While the September issue’s cover story deals exclusively with pediatric endocrinology, two of this month’s features are plumbed from deep within recent research studies from Th e Endocrine Society’s own Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM). Th e research literature is where much of the latest advances are presented, so we felt a certain sense of obligation to herald that research here on our pages.
The cover story, “The Kids Aren’t Alright” (page 22), discusses three very different studies from JCEM. Second-hand smoke, a lack of iodine, and a lack of exercise can — not surprisingly — have very adverse effects on the youngest of all endocrine patients, even before they are born. Kelly Horvath delves deep into these studies, all of which demonstrate the truth behind the old adage about a “pound of prevention” since “childhood morbidity can cause adult mortality, these problems are important public health priorities,” according to Horvath.
A new way to treat diabetic patients is detailed in “Virtual Reality” (page 27) by Melissa Mapes, who discusses using patient simulator technology. Not only do these simulators give the patients a unique and fun way to manage their diabetes, but it also aids overworked physicians by effectively training students as well as colleagues.
Glenda Fauntleroy examines a study from the June JCEM that deals with hypothyroidism and cardiac patients, whose heart problems are easily exacerbated by thyroid disorders. According to the research findings, thyroid disorders and heart disease may also be a deadly combination. Th e study — detailed on page 30 — revealed that among patients with heart failure, even having mild hypothyroidism significantly increases the risk of death compared to patients with a normally functioning thyroid.
If you haven’t had the chance to dive into recent issues of JCEM, we hope we’ve given you an idea of what’s waiting for you when you do. Since research is such a vital component of the practice of endocrinology, Endocrine News wanted to use this issue to share this data with you. We hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired us.
If you have any story ideas or topics you’d like to see covered in Endocrine News, don’t hesitate to drop me a line at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Mark A. Newman
Managing Editor, Endocrine News
Correction: In our July cover story on statins and their side effects, we included a list of statins that are available in the U.S., but we left pitavastatin off the list. We regret that omission.
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