Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Since DI was reported to be associated to increase mortality, the aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of autonomic dysfunction (AD) in patients with DI.Methods: We enrolled 12 patients (six females) with central idiopathic DI and 12 controls, matched for age, sex and common cardiovascular risk factors, who were evaluated using the tilt, lying-to-standing, hand grip, deep breath, Valsalva maneuver and Stroop tests.<p class="abs...

Introduction: The diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome (CS) might be challenging especially in ACTH-dependent CS when it comes to detect the origin of ACTH secretion.Materials and methods: We retrospectively recorded data about 170 patients with ACTH-dependent CS (149 CD, 21 EAS) referring to two Endocrinology Units. We focused especially on the performance of 3 dynamic tests: the dexamethasone 8 mg overnight challenging (HDDST), the CRH and the desmopre...

Background: Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis, requiring life-long glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy. Given the detrimental systemic effects of GCs in the long term, the aim of our study was to assess whether CAH patients have increased metabolic and cardiovascular alterations compared with age-matched controls.Materials and methods: For this cross-sectional...

Introduction: Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the first-choice treatment in Cushing’s disease (CD). When performed by experienced neurosurgeon, post-operative remission can be achieved in 70–80% of cases; however, recurrences during follow-up are quite frequent, involving around 20–30% of patients initially in remission. Early detection of relapses is crucial to avoid cortisol-related comorbidities. The aim of the study was to find reliable predictors of rec...

SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread from China throughout the world leading to a pandemic. COVID-19 can be severe enough to cause hospitalization and death. Many patients with endocrine disorders share many of the recognized risk factors for severe disease and have potential additional risks due to corticosteroid replacement therapy or alteration in blood electrolytes. We here report three cases of COVID-19 in patients with post-surgical hypopituitarism and documented hypocortisolem...

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is a primarily respiratory infection which can lead to severe syndrome needing hospitalization and assisted ventilation with high lethality. In a recent meta-analysis of 33 RCTs increased risk of severe infections on treatment with Denosumab, widely used for treatment of osteoporosis, was found specifically for ear, nose, and throat. In fact, by inhibiting the receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-Β ligand, denosumab acts as an i...

Background: Correlation between therapy with interferons, thyroid autoimmunity and dysfunction is widely reported. Currently we used two different pegilated-interferons (α-2a, α-2b).Aim: Evaluate a probable different behaviour of two PEG-IFN responsible of thyroid abnormalities.Patients and methods: We observed 236 consecutive naïve-patients with HCV-related chronic-disease undergoing a treatment with antiviral thera...

Introduction and aim: A prompt diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome (CS) in high-risk populations is mandatory: 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (1-mg DST); late night salivary cortisol (LNSC) and urinary free cortisol (UFC) are recommend, despite thresholds calculated in retrospective studies. Our aim was to study the diagnostic accuracy of LNSC measured with chemiluminescence assay in a prospective study, confirming discrepancies with mass spectrometry (MS).<p class="...

Background: ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas represent two-thirds of Cushing’s syndrome (CS), the so-called Cushing’s disease (CD). These tumors are sometimes >10 mm in maximal diameter (macro-CD), but the majority of them are <10 mm (micro-CD). The aim of this study was to compare baseline characteristics of patients with micro-CD and macro-CD.Materials and methods: Clinical, hormonal and radiological data of 226 patients with CD were...

IntroductionKallikreins are a subgroup of serine proteases which in women are produced by Skene’s glands. It evaluated the variation of concentrations in KLK3 and immunoglobulins IgA, IgM, IgG and IgE in the menstrual cycle (follicular (FP), ovulatory (OP) and luteal (LF) in young women living in two areas with different environmental impact.Materials and methods82 women aged between 22 and 34, normo-men...