In the evaluation of children with unexplained SNHL, routine laboratory evaluation should be reconsidered given its low diagnostic yield. However, radiologic abnormalities of the inner ear are common. Identification of inner ear malformations has direct impact on management of these children, suggesting that all children should undergo radiologic imaging as an integral component of evaluation of SNHL.

In children with SNHL, ophthalmologic examination is useful in evaluating visual acuity and determining or confirming the cause of hearing impairment.

No abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin secreted in response to nutrient ingestion. Understanding the incretin effect on diabetes pathophysiology has led to development of a new class of agents termed incretin mimetics. Exenatide is the first GLP-1 agonist approved to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Clinical studies have demonstrated exenatide's efficacy in improving glycemic control, often coupled with weight loss. Studies are investigating the potential cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 agonists. Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, C-reactive protein, and insulin resistance may improve in patients treated with exenatide. The direct effect of GLP-1 on cardiac myocytes and vascular smooth muscle has been an active area of investigation. Infusions of GLP-1 in animal models and human subjects with heart failure have demonstrated significantly improved cardia parameters. In patients with T2DM, GLP-1 infusion has been shown to improve endothelial function, irrespective of changes in insulin sensitivity. These pilot studies provide a foundation for developing therapies aimed at modulating incretin physiology for the additional benefit on the cardiovascular system in patients with T2DM and heart disease.

Among the challenges in improving outcomes in patients with diabetes is effectively implementing existing pharmacotherapies. However, current therapies for diabetes are often limited by adverse effects such as edema, hypoglycemia, and weight gain. Understanding the role of the incretin effect on the pathophysiology of diabetes has led to the development of new therapeutic agents. Exenatide is the first in a new class of agents termed "incretin mimetics," which replicate several glucoregulatory effects of the endogenous incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1. In clinical trials, patients with type 2 diabetes treated with exenatide demonstrate sustained improvements in glycemic control, with reductions in fasting and postprandial glucose levels and improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Improvements in glycemic control with exenatide are coupled with reductions in body weight. Lipid parameters, blood pressure, and C-reactive protein have been shown to improve favorably in patients treated with exenatide. The sustained glycemic improvements and progressive reduction in body weight with exenatide treatment support a shift toward a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile and may have a positive impact on decreasing the risk of associated long-term complications.