Flash glucose monitoring: Impact on markers of glycaemic control and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the real-world setting.

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate both glycaemic parameters and patient-reported outcomes in patients prescribed FGM based on the local criteria at our institution. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients aged > 18 years with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who were prescribed FreeStyle Libre FGM (n = 90). Quantitative data on glycaemic parameters was collected pre- and post-initiation of FGM in addition to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The primary outcome was change in pre- and post-FGM levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C). RESULTS: There was a mean reduction in HbA1c of -7.29 ±â€¯10.76 mmol/mol (p < 0.001, CI95% 4.94-9.64) sustained to the latest reading. There was also a mean reduction in the number of hypoglycaemic episodes per week of 3.20 (percentage reduction 51.86%, p < 0.001, CI95% 1.64-4.77). A significant improvement in quality of life scores was noted in all five domains of the abbreviated DDS between before and after starting FGM (p < 0.001). Key themes highlighted in inductive content analysis include 'life-changing', 'positive experience', and 'convenient'. CONCLUSION: Flash glucose monitoring is associated with significant improvement in HbA1c to a mean follow-up of 4.6 months. Additionally, patients reported positive experiences of FGM with significant improvement in all aspects of a focussed Diabetes Distress Scale.

Just another case of bacterial meningitis or is it?

Non-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea is a rare condition. We describe a case of a 62-year-old woman with pneumococcal bacterial meningitis who later was found to have CSF rhinorrhoea secondary to an eroding skull base tumour, which was proven to be pituitary macroadenoma on biopsy. She recovered well from meningitis without any neurological sequelae and underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery for tumour removal as well as dural repair.

Impact of vitamin D replacement in patients with normocalcaemic and hypercalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism and coexisting vitamin D deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism but some clinicians are reluctant to replace vitamin D due to concerns with aggravating hypercalcaemia. We investigated the impact of vitamin D repletion in asymptomatic patients with normocalcaemic and hypercalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 111 patients with elevated parathyroid hormone concentrations (>6.4 pmol/L) referred to our endocrine clinic between January and December 2012; we identified 39 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency, i.e. 25 hydroxy vitamin D <20 µg/L. Patients were categorized into normocalcaemic (n = 23) and hypercalcaemic (n = 16) groups and the impact on biochemical parameters was recorded after at least six months treatment with either 1600 or 3200 units daily of cholecalciferol. RESULTS: Both normocalcaemic and hypercalcaemic groups showed a rise in 25 hydroxy vitamin D concentrations after replacement (p <0.0001). Parathyroid hormone concentrations fell in the normocalcaemic group (p = 0.08) but individually, five patients showed a rise (8-38% of baseline). In the hypercalcaemic group, parathyroid hormone remained static but the adjusted calcium concentration fell significantly (p = 0.006) except in two patients who showed mild rises (3 and 6%, respectively). There was no deterioration in renal function or calcium-related adverse events in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the safety of vitamin D replacement in patients with mild asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism and coexistent vitamin D deficiency. Repletion does not aggravate hypercalcaemia and may limit disease progression. Patients with normocalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism need further characterization from longitudinal studies.

Targeted thyroid testing in acute illness: achieving success through audit.

Thyroid tests are done in acutely ill patients who often have confusing transient thyroid abnormalities, despite a lack of clarity about intervention and cost benefit. A retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) was undertaken in 2004 to assess the frequency and utility, pattern of abnormalities and cost of thyroid testing. Guidelines were issued and the audit was repeated in 2008. 53.8% of 1593 subjects were offered thyroid tests in 2004 with a significant reduction to 21.7% of 1176 in 2008 (p<0.001). Free T4 or TSH was outside the reference range in 11.2% (2004) and 7.5% (2008) (p=0.10) and low TSH (52.7% in 2004 and 64.3% in 2008) was commonly combined with normal free T4. Appropriate indications for testing were documented in 43.9 vs 73.7% of patients with abnormal thyroid results (p=0.004) and in 14.3 vs 16% (2004 vs 2008) of a random sample of subjects with normal thyroid results, respectively (p=0.77). Documentation of intervention (25.5. vs 92.9%; p=0.001) and follow-up (45.5 vs 85.7%; p=0.001) had also improved significantly in 2008. We have demonstrated a significant reduction in thyroid testing in acutely ill patients after audit and the issue of guidelines. We currently recommend thyroid tests only in those with previous thyroid disease, the presence of clinical features and risk factors for thyroid disease, the use of relevant drugs, and unexplained tachydysrhythmias. The difficulties in interpreting results, the lack of clarity about intervention and follow up and possible cost savings would argue against an unrestricted policy.