Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Increased frequencies of adrenal tumours and testicular adrenal rest tumours (TART) have been reported in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).Objective: To investigate the frequency of adrenal abnormalities and TART in an unselected adult population of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OH) and whether adrenal and testicular pathology correlate with disease categories, current hormone levels and treatment.Patient...

Introduction: Over the last decade there has been a steady rise in obesity and co-morbidity, but little is known about the rate of metabolic dysfunction among young adults in the United Arab Emirates. Various factors have been implicated as biomarkers of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The objective of this study was to analyze the relationships of various biomarkers (leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, insulin, and uric acid) to the MetS components in lean, overweight, ...

Objectives: The aim of the audit was to determine how our current clinical practice differs from that of the national standard set out in the UK by NICE guidance CG87 in regards to the use of exenatide.Material and methods: We measured weight and HbA1c at baseline and then again at 6 months from the date exenatide was started. The UK NICE guidelines recommends exenatide should only be considered in patients with a BMI≥35.0 kg/m2 with a H...

Aims: To compare the effect of a standard Sex Steroid Regimen (sSSR) with a physiological SSR (pSSR) on androgen status in young women with premature ovarian failure (POF).Patient Population: Seven women with POF were evaluated for the study. The median age was 28 years (range 21–36) and the median duration of ovarian failure was 14 years (range 4–25).Methods: An open label randomised, controlled, crossover study over 28 ...

Background: Hyponatraemia is a frequently encountered problem in primary care. Management should be based on the cause as inappropriate treatment e.g. fluid restriction in patients with hypoadrenalism is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.Aims: We present five cases who presented with hyponatraemia in the primary care setting, to highlight diagnostic approach and implications for management.Case 1 - Hyponatraemia secondary ...

Introduction: The insulin stress test (IST) used to assess the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) and growth hormone axes requires blood glucose to fall below 2.5 mmol/l. This level of hypoglycaemia is considered safe for selected patients but blood glucose levels below this are associated with increasing risk. We reviewed the depth and length of hypoglycaemia in a cohort of patients undergoing IST.Method: Between October 2004 and 2008, 138 I...

Hypercalcaemia (calcium level >2.63 mmol/L) is a common metabolic condition. In spite of its diverse aetiologies, primary hyperparathyroidism and malignancy account for more than 90% of cases, parathyroid adenoma alone contributing to 80–85% of parathyroid related cases. We describe a case of resistant hypercalcemia in a 75-year-old Afro- Caribbean gentleman.He presented with a 2-month history of constipation, loss of appetite & gradual weig...

Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus occurs in 2–9 percent of all pregnancies. It is associated with substantial maternal and perinatal complications which can all be reduced if it is diagnosed. In UK 65% of pregnant complicated by diabetes involve gestational diabetes. Professional bodies disagree about whether to recommend routine screening, selective screening or no screening of gestational diabetes. The NICE guidelines are in progress and are expected by end of 20...

There are a number of endocrine changes which occur during the aging process, including changes in the growth hormone – IGF1 axis, a fall in DHEAS levels, changes in the renin-angiotensin system, and alterations in the hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis. Testosterone levels decline with age, with an average decrease in testosterone levels of approximately 1.5% per year. The prevalence of subphysiological testosterone levels is approximately 20% by the age of 50 and 50% by...

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disturbance seen in hospital practice. Severe hyponatremia can be life threatening and is associated with considerable mortality.AimTo assess the prevalence of severe hyponatremia (plasma Sodium <120 mmol/l) by retrospective analysis in a hospital population and its laboratory investigation, management and clinical outcome.ResultsOver a si...