Top stories in endocrinology: FDA warns of rare genital infection linked to SGLT2 inhibitors, painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy associated with low vitamin D levels

Among the top stories in endocrinology this past week were a FDA warning that a rare genital infection was associated with SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes and a report that indicated painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy was linked to low vitamin D levels.

Other top stories discussed how a first-line steroid sparing agent improved thyroid eye disease, how dapagliflozin add-on therapy is more cost-effective than sitagliptin in adults beginning type 2 diabetes therapy, and clinical indicators for diagnosing transient vs permanent hypothyroidism in infants. – by Janel Miller

FDA warns of rare genital infection associated with SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes

The FDA issued a drug safety communication for health care providers and the public following reports of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum, also known as Fournier’s gangrene, in people prescribed drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class of diabetes medications. Read more.

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy linked to low vitamin D levels

Patients with type 2 diabetes and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy had significantly lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared with healthy volunteers and patients with type 2 diabetes without neuropathy or with painless neuropathy, according to data published in Diabetic Medicine. Read more

Thyroid eye disease improves with first-line steroid sparing agent

The use of methotrexate as first-line therapy with a limited adjuvant IV methylprednisolone to treat active thyroid eye disease led to significant improvements in disease activity and total steroid load, according to data from a retrospective, single-center, consecutive case series published in Clinical Endocrinology. Read more

Dapagliflozin add-on therapy more cost-effective than sitagliptin

Among adults initiating type 2 diabetes therapy, dapagliflozin and sitagliptin were associated with similar costs over 1 year, but among those adding either agent to established oral monotherapy, dapagliflozin was the more cost-effective choice, according to data published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Read more.

Early levothyroxine dose may identify patients with transient congenital hypothyroidism

A lower dose of levothyroxine treatment at age 6 months in infants with a normally located thyroid gland and a lower likelihood of having a first-degree family history of congenital hypothyroidism were associated with transient congenital hypothyroidism vs. permanent disease, according to data published in Thyroid. Read more.