Does hormonal control obviate positive airway pressure therapy in acromegaly with sleep-disordered breathing?

SummaryIntroductionAcromegaly is a disease in which uncontrolled release of growth hormone occurs after closure of epiphyseal plates, causing changes in the body that can lead to sleep disordered breathing (SDB). No definite guidelines regarding the treatment of SDB in acromegaly are available. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of SDB in acromegaly and whether hormonal control alters the necessity of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy in acromegaly patients with SDB.MethodsForty-two acromegaly patients were included in the study and divided into two groups according to disease status, i.e., active or well controlled. All patients underwent polysomnography. Fourteen patients with active acromegaly were diagnosed with SDB and were evaluated for PAP therapy with polysomnography both before and 6 months after disease control was achieved.ResultsSleep-disorder breathing was diagnosed in 22 of 42 patients, 7 of 20 patients with controlled-disease and 15 of 20 patients with active diseases. There were significant reductions in respiratory disturbance index (RDI), apnea index, desaturation index, central apnea number, and rapid eye movement-phase RDI at the control polysomnography. Initially, PAP therapy was indicated in 12 of 14 patients and PAP therapy indication held in 11 patients after acromegaly control was achieved.ConclusionOur study revealed that over half of patients with acromegaly had SDB. Furthermore, SDB severity decreases with acromegaly treatment; however, this decrease does not change the indication for PAP therapy; therefore, PAP therapy should not be delayed in acromegalic SDB patients

Genetic Variation in NFKB1 Gene Influences Liver Enzyme Levels in Morbidly Obese Women

Background: Morbid obesity (MO), characterized by low-grade inflammation, is associated with increased C-reactive protein (CRP). NF-KB is a candidate factor for inflammatory responses in inflammatory diseases such as obesity. The objective of our study was to investigate the relationship between NFKB1 gene variations and the risk of MO in the context of the high/normal level of liver enzymes such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

A Rare Cause of Back Pain after Pregnancy: Postpartum Osteoporosis and Treatment Approach

Pregnancy associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare disease characterized by multiple vertebral compression fractures, limitation of movement and severe back pain. A positive family history of PAO, decreased body mass index, sedentary life style, smoking, malnutrition and low calcium intake are among the risk factors of this disease. PAO should be considered in patients with back pain during pregnancy and postpartum period. As a specified therapy option is lack for PAO, discontinuation of lactation and the supplementation of calcium and vitamin D are the main steps of the treatment in patients who are planning to become pregnant in the future. The current data show that bisphosphonates should be avoided and teriparatide may be a treatment option in patients who are planning to become pregnant. In this case report, it was aimed to highlight the diagnosis and treatment approaches of PAO in a patient with back pain during postpartum period