I had surgery for Cushings, why do I have to take steroid (cortisol) replacement (hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone or dexamethasone)?
This is the best outcome after pituitary surgery. It means that the tumor has been removed completely and that the rest of the gland is still suppressed (relatively “asleep”). It may take several months for the normal ACTH producing cells to regain function. In the mean time, steroid replacement is necessary to protect against adrenal insufficiency (steroid is necessary for normal life). At a later date, the need for continued steroid replacement is determined by blood tests. If a person has to take steroid replacement (hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone) he/she should wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace, which identifies the need for steroid treatment.
.A patient cured of Cushing’s disease should have very little if any measurable cortisol. Once the tumor has been removed completely ,the rest of the pituitary gland is still suppressed (relatively “asleep”). Because the high cortisol levels from Cushing’s will cause the normal part of the pituitary gland that makes ACTH to shut down. it may take several months for the normal ACTH producing cells to start functioning again. In the mean time, steroid replacement is necessary to protect against too little cortisol (adrenal insufficiency). In patients cured of Cushing’s disease, taking cortisol replacement is essential for life. At a later date, the need for continued steroid replacement is determined by blood tests. Most, but not all patients who are cured of Cushing’s disease will not need steroids after a year is over and sometimes sooner If a person has to take steroid replacement (hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone) he/she should wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace, whic
Related Questions
- I had pituitary surgery for Cushings, why do I have to take steroid (cortisol) replacement (hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone or dexamethasone)?
- I had surgery for Cushings, why do I have to take steroid (cortisol) replacement (hydrocortisone (Cortef), prednisone or dexamethasone)?
- I had surgery for Cushings, why do I have to take steroid (cortisol) replacement (hydrocortisone, prednisone, and dexamethasone)?