Endocrine Abstracts

Intravenous Immunoglobin (IVIG) therapy is used in recurrent miscarriage, despite its efficacy being limited to specific sub-groups such as those with underlying immune conditions. The indications, efficacy and side effect profile of IVIG when used in pregnant women are not established. We present the case of a 41-year-old pregnant woman with one previous miscarriage, who had received IVIG as part of her fertility treatment and subsequently developed profound symptoms and bioc...

Aldosterone plays a key role regulating electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure. An elevated aldosterone to renin ratio is present in 15% of hypertensive patients but the causes of aldosterone excess are not fully understood. There is evidence of interaction between the polymorphisms in the aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2) and aldosterone levels in plasma and urine. However, the most consistent associations between variation at this locus and altered steroid synth...