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Bonomi M, Cangiano B, Cianfarani S, Garolla A, Gianfrilli D, Lanfranco F, Rastrelli G, Sbardella E, Corona G, Isidori AM, Rochira V. "Management of andrological disorders from childhood and adolescence to transition age: guidelines from the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) in collaboration with the Italian Society for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (SIEDP)-Part-1". J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02435-x. [PMID: 39126560 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02435-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Andrological pathologies in the adulthood are often the results of conditions that originate during childhood and adolescence and sometimes even during gestation and neonatal period. Unfortunately, the reports in the literature concerning pediatric andrological diseases are scares and mainly concerning single issues. Furthermore, no shared position statement are so far available. METHODS The Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) commissioned an expert task force involving the Italian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (SIEDP) to provide an updated guideline on the diagnosis and management of andrological disorders from childhood and adolescence to transition age. Derived recommendations were based on the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS A literature search of articles in English for the term "varicoceles", "gynecomastia", "fertility preservation", "macroorchidism", "precocious puberty" and "pubertal delay" has been performed. Three major aspects for each considered disorder were assessed including diagnosis, clinical management, and treatment. Recommendations and suggestions have been provided for each of the mentioned andrological disorders. CONCLUSIONS These are the first guidelines based on a multidisciplinary approach that involves important societies related to the field of andrological medicine from pediatric to transition and adult ages. This fruitful discussion allowed for a general agreement on several recommendations and suggestions to be reached, which can support all stakeholders in improving andrological and general health of the transitional age.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
| | - B Cangiano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - S Cianfarani
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - D Gianfrilli
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Rare Diseases (Endo-ERN Accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - F Lanfranco
- Division of Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, Humanitas Gradenigo, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sbardella
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Rare Diseases (Endo-ERN Accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - G Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda Usl, Bologna, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Rare Diseases (Endo-ERN Accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - V Rochira
- Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena Policlinico Di Modena, Ospedale Civile Di Baggiovara, Via Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy.
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Yau M, Rapaport R. Correspondence on "Sex steroid priming for growth hormone stimulation testing in children and adolescents with short stature: A systematic review". Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 99:481-482. [PMID: 37723940 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14972] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Duncan et al. reviewed the response to growth hormone stimulation testing after priming in peripubertal children. The concern is that there is little research documenting the response to growth hormone treatment in patients with sex hormone primed growth hormone stimulation testing and those unprimed. The controversy about priming or not can be summarized as follows: if one wants to know if the production of growth hormone during puberty will be adequate in terms of peak growth hormone responses then stimulation with priming should be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Yau
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert Rapaport
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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Duncan G, Kiff S, Mitchell RT. Sex steroid priming for growth hormone stimulation testing in children and adolescents with short stature: A systematic review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:527-535. [PMID: 36515075 PMCID: PMC10953312 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14862] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Growth hormone stimulation testing (GHST) is used to diagnose growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children. As sex steroids impact on anterior pituitary function, there is concern around the efficacy of GHST in peripubertal children, where endogenous sex steroid levels are low. Sex steroid priming before GHST is thought to improve test efficacy in these children, however evidence to support its use in clinical practice is limited. In this systematic review, we addressed the following research questions: Does priming increase GH stimulation test efficacy in peripubertal children? Does priming identify those who would benefit most from treatment in terms of final height? Is there evidence for an optimal sex-steroid priming regimen? DESIGN, PATIENTS, MEASUREMENTS The study was registered with PROSPERO and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched Medline, Cochrane-Library, Scopus, EMBASE and Web-of-Science and included all studies that included GHST in both primed and unprimed children. A GH cut-off of 7 µg/L was used as a threshold for GHD. Study quality was assessed using the Risk-Of-Bias in Non- Randomized Studies (ROBINS-I) tool or the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for Randomised trials. RESULTS Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria, of which 4/15 (27%) were randomised control trials. The majority (9/15) of the studies indicated that priming increases growth hormone response upon GHST in peripubertal children, increasing test specificity. Two studies investigated final height after treatment based on the results of primed versus unprimed GHST. These results indicate that growth hormone treatment based on results of a primed GHST improve outcomes compared with treatment based on an unprimed test. CONCLUSION Sex-steroid priming increases the growth hormone response during GHST, resulting in fewer patients meeting the threshold required for a diagnosis of GHD. Unnecessary GH treatment may be avoided in some patients without a detrimental effect on final height. Numerous sex-steroid priming regimens have been used in clinical practice and the majority appear to be effective, but an optimal regimen has not been determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Duncan
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young PeopleEdinburghUK
| | - Sarah Kiff
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young PeopleEdinburghUK
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young PeopleEdinburghUK
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research InstituteThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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Evaluation of Adult Height in Patients with Non-Permanent Idiopathic GH Deficiency. ENDOCRINES 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines4010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Several studies have evaluated the role of IGF-1 in the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD). According to a recent study, an IGF-1 concentration of a −1.5 standard deviation score (SDS) appeared to be the best cut-off for distinguishing between children with GHD and normal children. This value should always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical and biochemical parameters for the diagnosis of GHD, since both stimulation tests and IGF-1 assays have poor diagnostic accuracy by themselves. Our study was designed to evaluate the adult height (AH) in children with short stature and baseline IGF-1 concentration ≤ −1.5 SDS. Design: This retrospective analysis included 52 children and adolescents evaluated over the last 30 years for short stature and/or deceleration of the growth rate who underwent diagnostic procedures to evaluate a possible GHD. Only the patients who had baseline IGF-1 values ≤−1.5 SDS at the time of the first test were included in the study. Patients with genetic/organic GHD or underlying diseases were not included. Method: The case group consisted of 24 patients (13 boys and 11 girls) with non-permanent, idiopathic, and isolated GHD (peak GH < 10 μg/L after two provocative tests with arginine (Arg), insulin tolerance test (ITT), and clonidine (Clo), or <20 μg/L after GHRH + Arginine (GHRH+Arg); normal MRI; normal GH; and/or normal IGF-1 concentrations at near-AH). These patients were treated with GH (25–35 μg/kg/die) until near-AH. The control group consisted of 28 patients (23 boys and 5 girls) with idiopathic short stature (ISS, normal peak GH after provocative testing, no evidence of other causes for their shortness). Both groups had basal IGF-1 ≤−1.5 SDS. Results: AH and height gain in both groups were comparable. In the group of cases, mean IGF-1 SDS at the time of diagnosis was significantly lower than the levels found at the time of retesting. Conclusions: In this study, both treated patients with idiopathic GHD and untreated patients with ISS reached similar near-AHs (within target height) and showed similar increases in SDS for their height. Thus, the efficacy of treatment with rhGH in these patients may be questionable. This could be due to the fact that children with ISS are frequently misdiagnosed with GHD.
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Vezzoli V, Hrvat F, Goggi G, Federici S, Cangiano B, Quinton R, Persani L, Bonomi M. Genetic architecture of self-limited delayed puberty and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1069741. [PMID: 36726466 PMCID: PMC9884699 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1069741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Distinguishing between self limited delayed puberty (SLDP) and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) may be tricky as they share clinical and biochemical characteristics. and appear to lie within the same clinical spectrum. However, one is classically transient (SDLP) while the second is typically a lifetime condition (CHH). The natural history and long-term outcomes of these two conditions differ significantly and thus command distinctive approaches and management. Because the first presentation of SDLP and CHH is very similar (delayed puberty with low LH and FSH and low sex hormones), the scientific community is scrambling to identify diagnostic tests that can allow a correct differential diagnosis among these two conditions, without having to rely on the presence or absence of phenotypic red flags for CHH that clinicians anyway seem to find hard to process. Despite the heterogeneity of genetic defects so far reported in DP, genetic analysis through next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) had the potential to contribute to the differential diagnostic process between SLDP and CHH. In this review we will provide an up-to-date overview of the genetic architecture of these two conditions and debate the benefits and the bias of performing genetic analysis seeking to effectively differentiate between these two conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Vezzoli
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Faris Hrvat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Goggi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Federici
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Biagio Cangiano
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Richard Quinton
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Mastromattei S, Todisco T, Chioma L, Ubertini G, Pattumelli MG, Fintini D, Cappa M. Efficacy of short-term induction therapy with low-dose testosterone as a diagnostic tool in the workup of delayed growth and puberty in boys. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:2377-2384. [PMID: 35900653 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01879-3] [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: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) represents the most frequent cause of delayed puberty in males, sharing some clinical features with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). Short-term induction therapy (SIT) has been approved for the induction of puberty in CDGP. We aim to investigate the efficacy of SIT with transcutaneous testosterone gel (TTG) or intramuscular testosterone therapy (IMTT) in a cohort of CDGP subjects, compared to clinical observation. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate the role of SIT as a diagnostic tool to differentiate CDGP from GHD and IHH subjects. METHODS The retrospective study included 246 male subjects with delayed puberty. The study population was divided into three groups: TTG, IMTT, and control group (CNT). RESULTS At 6 months observation, height velocity (HV) was significantly increased in both treated groups compared to CNT group, particularly higher in TTG than IMTT group. A significant testicular enlargement was revealed in both CNT and TTG group compared to IMTT group. Furthermore, LH value was significantly greater in TTG compared to IMTT group. IGF-1 values after SIT rose significantly in both treated groups compared to CNT group. Moreover, almost all GH provocative tests performed after SIT showed a normal GH response. CONCLUSION SIT with TTG appears to be more effective to induce growth spurt, better tolerated and with a more physiological effect on pubertal induction compared to IMTT in CDGP population. Finally, TTG might be a useful tool in the diagnostic work up to discriminate CDGP from GHD or IHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mastromattei
- Endocrinology Unit, University Pediatric Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, P.zza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - T Todisco
- Endocrinology Unit, University Pediatric Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, P.zza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - L Chioma
- Endocrinology Unit, University Pediatric Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, P.zza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - G Ubertini
- Endocrinology Unit, University Pediatric Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, P.zza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - M G Pattumelli
- Endocrinology Unit, University Pediatric Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, P.zza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - D Fintini
- Endocrinology Unit, University Pediatric Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, P.zza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - M Cappa
- Endocrinology Unit, University Pediatric Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, P.zza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delayed puberty, defined as the appearance of pubertal signs after the age of 14 years in males, usually affects psychosocial well-being. Patients and their parents show concern about genital development and stature. The condition is transient in most of the patients; nonetheless, the opportunity should not be missed to diagnose an underlying illness. AREAS COVERED The aetiologies of pubertal delay in males and their specific pharmacological therapies are discussed in this review. EXPERT OPINION High-quality evidence addressing the best pharmacological therapy approach for each aetiology of delayed puberty in males is scarce, and most of the current practice is based on small case series or unpublished experience. Male teenagers seeking attention for pubertal delay most probably benefit from medical treatment to avoid psychosocial distress. While watchful waiting is appropriate in 12- to 14-year-old boys when constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CGDP) is suspected, hormone replacement should not be delayed beyond the age of 14 years in order to avoid impairing height potential and peak bone mass. When primary or central hypogonadism is diagnosed, hormone replacement should be proposed by the age of 12 years provided that a functional central hypogonadism has been ruled out. Testosterone replacement regimens have been used for decades and are fairly standardised. Aromatase inhibitors have arisen as an interesting alternative for boy with CDGP and short stature. Gonadotrophin therapy seems more physiological in patients with central hypogonadism, but its relative efficacy and most adequate timing still need to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Partenope C, Galazzi E, Albanese A, Bellone S, Rabbone I, Persani L. Sex steroid priming in short stature children unresponsive to GH stimulation tests: Why, who, when and how. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1072271. [PMID: 36523598 PMCID: PMC9744763 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1072271] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of experience, the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) remains challenging, especially in peripubertal children. Failure to respond to GH stimulation tests (GHSTs) is needed to confirm GHD, but long-standing controversies regarding the number of tests needed and the interpretation of GH peaks are still a matter of debate worldwide. Diagnostic workup is even more problematic in short children with slow growth and delayed sexual development: they often exhibit low GH peaks under GHST, which often normalize as puberty progresses. Consequently, this transient suboptimal response to GHST may result in GH overtreatment, carrying both health and economic concerns. Considering the complex and bound link between GH axis and sex steroids, the use of sex steroid priming prior to GHST might be helpful in peripubertal setting. However, its use is still controversial. There is no consensus regarding patient selection, timing, dose, and preparation of sex steroids. In this review, we aim to overview the use of sex steroid priming in clinical practice, highlighting the need to develop appropriate guidelines in order to overcome diagnostic pitfalls in peripubertal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Partenope
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Science University of Piemonte Orientale, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristina Partenope,
| | - Elena Galazzi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Assunta Albanese
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, St. George’s University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simonetta Bellone
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Science University of Piemonte Orientale, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Ivana Rabbone
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Science University of Piemonte Orientale, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Cangiano B, Goggi G, Federici S, Bresesti C, Cotellessa L, Guizzardi F, Vezzoli V, Duminuco P, Persani L, Bonomi M. Predictors of reproductive and non-reproductive outcomes of gonadotropin mediated pubertal induction in male patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2445-2454. [PMID: 33738751 PMCID: PMC8502167 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate predictors of testicular response and non-reproductive outcomes (height, body proportions) after gonadotropin-induced puberty in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). DESIGN A retrospective analysis of the puberty induction in CHH male patients, undergoing an off-label administration of combined gonadotropin (FSH and hCG). METHODS Clinical and hormonal evaluations before and during gonadotropin stimulation in 19 CHH patients genotyped by Targeted Next Generation Sequencing for CHH genes; 16 patients underwent also semen analysis after gonadotropins. RESULTS A lesser increase in testicular volume after 24 months of induction was significantly associated with: (I) cryptorchidism; (II) a positive genetic background; (III) a complete form of CHH. We found no significant correlation with the cumulative dose of hCG administered in 24 months. We found no association with the results of semen analyses, probably due to the low numerosity. Measures of body disproportion (eunuchoid habitus and difference between adult and target height: deltaSDSth), were significantly related to the: (I) age at the beginning of puberty induction; (II) duration of growth during the induction; (III) initial bone age. The duration of growth during induction was associated with previous testosterone priming and to partial forms of CHH. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that a strong genetic background and cryptorchidism, as indicators of a complete GnRH deficiency since intrauterine life, are negative predictors of testicular response to gonadotropin stimulation in CHH. Body disproportion is associated with a delay in treatment and duration of growth during the induction, which is apparently inversely related to previous androgenization.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Cangiano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - G Goggi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - S Federici
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - C Bresesti
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - L Cotellessa
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - F Guizzardi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - V Vezzoli
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - P Duminuco
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - L Persani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy
| | - M Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
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Hage C, Gan HW, Ibba A, Patti G, Dattani M, Loche S, Maghnie M, Salvatori R. Advances in differential diagnosis and management of growth hormone deficiency in children. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:608-624. [PMID: 34417587 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00539-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) in children is defined as impaired production of GH by the pituitary gland that results in growth failure. This disease might be congenital or acquired, and occurs in isolation or in the setting of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. Isolated GHD has an estimated prevalence of 1 patient per 4000-10,000 live births and can be due to multiple causes, some of which are yet to be determined. Establishing the correct diagnosis remains key in children with short stature, as initiating treatment with recombinant human GH can help them attain their genetically determined adult height. During the past two decades, our understanding of the benefits of continuing GH therapy throughout the transition period from childhood to adulthood has increased. Improvements in transitional care will help alleviate the consequent physical and psychological problems that can arise from adult GHD, although the consequences of a lack of hormone replacement are less severe in adults than in children. In this Review, we discuss the differential diagnosis in children with GHD, including details of clinical presentation, neuroimaging and genetic testing. Furthermore, we highlight advances and issues in the management of GHD, including details of transitional care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Hage
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hoong-Wei Gan
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Hospital Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anastasia Ibba
- Paediatric Endocrine Unit, Paediatric Hospital Microcitemico "A. Cao", AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Patti
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mehul Dattani
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Hospital Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sandro Loche
- Paediatric Endocrine Unit, Paediatric Hospital Microcitemico "A. Cao", AO Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Paediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Salvatori
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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11
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Abawi O, Augustijn D, Hoeks SE, de Rijke YB, van den Akker ELT. Impact of body mass index on growth hormone stimulation tests in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2021; 58:576-595. [PMID: 34431447 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2021.1956423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Peak stimulated growth hormone (GH) levels are known to decrease with increasing body mass index (BMI), possibly leading to overdiagnosis of GH deficiency (GHD) in children with overweight and obesity. However, current guidelines do not guide how to interpret the peak GH values of these children. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to study the effect of the BMI standard deviation score (SDS) on stimulated peak GH values in children, to identify potential moderators of this association, and to quantify the extent to which peak GH values in children with obesity are decreased. This systematic review was performed by the PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies reporting the impact of weight status on peak GH in children. Where possible, individual participant data was extracted and/or obtained from authors. Quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklists. The primary outcome was the association between peak GH values and BMI SDS. The pooled correlation coefficient r, 95% confidence interval (CI), and heterogeneity statistic I2 were calculated under a multilevel, random-effects model. In addition, exploratory moderator analyses and meta-regressions were performed to investigate the effects of sex, pubertal status, presence of syndromic obesity, mean age and mean BMI SDS on the study level. For the individual participant dataset, linear mixed-models regression analysis was performed with BMI SDS as the predictor and ln(peak GH) as the outcome, accounting for the different studies and GH stimulation agents used. In total, 58 studies were included, providing data on n = 5135 children (576 with individual participant data). Thirty-six (62%) studies had high, 19 (33%) medium, and 3 (5%) low risks of bias. Across all studies, a pooled r of -0.32 (95% CI -0.41 to -0.23, n = 2434 patients from k = 29 subcohorts, I2 = 75.2%) was found. In meta-regressions, larger proportions of males included were associated with weaker negative correlations (p = 0.04). Pubertal status, presence of syndromic obesity, mean age, and mean BMI SDS did not moderate the pooled r (all p > 0.05). Individual participant data analysis revealed a beta of -0.123 (95% CI -0.160 to -0.086, p < 0.0001), i.e. per one-point increase in BMI SDS, peak GH decreases by 11.6% (95% CI 8.3-14.8%). To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of BMI SDS on peak GH values in children. It showed a significant negative relationship. Importantly, this relationship was already present in the normal range of BMI SDS and could lead to overdiagnosis of GHD in children with overweight and obesity. With the ever-rising prevalence of pediatric obesity, there is a need for BMI (SDS)-specific cutoff values for GH stimulation tests in children. Based on the evidence from this meta-analysis, we suggest the following weight status-adjusted cutoffs for GH stimulation tests that have cutoffs for children with normal weight of 5, 7, 10, and 20 µg/L: for overweight children: 4.6, 6.5, 9.3, and 18.6 µg/L; and for children with obesity: 4.3, 6.0, 8.6, and 17.3 µg/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozair Abawi
- Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dieuwertje Augustijn
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne E Hoeks
- Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolanda B de Rijke
- Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erica L T van den Akker
- Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Bertelli E, DI Frenna M, Cappa M, Salerno M, Wasniewska M, Bizzarri C, DE Sanctis L. Hypogonadism in male and female: which is the best treatment? Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2021; 73:572-587. [PMID: 34309345 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.21.06534-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subjects with hypo-or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to initiate puberty and maintain it with a normal hormonal status. While general recommendations for the management of HRT in adults have been published, no systematic suggestions focused on adolescents and young adults. The focus of this review is the HRT in males and females with hypogonadism, from puberty to late reproductive age, covering the different management options, encompassing sex steroid or gonadotropin therapy, with discussion of benefits, limitations and specific considerations of the different treatments. METHODS We conducted an extensive search in the 3 major scientific databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar) using the keywords "hormonal replacement therapy", "hypogonadism", "bone mineral density", "estradiol/testosterone", "puberty induction", "delayed puberty". Case-control studies, case series, reviews and meta-analysis published in English from 1990 to date were included. RESULTS By considering the available opportunities for fertility induction and preservation, we hereby present the proposals of practical schemes to induce puberty, and a decisional algorithm to approach HRT in post-pubertal adolescents. CONCLUSIONS A condition of hypogonadism can underlie different etiologies involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis at different levels. Since the long-terms effects of hypogonadism may vary and include not only physical outcomes related to sex hormone deficiencies, but also psychological problems and implications on fertility, the initiation, maintenance and consolidation of puberty with different pharmaceutical options is of utmost importance and beside pubertal development, optimal uterine and testicular growth and adequate bone health should consider also the psychosocial wellbeing and the potential fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Bertelli
- Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency Unit, Children's Hospital, AO SS Antonio e Biagio e C. Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Marianna DI Frenna
- Pediatric Department, V. Buzzi Children's Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli - SACCO, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cappa
- Unit of Endocrinology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariacarolina Salerno
- Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Wasniewska
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carla Bizzarri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa DE Sanctis
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, Regina Margherita Children Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy -
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