Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The year 2020 has witnessed a new global pandemic caused by an encased single-stranded RNA virus identified as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The exceptionally infectious capability of the virus, along with case fatality rate ranging from 0.99% to above 3%, have raised major global concerns.COVID19 and Risk factorsEvidence from several observational studies suggests risk factors for ...

The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is drastically rising globally. It is projected to rise to close to 600 million in 2 decades. This rise parallels the increased prevalence of obesity which is estimated to rise to over 1 billion obese individuals by the year 2025. The association between the Body Mass Index (BMI) and type 2 Diabetes is well recognised. Raised BMI is a major predictor of the risk of T2DM. T2DM is associated with multiple complications and it wie...

Introduction: A few studies have examined the effect of Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on serum Prolactin level (PRL) in postmenopausal women. It has been demonstrated that HRT can trigger a stimulatory response on PRL secretion. However, the significance of this is yet to be further evaluated given the great variation in PRL concentration during menopause which has not been fully meticulously examined.Case reports: We present 3 cases of postmenopausa...

Background: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined by the presence of recurrent urticaria (also called hives or wheals), angioedema, or both, for a period of six weeks or longer. CSU affects just 1% pf the general population and its etiopathogenesis is not well understood. CSU is known to be associated with various autoimmune conditions. However the association CSU and Graves Disease is very rarely seen in clinical practice.Clinical case: In this...

Duloxetine is a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, prescribed frequently as a first line treatment for Diabetic neuropathy. It is also prescribed for treatment of depression, anxiety disorder and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Hyponatremia is a known adverse effect of most SSRIs including duloxetine and can potentially be life-threatening.Duloxetine induced hyponatremia, however, is relatively rare specially on low doses and is typically seen in the elderly frail pati...

Introduction: Hyperandrogenism is an uncommon finding in postmenopausal women. Possible sources of the elevated androgen levels include Cushing’s syndrome, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, benign and malignant androgen secreting ovarian tumors, ovarian hyperthecosis, adrenocortical tumours and iatrogenic hirsuitism.Case: A 65 year-old lady was referred with a raised testosterone level of 2.6 nmol/l [0–1.8 nmol/l]. She experienced weight gain and fa...

Introduction: The androgen receptor (AR) as a steroid hormone receptor is crucial for the embryological male sex differentiation and the maintenance of the phenotypical male characteristics throughout life in addition to spermatogenesis. Mutations in the AR gene can disrupt its function leading to Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS). AIS has a recessive mode of inheritance and can be broadly classified into 3 phenotypical categories: complete androgen insensitivity syndrome ...

Introduction: Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) is an uncommon and potentially fatal complication of diabetes. HHS is a medical emergency with high mortality. Therefore, it needs to be managed promptly and carefully utilising nationally agreed guidance. Delays in recognition and challenges in management may lead to poor outcome.Aim and Targets: The primary objective is to improve the recognition and management of HHS. The project was set to the stan...

Introduction: Hypercalcaemia is a relatively common medical condition affecting around 1% of the general population. Around 90% of the cases are due to either primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) or malignancy. Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (fHH) is a rare autosomal dominant condition that can result in hypercalcaemia. It has an estimated prevalence of1 in 78 000. In most of the cases, fHH is due to a mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor gene (CaSR). Other rare cases...

Background: Hyponatraemia is the most common electrolyte abnormality in hospitalised patients. It is an independent risk factor for mortality and is associated with increased length of hospital stay.Method: The objective of audit was to review practice of investigations and management of hyponatraemia in adults at Bedford hospital in line with evidence based guidelines including European Society of Endocrinology 2014 clinical practice guidance. An observ...