Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Hyponatraemia is a common biochemical abnormality in hospital patients, a robust management plan and correct diagnosis is important in the medical care of these patients. However these are frequently lacking.Methods: We audited the management and outcomes of hyponatraemia in a large district general hospital. In-patients for a period of 3 months starting from January 2004 with hyponatraemia (Sodium less than reference rang 132-146 mmol per ...

Metyrapone is a potent inhibitor of the conversion of 11-deoxycortisol (11-DOC) to cortisol and is used in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome. This study has assessed the clinical significance of 11-DOC cross-reaction in five serum cortisol assays provided on automated immunoassay analysers. Cross-reaction was determined from the linear regression of increase in measured cortisol against increasing levels of 11-DOC (0, 1590, 4310, 6490, 7040 nmol/L) added to a serum pool. In ...