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.

Drug-induced hypothyroidism in tuberculosis.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse reactions to tuberculosis treatment can impact patient adherence and prognosis. Hypothyroidism is a frequent adverse reaction caused using ethionamide, prothionamide, and para-aminosalicylic acid and is often underdiagnosed. AREAS COVERED: We searched Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, including 67 articles. Antitubercular drug-induced hypothyroidism has a prevalence of 17%. It occurs after 2 to 3 months of treatment and resolves within 4 to 6 weeks after discontinuation. It is postulated to result from the inhibition of thyroperoxidase function, blocking thyroid hormone synthesis. Symptoms are nonspecific, necessitating individualized thyroid-stimulating hormone measurement for detection. Specific guidelines for management are lacking, but initiation of treatment with levothyroxine, as is customary for primary hypothyroidism, is recommended. Discontinuation of antitubercular drugs is discouraged, as it may lead to unfavorable consequences. EXPERT OPINION: Antitubercular drug-induced hypothyroidism is more common than previously thought, affecting one in six MDR-TB patients. Despite diagnostic and treatment recommendations, implementation is hindered in low-income countries due to the lack of certified laboratories. New drugs for tuberculosis treatment may affect thyroid function, requiring vigilant monitoring for complications, including hypothyroidism.

A comprehensive review of genetic causes of obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multifactorial chronic disease with a high, increasing worldwide prevalence. Genetic causes account for 7% of the cases in children with extreme obesity. DATA SOURCES: This narrative review was conducted by searching for papers published in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and SciELO databases and included 161 articles. The search used the following search terms: "obesity", "obesity and genetics", "leptin", "Prader-Willi syndrome", and "melanocortins". The types of studies included were systematic reviews, clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, cross-sectional and prospective studies, narrative reviews, and case reports. RESULTS: The leptin-melanocortin pathway is primarily responsible for the regulation of appetite and body weight. However, several important aspects of the pathophysiology of obesity remain unknown. Genetic causes of obesity can be grouped into syndromic, monogenic, and polygenic causes and should be assessed in children with extreme obesity before the age of 5 years, hyperphagia, or a family history of extreme obesity. A microarray study, an analysis of the melanocortin type 4 receptor gene mutations and leptin levels should be performed for this purpose. There are three therapeutic levels: lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatment, and bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic study technologies are in constant development; however, we are still far from having a personalized approach to genetic causes of obesity. A significant proportion of the affected individuals are associated with genetic causes; however, there are still barriers to its approach, as it continues to be underdiagnosed. Video Abstract (MP4 1041807 KB).

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.

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.

Síndrome de reacción a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos inducido por carbamazepina de liberación prolongada: reporte de un caso

El síndrome de reacción a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos es una reacción de hipersensibilidad a fármacos poco común, pero con una alta mortalidad, por ello se requiere un diagnóstico precoz y un manejo oportuno. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 32 años con diagnóstico de epilepsia y trastorno esquizofreniforme orgánico, secundarios a encefalitis viral, y que ha recibido tratamiento con múltiples fármacos. Tres semanas después de añadir carbamazepina de liberación prolongada a su terapia habitual, la paciente presentó una erupción cutánea difusa tipo habón, edema facial, fiebre, linfadenopatía, leucocitosis con eosinofilia y elevación de las transaminasas. La administración de la carbamazepina fue suspendida, se administró antihistamínicos y glucocorticoides por vía oral, y la paciente mejoró.

The drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare but highly lethal drug hypersensitivity reaction. Thus, it requires an early diagnosis and timely management. We present the case of a 32-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of epilepsy and organic schizophreniform disorder, secondary to viral encephalitis, who was treated with multiple drugs. Three weeks after the addition of extended-release carbamazepine to her usual therapy, the patient presented a diffuse welt-type skin rash, facial edema, fever, lymphadenopathy, leukocytosis with eosinophilia and elevated transaminases. Carbamazepine administration was discontinued, antihistamines and glucocorticoids were administered orally, and the patient showed a remarkable improvement.

Hemorragia digestiva como manifestación de neurofibromatosis tipo I: reporte de un caso / Gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report

RESUMEN Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 40 años con diagnóstico previo de neurofibromatosis y un antecedente crónico de episodios de rectorragias intermitentes que acude al servicio de emergencia por una rectorragia asociada a hipotensión y taquicardia, y es hospitalizado. En los exámenes complementarios se evidencian hemorroides internas de grado 1 que no se correlacionaban con las características clínicas del paciente. Debido a la naturaleza intermitente del cuadro hemorrágico se sospechó de alguna malformación vascular, la cual se confirmó posteriormente mediante una angiografía abdomino-pélvica.

ABSTRACT We present the case of a 40-year-old male with a previous diagnosis of neurofibromatosis and a chronic history of intermittent rectal bleeding episodes. He visited the emergency service for frequent rectal bleeding associated with hypotension and tachycardia, and was hospitalized. Complementary tests evidenced grade 1 internal hemorrhoids not associated with the clinical features of the patient. Due to the intermittent nature of the bleeding, a vascular malformation was suspected, which was subsequently confirmed by a pelvic and abdominal angiography.