Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The effect of weight loss on hypothalamic function is complex and not fully understood. There is interplay between neuropeptides (leptin, ghrelin) and hypothalamus with the postulated aim of energy conservation and prevention of pregnancy during unfavourable conditions. We present a memorable case.Case: A 35-yr-old lady presented with secondary amenorrhoea of 17 years duration. She attained menarche at age 13. At age 16 her periods became sca...

Introduction: Klinefelter’s syndrome (KFS) is associated with an increased risk of certain malignancies; including leukemia, breast cancer and mediastinal germ cell tumours. Testicular tumours are uncommon. Epidermoid cysts are benign tumours of hair-growing areas. Testicular epidermoid cysts are very rare and account for 1–2% of all testicular tumours. We report a rare case of bilateral epidermoid cysts in a patient with Klinefelter’s syndrome.<p class="abs...

Introduction: Hyponatraemia is the commonest electrolyte disturbance affecting patients in and out of hospital. Streamlining and improving the investigation of hyponatraemia will quicken diagnosis, improve patient outcomes and prevent deterioration and unnecessary stay in hospital. We aimed to audit the assessment of patients with hyponatraemia against our existing guidelines (Hyponatraemia – An Investigator’s Checklist).<p class="abst...

Introduction: Radioiodine is used for the treatment of Thyrotoxicosis when medical treatment (anti-thyroid drugs) has failed or cannot be tolerated and surgical treatment is not an option. Our previous audit in 2011 demonstrated substantial adherence to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) guidelines for Radioiodine treatment, but one patient was lost to follow-up. It was recommended that we improve our re-call system. We aimed to re-audit our service.<p ...

Introduction: Single-electrolyte derangement is a common biochemical finding. Multiple-electrolytes derangement is less common and require multiple and simultaneous corrective therapies. We present a patient who had multiple admissions with multiple-electrolytes derangement, which after further evaluation required a single therapeutic intervention.Case: A 26-year-old lady had eight admissions over three years with abdominal pain and vomiting. During each...

Introduction: Hyponatraemia is the commonest electrolyte disturbance affecting patients in and out of hospital. Streamlining and improving the investigation of hyponatraemia will quicken diagnosis, improve patient outcomes and prevent deterioration and unnecessary stay in hospital. We aimed to audit the assessment of patients with hyponatraemia against our existing guidelines (Hyponatraemia – An Investigator’s Checklist).<p class="abst...

Introduction: Radioiodine is used for the treatment of Thyrotoxicosis when medical treatment (anti-thyroid drugs) has failed or cannot be tolerated and surgical treatment is not an option. Our previous audit in 2011 demonstrated substantial adherence to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) guidelines for Radioiodine treatment, but one patient was lost to follow-up. It was recommended that we improve our re-call system. We aimed to re-audit our service.<p ...

Introduction: Single-electrolyte derangement is a common biochemical finding. Multiple-electrolytes derangement is less common and require multiple and simultaneous corrective therapies. We present a patient who had multiple admissions with multiple-electrolytes derangement, which after further evaluation required a single therapeutic intervention.Case: A 26-year-old lady had eight admissions over three years with abdominal pain and vomiting. During each...

Introduction: Acromegaly is a rare metabolic condition in adults caused by over secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. The characteristic skeletal and organ overgrowth and dental mal-occlusion issues are so insidious that they go unnoticed by the patient and family. The dentist may be the first healthcare provider to see these patients, thereby proving instrumental in early diagnosis. We report two cases of acromegaly: one case identified by a dentist and anothe...

Introduction: Persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism or raised levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) despite adequate levothyroxine replacement (>1.6 µg/kg body weight) suggest treatment-refractory hypothyroidism. Adherence to treatment and conditions that might impair absorption or increase demand for levothyroxine should be explored.Case: A 51-year-old man presented with raised TSH levels despite being on 425 mg daily of levothyroxine. He...