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Sada V, Puliani G, Feola T, Pirchio R, Pofi R, Sesti F, De Alcubierre D, Amodeo ME, D'Aniello F, Vincenzi L, Gianfrilli D, Isidori AM, Grossman AB, Sbardella E. Tall stature and gigantism in transition age: clinical and genetic aspects-a literature review and recommendations. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:777-793. [PMID: 37891382 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02223-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tall stature is defined as height greater than the threshold of more than 2 standard deviations above the average population height for age, sex, and ethnicity. Many studies have described the main aspects of this condition during puberty, but an analysis of the characteristics that the physician should consider in the differential diagnosis of gigantism-tall stature secondary to a pituitary tumour-during the transition age (15-25 years) is still lacking. METHODS A comprehensive search of English-language original articles was conducted in the MEDLINE database (December 2021-March 2022). We selected all studies regarding epidemiology, genetic aspects, and the diagnosis of tall stature and gigantism during the transition age. RESULTS Generally, referrals for tall stature are not as frequent as expected because most cases are familial and are usually unreported by parents and patients to endocrinologists. For this reason, lacking such experience of tall stature, familiarity with many rarer overgrowth syndromes is essential. In the transition age, it is important but challenging to distinguish adolescents with high constitutional stature from those with gigantism. Pituitary gigantism is a rare disease in the transition age, but its systemic complications are very relevant for future health. Endocrine evaluation is crucial for identifying conditions that require hormonal treatment so that they can be treated early to improve the quality of life and prevent comorbidities of individual patient in this age range. CONCLUSION The aim of our review is to provide a practical clinical approach to recognise adolescents, potentially affected by gigantism, as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - G Puliani
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - T Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology, Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - R Pirchio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - R Pofi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - F Sesti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - D De Alcubierre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M E Amodeo
- Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - F D'Aniello
- Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - L Vincenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - D Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ENDO-ERN Accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - A B Grossman
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - E Sbardella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Bogusławska A, Godlewska M, Hubalewska-Dydejczyk A, Korbonits M, Starzyk J, Gilis-Januszewska A. Tall stature and gigantism in adult patients with acromegaly. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:193-200. [PMID: 38391173 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increased height in patients with acromegaly could be a manifestation of growth hormone (GH) excess before epiphysis closure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the height of adult patients with GH excess related to mid-parental height (MPH) and population mean and to find whether taller patients with acromegaly come from tall families. METHODS This is a single-centre, observational study involving 135 consecutive patients with acromegaly diagnosed as adults and no family history of GH excess. We established three categories for height for patients with acromegaly: normal stature, tall stature (TS, height above the 97th percentile (1.88 standard deviations (SD)) to <3 SD for gender- and country-specific data or as a height which was greater than 1.5 SD but less than 2 SD above the MPH) and gigantism (height which was greater than 3 SD) above the gender- and country-specific mean or greater than 2 SD above MPH). RESULTS Thirteen percent (17/135) of patients (53% females) met the criteria for gigantism, 10% (14/135) fulfilled the criteria for TS (57% females). Parents and adult siblings were not taller than the population mean. CONCLUSION In a group of 135 consecutive adult patients with acromegaly, 23% had increased height based on country-specific and MPH data: 13% presented with gigantism while 10% had TS. The frequency of gigantism and TS in patients diagnosed with GH excess as adults is not higher in males than in females. Patients with acromegaly come from normal-stature families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bogusławska
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 31-008 Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Godlewska
- Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 31-008 Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - Jerzy Starzyk
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescence Endocrinology, Paediatric Institute, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-000 Krakow, Poland
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García-Uría Santos M, Fernández Mateos C, Lucas Morante T, García-Uría J. Gigantism: microsurgical treatment by transsphenoidal approach and prognostic factors. Pituitary 2023; 26:51-56. [PMID: 36335516 PMCID: PMC9908660 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-022-01286-0] [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] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We present the results of transsphenoidal microsurgical treatment in 14 patients with gigantism. The influence on the prognosis of factors such as the tumor size and preoperative levels of GH and IGF-1 is also quantified. MATERIALS AND METHODS The patients, operated between 1982 and 2004, were reviewed retrospectively in June 2022. All patients had complete endocrinological studies in the preoperative period and a postoperative control between 6 days and 3 weeks. Follow-up has been supported with annual check-ups between 3 and 31 years. We have compared the preoperative levels of GH and IGF-1 of these patients with the levels of a series of acromegalic patients operated on in the same Center. RESULTS In this series there were 4 women and 10 men. The age ranged between 14 and 21 years. In 6 patients, postoperative hormone levels achieved the disease control criteria (42.8%). The CT/MRI studies revealed the existence of invasive tumors in 10 of the patients (71.4%). Postoperative CT/MRI showed no tumor tissue in 3 patients but in 7 patients there were tumor remains. The remaining 4 patients had abnormal images although not considered as tumor. A statistical comparison of preoperative serum GH and IGF-1 levels in patients with gigantism and patients with acromegaly showed a significant elevation in the former. CONCLUSION Pituitary adenomas that cause gigantism are generally large and invasive, which makes them difficult to cure. High preoperative levels of GH and IGF-1 are also factors that decrease remission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tomás Lucas Morante
- Service of Endocrinology, Hospital Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - José García-Uría
- Service of Neurosurgery, Hospital Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Gurnurkar S, Patel U, Seekford J, Carakushansky M, Chegondi M. Two Unusual Cases of Pituitary Tumors Presenting with Pediatric Acromegaly. Cureus 2022; 14:e31604. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Yamamoto M, Takahashi Y. Genetic and Epigenetic Pathogenesis of Acromegaly. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163861. [PMID: 36010855 PMCID: PMC9405703 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Various genetic and epigenetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of somatotroph tumors. Although GNAS mutations are the most prevalent cause of somatotroph tumors, the cause of half of all pathogenesis occurrences remains unclarified. However, recent findings including the pangenomic analysis, such as genome, transcriptome, and methylome approaches, and histological characteristics of pituitary tumors, the involvement of AIP and GPR101, the mechanisms of genomic instability, and possible involvement of miRNAs have gradually unveiled the whole landscape of underlying mechanisms of somatotroph tumors. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances in the pathogenesis of somatotroph tumors. Abstract Acromegaly is caused by excessive secretion of GH and IGF-I mostly from somatotroph tumors. Various genetic and epigenetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of somatotroph tumors. While somatic mutations of GNAS are the most prevalent cause of somatotroph tumors, germline mutations in various genes (AIP, PRKAR1A, GPR101, GNAS, MEN1, CDKN1B, SDHx, MAX) are also known as the cause of somatotroph tumors. Moreover, recent findings based on multiple perspectives of the pangenomic approach including genome, transcriptome, and methylome analyses, histological characterization, genomic instability, and possible involvement of miRNAs have gradually unveiled the whole landscape of the underlying mechanisms of somatotroph tumors. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances in genetic and epigenetic pathogenesis of somatotroph tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Yamamoto
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-78-382-5861
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
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Cunha C, Saraiva C, Canas Marques C, Duarte JS. Successful treatment of pituitary gigantism. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:e247989. [PMID: 34972788 PMCID: PMC8720990 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary gigantism is extremely rare, resulting from excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) before fusion of epiphysial growth plates. We report a case of a 13-year-old boy, who presented with increased statural growth and headaches since the age of 10 years. On physical examination, his height was 180.7 cm (+3.3 SD) and Tanner stage V. Investigation revealed increased levels of serum age-adjusted and sex-adjusted insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and failure of GH suppression during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). MRI of the sellar region revealed a pituitary macroadenoma. He underwent transsphenoidal surgery and histopathological evaluation revealed mammosomatotropic adenoma. Three months after surgery, IGF-1 normalised, nadir GH during OGTT was less than 1 ng/mL and no residual tumour was found on the MRI. Genetic testing identified a mutation in the AIP gene. This case emphasises the importance of early diagnosis of gigantism, as treatment delay increases long-term morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Cunha
- Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental EPE Hospital de Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina Saraiva
- Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental EPE Hospital de Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - João Sequeira Duarte
- Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental EPE Hospital de Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
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Barzaghi LR, Losa M, Capitanio JF, Albano L, Weber G, Mortini P. Pediatric Pituitary Adenomas: Early and Long-Term Surgical Outcome in a Series of 85 Consecutive Patients. Neurosurgery 2020; 85:65-74. [PMID: 29790934 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young age has been reported as a negative prognostic factor for pituitary adenomas (PAs). They are very uncommon in children and adolescents; therefore, surgical outcomes are poorly described. OBJECTIVE To report results of microsurgical transsphenoidal approach (MTSA) in pediatric PAs. METHODS The study retrospectively analyzed 3040 PAs treated in our institute, according to the adenoma subtype and then divided into pediatric (≤18 yr) and adult groups (>18 yr). The average follow-up after surgery was 58 mo (n = 2906). RESULTS In the pediatric group, the majority of adenomas were hormone-secreting (89.5%) with a female sex prevalence (78%) in prolactinomas and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs); the maximum diameter of growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenomas was greater (28.1 ± 4.1 mm) than in adults (18 ± 0.3 mm, P = .002). Surgical remission rate at 6 mo was similar in both groups for all adenoma subtypes: 72.1% and 76% in pediatric and adult Cushing's disease, 69.3% and 59.3% in prolactinomas, 55.6% and 61% in gigantism or acromegaly, 55.6% and 61.5% in NFPAs. Recurrences after remission occurred more frequently in pediatric GH-secreting adenomas compared to adults (40.0% vs 5.3%, P = .028) despite similar follow-up (38 ± 17 and 48.1 ± 2.2 mo, P = .7). Mortality was zero in the pediatric and 0.2% in the adult group (P = .7); major morbidity was 2.4% and 2.2%, respectively (P = .8). CONCLUSION MTSA was safe and effective in children and adolescents as in adults, with the only exception of higher recurrence rate in pediatric GH-secreting adenomas. No complications related to young age appeared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Raffaella Barzaghi
- Department of Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, Vita-Salute University, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Losa
- Department of Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, Vita-Salute University, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Jody Filippo Capitanio
- Department of Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, Vita-Salute University, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Albano
- Department of Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, Vita-Salute University, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, Vita-Salute University, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Mortini
- Department of Neurosurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, Vita-Salute University, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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García WR, Cortes HT, Romero AF. Pituitary gigantism: a case series from Hospital de San José (Bogotá, Colombia). ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2019; 63:385-393. [PMID: 31365626 PMCID: PMC10528647 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gigantism is a rare pediatric disease characterized by increased production of growth hormone (GH) before epiphyseal closure, that manifests clinically as tall stature, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and multiple comorbidities. MATERIALS AND METHODS Case series of 6 male patients with gigantism evaluated at the Endocrinology Service of Hospital de San José (Bogotá, Colombia) between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS All patients had macroadenomas and their mean final height was 2.01 m. The mean age at diagnosis was 16 years, and the most common symptoms were headache (66%) and hyperhidrosis (66%). All patients had acral changes, and one had visual impairment secondary to compression of the optic chiasm. All patients underwent surgery, and 5 (83%) required additional therapy for biochemical control, including radiotherapy (n = 4, 66%), somatostatin analogues (n = 5, 83%), cabergoline (n = 3, 50%), and pegvisomant (n = 2, 33%). Three patients (50%) achieved complete biochemical control, while 2 patients showed IGF-1 normalization with pegvisomant. Two patients were genetically related and presented a mutation in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene (pathogenic variant, c.504G>A in exon 4, p.Trp168*), fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of familial isolated pituitary adenoma. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest case series of patients with gigantism described to date in Colombia. Transsphenoidal surgery was the first-choice procedure, but additional pharmacological therapy was usually required. Mutations in the AIP gene should be considered in familial cases of GH-producing adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Rojas García
- Hospital de San JoséEndocrinology UnitHospital de San JoséColombia Head of the Endocrinology Unit, Hospital de San José;
- Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la SaludBogotáDCColombiaassociate professor, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
| | - Henry Tovar Cortes
- Hospital de San JoséColombiaHospital de San José;
- Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la SaludBogotáDCColombiaassistant professor, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá, DC, Colombia
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Watanabe D, Yagasaki H, Kojika S, Ogiwara M, Kinouchi H, Nakane T, Inukai T. GH/PRL-secreting pituitary macroadenoma associated with GNAS p.Gln227Leu mutation: pediatric case report and review. Endocr J 2019; 66:403-408. [PMID: 30814395 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej18-0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
GH-secreting pituitary adenomas (GHomas) are rare in the pediatric population. Guanine nucleotide-binding protein, alpha stimulating (GNAS) somatic mutations are often found in patients with GHoma. Here, we report an 8-year-old girl with GH-secreting pituitary adenoma successfully treated by operative tumor resection and postoperative treatment with octreotide long-acting release (LAR). Tumor DNA sequence analysis revealed a somatic heterozygous c.680A>T (p.Gln227Leu) mutation in GNAS. We reviewed 1,084 cases of GHomas, 409 (37.7%) of which harbored GNAS mutations. In pediatrics cases, aged 15 years or younger, 11 harbored a GNAS mutation, and GNAS p.Arg201Cys was identified in five cases. No other cases of codon 227 mutation were detected. These cases suggest that, in pediatric patients, the clinical features of GHoma may differ from those observed in adults. This is possibly related to octreotide or dopamine agonist resistance. Of six patients with surgical resistance, only one was reactive when treated with octreotide. Our case shows that octreotide LAR is an effective choice for treating GNAS-induced GHoma. This is the first report detailing the effectiveness of octreotide LAR in a GNAS codon 227 mutation-induced GHoma in a pediatric case. Examination of the relationship between genetic variation and clinical features in pediatric patients will enable us to assess the long-term effects of surgical and medical treatment of GHomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Watanabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hideaki Yagasaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Satoru Kojika
- Department of Pediatrics, Fujiyoshida Municipal Hospital, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Masakazu Ogiwara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kinouchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Takaya Nakane
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Inukai
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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Xia Z, Guo X, Zhou Q, Wu J, Lian W, Yao Y, Deng K, Feng M, Wang R, Xing B. Somatotrophic Adenoma in Children Younger than 14 Years: Clinical Features and Treatment of 22 Cases at a Large Pituitary Center. World Neurosurg 2018; 112:e561-e568. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.01.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Rostomyan L, Potorac I, Beckers P, Daly AF, Beckers A. AIP mutations and gigantism. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2017; 78:123-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE To review published data on pegvisomant and its therapeutic role in acromegaly. METHODS Electronic searches of the published literature were conducted using the keywords: acromegaly, growth hormone (GH) receptor (antagonist), pegvisomant, therapy. Relevant articles (n = 141) were retrieved and considered for inclusion in this manuscript. RESULTS Pegvisomant is a genetically engineered, recombinant growth hormone receptor antagonist, which is effective in normalizing serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in the majority of patients with acromegaly and ameliorating symptoms and signs associated with GH excess. Pegvisomant does not have direct antiproliferative effects on the underlying somatotroph pituitary adenoma, which is the etiology of GH excess in the vast majority of patients with acromegaly. Therefore, patients receiving pegvisomant monotherapy require regular pituitary imaging in order to monitor for possible increase in tumor size. Adverse events in patients on pegvisomant therapy include skin rashes, lipohypertrophy at injection sites, and idiosyncratic liver toxicity (generally asymptomatic transaminitis that is reversible upon drug discontinuation), thus necessitating regular patient monitoring. CONCLUSIONS Pegvisomant is an effective therapeutic agent in patients with acromegaly who are not in remission after undergoing pituitary surgery. It mitigates excess GH action, as demonstrated by IGF-1 normalization, but has no direct effects on pituitary tumors causing acromegaly. Regular surveillance for possible tumor growth and adverse effects (hepatotoxicity, skin manifestations) is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Tritos
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Zero Emerson Place # 112, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Beverly M K Biller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Zero Emerson Place # 112, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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