Pediatric Ectopic Cushing Syndrome Caused by Hepatic Neoplasms: A Case Report and Systematic Review

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome (EAS) is rare in children, and localizing the source of EAS is often challenging. Here, we report EAS in an adolescent boy who presented with Cushingoid features and had endogenous ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism on hormonal evaluation. Abdominal ultrasound and CT revealed a hepatic lesion with characteristics suggestive of hemangioma, whereas the lesion was tracer non-avid on ⁶⁸Ga-DOTANOC positron emission tomography/CT. A regional sampling of ACTH was done to confirm the hepatic lesion as the source of EAS, and a definitive ACTH gradient was observed between the hepatic vein and the right internal jugular vein. Further, a preoperative biopsy of the lesion revealed a small round cell tumor with positive immunostaining for ACTH and synaptophysin, suggestive of a neuroendocrine tumor. The patient was managed with partial hepatectomy, resulting in hormonal and clinical remission of Cushing syndrome. In a systematic review of pediatric EAS due to primary hepatic tumors (n = 11), calcifying nested stromal epithelial cell tumors were the most common. EAS-associated hepatic tumors were larger (≥10 cm) except benign primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNET). The latter were misdiagnosed as hemangioma in two cases by anatomical imaging but correctly diagnosed by somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. Hepatic tumors causing EAS in children required extensive resection, except benign PHNET. Nevertheless, all benign tumors with an uncomplicated perioperative course demonstrated disease-free survival over a median follow-up period of two years.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Edema and Acute Kidney Injury in Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Objectives

To study the clinical profile and risk factors of cerebral edema and acute kidney injury in children with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Design

Retrospective review of medical records.

Patients

Fifty consecutive patients (age <18 years) admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis over 5 years.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of medical records was done, and data including patients’ age, sex, presenting features, biochemical profile including blood glucose, osmolality, urea, creatinine, and venous blood gas, electrolytes were recorded at admission, at 12 and 24 hours. Treatment details including fluid administration, rate of fall of glucose, time to resolution of diabetic ketoacidosis were noted. Complications such as cerebral edema and acute kidney injury were recorded. Patients with and without cerebral edema and acute kidney injury were compared. Variables that were significant on univariate analysis were entered in a multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the independent predictors for cerebral edema and acute kidney injury. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated using SPSS version 22.

Measurements and main results

Between November 2015 and 2020, 48 patients were admitted for a total of 50 episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. Two patients had recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis. Median age was 9.5 years (range 1–17). Thirty-one patients (62%) had new-onset type I diabetes mellitus. Twenty-two patients (44%) presented with severe diabetic ketoacidosis. Cerebral edema and acute kidney injury were seen in 11 (22%) and 15 (30%) patients, respectively. On multiple logistic regression analysis, higher blood urea level, lower serum bicarbonate level, and higher corrected sodium levels at admission were identified to be variables independently associated with risk of cerebral edema.

Conclusions

Higher corrected sodium, higher urea level, and lower serum bicarbonate levels at admission are predictive of cerebral edema in patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis. The severity of dehydration and acidosis in DKA appears to be a common factor responsible for the development of dysfunction of both brain and kidney.

How to cite this article

Raghunathan V, Jevalikar G, Dhaliwal M, Singh D, Sethi SK, Kaur P, et al. Risk Factors for Cerebral Edema and Acute Kidney Injury in Children with Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(12):1446–1451.

Low FT3 is an independent marker of disease severity in patients hospitalized for COVID-19

AIM

To study the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and its association with disease severity in hospitalized patients of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, thyroid function tests (TFT) of 236 hospitalized patients of COVID-19 along with demographic, comorbid, clinical, biochemical and disease severity records were analysed. Patients were divided into previous euthyroid or hypothyroid status to observe the effect of prior hypothyroidism on the severity of COVID-19.

RESULTS

TFT abnormalities were common. Low free T3 (FT3), high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low TSH were seen in 56 (23.7%), 15 (6.4%) and 9 (3.8%) patients, respectively. The median levels of TSH (2.06 vs 1.26 mIU/mL, P = 0.001) and FT3 (2.94 vs 2.47 pg/mL, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in severe disease. Previous hypothyroid status (n = 43) was associated with older age, higher frequency of comorbidities, higher FT4 and lower FT3. TFT did not correlate with markers of inflammation (except lactate dehydrogenase); however, FT3 and TSH negatively correlated with outcome severity score and duration of hospital stay. Cox regression analysis showed that low FT3 was associated with severe COVID-19 (P = 0.032, HR 0.302; CI 0.101-0.904), irrespective of prior hypothyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional thyroid abnormalities (low FT3 and low TSH) are frequently seen in hospitalized patients of COVID-19. Although these abnormalities did not correlate with markers of inflammation, this study shows that low FT3 at admission independently predicts the severity of COVID-19.

Video Consultation Versus In-Person Clinic Visit for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes during COVID-19 Pandemic (VIP-CD Study)

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of video consultation (VC) for prospective glycemic control against that of in-person clinic visit (IPV) in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective, cohort study of 96 individuals with type 2 diabetes followed up for a period of ≤6 months. The cohort was divided into two groups depending on the mode of consultation, namely IPV (n = 48) and VC (n = 48). Baseline and follow-up characteristics including glycemic profile and lipid profile were compared.

RESULTS

The cohort had a mean age of 55.4 ± 13.8 years, median diabetes duration of 8 (0.3-70) years, a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.8 ± 5.8 kg/m², 44 (46.3%) females, and uncontrolled hyperglycemia (HbA1c 8.7% ± 1.9%). Both groups were adequately matched at baseline. At the time of first visit, cessation of previous medications was more frequent in the IPV group (37.5% vs 8.3%; P = 0.001) than in the VC group. Follow-up was earlier in the VC group as compared to the IPV group (43.2 vs 87.9 days; P = 0.000). During the follow-up period, both groups had similar and adequate glycemic (mean HbA1c 7% ± 1%) and lipid profile control. Cox regression model showed that the VC group achieved glycemic control quicker as compared to the IPV group.

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedicine is an effective mode of consultation for attaining glycemic control during COVID-19 pandemic, possibly owing to the quicker follow-up without the risk of potential in-clinic/hospital exposure to COVID-19.

High Prevalence of Diabetes in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 and Its Association With Greater Severity of COVID-19 in Delhi, India

Abstract: India is home to 77 million people with diabetes and has a large number of COVID 19 cases, albeit with a low fatality (<1.5%). Little Indian data is available about the prevalence of diabetes in COVID 19 and its impact on outcomes. This observational prospective study (approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee) was carried out in a designated COVID facility, largely catering to middle and upper socioeconomic classes. A total of 401 (125 F, mean age 54 y, range 19–92 y) consecutive adults hospitalized with COVID-19 infection as proven by positive nasal swab for SARS-CoV2 by RT-PCR were included. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed either by known history or HbA1c≥6.5%. Severity was assessed using the WHO ordinal scale¹. Clinical outcomes and markers of inflammation were compared between diabetes and non-diabetes groups. Out of 401 patients, 210 (52.4%) had either diabetes (189,47.1%) or hyperglycemia requiring insulin treatment (21, 5.2%). 152 (37.9%) reported known diabetes, and 37 (9.2%) had preexisting but undiagnosed diabetes (HbA1c≥ 6.5%). People with diabetes were significantly older (mean age 59.9 vs 47.7 y), and had a higher proportion of men (74.6 vs 63.7 %), hypertension (58.7 vs 25%), CAD (13.8 vs 4.2%), and CKD (5.3 vs 0.9%) and a higher mean baseline severity score (3.4±0.7 vs. 3.2±0.5, p-0.000). The diabetes group had a higher number of severe cases (WHO scale≥5) (20.1% vs 9%, p-0.002) and higher mortality (6.3 vs 1.4%, p-0.015). A higher proportion of the diabetes group required ICU admissions (24.3 vs 12.3%, p-0.002), glucocorticoid therapy (78.3 vs 54.2%, p-0.000), oxygen administration (53.4 vs 28.3%, p-0.000), inotropic support (7.4 vs 2.4%, p-0.019), and renal replacement therapy (3.7% vs 0,p-0.005). The mean duration of hospital stay was higher for the diabetes group (10.4 vs 9.1 days, p-0.016). Of those who died, 12/15 (80%) had diabetes. Baseline Hba1c (n=331) showed a significant correlation with outcome severity scores (r 0.136, p-0.013). Markers of inflammatory response, CRP (41.0±4.4 vs. 19.4±3.8, p-0.000), ferritin (404.8±41.6 vs. 258.8±40.2, p-0.012), IL6 (65.5±11.6 vs. 26.9±4.4, p-0.002), LDH (321.8±10.1 vs. 286.8±8.4, p-0.008) were significantly higher in the diabetes group. Procalcitonin and D Dimer did not differ significantly. In conclusion, we report the highest prevalence of diabetes in a hospitalized COVID-19 population so far. The diabetes group had more severe disease and greater mortality. Baseline HbA1c correlated with poor outcomes. The comorbidities could have contributed to these poorer outcomes in the diabetes group. Strategies to improve outcomes in this pandemic it is imperative to include screening for and better control of diabetes.

Reference:¹https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/COVID-19_Treatment_Trial_Design_Master_Protocol_synopsis_Final_18022020.pdf

Lack of Association Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level and Outcomes in Hospitalized Indian Patients With COVID-19

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is thought to play a role in determining the outcomes of COVID-19. India has a high prevalence of VDD. We hypothesized that VDD as measured by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) &lt;20 ng/mL is associated with severe COVID-19 infection. Outcomes were assessed by the WHO ordinal scale for clinical improvement (OSCI)1, the need for oxygen therapy, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), and inflammatory markers. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was proven by RT-PCR on the nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV2. Serum 25OHD and PTH were measured in addition to the standard protocol for COVID-19. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from electronic medical records and analyzed using SPSS v22.0. Patients with OSCI score &lt; 5 were classified as mild and ≥5 as severe disease. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. A total of 410 patients (127 females, 9 pediatric, 17 asymptomatic) were included with a median age of 54 years (6–92 years) with 272(66.3%) having at least one co-morbid condition, including diabetes (190, 46.3%) and hypertension (164,40%). Patients with VDD (197,48%) were significantly younger (46.7±17.1 vs. 57.8±14.7 years) and had lesser prevalence of diabetes and hypertension (39.1% vs 52.4%, 29.4% vs 49.5%). Proportion of severe cases (26,13.2% vs. 31,14.6%), mortality (4, 2% vs. 11, 5.2%), oxygen requirement (68,34.5% vs.92,43.4), ICU admission (29, 14.7% vs. 42, 19.8%), need for inotropes (7,3.6% vs.12,5.7%) was not significantly different between patients with VDD and those with normal 25OHD level. The proportion of severe cases was similar across all 25OHD categories. There was no significant correlation between 25OHD levels and outcome OSCI, inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, D-dimer, ferritin, LDH). PTH levels positively correlated with D-dimer (r 0.117, p- 0.019), ferritin (r 0.132, p-0.010) and LDH (r0.124, p-0.018). Amongst VDD patients, 128(64.9%) were treated with cholecalciferol with a median dose of 60000 IU. The proportion of severe cases, oxygen, or ICU admission was not significantly different in the treated vs. untreated group. In conclusion, baseline levels of 25OHD did not determine the severe clinical outcomes of COVID-19 or levels of inflammatory markers. Treatment with cholecalciferol did not make any difference to the clinical outcomes of those with VDD. Reference:1WHO R&D Blueprint, novel Coronavirus. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/blueprint/priority-diseases/key-action/COVID-19_Treatment_Trial_Design_Master_Protocol_synopsis_Final_18022020.pdf

Lack of association of baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with disease severity and mortality in Indian patients hospitalized for COVID-19

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) owing to its immunomodulatory effects is believed to influence outcomes in COVID-19. We conducted a prospective, observational study of patients, hospitalized with COVID-19. Serum 25-OHD level < 20 ng/mL was considered VDD. Patients were classified as having mild and severe disease on basis of the WHO ordinal scale for clinical improvement (OSCI). Of the 410 patients recruited, patients with VDD (197,48.2%) were significantly younger and had lesser comorbidities. The levels of PTH were significantly higher in the VDD group (63.5 ± 54.4 vs. 47.5 ± 42.9 pg/mL). The proportion of severe cases (13.2% vs.14.6%), mortality (2% vs. 5.2%), oxygen requirement (34.5% vs.43.4%), ICU admission (14.7% vs.19.8%) was not significantly different between patients with or without VDD. There was no significant correlation between serum 25-OHD levels and inflammatory markers studied. Serum parathormone levels correlated with D-dimer (r 0.117, p- 0.019), ferritin (r 0.132, p-0.010), and LDH (r 0.124, p-0.018). Amongst VDD patients, 128(64.9%) were treated with oral cholecalciferol (median dose of 60,000 IU). The proportion of severe cases, oxygen, or ICU admission was not significantly different in the treated vs. untreated group. In conclusion, serum 25-OHD levels at admission did not correlate with inflammatory markers, clinical outcomes, or mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Treatment of VDD with cholecalciferol did not make any difference to the outcomes.

High prevalence of diabetes and other comorbidities in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Delhi, India, and their association with outcomes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To study the prevalence and impact of diabetes mellitus and other comorbidities among hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

In a prospective, observational study including consecutive adults hospitalized with COVID-19, clinical outcomes and inflammatory markers were compared in those with and without diabetes. Participants were classified as having mild or severe COVID-19 disease using the WHO ordinal scale.

RESULTS

401 patients (125 females) with median age of 54 years (range 19-92) were evaluated. Of them 189 (47.1%) had pre-existing diabetes and21 (5.2%) had new-onset hyperglycaemia. Overall, 344 (85.8%) and 57 (14.2%) cases had mild and severe COVID-19 disease respectively. The group with diabetes had a higher proportion of severe cases (20.1% vs 9%, p-0.002), mortality (6.3 vs 1.4%, p-0.015), ICU admission (24.3 vs 12.3%, p-0.002), and oxygen requirement (53.4 vs 28.3%, p < 0.001). Baseline Hba1c (n = 331) correlated significantly with outcome severity scores (r 0.136, p-0.013) and 12/15 (80%) of those who succumbed had diabetes. Hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease were present in 164 (40.9%), 35 (8.7%) and 12 (2.99%) patients respectively. Hypertension was associated with a higher proportion of severe cases, mortality, ICU admission and oxygen administration.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a high prevalence of diabetes in a hospitalized COVID-19 population. Patients with diabetes or hypertension had more severe disease and greater mortality.

Effect of Empagliflozin on Liver Fat in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial (E-LIFT Trial)

OBJECTIVE

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been shown to reduce liver fat in rodent models. Data regarding the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on human liver fat are scarce. This study examined the effect of empagliflozin (an SGLT-2 inhibitor) on liver fat in patients with type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by using MRI-derived proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifty patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD were randomly assigned to either the empagliflozin group (standard treatment for type 2 diabetes plus empagliflozin 10 mg daily) or the control group (standard treatment without empagliflozin) for 20 weeks. Change in liver fat was measured by MRI-PDFF. Secondary outcome measures were change in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels.

RESULTS

When included in the standard treatment for type 2 diabetes, empagliflozin was significantly better at reducing liver fat (mean MRI-PDFF difference between the empagliflozin and control groups -4.0%; P < 0.0001). Compared with baseline, significant reduction was found in the end-of-treatment MRI-PDFF for the empagliflozin group (16.2% to 11.3%; P < 0.0001) and a nonsignificant change was found in the control group (16.4% to 15.5%; P = 0.057). The two groups showed a significant difference for change in serum ALT level (P = 0.005) and nonsignificant differences for AST (P = 0.212) and GGT (P = 0.057) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

When included in the standard treatment for type 2 diabetes, empagliflozin reduces liver fat and improves ALT levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and NAFLD.

Cutaneous mucormycosis as a presenting feature of type 1 diabetes in a boy - case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Mucormycosis is a potentially fatal complication of diabetes. The rhino-orbito-cerebral form is the most common presentation, however, rarely other types can also be seen.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of a 4½ -year-old boy not previously known to be a diabetic who presented to the plastic surgery department for gangrene of the left middle finger with surrounding erythema and induration. After the diagnosis of diabetes and initial treatment, pus from the wound showed broad aseptate hyphae suggestive of mucormycosis which was further confirmed on culture. Aggressive surgical debridement including amputation, antifungal treatment and glycemic control achieved a complete cure.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutaneous mucormycosis is a rare complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus and can even be seen at the onset of diabetes. High index of suspicion, timely antifungal treatment and aggressive surgical debridement usually lead to recovery in the localized form of the disease.

Novel mutations of the arylsulphatase B (ARSB) gene in Indian patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI

Background & objectives:

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is a rare, autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient enzymatic activity of N-acetyl galactosamine-4-sulphatase resulting from mutations in the arylsulphatase B (ARSB) gene. The ARSB gene is located on chromosome 5q11-q13 and is composed of eight exons. More than hundred ARSB mutations have been reported so far, but the mutation spectrum of MPS VI in India is still unknown. Hence, the aim of the present study was to identify the mutational spectrum in patients with MPS VI in India and to study the genotype-phenotype association and functional outcomes of these mutations.

Methods:

Molecular characterization of the ARSB gene by Sanger sequencing was done for 15 patients (aged 15 months to 11 yr) who were enzymatically confirmed to have MPS VI. Age of onset, clinical progression and enzyme activity levels in each patient were studied to look for genotype-phenotype association. Haplotype analysis performed for unrelated patients with the recurring mutation W450C, was suggestive of a founder effect. Sequence and structural analyses of the ARSB protein using standard software were carried out to determine the impact of detected mutations on the function of the ARSB protein.

Results:

A total of 12 mutations were identified, of which nine were novel mutations namely, p.D53N, p.L98R, p.Y103SfsX9, p.W353X, p.H393R, p.F166fsX18, p.I220fsX5, p.W450L, and p.W450C, and three were known mutations (p.D54N, p.A237D and p.S320R). The nine novel sequence variants were confirmed not to be polymorphic variants by performing sequencing in 50 unaffected individuals from the same ethnic population.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Nine novel mutations were identified in MPS VI cases from India in the present study. The study also provides some insights into the genotype-phenotype association in MPS VI.

Childhood and Youth Onset Diabetes: A Single Centre Experience

OBJECTIVES

To identify proportion of various types of diabetes and differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in patients with youth onset diabetes (onset below 25 completed years of age). In addition, concurrent autoimmune diseases in type 1 diabetes were studied in a subset of patients.

METHODS

A total of 577 patients (192 girls) with diabetes onset at median age of 14 y (range 1 mo-25 y) with median duration of 1 y (range day of diagnosis- 43 y) were included. Clinical details, investigations and complications were recorded in a proforma. Diabetes was classified using clinical criteria supported by laboratory tests of C peptide and anti GAD-65 antibody in a subset of patients.

RESULTS

Type 1 diabetes accounted for 368/421 (87.4 %) patients with age of onset <18 y and 99/156 (63.5 %) of patients with onset between 19 and 25 y of age. Proportion of type 2 diabetes was 36/421 (8.5 %) and 41/156 (26.2 %) in these two groups. Older age at onset, diabetes in one or both parents, absence of ketosis /weight loss and presence of acanthosis were significant predictors of type 2 diabetes. Hypothyroidism (TSH >10) and biopsy proven celiac disease was found in 11.6 and 9.7 % of type 1 diabetes patients respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Type 1 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in youth, however, a significant proportion of youth have type 2 diabetes. In these patients a combination of clinical factors, biochemical parameters and course over few months helps to guide the diagnosis.

From cerebral salt wasting to diabetes insipidus with adipsia: case report of a child with craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is associated with a wide and interesting variety of sodium states both by itself and following surgical resection. These are often challenging to diagnose, especially given their dynamic nature during the perioperative course. We present the case of a boy with craniopharyngioma who had hyponatremia due to cerebral salt wasting preoperatively, developed diabetes insipidus (DI) intraoperatively and proceeded to develop hypernatremia with adipsic DI.

CONCLUSION

Cerebral salt wasting is a rare presenting feature of craniopharyngioma. Postoperative DI can be associated with thirst abnormalities including adipsia due to hypothalamic damage; careful monitoring and a high index of suspicion are required for its detection. Adipsic DI is a difficult condition to manage; hence a conservative surgical approach is suggested.

Long-term outcomes of pediatric Graves' disease

BACKGROUND

Remission rates with antithyroid drugs (ATDs) in pediatric Graves' disease (GD) are low. Very few studies report long-term follow-up of GD especially into adulthood.

OBJECTIVES

We studied long-term outcomes of pediatric onset GD, including a follow-up into adulthood and factors associated with need for definitive therapy.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients (57 females) with GD, with onset <18 years (median 13, range, 3.5-17) and duration ≥2 years (median 7; range, 2-22) since diagnosis, were included. Medical records were reviewed, and current details were recorded in a questionnaire by telephonic interview.

RESULTS

All patients were initially treated with ATDs. Fifty-three patients were treated for ≥2 years. Amongst these, outcomes included relapse after initial remission (n=38), failure of remission (n=8) and long-term remission, defined as remission lasting ≥4 years (n=6). One patient had carbimazole and surgery but died of hepato-renal failure secondary to systemic vasculitis. A total of 44/65 patients were managed with definitive treatment. Those needing definitive treatment had higher mean free T4 (54.6±23.7 vs. 39.5±20.5 pmol/L, p=0.02) and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAB) titers (34.1±19.3 vs. 13.8±9.9 IU/L p<0.0001). Long-term sequelae included need for thyroxine replacement (n=42, 64.6%), persistent goiter (12/62, 19.3%) and persistent ophthalmopathy (19/40, 47.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term remission rates of pediatric onset GD with ATDs are very low, especially with longer follow-up. Higher pretreatment free T4 and high TRAB titers predict need for definitive treatment.

A guide to understanding the steroid pathway: new insights and diagnostic implications

Steroid analysis has always been complicated requiring a clear understanding of both the clinical and analytical aspects in order to accurately interpret results. The literature relating to this specialised area spans many decades and the intricacies of the steroid pathway have evolved with time. A number of key changes, including discovery of the alternative androgen pathway, have occurred in the last decade, potentially changing our understanding and approach to investigating disorders of sexual development. Such investigation usually occurs in specialised paediatric centres and although preterm infants represent only a small percentage of the patient population, consideration of the persistence of the foetal adrenal zone is an additional important consideration when undertaking steroid hormone investigations. The recent expanded role of mass spectrometry and molecular diagnostic methods provides significant improvements for accurate steroid quantification and identification of enzyme deficiencies. However analysis of steroids and interpretation of results remain complicated. This review aims to provide an insight into the complexities of steroid measurement in children and offers an updated guide to interpretation, of serum and urine steroids through the presentation of a refined steroid pathway.

Usage of pioglitazone at Medanta, the Medicity

Pioglitazone improves glycemic control by acting as an insulin sensitizer and is used in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pioglitazone has recently been at the center of a controversy with regards to its safety. There is no clear consensus on how, when and in what dose the drug should be used in the management of diabetes. We have summarized our strategy on pioglitazone use in Type 2 diabetes in a large private tertiary care center - Medanta, the Medicity- which may help in generating further thought about positioning of this anti-diabetic molecule. We use pioglitazone as the fourth in the pecking order of oral anti-diabetic agents. We typically use pioglitazone in a dose of 15 mg/day. We avoid using pioglitazone with insulin. We do not use pioglitazone under following situations: In the presence of significant or proven cardiac disease, in patients who are struggling with their weight or need to lose weight, in patients at high risk for osteoporotic fractures, in patients with macular edema, in patients with pre-existing bladder cancer and would discontinue in case hematuria or any other symptom of bladder cancer develops. We continue to use the drug in patients well controlled on it without any evident side-effects or contraindications.

Rapidly evolving hypopituitarism in a boy with multiple autoimmune disorders

A 10-year-old boy with acute onset cranial diabetes insipidus and multiple autoimmune disorders had evolving panhypopituitarism, thought to be due to autoimmune hypophysitis. Over 18 months, a dramatic clinical course with progressive hypopituitarism and development of type 1 diabetes mellitus was evident. Serial brain imaging showed changes suggestive of germinoma.

Paradoxical euthyroid hormone profile in a case of Graves' disease with cardiac failure

Cardiac failure is an uncommon complication of juvenile hyperthyroidism. We describe an adolescent boy with Graves' disease who developed manifestations of heart failure while on antithyroid medications. There was no evidence of any underlying cardiac disease. He had paradoxical euthyroid hormone profile which rose to hyperthyroid range when the manifestations of the cardiac failure subsided. The case highlights several unusual features of Graves' disease.

Two novel AIRE mutations in autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) among Indians

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a rare recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. There is no information on AIRE mutations in Indians. In a cross-sectional study, nine patients (eight families), from four referral hospitals in India, were studied for AIRE mutations by direct sequencing. We screened for new mutations in 150 controls by allele-specific PCR. The patients had 1-7 known components of APECED. Three patients had unusual manifestations: presentation with type 1 diabetes; chronic sinusitis and otitis media; and facial dysmorphism. All patients carried homozygous, probably recessive, AIRE mutations. Two unrelated patients from a small in-bred community (Vanika Vaisya) in south India carried an unreported missense mutation, p.V80G, in the N-terminal caspase recruitment domain. Another unique mutation, p.C302X, resulting in a truncated protein with deletion of both zinc-finger domains, was detected in a patient from Gujarat. Neither mutation was detected in controls. Other mutations, previously described in Caucasians, were: 13 base pair deletion (p.C322fsX372) in 4 (38%), and Finn-major (p.R257X) and p.R139X (Sardinian) mutation in one subject each. In conclusion, in this first series of APECED in Indians, we detected AIRE mutations previously reported in Caucasians, as well as unique mutations. Of these, p.V80G is possibly an ancestral mutation in an in-bred community.