Endocrine Abstracts

Background: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to assess the use of independent injections (self/partner/home-administered) as an alternative to healthcare-setting injections for chronic diseases. The primary objective was to identify studies reporting on independent injection of somatostatin analogues (SSAs). Comparative evidence on independent injection of other medications was examined as a secondary objective.Methods: MEDLINE/Embase/t...

Objectives: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare condition caused by enzyme deficiency in cortisol biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the burden of illness associated with child/adolescent and adult CAH.Methods: A structured, comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify articles describing the burden and treatment landscape of CAH. Literature databases (MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library and EconLit), websites a...

Background: Phthalates are currently used in medical devices, adhesives as plasticizers. Masculine reproductive toxicity is the greatest concern associated with exposure, known as the “phthalate syndrome”. The European Chemicals Agency has recognized di-butyl-phthalate (DBP, CAS 84-74-2) as an endocrine disruptor with deleterious effects on reproductive hormones, with an estimated human intake of 0.84-5.22 μg/kg/day. Effects reported include the disruption of Se...

Background: Grade 3 (G3) gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare, aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. The WHO 2017 classification further subdivided G3 NENs into G3 neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Current guidelines favor medical management in most of these patients, and the role of surgical management is not well-defined. We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of surgical management vs ...

Background: Although anti-VEGF RTKIs have been tested in patients with NETs over the last 2 decades, no study to date has benchmarked efficacy and toxicity of these drugs in this patient population.Methods: A literature search was performed to identify all phase II and phase III studies of anti-VEGF RTKIs in patients with NETs published between January 1, 2000 – July 31, 2021. Major trial databases (e.g. Medline, EMBASE, Cumulative Index of Nursing ...

Background: Overweight and obesity are an increasing concern for public health worldwide. Obesity is a chronic, progressive and relapsing disease associated with the development of several comorbidities which may improve after weight loss. The first step in the management of weight excess includes life-style modifications but, in the long-term, obesity is frequently resistant to life-style changes only. Surgical procedures and medical treatments have, therefore, been developed...

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: Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) potentially increase endogenous gonadotrophin and testosterone secretion in men. They are used off-label in men with hypogonadism and/or infertility. There is a lack of guidance on using these agents in men with secondary hypogonadism, though these agents are widely used in these people as a cheaper alternative to gonadotrophins. Methods: Systematic search was co...

Background: Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) has been increasingly observed among patients with traumatic brain injury, stroke, and central nervous system infection, aside from the subgroup of patients with pituitary tumors. When left untreated, these patients have a significantly increased risk to develop cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and impaired psychosocial function. Existing treatment guidelines on AGHD have recommended the use of growth hormone (GH) replac...

Background: Ramadan is the religious month in which Muslims fast from pre-dawn (suhoor) until sunset (iftar), abstaining from all kinds of food, and liquid. The major change in meal times may be challenging for hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine because levothyroxine has a narrow therapeutic index and should be taken on an empty stomach.Objective: We aim to compare pre- and post-Ramadan Thyroid function tests of hypothyroid patients taking levothyroxi...