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Dace L Trence

Publications and source records attributed to Dace L Trence.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Management of patients on chronic glucocorticoid therapy: an endocrine perspective.

Glucocorticoids continue to be a potent therapeutic tool for various medical conditions; however, their medication side effects pose challenges. Steroid diabetes is treated primarily with prandial insulin, either regular or the rapid insulins (lispro or aspart). Intermediate insulin is indicated less frequently, for fasting hyperglycemia. Osteoporosis is the most debilitating of potential glucocorticoid side effects, with bisphosphonates the mainstay of prevention and treatment. Dyslipidemia can range from mild to significant, but it responds to therapy similar to that of nonglucocorticoid-induced lipid disorders. Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal withdrawal syndrome can occur even with short courses of longer-acting glucocorticoid therapy, but it responds to adjustment of glucocorticoid dose. When tapering down to near-physiologic dose, pituitary-adrenal axis responsiveness should be checked before discontinuing steroid use.

Diabetes Mellitus↗

Treating diabetes using oral agents.

Since the development and release of sulfonylureas for the treatment of T2DM, additional oral glycemic control agents with different mechanisms of action have allowed for more flexibility in targeting drug to patient. Based on available evidence, metformin monotherapy is preferred for the vast majority of T2DM patients who are overweight or obese. Combination therapy has further improved glycemic control. However, limitations in use, including the challenges of side effects, to that of secondary oral agent failure will inevitably occur over time. These challenges leave ample room for the development of agents that address the pathophysiology not only of treating insulin resistance and decreasing insulin production but also of preventing or delaying the development of diabetes in populations at risk.

Administration, Oral↗

The rationale and management of hyperglycemia for in-patients with cardiovascular disease: time for change.

There is increasing evidence that aggressive glycemic control for patients admitted into the hospital improves clinical outcomes, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease. There appear to be a variety of mechanisms for this. Although hyperglycemia has been shown to result in poor wound healing and more infectious complications, especially after cardiac surgical procedures, what has become clear is that the treatment of hyperglycemia with i.v. glucose, insulin, and potassium (GIK) results in better clinical outcomes even in patients without diabetes. The mechanisms for this are not year clear, but could be related to the insulin administration, perhaps due to suppression of various cytokines or free fatty acids. The practical use of insulin in these patients requires basic understanding of the use of both i.v. and s.c. insulin. Although there are several appropriate options for both of these routes of administration, it is critical that all caregivers involved in this population's care are knowledgeable about insulin strategies.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

Diabetic neuropathy, the great masquerader: truncal neuropathy manifesting as abdominal pseudohernia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a patient with diabetic truncal neuropathy and suggest a helpful diagnostic approach to this entity. METHODS: We present a case report, with a focus on physical, computed tomographic, and electromyographic findings. RESULTS: Because of an extensive differential diagnosis, diabetic truncal neuropathy is a rarely recognized and often misdiagnosed condition in patients with diabetes mellitus. In a 55-year-old man with a 13-year history of diabetes but no retinopathy, vasculopathy, or nephropathy, pain and a visible bulge in the left lower abdominal quadrant prompted radiographic assessment of the abdomen. A computed tomographic scan of the abdomen disclosed no mass but a weakening of the abdominal musculature suggestive of a pseudohernia. Subsequent electromyography showed evidence of polyradicular neuropathy. The patient was given treatment for pain control, and the pseudohernia resolved within 1 year. CONCLUSION: In patients with diabetes who have a painful abdominal mass, the potential presence of a diabetic truncal neuropathy should be considered.

Acetaminophen↗