Endocrinology Clinic Research Articles

SAT229 Symptomatic Hypocalcemia In The Setting Of Crohn’s Disease With Severe Hypomagnesemia

Abstract Disclosure: K. Cuan: None. T. Reisman: None. Introduction: People with Crohn’s Disease (CD) are at risk for various nutritional deficiencies due to decreased oral intake, malabsorption, and increased intestinal losses. CD often causes a negative calcium balance, which does not usually cause hypocalcemia because the bones serve as a reservoir for calcium. However, symptomatic hypocalcemia may occur if a concurrent severe hypomagnesemic state is present. The factors resulting in hypocalcemia in patients with magnesium deficiency are impaired PTH secretion, PTH resistance, and vitamin D deficiency. Clinical Case: A 33-year-old man with CD and rheumatoid arthritis presented following a seizure with additional symptoms of hand cramping and facial twitching. He had previously undergone three small bowel resections and had a history of hypocalcemia due to malabsorption. Although this patient had previously been admitted due to a hypocalcemic seizure, he did not start oral calcium supplements at that time. No issues with magnesium were identified previously. On this encounter, he was found to have a corrected calcium (cCa) of 5.3 mg/dL, undetectably low magnesium at <0.7 mg/dL, normal phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D at 3.5 ng/mL, and an elevated intact PTH (iPTH) at 169 pg/mL. Aggressive intravenous calcium and magnesium repletion improved cCa to 7.4 mg/dL and magnesium to 2 mg/dL with no further seizure activity. He was discharged on calcium carbonate, calcitriol, and ergocalciferol. A month later, he presented to our endocrinology clinic asymptomatic but with a cCa of 6 mg/dL and magnesium at <0.7 mg/dL. Further biochemical workup revealed normal phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D at 7.9 ng/mL, and an inappropriately normal iPTH at 49 pg/mL. He was readmitted to the hospital where intravenous repletion improved cCa to 8.1 mg/dL and magnesium to 1.9 mg/dL. His recurrent hypomagnesemia was attributed to malabsorption. An increased dose of calcitriol and oral magnesium were added to his discharge medication regimen, in addition to his ergocalciferol and calcium carbonate. Three days later, he had a cCa level of 7.1 mg/dL as an outpatient. Conclusion: Patients with CD often have nutrient deficiencies, especially if they have had surgical resection within the intestinal tract. Our patient initially developed hypocalcemia from malabsorption, which was then exacerbated by the severely hypomagnesemic state. During his initial hospital encounter, the elevated iPTH level indicated PTH resistance. On his second encounter, the normal iPTH level suggested hypoparathyroidism. Given the relationship between magnesium and calcium homeostasis, addressing the hypomagnesemia eventually aided in achieving stabilization of serum calcium levels. Thus, in patients who are at risk for malabsorption and have recurrent symptomatic hypocalcemia, it is prudent to check magnesium levels as it can affect long term management of hypocalcemia. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

SAT187 A Case Of CDC73 Mutation Related Primary Hyperparathyroidism With Ectopic Parathyroid Hyperplasia

Abstract Disclosure: T. Wu: None. N. Dhir: None. M. Bollineni: None. Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia, and most cases are sporadic. However, in 5-10% cases, it may occur as a syndromic and hereditary disease, like Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, type 2A, type 4, or CDC73 mutation related hereditary benign or malignant hyperparathyroidism. In patients with severe or early onset primary hyperparathyroidism, screening for genetic etiology should be considered. Case Presentation: A 35-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension, kidney stones, and post-operative hypothyroidism presented to the endocrinology clinic due to recurrent hyperparathyroidism. She initially had a parathyroidectomy in 2008 and her calcium corrected at that time. She was again diagnosed with hypercalcemia due to primary hyperparathyroidism in 2021. She underwent re-exploration and had a right thyroid lobectomy with removal of three parathyroid glands. Her PTH was still 309 pg/mL (9-77 pg/mL) and calcium was 11.2 mg/dL (8.6-10.5 mg/dL), and she was started on Cinacalcet. The patient continued to have elevated calcium, bone pain, fatigue, and constipation. A 4D CT scan was ordered, which localized activity to a 1.5 cm arterial enhancing nodule in the anterior mediastinum, with intrathymic location. She underwent right video-assisted thoracoscopic total thymectomy with en bloc and the nodule was found to be ectopic parathyroid tissue. Post-operatively, her calcium normalized to 8.6 mg/dL and PTH was undetectable. She underwent genetic testing due to her recurrent hyperparathyroidism, which showed a CDC73 mutation. She is currently on calcitriol and calcium supplements, and serum calcium has been maintained in the low-normal range. Discussion: The CDC73 gene encodes a protein called parafibromin, which acts as a tumor suppressor, prohibiting cells from proliferating. Mutations in this gene are linked to jaw-tumor syndrome, familial isolated primary hyperparathyroidism (FIHP), and parathyroid carcinoma. These three CDC73-related disorders are clinically overlapping and inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Biallelic mutations of the CDC73 gene are associated with a high risk of parathyroid cancer since the parafibromin protein is usually absent in parathyroid carcinoma and occasionally in atypical adenomas. FIHP tends to have a more severe clinical presentation with earlier onset (younger than 45 years). Additionally, patients with CDC73 related disorders are more prone to developing ossifying fibroma(s) of the jaw, uterine tumors, and various renal lesions. In summary, this case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in a patient with persistent primary hyperparathyroidism after a failed second surgery. Genetic testing is vital for early detection, surveillance, and familial genetic counseling in patients with CDC73 related disorders. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Association between medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes with their quality of life: A cross-sectional study

Background: Assess the impact of medication adherence on quality of life (QOL) in patients with type 2 diabetes in different setting and societies, can be considered as a great clinical importance. Therefore, this study was designed for evaluation of association between medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes with their QOL.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 279 diabetic type 2 positive cases referred to Endocrinology clinic in Hamadan City at the first six months of 2020. The short-form health survey SF-36 and MMAS-8 questionnaire was used for assessing health related QOL and medication adherence of patients, respectively. Correlations between each QOL domain with medication adherence were tested with Pearson's r coefficient.Results: Among investigated patients, 154 (55.2%) of them were male and vast majority were urban dweller (91.07%). The number of 101 patients (36.07%) had high treatment adherence. We found a significant and positive correlation between medication adherence and domains of emotional wellbeing, social functioning, general health and total score of QOL (P>0.05). While there was a significant negative correlation between medication adherence and role limitations due to physical health (r=-0.14, P=0.02).Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, diabetic patients with poor QOL may have less medication adherence, then such patients should be integrated e.g. in self-care education programs and reinforcement interventions to improve QOL and medication adherence.

THU526 Long-term Follow-up Of A Functional Gastroenteropancreatic Tumor Secreting Both Somatostatin And Gastrin

Abstract Disclosure: R. Zafar: None. J. Syeda: None. K. Rajamani: None. Introduction: There have been fewer than 200 cases of somatostatinoma reported since 1977. We report a case of a functional Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (GEP-NET) secreting both somatostatin and gastrin. Clinical Case: A 55-year-old male with diabetes mellitus, chronic diarrhea, gastric ulcer, and cholelithiasis was referred to the endocrinology clinic for poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. He had a history of B-cell lymphoma of the thyroid treated by chemotherapy and radiation. He was found to have two paraduodenal masses by PET CT scan during surveillance for recurrence of lymphoma. Laboratory evaluation revealed elevated levels of insulin, glucagon, gastrin, somatostatin, and chromogranin A on multiple occasions both fasting and random. Ultrasound-guided endoscopic biopsy of the paraduodenal nodules was initially read as a neuroendocrine tumor. Subsequent immunohistochemical staining was positive for both somatostatin and gastrin. The stains were negative for glucagon and insulin. The Ki-67 proliferation index was less than 1%. The patient declined surgical treatment of the paraduodenal tumors. He underwent cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. Gastric ulcers resolved with the use of proton pump inhibitors. His blood glucose was well controlled with insulin. Sequential CT/PET scans showed no change in the size of paraduodenal masses over a follow-up period of 14 years. Conclusion: GEP-NETs may secrete more than one type of hormone simultaneously. This case highlights a functional GEP-NET with clinical manifestations due to elevated levels of somatostatin and gastrin. Characterization of GEP-NETs by immuno-histochemical staining and hormonal analysis may help direct clinical management. Although many GEP-NETs are managed surgically, this case suggests that the Ki-67 proliferation index and sequential PET or CT scans may guide the nonsurgical management of functional GEP-NETs.

Mendelian Randomization Studies in Endocrinology: Raising the Quality Bar for Submissions and Publications in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Mendelian Randomization Studies in Endocrinology: Raising the Quality Bar for Submissions and Publications in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

SAT313 Therapeutic Dosing Of Steroids In Patients On Mitotane

Abstract Disclosure: C. Pham: None. S.M. Cannon: None. J.S. Lopresti: None. Introduction: Mitotane is a known inhibitor of steroidogenesis with some patients requiring supraphysiologic dosing for steroid replacement. Clinical Case: A 43-year-old female with a history of adrenal cell carcinoma (ACC) on multiagent chemotherapy and mitotane presents with a pruritic rash. Three weeks prior, she had received her first dose of pembrolizumab. Her other home medications included mitotane 500mg QID and hydrocortisone 180mg (40mg-40mg-30mg -20mg QID). Labs on admission were notable for an ALT of 458 (ref 10-35 U/L), AST of 272 (ref 10-35 U/L), and normal alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin with otherwise normal electrolytes. Due to the temporal relation of her transaminitis and rash to recent pembrolizumab infusion with an otherwise negative work-up, the patient was diagnosed with immune-mediated liver injury from checkpoint inhibitors (ILICI). Per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, high dose methylprednisolone was initiated (1mg/kg) equivalent to approximately 525 mg hydrocortisone total daily. Over five days, the patient’s transaminases continued to rise and methylprednisolone was increased to 3mg/kg/day to account for the known effects of mitotane on steroid metabolism. The patient’s rash subsequently resolved followed by slow improvement of her transaminitis with steroid taper. Mitotane level obtained one week after discontinuation of mitotane was noted to be 21mcg/mL demonstrating persistent therapeutic levels (14-20mcg/mL). Mitotane has a profound inhibitory effect on steroidogenesis through multiple mechanisms, inhibiting glucocorticoid production by the adrenal and increasing hepatic disposal of glucocorticoids leading to subtherapeutic doses1, Furthermore, mitotane can persist in the body for a prolonged period, with a half-life between 18-154 days. As such, patients who develop adrenal insufficiency on mitotane typically require higher doses for physiologic replacement up to three times standard physiologic dose1. In this case, only when the patient’s methylprednisolone dose was tripled did her ILICI begin to improve. Conclusion: This is one of the first cases to describe ILICI in a patient with ACC highlighting unique clinical considerations in management. Higher doses of corticosteroids may be required to overcome the effects of mitotane on steroid metabolism in patients with adverse effects from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. 1.)Puglisi, S., Calabrese, A., Basile, V., Pia, A., Reimondo, G., Perotti, P., & Terzolo, M. (2020). New perspectives for mitotane treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 34(3), 101415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beem.2020.101415 Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Comprehensive Telehealth Model to Support Diabetes Self-Management

As the number of patients with diabetes continues to increase in the United States, novel approaches to clinical care access should be considered to meet the care needs for this population, including support for diabetes-related technology. To evaluate a virtual clinic to facilitate comprehensive diabetes care, support continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) integration into diabetes self-management, and provide behavioral health support for diabetes-related issues. This cohort study was a prospective, single-arm, remote study involving adult participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who were referred through community resources. The study was conducted virtually from August 24, 2020, to May 26, 2022; analysis was conducted at the clinical coordinating center. Training and education led by a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist for CGM use through a virtual endocrinology clinic structure, which included endocrinologists and behavioral health team members. Main outcomes included CGM-measured mean glucose level, coefficient of variation, and time in range (TIR) of 70 to 180 mg/dL, time with values greater than 180 mg/dL or 250 mg/dL, and time with values less than 70 mg/dL or 54 mg/dL. Hemoglobin A1c was measured at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks. Among the 234 participants, 160 had type 1 diabetes and 74 had type 2 diabetes. The mean (SD) age was 47 (14) years, 123 (53%) were female, and median diabetes duration was 20 years. Median (IQR) CGM use over 6 months was 96% (91%-98%) for participants with type 1 diabetes and 94% (85%-97%) for those with type 2 diabetes. Mean (SD) hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in those with type 1 diabetes decreased from 7.8% (1.6%) at baseline to 7.1% (1.0%) at 3 months and 7.1% (1.0%) at 6 months (mean change from baseline to 6 months, -0.6%, 95% CI, -0.8% to -0.5%; P < .001), with an 11% mean TIR increase over 6 months (95% CI, 9% to 14%; P < .001). Mean HbA1c in participants with type 2 diabetes decreased from 8.1% (1.7%) at baseline to 7.1% (1.0%) at 3 months and 7.1% (0.9%) at 6 months (mean change from baseline to 6 months, -1.0%; 95% CI, -1.4% to -0.7%; P < .001), with an 18% TIR increase over 6 months (95% CI, 13% to 24%; P < .001). In participants with type 1 diabetes, mean percentage of time with values less than 70 mg/dL and less than 54 mg/dL decreased over 6 months by 0.8% (95% CI, -1.2% to -0.4%; P = .001) and by 0.3% (95% CI, -0.5% to -0.2%, P < .001), respectively. In the type 2 diabetes group, hypoglycemia was rare (mean [SD] percentage of time <70 mg/dL, 0.5% [0.6%]; and <54 mg/dL, 0.07% [0.14%], over 6 months). Results from this cohort study demonstrated clinical benefits associated with implementation of a comprehensive care model that included diabetes education. This model of care has potential to reach a large portion of patients with diabetes, facilitate diabetes technology adoption, and improve glucose control.

Evaluation of the growth response of children with growth hormone deficiency according to the peak growth hormone levels in provocation tests

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the relation between the peak growth hormone (GH) levels in provocation tests and response to recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy in patients with GH deficiency (GHD). MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, single-center, and retrospective study. A total of 135 patients under the age of 16 years who were diagnosed with GHD through insulin tolerance tests and L-DOPA stimulation tests and who received rhGH therapy for at least 2 years in the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital between 1997 and 2021 were included in the study. ResultsThe patients were divided into two groups: idiopathic GHD (group I, n = 119) and multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies or organic pathology on magnetic resonance imaging (group II, n = 16). The patients in group I were classified into three subgroups according to the peak GH values in the provocation tests (group Ia: peak GH <3 μg/L, n = 34; group Ib: peak GH between 3 and 7 μg/L, n = 71; group Ic: peak GH between 7 and 10 μg/L, n = 34). The median age was 11.5 years in group I (8.8 in group Ia, 12.1 in group Ib, 12.3 in group Ib) and 8.8 years in group II. The height standard deviation score (SDS) was −2.93 in group I (−2.85 in group Ia, −2.99 in group Ib, −2.94 in group Ic) and −3.79 in group II. The median Δheight SDS was 0.61 in group I and 1.05 in group II at the end of the first year of treatment and 0.31 in group I and 0.45 in group II at the end of the second year (p = 0.005 and p = 0.074, respectively). When the subgroups of group I were compared, height SDS, Δheight SDS, and height velocity (HV) SDS were all higher in group Ia at the end of the first year of rhGH therapy (p = 0.040, p = 0.029, and p = 0.005, respectively). The height SDS was still significantly higher in group Ia (p = 0.033) while the HV SDS and Δheight SDS were similar between the groups at the end of the second year of therapy (p = 0.164 and p = 0.522, respectively). There was a statistically significant association between the first-year HV SDS and the peak GH value in provocation tests in multiple regression analyses (p<0.001). In addition, the final model revealed that height SDS and weight SDS at the start of the treatment and the first-year HV SDS are the factors with a statistically significant effect on the second-year HV SDS (p = 0.022, p = 0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). ConclusionOur findings show that the lower the GH peak in provocation tests, the better the response to treatment. The best HV was observed in the first year of rhGH therapy, and the diagnosis should be checked in those patients who had a low first-year HV and did not have a severely low GH peak in provocation tests.

Pharmacist Implementation of Transitions of Care to Adult Endocrinology in a Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic

Pharmacist Implementation of Transitions of Care to Adult Endocrinology in a Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic

Effectiveness of educational materials on levels of knowledge of thyroid associated orbitopathy in an endocrinology clinic

ObjectiveWe aim to assess and quantify basic knowledge about TAO in patients presenting to an endocrinology clinic and the effect of different educational materials on patients' knowledge. MethodsThis study was conducted in a tertiary care center involving 255 patients presenting to an endocrinology clinic. The study was divided into three consecutive phases: 1. a control phase without any educational materials in the waiting room, 2. exposure to educational posters, and 3. exposure to educational pamphlets. ResultsIn the control population, only 16.5% of patients reported having knowledge of TAO, with a low average TAO-K score of 29.8 (out of 100). After the poster and pamphlet interventions, the percentage of patients having any knowledge of TAO increased across the control, poster and pamphlet phases: 16.5%, 25.9%, 63.5% respectively (p < 0.001). Similarly, the mean TAO-K score increased: 29.8, 45.8, 63.2 respectively (p < 0.001). ConclusionThis study confirms that patients with thyroid dysfunction have a low level of awareness and depth of knowledge of TAO. InnovationWe suggest the dissemination of educational material to increase the knowledge of TAO in thyroid patients. This will help with early symptom detection and ensure proper management of this interdisciplinary condition.

Evaluating kidney function and the associated risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital in Jordan

BackgroundThe diabetes prevalence is escalating in Jordan; as a consequence, the risk of developing diabetic kidney diseases is also increasing.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effect of risk factors and comorbidities on...

Are nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas really nonfunctioning? A retrospective single-center study.

In patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI), cortisol levels <1.8 μg/dL after a dexamethasone suppression test (DST) are considered nonfunctioning in terms of autonomic cortisol hypersecretion (ACH). We aimed to investigate the frequency of hypertension (HT) in patients with nonfunctioning AI. Individuals with AI who were admitted to the endocrinology clinic between September 2020 and May 2023 were included as the patient group, and age- and gender-matched individuals admitted with thyroid nodules between the same dates were included as the control group. The participants included 123 AI patients who fulfilled the study criteria and 114 age- and sex-matched patients with thyroid nodules (age: 53.0±10.9 years and 52.9±7.4 years, respectively, p=0.98; female/male distribution: 90/33 and 91/23, respectively, p=0.28). The frequency of HT was higher in the AI group than in the control group (50.4% and 31.6%, respectively, p=0.004). The frequency of HT was significantly lower in patients with a DST result <0.87 μg/dL compared to those with a DST result ≥0.87 μg/dL (42.6% and 66.1%, respectively, p=0.009). The factors affecting HT were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis; it was found that age [β=0.068, odds ratio (OR); 1.07 (95% confidence interval (CI); 1.02-1.12), p=0.004] and DST [β=1.18, OR; 3.24 (95% CI); 1.02-10.34, p=0.047] were independent factors. The frequency of HT increases in patients with nonfunctioning AI. The reason for this increase may possibly be the presence of ACH, which is not detected by the cut-off values we currently use to exclude ACH.

Barakat syndrome diagnosed decades after initial presentation.

Barakat syndrome, also called HDR syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder encompassing hypoparathyroidism (H), sensorineural deafness (D) and renal disease (R). A 64-year-old woman was referred to our endocrinology clinic for a switch in treatment (from dihydrotachysterol to calcitriol). She had progressive sensorineural deafness since the age of 18 and idiopathic hypoparathyroidism diagnosed at age of 36. Her medical history included osteoporosis with hip/spine fractures, nephrolithiasis and a family history of hearing loss, osteoporosis and kidney disease. The patient's clinical presentation indicated Barakat syndrome. Genetic analysis found a GATA3:c.916C>T nonsense variant. Further tests such as audiometry, labs and renal imaging supported the diagnosis. Due to rarity and manifold symptoms, diagnosis can be challenging. Optional GATA3 testing was suggested in 2018, except in cases of isolated sensorineural deafness or renal disease with pertinent family history. In isolated 'H' cases without 'D' and 'R', GATA3 studies are not required, as no haploinsufficiency cases were reported. Given the rise in genetic disorders, physicians should consistently consider rare genetic disorders in patients with suggestive symptoms, even decades after onset. Although diagnosis might not always impact management directly, it aids patients in accepting their condition and has broader family implications. There is currently an important increase in genetic and clinical characterization of new orphan diseases and their causative agents. Unbiased re-evaluation for possible genetic disorders is necessary at every consultation. It is essential to recognize the differential diagnosis of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. The patient's clinical presentation and family history can be important to establish the correct diagnosis. Physicians should not hesitate to search a patient's signs and symptoms online.

Complete recovery after glucocorticoid replacement therapy in a case of primary adrenal insufficiency caused by adrenal tuberculosis infection.

Symptoms of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) are commonly nonspecific, causing the disease to be misdiagnosed or often delayed, and patients may present to the hospital with a life-threatening crisis. Previous case reports have documented that patients in this condition often require lifelong glucocorticoid replacement therapy. This study aimed to present a noteworthy outcome of PAI caused by adrenal tuberculosis infection, demonstrating complete recovery after six months of glucocorticoid replacement therapy. A 38-year-old Indonesian man presented to the endocrinology clinic in a tertiary hospital with a chief complaint of epigastric pain. The patient experienced nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, weight loss, excessive sweat, decreased appetite, weakness, and dizziness in the past 2 weeks. Laboratory examinations revealed hyponatremia, elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone, and suppressed morning plasma cortisol level. A non-contrast-enhanced abdominal MRI showed unilateral right-side adrenal enlargement and calcification. The patient's Mantoux test was positive. Corticosteroids and anti-tuberculosis therapy were administered. After 6 months, hydrocortisone was discontinued due to the patient's good clinical condition and normal morning plasma cortisol levels. After a 1-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic with normal cortisol levels. We hypothesized several reasons for this unique outcome: (i) the patient was relatively young compared to previous cases, suggesting an adequate immune system may play a role; (ii) despite a 1-month delay in diagnosis and treatment, the absence of skin hyperpigmentation suggested an acute presentation, potentially contributing to the favorable outcome; and (iii) the absence of comorbidities potentially positively impacted the patient's outcome. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are often nonspecific and may only become apparent once significant damage has occurred to the adrenal gland. Clinical adjustments and a comprehensive understanding of epidemiological knowledge are necessary for diagnosing patients with endocrine diseases in limited-resource settings. Complete recovery in primary adrenal insufficiency caused by tuberculosis infection might be due to younger age, acute presentation, and absence of comorbidities.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the factors affecting vitamin D levels in children admitted to the outpatient clinic of pediatric endocrinology in Bolu Province

BackgroundThe present study aimed to determine the rate of vitamin D deficiency in children who presented to the pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic in Bolu and to investigate the factors affecting vitamin D levels. MethodsVitamin D levels of 1008 children and adolescents were retrospectively analyzed according to age group (0–1, 1–10, and 10–18 years), gender, season, month, obesity and other diseases, and deficiency category. Moreover, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone levels were evaluated. Comparisons and correlation analyses between related groups were performed. ResultsThe mean vitamin D level of the patients was 16.35±9.56 ng/mL and was lower in girls (14.90±9.56 ng/mL) than in boys (18.68±9.63 ng/mL, p<0.001). Overall, 18.3% of the children and adolescents had vitamin D insufficiency, 52.3% had vitamin D deficiency, and 3.5% had severe vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D levels were lower in 10–18-year age group than in the other age groups (p<0.001), and levels were higher in summer and autumn than in winter and spring (p<0.001). Vitamin D levels of participants with obesity (14.3 ± 8.3 ng/mL) were significantly lower than normal-weight participants with no health problems (15.9 ± 8.3 ng/mL, p = 0.004). There was a negative correlation between vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone levels in the 1–10-year age group, but a positive correlation between vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, and calcium levels in the 10–18-year age group. ConclusionThe rate of vitamin D deficiency is high among children and adolescents who presented to the endocrine outpatient clinic in Bolu. The season appears to be an important factor affecting vitamin D levels as well as the relationship between vitamin D and parathyroid hormone. Obese children and adolescents living in this region may be advised to take vitamin D supplements in winter and spring.

Disparities in Food Security and Glycemic Control Among People with Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Little is known about the differing impacts of food insecurity on HbA1c by race in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Predictions around increased food insecurity from COVID-19 exacerbating racial disparities led us to estimate its prevalence and associations with HbA1c by race during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data came from medical records and surveys among a clinic-based sample of T2D patients. Linear regression models estimated associations between food insecurity and HbA1c and between change in food insecurity and change in HbA1c. Likelihood ratio tests and examination of stratum-specific estimates assessed effect modification by race. Our sample was 59% White, 59% female, and mean age was 60.8 ± 12.6. During the pandemic, food insecurity prevalence and HbA1c were significantly (p < .05) higher among non-Whites (39%, 8.4% ± 2.1) compared to Whites (15%, 7.8% ±1.6). HbA1c among those who were very food insecure was 1.00% (95% CI: 0.222, 1.762, p = .01) higher than those who were food secure. Those with increased food insecurity had a 0.58% (95% CI: 0.024, 1.128, p = .04) higher HbA1c increase than among those experiencing no change. No effect modification was detected. Convenience sampling in an endocrinology clinic, recall bias, and inadequate power may underlie null effect modification results. Although effect modification was not detected, racial disparities in HbA1c and food insecurity warrant further investigation. These disparities, combined with the significant impact of food insecurity on HbA1c, suggest that prioritization of resources to high-risk populations should be considered early during public emergencies to minimize short- and long-term health consequences.

Iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction: a scientometric study and visualization analysis.

Iodine is essential in thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency is associated with serious complications (i.e miscarriage and stillbirth), whereas excess can cause thyroid dysfunction (i.e hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid autoimmunity). We conducted this scientometric study to visualize hot spots and trends in iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction over past two decades. The aim of this paper was to help scholars quickly understand the development and potential trend in this field, and guide future research directions. Articles on iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction from 2000 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) using the following search terms: (((((TS=(hypothyroid*)) OR TS=(hyperthyroid*)) OR TS= ("TSH deficiency")) OR TS= ("thyroid stimulating hormone deficiency")) AND TS=(Iodine)) NOT TS=(radioiodine). Only publications in English were selected. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Tableau, Carrot2, and R software were used to analyze the contribution and co-occurrence relationships of different countries, institutes, keywords, references, and journals. A total of 2986 publications from 115 countries and 3412 research institutions were included. From 2000 to 2022, research on iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction progressed over a three-stage development period: initial development (2000-2009), stable development (2010-2016), and rapid development (2016-2022) period. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism had the most co-citations followed and China Medical University (n=76) had the most publications. The top three clusters of co-citation references were isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and brain development. Various scientific methods were applied to reveal acknowledge structure, development trend and research hotspots in iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction. Our scientometric analysis shows that investigations related to pregnant women, epidemiology surveys, and iodine deficiency are promising topics for future iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction research and highlights the important role of iodine on thyroid function.

Association Between Health Insurance Type and Adverse Outcomes for Children and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Health insurance coverage type differs significantly by socioeconomic status and racial group in the United States. The aim of this study was to determine whether publicly insured children and young adults with type 1 diabetes were more likely to experience adverse outcomes compared with privately insured patients with acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. Data from 619 patients with previously established type 1 diabetes who were <24 years of age with acute COVID-19 infections were analyzed from the T1D Exchange COVID-19 surveillance registry. Data for the registry was collected from 52 endocrinology clinics across the United States using an online survey tool. Each site completed the survey using electronic health record data between April 2020 and December 2021. Of the 619 patients included in this study, 257 had public insurance and 362 had private insurance. Of the 257 publicly insured patients with COVID-19, 57 reported severe adverse outcomes (22%), defined as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or severe hypoglycemia. In comparison, there were 25 reported adverse outcomes (7%) among the 362 privately insured patients. Our data reveal high rates of hospitalization and DKA among publicly insured racial/ethnic minority children and young adults with type 1 diabetes and COVID-19.

Effect of hypothyroidism on ovarian reserve status in Iraqi women: hormonal study

Background: Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome prevalent in women, even those of reproductive age. Ovarian reserve can be defined as the number and quality of follicles in the ovary at any given time. Evaluation of ovarian reserve is recommended for patients at risk of decreased ovarian reserve. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism on ovarian reserve in Iraqi women by hormonal measurements of serum anti-mullerian hormones AMH, FSH, and LH. Subjects and methods: This case–control study was carried out at the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, in collaboration with Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, and National Center for Teaching Laboratories, Medical City, during the period from November 2021 to March 2022. This study involved 88 women, age range (20-40 years). Fifty-one of them [Group I (GI)] had primary hypothyroidism and were diagnosed by an endocrinologist based on clinical analysis and thyroid function tests, including serum TSH, T4 and T3. Patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of hypothyroidism and elevated TSH with T4 less than the reference level were considered overt hypothyroidism. While patients with elevated TSH with standard T4 and T3 were considered subclinical hypothyroidism 1 , serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) was used to differentiate hypothyroidism patients with Hashimoto`s disease 2 . Thirty-seven of the included women were healthy and served as a control group and referred to group II (GII). Results: The mean (±SD) value of serum AMH of hypothyroidism women was significantly lower than that of controls (p &lt; 0.0001). However, the mean value of AMH did not differ significantly between women who had overt and subclinical hypothyroidism, regular and irregular menstrual cycle, well and poorly controlled thyroid status, and who had positive and negative anti-TPO. The mean (±SD) value of serum LH of hypothyroidism women was significantly higher than that of the control group (p &lt; 0.004), while that of FSH did not differ significantly. Serum TSH levels positively correlated with LH levels (r=0.3, p 0.03). In addition, BMI values were significantly positively correlated with FSH levels (r= 0.3, p 0.04). Conclusions: This study suggested the need for serum measurement of AMH in women suffering from hypothyroidism. Keywords: hypothyroidism, ovarian reserve, AMH.

Effect of sitagliptin combined with Yiqi yangyin huoxue decoction on clinical efficacy and hemorheology in early diabetic nephropathy.

Early diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a complication of diabetes mellitus. It mainly affects kidney microvessels and glomerular function, and its timely and effective treatment is critical for early DN. However, the effects of treatments comprising simple Western medicine are not optimal. With the promotion and implementation of integrated Chinese and western medicine treatments, remarkable results have been achieved for many diseases. To this end, we explored the clinical efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicines for the treatment of early DN. To investigate the effect of sitagliptin tablets combined with Yiqi yangyin huoxue decoction on clinical efficacy and hemorheology in patients with early DN. Through a retrospective analysis, 123 patients with early DN were admitted to the endocrinology clinic of the Changzhou NO. 7 People's Hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 and were selected as study subjects. After rigorous screening, 100 patients with early DN were enrolled. The control group (CG, n = 50) and the observation group (OG, n = 50) were divided according to the treatment method. The CG were treated with sitagliptin, and the OG were treated with sitagliptin plus the Yiqi yangyin huoxue decoction. Both groups were treated for 3 mo. For both groups, the baseline data and clinical efficacy were compared, and changes in blood glucose levels, lipid levels, renal function, and hematological indicators before (T0) and after (T1) treatment were assessed. The total effective rate for the OG was 94.00% and that of the CG was 80.00% (P < 0.05). After treatment (T1), the levels of fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in OG patients were obviously lower than those in the CG (P < 0.05), and cystatin C, homocysteine, urinary microalbumin, and blood creatinine values in OG patients were also obviously lower than those in the CG (P < 0.05); erythrocyte deposition, plasma viscosity, whole blood high shear viscosity, and whole blood low shear viscosity were markedly lower in OG patients than in the CG (P < 0.05). Sitagliptin combined with Yiqi yangyin huoxue decoction has a remarkable effect when used to treat patients with early DN. Further, it is helpful in improving hemorheological indices and controlling disease progression.