Síndrome de la mano diabética: reporte de casos / Diabetic hand syndrome: case reports

RESUMEN El síndrome de la mano diabética es una complicación poco frecuente e infradiagnosticada de la diabetes mellitus. Esta denominación se ha utilizado para describir una infección potencialmente peligrosa en la mano, la cual se caracteriza por la presencia de trastornos musculoesqueléticos debilitantes. Su diagnóstico generalmente se realiza en áreas de los trópicos; sin embargo, se han visto casos en áreas no tropicales y urbano-marginales. La fisiopatología de este síndrome aún no está clara, pues, a diferencia del pie diabético, la neuropatía periférica y la enfermedad vascular no parecen desempeñar un papel importante. Existe evidencia de que puede estar asociado a la duración de la diabetes, a un mal control metabólico y a la presencia de complicaciones microvasculares. En este artículo presentamos los casos de dos pacientes con síndrome de mano diabética. El primero se trata de una paciente de 52 años, de zona rural, con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 diagnosticada hace seis años (en mal control metabólico), a quien se le realizó la amputación del cuarto dedo con evolución posoperatoria favorable. El segundo caso es sobre un paciente varón de 60 años, proveniente de una zona urbano-marginal de Lima, con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, quien fue amputado del segundo dedo izquierdo con diagnóstico quirúrgico de necrosis más tenosinovitis. El síndrome de la mano diabética puede tener una importante repercusión clínica y producir una discapacidad permanente. Un diagnóstico precoz mejora el pronóstico, por lo que es importante realizar un examen físico minucioso de las manos en los pacientes con diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT Diabetic hand syndrome is a rare and underdiagnosed complication of diabetes mellitus. This term is used to describe a potentially dangerous infection of the hand, characterized by debilitating musculoskeletal disorders. Although the diagnosis is commonly made in tropical regions, cases have also been reported in non-tropical and in marginal urban areas. The pathophysiology of this syndrome remains unclear because, unlike diabetic foot, peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease do not seem to a play major role. Evidence suggests that it may be associated with the duration of diabetes, poor metabolic control and microvascular complications. In this article, we present the cases of two patients with diabetic hand syndrome. The first case involves a 52-year-old female patient from a rural area, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus six years ago, currently in poor metabolic control. She underwent amputation of the fourth finger with a favorable postoperative course. The second case involves a 60-year-old male patient from a marginal urban area in Lima, also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. He underwent amputation of the left second finger with a surgical diagnosis of necrosis and tenosynovitis. Diabetic hand syndrome can have a significant clinical impact and may lead to permanent disability. Early diagnosis improves prognosis, thus the importance of performing thorough physical examinations of the hands in patients with diabetes mellitus.

From liver to hormones: The endocrine consequences of cirrhosis.

Hepatocrinology explores the intricate relationship between liver function and the endocrine system. Chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis can cause endocrine disorders due to toxin accumulation and protein synthesis disruption. Despite its importance, assessing endocrine issues in cirrhotic patients is frequently neglected. This article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of endocrine disturbances in liver cirrhosis. The review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Scielo databases, encompassing 172 articles. Liver cirrhosis is associated with endocrine disturbances, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, sarcopenia, thyroid dysfunction, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, bone disease, adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone dysfunction, and secondary hyperaldosteronism. The optimal tools for diagnosing diabetes and detecting hypoglycemia are the oral glucose tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring system, respectively. Sarcopenia can be assessed through imaging and functional tests, while other endocrine disorders are evaluated using hormonal assays and imaging studies. Treatment options include metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, and insulin, which are effective and safe for diabetes control. Established standards are followed for managing hypoglycemia, and hormone replacement therapy is often necessary for other endocrine dysfunctions. Liver transplantation can address some of these problems.

Endocrine factors associated with infertility in women: an updated review.

INTRODUCTION: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after unprotected sexual intercourse for at least 12 consecutive months. Our objective is to present an updated narrative review on the endocrine causes of infertility in women. AREAS COVERED: A comprehensive review was conducted using Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, comprising 245 articles. The pathophysiology of infertility in women was described, including endocrinopathies such as hypothalamic amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal disorders. The diagnostic approach was outlined, emphasizing the necessity of hormonal studies and ovarian response assessments. Additionally, the treatment plan was presented, commencing with non-pharmacological interventions, encompassing the adoption of a Mediterranean diet, vitamin supplementation, moderate exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Subsequently, pharmacological treatment was discussed, focusing on the management of associated endocrine disorders and ovulatory dysfunction. EXPERT OPINION: This comprehensive review highlights the impact of endocrine disorders on fertility in women, providing diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. Despite remaining knowledge gaps that hinder more effective treatments, ongoing research and advancements show promise for improved fertility success rates within the next five years. Enhanced comprehension of the pathophysiology behind endocrine causes and the progress in genetic research will facilitate the delivery of personalized treatments, thus enhancing fertility rates.

Refractory Hypothyroidism: Unraveling the Complexities of Diagnosis and Management.

INTRODUCTION: Refractory hypothyroidism (RH) represents a challenge in the diagnosis and treatment within the field of thyroidology. It is defined as the inability to achieve disease control despite using levothyroxine (LT4) doses of 1.9 µg/kg/d or higher. METHODS: A comprehensive review, encompassing 103 articles, was conducted using the Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, providing an approach to evaluation and diagnosis of this condition. RESULTS: LT4 disintegrates and dissolves within an acidic gastric environment before being absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. It then extensively binds to serum transporter proteins and undergoes deiodination to yield tri-iodothyronine, the biologically active hormone. There are various nonpathological causes of RH, such as noncompliance with treatment, changes in the brand of LT4, food and drug interferences, as well as pregnancy. Pathological causes include lactose intolerance, Helicobacter pylori infection, giardiasis, among others. The diagnosis of RH involves conducting a thorough medical history and requesting relevant laboratory tests to rule out causes of treatment resistance. The LT4 absorption test allows for the identification of cases of malabsorption. The treatment of RH involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes of noncompliance or malabsorption. In cases of pseudomalabsorption, supervised and weekly administration of LT4 may be considered. DISCUSSION: Early recognition of RH and correction of its underlying cause are of utmost importance, as this avoids the use of excessive doses of LT4 and prevents cardiovascular and bone complications associated with this condition.

Diabetic gastroenteropathy: An underdiagnosed complication.

This article is an extensive review that provides an update on the pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic gastroenteropathy. There is no reported prevalence, but it has been described that patients with type 1 diabetes have a cumulative incidence at 10 years of 5.2%, and type 2 patients, 1%. Also, in the group of type 1 diabetes, it has been observed that women are more likely to present this condition (5.8% vs 3.5%). Many factors are associate with its development (e.g., hyperglycemia, vagal dysfunction, loss of expression of neural nitric oxide synthase in the myenteric plexus, alterations in the Cajal interstitial cell network, and oxidative stress). Gastrointestinal discomfort could be perceived 70% higher in diabetic patients, describing that 25% of diabetic patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Diabetic enteropathy could affect any portion of the gastrointestinal tract, but esophageal alterations were described in more than 60% of diabetic patients, also 60% of them present constipation, and 20%, diarrhea. Gastric emptying scintigraphy is useful to evaluate gastroparesis, therefore, gastric retention of more than 60% at 2 h has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 20% for diagnosis; however, other studies such as breath tests, with a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 80%, or the endoscopic capsule contribute to the diagnosis. There is no cure; however, management must be multidisciplinary, focused on slowing the progression of diabetic gastroenteropathy, reducing symptoms, and restoring function; that includes nutritional recommendation, maintain glucose levels kept below 180 mg/dL, use of prokinetics, anti-emetics; nowadays, it has been special interest in surgical treatment, such as pyloroplasty, also gastric electrical stimulation appears to be another alternative.