Gonadal function and testicular histology in males with Prader-Willi syndrome

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with Prader-Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder typically characterized by body composition abnormalities, hyperphagia, behavioral challenges, cognitive dysfunction, and hormone deficiencies. Hypogonadism is common but knowledge on potential side effects of testosterone replacement is limited, in particular, the long-term effects on behavior and PSA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective case studies of seven men, median age 46 years, with genetically verified PWS, testosterone treated hypogonadism and available PSA values were included. Long-term follow-up of PSA was accessible in four patients. Medical records were reviewed for adverse effects.

RESULTS

Five men were treated with intramuscular testosterone undecanoate, two had no hypogonadism. Median PSA was 0.68 μg/L (0.23-1.3), median testosterone 15 nmol/L. After a median time of 17 years of testosterone replacement median PSA was 0.75 μg/L (range 0.46-1.4). Testosterone replacement was well tolerated, and no major behavioral changes were reported. Five were treated with growth hormone for >20 years.

CONCLUSION

Levels of PSA were low. Long-term treatment with testosterone was working well and did not result in any clinically meaningful increase in PSA. Our results indicate that testosterone replacement is neither associated with serious adverse events regarding changes in behavior or effect on PSA. However, larger studies are needed to confirm our results.

Endocrine features of Prader-Willi syndrome: a narrative review focusing on genotype-phenotype correlation

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder caused by three different types of molecular genetic abnormalities. The most common defect is a deletion on the paternal 15q11-q13 chromosome, which is seen in about 60% of individuals. The next most common abnormality is maternal disomy 15, found in around 35% of cases, and a defect in the imprinting center that controls the activity of certain genes on chromosome 15, seen in 1-3% of cases. Individuals with PWS typically experience issues with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, leading to excessive hunger (hyperphagia), severe obesity, various endocrine disorders, and intellectual disability. Differences in physical and behavioral characteristics between patients with PWS due to deletion versus those with maternal disomy are discussed in literature. Patients with maternal disomy tend to have more frequent neurodevelopmental problems, such as autistic traits and behavioral issues, and generally have higher IQ levels compared to those with deletion of the critical PWS region. This has led us to review the pertinent literature to investigate the possibility of establishing connections between the genetic abnormalities and the endocrine disorders experienced by PWS patients, in order to develop more targeted diagnostic and treatment protocols. In this review, we will review the current state of clinical studies focusing on endocrine disorders in individuals with PWS patients, with a specific focus on the various genetic causes. We will look at topics such as neonatal anthropometry, thyroid issues, adrenal problems, hypogonadism, bone metabolism abnormalities, metabolic syndrome resulting from severe obesity caused by hyperphagia, deficiencies in the GH/IGF-1 axis, and the corresponding responses to treatment.

Hypogonadism in Males With Genetic Neurodevelopmental Syndromes

Genetic syndromes that affect the nervous system may also disrupt testicular function, and the mechanisms for these effects may be interrelated. Most often neurological signs and symptoms predominate and hypogonadism remains undetected and untreated, while in other cases, a thorough evaluation of a hypogonadal male reveals previously unrecognized ataxia, movement disorder, muscle weakness, tremor, or seizures, leading to a syndromic diagnosis. Androgen deficiency in patients with neurological diseases may aggravate muscle weakness and fatigue and predispose patients to osteoporosis and obesity. The purpose of this mini review is to provide a current understanding of the clinical, biochemical, histologic, and genetic features of syndromes in which male hypogonadism and neurological dysfunction may coexist and may be encountered by the clinical endocrinologist.

Hypogonadism in Adult Males with Prader-Willi Syndrome-Clinical Recommendations Based on a Dutch Cohort Study, Review of the Literature and an International Expert Panel Discussion

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic syndrome characterized by hyperphagia, intellectual disability, hypotonia and hypothalamic dysfunction. Adults with PWS often have hormone deficiencies, hypogonadism being the most common. Untreated male hypogonadism can aggravate PWS-related health issues including muscle weakness, obesity, osteoporosis, and fatigue. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of male hypogonadism is important. In this article, we share our experience with hypogonadism and its treatment in adult males with PWS and present a review of the literature. In order to report the prevalence and type of hypogonadism, treatment regimen and behavioral issues, we retrospectively collected data on medical interviews, physical examinations, biochemical measurements and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in 57 Dutch men with PWS. Fifty-six (98%) of the patients had either primary, central or combined hypogonadism. Untreated hypogonadism was associated with higher body mass index and lower hemoglobin concentrations. TRT was complicated by behavioral challenges in one third of the patients. Undertreatment was common and normal serum testosterone levels were achieved in only 30% of the patients. Based on the Dutch cohort data, review of the literature and an international expert panel discussion, we provide a practical algorithm for TRT in adult males with PWS in order to prevent undertreatment and related adverse health outcomes.

Hypogonadism in the Prader-Willi syndrome from birth to adulthood: a 28-year experience in a single centre

BACKGROUND

Hypogonadism is a key feature of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) but clear strategies for hormone replacement are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate gonadal status and outcome in patients attending a Scottish PWS clinic from 1991-2019.

METHODS

In 93 (35F:56M) patients, median follow-up 11.2 years, gonadal and pubertal status were assessed clinically. Pelvic ultrasound findings and basal/stimulated gonadotrophins were compared with age-matched controls.

RESULTS

Females: Of 22 patients aged >11, 9 had reached B4-5, while 5 were still at B2-3, and 6 remained prepubertal. Eight patients experienced menarche aged 9.8-21.4 years, none with a normal cycle. Uterine length and ovarian volumes were normal but uterine configuration remained immature, with low follicular counts. Gonadotrophins were unremarkable, serum estradiol 129 (70 - 520) pmol/L. Only 5 patients received oestrogen replacement. Males: Fifty-four (96%) patients were cryptorchid (9 unilateral). Weekly hCG injections resulted in unilateral/bilateral descent in 2/1 of 25 patients. Of 37 boys aged >11, 14 (9 with failed/untreated bilateral cryptorchidism) failed to progress beyond G1, 15 arrested at G2-3 (testes 3-10 ml), and 8 reached G4-5. Gonadotrophins were unremarkable except in boys at G2-5 in whom FSH was elevated: 12.3/27.3 vs 3.25/6.26 U/L in controls (p<0.001). In males aged >13, testosterone was 3.1 (0.5-8.4) nmol/L. Androgen therapy, given from 13.5-29.2 years, was stopped in 4/24 patients owing to behavioural problems.

CONCLUSION

Despite invariable hypogonadism, few females and only half the males with PWS in this study received hormone replacement. Double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trials of sex steroids are required to address unproven behavioural concerns.

Prader-Willi Syndrome and Hypogonadism: A Review Article

Prader-Labhart-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, behavioural problems, hypothalamic dysfunction and specific dysmorphisms. Hypothalamic dysfunction causes dysregulation of energy balance and endocrine deficiencies, including hypogonadism. Although hypogonadism is prevalent in males and females with PWS, knowledge about this condition is limited. In this review, we outline the current knowledge on the clinical, biochemical, genetic and histological features of hypogonadism in PWS and its treatment. This was based on current literature and the proceedings and outcomes of the International PWS annual conference held in November 2019. We also present our expert opinion regarding the diagnosis, treatment, care and counselling of children and adults with PWS-associated hypogonadism. Finally, we highlight additional areas of interest related to this topic and make recommendations for future studies.

Hypogonadism in Patients with Prader Willi Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystemic complex genetic disorder related to the lack of a functional paternal copy of chromosome 15q11-q13. Several clinical manifestations are reported, such as short stature, cognitive and behavioral disability, temperature instability, hypotonia, hypersomnia, hyperphagia, and multiple endocrine abnormalities, including growth hormone deficiency and hypogonadism. The hypogonadism in PWS is due to central and peripheral mechanisms involving the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The early diagnosis and management of hypogonadism in PWS are both important for physicians in order to reach a better quality of life for these patients. The aim of this study is to summarize and investigate causes and possible therapies for hypogonadism in PWS. Additional studies are further needed to clarify the role of different genes related to hypogonadism and to establish a common and evidence-based therapy.

Prader Willi syndrome: endocrine updates and new medical therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Prader Willi syndrome is characterized not only by hyperphagia frequently resulting in obesity, but also by endocrine dysfunction across a variety of axes. This article reviews the most recent literature regarding possible causes of hyperphagia and the nature of endocrinopathies seen in Prader Willi syndrome, as well as current research into possible therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Investigation into neurologic, metabolic and hormonal drivers of hyperphagia and obesity has revealed new insights and clarified underlying pathophysiology. Additional studies continue to elucidate the hormonal deficiencies seen in the syndrome, allowing for improvements in clinical care.

SUMMARY

The underlying causes of the hyperphagia and progressive obesity frequently seen in Prader Willi Syndrome are largely unknown and likely multifactorial. Understanding the hormonal and metabolic drivers at work in PWS, as well as the nature of other hormonal dysfunction seen in the syndrome is necessary to guide current management and future research directions.