Should the diagnostic and therapeutic protocols for adrenal incidentalomas be changed?

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of adrenal incidentalomas is increasing with the aging of the population and the use of high resolution imaging technics. Current protocols propose a comprehensive monitoring of their functional and morphological state, but with no conclusive clinical evidence that endorses it. METHOD: Retrospective study of 96 patients diagnosed with adrenal incidentaloma between 2008 and 2012. We evaluated clinical, functional and imaging at baseline and during follow-up. RESULTS: Initially, 9 cases were surgically removed: 4 due to hyperfunction (2 Cushing syndromes and 2 pheochromocytomas) and 5 due to size larger than 4cm. During follow-up one case of pheochromocytoma was diagnosed and another grew more than 1cm, needing surgery. In 98.86% of nonfunctional and benign lesions, there was no functional and/or morphological changes in the final evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study challenge the validity of current diagnostic-therapeutic protocols of incidentalomas, which should be reassessed in prospective studies taking into account efficiency characteristics.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Transgender People after Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: In the last decade, healthcare for the transgender population has increased considerably in many countries thanks to depathologization movements and the easier accessibility of medical assistance. The age at which they request to start gender-affirming hormones (GAHs) is increasingly younger. The cardiovascular risk associated with hormonal treatment is a novel research field, and the published studies are heterogeneous and inconclusive. Our objective is to determine the metabolic impact of GAHs in the transgender people treated in our Gender Identity Treatment Unit. METHODS: We designed a pre-post study to analyze changes in anthropometric parameters (weight and body mass index), analytical determinations (fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and lipoproteins), and blood pressure control in the transgender population treated with GAHs in Puerta del Mar University Hospital. These variables were collected before and one year after hormonal therapy. RESULTS: A total of 227 transgender people were recruited between 2017 and 2020, 97 (40.09%) transwomen and 136 (59.91%) transmen. The average age at which GAHs began was 18 years. Weight, body mass index, and blood pressure increased significantly in both genders. Transmen showed a more atherogenic lipid profile, with a decrease in cholesterol LDL (p < 0.001) and an increase in triglycerides (p < 0.001). The risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes did not increase one year after treatment, although non-specific alterations in carbohydrate metabolism were detected, such as an increase in glycated hemoglobin in transmen (p = 0.040) and fasting blood glucose in transwomen (p = 0.008). No thromboembolic processes or cardiovascular events were reported during the first year of treatment. CONCLUSION: In our setting, transgender people developed changes in their metabolic profiles in the first year after hormonal treatment. Both transmen and transwomen showed early alterations in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, slight elevations in blood pressure, and a tendency to gain weight. This makes lifestyle interventions necessary from the beginning of GAHs.

Evidence-based recommendations of the Andalusian Group for Nutrition Reflection and Investigation (GARIN) for the management of adult patients with short bowel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: In order to develop evidence-based recommendations and expert consensus for the nutritional management of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS), we conducted a systematic literature search using the PRISMA methodology plus a critical appraisal following the GRADE scale procedures. Pharmacological treatment with antisecretory drugs, antidiarrheal drugs, and somatostatin contributes to reducing intestinal losses. Nutritional support is based on parenteral nutrition; however, oral intake and/or enteral nutrition should be introduced as soon as possible. In the chronic phase, the diet should have as few restrictions as possible, and be adapted to the SBS type. Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) should be individualized. Single-lumen catheters are recommended and taurolidine should be used for locking the catheter. The HPN's lipid content must be greater than 1 g/kg per week but not exceed 1 g/kg per day, and omega-6 fatty acids (ω6 FAs) should be reduced. Trace element vials with low doses of manganese should be used. Patients with chronic SBS who require long-term HPN/fluid therapy despite optimized treatment should be considered for teduglutide treatment. All patients require a multidisciplinary approach and specialized follow-up. These recommendations and suggestions regarding nutritional management in SBS patients have direct clinical applicability.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Con el fin de desarrollar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia y el consenso de expertos para el manejo nutricional de los pacientes con síndrome de intestino corto (SIC), realizamos una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática utilizando la metodología PRISMA junto a una valoración crítica siguiendo los procedimientos de la escala GRADE. El tratamiento farmacológico con fármacos antisecretores, antidiarreicos y somatostatina contribuye a reducir las pérdidas intestinales. El apoyo nutricional se basa en la nutrición parenteral; sin embargo, la ingesta oral y/o la nutrición enteral deben introducirse lo antes posible. En la fase crónica, la dieta debe tener las menores restricciones posibles y adaptarse al tipo de SIC. La nutrición parenteral domiciliaria (NPD) debe individualizarse. Se recomiendan catéteres de un solo lumen y se debe utilizar taurolidina para bloquear el catéter. El contenido de lípidos de la HPN debe ser superior a 1 g/kg por semana, pero no debe exceder 1 g/kg por día, y debe reducirse el ácido graso omega-6 (AG ω6). Deben utilizarse viales de oligoelementos con dosis bajas de manganeso. Los pacientes con SIC crónico que requieren NPD/fluidoterapia a largo plazo a pesar del tratamiento optimizado deben considerarse para el tratamiento con teduglutida. Todos los pacientes requieren un abordaje multidisciplinar y un seguimiento especializado. Estas recomendaciones y sugerencias con respecto al manejo nutricional de los pacientes con SIC tienen aplicabilidad clínica directa.

Effect of Different Insulin Therapies on Obstetric-Fetal Outcomes.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the different insulin therapies on obstetrics-fetal outcomes in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus. We enrolled 147 pregnant women with pre-existing type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. Clinical and biochemical parameters were analysed in relation to obstetric and fetal outcomes. 14.2% received treatment with Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin and short-acting insulin analogues; 19% with premixed human insulin; 40.1% with insulin glargine and lispro, 6.2% with detemir and aspart and 20% with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. All 5 types of treatment achieved a reduction of the mean HbA1c during pregnancy (p = 0.01). Pre-pregnancy care was carried out for 48% of patients. We found no statistically significant differences between the different insulin therapies and the obstetric-fetal outcomes. In conclusión, the different insulin therapies used in patients with pregestational diabetes mellitus does not seem to affect obstetric-fetal outcomes.