Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: We present the use of WhatsApp messaging to improve engagement of young adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus at Ealing Hospital. This virtual community allows patients to share information and expertise in self-management to improve motivation, self-care and knowledge, and also bridging gaps between appointments. Patients find the diagnosis of diabetes socially isolating, and are 2–3 times more likely to suffer psychological issues. Social media is a hu...

Background: Children with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) have a predictable pattern of weight gain, with obesity beginning in early childhood and worsening as they get older. They have low tone and as a result their energy requirements are lower (typically 60% estimated average requirement for energy (EAR)) than age matched controls. We present three case studies of children with PWS who have been following a modified macronutrient diet, with significant positive changes to ...

Context: Studies suggest that 25–40% of men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have hypogonadism. Other studies have estimated that 40–50% of men with T2DM have erectile dysfunction (ED). Some guidelines suggest routine measurements of testosterone in all patients with T2DM.Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hypogonadism in adult male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and symptomatic erectile dysfunction.Met...

Introduction: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been increasing worldwide. This can be due to inadequate exposure to sunshine, dietary deficiency, dark skin, covering the whole body due to religious custom. Here, we present an interesting case of a newborn baby with severe hypocalcemia developing seizures and severe cardiac problems secondary to maternal vitamin D deficiency.Case history: A newborn male baby was admitted to cardiac ITU with a hi...

Introduction: Sheehan’s syndrome is hypopituitarism occurring due to pituitary infarction secondary to severe post-partum haemorrhage. Here, we are presenting an interesting case history of Sheehan’s syndrome diagnosed 15–20 years after its onset.Case history: A 47-year-old lady attended emergency room (ER) with recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting and dizziness on standing. Initial evaluation revealed hypotension and the random...

Hypercalcaemia in pregnancy is associated with foetal (IUGR, miscarriage and preterm delivery), maternal (hypercalcaemic crisis, pre-eclampsia, and hyperemesis) and neonatal complications, with severity of hypercalcaemia correlating with the risk of complications. The true incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy is unknown.A 32 year old lady (G6 P5) with known MEN 1 and associated primary hyperparathyroidism (peak calcium 3.30 mmol/l) ...

Background: Glycaemic control and duration of diabetes mellitus play an important role in delaying or preventing diabetic retinopathy. NICE guidelines state that for type 1 diabetes, those aged 12 years and over must be offered annual retinopathy screening. This audit aims to assess compliance with the guidelines and the prevalence of retinopathy.Methods: This was a retrospective audit of paediatric diabetic patients registered to Good Hope Hospital atte...

A 42-year-old female had extensive neurological investigations (normal MRI brain, EEG, NCS). A low CSF glucose triggered endocrine referral. She had a history of ill health/fatigue since 19 years when she had a viral illness with seizure-like episode and transient wheelchair dependance, with no formal diagnosis made. She had recurrent symptoms including fatigue, myalgia and weakness, with some relation to hunger and fasting.Physical examination revealed ...

Hypopituitarism as a consequence of snake bite is rare. However, there are a few case reports from India and adjacent South-East Asian countries. We present a case of hypopituitarism secondary to snake bite where the diagnosis was significantly delayed. A 42-year-old gentleman presented as out-patient with a 10 years history of generalized weakness, lethargy, coarse facial features, reduced libido, reduced socialization and depression. He had an acute illness following a snake...

Objectives: Oral administration of vanadate to diabetic animals have been shown to stabilize the glucose homeostasis and restore altered metabolic pathways. The present study explored the prospect of using low doses of vanadate with Trigonella foenum graecum, seed powder (TSP), another antidiabetic agent, and to evaluate their antidiabetic effect in diabetic rats. The effect of these antidiabetic compounds was examined on general physiological parameters, monoamine oxidase act...