (median [range]).

Results: From 549 screened publications, 37 studies met inclusion criteria (1320 patients, 82% having Cushing’s disease [CD], 13% having ectopic CS, and 5% having primary adrenal hyperplasia).

Surgical morbidity and mortality of BADx (23 studies, 739 patients) were 18% (6–31) and 3% (0–15), respectively. In patients with CD, surgical mortality was below 1%. Although residual cortisol secretion due to accessory adrenal tissue or adrenal remnants was found in 3–34% (5 studies, 236 patients), less than 2% had a relapse of CS.

Symptoms of hypercortisolism (eg, hypertension, obesity, or depression) improved in the majority of the patients after BADx (7 studies, 195 patients). The number of adrenal crises per 100 patient-years was 9.3 (6 studies, 203 patients).

Nelson’s syndrome occurred in 21% (0–47) of the patients (24 studies, 768 patients). Mortality (23 studies, 690 patients) was 17% (0–88) at a follow-up of 41 months (14–294). Remarkably, 46% of the patients died in the first year after surgery. The median ages at death were 62 years (CD) and 53 years (ectopic CS).

Conclusion: BADx is relatively safe and provides adequate success. Excess mortality within the first year after surgery suggests that intensive clinical care for patients after BADx is warranted.

Footnotes

  • For editorial see page 3974

  • Abbreviations:

    BADx
    bilateral adrenalectomy
    BAH
    bilateral adrenal hypercortisolism
    CD
    Cushing’s disease
    CS
    Cushing’s syndrome
    ECS
    ectopic CS
    NS
    Nelson’s syndrome
    QOL
    quality of life
    TSS
    transsphenoidal surgery.

     

From http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/98/10/3939.abstract

Researchers at Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Release New Data on Cushing Syndrome

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Biotech Week — Research findings on Adrenal Gland Diseases are discussed in a new report. According to news reporting originating from Melbourne, Australia, by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, “Stereotactic radiation therapy has emerged as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy for treatment of Cushing disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of this treatment.”

Our news editors obtained a quote from the research from the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, “Records of patients with Cushing disease treated with stereotactic radiation were reviewed. Seventeen patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery.”

According to the news editors, the research concluded: “Ten achieved remission after a mean of 23 (95% confidence interval, 15-31) months, and two developed hormone deficiencies.”

For more information on this research see: Stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of Cushing disease: an Australian experience. Internal Medicine Journal, 2012;42(10):1153-6. (Wiley-Blackwell – www.wiley.com/; Internal Medicine Journal – onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1445-5994)

The news editors report that additional information may be obtained by contacting L. Wein, Dept. of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Additional authors for this research include M. Dally and L.A Bach (see also Adrenal Gland Diseases).

Keywords for this news article include: Melbourne, Treatment, Radiotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Cushing’s Syndrome, Adrenal Gland Diseases, Australia and New Zealand.

Our reports deliver fact-based news of research and discoveries from around the world. Copyright 2013, NewsRx LLC

From http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2013/9/18/researchers_at_department_of_endocrinology_and.htm

Hormonal disorder may make weight loss more challenging

(HealthDay News) — Losing weight is never a piece of cake, but there are some medical conditions that may make it even more difficult.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says these conditions may make weight loss more of a challenge:

  • Hormonal disorders, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease and polycystic ovary syndrome.
  • Cardiovascular problems, including heart-valve disorders and congestive heart failure.
  • Disorders affecting sleep, including obstructive sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome.
  • Eating disorders, such as bulimia and carbohydrate craving syndrome.

Living With Cushing’s disease

ShineOut Cushing's Disease Support Program Enrollment Form at 9.34.13 AM

 

 

ShineOut is an information and support program for people with Cushing’s disease, and their friends and family.

Sign up here: ShineOut

Research and Markets: Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease) – Pipeline Review Report, H1 2013 Edition

Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/rdf6gm/pituitary_acth) has announced the addition of the “Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease) – Pipeline Review, H1 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.

Companies Involved in Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion (Cushing’s Disease) Therapeutics Development

 

  • Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Ipsen S.A.
  • Novartis AG
  • HRA Pharma, SA
  • Cortendo Invest AB

 

Drug Profiles: Product Description, Mechanism of Action and R&D Progress

 

  • LCI-699
  • mifepristone
  • ISIS-GCCRRx
  • Inhibitors of ACTH receptor
  • ketoconazole
  • Next Generation Cortisol Inhibitor
  • pasireotide Long Acting Release

 

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/rdf6gm/pituitary_acth