gms | German Medical Science

Objective: The objective was to determine whether perioperative levels of DHEAS correlate with levels of ACTH and cortisol and therefore are useful as a new marker for cure in patients suffering from Cushing's disease.

Methods: 15 consecutive patients suffering from Cushing's disease were treated at our department from September 2009 to March 2010 and were perioperatively monitored for ACTH, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterol-sulfate (DHEAS), a precursor of testosterone, androgens and estrogen.

Preoperative and early postoperative ACTH, cortisol and DHEAS levels were correlated with each other to determine the usefulness of DHEAS as a parameter in patients suffering from Cushing's disease.

Results: 15 consecutive patients were included. All were treated for Cushing's disease via a transsphenoidal approach. Pre- and postoperative blood checks revealed high normal to elevated levels of ACTH (mean: 52ng/l), cortisol (mean: 217μg/l) and DHEAS (mean: 2.23 mg/l) according to the pathology of Cushing's disease. Postoperative blood checks showed decreased levels of ACTH down to 17.3% (mean: 9 ng/l) of its preoperative level. DHEAS levels decreased down to 16.5% (mean: 0.37 mg/l) and cortisol levels were reduced to 6.45% (mean: 14μg/l) of its preoperative level.

Conclusions: Due to the relatively low case number, we cannot yet make a statistically significant statement. Nevertheless, these results are promising and DHEAS could be a useful marker in the diagnosis and follow up of these patients.