Stefan K. G. Grebe

Acidic isoforms of chorionic gonadotrophin in European and Samoan women are associated with hyperemesis gravidarum and may be thyrotrophic.

There is conflicting evidence concerning the role of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in the aetiology of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG); particular isoforms of hCG may be the critical factor. Ethnic differences in HG prevalence and putative thyrotrophic effects of hCG may also relate to differences in hCG isoform profiles. To address these issues we examined the relationship of hCG isoforms to HG and thyroid function tests in two groups of women from ethnic backgrounds with significantly different HG prevalence rates.

A randomized trial of short-term treatment of Graves' disease with high-dose carbimazole plus thyroxine versus low-dose carbimazole

The optimal treatment regimen with thionamide drugs remains a matter for debate. We have investigated whether high doses of carbimazole, when compared with low doses, reduce relapse rates of Graves disease.

Inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate suppresses the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis in a dose dependent manner

Little is known about the dose–response relationship of potential, unwanted, effects of inhaled beclomethasone (BDP) on the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, particularly in non‐specialist clinic settings. The purpose of our study was to investigate the dose–response relationship of inhaled BDP on the HPA axis in a general practice patient population. We also explored the optimal testing strategy in this population and correlated effects of inhaled BDP on the HPA axis with other systemic corticosteroid side effects.