Natural history of non-functioning pituitary microadenomas: results from the UK non-functioning pituitary adenoma consortium.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal approach to the surveillance of non-functioning pituitary microadenomas (micro-NFPAs) is not clearly established. Our aim was to generate evidence on the natural history of micro-NFPAs to support patient care. DESIGN: Multi-centre, retrospective, cohort study involving 23 endocrine departments (UK NFPA consortium). METHODS: Clinical, imaging, and hormonal data of micro-NFPA cases between January, 1, 2008 and December, 21, 2021 were analysed. RESULTS: Data for 459 patients were retrieved [median age at detection 44 years (IQR 31-57)-152 males/307 females]. Four hundred and nineteen patients had more than two magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) [median imaging monitoring 3.5 years (IQR 1.71-6.1)]. One case developed apoplexy. Cumulative probability of micro-NFPA growth was 7.8% (95% CI, 4.9%-8.1%) and 14.5% (95% CI, 10.2%-18.8%) at 3 and 5 years, respectively, and of reduction 14.1% (95% CI, 10.4%-17.8%) and 21.3% (95% CI, 16.4%-26.2%) at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Median tumour enlargement was 2 mm (IQR 1-3) and 49% of micro-NFPAs that grew became macroadenomas (nearly all >5 mm at detection). Eight (1.9%) patients received surgery (only one had visual compromise with surgery required >3 years after micro-NFPA detection). Sex, age, and size at baseline were not predictors of enlargement/reduction. At the time of detection, 7.2%, 1.7%, and 1.5% patients had secondary hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and hypoadrenalism, respectively. Two (0.6%) developed hypopituitarism during follow-up (after progression to macroadenoma). CONCLUSIONS: Probability of micro-NFPA growth is low, and the development of new hypopituitarism is rare. Delaying the first follow-up MRI to 3 years and avoiding hormonal re-evaluation in the absence of tumour growth or clinical manifestations is a safe approach for micro-NFPA surveillance.

Advances in the management of diabetes: new devices for type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition that affects a significant number of people worldwide, with higher prevalence in white European populations. The condition is responsible for a high burden of microvascular complications, especially when poorly controlled. The condition is also burdensome on the patient and has major psychosocial and occupational impacts. It requires lifelong frequent blood glucose monitoring and regular insulin injections. Important technological advances in the management of T1D have occurred in recent years. These include the advent of new glucose testing devices using interstitial glucose, and new insulin delivery devices. These technologies may improve quality of life, and glucose management in this condition. This review aims to outline the current advances in the management of T1D for the general physician, with a particular focus on new technologies.

Advances in the management of diabetes: therapies for type 2 diabetes.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes is rapidly rising worldwide leading to an increasing burden of cardiovascular and microvascular complications. The aim of treatment of the condition is to improve quality of life and reduce such complications. To this end, improvement in glucose control remains an important consideration. In recent years, important therapeutic advances have occurred in the management of hyperglycaemia in people with type 2 diabetes. These include the use of dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium glucose transporter-2 inhibitors. The latter two classes appear to have some specific beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal outcomes, independent of their antihyperglycaemic effects. This review aims to outline the current state of diagnosis and management of diabetes for the general physician, with a particular focus on new therapeutic agents for management of glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.