Endocrine Abstracts

A few studies have suggested that radiation-induced growth hormone neurosecretory dysfunction (GHNSD) exists in children irradiated for leukemia (18–24 Gy). The presence or absence of GHNSD in adult cancer survivors has not been studied before. Thus, 24-hour spontaneous GH secretion was studied by 20 min sampling both in the fed state (n=16; 6 women) and the last 24 hours of 33-hour fast (n=10; 3 women) in adult cancer survivors, of normal GH status defined ...

Endocrine sequelae occur following cancer therapy. The majority of studies focus on childhood survivors of common cancers, in particular brain tumours, and isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD) following radiotherapy is well recognised. The need for endocrine follow up in adults or following treatment of less common cancers with lower survival rates is often overlooked. Survival following treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer is improving. Although therapy options are changin...

The risk of hypertension is 3-fold increased in women with Turner Syndrome (TS). Coarctation is a known cause of secondary hypertension but for others the aetiology of hypertension is unclear. Studies have demonstrated elevated plasma renin activity (PRA) in girls and young women with TS and hypothesized that the aetiology of hypertension is small vessel renovascular disease. To explore this possibility further blood pressure (BP) and PRA were measured routinely at the Adult T...

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is associated with adverse changes in lipid profile. There are no longitudinal studies of lipid abnormalities in childhood-onset GHD into adulthood. In order to more accurately define the metabolic consequences of GHD in childhood progressing through to adulthood we have examined lipid levels in a group of untreated severely GHD patients with a mutation in the GHRH receptor gene from a rural community in Northeast Brazil.1...

Introduction: In the UK, most adult patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) continue with growth hormone (GH) treatment indefinitely, even when they do not report any benefits from treatment. To date, the optimal duration of GH treatment in adults has not been established. We conducted a survey of UK endocrine clinicians between 01/06/2022 and 31/08/2022 to understand current practices regarding GH treatment discontinuation in adults with GHD.<p clas...

Background: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) predisposes patients to infections, which can precipitate life-threatening adrenal crises. PAI patients are thought to be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19; however, little is known about its true impact on this group.Aim: To assess morbidity and health promotion attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic amongst a large cohort of PAI patients.Methods: In May 2020 COVID-19 information, ...

Context: Turner syndrome (TS) is associated with short stature, delayed puberty, primary ovarian insufficiency, infertility, and other features. The majority of girls with TS require pubertal induction and life-long oestrogen replacement therapy. There is paucity of data in adult TS on the efficacy of pubertal induction, such as breast satisfaction. Patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) assess the quality of care and treatment from the patient’s perspective. We have em...

Due to decreasing ovarian reserve from young age, counselling is vital as chances to conceive spontaneously decrease rapidly and early consideration of fertility options essential. Maternal/fetal-risks are high and patients/specialists face important considerations.Aim: Service-evaluation of adequacy/appropriateness/sufficiency of information about fertility provided to TS patients.Methods: TS women attending two TS-dedicated-centr...

Background: Endocrinology is well-established as an outpatient specialty. However, virtually no data exist on the volume, nature, management and disposal of inpatient referrals to inform the design and delivery of a quality-assured service.Methods: We undertook an audit of all activity of the Inpatient Endocrine Service at University Hospitals Birmingham NHSFT (IES@UHB) between January 2010 and December 2015. Referrals received electronically via the Pat...

Introduction: Bilateral adrenalectomy (BADx) is a treatment option in ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome refractory to other therapeutic modalities or can be an emergency measure in cases with severe manifestations of hypercortisolaemia.Aim: To review the outcomes of our patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s offered BADx.Methods: Records of patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s managed by BADx and seen in our Depart...