1.The role of free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine ratio in the differential diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis: A cross-sectional study
Menon Saieehwaran ; Sy Liang Yong ; Vijiya Mala Velayutham ; Jason Tan Seng Hong ; Avni Patel ; Zienna Zufida binti Zainol Rashid ; Hanisah Abdul Hamid ; Salbiah binti Mohd Isa ; Li Vern Lim
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):11-
Introduction:
Accurate diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, a condition resulting from excessive thyroid hormone activity, is essential for
appropriate management. However, access to diagnostic tools such as thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) assays
and thyroid ultrasonography remains limited in resource-constrained settings, highlighting the need for cost-effective
alternatives. Recent studies suggest that the free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) ratio may serve as a potential
biomarker for differentiating the causes of thyrotoxicosis.
Methodology:
This cross-sectional study evaluated the FT3/FT4 ratio in newly diagnosed thyrotoxicosis patients aged ≥18 years recruited
from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Hospital Banting, Klinik Kesihatan Pelabuhan Klang, and Klinik Kesihatan
Pandamaran between February and December 2025. All participants underwent thyroid function testing (FT3, FT4, and
TSH) and autoantibody assessment (TRAb and anti-thyroid peroxidase [anti-TPO]). Diagnostic performance of the FT3/FT4
ratio for Graves’ disease was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Results:
Fifty-eight patients were included, of whom 58.6% were diagnosed with Graves’ disease. Patients with Graves’ disease had
significantly higher FT3 levels (median 16.8 pmol/L; IQR 10.9–25.7) compared to those with non-Graves’ thyrotoxicosis
(median 8.3 pmol/L; IQR 5.3–13.5; p <0.001), with similar trends observed for FT4 levels (p <0.001). However, the FT3/
FT4 ratio did not differ significantly between groups (p >0.05), with an overall ROC AUC of 0.572, indicating poor
discriminatory ability. Subgroup analysis based on FT4 levels improved performance; at FT4 <30 pmol/L, the FT3/FT4
ratio demonstrated 75.0% sensitivity, 91.7% specificity, and 87.5% diagnostic accuracy at a cutoff of 0.3445 (AUC = 0.813;
95% CI: 0.570–1.000; p = 0.069). No significant association was observed between the FT3/FT4 ratio and TRAb or anti-TPO.
Conclusion
The FT3/FT4 ratio has limited overall diagnostic utility but may provide adjunctive value in selected biochemical
contexts, particularly in settings with limited access to immunological testing.
Diagnosis, Differential
;
Thyroxine
;
Triiodothyronine
;
Thyrotoxicosis
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
2.Severe Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of Management
Shaleela Mohd Esha ; Chua Yi Jiang ; Wong Hui Chin ; Ooi Xin Yi ; Yong Sy Liang
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):65-
Introduction:
Severe hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy is a rare
yet potentially life-threatening disorder. It is frequently
linked to acute pancreatitis and poses considerable risks
for both maternal and fetal morbidity.
Case:
We report a 35-year-old G4P3 female at 33 + 6 weeks
gestation with underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus who
presented with acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,
and poor oral intake, initially mistaken for preterm labor
and sepsis. Further evaluation revealed profound hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides 79.1 mmol/L) with markedly
elevated total cholesterol (>32 mmol/L) and raised serum
amylase, consistent with hypertriglyceridemia-induced
acute pancreatitis. She was managed in a multidisciplinary
setting with intravenous insulin infusion, dextrose supplementation, aggressive fluid resuscitation, and empiric
antibiotics. Due to clinical deterioration and ongoing risk of
maternal complications, she underwent emergency lower
segment caesarean section and exploratory laparotomy
at 34 weeks of gestation. Intraoperative findings included
inflammatory intra-abdominal fluid and a bulky pancreas,
supporting the diagnosis. Rapid biochemical improvement was observed following treatment, with triglyceride levels
decreasing by approximately 70% within 24 hours (79.1–
24.0 mmol/L) and achieving >90% reduction over 10 days.
Postpartum management included initiation of omega-3
fatty acids, fibrate, and statin therapy, resulting in sustained
lipid control. Ophthalmologic examination demonstrated
lipemia retinalis, further confirming severe dyslipidemia.
Conclusion
This case highlights the importance of early recognition of
severe hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy, particularly in
patients with metabolic risk factors such as diabetes. Prompt
initiation of insulin therapy can achieve rapid triglyceride
reduction and may obviate the need for plasmapheresis in
selected cases. Delivery should be considered in the setting
of maternal instability. Long-term lipid management
postpartum is essential for preventing recurrence and
reducing future metabolic risk. A multidisciplinary
approach remains critical in optimizing both maternal and
fetal outcomes in this rare but serious condition.
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Acute Disease
;
Pancreatitis
3.Insulin Autoimmune Syndrome – An after-meal roller coaster ride
Chee Koon Low ; Hui Chin Wong ; Saraswathy Apparow ; Sy Liang Yong
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2024;39(1):1-4
Hypoglycemic disorders are rare in persons without diabetes, and clinical evaluation to identify its etiology can be challenging. We present a case of insulin autoimmune syndrome induced by carbimazole in a middle-aged Chinese man with underlying Graves’ disease, which was managed conservatively with a combination of dietary modification and alpha-glucosidase inhibitor.
Hypoglycemia
;
Hyperinsulinism
;
Insulin Antibodies
4.Who were those MEN hiding behind the ulcers?
Shazatul Reza Binti Mohd Redzuan ; Yong Sy Liang
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2020;35(2):210-214
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by a mutation in the MEN1 gene. We present a 65-year-old man with MEN1 who has primary hyperparathyroidism, microprolactinoma, meningioma and gastrinoma. He had undergone parathyroidectomy followed by tumour excision of meningioma. The duodenal gastrinoma lesion was inoperable as it was close to the superior mesenteric artery with high surgery risk. Medical therapy with octreotide LAR had been initiated and showed good biochemical response as well as disease progression control. Chemoembolization was proposed if the duodenum lesion reduces in size on maintenance treatment with octreotide LAR. This case highlights the challenges in managing this rare condition and octreotide LAR has shown to be effective in controlling the disease progression in MEN1 with inoperable gastrinoma
meningioma
;
octreotide
;
gastrinoma
5.Pseudohypoparathyroidism: A case of hypocalcemia and hypothyroidism diagnosed during the postpartum period
Malaysian Family Physician 2019;14(1):31-34
We describe a 29-year-old Para 1 post-Emergency Lower Segment Caesarean Section (EMLSCS)
for fetal distress and Preterm Rupture of the Membrane (PROM) referred by the Obstetric team for
persistent bradycardia. She had the typical features of Albright’s Hereditary Osteodystrophy (AHO).
The laboratory investigation revealed hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia with a high Parathyroid
hormone (PTH) level and low free Thyroxine 4 (fT4) with high Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
(TSH). The patient was diagnosed with Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) Type 1A associated
with TSH resistance based on the somatic features of AHO present as well as biochemical and
radiological abnormalities.
6.Prevalence of hypoglycaemia among insulin-treated pregnant women with diabetes- who achieved tight glycaemic control.
Danish NG ; Nurain Mohd NOOR ; Sy Liang YONG
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2019;34(1):29-35
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hypoglycaemia using continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) among insulin-treated pregnant women with diabetes whose glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were <6.0% and identify the risk factors associated with hypoglycaemia occurrence.
METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional study using 6-days CGMS to detect the prevalence of hypoglycaemia in 31 insulin-treated pregnant women with diabetes who achieved HbA1c <6.0%. Patients were required to log-keep their self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) readings and hypoglycaemia events.
RESULTS: Eight women experienced confirmed hypoglycaemia with additional seven experienced relative hypoglycaemia, giving rise to prevalence rate of 45.2% (one had both confirmed and relative hypoglycaemia). Nine relative hypoglycaemia and 17 confirmed hypoglycaemic events were recorded. Sixteen (94%) out of 17 confirmed hypoglycaemia events recorded by CGMS were asymptomatic and were missed despite performing regular SMBG. Nocturnal hypoglycaemia events were recorded in seven women. Univariable analysis did not identify any association between conventional risk factors and hypoglycaemia events in our cohort.
CONCLUSION: Insulin-treated pregnant women with diabetes who achieved HbA1c < 6.0% were associated with high prevalence of hypoglycaemia. Asymptomatic hypoglycaemia is common in our cohort and frequently missed despite regular SMBG. Present study did not identify any association between conventional risk factors and hypoglycaemia events in our cohort.
Human ; Female ; Hypoglycemia ; Pregnancy ; Diabetes Mellitus


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail