Is there any special anaesthetic management for patients with Cushing's Syndrome?
In patients with Cushing's Syndrome special attention must be paid to the care of the skin due to their bruising problems.
Cushingoid patients are usually sensitive to:
- Tape
- Pressure Points
- Excessive Temperature (Blankets)
Cushingoid patients should receive antacids and H2 receptor blockers perioperatively since they are at risk of peptic ulcer disease.
Cushingoid patients are also at risk of thromboses and therefore early mobilisation is encouraged. Support stockings and mini-dose heparin therapy may also be given perioperatively to decrease the risk of thrombosis.
There are many potential anaesthetic problems for patients with Cushing's as summarised below:
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Hypokalaemia (low blood potassium)
- Sodium retention
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Weakness
- Skin fragility
- Thromboses