Prevalence of coronary calcium deposits in Sheehan's syndrome patients on long term replacement treatment.

PURPOSE: Sheehan's Syndrome (SS) is one of the most important causes of hypopituitarism in developing countries with patients having varying degrees and severity of anterior pituitary hormone deficiency including growth hormone deficiency (GHD). SS is characterized by increased clustering of metabolic and proinflammatory risk factors predisposing them to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Coronary calcium deposits (CCD), a marker for significant coronary atherosclerosis, is used for evaluation in asymptomatic individuals of global cardiac risk to develop events related to coronary heart disease (CHD). This study therefore aimed to evaluate the prevalence of coronary artery disease in patients with SS appropriately replaced for pituitary hormone deficiencies but untreated for GHD. METHODS: Thirty patients previously diagnosed with SS and stable on a conventional replacement treatment for at least 6 months before the study and thirty age and Body Mass Index (BMI) matched controls were enrolled in this observational study. The subjects underwent detailed clinical, biochemical, and hormone analysis. Coronary multidetector computed tomography was performed in 19 SS patients and 19 healthy participants by a 16-row multislice scanner. Non contrast acquisitions were performed to detect coronary calcifications. Calcium was quantified by the Agatston score (AS) in all subjects. AS > 10 indicates increased CHD risk. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) age was 38.30 ± 10.73 years and the diagnostic delay was 11.35 ± 4.74 years. Patients with SS had significantly higher mean triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol concentrations on conventional replacement therapy. The prevalence of CCD was significantly higher in patients of SS compared to controls (42.1% vs. 5.3%; P = 0.023). The presence of CCD and AS > 10 were detected in 42.1% and 31.6% of patients respectively. The presence of significant calcification (Agatston score > 10) was documented in 75% of patients (6/8) of the SS patients with CCD compared to none in the control group (P = 0.019). (Left anteriordescending, 1; left circumflex, 2; right coronary artery, 2 and posterior descending, 1) CONCLUSION: Since coronary artery calcium is an independent predictor of CHD events, the presence of significant prevalence of CCD in patients with SS compared to healthy matched controls, undermines the importance of early risk stratification of SS individuals with plethora of conventional cardiovascular risk factors that are at relatively high risk to avoid the adverse vascular consequences.

South Asian consensus guideline: Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists during Ramadan: Update 2016 Revised Guidelines on the use of GLP-1A in Ramadan.

This guidance is an update to the South Asian Consensus Guideline: Use of GLP1RA in Diabetes during Ramadan, published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2012. A five country working group has collated evidence and experience to suggest guidelines for the safe and rational use of glucagon-like peptide1 receptor agonists during Ramadan. The suggestions contained herewith are based upon recently published evidence as well as available basic pharmacological data.

Diabetes insipidus: The other diabetes.

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a hereditary or acquired condition which disrupts normal life of persons with the condition; disruption is due to increased thirst and passing of large volumes of urine, even at night. A systematic search of literature for DI was carried out using the PubMed database for the purpose of this review. Central DI due to impaired secretion of arginine vasopressin (AVP) could result from traumatic brain injury, surgery, or tumors whereas nephrogenic DI due to failure of the kidney to respond to AVP is usually inherited. The earliest treatment was posterior pituitary extracts containing vasopressin and oxytocin. The synthetic analog of vasopressin, desmopressin has several benefits over vasopressin. Desmopressin was initially available as intranasal preparation, but now the oral tablet and melt formulations have gained significance, with benefits such as ease of administration and stability at room temperature. Other molecules used for treatment include chlorpropamide, carbamazepine, thiazide diuretics, indapamide, clofibrate, indomethacin, and amiloride. However, desmopressin remains the most widely used drug for the treatment of DI. This review covers the physiology of water balance, causes of DI and various treatment modalities available, with a special focus on desmopressin.

High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among newly diagnosed youth-onset diabetes mellitus in north India / Alta prevalência de deficiência de vitamina D entre casos de diabetes de início na juventude recém-diagnosticada no norte da Índia

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency is common at all ages, and low levels of vitamin D have been associated with high incidence of type 1 diabetes. Similar results are not consistent for type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to estimate vitamin D status in newly detected youth-onset diabetes in north India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective case control study at a tertiary care hospital in north India. Seventy two newly detected youth-onset diabetes subjects (age < 25 years), and 41 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were studied. In addition to basic information and management regarding their diabetes, metabolic parameters and serum 25(OH)D were measured in both the groups. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 91.1% of the subjects with diabetes, and 58.5% of the healthy controls. Mean ±SD 25(OH)D was significantly low, 7.88 ± 1.20 ng/mL in subjects with diabetes against 16.64 ± 7.83 ng/mL in controls. Sixty percent of cases had severe Vitamin D deficiency compared with 8.3% in controls. Levels of vitamin D did not correlate with clinical parameters, such as gender, body mass index; or with biochemical parameters, such as serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, fasting plasma glucose, and HbA1C. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with youth-onset diabetes.

OBJETIVOS: A deficiência de vitamina D é comum em todas as idades, e baixas concentrações de vitamina D estão associadas à alta incidência de diabetes tipo 1. Entretanto, resultados similares não são consistentes para o diabetes tipo 2. O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar a condição dos pacientes com relação à vitamina D em casos de diabetes de início na juventude recém-diagnosticada no norte da Índia. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Este foi um estudo prospectivo controlado em um hospital de cuidados terciários no norte da Índia. Setenta e dois pacientes com diabetes de início na juventude recém-diagnosticada (idade < 25 anos) e 41 controles saudáveis, sem diabetes, pareados por idade e sexo, foram estudados. Além das informações básicas e controle do diabetes, parâmetros metabólicos e a 25(OH)D sérica foram avaliados em ambos os grupos. RESULTADOS: A deficiência de vitamina D foi observada em 91,1% dos pacientes com diabetes e em 58,5% dos controles saudáveis. A média ± DP de 25(OH)D foi significativamente baixa, 7,88 ± 1,20 ng/mL nos pacientes com diabetes contra 16,64 ± 7,83 ng/mL nos controles. Sessenta por cento dos pacientes com diabetes apresentaram deficiência grave de vitamina D, contra 8,3% dos controles. As concentrações de vitamina D se correlacionaram com os parâmetros clínicos, como sexo, índice de massa corporal, ou com parâmetros bioquímicos, como cálcio e fósforo séricos, fosfatase alcalina, glicemia de jejum e HbA1C. CONCLUSÃO: A deficiência de vitamina D é comum em pacientes com diabetes de início na juventude.

Hyperglycemic emergencies in Indian patients with diabetes mellitus on pilgrimage to Amarnathji yatra.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) represent two distinct metabolic derangements manifested by insulin deficiency and severe hyperglycemia, with estimated mortality rates of 2.5-9%. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) controlled by diet or oral agents, DKA does not occur unless there is significant severe stress such as severe sepsis, major surgery, trauma, etc. We observed many such emergencies occurring in pilgrims. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the data of 13 patients with DM admitted in our endocrine department with hyperglycemic emergencies during 2 years of the annual pilgrimage (yatra) to Amarnathji. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed and analyzed the case records of 13 yatris with DM who were referred and admitted in our hospital with hyperglycemic emergencies during the yatra season (July-August) of 2006 and 2007. RESULTS: Eleven of 13 had DKA and 1 each had HHS and hypoglycemia. After initial clinical assessment and blood sampling for blood counts, electrolytes, blood gases, urinalysis, chest radiography, and electrocardiography, these cases were managed with standard protocol published by American Diabetes Association (ADA) for the management of DKA and HHS. Average blood glucose was 466 mg/dl and nine subjects had moderate to severe ketonuria. All the cases, except one, were in stable condition at the time of discharge. CONCLUSION: High altitude, strenuous exertion of going uphill, withdrawal of insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs, starvation, sepsis, and alcohol intake were recorded as predisposing factors. Therefore, there is an immense need for institution of a special health education program to all the yatris before taking the endeavor.

Hematological response of pancytopenia to glucocorticoids in patients with Sheehan's syndrome.

Sheehan's syndrome presents with panhypopituitarism after childbirth, usually preceded by post partum hemorrhage. Hematological abnormalities like pancytopenia with hypocellular marrow in these patients are reported rarely. Though multiple hormone deficiencies may contribute to Pancytopenia in Sheehan's syndrome, complete recovery is observed after achieving eucortisolemic and euthyroid state. The predominant role of thyroxine or glucocorticoids in reversing pancytopenia in these patients has not been studied. We present the clinical, hormonal, hematological course and response to glucocorticoids in a patient of Sheehan's syndrome presenting with pancytopenia. Complete recovery of pancytopenia was observed after achieving eucortisolemic state thus concluding that gulcocorticoid replacement is sufficient to reverse pancytopenia in these patients.

Spontaneous pregnancy in a patient with a combination of ovarian and thyroid failure / Gravidez espontânea em uma paciente apresentando uma combinação de falência ovariana e disfunção tireoidiana

Premature ovarian failure has an overall prevalence of 0.3 percent to 0.9 percent in general population. If fertility is a concern, treatment usually consists of estrogen therapy as hormone replacement and oocyte donation. Spontaneous pregnancy in affected women is uncommon. We report a case of a 34-year old woman, who had premature ovarian failure and primary hypothyroidism, and conceived spontaneously eleven years after the development of premature ovarian failure and correction of hypothyroidism.

A falência ovariana prematura tem uma prevalência global variando de 0,3 por cento a 0,9 por cento na população em geral. Nos casos em que existe preocupação com a fertilidade, o tratamento geralmente consiste de terapia de reposição hormonal com estrógeno e doação de oócitos. A gravidez espontânea em mulheres afetadas não é comum. Relatamos um caso de uma mulher de 34 anos de idade que apresentou falência ovariana prematura e hipotireoidismo primário e concebeu espontaneamente onze anos após o desenvolvimento da falência ovariana prematura e da correção do hipotireoidismo.

Sheehan's syndrome with central diabetes insipidus.

Sheehan's syndrome refers to the occurrence of hypopituitarism after delivery, usually preceded by postpartum hemorrhage. The condition still continues to be a common cause of hypopituitarism in developing countries like India. The disorder usually presents with anterior pituitary failure with preservation of posterior pituitary functions. Posterior pituitary dysfunction in the form of central diabetes insipidus is rare in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. We describe the clinical course of a young lady who after her sixth childbirth developed severe postpartum hemorrhage followed by development of panhypopituitarism which was confirmed by hormonal investigation and demonstration of empty sella on imaging. In addition, she developed Polyuria. The water deprivation test and response to vasopressin test results indicated central diabetes insipidus. She needed oral desmopressin on a continuous basis to control polyuria.

Sheehan's syndrome with central diabetes insipidus / Síndrome de Sheehan e diabetes insípido central

Sheehan's syndrome refers to the occurrence of hypopituitarism after delivery, usually preceded by postpartum hemorrhage. The condition still continues to be a common cause of hypopituitarism in developing countries like India. The disorder usually presents with anterior pituitary failure with preservation of posterior pituitary functions. Posterior pituitary dysfunction in the form of central diabetes insipidus is rare in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. We describe the clinical course of a young lady who after her sixth childbirth developed severe postpartum hemorrhage followed by development of panhypopituitarism which was confirmed by hormonal investigation and demonstration of empty sella on imaging. In addition, she developed Polyuria. The water deprivation test and response to vasopressin test results indicated central diabetes insipidus. She needed oral desmopressin on a continuous basis to control polyuria.

A síndrome de Sheehan está relacionada à ocorrência de hipopituitarismo pós-parto, geralmente precedido por hemorragia pós-parto. Essa condição clínica ainda constitui causa comum do hipopituitarismo observado em países em desenvolvimento como a Índia. Essa síndrome se caracteriza pela insuficiência da glândula hipofisária anterior, porém com a conservação das funções da glândula hipofisária posterior. A disfunção da hipófise posterior, sob a forma de diabetes insipidus central, é algo raramente observado em pacientes que apresentam a síndrome de Sheehan. Neste artigo, descrevemos o caso de uma jovem que, após o sexto parto, apresentou hemorragia pós-parto grave, seguida pela evolução de pan-hipopituitarismo que foi confirmado por pesquisa hormonal e exames de imagem que evidenciaram sela vazia. A jovem também apresentou poliúria. Os resultados do teste de privação de água e exame de resposta à vasopressina indicaram diabetes insípido central. A paciente fazia uso contínuo de desmopressina para controlar a poliúria.

Prevalence of hematological abnormalities in patients with Sheehan's syndrome: response to replacement of glucocorticoids and thyroxine.

Anemia and other hematological abnormalities are common in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. The response of these abnormalities to replacement of thyroxine and glucocorticoids is not clear. The aim of the present study was to document the profile of hematological abnormalities and response to treatment in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. Forty patients of Sheehan's syndrome and an equal number of age and parity matched healthy controls were studied for prevalence of hematological abnormalities. Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, red cell, white cell and platelet count were significantly decreased in patients with Sheehan's syndrome compared to controls. Frequency of anemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia was significantly higher in these patients compared to controls. After achieving euthyroid and eucortisol state, there was a complete recovery of these hematological abnormalities. We conclude that anemia and other cytopenias are common in patients with Sheehan's syndrome and replacement with thyroxine and glucocorticoids results in complete recovery of these abnormalities.

Sheehan syndrome with reversible dilated cardiomyopathy.

Cardiac abnormalities in patients with Sheehan syndrome are uncommon. A case of Sheehan syndrome with dilated cardiomyopathy is presented in whom hormone replacement with levothyroxine and prednisolone resulted in complete recovery of cardiomyopathy. A 25-year-old woman presented with lactation failure, secondary amenorrhea, features of hypothyroidism and a hypocortisol state following severe postpartum hemorrhage after her last child birth. She also had smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis. After starting antitubercular treatment, she developed shock, suggestive of hypocortisol crisis. Hormonal investigations revealed evidence of panhypopitutarism and magnetic resonance imaging revealed partial empty sella. Meanwhile echocardiography revealed evidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The patient was given replacement therapy in the form of glucocorticoids and levothyroxine in addition to antitubercular treatment. She improved and on follow-up over a period of 7 months, the DCM completely reversed. To our knowledge this is the first report of reversible DCM in a patient with Sheehan syndrome.

Varying presentation of type 1 polyglandular failure in India.

Clinical presentation and course of six patients with type 1 autoimmune polyglandular failure are presented. Mean age of the patients was 17.3 +/- 5.2 years and age at presentation was 10.16 +/- 4.35 years. Four out of six had the classic triad. All of the patients first presented with hypoparathyroidism followed by mucocutaneous candidiasis and adrenal failure.

Sheehan's syndrome with pancytopenia--complete recovery after hormone replacement (case series with review).

Reports of pancytopenia in patients with Sheehan's syndrome are rare, because the disorder is not commonly seen in western countries. A case series of pancytopenia in three patients of Sheehan's syndrome is presented. Three women aged 22, 30, and 34 years developed Sheehan's syndrome preceded by post partum hemorrhage. During investigations, they were found to have pancytopenia with hypocellular marrow. Treatment with thyroxine and glucocorticoids resulted in complete recovery after attaining euthyroid and eucortisolemic state. Review of literature revealed the rarity of the disorder, with only four cases reported so far. Multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies in Sheehan's syndrome are responsible for pancytopenia; replacement of thyroid and cortisol hormones results in complete recovery.

Juvenile fibrocalculous pancreatopathy--a patient report.

Fibrocalculous pancreatopathy (FCPP) is a secondary form of diabetes mellitus (DM) with obscure etiology. Recently various gene mutations have been reported in patients with FCPP from the Indian subcontinent. Initially termed tropical pancreatic diabetes, FCPP is uncommon and is characterized by pancreatic calcifications. The diagnosis is made in the third decade of life in most patients with the onset of abdominal pain and DM. We report a female child with DM diagnosed at the age of 3 years who had been managed with insulin but was ketosis resistant. The diagnosis of FCPP was made 3 years later. There were no mutations at N34S and P55S in the SPINK1 gene.

Epidemiologic aspects of postpartum pituitary hypofunction (Sheehan's syndrome).

Two hundred seventy-nine (3.20%) of the 8,730 parous females aged 20-39 years and 124 (4.18%) of 2,970 parous females aged 40 years or older who were screened were suspected to have Sheehan's syndrome; 115 and 55 of these females in the two age groups were fully evaluated, and 98 and 51 of them, respectively, were proven to have Sheehan's syndrome. At these rates, the projected number of women with Sheehan's syndrome among a total population of parous females aged > or =20 years (12,32,827, as per census data) would be 38,691 in the Kashmir valley of the Indian subcontinent.

Epidemiologic and etiologic aspects of hirsutism in Kashmiri women in the Indian subcontinent.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of hirsutism and study its etiology in the Kashmir Valley of the Indian subcontinent. DESIGN: Prospective random sample of the general population attending outpatient medical clinics and prospective evaluation of hirsute patients referred to our endocrinology clinic. SETTING: A tertiary care hospital and district-level primary care hospitals. PATIENT(S): Five thousand women attending various hospitals for reasons unrelated to hirsutism and 150 consecutive women referred for hirsutism. INTERVENTION(S): Assessment of body hair as per the Ferriman and Gallwey scoring system and an investigative protocol including detailed clinical assessment with endocrinologic workup including estimations of gonadotropins, PRL, T, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone and abdominopelvic ultrasound. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Presence and cause of hirsutism. RESULT(S): Of 4,780 adult women for whom adequate data were available, 504 (10.5%) had hirsutism, among whom 484 (10.1%) had mild (score of 6-9) and 20 (0.4%) had moderate hirsutism (score of 10-14). The etiology of hirsutism revealed idiopathic hirsutism in 38.7%, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in 37.3%, postmenopausal state in 9.2%, adrenal tumors in 2.1%, congenital adrenal hyperplasia in 1.4%, and drug-induced hirsutism in 0.7%. The cause remained undetermined in 10.6% of patients for whom the available information was not adequate. CONCLUSION(S): Hirsutism is as common a problem in the Kashmir Valley (India) as elsewhere in the world. Idiopathic hirsutism (38.7%), PCOS (37.3%), and postmenopausal state (9.2%) are common causes of hirsutism. Late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a relatively uncommon cause of hirsutism in the Kashmir Valley.