1
|
Van't Westeinde A, Padilla N, Fletcher-Sandersjöö S, Kämpe O, Bensing S, Lajic Näreskog S. Brain activity during working memory in patients with autoimmune Addison's disease. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 170:107195. [PMID: 39341183 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is treated with daily oral hormone replacements for cortisol and aldosterone. The current treatment is sub-optimal, and frequently results in supra- and infra-physiological cortisol levels that might negatively affect the brain and cognitive functioning. It is currently unclear if the brains of these patients need to be better protected. The present study investigates brain function during working memory in young adults with AAD compared to healthy controls. All participants (56 AAD (33 females), 62 controls (39 females), 19-43 years), underwent MRI brain scanning while performing a visuo-spatial and verbal working memory task. No main group differences in accuracy, reaction time or brain activity during the tasks were found. These findings suggest that patients perform equal to controls, and achieve similar levels of brain activity during working memory. However, variations in the patient population may have confounded this outcome. Controlled studies on larger cohorts are therefore needed to confirm these findings and test if having AAD affects the brain on the long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Van't Westeinde
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg SE-416 50, Sweden
| | - Nelly Padilla
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Unit for Neonatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden
| | - Sara Fletcher-Sandersjöö
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden
| | - Olle Kämpe
- Department of Medicine (Solna), Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden and Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden
| | - Sophie Bensing
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic Näreskog
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg SE-416 50, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Allen SK, Doyle S. Chapter 2: Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 97:102544. [PMID: 39255551 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2024.102544] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of monogenic disorders is becoming integrated into routine clinical care for many indications. This is carried out by testing cell-free DNA extracted from the plasma portion of a maternal blood sample. The cell-free DNA is low in concentration, and consists of a mixture of maternal and fetally-derived DNA which are not easy to separate. Methods used therefore need to be rapid, sensitive and specific, including real-time PCR, digital PCR and next generation sequencing with complex algorithms. Testing may be required for pregnancies with an increased chance of a monogenic disorder due to family history or carrier status, or where there are specific abnormalities identified by ultrasound scan. In these situations, testing is considered to be diagnostic and therefore does not require confirmation by invasive testing. With increased access to genomic technologies, and more diagnoses for rare disease patients, future demand for NIPD and possibilities during pregnancy will continue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Allen
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TG, UK.
| | - Samantha Doyle
- The Department of Perinatal Genetics, The National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, 2, Ireland; UCD Perinatal Research Centre, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Espinosa Reyes TM, Cordero Martín D, Ángel Álvarez M, Falhammar H. Memory in female adolescents with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Endocrine 2024; 85:1379-1386. [PMID: 38727867 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03806-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), the influence of hyperandrogenism and glucocorticoid supplementation on neurocognition is controversial. OBJECTIVES To identify possible differences in visual working memory and verbal memory in adolescent girls with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and matched controls. Moreover, to study if any relationship between variables associated with CAH and the scores of the selected memory tests was present. MATERIAL AND METHODS In total 39 individuals were studied, female adolescents with CAH and age and pubertal stage matched healthy male and female controls (13 in each group). Sociodemographic, clinical, hormonal, and neurocognitive variables were explored. In female adolescents with CAH, variables related to the disease (age at diagnosis, clinical form, time since diagnosis, and glucocorticoid doses) were correlated with the scores obtained for neurocognitive variables. RESULTS The mean age was 13.9 ± 3.3 years. In female adolescents with CAH the results were worse compared to controls in Free Recall (p = 0.039) and in Visual Memory Span score (p = 0.016). Age at diagnosis was negatively correlated to number of hits (p = 0.04), number recalled backward (p = 0.03), Visual Memory Span test score (p = 0.04) and Total Free Recall (p = 0.04), i.e., memory was worse with later diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Female adolescents with CAH had worse visual working memory compared to matched controls, but not in verbal memory. Age at diagnosis was negatively associated with the memory tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania M Espinosa Reyes
- National Institute of Endocrinology, Havana, Cuba.
- University of Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana, Cuba.
| | - Dainy Cordero Martín
- National Institute of Endocrinology, Havana, Cuba
- University of Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Miguel Ángel Álvarez
- University of Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana, Cuba
- Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Havana, Cuba
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ridder LO, Balle CM, Skakkebæk A, Lind-Holst M, Nielsen MM, Hermann P, Hansen S, Nielsen DG, Knorr S, Andersen NH, Viuff MH, Berglund A, Gravholt CH. Endocrine, cardiac and neuropsychological aspects of adult congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 100:515-526. [PMID: 38572909 DOI: 10.1111/cen.15055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuropsychological phenotype, quality of life (QoL), and hormonal regulation in individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired synthesis of cortisol in the adrenal cortex and, if untreated compensatory hyperandrogenism. CAH is associated with an increased cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity, possibly due to overtreatment with glucocorticoids, leading to weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS, MEASUREMENTS Thirty-seven individuals with CAH and 33 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated at a single centre at Aarhus University Hospital with echocardiography, electrocardiogram, 24-h blood pressure, biochemistry, anthropometrics, and autism spectrum, anxiety, depression, personality, cognitive failures, and QoL were assessed using questionnaires. RESULTS CAH individuals had lower height than controls (170.5 vs. 182.9 cm in males and 160.2 vs. 170.1 cm in females, p < 0.01). Compared with female controls, females with CAH had higher haemoglobin (8.8 vs. 8.2 mmol/L, p = 0.003) and BMI (29.7 vs. 25.5 kg/m2, p = 0.006), reduced insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR): 2.7 vs. 1.9, p = 0.018), prolonged E-wave deceleration time (193 vs. 174 cm, p = 0.015), and E/é ratios (5.4 vs. 4.5, p = 0.017), and lower self-reported QoL. Males with CAH had more cognitive complaints (p = 0.034) and higher autistic scores (19.9 vs. 14.9; p = 0.068) compared with male controls. More individuals with CAH than controls reported writing problems. CONCLUSION A sex-specific comorbidity profile is evident in CAH, with females presenting with decreased metabolic and overall self-reported health, whereas males with CAH presented with increased cognitive complaints and autistic traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Ochsner Ridder
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Anne Skakkebæk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marie Lind-Holst
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette Mølby Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Pernille Hermann
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Stinus Hansen
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Sine Knorr
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Steno Diabetes Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Mette Hansen Viuff
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Agnethe Berglund
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Claus Højbjerg Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Joo EY, Yoo MJ, Kim SJ, Jang W, Lee JE. Case report: Development of central precocious puberty in a girl with late-diagnosed simple virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia complicated with Williams syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1352552. [PMID: 38699383 PMCID: PMC11063372 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1352552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and Williams Syndrome (WS; MIM # 194050) are distinct genetic conditions characterized by unique clinical features. 21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD; MIM #201910), the most common form of CAH, arises from mutations in the CYP21A2 gene, resulting in virilization of the external genitalia in affected females, early puberty in males, and short stature. Williams syndrome, caused by a microdeletion of 7q11.23, presents with distinctive facial features, intellectual disability, unique personality traits, early puberty, and short stature. This case report describe the clinical features of a 4-year-old girl referred due to progressive virilization and developmental delay. Genetic analysis confirmed concurrent CAH and WS, identifying a novel mutation in the CYP21A2 gene (c.1442T>C). Following corticosteroid therapy initiation, the patient developed central precocious puberty. This case report delves into the pubertal change patterns in a patient affected by overlapping genetic conditions, providing valuable insights in to the intricate clinical manifestation and management of these rare complex disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Young Joo
- Department of Pediatrics, Inha University College of Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Ji Yoo
- Department of Pediatrics, Inha University College of Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Inha University College of Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Woori Jang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Inha University College of Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Byer L, Orozco-Poore C, Rosendale N. Limitations and Future Directions in Sex, Sexuality, and Gender Diverse Research in Neurology. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:421-431. [PMID: 38112171 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Sex, sexuality, and gender diversity is understudied and underserved in neurology. Neurology research inclusive of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual) people is limited. Existing research struggles with a paucity of neurology studies collecting sex, sexuality, and gender diverse (SSGD) data, conflation of sex and gender, lack of precision in measures, neglect of younger and older populations, nebulous benefit to community, and absent intersectionality. Future directions in SSGD neurology research include precise and community-based measurements, respect for LGBTQIA+ colleagues, and the application of minority stress models. All patients stand to benefit from research that elucidates how SSGD variables influence neurological health. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:421-431.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lennox Byer
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Casey Orozco-Poore
- Department of Child Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Rosendale
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van’t Westeinde A, Padilla N, Fletcher-Sandersjöö S, Kämpe O, Bensing S, Lajic S. Increased Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Patients With Autoimmune Addison Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:701-710. [PMID: 37820745 PMCID: PMC10876407 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Individuals with autoimmune Addison disease (AAD) take replacement medication for the lack of adrenal-derived glucocorticoid (GC) and mineralocorticoid hormones from diagnosis. The brain is highly sensitive to these hormones, but the consequence of having AAD for brain health has not been widely addressed. OBJECTIVE The present study compared resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fc) of the brain between individuals with AAD and healthy controls. METHODS Fifty-seven patients with AAD (33 female) and 69 healthy controls (39 female), aged 19 to 43 years were scanned with 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS Independent component and subsequent dual regression analyses revealed that individuals with AAD had stronger rs-fc compared to controls in 3 networks: the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the left medial visual and left posterior default mode network. A higher GC replacement dose was associated with stronger rs-fc in a small part of the left OFC in patients. We did not find any clear associations between rs-fc and executive functions or mental fatigue. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that having AAD affects the baseline functional organization of the brain and that current treatment strategies of AAD may be one risk factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies van’t Westeinde
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nelly Padilla
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Unit for Neonatology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Fletcher-Sandersjöö
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olle Kämpe
- Department of Medicine (Solna), Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden and Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Bensing
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-416 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
De Alcubierre D, Ferrari D, Mauro G, Isidori AM, Tomlinson JW, Pofi R. Glucocorticoids and cognitive function: a walkthrough in endogenous and exogenous alterations. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:1961-1982. [PMID: 37058223 PMCID: PMC10514174 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis exerts many actions on the central nervous system (CNS) aside from stress regulation. Glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in affecting several cognitive functions through the effects on both glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR). In this review, we aim to unravel the spectrum of cognitive dysfunction secondary to derangement of circulating levels of endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids. METHODS All relevant human prospective and retrospective studies published up to 2022 in PubMed reporting information on HPA disorders, GCs, and cognition were included. RESULTS Cognitive impairment is commonly found in GC-related disorders. The main brain areas affected are the hippocampus and pre-frontal cortex, with memory being the most affected domain. Disease duration, circadian rhythm disruption, circulating GCs levels, and unbalanced MR/GR activation are all risk factors for cognitive decline in these patients, albeit with conflicting data among different conditions. Lack of normalization of cognitive dysfunction after treatment is potentially attributable to GC-dependent structural brain alterations, which can persist even after long-term remission. CONCLUSION The recognition of cognitive deficits in patients with GC-related disorders is challenging, often delayed, or mistaken. Prompt recognition and treatment of underlying disease may be important to avoid a long-lasting impact on GC-sensitive areas of the brain. However, the resolution of hormonal imbalance is not always followed by complete recovery, suggesting irreversible adverse effects on the CNS, for which there are no specific treatments. Further studies are needed to find the mechanisms involved, which may eventually be targeted for treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D De Alcubierre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D Ferrari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Mauro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - J W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - R Pofi
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Omary A, Khalifeh N, Cotter DL, Kim MS, Choudhury F, Ahmadi H, Geffner ME, Herting MM. Altered Emotion Perception Linked to Structural Brain Differences in Youth With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e1134-e1146. [PMID: 36930527 PMCID: PMC10505548 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic disorder that results in hormonal imbalances and decreased brain volumes in regions important for emotional processing. OBJECTIVE To examine whether emotion perception differs between youth with CAH and control youth, and if these differences relate to brain volumes. METHODS In this cross-sectional study of 27 youths with CAH (mean age = 12.63 years, 16 female) and 35 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age = 13.03 years, 20 female), each participant rated picture stimuli and completed a 3T structural brain scan. Valence and arousal ratings and reaction times of 61 affective images were assessed. Gray matter volumes were measured by MRI. RESULTS Youth with CAH had lower valence ratings for negative (P = .007) and neutral (P = .019) images. Controls showed differences in reaction times and arousal ratings across stimuli conditions, but youth with CAH did not. Brain volumes of the right amygdala (P = .025) and left hippocampus (P = .002) were associated with valence ratings. Left rostral middle frontal (P < .001) and right medial orbitofrontal cortex (P = .002) volumes were negatively related to valence scores only in youth with CAH, whereas left medial orbitofrontal cortex (P < .001) volumes were associated with valence scores positively in youth with CAH and negatively in controls. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that youth with CAH perceive emotive stimuli as more unpleasant. Decreased brain volumes in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are associated with these measures of altered emotion perception in youth with CAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Omary
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Noor Khalifeh
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Devyn L Cotter
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Mimi S Kim
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, and The Saban Research Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Farzana Choudhury
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Hedyeh Ahmadi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Mitchell E Geffner
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, and The Saban Research Institute at Children's Hospital Los Angeles; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Megan M Herting
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Van't Westeinde A, Zimmermann M, Messina V, Karlsson L, Padilla N, Lajic S. Brain activity during visuospatial working memory in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Cortex 2023; 159:1-15. [PMID: 36603403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.10.012] [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: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) require life-long replacement of cortisol. Problems with cognitive function, especially working memory, have previously been identified, but the long-term effects of this disease on brain function are unknown. OBJECTIVE We investigate brain activity during working memory in CAH compared to controls. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Twenty-nine individuals with CAH (17 females) and 40 healthy controls (24 females), 16-33 years, from a single research institute, underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while doing a verbal and visuospatial working memory task. RESULTS Individuals with CAH responded faster on the verbal task. Although we found no differences in BOLD response over the whole group, there were significant interactions with sex: CAH males had increased activity in the bilateral lateral superior occipital cortex, left supramarginal and angular gyri, left precuneus, left posterior cingulate cortex and bilateral cerebellum during decoding of the visuospatial task, while females showed decreased activity in these regions. CONCLUSIONS Long-term cortisol imbalances do not seem to have a major impact on the functional brain responses during working memory in CAH. However, activity of the left dorsal visual stream in particular might be affected depending on sex. As the task employed may have been relatively easy, larger studies using more complex tasks are needed to further investigate this.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Van't Westeinde
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marius Zimmermann
- Section for Cognitive Systems, DTU Compute, Technical University of Denmark; DK-2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Valeria Messina
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nelly Padilla
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neonatology, Karolinska Vägen 8 (S3:03), SE- 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Characteristics of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Diagnosed in Adulthood: A Literature Review and Case Series. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020653. [PMID: 36675589 PMCID: PMC9866811 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis. CAH, depending on its clinical form, is usually diagnosed in the neonatal period, later in childhood, in adolescence, or in young adults. Herein, we report a case series of eight individuals in whom CAH was diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 81 years. METHODS We report on clinical presentations, hormonal tests, adrenal/gonadal imaging, and genetic findings. The clinical data of eight people with CAH, including four women (46, XX) and four men (46, XY), were reviewed. A genetic analysis of the cytochrome P450 family 21 subfamily A member 2 (CYP21A2) gene was performed in six patients. A comprehensive literature review was also conducted. CASE SERIES Partial cortisol deficiency was found in all patients. The most frequent genotype was the homozygotic I173N mutation in CYP21A2. Adrenal masses were detected in seven patients, except for the youngest. Most of the patients were of short stature. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was detected in two males, and three females presented with primary amenorrhea. Hirsutism was noticeable in three females. All of the patients developed insulin resistance, and half of them were obese. CONCLUSIONS The clinical presentations of different forms of CAH overlapped. Genotype-phenotype correlations were strong but not absolute. The management of CAH should be individualized and based on clinical and laboratory findings. Furthermore, the assessment of the cortisol response to adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation should be mandatory in all adults with CAH. Additionally, the regular long-term screening of cardiometabolic status is required in the CAH population.
Collapse
|
12
|
de Castro M, Martins CS, Antonini SR. Prenatal Dexamethasone Treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Are We Any Closer to Considering It Safe? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:e9-e10. [PMID: 36101901 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret de Castro
- Department of Internal Medicine of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Silva Martins
- Department of Internal Medicine of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, 79070-900, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Sonir R Antonini
- Department of Pediatrics of Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cera G, Locantore P, Novizio R, Maggio E, Ramunno V, Corsello A, Policola C, Concolino P, Paragliola RM, Pontecorvi A. Pregnancy and Prenatal Management of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206156. [PMID: 36294476 PMCID: PMC9605322 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive diseases that may cause cortisol insufficiency together with other hormonal alterations. The most common form is 21-hydroxylase deficiency, in which the lack of pituitary negative feedback causes an increase in ACTH and adrenal androgens. Classical forms of CAHs can lead to severe adrenal failure and female virilization. To date, the appropriate management of pregnant CAH patients is still debated regarding appropriate maternal therapy modifications during pregnancy and the risks and benefits of prenatal treatment of the fetus. We conducted a literature search of relevant papers to collect current evidence and experiences on the topic. The most recent and significant articles were selected, and current international guidelines were consulted to update current recommendations and guide clinical practice. Given the lack of randomized clinical trials and other high-quality scientific evidence, the issue is still debated, and great heterogeneity exists in current practice in terms of risk/benefit evaluation and pharmacological choices for pregnancy and prenatal treatment. Glucocorticoid therapy is advised not only in classical CAH patients but also in non-classical, milder forms. The choice of which glucocorticoid to use, and the safety and benefits of dexamethasone therapy aimed at preventing genital virilization are still debated issues. Several advances, however, have been made, especially in terms of fertility and reproduction. This review aims to present the most recent scientific and real-world updates on pregnancy and prenatal management of CAH, with the presentation of various clinical scenarios and specific case-by-case recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Cera
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Locantore
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberto Novizio
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Maggio
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Ramunno
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Corsello
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Policola
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Concolino
- Unit of Clinical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Laboratory and Infectiology Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Paragliola
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Unicamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Medical Sciences, Via di S. Alessandro 10, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore—Fondazione Policlinico “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Largo Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Van't Westeinde A, Padilla N, Siqueiros Sanchez M, Fletcher-Sandersjöö S, Kämpe O, Bensing S, Lajic S. Brain structure in autoimmune Addison's disease. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:4915-4926. [PMID: 36227196 PMCID: PMC10110435 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term disturbances in cortisol levels might affect brain structure in individuals with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD). This study investigated gray and white matter brain structure in a cohort of young adults with AAD. T1- and diffusion-weighted images were acquired for 52 individuals with AAD and 70 healthy controls, aged 19-43 years, using magnetic resonance imaging. Groups were compared on cortical thickness, surface area, cortical gray matter volume, subcortical volume (FreeSurfer), and white matter microstructure (FSL tract-based spatial statistics). Individuals with AAD had 4.3% smaller total brain volume. Correcting for head size, we did not find any regional structural differences, apart from reduced volume of the right superior parietal cortex in males with AAD. Within the patient group, a higher glucocorticoid (GC) replacement dose was associated with smaller total brain volume and smaller volume of the left lingual gyrus, left rostral anterior cingulate cortex, and right supramarginal gyrus. With the exception of smaller total brain volume and potential sensitivity of the parietal cortex to GC disturbances in men, brain structure seems relatively unaffected in young adults with AAD. However, the association between GC replacement dose and reduced brain volume may be reason for concern and requires follow-up study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Van't Westeinde
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinskavagen 37A, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nelly Padilla
- Unit for Neonatology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinskavagen 37A, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Monica Siqueiros Sanchez
- Brain Imaging, Development and Genetics (BRIDGE) Lab, Division of Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA 94305-5101, United States
| | - Sara Fletcher-Sandersjöö
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olle Kämpe
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine (Solna), Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophie Bensing
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinskavagen 37A, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Messina V, van’t Westeinde A, Padilla N, Lajic S. First Trimester Dexamethasone Treatment Is Not Associated With Alteration in Resting-state Connectivity at Adolescent or Adult Age. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:2769-2776. [PMID: 35882216 PMCID: PMC9516042 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Prenatal treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) has been used to prevent virilization in females at risk of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Both affected and unaffected girls, as well boys, are treated until the genotype and sex of the fetus is known (gestational weeks 10-12). After that, only affected girls are treated until term. Exposure to a high synthetic glucocorticoid dosage may alter the developmental trajectory of the brain, with alterations in resting-state functional connectivity of the brain at adult age. OBJECTIVE To investigate resting-state functional connectivity in subjects at risk of having CAH, exposed to DEX treatment during the first trimester of fetal life, both in the whole brain and in 3 regions of interest (amygdala, hippocampus, and superior frontal gyrus). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Eighteen participants (8 females) at risk of having CAH, exposed to DEX treatment, and 38 controls (24 females), age range 16 to 26 years, from a single research institute, underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain during rest. We used 2 different approaches: an exploratory whole-brain analysis and seed-based analysis. For seed-based analysis, we chose 3 different brain regions (amygdala, hippocampus, and superior frontal gyrus) based on our previous findings and literature evidence. RESULTS We did not observe any differences in functional connectivity during rest, either in the whole brain nor in seed-based connectivity analyses at this adolescent and young adult age. CONCLUSIONS Our results are reassuring; however, future studies on larger samples and with more sensitive methodologies are needed to confirm these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Messina
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelies van’t Westeinde
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nelly Padilla
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska vägen 8 (S3:03), Karolinska University Hospital, SE- 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Correspondence: Svetlana Lajic, MD, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska vägen 37A, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nordenström A, Lajic S, Falhammar H. Long-Term Outcomes of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2022; 37:587-598. [PMID: 35799332 PMCID: PMC9449109 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2022.1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A plethora of negative long-term outcomes have been associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The causes are multiple and involve supra-physiological gluco- and mineralocorticoid replacement, excess adrenal androgens both intrauterine and postnatal, elevated steroid precursor and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, living with a congenital condition as well as the proximity of the cytochrome P450 family 21 subfamily A member 2 (CYP21A2) gene to other genes. This review aims to discuss the different long-term outcomes of CAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Corresponding author: Henrik Falhammar. Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden Tel: +46-851776411, Fax: +46-851773096, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Khalifeh N, Omary A, Cotter D, Kim MS, Geffner ME, Herting MM. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Brain Health: A Systematic Review of Structural, Functional, and Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Investigations. J Child Neurol 2022; 37:758-783. [PMID: 35746874 PMCID: PMC9464669 DOI: 10.1177/08830738221100886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic disorders that affects the adrenal glands and is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in children. In the past few decades, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been implemented to investigate how the brain may be affected by CAH. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate and synthesize the reported evidence of brain findings related to CAH using structural, functional, and diffusion-weighted MRI. METHODS We searched bibliographical databases through July 2021 for brain MRI studies in individuals with CAH. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies were identified, including 13 case reports or series, 10 studies that recruited and studied CAH patients vs unaffected controls, and 5 studies without a matched control group. Eleven studies used structural MRI to identify structural abnormalities or quantify brain volumes, whereas 3 studies implemented functional MRI to investigate brain activity, and 3 reported diffusion MRI findings to assess white matter microstructure. Some commonly reported findings across studies included cortical atrophy and differences in gray matter volumes, as well as white matter hyperintensities, altered white matter microstructure, and distinct patterns of emotion and reward-related brain activity. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest differences in brain structure and function in patients with CAH. Limitations of these studies highlight the need for CAH neuroimaging studies to incorporate larger sample sizes and follow best study design and MRI analytic practices, as well as clarify potential neurologic effects seen across the lifespan and in relation to clinical and behavioral CAH phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noor Khalifeh
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adam Omary
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Devyn Cotter
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mimi S. Kim
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, and The Saban Research Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell E. Geffner
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, and The Saban Research Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Megan M. Herting
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Division of Children, Youth, and Families, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rajagopalan V, Overholtzer LN, Kim WS, Wisnowski JL, Miller DA, Geffner ME, Kim MS. A Case of Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia With Brain Morphometric Differences. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2022; 10:23247096221105245. [PMID: 35723282 PMCID: PMC9344108 DOI: 10.1177/23247096221105245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a fetus with a prenatal diagnosis of classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Although CAH is typically assessed postnatally, this fetal case had multiple prenatal clinical assessments made feasible by an interdisciplinary CAH center. The approach facilitated the development and delivery of comprehensive and earlier care for the fetus, and the family living with this complex, congenital condition, with perinatology, endocrinology, genetic counseling, psychology, and urology involvement. As well, the addition of fetal MRI to standard ultrasound revealed significant deficits in the biparietal diameter, occipitofrontal diameter, and total intracranial volume of the fetal CAH brain. These early anomalies in the brain suggest that neurological comorbidities observed in older children and adults with CAH should be studied as early as prenatally, with the addition of fetal MRI to ultrasound potentially being useful for identifying and understanding prenatal anomalies in CAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Rajagopalan
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA,
USA,University of Southern California, Los
Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lloyd Nate Overholtzer
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA,
USA,University of Southern California, Los
Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Jessica L. Wisnowski
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA,
USA,University of Southern California, Los
Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David A. Miller
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA,
USA,University of Southern California, Los
Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell E. Geffner
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA,
USA,University of Southern California, Los
Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mimi S. Kim
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, CA,
USA,University of Southern California, Los
Angeles, CA, USA,Mimi S. Kim, MD, MSc, Center for
Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 4650
Sunset Boulevard, Mailstop #61, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Van't Westeinde A, Ström S, Hirvikoski T, Dahlqvist P, Wahlberg J, Gezelius A, Kämpe O, Bensing S, Lajic S. Young adult Swedish patients with autoimmune Addison's disease report difficulties with executive functions in daily life despite overall good cognitive performance. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 140:105714. [PMID: 35290880 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sub-optimal replacement of glucocorticoids (GC) in autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) may affect cognitive functioning. The present study therefore sought to investigate cognitive performance and self-reported problems with executive functions in a cohort of young adult patients with AAD. DESIGN AND METHODS 67 patients with AAD (39 females), mean age 32 yrs. (range 19-41), and 80 control participants (43 females), mean age 29 yrs. (range 19-43), completed neuropsychological tests estimating verbal and non-verbal intellectual ability, learning, memory and executive functioning, in addition to self-report scales assessing problems with executive functions, fatigue and symptoms of anxiety and depression. RESULTS Patients performed within the average range on all cognitive tests compared to population norms. However, female AAD patients reported more problems than controls with both hot (emotion regulation) and cold (cognitive regulation) executive functions in daily life. Moreover, experienced problems with executive functions in both male and female patients were associated with increased mental fatigue and lower GC replacement doses. CONCLUSIONS Despite average performance in neuropsychological tests by both sexes, young adult female patients with AAD experience problems with executive functions in daily life. Coping with mental fatigue and optimization of pharmacotherapy may be important factors to be addressed in order to provide timely support for patients. Future research is needed to further determine other risk factors for experiencing executive function impairments in AAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Van't Westeinde
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Ström
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatja Hirvikoski
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm Sweden; Unit for Habilitation & Health, Stockholm County Council, Sweden
| | - Per Dahlqvist
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Wahlberg
- Department of Endocrinology and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköpings University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, SE-702 81 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Anton Gezelius
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olle Kämpe
- Department of Medicine (Solna), Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Sophie Bensing
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nowotny H, Neumann U, Tardy-Guidollet V, Ahmed SF, Baronio F, Battelino T, Bertherat J, Blankenstein O, Bonomi M, Bouvattier C, Brac de la Perrière A, Brucker S, Cappa M, Chanson P, Claahsen-van der Grinten HL, Colao A, Cools M, Davies JH, Dörr HG, Fenske WK, Ghigo E, Giordano R, Gravholt CH, Huebner A, Husebye ES, Igbokwe R, Juul A, Kiefer FW, Léger J, Menassa R, Meyer G, Neocleous V, Phylactou LA, Rohayem J, Russo G, Scaroni C, Touraine P, Unger N, Vojtková J, Yeste D, Lajic S, Reisch N. Prenatal dexamethasone treatment for classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Europe. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 186:K17-K24. [PMID: 35235536 PMCID: PMC9010809 DOI: 10.1530/eje-21-0554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the current medical practice in Europe regarding prenatal dexamethasone (Pdex) treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. DESIGN AND METHODS A questionnaire was designed and distributed, including 17 questions collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Thirty-six medical centres from 14 European countries responded and 30 out of 36 centres were reference centres of the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions, EndoERN. RESULTS Pdex treatment is currently provided by 36% of the surveyed centres. The treatment is initiated by different specialties, that is paediatricians, endocrinologists, gynaecologists or geneticists. Regarding the starting point of Pdex, 23% stated to initiate therapy at 4-5 weeks postconception (wpc), 31% at 6 wpc and 46 % as early as pregnancy is confirmed and before 7 wpc at the latest. A dose of 20 µg/kg/day is used. Dose distribution among the centres varies from once to thrice daily. Prenatal diagnostics for treated cases are conducted in 72% of the responding centres. Cases treated per country and year vary between 0.5 and 8.25. Registries for long-term follow-up are only available at 46% of the centres that are using Pdex treatment. National registries are only available in Sweden and France. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a high international variability and discrepancy in the use of Pdex treatment across Europe. It highlights the importance of a European cooperation initiative for a joint international prospective trial to establish evidence-based guidelines on prenatal diagnostics, treatment and follow-up of pregnancies at risk for CAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Nowotny
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Uta Neumann
- Centre for Chronic Sick Children, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Véronique Tardy-Guidollet
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre National de Référence ‘Développement Génital: du fœtus à l’adulte DEV-GEN’ Université Lyon I, Lyon, France
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Federico Baronio
- Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tadej Battelino
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children’s Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jérôme Bertherat
- Service d’Endocinologie et Maladies Métaboliques, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Centre, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Oliver Blankenstein
- Centre for Chronic Sick Children, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCSS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Claire Bouvattier
- Service d’Endocrinologie de l’Enfant, GHU Paris-Sud, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Paris, France
- Centre National de Référence ‘Développement Génital: du fœtus à l’adulte DEV-GEN’, Paris, France
| | - Aude Brac de la Perrière
- Fédération d’Endocrinologie, de Diabétologie et des Maladies Métaboliques, Hospices Civils des Lyon, Centre National de Référence ‘Développement Génital: du fœtus à l’adulte DEV-GEN’, Lyon, France
| | - Sara Brucker
- Department of Women’s Health, University Women’s Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marco Cappa
- Endocrinology Unit, Paediatric University Department, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Philippe Chanson
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris-Saclay, Service d’Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares de Hypophyse, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Hedi L Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento Di Medicina Clinica E Chirurgia, Sezione Di Endocrinologia, Universita’ Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Justin H Davies
- Paediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Helmut-Günther Dörr
- Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wiebke K Fenske
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Giordano
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claus H Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Angela Huebner
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Eystein Sverre Husebye
- Department of Clinical Science and KG Jebsen Centre for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rebecca Igbokwe
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, Birmingham Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Florian W Kiefer
- Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juliane Léger
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology and Reference Centre for Rare Diseases of Growth and Development, AP-HP Paris Nord Université de Paris, CHU Robert-Debre, Paris, France
| | - Rita Menassa
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre National de Référence ‘Développement Génital: du fœtus à l’adulte DEV-GEN’ Université Lyon I, Lyon, France
| | - Gesine Meyer
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine 1, Goethe University Frankfurt Faculty 16 Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Julia Rohayem
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Clinical and Operative Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gianni Russo
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Dipartimento di Medicina, U.O.C. Endocrinologia, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Centre for Rare Endocrine and Gynaecological Disorders, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Nicole Unger
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jarmila Vojtková
- Department of Paediatrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Diego Yeste
- Paediatric Endocrinology Service, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet/Karolinska University Hospital, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
- Correspondence should be addressed to N Reisch;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang J, Chen F, Zhu S, Li X, Shi W, Dai Z, Hao L, Wang X. Adverse effects of prenatal dexamethasone exposure on fetal development. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103619. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
22
|
Claahsen - van der Grinten HL, Speiser PW, Ahmed SF, Arlt W, Auchus RJ, Falhammar H, Flück CE, Guasti L, Huebner A, Kortmann BBM, Krone N, Merke DP, Miller WL, Nordenström A, Reisch N, Sandberg DE, Stikkelbroeck NMML, Touraine P, Utari A, Wudy SA, White PC. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia-Current Insights in Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Management. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:91-159. [PMID: 33961029 PMCID: PMC8755999 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Phyllis W Speiser
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY, Feinstein Institute, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Intitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart’s and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Angela Huebner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara B M Kortmann
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Childrens Hospital, Department of Pediatric Urology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Krone
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Deborah P Merke
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Walter L Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Reproductive Sciences, and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - David E Sandberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development, Center for Rare Gynecological Diseases, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne University Medicine, Paris, France
| | - Agustini Utari
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Laboratory of Translational Hormone Analytics, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Perrin C White
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Changes in resting-state functional connectivity in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 35:103081. [PMID: 35700599 PMCID: PMC9194649 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with CAH showed increased functional connectivity during rest in the precuneus compared with controls. This change may reflect a functional reorganisation in response to the CAH disease. The change in functional connectivity may also depend on the severity of CAH.
Context Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated with life-long glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy. Negative effects on cognition, brain structure and function during working memory tasks have been identified. To date, no studies on functional connectivity during rest have been performed in patients with CAH. Objective To investigate resting-state functional connectivity in patients with CAH compared with healthy untreated controls and the association between functional connectivity in the precuneus and disease severity, dose of GC and working memory (WM). Design, Setting and Participants Thirty-one patients with CAH (18 females) and 38 healthy controls (24 females), aged 16–33 years, from a single research institute, underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain during rest. Results Patients with CAH showed increased functional connectivity in the precuneus compared with controls. Post-hoc tests within the precuneus showed that only patients with simple virilising CAH had stronger connectivity compared to controls. Further, while both patients with salt-wasting and simple virilising CAH performed worse on a WM task compared to controls, functional connectivity in the precuneus was not associated with executive function performance. Conclusion Patients with CAH demonstrated altered functional connectivity during rest in the precuneus. Such a change may reflect a functional reorganisation in response to the CAH disease. The change in functional connectivity may depend on the severity of CAH.
Collapse
|
24
|
Ferreira MJ, Moita R, Canha M, Ferreira S, Costa C, Almeida P, Castedo JL, Carvalho D, Castro-Correia C. Quality of Life in Children Diagnosed With Non-classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Cureus 2021; 13:e18937. [PMID: 34812321 PMCID: PMC8604433 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) is a chronic disease characterised by excessive androgen production that may negatively affect the quality of life (QoL) of affected patients. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL™) is a validated tool to assess health-related QoL (HRQoL). Methods A cross-sectional study including 19 patients with NC-CAH was carried out in the pediatric endocrinology department. NC-CAH patients who agreed to participate were included. Anthropometric data was collected. PedsQL™ was applied to the patients and their parents. Patients were divided into four groups according to age: 2-4, 5-7, 8-12, and 13-18 years old. The control group consisted of healthy individuals from the instrument's validation studies for the Portuguese population and the standard control population used in the PedsQL™ validation study. Results The only difference found concerns the parents' score results for children aged 8-12, which showed physical health and emotional dimension scores significantly higher (86.16±9.86 vs.68.90±23.02 p=0.004, 69.17±14.14 vs. 65.82±19.24 p=0.004), while psychosocial health's score and total scale score were significantly lower than the control group (59.99±9.90 vs. 69.34±14.07 p=0.047, 73.11±4.65 vs.78.86±16.61 p=0.017). Conclusion HRQoL scores are not negatively affected by NC-CAH in most group ages, with the exception of the parents' reports on HRQoL for children aged 8-12. Further studies with a greater number of patients are needed to determine the impact of this chronic disease on the HRQoL of children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Ferreira
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sao Joao Hospital Center, Porto, PRT
| | - Rita Moita
- Pediatrics, Sao Joao Hospital Center, Porto, PRT
| | - Marta Canha
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sao Joao Hospital Center, Porto, PRT
| | | | - Carla Costa
- Pediatrics, Sao Joao Hospital Center, Porto, PRT
| | | | - José Luís Castedo
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sao Joao Hospital Center, Porto, PRT
| | - Davide Carvalho
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sao Joao Hospital Center, Porto, PRT
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dos Santos C, Rafacho A, Ferreira SM, Vettorazzi JF, Dos Reis Araújo T, Mateus Gonçalves L, Ruhrmann S, Bacos K, Ling C, Boschero AC, Jorge Dos Santos G. Excess of glucocorticoids during late gestation impairs the recovery of offspring's β-cell function after a postnatal injury. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21828. [PMID: 34325494 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100841r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Since prenatal glucocorticoids (GC) excess increases the risk of metabolic dysfunctions in the offspring and its effect on β-cell recovery capacity remains unknown we investigated these aspects in offspring from mice treated with dexamethasone (DEX) in the late pregnancy. Half of the pups were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) on the sixth postnatal day (PN). Functional and molecular analyses were performed in male offspring on PN25 and PN225. Prenatal DEX treatment resulted in low birth weight. At PN25, both the STZ-treated offspring developed hyperglycemia and had lower β-cell mass, in parallel with higher α-cell mass and glucose intolerance, with no impact of prenatal DEX on such parameters. At PN225, the β-cell mass was partially recovered in the STZ-treated mice, but they remained glucose-intolerant, irrespective of being insulin sensitive. Prenatal exposition to DEX predisposed adult offspring to sustained hyperglycemia and perturbed islet function (lower insulin and higher glucagon response to glucose) in parallel with exacerbated glucose intolerance. β-cell-specific knockdown of the Hnf4α in mice from the DS group resulted in exacerbated glucose intolerance. We conclude that high GC exposure during the prenatal period exacerbates the metabolic dysfunctions in adult life of mice exposed to STZ early in life, resulting in a lesser ability to recover the islets' function over time. This study alerts to the importance of proper management of exogenous GCs during pregnancy and a healthy postnatal lifestyle since the combination of adverse factors during the prenatal and postnatal period accentuates the predisposition to metabolic disorders in adult life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Endocrine Pancreas and Metabolism - LAPEM, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, Campinas State University - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alex Rafacho
- Laboratory of Investigation in Chronic Diseases - LIDoC, Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Sandra Mara Ferreira
- Laboratory of Endocrine Pancreas and Metabolism - LAPEM, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, Campinas State University - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jean Franciesco Vettorazzi
- Laboratory of Endocrine Pancreas and Metabolism - LAPEM, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, Campinas State University - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Thiago Dos Reis Araújo
- Laboratory of Endocrine Pancreas and Metabolism - LAPEM, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, Campinas State University - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Luciana Mateus Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Endocrine Pancreas and Metabolism - LAPEM, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, Campinas State University - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Ruhrmann
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Center, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Karl Bacos
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Center, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Ling
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Center, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Antônio Carlos Boschero
- Laboratory of Endocrine Pancreas and Metabolism - LAPEM, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, Campinas State University - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Jorge Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Investigation in Chronic Diseases - LIDoC, Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nordenström
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital
- Departement of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
van’t Westeinde A, Zimmermann M, Messina V, Karlsson L, Padilla N, Lajic S. First Trimester DEX Treatment Is Not Associated with Altered Brain Activity During Working Memory Performance in Adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5900055. [PMID: 32869847 PMCID: PMC7510958 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Prenatal dexamethasone (DEX) treatment is sometimes used in pregnancies at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) to prevent virilization in female fetuses with CAH. In boys and in fetuses not having CAH, there is no benefit of early DEX treatment and the risks of this therapy must be thoroughly investigated. High doses of prenatal glucocorticoid might alter the developmental trajectory of the brain into adulthood, even for CAH unaffected subjects treated with DEX for a short term during the first trimester. OBJECTIVE The present study investigated brain activation during working memory performance in DEX-treated subjects compared with controls. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We tested 18 participants who were exposed to DEX during the first trimester of fetal life but did not have CAH (8 females; mean age 20.78 [standard deviation (SD), 2.67] years) and 40 control participants (24 females; mean age 20.53 [SD, 2.64]) from a single research institute. Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging on a 3T scanner during a verbal and visuospatial working memory task. RESULTS We did not observe any differences in brain activity during working memory performance. However, DEX-treated subjects responded faster during the experimental condition of the verbal WM task. CONCLUSIONS First trimester DEX treatment did not seem to result in altered working memory-related brain activity at adult age. Our findings contribute to the risk-benefit assessment of prenatal DEX treatment in the context of CAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies van’t Westeinde
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Annelies van’t Westeinde, MSc, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden. E-mail:
| | - Marius Zimmermann
- Section for Cognitive Systems, DTU Compute, Technical University of Denmark Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Valeria Messina
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nelly Padilla
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Neonatology Norrbacka, Karolinska vägen, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lajic S, Karlsson L, Zetterström RH, Falhammar H, Nordenström A. The Success of a Screening Program Is Largely Dependent on Close Collaboration between the Laboratory and the Clinical Follow-Up of the Patients. Int J Neonatal Screen 2020; 6:68. [PMID: 33117907 PMCID: PMC7569867 DOI: 10.3390/ijns6030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (S.L.); (L.K.)
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (S.L.); (L.K.)
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Rolf H Zetterström
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (S.L.); (L.K.)
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
van’t Westeinde A, Karlsson L, Nordenström A, Padilla N, Lajic S. First-Trimester Prenatal Dexamethasone Treatment Is Associated With Alterations in Brain Structure at Adult Age. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5851472. [PMID: 32497228 PMCID: PMC7304558 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Prenatal treatment of human disease is rare. Dexamethasone (DEX) is used in pregnancies at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) to prevent virilization in an affected female fetus. The safety and long-term consequences of prenatal DEX exposure on the brain are largely unknown. OBJECTIVE We investigate whether first-trimester prenatal DEX treatment is associated with alterations in brain structure at adult age, and if these alterations are associated with DNA methylation, mood, and cognitive abilities. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging scans, from a single research institute, are compared between 19 (9 women) first-trimester DEX-treated individuals, at risk of CAH but not having CAH, and 43 (26 women) controls (age range, 16.0-26.4 years). RESULTS DEX-treated participants showed bilateral enlargement of the amygdala, increased surface area and volume of the left superior frontal gyrus, and widespread increased radial, mean, and axial diffusivity of white matter, in particular in the superior longitudinal fasciculi and corticospinal tracts. In the DEX-treated group, increased mean and radial diffusivity correlated with increased methylation of the promotor region of the FKBP5 gene. There were no group differences in cognition or in scales assessing depression or anxiety, and the relationship between brain structure and cognition did not differ between DEX-treated and controls. CONCLUSIONS First-trimester prenatal DEX treatment is associated with structural alterations of the brain at adult age, with an accompanying change in gene methylation. The findings add to the safety concerns of prenatal DEX treatment in the context of CAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies van’t Westeinde
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Annelies van’t Westeinde, MSc, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinskavägen 37A (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. E-mail:
| | - Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nelly Padilla
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Neonatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Karlsson L, Barbaro M, Ewing E, Gomez-Cabrero D, Lajic S. Genome-wide investigation of DNA methylation in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 201:105699. [PMID: 32428554 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at risk of long-term cognitive and metabolic sequelae with some of the effects being attributed to the chronic glucocorticoid treatment that they receive. Our pilot study investigates genome-wide DNA methylation in patients with CAH to determine whether there is preliminary evidence for epigenomic reprogramming as well as any relationship to patient outcome. Here, we analysed CD4 + T cell DNA from 28 patients with CAH (mean age = 18.5 ± 6.5 years [y]) and 37 population controls (mean age = 17.0 ± 6.1 y) with the Infinium-HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array to measure genome-wide locus-specific DNA methylation levels. Effects of CAH, phenotype and CYP21A2 genotype on methylation were investigated as well as the association between differentially methylated CpGs and glucose homeostasis, blood lipid profile, and cognitive functions. In addition, we report data on a small cohort of 11 patients (mean age = 19.1, ±6.0 y) with CAH who were treated prenatally with dexamethasone (DEX) in addition to postnatal glucocorticoid treatment. We identified two CpGs to be associated with patient phenotype: cg18486102 (located in the FAIM2 gene; rho = 0.58, adjusted p = 0.027) and cg02404636 (located in the SFI1 gene; rho = 0.58, adjusted p = 0.038). cg02404636 was also associated with genotype (rho = 0.59, adjusted p = 0.024). Higher levels of serum C-peptide was also observed in patients with CAH (p = 0.044). Additionally, levels of C-peptide and HbA1c were positively correlated with patient phenotype (p = 0.044 and p = 0.034) and genotype (p = 0.044 and p = 0.033), respectively. No significant association was found between FAIM2 methylation and cognitive or metabolic outcome. However, SFI1 TSS methylation was associated with fasting plasma HDL cholesterol levels (p = 0.035). In conclusion, in this pilot study, higher methylation levels in CpG sites covering FAIM2 and SFI1 were associated with disease severity. Hypermethylation in these genes may have implications for long-term cognitive and metabolic outcome in patients with CAH, although the data must be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. Additional studies in larger cohorts are therefore warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michela Barbaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CMMS L7:05), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ewoud Ewing
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Gomez-Cabrero
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Messina V, Hirvikoski T, Karlsson L, Vissani S, Wallensteen L, Ortolano R, Balsamo A, Nordenström A, Lajic S. Good overall behavioural adjustment in children and adolescents with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Endocrine 2020; 68:427-437. [PMID: 32152914 PMCID: PMC7266840 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02244-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated postnatally with life-long glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy. Although prolonged exposure to GCs may have a negative impact on behaviour, few studies have studied this issue. We therefore investigated behavioural outcomes in male and female children and adolescents with CAH. METHODS An observational study in which Swedish and Italian children and adolescents with CAH identified through neonatal screening for CAH (n = 57, age range 7-17 years) were compared with healthy population controls matched for age and sex (n = 72, age range 7-17 years). Thirteen (eight females) of the fifty-seven children and adolescents with CAH had been treated prenatally with dexamethasone (DEX). Standardised questionnaires for parents and self-report scales for children/adolescents were used to assess behavioural and emotional problems, social anxiety, temperament and scholastic competence. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences between CAH patients (not prenatally treated with DEX) and controls on most of the scales measuring adaptive functioning or behavioural problems. However, children with CAH were rated by their parents to have more social problems than controls (Child Behaviour Checklist, CBCL social problems, p = 0.032). In the small group (n = 13) of prenatally DEX-treated cases parents rated their children/adolescents to have more mood problems compared with non-DEX-treated children/adolescents with CAH (CBCL-withdrawn/depressed, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION Children/adolescents with CAH showed good overall adjustment. The clinical significance of the parentally perceived increase in social problems in children/adolescents with CAH requires further investigation. The findings underline the importance of psychological support for children/adolescents with a chronic condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Messina
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatja Hirvikoski
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit for Habilitation & Health, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophia Vissani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lena Wallensteen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rita Ortolano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Balsamo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Messina V, Karlsson L, Hirvikoski T, Nordenström A, Lajic S. Cognitive Function of Children and Adolescents With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Importance of Early Diagnosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5700796. [PMID: 31927590 PMCID: PMC7343998 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated postnatally with lifelong glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy. Previous results on general cognitive ability in individuals with CAH have been conflicting. OBJECTIVE To evaluate long-term cognitive effects of GC replacement therapy and the impact of early diagnosis in children with CAH. DESIGN AND SETTING Observational study with patients from a single research institute. PATIENTS 32 children with CAH (mean age 11.5 years) identified through the Swedish national neonatal screening program for CAH and 52 matched population controls (mean age 10.7 years). Eleven (6 female) children with CAH who were treated prenatally with dexamethasone (DEX), (CAH-DEX) (mean age 11.7 years). INTERVENTION GC replacement therapy, neonatal screening for CAH. MEASURES Cognitive abilities assessed with standardized neuropsychological tests (Wechsler scales, Span Board Test, Stroop Interference Test, NEPSY list learning). RESULTS Children with CAH (not prenatally treated) performed equally well as population controls on a series of tests assessing general intellectual ability and executive functions. No significant differences were observed in cognitive performance between patients with different genotypes (null, non-null). Patients with salt-wasting CAH performed poorer than patients with simple virilizing CAH in a test assessing visuo-spatial working memory (P = 0.039), although the performance was within the normal range for the population. Prenatally DEX-treated girls with CAH had lower verbal intellectual ability compared with CAH girls not exposed to prenatal treatment (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION Children and adolescents with CAH who were diagnosed early via a neonatal screening program and treated with hydrocortisone had normal psychometric intelligence and executive functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Messina
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatja Hirvikoski
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit for Habilitation & Health, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Dr. Svetlana Lajic at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (QB83), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Xu L, Lin W, Cai L, Huang H, Liang J, Li L, Zong L, Wang N, Wen J, Chen G. Efficacy and safety of prenatal dexamethasone treatment in offspring at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2020; 92:109-123. [PMID: 31715010 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of prenatal dexamethasone treatment in offspring at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the clinicaltrials.gov website databases were systematically searched from inception through March 2019. WMD and SMD with 95%CIs were calculated using random or fixed effects models. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in virilization in the DEX-treated group (WMD: -2.39, 95%CI: -3.31,-1.47). No significant differences were found in newborn physical outcomes for birth weight (WMD: 0.09, 95%CI: -0.09, 0.27) and birth length (WMD = 0.27, 95%CI: -0.68, 1.21). Concerning cognitive functions, no significant differences in the domains of psychometric intelligence (SMD: 0.05, 95%CI: -0.74, 0.83), verbal memory (SMD: -0.17, 95%CI: -0.58, 0.23), visual memory (SMD: 0.10, 95%CI: -0.14, 0.34), learning (SMD: -0.02, 95%CI: -0.27, 0.22) and verbal processing (SMD: -0.38, 95%CI: -0.93, 0.17). Regarding behavioural problems, no significant differences in the domains of internalizing problems (SMD: 0.16, 95%CI: -0.49, 0.81), externalizing problems (SMD: 0.07, 95%CI: -0.30, 0.43) and total problems (SMD: 0.14, 95%CI: -0.23, 0.51). With respect to temperament, no significant differences in the domains of emotionality (SMD: 0.13, 95%CI: -0.79, 1.05), activity (SMD: 0.04, 95%CI: -0.32, 0.39), shyness (SMD: 0.25, 95%CI: -0.70, 1.20) and sociability (SMD: -0.23, 95%CI: -0.90, 0.44). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal DEX treatment reduced virilization with no significant differences in newborn physical outcomes, cognitive functions, behavioural problems and temperament. The results need to be interpreted cautiously due to the existence of limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liangchun Cai
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huibin Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jixing Liang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liantao Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liyao Zong
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Nengying Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junping Wen
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Scientific research, Fujian Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
van’t Westeinde A, Karlsson L, Thomsen Sandberg M, Nordenström A, Padilla N, Lajic S. Altered Gray Matter Structure and White Matter Microstructure in Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Relevance for Working Memory Performance. Cereb Cortex 2019; 30:2777-2788. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) has been associated with brain structure alterations, but systematic studies are lacking. We explore brain morphology in 37 (21 female) CAH patients and 43 (26 female) healthy controls, aged 16–33 years, using structural magnetic resonance imaging to estimate cortical thickness, surface area, volume, subcortical volumes, and white matter (WM) microstructure. We also report data on a small cohort of patients (n = 8) with CAH, who received prenatal dexamethasone (DEX). Patients with CAH had reduced whole brain volume (4.23%) and altered structure of the prefrontal, parietal, and superior occipital cortex. Patients had reduced mean FA, and reduced RD and MD, but not after correcting for brain volume. The observed regions are hubs of the visuospatial working memory and default mode (DMN) networks. Thickness of the left superior parietal and middle frontal gyri was associated with visuospatial working memory performance, and patients with CAH performed worse on this task. Prenatal treatment with DEX affected brain structures in the parietal and occipital cortex, but studies in larger cohorts are needed. In conclusion, our study suggests that CAH is associated with brain structure alterations, especially in the working memory network, which might underlie the cognitive outcome observed in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies van’t Westeinde
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Thomsen Sandberg
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nelly Padilla
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Division of Neonatology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
46,XX DSD due to Androgen Excess in Monogenic Disorders of Steroidogenesis: Genetic, Biochemical, and Clinical Features. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184605. [PMID: 31533357 PMCID: PMC6769793 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The term 'differences of sex development' (DSD) refers to a group of congenital conditions that are associated with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex. Disorders of steroidogenesis comprise autosomal recessive conditions that affect adrenal and gonadal enzymes and are responsible for some conditions of 46,XX DSD where hyperandrogenism interferes with chromosomal and gonadal sex development. Congenital adrenal hyperplasias (CAHs) are disorders of steroidogenesis that mainly involve the adrenals (21-hydroxylase and 11-hydroxylase deficiencies) and sometimes the gonads (3-beta-hydroxysteroidodehydrogenase and P450-oxidoreductase); in contrast, aromatase deficiency mainly involves the steroidogenetic activity of the gonads. This review describes the main genetic, biochemical, and clinical features that apply to the abovementioned conditions. The activities of the steroidogenetic enzymes are modulated by post-translational modifications and cofactors, particularly electron-donating redox partners. The incidences of the rare forms of CAH vary with ethnicity and geography. The elucidation of the precise roles of these enzymes and cofactors has been significantly facilitated by the identification of the genetic bases of rare disorders of steroidogenesis. Understanding steroidogenesis is important to our comprehension of differences in sexual development and other processes that are related to human reproduction and fertility, particularly those that involve androgen excess as consequence of their impairment.
Collapse
|
36
|
Jarrett BY, Vantman N, Mergler RJ, Brooks ED, Pierson RA, Chizen DR, Lujan ME. Dysglycemia, Not Altered Sex Steroid Hormones, Affects Cognitive Function in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:1858-1868. [PMID: 31583367 PMCID: PMC6767628 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine condition characterized by multiple reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. Because individual reproductive and metabolic abnormalities modulate working memory in the general population, there is growing interest in whether cognitive function is dually and negatively affected in PCOS. Objective To examine the association of reproductive and metabolic features with cognitive function in women with and without PCOS. Design An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at an academic clinical research center in North America between 2006 and 2009. Common tests of working memory (i.e., manual dexterity, perceptual speed, and visuospatial ability) were performed by women with PCOS (n = 40) and control subjects (n = 40). Markers of sex steroid hormones, ovulatory function, and cardiometabolic health were also assessed. Results Reduced visuospatial ability was observed in women with PCOS compared with control subjects (P < 0.01). Reduced visuospatial ability was linked to higher levels of hemoglobin A1c in the entire study cohort, independent of body mass index or PCOS status. No associations were observed between visuospatial ability and reproductive features, after controlling for confounding variables. Conclusion Our findings support a role for glycemic control, and not PCOS per se, in cognitive dysfunction in women of reproductive age. Additional studies are needed to understand the short- and long-term effects of dysglycemia on brain health in women with PCOS, given their increased propensity for metabolic comorbidities, compared with control subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalie Vantman
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Reid J Mergler
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Eric D Brooks
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Roger A Pierson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Donna R Chizen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Marla E Lujan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Brener A, Segev-Becker A, Weintrob N, Stein R, Interator H, Schachter-Davidov A, Israeli G, Elkon-Tamir E, Lebenthal Y, Eyal O, Oren A. HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH NONCLASSIC CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA. Endocr Pract 2019; 25:794-799. [PMID: 31013157 DOI: 10.4158/ep-2018-0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) is a late-onset milder form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia that differs dramatically from the classic form. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric patients with the sole diagnosis of NCCAH has not been determined; therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine whether HRQOL is compromised in comparison to the general population. Methods: Single-center, cross-sectional, case-control study. Twenty-three hydrocortisone-treated children and adolescents (7 males) diagnosed with NCCAH by cosyntropin stimulation test and CYP21A2 gene mutation analysis were recruited to this study; 6 healthy siblings were also recruited. HRQOL was assessed by the child and parent-proxy PedsQL Inventory and compared between NCCAH subjects and healthy siblings. HRQOL scores of NCCAH subjects were compared with known standards from the U.S. and Israeli general healthy populations. Anthropometric measurements of children and parents were performed and compared between NCCAH subjects and healthy siblings. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: HRQOL scores of the participants and parents did not differ between NCCAH subjects and healthy siblings. The HRQOL emotional domain scores of the NCCAH patients and parent were significantly lower than the healthy U.S. pediatric population (P = .046) but not different from established standards of the healthy Israeli population (P = .583). Anthropometric measurements were within the normal range and did not differ between NCCAH subjects and their siblings. Total, school functioning, and psychosocial HRQOL domain scores were positively correlated with body mass index-standard deviation score in NCCAH subjects. Conclusion: HRQOL was not adversely affected by NCCAH among adequately treated children and adolescents. Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; CAH = congenital adrenal hyperplasia; HRQOL = health-related quality of life; NCCAH = nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia; PedsQL = Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; SDS = standard deviation score.
Collapse
|
38
|
Flores-Reséndiz C, Soto-Piña AE, Valdés-Ramos R, Benítez-Arciniega AD, Tlatempa-Sotelo P, Guadarrama-López AL, Martínez-Carrillo BE, Pulido-Alvarado CC. Association Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Stress Hormones With Cognitive Performance in Mexican Adolescents. J Pediatr Psychol 2019; 44:208-219. [PMID: 30272242 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsy074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and stress hormones are associated with cognitive performance in Mexican adolescents. Methods This was a cross-sectional study including 139 Mexican adolescents 10-14 years old. Participants were divided into three categories: 0, 1-2, and ≥3 CVD risk factors. These factors included: high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) <40 mg/dl; waist circumference (WC) ≥90th percentile for age and sex, systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥90th percentile for age, sex, and height; and triacylglycerols (TGs) ≥110 mg/dl. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), total cholesterol, cortisol, and plasma catecholamines were measured as well. Furthermore, attention, memory, and executive functions were evaluated using a validated test for Spanish-speaking individuals (Neuropsi). Results Adolescents in the three risk categories did not show significant differences in Neuropsi test performance tasks; however, they presented different lipid and plasma norepinephrine concentrations. TG and VLDL-C were inversely associated with memory (r = -0.19, **p < .01). Multivariate regression analysis showed consistently that TG/HDL-C ratio was inversely related to attention-memory general score (standardized β = -0.99, t = -2.30, p = .023), memory (standardized β = -0.83, t = -2.08, p = .039), and attention-executive functions (standardized β = -1.02, t = -2.42, p = .017). Plasma epinephrine levels presented an inverse and weak relation to the attention-executive functions score (standardized β = -0.18, t = -2.19, p = .030). Conclusions Cognitive performance is not completely dependent on the accumulation of risk factors, but instead on the combination of strong predictors of CVD like waist to height ratio, TG/HDL-C, and VLDL-C. Plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine have a stronger association with cognition and CVD risk than dopamine and cortisol.
Collapse
|
39
|
Amr NH, Baioumi AY, Serour MN, Khalifa A, Shaker NM. Cognitive functions in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2019; 63:113-120. [PMID: 31038592 PMCID: PMC10522139 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is controversy regarding cognitive function in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This study is aimed at the assessment of cognitive functions in children with CAH, and their relation to hydrocortisone (HC) therapy and testosterone levels. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty children with CAH due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency were compared with twenty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. HC daily and cumulative doses were calculated, the socioeconomic standard was assessed, and free testosterone was measured. Cognitive function assessment was performed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale - Revised for Children and Adults (WISC), the Benton Visual Retention Test, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). RESULTS The mean age (SD) of patients was 10.22 (3.17) years [11 males (36.7%), 19 females (63.3%)]. Mean (SD) HC dose was 15.78 (4.36) mg/m 2 /day. Mean (SD) cumulative HC dose 44,689. 9 (26,892.02) mg. Patients had significantly lower scores in all domains of the WISC test, performed significantly worse in some components of the Benton Visual Retention Test, as well as in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. There was no significant difference in cognitive performance when patients were subdivided according to daily HC dose (< 10, 10 - 15, > 15 mg/m 2 /day). A positive correlation existed between cumulative HC dose and worse results of the Benton test. No correlation existed between free testosterone and any of the three tests. CONCLUSION Patients with CAH are at risk of some cognitive impairment. Hydrocortisone therapy may be implicated. This study highlights the need to assess cognitive functions in CAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nermine Hussein Amr
- Department of PaediatricsAin Shams UniversityCairoEgyptDepartment of Paediatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa Youssef Baioumi
- Department of PaediatricsAin Shams UniversityCairoEgyptDepartment of Paediatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of PaediatricsAin Shams UniversityCairoEgyptDepartment of Paediatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
- Kent, Surrey and Sussex, Health EducationEnglandUKKent, Surrey and Sussex, Health EducationEngland, UK
| | - Mohamed Nagy Serour
- Department of PaediatricsAin Shams UniversityCairoEgyptDepartment of Paediatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdelgawad Khalifa
- Institute of PsychiatryAin Shams UniversityCairoEgyptInstitute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermine Mahmoud Shaker
- Department of PsychiatryAin Shams UniversityCairoEgyptDepartment of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Karlsson L, Barbaro M, Ewing E, Gomez-Cabrero D, Lajic S. Epigenetic Alterations Associated With Early Prenatal Dexamethasone Treatment. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:250-263. [PMID: 30623163 PMCID: PMC6320242 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) reduces virilization in girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). It has potential short- and long-term risks and has been shown to affect cognitive functions. Here, we investigate whether epigenetic modification of DNA during early developmental stages may be a key mediating mechanism by which prenatal DEX treatment could result in poor outcomes in the offspring. We analyzed genome-wide CD4+ T cell DNA methylation, assessed using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array in 29 individuals (mean age = 16.4 ± 5.9 years) at risk for CAH and treated with DEX during the first trimester and 37 population controls (mean age = 17.0 years, SD = 6.1 years). We identified 9672 differentially methylated probes (DMPs) associated with DEX treatment and 7393 DMPs associated with a DEX × sex interaction. DMPs were enriched in intergenic regions located near epigenetic markers for active enhancers. Functional enrichment of DMPs was mostly associated with immune functioning and inflammation but also with nonimmune-related functions. DEX-associated DMPs enriched near single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and DEX × sex-associated DMPs enriched near SNPs associated with asthma. DMPs in genes involved in the regulation and maintenance of methylation and steroidogenesis were identified as well. Methylation in the BDNF, FKBP5, and NR3C1 genes were associated with the performance on several Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition subscales. In conclusion, this study indicates that DNA methylation is altered after prenatal DEX treatment. This finding may have implications for the future health of the exposed individual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michela Barbaro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CMMS L7:05), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ewoud Ewing
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet (L8:05), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Gomez-Cabrero
- Unit for Computational Medicine, Karolinska Institutet (L8:05), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Mucosal and Salivary Biology Division, King’s College, London Dental Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Translational Bioinformatics Unit, NavarraBiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cognitive function in children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Eur J Pediatr 2018; 177:1633-1640. [PMID: 30088136 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-018-3226-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Studies of cognitive function in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are few and controversial. This study aimed to investigate general intelligence and specific cognitive functions in children with salt wasting (SW) form of CAH and their relationship to demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables. This study included 36 children with classic 21 hydroxylase deficiency SW type of CAH (males = 12; females = 24; mean age = 15.6 ± 2.3 years). Intelligence quotient (IQ) and cognition were assessed using Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children 3rd edition (WISC-III) and Stanford Binet Subsets Test version 4 (SBST4). Compared to controls, patients had lower mean full-scale (FS) IQ (P = 0.01) score, particularly performance IQ score (P = 0.001), and comprehension, pattern analysis, quantitation, bead memory, and memory for sentences of SBST4 (P = 0.05, P = 0.014, P = 0.001, P = 0.002, and P = 0.05, respectively). Lower IQ was observed in poorly controlled compared with well-controlled patients on medical treatment. Significant correlations were observed between FSIQ with age (r = - 0.810; P = 0.001), duration of treatment (r = - 0.887; P = 0.01), dose of glucocorticoids (r = - 0.463; P = 0.01), 17-OHP (r = - 0.543; P = 0.01) and testosterone (r = - 0.462; P = - 0.006) levels, and number of hyponatremic episodes (r = - 0.350; P = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the independent risks of low FSIQ were the dose of glucocorticoids (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.08-1.23, P = 0.0001), 17-OHP levels (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.19-2.85, P = 0.01), and number of hyponatremic episodes (OR = 4.34; 95% CI = 2.05-5.15, P = 0.01).Conclusion: Patients with SW form of CAH may have lower IQ and cognitive deficits which may be related to the dose of glucocorticoids, androgen excess, and number of hyponatremic episodes. What is Known: • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of inherited impairment of cortisol biosynthesis. • Studies of cognitive function in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are few and controversial. What is New: • Children with CAH may have lower intelligent quotient (IQ) and cognitive deficits. • Early hyponatremic episodes, overtreatment with glucocorticoids, and high androgen levels may be possible causative factors for the cognitive deficits.
Collapse
|
42
|
Lajic S, Karlsson L, Nordenström A. Prenatal Treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Long-Term Effects of Excess Glucocorticoid Exposure. Horm Res Paediatr 2018; 89:362-371. [PMID: 29742490 DOI: 10.1159/000485100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
|
43
|
White PC. Update on diagnosis and management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2018; 25:178-184. [PMID: 29718004 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a relatively common inherited disorder of cortisol biosynthesis that can be fatal if untreated. RECENT FINDINGS The basic biochemistry and genetics of CAH have been known for decades but continue to be refined by the discoveries of an alternative 'backdoor' metabolic pathway for adrenal androgen synthesis and the secretion of 11-hydroxy and 11-keto analogs of known androgens, by the elucidation of hundreds of new mutations, and by the application of high-throughput sequencing techniques to noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Although hydrocortisone is a mainstay of treatment, overtreatment may have adverse effects on growth, risk of obesity, and cardiovascular disease; conversely, undertreatment may increase risk of testicular adrenal rest tumors in affected men. SUMMARY Refinements to screening techniques may improve the positive predictive value of newborn screening programs. Alternative dosing forms of hydrocortisone and additional therapeutic modalities are under study. Although surgical treatment of virilized female genitalia is widely accepted by families and patients, it is not without complications or controversy, and some families choose to defer it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Perrin C White
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Karlsson L, Nordenström A, Hirvikoski T, Lajic S. Prenatal dexamethasone treatment in the context of at risk CAH pregnancies: Long-term behavioral and cognitive outcome. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018. [PMID: 29529521 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DEX) is used to prevent prenatal virilization in female fetuses with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Since treatment has to be started before the genotype of the fetus is known, 7 out of 8 fetuses will be exposed to DEX without benefit. Previously, we have observed negative effects on cognition and behavior in DEX treated children. Here we evaluated neuropsychological functions, psychopathology and autistic traits in non-CAH DEX-treated adults exposed during the first trimester of fetal life (duration 6.2 ± 2.2 weeks). Cognitive functions, psychopathology and autistic traits were compared between DEX-treated subjects (n = 23) and non-exposed controls (n = 58). Cognitive outcome was also evaluated longitudinally for DEX-treated participants. We used neuropsychological tests (Wechsler Scales and the Stroop Interference Test) and questionnaires assessing executive functions (the Barkley Deficit in Executive Functioning Scale), psychopathology (the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Ratings Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale) and autistic traits (Autism Quota). We did not observe any significant differences in cognition, psychopathology or autistic traits between DEX-treated individuals and population controls. A significant improvement in verbal working memory (p = 0.038) and in impulse inhibition (p = 0.011) was seen when subjects were evaluated longitudinally. In summary, first-trimester DEX-exposed adult individuals do not show any significant neuropsychological deficits nor an increase in anxiety, depression or autistic traits, compared with a control group from the general population. The results also suggest that the observed deficits in executive functioning during childhood may improve with time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leif Karlsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatja Hirvikoski
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska Institutet, SE-113 30 Stockholm, Sweden; Habilitation and Health, Stockholm County Council, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|