Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The presence of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies in euthyroid children poses a potential risk for the development of autoimmune hypothyroidism. Little is known about the ontogeny of this process. This retrospective study aims to estimate the risk of developing hypothyroidism in euthyroid children with raised TPO antibodies and provide a guideline for follow up.Methods: Children 0–16 years with raised TPO antibodies (1996–2005) ...

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in postmenopausal women with diabetes mellitus.Objective: The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the effects of oral estradiol+drospirenone on sexual function in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: The study included 86 postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were randomized into two groups: 44 women received oral 17β-estradio...

Background: The effect of long term opioids on the hypothalamo-pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is conflicting. We present a case of a 21-year-old female who presented with adrenal insufficiency (AI) secondary to chronic tramadol use.Case summary: Our patient presented with a three year history of non-specific abdominal pain, lethargy and dizziness. No cause was found for these symptoms despite thorough investigations. One month before referral to Endoc...

Background: PHID is a novel syndrome caused by mutations in SLC29A3, which encodes for the nucleoside transporter protein hENT3. It is associated with multiple endocrine manifestations including severe short stature, pubertal delay and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Mutations in SLC29A3 have also been linked to H syndrome and familial Rosai Dorfman Disease (RDD). A key feature of these syndromes is persistent inflammation. Currently there is no treatment for ...

Obesity is a growing epidemic and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Maintaining a healthy weight is of even greater importance for diabetics, due to the increased risk of micro-vascular and macro-vascular complications.There is suggestion that type 1 diabetic children are more likely to be obese than their peers (e.g. ‘Type 1 diabetes children often overweight’, www.diabetes.co.uk/news). In o...

Objective: Children with malignant disease are at increased risk of bone disorders, cardiovascular disease and further neoplasia. Vitamin D status may influence this risk and so we assessed Vitamin D levels in children with malignant disease undergoing active treatment or surveillance post-therapy.Study design: This was an outpatient-based cross-sectional study of 60 children with a history of malignancy (cases: median age 11.1 years; range 1.5–24.4...

Background: Radioiodine (RI) treatment of benign thyroid disease in young people has received a lot of attention recently with authorities in the US highlighting an encouraging short and medium term safety record. In this audit we surveyed treatment centres in the UK to assess the trend in RI administration in patients aged 21 years and under.Methods: Over sixty Medical Physics Departments, dispersed to represent a suitable geographical coverage pattern ...

In 2006, responding to the Government White Paper, ‘Our future, our inheritance’, a project commenced promoting genetics in mainstream medicine.By 2008, the original project framework has evolved to address logistical constraints, patient preference and cost effectiveness, offering a streamlined service for clients with inherited endocrine disorders. Recognised patient pathways and a dedicated endocrine genetic clinical nurse specialist (EGCNS)...

Background: Microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase-alpha (G6Pase-alpha) and glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT) perform the terminal step in both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Deficiency of G6Pase-alpha leads to glycogen storage disease type 1a, whereas deficiency of G6PT leads to glycogen storage disease type 1b. Partial inhibition of G6Pase in rats results in increased hepatic triglyceride contents and de novo lipogenesis leading to hepatic steatosis. Hepatic steat...

Recent reports have raised concerns that dopamine agonist drugs, particularly cabergoline and pergolide, may be associated with cardiac valvulopathy. Dopamine agonists exert their prolactin-suppressive effect via lactotroph D2S receptors, while cardiac fibrosis appears to be mediated via 5HT2B receptors. We have assessed the receptor binding and functional effects of a range of dopamine agonists to determine their relative potencies at these two receptors...