Cushing's disease: clinical and laboratory response to bromocriptine therapy

J Endocrinol Invest. 1984 Dec;7(6):585-8. doi: 10.1007/BF03349490.

Abstract

Four patients with Cushing's disease were treated with bromocriptine, administered three times daily, in doses ranging from 7.5 to 15 mg/day, during an average period of 80 days. Daily urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) and 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) excretion was measured during dynamic tests and at two-week intervals. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels were also assayed before and after therapy. A marked clinical and laboratory improvement was noted in two patients, in another some clinical and laboratory improvement was obtained only after bromocriptine dosage was increased to 15 mg/day. There was no effect in the fourth patient. Thus, at least for a short period of time, bromocriptine may be useful therapy for some patients with Cushing's disease.

MeSH terms

  • 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids / urine
  • 17-Ketosteroids / urine
  • Adolescent
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Adult
  • Bromocriptine / administration & dosage
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use*
  • Cushing Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Dexamethasone
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Male
  • Metyrapone

Substances

  • 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids
  • 17-Ketosteroids
  • Bromocriptine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Metyrapone