Endocrine Abstracts

Lipodystrophy represents a broad spectrum of disorders, subdivided depending on aetiology (congenital or acquired) or the extent of adipose tissue absence (generalised or partial). A lack of adipose tissue results in systemic insulin resistance and ectopic fat deposition, which predisposes patients to metabolic syndrome and associated conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes mellitus. Additionally, severe hyperinsulinaemia can generate ovarian androgen...

A 51 year old presented with headaches, fatigue and generalised weakness. She had a background history of hypertension diagnosed one year prior to presentation. Initial laboratory evaluation demonstrated life-threatening hypokalaemia, potassium 0.9mmol/l(R.I. 3.5-5.3). This profound hypokalaemia required ICU admission for replacement of potassium and monitoring. Management of subsequent fluid overload necessitated a brief period of hemofiltration. During the course of evaluati...