Diagnosis and Treatment > Medication
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Kolling Institute of Medical Research
Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Summary
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumour that originates from the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland. The most common presentation of MTC is with a single nodule; however, by the time of diagnosis, most have spread to the surrounding cervical lymph nodes. Cushing’s syndrome is a rare complication of MTC and is due to ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion by tumour cells. Cushing’s syndrome presents a challenging diagnostic and management issue in patients with MTC. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) previously used for the management of metastatic MTC have become an important therapeutic option for the management of ectopic ACTH in metastatic MTC. The article describes three cases of ectopic ACTH secretion in MTC and addresses the significant diagnostic and management challenges related to Cushing’s syndrome in metastatic MTC.
Learning points:
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Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumour.
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Cushing’s syndrome is a rare complication of MTC that has a significant impact on patients’ morbidity and mortality.
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Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) provide an important therapeutic option for the management of ectopic ACTH in metastatic MTC.
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Summary
Diabetic nephropathy, a microvascular complication of diabetes, is a progressive kidney disease caused by angiopathy of the capillaries in the kidney glomeruli. Herein, we report a case of a 62-year-old patient with a 30 year history of diabetes, who showed a substantial improvement in diabetic nephropathy on administration of 30 g of Astragalus membranaceus extract per day. After 1 month, estimated glomerular filtration rate increased from 47 to 72 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and was subsequently maintained at the 1-month follow-up. Urinary protein levels also decreased following treatment. Herein, we present and discuss the evidence and mechanism of A. membranaceus on diabetic nephropathy in this patient.
Learning points
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Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease.
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are currently used to prevent and delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy. However, their effects are not sufficient to prevent a decline in kidney function.
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Furthermore, combination therapy with an ACE inhibitor and an ARB can produce adverse effects without additional benefits.
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In the early phase of diabetic nephropathy, administration of Astragalus membranaceus can be a therapeutic option.