Cushing syndrome occurs when there is too much of the hormone cortisol in the blood. Sometimes called the “stress hormone,” cortisol helps many different tissues and organs in the body respond to change. Cushing syndrome is rare in children.
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What are the signs and symptoms of Cushing syndrome?
Cushing syndrome can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms in children may include:
- Weight gain in the face, neck and upper body
- Fatty pad between the shoulders
- Thin arms and legs
- Slow growth in height
- Reddish purple stretch marks on the arms, chest, belly or thighs
- Round, red face
- Acne
- Thin skin that easily bruises
What causes Cushing syndrome?
Cushing syndrome can be caused by the overuse of corticosteroids, or steroid medications that contain glucocorticoid. Cushing syndrome can also be caused by a tumor. Most tumors that cause Cushing’s syndrome are located in the pituitary or adrenal glands and are not cancerous.
How is Cushing syndrome treated?
Treatment for Cushing syndrome can be surgical or non-surgical and depends on the cause of excess cortisol in the blood. Your child’s endocrinologist will discuss the treatment options with you.
If the cause of your child’s Cushing syndrome is the overuse of corticosteroids, our endocrinology team can work with you to adjust your child’s dosage.
If a tumor is found to be the cause, treatment often involves surgery and radiation therapy to remove the tumor. In some cases, the adrenal glands need to be removed as well. Our experienced surgical team at Connecticut Children’s will work with your family to discuss your child’s treatment options.