About

Dr. Marina M Charitou is a Clinical Professor of Medicine specializing in Endocrinology at Stony Brook University Hospital. She is an LGBTQ+ specialist and accepts new patients, providing care in the field of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. Her educational background includes a medical degree from New York University School of Medicine obtained in 2001, a residency in Internal Medicine at Northwell Health - Long Island Jewish Medical Center completed in 2004, and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at LIJ Medical Center completed in 2006. Her research includes publications such as a study on maternal atypical parathyroid adenoma as a cause of newborn hypocalcemic tetany and a review of the application of personal digital assistants in graduate medical education. Dr. Charitou's expertise and academic contributions focus on endocrine disorders, with a particular interest in metabolic and hormonal conditions affecting patients. She practices at Stony Brook Internists - Endocrinology located at 500 Commack Road, Suite 103, Commack, NY.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Emergency medicine
• Intensive care medicine
• Endocrinology

Selected publications

• Perioperative Management of Adult Patients with Diabetes Wearing Devices: A Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) Expert Consensus Statement

  Journal of Clinical Anesthesia · 2024-10-10 · 14 citations

  review
  PublisherDOI

• Abstract #1392967: Effects of Long-Term Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Hemoglobin A1c Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

  Endocrine Practice · 2023-05-01

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Type 3c Diabetes

  Contemporary Endocrinology · 2023-01-01 · 1 citations

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• A Novel Case of Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State After the Use of Teprotumumab in a Patient With Thyroid Eye Disease

  AACE Clinical Case Reports · 2022-01-29 · 17 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Background/Objective: Teprotumumab, a novel treatment for thyroid eye disease (TED), which blocks the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, has been associated with improvement in proptosis and inflammatory ocular symptoms. In the original trials, hyperglycemia was reported in 5% to 12% of patients; however, none required hospitalization. We report a case of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state after the first infusion of teprotumumab. Case Report: A 56-year-old woman with Graves' disease, severe thyroid eye disease, and prediabetes presented with polyuria, polydipsia, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and a fall to the emergency department 3 weeks after her first teprotumumab infusion. She was noted to have serum glucose levels of 939 mg/dL, serum bicarbonate levels of 28 meq/dL, serum osmolality of 324 mOsm/kg, and trace ketones in urine. She was treated with intravenous fluids and insulin with subsequent improvement in clinical status and biochemical profile. She was then discharged on multiple daily injections of insulin. Discussion: Hyperglycemia is a known adverse effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor inhibitors like teprotumumab. The incidence of hyperglycemia in the original trials was 5% to 12%. Most cases were mild and resolved with titration of current diabetes medications. No cases of hospitalization due to severe hyperglycemia or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state have been reported until now. Conclusion: We intend to highlight the severity of hyperglycemia that could occur with the use of teprotumumab and the need for research to evaluate the true incidence of this condition.

  PublisherDOI

• A Case of Exaggerated Pituitary Hyperplasia in a Pregnant Woman

  JCEM Case Reports · 2022-11-29 · 6 citations

  articleOpen access1st author

  Pituitary hyperplasia occurs as a result of an increase in pituitary cell subtypes. It can be a consequence of either a physiological or pathological condition. In our case, a 31-year-old pregnant woman at 16 weeks gestation presented with headaches and vision changes. Visual field testing demonstrated bitemporal hemianopsia, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain showed enlargement of the pituitary with compression of the optic chiasm. She was treated with cabergoline and steroids, and her symptoms improved. In a subsequent pregnancy, the patient developed similar symptoms, and with cabergoline treatment, her symptoms resolved. A postpartum MRI of her brain revealed a decrease in pituitary size back to baseline with normal pituitary hormone levels. This patient's likely diagnosis was physiologic pituitary hyperplasia. Pituitary hyperplasia can be difficult to diagnose since there are no explicit guidelines. Through deduction of imaging findings and hormonal levels, diagnosis of pituitary hyperplasia becomes a more manageable task.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Investigation of the risk of paternal cell contamination in PGT and the necessity of intracytoplasmic sperm injection

  Human Fertility · 2022-05-10 · 9 citations

  article

  ICSI is widely recommended for patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), but are sperm a potential source of paternal cell contamination in PGT? Semen samples were obtained from five normozoospermic men consenting to research. From each sample 1, 2, 4, 8 and 10 sperm were collected in PCR tubes and whole genome amplification according to PGT-A and PGT-SR processing protocols was undertaken. None of the 25 samples submitted (a total of 125 sperm) showed evidence of DNA amplification. Thus, paternal cell contamination resulting from using conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) as the insemination method, carries a low risk of an adverse event or misdiagnosis in PGT-A. Due to the higher risk incurred with PGT-SR, clinics may wish to exercise increased caution and continue using ICSI, while PGT-M involves different processing protocols, presenting a different risk profile.

  PublisherDOI

• Challenges in Managing Metabolic Complications in a Patient With Familial Partial Lipodystrophy Type 3

  Journal of the Endocrine Society · 2021-05-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL) is a rare group of autosomal dominant genetic disorders which causes variable loss of subcutaneous fat from abdomen, thorax or extremities in addition to the numerous metabolic complications like insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia1. FPL type 3 was first characterized by Agarwal et al. in 20021, in which peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) gene was the molecular basis of this disorder. It is extremely rare and so far only 30 patients or so have been recognized with this mutation2. FPL3 is unique because it generally spares the loss of fat from trunk, face and neck region and also presents with more severe metabolic derangements. We report a case of a young female with PPARγ mutation leading to numerous metabolic complications. A 19 year old female with FPL3 was seen by adult endocrinology as a transition from pediatric endocrinology. She was found to have hypertriglyceridemia on routine labs done at the age of 11. Patient reported loss of subcutaneous fat from her extremities and eruptive xanthoma on flexor surfaces at the time of diagnosis along with a positive family history of hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis and Myocardial infarction at the age of 40 in her father. Her triglyceride level has varied between 600 and 3000 (normal 20–149 mg/dl) over the years. FPL3 was diagnosed based on genetic testing. She was prescribed fenofibrate and fish oil, and statin was added thereafter. She developed type 2 diabetes and was started on metformin and pioglitazone. She was noted to have hypertension and was treated with amlodipine and lisinopril. She also was found to have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) based on menstrual irregularities, hirsutism and ultrasound showing multiple ovarian cysts, and was treated with spironolactone. Her most recent labs show triglyceride level of 2400 mg/dl and HbA1c of 8.3. PPARγ gene mutation in FPL3 leads to insulin resistance and hence patients often develop hypertriglyceridemia, type 2 diabetes, PCOS and hypertension. In terms of treatment options, we are still limited to pioglitazone, metformin, statins and fish oil. Often these are not sufficient in addressing the complexity of metabolic derangements in these patients who have an increased risk of cardiovascular events at a young age. Further research about agents targeting this gene in particular would be beneficial. 1. Agarwal et al. A novel heterozygous mutation in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma gene in a patient with familial partial lipodystrophy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Jan; 87(1):408–411. 2. Garg A. Lipodystrophies: Genetic and Acquired Body Fat Disorders. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(11): 3313–3325.

  PublisherDOI

• Outcomes and Healthcare Provider Perceptions of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring (rtCGM) in Patients With Diabetes and COVID-19 Admitted to the ICU

  Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology · 2021-01-12 · 39 citations

  articleOpen access

  Objective: We assessed the clinical utility and accuracy of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) (Dexcom G6) in managing diabetes patients with severe COVID-19 infection following admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: We present retrospective analysis of masked rtCGM in 30 patients with severe COVID-19. rtCGM was used during the first 24 hours for comparison with arterial-line point of care (POC) values, where clinicians utilized rtCGM data to adjust insulin therapy in patients if rtCGM values were within 20% of point-of-care (POC) values during the masked period. An investigator-developed survey was administered to assess nursing staff ( n = 66) perceptions regarding the use of rtCGM in the ICU. Results: rtCGM data were used to adjust insulin therapy in 30 patients. Discordance between rtCGM and POC glucose values were observed in 11 patients but the differences were not considered clinically significant. Mean sensor glucose decreased from 235.7 ± 42.1 mg/dL (13.1 ± 2.1 mmol/L) to 202.7 ± 37.6 mg/dL (11.1 ± 2.1 mmol/L) with rtCGM management. Improvements in mean sensor glucose were observed in 77% of patients ( n = 23) with concomitant reductions in daily POC measurements in 50% of patients ( n = 15) with rtCGM management. The majority (63%) of nurses reported that rtCGM was helpful for improving care for patients with diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 49% indicated that rtCGM reduced their use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusions: Our findings provide a strong rationale to increase clinician awareness for the adoption and implementation of rtCGM systems in the ICU. Additional studies are needed to further understand the utility of rtCGM in critically ill patients and other clinical care settings.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Mobile Delivery of the Diabetes Prevention Program in People With Prediabetes: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

  2020-01-17 · 1 citations

  preprint

  <sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) diabetes prevention program (DPP) has formed the foundation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) prevention efforts and lifestyle change modifications in multiple care settings. To our knowledge, no randomized controlled trial has verified the efficacy of a fully mobile version of CDC’s diabetes prevention program (DPP). </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> This study aimed to investigate the long-term weight loss and glycemic efficacy of a mobile-delivered DPP compared with a control group receiving usual medical care. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> Adults with prediabetes (N=202) were recruited from a clinic and randomized to either a mobile-delivered, coach-guided DPP (Noom) or a control group that received regular medical care including a paper-based DPP curriculum and no formal intervention. The intervention group learned how to use the Noom program, how to interact with their coach, and the importance of maintaining motivation. They had access to an interactive coach-to-participant interface and group messaging, daily challenges for behavior change, DPP-based education articles, food logging, and automated feedback. Primary outcomes included changes in weight and hemoglobin A&lt;sub&gt;1c&lt;/sub&gt; (HbA&lt;sub&gt;1c&lt;/sub&gt;) levels at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Exploratory secondary outcomes included program engagement as a predictor of changes in weight and HbA&lt;sub&gt;1c&lt;/sub&gt; levels. </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> A total of 202 participants were recruited and randomized into the intervention (n=101) or control group (n=99). In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, changes in the participants’ weight and BMI were significantly different at 6 months between the intervention and control groups, but there was no difference in HbA&lt;sub&gt;1c&lt;/sub&gt; levels (mean difference 0.004%, SE 0.05; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.94). Weight and BMI were lower in the intervention group by −2.64 kg (SE 0.71; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&amp;lt;.001) and −0.99 kg/m2 (SE 0.29; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.001), respectively. These differences persisted at 12 months. However, in the analyses that did not involve ITT, program completers achieved a significant weight loss of 5.6% (SE 0.81; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&amp;lt;.001) at 6 months, maintaining 4.7% (SE 0.88; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&amp;lt;.001) of their weight loss at 12 months. The control group lost −0.15% at 6 months (SE 0.64; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.85) and gained 0.33% (SE 0.70; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.63) at 12 months. Those randomized to the intervention group who did not start the program had no meaningful weight or HbA&lt;sub&gt;1c&lt;/sub&gt; level change, similar to the control group. At 1 year, the intervention group showed a 0.23% reduction in HbA&lt;sub&gt;1c&lt;/sub&gt; levels; those who completed the intervention showed a 0.28% reduction. Those assigned to the control group had a 0.16% reduction in HbA&lt;sub&gt;1c&lt;/sub&gt; levels. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> This novel mobile-delivered DPP achieved significant weight loss reductions for up to 1 year compared with usual care. This type of intervention reduces the risk of overt diabetes without the added barriers of in-person interventions. </sec> <sec> <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03865342; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03865342 </sec>

  PublisherDOI

• Mobile Delivery of the Diabetes Prevention Program in People With Prediabetes: Randomized Controlled Trial

  JMIR mhealth and uhealth · 2020-05-04 · 113 citations

  articleOpen access

  Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) diabetes prevention program (DPP) has formed the foundation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) prevention efforts and lifestyle change modifications in multiple care settings. To our knowledge, no randomized controlled trial has verified the efficacy of a fully mobile version of CDC’s diabetes prevention program (DPP). Objective This study aimed to investigate the long-term weight loss and glycemic efficacy of a mobile-delivered DPP compared with a control group receiving usual medical care. Methods Adults with prediabetes (N=202) were recruited from a clinic and randomized to either a mobile-delivered, coach-guided DPP (Noom) or a control group that received regular medical care including a paper-based DPP curriculum and no formal intervention. The intervention group learned how to use the Noom program, how to interact with their coach, and the importance of maintaining motivation. They had access to an interactive coach-to-participant interface and group messaging, daily challenges for behavior change, DPP-based education articles, food logging, and automated feedback. Primary outcomes included changes in weight and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Exploratory secondary outcomes included program engagement as a predictor of changes in weight and HbA1c levels. Results A total of 202 participants were recruited and randomized into the intervention (n=101) or control group (n=99). In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, changes in the participants’ weight and BMI were significantly different at 6 months between the intervention and control groups, but there was no difference in HbA1c levels (mean difference 0.004%, SE 0.05; P=.94). Weight and BMI were lower in the intervention group by −2.64 kg (SE 0.71; P&lt;.001) and −0.99 kg/m2 (SE 0.29; P=.001), respectively. These differences persisted at 12 months. However, in the analyses that did not involve ITT, program completers achieved a significant weight loss of 5.6% (SE 0.81; P&lt;.001) at 6 months, maintaining 4.7% (SE 0.88; P&lt;.001) of their weight loss at 12 months. The control group lost −0.15% at 6 months (SE 0.64; P=.85) and gained 0.33% (SE 0.70; P=.63) at 12 months. Those randomized to the intervention group who did not start the program had no meaningful weight or HbA1c level change, similar to the control group. At 1 year, the intervention group showed a 0.23% reduction in HbA1c levels; those who completed the intervention showed a 0.28% reduction. Those assigned to the control group had a 0.16% reduction in HbA1c levels. Conclusions This novel mobile-delivered DPP achieved significant weight loss reductions for up to 1 year compared with usual care. This type of intervention reduces the risk of overt diabetes without the added barriers of in-person interventions. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03865342; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03865342

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Joshua D. Miller

  Stony Brook University

  14 shared

• Patricia A. Skala

  Stony Brook School

  9 shared

• Mary C. Rieff

  Stony Brook Medicine

  9 shared

• Danielle J. Kelly

  Stony Brook University

  9 shared

• Kenneth W. Chow

  UCLA Medical Center

  9 shared

• Rajarsi Gupta

  9 shared

• Igor Kravets

  Stony Brook University

  9 shared

• Eric J. Morley

  Stony Brook Medicine

  9 shared