Thyroid storm is a severe manifestation of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid storm is diagnosed as a combination of thyroid function studies showing low to undetectable thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (<0.01mU/L) with elevated free thyroxine (T4) and/or triiodothyronine (T3), positive thyroid receptor antibody (TRab) (if Graves' disease is the underlying etiology), and with clinical signs and symptoms of end organ damage. Treatment involves bridging to a euthyroid state prior to total thyroidectomy or radioactive iodine ablation to limit surgical complications such as excessive bleeding from highly vascular hyperthyroid tissue or exacerbation of thyrotoxicosis. The purpose of this article is a clinical review of the various treatments and methodologies to achieve a euthyroid state in patients with thyroid storm prior to definitive therapy.
Diabetic glomerular disease is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation pays a major role in the development of diabetic kidney disease. Microalbuminuria predicts the development of proteinuria and chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients. RAAS blockers are the first line of therapy for diabetic patients with hypertension. They are also used to treat microalbuminuria even in normotensive diabetics. Head to head trials have shown that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) have an equal effect in reducing blood pressure and microalbuminuria in diabetic patients. Direct renin inhibitors are the newest addition to RAAS blockers that block the rate-limiting step in the RAAS pathway. Dual blockage with ACE-Is and ARBs are not recommended. While there is better blood pressure reduction with the combination, there are no further beneficial effects on microalbuminuria and an increased incidence of hypotension, hyperkalemia, syncope and renal dysfunction. The progression of microalbuminuria to proteinuria has decreased significantly in the last 20 years as a result of better blood sugar and blood pressure control and the use of RAAS blockers.
Abstract Background: Currently there are no evidence-based medical recommendations to support the use of supplements in type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), although there is some data that supports glucose lowering in type 2 DM with supplements such as cinnamon. Additionally, there is no evidence regarding the use of supplements in insulin-dependent DM secondary to pancreatic dysfunction from alcohol use disorder. Despite lack of clear evidence, it is estimated that more than 65% of Americans with DM use at least one dietary supplement for perceived health benefits. (1)Clinical Case: A 58-year old male presented with insulin-dependent DM secondary to pancreatic dysfunction from alcohol use disorder. Initial labs were significant for a low C-peptide of 0.13 ng/mL (0.80–3.85 ng/mL), A1c -9.4%, and blood glucoses ranging from 160–300 mg/dL. Patient’s DM regimen consisted of glargine 40 units nightly and aspart 12 units three times a day with meals. On a subsequent visit two months later, the patient stated that he had begun taking numerous supplements in hopes that these would improve his overall medical status. Supplements included Blood Boost Formula, Ultra K2 with MK-7, Chromium Picolinate, Male Enhancement, Super C Immune Complex, Nugenix Total-T, Niacinamide, Omega Q Plus Max, Cortisol Hormone Balancer, and Vitamin D3. Simultaneously, the patient self-discontinued all his maintenance medications except for his aforementioned insulin regimen due to the fear of negatively impacting his pancreas. Unexpectedly, his blood glucoses improved to a range of 90–150 mg/dL after being on these supplements without increasing his insulin dose. Upon literature review, three ingredients showed the most evidence for the possible explanation for his improvement in glucose control: L-arginine, nettle extract, and biotin with chromium. Conclusion: Literature review of in vivo and randomized, placebo-controlled studies demonstrated mechanisms of action for L-arginine, nettle extract, and biotin with chromium that indicate their potential role in lowering blood glucoses and increasing C-peptide levels in insulin-dependent DM secondary to pancreatic dysfunction from alcohol use disorder. Further investigations include exploring long-term impact on pancreatic function, glucose control, and insulin resistance. Reference: (1) Garrow, D., Egede, L. Association Between Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use, Preventive Care Practices, and Use of Conventional Medical Services Among Adults with Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2006 Jan; 29(1): 15–19.
In this study, we found no significant acid-base changes after six weeks of ketogenic diet in patients with obesity with Chronic kidney disease) 2 or 3. A ketogenic diet was well tolerated overall with no gross changes to serum creatinine, anion gap, serum, or venous bicarbonate, or albumin. We were limited by a small sample size, and we did not confirm whether patients achieved a biochemical ketogenic state.
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has led to an increase in sedentary lifestyles compounded with the loss of access to public exercise facilities and limited fresh grocery supply. With the multitude of possible diet options available, how do you choose one that works with your lifestyle, financial means, and ultimately proves to be most effective? In this article, we review the medical benefits and challenges of several different types of fasting diets that can be adopted by the general public.
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