Endocrinology Clinic Research Articles

Factors affecting cognitive decline among patients with diabetes: A cross-sectional study in Lebanon

Introduction and objectivesPatients with diabetes are prone to cognitive decline, including memory loss, decreased attention, and processing speed. This study aims to evaluate cognitive impairment in patients with diabetes and the factors associated with cognitive decline. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted over 5 months targeting 318 previously diagnosed patients with diabetes from 2 endocrinology clinics. The Arab version of the Mini-Mental State Examination assessed cognitive function through 11 items exploring 6 cognitive domains. Participants' general characteristics, lifestyle, and medical history were collected. They were also asked about the management of their diabetes (type of and adherence to medication and doing regular laboratory tests or glycemic monitoring at home). Other information, such as glycated hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol, and triglycerides level, was retrieved from the patient's files while noting the patient's systolic and diastolic blood pressures. ResultsPatients had a mean age of 59.8 (10.7). Around 68% of patients had a possible cognitive impairment, and 31.8% a normal cognitive function. Significantly lower scores were noted among females (20.0; P < .001), and older patients had lower cognitive functions than others (19.4; P < .001). Illiterate had significantly lower scores (15.0) than those with advanced education (24.9; P < .001). Participants with diabetes for more than 5 years (20.8) and those with uncontrolled glycemia (20.8) had lower cognitive function than patients diagnosed more recently (22.2; P = .021) or those with controlled glycemia (23.1; P < .001). A cognitive decline was found among those with total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL (20.7 vs. 21.9; P = .044), a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more (20.0 vs. 22.5; P < .001), and hematocrit levels below 40% (20.6 vs. 22.4; P = .002). After adjusting for covariates, a lower cognitive function score was found per increase of 1 year of age (b=−0.120, CI (−0.13, −0.03); P = .038) and among females (−0.186 (−3.30, −0.35); P = .016). An increase of a factor of 0.342 was found between the levels of education (CI (0.71–2.04); P < .001), and patients with uncontrolled glycemia had a significantly lower score than others. Moreover, having a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg decreased the cognitive function score by a factor of 0.147 (CI (−2.98, −0.01); P = .049). ConclusionThe combined effect of these factors should be considered for treatment management and glycemic control to help early referrals of patients at risk.

Sphingolipids in Childhood Asthma and Obesity (SOAP Study): A Protocol of a Cross-Sectional Study.

Asthma and obesity are two of the most common chronic conditions in children and adolescents. There is increasing evidence that sphingolipid metabolism is altered in childhood asthma and is linked to airway hyperreactivity. Dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism is also reported in obesity. However, the functional link between sphingolipid metabolism, asthma, and obesity is not completely understood. This paper describes the protocol of an ongoing study on sphingolipids that aims to examine the pathophysiology of sphingolipids in childhood asthma and obesity. In addition, this study aims to explore the novel biomarkers through a comprehensive multi-omics approach including genomics, genome-wide DNA methylation, RNA-Seq, microRNA (miRNA) profiling, lipidomics, metabolomics, and cytokine profiling. This is a cross-sectional study aiming to recruit 440 children from different groups: children with asthma and normal weight (n = 100), asthma with overweight or obesity (n = 100), overweight or obesity (n = 100), normal weight (n = 70), and siblings of asthmatic children with normal weight, overweight, or obesity (n = 70). These participants will be recruited from the pediatric pulmonology, pediatric endocrinology, and general pediatric outpatient clinics at Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar. Information will be obtained from self-reported questionnaires on asthma, quality of life, food frequency (FFQ), and a 3-day food diary that are completed by the children and their parents. Clinical measurements will include anthropometry, blood pressure, biochemistry, bioelectrical impedance, and pulmonary function tests. Blood samples will be obtained for sphingolipid analysis, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) assay, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), genome-wide DNA methylation study, RNA-Seq, miRNA profiling, metabolomics, lipidomics, and cytokine analysis. Group comparisons of continuous outcome variables will be carried out by a one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test using an appropriate pairwise multiple comparison test. The chi-squared test or a Fisher's exact test will be used to test the associations between categorical variables. Finally, multivariate analysis will be carried out to integrate the clinical data with multi-omics data. This study will help us to understand the role of dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism in obesity and asthma. In addition, the multi-omics data from the study will help to identify novel genetic and epigenetic signatures, inflammatory markers, and mechanistic pathways that link asthma and obesity in children. Furthermore, the integration of clinical and multi-omics data will help us to uncover the potential interactions between these diseases and to offer a new paradigm for the treatment of pediatric obesity-associated asthma.

Health related quality of life is associated with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in overweight children.

The association between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is well-established in adults; however, data in pediatric population is scarce. Our study aimed to assess the association between GERD and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in overweight children. From April to August of 2020, we included children aged 7-18 years who attended the Endocrinological Outpatient Clinic at the Paediatric Institute, University of Debrecen, Hungary. The participants completed two questionnaires: the Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Questionnaire (PGSQ) and the HRQoL questionnaire (PedsQL). Based on the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO), the patients were categorized into two groups: an overweight or obese group and a group with normal weight. A total of 107 children (51 % female, mean age 13.2 years, 46 % overweight or obese) completed the questionnaires. The median PGSQ score was similar in both groups (4.0 (IQR: 1.0-7.8) vs. 3.0 (IQR: 1.0-7.0), p=0.6). However, the total PedsQL score was significantly lower in the children with overweight or obesity compared to those with normal weight (80.1 (71.1-91.0) vs. 88.0 (76.1-94.6), p=0.031). The PedsQL score was lower among overweight patients with GERD symptoms than that of normal-weight patients without GERD symptoms. Our findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about GERD to enhance the HRQoL and prevent long-term complications in obese children.

The effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist on final adult height among girls with early and fast puberty.

This study aimed to explore the impact of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) on final adult height (FAH) in girls with early and fast puberty. A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing data from the medical records of the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinics between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020, at MacKay Children's Hospital. The treatment group included 109 patients who received 3.75 mg monthly for at least 1 year, whereas the control group consisted of 95 girls who received no treatment. The treatment group was significantly older at the time of inclusion(chronological age (CA1), treatment vs. control, 8.7 vs. 8.4 years, p < 0.001), had a more advanced bone age (BA) (BA1, 11.5 vs. 10.8 years, p < 0.001), BA1-CA1 (2.7 vs. 2.2 years, p < 0.001), and shorter predicted adult height (PAH1) (153.3 vs. 157.1 cm, p = 0.005) that was significantly lower than their target height (Tht)(PAH1-Tht, -3.9 vs. -1.3 cm, p = 0.039). The FAHs of the GnRHa and the control group were similar (157.0 vs. 156.7 cm, p = 0.357) and were not significantly different from their Tht (FAH vs. Tht in the GnRHa group, 157.0 vs. 157.0 cm; control group, 156.7 vs. 157.0 cm). In the subgroup analysis, FAH was significantly higher after GnRHa treatment in those with PAH1 less than 153 cm and Tht (154.0 vs. 152.0 cm, p = 0.041), and those whose CA1 was between 8 and 9 years (158.0 vs. 155.4 cm, p = 0.004). We defined satisfactory FAH outcome as FAH-PAH1≥5 cm and significant factors were GnRHa therapy, PAH1 shorter than their Tht, age younger than 9 years, and faster growth velocity during the first year. GnRHa is effective in restoring the Tht in some early and fast pubertal girls, especially in those with poorly PAH (PAH lower than 153 cm and shorter than their target height). A younger age at initiation of treatment and a faster growth velocity during treatment are associated with a better height gain.

Advancing Preoperative Strategies for Thyroidectomy in Graves' Disease: A Narrative Review.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thyroid-stimulating antibodies that can potentially lead to thyrotoxicosis, goiter, skin disease, and eye disease. Available treatment options for Graves' disease include management with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), thyroid ablation with radioactive iodine (RAI), and surgical thyroid gland removal. For individuals unable to reach a normal thyroid hormone level, promptly considering a thyroidectomy is essential. Preoperative strategies to achieve a euthyroid state prevent thyroid storms and minimize postoperative complications and are therefore crucial. While variations in professional guidance exist, this review focuses on standard medical interventions as well as compares respective guidelines set forth by the American Thyroid Association, the European Thyroid Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, and the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. There is consensus among these organizations underscoring the importance of rendering patients euthyroid prior to surgery and the use of ATDs. Most guidelines recommend screening for vitamin D deficiency as well as endorse thyroidectomy as the preferred treatment option for hyperthyroidism with skilled surgeons. Nevertheless, discrepancies do become apparent in aspects such as potassium iodide (SSKI) course duration and preoperative dexamethasone administration. By understanding these differing approaches, healthcare professionals can more effectively manage Graves' disease prior to surgery, resulting in improved patient outcomes and enhanced surgical success.

Artificial Intelligence Improves Patient Follow-Up in a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program.

We examine the rate of and reasons for follow-up in an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based workflow for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening relative to two human-based workflows. A DR screening program initiated September 2019 between one institution and its affiliated primary care and endocrinology clinics screened 2243 adult patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes without a diagnosis of DR in the previous year in the San Francisco Bay Area. For patients who screened positive for more-than-mild-DR (MTMDR), rates of follow-up were calculated under a store-and-forward human-based DR workflow ("Human Workflow"), an AI-based workflow involving IDx-DR ("AI Workflow"), and a two-step hybrid workflow ("AI-Human Hybrid Workflow"). The AI Workflow provided results within 48 hours, whereas the other workflows took up to 7 days. Patients were surveyed by phone about follow-up decisions. Under the AI Workflow, 279 patients screened positive for MTMDR. Of these, 69.2% followed up with an ophthalmologist within 90 days. Altogether 70.5% (N=48) of patients who followed up chose their location based on primary care referral. Among the subset of patients that were seen in person at the university eye institute under the Human Workflow and AI-Human Hybrid Workflow, 12.0% (N=14/117) and 11.7% (N=12/103) of patients with a referrable screening result followed up compared to 35.5% of patients under the AI Workflow (N=99/279; χ2df=2 = 36.70, p < 0.00000001). Ophthalmology follow-up after a positive DR screening result is approximately three-fold higher under the AI Workflow than either the Human Workflow or AI-Human Hybrid Workflow. Improved follow-up behavior may be due to the decreased time to screening result.

Validation and Psychometric Evaluation of Diabetes Literacy, Numeracy, and Knowledge Tools in the Arabic Context.

The purpose of this study was to validate the Literacy Assessment for Diabetes (LAD), the Diabetes Numeracy Test (DNT), and the Simplified Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT) in the Arabic language and context. Three hundred eighty four, ≥18-year-old patients with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes mellitus were recruited from 3 endocrinology clinics in the United Arab Emirates. Exploratory factor analysis using principal component was performed. Achieved scores were compared using Pearson bivariate correlation. All 60 LAD items loaded on 1 factor accounting for 66.7% of the variance, with internal consistency α = .991. Average score = 68.7%. Nineteen out of 26 items were retained on the DNT and grouped into 4 factors, prescription reading and directions, proper dose coverage, nutrition, and insulin, with good internal consistency (α = .721). Average score = 73.2%. All 20 DKT items loaded on 3 factors accounting for 41.2% of the variance, causes and consequences of the high blood sugar level, prevention of the disease, and misconceptions about diabetes self-management, with good internal consistency (α = .799). Average score = 71.9%. A moderate and significant correlation between the DKT and DNT (r = .56, P < .001) was observed. Three tools to assess diabetes literacy, numeracy, and knowledge were psychometrically tested to establish their validity and reliability in the Arabic language and context. The tools could be used to assess patient skills and competence in navigating the health care system and managing their diabetes.

Evaluation of chronic pruritus and associated skin findings in patients with diabetes mellitus.

To explore the dermatological lesions associated with chronic pruritus in patients who were followed up at our clinic for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The study population consisted of 249 patients with DM, who presented to the endocrinology clinic at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine between January 2022, and March 2022, regardless of whether they had reported experiencing pruritus symptoms. The visual analog scale and 5-D itch scale were used to determine the severity of itching in patients. Dermatological examination findings were also evaluated. Of the 249 patients with DM, mean duration since diabetes was diagnosed was 12 ± 9.2 [median 10 (0.3-46)] years, and the mean HbA1c levels were 8.1% ± 2.1%. Pruritus was detected in 77 (30.9%) patients and the mean duration of diabetes diagnosis was 13.4 ± 9.7 years. Examination of the microvascular and macrovascular complications showed that the incidence of retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease was 31.2% (p = 0.003), 31.2% (p = 0.005), 66.2% (p < 0.001) and 10.4% (p = 0.038), respectively, in the group with pruritus. These incidences were significantly higher in the group with pruritus than in those without pruritus. Dermatological examination showed that the most common condition was xerosis (64%), followed by fungal skin infection (16%) and bullous pemphigoid (8%). No skin findings were noted in 7% of patients who complained of itching. Chronic pruritus may be associated with several factors such as poor glycemic control, high BMI and microvascular and macrovascular complications in patients with DM. Especially in patients with severe generalized pruritus who do not respond to standard antipruritic treatments, the use of DPP-4 inhibitors, a class of oral antidiabetic agents, should be questioned and all medications being used by the patient should be reviewed.

A descriptive survey study in endocrinology clinic: evaluation of the use of natural products

Objective The use of herbal products/dietary supplements (HP/DS) in endocrinal chronic diseases is growing. However, no studies have evaluated their use in patients who present to endocrinology and metabolic diseases clinics. This descriptive study aims to investigate the rate of HP/DS use and the factors affecting this in patients who presented to Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Farabi Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Türkiye between 01.11.2021 and 01.05.2022. Methods Five hundred six questionnaires with acceptable data quality were included this investigation. The data were analyzed on SPSS version 23.0 software. The factors with the greatest effect on the use of HP/DS were determined using binary logistic regression analysis. Results Analysis showed that 49.4% of the participants used HP/DS. The main factors affecting the use of herbal products were age, diagnosis of the disease, and treatment compliance problems. The most frequently used products were lemon, cinnamon, black cumin, ginger, turmeric, and dill. The participants main sources of information about HP/DS were friends/relatives, the internet/social media, and television, respectively. 74.8% of the participants using HP/DS did not inform their physcisian/pharmacist about such use, although 81.8% of these nevertheless wished to receive information from these occupational groups. Conclusion Herbal product monitoring in patients should be performed in collaboration with pharmacists, herbal product use should be investigated, and counseling services should be made available in order to maintain and promote public health.

Phasing and continuity of the treatment of thyroid eye disease in patients with Graves' disease

According to modern concepts, thyroid eye disease (TED) is an independent progressive autoimmune disease of the organ of vision, closely associated with the autoimmune pathology of the thyroid gland (TG), (ICD code - H06.2, proptosis in case of impaired thyroid function E05.0). TED treatment is a long step-by-step process, including immunosuppressive therapy, radiation therapy of the orbits and surgical treatment.TED is a multidisciplinary problem. A patient with thyrotoxicosis clinic and TED symptoms will be taken to an endocrinological clinic for normalization of thyroid hormones and treatment of thyrotoxicosis complications. At the same time, under thesupervision of an ophthalmologist, TED diagnostics and treatment will be carried out. Teamwork is of utmost importance because the effectiveness of TED treatment will depend on the speed of achieving a stable euthyroid state, the accuracy of determining the TED activity and severity, and the presence of complications requiring surgical treatment.There are two main phases in the TED development. In the first phase of active inflammation, an increase in the symptoms of TED occurs, then a plateau phase follows, when the symptoms of activity persist but do not progress, then the symptoms regress and the process becomes inactive, while visual disturbances and cosmetic defects may persist. Determining the TED activity is very important from a clinical point of view, because the choice of treatment and tactics of patient management depend on the inflammation activity.We describe a clinical case of phasing treatment of TED complicated by optic neuropathy and movement disorders in a patient with Graves' disease, resistant to immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticoids and requiring deep lateral bony orbital decompression.

Validation of AGA clinical care pathway and AASLD practice guidance for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a prospective cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Recently, the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases developed clinical pathways to evaluate populations at high risk for NAFLD. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the new guidance in a well-phenotyped cohort of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This prospective study enrolled patients age ≥50 years with T2DM. Participants underwent a standardized clinical research visit with MRI and ultrasound-based assessment of liver fat and stiffness and Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) testing. Of 417 participants (36% men) with T2DM with FIB-4 and MRE data, the prevalence of NAFLD was 64% and 12% had advanced fibrosis (MRE≥3.63 kPa). Applying the American Gastroenterological Association pathway of FIB-4 and vibration-controlled transient elastography, the false negative rate was 3.3% and 18% would qualify for specialty referral. Applying the FIB-4 + ELF American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases pathway, the false negative rate was 4.5%, but 50% would qualify for specialty referral. Applying higher ELF cut points improved the pathway, yielding a similar false negative rate of 4.9% but decreased specialty referral to 27%. Validation of the American Gastroenterological Association clinical pathway in a prospectively recruited cohort with T2DM revealed a low false negative rate and avoided specialty referral in a large percentage of patients. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases pathway with FIB-4 + ELF resulted in a high rate of specialty referral, which improved with the utilization of higher ELF cut points and may serve as an alternative for primary care and endocrinology clinics without access to vibration-controlled transient elastography.

Comparison of different definitions of metabolic syndrome and their associations with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a retrospective study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered an important risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of MetS based on six different MetS definitions and compare the performance of various definitions for identifying diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia among NAFLD patients. The definitions compared were those developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI), and Interim Joint Statement "harmonized" criteria. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for the six MetS definitions with NAFLD diagnosis. The diagnosis for NAFLD was established based on liver imaging or biopsy compatible with fatty liver disease. A total of 500 NAFLD patients were analyzed. The mean age was 61.2 (SD 13.2) years, and BMI was 32.7 (SD 8.0) kg/m2. The most prevalent MetS component was dyslipidemia (83%), followed by hypertension (60%), obesity (61%), and diabetes (57%). The prevalence of MetS according to the WHO, NCEP/ATP-III, IDF, AACE, AHA/NHLBI, and harmonized criteria was 69%, 59%, 54%, 64%, 78%, and 79%, respectively. The highest area under the ROC curve for diabetes and hypertension was with the WHO definition (0.7405) and (0.8120), respectively. The prevalence of MetS in NAFLD patients varies according to the definitions of MetS employed. The modified WHO definition appeared to be most useful for the screening of MetS in NAFLD patients.

EyeArt artificial intelligence analysis of diabetic retinopathy in retinal screening events.

Early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR) are critical for decreasing the risk of vision loss and preventing blindness. Community vision screenings may play an important role, especially in communities at higher risk for diabetes. To address the need for increased DR detection and referrals, we evaluated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for screening DR. Patient images of 124 eyes were obtained using a 45° Canon Non-Mydriatic CR-2 Plus AF retinal camera in the Department of Endocrinology Clinic (Newark, NJ) and in a community screening event (Newark, NJ). Images were initially classified by an onsite grader and uploaded for analysis by EyeArt, a cloud-based AI software developed by Eyenuk (California, USA). The images were also graded by an off-site retina specialist. Using Fleiss kappa analysis, a correlation was investigated between the three grading systems, the AI, onsite grader, and a US board-certified retina specialist, for a diagnosis of DR and referral pattern. The EyeArt results, onsite grader, and the retina specialist had a 79% overall agreement on the diagnosis of DR: 86 eyes with full agreement, 37 eyes with agreement between two graders, 1 eye with full disagreement. The kappa value for concordance on a diagnosis was 0.69 (95% CI 0.61-0.77), indicating substantial agreement. Referral patterns by EyeArt, the onsite grader, and the ophthalmologist had an 85% overall agreement: 96 eyes with full agreement, 28 eyes with disagreement. The kappa value for concordance on "whether to refer" was 0.70 (95% CI 0.60-0.80), indicating substantial agreement. Using the board-certified retina specialist as the gold standard, EyeArt had an 81% accuracy (101/124 eyes) for diagnosis and 83% accuracy (103/124 eyes) in referrals. For referrals, the sensitivity of EyeArt was 74%, specificity was 87%, positive predictive value was 72%, and negative predictive value was 88%. This retrospective cross-sectional analysis offers insights into use of AI in diabetic screenings and the significant role it will play in automated detection of DR. The EyeArt readings were beneficial with some limitations in a community screening environment. These limitations included a decreased accuracy in the presence of cataracts and the functional cost of EyeArt uploads in a community setting.

Etiological Evaluation of the Cases with Short Stature in a Tertiary Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic

Amaç&#x0D; Boy kısalığı (BK) boy uzunluğunun yaşa ve cinsiyete göre iki standart sapma (SD) altında olmasıdır. Boy kısalığı etiyolojisinde en büyük grubu idiyopatik boy kısalığı (İBK) oluşturmasına karşın, patolojik boy kısalıklarının erken tanı ve tedavisi normal erişkin boy potansiyeli kaybını önlemek açısından son derece önemlidir. Bu çalışmada boy kısalığı tanısıyla izlenen olguların etiyolojik açıdan değerlendirilmesi amaçlandı. &#x0D; Gereç-Yöntem&#x0D; Trakya Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Çocuk Endokrinolojisi Polikliniği’nde BK tanısıyla izlenen 536 olgu geriye dönük olarak değerlendirildi. Olguların izlem dosyalarından tanı yaşı, cinsiyeti, aile öyküsü, antropometrik ve fizik muayene bulguları, birinci ve ileri düzey laboratuvar tetkikleri, tanı ve tedavi bilgileri kaydedildi. Boy SDS’si -2 - (-2,5) SDS arası olanlar hafif BK, ≤ -2,5 olanlar ağır BK, oturma yüksekliği / boy oranı yaşa göre normal ise orantılı, bozuk ise orantısız BK olarak tanımlandı. Olguda BK hafif, doğum ağırlığı normal, fizik ve laboratuvar incelemeleri ve büyüme hızı normal olup hedef boy ile öngörülen boy uyumlu ise idiyopatik BK, büyüme plağındaki sorunlara bağlı gelişen BK ise primer BK, büyüme plağını dolaylı olarak etkileyen nedenlere bağlı ise sekonder BK olarak tanımlandı. &#x0D; Bulgular&#x0D; BK tanılı 536 olgunun ortalama başvuru yaşı 10,8 ±3,3 (1,3-17,7) yıl olup, 296’sı (%55,2) erkek, 240’ı (%44,8) kız ve kız/erkek oranı: 1:1,2 idi. Başvuruda olguların ortalama vücut ağırlığı SDS 2,2 ±1,1 ve ortalama boy SDS -2,8 ±0,8 idi. İdiyopatik BK gurubu %69,3 (368 olgu) ile en sık görülen BK gurubuydu. İdiyopatik BK gurubun ortalama boy SDS -2,6±0,5 ile patolojik BK gurubuna göre anlamlı yüksekti (p

The Quality of Life of Caregivers of People with Type 2 Diabetes Estimated Using the WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) poses a growing global health challenge, impacting patients’ and their caregivers’ well-being. This study investigates the influence of T2D complications on caregivers’ quality of life (QoL) using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, accounting for factors like age, disease duration, and control. The research involved 382 T2D patients and 300 caregivers from Vuk Vrhovac University Clinic for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire assessed caregivers’ QoL across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Complications, including retinopathy, neuropathy, and kidney disease, were examined for their effects on QoL. Patients’ age impact, gender differences, and disease duration were analyzed. T2D complications had varying impacts on different QoL domains. Caregivers of patients with multiple complications showed significant social functioning impairment. Those without complications reported lower psychological health. Age correlated with poorer physical health scores. Female caregivers rated higher in psychological and environmental health. Disease duration and T2D control had no significant impact on caregiver QoL. Caregivers’ concerns included medication adherence and worry about their partner’s health. This study illustrates the delicate interplay between T2D patients and caregivers, highlighting the multifaceted effects of chronic illness. Comprehensive healthcare techniques that address emotional and social components in addition to medical care are critical for improving the well-being of both patients and their caregivers. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of T2D care dynamics, advocating for empathetic and all-encompassing healthcare practices.

Evaluation and Comparison of Changes in Blood Pressure and ECG After Hormone Therapy in Hypothyroid Patients

Background: Hypothyroidism is one of the disorders that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. One of the first responses to thyroid hormone administration is to reduce systemic vascular resistance and increase cardiac output and heart contraction.&#x0D; Methods: In this study, which was performed as a quasi-experimental study (before and after), 50 patients were referred to the endocrinology and internal medicine clinic of Towhid Hospital in Sanandaj (in two groups of 25 patients receiving medication and the group that did not receive medication) They were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG were performed by a cardiologist after recording them.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of patients participating in the study was 48.0 ± 7.74 years. Compared the patients receiving the drug and the other group, in terms of sex distribution and age, showed results; There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p value &gt; 0.05) However, in terms of comparing blood pressure and heart rate indices in the before and after stages, the two groups showed a statistically significant difference between patients receiving medication and patients who did not receive medication in terms of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the previous phase of hormone therapy (p value &lt; 0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: Special attention to hypothyroid patients according to the obtained results, Control, follow-up, and planning for these patients, by those involved in the matter and those responsible for the health sector, seems important and necessary and should be taken into consideration.

The rising burden of chronic kidney diseases in patients with diabetes

BackgroundThe prevalence of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) is higher in patients with diabetes. The American diabetes association (ADA) provides components of diabetes care, treatments, and guidelines to diagnose diabetic patients at risk of CKD. Herein we followed the ADA diagnosis guidelines to identify the Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients at risk of CKD which is underestimated in the region. The study main objectives are to investigate the CKD prevalence and association with risk factors according to the ADA classification, and also to identify the T2DM patients at risk of renal diseases. A descriptive retrospective study was conducted. The data were collected using face-to-face interviews and through accessing patients’ medical records from Endocrinology and Cardiology clinics in an academic tertiary care hospital.ResultsAbout 40% of the 331 T2DM outpatients were at risk of developing CKD. The majority were in CKD Stage 3, then Stage 2. The estimated GFR (eGFR) values were significantly reduced in the T2DM patients who are; older than 50 years; have diabetes for more than 10 years; and have abnormally high serum and urine creatinine, proteinuria, and albumin to creatinine ratio. Further, the eGFR values were negatively associated with; the duration of T2DM; serum creatinine, proteinuria; and albumin to creatinine ratio.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence of the increasing risk of CKD among T2DM patients in the region. Hence, T2DM patients especially elders and those with the long onset of diabetes need to go under regular checks on their clinical parameters to prevent CKD progression.

Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutations of the SLC12A3 Gene in Gitelman Syndrome with Growth Hormone Deficiency and Hypothyroidism

Introduction: Gitelman syndrome (GS) is an inherited kidney disease that causes an imbalance of charged ions in the body. SLC12A3 mutation is the predominant cause of GS. There are different known and unknown pathogenic mutations in SLC12A3. Case Presentation: In the present case report, an 8-year-old girl was referred to our pediatric endocrinology clinic for evaluation of short stature. Her height was 113 cm (-2.94 SD). Her growth hormone peak was 5.81 ng/mL. IGF-1 was lower than -2SD. Thyroid stimulating hormone was high. The blood potassium was 3.37 mmol/L. After 3 months of GH treatment, her blood potassium dropped further (3.01 mmol/L). The gene test results showed that there were two heterozygous mutations of the SLC12A3 gene: C.1456G&gt;A (p.D486N) and c.1065_1072 delGCAGGG (p.A356Qfs*5), which her parents verified. Conclusions: Gitelman syndrome can be associated with growth hormone deficiency and hypothyroidism in addition to short stature, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia, and the underlying molecular mechanisms need to be explored in the coexistence of these three diseases. The experience, in this case, is that blood electrolytes should be checked monthly for the first three months after growth hormone treatment for short stature. Once the blood potassium level is low, much attention should be paid to further diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis.

FRI661 Assessing The Current State Of Screening And Managementof Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In An Academic Endocrinology Clinic

Abstract Disclosure: K.M. Myers: None. C.D. Hendrickson: None. Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease and the second most common cause of liver failure leading to transplantation. NAFLD is strongly associated with factors of metabolic syndrome including diabetes mellitus (DM), with which it shares a strong bi-directional relationship. Up to 70% of patients with DM also have NAFLD, and DM is a risk factor for higher rates of NAFLD progression leading to steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. In September 2021, the American Gastroenterological Association published recommendations including endocrinology in the screening and management of NAFLD patients. Screening for NAFLD involves computing a FIB-4 score to risk-stratify patients into low, intermediate or high risk of having liver fibrosis. The FIB-4 score is calculated using patient age, AST, ALT and platelet count. Further management is determined by the level of risk identified, with some indeterminate-risk and all high-risk patients needing referral to hepatology clinic. Methods: Deidentified patient data was abstracted from an electronic health record registry associated with a large academic medical center. Patient qualifiers included: age over 18 years, diagnosis of type 2 DM, a prior visit within 5 years at one of two endocrinology clinic locations and having a primary care physician associated with the system. Of these patients, lab data was obtained for AST, ALT and platelet count. Additionally, the presence or absence of a prior hepatology clinic encounter was assessed. Two endocrinology clinics were analyzed, including one clinic at the main hospital campus and a second, smaller clinic located in an adjacent county. Results: Within the larger clinic, 16,398 patients met the above criteria; however, only 1797 (11.0%) had all lab components evaluated within 5 years to calculate a FIB-4 score, largely due to only 11.3% of total patients having platelet count data available. Of patients with a FIB-4 score, 342 had a score over 2.67, indicating high-risk for liver fibrosis. Of these 342 patients, 181 (53.0%) had an associated hepatology visit. Within the smaller clinic, 3844 patients met the above criteria; however, only 1055 (274%) had all lab components evaluated within 5 years to calculate a FIB-4 score, again largely due to only 30.0% of total patients having platelet count data available. Of the patients with a FIB-4 score, 148 had a score ≥ 2.67, indicating high-risk for liver fibrosis. Of these 148 patients, 47 (31.8%) had an associated encounter with hepatology. Conclusion: This study highlights a need for improved screening and risk-stratification of diabetic patients for NAFLD, including the increased awareness of screening with appropriate lab evaluation and subsequent referral to hepatology when appropriate. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

SAT130 Examining Rates Of Post-hospital Discharge Follow-up In An Endocrinology Clinic

Abstract Disclosure: T. Khan: None. A.M. Kumar: None. A. Champion: None. K.E. Izuora: None. Introduction: Outpatient follow up following hospital discharge is a critical factor in improving overall health outcomes especially among patients with chronic medical conditions. Previous research has demonstrated improved patient outcomes and lower readmission rates in patients with outpatient follow up after hospital discharge. In this single center QI project, we sought to understand the follow-up rate and the reasons for not following up among our patient population. Methods: This study is a root cause analysis following the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. All the patients seen by the UNLV inpatient endocrinology consult service in June and July 2022 were recorded. Patients discharged to hospice or discharged after July 31, 2022 were excluded from the study. After December 1, 2022 the number of patients that followed up at UNLV endocrinology clinic from the list was recorded. All patients that met inclusion criteria for the study and did not follow up at UNLV endocrinology clinic were contacted by phone and reason for not following up was recorded. Results: Over the 2 months of recruitment, 74 patients were consulted on by the endocrinology service and 67 met study inclusion criteria. From this group, only 13 patients had established follow-up care at the UNLV endocrinology clinic. From the remaining 54 patients, 5 had died. The 49 remaining patients who met criteria for the study but did not follow up were contacted via telephone (3 attempts). Of this, 8 patients either did not answer phone calls three separate times or did not have an active listed phone number. Of the 41 patients contacted, the most frequent reason for not following up was inability to contact the clinic (6 patients, 14.6%), unawareness of need for follow-up (5 patients, 12.2%), prior established endocrinology care outside of UNLV (5 patients, 12.2%), no indication for follow-up (5 patients, 12.2%), and PCP managing the condition (5 patients, 12.2%). Of the remaining, 4 patients were not instructed to follow up, 3 patients had insurance not accepted at the UNLV endocrinology clinic, 2 patients were unable to get a convenient appointment and 2 patients established care at other endocrine clinics. The following reasons for not following up were given by one patient per category: leaving the city, discharge to prison, appointment canceled by the clinic, and refusing to answer any questions. Conclusion: From these responses, we can formulate methods to improve clinic follow-up after clinic discharge. The primary method to improve clinic follow-up after hospital discharge is to improve ease of contact with the clinic such as ensuring phone lines are adequately attended. An additional measure would be to stress need for follow-up at time of hospital discharge in addition to having printed instructions for clinic follow-up in the discharge paperwork. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023