The Pituitary World News Podcast

S8E14: Medical decision making

Decisions made by doctors and their patients can be some of the most complicated, difficult decisions to make. They cover choices of treatment, medications, desired outcomes, and a host of complex variables that play a role in a person's health. It is perhaps one of the least understood aspects of the doctor-patient relationship. This session focuses on the factors that influence medical decision-making, the impacts those decisions carry, and how the practical clinical aspects of these choices affect our everyday lives. We also cover interesting examples from Dr. Blevins' clinical practice and other essential elements such as non-medical factors like insurance and other payor issues, the role of computers and artificial intelligence, treatment guidelines, and the ever-present Google search.

S8E13: The semantics of pituitary conditions

Semantics, or by definition, the way we relate to different meanings of words or other symbols, are essential to medicine and pituitary medicine. The words we use to communicate and inform are critical. In our session today, we discuss the semantics of pituitary medicine and underline the importance of describing things accurately. Brain tumors and pituitary tumors are they the same? What is the difference between diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus? How about adrenal and Addison's disease? And what is the discussion between NETs (neuroendocrine tumors) and pituitary tumors? Are they the same should they be jointly classified? Our session today dives into these subjects and a few other pearls you don't want to miss. Also, we welcome two callers as they share their views and challenges with interesting comments.

S8E12: The world of endocrine nursing: a chat with Dr. Chris Yedinak

In this podcast,  we dive into the world of endocrine nursing with Dr. Chris Yedinak from the Oregon Health and Science University.  Chris is a family nurse practitioner and clinical research trials coordinator who oversees patient care at the OHSU Northwest Pituitary Center. Educated in Sydney, Australia, Chris has a background in psychiatric nursing care and tertiary education. Her research interests include pituitary pathology and Cushing's disease. For the last five years, she has specialized in neuroendocrine testing and pre-and post-operative care of patients with neuroendocrine and pituitary diseases.  Nurses play a critical role in the care of patients with pituitary disease and we are delighted to bring you this wonderful conversation.

 

S8E11: A conversation with Amryt’s new president for the Americas, Sheila Frame

We caught up with Sheila a few weeks ago at the Acromegaly Community Conference near San Francisco. We had a captivating chat about Mycapssa (oral octreotide), the new and only oral medication for the treatment of Acromegaly, where we learned about the drug since its introduction 18 months ago. But we also wanted to know about Amryt, a newcomer to the US and soon to all the Americas. We talked about Amryt's start in Dublin, Ireland, just six years ago, its philosophy, brand, and plans. We also took advantage of Sheila's extensive experience in healthcare to ask about her views. We touched on rare disease diagnoses, the state of endocrinology drug development in the US and globally, access to medication, patient support, and the burden of dealing with insurance issues, specifically those related to prior authorizations.

S8E10: Valuable insights from actual pituitary medicine practice

This session presents more musings based on the actual practice of pituitary medicine. These insights derived from real cases include discussions of issues with Growth Hormone and the problems physicians have when they prescribe it. You don't want to miss this enlightening segment. Also, in the session, the recent Covid-19 surge and dexamethasone dose adjustments, and an interesting empty sella with an enlarged pituitary gland, you might find insightful. On the "be careful of what you read on the internet" front, a few postings on Facebook on gadolinium and the connection between mold and pituitary tumors misinformation flying around on the internet. Lastly, Dr. Blevins muses about adrenal and pituitary Cushing's from a recent case. We close with a look at telemedicine and discuss some changes that may not be that good for patients regarding the evolving issues about access to treatment by specialists across state lines. Stay tuned for more insights on this vital telemedicine access issue and how to help us advocate for patient choice and access by experienced specialists, regardless of where you live.  

S8E9: Live-Talk Session 6: May 19, 2022 - Biotin’s effect on lab tests

Dr. Lewis Blevins talks with guest Dr. Saleh Aldasouqi, Professor, Chief, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Clinician at Michigan State University Specialty Center, Endocrinology Clinic, about Biotin use and its interference with laboratory tests. This is definitely something you need to know to plan discontinuance of the supplement to allow for lab testing. You won’t want to miss this discussion. To learn more about this issue you can access the links we included in the article related to this podcasts 
with more details on the issues with Biotin use and how it can lead to misdiagnosis.

S8E8: Advocacy: patient needs and support

Our live talk session from May 12 is now available on-demand with guests Jill Sisco, president of the Acromegaly Community, and Sharmyn McGraw from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute.  This was a fascinating perspective on the challenges and opportunities for patient advocacy programs with two of the leading patient advocates in the world of pituitary disease, specifically Cushing's and acromegaly.  We talked about the voice of the patient initiatives, support groups, unmet needs, access to medication, and new initiatives to participate in making life better for people dealing with pituitary disease.  Don't miss it, and join us next Thursday for another Live Talk session!

S8E7: Central adrenal insufficiency: critical information for stress dosing and pituitary surgery indications

A highly informational "live-talk" session from Dr. Blevins.  The first segment covers the indications for pituitary surgery for patients with pituitary adenomas.  In the second half of the program, he discusses critical information for patients with Central Adrenal Insufficiency due to hypothalamic or pituitary disease.  Some of this information is applicable to those who have primary adrenal insufficiency, which occurs when the adrenal glands are removed. 

S8E6: LIVE TALK - Complications of surgery and symptoms and signs

If you missed our live broadcast of Pituitary World News's new radio-style call-in show, here's your chance to listen to the recording. In session three, we cover the many possible complications from pituitary surgery in terms of pituitary function and the anatomy around the gland. This is a comprehensive review of potential consequences that all pituitary patients, whether they have had, or are about to have surgery, should know and discuss with their surgeons. The second part of the session offers a fascinating discussion of symptoms and signs of pituitary disease and hormone deficiencies. Finally, Dr. Blevins will discuss a few cases of nonspecific symptoms and signs of pituitary disorders and how, on occasion, those have proven to be due to something unrelated to pituitary disorders. 

S8E5: Diabetes Insipidus and a discussion about endocrine tests

In our second Live Talk session, Dr. Lewis Blevins discusses the normal ranges of endocrine lab tests and shares examples from his pituitary practice. Also,  our guest this week, Pat Gildroy, who manages the Diabetes Insipidus Facebook group, Got DI, joins us for a fascinating discussion about this condition.