[Results of treatment of Cushing's syndrome with chloditane and large doses of reserpine]

Abstract

To inhibit corticotropic function of the pituitary and glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex in the treatment of 41 patients with Icenko-Cushing's disease, use was made of the steroidogenesis inhibitor chloditane and high doses of reserpine. The treatment data were compared to the effect of chloditane alone in 40 patients. Inclusion of reserpine into the complex of therapeutic measures led to an appreciable decrease in corticotropin secretion which increased again shortly after the drug discontinuation. The clinical results of the treatment were comparable to those attained with administration of chloditane alone. The majority of patients manifested recurrent disease 3 to 12 months after the treatment was discontinued. Therefore, administration of reserpine as an additional means in the treatment was discontinued. Therefore, administration of reserpine as an additional means in the treatment of Icenko-Cushing's disease by chloditane with a view of a steady inhibition of corticotropic function of the pituitary and the prophylaxis of recurrencies is not desirable. High doses of reserpine may be recommended at the initial stages of the disease treatment in the presence of an extremely high level of blood plasma corticotropin.