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Alenazi MS, Alqahtani AM, Ahmad MM, Almalki EM, AlMutair A, Almalki M. Puberty Induction in Adolescent Males: Current Practice. Cureus 2022; 14:e23864. [PMID: 35530907 PMCID: PMC9073269 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Puberty is a developmental stage characterized by the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics which leads to complete physical, psychosocial, and sexual maturation. The current practice of hormonal therapy to induce puberty in adolescent males is based on published consensus and expert opinion. Evidence-based guidelines on optimal timing and regimen in puberty induction in males are lacking, and this reflects some discrepancies in practice among endocrinologists. It is worth mentioning that the availability of various hormonal products in markets, their different routes of administration, and patients/parents’ preference also have an impact on clinical decisions. This review outlines the current clinical approach to delayed puberty in boys with an emphasis on puberty induction.
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Suarez A MC, Israeli JM, Kresch E, Telis L, Nassau DE. Testosterone therapy in children and adolescents: to whom, how, when? Int J Impot Res 2022; 34:652-662. [PMID: 34997199 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Male production of testosterone is crucial for the development of a wide range of functions. External and internal genitalia formation, secondary sexual characteristics, spermatogenesis, growth velocity, bone mass density, psychosocial maturation, and metabolic and cardiovascular profiles are closely dependent on testosterone exposure. Disorders in androgen production can present during all life-stages, including childhood and adolescence, and testosterone therapy (TT) is in many cases the only treatment that can correct the underlying deficit. TT is controversial in the pediatric population as hypoandrogenism is difficult to classify and diagnose in these age groups, and standardized protocols of treatment and monitorization are still lacking. In pediatric patients, hypogonadism can be central, primary, or a combination of both. Testosterone preparations are typically designed for adults' TT, and providers need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of these formulations, especially cognizant of supratherapeutic dosing. Monitoring of testosterone levels in boys on TT should be tailored to the individual patient and based on the anticipated duration of therapy. Although clinical consensus is lacking, an approximation of the current challenges and common practices in pediatric hypoandrogenism could help elucidate the broad spectrum of pathologies that lie behind this single hormone deficiency with wide-ranging implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Camila Suarez A
- Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Leon Telis
- Department of Urology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Donald and Barbra Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel E Nassau
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA.
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Alsaffar H, Habeb A, Hamza RT, Deeb A. Monitoring Haematocrit in Paediatric Patients Receiving Testosterone Therapy in Arab Countries. Cureus 2021; 13:e17618. [PMID: 34646669 PMCID: PMC8483389 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17618] [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] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Testosterone is the main agent used to induce puberty in boys in Arab countries. It is recommended to monitor haematocrit before and during androgen replacement. However, data from single centre studies indicated that this recommendation is rarely practiced by paediatricians compared to adult physicians. The aim of this study is to evaluate the monitoring of haematocrit of patients on Testosterone therapy by paediatric endocrinologists practicing in Arab countries. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online survey that was sent to all members of the Arab Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (ASPED), who they practice in all Arab countries. The study was carried out between July and October 2019. Ethical approval was granted by ASPED council in May 2019 (MRE2019-02Q). Results One hundred four physicians responded to the survey from 17 countries. 81/104 (77.8%) answered the question about Testosterone monitoring (42 paediatric endocrinologists, 11 general paediatrician consultants with interest in endocrine, 16 specialists, four fellows and eight residents). Of the 81 responders 18 clinicians (22.2%) thought of monitoring the haematocrit; 15 (18.5%) thought no laboratory monitoring is needed at all. Conclusion The survey indicated that most paediatric endocrinologists in Arab countries do not monitor haematocrit in patients on testosterone replacement and majority are not aware that secondary erythrocytosis can result from androgen therapy. Raising the awareness on monitoring haematocrit during androgen replacement therapy is needed especially when reaching the adult dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Alsaffar
- Child Health Department - Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, OMN
| | - Abdelhadi Habeb
- Paediatric Department, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Ministry of National Guard, Madinah, SAU
| | - Rasha T Hamza
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EGY
| | - Asma Deeb
- Paediatric Endocrinology Department, Shaikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, ARE
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Stancampiano MR, Lucas-Herald AK, Bryce J, Russo G, Barera G, Balsamo A, Baronio F, Bertelloni S, Valiani M, Cools M, Tack LJW, Darendeliler F, Poyrazoglu S, Globa E, Grinspon R, Hannema SE, Hughes IA, Tadokoro-Cuccaro R, Thankamony A, Iotova V, Mladenov V, Konrad D, Mazen I, Niedziela M, Kolesinska Z, Nordenström A, Ahmed SF. Testosterone Therapy and Its Monitoring in Adolescent Boys with Hypogonadism: Results of an International Survey from the I-DSD Registry. Sex Dev 2021; 15:236-243. [PMID: 34350903 DOI: 10.1159/000516784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is unclear whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in adolescent boys, affected by a range of endocrine diseases that may be associated with hypogonadism, is particularly common. The aim of this study was to assess the contemporary practice of TRT in boys included in the I-DSD Registry. All participating centres in the I-DSD Registry that had boys between 10 and 18 years of age and with a condition that could be associated with hypogonadism were invited to provide further information in 2019. Information on 162 boys was collected from 15 centres that had a median (range) number of 6 boys per centre (1.35). Of these, 30 (19%) from 9 centres were receiving TRT and the median (range) age at the start was 12.6 years (10.8-16.2), with 6 boys (20%) starting at <12 years. Median (range) age of boys not on TRT was 11.7 years (10.7-17.7), and 69 out of 132 (52%) were <12 years. TRT had been initiated in 20 of 71 (28%) boys with a disorder of gonadal development, 3 of 14 (21%) with a disorder of androgen synthesis, and all 7 (100%) boys with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The remainder who did not have TRT included 15 boys with partial androgen insensitivity, 52 with non-specific XY DSD, and 3 with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. Before starting TRT, liver function and blood count were checked in 19 (68%) and 18 boys (64%), respectively, a bone age assessment was performed in 23 (82%) and bone mineral density assessment in 12 boys (43%). This snapshot of contemporary practice reveals that TRT in boys included in the I-DSD Registry is not very common, whilst the variation in starting and monitoring therapy is quite marked. Standardisation of practice may lead to more effective assessment of treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna R Stancampiano
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy,
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom,
| | - Angela K Lucas-Herald
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jillian Bryce
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gianni Russo
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziano Barera
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Balsamo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Paediatric Unit, Endo-ERN Center IT11, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Baronio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Paediatric Unit, Endo-ERN Center IT11, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvano Bertelloni
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Valiani
- Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Paediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University and Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lloyd J W Tack
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University and Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Feyza Darendeliler
- Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sukran Poyrazoglu
- Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Evgenia Globa
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ukrainian Scientific Center of Endocrine Surgery, Endocrine Organs and Tissue Transplantation, MoH of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Romina Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr. César Bergadá' (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI, División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sabine E Hannema
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ieuan A Hughes
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ajay Thankamony
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Violeta Iotova
- Department of Paediatrics - UMHAT 'Sv.Marina', Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Vilhelm Mladenov
- Department of Paediatrics - UMHAT 'Sv.Marina', Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Daniel Konrad
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Inas Mazen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marek Niedziela
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Zofia Kolesinska
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Mason KA, Schoelwer MJ, Rogol AD. Androgens During Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence: Physiology and Use in Clinical Practice. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5770947. [PMID: 32115641 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We provide an in-depth review of the role of androgens in male maturation and development, from the fetal stage through adolescence into emerging adulthood, and discuss the treatment of disorders of androgen production throughout these time periods. Testosterone, the primary androgen produced by males, has both anabolic and androgenic effects. Androgen exposure induces virilization and anabolic body composition changes during fetal development, influences growth and virilization during infancy, and stimulates development of secondary sexual characteristics, growth acceleration, bone mass accrual, and alterations of body composition during puberty. Disorders of androgen production may be subdivided into hypo- or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may be either congenital or acquired (resulting from cranial radiation, trauma, or less common causes). Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism occurs in males with Klinefelter syndrome and may occur in response to pelvic radiation, certain chemotherapeutic agents, and less common causes. These disorders all require testosterone replacement therapy during pubertal maturation and many require lifelong replacement. Androgen (or gonadotropin) therapy is clearly beneficial in those with persistent hypogonadism and self-limited delayed puberty and is now widely used in transgender male adolescents. With more widespread use and newer formulations approved for adults, data from long-term randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to enable pediatricians to identify the optimal age of initiation, route of administration, and dosing frequency to address the unique needs of their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - Alan D Rogol
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Stancampiano MR, Lucas-Herald AK, Russo G, Rogol AD, Ahmed SF. Testosterone Therapy in Adolescent Boys: The Need for a Structured Approach. Horm Res Paediatr 2020; 92:215-228. [PMID: 31851967 DOI: 10.1159/000504670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In adolescents, testosterone may have several effects including promotion of secondary sexual characteristics and pubertal growth, attainment of optimal muscle mass and peak bone mass, optimization of the metabolic profile, and psychosocial maturation and well-being. SUMMARY Testosterone therapy is a cornerstone of the management of hypogonadism in boys. Since the initial report of the chemical synthesis of testosterone, several formulations have continued to develop, and although many of these have been used in boys, none of them have been studied in detail in this age group. Given the wide ranging effects of testosterone, the level of evidence for their effects in boys and the heterogeneity of conditions that lead to early-onset hypogonadism, a standardized protocol for monitoring testosterone replacement in this age group is needed. Key Messages: In this review, we focus on the perceived benefits of androgen replacement in boys affected by pubertal delay and highlight the need to improve the health monitoring of boys who receive androgen replacement therapy, proposing different approaches based on the underlying pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Rita Stancampiano
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy, .,Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom,
| | - Angela K Lucas-Herald
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gianni Russo
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alan D Rogol
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Heksch RA, Matheson MA, Tishelman AC, Swartz JM, Jayanthi VR, Diamond DA, Harrison CJ, Chan YM, Nahata L. TESTICULAR REGRESSION SYNDROME: PRACTICE VARIATION IN DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT. Endocr Pract 2019; 25:779-786. [PMID: 31013155 DOI: 10.4158/ep-2019-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess clinical practice patterns with regard to diagnosis and management of testicular regression syndrome (TRS), a condition in 46,XY males with male phenotypic genitalia and bilateral absence of testes. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at two large pediatric academic centers to examine diagnostic and management approaches for TRS. Results: Records of 57 patients were reviewed. Diagnostic methods varied widely between patients and included hormonal testing, karyotype, imaging, and surgical exploration, with multiple diagnostic methods frequently used in each patient. Of the 30 subjects that had reached adolescence at the time of the study, 17 (57%) had gaps in care of more than 5 years during childhood. Thirty subjects had received testosterone replacement therapy at a mean age of 12.1 ± 1.0 years. Forty-seven percent had a documented discussion of infertility. Eighty-two percent discussed prosthesis placement, with 35% having prostheses placed. Twenty-three percent were seen by a psychosocial provider. The between-site differences were age at fertility discussion, age at and number of prostheses placed, and type/age of testosterone initiation. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the wide variation in diagnostic approaches, follow-up frequency, testosterone initiation, fertility counseling, and psychosocial support for patients with TRS. Developing evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation and management of TRS would help reduce inconsistencies in care and unnecessary testing. Ongoing follow-up and coordination of care, even during the years when no hormonal treatment is being administered, could lead to opportunities for psychosocial support and improved interdisciplinary approach to care. Abbreviations: AMH = antimüllerian hormone; CAH = congenital adrenal hyperplasia; DSD = differences/disorders of sex development; hCG = human chorionic gonadotropin; TRS = testicular regression syndrome.
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Lucas-Herald AK, Mason E, Beaumont P, Mason A, Shaikh MG, Wong SC, Ahmed SF. Single-Centre Experience of Testosterone Therapy for Boys with Hypogonadism. Horm Res Paediatr 2019; 90:123-127. [PMID: 30021202 DOI: 10.1159/000490738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypogonadism in boys is one of the commonest conditions encountered in paediatric endocrinology. AIMS To study variations in management in a contemporary group of boys at a single specialist centre. METHODS Retrospective review of case records of all boys treated with testosterone at a tertiary endocrine service from 2012 to 2017. RESULTS Of the 358 boys reviewed for hypogonadism, 46 (13%) were initiated on testosterone therapy at a median age (range) of 14.2 years (12.1, 17.7). Indications for therapy included a functional delay of puberty that was constitutional in 17 (37%) or related to chronic disease in 10 (22%) or organic hypogonadism due to primary gonadal failure in 7 (15%), multiple pituitary hormone deficiency in 6 (13%), and isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in 6 (13%). Of the 46 boys, 40 (89%) were started on intramuscular testosterone, 4 (9%) on oral testosterone, and 1 (2%) on transdermal gel. Of the 19 boys (40%) with organic hypogonadism re-quiring long-term therapy, 12 (63%) had assessment of liver function, 6 (32%) had a haematocrit, and 2 (11%) had a DXA scan in the year of commencing treatment. CONCLUSIONS Testosterone therapy is administered in about 13% of boys reviewed for hypogonadism and its monitoring requires standardisation.
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Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in transitional urology, or how to best prepare patients with major congenital urologic diseases, such as bladder exstrophy and neuropathic bladder, to manage their own health care with adult urologists. However, common pediatric urologic conditions may be encountered by the adult urologist with more regularity. This review focuses on three relatively common conditions which may be identified in childhood, the consequences from which a patient may seek help from an adult urologist: cryptorchidism, varicocele, and Klinefelter syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina D Suson
- Children's Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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