Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-Induced Endocrinopathies: Assessment, Management and Monitoring in a Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, presentation, frequency and management of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI)-related endocrinopathies in a comprehensive cancer centre in Oman, particularly with programme death 1/programme death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors. BACKGROUND: A high number of patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for the management of solid tumours developed endocrinopathies. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients admitted to Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC) from August 2021 to December 2022. All adults diagnosed with solid cancers and have received at least one dose of ICIs were included. Patients with incomplete data were excluded from the analysis. Data regarding the ICI-induced endocrinopathy were collected. RESULTS: A total of 139 patients were included in the study of which 58% were females. The median age of the cohort was 56 years. The incidence of endocrine-related adverse events was 28%. The mean time for the development of endocrine adverse events after treatment initiation was 4.1 ± 2.8 months. Of the patients who developed toxicity, 90% had hypothyroidism. Ten patients developed hyperthyroidism, two patients were diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency/hypophysitis and one patient developed Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Using univariable logistic regression weight and body mass index (BMI) significantly impacted the development of endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study from the Sultanate of Oman to assess PD-1/PDL-1 ICI-induced endocrinopathies. The most common endocrine adverse event is thyroid dysfunction, mainly hypothyroidism followed by hyperthyroidism. Hypophysitis, primary adrenal insufficiency and CIADM occur less frequently, but have a more significant effect on the patient's health. The treating physician should be aware of ICI-induced endocrinopathies, screening and treatment. Furthermore, our study showed that patients with a higher BMI have a greater risk of developing irAES. Further studies are needed to establish the predictors of endocrine irAEs.

Endocrine-metabolic assessment checklist for cancer patients treated with immunotherapy: A proposal by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists (AMD), Italian Society of Diabetology (SID), Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE) and Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF) multidisciplinary group.

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is increasingly employed in oncology. National and international endocrine and oncologic scientific societies have provided guidelines for the management of endocrine immune-related adverse events. However, guidelines recommendations differ according to the specific filed, particularly pertaining to recommendations for the timing of endocrine testing. In this position paper, a panel of experts of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists (AMD), Italian Society of Diabetology (SID), Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE), and Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF) offers a critical multidisciplinary consensus for a clear, simple, useful, and easily applicable endocrine-metabolic assessment checklist for cancer patients on immunotherapy.

Endocrinopathies in beta thalassemia: a narrative review.

Beta thalassemia is the most common genetic blood disorder, characterized by reduced production or complete absence of beta-globin chains. The combination of systematic red blood cell transfusion and iron chelation therapy is the most readily available supportive treatment and one that has considerably prolonged the survival of thalassemia patients. Despite this, the development of endocrine abnormalities correlated with beta thalassemia still exists and is mostly associated with iron overload, chronic anemia, and hypoxia. A multifactorial approach has been employed to investigate other factors involved in the pathogenesis of endocrinopathies, including genotype, liver disease, HCV, splenectomy, socioeconomic factors, chelation therapy, and deficiency of elements. The development of specific biomarkers for predicting endocrinopathy risk has been the subject of extensive discussion. The objective of the present narrative review is to present recent data on endocrinopathies in beta thalassemia patients, including the prevalence, the proposed pathogenetic mechanisms, the risk factors, the diagnostic methods applied, and finally the recommended treatment options.

Multi-Branch Attention Learning for Bone Age Assessment with Ambiguous Label.

Bone age assessment (BAA) is a typical clinical technique for diagnosing endocrine and metabolic diseases in children's development. Existing deep learning-based automatic BAA models are trained on the Radiological Society of North America dataset (RSNA) from Western populations. However, due to the difference in developmental process and BAA standards between Eastern and Western children, these models cannot be applied to bone age prediction in Eastern populations. To address this issue, this paper collects a bone age dataset based on the East Asian populations for model training. Nevertheless, it is laborious and difficult to obtain enough X-ray images with accurate labels. In this paper, we employ ambiguous labels from radiology reports and transform them into Gaussian distribution labels of different amplitudes. Furthermore, we propose multi-branch attention learning with ambiguous labels network (MAAL-Net). MAAL-Net consists of a hand object location module and an attention part extraction module to discover the informative regions of interest (ROIs) based only on image-level labels. Extensive experiments on both the RSNA dataset and the China Bone Age (CNBA) dataset demonstrate that our method achieves competitive results with the state-of-the-arts, and performs on par with experienced physicians in children's BAA tasks.

Association of Medicaid expansion of the Affordable Care Act with operations for benign endocrine surgical disease.

•Background: The Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion increased insurance coverage and access to care for endocrine cancers, though impact on benign endocrine disease is unknown. •Methods: Patients undergoing operations for benign thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal disease were collected from the Vizient® Clinical Data Base from 2009 to 2016 and grouped by state Medicaid expansion status in January 2014. Insurance coverage was analyzed by difference-in-differences analysis, and logistic regression evaluated odds of operation by insurance status. •Results: 134,242 patients were included. Medicaid coverage in expansion states increased for all operations (Adj-DD 5.78%, p < 0.001) with decreases in uninsured and private insurance. Medicaid patients had increased odds of undergoing thyroid operations (OR 1.56, p < 0.001) and decreased odds of parathyroid (OR 0.68, p < 0.001) or adrenal operations (OR 0.70, p < 0.001) versus private insurance. •Conclusion: Medicaid expansion increased insurance coverage for benign endocrine disease, however, barriers remain for Medicaid patients with parathyroid and adrenal disease.

Diferenciais regionais da mortalidade no Brasil: contribuição dos grupos etários e de causas de óbito sobre a variação da esperança de vida e da dispersão da idade à morte entre 2008 e 2018 / Regional inequalities in mortality in Brazil: contributions of age and cause of death to changes in life expectancy and lifespan variation between 2008 and 2018 / Diferenciales regionales de mortalidad en Brasil: contribución de los grupos de edad y las causas de muerte en la variación de la esperanza de vida y la dispersión de la edad al morir entre 2008 y 2018

Resumo O Brasil é um país marcado por forte desigualdade socioeconômica entre as regiões, que, por sua vez, se traduz em diferenciais regionais de mortalidade. Para um bom monitoramento desses diferenciais, é importante uma análise não apenas dos níveis médios de mortalidade, mas também da variação da idade à morte na população. Esse artigo analisa a contribuição das causas de óbito sobre as mudanças na esperança de vida e na dispersão da idade à morte no Brasil e grandes regiões entre 2008 e 2018. Os resultados sugerem aumento dos diferenciais regionais na esperança de vida ao longo da década analisada. No entanto, as diferenças regionais na dispersão da idade à morte se mantiveram praticamente constantes. As mudanças na mortalidade por causa impactam de maneiras diferentes a dispersão da idade à morte em cada região: a redução da mortalidade por causas externas contribui substantivamente para diminuir a variação da idade à morte nas regiões Sul e Sudeste, enquanto a contribuição das mortes por afecções originadas no período perinatal foi substantiva apenas na região Nordeste. Por fim, reafirmamos a importância dos indicadores de dispersão da idade à morte para se ter uma visão mais ampla dos diferenciais regionais de mortalidade no Brasil.

Abstract Brazil is a country marked by substantial socioeconomic inequality among regions, which translates into regional differentials in mortality. For better monitoring these differentials, it is important to analyze not only population average mortality levels, but also the age at death variation. This article analyzes cause-of-death contributions to changes in life expectancy and age-at-death variation in Brazil and its regions between 2008 and 2018. Our results suggest an increase in regional inequalities in life expectancy over the decade. However, regional differences in age-at-death variation remained nearly constant. Changes in mortality by cause impact the age-at-death variation differently in each region: the reduction in mortality from external causes substantially contributed to decreasing the variation in age at death in the South and Southeast regions, whereas the contribution of deaths from conditions originating in the perinatal period was substantive only in the Northeast region. Finally, we reaffirm the importance of age-at-death dispersion indicators to have a broader view of Brazil's regional differentials in mortality.

Resumen Brasil es un país marcado por fuertes desigualdades socioeconómicas entre sus regiones, lo que traduce a su vez se en diferencias regionales en la mortalidad. Para un buen seguimiento de estos diferenciales es importante analizar no solo los niveles medios de mortalidad, sino también la variación de la edad de la muerte en la población. Este artículo analiza la contribución de los grupos de causas de defunción sobre los cambios en la esperanza de vida al nacer y la dispersión de la edad al morir en Brasil y las grandes regiones entre 2008 y 2018. Nuestros resultados sugieren un aumento de las diferencias regionales en la esperanza de vida a lo largo de la década. Sin embargo, las diferencias regionales en la dispersión de la edad al morir se mantuvieron prácticamente constantes. Los cambios en la mortalidad por causas repercuten de forma diferente en la dispersión de la edad al fallecer en cada región: la reducción de la mortalidad por causas externas contribuyó de forma sustantiva a disminuir la variación de la edad al morir en las regiones Sur y Sureste, mientras que la contribución de las muertes por afecciones originadas en el período perinatal fue sustantiva en la región Noreste. Por último, reafirmamos la importancia de los indicadores de dispersión de la edad al morir para tener una visión más general de los diferenciales regionales de mortalidad en Brasil.

The assessment of risk factors associated with difficult intubation as endocrine, musculoskeletal diseases and intraoral cavity mass: A nested case control study.

BACKGROUND: The predictive factors of difficult airway have been studied to reduce especially the incidence of unanticipating difficult intubation, provide patient safety, and avoid wasting resources. In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether endocrine, musculoskeletal diseases, presence of intraoral mass, and demographic factors have predictive values in the evaluation of difficult air-way as well as frequently used airway assessment tests. METHODS: This study was designed a nested-case control study. After eligibility criterions, totally 1012 patient data were collected, 92 of them were difficult intubation, 920 of them were non-difficult intubation patients (1: 10 ratio). Demographic characteristics of the patients (age, gender), body mass index (BMI), Mallampati, Cormack-Lehane Score (CLS), sternomental distance (SMD), inter incisor gap (IIG), type of surgery, endocrine, musculoskeletal and cardio-pulmonary diseases, and the presence of intraoral mass were compared between groups. RESULTS: Age >52 years, male gender, ASA 3-4, higher BMI, CLS 3-4, Mallampati 3-4, IIG <4 cm, and SMD <10 cm were found statistically significant in terms of difficult intubation. Besides, a statistically significant relationship was found when the groups were compared in the presence of intraoral mass (17.57 times higher, p<0.05), endocrine diseases (3.51 times more common, p<0.05) and musculoskeletal system diseases (4.5 times higher, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, it was demonstrated that endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders, musculoskeletal system diseases, and the presence of intraoral cavity mass should be used as predictors for difficult intubation with commonly used airway assessment tests.

BMC Endocrine Disorders' collection of articles on "Reducing inequalities in the Management of Endocrine Disorders".

Endocrine disorders represent a large component of the so-called "chronic non-communicable diseases", which are responsible for the lion share of morbidity and mortality in contemporary societies. As discussed in this retrospective collection of articles, solid evidence from diabetes mellitus, the exemplar of common chronic endocrine disorders, highlights profound inequity in all aspects of endocrine disorders' management and outcomes that should be considered and addressed at large.

Assessment and Treatment of Nocturia in Endocrine Disease in a Primary Care Setting: Systematic Review and Nominal Group Technique Consensus.

CONTEXT: Salt and water homeostasis is regulated hormonally, so polyuria can result from endocrine disease directly or via secondary effects. These mechanisms are not consistently considered in primary care management of nocturia. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review (SR) of nocturia in endocrine disease and reach expert consensus for primary care management. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Four databases were searched from January 2000 to April 2020. A total of 4382 titles and abstracts were screened, 36 studies underwent full-text screening, and 14 studies were included in the analysis. Expert and public consensus was achieved using the nominal group technique (NGT). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies focused on mechanisms of nocturia, while two evaluated treatment options; none of the studies took place in a primary care setting. NGT consensus identified key clinical evaluation themes, including the presence of thirst, a medical background of diabetes mellitus or insipidus, thyroid disease, oestrogen status, medications (fluid loss or xerostomia), and general examination including body mass index. Proposed investigations include a bladder diary, renal and thyroid function, calcium, and glycated haemoglobin. Morning urine osmolarity should be examined in the context of polyuria of >2.5 l/24 h persisting despite fluid advice, with urine concentration >600 mOsm/l after fluid restriction excluding diabetes insipidus. Treatment should involve education, including adjustment of lifestyle and medication where possible. Any underlying endocrine disorder should be managed according to local guidance. Referral to endocrinology is needed if there is hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, or morning urine osmolarity <600 mOsm/l after overnight fluid avoidance. CONCLUSIONS: Endocrine disease can result in nocturia via varied salt and water regulation pathways. The aim of management is to identify and treat causative factors, but secondary effects can restrict improvements in nocturia. PATIENT SUMMARY: People with altered hormone function can suffer from severe sleep disturbance because of a need to pass urine caused by problems in controlling water and salt levels. An expert panel recommended the best ways to assess and treat these problems on the basis of the rather small amount of up-to-date published research available.

Society for Endocrinology guidelines for testosterone replacement therapy in male hypogonadism.

Male hypogonadism (MH) is a common endocrine disorder. However, uncertainties and variations in its diagnosis and management exist. There are several current guidelines on testosterone replacement therapy that have been driven predominantly by single disciplines. The Society for Endocrinology commissioned this new guideline to provide all care providers with a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with MH. This guideline has been compiled using expertise from endocrine (medical and nursing), primary care, clinical biochemistry, urology and reproductive medicine practices. These guidelines also provide a patient perspective to help clinicians best manage MH.

One year of the pandemic - how European endocrinologists responded to the crisis: a statement from the European Society of Endocrinology.

Changes that COVID-19 induced in endocrine daily practice as well as the role of endocrine and metabolic comorbidities in COVID-19 outcomes were among the striking features of this last year. The aim of this statement is to illustrate the major characteristics of the response of European endocrinologists to the pandemic including the disclosure of the endocrine phenotype of COVID-19 with diabetes, obesity and hypovitaminosis D playing a key role in this clinical setting with its huge implication for the prevention and management of the disease. The role of the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) as a reference point of the endocrine community during the pandemic will also be highlighted, including the refocusing of its educational and advocacy activities.

New Horizons-Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Endocrine Disease: Bias, Science, and Patient Care.

Unacceptable healthcare disparities in endocrine disease have persisted for decades, and 2021 presents a difficult evolving environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the gross structural inequities that drive health disparities, and antiracism demonstrations remind us that the struggle for human rights continues. Increased public awareness and discussion of disparities present an urgent opportunity to advance health equity. However, it is more complicated to change the behavior of individuals and reform systems because societies are polarized into different factions that increasingly believe, accept, and live different realities. To reduce health disparities, clinicians must (1) truly commit to advancing health equity and intentionally act to reduce health disparities; (2) create a culture of equity by looking inwards for personal bias and outwards for the systemic biases built into their everyday work processes; (3) implement practical individual, organizational, and community interventions that address the root causes of the disparities; and (4) consider their roles in addressing social determinants of health and influencing healthcare payment policy to advance health equity. To care for diverse populations in 2021, clinicians must have self-insight and true understanding of heterogeneous patients, knowledge of evidence-based interventions, ability to adapt messaging and approaches, and facility with systems change and advocacy. Advancing health equity requires both science and art; evidence-based roadmaps and stories that guide the journey to better outcomes, judgment that informs how to change the behavior of patients, providers, communities, organizations, and policymakers, and passion and a moral mission to serve humanity.

EndoERN patient survey on their perception of health care experience and of unmet needs for rare endocrine diseases.

Patients' perceptions on quality of care and gaps in diagnosis/management of rare endocrine diseases (RED) were collected in a 21-item questionnaire, answered on-line in the patients' language. There were 598 (66% females) responses from 29 countries reflecting pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, gonadal, genetic and autoimmune diseases. While in 36% a diagnosis was made in <1 year, in 28% it took >5 years. In 64% it took 2-7 professionals for a correct diagnosis, after which in >50% a specialist/specific treatment was available within 1 month; 60% were satisfied with current treatment. Most (59-67%) would have liked access to psychological support, social worker, dietician or physiotherapist/rehabilitation specialists. Half were satisfied with information received, treatment and health care follow-up; 87% contacted patient/support groups; 78% agreed that "The personal limitations related to the disease, impact on my everyday quality of life". Conclusion: Diagnostic delay in RED is still unsatisfactory in Europe, as well as specific needs impacting QoL.

THE ASSESSMENT OF COMORBID PATHOLOGY IN CLEAN-UP WORKERS OF THE ACCIDENT CONSEQUENCES AT THE CHORNOBYL NPP HAVING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES. / OTsINKA KOMORBIDNOÏ PATOLOGIÏ V UChASNYKIV LIKVIDATsIÏ NASLIDKIV AVARIÏ NA ChORNOBYL'S'KII AES Z ZAKhVORIuVANNIaMY SERTsEVO-SUDYNNOÏ SYSTEMY.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of comorbid pathology based on the use of methods for its quantitative assessment in personswho were exposed to radiation because of the Chornobyl accident. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comorbid pathology was studied in 608 men, including 420 clean-up workers (CW) of theaccident consequences at the Chornobyl NPP (main group) and 188 non-irradiated persons (control group - CG). Allpatients had cardiovascular diseases as their main pathology and were examined in the cardiology department ofthe NRCRM hospital during 2011-2019. The groups did not differ by age, either at the beginning of the accident orat the time of their last examination. Patients of both groups before the accident were practically healthy peopleand were not registered at the dispensary. The Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) was used to quantify comorbid pathology. RESULTS: Comorbid pathology was detected in 418 CW (99.5 %) and 183 patients of CG (99.3 %). The total score inCW (10.3 ± 2.9) units significantly (р = 0.000) exceeded the same index in non-irradiated patients (8.8 ± 3.0) units,as well as the mean number of CIRS categories, whose level severity was 1 point (3.3 ± 1.7 vs. 2.6 ± 1.5, р = 0.000),2 points (1.8 ± 1.0 vs. 1.6 ± 1.0, p = 0.032) and 3-4 points (1.2 ± 0.8 vs. 1.0 ± 0.9, р = 0.062). In contrast, the meanvalue of the categories with zero score, i.e. without diseases, was more common in CG (7.8 ± 1.8 vs. 8.8 ± 1.7,р = 0.000). The most common pathology in CW and CG were heart (98.3 % vs. 94.7 %, р < 0.05) and vascular diseases(92.9 % vs. 87.8 %, р > 0.05), followed by diseases of nervous system (79.0 % vs. 57.4 %, р <0.001), musculoskeletal system and skin (69.8 % vs. 56.9 %, р < 0.01), endocrine (56.0 % vs. 49,5 %, р > 0.05) and the respiratory system (53.8 % vs. 53.7 %, р > 0.05) and liver (51.2 % vs. 36.2 %, р < 0.001), which were detected more than in halfpatients of the main group. Diseases of the kidneys (3.3 % vs. 4.8 %, р > 0.05) and lower gastrointestinal tract(3.3 % vs. 0.5 %, р < 0.01) were quite rare. The incidence of the other four CIRS categories was 18.6-34 %. The totalscore in subgroups with different ages varied in descending order of mean values as follows: CW > 65 years (10.5 ± 2.9)units, CW < 65 years (9.9 ± 2.8) units, CG > 65 years (9.5 ± 2.8) units and CG < 65 years (7.8 ± 2.9) units with significant differences both between age subgroups in each of the groups and between CW and CG older subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative assessment of comorbidity by CIRS showed that in persons irradiated during their emergency work due to the Chornobyl accident, the incidence of combined pathology of such organ systems as cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, hematopoietic, urogenital, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, liver and kidneys wassignificantly higher than in non-irradiated patients. In irradiated patients, the course of comorbid pathology wasmore severe for each system and in general, reflecting higher values of the total CIRS score. Both among CW andnon-irradiated controls, higher values of the total comorbidity score were observed in patients 65 years and older,compared with younger individuals. In both age subgroups of CW the total score was higher than in patients of thecontrol group.

Beyond Gender Identity Disorder Diagnoses Codes: An Examination of Additional Methods to Identify Transgender Individuals in Administrative Databases.

BACKGROUND: Large administrative databases often do not capture gender identity data, limiting researchers' ability to identify transgender people and complicating the study of this population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop methods for identifying transgender people in a large, national dataset for insured adults. RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of administrative claims data. After using gender identity disorder (GID) diagnoses codes, the current method for identifying transgender people in administrative data, we used the following 2 strategies to improve the accuracy of identifying transgender people that involved: (1) Endocrine Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (Endo NOS) codes and a transgender-related procedure code; or (2) Receipt of sex hormones not associated with the sex recorded in the patient's chart (sex-discordant hormone therapy) and an Endo NOS code or transgender-related procedure code. SUBJECTS: Seventy-four million adults 18 years and above enrolled at some point in commercial or Medicare Advantage plans from 2006 through 2017. RESULTS: We identified 27,227 unique transgender people overall; 18,785 (69%) were identified using GID codes alone. Using Endo NOS with a transgender-related procedure code, and sex-discordant hormone therapy with either Endo NOS or transgender-related procedure code, we added 4391 (16%) and 4051 (15%) transgender people, respectively. Of the 27,227 transgender people in our cohort, 8694 (32%) were transmasculine, 3959 (15%) were transfeminine, and 14,574 (54%) could not be classified. CONCLUSION: In the absence of gender identity data, additional data elements beyond GID codes improves the identification of transgender people in large, administrative claims databases.

Transition from Childhood to Adulthood in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Recently, progress has been observed in the knowledge about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which is a severe and commonly diagnosed genetic myopathy in childhood, historically resulting in early death. Currently, there are a lot of methods available to improve the clinical course of DMD and extend patients' life expectancy to more than 30 years of age. The key issue for DMD patients is the period between 16-18 years of age, which is described as a transition from pediatric- to adult-oriented healthcare. Adolescents and adults with DMD have highly complex healthcare needs associated with long-term steroid usage, orthopedic, ventilation, cardiac, and gastrointestinal problems. The current paper provides a comprehensive overview of special healthcare needs related to the transfer of a patient with DMD from child-oriented to adult-oriented care. Additionally, the need to organize effective care for adults with DMD is presented.

Development of an index of complexity for outpatient endocrinology and nutrition clinics. / Desarrollo de un índice de complejidad en consultas externas de Endocrinología y Nutrición.

INTRODUCTION: The tools for analyzing the case-mix in outpatient clinics are scarce few and unsatisfactory. The objective of this study conducted by Sociedad Castellano Manchega de Endocrinología, Nutrición y Diabetes (SCAMEND) was to develop a tool that allows for analyzing the case-mix in outpatient endocrinology and nutrition clinics, considering bearing in mind the complexity of the conditions seen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the Delphi method, the SCAMEND index of complexity in outpatient endocrinology and nutrition clinics (ISCCE-EyN) was developed by endocrinologists in two rounds, comparing the complexity of each condition being compared with that of a review visit of primary hypothyroidism. RESULTS: The first visits were considered more complex than the subsequent visits. Non-neoplastic thyroid disease and uncomplicated overweight/obesity were considered as the least complex diseases, while metabolic diseases, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes, and adrenal carcinoma were considered as the most complex. The degree of agreement was high in most of the diseases analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: This tool allows for analyzing the case-mix in outpatient endocrinology and nutrition clinics, based on the inherent complexity of the disease of the patient is reported. This tool may be used for comparisons between centers, to better allocate resources within a given service, or for self-evaluation.

Smartphone-Based Application for Tele-follow-up of Patients with Endocrine Disorders in Context of a LMIC: A Compliance, Satisfaction, Clinical Safety and Outcome Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Remote video consultations are increasingly used in clinical practice, and a lot of data are emerging on its feasibility and acceptability. This study aims to bring out qualitative and quantitative data which will enhance our understanding of strengths and limitations of this media in the setting of a low- and middle-income country (LMIC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted from January 2017 to May 2018, at the Department of Endocrine Surgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, India. A total of 107 patients were selected who chose remote follow-up care through social media (WhatsApp). Data were analyzed on feasibility, clinical safety, satisfaction and economic burden. RESULTS: A total of 107 postoperative patients were followed up using a social media tool. A total of 396 tele-sessions were held. The average number of tele-consultations per patient was 3.7 (range 2-6). Reasons for tele-follow-up included: confirmation of histology report (n = 92), medication dosage adjustments (n = 148), wound evaluation (n = 102), reporting of serum TSH and serum calcium levels (n = 296) and medical fitness certificate (n = 13). Wound evaluation through tele-follow-up was on par with the outpatient department (OPD) follow-up as no patient had to report to OPD for wound infection. Satisfaction level was excellent in 55% of patients and very good in 25%. 20% of the patients reported an average satisfaction level. If all of these 107 patients would have come to our OPD follow-up, they would have traveled 613.2 miles (908 km) per patient on an average, apart from losing work hours. Average cost and workdays saved per visit were $78 and 5.4 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: Video consultation using social media tools is clinically safe and cost effective. Economic benefits far outweigh the risk of missing an adverse event, especially in the setting of low- and middle-income countries.

NAFLD in Some Common Endocrine Diseases: Prevalence, Pathophysiology, and Principles of Diagnosis and Management.

Secondary nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) defines those complex pathophysiological and clinical consequences that ensue when the liver becomes an ectopic site of lipid storage owing to reasons other than its mutual association with the metabolic syndrome. Disorders affecting gonadal hormones, thyroid hormones, or growth hormones (GH) may cause secondary forms of NAFLD, which exhibit specific pathophysiologic features and, in theory, the possibility to receive an effective treatment. Here, we critically discuss epidemiological and pathophysiological features, as well as principles of diagnosis and management of some common endocrine diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and GH deficiency. Collectively, these forms of NAFLD secondary to specific endocrine derangements may be envisaged as a naturally occurring disease model of NAFLD in humans. Improved understanding of such endocrine secondary forms of NAFLD promises to disclose novel clinical associations and innovative therapeutic approaches, which may potentially be applied also to selected cases of primary NAFLD.

A critical assessment of case reports describing absent uterus in subjects with oestrogen deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: The dual diagnosis of hypoplastic uterus in association with ovarian dysgenesis is regularly reported but the pathogenesis of the association is unclear. The uterus, however, may be invisible to all imaging modalities without at least six months of exogenous oestrogen exposure in complete ovarian failure. We assessed all available case reports in this category to estimate whether the apparent association between primary ovarian insufficiency or Turner syndrome and Mullerian agenesis can be largely accounted for by oestrogen deficiency. DESIGN: A literature review of all cases in which an association between ovarian insufficiency or Turner syndrome and hypoplastic uterus has been reported. PATIENTS: PubMed was searched for all case reports associated with relevant key terms. In total, 22 publications with a total of 25 patients were identified and reviewed; 14 subjects had the normal female karyotype (46,XX), and 11 subjects had Turner Syndrome. MEASUREMENTS: Proportion of subjects who had been exposed to adequate oestrogen prior to the absent uterine diagnosis. RESULTS: A diagnosis of absent uterus was made prior to exposure to exogenous oestrogen in 22/25 (88%) of subjects with primary hypogonadism including 14/14 females with normal karyotype and 8/11 females with Turner syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Oestrogen deficiency is a possible explanation for most subjects being reported as having Mullerian agenesis in association with Turner syndrome or primary ovarian insufficiency. In the presence of oestrogen deficiency, no conclusion can be made about the status of the uterus until adequate exposure to exogenous oestrogen has been completed and we suggest reassessment of the uterus when full adult dose has been reached towards the end of induction of puberty.