Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Unstimulated cortisol is commonly used as a screening test for adrenal insufficiency. In the UK over the last decade there has been a large increase in the numbers of requests for cortisol being made in both primary and secondary care. To increase the specificity of an unstimulated cortisol, and thus reduce unnecessary referrals and Short Synacthen Tests, the recommendation is that an early morning cortisol (EMC) is performed between 08:00 and 09:00 h. There is e...

Introduction: Exposure to deficient/excess glucocorticoids can lead to long-term health problems in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Historically and age-appropriate hydrocortisone formulation has not been available. Adrenal crisis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Aims: To assess prescribing practice for oral hydrocortisone and sick day advise across the UK.Methods: Paediatric endocrinologists and parents[...

Introduction: Children with adrenal insufficiency require emergency hydrocortisone for serious illness in addition to any regular requirements. Individualised emergency plans for patients during sick days, detailing their oral and intramuscular hydrocortisone requirements, should be maintained, alongside appropriate alerts on hospital and pre-hospital systems to ensure health professionals are aware of their requirements promptly if they present acutely unwell. Following a chi...

Introduction: The importance of good transition care has been highlighted by NICE and NHSI. Over the last 5 year we have focused on transforming our endocrine transition service.Background: Our centre took part in the BSPED/BES-led 2014 National Adolescent Care and Transition Audit of Young people with Hormone Conditions. From this we identified key areas for service improvement including: families wanted to establish a better relationship with and have ...

Introduction: Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder due to loss of paternally inherited genes on chromosome 15q11-13. It is characterised by neonatal hypotonia, childhood hyperphagia and obesity, hypogonadism, cognitive and behavioural disabilities, and development of scoliosis. PWS multidisciplinary (MDT) clinics were introduced from 2004 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a tertiary paediatric centre. This enabled centralised coordination of growth...