CONTEXT: Autoimmune diseases frequently improve during active Cushing's syndrome. Several studies have reported new onset or exacerbation of these conditions upon cortisol normalization. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with autoimmune or allergic diseases after Cushing's syndrome remission. METHODS: Consecutive cases of confirmed Cushing's syndrome were characterized. A review of the literature was conducted to identify previous descriptions of immune dysfunction upon remission and evidence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis influence on the immune system. RESULTS: Among 66 patients who achieved Cushing's syndrome remission, the incidence of immune dysfunction was 16.7%, where eight cases (72.7%) were noted for the first time and three (27.3%) were exacerbated. All had an ACTH-dependent cause. Glucocorticoids reduce proinflammatory cytokines and interact with other transcription factors affecting T cell and mast cell survival. CONCLUSION: Hypercortisolism induces a state of immunosuppression. After Cushing's syndrome remission, rebound immunity frequently results in overt conditions extending beyond thyroid dysfunction.
CONTEXT: Autoimmune diseases frequently improve during active Cushing's syndrome. Several studies have reported new onset or exacerbation of these conditions upon cortisol normalization. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with autoimmune or allergic diseases after Cushing's syndrome remission. METHODS: Consecutive cases of confirmed Cushing's syndrome were characterized. A review of the literature was conducted to identify previous descriptions of immune dysfunction upon remission and evidence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis influence on the immune system. RESULTS: Among 66 patients who achieved Cushing's syndrome remission, the incidence of immune dysfunction was 16.7%, where eight cases (72.7%) were noted for the first time and three (27.3%) were exacerbated. All had an ACTH-dependent cause. Glucocorticoids reduce proinflammatory cytokines and interact with other transcription factors affecting T cell and mast cell survival. CONCLUSION:Hypercortisolism induces a state of immunosuppression. After Cushing's syndrome remission, rebound immunity frequently results in overt conditions extending beyond thyroid dysfunction.
Authors: Lynnette K Nieman; Beverly M K Biller; James W Findling; M Hassan Murad; John Newell-Price; Martin O Savage; Antoine Tabarin Journal: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Date: 2015-07-29 Impact factor: 5.958
Authors: Jessica K Lambert; Levana Goldberg; Sofia Fayngold; Jane Kostadinov; Kalmon D Post; Eliza B Geer Journal: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Date: 2013-02-07 Impact factor: 5.958
Authors: Sara K Bartz; Lefkothea P Karaviti; Mary L Brandt; Monica E Lopez; Prakash Masand; Sridevi Devaraj; John Hicks; Lauren Anderson; Maya Lodish; Meg Keil; Constantine A Stratakis Journal: Int J Pediatr Endocrinol Date: 2015-08-26