Cushing's disease is an endocrine disorder requiring appropriate treatment to prevent dangerous complications. Before surgical or pharmacological intervention is possible, however, emergency treatment of symptoms serious enough to be an imminent threat to your health is imperative. One such symptom of Cushing's disease is severe hypokalemia, or a low serum potassium level, the treatment of which involves intravenous potassium replacement therapy. Therefore, although unlikely, the potential for an overdose of the electrolyte during this intervention does exist.
Cushing's Disease
Cushing's disease results from an enlargement or tumor of your pituitary, which causes the gland to produce and release higher than normal amounts of adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH. Because ACTH stimulates your adrenal glands to release the stress hormone cortisol, a high level of ACTH precipitates an abnormally high level of cortisol. In normal amounts, cortisol is vital for body processes like healthy metabolism and immune system function. Exposure to high amounts of cortisol over time, however, inhibits these and other body processes, putting your health at serious risk.
Manifestations
Manifestations of Cushing's disease include thinning of your arms and legs, obesity of your upper body, acne, frequent bruising, headache, fatigue and depression. Weakening of your bones and muscles, back pain, increased thirst and increased urination are also common symptoms. Women may experience menstrual irregularities and abnormal hair growth. In men, the disorder negatively affects libido and causes impotence. Progression of Cushing's disease leads to serious complications like hypertension, kidney stones, diabetes, bone fractures and infection. The disease also impairs the ability of your kidneys to maintain optimal levels of potassium in your blood. Hypokalemia, or a low serum potassium level, results.
Hypokalemia
A low potassium level is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle weakness and constipation. Left untreated, and especially in the presence of existing heart disease, hypokalemia secondary to Cushing's disease becomes severe enough to cause a dangerous disruption in your heart's regular rate and rhythm, a potentially fatal situation warranting emergency medical treatment. Muscle damage and paralysis, including that of your lungs, are also life-threatening manifestations of the electrolyte imbalance.
Complications of Treatment
Profound hypokalemia is potentially fatal and requires timely intravenous replacement of potassium. Although unlikely, rapid administration of potassium carries the potential for overdose. If this happens, your body will likely respond by vomiting in an effort to eliminate the excess potassium. For this reason, a potassium overdose is not usually life-threatening. However, if your body retains the excess potassium, you are at risk for hyperkalemia. The opposite of hypokalemia; hyperkalemia is equally dangerous. Immediate treatment of the electrolyte imbalance is necessary to prevent serious complications, which also include an irregular heartbeat and possible cardiac arrest. Once your doctor stabilizes your potassium, he can proceed with treatment to correct the underlying cause of your Cushing's disease.
