Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Enhancing Diabetes Care In Lmics: Insights From A Multinational Consensus, Jose Carlos Miranda, S Abbas Raza, Babatope Kolawole, Jahanzeb Kamal Khan, Atiba Alvi, Fariha Sadiq Ali, Ejim Emmanuel Chukwudi, Nanik Ram, Amira Oluwatoyin

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

The International Cardio-Metabolic Forum held a plenary session to establish a multinational consensus on the challenges faced in diabetes management within lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) and their potential solutions. Stakeholders, including patients, family/caretakers, healthcare professionals, and healthcare policymakers & organizations, participated in discussions. The audience of 280 doctors from 15 different countries (Pakistan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Myanmar, Georgia, Nigeria, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Tanzania, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, South Sudan and Libya) was divided into 4 groups led by Group Leaders to represent each stakeholder group. Questionnaires addressing key challenges and solutions specific to each group were used to facilitate consensus development. Participants …

Chronic Diarrhea: A Rare Presentation Of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Saira Furqan, Sajjad Ali Khan, Dania Ali, Kaleemullah Badini

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymphatic system. There are two subtypes of Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Nodular lymphocyte predominant (NLPHL) and classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma which has further four types. It has a bimodal distribution and is more common among males. The most common presentation is painless swelling in the neck, armpit or groin region. Associated Symptoms include night sweats, unintentional weight loss, fever, persistent cough or dyspnea. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare occurrence. Diagnosis is based on hematological, radiological and histochemical studies. Here we report a rare presentation of a 47-year-old male who presented with symptoms of …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Endocrine Disease In Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Lyase Insufficiency: Case Series And Literature Review, Avinaash Maharaj, Ruth Kwong, Jack Williams, Christopher Smith, Helen Storr, Ruth Krone, Debora Braslavsky, Maria Clemente, Nanik Ram, Indraneel Banerjee

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SGPL1) insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS) is an autosomal recessive multi-system disorder, which mainly incorporates steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and primary adrenal insufficiency. Other variable endocrine manifestations are described. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively annotate the endocrinopathies associated with pathogenic SGPL1 variants and assess for genotype-phenotype correlations by retrospectively reviewing the reports of endocrine disease within our patient cohort and all published cases in the wider literature up to February 2022. Glucocorticoid insufficiency in early childhood is the most common endocrine manifestation affecting 64% of the 50 patients reported with SPLIS, and a third of these individuals have additional …

Neonatal Outcomes And Congenital Anomalies In Pregnancies Affected By Hypothyroidism, Zareen Kiran,, Aisha Sheikh, Khadija N Humayun, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Background: Maternal hypothyroidism has been reported to have concerns over neonatal outcomes, not only in the context of neurocognitive development but also in the short term as birth weight and neonatal jaundice.
Patients and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study on 638 cases who delivered live births in the Aga Khan University Hospital after ethical approval. Data were collected on hypothyroid pregnant females who were diagnosed before conception or during their antenatal visits during the year 2008-2016. Neonatal outcomes were noted for birth weight, maturity, and neonatal jaundice, neonatal hypothyroidism, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, hypocalcaemia, congenital anomalies, need …

Relationship Between Estimated Average Glucose (Eag) And Fasting Plasma Glucose In A Cohort Of Pakistani Diabetic Subjects, Nanik Ram, Sibtain Ahmed, Saadia Sattar, Saira Furqan, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Introduction: Scientific literature is scarce on the utility of estimated average glucose (eAG) from Pakistan. Hence, there is a dire need to evaluate the relationship between eAG and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), in order to enhance our understanding of eAG and its usefulness. This study aims to investigate the relationship between FPG and eAG in diabetic patients calculated using HbA1C.
Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. The medical records of both genders in the age range of 18-60 years, presenting as outpatients at the endocrine clinic, labeled as DM, were reviewed …

Clinical Outcomes Of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Observational Study From Pakistan, Bhagwan Das, Aisha Sheikh, Bilal Ahmed, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) use in the Pakistani population.
Methods: Retrospective review of initial 100 patients who were prescribed with any agent of the SGLT2i group from July 1, 2018, to January 2019 at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. SGLT2i was offered to patients of above 18 years of age with inadequate glycemic control on existing antidiabetic agents. Changes in HbA1c, the Body Mass Index (BMI), serum creatinine, any decrease in the requirement of insulin and sulphonylurea dose along with any side effects reported by the patients on follow-up visits.
Results: Most …

Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma In A Developing Country: A 10-Year Retrospective Study, Abdul Aziz, Qamar Masood, Saadia Sattar, Saira Fatima, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Background: The most common endocrine tumor is thyroid cancer. Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) accounts for 5-10% of all thyroid cancers. Patients with FTC frequently present with more advanced diseases and a higher occurrence of distant metastases because of the propensity of vascular invasion. FTC is mainly treated with surgery while radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is the main adjuvant therapy according to the American Thyroid Association guidelines.
Methodology: This was a retrospective observational study of FTC patients aged 18 and above conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi from January 01, 2010 to December 31, 2019.
Results: A total of …

Malignant And Non-Malignant Causes Of Hypercalcemia: A Retrospective Study At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Pakistan, Sabiha Banu, Sumera Batool, Saadia Sattar, Muhammad Qamar Masood

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Background: Hypercalcemia is a common electrolyte abnormality presenting with a variety of symptoms. The common causes are primary hyperparathyroidism and malignancy associated with hypercalcemia. However, iatrogenic hypercalcemia with the overzealous use of vitamin D has now emerged as another important cause of hypercalcemia over the past decade.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the causes of hypercalcemia, management strategies, and outcomes in patients admitted with hypercalcemia in a tertiary care hospital. Method: It is a retrospective study done at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi after taking approval from the ethical review committee (ERC). Data were gathered about all patients …

Sglt2i Use In Non-Diabetics, Sarah Nadeem, Masooma Rana, Kaleem Ahmed, Sanjay Kalra

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

No abstract provided.

Patterns Of Abnormal Glucose Metabolism In Acromegaly And Impact Of Treatment Modalities On Glucose Metabolism, Sajjad A. Khan, Nanik Ram, Qamar Masood

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Background: Chronic exposure to high levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) leads to metabolic complications, most importantly dysglycemia in the form of diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes. Dysglycemia if diagnosed early in the course of the disease can decrease complications. Treatment modalities in the form of surgery and medical therapy have varied impacts on glucose metabolism.
Objective: To determine the frequency of diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, and impaired fasting glucose in Pakistani patients with acromegaly and to establish the impact of the intervention (surgery/medical) on glucose metabolism.
Methods: This study was a retrospective review of …

Compliance Of Checking Hba1c In A Tertiary Care Hospital Of Pakistan, Abdul Aziz, Syed Ahsan Ali

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Background and objectives: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus worldwide was 171 million one and half decade ago, while the prediction is 366 million patients by 2030 and more than 640 million people by 2040. HbA1c value represents average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months and accounts for both pre-prandial and post-prandial blood glucose levels. A link between HbA1c and diabetic complications has been confirmed. In general, patients with controlled diabetes mellitus should have at least biannual testing, while patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or unmet glycemic targets should be tested every three months. The objective was to see compliance …

Response To Comments On Aisha Sheikh Et Al (J Pak Med Assoc. 70: 1477, 2020) Changing Prevalence Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus During Pregnancy Over More Than A Decade, Aisha Sheikh, Lumaan Sheikh

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

No abstract provided.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Experience From A Tertiary Care Centre In Pakistan, Tehseen Fatima, Bhagwan Das, Saadia Sattar, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objective: To study the clinical, biochemical and radiological features and management outcomes of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan and comprised data of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism from 2008 to 2017.
Results: Out of 103 patients, 83(80.6%) were female. Overall mean age was 59.3±16.2 years. Musculoskeletal manifestations were seen in 60(58.3%) patients and renal manifestations in 28(27.2%). Ostieits fibrosa cystica was found in 04(3.88%) patients. Overall, Ultrasound neck and sestamibi scan localized the lesion in 66 (64.1%) and 77 (76.2%) patients respectively. Among 79 patients who underwent surgery, …

Frequency Of Silent Carotid Artery Stenosis In Diabetics And Its Associated Factors: An Analysis In Tertiary Care Hospital, Faiza Sadaqat Ali, Nimrah Bader, Bader Faiyaz Zuberi, Sabiha Banu

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objective: To estimate frequency of silent carotid artery stenosis and its associated factors in diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary care Civil Hospital, Karachi from March 2019 to September 2019,. A total of 166 patients with Diabetes Mellitus were included in this study. Brief history was taken for the duration of DM, treatment, and smoking habits. Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) wafrs measured by Doppler ultrasound of right and left common, internal, and external carotid arteries.
Results: Frequency of silent carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in diabetic patients was observed in 28.92% (48/166) …

Localizing An Occult Insulinoma By Selective Calcium Arterial Stimulation Test: First Ever Experience And A New Dimension To Diagnosis In Pakistan, Muhammad Owais Rashid, Sumerah Jabeen, Zareen Kiran,, Khurram Minhas, Muhammad Azeemuddin, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Insulinomas are rare, usually benign, solitary tumours accounting for 60% of islet cell tumours. These tumours can be difficult to localize preoperatively due to their small size. We present a challenging case of a 40 year old male with frequent hypoglycaemic spells and endogenous hypoglycaemia who presented as a diagnostic dilemma. Patient had an occult insulinoma with inconclusive CT Abdomen, MRI Abdomen and Octreotide scan. The final localization of the tumour was made by selective arterial calcium stimulation testing (SCAT), done for the first time in Pakistan at Aga Khan University Hospital. This was followed by successful distal pancreatectomy as …

Vitamin D Usage Among Pakistani Population - Too Much Of A Good Thing, Bhagwan Das, Sarah Nadeem

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

No abstract provided.

The Utility Of Ultrasound In The Preoperative Localization Of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Insights From Pakistan, Tehseen Fatima, Bhagwan Das, Saadia Sattar, Sumerah Jabeen, Abid Abbas Khan, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objective: We aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US) and 99m-Tc sestamibi scintigraphy for the preoperative localization of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, and comprised the data of patients with PHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy from 2008 to 2017. Preoperative US and 99m-Tc sestamibi scintigraphy findings were recorded and compared to surgical and histological findings, which were taken as a reference standard.
Results: The sensitivity of US in the preoperative localization of PHPT was 88.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 94.6%, and accuracy …

Changing Prevalence Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus During Pregnancy Over More Than A Decade, Aisha Sheikh, Lumaan Sheikh

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

No abstract provided.

The Outcomes Of Dapagliflozin Use In Real-Life Clinical Settings In Endocrinology Clinics Of Islamabad, Pakistan, Matiullah Kamin, Osama Ishtiaq, Kashif Raashid, Muhammad Umar Wahab, Sajjad A. Khan, Umar Raja

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Introduction: Dapagliflozin is a member of a novel class of drugs (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors) used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and licensed in Pakistan in 2017. This retrospective observational study evaluated the effects of dapagliflozin on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations in patients treated at endocrinology clinics in Islamabad, Pakistan. The secondary objectives included assessing the effects of dapagliflozin on weight reduction and blood pressure control and to determining its safety.
Methodology: Patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with dapagliflozin were identified by screening the electronic medical records at tertiary care hospitals in Islamabad. Data were collected at …

Levosulpiride-Induced Hyperprolactinemia, Sarah Nadeem, Bhagwan Das

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

No abstract provided.

Efficacy Of Liraglutide In Clinical Practice: Single Centre Experience, Owais Rashid, Sumerah Jabeen, Adeel Khoja, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Background and objective: GLP-one receptor agonists are amongst the unique antidiabetes medications that have significant metabolic and cardiovascular benefits in addition to glucose lowering effect. To best of our knowledge, there is no published data on efficacy of liraglutide use among Pakistani population.Our objective was to ascertain the efficacy of liraglutide use among type two diabetes patients.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Endocrinology Clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Karachi, Pakistan during the period from July 01, 2016 to 30th June, 2017. Liraglutide was prescribed to 68 obese type two diabetes patients with uncontrolled diabetes taking …

Is It T3 Thyrotoxicosis? A Case Of Falsely Elevated Tri-Iodothyronine (T3) Levels Leading To A Diagnosis Of Multiple Myeloma, Nanik Ram, Saira Furqan, Sibtain Ahmed

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

We are presenting a case of falsely elevated T3 levels in a patient due to interference from monoclonal immunoglobulins. A 56-year-old, clinically euthyroid man referred to the endocrinology clinic of the Aga Khan university, Karachi Pakistan, for possible T3 thyrotoxicosis after thyroid function tests revealed total T3 >12.32 nmol/L (reference range 0.6-2.79), normal TSH, and total T4 level. There was a mismatch in clinical and laboratory parameters and preliminary laboratory results were suggestive of thyroid binding globulin abnormalities. Further evaluation in this context unmasked multiple myeloma. The presence of monoclonal immunoglobulins can lead to assay interference and spurious results. To …

Maternal Characteristics And Outcomes Affected By Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy (Maternal Hypothyroidism On Pregnancy Outcomes, Mhpo-1), Zareen Kiran, Aisha Sheikh, Sarwar Malik, Areeba Meraj, Maha Masood, Safana Ismail, Owais Rashid, Quratulain Shaikh, Numan Majeed, Lumaan Sheikh, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Background: Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is an arena of ongoing research, with international conflicts regarding screening, management, and outcomes. Various studies have described the outcomes depending on geographical and international diagnostic criteria. No study has been conducted in this regard from the region of Pakistan. Therefore, we aim to report the clinical features and maternal outcomes of hypothyroid pregnancies and compare the maternal outcomes between uncontrolled and controlled TSH levels in the preconception as well as the gestational period.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study on 718 cases in the Aga Khan University Hospital after ethical approval. We collected information …

Morning Cortisol As An Alternative To Short Synecthan Test For The Diagnosis Of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency, Imran Ulhaq, Tauseef Ahmad, Adeel Khoja, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objective: To determine 7-9 am serum cortisol less than 5mcg/dl is an independent reliable confirmatory test for the diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI).

Methods: A total of 164 patients who visited the outpatient or inpatient department of Aga Khan University Hospital from June 2011 to June 2017 were included for the study. All those patients whose levels came out less than 5mcg/dl were recruited for the study and they all underwent SST. Other demographic and laboratory data were also recorded.

Results: The sensitivity of morning cortisol for diagnosis of PAI is 100% if levels are <1mcg/dl and decreases to 71.88% if levels are up to 5mcg/dl.

Conclusion: Morning cortisol is …

Hypopituitarism Other Than Sellar And Parasellar Tumors Or Traumatic Brain Injury Assessed In A Tertiary Hospital, Sarwar Malik, Zareen Kiran,, Owais Rashid, Minaz Mawani, Asma Gulab, Qamar Masood, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objective: Data regarding the etiology, clinical and biochemical patterns in hypopituitarism is scant for Pakistan. We describe the characteristics of patients with hypopituitarism other than sellar and parasellar tumors or traumatic brain injury from a tertiary care center in Pakistan.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study in the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. We studied all patients presenting with hypopituitarism, between January 2004 and December 2013. Clinical, hormonal and imaging data pertinent to the study was collected according to inclusion criteria.

Results: Forty-two patients presented to the endocrinology clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital during the study …

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors In Pakistani Population With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Selected Family Practitioner Clinics In Four Provinces Of Pakistan (Cardip Study), Syed Abbas Raza, Mariam Hassan, Farhana Badar, Farah Rasheed, Fouzia Meerza, Sumeyya Azam, Ali Jawa, Imtiaz Hassan, Faisal Masood Qureshi, Najmul Islam

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objective: To explore cardiovascular risk factors in people with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: The cross-sectional, prospective, multicentre, study was conducted from June 2014 till July 2015 at family practice clinics in 27 cities across Pakistan, and comprised individuals aged 30-50 years diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus within the preceding six months. Laboratory investigations were conducted at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, and Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. The 10-year absolute risk of fatal or non-fatal coronary heart disease and stroke was calculated using the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Risk Engine version 2.0. …

Rationale And Protocol For Estimating The Economic Value Of A Multicomponent Quality Improvement Strategy For Diabetes Care In South Asia, Kavita Singh, Mohammed K. Ali, Raji Devarajan, Roopa Shivashankar, Dimple Kondal, Vamadevan S. Ajay, V. Usha Menon, Premlata K. Varthakavi, Vijay Viswanathan, Qamar Masood

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Background: Economic dimensions of implementing quality improvement for diabetes care are understudied worldwide. We describe the economic evaluation protocol within a randomised controlled trial that tested a multi-component quality improvement (QI) strategy for individuals with poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes in South Asia.

Methods/Design: This economic evaluation of the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) randomised trial involved 1146 people with poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes receiving care at 10 diverse diabetes clinics across India and Pakistan. The economic evaluation comprises both a within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis (mean 2.5 years follow up) and a microsimulation model-based cost-utility analysis (life-time horizon). …

Diabetes Prevalence Survey Of Pakistan (Dps-Pak): Prevalence Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus And Prediabetes Using Hba1c: A Population-Based Survey From Pakistan, Azizul L Hasan Aamir, Saeed A. Mahar, Faisal Masood Qureshi, Ibrar Ahmad, Ali Jawa, Aisha Sheikh, Abbas Raza, Sheraz Fazid, Zahid Jadoon, Osama Ishtiaq

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objectives: We conducted a Pakistan-wide community-based survey on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as the screening test. The aim was to estimate diabetes prevalence across different demographic groups as well as all regions of Pakistan.

Design, settings and participants: Multistaged stratified cluster sampling was used for the representative selection of people aged ≥20 years, residing in 378 sampled clusters of 16 randomly selected districts, in this cross-sectional study. Eligible participants had blood drawn for HbA1c analyses at field clinics near to their homes. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted on a subsample of …

Impact Of Ramadan Fasting On Thyroid Status And Quality Of Life In Patients With Primary Hypothyroidism: A Prospective Cohort Study From Karachi, Pakistan, Aisha Sheikh, Minaz Mawani, Saeed Ahmed Mahar

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

Objective: Ramadan is the ninth month in the lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from predawn to sunset and major changes occur in their dietary, sleep, and physical activity patterns. Most patients with hypothyroidism are unable to comply with the proper timings of levothyroxine (LT4) administration. The objective of the study was to determine the change in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and quality of life (QOL) before and after Ramadan in patients with primary hypothyroidism.
Methods: This prospective cohort study included adult patients on stable doses of LT4 who fasted for at least 20 days during the month of Ramadan …

Compound Heterozygosity For A Whole Gene Deletion And P.R124c Mutation In Cyp21a2 Causing Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Hamza Nasir, Syed Ibaad Ali, N Haque, Stefan K. Grebe, Salman Kirmani

Section of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism

We present a family with 2 members who received long-term steroid treatment for presumed classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, until molecular testing revealed nonclassic CAH, not necessarily requiring treatment. A 17-year-old male presented to our clinic on glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid treatment for classic CAH. He was diagnosed at 4 years of age based on mild-moderate elevations of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), but without evidence of precocious adrenarche/puberty. Due to his diagnosis, his clinically asymptomatic 3-year-old sister was tested and also found to have elevated ACTH and 17-OHP levels and was started on glucocorticoids for …