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Prencipe N, Marinelli L, Varaldo E, Cuboni D, Berton AM, Bioletto F, Bona C, Gasco V, Grottoli S. Isolated anterior pituitary dysfunction in adulthood. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1100007. [PMID: 36967769 PMCID: PMC10032221 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypopituitarism is defined as a complete or partial deficiency in one or more pituitary hormones. Anterior hypopituitarism includes secondary adrenal insufficiency, central hypothyroidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, growth hormone deficiency and prolactin deficiency. Patients with hypopituitarism suffer from an increased disability and sick days, resulting in lower health status, higher cost of care and an increased mortality. In particular during adulthood, isolated pituitary deficits are not an uncommon finding; their clinical picture is represented by vague symptoms and unclear signs, which can be difficult to properly diagnose. This often becomes a challenge for the physician. Aim of this narrative review is to analyse, for each anterior pituitary deficit, the main related etiologies, the characteristic signs and symptoms, how to properly diagnose them (suggesting an easy and reproducible step-based approach), and eventually the treatment. In adulthood, the vast majority of isolated pituitary deficits are due to pituitary tumours, head trauma, pituitary surgery and brain radiotherapy. Immune-related dysfunctions represent a growing cause of isolated pituitary deficiencies, above all secondary to use of oncological drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The diagnosis of isolated pituitary deficiencies should be based on baseline hormonal assessments and/or dynamic tests. Establishing a proper diagnosis can be quite challenging: in fact, even if the diagnostic methods are becoming increasingly refined, a considerable proportion of isolated pituitary deficits still remains without a certain cause. While isolated ACTH and TSH deficiencies always require a prompt replacement treatment, gonadal replacement therapy requires a benefit-risk evaluation based on the presence of comorbidities, age and gender of the patient; finally, the need of growth hormone replacement therapies is still a matter of debate. On the other side, prolactin replacement therapy is still not available. In conclusion, our purpose is to offer a broad evaluation from causes to therapies of isolated anterior pituitary deficits in adulthood. This review will also include the evaluation of uncommon symptoms and main etiologies, the elements of suspicion of a genetic cause and protocols for diagnosis, follow-up and treatment.
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Persani L, Brabant G, Dattani M, Bonomi M, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Fliers E, Gruters A, Maiter D, Schoenmakers N, van Trotsenburg AP. 2018 European Thyroid Association (ETA) Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Central Hypothyroidism. Eur Thyroid J 2018; 7:225-237. [PMID: 30374425 PMCID: PMC6198777 DOI: 10.1159/000491388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Central hypothyroidism (CeH) is a rare form of hypothyroidism characterized by insufficient thyroid stimulation due to disturbed pituitary and/or hypothalamic functioning. Due to its origin and the whole clinical context, CeH represents a challenging condition in clinical practice as it is characterized by suboptimal accuracy of clinical and biochemical parameters for diagnosis and management. Since no expert consensus or guidance for this condition is currently available, a task force of experts received the commitment from the European Thyroid Association (ETA) to prepare this document based on the principles of clinical evidence. STUDY DESIGN The task force started to work in February 2017 and after a careful selection of appropriate references (cohort studies, case reports, expert opinions), a preliminary presentation and live discussion during the 2017 ETA meeting, and several revision rounds, has prepared a list of recommendations to support the diagnosis and management of patients with CeH. RESULTS Due to the particular challenges of this rare condition in the different ages, the target users of this guidance are pediatric and adult endocrinologists. Experts agreed on the need to recognize and treat overt CeH at all ages, whereas treatment of milder forms may be dispensable in the elderly (> 75 years). CONCLUSIONS Despite the lack of randomized controlled clinical trials, the experts provide 34 recommendations supported by variable levels of strength that should improve the quality of life of the affected patients and reduce the metabolic and hormonal consequences of inadequate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Persani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- *Prof. Luca Persani, MD, PhD, University of Milan and IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, IT–20149 Milan (Italy), E-Mail
| | - Georg Brabant
- Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology Medical Clinic I – University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mehul Dattani
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eric Fliers
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annette Gruters
- Department for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominique Maiter
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, UCL Cliniques Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nadia Schoenmakers
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - A.S. Paul van Trotsenburg
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Abstract
Central hypothyroidism is a rare and heterogeneous disorder that is characterized by a defect in thyroid hormone secretion in an otherwise normal thyroid gland due to insufficient stimulation by TSH. The disease results from the abnormal function of the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, or both. Moreover, central hypothyroidism can be isolated or combined with other pituitary hormone deficiencies, which are mostly acquired and are rarely congenital. The clinical manifestations of central hypothyroidism are usually milder than those observed in primary hypothyroidism. Obtaining a positive diagnosis for central hypothyroidism can be difficult from both a clinical and a biochemical perspective. The diagnosis of central hypothyroidism is based on low circulating levels of free T4 in the presence of low to normal TSH concentrations. The correct diagnosis of both acquired (also termed sporadic) and congenital (also termed genetic) central hypothyroidism can be hindered by methodological interference in free T4 or TSH measurements; routine utilization of total T4 or T3 measurements; concurrent systemic illness that is characterized by low levels of free T4 and normal TSH concentrations; the use of the sole TSH-reflex strategy, which is the measurement of the sole level of TSH, without free T4, if levels of TSH are in the normal range; and the diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism based on TSH analysis without the concomitant measurement of serum levels of T4. In this Review, we discuss current knowledge of the causes of central hypothyroidism, emphasizing possible pitfalls in the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Rodari
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Claudia Giavoli
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Andrea Lania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University and Endocrinology Unit, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20086, Italy
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Fleseriu M, Hashim IA, Karavitaki N, Melmed S, Murad MH, Salvatori R, Samuels MH. Hormonal Replacement in Hypopituitarism in Adults: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:3888-3921. [PMID: 27736313 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-2118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 474] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To formulate clinical practice guidelines for hormonal replacement in hypopituitarism in adults. PARTICIPANTS The participants include an Endocrine Society-appointed Task Force of six experts, a methodologist, and a medical writer. The American Association for Clinical Chemistry, the Pituitary Society, and the European Society of Endocrinology co-sponsored this guideline. EVIDENCE The Task Force developed this evidence-based guideline using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to describe the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. The Task Force commissioned two systematic reviews and used the best available evidence from other published systematic reviews and individual studies. CONSENSUS PROCESS One group meeting, several conference calls, and e-mail communications enabled consensus. Committees and members of the Endocrine Society, the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, the Pituitary Society, and the European Society of Endocrinology reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of these guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Using an evidence-based approach, this guideline addresses important clinical issues regarding the evaluation and management of hypopituitarism in adults, including appropriate biochemical assessments, specific therapeutic decisions to decrease the risk of co-morbidities due to hormonal over-replacement or under-replacement, and managing hypopituitarism during pregnancy, pituitary surgery, and other types of surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fleseriu
- Oregon Health & Science University, Northwest Pituitary Center (M.F.), and Departments of Neurological Surgery and Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition), Portland, Oregon 97239; Department of Pathology (I.A.H.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (N.K.), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (N.K.), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom, Pituitary Center (S.M.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048; Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center, (M.H.M), Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (R.S.), Pituitary Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition (M.H.S.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Ibrahim A Hashim
- Oregon Health & Science University, Northwest Pituitary Center (M.F.), and Departments of Neurological Surgery and Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition), Portland, Oregon 97239; Department of Pathology (I.A.H.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (N.K.), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (N.K.), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom, Pituitary Center (S.M.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048; Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center, (M.H.M), Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (R.S.), Pituitary Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition (M.H.S.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Oregon Health & Science University, Northwest Pituitary Center (M.F.), and Departments of Neurological Surgery and Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition), Portland, Oregon 97239; Department of Pathology (I.A.H.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (N.K.), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (N.K.), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom, Pituitary Center (S.M.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048; Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center, (M.H.M), Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (R.S.), Pituitary Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition (M.H.S.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Shlomo Melmed
- Oregon Health & Science University, Northwest Pituitary Center (M.F.), and Departments of Neurological Surgery and Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition), Portland, Oregon 97239; Department of Pathology (I.A.H.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (N.K.), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (N.K.), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom, Pituitary Center (S.M.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048; Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center, (M.H.M), Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (R.S.), Pituitary Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition (M.H.S.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - M Hassan Murad
- Oregon Health & Science University, Northwest Pituitary Center (M.F.), and Departments of Neurological Surgery and Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition), Portland, Oregon 97239; Department of Pathology (I.A.H.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (N.K.), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (N.K.), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom, Pituitary Center (S.M.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048; Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center, (M.H.M), Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (R.S.), Pituitary Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition (M.H.S.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Roberto Salvatori
- Oregon Health & Science University, Northwest Pituitary Center (M.F.), and Departments of Neurological Surgery and Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition), Portland, Oregon 97239; Department of Pathology (I.A.H.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (N.K.), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (N.K.), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom, Pituitary Center (S.M.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048; Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center, (M.H.M), Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (R.S.), Pituitary Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition (M.H.S.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Mary H Samuels
- Oregon Health & Science University, Northwest Pituitary Center (M.F.), and Departments of Neurological Surgery and Medicine (Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition), Portland, Oregon 97239; Department of Pathology (I.A.H.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (N.K.), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (N.K.), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom, Pituitary Center (S.M.), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048; Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center, (M.H.M), Rochester, Minnesota 55905; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (R.S.), Pituitary Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287; and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition (M.H.S.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
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Schoenmakers N, Alatzoglou KS, Chatterjee VK, Dattani MT. Recent advances in central congenital hypothyroidism. J Endocrinol 2015; 227:R51-71. [PMID: 26416826 PMCID: PMC4629398 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Central congenital hypothyroidism (CCH) may occur in isolation, or more frequently in combination with additional pituitary hormone deficits with or without associated extrapituitary abnormalities. Although uncommon, it may be more prevalent than previously thought, affecting up to 1:16 000 neonates in the Netherlands. Since TSH is not elevated, CCH will evade diagnosis in primary, TSH-based, CH screening programs and delayed detection may result in neurodevelopmental delay due to untreated neonatal hypothyroidism. Alternatively, coexisting growth hormones or ACTH deficiency may pose additional risks, such as life threatening hypoglycaemia. Genetic ascertainment is possible in a minority of cases and reveals mutations in genes controlling the TSH biosynthetic pathway (TSHB, TRHR, IGSF1) in isolated TSH deficiency, or early (HESX1, LHX3, LHX4, SOX3, OTX2) or late (PROP1, POU1F1) pituitary transcription factors in combined hormone deficits. Since TSH cannot be used as an indicator of euthyroidism, adequacy of treatment can be difficult to monitor due to a paucity of alternative biomarkers. This review will summarize the normal physiology of pituitary development and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, then describe known genetic causes of isolated central hypothyroidism and combined pituitary hormone deficits associated with TSH deficiency. Difficulties in diagnosis and management of these conditions will then be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Schoenmakers
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research LaboratoriesWellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 4, PO Box 289, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UKDevelopmental Endocrinology Research GroupSection of Genetics and Epigenetics in Health and Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Kyriaki S Alatzoglou
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research LaboratoriesWellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 4, PO Box 289, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UKDevelopmental Endocrinology Research GroupSection of Genetics and Epigenetics in Health and Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - V Krishna Chatterjee
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research LaboratoriesWellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 4, PO Box 289, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UKDevelopmental Endocrinology Research GroupSection of Genetics and Epigenetics in Health and Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Mehul T Dattani
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research LaboratoriesWellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Level 4, PO Box 289, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UKDevelopmental Endocrinology Research GroupSection of Genetics and Epigenetics in Health and Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Gatto F, Grasso LF, Nazzari E, Cuny T, Anania P, Di Somma C, Colao A, Zona G, Weryha G, Pivonello R, Ferone D. Clinical outcome and evidence of high rate post-surgical anterior hypopituitarism in a cohort of TSH-secreting adenoma patients: Might somatostatin analogs have a role as first-line therapy? Pituitary 2015; 18:583-91. [PMID: 25326851 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-014-0611-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenomas (TSHomas) represent a rare subtype of pituitary tumors. Neurosurgery (NCH) is still considered the first-line therapy. In this study we aimed to investigate the outcome of different treatment modalities, including first line somatostatin analogs (SSA) treatment, with a specific focus on neurosurgery-related complications. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated thirteen patients diagnosed for TSHomas (9 M; age range 27-61). Ten patients had a magnetic resonance evidence of macroadenoma, three with slight visual field impairment. In the majority of patients, thyroid ultrasonography showed the presence of goiter and/or increased gland vascularization. Median TSH value at diagnosis was 3.29 mU/L (normal ranges 0.2-4.2 mIU/L), with median fT4 2.52 ng/dL (0.9-1.7 ng/dL). RESULTS Three patients (two microadenoma) were primarily treated with NCH and achieved disease remission, whereas ten patients (nine macroadenomas) were initially treated with SSA. Despite the optimal biochemical response observed during medical treatment in most patients (mean TSH decrease -72%), only two stayed on medical therapy alone, achieving stable biochemical control at the end of the follow-up. The remaining patients (n = 7) underwent NCH later on during their clinical history, followed by radiotherapy or adjuvant SSA treatment in two cases. Noteworthy, five of them developed hypopituitarism. All patients reached a biochemical control, after a multimodal therapeutic approach. CONCLUSIONS Neurosurgery ultimately led to complete disease remission or to biochemical control in majority of patients, whereas resulting in a considerable percentage of post-operative complications (mainly hypopituitarism, 50%). In the light of the optimal results unanimously reported for medical treatment with SSA, our experience suggests that a careful evaluation of risk/benefit ratio should be taken into consideration when directing the treatment approach in patients with TSHoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Gatto
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
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Abstract
Central hypothyroidism (CH) is a rare cause of hypothyroidism generally related to a hypothalamic-pituitary disorder or arising as an iatrogenic complication. In adults, CH may be secondary to quantitative and/or qualitative alterations in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion. The disease is difficult to diagnose clinically because it lacks specific clinical signs and these may be masked by other anterior pituitary hormone secretion deficiencies. In patients with long-standing and marked CH, a diagnosis may be made based on low free T4 levels and normal, low or moderately increased TSH levels. In patients with early-stage or moderate CH, exploration of the circadian TSH cycle, determination of TSH response after a TRH test or recombinant TSH injection, estimation of TSH index, or evaluation of peripheral indexes of thyroid hormone metabolism may be required to establish a diagnosis. Regarding treatment, patients should receive levothyroxine replacement therapy, but hormone objectives during follow-up need to be precisely determined in order to reduce cardiovascular risks and to improve the quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Grunenwald
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, CHU Larrey, 24 chemin de Pouvourville, TSA 30030, 31059, Toulouse Cedex, France
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Jonklaas J, Bianco AC, Bauer AJ, Burman KD, Cappola AR, Celi FS, Cooper DS, Kim BW, Peeters RP, Rosenthal MS, Sawka AM. Guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism: prepared by the american thyroid association task force on thyroid hormone replacement. Thyroid 2014; 24:1670-751. [PMID: 25266247 PMCID: PMC4267409 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2014.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 953] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of recent advances in our understanding of thyroid physiology may shed light on why some patients feel unwell while taking levothyroxine monotherapy. The purpose of this task force was to review the goals of levothyroxine therapy, the optimal prescription of conventional levothyroxine therapy, the sources of dissatisfaction with levothyroxine therapy, the evidence on treatment alternatives, and the relevant knowledge gaps. We wished to determine whether there are sufficient new data generated by well-designed studies to provide reason to pursue such therapies and change the current standard of care. This document is intended to inform clinical decision-making on thyroid hormone replacement therapy; it is not a replacement for individualized clinical judgment. METHODS Task force members identified 24 questions relevant to the treatment of hypothyroidism. The clinical literature relating to each question was then reviewed. Clinical reviews were supplemented, when relevant, with related mechanistic and bench research literature reviews, performed by our team of translational scientists. Ethics reviews were provided, when relevant, by a bioethicist. The responses to questions were formatted, when possible, in the form of a formal clinical recommendation statement. When responses were not suitable for a formal clinical recommendation, a summary response statement without a formal clinical recommendation was developed. For clinical recommendations, the supporting evidence was appraised, and the strength of each clinical recommendation was assessed, using the American College of Physicians system. The final document was organized so that each topic is introduced with a question, followed by a formal clinical recommendation. Stakeholder input was received at a national meeting, with some subsequent refinement of the clinical questions addressed in the document. Consensus was achieved for all recommendations by the task force. RESULTS We reviewed the following therapeutic categories: (i) levothyroxine therapy, (ii) non-levothyroxine-based thyroid hormone therapies, and (iii) use of thyroid hormone analogs. The second category included thyroid extracts, synthetic combination therapy, triiodothyronine therapy, and compounded thyroid hormones. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that levothyroxine should remain the standard of care for treating hypothyroidism. We found no consistently strong evidence for the superiority of alternative preparations (e.g., levothyroxine-liothyronine combination therapy, or thyroid extract therapy, or others) over monotherapy with levothyroxine, in improving health outcomes. Some examples of future research needs include the development of superior biomarkers of euthyroidism to supplement thyrotropin measurements, mechanistic research on serum triiodothyronine levels (including effects of age and disease status, relationship with tissue concentrations, as well as potential therapeutic targeting), and long-term outcome clinical trials testing combination therapy or thyroid extracts (including subgroup effects). Additional research is also needed to develop thyroid hormone analogs with a favorable benefit to risk profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio C. Bianco
- Division of Endocrinology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrew J. Bauer
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth D. Burman
- Endocrine Section, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - Anne R. Cappola
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Francesco S. Celi
- Division of Endocrinology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - David S. Cooper
- Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brian W. Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robin P. Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. Sara Rosenthal
- Program for Bioethics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Anna M. Sawka
- Division of Endocrinology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Persani L, Bonomi M. Uncertainties in endocrine substitution therapy for central endocrine insufficiencies: hypothyroidism. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2014; 124:397-405. [PMID: 25248602 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-59602-4.00027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In patients with primary hypothyroidism (PH), L-T4 replacement therapy can safely be adjusted to the individual needs by testing serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration exclusively. Central hypothyrodism (CeH) is a particular hypothyroid condition due to an insufficient stimulation by TSH of an otherwise normal thyroid gland. CeH is about 1000-fold rarer than PH and raises several challenges for clinicians, mainly because they cannot rely on the systematic use of the reflex TSH strategy for diagnosis or therapy monitoring. Therefore, L-T4 replacement in CeH should rely on the combined evaluation of several biochemical and clinical parameters in order to overcome the lack of accuracy of the single index. The management of CeH replacement is further complicated by the frequent combination with other pituitary deficiencies and their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Persani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, San Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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Klose M, Marina D, Hartoft-Nielsen ML, Klefter O, Gavan V, Hilsted L, Rasmussen AK, Feldt-Rasmussen U. Central hypothyroidism and its replacement have a significant influence on cardiovascular risk factors in adult hypopituitary patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:3802-10. [PMID: 23796569 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-1610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thyroid dysfunction may have detrimental effects on patient outcomes. Few studies have assessed this issue in patients with secondary hypothyroidism. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to test the hypothesis that thyroid hormone status has an impact on cardiovascular risk factors in adult patients with hypopituitarism. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a retrospective observational study (1993-2012) at a tertiary referral university hospital. PATIENTS All GH-deficient patients starting GH replacement (1993-2009) with measured free T4 (fT4) (n = 208). Baseline fT4 defined patients as TSH-sufficient and TSH-deficient (further divided into tertiles according to baseline fT4; first tertile had lowest fT4). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anthropometric (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, total fat (fat mass) and lean body mass [LBM]) and biochemical (lipids and fasting plasma glucose) data were collected at baseline and a median 4.1 years after commencement of GH. RESULTS At baseline, fT4 was negatively associated with BMI and waist circumference, but positively with high-density lipoprotein, independent of age, gender, and IGF-I (SD score). Only first-tertile TSH-deficient patients had higher BMI (P = .02), fat mass (P = .03), total cholesterol (P = .05), triglycerides (P < .01), and waist circumference (P = .01), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = .03) as compared with TSH-sufficient patients. At follow-up, IGF-I, LBM, and plasma glucose had increased in all subgroups (P < .01). The change in fT4 (ΔfT4) (follow-up - baseline) was negatively correlated to ΔBMI, ΔLBM, Δtotal cholesterol, and Δlow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P < .05, adjusted for ΔIGF-I and ΔGH and hydrocortisone dose). The negative correlation to Δtotal cholesterol and Δlow-density lipoprotein cholesterol persisted only in first-tertile TSH-deficient patients. CONCLUSION This single-center study over a 20-year period has strengthened the importance of improved awareness of thyroid status and optimal thyroid replacement of hypopituitary patients to reduce cardiovascular risks in hypopituitary patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Klose
- Department of Medical Endocrinology, PE2131, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Persani L. Clinical review: Central hypothyroidism: pathogenic, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2012; 97:3068-78. [PMID: 22851492 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-1616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Central hypothyroidism (CH) is a particular hypothyroid condition due to an insufficient stimulation by TSH of an otherwise normal thyroid gland. This condition raises several challenges for clinicians; therefore, a review of the most relevant findings on CH epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical management has been performed. METHODOLOGY The relevant papers were selected by a PubMed search using appropriate key words. MAIN FINDINGS CH can be the consequence of various disorders affecting either the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, but most frequently affecting both of them. CH is about 1000-fold rarer than primary hypothyroidism. Except for the neonatal CH due to biallelic TSHβ mutations, the thyroid hormone defect is rarely as profound as can be observed in some primary forms. In contrast with primary hypothyroidism, CH is most frequently characterized by low/normal TSH levels, and adequate thyroid hormone replacement is associated with the suppression of residual TSH secretion. Thus, CH often represents a clinical challenge because physicians cannot rely on the systematic use of the "reflex TSH strategy." The clinical management of CH is further complicated by the frequent combination with other pituitary deficiencies and their substitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Persani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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Persani L, Bonomi M, Radin R, Beck-Peccoz P. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of acquired thyrotropic deficiency. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2012; 73:138-40. [PMID: 22541997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The acquired thyrotropic deficiency (TD) is a hypothyroid condition due to an insufficient stimulation by thyrotropin (TSH) of an otherwise normal thyroid gland. This disease can be the consequence of disorders affecting either the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, but most frequently both of them, and is generally called central hypothyroidism (CH). CH is about one thousand folds rarer than primary hypothyroidism (PH) and the thyroid hormone defect is often less severe than in primary forms. Differently to PH, the TD is most frequently characterized by low/normal TSH levels and thyroid hormone replacement is associated with the suppression of residual TSH secretion. Thus, CH diagnosis and management often represent a clinical challenge because physicians cannot rely on the systematic use of the reflex TSH determination. The clinical challenge of CH is further amplified by the frequent combination with other pituitary deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Persani
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
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