Endocrine Abstracts

A 25-year-old woman with hypertension was referred with 12 months history of watery right eye and slowly growing swelling in the lateral wall of the right orbit. On examination there was proptosis with superior and medial displacement of the right globe. CT scan of facial bones revealed a 3.5 cm swelling with internal cortical scalloping and calcification arising from the zygoma within the right lateral orbital wall. Further lucent lesions were identified in the frontal bone, ...

Gaucher’s disease is an inherited disorder caused by loss or reduced activity of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GBA). Nearly 80% of patients with Gaucher’s disease develop abnormal bone remodelling with severe consequences, including bone crises, osteonecrosis and osteoporosis related fractures. Although enzyme replacement therapy is effective at alleviating most manifestations of the disease, only modest improvements in bone health can be achieved. The rea...

Severe hypomagnesaemia associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is now increasingly recognised. The exact underlying mechanism is unclear but is likely to involve altered intestinal absorption of magnesium ions. Hypomagnesaemia from any cause results in functional hypoparathyroidism. PTH levels vary widely in reported cases of hypomagnesaemia associated with the use of PPIs. We examined PTH levels in patients admitted to hospital with severe (Mg<0.4 mmol/l)...

Each year ∼700 patients undergo orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) in the UK. With excellent outcomes reported (1 and 5 year survivals of 90% and 70% respectively) increasing attention is paid to ensuring long-term wellbeing after transplantation. A large proportion of patients are diagnosed with osteoporosis and risk of fracture in the post-transplant period may be as high as 30% following transplant. The exact aetiology of this increase in fracture risk is unclear, alth...

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LyH) is a rare condition often associated with pregnancy (usually presenting in the last month of pregnancy or in the first two post-partum months). We describe a very rare case of recurrent LyH during two pregnancies.A 25-years old woman presented in 7/2003 with a 6-week history of headaches and a 2-week history of visual deterioration whilst 38 weeks pregnant. Bitemporal hemianopia was co...

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LyH) is a rare condition often associated with pregnancy (usually presenting in the last month of pregnancy or in the first two post-partum months). We describe a very rare case of recurrent LyH during two pregnancies.A 25-years old woman presented in 7/2003 with a 6-week history of headaches and a 2-week history of visual deterioration whilst 38 weeks pregnant. Bitemporal hemianopia was co...

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third most common endocrine disorder, with an estimated prevalence of 1 to 4 per 1000 in the general population. It is well established that vitamin D deficiency co-exists with PHPT. However, there are very few studies that looked at the relationship of the severity of vitamin D deficiency to the clinical and biochemical presentations of PHPT.Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D defic...

Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients admitted with low trauma fracture (LTF). We also explored whether there was a rationale to offer appropriate and safe high dose vitamin D supplementation on admission for patients who are not already on vitamin D supplementation to avoid delay in commencing active bone protection treatment if required.Patients and methods: Using the FLS database, 1460 patients over the age of 50...

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in adverse health outcomes related to immunity, metabolism and physical function. Comprehensive assessments are required to characterise vitamin D status and relationships with physical function and frailty markers in the acutely unwell.Aims: To assess vitamin D and related parameters for patients admitted acutely to hospital who have been tested and to assess the relationship with muscle function an...

Introduction: Gynaecomastia, a benign enlargement of glandular breast tissue in males, may be associated with anxiety, depression and reduced self-esteem.Aims: To assess current practice in management and treatment outcomes in the management of gynaecomastia with a view to improving quality of service and rationalising investigations and referral pathway.Methods: A health informatics search identified 42 patients with documented gy...