Effect of androgen excess and glucocorticoid exposure on metabolic risk profiles in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

A comparison of obstetric and neonatal outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a retrospective analysis of a population database

OBJECTIVE

To investigate potential differences in pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes between 2 hyperandrogenic conditions in reproductive-aged women: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

DESIGN

Retrospective population-based study with data from the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database from 2004-2014.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 14,881 women with PCOS and 298 women with CAH.

INTERVENTION(S)

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Gestational diabetes mellitus, placenta previa, pregnancy-induced hypertension (HTN), gestational HTN, preeclampsia, eclampsia, preeclampsia and eclampsia superimposed on HTN, preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membrane, abruptio placenta, chorioamnionitis, mode of delivery, maternal infection, hysterectomy, blood transfusion, venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism during pregnancy, intrapartum, or postpartum), maternal death, chorioamnionitis, septicemia during labor, postpartum endometritis, septic pelvic, peritonitis, small for gestational age, congenital anomalies, and intrauterine fetal demise.

RESULT(S)

After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that women with PCOS were at increased risk of developing pregnancy-induced HTN (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-2.77) and gestational diabetes (adjusted OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.12-2.52) when compared with women with CAH. Contrary women with CAH were at increased risk for delivery via cesarean section (adjusted OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.44-0.80) and small for gestational age neonates (adjusted OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.20-0.52).

CONCLUSION(S)

To our knowledge, this study is the first to directly compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes between patients with PCOS and CAH. Despite the similar phenotypes and some common hormonal and biochemical profiles, such as insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperandrogenism, our results suggest the existence of additional metabolic pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications.

Management aspects of congenital adrenal hyperplasia during adolescence and transition to adult care

The adolescent period is characterised by fundamental hormonal changes, which affect sex steroid production, cortisol metabolism and insulin sensitivity. These physiological changes have a significant impact on patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). An essential treatment aim across the lifespan in patients with CAH is to replace glucocorticoids sufficiently to avoid excess adrenal androgen production but equally to avoid cardiometabolic risks associated with excess glucocorticoid intake. The changes to the hormonal milieu at puberty, combined with poor adherence to medical therapy, often result in unsatisfactory control exacerbating androgen excess and increasing the risk of metabolic complications due to steroid over-replacement. With the physical and cognitive maturation of the adolescent with CAH, fertility issues and sexual function become a new focus of patient care in the paediatric clinic. This requires close surveillance for gonadal dysfunction, such as irregular periods/hirsutism or genital surgery-associated symptoms in girls and central hypogonadism or testicular adrenal rest tumours in boys. To ensure good health outcomes across the lifespan, the transition process from paediatric to adult care of patients with CAH must be planned carefully and early from the beginning of adolescence, spanning over many years into young adulthood. Its key aims are to empower the young person through education with full disclosure of their medical history, to ensure appropriate follow-up with experienced physicians and facilitate access to multispecialist teams addressing the complex needs of patients with CAH.

Serum steroid profile captures metabolic phenotypes in adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

Adult patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency have an increased risk of metabolic diseases. We aimed to investigate whether liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based serum steroid profiling reveals metabolic phenotypes in adults with classic CAH.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study prospectively enrolled 63 adult patients with CAH and 38 healthy volunteers. The levels of the 24 steroids were quantified in the morning serum using LC-MS. Unsupervised clustering algorithms were applied to the serum steroid profiles to identify unique patterns associated with metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Serum steroid profiles of patients with CAH were clearly delineated from those of healthy controls with a higher degree of interindividual heterogeneity. The unsupervised clustering algorithm divided CAH patients into two clusters based on serum steroid profile. Cluster 2 showed higher serum levels of glucocorticoids and androgens than cluster 1. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in cluster 2 than in cluster 1 (37.8 % vs. 5.6 %, P = 0.011). Other clinical characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, CAH subtypes, and glucocorticoid dose, did not differ between the two clusters. The multivariate logistic regression model of selective 15 steroids could discriminate metabolic syndrome in patients with CAH with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.832 (95 % confidence interval:0.732-0.933).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum steroid profiles can be valuable biomarkers for estimating metabolic risk in adult patients with CAH.

Long-term cardiometabolic morbidity in young adults with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia

PURPOSE

To study the current practice for assessing comorbidity in adults with 21-hydroxylase CAH and to assess the prevalence of comorbidity in these adults.

METHODS

A structured questionnaire was sent to 46 expert centres managing adults with CAH. Information collected included current therapy and surveillance practice with a particular focus on osteoporosis/osteopaenia, hyperlipidaemia, type 2 diabetes/hyperinsulinaemia, hypertension, CV disease, obesity.

RESULTS

Of the 31 (67%) centres from 15 countries that completed the survey, 30 (97%) screened for hypertension by measuring blood pressure, 30 (97%) screened for obesity, 26 (84%) screened for abnormal glucose homoeostasis mainly by using Hb1Ac (73%), 25 (81%) screened for osteoporosis mainly by DXA (92%), 20 (65%) screened for hyperlipidaemia and 6 (19%) screened for additional CV disease. Of the 31 centres, 13 provided further information on the six co-morbidities in 244 patients with a median age of 33 yrs (range 19, 94). Of these, 126 (52%) were females and 174 (71%) received fludrocortisone in addition to glucocorticoids. Of the 244 adults, 73 (30%) were treated for at least one comorbidity and 15 (21%) for more than 2 co-morbidities. Of 73, the patients who were treated for osteoporosis/osteopaenia, hyperlipidaemia, type 2 diabetes/hyperinsulinaemia, hypertension, CV disease, obesity were 43 (59%), 17 (23%), 16 (22%), 10 (14%), 8 (11), 3 (4%) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Cardiometabolic and bone morbidities are not uncommon in adults with CAH. There is a need to standardise the screening for these morbidities from early adulthood and to explore optimal therapy through routine collection of standardised data.

Synthetic glucocorticoids instead of hydrocortisone do not increase mineralocorticoid needs in adult patients with salt wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia

It has been postulated that in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with salt wasting (SW), fludrocortisone needs might be higher in those on synthetic glucocorticoid replacement therapy in comparison to conventional hydrocortisone due to the lower mineralocorticoid activity. Here we report the results of a cross-sectional single center study comparing mineralocorticoid needs between patients taking synthetic glucocorticoids (S-GC) (N = 24) and those on conventional hydrocortisone (HC) (N = 16). We could show that while both groups took comparable HC-equivalent dosages, there was no significant difference in FC dosage (GC: 0.075 mg; IQR 0.05-0.1; HC: 0.1 mg; IQR 0.05-0.1; p = 0.713). Although there was a trend for higher renin levels in the S-GC group (67.1 µU/ml; IQR 40.5-113.9 vs. 40.4 IQR 14.2-73.1; p = 0.066), this failed to reach significance. With regard to blood pressure, those taking S-GC had even significantly elevated mean systolic (125.0 mmHg, IQR 117.5-130.0 vs 116.5 mmHg IQR 111.8-124.8; p = 0.036) and diastolic (78.0 mmHg, IQR 74.3-83.8 vs 74.5mmHG, IQR 69.3-76.0; p = 0.044) during the day. Systolic dipping was however more pronounced in those on GC in comparison to those taking HC (11.3%; IQR 8.7-14.6 vs. 6.4 IQR 3.4-12.7; p = 0.031). In conclusion, we could show in this small, albeit well-balanced cohort that mineralocorticoid dosage does not significantly differ between patients receiving synthetic glucocorticoids or conventional hydrocortisone. Higher blood pressure values despite the tendency for higher renin levels in those on S-GC support the notion that the assessment of MR adequacy should be guided by the clinical picture and blood pressure on a regular basis.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a group of autosomal recessive disorders leading to multiple complex hormonal imbalances caused by various enzyme deficiencies in the adrenal steroidogenic pathway. The most common type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is due to steroid 21-hydroxylase (21-OHase, henceforth 21OH) deficiency. The rare, classic (severe) form caused by 21OH deficiency is characterised by life-threatening adrenal crises and is the most common cause of atypical genitalia in neonates with 46,XX karyotype. After the introduction of life-saving hormone replacement therapy in the 1950s and neonatal screening programmes in many countries, nowadays neonatal survival rates in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia are high. However, disease-related mortality is increased and therapeutic management remains challenging, with multiple long-term complications related to treatment and disease affecting growth and development, metabolic and cardiovascular health, and fertility. Non-classic (mild) forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21OH deficiency are more common than the classic ones; they are detected clinically and primarily identified in female patients with hirsutism or impaired fertility. Novel treatment approaches are emerging with the aim of mimicking physiological circadian cortisol rhythm or to reduce adrenal hyperandrogenism independent of the suppressive effect of glucocorticoids.

Leukocyte Telomere Length in Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

CONTEXT

Exposure to chronic stress and hypercortisolism is associated with decreased leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a marker for biological aging and cardiovascular disease. Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated with glucocorticoids.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate LTL in children with CAH.

METHODS

In this prospective observational cohort study, conducted at 4 academic pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinics, children with genetically confirmed CAH were assessed at 2 follow-up visits (mean 4.1 ± 0.7 months apart). At each visit, LTL was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. All subjects underwent detailed clinical and endocrinologic evaluation and were classified as undertreated, optimally treated, or overtreated, accordingly. The influence of clinical factors on LTL was investigated using linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, and BMI-z.

RESULTS

We studied 76 patients, of whom 31 (41%) were girls, 63 (83%) had classic CAH, 67 (88%) received hydrocortisone, and 8 (11%) prednisolone. Median age at first visit was 12.0 years (IQR, 6.3-15.1), and median BMI-z was 0.51 (IQR, -0.12 to 1.43). LTL was shorter in patients with classic vs nonclassic CAH (-0.29, P = 0.012), in overtreated than in optimally treated patients (-0.07, P = 0.002), and patients receiving prednisolone compared with hydrocortisone (-0.34, P < 0.001). LTL was not associated with undertreatment or daily hydrocortisone-equivalent dose (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LTL is shorter in patients with classic than nonclassic CAH, and in those who are overtreated with hydrocortisone or treated with long-acting glucocorticoids. These findings may be attributed to chronic exposure to supraphysiologic glucocorticoid concentrations and indicate that LTL may be used as a biomarker for monitoring glucocorticoid treatment.

Molecular analysis and genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency from southern Poland - experience of a clinical center

PURPOSE

The prevalence of CYP21A2 gene variants and genotype-phenotype correlations are variable among populations. The aim of this study was to characterize CYP21A2 gene variants in adult patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CCAH) from southern Poland and to analyze genotype-phenotype correlations.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 48 patients (30 women and 18 men) with CCAH were included in the study. Patients were divided into two clinical subgroups, namely, salt-wasting (SW) - 38 patients and simple virilizing (SV) - 10 patients. A genetic analysis MLPA (multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification) was performed in all of them. In dubious cases, the analysis was complemented by Sanger sequencing. Genotypes were classified into five groups (depending on the residual in vitro enzymatic activity), namely, null, A, B, C, and D, and correlated with the clinical picture.

RESULTS

Molecular defects were investigated and identified in 48 patients. The most common variant in the studied group was I2G, followed by whole or partial gene copy deletion, and I172N. One novel variant c.[878G>T] (p.Gly293Val) was found. In nine patients, a non-concordance between genotype and phenotype was observed. Genotype-phenotype correlations measured by positive predictive value (PPV) were as follows: 100% in group null, 90.5% in group A, and 66.7% in group B.

CONCLUSIONS

CYP21A2 variants in the studied cohort were similar to values previously reported in other countries of the region. There was a good correlation between genotype and phenotype in the null and A groups, the correlation being considerably lower in group B.

Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Clamp Strengthens the Insulin Resistance in Nonclassical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

Insulin sensitivity evaluation by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) due to 21-hydroxilase deficiency.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional study at university hospital outpatient clinics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

NC-CAH patients (25 females, 6 males; 24 ± 10 years) subdivided into C/NC (compound heterozygous for 1 classical and 1 nonclassical allele) and NC/NC (2 nonclassical alleles) genotypes were compared to controls.

RESULTS

At diagnosis, C/NC patients presented higher basal and adrenocorticotropin-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione levels than NC/NC genotype. Patients and controls presented similar weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, and total fat body mass. NC-CAH patients showed higher waist-to-hip ratio, lower adiponectin and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with no changes in fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, leptin, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein, and carotid-intima-media thickness. All patients had used glucocorticoid (mean time of 73 months). Among the 22 patients with successful clamp, 13 were still receiving glucocorticoid-3 patients using cortisone acetate, 9 dexamethasone, and 1 prednisone (hydrocortisone equivalent dose of 5.5mg/m²/day), while 9 patients were off glucocorticoid but had previously used (hydrocortisone equivalent dose of 5.9mg/m2/day). The NC-CAH patients presented lower Mffm than controls (31 ± 20 vs 55 ± 23µmol/min-1/kg-1, P = 0.002). The Mffm values were inversely correlated with the duration of glucocorticoid treatment (r = -0.44, P = 0.04). There was association of insulin resistance and glucocorticoid type but not with androgen levels.

CONCLUSION

Using the gold standard method, the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, insulin resistance was present in NC-CAH patients and related to prolonged use and long-acting glucocorticoid treatment. Glucocorticoid replacement and cardiometabolic risks should be monitored regularly in NC-CAH.

Epidemiology and Long-Term Adverse Outcomes in Korean Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on the epidemiology and complications of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) were conducted in Western countries and in children/adolescents. We aimed to explore the epidemiology of CAH, as well as the risk of comorbidities and mortality, in a Korean nationwide case-control study.

METHODS

CAH patients (n=2,840) were included between 2002 and 2017 from the National Health Insurance Service database and the Rare Intractable Disease program. CAH patients were compared, at a 1:10 ratio, with age-, sex-, and index year-matched controls (n=28,400).

RESULTS

The point prevalence of CAH patients in Korea was 1 in 18,745 persons in 2017. The annual incidence rate declined between 2003 and 2017 from 3.25 to 0.41 per 100,000 persons. CAH patients were at elevated risk for cardiovascular disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 to 1.9), stroke (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.0), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.6 to 3.1), dyslipidemia (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.2 to 2.6), and psychiatric disorders (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3 to 1.6). Fracture risk increased in CAH patients aged over 40 years (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.7). CAH patients were at higher risk of mortality than controls (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.0).

CONCLUSION

Our nationwide study showed a recent decline in the incidence of CAH and an elevated risk for cardiovascular, metabolic, skeletal, and psychiatric disorders in CAH patients. Lifelong management for comorbidity risk is a crucial component of treating CAH patients.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia-Current Insights in Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Management

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders affecting cortisol biosynthesis. Reduced activity of an enzyme required for cortisol production leads to chronic overstimulation of the adrenal cortex and accumulation of precursors proximal to the blocked enzymatic step. The most common form of CAH is caused by steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency due to mutations in CYP21A2. Since the last publication summarizing CAH in Endocrine Reviews in 2000, there have been numerous new developments. These include more detailed understanding of steroidogenic pathways, refinements in neonatal screening, improved diagnostic measurements utilizing chromatography and mass spectrometry coupled with steroid profiling, and improved genotyping methods. Clinical trials of alternative medications and modes of delivery have been recently completed or are under way. Genetic and cell-based treatments are being explored. A large body of data concerning long-term outcomes in patients affected by CAH, including psychosexual well-being, has been enhanced by the establishment of disease registries. This review provides the reader with current insights in CAH with special attention to these new developments.

Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Youth With Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most common primary adrenal insufficiency in children, involving cortisol deficiency, hyperandrogenism, and cardiometabolic risk. Prior studies have reported that youth with classical CAH have a higher prevalence of the components of metabolic syndrome: obesity, hypertension, elevated fasting blood glucose, and dyslipidemia. Yet, the incidence of the complete metabolic syndrome itself in children and adolescents with CAH is relatively rare. Traditional cardiometabolic risk factors can surface early in children with classical CAH, and continue to present and evolve over the lifetime, although it is only recently that reports of Type 2 diabetes and adverse cardiac events have begun to surface in adults affected by this condition. The pathophysiology underlying the increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with CAH is not well-understood, with disease treatments and androgen excess having been studied to date. The aim of this review is to evaluate the recent literature on traditional cardiometabolic risk factors in youth with classical CAH, and to consider non-traditional risk factors/biomarkers for subclinical atherosclerosis, inflammation, and insulin resistance. A better understanding of these traditional and non-traditional risk factors in youth with CAH could help guide treatment options and prevent the onset of metabolic syndrome in adulthood, reducing overall patient morbidity.

Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (2021 revision)

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a category of disorders characterized by impaired adrenocortical steroidogenesis. The most frequent disorder of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is 21-hydroxylase deficiency, which is caused by pathogenic variants of CAY21A2 and is prevalent between 1 in 18,000 and 20,000 in Japan. The clinical guidelines for 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Japan have been revised twice since a diagnostic handbook in Japan was published in 1989. On behalf of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the Japanese Society for Mass Screening, the Japanese Society for Urology, and the Japan Endocrine Society, the working committee updated the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of 21-hydroxylase deficiency published in 2014, based on recent evidence and knowledge related to this disorder. The recommendations in the updated guidelines can be applied in clinical practice considering the risks and benefits to each patient.

Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular morbidity in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Since the introduction of glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is no longer a fatal disease. The development of neonatal screening programs and the amelioration of GC treatment strategies have improved significantly life expectancy in CAH patients. Thanks to these achievements, CAH patients are now in their adulthood, but an increased incidence of cardiovascular risk factors has been reported compared to general population in this stage of life. The aim of CAH treatment is to both prevent adrenal insufficiency and suppress androgen excess; in this delicate balance, under- as well as overtreatment might be equally harmful to long-term cardiovascular health. This work examines the prevalence of metabolic features and cardiovascular events, their correlation with hormone levels and GC replacement regimen in CAH patients and focuses on precocious markers to early detect patients at higher risk and new potential treatment approaches.

Clinical outcomes in 21-hydroxylase deficiency

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The introduction of synthetic glucocorticoids 70 years ago made survival possible in classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). The currently used glucocorticoid therapy may lead to unphysiological dosing with negative consequencies on health in addition to the problems that may arise due to androgen over-exposure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Fertility in females with 21OHD seemed to be impaired, especially in the salt-wasting (SW) phenotype but when pregnancies did occur there was a higher risk for gestational diabetes and cesearean section. Increased fat mass, body mass index, insulin resistance and frequency of autoimmune disorders as well as impaired echocardiographic parameters and lower bone mineral density were found in 21OHD compared to controls. Negative effects on cognitive functions have been identified. Adrenal tumors, especially myelolipomas, were prevalent. Increased knowledge on steroid metabolism in 21OHD and urine steroid profiling may improve assessment of treatment efficacy. Nevanimibe, abiraterone acetate and anastrozole may have a place in the future management of 21OHD. Long-acting glucocorticoids may be a less favorable, especially dexamethasone.

SUMMARY

The various clinical outcomes need regular monitoring. Negative consequencies are to large extent the result of the unphysiological glucocorticoid replacement. Modern management with improved follow-up and future addition of new drugs may improve outcomes.

Modified-Release Hydrocortisone in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

CONTEXT

Standard glucocorticoid therapy in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) regularly fails to control androgen excess, causing glucocorticoid overexposure and poor health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether modified-release hydrocortisone (MR-HC), which mimics physiologic cortisol secretion, could improve disease control.

METHODS

A 6-month, randomized, phase 3 study was conducted of MR-HC vs standard glucocorticoid, followed by a single-arm MR-HC extension study. Primary outcomes were change in 24-hour SD score (SDS) of androgen precursor 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) for phase 3, and efficacy, safety and tolerability of MR-HC for the extension study.

RESULTS

The phase 3 study recruited 122 adult CAH patients. Although the study failed its primary outcome at 6 months, there was evidence of better biochemical control on MR-HC, with lower 17OHP SDS at 4 (P = .007) and 12 (P = .019) weeks, and between 07:00h to 15:00h (P = .044) at 6 months. The percentage of patients with controlled 09:00h serum 17OHP (< 1200 ng/dL) was 52% at baseline, at 6 months 91% for MR-HC and 71% for standard therapy (P = .002), and 80% for MR-HC at 18 months' extension. The median daily hydrocortisone dose was 25 mg at baseline, at 6 months 31 mg for standard therapy, and 30 mg for MR-HC, and after 18 months 20 mg MR-HC. Three adrenal crises occurred in phase 3, none on MR-HC and 4 in the extension study. MR-HC resulted in patient-reported benefit including menses restoration in 8 patients (1 on standard therapy), and 3 patient and 4 partner pregnancies (none on standard therapy).

CONCLUSION

MR-HC improved biochemical disease control in adults with reduction in steroid dose over time and patient-reported benefit.

Insulin Resistance in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia is Compensated for by Reduced Insulin Clearance

CONTEXT

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients have potential normal longevity. However, a greater risk for cardiovascular disease has been reported. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia have been described in CAH patients, whereas the prevalence of overt type 2 diabetes is not higher in CAH than in normal population.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the contributions of insulin secretion and of hepatic insulin clearance to compensatory hyperinsulinemia in young insulin-resistant adults with classic CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

University outpatient clinics.

METHODS

Fifty-one participants: 21 controls, and 30 CAH (15 virilizing and 15 salt-wasting phenotypes), female/male (33/18), age (mean [SD]): 24.0 (3.6) years, body mass index: 24.6 (4.9)kg/m2 with normal glucose tolerance, were submitted to a hyperglycemic clamp study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Insulin sensitivity, beta cell function, and hepatic insulin clearance using appropriate modeling.

RESULTS

We found an increased insulin resistance in 21-OHD. The systemic hyperinsulinemia (posthepatic insulin delivery) was elevated in CAH patients. No increases were observed in insulin secretory rate (beta cell function) in the first phase or during the hyperglycemic clamp. The increase in insulin concentrations was totally due to a ~33% reduction in insulin clearance.

CONCLUSION

21-OHD nonobese subjects have reduced insulin sensitivity and beta cell response unable to compensate for the insulin resistance, probably due to overexposure to glucocorticoids. Compensatory hyperinsulinemia is most related with reduced hepatic insulin clearance. The exclusive adaptation of the liver acts as a gating mechanism to regulate the access of insulin to insulin-sensitive tissues to maintain glucose homeostasis.

Therapy options for adrenal insufficiency and recommendations for the management of adrenal crisis

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening condition requiring life-long glucocorticoid (GC) substitution therapy, as well as stress adaptation to prevent adrenal crises. The number of individuals with primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency in Europe is estimated to be 20-50/100.000. A growing number of AI cases are due to side effects of GC treatment used in different treatment strategies for cancer and to immunotherapy in cancer treatment. The benefit of hormone replacement therapy is evident but long-term adverse effects may arise due to the non-physiological GC doses and treatment regimens used. Given multiple GC replacement formulations available comprising short-acting, intermediate, long-acting and novel modified-release hydrocortisone as well as subcutaneous formulations, this review offers a concise summary on the latest therapeutic improvements for treatment of AI and prevention of adrenal crises. As availability of various glucocorticoid formulations and access to expert centers across Europe varies widely, European Reference Networks on rare endocrine conditions aim at harmonizing treatment and ensure access to specialized patient care for individual case-by-case treatment decisions. To improve the availability across Europe to cost effective oral and parenteral formulations of hydrocortisone will save lives.

Long-Term Health Outcomes of Korean Adults With Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

There is a lack of studies regarding the long-term outcomes of Asian adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. We hypothesized that adults with CAH are at higher metabolic risk than their age-, and sex-matched controls. We further investigated the long-term health outcome-related factors in adults with CAH. We compared metabolic risk between adults with CAH (71 men, 93 women) and age-, and sex-matched controls (190 men, 261 women) from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The presence of obesity, testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs), and menstrual irregularity was assessed. Hormone status and treatment regimens were compared according to the presence of adverse outcomes. The median age was 27.0 y and 28.0 y for men and women, respectively. Adults with CAH had a higher waist circumference (88.0 vs. 82.3 cm in men, and 83.5 vs. 72.3 cm in women), and blood pressure (125.0 vs. 113.0 mmHg in men, and 120.0 vs. 104.0 mmHg in women) than age- and sex-matched controls (P<0.05 for all). The 2.7-fold increased risk for hypertension (men) and 2.0-fold increased risk for obesity (women) was significant in patients with CAH (P<0.05 for both). Obese adults with CAH showed significantly higher adrenal limb thicknesses (men) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels (women) (P<0.05 for both). TARTs occurred in 58.1% of men and did not differ by hormone or treatment regimen. Irregular menstruation was observed in 57.1% of women, with higher dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in those with irregular periods. Adults with CAH had a higher metabolic risk than the general population. Poor disease control may increase their risk of metabolic morbidity and menstrual irregularity.

The Success of a Screening Program Is Largely Dependent on Close Collaboration between the Laboratory and the Clinical Follow-Up of the Patients

Neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is now performed in an increasing number of countries all over the world. The main goal of the screening is to achieve early diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent neonatal salt-crisis and death. The screening laboratory can also play an important role in increasing the general awareness of the disease and act as the source of information and education for clinicians to facilitate improved initial care, ensure prompt and correct glucocorticoid dosing to optimize the long-term outcome for the patients. A National CAH Registry and CYP21A2 genotyping provide valuable information both for evaluating the screening program and the clinical outcome. The Swedish experience is described.

Clinical outcomes and characteristics of P30L mutations in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Despite numerous studies in the field of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, some clinical variability of the presentation and discrepancies in the genotype/phenotype correlation are still unexplained. Some, but not all, discordant phenotypes caused by mutations with known enzyme activity have been explained by in silico structural changes in the 21-hydroxylase protein. The incidence of P30L mutation varies in different populations and is most frequently found in several Central and Southeast European countries as well as Mexico. Patients carrying P30L mutation present predominantly as non-classical CAH; however, simple virilizing forms are found in up to 50% of patients. Taking into consideration the residual 21-hydroxulase activity present with P30L mutation this is unexpected. Different mechanisms for increased androgenization in patients carrying P30L mutation have been proposed including influence of different residues, accompanying promotor allele variability or mutations, and individual androgene sensitivity. Early diagnosis of patients who would present with SV is important in order to improve outcome. Outcome studies of CAH have confirmed the uniqueness of this mutation such as difficulties in phenotype classification, different fertility, growth, and psychologic issues in comparison with other genotypes. Additional studies of P30L mutation are warranted.

Long-term cardio-metabolic outcomes in patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia: is the risk real?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Data on the long-term cardio-metabolic outcomes classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients have been published with controversial results. Conventional treatment recommends hydrocortisone during childhood; and short and/or long-acting glucocorticoid during adulthood, associated or not with mineralocorticoid, in an attempt to simulate normal cortisol secretion and to normalize androgen excess. However, the balance between glucocorticoid over or undertreatment is very challenging, and patients frequently oscillate between hypercortisolism or hyperandrogenism. Considering these data, we reviewed the frequency of metabolic syndrome components and other cardiovascular risk factors in CAH.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several studies reported increased prevalence obesity, abnormal body composition, increased homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and blood pressure levels in CAH patients. However, the evidence quality is still low, because most studies used different glucocorticoid regimes and had heterogeneous goals for hormonal control.

SUMMARY

Despite the above-mentioned scenario of increased frequency of some cardiovascular surrogate markers in patients, most cohorts comprised young adults, and it is not known if patients will present high frequency of cardiovascular disease in the future. Prospective randomized studies comparing different glucocorticoid regimens should establish the real role of glucocorticoid and androgens on metabolic/cardiovascular profile.