Should we avoid using ketoconazole in patients with severe Cushing’s syndrome and increased levels of liver enzymes?

Abstract

We read with interest the paper of Young et al. in which the authors recommend avoiding ketoconazole in the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome when patients display increased liver enzymes (>2-fold the upper limit of normal (ULN)). We found in a small series of patients that We read with interest the paper of Young et al. in which the authors recommend avoiding ketoconazole in the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome when patients display increased liver enzymes (>2-fold the upper limit of normal (ULN)). Although limited, our experience suggests that liver function tests may improve during ketoconazole treatment and that, in a life-threatening situation such as severe Cushing’s syndrome, increased liver enzymes should not preclude ketoconazole prescription.