Endocrine disorders and musculoskeletal diseases

Abstract

Some clinical features observed in diabetes mellitus suggest secondary Sjögren's syndrome, and the effect of autonomic neuropathy on tear production is analyzed. Limited joint mobility in diabetes mellitus continues to attract attention, and a number of suggestions for further studies are discussed. Neurophysiologic assessment of the median nerve distinguishes diabetic polyneuropathy from carpal tunnel syndrome; however, Martin-Gruber anastomosis may modify nerve conduction measurements. Fracture rate does not appear to be increased in diabetes mellitus. The role of confounding variables and a dose-dependent effect of thyroxine therapy on bone mass is discussed. The possible association of hypothyroidism with gout is debated. Autoimmune thyroid diseases may be added to the list of conditions that produce anticardiolipin antibodies without the clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome.