Another Cushing's case found

September 06, 2012

One more 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 have been identified by the Department of Health.
 
The cases were notified through the 2125 1133 hotline. It brings the total number of suspected cases related to this practitioner to 14 so far.
 
The latest case involves a 52-year-old man who had a past history of receiving acupuncture treatment from the practitioner for the management of his skin condition before the onset of the Cushingoid features. His doctor subsequently diagnosed him as having adrenal insufficiency.
 
There was no apparent source of the high-dose exogenous steroid he received during the course of the practitioner's acupuncture treatment.
 
Ma's patients who feel unwell should contact the department via the 2125 1133 hotline or consult their doctors.
 
The hotline has received 148 enquiries since it opened on August 23. Ninety-five callers have claimed they received acupuncture treatment from the practitioner.