Endocrine Abstracts

Background and aims: Immediate release somatostatin analogues (SAs) have routinely been administered to test tolerability prior to commencing long-acting SAs, though there is limited evidence to support this process. We aim to examine this practice at our centre.Methods: Patients who received SA therapy for a neuro endocrine tumours (NET) between December 2012 and December 2014 were identified. Records were used to identify; start date, duration of test-...

Background: The presence of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adults offers an opportunity to examine inflammatory factors that may affect metabolic function in states of obesity. Gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is elevated in obesity, and initiates the innate immune response in white adipose tissue, has not been fully studied in BAT. The interactions between LPS, TLR4 and ß3-adrenergic receptors in BAT is unknown. ß3-adrenergic receptor ligands as CL 316,243...

Introduction: Microparticles (MP) are circulating submicron particles released from cell membranes. They have an important role in intercellular endocrine signalling and may be increased in numerous conditions including cardiovascular disease. However, the influences of gender on MP characteristics are not fully understood.Aim: To compare MP characteristics (size, concentration, cellular origin and inflammatory profile) in healthy males and females acros...

Objectives: Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumour of the suprasellar region that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in comparison to other causes of hypopituitarism. We aimed to establish the mode of presentation, investigations, treatment outcomes, mortality and subjective improvement in patients with craniopharyngioma in a single institution over 10 years.Design: Retrospective case notes review of patients with Craniopharyngioma on end...

Aim: To determine the vitamin D status among healthy Irish children.Methods: Over a 12 month period (February 2010–February 2011) well children aged 1–16 years attending for minor elective surgical procedures and medical outpatients were recruited. 25 OH vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone and bone profile were measured and a detailed questionnaire (dietary vitamin D intake, vitamin D supplements, sunlight exposure and Ethnicity) was com...

Aim: To determine the vitamin D status of obese Irish children.Methods: Obese children (BMI >97th percentile) attending a weight management programme were recruited over a 12 month period (February 2010–February 2011). 25OH vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone levels and bone profile were measured. Each patient was matched to a control patient for age, sex and season.Results: Thirty-one obese children (19 female) wer...

Introduction: It has been recognised in EQA schemes in Europe and America that the reproducibility between labs using LC–MS for testosterone analysis is not optimal for this technique. We decided to conduct a calibration exercise to investigate the variability seen between labs.Methods: Aqueous and matrix matched serum samples were sent to labs participating in the NEQAS testosterone scheme. The labs were asked to measure these samples blind using t...

Saliva contains the free unbound fraction of testosterone, which has been shown to correlate with the free circulating serum testosterone, and may better reflect the physiologically active form. Recently, measurement of free testosterone has gained international recommendations for the diagnosis of hypogonadism in the ageing male. Saliva collection is a non-invasive technique, offering more flexibility to the patient, e.g. the collection of samples at home. Liquid chromatograp...

A 33-year-old male presented with headache and visual loss in May 2003. MRI pituitary showed a large tumor arising from pituitary fossa extending to suprasellar cistern compressing the optic chiasm with features recent infarction. He subsequently underwent urgent trans-sphenoidal decompression and a necrotic prolactinoma was excised with full recovery of his vision. His prolactin level remained elevated and so he was treated with cabergoline. Further questioning revealed that ...

A 29 year old female presented with a two year history of recurrent numbness and tingling in her hands. Trousseau’s sign was positive. Investigations confirmed hypocalcaemia with serum calcium 1.64 nmol/L (2.10–2.60), phosphate 1.23 nmol/L (0.80–1.55), alkaline phosphatase 82 U/L (35–120). Parathyroid hormone was inappropriately normal at 36 pg/ml (10–65), Vitamin D 78 nmol/L (50–75). Her mother reported a history of hypocalcaemia when she was two...