Arte, historia y endocrinología / Art, history and endocrinology

Las enfermedades han sido representadas en el arte desde tiempos remotos. Las obras pictóricas muchas veces nos muestran trastornos que aún no se constituían como una entidad. Observar estos cuadros a la luz de la historia de las enfermedades nos da una perspectiva enriquecedora que nos ayuda a entender mejor dichas patologías. Se comenta un caso clínico endocrinológico pediátrico, la historia probable y su descripción física. Se revisa la historia de cómo se llegó a dilucidar la enfermedad y las claves de su tratamiento.

Diseases have been represented in art since ancient times. Paintings often show us disorders that had not yet been described as a pathological entity. Looking at these pictures in the light of the history of the diseases gives us an enriching perspective that helps us to better understand those pathologies. On this background a pediatric endocrinological clinical case, the most probable history and the features of the physical examination are discussed. The history of how the disease was uncovered and the keys of its treatment are reviewed.

[Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome in a infant due to prolonged use of topical corticosteroids. Case report]. / Síndrome de Cushing iatrogénico en un lactante por uso prolongado de corticoides tópicos. Reporte de caso.

INTRODUCTION: Cushing's syndrome (CS) is an endocrine disease by to glucocorticoids excess, depen dent or independent of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The main cause is iatrogenic due to excessive use of glucocorticoids. OBJECTIVE: To show the association between prolonged use of topical corticosteroids and the development of CS. CLINICAL CASE: An infant treated with topical corticosteroids due to seborrheic dermatitis. Due to long-term unsupervised use, he develops Cushing's syndrome characterized by obesity and compromised growth rate. Topical use of corticosteroids was discontinued and physiological replacement therapy was initiated with descending doses, achieving clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Topical corticosteroids are widely used in clinical practice for management of dermatological pathologies. These are available in various presentations with va riable efficiency. The main determining factors in its action are the characteristics of the skin, the active principle of the drug, the potency and application technique, so that the adverse effects are observed more frequently in the use due to diaper dermatitis. The main adverse effect of long-term use is Cushing's syndrome which can be prevented through supervised use and progressive decrease. CONCLUSION: The rational and careful use of topical corticosteroids is essential to take advantage of the beneficial effects and avoid adverse effects.

Síndrome de Cushing iatrogénico en un lactante por uso prolongado de corticoides tópicos: reporte de caso / Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome in a infant due to prolonged use of topical corticosteroids: case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Cushing (SC) es una patología endocrinológica por exceso de glucocorticoides, dependiente o independiente de hormona corticotropina (ACTH). La principal causa es iatrógenica por uso excesivo de glucocorticoides. OBJETIVO: Evidenciar la asociación entre uso prolongado de corticoides tópicos y desarrollo de SC. CASO CLÍNICO: Lactante mayor previamente sano, quien recibió tratamiento con corticoides tópicos debido a dermatitis seborreica. Debido a uso prolongado no supervisado, evolucionó con síndrome de Cushing caracterizado por obesidad y compromiso de la velocidad de crecimiento. Se suspendió uso tópico y se inició terapia en dosis de sustitución fisiológica en descenso, logrando mejoría clínica. DISCUSIÓN: Los corticoides tópicos se utilizan ampliamente en la práctica clínica para manejo de patologías dermatológicas. Éstos se encuentran disponibles en diversas presentaciones y potencias. Los principales factores determinantes en su acción son: características de la piel, principio activo del medicamento, potencia y técnica de aplicación, por lo que los efectos adversos se observan con mayor frecuencia ante uso por dermatitis del pañal. El principal efecto adverso del uso prolongado es el desarrollo del síndrome de Cushing, pudiendo prevenirse mediante uso supervisado y descenso progresivo. CONCLUSIÓN: Resulta funda mental el uso racional y cuidadoso de los corticoides tópicos para aprovechar los efectos beneficiosos y evitar la aparición de reacciones adversas.

INTRODUCTION: Cushing's syndrome (CS) is an endocrine disease by to glucocorticoids excess, depen dent or independent of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The main cause is iatrogenic due to excessive use of glucocorticoids. OBJECTIVE: To show the association between prolonged use of topical corticosteroids and the development of CS. CLINICAL CASE: An infant treated with topical cor ticosteroids due to seborrheic dermatitis. Due to long-term unsupervised use, he develops Cushing's syndrome characterized by obesity and compromised growth rate. Topical use of corticosteroids was discontinued and physiological replacement therapy was initiated with descending doses, achieving clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Topical corticosteroids are widely used in clinical practice for management of dermatological pathologies. These are available in various presentations with va riable efficiency. The main determining factors in its action are the characteristics of the skin, the active principle of the drug, the potency and application technique, so that the adverse effects are observed more frequently in the use due to diaper dermatitis. The main adverse effect of long-term use is Cushing's syndrome which can be prevented through supervised use and progressive decrease. CONCLUSION: The rational and careful use of topical corticosteroids is essential to take advantage of the beneficial effects and avoid adverse effects.

[Graves’ orbitopathy in pediatrics]. / Orbitopatía de Graves en pediatría.

Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is rare in pediatric patients, however is the most common extrathyroid manifestation of Graves’ disease (GD), being present in 30-67% of patients. GO is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder involving orbital connective and fatty tissues as well as the extraocular muscles. In children, GO is less common and less severe than in adults. The most common symptoms are upper eyelid retraction, conjunctival injection, and proptosis and periorbital edema. Severe complications include dysthyroid optic neuropathy, corneal ulceration and eyeball subluxation. The diagnosis is established by clinical, laboratory and imaging findings. There are no management guidelines for GO in children but adult recommendations include the assessment of clinical activity and its severity, to implement the best treatment. Supportive therapies are intended to relieve symptoms and prevent corneal damage in mild cases. Tobacco exposure should also be avoided. The first line of treatment is systemic administration of corticosteroids in active and severe cases. Other options as somatostatin use and retrobulbar radiation have not been used in children, therefore their use is not recommended.

Orbitopatía de Graves en pediatría / Graves’ orbitopathy in pediatrics

Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is rare in pediatric patients, however is the most common extrathyroid manifestation of Graves’ disease (GD), being present in 30-67% of patients. GO is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder involving orbital connective and fatty tissues as well as the extraocular muscles. In children, GO is less common and less severe than in adults. The most common symptoms are upper eyelid retraction, conjunctival injection, and proptosis and periorbital edema. Severe complications include dysthyroid optic neuropathy, corneal ulceration and eyeball subluxation. The diagnosis is established by clinical, laboratory and imaging findings. There are no management guidelines for GO in children but adult recommendations include the assessment of clinical activity and its severity, to implement the best treatment. Supportive therapies are intended to relieve symptoms and prevent corneal damage in mild cases. Tobacco exposure should also be avoided. The first line of treatment is systemic administration of corticosteroids in active and severe cases. Other options as somatostatin use and retrobulbar radiation have not been used in children, therefore their use is not recommended.