Treatment of Other Endocrine Disorders
Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss, and it is a major public health threat to more than 28 million Americans, 80 percent of whom are women. It is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually and results in direct expenditures in the billions for care. According to MU Health Sciences Center statistics, the cost of hip fractures for inpatients during 1996 averaged $11,641.
Risk factors for the osteoporosis include:
- being female
- thin and/or small frame
- advanced age
- family history of osteoporosis
- postmenopause
- amenorrhea
- anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- diet low in calcium
- use of corticosteroids or anticonvulsants
- low testosterone levels in men
- inactive lifestyle
- cigarette smoking
- excessive use of alcohol
- Caucasian or Asian descent
Osteoporosis Program Director, David Klachko, MD, and endocrine faculty members recognize that physicians must make patients aware of the disease while they are still young enough to halt its progress. The MU Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism has developed an osteoporosis health-care program that provides testing, education and treatment plans for patients and their referring physicians. The program will provide service in three main categories:
1. Consultant-led clinical service, including a physical exam and patient assessment, bone density measurement, result interpretation, therapeutic recommendation and communication of a treatment plan to the patient.
2. Bone densitometry service, which provides referring physicians an assessment and diagnosis of osteoporosis for their patients, with recommendations for further diagnostic procedures or treatment.
3. Identification and education of patients at high risk for developing osteoporosis, community education seminars and education of health-care providers.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death in the United States and is the major cause of serious illness for much of the population. It has been well documented that changes of blood lipid levels can greatly reduce the risk of developing CHD and also slow the progression of already existing CHD. The recent introduction of a number of medications that can dramatically affect lipid levels has made it possible to markedly reduce the risk of heart disease for many patients. The recognition and diagnosis of lipid risk factors often requires the expertise of a lipid specialist. Although patients at risk for CHD are cared for by physicians in many medical specialties, many doctors in training and in private practice have not had extensive training in recognizing lipid problems and how to choose the correct medication or combination of medications for each patient. The MU Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism has developed a model center for expert and efficient care of patients with lipid disorders.
The thyroid, a small gland in the front of the neck, produces and secretes thyroid hormone. If the gland produces too much thyroid hormone, the person has hyperthyroidism, which is characterized by the following symptoms:
- nervousness
- irritability
- sleep problems
- bulging eyes
- unblinking stare
- goiter
- rapid heartbeat
- increased sweating
- heat intolerance
- unexplained weight loss
- scant menstrual periods
- frequent bowel movements
- warm, moist palms
- fine tremor of fingers
- tiredness
- depression
- forgetfulness
- dry, coarse hair
- loss of lateral eyebrow hair
- puffy face and eyes
- goiter
- slow heartbeat
- dry skin
- cold intolerance
- weight gain
- heavy menstrual periods
- constipation
- brittle nails
Endocrine specialists at the center also evaluate and treat patients for other endocrine disorders, including: growth hormone irregularities, Cushing's Disease and adrenal disorders.
