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Hair Analysis Provides A Historical Record Of Cortisol Levels In Cushing's Syndrome, S. Thomson, G. Koren, L. A. Fraser, M. Rieder, T. C. Friedman, S. H.M. Van Uum

Paediatrics Publications

The severity of Cushing's Syndrome (CS) depends on the duration and extent of the exposure to excess glucocorticoids. Current measurements of cortisol in serum, saliva and urine reflect systemic cortisol levels at the time of sample collection, but cannot assess past cortisol levels. Hair cortisol levels may be increased in patients with CS, and, as hair grows about 1cm/month, measurement of hair cortisol may provide historical information on the development of hypercortisolism. We attempted to measure cortisol in hair in relation to clinical course in six female patients with CS and in 32 healthy volunteers in 1cm hair sections. Hair …