Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is believed to be a primeval condition with the earliest hints of its existence found in ancient Egyptian literature. Despite its negative impact on fertility, it has emerged as the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, creating what is called the PCOS paradox. We hypothesized that this phenomenon can be explained by testosterone-mediated high bone mineral density (BMD) in women with PCOS, providing a survival...

Background: The Birmingham Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) service has a full time dedicated NET Dietitian for outpatient and inpatient care since August 2020. An anonymised survey of patient experience was performed to identify ways in which we can improve the service for patients. 87 potential patients were identified. 8 had passed away. 79 questionnaires were sent out. 38 were returned via a self-addressed envelope.Results: • 53% of patients were fir...

Introduction: Duodenal neuro endocrine tumors (d-NETs) comprise about 2% of all NETs. Treatment of d-NETs involves resection of the tumour either by endoscopic or surgical resection. Local resection of the lesion is usually a safer option compared to a more radical pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, inadequate clearance by local resection might result in recurrent disease and reduce the overall survival. There is no current available evidence regarding the extent of resection.<...

Somatostatin analogues (SSAs) are regularly used in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) to control the symptoms of hormonal hypersecretion. Evidence shows that SSAs can reduce tumour progression, and are therefore also being used in patients with non-functioning tumours. As many NETs present with advanced disease curative therapy is often not possible; therefore, assessing the impact of therapy on quality of life (QoL) is vital to patient management. This is particu...

Introduction: To date, few cases with both congenital hypopituitarism (CH) and hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycemia (HH) have been reported in the literature. We now report a cohort of 12 cases with CHI associated with HH.Clinical Phenotype: An association between congenital hypopituitarism (CH) and hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycemia (HH) was present in 12 patients (M:F 9:3). Mean age at diagnosis of HH was 0.9 months, whereas mean age at diagnosis of CH was 2.0 y...

Background: Variable rate intravenous insulin infusion (VRIII) or ‘sliding scale’ is required for certain patients with diabetes to keep their blood glucose within the recommended target range during an acute illness or a period of starvation. When used in the right context this has shown to improve outcomes but can also lead to morbidity especially hypoglycaemia.Aim: Evaluate risk of hypoglycaemia in patients on VRIII with concurrent use of ba...

Introduction: Type two diabetes is characterized by a chronic metabolic state (obesity, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia) and insulin resistance. There is insufficient pancreatic insulin production and ineffective use of the produced insulin resulting in abnormally high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia). Metabolic syndrome and diabetes are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, reduced life expectancy and a reduction in quality of life. Glucagon-like peptide 1...

Case: A 44-year-old patient presented with symptoms of sweating, shaking and hunger, which were all eased by eating. Her symptoms were suggestive of hypoglycaemia, experienced predominantly 2-3 hours after meals. Hypoglycaemia was confirmed during these episodes. She had normal liver and renal function. There was no history of Diabetes Mellitus.Her symptoms improved slightly with measures of adjusting her diet but did not sett...

Assay interference with various laboratory measurements has been reported in the presence of paraproteins. We report a case of a 57 year old woman, who was referred to endocrine clinic after being found to have elevated total vitamin D levels of 369 and 336 nmol/l (normal 50–100 nmol/l). She was not known to be on any Vitamin D supplements that could account for such high levels. Around the time of referral, she was also diagnosed with IgM paraproteinaemia. Therefore, pos...

Case: A 44-year-old patient presented with symptoms of sweating, shaking and hunger, which were all eased by eating. Her symptoms were suggestive of hypoglycaemia, experienced predominantly 2-3 hours after meals. Hypoglycaemia was confirmed during these episodes. She had normal liver and renal function. There was no history of Diabetes Mellitus.Her symptoms improved slightly with measures of adjusting her diet but did not sett...