Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Acromegaly is a rare disease caused by chronic exposure to excessive levels of GH, usually related to the presence of a pituitary adenoma, and associated to somatic and visceral hypertrophy, metabolic alterations, respiratory and cardiovascular complications, and increased risk of neoplasias.Materials and methods: The prevalence of manifestations, complications and associated illness was evaluated in 137 acromegalic subjects (52 M, 85 F; ag...

Previous studies have reported increased cardiovascular disease, fractures and renal stones for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). These studies are mainly based on patients referred to specialist centres or unselected PHPT patients. We specifically aimed to assess the risk for patients ‘mild’ PHPT, in whom treatment is usually not recommended. Using the unique patient identifier, which is used for all medical contacts in Tayside, data linkage of recor...

A 60-year-old HIV positive man was referred from the genitourinary physicians for investigation of hypercalcaemia (calcium 3.20 mmol/l). He described non-specific symptoms of tiredness and polyuria. Past medical history included well-controlled HIV with an undetectable viral load, secondary syphilis and a history of renal stones. Medications included Didanosine, Emtricitabine, Darunavir and Ritonavir.Initial investigations demonstrated a suppressed parat...

Calcium-containing renal stones, which affect 7% of adults, may be associated with endocrine and metabolic disorders that include primary hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, hypercalciuria and hyperoxaluria. In addition, ∼40% of patients with stones have a familial history, although the genetic defects remain to be elucidated. To facilitate this, we have established a mouse model for renal calcification, designated Rcalc1, and determined its chromosomal l...

Kidney stones, which affect 5% of adults, are most frequently associated with hypercalciuria or hypercalcaemia. Furthermore, kidney stones may occur in families in ∼40% of patients, thereby implicating the involvement of genetic mechanisms. To further elucidate these, we have established a mouse model for renal calcification, designated Rcalc2, and determined its chromosomal localisation. Mice were kept in accordance with UK Home Office welfare guidelines and proj...

Background: At the Metabolic Bone Centre in Sheffield, UK, patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are followed up annually through a register, with annual blood tests, questionnaires inquiring about symptoms or renal stones within the past year, and biennial DXA scans, which doctors then evaluate. Patients are recalled to the clinic if their reported symptoms and/or biochemical results suggest abnormalities associated with PHPT requiring...

Hypercalciuria may represent a challenge during the workup for osteoporosis management. The present study aimed: 1) to describe the phenotype associated with hypercalciuria in vitamin D-repleted (serum 25OHD > 20 ng/ml) osteopenic/osteoporotic patients, focusing on kidney, bone and mineral metabolic features; 2) to analyze the effects of thiazides and anti-resorptive drugs on urine calcium excretion (UCa) and mineral metabolism markers. Seventy patients (67 postmenopausal ...

Normocalcaemic hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) is characterised by persistently normal calcium levels and elevated PTH values on at least two consecutive measurements, after excluding other causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism. This group of patients is challenging to identify and characterise. The prevalence of the disease in the literature varies significantly due to the various definitions used and the fact that not all causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism have been exclu...

One of the corner stones of nutritional advice children and young people with diabetes is an awareness of how the food they choose can affect their blood glucose. Knowing; which foods contain carbohydrate, how to find this information out, how to estimate the amount of carbs and why not all carbs are the same, can help those living with diabetes, their families and careers make informed choices. Chris Cheyette is senior diabetes specialist dietitian at Kings College Hospital. ...

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is the result of excessive, independent, and inappropriate production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The aim of this work is to study the epidemiological, clinico-biological and therapeutic aspects of PHP.Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of 34 patients hospitalized for the management of PHP in the Endocrinology Department of the Military Hospital of Tunis between March 1999 and July 2018....