Endocrine Abstracts

Parathyroid hormone(PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands to regulate the concentration of ionised calcium in extracellular fluid.Any change in ionised calcium is followed by reciprocal changes in PTH secretion. PTH acts on the kidney to increase the renal tubular reabsorption of calcium and to increase the synthesis of the hormonal metabolite of vitamin D which enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium. Prolonged PTH secretion increases calcium release from bone as a...

Bisphosphonates are widely prescribed for the treatment of a number of commonly occurring conditions. With the advent of a number of different bisphosphonate preparations, and an increasing evidence base for their application in clinical practice, there is a need to appreciate the various practical aspects of their use.Their indications and administration methods will be reviewed along with some of the clinical evidence supporting their use to improve ou...

The treatment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) with growth hormone (GH) leads to increased bone turnover, new bone formations and increased bone mineral density (BMD). This response is paralleled by an increased demand for bone substrate. We present a case in which the increased turnover induced by GH treatment revealed previously occult metabolic bone disease.The patient a 56-year-old male with panhypopituitarism following treatment for acromegaly, co...

Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterised by reduced bone mineral density, predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture. An estimated 3 million people in the UK suffer from the condition, most of these are women. Early intervention is important because bone loss is progressive and so is the risk of fracture.A 28 year old lady presented to a local hospital complaining of pain in her right hip which caused her to limp. She was ...