Endocrine Abstracts

Background: We previously showed that in first 6 months of the UK Covid-19(C19) pandemic >6.6million HbA1c tests were missed, including 1.4million in people with diabetes(DM). Furthermore, C19 more significantly impacts people with DM / socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.Aim: To examine variability in recovery rate of HbA1c testing, and links to demographics, including deprivation status.Methods: We examined HbA1c test...

Introduction: Lithium is a common pharmacological intervention for the treatment of bipolar affective disorder and is advocated by clinical practice guidelines (NICE 2021). Blood test monitoring is essential for management of lithium treatment and UK NICE guidance recommends 6-monthly serum testing of thyroid function. We here examine conformity to guidance and the consequences of monitoring outside these intervals.Methods: We extracted serum lithium/thy...

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. PCOS is associated with future type 2 diabetes/cardiovascular disease. Accurate diagnosis is important for early preventative interventions. However, it can take >2 years and contact with 3 or more health professionals before PCOS is diagnosed. We aimed to determine patterns of biochemical investigations performed for PCOS following initial consultation and assess their ...

Backgound: Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are lesions that are incidentally identified while scanning for other conditions. The European Society of Endocrinology guidelines recommend that all patients with AI should undergo an overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ONDST) for the evaluation of autonomous cortisol secretion as defined by failure of suppression of cortisol to < 50 nmol/l. The reported prevalence of this is high (50% of patients in a recent publication) and m...

Introduction: Worldwide guidance advocates regular HbA1c testing for people with diabetes mellitus, usually 2-4/yr. We previously showed that HbA1c testing frequency is linked to outcome in terms of HbA1c control. Here we examine the effect of variability (standard deviation = SD) in test interval on change in HbA1c over 7 yrs (Jun 2012-Jul 2019) using laboratory data.Methods: We focused on people with HbA1c within the first 2 years who also had a HbA1c ...

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that PCOS (first described 1935) increases the future risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease.Aims: We investigated in women with PCOS, the link between social disadvantage and markers of cardiometabolic risk and how weight gain over time related to social disadvantage.Methods: In a primary care-based study, 1797 women were identified from patients attending one ...

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the commonest endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. We examined the specific tests that are done in primary care to lead to the diagnosis of PCOS, and to support the diagnosis once made.Methods: 1797 women were identified from a pooled GP practice database. The search included all patients defined with PCOS or related terms. Records included demographic infor...

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that PCOS (first described 1935) increases the future risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease.Aims: We investigated in women with PCOS, the link between social disadvantage and markers of cardiometabolic risk and how weight gain over time related to social disadvantage.Methods: In a primary care-based study, 1797 women were identified from patients attending one ...

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the commonest endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. We examined the specific tests that are done in primary care to lead to the diagnosis of PCOS, and to support the diagnosis once made.Methods: 1797 women were identified from a pooled GP practice database. The search included all patients defined with PCOS or related terms. Records included demographic infor...