Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons
Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center
Harkness Pavilion 970
180 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032
Consultations can be arranged by calling (212)
305-2254.
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Index
Introduction
Attending Staff
Consultation Services
Acromegaly Patient Support Group
Neuroendocrine Clinical Conference
Introduction
The Neuroendocrine Unit provides a multidisciplinary evaluation
of patients with pituitary and hypothalamic disorders. The Unit accepts
referrals for the evaluation and treatment of patients with prolactinomas,
Cushing's disease, acromegaly, nonfunctioning pituitary tumors, hypopituitarism,
and other pituitary and hypothalamic disorders. Patients can be referred
from their physician or be self-referred. A neurosurgeon and radiologist
work closely with the Neuroendocrine Unit team of Endocrinologists to develop
a diagnostic and treatment plan. Weekly multidisciplinary rounds are held
to discuss the care of patients referred to the Neuroendocrine Unit. The
Neuroendocrine Unit Endocrinologists are experienced in the use of standard
and investigational therapies for the treatment of hormone secreting pituitary
tumors and a number of clinical research protocols are ongoing.
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Attendings Staff
Sharon
L. Wardlaw MD, Professor of Medicine, Director, Neuroendocrine Unit
Pamela
Freda MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Director,
Neuroendocrine Unit
Thomas
P. Jacobs MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine
Andrew G. Frantz MD, Professor of Medicine
Judith Korner MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Clinical
Medicine
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Consultation Services
The Neuroendocrine Unit staff offers consultations, second
opinions and ongoing management of disorders affecting pituitary and hypothalamic
function including hormone secreting and non-secreting pituitary tumors
as well as parasellar tumors. The Endocrinologist's evaluation is coordinated
with results of detailed hormone testing and radiological studies as well
as with the input of the Neurosurgery and Radiology staff.
Areas of special expertise:
Prolactinomas, Cushing's disease, acromegaly, non-functioning
pituitary tumors.
Differential diagnosis and therapy.
Differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome (Ectopic ACTH
syndrome, adrenal Cushing's and pituitary Cushing's), CRH stimulation testing
and petrosal sinus sampling with CRH administration.
Treatment with octreotide, experimental protocol for cabergoline
treatment of acromegaly, pre-operative work-up and post-operative evaluation
of cure with highly sensitive GH and IGF-I measurements and glucose tolerance
testing for GH suppression.
Clinical trials with pegvisomant (Somavert) therapy of Acromegaly: Patients being treated
with Pegvisomant may also be eligible for free evaluation of body composition and heart
structure and function before and during pegvisomant therapy.
Hypopituitarism:
Evaluation and treatment of adrenal, thyroid, GH and gonadal
steroid deficiencies and diabetes insipidus.
Growth Hormone Deficiency:
Testing for GH deficiency; conventional GH therapy and therapy with an investigational long acting GH therapy administered as weekly injections.
Parasellar tumors:
Endocrinologic evaluation of parasellar tumors and non-pituitary
causes of hypopituitarism.
Medical management of obesity, with a particular focus on hypothalamic obesity (weight gain due to brain tumor or injury). Clinical research studies on hypothalamic obesity, weight loss, body composition and insulin sensitivity.
Physicians wishing to refer a patient are
welcome to discuss the referral with one of the Endocrinologists and should
contact the Unit Coordinator regarding the referral at:
(212) 305-2254.
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Acromegaly Patient Support Group
For further information contact the Neuroendocrine Unit at:(212)
305-2254,
or Ms Chris Sucorowski at (201) 614-0764
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Neuroendocrine Clinical Conference
A weekly interdisciplinary conference attended by endocrinologists,
pediatric endocrinologists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists. Cases
referred to the Neuroendocrine Unit are discussed and a team approach to
the diagnosis and management of these cases is taken. Physicians are welcome
to attend and present cases. Interested physicians should contact the Unit
Coordinator for details.
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R. Sundeen
Last updated 11/04
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