Endocrine Abstracts

Rationale, aims and objectivesThe GHRH/Arginine and Short Synacthen Tests (SST) have been validated as safer alternatives to the Insulin Tolerance Test for the assessment of the growth hormone reserve and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis integrity, respectively. However, these two tests are performed separately. The objective of this study was to see whether the synacthen and GHRH/Arginine tests could be combined to save time, blood samples and minimi...

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an inherited cancer syndrome characterized by the development of tumours in at least two of the following three main sites: parathyroid, pituitary and endocrine pancreas. Hyperparathyroidism is the most common presenting feature, with a typical age at onset of 20-25 years, and > 90% penetrance by 40 years. After extended family studies, an index case may have no affected relatives and be apparently 'isolated'. We rep...

Background. Adrenal insufficiency requires life long corticosteroid therapy, but optimal dosing of hydrocortisone replacement has not received adequate attention.Chronic over or under treatment predisposes to morbidity and mortality.Objective.To examine the variables determiming hydrocortisone disposition and develop practical protocols for individualised prescribing and monitoring of treatment.Design. Prospective open study.<p...

AIM: 1) To determine GH dose requirement in GH deficient patients aged over 60 years. METHODS: The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee. Patients were started on Genotropin 0.4 units (0.13 mg)/day after baseline assessment. Serum IGF-I was repeated at 2-weekly intervals. Maintenance GH dose was achieved when serum IGF-1 was between the median and upper end of the age-related range. RESULTS: 16 patients (10 men & 6 women) were recruited. Their median (range) age...

AIM: To assess efficacy of GH replacement and safety of stopping treatment in patients aged over 60 years.METHODS: GH-deficient patients were started on GH 0.13 miligram per day and the dose titrated over 4 months to a serum IGF-1 in the upper half of the age-related normal range. After 4 months titration, patients were randomised to either continuing GH or placebo in a double-blind, cross-over study with 2 x 4 month periods of either GH or placebo treatment.RESULTS: 1...