M Zaman Shaikh, Shabnam Bljarani, Najam Us Seher Ansari.
Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome at Karachi.
Med Channel Jan ;4(2):17-21.

During the span of two years, 30 consecutive patients were seen with Cushing syndrome secondary to prolonged treatment with corticosteroids. Age range was from I1-70 years. Majority of these patients were between 21-40 years and the primary conditions for which they were receiving corticosteriods were bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, other joint diseases and various auto-immune disorders. The prescribers were guacks(43.4%), trained or untrained medical personnel (Chemists, para-medical staff, family physicians), (26.6%) and hakeems (20%). 10% ofpatients were taking steroids as self-medication. It was concluded that iatrogenic Cushing syndr ome is a common condition in Karachi, due to improper use of corticosteriods. These drugs are freely available without prescription of registered doctor at every medical store of the country.

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