Diabetic hand syndrome is a rare and underdiagnosed complication of diabetes mellitus. This term is used to describe a potentially dangerous infection of the hand, characterized by debilitating musculoskeletal disorders. Although the diagnosis is commonly made in tropical regions, cases have also been reported in non-tropical and in marginal urban areas. The pathophysiology of this syndrome remains unclear because, unlike diabetic foot, peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease do not seem to a play major role. Evidence suggests that it may be associated with the duration of diabetes, poor metabolic control and microvascular complications. In this article, we present the cases of two patients with diabetic hand syndrome. The first case involves a 52-year-old female patient from a rural area, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus six years ago, currently in poor metabolic control. She ...

Introduction: Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after unprotected sexual intercourse for at least 12 consecutive months. Our objective is to present an updated narrative review on the endocrine causes of infertility in women. Areas covered: A comprehensive review was conducted using Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, comprising 245 articles. The pathophysiology of infertility in women was described, including endocrinopathies such as hypothalamic amenorrhea, hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovary syndrome, primary ovarian insufficiency, obesity, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal disorders. The diagnostic approach was outlined, emphasizing the necessity of hormonal studies and ovarian response assessments. Additionally, the treatment plan was presented, commencing with non-pharmacological interventions, encompassing the adoption of a Mediterranean diet, vitamin supplemen...

Introduction: Refractory hypothyroidism (RH) represents a challenge in the diagnosis and treatment within the field of thyroidology. It is defined as the inability to achieve disease control despite using levothyroxine (LT4) doses of 1.9 mg/kg/d or higher. Methods: A comprehensive review, encompassing 103 articles, was conducted using the Scielo, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, providing an approach to evaluation and diagnosis of this condition. Results: LT4 disintegrates and dissolves within an acidic gastric environment before being absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. It then extensively binds to serum transporter proteins and undergoes deiodination to yield tri-iodothyronine, the biologically active hormone. There are various nonpathological causes of RH, such as noncompliance with treatment, changes in the brand of LT4, food and drug interferences, as well as pregnancy. Pathological cau...