CLINICAL, BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PATTERNS OF CORTICOSTEROID USE IN CHILDREN WITH EXOGENOUS CUSHING SYNDROME
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Abstract
Exogenous Cushing’s syndrome is a common endocrine-metabolic disorder in children, caused by prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs).
Objective: to describe the clinical, biochemistry characteristics and situation of GCs use in children with exogenous Cushing’s syndrome.
Subjects: 103 children with exogenous Cushing’s syndrome at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital and Vietnam National Children’s Hospital.
Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Results: median age: 6.33 years old, 53.4% male. Respiratory and ENT diseases were the most common reasons for GCs using (42%). The most common route of administration was oral (61.2%). 37.9% of cases were self-administered without a doctor’s prescription. Common manifestations included: round face (83.5%), hirsutism (81.6%), and overweight/obesity (62.1%). Laboratory findings: decreased serum cortisol 8h (40.4%), increased cholesterol (40.4%), triglyceride (25%) level.
Conclusion: Exogenous Cushing’s syndrome in children is associated with characteristic morphological changes and numerous significant endocrine and metabolic disorders. The misuse of GCs remains quite common, managing use of GCs plays a crucial role in preventing and early detecting complications, thereby minimizing long-term consequences for children’s health.
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Keywords
Exogenous Cushing’s syndrome, children, glucocorticoids
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