Endocrine Abstracts

VA Thornton-Jones, JAH Wass and HE Turner, OBJECTIVE: Despite a recommended injection frequency of 4 weekly(4w), prolonged duration of GH suppression has been observed in some patients following treatment with long-acting somatostatin analogues. The aim of our study was to perform a prospective systematic study to determine whether extending the interval between doses of Octreotide LAR (LAR) allows maintenance of 'safe' GH in selected patients with acromegaly.<p class="abs...

The secondary sexual characteristics such as a neck mane and antlers seen in the male red deer are unusual in that they are produced on an annual basis and are linked to the breeding season. This cycle is highly controlled and the development of these characteristics coincides with changes in plasma levels of testosterone and IGF-1. We have previously shown that the expression of the androgen receptor in the hair follicle cells of the neck mane are only present during the bree...

During this session on the controversies in the management of neonatal hypoglycaemia, I will discuss why the real controversy is not the definition of hypoglycaemia but rather what we should do when we find low glucose values. I will discuss my preferred hypoglycemia guideline recommendation. In addition I will discuss the relationship between hypoglycemia and brain damage and demonstrate to the audience that hypoglycemia is not the cause of brain damage but rather energy defi...

Basic education about diabetes is a cornerstone to diabetes management but in the UK there was, until recently, no national recognised programme easily available in every Paediatric unit despite several being under development for considerable time.Children in any age group vary considerably in their ability to learn and accept new responsibilities. Diabetes education, therefore, should be adapted to the individual child’s level of development and u...

Education surrounding steroid replacement is vital in the optimal management of patients with adrenal deficiency. Non-adequate replacement may be life-threatening, especially in case of severe physical stress, and unfortunately, acute adrenal failure is still a major cause of death. Our Endocrine Specialist Nurse Service is actively involved in the day-to-day management of patients with adrenal insufficiency offering advice and support during patient visits following referral ...

We present the case of a 40-year-old female who was referred to our Department in 1993, for further management following the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. She proceeded to a transsphenoidal adenenomatectomy (TSA) which resulted in a biochemical cure.In 1998 she presented with recurrence of Cushing’s Disease, which was managed by a 2nd TSA followed by external beam irradiation.Bilateral adrenalectomy followed a year late...

An increase in cutaneous pigmentation during pregnancy is common, but usually regresses following parturition. Epidemiological studies also suggest that females may have a sex survival advantage in cases of malignant melanoma. However, estrogen action in melanoma remains contradictory. We have recently demonstrated that both epidermal and hair follicle melanocytes express ERα and ERβ however, estrogen action in human pigment cell biology remains poorly characterised....

Oestrogens have important modulatory effects on the skin and the hair follicle. Although they inhibit hair growth in animal models, their effect on human hair growth is less clear. Therefore, we have investigated the effect of oestrogenic compounds on human hair growth in vitro using a whole follicle assay system.Individual microdissected hair follicles from female temporal/occipital scalp (n=6, age range 49–69 mean age 54.67yrs) were incuba...

A number of tissues have been identified as non-classical targets of oestrogen action. Oestrogen can significantly influence the hair cycle and the human hair follicle provides an accessible tissue to investigate mesenchymal:epithelial interactions in vitro. Recently, oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta) have been identified in human hair follicle cells. Although human hair follicles vary significantly with body site, non-balding scalp follicles have not been r...

Background: Octreotide LAR is used in the treatment of Acromegaly and is effective in reducing growth hormone levels in the majority of patients. With the introduction of the Endocrine Specialist Nurse it has been possible to take their care into the community.Method: A questionnaire was administered for both patients and practice nurses, to enable us to highlight the benefits and identify any problems. It was sent to 27 patients who receive Octreotide LAR and 27 GP Surger...