Endocrine Abstracts

Cushing’s disease is the main cause of endogenous hypercortisolism. Comorbidities increase morbidity and mortality and the treatment is fundamentally surgical. Patients may use drugs to lower hypercortisolism as pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical treatment when cure is not reached.

Objective: Evaluate the benefits and collateral effects of ketoconazole in Cushing’s disease.

Methods: In 22 patients with Cushing’s disease with mean age of 45.36 years, pre and post-surgical, we compared the group that used ketoconazole (n=15) with another that did not use it (n=07). Diabetes mellitus control, blood pressure, hyperlipemia, body mass index, plasma levels of potassium and basal cortisol were analysed.

Results: Plasma cortisol was the only parameter with significant reduction (P<0.01). There were no collateral or adverse effects in 63.6% of the patients.

Conclusion: The use of ketoconazole permits significant reduction of serum cortisol levels. In order to better evaluate the impact on the control of hypercortisolism and its comorbidities, a higher number of patients must be evaluated for a longer period of time.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.