James V. Felicetta

Lack of Association Between Thiazolidinediones and Macular Edema in Type 2 Diabetes: The ACCORD Eye Substudy

OBJECTIVE To assess the cross-sectional association of thiazolidinediones with diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS The cross-sectional association of DME and visual acuity with thiazolidinediones was examined by means of baseline fundus photographs and visual acuity measurements from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial. Visual acuity was assessed in 9690 participants in the ACCORD trial, and 3473 of these participants had fundus photographs that were centrally read in a standardized fashion by masked graders to assess DME and retinopathy from October 23, 2003, to March 10, 2006. RESULTS Among the subsample, 695 (20.0%) people had used thiazolidinediones, whereas 217 (6.2%) people had DME. Thiazolidinedione use was not associated with DME in unadjusted (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.44; P = .95) and adjusted (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.67-1.40; P = .86) analyses. Significant associations with DME were found for retinopathy severity (P < .001) and age (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.952-0.997; P = .03) but not for hemoglobin A(1c) (P = .06), duration of diabetes (P = .65), sex (P = .72), and ethnicity (P = .20). Thiazolidinedione use was associated with slightly greater visual acuity (0.79 letter; 95% CI, 0.20-1.38; P = .009) of uncertain clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS In a cross-sectional analysis of data from the largest study to date, no association was observed between thiazolidinedione exposure and DME in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, we cannot exclude a modest protective or harmful association. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00542178.

Effects of illness on thyroid function tests.

Severe illness of any type predictably leads to abnormal results on thyroid function tests. The first apparent changes are a decrease in total triiodothyronine (T3) and an increase in reverse T3. As disease progresses, a marked decline in thyroxine and an increase in T3 resin uptake are observed. Thyrotropin levels remain normal, confirming that the patient is euthyroid despite marked alterations in thyroid function tests. Supplemental thyroid hormone has never been shown to be of any value, and may indeed be harmful, in euthyroid patients with abnormal thyroid function. Recognition of the euthyroid sick syndrome is vital to avoid needless therapy.

Hypothyroidism: A Comprehensive Review

&NA; Hypothyroidism is a common clinical entity encountered frequently in most adult primary care settings. The reported prevalence in the general population is approximately 3% in men, but as high as 10% in women (Sawin, Geller, Hershman, Castelli, & Bacharach, 1989). The disease process affects every major organ system, contributing to a broad range of symptoms. Clinicians need to be familiar with the signs, the symptoms, and the appropriate laboratory studies, so that timely and accurate diagnoses can be made. This article reviews normal thyroid physiology and thyroid pathophysiology, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of several important clinical entities resulting in hypothyroidism. Research findings are included insofar as they relate to current clinical practice.

Thyroid disease in the elderly. Special features, changes in management.

Many changes in thyroid physiology occur with aging. These changes correlate with major alterations in the normal physiologic functioning of the thyroid and with changes in thyroid hormone levels as measured by radioimmunoassay. Clinical manifestations of thyroid disease in elderly patients may be somewhat different than in younger patients. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be more difficult to diagnose in elderly patients because of subtle changes in disease presentation. The incidence of certain thyroid diseases, from benign single nodules to malignant anaplastic carcinoma, increases with age. A deliberate and cautious approach is needed when treating thyroid disease in the elderly, who are inherently more fragile than younger patients.

Hyperthyroidism: a comprehensive review.

&NA; Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder encountered in adult primary care clinics. This article reviews normal thyroid physiology as well as the pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical signs and symptoms, and diagnostic tests and treatment for the most common clinical hyperthyroid entities. Current research is also discussed as it relates to clinical practice.

Evaluating arthritic complaints.

&NA; Adults with arthritic conditions are seen frequently in primary care clinics. However, more than 100 different entities can produce joint and muscle symptoms, which makes it challenging to correctly diagnose musculoskeletal complaints. There are several logical steps to follow in assessing joint disorders. The first is to differentiate between what is and what is not arthritis. Additional steps necessary for an appropriate diagnosis include analysis of a thorough history, physical examination, and laboratory and X‐ray results. It is of critical importance to identify the most common forms of arthritis, as well as the specific conditions that require immediate referral. The onset, incidence, findings and pathophysiology of the following entities in the adult population are discussed: septic arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, the crystal‐induced diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and arthritis, the seronegative spondyloarthropathies and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Age-related changes in calcium metabolism: Why they occur and what can be done

Aging has myriad effects on calcium homeostasis and metabolism. Levels of parathyroid hormone rise, making the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism more difficult. Vitamin D levels decline, affecting the rate of calcium absorption from the intestine. As more and more physicians attempt to combat osteoporosis with calcium supplements, an increasing number of cases of hyperparathyroidism will likely be diagnosed. The use of supplemental calcium is probably appropriate for most elderly patients, particularly white women, but experimental evidence supporting this recommendation is surprisingly scanty. The patients age is a major consideration when assessing laboratory results, disease risk, and optimal therapeutic strategies.

When to worry about hypoglycemia

The important causes of hypoglycemia unrelated to known diabetes are relatively few. Postprandial hypoglycemia is a relatively benign disorder. Fasting hypoglycemia is more serious and may be caused by metabolic disturbances or tumors. Several hereditary disorders cause hypoglycemia in infants and must be diagnosed and treated before serious damage occurs. A systematic clinical approach increases the likelihood of making the correct diagnosis in a timely fashion.

Treating diabetes in the elderly. What are the special considerations

Management of diabetes in elderly patients generally follows the same lines as in younger patients; that is, improvement of blood glucose status with diet, oral hypoglycemic, and insulin therapy as required. Older patients are more fragile, however, and more caution must be used with therapeutic interventions.

Cushing's syndrome. How to pinpoint and treat the underlying cause.

In addition to prolonged glucocorticoid therapy (not discussed here), at least five other conditions cause Cushings syndrome. They are excessive corticotropin secretion by the pituitary gland (which results in Cushings disease), ectopic production of corticotropin by malignant nonpituitary tumors, benign adrenal adenoma, adrenal carcinoma, and primary adrenocortical nodular dysplasia. Each can be distinguished by a specific pathophysiologic process that triggers the adrenal glands to overproduce glucocorticoids. At present, diagnosis of Cushings syndrome or disease relies heavily on the dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) suppression test. After diagnosis, other studies, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and corticotropin radioimmunoassay, can be used to localize the site of the lesion. Treatment, of course, depends on the underlying cause.