The year 2024 was full of events for the forensic medicine department at the Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc. Thanks to government funding aimed at creating regional forensic institutes, we were able to strengthen the department’s team. Improvements to the autopsy room and morgue infrastructure are also planned in the next few months. Through this article, we would like to share with you this new chapter for our department and our recent scientific advancements, particularly in the field of forensic imaging.

In Endocrinology, the year 2024 has been marked by new international recommendations on the management of iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency in patients treated with glucocorticoids. Clear strategies for biological monitoring have been defined, enabling the optimization of patient follow-up and avoidance of the adrenal insufficiency risk.

Regarding diabetes complications, two major studies have opened new avenues for the prevention of diabetic kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy. The FLOW study demonstrated the nephroprotective effect of semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, with a 24% reduction in the risk of major renal events in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease at high risk of progression. Furthermore, the LENS study confirmed the role of fenofibrate in preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy, reducing the risk of visual deterioration by 27% in diabetic patients with early signs of retinal involvement. 

Additionally, tirzepatide, the first dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP receptors, is now available in Belgium for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Superior to semaglutide in terms of weight loss and glycemic control, it has demonstrated significant metabolic benefits in the SURPASS and SURMOUNT studies. It also showed promising effects in reducing cardiovascular complications and sleep apnea. 

Finally, teplizumab, an anti-CD3 antibody, represents a major advance in the preventive treatment of type 1 diabetes, which has been confirmed in 2024. By targeting T lymphocytes involved in the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, it significantly delays disease onset in at-risk patients and preserves beta-cell function in newly diagnosed patients.

Microtia is a congenital malformation affecting the external ear, with esthetic and psychosocial consequences. Several reconstruction techniques are available, including epithesis, autologous reconstruction with costal cartilage, and alloplastic reconstruction using synthetic implants. The latter enables reconstruction in a single operation, using a porous polyethylene implant and without needing a donor site, and can be performed at a younger age than conventional techniques. The surgical procedure involves placement of the implant, which is covered by a temporal fascia flap and total skin grafts. The results obtained are reproducible and long-lasting, enabling better social integration of microtia patients. Thus, this innovative technique is an effective alternative to traditional methods of auricular reconstruction.