Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Guidelines suggest definition for cure in acromegaly is to achieve a nadir growth hormone (GH) <2 mU/l during a growth hormone suppression test and a normal IGF-1 level (Gustina 2000). Following an earlier retrospective audit (Brown et al. 2002), showing limited achieved cure success, we re-audited our patients.Methods: All patients with acromegaly were invited to undergo growth hormone suppression test and IGF-1measurement over ...

Patient empowerment through informed choice is an important message; consistently reinforced through Government initiatives, Trust directives and our Professional Code of Conduct. Historically the Endocrine Nurse Specialist (ENS) performed the role of clinic nurse during Endocrine Clinic. Recognising this as a waste of specialist expertise and resource; identified drug company funding provided a replacement clinic nurse, liberating the ENS to see patients following their docto...

Research suggests regular assessment of steroid replacement therapy (SRT) is important to avoid over replacement. Also patients need regular educational updates to optimise management of SRT during illness.Over a three-month period (2004) we surveyed SRT and knowledge in patients with primary or secondary hypoadrenalism. Patients were given a questionnaire when attending clinic. We assessed type of SRT, dose and timing; compliance with medication; patien...