Which symptom indicates that medication therapy for Cushing's disease is effective?

In the context of evaluating the effectiveness of medication therapy for Cushing's disease, decreased peripheral edema is an important symptom to consider. Cushing's disease is characterized by excess corticosteroids, often leading to symptoms such as weight gain, a redistribution of body fat, and fluid retention, which can manifest as peripheral edema. When medication therapy is effective, it suppresses the overproduction of cortisol or its effects, leading to a reduction in fluid retention and consequently a decrease in peripheral edema.

In contrast, increased weight and elevated blood glucose are common concerns associated with Cushing's disease. An effective treatment would typically aim to address these issues rather than exacerbate them. Similarly, increased appetite could be a result of cortisol's effects on metabolism, and while the desire to eat more may not directly indicate the efficacy of treatment, a reduction in appetite can be associated with improved disease control. Thus, the most relevant symptom indicating that medication therapy is working is a decrease in peripheral edema.