Endocrine Abstracts

Hypoglycemia during hospital admission remains a common complication of diabetes. Hypoglycemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, increased length of stay, increased admission rate and increased cost to the NHS. Prompt treatment of inpatient hypoglycemia is imperative to avoid such complications. The Hypoglycemia box is an important tool to manage hypoglycemia on the wards. It is crucial for all clinical members to be aware of the hypoglycemia box; its conte...

Over 700 patients with known adrenal insufficiency are treated across the trust. Whilst unwell or fasting for a procedure, these patients potentially risk suffering an adrenal crisis. A flagging system has already been implemented on the electronic patient records (EPR) which identifies patients who are ‘on replacement Hydrocortisone’. Following an inpatient adrenal crisis which could have been more optimally managed, we sought to highlight care of this vulnerable co...

Background: The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with higher fatality in respect of male sex, advancing age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, climatic factors and, in the UK and North America, with darker-skinned ethnicities; in all of which circumstances vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is more common. 25(OH)D levels reach their nadir at the end of winter and have been associated wit...

BackgroundOptimal management of patients with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) is essential to ensure the best treatment results. This survey aimed to obtain a comprehensive picture of NET management in Poland by examining the pathway of patients with NETs throughout their diagnosis and treatment.MethodsPhysicians treating patients with NET in 17 Polish clinical centres/hospital wards, covering approximately 80%...

Introduction: Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS) is an uncommon and potentially fatal complication of diabetes. HHS is a medical emergency with high mortality. Therefore, it needs to be managed promptly and carefully utilising nationally agreed guidance. Delays in recognition and challenges in management may lead to poor outcome.Aim and Targets: The primary objective is to improve the recognition and management of HHS. The project was set to the stan...

A frail, long-term surgical inpatient, was under-nourished on TPN. He had a tendency towards hypocalcaemia and was under regular review by the surgical and nutrition team. It was noted on his routine monitoring that his Ca had fallen to 1.78 mmol/l (2.2-2.6 mmol/l). He was reviewed out-of-hours and prescribed 10mls of 10% Calcium Gluconate infused over 10 minutes, as per the hospital guidance for the treatment of hypocalcaemia. A further prescription of calcium gluconate 10% i...

Background: Hyponatraemia is encountered in 15−20% of inpatients but remains suboptimally managed. It leads to increased morbidity, length of stay and mortality. A closed-loop audit on investigating and managing inpatients with hyponatraemia was conducted, to identify pitfalls in management.Method: A retrospective audit of general medical inpatients admitted over three months with a serum sodium level of less than 130 mmol/l was conducted. Relevant...

Background: Diabetic foot disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with diabetes. It is a leading cause of minor or major limb loss with attendant huge economic ruins. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine pattern of presentation of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), assess co-morbid conditions at admission and determine the overall outcome of patients managed over the 5 year study period. Materials a...

Objective: To assess the impact of launching SKIN (Surface, Keep moving, Incontinence, Nutrition) bundle on development of pressure foot ulcers among in-patients with diabetes.Methods: SKIN Bundle was launched at Dudley Group of Hospitals Foundation Trust in mid- February 2011. Data on pressure foot ulcers were collected among patients with and without diabetes admitted during February 2010– February 2011 and then from February 2011–March 2012,...

Short Synacthen test (SST) is performed to exclude adrenal insufficiency; it’s frequently used for investigations of hyponatremia to rule out adrenal insufficiency as a possible cause. However the cost of Synacthen® (tetracosactide) 250 μg in 1 ml has increased from £14.63 to £228.55 for box of 5 A. (15-fold rise in price). This price hike needs to be taken into considerations when ordering SST. The objective of this retrospective audit was ...