Endocrine Abstracts

Wolfram syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by neurodegeneration and diabetes mellitus. The gene responsible for the syndrome (WFS1) encodes an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident transmembrane protein, that also localises to secretory granules in pancreatic β cells. Although its precise functions are unknown, WFS1 protein deficiency affects the unfolded protein response, intracellular ion homeostasis, cell cycle progression, and granular acidificati...

The optimal treatment of hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease is still an unresolved question. Hyperthyroidism recurs in 50% of patients after discontinuation of antithyroid therapy. In this retrospective study, Graves’ patients investigated in the endocrine unit of Pecs University between December 2004 and October 2006 were enrolled (68 women, 22 men, age 47 (15–79) years). Antithyroid drug therapy was applied for a minimum of one year and the treatment was withd...

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in long-term pituitary insufficiency. Regular endocrine screening of TBI patients is advised after the acute phase of the treatment period. We monitored pituitary functions in 32 TBI patients (28 men, 4 women). Endocrine tests were performed from 3 to 36 months after the brain injury. Thyroid functions, cortisol and ACTH levels, prolactin, sex hormone concentrations, GH/IGF1 axis and posterior pituitary function were evaluated. Additi...

Drug-induced vasculitis or lupus-like syndromes can complicate the clinical course of PTU-treated patients. The clinical manifestations of four patients treated with PTU for Graves’ disease are presented.A 37-year-old woman was treated with PTU for six years. She had severe thyrotoxicosis, high fever and polyarthralgia. Elevated doses of PTU resulted in normalization of thyroid function, but the fever and arthralgia persisted even after steroid admi...