CLINICAL AND METABOLIC CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH CUSHING SYNDROME: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Sandro Pinheiro da Costa1; Andrezza Espirito Santo Cucinelli2; Danielle Elias Mendes3; Jéssica Fernanda Mateus Noronha4; Vitória Melissa da Silva Bessa Pinto 5; Maria Kéren Ribeiro Sousa6

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by being a pathology resulting from excessive exposure to endogenous or exogenous corticoids. The investigation of this pathology is carried out in patients who present multiple and progressive signs and symptoms, especially the characteristic ones, such as: unexplained weight gain, accumulation of fat on the face and neck, excessive hair growth, muscle weakness, fatigue, diabetes, menstrual irregularities and emotional problems. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and metabolic alterations in patients with Cushing’s Syndrome. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative literature review carried out in July 2023, using an exploratory and descriptive methodology (PEREIRA, et al., 2018). It includes stages such as establishing the theme and criteria for selecting the sources to be used, data analysis, selection of thematic material, interpretation of results and presentation of the relevant aspects obtained from the review. Initially, studies were searched in the electronic databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs) and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline). Initially, the following descriptors were selected: Cushing’s Syndrome OR Cushing’s Syndrome OR Cushing’s Syndrome; Signs and Symptoms OR Signes et symptômes OR signos y síntomas and Physiology OR Physiology OR Fisiología. using the Boolean operator “AND”. RESULTS: The clinical picture of CS will depend on the potency of the corcoid used, the route of administration and its duration. In general, it is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory and psychiatric complications, as well as osteoporosis and infections with a high degree of morbidity and mortality CONCLUSION: Cushing’s syndrome presents a diversity of signs and symptoms, profoundly affecting the quality of life of sufferers. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, in order to alleviate the suffering of those affected and improve their long-term health. It is important to promote a more effective and compassionate approach to patients.

Keywords: Cushing’s Syndrome; Signs and Symptoms; Physiology.