Another Cushing's case found

August 27, 2012

The Department of Health today identified another suspected case of Cushing's syndrome and other adverse effects affecting patients who received acupuncture or other treatment provided by registered Chinese medicine practitioner Ma Siu-wing.
 
Five cases were announced last week.
 
The latest involves a 14 year-old girl who received acupuncture treatment for half a year from Ma for eczema before the onset of the Cushingoid features. She was subsequently diagnosed as having Cushing's syndrome by her paediatrician. Investigation found no apparent source of exogenous steroid received by her during the acupuncture treatment.
 
The case has been referred to the Chinese Medicine Council.
 
The department advises Ma's patients to call the department hotline 2125 1133 or consult a healthcare professional if they feel unwell.
 
Up to 4.30pm today, the hotline had received 77 enquiries since August 23. Fifty-three callers claimed they had received acupuncture treatment from Ma.