The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
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J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. · Sep 2001
Case ReportsUse of a parenteral propylene glycol-containing etomidate preparation for the long-term management of ectopic Cushing's syndrome.
Chronic severe hypercortisolism is associated with life-threatening infections, diabetes and a high surgical mortality rate. Oral medical therapy can inhibit steroidogenesis and reduce the risk of these complications. However, apart from a few reports using an ethyl alcohol formulation of the iv anesthetic etomidate, there is no well-tested parenteral steroidogenesis inhibitor. ⋯ Suppression of steroidogenesis persisted for at least 14 d and perhaps as long as 6 wk after cessation of the medication. Except for transient myoclonus, the patient tolerated this preparation well. Parenteral propylene glycol containing etomidate can be used safely for a prolonged period to reduce hypercortisolemia in patients unable to take oral medications.