Search

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) occurs in approximately 20–40% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with DKD have a higher risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and antihyperglycemic drugs form the mainstay of DKD management and aim to restrict progression to more severe stages of DKD. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) control hyperglycemia by blocking renal glucose reabsorption in addition to preventing inflammation, thereby improving endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress; consequently, this class of prescription medicines is emerging as an important addition to the therapeutic armamentarium. The EMPA-REG OUTCOME, DECLARE TIMI 58, and CANVAS trials demonstrated the renoprotective effects of SGLT2i, such as restricting decline in glomerular filtration rate, in the progression of albuminuria, and in death due to renal causes. The renoprotection provided by SGLT2i was further confirmed in the CREDENCE study, which showed a 30% reduction in progression of chronic kidney disease, and in the DELIGHT study, which demonstrated a reduction in albuminuria with dapagliflozin compared with placebo (− 21.0%, confidence interval [CI] − 34.1 to − 5.2, p = 0.011). Furthermore, a meta-analysis demonstrated a reduced risk of dialysis, transplantation, or death due to kidney disease (relative risk 0.67; 95% CI 0.52–0.86; p = 0.0019) and a 45% risk reduction in worsening of renal function, end-stage renal disease, or renal death (hazard ratio 0.55, CI 0.48–0.64, p

Objectives 46, XY difference/disorder of sex development (DSD) is a relatively uncommon group of heterogeneous disorders with varying degree of underandrogenization of male genitalia. Such patients should be approached systematically to reach an aetiological diagnosis. However, we lack, at present, a clinical practice guideline on diagnostic approach in 46, XY DSD from this part of the globe. Moreover, debate persists regarding the timing and cut-offs of different hormonal tests, performed in these cases. The consensus committee consisting of 34 highly experienced endocrinologists with interest and experience in managing DSD discussed and drafted a consensus statement on the diagnostic approach to 46, XY DSD focussing on relevant history, clinical examination, biochemical evaluation, imaging and genetic analysis. Content The consensus was guided by systematic reviews of existing literature followed by discussion. An initial draft was prepared and distributed among the members. The members provided their scientific inputs, and all the relevant suggestions were incorporated. The final draft was approved by the committee members. Summary The diagnostic approach in 46, XY DSD should be multidisciplinary although coordinated by an experienced endocrinologist. We recommend formal Karyotyping, even if Y chromosome material has been detected by other methods. Meticulous history taking and thorough head-to-toe examination should initially be performed with focus on external genitalia, including location of gonads. Decision regarding hormonal and other biochemical investigations should be made according to the age and interpreted according to age-appropriate norms Although LC-MS/MS is the preferred mode of steroid hormone measurements, immunoassays, which are widely available and less expensive, are acceptable alternatives. All patients with 46, XY DSD should undergo abdominopelvic ultrasonography by a trained radiologist. MRI of the abdomen and/or laparoscopy may be used to demonstrate the Mullerian structure and/or to localize the gonads. Genetic studies, which include copy number variation (CNV) or molecular testing of a candidate gene or next generation sequencing then should be ordered in a stepwise manner depending on the clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and radiological findings. Outlook The members of the committee believe that patients with 46, XY DSD need to be approached systematically. The proposed diagnostic algorithm, provided in the consensus statement, is cost effective and when supplemented with appropriate genetic studies, may help to reach an aetiological diagnosis in majority of such cases.

A case of adult onset primary hypoparathyroidism is reported highlighting the effect of phenytoin therapy on calcium metabolism. This patient of brain calcinosis syndrome (BCS) presented with refractory status epilepticus despite on full dose phenytoin. Seizures were controlled with correction of hypocalcemia. A change of anti-epileptic therapy to lamotrigine and supplementation with calcium and calcitriol kept the patient seizure free for last 10 months till last follow up. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bccj.v1i2.17203 Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2013; 1 (2): 99-101

Ectopic neurohypophysis (EN) is found in nearly half of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Rathke′s cyst (RC) is uncommon in children and when present, hypopituitarism is found in nearly half of them. We present a fourteen and half-year-old girl with severe short stature and delayed puberty who on evaluation was found to have GHD, secondary hypocortisolism, and hypogonadism. Imaging revealed hypoplastic anterior pituitary, stalk agenesis, EN at tuber cinereum and intrapituitary RC. This is perhaps the first report of simultaneous occurrence of EN and RC, which was seen in a girl with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. A primary defect in pituitary development may explain this simultaneous occurrence of EN and RC and hence this severe anterior pituitary function deficit.

Ovotesticular disorder of sexual differentiation (OTDSD) is a rare cause of disorder of sexual differentiation predominantly having 46,XX karyotype, female phenotype and ambiguous genitalia. We report a 15-year-old having male body habitus, axillary and pubic hair, well-developed penis and right-descended testis with history of penoscrotal hypospadias correction, presenting with three episodes of cyclical haematuria, who biochemically had normal serum testosterone (338 ng dl(-1) ) which increased following hCG stimulation (614 ng dl(-1) ), elevated estradiol (17.35 pg ml(-1) ) along with elevated luteinising hormone (11.3 mIU l(-1) ) and follicle-stimulating hormone (31 mIU l(-1) ). Ultrasonography followed by micturating cystourethrogram and cystoscopy confirmed the presence of prostate, uterus, cervix and vagina draining into the urogenital sinus continuing till the penile urethra and left intra-abdominal gonad. Patient underwent hysterectomy and left gonadectomy. Histopathologic study of resected gonad confirmed presence of ovotestis. Low estradiol (1.2 pg ml(-1) ) following gonadectomy confirmed the ovotestis origin of estradiol. Chromosomal analysis revealed complex karyotype predominant being 47,XYY (50%) followed by 46,XY (26%) and 45,X (24%). This is perhaps the first report of 47,XYY/46,XY/45,X causing OTDSD in a phenotypic male.

In this part of world, the mode of presentation of type 2 diabetes is enormously varied and infections may be the first presenting feature of previously unknown diabetes. In this case, we report an initial way of presentation of type 2 diabetes mellitus as emphysematous pyelonephritis. He was treated successfully by antibiotics and percutaneous drainage. Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare life-threatening gas-producing, necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma and surrounding areas which can be focal or diffuse and may spread to the collecting system or perinephric tissues. It is rapidly progressive and fatal if untreated. Prompt recognition and aggressive treatment helps in complete recovery of patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bccj.v2i1.19971 Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2014; 2 (1): 46-47

Empty Sella Syndrome (ESS) may be asymptomatic or manifested as features of multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. In a patient of suspected hypopituitarism, multiple pituitary hormonal axes should be tested to rule out concomitant hormones deficiencies. In Hypopituitarism, treatment of hypoadrenalism should be undertaken first before giving levothyroxine replacement to prevent adrenal insufficiency. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bccj.v1i2.17206 Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2013; 1 (2): 107-108

Various patterns of calcifications may be seen in thyroid cancers on ultrasonography (USG) of thyroid. 1 Coarse calcifications seen in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) are generally associated with posterior shadowing on thyroid ultrasound. 2 We briefly report this case of MTC with an emphasis on its radiological features