Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasing problem worldwide. Post-natal-hypoglycaemia and excess-foetal-growth are known important metabolic complications of neonates born to women with diabetes. This retrospective-cohort-study aims to determine the influence of obesity and glucose-intolerance on neonatal-hypoglycaemia and birth-weight over the 90th percentile (LGA).Methods: Data were abstracted from 303 patient medical records f...

Background: Accurate early risk prediction for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) would target intervention and prevention in women at the highest risk. We evaluated maternal risk factors and parameters of body composition to develop a prediction model for GDM in early gestation.Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken. Pregnant women aged between 18–50 y of age with gestational age between 10–16 weeks were included in ...

Background: Globally, birth-weights are increasing progressively. Birth-weights large for gestational age (LGA) defined as ≥90th centile are linked to increased delivery complications, and adiposity in the neonate. This has been linked to glucose intolerance and CVD later in life. Oversupply of nutrients in utero contribute to excess foetal growth, and maternal obesity may contribute to this rise. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between para...

Much interest has recently focused on the effects in adulthood of an altered in utero environment. We have previously shown that the adult offspring of diabetic rats show reduced urinary calcium output and re-modelling of bone (Hamilton et al 1998, Proc. 3rd Europ. Kidney Res. Forum). Here we tested the hypothesis that changes in renal handling of calcium are the primary in utero effect of diabetes mellitus and are present immediately after birt...

Obesity in women is linked to a number of adverse reproductive outcomes including anovulation, delayed time to conception, increased rate of miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy and birth. Bariatric surgery (BS) is an effective treatment for the management of obesity and its complications such as type 2 diabetes. It provides sustained and significant weight loss with potential to ameliorate risk. The population undergoing BS is growing with 76% of operations in Engl...

Pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism (PHPH) is a consequence of long term untreated or uncontrolled primary hypothyroidism. The proliferation of thyrotrophs in the pituitary gland, due to the lack of negative feedback on the hypothalamus from low circulating thyroid hormone levels, causes elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Hyperprolactinaemia can also be present due to the stimulatory effect of TSH on lactotrophs. Pituitary hyperplasia caus...

Background. The endothelial dysfunction prevalent in hypertension and diabetes is associated with an imbalance in the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (SO). NAD(P)H oxidase is the predominant source of SO in the vasculature. Objectives. To manipulate levels of SO using the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors, apocynin, phenyl arsine oxide (PAO) and 4(2aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF) and relate this to NO bioavailability. Methods. NO bioavailability was compared in...

Introduction: Parents/carers of children with adrenal insufficiency routinely receive training on the provision of emergency hydrocortisone. This service improvement project aims to assess patient and parent knowledge on their sick day rules, in NHS Tayside, with a view to improving the delivery of this information.Methods: A 24 item postal questionnaire was constructed and distributed to parents of children with adrenal insufficiency. This included 11 s...

Introduction: Radioiodine is a safe and effective treatment for benign thyroid disease. It aims to treat hyperthyroidism and achieve a euthyroid state. Radioiodine is indicated in cases of hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease or toxic goitre (solitary toxic adenomas or multi-nodular goitre). In practice there has been concerns about long term safety, worsening of eye disease and weight gain with this treatment.Aims: To audit outcome, management...

Canrenone is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist used as a diuretic agent to treat hypertension. It is the major active metabolite of spironolactone and may be quantified in clinical studies either to ensure compliance or to gain information about pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic interactions.The aim of this study was to develop and validate a sensitive, quantitative assay for the analysis of canrenone in plasma.HPLC mass spectr...