Endocrine Abstracts

We developed an improved process for producing high quality 67Cu using an electron accelerator instead of a high energy proton accelerator. The beta/gamma emitting radioisotope 67Cu was created using the (g,p) reaction on isotopically enriched 68Zn target (nominally 40 g, 98% enrichment). The high energy photons were produced by bremsstrahlung conversion of electrons from a 45 MeV electron LINAC. A specially designed water cooled converter, end...

Background: The identification and characterization of CTCs as part of a minimally invasive “liquid biopsy” has potential as a real-time biomarker in cancer patients. Using blood samples from NET patients, we evaluate the epitope-independent Parsortix, which enriches CTCs based on size and rigidity, and compare to the EpCAM-dependent CellSearch platform.Methods: About 10 patients with histologically confirmed metastatic NET had synchronous 7.5 ...

Context: High maternal TSH and/or low FT4 during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature delivery. hCG is the main determinant of thyroid function changes during pregnancy but has a versatile pattern with high inter and intra-individual variability. We hypothesised that the correct interpretation of thyroid function tests and its use in the risk assessment of premature delivery during pregnancy depend on hCG levels.Design, ...

Introduction: Outcomes of the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit have shown that patients of Black ethnic origin have poorer glycaemic control. Additional professional contacts mandated by the Best Practice Tariff aim to improve glycaemic control in paediatric patients with diabetes mellitus, but do not allow for differing needs.Aim: To evaluate whether additional professional support for paediatric diabetic patients are targeted at those with worst glyc...

Mutations in CYP11A1, like those in STAR cause lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia manifesting with adrenal and gonadal insufficiencies along with derangements of the renin/angiotensin system. Increased adrenal size is usually a feature of STAR but not of CYP11A1 mutation. Milder forms presenting without all of these features have also been described. We present six patients from four families with CYP11A1 mutations discovered by ...

A 41-year-old woman was referred with 9 months history of secondary amenorrhoea and galactorrhoea. She was otherwise well and not taking any medications. Biochemical evaluation showed prolactin 2000 mU/l but otherwise unremarkable. Pituitary MRI revealed a 30 mm pituitary lesion with right cavernous sinus invasion, presumed to be a craniopharyngioma due to the presence of calcification. Surgical intervention was recommended, but the patient declined. She was commenced on caber...

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy, resulting in death at a young age. Corticosteroids improve muscle function and slow disease progression. However long-term steroid therapy is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis.Aim: To assess the effect of oral bisphosphonate (risedronate) treatment on bone mineral density in a cohort of steroid-treated children with DMD.Method: Annual bone...

Introduction: Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterised by hypotonia, obesity, short stature, and hypogonadism probably due to hypothalamic dysfunction (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH)). Exaggerated adrenarche is however commonly noted in these patients. Early puberty is rarely described: we report two girls with PWS diagnosed with premature sexual maturation.Case reports: Case 1: this 8-year-old girl was neonatally diagnosed with PWS (materna...

Background and aims: Estimating puberty using Tanner stages is usually done unconfidently by general paediatricians. Self-assessment methods are not reliable. As assessment of growth on the new UK growth charts necessitates establishing pubertal status, we have designed and evaluated a simpler non-invasive approach.Methods: The new system has three Phases– Pre-Puberty (Tanner stage 1), In-Puberty (stages 2/3) and Completing-Puberty (stages 4/5)....

Insulin degludec (IDeg) is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin that forms soluble multi-hexamers after injection. These release monomers slowly and continuously to produce a flat and stable glucose-lowering effect. We describe the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of IDeg compared with insulin glargine (IGlar) under steady-state conditions in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This was a randomised, double-blind, two-period crossover study in 66 patients with T1D...