Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (TPS) may develop water balance disorders post-operatively, with diabetes insipidus (DI) being the most common. Nonetheless, data on the prevalence of post-operative DI are not consistent necessitating a systematic review of the literature.Aim: To estimate the prevalence of DI following TPS in patients with pituitary adenomas (PAs), craniopharyngiomas and Rathke’s cleft cysts (RCCs)...

Introduction: A Nurse-led Thyroid Clinic (NLTC) in a tertiary-care Endocrinology centre (EC) in Oxford was set up in 2005. The patients were managed by an Endocrine Advanced Nurse Practitioner.Aims: To evaluate standard of clinical care (SOCC) quality of service provision (QOSP) and cost effectiveness (CE) of the NLTC.Methods: Three aspects of service were assessed:a) SOCC: ...

Introduction: Bilateral 3rd nerve palsy is known in conditions such as diabetes mellitus, neurosarcoidosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, anterior or posterior communicating artery aneurysm or mesencephalic bleed/trauma. There are only single cases reported in association with pituitary adenoma or carcinoma, usually in the context of apoplexy. We describe a patient with Cushing’s disease and bilateral 3rd nerve palsy secondary to apoplexy in pituitary macro...

Hyperprolactinaemia in association with a large sellar lesion could represent either tumoural secretion of prolactin (PRL) or stalk disruption by a non-prolactinoma: the differentiation has important therapeutic consequences. We have previously shown that based on currently used assays disconnection hyperprolactinaemia associated with non-functioning adenoma (NFA) practically never exceeds levels above 2000 mU/l. We aimed to verify our proposed disconnection hyperprolactinaemi...

A relapse rate of more than 50% is quoted for patients with Graves’ Disease (GD) treated with anti-thyroid drugs. Our aim was to audit the outcome/relapse rate and possible predictive factors in a series of patients managed in our Nurse-led Thyroid Clinic (NLTC). The notes of patients with newly-diagnosed GD seen in the NLTC between 2005–2011 who had completed 18 months of anti-thyroid drug were reviewed: 60 patients (48 females) were identified. After 18 months of t...

Poor transitional care leads to increased loss to follow up, non-adherence to treatment, high morbidity and mortality. The paediatric and adult endocrinology teams in our Trust have been running a joint transition service since 10/2000. A review of this service was undertaken, in order to examine its effectiveness and to aid its improvement.The details of all 81 patients, who had been through transitional care between 10/00-09/09 were acquired. Their rec...

Introduction and aim: An e-mail based GP advisory service was launched by the authors’ centre in 2005. The PCT commissioned the service in July 2009. Enquiries are handled by specialist registrars with consultant supervision. The charge is £23/enquiry.Pre-commissioning, annual audits demonstrated an efficient and popular service, enhancing communication links between primary and secondary/tertiary care.We re-audited the s...

Introduction: Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (ECS) accounts for approximately 10% cases of Cushing’s syndrome. Its recognition may be delayed and its diagnosis and treatment remain challenging.Aim: To analyze the clinical, biochemical, radiological features, as well as the outcome of patients with ECS presenting in a tertiary referral centre.Material and methods: The records of patients with ECS followed presenting in our Dep...

Background: Clinical experience has shown that men over 60 years of age frequently (40%) require extended intervals of greater than 12 weeks between administrations of Nebido. No work has assessed whether this is specific to men over 60 years of age.Methods: We analysed men on Nebido over 60 years (n=12, mean age 66 years) and compared them with a BMI matched group aged 40–60 years. We assessed testosterone levels, injection intervals, PSA an...

Steroid replacement is life-saving in patients with steroid axis deficiency; education surrounding steroid replacement is vital in their management.We organised ‘Steroid Replacement Education Days’ for patients and their family members/carers to help enhance their knowledge on steroids and intercurrent illness. Lectures detailed manifestations, causes, management of steroid deficiency and the practical issues surrounding steroid replacement. Th...