Cholelithiasis in patients treated with a very-low-calorie diet.

One hundred seventy-nine obese patients (mean body mass index = 36.3) were retrospectively evaluated for the development of cholelithiasis associated with the use of a 2530-kJ/d (605-kcal) very-low-calorie diet (VLCD). Nine percent of patients had preexisting gallstones and 11% of patients developed gallstones either during or within 6 mo of completing the diet.

Regulation of gonadotropin response in testicular feminization syndrome.

The effects of hormonal manipulation on gonadotropin, androgen, and estrogen concentrations in a patient with testicular feminization syndrome (TFS) were studied to clarify the feedback regulation of gonadotropins. Baseline serum LH concentrations were normal to high and FSH concentrations were normal despite markedly elevated plasma testosterone concentrations, implying the lack of a reciprocal control relationship, and fluoxymesterone administration failed to alter gonadotropin or androgenic steroid levels. Clomiphene administration resulted in a rise in both LH and androgen levels, while moderate doses of exogenous estrogens effected a diminution in testosterone but did not significantly alter the levels of gonadotropins.