Endocrine vigilance in COVID-19.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus responsible for a pandemic that emerged in December 2019. Heterogeneous clinical forms are described from asymptomatic to severe hypoxaemic acute respiratory syndrome with multisystem organ failure. The impact of this coronavirus disease 2019 on the endocrine glands remains unknown. However, the results of previous studies on viruses from the same family allow us to write proposals for patients followed for chronic endocrine diseases. Currently, if these subjects are infected with SARS-CoV-2, they must not stop their treatment. In some cases, hormone replacement doses have to be increased. In case of worsening clinical signs, hormonal biological monitoring must be done. This article will be helpful for improving the management of chronic endocrine diseases that could affect thyroid, adrenals, gonads and pituitary gland functions. Proposals could be applied in COVID-19 infected subjects or in those who have been in contact with COVID-19 infected people.

MECHANISMS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Sarcopenia in endocrine and non-endocrine disorders.

Objective This paper reviews the main mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, treatment options and available data on sarcopenia in endocrine and non-endocrine disorders. The literature notes the presence of sarcopenia as a comorbid condition or a complication of another clinical situation and not a disease that only affects elderly patients. Method We performed a literature review, focusing on the following: mechanisms related to sarcopenia in elderly patients, and sarcopenia as it presents in the context of chronic and endocrine diseases; diagnostic tools and methods; aspects of sarcopenia and treatment options specific to chronic diseases and endocrine disorders respectively. Results Sarcopenia in chronic and endocrine disorders shares many mechanisms with sarcopenia affecting elderly patients, but certain diseases can have a predominant aspect that leads to sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia varies, depending on different diagnostic criteria, from around 12 to 60% in chronic illnesses and 15 to 90% in endocrine disorders. The interplay between sarcopenia, chronic diseases and elderly patients requires further study, to clarify the impact of each, in terms of prognosis and mortality. Conclusion Awareness of the presentation of sarcopenia in the context of other diseases and ages (and not just the elderly) is fundamental to ensure that preventive measures can be deployed.

Endocrine side effects of cancer immunotherapy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently become a cornerstone for the treatment of different advanced cancers. These drugs, represented mainly by monoclonal antibodies anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and anti-PD-1 ligand molecules (PD-L1 and L2), have the ability to reactivate the immune system against tumor cells, but can also trigger a myriad of autoimmune side effects, termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In particular, there are a number of endocrine-related irAEs. Current data from clinical trials show increased incidence of hypophysitis with CTLA4 inhibition and thyroid dysfunction with PD-(L)1 blockade. In addition, a few cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus and primary adrenal insufficiency have been reported. We discuss the incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of immune-related endocrinopathies in this highly complex context of oncological patients in need of immunotherapies.

Obesity in Survivors of Childhood Cancer: a Review.

Obesity is a late effect of antineoplastic treatment in childhood cancer survivors and this correlates with chronic complications. This review examines the data currently available to health professionals, for increasing awareness and identifying strategies to address the treatment and prevention of late effects. The mechanism involved in the pathophysiology of obesity remains unclear. However, damage to the hypothalamus and endocrine disorders (e.g. insulin and leptin resistance) and a positive energetic balance may play a role in increasing obesity rates. A patient's diet during, and after treatment may also influence the weight of survivors. Implementation of an effective educational program by professionals during all stages of treatment enables children to obtain basic knowledge regarding food and nutrition, thereby encouraging them to take responsibility for developing healthy eating behaviors.

A middle aged woman with isolated ACTH deficiency associated with transient growth hormone deficiency.

Isolated ACTH deficiency (IAD) is a rare entity characterized by secondary adrenal insufficiency with low levels of serum cortisol, decreased production of ACTH, adequate secretion of other pituitary hormones and normal pituitary structure on radioimaging. The prevalence of IAD as a cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency has not been determined. Impairment of growth hormone (GH) secretion has been noted in 20 to 30% of patients with IAD which is normalized after glucocorticoid replacement. We report the case of a 50 years-old female with symptoms and laboratory results suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. Insulin tolerance test confirmed ACTH and growth hormone deficiency. The rest of the anterior pituitary hormones were normal. A pituitary MRI was unremarkable. Glucocorticoid replacement therapy started and eight months afterwards glucagon stimulation test revealed persistent ACTH deficiency but nor- mal growth hormone secretion. IAD can present with nonspecific symptoms and could be potentially fatal in an acute stressful period. Prompt recognition is essential to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Obesity-hypertension and its relation to other diseases in dogs.

Obesity is a chronic disease in which adipose tissue accumulates in such a way that it affects the health of the patient and is associated with a myriad of alterations such as systemic hypertension (HTN). The mechanisms by which obesity causes HTN are complex and involve several organic mechanisms. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between obesity to HTN in dogs in accordance with recent international protocols (systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg) relating to age, genre, gonadal status, breed and other diseases commonly associated with HTN. A total of 244 dogs were studied, 105 non-obese controls and 139 in the obese group. For both groups, healthy and a variety of diseased dogs were observed; the correlations between pathologies and obesity were studied, paying special attention to diseases whose pathophysiologies could lead to HTN. We conclude that obesity is not a risk factor for dogs to develop HTN, and that HTN present in these patients was related to comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, cardiopathies and endocrinopathies.

Metabolic and endocrinological factors related to nephrolithiasis pre and post multiple techniques of bariatric surgery: a sistematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Despite of benefits of bariatric surgery for obesity treatment, the procedure may be related to some complications. AIM: Analyze studies to address the relation between nephrolithiasis and bariatric surgery. METHODS: Ten papers about this theme were selected from 2005-2013 in Pubmed, describing the relation of nephrolithiasis or their risk factors with several types of bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Retrospective studies with minimal follow-up of three years demonstrated 7,65% in surgery patients and 4,63% non-surgery with nephrolithiasis (p<0,05). Prospective studies (8 of 10) revealed large percentage of calculi appearing and significant increase in oxaluria. CONCLUSION: There is correlation between obesity surgery and nephrolithiasis.

Testicular function during adolescence in boys with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D): absence of hypogonadism and differences in endocrine profile at the beginning and end of puberty.

AIM: Conflicting results regarding testicular function in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have been reported, but little is known about Leydig and Sertoli cell function during puberty in boys treated with multiple daily insulin doses. Our aim was to assess testicular function in boys with T1D. METHODS: Pubertal boys with T1D (n = 71) and healthy control boys (Control group; n = 104) who were 10-18 years were studied. Both groups were matched by pubertal stage, age, and BMI. Total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cfT), SHBG, inhibin B, AMH, and gonadotropin levels were determined. RESULTS: At the beginning of puberty, the T1D group had higher levels of SHBG (p = 0.003) and similar androgen levels than the Control group. At the end of puberty, higher TT, and cfT were observed in T1D compared to the Control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Gonadotropins and AMH were similar in both groups. Regression analysis showed that T1D was a significant factor, even after adjusting for Tanner stage and BMI-SDS, affecting TT, cFT, and SHBG levels. BMI-SDS was a significant factor affecting TT and SHBG levels. Higher HbA1c had a negative effect on total testosterone and cFT and a positive effect on SHBG levels in T1D boys. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with T1D do not exhibit hypogonadism, as shown by normal gonadotropin, testosterone, inhibin B, and AMH levels. However, in T1D boys, HbA1c and BMI-SDS had a negative association with testosterone levels. Elevated testosterone levels are observed during late puberty, which were not present earlier.

Metabolic and endocrinological factors related to nephrolithiasis pre and post multiple techniques of bariatric surgery: a sistematic review / Fatores endócrinos e metabólicos relacionados à nefrolitíase pré e pós técnicas diversas de cirurgia bariátrica: uma revisão sistemática

INTRODUCTION: Despite of benefits of bariatric surgery for obesity treatment, the procedure may be related to some complications. AIM: Analyze studies to address the relation between nephrolithiasis and bariatric surgery. METHODS: Ten papers about this theme were selected from 2005-2013 in Pubmed, describing the relation of nephrolithiasis or their risk factors with several types of bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Retrospective studies with minimal follow-up of three years demonstrated 7,65% in surgery patients and 4,63% non-surgery with nephrolithiasis (p<0,05). Prospective studies (8 of 10) revealed large percentage of calculi appearing and significant increase in oxaluria. CONCLUSION: There is correlation between obesity surgery and nephrolithiasis. .

INTRODUÇÃO: Apesar dos benefícios das operações bariátricas para o tratamento da obesidade, elas podem acompanhar algumas complicações. OBJETIVO: Analisar estudos que enfoquem a relação entre nefrolitíase e procedimentos cirúrgicos bariátricos. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 10 estudos de 2005 a 2013 no PubMed que descreviam a relação de nefrolitíase ou seus fatores de risco com diversas técnicas de cirurgia bariátrica. RESULTADOS: Estudos retrospectivos, com seguimento por no mínimo três anos, demonstraram que 7,65% dos pacientes operados e 4,63% dos não operados apresentaram nefrolitíase (p<0,05). Estudos prospectivos (8 dos 10) verificaram grande porcentagem de aparecimento de nefrolitíase ou aumento significativo na oxalúria. CONCLUSÃO: Os estudos mostraram que há relação entre operações para obesidade e nefrolitíase. .

Hypothalamic-pituitary lesions in pediatric patients: endocrine symptoms often precede neuro-ophthalmic presenting symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether analyses of clinical and endocrine presenting symptoms could help to shorten the time to diagnosis of hypothalamic-pituitary lesions in children. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, single-center, cohort study of 176 patients (93 boys), aged 6 years (range, 0.2-18 years), with hypothalamic-pituitary lesions was performed. RESULTS: The lesions were craniopharyngioma (n = 56), optic pathway glioma (n = 54), suprasellar arachnoid cyst (n = 25), hamartoma (n = 22), germ cell tumor (n = 12), and hypothalamic-pituitary astrocytoma (n = 7). The most common presenting symptoms were neurologic (50%) and/or visual complaints (38%), followed by solitary endocrine symptoms (28%). Precocious puberty led to diagnosis in 19% of prepubertal patients (n = 131), occurring earlier in patients with hamartoma than in patients with optic-pathway glioma (P < .02). Isolated diabetes insipidus led to diagnosis for all germ-cell tumors. For 122 patients with neuro-ophthalmic presenting symptoms, the mean symptom interval was 0.5 year (95% CI, 0.4-0.6 year), although 66% of patients had abnormal body mass index or growth velocity, which preceded the presenting symptom interval onset by 1.9 years (95% CI, 1.5-2.4 years) (P < .0001) and 1.4 years (95% CI, 1-1.8 years) (P < .0001), respectively. Among them, 41 patients were obese before diagnosis (median 2.2 years [IQR, 1-3 years] prior to diagnosis) and 35 of them had normal growth velocity at the onset of obesity. The sensitivity of current guidelines for management of childhood obesity failed to identify 61%-85% of obese children with an underlying hypothalamic-pituitary lesion in our series. CONCLUSIONS: Endocrine disorders occurred in two-thirds of patients prior to the onset of the neuro-ophthalmic presenting symptom but were missed. Identifying them may help to diagnose hypothalamic-pituitary lesions earlier.

High bone density and bone health.

The aim of this paper is to review the main aspects related to high bone density (HBD) as well as to discuss the physiologic mechanisms involved in bone health. There are still no well-defined criteria for identification of individuals with HBD and there are few studies on the topic. Most studies demonstrate that overweight, male gender, black ethnic background, physical activity, calcium and fluoride intake and use of medications such as statins and thiazide diuretics play a relevant and positive role on bone mineral density. Moreover, it is known that individuals with certain diseases such as obesity, diabetes, estrogen receptor-positive breast or endometrial cancer have greater bone density than healthy individuals, as well as athletes having higher bone density than non-athletes does not necessarily mean that they have healthy bones. A better understanding of risk and protective factors may help in the management of patients with bone frailty and have applicability in the treatment and in the prevention of osteoporosis, especially intervening on non-modifiable risk factors.

[Diagnosis of congenital endocrinological disease in newborns with prolonged jaundice and hypoglycaemia]. / Diagnóstico de endocrinopatía congénita en neonatos con ictericia prolongada e hipoglucemia.

INTRODUCTION: The association of prolonged neonatal jaundice and hypoglycaemia may be secondary to an endocrinological disease. Pituitary insufficiency and primary adrenal insufficiency are the most likely endocrine diseases that need to be ruled out. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the clinical and laboratory characteristics of thirteen patients referred to the Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez between years 2003 and 2008 due to prolonged neonatal jaundice and hypoglycaemia secondary to pituitary insufficiency in twelve patients, and in one secondary to primary adrenal insufficiency. RESULTS: All patients had a history of neonatal hypoglycaemia. Ten patients had conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia and six also had elevated transaminases. Combined pituitary hormone deficiency was observed in the twelve hypopituitarism patients. Hormonal replacement normalised liver function and resolved the prolonged jaundice in all the patients. None of them underwent liver biopsy. Hypoglycaemia also remitted after hormonal therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged or cholestatic jaundice associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia is highly likely to be due to pituitary hormone deficiency or primary adrenal insufficiency. Early diagnosis and treatment of these children reverts the prolonged jaundice and prevents morbidity and mortality due to recurrent hypoglycaemia and hormone deficiencies.

Retrospective epidemiological study of Latin American patients with transfusional hemosiderosis: the first Latin American epidemiological study in iron overload--the RELATH study.

The retrospective epidemiological study of Latin Americans with transfusional hemosiderosis is the first regional patient registry to gather data regarding the burden of transfusional hemosiderosis and patterns of care in these patients. Retrospective and cross-sectional data were collected on patients ≥2 years with selected chronic anemias and minimum 20 transfusions. In the 960 patients analyzed, sickle-cell disease (48·3%) and thalassemias (24·0%) were the most frequent underlying diagnoses. The registry enrolled 355 pediatric patients (187 with sickle-cell disease/94 with thalassemia). Serum ferritin was the most frequent method used to detect iron overload. Complications from transfusional hemosiderosis were reported in ~80% of patients; hepatic (65·3%), endocrine (27·5%), and cardiac (18·2%) being the most frequent. These data indicate that hemoglobinopathies and complications due to transfusional hemosiderosis are a significant clinical problem in the Latin American population with iron overload. Chelation therapy is used insufficiently and has a high rate of discontinuation.

[The future of depression: a complex neuroendocrine, inflammatory and neurodegenerative systemic illness]. / El futuro de la depresión: una enfermedad sistémica, neuroendócrina, inflamatoria y neurodegenerativa compleja.

Neurobiological models of depression have evolved far beyond the monoamine theory that was construed following the advent of antidepressant drugs in the 1950s. Depression is now seen to implicate a wide range of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and glutamate, and virtually the entire central nervous system. Emerging evidence is redefining depression as a chronic and systemic illness that may impair neuroendocrine function, biological rhythms and immune responses, and one which may lead to dementia if left untreated. Different research approaches, from molecular biology to clinical studies, have offered new insights into the physiological mechanisms involved as well as indications of how effective antidepressant therapies may develop in response to these. In addition to well-established methods, like monoamine reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavioural therapy, these may include non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, prescription of physical exercise, somatic treatments and a whole new generation of antidepressant drugs endowed with original modes of action. As the management of depression becomes increasingly multifaceted, clinicians will be able to optimise clinical outcomes for their patients by synergistically integrating the multiple therapeutic options available.

Neuroendocrine dysfunction in fibromyalgia and migraine.

Fibromyalgia (FM) and migraine are common chronic disorders that predominantly affect women. The prevalence of headache in patients with FM is high (35%-88%), with migraine being the most frequent type. A particular subgroup of patients with FM (approximately half) presents with a combined clinical form of these two painful disorders, which may exhibit a different manner of progression regarding symptomatology and impact on daily activities. This article reviews several common aspects of the pathophysiology regarding pain control mechanisms and neuroendocrine dysfunction occurring in FM and migraine, particularly in the chronic form of the latter. We also discuss the participation of hypothalamic and brainstem centers of pain control, the putative role played by neurotransmitters or neuromodulators on central sensitization, and changes in their levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Understanding their mechanisms will help to establish new treatment strategies for treating these disabling brain disorders.

Anesthesia in a patient with multiple endocrine abnormalities: case report / Anestesia para paciente portadora de múltiplas afecções endócrinas: relato de caso / Anestesia para paciente portadora de múltiples afecciones endocrinas: relato de caso

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O insulinoma é o tumor endócrino pancreático mais comum. Pode estar associado a neoplasias endócrinas múltiplas (NEM). Relatou-se o caso de paciente com distúrbios endócrinos múltiplos que, no entanto, não se enquadram em síndromes (NEM) já conhecidas e com particularidades clínico-anestésicas que influenciaram no manuseio de sua anestesia. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente feminina, 23 anos, apresentando hipoglicemias de difícil controle associadas à doença de Cushing e prolactinoma, sem sintomas compressivos hipofisários e com estudos de tireóide e de paratireóides sem alterações. A investigação laboratorial encontrou massa retroperitoneal de etiologia desconhecida que, relacionada à situação clínica, levou a hipótese de insulinoma. Relatava ainda ser testemunha de Jeová. A proposta terapêutica era biópsia da massa por videolaparoscopia e enucleação do insulinoma. Ao exame: obesa, dentes protrusos, Mallampati 3 e sintomas de apnéia obstrutiva do sono. Nos exames laboratoriais, o resultado relevante foi o hematócrito de 58 por cento. Recebeu midazolam (7,5 mg) e clonidina (200 µg) via oral como medicação pré-anestésica. A indução anestésica foi realizada com fentanil (150 µg), clonidina (90 µg), propofol (150 mg) e pancurônio (8 mg), sendo realizada a intubação traqueal sem problemas. Foram estabelecidos acesso venoso central e monitoração invasiva da pressão. Mantida infusão de glicose 5 por cento com eletrólitos e monitorada a glicemia capilar a cada 30 minutos, que não acusou episódios de hipoglicemia durante a intervenção cirúrgica. Manteve-se hemodinamicamente estável mesmo durante o pneumoperitônio. No pós-operatório apresentou episódios de hipoglicemia que motivaram sua reoperação. CONCLUSÕES: A singularidade do caso está na conjunção de múltiplas endocrinopatias e de particularidades do manuseio cirúrgico-anestésico. A exérese do insulinoma deve ser monitorada no intra-operatório para que se evitem ressecções ...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Insulinoma is the most common pancreatic endocrine tumor and it can be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN). This is a report on a patient with multiple endocrine abnormalities, who did not fulfill the criteria of known syndromes (MEN) and the clinical-anesthetic particularities that influenced the anesthetic management. CASE REPORT: A 23-year old female patient with episodes of hypoglycemia difficult to control, associated with Cushing's disease and prolactinoma without symptoms of pituitary compression and with normal thyroid and parathyroid. Investigation found a retroperitoneal mass of unknown origin which in face of the clinical presentation raised the hypothesis of insulinoma. The patient also referred to be a Jehovah's Witness. Biopsy of the mass by videolaparoscopy and enucleation of the insulinoma were proposed. On physical exam the patient was overweight, had protruding teeth, she was classified as Mallampati 3 and had symptoms of sleep apnea. Laboratorial exams revealed hematocrit 58 percent. Pre-anesthetic medication consisted of oral midazolam (7.5 mg) and clonidine (200 µg). Fentanyl (150 µg), clonidine (90 µg), propofol (150 mg) and pancuronium (8 mg) were used for anesthetic induction and she was intubated without intercurrences. Central venous access and invasive blood monitoring were instituted. Intravenous infusion of D5W with electrolytes was instituted and capillary glucose levels were monitored every 30 minutes, which did not demonstrate any episodes of hypoglycemia during the surgery. The patient remained hemodynamically stable even during the pneumoperitoneum. She developed postoperative episodes of hypoglycemia, which motivated the re-operation. CONCLUSIONS: This case is unique due to the presence of multiple endocrine abnormalities and the particularities of the surgical-anesthetic management. Intraoperative monitoring is mandatory during removal of an insulinoma to avoid ...

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El insulinoma es un tumor endocrino pancreático más común. Pude estar asociado a neoplasias endocrinas múltiples (NEM). Se ha relatado el caso de paciente con disturbios endocrinos múltiplos que, sin embargo, no se encuadra en síndromes (NEM) ya conocidas, y con particularidades clínico anestésicas que influyeron en el manejo de su anestesia. RELATO DEL CASO: Paciente femenina, 23 años, con hipoglicemias de difícil control asociadas a la enfermedad de Cushing y prolactinoma, sin síntomas compresivos hipofisarios, y con estudios de tiroides y de paratiroides sin alteraciones. La investigación laboratorial encontró masa retroperitoneal de etiología desconocida que, relacionada con la situación clínica, conllevó a la hipótesis de insulinoma. Decía que era testigo de Jeová. La propuesta terapéutica era biopsia de la masa por videolaparoscopía y enucleación del insulinoma. Cuando se le hizo el examen, se le encontró obesa, con dientes protuberantes, Mallampati 3 y síntomas de apnea obstructiva del sueño. En los exámenes laboratoriales, el resultado relevante fue el hematócrito de 58 por ciento. Recibió midazolan (7,5 mg) y clonidina (200 µg) vía oral, como medicación preanestésica. La inducción anestésica fue realizada con fentanil (150 µg), clonidina (90 µg), propofol (150 µg) y pancuronio (8 mg), siendo realizada la intubación traqueal sin problemas. Se establecieron el acceso venoso central y el monitoreo invasivo de la presión. Se mantuvo infusión de glicosis al 5 por ciento con electrolitos y se monitoreó la glicemia capilar a cada 30 minutos, que no mostró episodios de hipoglicemia durante la operación. Se mantuvo hemodinámicamente estable incluso durante el neumoperitoneo. En el postoperatorio presentó episodios de hipoglicemia, que motivaron su reoperación. CONCLUSIONES: La singularidad del caso está en la conjunción de las múltiples endocrinopatías y de particularidades del manoseo quirúrgico-anestésico. ...