Endocrinology

A review in the online version of Gerontology makes it eminently clear that age-related morbidities often follow hormone-regulated homeostasis changes in later life.

There had been a "remarkable convergence of many disciplines" when weighing the health risks and effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), according to an article published in JAMA.

Yet another large study has found that testosterone replacement therapy is more likely to reduce than increase the risk of major adverse cardiac events.

Statins effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels in many patients, However, on the individual level, some patients do not respond with the expected 40% to 55% reduction in cholesterol levels. Genetic variation may be the cause.

The Endocrine Society has issued a clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly, a rare condition usually caused by a non-cancerous, growth hormone-producing pituitary tumor.

Recently published interoperability standards for diabetes devices such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps should enhance diabetes management and advance research.

Microvascular disease is a concern in patients with diabetes, and follows hyperglycemia-induced endothelial damage or endothelial dysfunction. Diabetic neuropathy is the most prominent microvascular consequence of diabetes, and often, the foot is involved.

Dynamic physical activity and weight-bearing exercise are crucial to good bone health. Can we recreate musculoskeletal loading's anabolic effects in frail individuals who cannot exercise?

The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline for management of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk identified adults who could benefit from moderate- to high-intensity statin use.

Some risk factors for diabetic nephropathy can't be modified, but they support aggressive treatment to control hyperglycemia.

As electronic health records become more or less mandatory, the question moves from how widely they are adopted by practices across the country to whether the new versions are more effective than the old pen-and-paper way of doing business.

Gastric bypass surgery has been shown to improve quality of life for overweight and obese patients in a number of ways, including improving insulin sensitivity. Surgery combined with exercise has been shown to produce even greater benefits. A recent study evaluated the link between the two approaches and their effect on overall insulin sensitivity.

Thymoma is rare and most known for its presence in 15% of patients who have myasthenia gravis. Thymoma tumors can be quite large. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for thymoma, but when thymoma recurs (as it does in 10% to 30% of patients), the best course of action is often unclear.

Diabetes, particularly poorly controlled diabetes, seems to be associated with late-life dementia. Study results show that African Americans with longstanding diabetes are at risk for accelerated cognitive decline.

Clinicians are most likely to prescribe amiodarone when they see patients who have recurrent ventricular dysrhythmias; paroxysmal supraventricular dysrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and flutter; and or need sinus rhythm maintenance after electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.

Also known as alternate day fasting, "zigzag" caloric cycling calls for the dieter to eat the number of calories required to maintain weight one day, and then 25% of his or her energy needs on the fast day. Studies have shown that individuals who are compliant with this pattern can lose 4% to 8% of their body weight over 8 to 12 weeks.

What is the relationship between physical activity, leisure time, and a person's overall health.

Despite previous research suggesting HIV patients have an increased likelihood of suffering from a heart attack, kidney failure, or cancer, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health investigators showed the age they encounter these conditions were similar to their uninfected counterparts.

A urine test to detect preeclampsia is being developed by a startup group at Yale University.

Research indicates that patients with type 2 diabetics mellitus and low testosterone levels are 6 times more likely than those with normal testosterone levels to have increased carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) and decreased endothelial function.

This is a short list of the little things that eat away at my energy and goodwill. Thank goodness there are still patients who make it worthwhile.

Researchers have shown that testosterone replacement therapy reduces the complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in androgen-deficient, overweight men.

Early reports from the Safety and Appropriateness of Growth hormone treatments in Europe (SAGhE) project noted increased cardiac and cerebrovascular mortality in adults who were treated for stature problems as children. In addition, other studies have linked stroke risk to short stature in general, hypothesizing that shorter people have increased metabolic risks.

Endocrinologists generally see middle-aged people who have developed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subsequent to overnutrition (or overeating) and weight gain. Most clinicians tend to forget that low caloric intake, or undernutrition, in the prenatal period or during a child's formative years also seems to increase the risk of the T2DM later in life.

Obesity in children is a very complex problem. How children eat and what they believe about food and obesity is largely determined in their family units.

Kidney donors may have lower 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and phosphate levels. Their parathyroid hormone levels may be elevated, but with minimal effect on calcium levels.

As children get older their waistlines increasingly show signs of getting wider as well and the problem extends far beyond American students. Doctors around the world are working together to find ways to combat the growing problem.

In urban areas like Los Angeles women, particularly young mothers, may not have the money, time, and resources needed to take care of their own health. A new study has looked to find ways to help keep them healthy and also help the overall good of their families and communities as well.

Continuing the discussion of the dangers of energy drinks the topic turns to what parents and the drink manufacturers can do to protect the youngest members of the population.

With their colorful packaging, energy drinks are a tempting choice for young children who see them as just another option when they are thirsty. For thousands of children, that choice has meant a trip to the doctors or even the emergency room.