Press Release

Update on DH's investigation into suspected cases of Cushing's syndrome with history of receiving acupuncture from CMP Ma Siu-wing

27 August 2012

The Department of Health (DH) today (August 27) provided an update on the investigation into the suspected cases of Cushing's syndrome and other adverse effects with history of receiving acupuncture or other treatment provided by registered Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP), Ma Siu-wing.

A spokesman for the DH said today that further to the five cases announced last week, the DH has identified one more case through the hotline for related public enquiries.

The latest case, a 14 year-old girl, had a past history of receiving acupuncture treatment for half a year from the CMP for eczema before the onset of the Cushingoid features. She was subsequently diagnosed as having Cushing's syndrome by her paediatrician. Investigation revealed that there was no apparent source of exogenous steroid received by her during the course of acupuncture treatment by the practitioner. She was one of the two cases reported so far that had received injections on a number of occasions (apart from acupuncture) from the CMP.

The patient and her clinician had been contacted by DH for her detailed medical histories, drug histories and relevant laboratory results for further investigation. Meanwhile, this latest case has also been referred to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for consideration of taking necessary disciplinary action.

“For clients of CMP Ma Siu-wing who are uncertain with their suspected adverse events or feeling unwell, please feel free to contact DH via the hotline 2125 1133 or consult healthcare professionals for advice as an alternative,” the spokesman urged.

“Up to 4.30 pm today, our hotline 2125 1133 has received 77 enquiries from members of the public since its set up in the evening of August 23, 2012. Fifty-three callers claimed that they had received acupuncture treatment from the CMP concerned,” the spokesman said.

“The DH will follow up the cases with individual callers and continue to monitor the development closely,” he added.