1.Risk Assessment for Ramadan Fasting in People With Diabetes in Hospital-Based Diabetes Clinics Using the Updated 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator
Raja Nurazni Raja Azwan ; Chin Voon Tong ; Lisa Mohamed Nor ; Marisa Khatijah Borhan ; Syarifah Syahirah Syed Abas ; Poh Shean Wong ; Ying Jie Tan ; Shartiyah Ismail ; Eunice Yi Chwen Lau ; Yueh Chien Kuan ; Noor Hafis Md Tob ; Shu Teng Chai ; Pei Lin Chan ; Xe Hui Lee ; Wei Wei Ng ; Jin Hui Ho ; Miza Hiryanti Zakaria ; Rabeah Md Zuki ; Wan Mohd Hafez Wan Hamzah ; Melissa Vergis ; Choon Peng Sun ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai ; Chee Koon Low ; Shazatul Reza Mohd Redzuan ; Xin-Yi Ooi ; Siti Sanaa Wan Azman ; Deviga Lachumanan ; Saiful Shahrizal Shudim ; Zanariah Hussein
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):42-43
Introduction:
The 2021 IDF-DAR risk calculator had been previously
evaluated in multiple studies and subsequently widely
accepted and applied in clinical practice as a practical
standardized tool for patient risk stratification. Recently
updated, the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk calculator enables a more individualized, evidence-related evaluation of patientrelated and disease-related risk factors, incorporating
modern diabetes technologies, including continuous
glucose monitoring (CGM), automated insulin delivery
(AID) systems, and advanced insulin formulations to
enhance risk stratification. This tool allows medical
professionals to tailor Ramadan practices based on overall
factors toward promoting safe fasting.
Methodology:
This prospective multicentre observational study recruited
adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes attending public
hospitals nationwide. People with diabetes (PwD) intending
to perform Ramadan fasting were invited to participate
and assessed using the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator in
the 6-week pre-Ramadan period between 30th January and
19th March 2026.
Results:
A total of 458 PwD were evaluated and stratified into low
(15.7%), moderate (41%), and high risk (43.3%) categories.
Most participants had Type 2 diabetes (83.6%), with 60.3%
having a disease duration exceeding 10 years and 43%
exhibiting poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c >9%).
Insulin therapy was used by 76.4% of participants, including
two individuals with Type 1 diabetes using AID systems.
Most participants reported no recent hypoglycemia (76.4%),
81.0% performed glucose monitoring, and 3.3% used CGM.
Severe comorbidities were uncommon, with 1.1% having
unstable macrovascular disease and 4.4% advanced chronic
kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30).
Notably, 72.2% received structured Ramadan education.
Conclusion
Majority of PwD attending tertiary diabetes clinics were
in the moderate- to high-risk category and intended to
fast despite medical advice against fasting in some cases.
Although most participants were on insulin therapy,
hypoglycemia was low in the pre-Ramadan period.
Integration of modern technologies, advanced insulin
therapies, and structured education may support safer
fasting practices.
Risk Assessment
;
Diabetes Mellitus
;
Hospitals
;
Fasting
2.Neither a Friend nor a Foe: An Unusual Case of Severe Symptomatic Hypercalcemia Secondary to Atypical Parathyroid Adenoma
Wye Hong Leong ; Qing Ci Goh ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai ; Siow Ping Lee ; Maryam Ahmad Sharifuddin
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):79-80
Introduction:
Atypical parathyroid adenoma (APA) constitutes approximately 0.5–4.0% of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). Here, we report a case of APA
presenting with severe hypercalcemia, complicated with
renal impairment, bilateral medullary nephrocalcinosis,
and multiple fragility fractures.
Case:
A 45-year-old male initially presented with a 6-month
history of constipation, polyuria, lethargy, bone pain,
and difficulty in initiating micturition. Laboratory
investigations revealed impaired renal function with
an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 41.4 mL/min,
severe hypercalcemia (4.07 mmol/L), and an elevated
intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level of 104.0 pmol/L
(reference range: 1.58–6.03 pmol/L), confirming the
diagnosis of pHPT. He was also found to have vitamin D deficiency, with a serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D level
of 46 nmol/L.
Ultrasound of the abdomen demonstrated bilateral
medullary nephrocalcinosis, while neck ultrasound and
Tc-99 m sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy revealed a
concordant lesion in the posterior aspect of the left thyroid
lobe, suggestive of a parathyroid adenoma.
He returned 3 months later with closed fractures of the right
subtrochanteric femur and the right humerus following
a fall from standing height.
In view of persistent hypercalcemia despite hyperhydration and treatment with zoledronic acid, subcutaneous
denosumab (60 mg) was administered, resulting in an
improvement in serum calcium levels. A left inferior
parathyroidectomy was then performed concurrently
with internal fixation of the right femur. The surgery was
uneventful. Histopathological examination confirmed an
atypical parathyroid adenoma. Postoperatively, the serum
calcium and iPTH levels normalized, and the patient
remained asymptomatic and normocalcemic during
regular follow-up.
Conclusion
APA remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due
to its clinical, biochemical, and histopathological features
of equivocal malignancy. Surgical resection remains
the mainstay of management of APA, and long-term
surveillance is essential in view of its uncertain malignant
potential and risk of recurrence.
Hypercalcemia
;
Parathyroid Neoplasms
3.Diagnostic Dilemma in Interpreting Inferior Petrosal Sinus Sampling in Suspected Cyclical Cushing’s Disease in an Adolescent
Nicholas Wee Wern Phan ; Pei Sun Tan ; Subashini Rajoo ; Vanusha A/P Devaraja Pillai ; Shazatul Reza binti Mohd Redzuan ; Gayathri Devi Krishnan ; Sharifah Noor Adrilla Long Mohd Noor Affendi
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):90-
Introduction:
Cushing’s disease in adolescents is rare and frequently
difficult to diagnose due to overlapping features with
common pubertal and metabolic conditions. We present
an adolescent who underwent inferior petrosal sinus
sampling (IPSS) with possible cyclical Cushing’s disease,
highlighting the diagnostic challenges and the interpretive
value of IPSS.
Case:
A 16-year-old female presented with progressive weight
gain, acne, hirsutism, secondary amenorrhea, proximal
myopathy, violaceous striae, and facial plethora over 1 year.
Her 24-hour urinary cortisol was >3,310 nmol/L with failure
of suppression following a 1-mg overnight dexamethasone
suppression test (701 nmol/L). Her adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH) was raised (77.9 pg/mL), consistent with
ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome. Her hemoglobin
A1c was 5.9%, and she has low bone mass for age with a
Z score of -2.9 at the Lumbar spine.
Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging identified a rightsided microadenoma measuring 0.6 × 0.5 cm, while
computed tomography of the thorax, abdomen, and
pelvis showed no ectopic source. IPSS with desmopressin
stimulation was performed to confirm the ACTH source.
No steroidogenesis inhibitors were administered prior to
testing. Notably, cortisol levels during IPSS were relatively
low, with midnight cortisol of 91 nmol/L and morning
cortisol of 200 nmol/L, suggesting testing during a trough
phase of possible cyclical hypercortisolism. Despite this,
IPSS demonstrated a significant central-to-peripheral
ACTH gradient supporting a pituitary source.
Conclusion
This case highlights the diagnostic dilemma of interpreting
IPSS in suspected cyclical Cushing’s disease. Fluctuating
cortisol secretion may result in discordant biochemical
findings and complicate localization studies. IPSS findings should be interpreted cautiously and integrated with
clinical features, imaging, and serial biochemical monitoring. Recognition of cyclical disease patterns is essential to
ensure appropriate management in adolescent patients.
Adolescent
;
Humans
;
Petrosal Sinus Sampling
4.Big and Blurry: Giant Prolactinoma Case Series
Nur Farrah Anima ; Qing Ci Goh ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai ; Siow Ping Lee
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):91-
Introduction:
Giant prolactinomas represent 2–3% of prolactin-secreting
pituitary adenomas and show a male predominance. They
present with mass effect symptoms and hypogonadism, but
may be overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis. Although
dopamine agonists are first-line therapy, management
remains challenging due to the large size and invasive
behavior. This study aims to describe the clinical and
radiological features, treatment modalities, and outcomes
of three cases of giant prolactinomas. We retrospectively
reviewed three men with giant prolactinomas, including
their clinical, biochemical, and radiological features, along
with treatment and outcomes.
Cases:
Three male patients aged 35–59 years with giant
prolactinomas were included. Two patients presented
with visual disturbances, headache, and features of hypogonadism, while one patient had acute confusion and visual
loss secondary to obstructive hydrocephalus requiring
ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. Imaging in all cases
demonstrated large invasive pituitary macroadenomas with
extensive local extension. Baseline serum prolactin levels
were markedly elevated, ranging from 86,568 to 441,116
uIU/mL (86–324 uIU/mL). All patients had secondary
hypogonadism, while secondary hypothyroidism and
hypocortisolism were each identified in two patients.
One patient also had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
at presentation. Dopamine agonist therapy was initiated
as the primary therapy for all the patients. Two patients
developed cerebrospinal fluid leak following initiation of
low-dose dopamine agonist therapy (one patient received cabergoline 0.25 mg weekly, while another received 0.5 mg
weekly), which resolved spontaneously with conservative
management. Serum prolactin levels decreased markedly,
with significant improvement in symptoms related to
mass effect following treatment.
Conclusion
Giant prolactinomas may present with significant mass
effect and multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies.
Dopamine agonists remain the cornerstone of management
and can result in substantial biochemical and clinical
improvement even in large invasive tumors. However,
rapid tumor shrinkage may lead to complications such
as cerebrospinal fluid leak, highlighting the importance
of close monitoring during treatment initiation.
Prolactinoma
5.Relapsing retroperitoenal abscess secondary to juvenile dermatomyositis: Complexity in management
Jothinathan Muniandy ; Lau Kiew Siong ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2020;75(2):178-180
Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a systemic autoimmune
condition with myopathy. Gastrointestinal and pulmonary
manifestations are rare presentation of JDM.
Gastrointestinal perforation incidence in JDM is associated
with vasculopathy and ischaemia. There are only few
reported case of management of JDM with gastrointestinal
complication. Management of such condition is challenging.
We present a 21-year-old man with spontaneous descending
colon perforation undergoing Hartmann’s procedure. He
subsequently presented with recurrent retroperitoneal
abscess at five and 30 months following the initial
presentation which was treated with percutaneous drainage.
A high index of suspicion is necessary in JDM patients
presenting with acute abdomen


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