Juvenile Cushing's Symptoms & Treatment

Cushing's syndrome is a rare hormonal disorder caused when there is too much of the hormone cortisol in your body. While it is most common in adults, it can affect children.

About

• Cushing's is caused by excessive amounts of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands, and is important for maintaining blood pressure and cardiovascular functions. Many people suffer the symptoms of Cushing's because they take hormones for inflammatory diseases. Others develop Cushing's because of overproduction of cortisol, caused by benign tumors on the pituitary or adrenal glands.

Causes

• Most cases of Cushing's are not inherited but some people develop Cushing's syndrome due to an inherited tendency to develop tumors of the adrenal glands. In Primary Pigmented Micronodular Adrenal Disease, children or young adults develop small cortisol producing tumors.

Symptoms

• Cushing's can cause weight gain, fatigue and skin changes. Children suffering from the disorder often are overweight and and display slow growth rates. Cushing's can lead to serious problems, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, and can result in death if not treated.

Diagnosis

• Physicians measure cortisol levels in the blood and urine. Also, x-rays can be taken of the adrenal and pituitary glands.

Treatment

• Depending on the cause, Cushing's syndrome is treated with medications, surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.