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Dexamethasone Suppression Test |
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Dexamethasone Suppression Test - Information on Defination of Dexamethasone Suppression Test and Types of Dexamethasone Suppression Test
Dexamethasone Suppression Test
What is the Dexamethasone Suppression Test
The Dexamethasone suppression test is a diagnostic tool used by medical professionals to identify and differentiate hypercortisol conditions like the various types of Cushing’s syndrome.
The Dexamethasone suppression test measures the response of a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain called ACTH to the adrenal glands. The Dexamethasone suppression test is usually undertaken when doctors suspect an overproduction of cortisol in the body.
The adrenal glands produce cortisol in the body. The cortisol level present in blood plasma regulates the amount of ACTH released by the pituitary gland. If the cortisol levels in the blood are high, ACTH secretion is suppressed. If the cortisol levels fall, ACTH levels increase.
Dexamethasone is a synthetic steroid. This man made steroid shares the same properties as cortisol. Given these shared properties, doctors and health care professionals administer a dosage of Dexamethasone to lower high Cortisol levels in the system.
A Dexamethasone suppression test is also used to determine depression.
Types of Dexamethasone Suppression Tests
There are two types of Dexamethasone suppression tests: the low-dose Dexamethasone suppression test and the high-dose Dexamethasone suppression test. The low dose Dexamethasone suppression test is used to check if the body is overproducing cortisol. The high dose test can determine if the trouble is with the adequate functioning of the pituitary gland. Usually the low dose test is administered following which the cortisol levels are measured.
The low-dose Dexamethasone suppression test is used to determine if the patient’s body is producing too much cortisol. The normal result is a decrease in cortisol levels. If there is no change in levels of cortisol after a low dose test, (and displays an inhibition of cortisol after a high dose test) the patient might have Cushing's disease. The test can be conducted using an overnight method or the standard three day process.
The high-dose Dexamethasone suppression test is used to determine abnormality in the pituitary gland and is undertaken when the pituitary gland secretes excess ACTH. Once the test is conducted, the condition can be elaborated on further.
During a Dexamethasone suppression test procedure patients will receive Dexamethasone from the health care provider (the procedure will either be undertaken in an overnight procedure or by the standard three day process). After the Dexamethasone has been administered and the established test timeframe is completed, the patient’s blood will be collected and the cortisol levels will be studied.
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Submitted on
May 27, 2010 |
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