Endocrine
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The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of thyroglobulin (Tg) kinetics in predicting 2-[18F]-FDG-PET/CT results and overall survival (OS) in patients affected by differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and suspected recurrence. ⋯ Tg kinetics may help to predict 2-[18F]-FDG-PET/CT results in DTC patients with negative [131I]WBS and detectable Tg, especially in case of low-moderate Tg.
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The incidence of pituitary adenoma (PA) increases with age. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) in elderly patients is often considered to have greater risk compared to the younger population. The aim of this study is to compare surgical results, evolution and postoperative complications between elderly and young patients undergoing TSS. ⋯ Our results support the safety and efficacy of TSS in elderly patients with PA. Age should not be considered an exclusion criterion for TSS given that successful results can be achieved if an experienced pituitary team is available.
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In the phase III CLARINET study (NCT00353496), lanreotide autogel/depot (lanreotide) significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) vs placebo in patients with non-functioning intestinal or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). The aim of CLARINET open-label extension (OLE) (NCT00842348) was to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of lanreotide in these patients. ⋯ This study provides new evidence on the long-term safety profile and sustained anti-tumour effects of lanreotide autogel/depot in indolent and progressive metastatic intestinal or pancreatic NETs.
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Throughout the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, multiple reports show higher percentages of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality among men than women, indicating that men are more affected by COVID-19. The pathophysiology of this difference is yet not established, but recent studies suggest that sex hormones may influence the viral infectivity process. Here, we review the current evidence of androgen sensitivity as a decisive factor for COVID-19 disease severity. ⋯ Androgen's TMPRSS2-mediated actions might explain both the low fatalities observed in prepubertal children and the differences between sexes regarding SARS-COV2 infection. Androgen sensitivity may be a critical factor in determining COVID-19 disease severity, and sensitivity tests can, therefore, help in predicting patient outcomes.
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The length of time a critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient remains infectious and should therefore be isolated remains unknown. This prospective study was undertaken in critically ill patients to evaluate the reliability of single negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in lower tracheal aspirates (LTA) in predicting a second negative test and to analyze clinical factors potentially influencing the viral shedding. ⋯ Intubated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may have prolonged SARS-CoV-2 shedding. In critically ill COVID-19 patients, one negative LTA should be sufficient to assess and exclude infectivity.