Endocrine Abstracts

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) may occur in multiple sites including, the pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, lung, thymus, adrenals and pituitary, and as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome. Current treatments for advanced NETs, rarely achieve a cure due to metastases at presentation and therefore additional treatments are required. Identification of cell surface receptors or binding sites that are unique to NETs could lead to novel targeted drugs, ra...

Introduction: Hyponatraemia is the commonest inpatient electrolyte abnormality and its severity correlates with inpatient mortality, length of stay and use of hospital resources. Frequently, hyponatraemia is not sufficiently acknowledged in the acute medical setting. The aim of this audit was to evaluate the investigation and management of hyponatraemia in a district general hospital.Methods: Seventy-seven hyponatraemic patients (Na<...

Background: Endocrine emergencies such as hyponatraemia and hypercalcaemia commonly present during unselected medical on-call. However, in our hospital a questionnaire survey of trainees revealed lack of confidence and preparedness in managing endocrine emergencies. 18 trainees responded (12 Foundation Year 1 (FY1), 1 Foundation Year 2 (FY2), 5 Core Medical trainees (CT1) reporting lack of confidence and preparedness in managing endocrine emergencies. 76.92% of FY1 doctors fel...

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) may occur as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome or as non-familial (sporadic) tumours. PNETs, which include gastrinomas, insulinomas and non-functioning tumours occur in more than 80% of MEN1 patients and account for 50% of disease-specific deaths. This is because 25–40% of patients with PNETs will have metastasis at presentation, and current treatments, which include surgery, chemotherapy and radiothe...

The factors responsible for regulating primordial follicle activation and early preantral follicle growth remain poorly understood, despite their importance in determining a female’s reproductive lifespan. The essential role of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of receptors (ErbBs) during ovulation is well established; however there is emerging evidence that ErbBs may also be important regulators of early follicle development. This study aimed to investigate the ro...

Introduction: Diamond Blackfan anaemia (DBA) is a rare disorder of red blood cell aplasia characterized by normocytic or macrocytic anaemia and reticulocytopaenia. Short stature, of multifactorial aetiology, is often present. Some patients are glucocorticoid-responsive, while others remain transfusion-dependent leading to iron overload.Case Report: Asymmetrical growth restriction was present at birth. Aged ten weeks, severe anaemia developed. Bone marrow...

Background: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy is increasingly used for managing children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Devices vary in design by manufacturer; however in general terms insulin is administered from the pump via a subcutaneous plastic catheter or needle. If the pump or the circuit malfunction and interrupt the insulin infusion, it can put the patient at risk of hyperglycaemia.Case: A 5-year-old boy with type 1 diabete...

Introduction: In congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) hypoglycaemia results from a dysregulation of insulin secretion. We hypothesised that other pancreatic hormones may also be dysregulated in this condition.Objectives: To proof the applicability of Luminex Multiplex method to measure pancreatic hormones (insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, amylin and PP) in the paediatric age. To elucidate the fasting response of these hormones in children with different forms o...

Spindle Cell Oncocytoma (SCO) is a neoplasm of the adenohypophysis, often pre-operatively misdiagnosed as pituitary macroadenoma due to its rarity. First described in 2002, 28 cases have been described. It is a benign tumour manifesting in adults with no sex predilection, classified as WHO Grade I. A 71-year-old woman presented with bitemporal hemianopia, secondary hypoadrenalism, hypothyroidism and hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Imaging in October 2017 confirmed a 18.0×...

Introduction: There are many causes of rhabdomyolysis, with Carbimazole, the first line treatment for hyperthyroidism, being one of the rarest. Rhabdomyolysis can potentially cause significant morbidity and mortality if left untreated.Case: A 38 year old female presented to the Emergency Department in May 2018 with a 4 day history of severe sudden onset bilateral thigh pain. Her only prior health problem was primary hyperthyroidism for which she had been...