Clinical Endocrinology News RSS feed: Current Issue. http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Clinical Endocrinology News1558-016452February 2010 © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700444/abstract?rss=yesThe Food and Drug Administration has approved liraglutide as a once-daily injection for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. But the endorsement came with significant caveats. The drug has a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors observed in preclinical rodent studies, no permission for first-line use, and significant postmarketing requirements.FDA Approves Liraglutide, With Warning, Caveats: The once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist is not indicated for first-line treatment of type 2 diabetes.MIRIAM E. TUCKER10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70044-4Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews11http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700456/abstract?rss=yesThe North American Menopause Society's updated position statement on the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women includes the FRAX tool to calculate the risk of major osteoporotic fracture and recommends increasing vitamin D3 intake.New Osteoporosis Guidelines Use The FRAX ToolDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70045-6Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews11http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700468/abstract?rss=yesNew recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advise that children aged 6 years and older should be screened for obesity using body mass index calculations, and should be referred to services that provide intensive counseling and behavioral interventions to promote improvements in their weight status.Task Force: Start Obesity Management at Age 6JEFF EVANS10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70046-8Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews22http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS155801641070047X/abstract?rss=yesIn the article, “Premeal Exenatide Improved Postprandial Endothelial Function” (January 2010, p. 21), the study was done by Dr. Peter Reaven, not Dr. Gerald Reaven. In a supplement supported by Daiichi-Sankyo (Case Study: Management Decisions in a Comorbid Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Having Primary Hyperlipidemia, January 2010, p. 11) the names of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists were incorrect.Corrections10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70047-XClinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews22http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700481/abstract?rss=yesVital Signs: U.S. Health Care Spending Growth Continues to Decelerate10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70048-1Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews22http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700493/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: A majority (57%) of adults taking insulin for diabetes said they intentionally skipped an insulin injection occasionally and 20% did so regularly.Intentionally Skipping Insulin Is CommonSHERRY BOSCHERT10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70049-3Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews66http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS155801641070050X/abstract?rss=yesThe Health and Human Services Department has released long-awaited, proposed “meaningful use” criteria for providers interested in receiving bonuses of up to $64,000 for installing or upgrading electronic health information systems.HHS Issues ‘Meaningful Use’ Criteria for EHRsJOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70050-XClinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews77http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700511/abstract?rss=yesA reduction in salt intake of 3 g per day could have an impact on cardiovascular disease and reduce all-cause mortality in the United States by an estimated 44,000-99,000 deaths each year, according to a projection model.Salt Reduction Would Curb Heart Disease, Health Care CostsHEIDI SPLETE10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70051-1Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews77http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700523/abstract?rss=yesThe weight-loss drug sibutramine is now contraindicated in people with a history of cardiovascular disease, the Food and Drug Administration announced Jan. 21. The recommendation was based on a review of data indicating an increased risk of MI and stroke is associated with the use of the drug in this population. The European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) also announced that after its review of the same data, its Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use had recommended that the marketing of sibutramine be suspended in the European Union.Sibutramine Contraindicated in CVD PatientsELIZABETH MECHCATIE10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70052-3Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews88http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700535/abstract?rss=yesA Food and Drug Administration analysis of counterfeit Alli, the over-the-counter formulation of the lipase inhibitor orlistat, has found that the fake product not only contains sibutramine but, when taken at the recommended daily dose, may deliver twice the recommended dose of that drug.Counterfeit Alli Has High Doses of SibutramineALICIA AULT10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70053-5Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews99http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700547/abstract?rss=yesSAN DIEGO — The ability of vitamin D to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer are about to be put to the test in a randomized, controlled study. The vitamin D and omega-3 trial (VITAL), a 20,000-participant study that will examine whether daily supplements of vitamin D (about 2,000 IU) or fish oil (about 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids) reduces the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and stroke, launched last month.Study Targets Vitamin D's Cardiac, Cancer EffectsDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70054-7Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XNews1010http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700559/abstract?rss=yesImpaired kidney function was associated with increased bone loss in an analysis of data from the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study. Among 635 study participants whose bone mineral density had been tested at baseline and at 5 years' follow-up, estimated creatinine clearance (eCCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline were predictive of bone loss at the hip and spine, according to Dr. Sophie A. Jamal of the University of Toronto and her colleagues.Impaired Kidney Function Linked to Bone LossJANE LOCASTRO10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70055-9Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XOsteoporosis1111http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700560/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: High-dose vitamin D improved pain scores and bone mineral density at the femoral neck in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, but also caused hypercalciuria that required nearly one in five treated patients to be dropped from the study.Vit D, Testosterone Improve Joint Pain ScoresBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70056-0Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XOsteoporosis1212http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700572/abstract?rss=yesNATIONAL HARBOR, MD. — Bone mineralization was not significantly altered among 17 children receiving chronic proton pump inhibitor therapy, including 12 who were also using inhaled steroids.Chronic PPI Use Did Not Lower BMD in Children in Pilot StudyMIRIAM E. TUCKER10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70057-2Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XOsteoporosis1212http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700584/abstract?rss=yes Major findings: TPN-induced hyperglycemia is associated with longer hospital stay, more complications, and higher mortality rates.Hyperglycemia Predicts Poor Outcomes in TPNHEIDI SPLETE10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70058-4Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XDiabetes1414http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700596/abstract?rss=yesUp to a quarter of patients with diabetic retinopathy may also have unrecognized stenotic coronary artery disease, putting them at risk for heart attack or sudden cardiovascular death, reported Dr. Takayuki Ohno and colleagues at the University of Tokyo.Occult Coronary Artery Disease Found In Diabetic Retinopathy PatientsMICHELE G. SULLIVAN10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70059-6Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XDiabetes1414http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700602/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: HbA1c values below 7.5% were associated with increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events.Increased Mortality Seen With HbA1c Below 7.5%MIRIAM E. TUCKER10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70060-2Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XDiabetes1515http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700614/abstract?rss=yesMicrovascular disease of the brain as seen on MRI is a good predictor of end-stage renal disease in diabetes and might serve as a proxy for hard-to-detect renal vessel damage.In Diabetes, Silent Cerebral Infarcts May Predict End-Stage Renal DiseaseDENISE NAPOLI10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70061-4Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XDiabetes1515http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700626/abstract?rss=yesElevated fasting plasma glucose levels during childhood—even within the normoglycemic range—appear to predict prediabetes and diabetes in young adulthood, according to a report from the Bogalusa Heart Study.High Plasma Glucose Predicts Adult DiabetesMary Ann Moon10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70062-6Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XDiabetes1515http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700638/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: Endovascular treatment with paclitaxel-eluting stents significantly increased the risk of revascularization, compared with CABG treatment, in diabetic patients with left main and/or three-vessel disease but did not increase the rates of death, cerebrovascular accident, or MI in these patients.PCI Raises Revascularization Risk in DiabetesKERRI WACHTER10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70063-8Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XDiabetes1617http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS155801641070064X/abstract?rss=yesORLANDO — Elevated levels of hemoglobin A1c were linked with a significantly increased risk of heart failure in a review of more than 11,000 American adults without diabetes. “Hemoglobin A1c may be a better biomarker to evaluate the risk of heart failure compared with fasting glucose in nondiabetic populations,” Dr. Kunihiro Matsushita said at the annual scientific sessions of the American Heart Association.HbA1c in Nondiabetics Marks Heart Failure RiskMITCHEL L. ZOLER10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70064-XClinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XObesity1818http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700651/abstract?rss=yesThe criteria for selecting obese adolescents as candidates for bariatric surgery have loosened in recent years, say some surgeons, while other surgeons had already applied the looser criteria for several years. Now that the adolescent field has converged on a roughly uniform body mass index standard that's the same as for adults—at least 35 kg/m2 with serious comorbidities or at least 40 kg/m2 in other patients—surgeons have begun to consider testing an even more aggressive approach to bariatric surgery in teenagers.Bariatric Surgeons Lower BMI Bar for TeensMITCHEL L. ZOLER10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70065-1Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XObesity1919http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700663/abstract?rss=yes Major Finding: The prevalence of abnormal lipid levels is estimated to be 14% for normal weight, 22% for overweight, and 43% for obese youths aged 12-19 years.One-Fifth of U.S. Youths Have Abnormal LipidsJEFF EVANS10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70066-3Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XObesity2020http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700675/abstract?rss=yesA computer device used to treat anorexic patients has been shown to be effective against adolescent obesity, reducing patients' body mass index and rate of food consumption even 6 months after the completion of treatment and monitoring.Computer Device Helps Obese Adolescents Reduce Food PortionsJENNIE SMITH10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70067-5Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XObesity2020http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700687/abstract?rss=yesMore than half of the adults hospitalized in the early days of the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in New York City were obese, and 92% of the obese patients had underlying medical conditions, according a review published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.In New York, Obesity Tied To H1N1 HospitalizationsHEIDI SPLETE10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70068-7Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XObesity2020http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700699/abstract?rss=yesHOT SPRINGS, VA. — In the hands of an experienced surgeon, outpatient thyroidectomy is a safe and feasible option for some patients, with only a 0.2% rate of postoperative hematoma and 0.4% rate of permanent nerve injury.Outpatient Thyroidectomy Yields BenefitsMICHELE G. SULLIVAN10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70069-9Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPituitary, Thyroid, & Adrenal2222http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700705/abstract?rss=yesCHICAGO — Combined treatment with hormone therapy and radiation significantly improved several survival end points for men with high-risk prostate cancer in a phase III trial.Hormone Plus Radiation Improves Prostate Ca SurvivalPATRICE WENDLING10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70070-5Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPituitary, Thyroid, & Adrenal2222http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700717/abstract?rss=yesSAN ANTONIO — Truly large-scale prevention of breast cancer will require the development of a “hormonal vaccine” for young women that mimics the effects of repeated childbearing and breastfeeding, according to a prominent expert in cancer epidemiology.‘Hormonal Vaccine’ May Prevent Breast CancerBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70071-7Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XReproductive Endocrinology2323http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700729/abstract?rss=yesSAN ANTONIO — Stellate ganglion block may be an option for severe, treatment-refractory hot flashes and sleep disturbances in breast cancer patients. In a prospective study, stellate ganglion block procedures led to significant improvements in 17 of 24 breast cancer patients with severe hot flashes despite pharmacotherapy with venlafaxine (Effexor) and/or clonidine, Dr. Patrick Neven reported at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.Stellate Ganglion Block Effective for Severe Hot FlashesBRUCE JANCIN10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70072-9Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XReproductive Endocrinology2323http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700730/abstract?rss=yesA public-private institution that has been proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services would be the best way to raise standards and quality for continuing health education, according to a report issued by the Institute of Medicine.IOM Calls for Continuing Education InstituteJOYCE FRIEDEN10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70073-0Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPractice Trends2424http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700742/abstract?rss=yesDiabetes patients without coverage of the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole” spent more out of pocket on their medications and had worse adherence compared with diabetes patients who had coverage.Part D ‘Doughnut Hole’ Raises Costs, Lowers AdherenceDENISE NAPOLI10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70074-2Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPractice Trends2424http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700754/abstract?rss=yesThe potential health effects of exposure to bisphenol A, the chemical compound used in baby bottles and many different food and beverage packages, will be studied in short- and long-term trials in animals and humans, William Corr, deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, announced during a briefing.Feds to Study Health Effects of BPAELIZABETH MECHCATIE10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70075-4Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPractice Trends2525http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700766/abstract?rss=yesThe Food and Drug Administration announced that it has chosen Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Inc. to design a pilot of a new safety monitoring system. The agency said that the program, called the Sentinel System, will help it keep closer tabs on safety problems because it will analyze information collected during routine health care. The system will allow the agency to collect data on drugs and devices at the source—from medical records. For instance, if the agency knew that a device or drug had been linked to cardiac side effects, FDA safety officers could query the Sentinel System to see if such problems had arisen.Awardee to Develop FDA Safety SystemAlicia Ault10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70076-6Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPractice Trends2525http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700778/abstract?rss=yesA federal district court has struck down parts of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009, saying that some of the landmark law violates tobacco makers' free speech rights. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky ruled it unconstitutional for government to ban color and images in tobacco advertising. However, the court upheld provisions of the law requiring large, strongly worded warnings on tobacco packaging, prohibiting companies from making health claims about tobacco products without Food and Drug Administration review, and banning tobacco-branded events and merchandise, such as T-shirts. American Thoracic Society president Dr. J.R. Curtis said in a statement that the society is still “confident that the FDA will exercise its new authority to reduce tobacco use in the U.S. by stopping the efforts of big tobacco to market its dangerous products to minors, and by giving current smokers more motivation to stop smoking.”Policy & Practice: Want more health reform news? Subscribe to our podcast – search ‘Policy & Practice’ in the iTunes storeJoyce Frieden10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70077-8Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPractice Trends2626http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS155801641070078X/abstract?rss=yesHealth care spending in the United States grew less than 5% in 2008, the slowest rate of growth since the federal government officially began measuring it in 1960, according to a new report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Health Spending to $2.3 Trillion in 2008; Growth Rate SlowsMARY ELLEN SCHNEIDER10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70078-XClinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPractice Trends2626http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700791/abstract?rss=yesData Watch: U.S. Health Care Spending Growth Continues to Decelerate10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70079-1Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPractice Trends2626http://www.clinicalendocrinologynews.com/article/PIIS1558016410700808/abstract?rss=yesThe Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is collaborating with Animas, a division of Johnson & Johnson, to develop an automated system for insulin delivery—“the first step on the path to … the development of an artificial pancreas,” according to a statement from the JDRF. The first-generation system would be partially automated and would involve an insulin pump connected wirelessly with a continuous glucose monitor. The CGM would transmit its reading to the insulin pump, which would house a sophisticated computer program designed to prevent hypoglycemia and extreme hyperglycemia. The pump would slow or stop insulin delivery if it detected blood sugar was going too low and would increase insulin delivery if blood sugar was too high. DexCom is supplying the CGM technology for the system. If successful, the development of this system “would begin the process of automating how people with diabetes manage their blood sugar,” said Alan Lewis, Ph.D., president and CEO of the JDRF. “Even this early system could bring dramatic changes in the quality of life for the 3 million people in the U.S. with type 1 diabetes, beginning to free kids and adults from testing, calculating, and treating themselves throughout the day.” The JDRF is providing $8 million in funding over 3 years for the project, and aims to have the system ready for regulatory review in about 4 years.Business BriefsFrom staff reports10.1016/S1558-0164(10)70080-8Clinical Endocrinology News 5, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Clinical Endocrinology News2010-02-0152S1558-0164(10)X7002-XPractice Trends2727