Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Untreated hypothyroidism may be associated with cutaneous signs including coarse, dry skin and hair loss. Myxoedema (also known as thyroid dermopathy) is usually associated with Graves’ thyrotoxicosis but has been reported in patients with hypothyroidism. We describe an unusual skin disorder in a patient with autoimmune hypothyroidism, initially misdiagnosed as myxoedema.Case: A 41-year-old female with an extensive medical history includ...

We describe two similar but distinct cases of newly presenting coexistent adrenocortical insufficiency and type 1 diabetes.Case 1; an 18 yr old woman presented with a two week history of polydipsia, polyuria and accelerated weight loss. Random glucose 20.2 mmol/L but no evidence of ketoacidosis. She was thin, pigmented, hypotensive and dehydrated and confirmed one years weight loss, lethargy, abdominal pain and occasional vomiting. Short synacthen test c...

Background and aim: The Department of Health and NHS Plan both recognise that sending patients copies of clinic correspondence can help inform and empower them. At St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Endocrinology Clinic we routinely provide patients with a copy of the clinic correspondence sent to their General Practitioner (GP), unless patients specifically opt out. Our aim was to evaluate patients’ views on receiving such copy correspondence following ...

Thyroid hormone resistance is a rare but recognised cause of clinical hypothyroidism. We explain a case of clinical hypothyroidism that was associated with thyroid hormone resistance.A 48-year Caucasian female with no known personal or family endocrine history was referred with a 12-month-history of weight gain and increased tiredness. Past history included depression and osteoarthritis, with regular medications being NSAIDs and amitryptiline. There was ...

Background: Male hypogonadism is associated with reduction in bone mineral density (BMD). This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of low BMD in a clinic-based cohort of hypogonadal men.Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional observational study of 152 patients (≥18 years with testosterone(T) ≤11 nmol/L) who were consequently reviewed in an endocrine clinic. Data was extracted from electronic patient records and included base...

Background: Male hypogonadism is commonly caused by hypothalamo-pituitary testicular disease. The effect of modifiable risk factors (obesity, alcohol, smoking, prescribed medications and recreational drugs) on secondary hypogonadism in a clinic-based cohort is unclear. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence and effects of modifiable risk factors on secondary hypogonadism.Method: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional observational study...

Background: For patients in an adrenal crisis, the timely administration of parenteral hydrocortisone can be life-saving. Data from the Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group found that a large proportion of adrenal crises occur out of hospital, with many patients relying on the emergency services for initial parenteral hydrocortisone administration. Despite regular patient education (including parenteral hydrocortisone self-administration) and recommendations to wear steroid...