The Prevalence of Selective and Partial Immunoglobulin A Deficiency in Patients with Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune disorders are reported as presenting signs in patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency. Herein, we aim to evaluate serum IgA among patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy. METHODS: Patients with two or more autoimmune endocrinopathies were selected and the serum IgA levels were measured. Patients with an isolated low serum IgA (<7 mg/dL) after exclusion of other causes of hypogammaglobulinemia were considered as selective IgA deficiency (SIgAD), while partial IgA deficiency (PIgAD) was defined as IgA levels below lower limits of IgA normal range for age but higher than 7 mg/dL. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (19 [35.8%] male and 34 [64.2%] female) with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy enrolled in the study. Parental consanguinity and positive family history of autoimmunity were reported in 38.0% and 52.9% of patients, respectively. Overall, IgA deficiency was observed in 5 (9.4%) patients including PIgAD in 3 (5.7%) and SIgAD in 2 (3.8%) patients. Among IgA deficient patients, the first autoimmune disorder was developed at earlier ages (p = .002), and the prevalence of infection (p = .002), lymphoproliferation (p = .021), and overlap between insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and autoimmune thyroiditis (p = .032) were significantly higher than patients with normal IgA. Also, the number of autoimmune comorbidities was closely correlated with the occurrence of IgA deficiency (p = .008). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IgA deficiency in patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy is higher than that in the general population. In these patients, immunologic workup may lead to early diagnosis of inborn error of immunity, which can positively impact the evolution of complications and even management of the autoimmune disorders.

The relationship between personality disorder, depression and eating disorder with treatment adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes; a cross-sectional study in diabetic patients in Iran.

PURPOSE: Adherence to treatment is of great importance in patients with diabetes mellitus due to its necessity and benefits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between personality disorder, depression and eating disorder with appropriate treatment acceptance and follow-up in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in Imam Ali Medical Education Center in Karaj city of Alborz province of Iran. A total of 1320 patients were evaluated and were screened according to the inclusion criteria, including type 2 diabetes and those over 18 years of age. Finally, considering the exclusion criteria, 600 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 groups. 150 patients with type 2 diabetes in the control group, 150 patients with type 2 diabetes with major depressive disorder, 150 patients with type 2 diabetes with personality disorder and 150 patients with type 2 diabetes and eating disorder were studied. Questionnaires used in the study included Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAM-D) for depression, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory II (MMPI II) questionnaire for personality disorders and Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale(EDDS) for eating disorder. The Murisky questionnaire also assessed adherence to treatment in patients, which included 8 questions. Scores measure the degree of adherence to treatment. RESULTS: 600 patients with type 2 diabetes were studied. Patients were divided into 4 groups (each group consisting of 150 patients) of control, depression, personality disorder and eating disorder. Mean age, sex, marital status and duration of diabetes were not significantly different in the study groups (P > 0.05). The mean Murisky score in patients with depression and personality disorder was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05) but the mean Murisky score in patients with eating disorder was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Patients with depression, paranoid, schizotypal, antisocial, borderline, avoidant and dependent personality disorder had less adherent to treatment than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Early psychiatric evaluation of patients with diabetes and identification of possible disorders can help improve diabetes control.

Unusual Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma: A Case Report.

An ectopically placed parathyroid in the mediastinum is a rare cause of persistent or recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism. They are rarely in a huge size. We report a case of a 70-year-old man with a history of total parathyroidectomy and thymectomy presented with a lack of appetite, nausea, and generalized bone pain, polydipsia and a calcium level of 14.4 mg/dl. 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy with single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) showed a focal zone of radiotracer accumulation in the midline of anterior chest wall (xiphoid level). The mass excised from our patient surgically was 75 grams. This weight and location of the tumor is a very rare finding in parathyroid adenomas.