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Attia N, Moussa K, Altwaim A, Al-Agha AE, Amir AA, Almuhareb A. Tackling access and payer barriers for growth hormone therapy in Saudi Arabia: a consensus statement for the Saudi Working Group for Pediatric Endocrinology. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2024; 37:387-399. [PMID: 38547465 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2024-0021] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Prompt diagnosis and early treatment are key goals to optimize the outcomes of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and attain the genetically expected adult height. Nonetheless, several barriers can hinder prompt diagnosis and treatment of GHD, including payer-related issues. In Saudi Arabia, moderate-to-severe short stature was reported in 13.1 and 11.7 % of healthy boys and girls, respectively. Several access and payer barriers can face pediatric endocrinologists during the diagnosis and treatment of GHD in Saudi Arabia. Insurance coverage policies can restrict access to diagnostic tests for GHD and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) due to their high costs and lack of gold-standard criteria. Some insurance policies may limit the duration of treatment with rhGH or the amount of medication covered per month. This consensus article gathered the insights of pediatric endocrinologists from Saudi Arabia to reflect the access and payer barriers to the diagnostic tests and treatment options of children with short stature. We also discussed the current payer-related challenges endocrinologists face during the investigations of children with short stature. The consensus identified potential strategies to overcome these challenges and optimize patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najya Attia
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, 4917 King Abdulaziz Medical City/King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center , Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abdulaziz Altwaim
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- International Diabetes Care Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmoein Eid Al-Agha
- Pediatric Department, Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Section, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Krzyścin M, Sowińska-Przepiera E, Gruca-Stryjak K, Soszka-Przepiera E, Syrenicz I, Przepiera A, Bumbulienė Ž, Syrenicz A. Are Young People with Turner Syndrome Who Have Undergone Treatment with Growth and Sex Hormones at Higher Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Complications? Biomedicines 2024; 12:1034. [PMID: 38790996 PMCID: PMC11118016 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by visceral obesity, glucose abnormalities, hypertension and dyslipidemia, poses a significant risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Turner syndrome (TS), resulting from X chromosome abnormalities, carries health complications. Despite growing evidence of an increased risk of MetS in women with TS, its prevalence and risk factors remain under investigation. These considerations are further complicated by the varying timing and dosages of treatment with growth hormone and sex hormones. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study comparing 44 individuals with TS with 52 age-matched control subjects. Growth hormone treatment in the study group was administered for varying lengths of time, depending on clinical response. We collected anthropometric, metabolic, endocrine and body composition data. Statistical analyses included logistic regression. RESULTS Baseline characteristics, including age, BMI and height, were comparable between the TS and control groups. Hormonally, individuals with TS showed lower levels of testosterone, DHEA-S, and cortisol, as well as elevated FSH. Lipid profiles indicated an atherogenic profile, and the body composition analysis showed increased visceral adipose tissue in those with TS. Other metabolic abnormalities were common in individuals with TS too, including hypertension and impaired fasting glucose levels. The risk of MetS components was assessed in subgroups according to karyotypes: monosomy 45X0 vs. other mosaic karyotypes. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between increased visceral adipose tissue in subjects with TS. Those with metabolic complications tended to have less muscle strength compared to those without these complications in both the study and control groups. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the unique metabolic and cardiovascular risk profile of individuals with TS, characterized by atherogenic lipids, higher levels of visceral adipose tissue and increased metabolic abnormalities. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring metabolic health in individuals with TS, regardless of age, BMI or karyotype, and suggest the potential benefits of lifestyle modification, building more muscle strength, and weight control strategies. Further research is needed to better understand and address the metabolic challenges faced by women with TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Krzyścin
- Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic, Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Sowińska-Przepiera
- Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic, Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic and Internal Diseases, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Karolina Gruca-Stryjak
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznań, Poland
- Centers for Medical Genetics GENESIS, ul. Dąbrowskiego 77a, 60-529 Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewelina Soszka-Przepiera
- II-nd Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Igor Syrenicz
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic and Internal Diseases, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Adam Przepiera
- Department of Urology and Urologic Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Al. Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Žana Bumbulienė
- Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Anhelli Syrenicz
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolic and Internal Diseases, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
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Zhao Q, Zhang M, Li Y, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Shao Q, Wei W, Yang W, Ban B. Molecular diagnosis is an important indicator for response to growth hormone therapy in children with short stature. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 554:117779. [PMID: 38220134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.117779] [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] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant differences have been observed in the efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment for short children. The present study aimed to identify the genetic etiology of short stature and to assess the role of molecular diagnosis in predicting responses to rhGH treatment. METHODS A total of 407 short children were included in the present study, 226 of whom received rhGH treatment. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was conducted on short children to identify the underlying genetic etiology. Correlations between molecular diagnosis and the efficacy of rhGH treatment were examined. RESULTS Pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations were identified in 86 of the 407 patients (21.1%), including 36 (41.9%) novel variants. Among the multiple pathways affecting short stature, genes involved in fundamental cellular processes (38.7%) play a larger role, especially the RAS-MAPK pathway. In general, patients without pathogenic mutations responded better to rhGH than those with mutations. Furthermore, patients with hormone signaling pathway mutations had a better response to rhGH, while those with paracrine factor mutations had a worse response to rhGH. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the utility of WES in identifying genetic etiology in children with short stature. Identifying likely causal mutations is an important factor in predicting rhGH response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China
| | - Yanying Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China
| | - Chuanpeng Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China
| | - Yanhong Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China
| | - Qian Shao
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China
| | - Wei Wei
- Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China
| | - Wanling Yang
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam 999077 Hong Kong, China.
| | - Bo Ban
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China; Chinese Research Center for Behavior Medicine in Growth and Development, 89 Guhuai Road, Jining, Shandong 272029, PR China.
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