Achard-Thiers syndrome

Synonyms

2

Overview

Achard-Thiers syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs in diabetic postmenopausal women. It is characterized by diabetes mellitus and hirsuitism. It combines the features of Adrenogenital syndrome and Cushing syndrome. It is also known as diabetic-bearded woman syndrome.

Symptoms

  • Excess hair male pattern hair growth in females
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Voice changes
  • Absent menstruation
  • Sparse menstruation
  • Excessive hair growth
  • Facial acne
  • Hypertrophic clitoris
  • Atrophic breast
  • Obesity
  • Abdominal striae
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Hyperplasia of adrenal glands
  • Adenoma of adrenal glands
  • Atrophic ovaries
  • Sclerotic ovaries
  • Pancreatic changes
  • Increased islet cells
  • Pericanalicular sclerosis
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Colloid changes of thyroid
  • Hirsutisms
  • Hypertension
  • Amenorrhoea

Causes

Diabetes is the most important cause of this disease.The effects of diabetes mellitus result from insulin deficiency. Obesity contributes to the resistance to endogenous insulin. The Diabetics Mellitus result from various conditions,such a genetic defect of the beta cells or from use of certain drugs or chemicals,abnormal glucose during pregnancy. Physiologic or emotional stress can cause prolonged elevation of stress hormone levels(cortisol, epinephrine, glucagon,and growth hormone), this raises blood glucose levels,which in turn,places incresed demand on the pancreas. Pregnancy causes weight gain and increases levels of estogen and placental hormones, which antagonize insulin. some medications such as thiazide diuretics, adrenal corticosteroids, and hormonal contraceptives are also resulted Achard-Thiers syndrome.

Prevention

Mental and nutritional counseling is help to avoid or control mental stress and physiologic stress and also blood pressure. Some times it may be genetic or inherited. In this situation a family diet chart prepared which includes nutritional foods,Vitamin E and foods which normalize glucose levels. Maintain appropriate body weight is important. Certain drugs or chemicals may cause diabetics, stop that medicines.Control the glucose levels during pregnancy and avoid increased weight and placental hormones. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels may also be reduced.

Reduce smoking will help to avoid complications and prevent cardiovascular disease related with Achard-Thiers syndrome. Dietary education and weight reduction is important to control blood pressure and diabetes. The diet must be followed consistently and meals eaten at regular times. Exercise will help to control weight.

Treatment

Normalises blood glucose levels by using insulin,anti diabetic drugs or exercise or through diet. Pancreas transplantation is expirimental and requires chronic immunosuppression. Treating diabetics is important. Sulfonylureas,Meglitinides,Biguanides, Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones etc.are the drugs used to treat diabetes. These drugs also reduce insulin resistance by decreasing hepatic glucose production and increasing glucose uptake. Treatment of long-term diabetic complications may include transplantation or dialysis for renal failure, photocoagulation for retinopathy, and vascular surgery for large-vessel disease. Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy is needed for patients with wounds.

Resources

  • NIH