ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the methods of steroid supplement following adrenalectomy in the patients with Cushing syndrome.Methods The methods and outcome of steroid supplement following adrenalectomy in 75 cases of Cushing syndrome were retrospectively reviewed.Results Supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoid was given during the perioperative period,and the dosage was reduced gradually.Prednisone with a dosage of 5 to 7.5 mg was given once a day on discharge.In the patients with adrenocortical adenoma,4 to 15 month of steroid supplement was required.The patients undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy required lifelong steroid supplementation.Steroid withdrawal syndrome occurred during steroid tapering in 8 patients with adrenocortical adenoma,2 of them had normal plasma cortisol level.Conclusion In the patients with Cushing syndrome,even those with normal plasma cortisol level might have steroid withdrawal syndrome episodes during steroid tapering.