Inappropriate requesting of parathyroid scintigraphy at an academic medical center.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a biochemical, not radiologic diagnosis. Parathyroid scintigraphy should only be requested for surgical planning, not to confirm diagnosis. Here we determined reasons for inappropriately ordered parathyroid scintigraphy. METHODS: We generated a database of patients undergoing parathyroid scintigraphy over 5 years, who did not undergo parathyroidectomy. RESULTS: Over 5 years 129 parathyroid scintigraphies (of 308 total scans) were performed in patients who did not undergo parathyroidectomy. We determined that only 58 (45%) had true primary hyperparathyroidism. The most common reason for the scan was to "confirm the diagnosis." Only 20% were ordered for adenoma localization, although surgery was not performed. Physicians requesting parathyroid scintigraphies specialized in a variety of disciplines. CONCLUSION: Forty-two percent of parathyroid scintigraphies were requested inappropriately to "confirm" a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. We propose to change the ordering system to clarify that parathyroid scintigraphy is a functional tool to optimize surgery when the diagnosis is secure.

Fasting hypoglycaemia secondary to carnitine deficiency: a late consequence of gastric bypass.

Twelve years following gastric bypass surgery, a cachectic 69-year-old woman presented with both fasting and postprandial hypoglycaemia. Postprandial symptoms were relieved by dietary modification and acarbose, as is common in such cases. During a supervised fast, symptomatic hypoglycaemia occurred. Concurrent laboratory testing showed suppression of plasma insulin, c-peptide, proinsulin and insulin-like growth factor II. However, beta-hydroxybutyrate was also low, surprising given insulin deficiency. Elevated plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations suggested that lipolysis was not impaired, making cachexia/malnutrition a less likely cause of hypoglycaemia. The apparent diagnosis was failure to counter-regulate-subsequent plasma carnitine measurements showed carnitine deficiency which presumably prevented FFA transport across mitochondrial membranes for ketogenesis. Repletion with high-dose oral carnitine supplements effected resolution of fasting hypoglycaemia.

The effect of home exercise on ovulation induction using clomiphene citrate in overweight underserved women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Age-adjusted rates of obesity are reported to be 35.8 % among US adult women and 49 % in some race/ethnicity, underserved populations. (1). Underserved populations often have less access to weight-loss intervention options and are at high risk for obesity related problems including anovulation, infertility, pregnancy-related complications and adverse long-term health outcomes. (2). The purpose of this study was to evaluate a home exercise plan using a pedometer on weight loss, ovulation induction and pregnancy rates in our overweight and obese underserved clinic population. METHODS: Twenty one overweight (BMI ≥ 25-29.9) and obese I-II (BMI ≥ 30-39.9) 18-42 years old were recruited. Participants received an exercise/nutrition questionnaire at the initiation and completion and called weekly for 4 weeks. Ten participants were randomly assigned to the home exercise program (PedGp). PedGp received a pedometer, daily step-count goal, and were called to increase goal by 50 % weekly. All participants then underwent clomiphene stair-step ovulation induction. All study participants were referred to the University Wellness Clinic for diet and exercise counseling. RESULTS: There were high percentages of women with co-morbidities in both groups including fatty liver, low vitamin D, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, prediabetes and diabetes.1. Those completing the 4-week home program increased baseline steps by 21.2 % weekly. Only 3/10 women reached at least one weekly goal of 50 % increase. Although the goal was rarely met, participants who completed study had increased number of daily steps.2. Greater number in PedGp lost weight or stayed the same (5/10 vs. 2/11).3. Greater number in PedGp spontaneously ovulated (4/10 vs. 1/11) or became pregnant (4/10 vs. 3/11). (not statistically significant due to small sample size). CONCLUSION: There are high percentages of comorbidities in this population. Although the goal was rarely met, participants who completed study had increased number of daily steps. A greater number in PedGp lost weight or stayed the same. A greater number in PedGp spontaneously ovulated or became pregnant (not statistically significant due to small sample size). Importantly, 40 % of women who lost weight became pregnant. This is highly encouraging and suggests that the development of pedometer interventions may prove a cost effective option. Weight loss programs for this population hold promise and efficient hospital or community-based programs may prove beneficial.