Global Warming and Endocrinology: The Hyderabad Declaration of the South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies.

Global warming and endocrine disorders are intertwined issues posing significant challenges. Greenhouse gases emanating from human activities drive global warming, leading to temperature rise and altered weather patterns. South Asia has experienced a noticeable temperature surge over the past century. The sizable population residing in the region heightens the susceptibility to the impact of global warming. In addition to affecting agriculture, water resources, and livelihood, environmental changes interfere with endocrine functioning. Resulting lifestyle changes increase the risk of metabolic and endocrine disorders. Individuals with diabetes face heightened vulnerability to extreme weather due to impaired thermoregulation. A high ambient temperature predisposes to heat-related illnesses, infertility, and nephropathy. Additionally, essential endocrine drugs and medical devices are susceptible to temperature fluctuations. The South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies (SAFES) calls for collaboration among stakeholders to combat climate change and promote healthy living. Comprehensive approaches, including the establishment of sustainable food systems, promotion of physical activity, and raising awareness about environmental impacts, are imperative. SAFES recommends strategies such as prioritizing plant-based diets, reducing meat consumption, optimizing medical device usage, and enhancing accessibility to endocrine care. Raising awareness and educating caregivers and people living with diabetes on necessary precautions during extreme weather conditions are paramount. The heat sensitivity of insulin, blood glucose monitoring devices, and insulin pumps necessitates proper storage and consideration of environmental conditions for optimal efficacy. The inter-connectedness of global warming and endocrine disorders underscores the necessity of international collaboration guided by national endocrine societies. SAFES urges all stakeholders to actively implement sustainable practices to improve endocrine health in the face of climate change.

Monitoring Endocrine Nursing in South Asia (MENSA).

Background: South Asian countries face the colossal challenge of tackling the massive burden of diabetes and other endocrine disorders. These patients grossly outnumber the specialists trained to deal with these conditions. A trained cadre of diabetes specialist nurses (DSN) and endocrine specialist nurses (ESN) might help bridge this gap. Exploring the perception of DSN/ESN among South Asian doctors will help to understand their role, responsibilities and future prospects. Methods: One hundred and seventy-four endocrinologists from South Asia participated in an online survey on their perception of DSNs and ESNs. Results: Out of the 174 respondents, 61 (35%) were currently working with DSN/ESN, 79 (45.4%) had worked in the past and 131 (75.2%) were willing to start recruiting or employ additional DSN/ESN in the future. The majority considered that the primary function of DSN and ESN is to educate on diabetes (n = 86, 96.6%) and endocrine disorders (n = 34, 57.6%), respectively, followed by anthropometry and initial work-up. Only a small minority felt they could write independent follow-up prescriptions (nurse-led clinics) [DSN - 16 (18%) and ESN - 3 (5.1%)]. Graduation with a certificate course in diabetes and basic endocrinology was considered a sufficient qualification by 68 (39.1%) respondents. Endocrinologists from countries other than India were more willing to recruit ESN/DSN in the future (89.7% vs 72.4%; P < 0.03) and approve a nurse-led clinic (62.1% vs 29.7%; P < 0.03). Upon multiple logistic regression, working in countries other than India was an independent predictor of future willingness to work with DSN/ESN (odds ratio (OR): 4.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-18.43, P = 0.03). Conclusion: DSN and ESN could facilitate the management of healthcare-seekers with diabetes and endocrine disorders. A certification course to train nurses on diabetes and basic endocrine disorders following graduation could be helpful. Major hindrances in creating a regular cadre of DSN/ESN were limited opportunities for career progression and lack of additional remuneration for services.

South Asian Working Action Group on SARCOpenia (SWAG-SARCO) - A consensus document.

The South Asian population is rapidly ageing and sarcopenia is likely to become a huge burden in this region if proper action is not taken in time. Several sarcopenia guidelines are available, from the western world and from East Asia. However, these guidelines are not fully relevant for the South Asian healthcare ecosystem. South Asia is ethnically, culturally, and phenotypically unique. Additionally, the region is seeing an increase in non-communicable lifestyle disease and obesity. Both these conditions can lead to sarcopenia. However, secondary sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are either not dealt with in detail or are missing in other guidelines. Hence, we present a consensus on the screening, diagnosis and management of sarcopenia, which addresses the gaps in the current guidelines. This South Asian consensus gives equal importance to muscle function, muscle strength, and muscle mass; provides cost-effective clinical and easy to implement solutions; highlights secondary sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity; lists commonly used biomarkers; reminds us that osteo-arthro-muscular triad should be seen as a single entity to address sarcopenia; stresses on prevention over treatment; and prioritizes non-pharmacological over pharmacological management. As literature is scarce from this region, the authors call for more South Asian research guided interventions.

Prevalence of hypertension in Type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Hypertension (HTN) has been confirmed as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, the detection and management of elevated blood pressure (BP) is a critical component of the comprehensive clinical management of diabetics. Since the rates of hypertension in diabetics are lacking in Afghanistan, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of elevated blood pressure in type-2 diabetic patients. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, which included 321 type -2 diabetic patients (119 males, 202 females) with a mean age of 53.86 ± 11.54 years who were presented to the Noble OPD center from November 2019 to January 2020. Results: The elevated blood pressure was detected in 70.5% of the patients. It was more prevalent in women than men (76.8% and 59.7% respectively). The mean systolic blood pressure was 146.94 ± 23.19 mmHg and mean diastolic blood pressure was 89.61 ± 11.59 mmHg. The mean pulse pressure was 57.32 ± 15.58 mmHg and the mean arterial pressure was 48.98 ± 7.73 mmHg. The mean body weight was 73.09 ± 13.75 Kg. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 7.08 ± 5.95 years with the average HbA1c of 9.27 ± 2.41%. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the patients was noted 28.77 ± 5.58 kg/m2. Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of hypertension in type-2 diabetes patients with a significant difference in the rate of elevated blood pressure between males and females (it was higher in females than males). The systolic blood pressure had a positive correlation with age. However, it was insignificant for diastolic blood pressure. Healthcare providers and other health sector should work in collaboration for designing appropriate preventive strategies targeting the modifiable risk factors associated with hypertension.

Heterotaxy polysplenia syndrome in an adult female with complete endocardial cushion defect.

Heterotaxy syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the abnormal arrangement of thoracoabdominal organs across the left-right axis of the body. It is generally classified as right and left atrial isomerism or asplenia and polysplenia syndrome, even though there are overlaps and uncertainties. The diagnosis of isomerism is typically made by echocardiography. However, multidetector computed tomography and MRI can help in obtaining detailed data on the morphology of the heart, great vessels, the anatomy of the internal organs, and their mutual arrangement that make an accurate diagnosis of heterotaxy syndrome. The authors present here the imaging findings of the heterotaxy polysplenia syndrome in a 21-year-old female with a complete endocardia cushion defect and a duplicated right renal vein.

Endovascular management of aortocaval fistula complicating abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting as an acute renal failure.

INTRODUCTION: Aortocaval fistulas (ACFs) are a rare complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is thought that increased tension in the walls of large aneurysms can cause an inflammatory reaction resulting in adhesion to the adjacent vein and culminating in necrosis of the adherent layers and fistula formation. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 70-year-old male was referred from a local state center to the emergency department of our hospital, complaining of weakness and oliguria for two days. The laboratory analysis yielded high urea and creatinine levels, indicating an acute renal failure. Computed tomography images showed an aortocaval fistula complicating infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient was successfully managed with endovascular intervention. DISCUSSION: Aortocaval fistulas generally affect elderly men with an average age of 65 years. The diagnosis is often delayed because of the variable clinical manifestations, which increases the difficulties in treatment. Conventional surgical intervention has high mortality rates. However, endoleaks and paradoxical pulmonary embolism are the main concerning complications of endovascular treatment. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous aortocaval fistulas are a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm with myriad clinical manifestations. Early diagnosis and management can directly affect the prognosis and outcome. Modern non-invasive diagnostic imaging can help timely diagnosis and provide a road map for the treatment plan. Endovascular repair is the first choice of treatment. However, a high incidence and persistence of endoleak with the endovascular approach requires caution and a close long time follow up.

Giant renal pseudoaneurysm complicating angiomyolipoma in a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex: An unusual case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are uncommon benign lesions, which are composed of dysmorphic blood vessels, adipose tissue, and smooth muscle components. They tend to bleed because of the hypervascularity and the presence of small aneurysms, leading to life-threatening complications. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 31-year-old female was presented to the emergency service of our hospital, complaining of left flank pain for 1 week followed by hematuria for one day. Radiologic imaging showed the features of a giant renal pseudoaneurysm. Superselective embolization was applied and she had an uneventful recovery. DISCUSSION: The blood vessels in AML are tortuous and thick-walled with the absence of supportive elastic tissue, which tend to the formation of the intralesional pseudoaneurysm. The risk of bleeding is higher with tumors larger than 4 cm, rapid tumor growth, and aneurysms larger than 0.5 cm. Early detection and treatment are essential for the prevention of bleeding and improving patient outcomes. CONCLUSION: Giant pseudoaneurysm in a renal angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex is a rare entity, often leading to potentially life-threatening bleeding. Selective angioembolization is recommended as firstline therapy for bleeding AML and is increasingly used as a preventive treatment for AML at risk of bleeding. However, a high incidence of the recurrence requires caution and a close longtime follow-up. Surgical intervention is indicated if the hemorrhage is not responsive to embolization or if there is suspicion of malignancy.

Consensus Recommendations on GLP-1 RA Use in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: South Asian Task Force.

The advent of incretin mimetics such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) has enriched the armamentarium for diabetes management owing to their glycaemic as well as extra-glycaemic benefits. The approval status and availability of this class of drugs vary widely across the globe. Being a relatively newer class of drug with numerous benefits, several national and international guidelines are working towards addressing clinical questions pertaining to the optimal use of GLP-1 RAs for the management of diabetes. Although the newer class of drugs are associated with significant benefits such as patient-centric approach, these drugs demand the providers to be vigilant and knowledgeable about the medication. The South Asian population is at higher risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of their genetic predisposition and lifestyle changes. Hence, prevention and management of T2DM and its associated complications in this population are of paramount importance. The current report aims to present an overview of current knowledge on GLP-1 RAs based on pragmatic review of the available clinical evidence. In addition, this report is a consensus of expert endocrinologists representing South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Maldives on essential recommendations related to the use of GLP-1 RAs in a real-world scenario.