Congenital adrenal hyperplasia presenting as pelvic inflammatory disease in a phenotypic male: A case report

RATIONALE

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is caused by various enzyme deficiencies, among which 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) deficiency accounts for more than 90% of cases. Neonatal screening became mandatory only a few decades ago. Many patients who were born before this went undiagnosed and some of the severely virilized females were raised as men.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 58-year old man with a history of excisional surgery in the external genitalia when he was a toddler presented with three days of dysuria and low abdominal pain.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient's laboratory results showed leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP); thus, the physicians decided to perform a computed tomography (CT) scan. The CT demonstrated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), left adrenal gland myelolipoma, and a mesenteric mass. Meanwhile, we suspected CAH based on the clinical history and assessed the patient's hormone levels. Seventeen-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-PG) was markedly elevated and the patient was diagnosed with classic simple virilizing CAH.

INTERVENTIONS

Intravenous antibiotics were administered, and positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) was performed to evaluate any metastases.

OUTCOMES

After 2 weeks of antibiotic treatment, CRP decreased to 0.12 mg/dL and PID was resolved. The patient opted for resection of the female genitalia along with the mesenteric and adrenal gland tumors in the near future, and was safely discharged.

LESSONS

The adrenal gland myelolipoma was thought to have developed as a result of a longstanding exposure to adrenocorticotropic hormone. There are controversies regarding the management of female genitalia in CAH patients who identify themselves as men. In this case, the physician and patient decided to remove the female genitalia because the surgery for the mesenteric mass was inevitable and there was a possibility of recurrent PID. To our knowledge, this is the first article to report primary mesenteric tumor in a CAH patient to date. In conclusion, patients who were born before neonatal screening for CAH became the mainstay, who are suspected to have CAH from their history, and present with abdominal pain must be diagnosed by performing an imaging study, testing levels of serum 17-OH-PG, and screening for female genitalia and adrenal gland myelolipoma.

Mifepristone Treatment in Four Cases of Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia (BMAH)

CONTEXT

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (BMAH) is a rare form of adrenal Cushing syndrome conventionally treated with adrenalectomy. Medical treatment is often reserved for patients not eligible for surgery. However, to date there have been few studies about the efficacy of mifepristone for the treatment of BMAH associated with hypercortisolism.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a series of patients with hypercortisolism due to BMAH treated with mifepristone from multiple medical practices.

DESIGN

We retrospectively assessed four patients treated with mifepristone for hypercortisolism due to BMAH who had either failed unilateral adrenalectomy, declined surgery, or were poor surgical candidates.

RESULTS

Mifepristone induced clinical improvement and remission of the signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism in all described patients with BMAH. The median treatment duration at the time of efficacy response assessment was 5 months (range: 3 to 18 months). Improvement in cardiometabolic parameters was observed as early as 2 weeks after treatment was started. All patients achieved improvements in glycemic control and hypertension and had significant weight loss. The most common adverse event observed with mifepristone therapy was fatigue. Increases in TSH level occurred in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Mifepristone can be an effective medical alternative to surgery in patients with hypercortisolism due to BMAH.

Measurement of Salivary Adrenal-Specific Androgens as Biomarkers of Therapy Control in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

BACKGROUND

Monitoring of hormonal control represents a key part of the management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Monitoring strategies remain suboptimal because they rely on frequent blood tests and are not specific for adrenal-derived hormones. Recent evidence suggests the crucial role of adrenal-specific 11-oxygenated-C19 androgens in the pathogenesis of CAH.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a correlation between plasma and salivary adrenal-specific androgens in CAH as a noninvasive monitoring strategy.

DESIGN

This prospective cross-sectional study recruited patients between 2015 and 2018.

SETTING

Multicenter study including 13 tertiary centers in the United Kingdom.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-eight children with CAH and 62 matched healthy controls.

METHODS

Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, plasma and salivary concentrations of five steroids were measured: 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), 11-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4), and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT). The correlation between plasma and salivary steroids was analyzed to assess their use in clinical practice.

RESULTS

Strong correlations between plasma and salivary steroid concentrations in patients with CAH were detected: 17OHP (rs = 0.871; P < 0.001), A4 (rs = 0.931; P < 0.001), T (rs = 0.867; P < 0.001), 11OH4A (rs = 0.876; P < 0.001), and 11KT (rs = 0.944; P < 0.001). These results were consistent for patient subgroups based on sex and age. Analysis of patient subgroups based on 17OHP concentrations established clear correlations between plasma and salivary concentrations of the adrenal-specific androgen 11KT.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study identified tight correlations between plasma and saliva for the adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated C19 androgen 11KT, as well as 17OHP and A4, which are widely used for monitoring treatment in CAH. This combination of steroid hormones will serve as an improved noninvasive salivary test for disease monitoring in patients with CAH.

Influence of hormones on the immunotolerogenic molecule HLA-G: a cross-sectional study in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

HLA-G is an immune checkpoint molecule, naturally expressed during pregnancy, playing a critical role in the tolerance of the fetal semi-allograft from the maternal immune system. While HLA-G expression levels are associated with progesterone, the influence of other hormones is still unclear. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) represents an adequate model to study the hormonal influence on biomarkers as it leads to impaired cortisol biosynthesis and increased progesterone and androgens production due to 21-hydroxylase enzyme deficiency.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of CAH patients matched on sex and age with healthy control, the association between circulating levels of soluble HLA-G and hormones was assessed by use of non-parametric analyses tests. Multivariable linear regressions were performed on normalized data.

RESULTS

Overall, 83 CAH patients and 69 healthy controls were included. Among CAH patients, all were under glucocorticoid and 52 (62.6%) were under mineralocorticoid supplementation. Compared to controls, CAH patients had increased HLA-G levels (15 vs 8 ng/mL, P = 0.02). In controls, HLA-G level was independently associated with progesterone and estradiol (β = 0.44 (0.35-1.27) and -0.44 (-0.94, -0.26) respectively, both P values = 0.001). In CAH patients, HLA-G level was independently associated with mineralocorticoid supplementation dosage (β = 0.25 (0.04-0.41), P = 0.001) and estradiol (β = -0.22 (-0.57, -0.02), P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CAH patients had higher HLA-G levels than healthy controls. HLA-G level was positively associated with progesterone and corticosteroid supplementation, and negatively with estradiol. The association between mineralocorticoid, renin and HLA-G levels may suggest a role of the renin-angiotensin system in the expression of soluble HLA-G.

Long-term prednisone versus hydrocortisone treatment in children with classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) and a brief review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Debate still exist about the safety of long-term use of prednisone (PD) versus hydrocortisone (HC) for treating children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia -21OH D (CAH). Despite recent developments in congenital adrenal hyperplasia -21OH D (CAH), several issues related to patient growth and final height remain unsolved. Debate still exist about the safety of long-term use of PD versus HC for treating children with CAH. The mechanism by which glucocorticoid therapy interferes with growth is complex and multifactorial. Relatively slight supra-physiologic levels may be enough to blunt growth velocity. An increased risk of developing obesity is another possible consequence of hyper-cortisolism in children with CAH.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the anthropometric and biochemical effects of long-term PD versus HC treatment in children with CAH-21OHD. A brief review of the literature is also reported.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated linear growth and biochemical data of thirty children with classic CAH (19 females and 11 males), who were on PD (n=22) or HC (n=8) treatment, since their first diagnosis. Clinical data included age, gender, duration of therapy, dose of HC and or equivalent dose of HC in the PD group, blood pressure, height (Ht) and weight. Ht-SDS and BMI were also calculated. Biochemical data included measurement of 17- OH progesterone, cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), HDL, LDL, fasting glucose, and insulin concentrations. HOMA-IR was calculated. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Thirty normal age matched children were used as controls for the anthropometric and CIMT data.

RESULTS

The age of children and duration of treatment did not differ among the two treatment groups. After a mean of 6 years of treatment, the Ht-SDS and BMI did not differ between the three groups of children. The equivalent hydrocortisone dose of children on prednisone was significantly higher than the dose for the hydrocortisone group. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) of children on PD was slightly higher compared to those on hydrocortisone group. However, the BP of the 2 treatment groups was not different compared to control children. Fasting blood glucose, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), plasma TG, HDL, and cholesterol did not differ among the two treatment groups. LDL levels were significantly higher in the PD group versus the HC group. The mean CIMT did not differ among the two treatment groups but was significantly higher in the treated groups versus controls. There was a significant linear correlation between BMI-SDS and CIMT (r=0.37, p=0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with CAH-21OHD who were kept on PD therapy for 6.4±2.7 years, since the beginning of diagnosis, have maintained normal linear growth. No difference in BMI, HOMA-IR, or CIMT was detected among the two treated groups. The efficiency, safety and convenience of a single daily dose of PD could be a good and relatively safe alternative to HC for the continuing medical treatment of patients with CAH-21OHD. However, more prospective studies across childhood and adolescence are necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Use of an aromatase inhibitor in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Impact of anastrozole on bone mineral density and visceral adipose tissue

OBJECTIVE

Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has been used off-label in males with short stature to delay bone maturation. No studies have examined anastrozole's effect on bone mineral density (BMD) or body composition in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Our objective was to evaluate anastrozole's effect on BMD and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in children with CAH.

DESIGN

Total body BMD (TBMD) and L2-L4 BMD Z-scores were adjusted for height-for-age Z-scores (TBMD_HAZ and L2-L4_HAZ ). Hydrocortisone doses (mg/m² /d) were averaged over the previous year. Comparison of treated vs not treated with anastrozole used linear regression adjusting for age, pubertal status, sex, CAH type, years on hydrocortisone, BMI Z-scores and bone age Z-scores.

PATIENTS

We compared 25 children with CAH treated with anastrozole (mean age 11.3 [SD 3.0] years, 56% males) vs 31 children with CAH not treated with anastrozole (13.5 [SD 4.6], 29%). Participants underwent a pubertal exam, bone age X-ray and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan.

RESULTS

Average bone age Z-score of 4.3 SDs on beginning anastrozole decreased to 1.9 SDs at time of DXA exam (P = 0.0004) 5.2 (SD 2.2) years later. TBMD Z-scores (P = 0.51), L2-L4 BMD Z-scores (P = 0.66), VAT (P = 0.38), TBMD_HAZ Z-scores (P = 0.66) and L2-L4_HAZ Z-scores (P = 0.41) did not differ between children treated vs not treated with anastrozole.

CONCLUSION

Anastrozole significantly reduced bone age advancement in children with CAH and advanced bone age (>2SDs) without adverse effects on BMD or VAT. Longitudinal studies of anastrozole in children with CAH are needed to validate these findings.

Pubertal Development and Pregnancy Outcomes in 46,XX Patients With Nonclassic Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

CONTEXT

Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH) is characterized by a disorder of steroidogenesis in both adrenal glands and gonads. 46,XX patients with classic LCAH usually have thelarche and menarche but show anovulatory menstruations and subsequent premature menopause. Only three patients with classic LCAH have been reported to successfully achieve delivery with the aid of assisted reproductive therapies for conception and progesterone replacement therapy during early pregnancy. In contrast, pubertal development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with nonclassic LCAH have not been fully elucidated.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report four Japanese women who had a diagnosis of primary adrenal insufficiency during infancy or childhood and carried compound heterozygous STAR mutations (p.Gln258* and p.Arg188His, p.Gln258* and p.Met225Thr, and p.Gln258* and p.Arg272Cys). In all four patients, thelarche and menarche spontaneously occurred from 10 to 11 years of age and from 12 to 14 years of age, respectively. Subsequently, their menstruation cycles were regular at almost 1-month intervals. Patient 1 conceived naturally twice, and patient 2 conceived with the use of clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction. These two patients maintained the pregnancies without progesterone replacement therapy and successfully delivered children.

CONCLUSION

Patients with nonclassic LCAH maintain ovarian function, which enables normal pubertal development and a successful pregnancy outcome without progesterone replacement therapy.

Variations in the management of acute illness in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: An audit of three paediatric hospitals

OBJECTIVE

Episodes of acute adrenal insufficiency (AI)/adrenal crises (AC) are a serious consequence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This study aimed to assess morbidity from acute illness in CAH and identify factors associated with use of IV hydrocortisone, admission and diagnosis of an AC.

METHOD

An audit of acute illness presentations among children with CAH to paediatric hospitals in New South Wales, Australia, between 2000 and 2015.

RESULTS

There were 321 acute presentations among 75 children with CAH. Two-thirds (66.7%, n = 214) of these resulted in admission and 49.2% (n = 158) of the patients received intravenous (IV) hydrocortisone. An AC was diagnosed in (9.0%). Prior to presentation, 64.2% (n = 206) had used oral stress dosing and 22.1% (n = 71) had been given intramuscular (IM) hydrocortisone. Vomiting was recorded in 61.1% (n = 196), 32.7% (n = 64) of whom had used IM hydrocortisone. Admission, AC diagnosis and use of stress dosing varied significantly between hospitals. IM use varied from 7.0% in one metropolitan hospital to 45.8% in the regional hospital. Children aged up to 12 months had the lowest levels of stress dosing and IV hydrocortisone administration. Higher numbers of prior hospital attendances for acute illness were associated with increased use of IM hydrocortisone.

CONCLUSION

Prehospital and in-hospital management of children with CAH can vary between health services. Children under 12 months have lower levels of stress dosing prior to hospital than other age groups. Experience with acute episodes improves self-management of CAH in the context of acute illness in educated patient populations.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Outcomes in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) require glucocorticoid therapy to replace cortisol and to control androgen excess. We sought to evaluate the effects of glucocorticoid therapy on cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in individuals with CAH.

METHODS

We searched bibliographical databases through January 2016 for studies evaluating cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with CAH treated with glucocorticoids compared with controls without CAH. We used a random-effects model to synthesize quantitative data.

RESULTS

We included 20 observational studies (14 longitudinal, six cross-sectional) with a moderate to high risk of bias. The average dose of glucocorticoids (in hydrocortisone equivalents) was 9 to 26.5 mg/m2/d. In the meta-analysis (416 patients), compared with controls without CAH, individuals with CAH had increased systolic blood pressure [weighted mean difference (WMD), 4.44 mm Hg; 95% CI, 3.26 to 5.63 mm Hg], diastolic blood pressure (WMD, 2.35 mm Hg; 95% CI, 0.49 to 4.20 mm Hg), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (WMD, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.96), and carotid intima thickness (WMD, 0.08 mm; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.15 mm). No statistically significant differences were noted in fasting blood glucose, insulin level, glucose, or insulin level after 2-hour glucose load or serum lipids. Data on cardiac events were sparse, and most of the literature focused on surrogate outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with CAH demonstrate a high prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. The current evidence relies on surrogate outcomes. Long-term prospective studies are warranted to assess strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk in individuals with CAH.

Prenatal Treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Long-Term Effects of Excess Glucocorticoid Exposure

Prenatal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with dexamethasone (DEX) has been in use since the mid-1980s and has proven effective at reducing virilization of external genitalia in affected girls. However, multiple experimental studies on animals and clinical studies on humans show that prenatal administration of glucocorticoids may cause unwanted adverse effects which have raised concerns about the long-term safety of the treatment. The long-term outcome of prenatal DEX treatment on cognition has been investigated, but the results are still conflicting. Overall, most of the evidence points towards a negative effect on executive functions where girls seem to be more susceptible than boys. Some effects on social behavior have been observed, but results are still contradictory and treated children are mostly well adapted. Cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic function are still areas to be investigated. Larger studies are warranted to investigate areas other than cognition and behavior and to be able to draw more definitive conclusions about prenatal DEX treatment.

Bone Mineral Content and Density in Indian Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

To study the bone mineral content and density in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

METHODS

35 children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and 35 healthy controls. Bone mineral content and density were studied by Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) of lumbar spine bone mineral density (g/cm2) [0.590 (0.100) vs 0.589 (0.088) (P=0.97)], total Body less head bone mineral density (g/cm2) [0.536 (0.090) vs 0.548 (0.111) (P=0.64)], lumbar spine bone mineral content (g) [29.85 (27.63) vs 31.03 (29.19) (P=0.86)], and total body less head bone mineral content (g) [254.27 (281.25) vs 273.07 (330.71) (P=0.79)] were not different between children with CAH and controls, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone mineral density and content in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia are maintained in the normal range.

Long-term use of continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion therapy in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

In a phase 2 short-term (6 months) study of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion (CSHI) was found to be a safe, effective and well-tolerated method of replacing cortisol with improved disease and patient-related outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-term CSHI.

DESIGN

Single-centre, open-label, phase 2 extension study.

PATIENTS

Five adults with classic CAH.

MEASUREMENTS

Biomarkers of disease control, metabolic indices and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) estimates.

RESULTS

Six of eight patients chose to continue on long-term CSHI therapy. Compared to baseline, eighteen months of CSHI resulted in decreased (P = 0.043) 0700-hour ACTH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and progesterone; increased whole-body lean mass (P = 0.024); and improved HRQoL, especially symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (P = 0.003). Findings at six and eighteen months did not differ, and improvements achieved in androgen control, lean body mass and HRQoL after 6 months of CSHI were maintained at eighteen months. The hydrocortisone dose appeared to decrease with time [6 vs 18 months: 38.3 ± 8.8 vs 33.6 ± 12.2 mg/day (P = 0.062)], especially in women receiving oral contraceptives. Reduction of testicular adrenal rest and adrenal size observed at 6 months remained stable. In one patient, an adrenal adenoma continually decreased over time. Subjective improvement in hirsutism was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term use of CSHI is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option in a select set of adults with classic CAH. Improvements observed short term in disease control and subjective health status continued long term.

Growth characteristics in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Objectives:

To evaluate the growth parameters in congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This is a descriptive retrospective study over the period of 5 years. Data analysis was using Statistical Package for Social Science. The study included 90 participants in which 61 were girls and 29 were boys aged 0 to 18 years . They were evaluated in Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2012 and January 2017.

Results:

A total of 90 subjects, of which 67.8% were females and 32.2% were males. Subjects who were underweight constituted 19.1% of the population, while those who were obese were estimated up to 17.6% of the population. Of the children, 25.7% were suffering from short stature and 74.3% had normal height. Approximately 11.8% of the children who suffered from short stature also suffered from hypothyroidism. Mid-parental height of those who suffered from short stature is 159.8 cm.

Conclusion:

This study showed a significant effect of congenital adrenal hyperplasia on both height, weight, and body mass index. Risk factors includes glucocorticoids dosage, compliance to treatment, and regular follow up. Personalized treatment approach should be followed with all patients diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia as well as close monitoring and targeted therapy.

Longitudinal Assessment of Illnesses, Stress Dosing, and Illness Sequelae in Patients With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

CONTEXT

Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at risk for life-threatening adrenal crises. Management of illness episodes aims to prevent adrenal crises.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated rates of illnesses and associated factors in patients with CAH followed prospectively and receiving repeated glucocorticoid stress dosing education.

METHODS

Longitudinal analysis of 156 patients with CAH followed at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center over 23 years was performed. The rates of illnesses and stress-dose days, emergency room (ER) visits, hospitalizations, and adrenal crises were analyzed in relation to phenotype, age, sex, treatment, and hormonal evaluations.

RESULTS

A total of 2298 visits were evaluated. Patients were followed for 9.3 ± 6.0 years. During childhood, there were more illness episodes and stress dosing than adulthood (P < 0.001); however, more ER visits and hospitalizations occurred during adulthood (P ≤ 0.03). The most robust predictors of stress dosing were young age, low hydrocortisone and high fludrocortisone dose during childhood, and female sex during adulthood. Gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) were the two most common precipitating events for adrenal crises and hospitalizations across all ages. Adrenal crisis with probable hypoglycemia occurred in 11 pediatric patients (ages 1.1 to 11.3 years). Undetectable epinephrine was associated with ER visits during childhood (P = 0.03) and illness episodes during adulthood (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated stress-related glucocorticoid dosing teaching is essential, but revised age-appropriate guidelines for the management of infectious illnesses are needed for patients with adrenal insufficiency that aim to reduce adrenal crises and prevent hypoglycemia, particularly in children.

Two consecutive successful live birth in woman with 17α hydroxylase deficiency by frozen-thaw embryo transfer under hormone replacement endometrium preparation

17α-Hydroxylase deficiency is rare autosomal recessive disorder that manifested by hypertension, hypokalemia, delayed sexual development, primary amenorrhea and infertility. The information regarding infertility care and conception in women with this disorder are extremely limited. We report a 24-year-old Japanese woman with primary amenorrhea who was diagnosed as partial 17α-hydroxylase deficiency caused by homozygous 3 bp deletion in exon 1 of 17α-hydroxylase gene. In vitro fertilization with controlled ovarian stimulation was carried out and all viable embryo were frozen. During ovarian stimulation, serum progesterone levels were markedly elevated, and endometrial growth was impaired. Utilizing frozen-thaw embryo transfer under hormonal replacement (glucocorticoid, estradiol and progesterone), she had successfully given two consecutive live birth. Women with 17α-hydroxylase deficiency with residual ovarian reserve can afford reproductive success by appropriate diagnosis and treatment by assisted reproductive technology.

Quantitative Brain MRI in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: In Vivo Assessment of the Cognitive and Structural Impact of Steroid Hormones

Context

Brain white matter hyperintensities are seen on routine clinical imaging in 46% of adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The extent and functional relevance of these abnormalities have not been studied with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis.

Objective

To examine white matter microstructure, neural volumes, and central nervous system (CNS) metabolites in CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) and to determine whether identified abnormalities are associated with cognition, glucocorticoid, and androgen exposure.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital including 19 women (18 to 50 years) with 21OHD and 19 age-matched healthy women.

Main Outcome Measure

Recruits underwent cognitive assessment and brain imaging, including diffusion weighted imaging of white matter, T1-weighted volumetry, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy for neural metabolites. We evaluated white matter microstructure by using tract-based spatial statistics. We compared cognitive scores, neural volumes, and metabolites between groups and relationships between glucocorticoid exposure, MRI, and neurologic outcomes.

Results

Patients with 21OHD had widespread reductions in white matter structural integrity, reduced volumes of right hippocampus, bilateral thalami, cerebellum, and brainstem, and reduced mesial temporal lobe total choline content. Working memory, processing speed, and digit span and matrix reasoning scores were reduced in patients with 21OHD, despite similar education and intelligence to controls. Patients with 21OHD exposed to higher glucocorticoid doses had greater abnormalities in white matter microstructure and cognitive performance.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that 21OHD and current glucocorticoid replacement regimens have a profound impact on brain morphology and function. If reversible, these CNS markers are a potential target for treatment.

Successful Treatment of Estrogen Excess in Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenocortical Hyperplasia with Leuprolide Acetate

Primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH) is an uncommon cause of adrenal Cushing syndrome (CS) in which cortisol and occasionally other steroid hormones can be secreted under the influence of aberrantly expressed G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the adrenal cortex. We describe the unique case of a 64-year-old postmenopausal female with PBMAH whose adrenal lesions expressed luteinizing hormone receptors (LHr). She presented initially with CS and underwent right adrenalectomy; a few years later she presented with macromastia and mastodynia, possibly due to estrogen excess from her remaining left adrenocortical masses. Testing before and after treatment with quarterly leuprolide acetate therapy and immunohistochemistry on tissue and targeted sequencing of the genes of interest were performed. Tissue from the patient's right adrenal was tested for P450 aromatase (CYP19A1) and LHr expression; both were expressed throughout the hyperplastic cortex, although expression was more intense in the adenomatous areas. Targeted sequencing revealed a pathogenic PDE11A mutation, as well as variants in the ARMC5 and INHA genes. PDE11A expression was decreased in the adenoma but there was no loss of heterozygosity for the PDE11A locus. Because of the clinical presentation and LHr expression, quarterly leuprolide acetate therapy was started. Shortly after initiation of therapy, the patient reported decreased breast size and pain; she remains well controlled to date, after 10 years of treatment. This is the first description of a patient with PBMAH presenting with severe macromastia and mastodynia from what appears to be excess estrogen production from her adrenal tumor. The patient had a long-lasting response to chronic leuprolide acetate treatment, showing that drug therapy exploiting the aberrant receptor expression in PBMAH is possible even in the absence of cortisol overproduction.

Evaluation of behavioral problems after prenatal dexamethasone treatment in Swedish children and adolescents at risk of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Prenatal dexamethasone (DEX) treatment in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is effective in reducing virilization in affected girls, but potential long-term adverse effects are largely unknown. In this report we intended to explore potential side effects of DEX therapy to enhance the adequacy of future risk benefit analyses of DEX treatment. We investigated the long-term effects of first trimester prenatal DEX treatment on behavioral problems and temperament in children and adolescents aged 7-17 years. The study included 34 children and adolescents, without CAH, who had been exposed to DEX during the first trimester and 67 untreated controls. Standardized parent-completed questionnaires were used to evaluate adaptive functioning and behavioral/emotional problems (CBCL), social anxiety (SPAI-C-P), and temperament (EAS) in the child. Self-reports were used to assess the children's perception of social anxiety (SASC-R). No statistically significant differences were found between DEX-treated and control children and adolescents, suggesting that, in general, healthy children treated with DEX during early fetal life are well adjusted.

Iatrogenic Cushing Syndrome in a Child With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Erroneous Compounding of Hydrocortisone

CONTEXT

Patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) require lifelong treatment with glucocorticoids. In growing children, the drug of choice is hydrocortisone. Commercially available hydrocortisone tablets do not conform to very low doses prescribed to infants and toddlers, and compounded hydrocortisone is often dispensed to meet therapeutic needs. However, safety, efficacy, and uniformity of compounded products are not tested. We report a case of Cushing syndrome in a child with CAH who was inadvertently receiving excessive hydrocortisone in compounded form.

DESIGN

A 20-month-old girl with CAH developed growth deceleration, excessive weight for length, irritability, increased facial fat, plethora, and excess body hair while receiving hydrocortisone from a local compounding pharmacy. The signs and symptoms persisted despite decreasing hydrocortisone dose. Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome was suspected. The prescribed hydrocortisone capsules were sent for analysis to the Sports Medicine Research & Testing Laboratory, where testing revealed that each 1-mg hydrocortisone capsule contained five to 10 times the dose prescribed and listed on the label.

CONCLUSION

Physicians must be aware that errors in compounded medications may lead to unanticipated adverse effects. Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome should be suspected in any child receiving compounded glucocorticoid treatment who develops growth arrest and excess weight gain.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a group of autosomal recessive disorders encompassing enzyme deficiencies in the adrenal steroidogenesis pathway that lead to impaired cortisol biosynthesis. Depending on the type and severity of steroid block, patients can have various alterations in glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and sex steroid production that require hormone replacement therapy. Presentations vary from neonatal salt wasting and atypical genitalia, to adult presentation of hirsutism and irregular menses. Screening of neonates with elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations for classic (severe) 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the most common type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, is in place in many countries, however cosyntropin stimulation testing might be needed to confirm the diagnosis or establish non-classic (milder) subtypes. Challenges in the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia include avoidance of glucocorticoid overtreatment and control of sex hormone imbalances. Long-term complications include abnormal growth and development, adverse effects on bone and the cardiovascular system, and infertility. Novel treatments aim to reduce glucocorticoid exposure, improve excess hormone control, and mimic physiological hormone patterns.

Pregnancy in women with nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Time to conceive and outcome

OBJECTIVE

Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) is common among Ashkenazi Jews (1:400). It is associated with various degrees of postnatal virilization, irregular menses and infertility. Therapy of symptomatic subjects consists of physiologic doses of glucocorticoids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of glucocorticoid treatment on fertility and on pregnancy outcome in women with NCAH.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS

This retrospective study included 75 women diagnosed with NCAH who were followed in our clinic and sought fertility between 2008 and 2015.

RESULTS

Seventy-two women succeeded in conceiving (187 pregnancies). Time to conception was 4.0 ± 7 months without and 3.3 ± 3 months with glucocorticoid therapy (P = .43). Seventeen pregnancies were achieved by glucocorticoid therapy after failure to conceive spontaneously. Time to conception before therapy initiation was 10.2 ± 11.4 months compared to 3.3 ± 3.4 months after therapy initiation (P = .02). Of 187 pregnancies, 135 (72%) resulted in live births, 38 (20.3%) ended in spontaneous miscarriages during the first trimester, seven (3.7%) were electively terminated, three (1.6%) were ectopic and four (2.1%) were ongoing during the study with similar rate in glucocorticoid treated and untreated pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

The 96% pregnancy rate among our cohort of NCAH females was similar to the 95% rate reported for the normal population. Glucocorticoid therapy may shorten the time to conceive in a subgroup of women with NCAH. Glucocorticoid therapy did not affect the rate of first trimester miscarriage. Our 77% live birth rate was similar to the 72% live birth rate in the current healthy US population.

Management of Childhood Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia-An Integrative Review of the Literature

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an endocrine condition that requires parents to administer steroids up to three times daily, supplementing maintenance doses with oral or injectable doses during times of illness. The purpose of this integrative review was to explore the management, care, and associated health issues for children with CAH and the family response to the condition. Four literature indexes were searched, with 39 articles included. Four themes emerged: (a) Health- and Development-Related Issues, (a) Effects of Excess Androgens, (c) Life Experience of CAH, and (d) Managing and Averting Adrenal Crisis. Families having a child with CAH face complex concerns related their child's growth, the fear of adrenal crisis events, and the consequences of atypical genitalia for affected girls. Future studies should focus on interventions that provide guidelines to increase parental preparedness in managing adrenal crises and creating support systems for affected girls.

Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumor (TART) in congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is one of the most common autosomal recessive genetic disorders. Testicular adrenal tumors are significant complications of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We would like to present two patients of testicular adrenal rest tumors. Patient 1 24 year-old male, he was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia at the age of 8 due to precocious puberty. He received hydro-cortisone treatment until the age of 18. Testicular mass had been detected and right radical orchiectomy had been applied 6 months ago and reported as testicular adrenal rest tumor. In scrotal ultrasound, a mixed type mass lesion (6 × 4x3 cm) covering a large part of left testis was observed. The imaging findings were consistent with adrenal rest tumor. The patient took adrenocorticotropic hormone supressive therapy with dexamethasone 0.75 mg once a day. Patient 2, 38 year-old male, he had been followed-up as adrenal insufficiency for 35 years. He underwent right orchiectomy operation due to the testicular mass in 2010 and the pathological examination revealed Leydig cell tumor. In scrotal ultrasound, small multifocal lesions were detected on the left testis and resection was done. It was reported as testicular adrenal rest tumor. He is being followed-up with glucocorticoid treatment according to androgen and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels. Early diagnosis of testicular adrenal rest tumor is significant in preventing irreversible testicular damage and infertility. In the differential diagnosis, we should keep in mind that testicular adrenal rest tumor can mimic other testicular tumors such as primary germ cell tumors.

Ovarian Adrenal Rest Tumors Undetected by Imaging Studies and Identified at Surgery in Three Females with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Unresponsive to Increased Hormone Therapy Dosage

Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia have a predisposition for developing adrenal rest tumors. In contrast to testicular adrenal rest tumors, ovarian adrenal rest tumors are less common, and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. This report presents three Chinese female congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients (9 to 15 years of age) with small ectopic adrenal cortical nodules that were not detected by imaging but were diagnosed at surgery. All three patients developed virilization with elevation of 17- hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, and androgen levels despite receiving maximum adrenal hormone replacement therapy. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis suggested bilateral expansion of the adrenal glands, but no lesions of the ovaries were observed. Laparoscopy and/or laparotomy revealed small nodular lesions surrounding the pelvic gonad in all three cases. Histopathological examination of the resected tissue in all cases revealed hyperplasic nodules of cells surrounded by fibrous tissue. The cells were arranged as nests with abundant cytoplasm, which were partially lightly stained with a small centered nucleus. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed the cells to be synaptophysin positive, melan-A positive, and chromogranin A negative, indicating the cells were adrenocortical tissue and not adrenal medullary cells. Thus, the findings of the histopathological examination were consistent with ovarian adrenal rest tumors. Female congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients with virilization who showed an inadequate response to hormone therapy and had negative imaging results may benefit from laparoscopic examination or laparotomy in order to confirm the diagnosis of ovarian adrenal rest tumors while receiving unilateral subtotal adrenalectomy or subtotal bilateral adrenalectomy.

Modified-Release and Conventional Glucocorticoids and Diurnal Androgen Excretion in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

CONTEXT

The classic androgen synthesis pathway proceeds via dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, and testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone. However, 5α-dihydrotestosterone synthesis can also be achieved by an alternative pathway originating from 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), which accumulates in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Similarly, recent work has highlighted androstenedione-derived 11-oxygenated 19-carbon steroids as active androgens, and in CAH, androstenedione is generated directly from 17OHP. The exact contribution of alternative pathway activity to androgen excess in CAH and its response to glucocorticoid (GC) therapy is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to quantify classic and alternative pathway-mediated androgen synthesis in CAH, their diurnal variation, and their response to conventional GC therapy and modified-release hydrocortisone.

METHODS

We used urinary steroid metabolome profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for 24-hour steroid excretion analysis, studying the impact of conventional GCs (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone) in 55 adults with CAH and 60 controls. We studied diurnal variation in steroid excretion by comparing 8-hourly collections (23:00-7:00, 7:00-15:00, and 15:00-23:00) in 16 patients with CAH taking conventional GCs and during 6 months of treatment with modified-release hydrocortisone, Chronocort.

RESULTS

Patients with CAH taking conventional GCs showed low excretion of classic pathway androgen metabolites but excess excretion of the alternative pathway signature metabolites 3α,5α-17-hydroxypregnanolone and 11β-hydroxyandrosterone. Chronocort reduced 17OHP and alternative pathway metabolite excretion to near-normal levels more consistently than other GC preparations.

CONCLUSIONS

Alternative pathway-mediated androgen synthesis significantly contributes to androgen excess in CAH. Chronocort therapy appears superior to conventional GC therapy in controlling androgen synthesis via alternative pathways through attenuation of their major substrate, 17OHP.