ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study aims to investigate comorbidities, clinical features, laboratory values, and diagnoses in non-diabetic patients experiencing hypoglycemic episodes. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Shariati Hospital in Iran from 2016 to 2023. Seventy-four non-diabetic patients admitted with a diagnosis of hypoglycemia were included, while patients with diabetes were excluded. Demographic data, symptoms, and biochemical assessments were obtained from the hospital information system. Hypoglycemic episodes were identified based on low measured blood glucose, recorded medications for hypoglycemia treatment, or recorded codes indicating hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia was defined as blood glucose below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) along with two other criteria of the Whipple triad. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26). Results: Among the enrolled patients, 63.5% were female, and 13.5% were elderly (≥ 65 years). The most common comorbidities observed were cardiovascular disease (20.3%), psychological disorders (20.3%), hypothyroidism (14.9%), and hypertension (8.1%). The prevalent symptoms included weakness, loss of consciousness, sweating, palpitations, dizziness, and tremors. Non-diabetic hypoglycemia was caused by factitious disorders, insulinoma, organ failure, and infection, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the diverse range of clinical symptoms, hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients may be diagnosed late, leading to misdiagnoses such as psychological disorders or seizures. It is crucial to consider the possibility of hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients and determine its underlying cause. Given the poor prognosis associated with hypoglycemia, timely interventions are essential.
ABSTRACT
In this paper, we describe a case of COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by alveolar air leakage syndrome without prior positive pressure ventilation. Our patient was a 55-year-old nonsmoker male with a previous history of marginal B-cell lymphoma diagnosed ten years ago who presented to the emergency department with cough, dyspnea, and respiratory distress. The COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The unenhanced chest computed tomography (CT) obtained on the first day of admission demonstrated bilateral multifocal ground-glass opacities and consolidation, extensive pneumomediastinum, bilateral pneumothorax, a rim of pneumopericardium, and right-sided subcutaneous emphysema. Despite the initiation of supportive care, antiviral and antibiotic therapy, he passed away due to septic shock. In conclusion, spontaneous alveolar air leakage, characterized by spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema, is a rare complication of COVID-19, which may be linked with a severe course of the disease.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acromegaly is a rare chronic disabling disorder, in which growth hormone (GH) excess is associated with a range of clinical features and systemic complications. The present study aims to evaluate the association between pretreatment basal GH levels as well as GH levels after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and cardio-metabolic comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus (DM), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and hypertension (HTN) in patients with active acromegaly. METHODS: A retrospective study of the medical records regarding 113 patients with acromegaly registered at two main centers of Iran Pituitary Tumor Registry during 2011-2018. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 42.76 ± 11.6 (range: 21-72) years. Mean GH level at baseline was 21 ng/ml while nadir GH levels at 60 and 120 min after glucose were 6.95 and 9.05 ng/ml, respectively. There was a negative correlation between age and basal serum GH level (r= -0.196, p = 0.038). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were detected in 26.8% and 19.7% of the patients. A positive correlation was detected between serum GH values and systolic blood pressure. There was not any significant difference in basal GH and GH post OGTT regarding DM, Diastolic blood pressure and LVH. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that pretreatment basal GH levels are higher in younger patients with acromegaly. Furthermore, higher GH values (0, 60 and 120 min) during OGTT are associated with higher systolic blood pressure. A comprehensive evaluation of this population regarding comorbidities should be performed.
