Cushing's syndrome due to prednisone : Wondering if... - PMRGCAuk

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Cushing's syndrome due to prednisone

carolpatriarco01 profile image
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Wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome after being on prednisone. I've been on 20 mg.s prednisone since 7/17 for PMR until 3 weeks ago ... now on 10mg.s. Does everyone get Cushing's while on prednisone long term?

Thank you

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carolpatriarco01
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PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Most people will develop some Cushingoid signs when on higher dose pred. It is due to the excess of corticosteroid so mostly happens above about 7..5mg which is the same as the body produces of cortisol. its natural steroid which is essential for life. Cushings syndrome is just the name for the various signs - weight gain in particular places, moon face, male pattern hair growth and so on. They go when the dose is reduced.

If you have been on 20mg pred for PMR since last July it is hardly surprising - why on earth was the dose not reduced slowly after about 4 weeks? That would be the normal procedure rather than leave the patient on a high dose for months and then drop the dose so precipitately. Did you have no problems with reducing so much so quickly?

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Hi,

I had the signs at high doses - lot higher than 20mg. My Rheumy mentioned it in letter to GP, and muttered it at me, but didn't seem unduly concerned. As PMRpro says is goes as you reduce the Pred, so don't get it a tizz about it!

Fortunately I only had the moon-face, but that's bad enough at the time!

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