Effects of Amiodarone,Thyroid Hormones and CYP2C9 and VKORC1 Polymorphisms on Warfarin Metabolism: A Review of the Literature

ObjectiveTo review the literature regarding the interaction among amiodarone therapy, thyroid hormone levels, and warfarin metabolism.Methods73-year-old male with type 2 after describing an unusual case of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) who experienced a severe rise in international normalized ratio (INR) values after initiating warfarin therapy due to an unusual combination of excessive thyroid hormones, amiodarone therapy, and a genetic abnormality affecting warfarin metabolism.ResultsGenetic analysis revealed that the patient was CYP2C9*2 wild-type, CYP2C9*3/*3 homozygous mutant, and VKORC1*3/*3 homozygous mutant. A review of the literature revealed that both mutations can independently affect warfarin metabolism. In addition, amiodarone therapy and the presence of thyrotoxicosis per se can affect warfarin metabolism and reduce the dose needed to maintain INR in the therapeutic range. The association of the 2 genetic polymorphisms in a patient with AIT is extremely rare and strongly impairs warfarin metabolism, exposing the patient to a high risk of overtreatment.ConclusionsIn patients with AIT, warfarin therapy should be gradually introduced, starting with a very low dose, because of the significant risk of warfarin overtreatment. Whether the genetic analysis of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphisms should be routinely performed in AIT patients remains conjectural. (Endocr Pract. 2013; 19:1043-1049)     

Late-onset thyrotoxicosis after the cessation of amiodarone

IntroductionAmiodarone is a highly effective antiarrhythmic-drug with well recognized toxic side-effects. The effects of the drug late in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well described.Methods and resultsWe present a single centre prospectively collected series of patients with thyrotoxicosis occurring late after the cessation of amiodarone. Between 2006 and 2018, 8 patients were identified with amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT). Amiodarone was prescribed for AF in 7 patients and ventricular tachycardia in 1 patient. Mean duration of therapy was 329 [42–1092] days, mean dose of 200 ± 103.5 mg/day. Amiodarone use was short term (<140 days) in 4 of the 8 cases, with one treated for 42 days. Patients presented with symptoms including weight loss, tremors, palpitations, AF, sweats all indicative of AIT at a median of 347 [60–967] days post cessation. Thyroid function testing confirmed suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone and elevated T levels in all patients. Nuclear thyroid imaging in all cases demonstrated low uptake of iodine indicative of Type II AIT. All patients recovered following pharmaceutical treatment with Carbimazole and Prednisolone.ConclusionsWe describe a series of patients with late thyrotoxicosis after exposure to amiodarone. Our findings highlight the need for a high-index of clinical suspicion for AIT regardless of treatment duration or time after cessation of amiodarone.     

Unusual Case of Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis “Illicit” use of a Technetium Scan to Diagnose a Transiently Toxic Thyroid Nodule

ObjectiveTo present an unusual case of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) associated with an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule, which was detected by means of a technetium scan; review the existing literature regarding the association of AIT with autonomous thyroid nodules; and explore the use of radioisotope imaging studies in patients with AIT.MethodsWe describe a 62-year-old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, receiving long-term amiodarone therapy, who was referred by his cardiologist for evaluation of abnormal thyroid function tests. He was found to have an unusual case of AIT, associated with an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule.ResultsThyroid function studies obtained by the patient’s cardiologist had shown a completely suppressed thyrotropin level and a free thyroxine level of 3.5 ng/dL. A 24-hour thyroid iodine 123 uptake and technetium Tc 99m pertechnetate scan revealed a “single, strong focus in the right thyroid lobe, with the rest of the thyroid gland...not well visualized.” Thyroid ultrasonography disclosed a single, well-defined 1.5-cm solid nodule. Repeated thyroid function studies revealed a normal thyrotropin level of 2.87 μIU/mL and a normal free thyroxine level of 2.4 ng/dL. The patient was managed conservatively with follow-up surveillance.ConclusionProspective studies should be performed to better ascertain the value of Tc 99m thyroid scanning in determining the cause of AIT. Until such studies have been completed, we suggest that nuclear studies are unlikely to be cost-effective for assessing all patients with AIT. One logical strategy would be to gain experience with scans in only those patients with known thyroid nodules, which have been detected during physical examination or by ultrasonography. The potential clinical utility of such an approach would be of considerable interest. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:413-416)     

复方丹参滴丸联合阿司匹林对冠心病患者血小板聚集功能及血脂水平的影响

目的:探讨复方丹参滴丸联合阿司匹林对冠心病(CHD)患者血小板聚集功能及血脂水平的影响。方法:选取2011年10月到2016年12月在我院接受治疗的CHD患者320例作为本次研究对象,采用乱数表法将所有患者分为对照组和观察组各160例,两组患者均采用扩冠、抗凝和降压药物等常规内科治疗,在此基础上对照组给予阿司匹林治疗,观察组给予复方丹参滴丸联合阿司匹林治疗,两组均治疗6个月。对比两组临床疗效、甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)及高密度脂蛋白(HDL)、血栓素B2(TXB2)水平,记录血小板最大聚集率(PAGM)及不良事件发生率。结果:治疗后观察组的总有效率为93.13%,显著高于对照组的68.75%(P0.05)。治疗6个月后观察组HDL水平高于治疗前和对照组,LDL、TC、TG水平低于治疗前和对照组(P0.05)。治疗6个月后两组患者PAGM、TXB2水平均有明显下降,且观察组PAGM、TXB2水平低于对照组(P0.05)。观察组不良事件发生率为2.50%,显著低于对照组的18.13%(P0.05)。结论:复方丹参滴丸与阿司匹林联合治疗CHD临床疗效较好,可以有效抑制血小板凝聚,调节血脂,降低不良事件发生率,值得在临床上推广。     

Advances in Lipid Testing and Management in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectiveTo review the pathophysiologic basis for the classic phenotype associated with diabetic dyslipidemia, discuss recent advances in lipid and lipoprotein testing for risk assessment and lipid therapy monitoring, and summarize a systematic approach to the clinical management of diabetic dyslipidemia.MethodsWe review the pertinent literature, including treatment guidelines and results of major clinical trials, and discuss the effectiveness of various pharmacologic interventions for management of lipid levels in patients with diabetes.ResultsThe incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus continue to escalate globally at alarming rates. Diabetes predisposes to multiple microvascular and macrovascular complications, including cardiovascular disease, the number 1 cause of mortality in the United States. The third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel in 2001 identified diabetes as a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equivalent, in light of the evidence that CHD risk in persons with diabetes is similar to that of nondiabetic persons with established CHD. Diabetic dyslipidemia is characterized by a constellation of lipid derangements—hypertriglyceridemia, a low concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and a high concentration of small, dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles—that accelerate the progression of atherosclerotic disease and the development of atherothrombotic events.ConclusionStatin trials have demonstrated significant reductions in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, including in patients with diabetes. Nevertheless, many patients who achieve their LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) goal still have residual CHD risk. Diabetic dyslipidemia contributes to this residual risk because of the increased concentration of atherogenic apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins that can persist despite normalized LDL-C levels and low HDL-C levels. Recent clinical trials emphasize the importance of intensive lipid lowering to achieve recommended goals for LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apolipoprotein B. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:641-652)     

High frequency of anxiety and angina pectoris in depressed women with coronary heart disease

Background: Depression is an unfavorable state that is difficult to recognize in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Little is known about the characteristics of depressed female CHD patients.Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of depressive symptoms in women entering a cardiac rehabilitation program, and furthermore, to examine whether women who have CHD and depressive symptoms display any unfavorable physical or psychological characteristics that could be helpful in identifying female CHD patients at increased risk of depression.Methods: In a Swedish cross-sectional survey of Swedish women entering a randomized, female cardiac rehabilitation trial, patients with a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score indicating depression were compared with patients without depressive symptoms.Results: Of the 121 women with CHD who participated in the study, 23.1% had BDI scores consistent with moderate to severe depression (BDI ≥19). Scores of ≥19 were strongly correlated to established angina pectoris (P = 0.007) and higher rates of anxiety on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (P < 0.001). Depressed women also were more likely to have a family history of heart disease (P = 0.036) and were less likely to care for their health in the future (P = 0.005).Conclusions: This study suggests a strong relationship between depression and angina pectoris in women with CHD. The study also confirms previous findings that depressive symptoms are common in women with CHD. Findings of more pronounced cardiac symptoms in depressed women with CHD suggest that depressive symptoms may present differently or alter cardiac symptoms in female CHD patients. Consequently, the occurrence of increased cardiac symptoms indicates the need to screen for depression, whether depressive symptoms are apparent or not. The higher scores for anxiety in depressed women with CHD and their poorer health care practices, in combination with their more pessimistic beliefs about lifestyle changes, highlight the need to identify depression to enhance adherence to treatment regimens in the cardiac rehabilitation process.     

胺碘酮治疗老年急性心肌梗死伴心房颤动的临床研究

目的:探究胺碘酮治疗老年急性心肌梗死(AMI)伴心房颤动的疗程疗效。方法:选取于2014年1月-2016年6月来我院诊治的AMI且合并心房颤动患者74例为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组,每组各37例;观察组采用胺碘酮治疗,对照组采用毛花苷丙治疗,评价两组治疗效果,比较两组房颤动控制率、窦性心律维持率、病死率及不良反应发生率。结果:观察组的显效率、总有效率分别为73.0%(18/37)、94.6%(27/37),明显高于对照组的48.6%(27/37)、73.0%(35/37),差异有统计学意义(P=0.032,P=0.021);房颤动控制率及窦性心律维持率分别为67.6%(25/37)、81.1%(30/37)明显高于对照组的43.2%(16/37)、45.9%(17/37),差异有统计学意义(P=0.035,P=0.002);病死率及不良反应发生率分别为5.4%(2/37)、10.8%(4/37)明显低于对照组的21.6%(8/37)、51.8%(19/37),差异有统计学意义(P=0.041,P0.001)。结论:胺碘酮治疗老年AMI伴心房颤动的临床疗效显著,药物不良反应的发生率较低,安全有效,值得在临床应用推广。     

Efficacy and safety of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in congenital heart disease – A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundPrevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is on the rise. Anti-arrhythmic drugs are usually the first line of treatment in CHD, however, it is often ineffective and poorly tolerated. We aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation for AF in CHD.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive search on catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in congenital heart disease up until July 2019 through several electronic databases.ResultsAblation of AF in patients with CHD had a modest 12 months AF freedom ranging from 32.8% to 63%, which can be increased by subsequent/repeat ablation. The complexity of CHD appears to have a significant effect on a study but not in others. Catheter ablation in ASD and persistent left superior vena cava had a high success rate. Overall, catheter ablation is safe whichever the type of CHD is.ConclusionCatheter ablation for AF in CHD had modest efficacy that can be increased by subsequent/repeat ablation and it also has an excellent safety profile. Ablation in complex CHD could also have similar efficacy, however, it is preferably done by experts in a high volume tertiary center.     

Review of Oral Cholecystographic Agents for the Management of Hyperthyroidism

ObjectiveAlthough the use of oral cholecystographic agents (OCAs) had declined due to limited availability, there is literature to suggest it is an effective medication for thyrotoxicosis in appropriate clinical situations.MethodsThe authors performed a PubMed search and systematically reviewed all the English written case reports, original studies and reviews from 1953 to 2012. Additional information was supplemented from available online pharmacologic databases.ResultsThe off-label use of OCAs was reviewed for the management of neonatal and adult Graves’ disease, subacute thyroiditis, amiodarone-induced thyroiditis (AIT), exogenous hyperthyroidism, toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG), thyrotropinoma, thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy, rapid pre-operative control of hyperthyroidism, and thyroid storm. Adverse effects were also reviewed.ConclusionOCAs generally are effective agents in treating thyrotoxicosis in the etiologies reviewed. OCAs are clinically relevant in patients who require rapid control, such as in the pre-operative state or patient who cannot tolerate a thyrotoxicosis state. OCA may also be beneficial in situations where other anti-thyroidal medication would be hazardous or ineffective, such as thionamide allergy or exogenous thyrotoxicosis. Given concern for long-term relapse, OCAs should be considered a short-term bridge to definitive therapy. OCAs are limited in TMNG and should be second line after glucocorticoids in AIT II. OCAs do not preclude the use of radioactive iodine, which can be performed one week after OCA therapy. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:1084-1092)     

尼可地尔联合冠状动脉心脏介入治疗冠心病合并肾功能不全的疗效及对NGAL、Cys-C的影响

摘要 目的：探析冠心病（CHD）合并肾功能不全（RI）应用冠状动脉心脏介入治疗（PCI）联合尼可地尔的临床疗效及对胱抑素C（Cys-C）、中性粒细胞明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白（NGAL）影响。方法：选择本院2019年6月~2021年6月就诊的86例CHD合并RI患者,随机数字表法分为两组各43例。 两组均实施PCI治疗,对照组实施常规静脉水化处理,观察组联合尼可地尔治疗。对比两组PCI治疗前后24 h肾功能指标（Cys-C、NGAL）、血清炎性因子指标（高敏C反应蛋白 (hs-CRP)、白细胞介素 6 (IL-6)）、心肌损伤指标（心肌肌钙蛋白I（cTnI）及肌酸激酶同工酶（CK-MB））、并发症发生率。结果：观察组CIN发生率（2.33%）、MACE率（2.33%）均明显低于对照组（16.28%、13.95%）,有统计学差异（P<0.05）。两组PCI治疗前Cys-C、NGAL、hs-CRP、IL-6、cTnI、CK- MB无统计学差异（P<0.05）。治疗后观察组Cys-C、NGAL、hs-CRP、IL-6升高幅度、组cTnI、CK- MB明显低于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：PCI 联合尼可地尔应用于CHD合并RI临床治疗效果显著,可有效改善患者肾功能,降低炎症反应、心肌损伤,预防CIN发生。     

Thyroid Carcinoma Detected by 18f-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Among Individuals without Prior Evidence of Thyroid Disease: Relevance and Clinicopathologic Features

ObjectiveThe expanding use of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (¹⁸F-FDG-PET) has contributed to an increasing number of thyroid incidentalomas. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET thyroid incidentalomas and evaluate the clinicopathologic features of thyroid malignancies detected by ¹⁸F-FDG-PET.MethodsWe reviewed all ¹⁸F-FDG-PET exams performed at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Lisbon, between 2007 and 2012 (n = 9,374). The inclusion criteria were focal thyroid uptake and absence of known thyroid disease.ResultsFocal thyroid uptake was observed in 60 out of 9,374 ¹⁸F-FDG-PET exams (prevalence of 0.64%). Fineneedle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed in 23 patients and reported as malignant in 14 cases (56.5% primary thyroid carcinoma; 4.3% secondary malignancy), as benign in 7 cases (30.5%) and as follicular lesion of undetermined significance in 2 cases (8.7%). Fourteen patients had surgery. A final histologic diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma was established in 12 cases (52.2%). Three were multifocal (25.0%); 8 had extrathyroidal extension (66.7%); 5 had angioinvasion (41.7%); 3 had lymph nodes metastases (25.0%) and 2 showed lung metastases (16.7%). Overall, 91.7% were classified as intermediate or high risk. All patients had radioiodine therapy. At the last observation (mean follow-up was 29.9 months), persistent or recurrent disease was identified in 4 patients (33.3%) and none died from thyroid malignancy.ConclusionsThyroid carcinomas disclosed by ¹⁸F-FDG-PET are associated with aggressive histological criteria likely to carry a worse prognosis. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:1129-1136)     

冠心病患者经皮冠状动脉介入治疗术后支架内再狭窄的相关危险因素分析

目的:探究冠心病(CHD)患者经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)术后支架内再狭窄(ISR)的相关危险因素。方法:选取2014年6月～2017年6月期间我院收治的行PCI的CHD患者200例为研究对象,术后随访一年再行冠脉造影检测,根据患者是否发生ISR分为观察组(38例,发生ISR)和对照组(162例,未发生ISR),收集并比较两组患者基线资料及生化指标,采用多因素logistic回归分析CHD患者PCI术后发生ISR的危险因素。结果:观察组吸烟、饮酒、高血压、糖尿病的人数占比、病程及支架直径均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组脂蛋白(a)[LP(a)]、纤维蛋白原(FIB)及尿酸(UA)水平显著高于对照组,总胆红素(TBIL)水平显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,吸烟、糖尿病、支架直径(小)以及高水平LP(a)、低水平UA为CHD患者行PCI术后发生ISR的危险因素。结论:CHD患者行PCI术后发生ISR的危险因素有吸烟、糖尿病、支架直径以及高水平LP(a)、低水平UA,因此在PCI术中应尽可能选用较大的支架,同时戒烟、控制血糖有利于预防ISR的发生,定期检测血清LP(a)、UA水平变化,并采取有效的医疗与保健措施能够减少ISR的发生风险。     

培哚普利联合螺内酯治疗非腺瘤型原发性醛固酮增多症的临床疗效研究

目的:研究培哚普利联合螺内酯治疗非腺瘤型原发性醛固酮增多症患者的临床效果及安全性。方法:选取在我院进行诊治的62例非腺瘤型原发性醛固酮增多症患者并将其随机分为对照组和观察组,每组31例。对照组患者在常规治疗方案的基础上给予20 mg螺内酯口服,一天3次;观察组患者在对照组的基础上加用4 mg培哚普利口服,一天1次。所有患者均治疗3个月,观察和比较两组的临床疗效,治疗前后血压、心功能、血钾、6分钟步行试验结果的变化。结果:(1)治疗后,对照组临床总有效率为74.2%(23/31),较观察组[93.5%(29/31)]显著降低(P0.05);(2)治疗后,两组患者收缩压和舒张压、LVESD(左室收缩末期内径)、LVEDD(左室舒张末期内径)均显著低于治疗前(P0.05),而LVEF(左室射血分数)、血清钾浓度、6分钟步行距离均显著高于治疗前(P0.05),且观察组患者收缩压和舒张压、LVEDD、LVESD均明显低于对照组,而LVEF、血清钾浓度、6分钟步行距离均显著高于对照组(P0.05);(3)治疗过程中,对照组患者不良反应发生率为6.5%(2/31),观察组为12.9%(4/31),两组之间比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:培哚普利联合螺内酯治疗非腺瘤型原发性醛固酮增多症患者可显著提高其临床疗效,改善患者心功能,并有效降低血压,且安全性高。     

Unusual Clinical Course of Graves’ Thyrotoxicosis and Concomitant Sarcoidosis: Case Report and Review of Literature

ObjectiveTo report a case of Graves’ disease with concomitant sarcoidosis involving the thyroid gland.MethodsWe present the clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathologic findings and describe the clinical course of a patient with Graves’ disease and sarcoidosis, who was unresponsive to propylthiouracil and radioiodine treatment.ResultsA 23-year-old woman presented with thyrotoxicosis and a large goiter. Laboratory studies and findings on thyroid uptake and scan were consistent with Graves’ disease. She was also found to have hilar lymph-adenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Despite treatment with antithyroid drugs and radioiodine therapy, her hyperthyroidism persisted. Surgical resection of the thyroid gland and 2 lymph nodes disclosed noncaseating granulomas, consistent with sarcoid.ConclusionAutoimmune endocrinopathies and, less commonly, thyroid autoimmune disease have been reported in patients with sarcoidosis. Similarities exist in the pathogenesis of these two conditions. Concomitant sarcoidosis in the thyroid gland in patients with Graves’ disease may contribute to the resistance to antithyroid drugs and radioiodine therapy. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:159-163)     

Elevated Amylase and Lipase Levels in Patients Using Glucagonlike Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists or Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-4 Inhibitors In the Outpatient Setting

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of glucagonlike peptidase-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on serum amylase and serum lipase levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsIn 90 patients with type 2 diabetes, treatment was initiated with a GLP-1 agonist or a DPP-4 inhibitor. A comparison group consisted of 33 patients with type2 diabetes and similar characteristics who were not prescribed these agents. Baseline serum amylase and lipase levels were measured in all patients and repeated periodically. We determined the percentage of patients with elevated levels of serum amylase or lipase (or both) in both groups.ResultsAmong all 90 patients who received a GLP-1 receptor agonist or a DPP-4 inhibitor, 32 (36%) had an increase in serum amylase or lipase (or both) in comparison with 6 of 33 patients (18%) with such increases in the comparison group. Interestingly, the serum lipase levels increased more than the serum amylase values in all groups. To ascertain that this was not a chance laboratory error, serum samples were submitted to a second independent laboratory, and the same results were obtained. Usually, use of the medication was discontinued when serum lipase or amylase values were found to be elevated at any level.ConclusionBoth GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors are associated with increased levels of serum lipase more than serum amylase in many patients with type2 diabetes, possibly suggesting the presence of pancreatic inflammation. Whether this finding may potentially lead to acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis, as reported in rat models, is currently unknown. Careful observation of patients taking these medications may be prudent. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:472-477)     

Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Peruvian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectiveTo describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in adult Peruvian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsIn this cross-sectional analysis, we reviewed clinical charts of type 2 diabetic patients with DKA admitted to Cayetano Heredia Hospital between 2001 and 2005 for data on demographics, previous treatment, previous hospital admissions for DKA, family history of diabetes, precipitating factors, hospital course, mortality, and insulin use 3 and 6 months after the index DKA episode. Patients older than 18 years who had confirmed DKA were included. Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus were excluded.ResultsWe report on 53 patients with DKA for whom complete clinical and laboratory data were available. Of the 53 patients, 39 (74%) were men; mean age (± SD) was 45 ± 12 years; and 22 (42%) had no previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The following mean (± SD) laboratory values were obtained at DKA diagnosis: glucose, 457 ± 170 mg/dL; pH, 7.15 ± 0.14; bicarbonate, 7.73 ± 6 mEq/L; and anion gap, 24.45 ± 7.44 mEq/L. Of the 53 DKA episodes, 35 (66%) were severe (arterial pH < 7.0 and/or serum bicarbonate < 10 mEq/L). The following precipitating factors were discerned: discontinuation of treatment in 21 (40%), infections in 16 (30%), intercurrent illness in 3 (6%), and no identifiable cause in 13 (25%). Mortality rate was 0%. Three and 6 months after the index DKA episode, insulin was used by 65% and 56% of patients, respectively.ConclusionIn countries with a low incidence of type 1 diabetes, DKA is frequently reported in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this study, 42% of patients had new-onset disease. Most DKA episodes were severe and were related to infection or noncompliance with treatment. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:442-446)     

Clinical Course and Outcome of Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas in the Elderly Compared with Younger Age Groups

ObjectiveNonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are the most common type of pituitary adenomas diagnosed in older patients. However, there are insufficient data regarding the clinical course, risk of regrowth, and long-term prognosis in elderly versus younger patients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study observed 105 adult patients with NFPAs diagnosed between 1995 and 2012. Patients were stratified into 3 age groups: 18 to 44 years (29 patients), 45 to 64 years (38 patients), and 65 years and over (38 patients). The impact of age on presenting symptoms, disease course, and outcome was analyzed.ResultsAdenoma size was larger in patients < 45 years (mean, 2.9 ± 1.2 cm) compared to patients aged 45 to 64 years and those ≥ 65 years old (2.3 ± 0.9 and 2.5 ± 0.8 cm, respectively; P = .05), with transsphenoidal surgery being the treatment of choice in all 3 groups (83, 92, and 84%, not significant). After a mean follow-up of 6 years, there were higher recovery rates from hypopituitarism in patients < 45 years old (58% vs. 27% and 24%; P = .04). Visual fields improved in most affected patients in each group following surgery (74, 94, and 86%), with a trend toward more full normalization in the youngest age group (58% vs. 44% and 41%; P = .09). There were no significant differences in the risk of remnant growth (29 to 39%), rates of radiation therapy, or need for repeated surgeries. There was no disease-related mortality.ConclusionElderly patients with NFPA have lower rates of recovery from hypopituitarism after treatment compared to younger patients, but the rates of regrowth and need for salvage surgery are similar. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:159-164)     

碳酸镧咀嚼片联合依降钙素对血液透析高磷血症患者冠状动脉钙化及血磷水平的影响

摘要 目的：观察碳酸镧咀嚼片联合依降钙素对血液透析高磷血症患者冠状动脉钙化及血磷水平的影响。方法：选取2019年8月~2021年3月我院接收的血液透析高磷血症患者120例,采用双色球法,将患者分为对照组（60例,依降钙素治疗）和观察组（60例,在对照组基础上结合碳酸镧咀嚼片治疗）,对比两组疗效、血磷、血钙、钙磷乘积、全段甲状旁腺激素（iPTH）、成纤维生长因子23（FGF-23）、冠状动脉钙化积分（CACS）,观察两组不良反应发生情况。结果：观察组临床总有效率（91.67%）优于对照组（70.00%）（P<0.05）。两组不良反应发生率组间对比无差异（P>0.05）。观察组治疗结束后血磷、iPTH、血钙、FGF-23、钙磷乘积、CACS低于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：血液透析高磷血症患者采用碳酸镧咀嚼片联合依降钙素治疗,可延缓冠状动脉钙化,有效降低血磷水平,安全有效。     

Fine Needle Aspiration and Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: The Risk of Inadequate Preoperative Evaluation and Initial Surgery when Relying upon Fnab Cytology Alone

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) to preoperatively diagnose medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) among multiple international centers and evaluate how the cytological diagnosis alone could impact patient management.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of sporadic MTC (sMTC) patients from 12 institutions over the last 29 years. FNAB cytology results were compared to final pathologic diagnoses to calculate FNAB sensitivity. To evaluate the impact of cytology sensitivity for MTC according to current practice and to avoid confounding results by local treatment protocols, changes in treatment patterns over time, and the influence of ancillary findings (e.g., serum calcitonin), therapeutic interventions based on FNAB cytology alone were projected into 1 of 4 treatment categories: total thyroidectomy (TT) and central neck dissection (CND), TT without CND, diagnostic hemithyroidectomy, or observation.ResultsA total of 313 patients from 4 continents and 7 countries were included, 245 of whom underwent FNAB. FNAB cytology revealed MTC in 43.7% and possible MTC in an additional 2.4%. A total of 113 (46.1%) patients with surgical pathology revealing sMTC had FNAB findings that supported TT with CND, while 37 (15.1%) supported TT alone. In the remaining cases, diagnostic hemithyroidectomy and observation were projected in 32.7% and 6.1%, respectively.ConclusionFNAB is an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, but the low sensitivity of cytological evaluation alone in sMTC limits its ability to command an optimal preoperative evaluation and initial surgery in over half of affected patients. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:920-927)     

Population-Based Study of Hypoglycemia in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Requiring Emergency Medical Services

ObjectiveTo report the population burden of hypo glycemia necessitating emergency medical services (EMS) and the long-term outcomes in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) receiving different insulin treatments.MethodsWe retrieved all EMS calls because of hypoglycemia in patients with T1DM in Olmsted County, Minnesota, between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2009, and reviewed the related medical records.ResultsDuring the 7-year study period, 531 EMS calls were made involving 208 patients with T1DM (112 men, 96 women; mean age 47 ± 13 years). Of the 208 patients, 137 (66%) were receiving multiple daily insulin (MDI) injections, 50 (24%) were receiving continuous sub cutaneous insulin infusion, 15 (7%) were receiving simple insulin (SI), 4 (2%) were treated with metformin + MDI, and 2 (1%) were not receiving treatment for diabetes (after pancreas transplantation). The last 2 groups were excluded from further analysis because of small sample size. The remaining 3 treatment groups differed by age (P < .02), with the oldest patients receiving SI. Repeated calls, emergency department transportation (EDT), and hospitalization had a 33%, 49%, and 18% frequency, respectively, and did not differ among the treatment groups. In a multivariate model, mortality was significantly associated with treatment type (the SI group had a higher risk for mortality than did the MDI group [P = .03] after exclusion of 27 patients who changed treatment during follow-up), age (P < .0001), and EDT (P = .04).ConclusionThe population burden of EMS-requiring hypoglycemia in patients with T1DM is high. Medical resource utilization was similar among the 3 treatment groups. Mortality was higher in the SI group (limited by small sample size) and among patients requiring EDT and increased with advancing age. Further research could be directed toward understanding the effect of expert evaluation of high-risk patients on long-term outcomes. (EndocrPract. 2012;18:834-841)