Transplant endocrinology.

Solid organ transplants and stem cell transplants are becoming more common but a significant proportion of patients are still on waiting lists, awaiting transplants. When endocrinologists treat transplant recipients who have underlying endocrine problems, which might include endocrine emergencies, there are special clinical care considerations to be aware of. The stage of the transplant (pre-transplant, early post-transplant, and chronic post-transplant) must be taken into account. Additionally, it's crucial to be knowledgeable about immunosuppressive medications, their typical adverse effects and drug interactions. The review article addresses a number of endocrine and metabolic abnormalities that are reported after transplantation.

Gastrointestinal manifestations in symptomatic Coronavirus disease - 19 patients and its relevance in predicting severity and outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Recent developments characterizing the pathophysiological basis of infection in the Coronavirus disease - 19 (COVID-19) have stirred great interest in studying this disease outside the purview of respiratory involvement and especially focusing on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The present study involving a large cohort of COVID-19-infected patients reports on the characteristics of GI manifestations in patients infected with COVID-19 as well as the predictive role in their association with disease severity and adverse outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in northern India. Descriptive analysis of GI symptoms was carried out followed by predictive analysis assessing COVID-19 severity and with the primary endpoint of 28-day in-hospital all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 3842 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 2113 (55%) were symptomatic. GI symptoms were present in 163 (7.1%) patients. Common GI symptoms were diarrhea 65 (3.1%), anorexia 61 (2.9%) and vomiting 37 (1.8%). Mild and moderate-to-severe disease was seen in 1725 (81.6%) and 388 (18.4%) patients, respectively. Logistic regression showed greater odds of moderate-to-severe disease in patients with any GI symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.849, 95% CI 1.289-2.651 [p = 0.001]) and anorexia in particular (OR 2.797, 95% CI 1.647-4.753 [p = 0.001]); however, on multivariable-analysis, this association lost its significance. A total of 172 patients succumbed to illness. In the Cox proportional hazards model for mortality, patients with any GI symptom (HR 2.184, 95 CI 1.439-3.317 [p < 0.001]) and anorexia (HR 3.556, 95% CI 2.155-5.870 [p < 0.001]) had higher risk. In multi-variable analysis after adjustment to age, sex, oxygen saturation and comorbidities, the presence of any GI symptom was a significant predictor of mortality (hazard ratio adjusted [HRadj] 1.758, 95% CI 1.147-2.694 [p = 0.010]). CONCLUSION: GI symptoms were common among patients infected with COVID-19. The presence of any GI symptom was a significant predictor of the risk of mortality after adjustment to respiratory failure, age, sex and pre-existing comorbidities. The clinical and pathophysiological basis of these associations has been explored.

The prevalence of osteoporosis and its association with serum testosterone and serum vitamin D in the elderly male population: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Male osteoporosis is under-diagnosed and poorly studied. With the ageing population, osteoporotic fracture in men is an emerging health problem. The aim of this study was to study the prevalence of osteoporosis and its association with serum testosterone and serum vitamin D in elderly men (>60 years old) attending the outpatient department (OPD). Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was performed in elderly men (>60 years old) attending OPD of a tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra between April 2017 and June 2019. Patients with rheumatological disorders, history of vertebral/femoral fractures, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, thyroid disorders and alcohol dependence were excluded. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and descriptive statistics. Results: In total, 408 male patients were included. The mean age was 68.33 years. Osteoporosis was seen in 39.5% of patients (161/408) with a T score of ≤2.5. Osteopenia was noted in 48.3% of patients (197/408). T and Z scores had significant correlation (p = <0.001). Only 12% of elderly men had normal bone mineral density score. Serum testosterone, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) were significantly associated with male osteoporosis with a p-value of 0.019, 0.016 and 0.010, respectively. Vitamin D levels, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and coronary artery disease did not show any significant association with male osteoporosis. Conclusion: Osteoporosis was noted in 39.5% of the elderly men. In addition, decreased testosterone, COPD and BPH were significantly associated with male osteoporosis. It is important to screen elderly men to diagnose osteoporosis early and prevent osteoporotic fractures.

Vaccination status and COVID-19 related mortality: A hospital based cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Efficacy of vaccines studied in clinical trial settings are likely to be different from their effectiveness in a real-world scenario. Indian Armed Forces launched its vaccine drive against COVID-19 on 16 Jan 2021. This study evaluated the effect of vaccination on mortality amongst hospitalized COVID patients. METHODS: A cross sectional study was done on all admitted moderate to severe COVID-19 patients at a designated COVID hospital in New Delhi. The primary outcome assessed the association of being fully vaccinated with mortality. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) (with 95% CI) was performed for each predictor. Logistic regression was used for multivariable analysis and adjusted odds ratios obtained. RESULTS: The 1168 patients included in the study had a male preponderance with a mean age of 54.6 (± 17.51) years. A total of 266 (23%) patients were partially vaccinated with COVISHIELD® and 184 (16%) were fully vaccinated. Overall, 518 (44.3%) patients had comorbidities and 332 (28.4%) died. Among those fully vaccinated, there was 12.5% (23/184) mortality while it was 31.45 % (309/984) among the unvaccinated (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.5, p<0.0001). In a logistic regression model, complete vaccination status and younger age were found to be associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination with two doses of COVISHIELD® was associated with lower odds of mortality among hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID.

Clinical characteristics and clinical predictors of mortality in hospitalised patients of COVID 19 : An Indian study.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with high mortality rate necessitates disease characterization and accurate prognostication for prompt clinical decision-making. The aim of this study is to study clinical characteristics and predictors of mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in India. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in northern India. All consecutive confirmed hospitalized COVID-19 cases aged 15 years and older from 13 Apr till 31 Aug 2020 are included. Primary end point was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Of 1622 patients ,1536 cases were valid. Median age was 36 years, 88.3% were men and 58.1% were symptomatic. Fever (37.6%) was commonest presenting symptom. Dyspnea was reported by 15.4%. Primary hypertension (8.5%) was commonest comorbidity, followed by diabetes mellitus (6.7%). Mild, moderate, and severe hypoxemia were seen in 3.4%, 4.3%, and 0.8% respectively. Logistic regression showed greater odds of moderate/severe disease in patients with dyspnea, hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and malignancy. Seventy six patients died (4.9%). In adjusted Cox proportional hazards model for mortality, patients with dyspnea (hazard ratio [HR]: 14.449 [5.043-41.402]), altered sensorium (HR: 2.762 [1.142-6.683]), Diabetes Mellitus (HR: 1.734 [1.001-3.009]), malignancy (HR:10.443 [4.396-24.805]) and Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) (HR: 14.432 [2.321-89.715]) had higher risk. Rising respiratory rate (HR: 1.098 [1.048-1.150]), falling oxygen saturation (HR: 1.057 per unit change 95% CI: 1.028-1.085) were significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Analysis suggests that age, dyspnea, and malignancy were associated with both severe disease and mortality. Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Liver Disease were associated with increased the risk of fatal outcome. Simple clinical parameters such as respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are strong predictors and with other risk factors at admission can be effectively used to triage patients.

Management of type 1 diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) require intensive monitoring, which was adversely affected during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions. METHODS: We evaluated the management of type 1 DM and the role of telephonic consultation and follow-up in 46 patients (10 on insulin pump) with type 1 DM at our centre from 1 February 2020 to 31 January 2021. Patients were telephonically counselled fortnightly. Web-based diabetes education sessions for the patients and parents were conducted. Finally, change in HbA1c during the period of the study, frequency of severe hypoglycaemia, hospital admissions for hyperglycaemic emergencies and degree of satisfaction with care rendered by the treating team were assessed by ratings scored by the patients. RESULTS: Five episodes of severe hypoglycaemia were noted in three patients. Two patients had diabetic ketoacidosis. Patients on insulin pump showed a mean baseline HbA1c of 7.8%. Nine of these patients (90%) showed an improvement in Hba1c during the study period compared to 64.3% of patients on conventional regimen. There were no episodes of severe hypoglycaemia or hospitalization with DKA noted in these patients. Only two patients had COVID-19 disease with mild manifestations. Overall satisfaction levels with therapy were high. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the role played by teleconsultation and video conferencing during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring optimal healthcare delivery to patients with type 1 DM. Some of these methods can be used even after the pandemic to improve patient convenience and reduce the out-patient burden on the hospitals.

New-onset diabetes mellitus with COVID-19: Coincidence or cause.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) was noted as the commonest comorbidity in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which contributed to worse prognosis in these patients. In some cases, we also noted new-onset DM detected during hospitalization for symptomatic COVID disease. We describe three such cases, where the patients presented with severe symptomatic hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis in two and hyperosmolality in one of them. Antibody to GAD-65 was negative and varying degrees of C-peptide secretion was noted after recovery in them. There was no clinical or biochemical evidence of exocrine pancreatic involvement noted during acute presentation or after the recovery. This interesting phenomenon of coexisting DM in symptomatic COVID-19 requires further studies to differentiate between coincidence or causation.

Risk factors for contrast-induced nephropathy after coronary angiography.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is of concern after the use of radiocontrast media for coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We studied the incidence of CIN and its risk factors in patients undergoing CAG. In this prospective study, we included all patients with normal renal parameters undergoing CAG with nonionic radiocontrast media. We excluded patients with known chronic kidney disease, baseline creatinine more than 1.5 mg/dL, significant hypotension, anemia, and patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing emergency PCI. Serum creatinine was done at baseline and serially for seven days after the procedure. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyze the results and P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study population (n = 500, 348 males and 152 females) had a mean age of 56.6 ± 12.5 years. Twelve patients (2.4%) developed CIN and were equally distributed irrespective of the age, diabetes, or PCI procedure. CIN was observed to be more common in patients with hypertension than in those without hypertension (P = 0.0158). The total volume of contrast administered to CIN group (175 ± 59.3) was not significant as compared to that of non-CIN (159.1 ± 56) group (P = 0.334). None of the patients in our study required renal replacement therapy, and there was no mortality. CIN is observed in 2.4% of patients undergoing CAG and had a self-limiting course. Hypertension is the only observed risk factor, and further large-scale studies are necessary to delineate the novel risk factors for CIN in the general population with normal kidney function.

Combined steroid and lignocaine injection in resistant cases of tennis elbow: A prospective, interventional study from India.

BACKGROUND: Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a chronic, painful condition and is often resistant to conventional therapy. We evaluated the benefits of a combined steroid and lignocaine injection in resistant cases of tennis elbow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, interventional study, we included chronic lateral epicondylitis patients resistant to analgesics and physiotherapy. The pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), and we included patients with a baseline VAS >4. All patients were given local infiltration at the painful site with methylprednisolone (1 ml) and lignocaine (1 ml) by the peppering technique. The primary outcome was the change in VAS from the baseline at the end of 7 and 28 days. The improvement is classified as good, moderate, or mild based on the reduction in VAS score by 3, 2, 1, respectively. Descriptive statistics and appropriate tests were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: The study population (n = 63; male: female - 33:30) had a mean age of 36.2 ± 4.5 years and disease duration of 17.4 ± 5.8 weeks. After 1 week, 55 patients showed good improvement, three patients showed moderate improvement, two patients showed mild improvement, and three patients had no improvement. The improvement persisted till 28 days in all the patients and one patient who had not improved after 7 days did not report for 28 days follow-up. CONCLUSION: Local infiltration with steroids and lignocaine is a useful modality of therapy for tennis elbow, especially in patients where ultrasonic therapy and conservative measures have failed.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis: A single center study.

We present our experience of 22 cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) treated from 1996 to 2012. Medical records were analyzed retrospectively for demographic profile, presence and duration of diabetes mellitus, and mode of clinical presentation. EPN was diagnosed based on demonstration of intra-renal gas by plain X-ray, ultrasound, and/or computed tomography (CT) scan. Details of medical treatment, reason for surgical intervention, and final outcome were recorded. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for mortality and P value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Twenty-two cases (6 males, 16 females) of EPN were diagnosed. Seven cases presented with acute pyelonephritis, seven cases with urosepsis, and the remaining eight patients with multi-organ dysfunction. CT grading of EPN was class IV in three, class III in four, class II in 14, and class I in one. All were initially managed medically with parenteral antibiotics. Ten patients needed additional surgical intervention. The overall survival rate was 86.3% (19/22). Among the risk factors analyzed higher CT grade, altered sensorium and thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with mortality. We conclude that a more conservative approach in managing EPN has become the standard of care. Patients having high CT grade of lesions (III and IV) with altered sensorium and thrombocytopenia at presentation are more likely to die due to the disease and may be better managed by an aggressive surgical plan.

Diabetes mellitus in the young: Gliptins or sulfonylurea after metformin?

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis and initial management of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the young are clinical dilemma. Gliptins may be a safer and more effective option than sulfonylureas. Few Indian studies have addressed this issue of clinical relevance. AIM: To compare the use of sitagliptin and glimepiride as early add-on drugs along with metformin in young patients with DM to achieve optimum glycemic targets. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label, cohort study set in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Newly diagnosed patients of DM ≤35 year of age were initially treated to pre-defined glycemic goals (Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 70-130, post prandial glucose (PPG) < 180 mg/dl) with insulin and metformin 1 g for 8 weeks. Insulin was discontinued and metformin increased to 2 g daily for next 4 weeks. Thereafter, glimepiride 1 mg or sitagliptin 100 mg was randomly added to those who were not maintaining the set glucose targets. Dose of glimepiride was uptitrated every 4 weeks upto a maximum of 4 mg. Three groups (Gp A: Metfromin 2 g/d, Gp B: Metformin 2 g + Glimepiride 1-4 mg/d, and Gp C: Metformin 2 g + sitagliptin 100 mg/d) were followed up over next 24 weeks. They were compared for glycemic control and weight change. Those failing therapy on these drugs (FPG > 180, PPG > 250 mg/dl with/without catabolic symptoms/ketosis) were withdrawn. RESULTS: Sitagliptin with metfromin and metfromin alone group fared better than the glimepiride group for glycemic control, lesser treatment failures, and less weight gain. CONCLUSION: In this limited study, we found that sitagliptin is a safer and more effective option in young, newly diagnosed patients with DM. Findings of this study are relevant for clinical practice in Indian setting.

Clinical profile of distal renal tubular acidosis.

To determine the clinical profile and progression of renal dysfunction in distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA), we retrospectively studied 96 consecutive cases of dRTA diagnosed at our center. Patients with unexplained metabolic bone disease, short stature, hypokalemia, re-current renal stones, chronic obstructive uropathy or any primary autoimmune condition known to cause dRTA were screened. Distal RTA was diagnosed on the basis of systemic metabolic acidosis with urine pH >5.5 and positive urine anion gap. In those patients who had fasting urine pH >5.5 with normal baseline systemic pH and bicarbonate levels (incomplete RTA), acid load test with ammonium chloride was done. A cause of dRTA could be established in 53 (54%) patients. Urological defect in children (22/44) and autoimmune disease in adults (11/52) were the commonest causes. Hypokalemic paralysis, proximal muscle weakness and voiding difficulty were the common modes of presentation. Doubling of serum creatinine during the study period was noted in 13 out of 27 patients who had GFR <60 mL/min at presentation whereas in only one of the 70 with initial GFR >60 mL/min (P <0.005). In conclusion, urological disorders were the commonest cause of dRTA in children while autoimmune disorders were the commonest asso-ciation in adults. Worse baseline renal function, longer duration of disease and greater frequency of nephrolithiasis/nephrocalcinosis and urological disorders were noted in those who had wor-sening of renal dysfunction during the study period.

Utility of colour Doppler Sonography in patients with graves' disease / Utilidad de la Sonografía Doppler en color en pacientes con la enfermedad de graves

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of thyroid blood flow gives valuable information about underlying functional status. Colour Flow Doppler Sonography (CFDS) is a powerful tool which displays tissue blood flow and vascularity. Colour Flow Doppler Sonography of the thyroid gland in different subsets of patients with Graves' disease was studied to define its role in initial diagnosis and management. METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients with Graves' disease (both treated and untreated) presented to hospital between August 2007 and February 2008. All patients were evaluated with CFDS of the thyroid for size, vascularity and peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the Inferior Thyroid Artery (ITA). Pertechnate scan and thyroidal autoantibody levels were done in selected cases. The patients were divided into Untreated Graves' disease (n = 31), Graves' disease on treatment but hyperthyroid (n = 26) and euthyroid Graves' disease on therapy (n = 23). Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical analysis and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Thyroid blood flow, as assessed by PSV of ITA, was significantly higher in untreated Graves' disease than in Graves disease on treatment but hyperthyroid and euthyroid Graves respectively (61.5 ± 19.5 versus 42.9 ± 24.7 versus 32.2 ± 12.9 cm/s, p < 0.05). Parenchymal vascularity of the thyroid gland was higher in hyperthyroid patients than in euthyroid patients irrespective of therapy. In both groups on therapy, the dose of carbimazole correlated with the vascularity of the gland (r = 0.492 versus 0.564, p < 0.05). Colour Flow Doppler Sonography parameters correlated significantly with pertechnate scan results giving comparable sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Assessment of thyroid blood flow by CFDS is an effective marker in the initial diagnosis of Graves' disease. Vascularity of the gland can predict long term disease course while on medical therapy.

OBJETIVO: La evaluación del flujo sanguíneo tiroideo ofrece una valiosa información acerca del estatus funcional subyacente. La sonografía del flujo con Doppler a color (CFDS) es un poderoso instrumento que muestra el flujo del tejido sanguíneo y la vascularidad. La sonografía con Doppler a color, de la glándula tiroides en diferentes subconjuntos de pacientes con la enfermedad de Graves, fue estudiada para definir su papel en el diagnóstico inicial y el tratamiento. MÉTODOS: Ochenta pacientes consecutivos con la enfermedad de Graves (con y sin tratamiento) acudieron al hospital entre agosto de 2007 y febrero de 2008. Mediante CFDS, a todos los pacientes les fueron evaluados el tamaño del tiroides, la vascularidad y la velocidad del pico sistólico (PSV) de la arteria tiroidea inferior (ATI). En casos seleccionados, se realizaron gammagrafías con pertecnetato y estudios de los niveles de anticuerpos tiroideos. Los pacientes fueron clasificados tomando como criterios: la enfermedad de Graves sin tratamiento (n = 31), la enfermedad de Graves con tratamiento pero hipertiroideos (n = 26), y la enfermedad de Graves eutiroidea bajo terapia (n = 23). La prueba U de Mann-Whitney fue utilizada para el análisis estadístico, y un valor p menor de 0.05 fue considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: El flujo sanguíneo tiroideo tal cual fue evaluado mediante PSV de ATI, fue significativamente más alto en la enfermedad de Graves sin tratamiento que en otros grupos (61.5 ± 19.5 versus 42.9 ± 24.7 versus 32.2 ± 12.9 cm/s, p < 0.05). La vascularidad parenquimal de la glándula tiroides fue mayor en los pacientes hipertiroideos, independientemente de la terapia. En los dos grupos bajo terapia, las dosis de carbimazol estaban en correlación con la vascularidad de la glándula (r = 0.492 versus 0.564, p < 0.05). Los parámetros de la sonografía del flujo con Doppler a color guardaban una correlación significativa con los resultados de la gammagrafía de pertecnetato, arrojando sensibilidad y especificidad comparables. CONCLUSIÓN: La evaluación del flujo sanguíneo del tiroides mediante CFDS es un marcador efectivo en el diagnóstico inicial de la enfermedad de Graves. La vascularidad de la glándula puede predecir el curso de la enfermedad a largo plazo, bajo terapia médica.