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Ehua AM, Moulot MO, Agbara KS, Enache T, Bankole SR. Disorders of sex development: Challenges in a low-resource country. Arch Pediatr 2023; 30:10-13. [PMID: 36462990 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to identify the challenges in the management of sexual development abnormalities in a low-resource country. METHODS The study was retrospective from January 2000 to December 2017 based on patient records from two pediatric surgery departments. Epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, treatment, and outcome data were studied. RESULTS We collected data on 13 patients (average age = 7.95 years). The sex of rearing was as follows: three females (23%), 10 males (77%). Atypical genitalia other than hypospadias represented the reason for consultation in 92% of the cases. We could not find complete hormonal analyses; testosterone levels were studied in 69.23% of cases. We found the following disorders of sexual development (DSD): four patients with 46,XX karyotype (30.77%), eight patients with 46,XY karyotype (61.53%), and one patient with 46,XX/XY karyotype. Four patients had medical treatment only, four had surgical treatment only, and one patient had medical and surgical treatment. The medical treatment comprised topical administration of androgen. The surgical treatment consisted of feminizing genitoplasty for one patient and masculinizing genital surgeries for two patients. Six of the 13 patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION The socioeconomic difficulties of the population and the lack of access to basic diagnostic and paraclinical methods, coupled with the negative cultural representations of the pathology, constitute the challenges in the management of DSD in our practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Ehua
- Department of Pediatric Surgery Treichville Teaching Hospital Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire 01 BP V 03 Abidjan 01.
| | - M O Moulot
- Department of Pediatric Surgery Treichville Teaching Hospital Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire 01 BP V 03 Abidjan 01
| | - K S Agbara
- Department of Pediatric Surgery Treichville Teaching Hospital Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire 01 BP V 03 Abidjan 01
| | - T Enache
- Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, Grigore Alexandrescu Bucharest, Romania
| | - S R Bankole
- Department of Pediatric Surgery Treichville Teaching Hospital Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire 01 BP V 03 Abidjan 01
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Ekenze SO, Chikani U, Ezomike UO, Adiri CO, Onuh A. Clinical profile and management challenges of disorders of sex development in Africa: a systematic review. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2022; 35:139-146. [PMID: 34670035 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2021-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the published literature regarding disorders of sex development (DSD) in Africa which will highlight clinical characteristics, and challenges of evaluation and treatment of DSD. CONTENT We performed systematic review of articles published on DSD in Africa between January 2001 and December 2020. SUMMARY Eighteen studies involving 1980 patients from nine countries were analyzed. Overall mean age at presentation was 9.3 years (range 1 day-33 years) with 52.5 and 45.1% reared as females and males, respectively, prior to presentation. Following evaluation however, 64% were assigned female sex, 32.1% were assigned male sex, and 21.8% of the cases required sex reassignment. Only 7 (38.9%) of the publications reported medical treatment of DSD, 4 (22.2%) reported on psychosocial management and 5 (27.8%) documented multidisciplinary team management. Barring regional variations, the documented challenges of management include delayed presentation, loss to follow up, financial challenges, and lack of facilities for care of DSD. Comparison of the cases managed in the last decade (2011-2020) with those managed in the earlier decade (2001-2010) showed a trend towards earlier presentation and reduced rate of sex reassignment in the last decade. However, the challenges persisted. OUTLOOK Barring regional differences, a high proportion of DSD in Africa may have delayed presentation with inappropriate sex of rearing, inadequate evaluation and need for sex reassignment. Specific efforts to improve time to diagnosis, patient evaluation, improvement of healthcare funding, and collaboration with more developed countries may improve the care of patients with DSD in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian O Ekenze
- Sub-Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Ugo Chikani
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Uchechukwu O Ezomike
- Sub-Department of Paediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Charles O Adiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Augustine Onuh
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
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Sap SNU, Mbono Betoko R, Etoa Etoga M, Mure PY, Morel Y, Dahoun S, Mouafo Tambo F, Moiffo B, Sobngwi E, Koki Ndombo P. Observational study of disorders of sex development in Yaounde, Cameroon. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2020; 33:417-423. [PMID: 32069241 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2019-0458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction According to the current classification of the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society (LWPES) and the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) of Disorders of Sex Development (DSD), etiologies vary around the world. Ethnic or genetic diversity probably explains this variability. We therefore conducted the present study on etiologies of DSDs in a country from central Africa. Methods We carried out an observational retrospective study at the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit of the Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaounde, Cameroon from May 2013 to December 2019. All patients diagnosed with a DSD were included, and incomplete files excluded. Results We included 80 patients diagnosed with DSD during the study period. The 46,XX DSD were the most frequent in our study population (n = 41, 51.25%), with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) as the main diagnosis. The 46,XY DSD accounted for 33.75% and sex chromosome DSD group represented 15% of the study population. Conclusions DSDs are not an exceptional diagnosis in a Sub-Saharan context. 46,XX DSD are the most prevalent diagnosis in our setting. The diagnosis of all these affections is late compared to other centers, justifying advocacy for neonatal screening of DSDs in our context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Ngo Um Sap
- Mother and Child Center of the Chantal Biya Foundation of Yaounde, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon, Phone: +237 677594797
| | - Ritha Mbono Betoko
- District Hospital of Nylon, Douala, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Martine Etoa Etoga
- Central Hospital of Yaounde, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Pierre Yves Mure
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Chirurgie Pédiatrique, Lyon, France
| | - Yves Morel
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, GH Est, Centre de Biologie et Pathologie, Lyon, France
| | - Sophie Dahoun
- Department of Genetics, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Faustin Mouafo Tambo
- Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital of Yaounde, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Boniface Moiffo
- Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital of Yaounde, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Eugène Sobngwi
- Central Hospital of Yaounde, Faculty of medicine and biomedical sciences of the University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Paul Koki Ndombo
- Mother and Child Center of the Chantal Biya Foundation Yaounde, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, Yaounde, Cameroon
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León NY, Reyes AP, Harley VR. A clinical algorithm to diagnose differences of sex development. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2019; 7:560-574. [PMID: 30803928 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(18)30339-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis and management of children born with ambiguous genitalia is challenging for clinicians. Such differences of sex development (DSDs) are congenital conditions in which chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical. The aetiology of DSDs is very heterogenous and a precise diagnosis is essential for management of genetic, endocrine, surgical, reproductive, and psychosocial issues. In this Review, we outline a step-by-step approach, compiled in a diagnostic algorithm, for the clinical assessment and molecular diagnosis of a patient with ambiguity of the external genitalia on initial presentation. We appraise established and emerging technologies and their effect on diagnosis, and discuss current controversies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayla Y León
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alejandra P Reyes
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Genetics Department, Children's Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Ekenze SO, Chikani UN, Ezomike UO, Okafor DC. Outcome of feminizing genital reconstruction in female sex assigned disorder of sex development in a low-income country. J Pediatr Urol 2019; 15:244-250. [PMID: 30926253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with disorders of sex development (DSD), surgical/medical treatments are undertaken after sex assignment to ensure congruent bodily appearance and function. Genital reconstruction in these patients can be daunting with varied outcome. Understanding these outcomes is imperative, more especially in a developing country where added challenges exist. OBJECTIVE This study evaluates the outcome of genital surgery in patients with DSD assigned female sex. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 25 cases of female sex assigned DSD managed in two tertiary centers in southeast Nigeria was performed. Data of these cases were collected from the case notes, discharge summaries, and theater records. IBM SPSS Statistics Data Editor, version 21, was used for data entry and analysis. RESULTS The patients presented at median age of 12 months (range 2 days-30 years), with 15 (60%) cases reared as female and 10 (40%) reared as male before presentation. The predominant phenotype was phallus with empty fused/unfused labioscrotum and urethra opening in the labioscrotum or perineum in 21 (84%) patients. Evaluation revealed features suggestive of 46XX DSD in 21 (84%) patients, ovotesticular DSD in two (8%), and androgen insensitivity in two (8%). A total of 10 cases required sex reassignment after evaluation. Overall, 24 of the 25 cases had feminizing genital procedures. After a median follow-up period of 2 years (range 2 months-8 years), six (25%) cases developed procedure-related complications, three (12.5%) had social maladjustment, and two (8.3%) patients reported features of gender dysphoria. DISCUSSION The procedures of feminizing genitoplasty in this study did not differ from the established procedure. However, as a result of challenges of delayed presentation, inadequate early management, sociocultural factors, and a lack of facilities for full evaluation, some cases may require sex reassignment and more daunting reconstructive procedures. This may give rise to less than optimal outcome. The study was limited by the retrospective nature, small number of cases, and the short duration of follow-up of the cases. CONCLUSION Feminizing genital procedures for DSD in our setting may be associated with procedure-related complications and non-surgical complications. Improving surgical technique and addressing the challenges of delayed presentation and fixation on male gender may improve overall outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S O Ekenze
- Sub-Department of Paediatric Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
| | - U N Chikani
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
| | - U O Ezomike
- Sub-Department of Paediatric Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
| | - D C Okafor
- Paediatric Surgery Unit, Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
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Nasir AA, Abdur-Rahman LO, Adesiyun OO, Bamigbola KT, Adegboye MB, Raji HO, Adesiyun OAM, Adeniran JO. Analysis of Presentations and Outcomes of Care of Children with Disorders of Sexual Development in a Nigerian Hospital. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2019; 32:21-26. [PMID: 30149125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To describe the presentation, diagnosis, management, and short-term outcome of children with disorders of sexual development (DSD) in the context of multidisciplinary team care. DESIGN Prospective descriptive study. SETTING University Teaching Hospital. PARTICIPANTS All children who presented with genital ambiguity. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Records of all patients diagnosed and managed for DSD between January 2011 and December 2016 were reviewed. The care pathway included clinical, laboratory, internal genitalia evaluation, and panel (including parents) meeting. RESULTS Fifteen children presented with DSD at a median age of 20 months. Only 5/15 (33.3%) presented in the neonatal period. Ten of fifteen patients (66.7%) presented with genital ambiguity. Ovotesticular DSD was the most common diagnosis (9/15; 60%). Seven of the patients were genetically female (46, XX), 1 was genetically male (46, XY) and 1 without genetic diagnosis. Six patients were assigned male gender and they underwent male genitoplasty. Five of them had excision of Müllerian structures with gonadectomy. Three of fifteen patients (20%) were diagnosed as 46, XX DSD, at a median age of 7 years. All of them were due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia and underwent female genitoplasty. Two patients were diagnosed as XY, DSD. They were both raised as female at presentation and were reassigned male sex. Both had urethroplasty done. Four patients had postoperative urethrocutaneous fistula and 1 had partial wound dehiscence. The median follow-up period was 21 months (interquartile range, 2-26 months). CONCLUSION The frequency of ovotesticular DSD is high in our setting. The decision of sex assignment was finally made at a median age of 7.5 months in most of our patients with satisfactory short-term surgical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrasheed A Nasir
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin/University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
| | - Lukman O Abdur-Rahman
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin/University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Omotayo O Adesiyun
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin/University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Kayode T Bamigbola
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin/University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Majeed B Adegboye
- Department of Anaesthesia, University of Ilorin/University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Hadijat O Raji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ilorin/University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Olusola A M Adesiyun
- Department of Radiology, University of Ilorin/University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - James O Adeniran
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin/University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
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Phenotypic Variation of 46,XX Late Identified Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia among Indonesians. J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc 2018; 33:6-11. [PMID: 33442105 PMCID: PMC7784163 DOI: 10.15605/jafes.033.01.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To describe the phenotype variation in Indonesian 46,XX late-identified congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and the correlation between 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and genital virilization. Methodology Retrospective study of 39 cases with five salt-wasting (SW) and 34 simple virilizing (SV) types. Results The median age of the patients was 9.83 years (range, 0.58 to 44 years) with Prader score 2 to 5. Clitoromegaly (100%) and skin hyperpigmentation (87%) were the most common features. Lack of breast development (Tanner 1 to 2) and menstrual disorders occurred in 9 patients (teenagers and adults). Short stature (6), low voice (14), prominent Adam’s apple (9) and hirsutism (4) were found only in SV types. Rapid growth (7) and precocious puberty (8) were identified in children. Male gender on admission was found in 13 patients. The mean of 17-OHP level was 304.23 nmol/L [standard deviation (SD) 125.03 nmol/L]. There was no correlation between 17-OHP levels and virilization (r=0.19, p>0.05). Conclusion Late-identified CAH showed severe virilization and irreversible sequelae, with clitoromegaly and skin hyperpigmentation as the most commonly seen features. Masculinization of CAH females created uncertainty with regard to sex assignment at birth, resulting in female, male and undecided genders. There is no significant correlation between 17-OHP levels with the degree of virilization in CAH females.
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Ekenze SO, Modekwe VO, Ajuzieogu OV, Asinobi IO, Sanusi J. Neonatal surgery in a developing country: Outcome of co-ordinated interdisciplinary collaboration. J Paediatr Child Health 2017; 53:976-980. [PMID: 28600851 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.13610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Neonatal surgery in low-income and middle-income countries has a poorer outcome when compared with high-income countries. This study evaluated the management challenges and outcomes of neonatal surgery before and after the introduction of focused interdisciplinary team management in 2013. METHODS We retrospectively analysed neonatal surgery undertaken at two referral hospitals in Enugu, south-eastern Nigeria from January 2011 to November 2015. Cases managed prior to July 2013 (group A) were compared with those managed from July 2013 (group B). RESULTS There were 91 cases (group A, 47; group B, 44). The common neonatal conditions were oesophageal atresia (21), anorectal malformation (18) and intestinal atresia (18). The surgical conditions, birthweight, age at presentation and associated anomalies did not differ in the two groups. The treatment was also similar except in oesophageal atresia, where cardiac banding was added to the temporary gastrostomy in late presenting cases with undernutrition in group B. Postoperative complications occurred in 43 (47.3%) cases (group A, 55.3%; group B, 38.6%; P > 0.05), and the overall mortality was 33 (35.3%: group A, 48.9%; group B, 22.7%: P < 0.05). Causes of mortality were unremitting sepsis (group A, 11; group B, 5), anaesthesia complications (group A, 5; group B, 0) and respiratory complication (group A, 7; group B, 5). Delayed presentation, inadequate facilities and defective health insurance scheme were challenges in the two groups. CONCLUSION Despite the persisting challenges, co-ordinated team management may result in the modest improvement of outcomes of neonatal surgery in our setting. Addressing these challenges may further improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian O Ekenze
- Sub-Department of Paediatric Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Victor O Modekwe
- Sub-Department of Paediatric Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Obinna V Ajuzieogu
- Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Isaac O Asinobi
- Neonatology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Jubril Sanusi
- Nursing Services Division, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
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