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Desmopressin Stimulation Test for Cushing Syndrome

This study aims to improve a diagnostic test called the desmopressin (Desmo) stimulation test (DesmoST) for people with Cushing syndrome (CS). CS happens when your body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol, which can cause serious health problems. Researchers want to see how well the DesmoST can tell the difference between specific types of CS, like Cushing disease (CD) and ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). You may be able to join if you are 18-70 years old and have or might have CS. The study will look at your body's response to desmopressin and dexamethasone (drugs that affect hormone levels) to find better ways to diagnose CS. The main goal is to measure how your ACTH and cortisol levels change over 60 minutes after these interventions.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 140 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
ACTH and cortisol responses are measured at specific time points up to 60 minutes after interventions.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06635629

Desmopressin Stimulation Test Performance in ACTH-Dependent Cushing Syndrome

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 18–70InterventionalDiagnostic
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
~140 participants
Updated 2026-08-10 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:DesmopressinDexamethasone

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
ACTH and cortisol responses
Measured over -5, 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes

Conditions

Cushing Syndrome

Explore related trials

Cushing DiseaseCushing SyndromeEctopic ACTH Secretion Syndrome

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Maryland1

Study leadership

  • Lynnette K Nieman, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Who to contact

Raven N McGlotten, R.N.
[email protected]
(301) 827-0190
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Aged 18-70 years
Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations throughout the study.
Evidence of acceptable laboratory testing results within four weeks of the first test day, as shown by medical record review:
Hematocrit at entry \>=33 %
Plasma sodium 136-145 mmol/L (unless taking a drug that can cause hyponatremia, see below) eGFR \>=60 ml/min/1.73 sq.m, calculated based on serum creatinine
For subjects taking any drug that could worsen hyponatremia, a normal plasma sodium (136-145 mmol/L) must have been obtained within seven days of the first test day.

Exclusion

Drug used for the stimulation tests: Desmopressin.
Drugs that can suppress ACTH and cortisol test responses: Systemic glucocorticoids, including inhaled or topical formulations.
Vasopressors: phenylephrine, dopamine and vasopressin.
Drugs that interfere with desmopressin duration of action or potency: carbamazepine, lamotrigine, tolvaptan 9. Strong inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g. barbiturates, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, primidone, cenobamate, Modafinil). Use of St John's wort or nafcillin within 14 days. 10. Initiation or dose increase within the past 14 days of drugs that can worsen hyponatremia: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), loop diuretics (bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, furosemide, torsemide), chlorpromazine, chlorpropamide, cisplatin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), opiate agonists, oxybutynin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), vincristine, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) 11. Chronic enhanced hydration (estimated as \>4 liters) to supplement mealtime fluid intake. 12. Any contraindication to intravenous catheter use. 13. Previous participation in this protocol. 14. History of hemophilia of any type. 15. Any hematology or chemistry screening laboratory value drawn at screening that the Investigator determines is clinically significant for exclusion.

What this trial measures

  • ACTH and cortisol responses-5, 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes

    Percent change from mean baseline values (-5, 0 minutes) at all combinations of dose dose timepoints