Creating a SNOMED CT reference set for common endocrine disorders based on routine clinic correspondence.

BACKGROUND: Routine clinical coding of clinical outcomes in outpatient consultations still lags behind the coding of episodes of inpatient care. Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) offers an opportunity for standardised coding of key clinical information. Identifying the most commonly required SNOMED terms and grouping these into a reference set will aid future adoption in routine clinical care. OBJECTIVE: To create a common endocrinology reference set to standardise the coding for outcomes of outpatient endocrine consultations, using a semi-automated extraction of information from existing clinical correspondence. METHODS: Retrospective review of data from an adult tertiary outpatient endocrine clinic between 2018 and 2019. A total of 1870 patients from postcodes within two regional areas of NHS Grampian (Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire) attended the clinic. Following consultation, an automated script extracted each problem statement which was manually coded using the 'disorder' concepts from SNOMED CT (UK edition). RESULTS: The review identified 298 relevant endocrine diagnoses, 99 findings and 142 procedures. There were a total of 88 (29.5%) commonly seen endocrine conditions (e.g., Graves' disease, anterior hypopituitarism and Addison's disease) and 210 (70.5%) less commonly seen endocrine conditions. Subsequently, consultant endocrinologists completed a survey regarding the common endocrine conditions; 28 conditions have 100% agreement, 25 have 90%-99% agreement, 31 have 50%-89% agreement and 4 have less than 59% agreement (which were excluded). CONCLUSION: Automated text parsing of structured endocrine correspondence allowed the creation of a SNOMED CT reference set for common endocrine disorders. This will facilitate funding and planning of service provision in endocrinology by allowing more accurate characterisation of the patient cohorts needing specialist endocrine care.

Time to first remission and survival in patients with acromegaly: Evidence from the UK Acromegaly Register Study (UKAR).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand the effect of time to remission of acromegaly on survival in people living with acromegaly. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENT: This cross-sectional study used data from the UK Acromegaly Register. We considered remission of acromegaly growth hormone controlled at ≤2 µg/L following the diagnosis of acromegaly. We used the accelerated failure time model to assess the effect of time to remission on survival in acromegaly. RESULTS: The study population comprises 3569 individuals with acromegaly, with a median age of diagnosis of 47.3 (36.5-57.8) years, 48% females and a majority white population (61%). The number of individuals with the first remission of acromegaly was 2472, and the median time to first remission was 1.92 (0.70-6.58) years. In this study, time to first remission in acromegaly was found to have a significant effect on survival (p < .001); for every 1-year increase in time to first remission, there was a median 1% reduction in survival in acromegaly. In an analysis adjusted for covariates, the survival rate was 52% higher (p < .001) in those who underwent surgery as compared to those who did not have surgery, 18% higher (p = .01) in those who received treatment with somatostatin analogues (SMA) as compared to those with dopamine agonists and 21% lower (p < .001) in those who received conventional radiotherapy as compared to those who did not receive radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this population-based study conducted in patients with acromegaly revealed that faster remission time, surgical intervention and treatment with SMA are linked to improved survival outcomes.

Postradioiodine Graves' management: The PRAGMA study.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid status in the months following radioiodine (RI) treatment for Graves' disease can be unstable. Our objective was to quantify frequency of abnormal thyroid function post-RI and compare effectiveness of common management strategies. DESIGN: Retrospective, multicentre and observational study. PATIENTS: Adult patients with Graves' disease treated with RI with 12 months' follow-up. MEASUREMENTS: Euthyroidism was defined as both serum thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) and free thyroxine (FT4) within their reference ranges or, when only one was available, it was within its reference range; hypothyroidism as TSH ≥ 10 mU/L, or subnormal FT4 regardless of TSH; hyperthyroidism as TSH below and FT4 above their reference ranges; dysthyroidism as the sum of hypo- and hyperthyroidism; subclinical hypothyroidism as normal FT4 and TSH between the upper limit of normal and <10 mU/L; and subclinical hyperthyroidism as low TSH and normal FT4. RESULTS: Of 812 patients studied post-RI, hypothyroidism occurred in 80.7% and hyperthyroidism in 48.6% of patients. Three principal post-RI management strategies were employed: (a) antithyroid drugs alone, (b) levothyroxine alone, and (c) combination of the two. Differences among these were small. Adherence to national guidelines regarding monitoring thyroid function in the first 6 months was low (21.4%-28.7%). No negative outcomes (new-onset/exacerbation of Graves' orbitopathy, weight gain, and cardiovascular events) were associated with dysthyroidism. There were significant differences in demographics, clinical practice, and thyroid status postradioiodine between centres. CONCLUSIONS: Dysthyroidism in the 12 months post-RI was common. Differences between post-RI strategies were small, suggesting these interventions alone are unlikely to address the high frequency of dysthyroidism.

Measuring TSH receptor antibody to influence treatment choices in Graves' disease.

TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD), and its levels correlate with the clinical course. The second- and third-generation TRAb assays have >95% sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of GD and have improved the utility of TRAb to predict relapse. TRAb levels decline with antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy and after thyroidectomy. Its level increases for a year following radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, with a gradual fall thereafter. TRAb level >12 IU/l at diagnosis of GD is associated with 60% risk of relapse at 2 years and 84% at 4 years. The prediction of risk of relapse improves further to >90% with TRAb >7·5 IU/l at 12 months or >3·85 IU/l at cessation of ATD therapy. TRAb tests are not expensive, and hence, TRAb measurements at presentation, after 12 months and/or 18 months (at cessation) of ATD therapy, could potentially guide treatment choices in GD. Elevated TRAb favours definitive treatment in the form of RAI or thyroidectomy, depending on the presence or absence of moderate-to-severe Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and the ability to comply with radiation protection requirements. Use of ATDs in early pregnancy is associated with increased risk of congenital anomalies; early ablative treatment (RAI/surgery) should be considered in women of childbearing age at higher risk of relapse of GD. TRAb ≥5 IU/l in pregnant women with current or previously treated GD is associated with increased risk of foetal and neonatal thyrotoxicosis, and hence needs close monitoring. TRAb levels parallel the course of GO, and elevated TRAb is an indication for steroid prophylaxis to prevent progression of GO with RAI therapy.

Management of primary hypothyroidism: statement by the British Thyroid Association Executive Committee.

The management of primary hypothyroidism with levothyroxine (L-T4) is simple, effective and safe, and most patients report improved well-being on initiation of treatment. However, a proportion of individuals continue to suffer with symptoms despite achieving adequate biochemical correction. The management of such individuals has been the subject of controversy and of considerable public interest. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the European Thyroid Association (ETA) have recently published guidelines on the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism. These guidelines have been based on extensive reviews of the medical literature and include sections on the role of combination therapy with L-T4 and liothyronine (L-T3) in individuals who are persistently dissatisfied with L-T4 therapy. This position statement by the British Thyroid Association (BTA) summarises the key points in these guidelines and makes recommendations on the management of primary hypothyroidism based on the current literature, review of the published positions of the ETA and ATA, and in line with best principles of good medical practice. The statement is endorsed by the Association of Clinical Biochemistry, (ACB), British Thyroid Foundation, (BTF), Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Society for Endocrinology (SFE).

Fish oil supplemented for 9 months does not improve glycaemic control or insulin sensitivity in subjects with impaired glucose regulation: a parallel randomised controlled trial.

The effects of fish oil (FO) supplementation on glycaemic control are unclear, and positive effects may occur only when the phospholipid content of tissue membranes exceeds 14% as n-3 PUFA. Subjects (n 36, thirty-three completed) were paired based on metabolic parameters and allocated into a parallel double-blind randomised trial with one of each pair offered daily either 6 g of FO (3·9 g n-3 PUFA) or 6 g of maize oil (MO) for 9 months. Hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic-euaminoacidaemic (HIEGEAA) clamps (with [6,6 2H2 glucose]) were performed at the start and end of the intervention. Endogenous glucose production (EGP) and whole-body protein turnover (WBPT) were each measured after an overnight fast. The primary outcome involved the effect of oil type on insulin sensitivity related to glycaemic control. The secondary outcome involved the effect of oil type on WBPT. Subjects on FO (n 16) had increased erythrocyte n-3 PUFA concentrations >14%, whereas subjects on MO (n 17) had unaltered n-3 PUFA concentrations at 9%. Type of oil had no effect on fasting EGP, insulin sensitivity or total glucose disposal during the HIEGEAA clamp. In contrast, under insulin-stimulated conditions, total protein disposal (P=0·007) and endogenous WBPT (P=0·001) were both increased with FO. In an associated pilot study (n 4, three completed), although n-3 PUFA in erythrocyte membranes increased to >14% with the FO supplement, the enrichment in muscle membranes remained lower (8%; P<0·001). In conclusion, long-term supplementation with FO, at amounts near the safety limits set by regulatory authorities in Europe and the USA, did not alter glycaemic control but did have an impact on WBPT.

Platelet-derived microparticle count and surface molecule expression differ between subjects with and without type 2 diabetes, independently of obesity status.

This study investigated the impact of either type 2 diabetes or obesity, separately or in combination, on the absolute amounts of microparticles (MP) and the pathways by which these are associated with either condition. The concentrations of circulating MP derived from platelets (PMP), leukocytes (LMP) and monocytes (MMP), together with their specific activation markers, were compared in 30 subjects who were characterised across 4 cohorts as obese or type 2 diabetes. The subjects with type 2 diabetes had elevated concentrations of total PMP (P = 0.003), and PMP that were fibrinogen-positive (P = 0.04), tissue factor-positive (P < 0.001), P-selectin-positive (P = 0.03). Type 2 diabetes did not alter either total or activated LMP or MMP. Obesity per se did not impact on any MP measurement. Elevated concentrations of plasma PMP occurred in subjects with type 2 diabetes, whether they were obese or non-obese. In contrast, obesity in the absence of type 2 diabetes had no effect. The increased concentrations of specific marker-positive PMP in the subjects with diabetes might reflect potential pathways by which PMP may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.

Rhabdomyolysis Induced by Levetiracetam: A Case Report in Kuwait.

Epilepsy is a common disorder caused by a myriad of drugs, of that levetiracetam is being commonly used late because of its strong safety profile and efficacy. With the increasing usage of drugs, some rare side effects may sometimes appear that can escape the most stringent checks, possibly due to the rarity of their occurrence. Rhabdomyolysis is known to occur in some patients owing to a variety of causes, even leading to kidney injury. When a drug has a side effect that is not well recognized in the literature, especially when the side effect can mimic an adverse effect of an uncommon primary illness, identifying the causal factor can be doubly difficult. To date, only limited studies have been published suggesting rhabdomyolysis linked to levetiracetam use. We report the first case of levetiracetam-induced rhabdomyolysis in Kuwait.

Natural history of non-functioning pituitary microadenomas: results from the UK non-functioning pituitary adenoma consortium.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal approach to the surveillance of non-functioning pituitary microadenomas (micro-NFPAs) is not clearly established. Our aim was to generate evidence on the natural history of micro-NFPAs to support patient care. DESIGN: Multi-centre, retrospective, cohort study involving 23 endocrine departments (UK NFPA consortium). METHODS: Clinical, imaging, and hormonal data of micro-NFPA cases between January, 1, 2008 and December, 21, 2021 were analysed. RESULTS: Data for 459 patients were retrieved [median age at detection 44 years (IQR 31-57)-152 males/307 females]. Four hundred and nineteen patients had more than two magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) [median imaging monitoring 3.5 years (IQR 1.71-6.1)]. One case developed apoplexy. Cumulative probability of micro-NFPA growth was 7.8% (95% CI, 4.9%-8.1%) and 14.5% (95% CI, 10.2%-18.8%) at 3 and 5 years, respectively, and of reduction 14.1% (95% CI, 10.4%-17.8%) and 21.3% (95% CI, 16.4%-26.2%) at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Median tumour enlargement was 2 mm (IQR 1-3) and 49% of micro-NFPAs that grew became macroadenomas (nearly all >5 mm at detection). Eight (1.9%) patients received surgery (only one had visual compromise with surgery required >3 years after micro-NFPA detection). Sex, age, and size at baseline were not predictors of enlargement/reduction. At the time of detection, 7.2%, 1.7%, and 1.5% patients had secondary hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and hypoadrenalism, respectively. Two (0.6%) developed hypopituitarism during follow-up (after progression to macroadenoma). CONCLUSIONS: Probability of micro-NFPA growth is low, and the development of new hypopituitarism is rare. Delaying the first follow-up MRI to 3 years and avoiding hormonal re-evaluation in the absence of tumour growth or clinical manifestations is a safe approach for micro-NFPA surveillance.

Adrenal nodules for the non-specialist: What to look out for and when to refer.

Almost all medical specialities utilise cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen to evaluate many different medical conditions. This ever-increasing use of cross-sectional imaging has led to a dramatic increase in the detection rate of adrenal nodules. Following appropriate biochemical and radiological evaluation, the vast majority of these are shown to be benign adrenal adenomas. A small minority are diagnosed with a functional or malignant lesion that may result in significant morbidity and mortality requiring specialist management.

The utility of Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale amongst patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM): An experience from a teaching hospital in Southern India.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence of diabetes-specific psychological distress (DSPD) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using the "Problem areas in diabetes" (PAID) scale at a teaching hospital in southern India. Other objectives included observing the relationship between socio-demographic factors and DSPD and, finally exploring the level of acceptance of the PAID scale by Asian-Indian patients. METHODS: The patients with T2DM aged >18 years attending the diabetes outpatient clinic were recruited. They completed two sets of questionnaires; PAID and a satisfactory questionnaire, which included socio-demographic characteristics and questions relating to the acceptance of PAID. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 13.1 and Excel. RESULTS: A total of 253 questionnaires were completed, including 157 (62.1%) male and 96 (37.9%) female patients. The prevalence of DSPD was 32.8% (83/253). Younger age (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.36-9.80) and presence of retinopathy (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.12-6.04) were significantly associated with DSPD. However, it was observed that one-third of the patients had an elevated level of distress regardless of socio-demographic or clinical factors. PAID was well accepted by the participants and 84.6% (214/253) were pleased to complete it again. CONCLUSION: About one-third of the patients with T2DM had DSPD. Psychological distress was higher in the younger age group and those with retinopathy. PAID is an easy, well-accepted questionnaire and would serve as a useful tool to screen for DSPD.

Antithyroid drug regimen for treating Graves' hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Antithyroid drugs are widely used in the therapy of hyperthyroidism. There are wide variations in the dose, regimen or duration of treatment used by health professionals. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of dose, regimen and duration of antithyroid drug therapy for Graves' hyperthyroidism. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched seven databases and reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of antithyroid medication for Graves' hyperthyroidism. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Pooling of data for primary outcomes, and select exploratory analyses were undertaken. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-six randomised trials involving 3388 participants were included. Overall the quality of trials, as reported, was poor. None of the studies investigated incidence of hypothyroidism, changes in weight, health-related quality of life, ophthalmopathy progression or economic outcomes. Four trials examined the effect of duration of therapy on relapse rates, and when using the titration regimen 12 months was superior to six months, but there was no benefit in extending treatment beyond 18 months. Twelve trials examined the effect of block-replace versus titration block-regimens. The relapse rates were similar in both groups at 51% in the block-replace group and 54% in the titration block-group (OR 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to1.08) though adverse effects (rashes (10% versus 6%) and withdrawing due to side effects (16% versus 9%)) were significantly higher in the block-replace group. Three studies considered the addition of thyroxine with continued low dose antithyroid therapy after initial therapy with antithyroid drugs. There was significant heterogeneity between the studies and the difference between the two groups was not significant (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.05 to 6.21). Four studies considered the addition of thyroxine alone after initial therapy with antithyroid drugs. There was no significant difference in the relapse rates between the groups after 12 months follow-up (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.67). Two studies considered the addition of immunosuppressive agents. The results which were in favour of the interventions would need to be validated in other populations. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that the optimal duration of antithyroid drug therapy for the titration regimen is 12 to 18 months. The titration (low dose) regimen had fewer adverse effects than the block-replace (high dose) regimen and was no less effective. Continued thyroxine treatment following initial antithyroid therapy does not appear to provide any benefit in terms of recurrence of hyperthyroidism. Immunosuppressive therapies need further evaluation.

Radioiodine treatment for benign thyroid disorders: results of a nationwide survey of UK endocrinologists.

BACKGROUND: A survey of physicians' practice relating to radioiodine administration for hyperthyroidism was carried out in the UK over 15 years ago and showed wide variations in patient management. This led to the development of national guidelines for the use of radioiodine in hyperthyroidism. As there have been significant advances in the field since that survey, we carried out another survey to study the prevalent practices relating to radioiodine therapy for benign thyroid disorders across the UK. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We mailed 698 UK consultant endocrinologists a questionnaire on radioiodine treatment based on three patient scenarios: hyperthyroid Graves' disease, subclinical hyperthyroidism and nontoxic goitre. RESULTS: The response rate was 40%. For the scenario of an initial presentation of Graves' disease, 80%, 19% and 0.4% of respondents preferred thionamide, radioiodine or thyroidectomy, respectively. There were inconsistencies in respondents' recommendations on radioiodine dose, the use of pre- and post-radioiodine supplementary treatments, timing of a repeat dose, and the use of radioiodine in thyroid eye disease. For the case of subclinical hyperthyroidism, one-third of respondents would generally initiate treatment. The majority were more likely to treat subclinical hyperthyroidism in the presence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or osteoporosis. If a decision were made to treat subclinical hyperthyroidism, 63%, 35%, 1% and 0.4% would recommend radioiodine, thionamide, beta-blocker and thyroidectomy, respectively. For the scenario of nontoxic goitre, 62%, 21%, 13% and 5% favoured observation, thyroidectomy, radioiodine and thyroxine, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There remain significant differences in several aspects of clinical practice relating to the use of radioiodine treatment for benign thyroid disorders in the UK.

Radioiodine therapy (RAI) for Graves' disease (GD) and the effect on ophthalmopathy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: An association between radioiodine therapy (RAI) for Graves' disease (GD) and the development or worsening of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is widely quoted but there has been no systematic review of the evidence. AIMS: We undertook a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess whether RAI for GD is associated with increased risk of ophthalmopathy compared with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) or surgery. We also assessed the efficacy of glucocorticoid prophylaxis in the prevention of occurrence or progression of ophthalmopathy, when used with RAI. METHODS: We identified RCTs regardless of language or publication status by searching six databases and trial registries. Dual, blinded data abstraction and quality assessment were undertaken. Random effects meta-analyses were used to combine the study data. Ten RCTs involving 1136 patients permitted 13 comparisons. Two RCTs compared RAI with ATD. Two RCTs compared RAI with thyroidectomy. Four RCTs compared the use of adjunctive ATD with RAI vs. RAI. Five RCTs examined the use of glucocorticoid prophylaxis with RAI. RESULTS: RAI was associated with an increased risk of ophthalmopathy compared with ATD [relative risk (RR) 4.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.04-8.77] but compared with thyroidectomy, there was no statistically significant increased risk (RR 1.59, 95% CI 0.89-2.81). The risk of severe GO was also increased with RAI compared with ATD (RR 4.35; 95% CI 1.28-14.73). Prednisolone prophylaxis for RAI was highly effective in preventing the progression of GO in patients with pre-existing GO (RR 0.03; 95% CI 0.00-0.24). The use of adjunctive ATD with RAI was not associated with any significant benefit on the course of GO. CONCLUSION: RAI for GD is associated with a small but definite increased risk of development or worsening of Graves' ophthalmopathy compared with ATDs. Steroid prophylaxis is beneficial for patients with pre-existing GO.

Is annual surveillance of all treated hypothyroid patients necessary?

BACKGROUND: Annual surveillance (with thyroid function testing) is widely recommended for the long-term follow-up of treated hypothyroid patients. It is based largely on consensus opinion and there is limited evidence to support the frequency of monitoring. The majority of patients in our hospital based thyroid register are on 18 monthly follow-up. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis to see if there is evidence to support more frequent testing. We used a logistic regression model to assess whether any baseline characteristics could be applied to predict an abnormal test. RESULTS: We identified 2,125 patients with a minimum of 10 years follow-up (89% female, 65% autoimmune hypothyroidism, and mean age at registration 51 years). There were 2 groups: 1182 (56%) had been allocated to 18 monthly follow-up and the rest had annual surveillance. The groups were well matched at baseline. Overall, during follow-up the 12 monthly group had more abnormal tests requiring dose adjustment. However, on logistic regression analysis, people aged less than 60 years, individuals taking < 150 mug thyroxine per day and people on 18 monthly follow-up had less abnormal tests. CONCLUSION: 18 monthly surveillance may be adequate in the long term follow-up of hypothyroid patients less than 60 years of age on a stable thyroxine dose of 100-150 mug/day where there are robust follow-up mechanisms in place. Implementing this strategy has potential for cost saving.

A systematic review of drug therapy for Graves' hyperthyroidism.

We assessed the effects of dose, regimen and duration of anti-thyroid drug therapy for Graves' thyrotoxicosis on recurrence of hyperthyroidism, course of ophthalmopathy, adverse effects, health-related quality of life and economic outcomes. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We identified RCTs regardless of language or publication status by searching six databases, and trial registries. Dual, blinded data abstraction and quality assessment were undertaken. Trials included provided therapy for at least 6 months with follow-up at least 1 year after drug cessation. Fixed or random effects meta-analyses were used to combine study data. Twelve trials compared a Block-Replace regimen (requiring a higher dose of anti-thyroid drug treatment) with a Titration regimen. Overall, there was no significant difference between the regimens for relapse of hyperthyroidism (relative risk (RR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 1.03). Participants were more likely to withdraw due to adverse events with a Block-Replace regimen (RR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.85). Prescribing replacement thyroxine, either with the anti-thyroid drug treatment, or after this was completed, had no significant effect on relapse. Limited evidence suggested 12-18 months of anti-thyroid drug treatment should be used. The titration regimen appeared as effective as the Block-Replace regimen, and was associated with fewer adverse effects. However, relapse rates over 50% and high participant drop-out rates in trials mean that the results should be interpreted with caution, and may suggest that other strategies for the management of Graves' disease, such as radioiodine, should be considered more frequently as first-line therapy. There were no data on the course of ophthalmopathy, health-related quality of life and economic outcomes.

Factors contributing to high levothyroxine doses in primary hypothyroidism: an interventional audit of a large community database.

BACKGROUND: While few hypothyroid patients require more than the expected weight-related dose of levothyroxine, the underlying causes of larger-than-expected dosing requirements have not been studied in a single cohort. Our aim was to determine and quantify the multiple factors contributing to high-dose levothyroxine requirements in a cohort of patients with hypothyroidism. METHODS: The Grampian Automated Follow-Up Register (GAFUR) monitors around 17,500 hypothyroid patients. In 2008, 190 (1%) patients took >225 µg of levothyroxine daily. A questionnaire was sent to 174 patients (16 were untraceable) to assess causes and to offer blood tests for endomysial, parietal cell (PCA), and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) autoantibodies. Primary care practices were contacted for medication details. All patients with positive endomysial autoantibodies were referred to a gastroenterologist. Thyroid function tests and levothyroxine doses were re-evaluated in 2011. RESULTS: A total of 125 questionnaires (72%) were returned. Mean levothyroxine dose was 248 µg daily. Twenty-six patients (20.8%) took medication known to interfere with levothyroxine absorption, and 21 patients (16.8%) admitted to compliance issues. Seven patients had positive anti-endomysial antibodies on initial screening, with four being new diagnoses of celiac disease, and PCA were positive in 27 (21.6%) patients. At follow-up in 2011, the mean levothyroxine dose had decreased in patients on interfering medications and in the four new cases of celiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: Causes of patients needing high-dose levothyroxine replacement include poor compliance, medication interference, PCA (as a marker of atrophic/autoimmune gastritis), and celiac disease. Doses can be decreased following advice regarding medication or after management of underlying conditions.

Oat-enriched diet reduces inflammatory status assessed by circulating cell-derived microparticle concentrations in type 2 diabetes.

SCOPE: Inflammatory status can increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events linked to platelet activity and involvement of microparticles (MP) released from platelets (PMP), leukocytes (LMP), and monocytes (MMP). These MP carry host cell-derived antigens that may act as markers of metabolic health. Subjects newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are offered appropriate standard dietary advice (SDA) but this may not be optimal as specific inclusion of other nutrients, such as oats, may add benefit. The effectiveness of such interventions can be tested by examination of MP activation markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects (n = 22) with type 2 diabetes participated in a randomized cross-over trial involving 8 wk interventions with either an oat-enriched diet (OAT) or following reinforced SDA. Responses were also compared with preintervention habitual (HAB) intake. OAT reduced the concentrations and proportions of fibrinogen- and tissue factor-related PMP and MMP_11b. The main effect of SDA was to reduce fibrinogen-activated PMP. Regardless of chronic intake, a healthy test meal led to postprandial declines in total PMP as well as tissue factor-, fibrinogen-, and P-selectin-positive PMP. CONCLUSION: OAT improved risk factors assessed by MP status, even in subjects with type 2 diabetes already well-controlled by diet and life-style alone.

Mucormycosis of the middle ear: a case report with review of literature.

Mucor is a saprophytic organism and commonly invades the nose and paranasal sinuses of immunocompromised and diabetic patients involvement of the middle ear and mastoid in a nondiabetic patients is very rare and this may be the first case report clinical presentation of ear pain with reference to the mastoid and upper neck may be the early symptoms unlike the foul smelling ear discharge as seen in atticoantral disease. Radical debridement in the form of M.R.M with or without the use of amphotericin B may suffice in non-diabetic patients this case is reported to highlight the point that mucormycosis can also involve middle ear and mastoid in nondiabetic patients.

Food intake and dietary glycaemic index in free-living adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

UNLABELLED: A recent Cochrane review concluded that low glycaemic index (GI) diets are beneficial in glycaemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There are limited UK data regarding the dietary GI in free-living adults with and without T2DM. We measured the energy and macronutrient intake and the dietary GI in a group (n = 19) of individuals with diet controlled T2DM and a group (n = 19) without diabetes, matched for age, BMI and gender. Subjects completed a three-day weighed dietary record. Patients with T2DM consumed more daily portions of wholegrains (2.3 vs. 1.1, P = 0.003), more dietary fibre (32.1 vs. 20.9 g, P < 0.001) and had a lower diet GI (53.5 vs. 57.7, P = 0.009) than subjects without T2DM. Both groups had elevated fat and salt intake and low fruit and vegetable intake, relative to current UK recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T2DM may already consume a lower GI diet than the general population but further efforts are needed to reduce dietary GI and achieve other nutrient targets.