Pyoderma Gangrenosum Associated with Sclerosing Cholangitis, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Ulcerative Colitis

We describe the case of a 22-year-old black female with type 1 diabetes mellitus diagnosed when she was 12 years old. She first presented (March 1994) with pustules and ulcerations on the upper and lower limbs, trunk and scalp at the age 17. The diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum was made. Since presentation, changes in liver function were detected and subsequent study led to the diagnosis of sclerosing cholangitis. The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was made after colonoscopy. Partial response was obtained with minocycline and clofazimine, but treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid achieved no improvement of the ulcerations. Liver transplantation, followed by immunosuppressive therapy led to complete regression of the cutaneous lesions.

Hipotiroidismo Associado a Anticorpos Anti-Receptor da Hormona TSH com Ação Bloqueadora Determinada In Vitro

Thyroid-stimulating hormone-receptor autoantibodies normally causes hyperthyroidism. However, they might have blocking activity causing hypothyroidism. A 11-year-old girl followed due to type 1 diabetes mellitus, celiac disease and euthyroid lymphocytic thyroiditis at diagnosis. Two years after the initial evaluation, thyroid-stimulating hormone was suppressed with normal free T4; nine months later, a biochemical evolution to hypothyroidism with thyroid-stimulating hormone-receptor autoantibodies elevation was seen; the patient remained always asymptomatic. Chinese hamster ovary cells were transfected with the recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone -receptor, and then exposed to the patient's serum; it was estimated a 'moderate' blocking activity of these thyroid-stimulating hormone-receptor autoantibodies, and concomitantly excluded stimulating action. In this case, the acknowledgment of the blocking activity of the serum thyroid-stimulating hormone-receptor autoantibodies, supported the hypothesis of a multifactorial aetiology of the hypothyroidism, which in the absence of the in vitro tests, we would consider only as a consequence of the destructive process associated to lymphocytic thyroiditis.

Diabetes Mellitus and Renal Disease: When to Perform a Renal Biopsy?

Background: Several studies suggest that nondiabetic renal disease (NDRD) is common in patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this analysis of renal biopsies in diabetic patients was (a) to assess the prevalence and type of NDRD and (b) to identify its clinical and laboratory predictors. Methods: This retrospective study analysed clinical and laboratory data and biopsy findings in diabetic patients observed by a single pathologist over the past 25 years. Based on biopsy findings, patients were categorised as (i) isolated diabetic nephropathy,(ii) isolated NDRD and (iii) NDRD superimposed on diabetic nephropathy. Results: Of the 236 patients studied, 60% were male and the mean age was 56.3 (±14.2) years. Of these, 91% had known diabetes mellitus at the time of biopsy (13% type 1 and 87% type 2). Isolated diabetic nephropathy was found in 125 (53%), isolated NDRD in 89 (38%) and NDRD superimposed on diabetic nephropathy in 22 (9%) patients. The main indication for biopsy in the three groups was nephrotic proteinuria. Patients with isolated NDRD and NDRD superimposed on diabetic nephropathy presented acute deterioration of renal function more frequently (p<0.001) and had more microhaematuria(p<0.001) as indications for renal biopsy. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous nephropathy were the most frequent diagnoses in patients with NDRD. Patients with isolated diabetic nephropathy were younger (p=0.02), presented a longer duration of diabetes mellitus (p<0.001) and had more frequent retinopathy (p<0.001). The prevalence of microhaematuria was higher in patients with isolated or superimposed NDRD (p=0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of NDRD (either isolated or superimposed on diabetes mellitus) is remarkably frequent in diabetic patients in whom nephrologists consider renal biopsy an appropriate measure. Predictors of NDRD were older age, shorter duration of diabetes mellitus, absence of retinopathy and presence of microhaematuria.

The Use of Statins in People at Risk of Developing Diabetes Mellitus: Evidence and Guidance for Clinical Practice

Reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels using statins is associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular (CV) events in a wide range of patient populations. Although statins are generally considered to be safe, recent studies suggest they are associated with an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (T2D). This led the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to change their labelling requirements for statins to include a warning about the possibility of increased blood sugar and HbA1c levels and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to issue guidance on a small increased risk of T2D with the statin class. This review examines the evidence leading to these claims and provides practical guidance for primary care physicians on the use of statins in people with or at risk of developing T2D. Overall, evidence suggests that the benefits of statins for the reduction of CV risk far outweigh the risk of developing T2D, especially in individuals with higher CV risk. To reduce the risk of developing T2D, physicians should assess all patients for T2D risk prior to starting statin therapy, educate patients about their risks, and encourage risk-reduction through lifestyle changes. Whether some statins are more diabetogenic than others requires further study. Statin-treated patients at high risk of developing T2D should regularly be monitored for changes in blood glucose or HbA1c levels, and the risk of conversion from pre-diabetes to T2D should be reduced by intensifying lifestyle changes. Should a patient develop T2D during statin treatment, physicians should continue with statin therapy and manage T2D in accordance with relevant national guidelines.

A Diabetes Mellitus e suas Complicações. Relembrar para Prevenir

Após breve referência aos principais programas de controlo das complicações da Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, Declaração de St. Vincent, DiabCare), apresentam-se algumas propostas de revisão da sua classificação e dos critérios de diagnóstico. Abordam-se alguns conceitos actuais da sua fisiopatologia, descrevendo-se em seguida cada uma das suas complicações com ênfase nos aspectos essenciais da prevenção, diagnóstico precoce e terapêutica.