[Clinical observation on hypercortisolism treated with amino-glutethimide]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hypercortisolism is a complex endocrine disorder requiring effective treatment options.
• Amino-glutethimide (AG) is an antineoplastic agent with potential applications in managing hypercortisolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of amino-glutethimide (AG) in patients with hypercortisolism.

Main Methods:

• A clinical study involving 13 patients diagnosed with hypercortisolism (9 confirmed surgically, 4 clinically).
• Patients received daily dosages of 1.0 to 2.0 g of AG for 8 to 12 weeks.
• Assessed clinical improvements, plasma and urinary corticosteroid levels, testosterone, glucose, insulin, potassium, and bone mineral content.

Main Results:

• Ten of thirteen patients showed clinical improvement.
• Significant decreases in plasma/urinary corticosteroids and testosterone observed after one month, with some fluctuation.
• Normalized serum potassium in hypokalemic patients and improved bone mineral density.
• Blood glucose and serum insulin levels decreased, consistent with corticoid reduction.

Conclusions:

• Amino-glutethimide (AG) demonstrates significant efficacy in treating hypercortisolism, leading to clinical improvement and biochemical normalization.
• The drug is generally well-tolerated, with mild and transient side effects.
• AG offers a viable therapeutic option for hypercortisolism, though adrenal hypofunction is a potential concern.