Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are associated with specific immune-related adverse events (iRAEs) including endocrine toxicities. However, data concerning the type, occurrence, and dynamics of iRAEs and their predictive value on treatment outcome are lacking. In this study, we evaluated the relation of iRAEs to anti-PD/L1 (programmed cell death protein/ligand-1) ICIs focusing particularly...

In the framework of close interactions between the immune and neuroendocrine systems, Growth Hormone (GH) has been proposed to exert significant effects on the immune system, but there is not yet a consensus about GH immunomodulatory properties. These studies investigated the immune and anti-infectious response of dwarf Ghrh−/− mice presenting a severe deficiency of the GHRH/GH/IGF-1 axis. In basal conditions, thymic parameters and T-cell respon...

Background and purpose: Type 1 myotonic dystrophy (MD), associates neuromuscular, cardiac, respiratory and endocrine disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders and of any causal factors.Methods: A retrospective single centre study was conducted, between 2000 and 2016, in 127 MD patients, diagnosed by familial genetic screening after informed consent. Clinical examination, TSH assay, 120-min glucose and insulin l...

Introduction: Pituitary and adrenal Cushing’s may be managed by pharmacological-inhibition of adrenal steroidogenesis, using metyrapone and/or ketoconazole. Assessment of biochemical control is challenging owing to cross-reactivity in immunoassays (e.g. cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol) leading to over/under-treatment. Off-target effects can also result, e.g. hyperandrogenism/mineralocorticoid hypertension (increased 11-deoxycorticosterone/DOC). LC-MS/MS analysis is free fro...

Introduction: Breast cancer affects less than 1% of all male cancer patients. In 5–20% of cases, genetic predisposition is involved, mostly due to mutations of the BRCA2 gene. Hormonal imbalance between oestrogens and androgens is another predisposing factor. Male-to-female (MtF) transsexual patients usually undergo long-term cross-sex hormone therapy, which could expose them to higher risks of developing hormonally-dependent cancers.We rep...

Pituitary gigantism is a rare condition caused by growth hormone secreting lesions, where treatment is usually challenging, especially in cases with genetic predisposition. Aim: We studied a gigantism cohort from Venezuela for genetic defects and their response to treatment. Subjects: 160 somatotropinoma patients were evaluated at the University hospital (from 1985–2015); eight (6M) were diagnosed with acrogigantism and underwent genetic analysis including aCGH for Xq26.3...

Transsphenoidal adenomectomy (TSA) is the recommended primary therapy in most patients with acromegaly and results in remission for majority of microadenomas and a proportion of macroadenomas depending on extent of surgically accessible disease. Acromegaly is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, hence a combination of treatment modalities may be needed to achieve disease control.Methods: A retrospective casenotes review was conducted and ...

Inpatients with hyponatraemia have a high mortality and longer length of stay. We instituted a system of automatic referral to the endocrinology team where any inpatient with a serum (Na+) ≤125 mmol/l was referred automatically from their biochemical results.Aims: We evaluated the diagnosis, management, and outcome of the patients referred with hyponatraemia over 6 months.Methods: Data were prospectively captured e...

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 5–10% of women of reproductive age. Hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinaemia have been attributed to the pathophysiology of PCOS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of fat distribution and insulin resistance on steroid metabolism in PCOS.Methods: The study recruited 20 PCOS and 20 matched controls. Fat distribution was assessed by waist circumference, skin fold measurements, and body ...

A 48-year-old man was referred for investigation of uncontrolled hypertension on four agents (olmesartan, felodipine, hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone) and a 3 cm right-sided adrenal adenoma (pre-contrast Hounsfield units 25). Endocrine investigation for the hypertension and adrenal mass included: androstenedione 19.9 nmol/l 2.8–10.5) (elevated on two occasions on a Siemens Coat-A-Count assay), DHEA 0.7 μmol/l (2.1–15.2), 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppr...