The Effect of Cigarette Smoking during Pregnancy on Endocrine Pancreatic Function and Fetal Growth: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Cigarette smoking in pregnancy is a common cause of fetal growth restriction. We aimed to investigate endocrine pancreatic function of mother-infant dyads in relation to cigarette smoking, as a possible mechanism for the poor fetal growth.

Methods: Prospective study of smoking mothers (10 cigarettes or more per day, self-reported to the midwife) and non-smoker control mothers during their first pregnancy.

Stimulants for the Control of Hedonic Appetite.

The focus of this paper is treatment of obesity in relation to the management of hedonic appetite. Obesity is a complex condition which may be potentiated by excessive reward seeking in combination with executive functioning deficits that impair cognitive control of behavior. Stimulant medications address both reward deficiency and enhance motivation, as well as suppressing appetite.

Piloting a new approach to the treatment of obesity using dexamphetamine.

Background And Aims: There is a clear need for a new approach to the treatment of obesity, which is inexpensive and is effective for establishing lifestyle change. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate whether dexamphetamine can be used safely, combined with diet and exercise, for treating obesity. Our ultimate aim is to develop a 6-month treatment program for establishing the lifestyle changes necessary for weight control, utilizing dexamphetamine for its psychotropic effect on motivation.

Spaced scenario demonstrations improve knowledge and confidence in pediatric acute illness management.

Objectives: Nationally accredited simulation courses such as advance pediatric life support and pediatric advance life support are recommended for health care professionals (HCPs) at two yearly intervals as a minimum requirement, despite literature evidence suggesting rapid decline in knowledge shortly after course completion. The objective of this study was to evaluate an observation-based, educational intervention program aimed at improving previously acquired knowledge and confidence in managing critical illnesses.

Methods: A prospective cohort longitudinal study was conducted over a 6-month period.

Gestational Diabetes Independently Increases Birth Length and Augments the Effects of Maternal BMI on Birth Weight: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To investigate the effect of the interaction between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal body mass index (BMI) on the individual neonatal growth parameters.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: A tertiary maternity service in Sydney, Australia, between 2005 and 2009.

Delayed-onset hypoparathyroidism in an adolescent with chromosome 22Q11 deletion syndrome.

Objective: To describe the first case of established chromosome 22q11 deletion syndrome with late onset presentation of hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism.

Methods: We present the history, clinical and laboratory investigations, and management of a 17-year-old adolescent boy who presented with 3 separate seizures secondary to hypocalcemia. This patient had an established diagnosis of chromosome 22q11 deletion syndrome at the time of the seizure presentations, but had previously normal calcium levels.

Bilateral adrenal haemorrhage in a critically ill patient.

Although rare, bilateral adrenal haemorrhage remains a life-threatening complication of severe infection and prolonged critical illness. A 67-year-old woman developed acute adrenal haemorrhage in the context of severe systemic infection due to diverticulitis and pericolic abscess. The prompt recognition and management of this condition was an important component of her eventual recovery.

Current concepts in graves' disease.

Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the developed world. It is caused by an immune defect in genetically susceptible individuals in whom the production of unique antibodies results in thyroid hormone excess and glandular hyperplasia. When unrecognized, Graves' disease impacts negatively on quality of life and poses serious risks of psychosis, tachyarrhythmia and cardiac failure.

Vildagliptin-induced acute pancreatitis.

Objective: To describe the first reported case of acute pancreatitis in a patient receiving vildagliptin.

Methods: We present the clinical, biochemical, and radiographic findings of the study patient.

Results: A 61-year-old woman who presented with severe abdominal pain was found to have acute pancreatitis.

Association between radioiodine therapy for Graves' hyperthyroidism and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

To investigate the role of radioactive iodine (RAI) in the onset and progression of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Forty-six Graves' disease patients with mild or no ophthalmopathy were prospectively treated with carbimazole (CBZ) (n = 22) or RAI (n = 24). Treatment effects were evaluated clinically over 12 months, and with orbital MRI-measured extra-ocular muscle (EOM) volumes at baseline and at 6 months.

Isolated fascicular oculomotor nerve palsy as the initial presentation of the antiphospholipid syndrome.

This case report describes a 24-year-old female who presented with sudden onset of painless diplopia and ptosis in her left eye. Examination identified an isolated incomplete pupil-sparing left oculomotor nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated focal hyperintensity in the left midbrain with infarction suggested by diffusion-weighted imaging.