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Federici S, Goggi G, Quinton R, Giovanelli L, Persani L, Cangiano B, Bonomi M. New and Consolidated Therapeutic Options for Pubertal Induction in Hypogonadism: In-depth Review of the Literature. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:824-851. [PMID: 34864951 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Delayed puberty (DP) defines a retardation of onset/progression of sexual maturation beyond the expected age from either a lack/delay of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis activation or a gonadal failure. DP usually gives rise to concern and uncertainty in patients and their families, potentially affecting their immediate psychosocial well-being and also creating longer term psychosexual sequelae. The most frequent form of DP in younger teenagers is self-limiting and may not need any intervention. Conversely, DP from hypogonadism requires prompt and specific treatment that we summarize in this review. Hormone therapy primarily targets genital maturation, development of secondary sexual characteristics, and the achievement of target height in line with genetic potential, but other key standards of care include body composition and bone mass. Finally, pubertal induction should promote psychosexual development and mitigate both short- and long-term impairments comprising low self-esteem, social withdrawal, depression, and psychosexual difficulties. Different therapeutic options for pubertal induction have been described for both males and females, but we lack the necessary larger randomized trials to define the best approaches for both sexes. We provide an in-depth and updated literature review regarding therapeutic options for inducing puberty in males and females, particularly focusing on recent therapeutic refinements that better encompass the heterogeneity of this population, and underlining key differences in therapeutic timing and goals. We also highlight persistent shortcomings in clinical practice, wherein strategies directed at "the child with delayed puberty of uncertain etiology" risk being misapplied to older adolescents likely to have permanent hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Federici
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Goggi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Richard Quinton
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 4LP, UK.,Translational & Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 4EP, UK
| | - Luca Giovanelli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Biagio Cangiano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy.,Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
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Lee HS, Shim YS, Hwang JS. Treatment of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in male patients. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2022; 27:176-182. [PMID: 36203268 PMCID: PMC9537667 DOI: 10.6065/apem.2244208.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is characterized by complete or partial failure of pubertal development because of inadequate secretion of gonadotropic hormones. CHH consists of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with anosmia or hyposmia, Kallmann syndrome, and the normosmic variation normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. CHH is one of the few treatable diseases of male infertility, although men with primary testicular dysfunction have irreversibly diminished spermatogenic capacity. The approach to CHH treatment is determined by goals such as developing virilization or inducing fertility. This review focuses on the current knowledge of therapeutic modalities for inducing puberty and fertility in men with CHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Sang Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea,Address for correspondence: Hae Sang Lee Ajou University School of Medicine, Depar tment of Pediatrics, 5-1 Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499 Korea
| | - Young Suk Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jin Soon Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Korea
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Swee DS, Quinton R. Current concepts surrounding neonatal hormone therapy for boys with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:47-61. [PMID: 34994276 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2023008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a genetic disorder of reproduction and development, characterized by deficient gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion or action, affecting 1-in-4,000-15,000 males. Micropenis and undescended testes are cardinal features of antenatal GnRH deficiency and could indicate absent minipuberty in the first postnatal months. In this review, we outline the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of absent minipuberty and its implications for optimal approaches to the endocrine management of affected boys. AREAS COVERED Deficient GnRH activity during fetal development and neonatal-infancy phase of minipuberty accounts for the diminished mass of Sertoli cells and seminiferous tubules among CHH males, enduring impairment of reproductive function even during gonadotropin replacement in adult life. In overcoming this obstacle, several clinical studies of neonatal gonadotropin replacement have consistently shown positive results in inducing testicular development and correcting cryptorchidism. EXPERT OPINION A high index of clinical suspicion, combined with hormonal testing undertaken in the postnatal period of 1-4 months, can reliably confirm or refute the diagnosis of CHH. Timely identification of CHH in affected male infants (having characteristic "red flag' developmental anomalies) opens up the possibility for gonadotropin replacement as a targeted therapy to restore the normal hormonal milieu of minipuberty. Further work is necessary in formulating optimal gonadotropin treatment regimens to be more widely adopted in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Soon Swee
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Quinton
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
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Abstract
Many of the recent advances in our understanding of human reproductive biology and its genetic basis have arisen directly via the genetic investigation of patients with Kallmann syndrome and their families. The disease is characterised by the association of an isolated defect in the secretion (or, less commonly, action) of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and consequent infertility, with anosmia and potentially other associated non-reproductive features. GnRH-producing neurons are located in the hypothalamic brain region after a peculiar migration during embryonic life. To date, different genes affecting GnRH neuron development/migration have so far been implicated in Kallmann syndrome, but our knowledge of the genetic basis of the syndrome remains incomplete. From a clinical point of view, the disease has suffered from a lack of definitive diagnosis and treatment, and although progress has been made in terms of timely diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of patients, implementation remains inconsistent. These aspects will be discussed in this review, which examines new strategies for arriving at more evidence-based and patient-centred medical practice in Kallmann syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Soon Swee
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Richard Quinton
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Roberto Maggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, MI, Italy
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Papadimitriou DT, Chrysis D, Nyktari G, Zoupanos G, Liakou E, Papadimitriou A, Mastorakos G. Replacement of Male Mini-Puberty. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:1275-1282. [PMID: 31240270 PMCID: PMC6584110 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Clinical management of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) remains a challenge in pediatric endocrinology. Objective To investigate whether daily subcutaneous injections of the recombinant human LH/FSH preparation could mimic the physiological male mini-puberty. Design and Setting The REMAP (REplacement of MAle mini-Puberty) study with up to 10 years of follow-up. Patients and Intervention Ten neonates or infants, all with bilateral cryptorchidism in intra-abdominal/inguinal position and micropenis with the absence of neonatal male mini-puberty, received daily subcutaneous injections of Pergoveris® (LH/FSH 75/150 IU) for 3 months. Main Outcome Measures Restoration of bilateral cryptorchidism/micropenis and the Leydig/Sertoli cells function. Results At the end of treatment, median LH and FSH, both undetectable before treatment, reached high normal levels of 4.45 IU/L and supranormal levels 83 IU/L, respectively; median inhibin-b and anti-Mullerian hormone levels increased from subnormal (27.8 and 1.54 ng/mL, respectively) to normal levels (365 and 150 ng/mL, respectively); median testosterone increased from just detectable (0.02 ng/mL) to normal levels (3.3 ng/mL). Stretched penile length increased from a median of 2 to 3.8 cm. During therapy, all testes descended to the scrotal position (by the end of the first month in three patients, the second month in four patients, and the third month in three patients), measuring 1.5 mL and appearing normal in ultrasonography. Three infants received additional treatment with testosterone enanthate. In two infants, one of two testes regressed in the low inguinal area; both infants were successfully treated surgically. After 1 to 10 years of follow-up, all testes are still in scrotal position and have slightly regressed in size. Conclusions The proposed regimen mimics neonatal male mini-puberty and successfully treats infants with micropenis and cryptorchidism in CHH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dionysios Chrysis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Medical School, University of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - Georgia Nyktari
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Gaia Maternity, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - George Zoupanos
- Pediatric Urology Clinic, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Anastasios Papadimitriou
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Mastorakos
- Endocrine Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Stamou MI, Varnavas P, Plummer L, Koika V, Georgopoulos NA. Next-generation sequencing refines the genetic architecture of Greek GnRH-deficient patients. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:468-480. [PMID: 30921766 PMCID: PMC6479194 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Isolated gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency (IGD) is a rare disease with a wide spectrum of reproductive and non-reproductive clinical characteristics. Apart from the phenotypic heterogeneity, IGD is also highly genetically heterogeneous with >35 genes implicated in the disease. Despite this genetic heterogeneity, genetic enrichment in specific subpopulations has been described. We have previously described low prevalence of genetic variation in the Greek IGD cohort discovered with utilization of Sanger sequencing in 14 known IGD genes. Here, we describe the expansion of genetic screening in the largest IGD Greek cohort that has ever been studied with the usage of whole-exome sequencing, searching for rare sequencing variants (RSVs) in 37 known IGD genes. Even though Sanger sequencing detected genetic variation in 21/81 IGD patients in 7/14 IGD genes without any evidence of oligogenicity, whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed that 27/87 IGD patients carried a rare genetic change in a total of 15 genes with 4 IGD cases being oligogenic. Our findings suggest that next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques can discover previously undetected variation, making them the standardized method for screening patients with rare and/or more common disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Stamou
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Regional Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
- Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - P Varnavas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Regional Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - L Plummer
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - V Koika
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Regional Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - N A Georgopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Regional Hospital of Patras, Rio, Greece
- Correspondence should be addressed to N A Georgopoulos:
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Stamou MI, Plummer L, Galli-Tsinopoulou A, Stergidou D, Koika V, Georgopoulos NA. Unilateral renal agenesis as an early marker for genetic screening in Kallmann syndrome. Hormones (Athens) 2019; 18:103-105. [PMID: 30255480 PMCID: PMC6433544 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-018-0061-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Isolated GnRH Deficiency (IGD) that is either displayed as Kallmann Syndrome (KS) or normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH) is a rare Mendelian disorder with wide clinical and genetic variability. Apart from the arrest of pubertal development, IGD is also characterized by a variety of non- reproductive features including unilateral renal agenesis (URA), midline defects, dental & ocular defects and many more. In this analysis we explored the role of unilateral renal agenesis, as a screening tool for detection of genetic changes associated with IGD. We performed detailed genetic screening with Sanger sequencing in 14 genes associated with Isolated GnRH Deficiency as well as screening of intragenic deletions in the gene of anosmin 1-ANOS1 with MLPA. No genetic variation was detected, suggestive of an alternative genetic cause for URA in these normosmic patients, highlighting the necessity of further genetic screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Stamou
- Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center and the Reproductive Endocrine Unit of the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece.
- Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - L Plummer
- Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Sciences Center and the Reproductive Endocrine Unit of the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Galli-Tsinopoulou
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Stergidou
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - V Koika
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - N A Georgopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
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Swee DS, Quinton R. Congenital Hypogonadotrophic Hypogonadism: Minipuberty and the Case for Neonatal Diagnosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:97. [PMID: 30846970 PMCID: PMC6393341 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare but important etiology of pubertal failure and infertility, resulting from impaired gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion or action. Despite the availability of effective hormonal therapies, the majority of men with CHH experience unsatisfactory outcomes, including chronic psychosocial and reproductive sequelae. Early detection and timely interventions are crucial to address the gaps in medical care and improve the outlook for these patients. In this paper, we review the clinical implications of missing minipuberty in CHH and therapeutic strategies that can modify the course of disease, as well as explore a targeted approach to identifying affected male infants by integrating clinical and biochemical data in the early postnatal months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Soon Swee
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Du Soon Swee
| | - Richard Quinton
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Swee DS, Quinton R. Managing congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism: a contemporary approach directed at optimizing fertility and long-term outcomes in males. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2019; 10:2042018819826889. [PMID: 30800268 PMCID: PMC6378644 DOI: 10.1177/2042018819826889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormonal induction of spermatogenesis offers men with azoospermia due to hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH) the promising prospect of fertility restoration. However, an important exception is the subset of individuals affected by congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (CHH), also known as Kallmann syndrome if associated with anosmia, who often display dismal responses to fertility induction, despite prolonged therapy. This primarily stems from the loss of minipuberty, which is a crucial phase of testicular maturation in early life that has a far-reaching impact on eventual spermatogenic capacity. Further exacerbating the compromised reproductive health is the failure to initiate timely pubertal induction in many CHH patients, resulting in suboptimal genital and psychosexual development. In this paper, the clinical implications and management of male HH across the lifespan is comprehensively reviewed, with a special focus on novel strategies that have the potential to modify disease severity and maximize fertility potential in CHH by addressing the inadequacies of conventional approaches.
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