Top in endocrinology: Impact of stress, low testosterone on COVID-19

Recent study data indicate that an increased cortisol level may serve as a predictor of mortality in patients with COVID-19. It was the top story in endocrinology last week.

Another study showed that low serum testosterone levels may predispose older men to worse COVID-19 outcomes. The finding may help explain the higher fatality rate in men compared with women.

Read these and more top stories in endocrinology below:

Stress level may predict mortality risk in COVID-19

An increased cortisol level at hospital admission for individuals with COVID-19 may serve as an independent predictor of worse disease course, mortality and reduced median survival, study data show. Read more.

Low testosterone may impair immune response in men with COVID-19

Low serum testosterone levels may predispose older men to worse COVID-19 outcomes and could explain the higher coronavirus case fatality rate among men compared with women, according to a literature review. Read more.

Diabetes and COVID-19: Learning from past national emergencies

Experience with the management of diabetes during past national emergencies could provide guidance on ways to mitigate risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a review published in Diabetes Care. Read more.

Be pragmatic about testing, management of gestational diabetes during COVID-19

Strategies for screening, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic should incorporate alternative testing options and risk stratification in routine antenatal care. Read more.

Use ‘careful judgment’ to determine optimal neuroendocrine tumor management in COVID-19

Long-term treatment regimens for neuroendocrine neoplasms can be safely and temporarily delayed in the setting of life-threatening COVID-19-related symptoms, which should be “urgently treated,” according to new guidance. Read more.