Endocrine Abstracts

Phaeochromocytomas are life-threatening catecholamine-producing tumours of the adrenal medulla. Our understanding of their pathogenesis is incomplete, with limited ability to predict malignant potential and disappointing treatment results in disseminated disease. Phaeochromocytomas occur in the inherited cancer syndrome von Hippel-Lindau (VHL). One function of VHL protein is in the formation and maintenance of primary cilia. These are microtubule-based organelles that protrude...

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) comprise a heterogeneous group of tumours that constitute a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The most commonly used general NET circulating biomarker is Chromogranin A (CgA). CgA is elevated under other circumstances, notably by the use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and possibly via a gastrin-mediated mechanism. Chromogranin B (CgB) and Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated transcript (CART) are two less commonly used NET biomar...

Introduction: Immunoassays are important tools in the diagnosis and management of disease; however, they are not free from interference by cross-reacting substances. Discordant clinical evidence and laboratory results raised suspicion of interference in a patient with persistently raised parathyroid hormone.Case Presentation: Case description: A 56-year-old Caucasian female previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism consistently demonstrated elevated PTH l...

Phaeochromocytomas are neuroendocrine tumours arising from adrenal medulla chromaffin cells. They are life threatening due to adrenaline and noradrenaline release and potential for metastatic spread. Understanding of phaeochromocytoma pathogenesis is incomplete with limited ability to predict malignant potential. Additionally, once metastatic, response to conventional therapies is disappointing.Phaeochromocytomas are a common feature of the inherited can...

Ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody against CTLA-4, is licenced for the treatment of metastatic melanoma (dose of 3 mg/kg for four cycles intravenously). It can cause immune-related adverse reactions (IRAEs) in multiple organs, with hypophysitis the most common endocrine IRAE. We carried out a retrospective analysis of 171 ipilimumab-treated patients in one centre for endocrinopathies.Results: Nine cases (six female, mean age 64 years, range 42–76) of...

Background: Obese children are at greater risk of fracture. However, previous evidence suggests that obese children with a mutation in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) have a high age-adjusted bone mass. MC4R deficiency is associated with increased linear growth, so bone mass may be over-estimated due to patients being taller. We therefore aimed to compare body size-adjusted bone mass of lean and obese pre-pubertal children with those who have a mutation in MC4R.<p class...

Background: Transition is an important stage in the care of a young person with a long-term endocrine condition.Objective: To explore current services for young people (YP) with endocrine conditions from the perspective of paediatric and adult endocrinologists, and YP and their parents using their services.Methods: There were two components:- i). service questionnaire for completion by paediatric and adult endocrinologists ii). &#1...

Introduction: The highly active human fetal adrenal gland plays a critical role in long term health. Maternal cigarette smoking alters post-natal health of the fetus and the mechanisms involved may include the fetal adrenal. However, understanding of human fetal adrenal development is limited.Aim: To examine the effects of nicotine, its metabolite cotinine, and cigarette smoke extract on H295R adrenocortical cell line steroidogenic capacity.<p class=...

Introduction: Failure to recognise critically ill patients delays escalation to intensive care units (ICU) and results in increased mortality. Objectively identifying the sickest patients on admission remains challenging for healthcare professionals. This study proposes a novel Metabolic Index as a marker of metabolic disturbance based on a patient’s sodium, potassium and bicarbonate. The Metabolic Index is proposed as a predictor of outcome in patients presenting to A&#3...

Background: People with diabetes account for 15–20% of total inpatients in Scottish hospitals. Provision of specialised diabetes care is integral in minimising length of stay and diabetes-related complications in such patients. Consequently, inpatient diabetes teams have been implemented throughout the UK as recommended by the Joint British Diabetes Societies.Methods: The amalgamation of several Glasgow hospitals into a single large teaching hospita...