Endocrine Abstracts

A 51-year-old gentleman underwent a thyroidectomy 7 years ago for a benign multinodular goitre. Unfortunately, as a consequence of the surgery he became hypocalcaemic secondary to hypoparathyroidism. He was commenced on calcichew 1 tablet daily, calcium carbonate ‘500’ twice daily, vitamin D injections and 1- alphacalcidol 1 mcg daily. Initially, his PTH remained detectable and therefore it was hoped there would be some recovery, but over time this was proven not to ...

A 31-year-old male presented to A&E with confusion, lethargy, polyuria and blurred vision. The previous month he had been diagnosed with diabetes and started on metformin by his GP. On examination he was cachectic (BMI 17 kg/m2), dehydrated and hypotensive (88/56). Baseline investigations revealed a metabolic acidosis (pH 7.30), with capillary glucose 20 mmol/l and moderate ketonuria. Treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis was commenced. Further results revealed he...

Background: Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) require glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Current Endocrine Society guidelines recommend thrice-daily hydrocortisone (15-25mg) or once-daily prednisolone (3-5mg). Concerns around prednisolone use have been based on evidence using higher doses. We have been using low-dose (2-4mg) once-daily prednisolone since 2014 for glucocorticoid replacement in adult patients with AI. This study aimed to compare the effe...

Background: Pituitary dysfunction is a recognised consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) causing significant cognitive, psychological and metabolic impairment. Hormone replacement offers an important therapeutic opportunity. Blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is commonly seen in soldiers returning from recent conflicts. We investigated: i) the prevalence and consequences of pituitary dysfunction following moderate-severe bTBI, and...