Endocrine Abstracts

Back ground: Our Cortisol assay was changed from older generation assay to new second-generation Roche cortisol assay for the Short synacthen tests. There is ~ 20–25% difference in cortisol values between these assays. There are debates about the cut off values for normal response (cortisol of 420 or 440 nmols), compared to 550 nmols/l with older assay. And to assess the use of 30 and 60 min cortisol response.Methods: Short synacthen tests data were...

Introduction: We previously reported the novel finding that leptin, and several other fat-derived hormones (adipokines), is expressed and regulated in rat hypothalamus (1). Subsequently leptin (ob) mRNA was found in human, sheep and pig brain, but was surprisingly undetectable in mouse brain. In the present experiments we used a mouse hypothalamic neuronal cell line to investigate possible inhibitory mechanisms that may prevent mouse neurons from expressing ob mRNA. These incl...

Case history: 48 year old man presented in the endocrinology clinic for further evaluation of hypertension (HTN). He had a hospital admission 2 months ago with worsening dyspnoea and markedly elevated BP (236/149 mmHg). He denied any visual disturbances or chest pain. There were no symptoms to suggest any endocrinopathy. His PMH included previous inguinal hernia repair. He was not on regular medications and he had no allergies. He lived with his family, worked as a manager and...

Introduction: We describe a case of a 29 year old man who was referred to endocrinology services with a 4 month history of erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and low testosterone. He denied symptoms suggestive of pituitary pathology. And he had no previous testicular infections or trauma. His past medical history included asthma, which was well controlled with b-agonist inhaler as required. He had normal development. He was a non smoker, abstinent from alcohol and a keen c...

We report the case of a 65 year old lady who was admitted to A&E with neurological symptoms (slurred speech, ataxia, intermittent confusion) and she was found to have low sodium (116 mmol/l). She reported 2–3 week history of lethargy and lightheadedness. There was no history of shortness of breath, cough, haemoptysis, weight loss, night sweats, altered bowel habits or excessive fluid intake. Her past medical history included hip osteoarthritis and dyslipidaemia. She l...

Dexamethasone reduces mortality in COVID patients who require oxygen therapy. Dexamethasone-related hyperglycaemia however is a known complication. Capillary blood glucose (CBGs) above 10.0 mmol/l have been linked to increased mortality in COVID patients. Approximately a third of COVID patients with dexamethasone-related hyperglycaemia may develop diabetes later. It is therefore important to manage acute episodes of hyperglycaemia effectively and identify these patients for fo...

Introduction: Here, I present an interesting case of stuttering priapism in a 48 years old man. He was 30 years old when he was diagnosed with this condition. He is being treated with cyproterone acetate with significant improvement in his symptoms.Clinical case: A 30 years old man (now 48) presented to A&E with painful prolonged erection (priapism). He denied any history of trauma, blood disorders, use of recreational drugs, over the counter drugs o...

Introduction: I present here a challenging case of gastrinoma which posed challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Gastrinomas are tumours of pancreas or duodenum secreting excessive gastrin leading to acid over secretion in stomach leading to ulcer, perforations, and diarrhoea.Clinical case: A 77-year-old lady had been suffering from gradually worsening bouts of severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting for previous 10 years and six stones weight loss. Frequen...

Background: I present a young girl with maturity onset diabetes of young type 5 (MODY 5) who presented with renal cysts and early onset bilateral cataracts with gradual decline of beta cell functions.Case: 19 years old girl presented to A&E with hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis. This was her second presentation in A&E in previous 3 weeks. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 3 years old in view of her polyuria and slow growth. ...

Introduction: I present here a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Fragile X syndrome. The two conditions are rare and not known to be related to each other.Clinical case: A 26-years-old lady was referred to Endocirne clinic with primary amenorrhoea. She complained of hirsutism and some facial acne since 14 years of age. To the best of her recollection her thelarche was around 12 years of age and pubic hair started to appear at 10 years of ag...