The Diagnostic Performance of Screening Tests for the Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome
18 Years
75 Years
Both
Cushing's Syndrome
Trial Information
The Diagnostic Performance of Screening Tests for the Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by a variety of clinical signs and
symptoms that reflect chronic exposure to hypercortisolism such as obesity, hypertension,
glucose intolerance, infections, psychiatric disturbance, impaired cognition and
hypercoagulability. Thus, it is important to screen for this treatable disorder so as to
prevent its associated morbidity and mortality. Because many of the signs of Cushing's
syndrome are common in the general population, information about the cost-effectiveness and
diagnostic efficiency of various screening tests would be useful.
This study will evaluate the diagnostic performance of various screening tests for Cushing's
syndrome in overweight patients recruited from a weight loss center who have additional
signs of the disorder. Patients with abnormal tests will be seen as outpatients at the NIH
for further evaluation for up to two years to confirm or refute the possibility that they
have Cushing's syndrome. Patients with the disorder will be treated.
Inclusion Criteria
- INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Patients presenting for weight loss treatment at the GWUWMP
Patients must have at least two of the signs and symptoms in Table 1 of the protocol, in
addition to weight gain. If abdominal pain, backache and/or headache are present, only
one of these symptoms can be used in any given patient, so that another feature must be
present.
Willing and able to be seen for up to 24 months
Age 18-75
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Weight more than 350 pounds, the maximum weight for radiologist examination tables
necessary for the evaluation of Cushing's Syndrome
Renal failure, creatinine greater than 2.6, because of possible effects on dexamethasone
metabolism
Pregnancy, because it alters interpretation of adrenal function tests
Current use of oral, inhaled or intranasal glucocorticoids or use within 30 days of study
Other significant medical disorders that may complicate participation or interpretation of
the results. For example, a patient with a collagen vascular disorder who has taken
intermittent high dose glucocorticoids, and might need to do this again, might not be
offered participation.
Use of black licorice or chewing tobacco within two weeks of the study or anticipated use
during the study
Use of phenytoin, barbiturate, loperamide or opiates within two weeks of the study or
anticipated chronic use during the study.
Type of Study:
Observational
Study Design:
N/A
Principal Investigator
Lynnette K Nieman, M.D.
Investigator Role:
Principal Investigator
Investigator Affiliation:
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Authority:
United States: Federal Government
Study ID:
020309
NCT ID:
NCT00361777
Start Date:
September 2002
Completion Date:
Related Keywords:
- Cushing's Syndrome
- Cortisol
- Dexamethasone
- Obesity
- Pseudo-Cushing State
- Hypercortisolism
- Cushing's Syndrome
- Cushing Syndrome
- Cushing Syndrome
Name | Location |
|---|---|
| National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike | Bethesda, Maryland 20892 |
| GW University Medical Center GW Hospital Center | Washington, District of Columbia 20037 |
