World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

A RARE INCIDENTAL CASE OF IATROGENIC CUSHING’S SYNDROME DUE TO METFORMIN USAGE IN WOMAN WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A SINGLE CENTER SCREENING STUDY

Dr. K. Leela Prasad, Dr. Shaik Kareemulla, P. Tejaswini* and E. Kiranmai

ABSTRACT

Cushing syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to high circulating levels of cortisol. The most common cause of cushingoid features is iatrogenic corticosteroid use, while some herbal preparations can also increase circulating corticosteroid levels leading to Cushing syndrome. Actual incidence and prevalence of Cushing syndrome are not known. The best therapy of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome is to taper exogenous steroids. Chronic exposure to steroids can suppress the adrenals functioning and it can take several months for normal adrenal functioning to recover. On under-going clinical rotations in general medicine wards, we retrieve a case of 45 years old female patient presented with complaints of chest pain and headache, giddiness since 1 week, two episodes of vomiting, burning sensation in chest (epigastric region). Patients medical history was reported as shortness of breath since 20 years and current conditions were reported as hypertension and type-2 diabetes mellitus. Past medication history was reported as metformin for diabetes and amlodipine for hypertension since 10 years. Patient presented with events alopecia, weight gain, hearing impairment and fell down due to B/L-cataract while upon treatment with suspected drug metformin. Finally, patient was diagnosed with Metformin Induced Cushing Syndrome that was done depending upon casualty assessment between reported events and suspected drug is probable. However, further studies were warranted for establishing mechanism.

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