June 2020 Extra Articles

Can Gluten-free Diet Help Lymphocytic Hypophysitis?

A study featured on celiac.com finds that a gluten-free diet in patients with celiac disease can help with lymphocytic hypophysitis. Read more:
https://www.celiac.com/articles.html/gluten-free-diet-in-patients-with-celiac-disease-triggers-remission-of-pituitary-autoimmunity-r5205/.

Anaesthetics and Pituitary Function After Transsphenoidal Surgery

A study reviewed on MDLinx found that 3 months after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, patients who were given sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia had similar outcomes.Read more : https://www.mdlinx.com/journal-summary/effects-of-anesthetics-on-postoperative-3-month-neuroendocrine-function-after-endoscopic/2uw6Cym7fYvY2R1nr5Bwko

Sea Cucumbers And the Pituitary

An article in phys.org discusses a scientific theory that the kisspeptin system that controls hormones can be traced biologically back in evolution to the sea cucumber. Read more: https://phys.org/news/2020-06-scientists-ancient-key-hormone.html

Hydrocortisone Not Recommended for Adrenal Insufficiency in Prader-Willi

An article in praderwillinews looks at new recommendations that people with adrenal insufficiency due to Prader-Willi syndrome avoid hydrocortisone. Read more: https://praderwillinews.com/2020/05/26/cortisol-deficiency-rare-in-pws-patients-routine-hydrocortisone-replacement-therapy-not-advised-study/

PNA Spotlight: Dr. Edward El Rassi

This month the PNA Spotlight shines on Dr. Edward El Rassi, Assistant Professor of
Rhinology, Allergy, and Skull Base Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, OK. He attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine graduating with special distinction. He then completed residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. After residency, he furthered his training by completing a fellowship in Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. He was kind enough to answer some questions from the PNA. His answers follow.

Medical Corner June 2020

PNA Medical Corner: Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Acromegaly.

This month the PNA Medical Corner showcases an article co-written by PNA member Dr. Jason Sheehan of the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. The authors reviewed many studies on the outcomes in stereotactic radiosurgery for acromegaly and conclude that patients achieved endocrine remission and control of about 60-70 percent over time, with visual loss being an uncommon side-effect.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Acromegaly: An International Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes
Raj Singh 1, Prabhanjan Didwania 2, Eric J Lehrer 3, Darrah Sheehan 4, Kimball Sheehan 4, Daniel M Trifiletti 5, Jason P Sheehan 6
Affiliations expand
PMID: 32506372 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03552-2

Abstract

Introduction: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes for patients with acromegaly treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).

Research Articles June 2020

Knowledge is power and we believe keeping abreast of news on the research front is imperative. Each month in Highlights we feature a few of the top news stories, which you can read below. In addition, we update our website on a regular basis with the latest breaking news related to pituitary and hormonal disorders by gathering stories we think you'll be interested in from MD Linx, Medscape, MedPage Today, PubMed, Touch Endocrinology, News-Medical.net and WebMD.

Pituitary Adenoma Clinical Trial

There are limited treatment options for pituitary adenomas outside of surgery, radiation and endocrine therapy. Recent data indicate that some pituitary adenomas can respond to chemotherapy, such as temozolomide (TMZ). Further, studies of other neuroendocrine tumors have shown that the addition of another chemotherapy agent, capecitabine (CAP), may allow better responses. This is an open label study to assess the efficacy of capecitabine (CAP) and temozolomide (TMZ) in recurrent pituitary adenomas. Patients are treated in 28-day cycles with both agents (up to six cycles) with MRI imaging completed after every two cycles, and they are followed closely for any potential side effects associated with treatment. This trial may be a good option for patients who cannot (or prefer not to) receive additional radiation therapy or surgery.

Capecitabine and Temozolomide for Treatment of Recurrent Pituitary Adenomas (TMZ-Cap)