Short Description

It is a screening test to document true hypersecretion of cortisol. Patients with Cushing syndrome of any cause will fail to suppress their cortisol secretion with a low dose of dexamethasone.

PreTest Information

Patient to take tablet Dexamethasone orally at 11 pm at night and come for test next morning at 8 am. Patient should not be on steroid therapy.

Detail Description

CORTISOL SUPPRESSION BY DEXAMETHASONE OVERNIGHT LOW DOSE

Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that is used to suppress the production of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a role in regulating the body's response to stress. Excessive production of cortisol can lead to a variety of health problems, including high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and immune system suppression.

One of the ways that cortisol production can be suppressed is through the use of dexamethasone. This drug is administered in a low dose overnight, and a blood test is performed the next morning to measure cortisol levels. If cortisol levels are suppressed, it may indicate that the patient has a condition known as Cushing's syndrome, which is characterized by excessive cortisol production.

Test Cost

The cost of the cortisol suppression test using dexamethasone overnight low dose is INR 643.5 in DNA Labs India.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Cushing's syndrome can vary from person to person, but may include:

• Weight gain, particularly around the midsection and upper back
• Round, red, full face (moon face)
• Slow growth in children
• Acne or skin infections
• Muscle weakness
• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• Increased thirst and urination
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods in women
• Decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction in men

Diagnosis

If a patient presents with symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, a cortisol suppression test may be ordered to help diagnose the condition. The test involves taking a low dose of dexamethasone overnight and then measuring cortisol levels the next morning. If cortisol levels are suppressed, it may indicate that the patient has Cushing's syndrome.

Additional testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• 24-hour urine cortisol test
• Salivary cortisol test
• Dexamethasone suppression test
• MRI or CT scan of the brain or adrenal glands

Early diagnosis and treatment of Cushing's syndrome is important to prevent complications and improve quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.

At DNA Labs India, we offer a variety of diagnostic tests to help identify and manage endocrine disorders like Cushing's syndrome. Contact us today to learn more.