Objective:
A close diabetes team-patient relationship is required for establishing satisfactory metabolic control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a telehealth system on diabetes control.
Methods:
The study was carried out between June 2015 and January 2016 at the Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology Department. The telehealth system was developed by the diabetes team. The demographic characteristics, frequency of use and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) changes of type 1 diabetic (T1DM) patients using this communication network were analysed.
Results:
Eighty two patients [43 (52.4%) females, mean (±standard deviation) age 10.89±4 years] used the telehealth system. Fourteen (17.1%) of the cases were on pump therapy and 59 (72.0%) were counting carbohydrates. The individuals with diabetes or their families preferred WhatsApp communication. Whatsapp provided a means for instant messaging in most instances (57.3%), contact with diabetes education nurse (32.9%) and consultation with the diabetes team about insulin doses and blood glucose regulation (42.7%). HbA1c values after six months were significantly lower in patients/parents calling frequently (p<0.001) compared with HbA1c values recorded at the beginning of the study.
Conclusion:
Increase in frequency of counselling by the diabetes team led to improved blood glucose control in T1DM patients. A telehealth system is useful for early detection of the need for changes in treatment and for intervention. It also promoted better self care.
17α-Hydroxylase/17-20 lyase deficiency (17OHD) is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Genetic defects causing combined 17OHD lead to the impaired production of cortisol and sex steroids, accumulation of mineralocorticoids, and compensatory overproduction of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone. Consequently, individuals with this enzymatic defect present with both adrenal cortical hyperplasia and variable degrees of hypertension, hypokalemia, and sexual immaturity. The patient was aged 15 years and 3 months and she was diagnosed with 17OHD while she was being evaluated for complaints of delayed puberty. In the present case, p.Y27*(c.81C>A) mutation was revealed in the sequence analysis of the CYP17A1 gene. The same mutation was reported in a 20-year-old Turkish girl in Germany, who was investigated for delayed puberty in 2005. The previous case was reported to be normotensive and normokalemic. The presence and differences in the severity of hypertension in cases with the same mutation and total enzymatic deficiency may indicate that genes predisposed to hypertension, obesity due to genetic and environmental factors, and some other factors may play a role in the clinical presentation of hypertension.
Increase in frequency of counselling to the diabetes team caused the blood glucose control of individuals with diabetes. Telehealth system is a useful system in early detection of the changes and intervention in the status of individual with diabetes, enhancing the patient's self care. Key words: Type 1 diabetes, telehealth, diabetes team, HbA1c.
Objective:A comprehensive survey was conducted to evaluate the shortcomings of clinical care in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) in Turkey.Methods:A structured questionnaire prepared by the Turner study group in Turkey, which covered relevant aspects of patient care in TS was sent to 44 pediatric endocrinology centers.Results:Eighteen centers (41%) responded to the questionnaire. In the majority of the centers, diagnostic genetic testing, screening for Y chromosomal material, protocols regarding the timing and posology of growth hormone (GH) and estrogen, thrombophilia screening, fertility information and screening for glucose intolerance, thyroid, and coeliac diseases in patients with TS were in line with the current consensus. Thirteen centers (72.2%) performed GH stimulation tests. Only four centers (22.2%) used oxandrolone in patients with TS with very short stature. The majority of the centers relied on bone age and breast development to assess estrogen adequacy, though together with variable combinations of oestrogen surrogates. Two centers (11.1%) reported performing serum estradiol measurements. Eight centers (44.4%) routinely conducted cardiac/thoracic aorta magnetic resonance imaging. Screening for hearing, dental and ophthalmologic problems were performed by thirteen (72.2%), six (33.3%) and ten (55.6%) centers, respectively. Psychiatric assessments were made by four centers (22.2%) at diagnosis, with only one center (5.6%) requiring annual reassessments.Conclusion:Although we found some conformity between the current consensus and practice of the participating centers in Turkey regarding TS, further improvements are mandatory in the multi-disciplinary approach to address co-morbidities, which if unrecognized, may be associated with reduced quality of life and even mortality.
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