Endocrine Abstracts

Hyperprolactinaemia in association with a large sellar lesion could represent either tumoural secretion of prolactin (PRL) or stalk disruption by a non-prolactinoma: the differentiation has important therapeutic consequences. We have previously shown that based on currently used assays disconnection hyperprolactinaemia associated with non-functioning adenoma (NFA) practically never exceeds levels above 2000 mU/l. We aimed to verify our proposed disconnection hyperprolactinaemi...

A relapse rate of more than 50% is quoted for patients with Graves’ Disease (GD) treated with anti-thyroid drugs. Our aim was to audit the outcome/relapse rate and possible predictive factors in a series of patients managed in our Nurse-led Thyroid Clinic (NLTC). The notes of patients with newly-diagnosed GD seen in the NLTC between 2005–2011 who had completed 18 months of anti-thyroid drug were reviewed: 60 patients (48 females) were identified. After 18 months of t...

Poor transitional care leads to increased loss to follow up, non-adherence to treatment, high morbidity and mortality. The paediatric and adult endocrinology teams in our Trust have been running a joint transition service since 10/2000. A review of this service was undertaken, in order to examine its effectiveness and to aid its improvement.The details of all 81 patients, who had been through transitional care between 10/00-09/09 were acquired. Their rec...

Introduction and aim: An e-mail based GP advisory service was launched by the authors’ centre in 2005. The PCT commissioned the service in July 2009. Enquiries are handled by specialist registrars with consultant supervision. The charge is £23/enquiry.Pre-commissioning, annual audits demonstrated an efficient and popular service, enhancing communication links between primary and secondary/tertiary care.We re-audited the s...

Introduction: Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (ECS) accounts for approximately 10% cases of Cushing’s syndrome. Its recognition may be delayed and its diagnosis and treatment remain challenging.Aim: To analyze the clinical, biochemical, radiological features, as well as the outcome of patients with ECS presenting in a tertiary referral centre.Material and methods: The records of patients with ECS followed presenting in our Dep...

Background: Clinical experience has shown that men over 60 years of age frequently (40%) require extended intervals of greater than 12 weeks between administrations of Nebido. No work has assessed whether this is specific to men over 60 years of age.Methods: We analysed men on Nebido over 60 years (n=12, mean age 66 years) and compared them with a BMI matched group aged 40–60 years. We assessed testosterone levels, injection intervals, PSA an...

Steroid replacement is life-saving in patients with steroid axis deficiency; education surrounding steroid replacement is vital in their management.We organised ‘Steroid Replacement Education Days’ for patients and their family members/carers to help enhance their knowledge on steroids and intercurrent illness. Lectures detailed manifestations, causes, management of steroid deficiency and the practical issues surrounding steroid replacement. Th...

Introduction: Addison’s disease (AD) is a rare condition (reported prevalence of 40–110 per million) that requires prompt recognition and optimal management to prevent the risks associated with cortisol deficiency.Aim: To assess the prevalence, presentation and clinical course of patients diagnosed with AD in the geographical area of Banbury in Oxfordshire.Patients and methods: Notes of subjects with AD currently register...

Transitional care has become a high priority for the Department of Health (1). The paediatric and adult endocrinology teams have been running a joint transition service since October 2000. A review of this service was undertaken in order to examine its effectiveness and aid service improvement.The details of all 81 patients, who had been through transitional care since October 2000, were acquired. Both their electronic records and adult endocrinology not...

Introduction: Cushing’s disease (CD) is a rare condition, associated with significant morbidities and potentially fatal, if untreated.Objective: To assess the long-term morbidities in a large series of patients with CD during a prolonged follow-up period.Patients and methods: All subjects with CD who presented/followed-up in our Department between 01/1967 and 06/2009 were studied. All information was collected as documented in...