Characteristics of Referrals for Gender Dysphoria Over a 13-Year Period

PURPOSE

Our Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic has seen a sharp increase in referrals for gender dysphoria (GD) during recent years. However, the frequency and characteristics of referrals have not been objectively examined.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of referrals for GD during the past 13 years was performed. Variables analyzed included numbers of referrals per year, patient characteristics, comorbid conditions, and hormonal therapy. Timing of referral and eligibility for treatment were measured against established recommendations.

RESULTS

Of 38 patients, 74% were referred during the last 3 years. Most patients presented late in puberty before a GD-specific psychological evaluation and few were eligible for hormonal treatment at baseline. Over half had psychiatric and/or developmental comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

A dramatic increase in referrals for GD since 2002 was confirmed. Enhanced provider education and outreach regarding care of patients with GD are needed.

CGM-measured glucose values have a strong correlation with C-peptide, HbA1c and IDAAC, but do poorly in predicting C-peptide levels in the two years following onset of diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this work was to assess the association between continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data, HbA1c, insulin-dose-adjusted HbA1c (IDAA1c) and C-peptide responses during the first 2 years following diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was conducted of data collected from a randomised trial assessing the effect of intensive management initiated within 1 week of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, in which mixed-meal tolerance tests were performed at baseline and at eight additional time points through 24 months. CGM data were collected at each visit.

RESULTS

Among 67 study participants (mean age [± SD] 13.3 ± 5.7 years), HbA1c was inversely correlated with C-peptide at each time point (p < 0.001), as were changes in each measure between time points (p < 0.001). However, C-peptide at one visit did not predict the change in HbA1c at the next visit and vice versa. Higher C-peptide levels correlated with increased proportion of CGM glucose values between 3.9 and 7.8 mmol/l and lower CV (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively) but not with CGM glucose levels <3.9 mmol/l. Virtually all participants with IDAA1c < 9 retained substantial insulin secretion but when evaluated together with CGM, time in the range of 3.9-7.8 mmol/l and CV did not provide additional value in predicting C-peptide levels.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In the first 2 years after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, higher C-peptide levels are associated with increased sensor glucose levels in the target range and with lower glucose variability but not hypoglycaemia. CGM metrics do not provide added value over the IDAA1c in predicting C-peptide levels.

Efficacy of Leuprolide Acetate 1-Month Depot for Central Precocious Puberty (CPP): Growth Outcomes During a Prospective, Longitudinal Study

INTRODUCTION

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) are the treatment of choice for CPP. We investigated growth in GnRHa-naïve subjects, treated with leuprolide acetate 1-month depot for CPP.

METHODS

This prospective, open-label study had a long-term, observational, follow-up period. Forty-nine females and 6 males were enrolled. Leuprolide acetate depot was administered intramuscularly every 28 days. Height and growth rate during and after treatment until adulthood were measured.

RESULTS

Among 30 of 49 females having an adult height (AH) measurement, 29 had target heights available (mean = 163.8 cm) and 27 had pretreatment predicted adult heights (PAHs; mean = 157.4 cm). After treatment, the mean AH at mean age 21.8 years [range 13.7-26.7 years] was 162.5 cm, a mean height gain over baseline PAH of 4.0 cm. The mean height standard deviation score was -0.1 at AH.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of CPP with leuprolide acetate 1-month depot had beneficial effects on growth rate and preservation of AH.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00660010.

The social ecology of health: leverage points and linkages

The authors demonstrate the usefulness of social ecology theory for improving the treatment and prevention of poor health. The social ecology of health, unlike the topics of previous triptychs in Behavioral Medicine, is a field without a clearly defined body of literature. We begin with an overview of the ecological perspective and ecological theory as outlined by Bronfenbrenner and colleagues, provide examples of how ecological concepts have been demonstrated to influence health, and discuss how these concepts can be used by health professionals. We present a heuristic model illustrating leverage points and linkages (i.e., socioeconomic status, family, work, and school), for health, and we conclude with a consideration of the benefits of social ecology to health professionals and a summary of the limitations of the ecological model.

Replacement of the left ventricle with a single-chambered artificial pump

Early clinical experience with total artificial hearts has stimulated further research and interest in this field. The concept of total heart replacement with a permanent mechanical device has been reevaluated, and its application as a bridge to heart transplantation is becoming more widely accepted. The size of total artificial hearts, however, limits the number of cases in which they can be used. In an effort to solve this problem, we evaluated a single-ventricle artificial pump in six Hereford calves. During surgery, the left ventricle was excised and replaced with a pneumatically actuated polyurethane pump connected to the mitral and aortic valve anulus. The right ventricle provided flow through the pulmonary vasculature, which eliminated the necessity of maintaining elevated right-sided filling pressures. The single-ventricle pump required less space than a biventricular device and was capable of maintaining adequate hemodynamic parameters in experimental animals. In comparison with the biventricular pump, this device offered the advantages of less extensive dissection requirements, ease of anastomosis, and a better anatomic fit. Patients whose pericardial cavities are too small for a biventricular artificial heart may benefit from the single-ventricle pump if they require hemodynamic support while awaiting heart transplantation.