Once-weekly Insulin Icodec as Compared to Once-daily Basal Insulins: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Once-weekly basal insulin icodec has been tested in clinical trials for efficacy and safety over currently available glargine-100 and degludec in different clinical settings for type 2 diabetes. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate its overall safety and efficacy as compared to glargine-100 and degludec (nonicodec), from all available randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Seven trials comparing once-daily basal insulin analogs to once-weekly basal insulin icodec were included. Based on available information, outcomes in terms of HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose reduction, and increase in time in range (TIR) were compared. Side-effects were compared for overall hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia, and weight gain. The pooled effect size for continuously distributed data was measured as a reduction in "estimated differences in mean (with 95% CI)." For categorical data, the pooled effect size was measured as the Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio (with 95% CI). RESULTS: Analyzing against the nonicodec comparators together, the "estimated mean changes" in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose favoring icodec were -0.22% (-0.35, -0.10) and -1.59 mg% (-9.26, 6.08) respectively. The "estimated mean increment" in weight for icodec was 0.64 kg (0.61, 0.67). The "estimated mean percentage" increment in TIR for icodec was 4.24% (2.99, 5.49). The Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios for all hypoglycemic events and severe hypoglycemia for icodec were 1.24 (1.02, 1.50) (P = .03) and 0.81 (0.31, 2.08) (P is not significant), respectively, suggesting a 24% increased incidence of all hypoglycemia with icodec. CONCLUSION: Once-weekly basal insulin icodec as compared to once-daily basal insulin analogs had a slight increase in the risk of overall hypoglycemia and weight gain, without any difference in severe hypoglycemia, with similar glycemic control (in terms of fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and TIR).

Corneal Confocal Microscopy Abnormalities in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) without neuropathic symptoms or signs and minimal abnormality in large and small nerve fiber function tests remains largely undetermined. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of CCM in comparison to thermal detection thresholds (TDT) testing and nerve conduction studies (NCS) for detecting neuropathy in children with T1DM. METHODS: A cohort of children and adolescents with T1DM (n = 51) and healthy controls (n = 50) underwent evaluation for symptoms and signs of neurological deficits, including warm detection threshold, cold detection threshold, vibration perception threshold, NCS, and CCM. RESULTS: Children with T1DM had no or very minimal neuropathic symptoms and deficits based on the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score, yet NCS abnormalities were present in 18 (35%), small fiber dysfunction defined by an abnormal TDT was found in 13 (25.5%) and CCM abnormalities were present in 25 (49%). CCM was abnormal in a majority of T1DM children with abnormal TDT (12/13, 92%) and abnormal NCS (16/18, 88%). CCM additionally was able to detect small fiber abnormalities in 13/38 (34%) in T1DM with a normal TDT and in 9/33 (27%) with normal NCS. CONCLUSION: CCM was able to detect corneal nerve loss in children with and without abnormalities in TDT and NCS.

Different Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors: Can They Prevent Death?

OBJECTIVE: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) demonstrate cardiovascular (CV) safety and benefits. Some dedicated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate benefit in terms of renal outcomes and hospitalization due to heart failure (HF). RCTs report differences in the secondary outcomes with respect to mortality (CV and/or all-cause). We undertook a meta-analysis of all SGLT2is for which in addition to CVOT, HF outcome/renal outcome studies are available to establish whether individual SGLT2is were able to prevent death. METHODS: We included available event-driven randomized, placebo-controlled CVOTs and dedicated RCTs of SGLT2is exploring renal outcomes and HF. We included 3 trials of empagliflozin, 3 of dapagliflozin, 2 of canagliflozin, and 2 of sotagliflozin. The efficacy outcomes included all-cause mortality and CV mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were pooled for individual molecules. RESULTS: The HR for all-cause mortality including all trials was 0.86 (0.80-0.93). The HRs for all-cause mortality in empagliflozin (N = 16 738), dapagliflozin (N = 26 208), canagliflozin (N = 14 543), and sotagliflozin (N = 11 806) were 0.86 (0.69-1.08), 0.83 (0.72-0.97), 0.86 (0.75-0.97), and 0.95 (0.81-1.11), respectively. The HR for CV mortality including all trials was 0.85 (0.78-0.92). The HRs for CV mortality in empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, sotagliflozin, and canagliflozin were 0.81 (0.63-1.03), 0.88 (0.78-1.00), 0.89 (0.74-1.07), and 0.84 (0.72-0.98), respectively. CONCLUSION: SGLT2is as a class reduce both all-cause mortality and CV mortality. Canagliflozin possibly reduces both all-cause mortality and CV mortality, whereas dapagliflozin may reduce all-cause mortality but not CV mortality. Empagliflozin and sotagliflozin may reduce neither.

Sexual Dysfunction in Sheehan Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The study was done to objectively document the sexual function in Sheehan syndrome (SS). SS is not an uncommon cause of hypopituitarism in developing countries. The lack of sex steroids from both ovaries and adrenal glands could lead to sexual dysfunction in SS. Sexual function is a neglected aspect of health in women in developing countries, although it greatly contributes toward the quality of life and feeling of well-being. Objective documentation of sexual function in SS is limited. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects with SS on conventional therapy (except growth hormone) were evaluated. SS was diagnosed as per standard criteria. Sexual function was assessed by validated questionnaires using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Thirty healthy women of a similar age range and socioeconomic background were included as comparators. RESULTS: The mean age (±SD) of the study population and healthy controls was 39.9 (±8.6) years and 38.2 (±6.8) years, respectively. The median interval between inciting events and diagnosis of SS was 8.3 years (interquartile range, 5.2-13.5 years). Thirty subjects were sexually active. Of the 30 subjects, 28 (93%) had sexual dysfunction, that is, an FSFI score of ≤26.55. The median total FSFI scores of subjects with SS and controls were 20.8 and 29.05, respectively, (P = .001). There was a statistically significant difference for individual parameters of sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction, between those with SS and controls. However, the pain during intercourse was not different. FSFI score in subjects with SS was not correlated with any endocrine parameter or duration of the disease since diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction is very common, affecting >90% of subjects with SS.

Periodontal Disease in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Influence of Pubertal Stage and Glycemic Control.

OBJECTIVE: Though gingivitis is common in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the overall periodontal health in T1DM during the pubertal stage is less well-characterized. The study was undertaken to explore the possible influence of puberty and metabolic derangement on periodontal health in T1DM. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 110 subjects between 10-18 years with T1DM and 52 healthy siblings of similar age were evaluated for pubertal stage, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and periodontal health. Simplified oral hygiene index (OHIS), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PPD) were evaluated at 4 sites per tooth as per 6 Ramfjord index teeth used to assess periodontal disease (PD). RESULTS: PD not merely gingivitis was significantly higher in T1DM (84/110, 76.36%) than the control group (28/52, 53.8%) (P = .004). Irrespective of pubertal status, children with T1DM had worse GI, PI, BOP, and PPD than nondiabetic subjects, although OHIS was better in diabetes. In both T1DM and nondiabetic subjects, pubertal subjects showed significantly worse OHIS, PPD, BOP, and GI than prepubertal subjects. PD was correlated with pubertal stage, age, and HbA1c, although less strongly with the duration of diabetes. In logistic regression, pubertal stage was a stronger predictor of PD (OR = 14.26) than age (OR = 2.22), and HbA1c (OR = 1.5) rather than the presence of diabetes and its duration. CONCLUSIONS: Though pubertal status, age, and poor glycemic control rather than the presence of diabetes and its duration are associated with gingivitis and other forms of PD, puberty had a more profound effect in the pathogenesis of PD in T1DM.

Overt and Subclinical Adrenal Insufficiency in Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis of the adrenal glands may cause overt or subclinical adrenal insufficiency. An algorithm-based approach including assessment of paired basal cortisol and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), short Synacthen, and plasma renin activity assays could be useful to diagnose all forms of adrenal insufficiency. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included consecutive, treatment-naive subjects diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis severity was classified by radiological criteria. Baseline parameters plus morning (8 am) serum cortisol and paired plasma ACTH were measured in all patients. Synacthen stimulation tests and plasma renin activity assays were performed as required. RESULTS: Eighty-four treatment-naive consecutive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were evaluated for adrenal insufficiency. Twenty-seven (32.14%) subjects had normal adrenocortical function and 8 (9.5%), 7 (8.3%), 40 (47.6%), and 2 (2.4%) subjects had stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4 adrenal insufficiency, respectively. Serum cortisol was negatively correlated with radiological severity (P = .01) and duration of illness (P = .001). Adrenal dysfunction was present in 27.3%, 82.5%, and 80% of those with radiologically minimal, moderately advanced, and far-advanced disease, respectively. Mean cortisol was 19.74 ± 5.52, 17.42 ± 8.53, and 15.71 ± 7.14 (µg/dL) in the 3 groups, respectively (P = .042). Hyponatremia was present in 83.3% of the patients. Serum sodium was negatively correlated with severity but not with the duration of disease. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overt and subclinical adrenal dysfunction in pulmonary tuberculosis was high and was correlated with disease severity and duration. An algorithmic approach may be useful to detect the same and may have important clinical implications.

COVID Associated Mucormycosis: A Study on the Spectrum of Clinical, Biochemical and Radiological Findings in A Series of Ten Patients.

BACKGROUND: There is more than twofold rise in prevalence of mucormycosis cases in India during the COVID-19 pandemic which needs to be evaluated. AIMS: The study aimed to document the spectrum of cases of mucormycosis seen at our Institute during COVID-19 times. METHODS: The study is a retrospective observational study carried out at our Institute from May 2021 to mid-June 2021. All patients with biopsy-proven mucormycosis were enrolled in the study. The patients were subjected to complete history taking, ophthalmological examination, and imaging studies. The patients were treated with a multidisciplinary approach with antifungal therapy as well as surgical intervention when needed. RESULTS: Ten patients (n=10) were seen, with a mean age of 50.3 years. The major risk factors included recent use of steroids, uncontrolled diabetes, and CKD. The most common presentation was swelling of unilateral eye and ptosis, followed by loss of vision. Inflammatory marker (CRP) and d-dimer were raised at presentation in all cases. Imaging showed the spread of infection from paranasal sinus to orbit and brain via cavernous sinus, which was a poor prognostic factor. Intravenous Amphotericin-B was given to all patients for at least 4 weeks. Two patients were discharged after completion of treatment and mortality was seen in three patients. CONCLUSION: We present an array of COVID-associated-mucormycosis (CAM) cases from Eastern India. CAM is presenting with rhino-orbito-cerebral involvement. There is poor outcome with cerebral involvement and high incidence of adverse effects with deoxycholate formulation of amphotericin-B. The causal association of COVID-19 with mucormycosis needs to be unearthed but possible preventive role of anticoagulation should be evaluated.

Assessment of Insulin Resistance Indices in Individuals with Lean and Obese Metabolic Syndrome Compared to Normal Individuals: A Population Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and measuring it in an apparently healthy population and correlating them with established risk parameters may identify predisposed individuals who may later develop diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 405 participants from a rural area were investigated for various metabolic parameters and indices of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance indices were evaluated in the 3 different groups [Obese Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), Lean MetS and those without MetS]. Various anthropometric and metabolic parameters were compared. Lean MetS is defined as those having waist criteria below the region specific waist criteria and even then satisfying the definition of MetS as per the NCEP ATP-III criteria. RESULTS: The mean fasting insulin level was 7.69+4.38 uIU/ml in normal population, 10.40+5.65 uIU/ml in Lean MetS population and 13.71+6.63 uIU/ml in Obese MetS population (P<0.05). The HOMA-IR2 measured was 2.39+ 1.69 in normal population, while in the Lean MetS and Obese Mets were 3.99+3.40 and 4.04+2.53, respectively (P<0.05). The QUICKI level measured was 0.358+0.041 in normal population and 0.334+0.037 and 0.316+0.026 respectively in the Lean MetS and Obese MetS (P<0.05). McAuley index measured in normal population was 0.49+0.26 and 0.75+0.25 and 0.79+0.17 in the Lean MetS and Obese MetS population (P<0.05).TyG index measured was 8.51+0.46 in normal population and 9.27+0.56 and 9.06+0.49 respectively in the Lean MetS and Obese MetS (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance indices are elevated in MetS compared to the normal population but the indices in Lean MetS are not different from Obese MetS. The relevance of ethnicity specific waist circumference may need re-evaluation considering its little impact in influencing the level of insulin resistance.

11ß Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase - 1 activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: A comparative study of 11 ß HSD 1 activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects with respect to fasting blood glucose and other metabolic parameters was conducted. METHODS: A case control experimental study was performed enrolling thirty type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and thirty age, gender and BMI matched controls using cortisone acetate test. RESULTS: The rise of serum cortisol after oral 25 mg cortisone acetate from baseline (dexamethasone suppressed level) is higher in subjects with type 2 diabetes and is associated with exercise, BMI, SGOT but not daily calorie intake, lipid parameters and thyroid status. Fasting blood glucose after overnight 1 mg oral dexamethasone is a strong predictor of 11HSD1 activity, irrespective of presence of type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION: 11ß HSD 1 activity is higher in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects, especially those who are lean. Future 11 ß HSD 1 inhibitors targeting metabolic syndrome, will be most useful in those with increased fasting blood glucose. The role of DHEAS and vitamin D status needs to be explored.

Predictors of hypopituitarism due to vasculotoxic snake bite with acute kidney injury.

PURPOSE: Hypopituitarism frequently develops following vasculotoxic snake bite complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI). Well defined prospective studies of prevalence of hypopituitarism and its predictors in vasculotoxic snake bites complicated by AKI are unavailable. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients of AKI following vasculotoxic snake bite were evaluated for various clinical/biochemical parameters (including Free T4, TSH, Cortisol, ACTH, total testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin, and IGF-1). Diabetes insipidus was evaluated in relevant cases. Twenty minutes whole blood clotting time (WBCT) at presentation was measured in all. MRI of hypothalamo-pituitary region was done at 3 months in subjects with hypopituitarism to rule out structural lesion. RESULTS: 21.6% (11/51) patients developed hypopituitarism at baseline (within 7 days), 39.3% (13 /33) at 3 months developed hypopituitarism. Cortisol deficiency was the commonest abnormality. Subjects who developed hypopituitarism at baseline were younger compared to those without hypopituitarism (35.67 years vs. 46.59 years, p = 0.032) and required more sessions of hemodialysis (8 vs. 3, p = 0.041). Binary logistic regression confirmed that development of hypopituitarism could be predicted by increased number of sessions of hemodialysis (OR 1.51, p = 0.008) and 20 min WBCT (OR 1.2, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Hypopituitarism is common following vasculotoxic snake bite in subjects who develop AKI requiring hemodialysis. Hypopituitarism can develop as early as 7 days following snake bite and should be evaluated for particularly in younger subjects, especially those requiring increasing number of sessions of hemodialysis and in subjects with abnormal 20 min WBCT at presentation.

Spectrum of Adrenal Dysfunction in Hemoglobin E/Beta Thalassemia.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) in hemoglobin E (HbE)/beta thalassemia, including evaluation of mineralocorticoid axis, had not been studied. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, we attempted to evaluate the prevalence of AI in HbE/beta thalassemia and wanted to determine if the prevalence of AI varied according to severity of HbE/beta thalassemia and transfusion requirements. METHODS: In this observational, cross-sectional study, 104 patients with HbE/beta thalassemia were evaluated. Among them, 57 and 47 were transfusion dependent and non-transfusion dependent. According to Mahidol criteria, patients were classified into mild (n = 39), moderate (n = 39), and severe (n = 26) disease. Early morning (8 Am) serum cortisol, plasma ACTH, and plasma aldosterone, renin were measured. Patients with baseline cortisol of 5 to 18 µg/dL underwent both 1 µg and 250 µg short Synacthen test. According to these results, patients were classified as having either normal, subclinical, or overt (primary/secondary) adrenal dysfunction. RESULTS: Adrenal insufficiency was found in 41% (n = 43). Among them 83.7% (n = 34) had primary AI and 16.3% (n = 9) had secondary AI. Thirty-three patients (31%) with normal or elevated ACTH and with low or normal aldosterone with high renin were diagnosed as having subclinical AI. There was no difference in prevalence of AI between transfusion dependent and non-transfusion dependent (P = .56) nor was there was any difference in prevalence of AI according to disease severity (P = .52). CONCLUSION: Adrenal insufficiency is common in HbE/beta thalassemia and is independent of transfusion dependency and disease severity.

Serum vitamin-D predicts insulin resistance in individuals with prediabetes.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Patients with diabetes and vitamin-D insufficiency have increased insulin resistance. Similar observations among individuals with prediabetes are not well documented. The aim of this study was to find the occurrence of vitamin-D insufficiency/deficiency among individuals with prediabetes and to evaluate the relationship between vitamin-D status and insulin resistance. METHODS: One hundred fifty seven individuals with prediabetes who fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent clinical examination, anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio) and blood sampling after overnight fast for estimation of fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, 25(OH)vitamin-D, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and lipid profile. One hour post 75 g glucose (1hPG) blood glucose during oral glucose tolerance test was measured. RESULTS: Vitamin-D deficiency/insufficiency was found in 115 (73.25%) individuals with prediabetes. Severe vitamin-D deficiency (<10 ng/ml) was seen in 14.65 per cent individuals. Individuals with the lowest vitamin-D levels (<10 ng/ml) had the highest insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR: 2.04 ± 0.67). Serum 25(OH)D had a statistically significant inverse correlation with insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR; r=-0.33; P=0.008), and positive correlation with insulin sensitivity (QUICKI; r=0.39; P=0.002), after adjusting for BMI and HbA1c. There was no correlation between vitamin-D status and estimated beta cell mass (HOMA-ß). The mean waist-height ratio among individuals with prediabetes was 0.57 (normal<0.5) indicating a high risk of cardiovascular morbidity. Individuals with elevated 1hPG>155 mg/dl had significantly higher BMI and worse insulin resistance, and 1hPG correlated well with 2 hour post glucose blood glucose (r=0.57; P<0.001). INTERPRETATIONS & CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin-D deficiency/insufficiency may have some role in the development/worsening of insulin resistance in individuals with prediabetes in our country who have a high cardiovascular risk. Prospective studies on a large group of individuals need to be done to confirm the findings.

Thalidomide-Induced Primary Amenorrhea in a Patient With HbE/Beta-Thalassemia.

An 18-year-old girl was evaluated for primary amenorrhea. She was diagnosed with hemoglobin E (HbE)/beta-thalassemia during childhood and needed blood transfusions every month to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels. She was started on thalidomide to reduce her transfusion requirements at 12 years of age and became transfusion independent after 6 months. She had normal stature and Tanner stage 4 sexual maturation, but she failed to attain menarche. Investigations revealed that she had elevated serum gonadotropin levels, indicating primary ovarian dysfunction. Her karyotype was 46,XX. Ultrasonographic examination demonstrated the absence of follicles in both ovaries. There was no evidence of abnormalities of the urogenital tract. Thalidomide was stopped, and she attained menarche spontaneously 3 months thereafter. Subsequently, her menstrual cycles were regular. Repeat ultrasound scans demonstrated the presence of ovarian follicles as well as an increase in ovarian volume. Mechanistic links between ovarian dysfunction and thalidomide remain to be found. One possibility is impaired blood flow and follicular development.

Corneal Confocal Microscopy Identifies Structural Small Fibre Abnormalities in an Adolescent with Type 1 Diabetes and Impaired Awareness of Hypoglycaemia.

Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (IAH) is present in around 25-40% of individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Herein, we present a case of an adolescent with T1DM and IAH who had worse corneal nerve parameters compared to a T1DM adolescent without IAH. Small fibre abnormalities detected by corneal confocal microscopy in an objective easy-to-perform non-invasive test might be a surrogate indicator of underlying autonomic dysfunction in T1DM and IAH.

SGLT2 Inhibitors: Effect on Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have recently been recommended as preferred agents for management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, primarily based on their ability to reduce a composite of major cardiovascular adverse events (3-point major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]), predominantly by reducing cardiovascular death. However, reduction of the individual components, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke (fatal and nonfatal) events have not been well explored. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, we included data available from cardiovascular outcome trials only, which were event-driven, randomized, and placebo-controlled. Pooled efficacy outcomes included Mantel Haenszel (MH) risk ratio using fixed model (with 95% CI) for fatal and nonfatal MI, stroke, and total MI and stroke. FINDINGS: Data from 4 eligible trials included 42,568 subjects. Total MACE, MI, and stroke were reported in 4176, 2157, and 1288 subjects, respectively. SGLT2is did not significantly reduce either MI or stroke individually or in totality. The MH risk ratio (95% CI) for fatal and nonfatal MI and stroke with different SGLT2is was found to be 0.93 (95% CI, 0.85-1.01) and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.89-1.11), respectively. For total atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events, MH risk ratio (95% CI) was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.89-1.02). For all nonfatal ASCVD (combined nonfatal MI and nonfatal stroke), MH risk ratio (95% CI) was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.88-1.02). INTERPRETATION: SGLT2is reduce MACE without any discernable significant reduction of the incidence of MI or stroke (fatal and nonfatal), probably implicating mechanisms unrelated to anti-atherogenic effects.

Detection of driver mutations in plasma cell-free nucleic acids in differentiated thyroid neoplasm.

IMPORTANCE: This proof-of-concept paper demonstrates that driver mutations can be detected in plasma in differentiated thyroid tumors, and we were able to detect mutations in upto 80% malignant thyroid nodules. Additionally, cancer subtypes could also be predicted using a 8-gene panel. In almost 90% follicular adenoma, rat sarcoma virus (RAS) mutations were detectable. There was a strong agreement between driver mutations found in plasma samples, FNAC materials, and histopathology samples. This has potential as a noninvasive, preoperative diagnostic tool (particularly of clinical importance in indeterminate nodules) and may help in detection of residual tumor after surgery. Future research is warranted to test the role of this tool to detect tumor recurrence. OBJECTIVE: Ultrasonographic (USG) evaluation and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) are cornerstone for evaluation of thyroid neoplasm. Molecular technique including detection of driver mutation from FNA cytology (FNAC) material is an established modality. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using plasma cell-free nucleic acids to identify known driver mutations in differentiated thyroid neoplasm. DESIGN: Patients presenting with thyroid nodules underwent USG with Thyroid Image Reporting and Data Systems scoring and FNAC (Bethesda classification). All patients in Bethesda 3, 4, 5, 6 underwent surgery and histopathological confirmation. Patients in Bethesda 2 (cosmetic concerns, compressive symptoms) underwent surgery, and rest were presumed benign on the basis of USG, FNAC features, and clinical followup.). SETTING: Endocrinology clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects with thyroid nodule. INTERVENTION(S) OR EXPOSURE(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S): Plasma sample, FNA, and histopathology material were evaluated for driver mutations (8-gene panel comprising BRAF-V600E, RET/PTC3, RET/PTC1, TERT promoter, HRAS, NRAS, KRAS, and PAX8-PPARG). RESULTS: A total of 223 subjects were recruited; of these 154 were benign and 69 had differentiated thyroid cancer. We were able to detect driver mutation from plasma in 55 subjects (79.71%) of all malignant patients, and 11 patients in benign category had RAS mutation (follicular adenoma). Rest of the benign nodules did not have any detectable driver mutations. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Plasma might be a viable noninvasive alternative source for detection of driver mutations (8-gene panel) in subjects with differentiated thyroid tumors and may have significant clinical utility.

Stepwise evaluation for the risk of metabolic unhealthiness and significant non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in India.

Background: Non-communicable diseases including metabolic health disorders are becoming area of concern for low/middle income countries with poor health-care resources. Present study was planned to assess the prevalence of metabolically unhealthy (MU) subjects in the community and proportion of the MU subjects having the risk of significant Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) using a step-wise evaluation strategy in a resource-poor setting. Methods: Study was performed in 19 community development blocks of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. Every fifth member in the electoral list was included for the first step evaluation (n = 79,957/1,019,365, 7.8%) to detect any metabolic risk. Subjects with any metabolic risk in the first step (n = 9819/41,095, 24%) were taken for second step evaluation with Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and ALT. Subjects with elevated FBG and/or ALT in the second step (n = 1403/5283, 27%) were taken into third step evaluation. Finding: At least one risk factor was found in 51.4% (n = 41,095/79,957). 63% (n = 885/1403) of the subjects with metabolic abnormality (third step) had MU state making its overall prevalence of 1.1% (n = 885/79,957). 53% of MU subjects (n = 470/885) had 'persistently elevated ALT' suggesting the risk of having significant NAFLD. Interpretation: Step-wise evaluation strategy could detect the subjects at risk, actually having MU state and proportion of MU subjects at risk of having 'persistently elevated ALT' (surrogate of significant NAFLD) in the community with minimum utilization of scarce resources. Funding: This study was funded by Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, USA, under the program 'Together on Diabetes Asia' (Project Number: 1205 - LFWB).

Integrated Care for Type 1 Diabetes: The West Bengal Model.

Introduction: A structured dedicated health programme for Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been initiated in the state of West Bengal, India. Aim: The aim is to provide comprehensive healthcare to all children, adolescents and young adults living with T1DM, along with the provision of free supply of insulin, glucose measuring devices, blood glucose test strips, and other logistics. The strategic framework for programme implementation is to utilise the infrastructure and manpower of the already existing non-communicable disease (NCD) clinic under National Health Mission. Methodology: Establishing dedicated T1DM clinics in each district hospital by utilising existing healthcare delivery systems, intensive training and hand-holding of named human resources; providing comprehensive healthcare service and structured diabetes education to all T1DM patients; and building an electronic registry of patients are important components of the programme. T1DM clinics run once a week on the same day throughout the state. All T1DM patients are treated with the correct dose of insulin, both human regular insulin and glargine insulin. Patients are routinely monitored monthly to ensure good glycaemic control and prevent complications of the disease. Routine anthropometric examination and required laboratory investigations are conducted in the set-up of the already existing NCD clinic. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the T1DM programme are being conducted in terms of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values, growth and development, complication rates, psychological well-being, quality of life, and direct and indirect expenditure incurred by families. Through this programme, any bottlenecks or gaps in service delivery will be identified and corrective measures will be adopted to ensure better health outcomes for those living with T1DM.

Diagnostic approach in 46, XY DSD: an endocrine society of bengal (ESB) consensus statement.

OBJECTIVES: 46, XY difference/disorder of sex development (DSD) is a relatively uncommon group of heterogeneous disorders with varying degree of underandrogenization of male genitalia. Such patients should be approached systematically to reach an aetiological diagnosis. However, we lack, at present, a clinical practice guideline on diagnostic approach in 46, XY DSD from this part of the globe. Moreover, debate persists regarding the timing and cut-offs of different hormonal tests, performed in these cases. The consensus committee consisting of 34 highly experienced endocrinologists with interest and experience in managing DSD discussed and drafted a consensus statement on the diagnostic approach to 46, XY DSD focussing on relevant history, clinical examination, biochemical evaluation, imaging and genetic analysis. CONTENT: The consensus was guided by systematic reviews of existing literature followed by discussion. An initial draft was prepared and distributed among the members. The members provided their scientific inputs, and all the relevant suggestions were incorporated. The final draft was approved by the committee members. SUMMARY: The diagnostic approach in 46, XY DSD should be multidisciplinary although coordinated by an experienced endocrinologist. We recommend formal Karyotyping, even if Y chromosome material has been detected by other methods. Meticulous history taking and thorough head-to-toe examination should initially be performed with focus on external genitalia, including location of gonads. Decision regarding hormonal and other biochemical investigations should be made according to the age and interpreted according to age-appropriate norms Although LC-MS/MS is the preferred mode of steroid hormone measurements, immunoassays, which are widely available and less expensive, are acceptable alternatives. All patients with 46, XY DSD should undergo abdominopelvic ultrasonography by a trained radiologist. MRI of the abdomen and/or laparoscopy may be used to demonstrate the Mullerian structure and/or to localize the gonads. Genetic studies, which include copy number variation (CNV) or molecular testing of a candidate gene or next generation sequencing then should be ordered in a stepwise manner depending on the clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and radiological findings. OUTLOOK: The members of the committee believe that patients with 46, XY DSD need to be approached systematically. The proposed diagnostic algorithm, provided in the consensus statement, is cost effective and when supplemented with appropriate genetic studies, may help to reach an aetiological diagnosis in majority of such cases.