Lessons from prospective longitudinal follow-up of a French APECED cohort

BACKGROUND

APECED syndrome is a rare disease caused by biallelic mutations of the AIRE gene, usually presenting with the triad "hypoparathyroidism-adrenal failure-chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC)" and non-endocrine manifestations. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular profile of the AIRE gene, the prevalence of rare manifestations and to characterize immunological disturbances in a French cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A national, multicenter prospective observational study to collect genetic, clinical, biological and immunological data (NCT03751683).

RESULTS

25 patients (23 families) were enrolled. Eleven distinct AIRE variants were identified, two of which were not previously reported: an intronic variant, c.653-70G > A, and a c.1066del (p.Arg356GlyfsX22) variant (exon 9). The most common was the Finnish variant c.769C > T (16 alleles), followed by the variant c.967_979del13 (15 alleles), which seemed associated with a less severe phenotype. 17/25 patients were homozygote. The median number of clinical manifestations was seven; 19/25 patients presented with the hypoparathyroidism-adrenal failure-CMC triad, 8/13 showed pulmonary involvement, 20/25 had ectodermal dystrophy, 8/25 had malabsorption, and 6/23 had asplenia. Fifteen out of 19 patients had NK cell lymphopenia with an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and an age-dependent alteration of B lymphocyte homeostasis compared with matched controls (p < 0.001), related to the severity of the disease. All tested sera (n = 18) were positive for anti-interferon-α, 15/18 for anti-interleukin-22 antibodies, and 13/18 for anti-interleukin-17F antibodies, without clear phenotypic correlation other than with CMC.

CONCLUSION

This first prospective cohort showed a high AIRE genotype variability, with two new gene variants. The prevalence of potentially life-threatening non-endocrine manifestations, was higher with systematic screening. These manifestations could, along with age-dependent B-cell lymphopenia, contribute to disease severity. Systematic screening for all the manifestations of the syndrome would allow earlier diagnosis, supporting vaccination, and targeted therapeutic approaches.

Patients' perspective on the medical pathway from first symptoms to diagnosis in genetic lipodystrophy

OBJECTIVE

Underdiagnosis is an important issue in genetic lipodystrophies, which are rare diseases with metabolic, cardiovascular, gynecological, and psychological complications. We aimed to characterize the diagnostic pathway in these diseases from the patients' perspective.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study conducted through a self-reported patient questionnaire.

METHODS

Patients with genetic lipodystrophy were recruited throughout the French national reference network for rare diseases of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Patients completed a self-reported questionnaire on disease symptoms, steps leading to the diagnosis, and healthcare professionals involved. Descriptive analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Out of 175 eligible patients, 109 patients (84% women) were included; 93 had partial familial lipodystrophy and 16 congenital generalized lipodystrophy. Metabolic comorbidities (diabetes 68%, hypertriglyceridemia 66%, hepatic steatosis 57%), cardiovascular (hypertension 54%), and gynecologic complications (irregular menstruation 60%) were frequently reported. Median age at diagnosis was 30 years (interquartile range [IQR] 23-47). The overall diagnostic process was perceived as "very difficult" for many patients. It extended over 12 years (IQR 5-25) with more than five different physicians consulted by 36% of respondents, before diagnosis, for lipodystrophy-related symptoms. The endocrinologist made the diagnosis for 77% of the patients. Changes in morphotype were reported as the first symptoms by the majority of respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic pathway in patients with genetic lipodystrophy is rendered difficult by the multisystemic features of the disease and the lack of knowledge of non-specialized physicians. Training physicians to systematically include adipose tissue examination in routine clinical evaluation should improve diagnosis and management of lipodystrophy and lipodystrophy-associated comorbidities.

Dominant PDX1 deficiency causes highly penetrant diabetes at different ages, associated with obesity and exocrine pancreatic deficiency: Lessons for precision medicine

OBJECTIVE

Heterozygous pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) PDX1 variants cause monogenic diabetes. We comprehensively examined the phenotypes of carriers of P/LP PDX1 variants, and delineated potential treatments that could be efficient in an objective of precision medicine.

METHODS

The study primarily involved a family harboring a novel P/LP PDX1 variant. We then conducted an analysis of documented carriers of P/LP PDX1 variants, from the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD), RaDiO study, and Type 2 Diabetes Knowledge Portal (T2DKP) including 87 K participants.

RESULTS

Within the family, we identified a P/LP PDX1 variant encoding p.G232S in four relatives. All of them exhibited diabetes, albeit with very different ages of onset (10-40 years), along with caudal pancreatic agenesis and childhood-onset obesity. In the HGMD, 79 % of carriers of a P/LP PDX1 variant displayed diabetes (with differing ages of onset from eight days of life to 67 years), 63 % exhibited pancreatic insufficiency and surprisingly 40 % had obesity. The impact of P/LP PDX1 variants on increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus was confirmed in the T2DKP. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP4i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA), enabled good glucose control without hypoglycemia and weight management.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals diverse clinical presentations among the carriers of a P/LP PDX1 variant, highlighting strong variations in diabetes onset, and unexpectedly high prevalence of obesity and pancreatic development abnormalities. Clinical data suggest that DPP4i and GLP1-RA may be the best effective treatments to manage both glucose and weight controls, opening new avenue in precision diabetic medicine.

Genetic testing in prolactinomas: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Prolactinomas represent 46%-66% of pituitary adenomas, but the prevalence of germline mutations is largely unknown. We present here the first study focusing on hereditary predisposition to prolactinoma.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the prevalence of germline mutations in a large cohort of patients with isolated prolactinomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed combining genetic and clinical data from patients referred for genetic testing of MEN1, AIP, and CDKN1B between 2003 and 2020. SF3B1 was Sanger sequenced in genetically negative patients.

RESULTS

About 506 patients with a prolactinoma were included: 80 with microprolactinoma (15.9%), 378 with macroprolactinoma (74.7%), 48 unknown; 49/506 in a familial context (9.7%). Among these, 14 (2.8%) had a (likely) pathogenic variant (LPV) in MEN1 or AIP, and none in CDKN1B. All positive patients had developed a macroprolactinoma before age 30. The prevalence of germline mutations in patients with isolated macroprolactinoma under 30 was 4% (11/258) in a sporadic context and 15% (3/20) in a familial context. Prevalence in sporadic cases younger than 18 was 15% in men (5/33) and 7% in women (4/57). No R625H SF3B1 germline mutation was identified in 264 patients with macroprolactinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not identify any LPVs in patients over 30 years of age, either in a familial or in a sporadic context, and in a sporadic context in our series or the literature. Special attention should be paid to young patients and to familial context.

The Severity of Congenital Hypothyroidism With Gland-In-Situ Predicts Molecular Yield by Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing

INTRODUCTION

Congenital hypothyroidism with gland-in-situ (CH-GIS) is usually attributed to mutations in the genes involved in thyroid hormone production. The diagnostic yield of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) varied widely between studies. We hypothesized that the molecular yield of targeted NGS would depend on the severity of CH.

METHODS

Targeted NGS was performed in 103 CH-GIS patients from the French national screening program referred to the Reference Center for Rare Thyroid Diseases of Angers University Hospital. The custom targeted NGS panel contained 48 genes. Cases were classified as solved or probably solved depending on the known inheritance of the gene, the classification of the variants according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the familial segregation, and published functional studies. Thyroid-stimulating hormone at CH screening and at diagnosis (TSHsc and TSHdg) and free T4 at diagnosis (FT4dg) were recorded.

RESULTS

NGS identified 95 variants in 10 genes in 73 of the 103 patients, resulting in 25 solved cases and 18 probably solved cases. They were mainly due to mutations in the TG (n = 20) and TPO (n = 15) genes. The molecular yield was, respectively, 73% and 25% if TSHsc was ≥ and < 80 mUI/L, 60% and 30% if TSHdg was ≥ and < 100 mUI/L, and 69% and 29% if FT4dg was ≤ and > 5 pmol/L.

CONCLUSION

NGS in patients with CH-GIS in France found a molecular explanation in 42% of the cases, increasing to 70% when TSHsc was ≥ 80 mUI/L or FT4dg was ≤ 5 pmol/L.

Heterozygous pathogenic variants in POMC are not responsible for monogenic obesity: implication for MC4R agonist use

PURPOSE

Recessive deficiency for proopiomelanocortin (POMC) causes childhood-onset severe obesity. Cases can now benefit from the MC4R agonist setmelanotide. Furthermore, a phase 3 clinical trialis evaluating setmelanotide in heterozygotes for POMC. We performed a large-scale genetic analysis assessing the effect of heterozygous, pathogenic POMC variants on obesity.

METHODS

A genetic analysis was performed in a family including two cousins with childhood-onset obesity. We analyzed the obesity status of heterozygotes for pathogenic POMC variants in the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD). The association between heterozygous, pathogenic POMC variants and obesity risk was assessed using 190,000 exome samples from UK Biobank.

RESULTS

The two cousins carried a compound heterozygous, pathogenic variant in POMC. Six siblings were heterozygotes; only one of them had obesity. In HGMD, we identified 60 heterozygotes for pathogenic POMC variants, of whom 14 had obesity. In UK Biobank, heterozygous, pathogenic POMC variants were not associated with obesity risk, but modestly increased body mass index levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterozygous, pathogenic POMC variants do not contribute to monogenic obesity, but slightly increase BMI. Setmelanotide use in patients with obesity which would only be based on the presence of a heterozygous POMC variant can be questioned.

The Effectiveness of an App (Insulia) in Recommending Basal Insulin Doses for French Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Longitudinal Observational Study

BACKGROUND

For patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), calculating the daily dose of basal insulin may be challenging. Insulia is a digital remote monitoring solution that uses clinical algorithms to recommend basal insulin doses. A predecessor device was evaluated in the TeleDiab-2 randomized controlled trial, showing that a higher percentage of patients using the app achieved their target fasting blood glucose (FBG) level compared to the control group, and insulin doses were adjusted to higher levels without hypoglycemia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze how the glycemic control of Insulia users has evolved when using the app in a real-life setting in France.

METHODS

A retrospective observational analysis of data collected through the device in adult French patients with T2D treated with basal insulin and oral antihyperglycemic agents using the system for ≥6 months was conducted. Analyses were descriptive and distinguished the results in a subpopulation of regular and compliant users of the app. Glycemic outcomes were estimated considering the percentage of patients who achieved their individualized FBG target between 5.5 and 6 months following the initiation of device use, the frequency of hypoglycemia resulting in a treatment change over the 6-month period of exposure, and the evolution of the average hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level over the same period.

RESULTS

Of the 484 users, 373 (77.1%) performed at least one dose calculation. A total of 221 (59.2%) users were men. When app use started, the mean age, BMI, HbA_1c, and basal insulin dose were 55.8 (SD 11.9) years, 30.6 (SD 5.9) kg/m², 10.1% (SD 2.0%), and 25.5 (SD 15.8) IU/day, respectively. Over a median use duration of 5.0 (95% CI 3.8-5.7) months, patients used the system 5.8 (SD 1.6) times per week on average, and 73.4% of their injected doses were consistent with the app's suggested doses. Among regular and compliant user patients (n=91, ≥5 measurements/week and ≥80% adherence to calculated doses), 60% (55/91) achieved the FBG target (±5%) at 6 months (5.5-6 months) versus 51.5% (145/282) of the other patients (P=.15). There was an increase in the proportion of patients achieving their target FBG for regular and compliant users (+1.86% every 2 weeks) without clear improvement in other patients. A logistic model did not identify the variables that were significantly associated with this outcome among regular and compliant users. In the overall population, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia decreased simultaneously (-0.16%/month). Among 82 patients, the mean HbA_1c decreased from 9.9% to 7.2% at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

An improvement in glycemic control as measured by the percentage of patients reaching their FBG individualized target range without increasing hypoglycemic risk was observed in patients using the Insulia app, especially among regular users following the dose recommendations of the algorithm.

SDHx mutation and pituitary adenoma: can in vivo 1H-MR spectroscopy unravel the link?

Germline mutations in genes encoding succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) are frequently involved in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL) development and were implicated in patients with the '3PAs' syndrome (associating pituitary adenoma (PA) and PPGL) or isolated PA. However, the causality link between SDHx mutation and PA remains difficult to establish, and in vivo tools for detecting hallmarks of SDH deficiency are scarce. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can detect succinate in vivo as a biomarker of SDHx mutations in PGL. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the causality link between PA and SDH deficiency in vivo using 1H-MRS as a novel noninvasive tool for succinate detection in PA. Three SDHx-mutated patients suffering from a PPGL and a macroprolactinoma and one patient with an apparently sporadic non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma underwent MRI examination at 3 T. An optimized 1H-MRS semi-LASER sequence (TR = 2500 ms, TE = 144 ms) was employed for the detection of succinate in vivo. Succinate and choline-containing compounds were identified in the MR spectra as single resonances at 2.44 and 3.2 ppm, respectively. Choline compounds were detected in all the tumors (three PGL and four PAs), while a succinate peak was only observed in the three macroprolactinomas and the three PGL of SDHx-mutated patients, demonstrating SDH deficiency in these tumors. In conclusion, the detection of succinate by 1H-MRS as a hallmark of SDH deficiency in vivo is feasible in PA, laying the groundwork for a better understanding of the biological link between SDHx mutations and the development of these tumors.

Predictive Factors of Somatostatin Receptor Ligand Response in Acromegaly-A Prospective Study

CONTEXT

Somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) are the cornerstone medical treatments for acromegaly; however, many patients remain unresponsive to SRLs. Well-established predictive markers of response are needed.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the relationship between responsiveness to SRLs relative to somatostatin (SST)2A and 5 receptor expression, adenoma granularity, and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity (T2WSI).

METHODS

We conducted a multicentric, prospective, observational cohort study, in France. Forty-nine naïve patients (ie, patients without preoperative SRL treatment) with active acromegaly following surgery were treated with octreotide (group 1; n = 47), or pasireotide if uncontrolled under first-generation SRLs (group 2; n = 9). Data were collected at baseline and months 3 and 6. Biochemical measurements, immunohistochemistry studies, and MRI readings were centralized.

RESULTS

In group 1, IGF-I decrease from baseline to month 6 positively correlated with SST2A immunoreactive score (IRS), P = 0.01. Densely granulated/intermediate adenomas had a greater IGF-I and GH decrease under octreotide compared with sparsely granulated adenomas (P = 0.02 and P = 0.006, respectively), and expressed greater levels of SST2A (P < 0.001), coupled with lower levels of SST5 (P = 0.004). T2WSI changed between preoperative MRI and month 6 MRI in one-half of the patients. Finally, SST5 IRS was higher in preoperative hyperintense compared with preoperative hypointense adenomas (P = 0.04), and most sparsely granulated and most hyperintense adenomas expressed high SST5 levels.

CONCLUSION

We prospectively confirm that SST2A and adenoma granularity are good predictors of response to octreotide. We propose the IRS for scoring system harmonization. MRI sequences must be optimized to be able to use the T2WSI as a predictor of treatment response.

Systematic detection of mosaicism by using digital NGS reveals three new MEN1 mosaicisms

Purpose

Mosaicism is a feature of several inherited tumor syndromes. Only a few cases of mosaicism have been described in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers new possibilities for detecting mosaicism. Here, we report the first study to systematically look for MEN1 mosaicism, using blood DNA, in MEN1-suspected patients but without MEN1 pathogenic variants (PV) in a heterozygous state.

Methods

Digital targeted NGS, including unique molecular identifiers (UMIs), was performed in routine practice, and the analytic performance of this method was verified.

Results

Among a cohort of 119 patients harboring from 2 to 5 MEN1 lesions, we identified 3 patients with MEN1 mosaic PVs. The allele frequencies ranged from 2.3 to 9.5%. The detection rate of MEN1 mosaicism in patients bearing at least 3 MEN1 lesions was 17% (3/18). No cases were detected in patients with two lesions.

Conclusion

We report here three new cases with MEN1 mosaicism. This study examined the performance of UMI in the diagnosis of MEN1 mosaicism in routine practice, and our results underline that the frequency of mosaicism is probably underestimated in patients with suspected MEN1.

Temporal deep learning framework for retinopathy prediction in patients with type 1 diabetes

The adoption of electronic health records in hospitals has ensured the availability of large datasets that can be used to predict medical complications. The trajectories of patients in real-world settings are highly variable, making longitudinal data modeling challenging. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the study of deep learning models applied to time series; however, the application of these models to irregular medical time series (IMTS) remains limited. To address this issue, we developed a generic deep-learning-based framework for modeling IMTS that facilitates the comparative studies of sequential neural networks (transformers and long short-term memory) and irregular time representation techniques. A validation study to predict retinopathy complications was conducted on 1207 patients with type 1 diabetes in a French database using their historical glycosylated hemoglobin measurements, without any data aggregation or imputation. The transformer-based model combined with the soft one-hot representation of time gaps achieved the highest score: an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 88.65%, specificity of 85.56%, sensitivity of 83.33% and an improvement of 11.7% over the same architecture without time information. This is the first attempt to predict retinopathy complications in patients with type 1 diabetes using deep learning and longitudinal data collected from patient visits. This study highlighted the significance of modeling time gaps between medical records to improve prediction performance and the utility of a generic framework for conducting extensive comparative studies.

Unilateral or bilateral adrenalectomy in PPNAD: six cases from a single family followed up over 40 years

The most frequent endocrine Carney complex manifestation is a bilateral primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease and bilateral adrenalectomy (BA) is therefore its main treatment. In this study, a 40 years follow-up of six members of the same family with heterozygous PRKAR1A germline mutation, is reported over two generations. The first cases, two sisters with severe hyperandrogenism and Cushing syndrome (CS) diagnosed in 1972 at age 14 and 25, were successfully treated with unilateral adrenalectomy (UA). Their two brothers were then diagnosed, one with a CS-related severe osteoporosis treated with BA and the other with CS treated with UA. The second generation was diagnosed with CS signs at 7 and 21 years of age and were treated with BA and UA respectively. Out of the four patients treated with UA, the only event possibly related to CS was spontaneous episode of pulmonary embolism, 30 years after surgery. Hormonal evaluation revealed either eucortisolism in one patient or partial adrenal deficiency in two and mild hypercortisolism in one patient. For the two patients with BA, one of them accidentally died. The second one, surprisingly, recovered progressively normal cortisol secretion and circadian variation. Steroid substitution was stopped 6 years after her surgery and we demonstrated by iodocholesterol scintigraphy the presence of bilateral adrenal remnants. In conclusion, our results of long term evolution of PPNAD patients show that UA in this subset of patients could be considered to treat CS.

Early Detection of Relapse by ctDNA Sequencing in a Patient with Metastatic Thymic Tumor and MEN1 Mosaicism

CONTEXT

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by inactivating mutations in the MEN1 gene. In the literature, few cases of MEN1 have been reported because of mosaic MEN1 mutations.

OBJECTIVE

We performed an extensive molecular characterization in several lesions and blood samples, including plasmatic circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) in an exceptional case of a patient with MEN1 mosaicism causing primary hyperparathyroidism, multiple pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and a metastatic thymic NET.

METHODS

Blood, ccfDNA and multiple tissue analysis were performed by next-generation sequencing.

RESULTS

MEN1 mosaicism was confirmed by multiple tissue analysis. Somatic analysis of the largest pancreatic NET revealed the same MEN1 second-hit mutation as found in the thymic lesion, demonstrating its metastatic origin from the thymic lesion. Moreover, in ccfDNA we found the mosaic MEN1 mutation but also the somatic second-hit mutation found in the thymic primary tumor, revealing the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). After surgical removal of the pancreatic metastasis, the mutated fraction of both mutations decreased, before increasing again several weeks before a new clinical relapse, suggesting that thymic ctDNA may be used as an early tumor biomarker.

CONCLUSION

This exceptional MEN1 case highlighted (1) the importance of looking for MEN1 mosaicism, (2) that MEN1 mosaicism can cause very aggressive disease, and (3) the interest in analyzing ccfDNA for confirming MEN1 mosaicism but also as a potential tumor biomarker for NET.

Association Between the Tissue and Circulating Advanced Glycation End-Products and the Micro- and Macrovascular Complications in Type 1 Diabetes: The DIABAGE Study

INTRODUCTION

Type 1 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of vascular complications. We aimed to investigate the association between serum and tissue advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and micro- and macrovascular complications in type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 196 adults with T1D (mean age 44.53 ± 16, mean duration of diabetes 22 ± 12 years, mean HbA1c 8 ± 1.2%). AGEs were measured in blood serum (i.e., carboxymethyllysine (CML), methylglyoxal-hydroimidazolone-1 (MGH1), and pentosidine) and by measurement of skin autofluorescence (SAF). Associations between AGEs levels and vascular complications were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Correlations between AGEs and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were also assessed by linear regressions. Significant differences were set for p values less than 0.05.

RESULTS

We found positive associations between different AGEs and vascular complications. SAF was associated with both microangiopathy (retinopathy: OR = 1.92, p = 0.011; neuropathy: OR = 2.02, p = 0.04; any microangiopathy: OR = 2.83, p < 0.0001) and macroangiopathy (coronaropathy: OR = 3.11, p = 0.009; any macroangiopathy: OR = 2.78, p = 0.003). For circulating AGEs, pentosidine was significantly associated with coronaropathy (OR = 1.61, p = 0.01) and any macroangiopathy (OR = 1.52, p = 0.005) while MGH1 was associated with nephropathy (OR 1.72, p = 0.03). Furthermore, a significant linear correlation was found between PWV and SAF (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), pentosidine (r = 0.28, p < 0.001), and MGH1 (r = 0.16, p = 0.031), but not for CML (r = 0.03, p = 0.598).

CONCLUSIONS

Skin autofluorescence appears to be a useful marker for investigating both micro- and macrovascular complications in T1D. In this study, pentosidine was associated with macroangiopathy and MGH1 with nephropathy among the circulating AGEs. Furthermore, the correlations between PWV and AGEs may suggest their value in early prediction of vascular complications in T1D.

Efficacy of subcutaneous Levothyroxine in a case of refractory hypothyroidism: A case report

RATIONALE

Daily oral synthetic levothyroxine (LT4) is the main treatment for hypothyroidism, which, in most cases, allows the regression of symptoms and the normalization of the thyroid function. However, rarely, despite a high dose of oral LT4, hypothyroidism persists and is called refractory hypothyroidism. Intravenous or intramuscular treatment is then often necessary. We report the case of a patient with refractory hypothyroidism successfully treated with subcutaneous LT4.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

After 4 weeks of weekly intravenous injections of 200 µg LT4 in complement to the oral treatment, thyroid balance was improved (TSH: 21.8 mIU/L). We tested the replacement of intravenous with subcutaneous injections of LT4 and gradually increased injection frequency from 1 to 3 injections per week (600 µg/week). Simultaneously, oral treatment was gradually tapered off, and within a few months, thyroid function tests were normalized. Two years later, hormone levels remained normal without symptoms of hypothyroidism. The only side effect was a local reaction in the first few weeks of injections, which spontaneously resolved.

LESSONS

In this case of unexplained oral LT4 malabsorption, subcutaneous injection allowed a self-administrated physiological dose of LT4 3 times weekly. Considering the efficacy of subcutaneous injection of LT4, this treatment could be a safe and easy alternative for patients with malabsorption.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 caused by mosaic mutation: clinical follow-up and genetic counseling?

MEN1 is an autosomal dominant hereditary syndrome characterized by several endocrine tumors, in most cases affecting the parathyroid glands, pancreas, and anterior pituitary. It is the result of inactivating mutations in the tumor suppressor gene MEN1. More than 1300 different mutations have been identified in this gene. Mosaic MEN1 mutations have been previously described in only a few patients in the literature. In this paper, we provide a review of six cases of MEN1 mosaicism reported in the literature supplemented with six additional cases described by the French TENgen network of laboratories. This review highlights that (i) MEN1 mosaicism is not associated with a mild phenotype and results in the same natural history as heterozygous MEN1 mutation and (ii) that more systematic detection of MEN1 mosaic mutation enables improvements in both patient monitoring and genetic counseling.

International comparison of glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes: an update and extension

AIMS

To update and extend a previous cross-sectional international comparison of glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Data were obtained for 520,392 children and adults with type 1 diabetes from 17 population and five clinic-based data sources in countries or regions between 2016 and 2020. Median HbA_1c (IQR) and proportions of individuals with HbA_1c < 58 mmol/mol (<7.5%), 58-74 mmol/mol (7.5-8.9%) and ≥75 mmol/mol (≥9.0%) were compared between populations for individuals aged <15, 15-24 and ≥25 years. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of HbA_1c < 58 mmol/mol (<7.5%) relative to ≥58 mmol/mol (≥7.5%), stratified and adjusted for sex, age and data source. Where possible, changes in the proportion of individuals in each HbA_1c category compared to previous estimates were calculated.

RESULTS

Median HbA_1c varied from 55 to 79 mmol/mol (7.2 to 9.4%) across data sources and age groups so a pooled estimate was deemed inappropriate. OR (95% CI) for HbA_1c < 58 mmol/mol (<7.5%) were 0.91 (0.90-0.92) for women compared to men, 1.68 (1.65-1.71) for people aged <15 years and 0.81 (0.79-0.82) aged15-24 years compared to those aged ≥25 years. Differences between populations persisted after adjusting for sex, age and data source. In general, compared to our previous analysis, the proportion of people with an HbA_1c  < 58 mmol/l (<7.5%) increased and proportions of people with HbA_1c ≥ 75 mmol/mol (≥9.0%) decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycaemic control of type 1 diabetes continues to vary substantially between age groups and data sources. While some improvement over time has been observed, glycaemic control remains sub-optimal for most people with Type 1 diabetes.

Dunnigan lipodystrophy syndrome: French National Diagnosis and Care Protocol (PNDS; Protocole National de Diagnostic et de Soins)

Dunnigan syndrome, or Familial Partial Lipodystrophy type 2 (FPLD2; ORPHA 2348), is a rare autosomal dominant disorder due to pathogenic variants of the LMNA gene. The objective of the French National Diagnosis and Care Protocol (PNDS; Protocole National de Diagnostic et de Soins), is to provide health professionals with a guide to optimal management and care of patients with FPLD2, based on a critical literature review and multidisciplinary expert consensus. The PNDS, written by members of the French National Reference Center for Rare Diseases of Insulin Secretion and Insulin Sensitivity (PRISIS), is available on the French Health Authority website (in French). Dunnigan syndrome is characterized by a partial atrophy of the subcutaneous adipose tissue and by an insulin resistance syndrome, associated with a risk of metabolic, cardiovascular and muscular complications. Its prevalence, assessed at 1/100.000 in Europe, is probably considerably underestimated. Thorough clinical examination is key to diagnosis. Biochemical testing frequently shows hyperinsulinemia, abnormal glucose tolerance and hypertriglyceridemia. Elevated hepatic transaminases (hepatic steatosis) and creatine phosphokinase, and hyperandrogenism in women, are common. Molecular analysis of the LMNA gene confirms diagnosis and allows for family investigations. Regular screening and multidisciplinary monitoring of the associated complications are necessary. Diabetes frequently develops from puberty onwards. Hypertriglyceridemia may lead to acute pancreatitis. Early atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy should be monitored. In women, polycystic ovary syndrome is common. Overall, the management of patients with Dunnigan syndrome requires the collaboration of several health care providers. The attending physician, in conjunction with the national care network, will ensure that the patient receives optimal care through regular follow-up and screening. The various elements of this PNDS are described to provide such a support.

Characteristics of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in paediatric and adult population from Reims University Hospital, France from 1997 to 2019

French health insurance data showed that the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children increased over the years to 2015. The objective of our study was to assess the evolution of the number of incident cases of paediatric and adult type 1 diabetes in our institution, and to describe their clinical presentation and its evolution. All patients with T1DM managed at diagnosis at Reims University Hospital between 1997 and 2019 were included. The clinical and biological data were extracted from the Champagne-Ardenne Diabetes Network database. Included were 847 patients with a median age of 10.3 years. Diagnosis was established in 71% of cases before 15 years, 7.4% after 35 years. The number of newly diagnosed cases was 3.6-times higher in 2019 compared to 1997. Ketoacidosis, the frequency of which decreased with age (P < 0.0001), revealed diabetes in a total of 32% of cases and in 46% of children under 5 years. It was more severe in children than in adults (P = 0.03), and its frequency increased over the study period. Hypotrophy was found in 23% of children under 15 years of age, and was more pronounced before 5 years of age, with no improvement over time. We saw an increase in the frequency of obesity or overweight among adults. Our study showed an increase in incident cases of diabetes in our hospital that continued over time for both children and adults. Clinical features at diagnosis deteriorated during this period for those under 15 years of age with an increase in ketoacidosis frequency.

Compound genetic etiology in a patient with a syndrome including diabetes, intellectual deficiency and distichiasis

BACKGROUND

We studied a young woman with atypical diabetes associated with mild intellectual disability, lymphedema distichiasis syndrome (LDS) and polymalformative syndrome including distichiasis. We used different genetic tools to identify causative pathogenic mutations and/or copy number variations.

RESULTS

Although proband's, diabetes mellitus occurred during childhood, type 1 diabetes was unlikely due to the absence of detectable autoimmunity. DNA microarray analysis first identified a de novo, heterozygous deletion at the chr16q24.2 locus. Previously, thirty-three pathogenic or likely pathogenic deletions encompassing this locus have been reported in patients presenting with intellectual deficiency, obesity and/or lymphedema but not with diabetes. Of note, the deletion encompassed two topological association domains, whose one included FOXC2 that is known to be linked with LDS. Via whole-exome sequencing, we found a heterozygous, likely pathogenic variant in WFS1 (encoding wolframin endoplasmic reticulum [ER] transmembrane glycoprotein) which was inherited from her father who also had diabetes. WFS1 is known to be involved in monogenic diabetes. We also found a likely pathogenic variant in USP9X (encoding ubiquitin specific peptidase 9 X-linked) that is involved in X-linked intellectual disability, which was inherited from her mother who had dyscalculia and dyspraxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive genetic analysis suggested that the peculiar phenotypes of our patient were possibly due to the combination of multiple genetic causes including chr16q24.2 deletion, and two likely pathogenic variants in WFS1 and USP9X.

Contraception use and knowledge related to pregnancy in diabetic women

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus prevalence is increasing among women of child-bearing age. Diabetic pregnancy is associated with major maternal and fetal risks, and these can be reduced by Preconception Care. Pregnancy can be planned using appropriate effective contraception. The objective of this study was to assess diabetic patients' knowledge about pregnancy and to describe their contraceptive use.

STUDY DESIGN

An observational study was conducted from February to July 2020 at Reims University Hospital, France. Inclusion criteria were: women aged 18 to 40 years, with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Patients filled out a survey about contraceptive use and knowledge regarding diabetic pregnancy and data were completed from medical records.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine T1D and 33 T2D patients were included, with mean ages of 27.9±6.3 and 32.6±4.6 years, respectively. Seventy-five percent reported that they had been informed about pregnancy-related risks and 67% about the need to plan pregnancy. The preconception HbA1c target was known by 33% of patients. Appropriate knowledge about pregnancy was greater in T1D patients (65.9%, versus 36.4% in T2D patients; p=0.003). The rate of patients using an effective contraceptive method was 66.4%. Fifteen percent patients for whom contraception was recommended reported having no contraceptive method; 12.5% of contraception users were using a contraindicated method.

CONCLUSION

A large majority of diabetic women were aware of pregnancy-related risks and the importance of pregnancy planning, but there are still gaps, especially in T2D patients. We need to improve our practices by providing more information and better access to appropriate effective contraception.

Whole exome sequencing in a cohort of familial premature ovarian insufficiency cases reveals a broad array of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 50% of families

OBJECTIVE

To study the diagnostic yield, including variants in genes yet to be incriminated, of whole exome sequencing (WES) in familial cases of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Endocrinology and reproductive medicine teaching hospital departments.

PATIENTS

Familial POI cases were recruited as part of a nationwide multicentric cohort. A total of 36 index cases in 36 different families were studied. Fifty-two relatives were available, including 25 with POI and 27 affectedwho were nonaffected. Karyotype analysis, FMR1 screening, single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis, and WES were performed in all subjects.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was a molecular etiology, as diagnosed by karyotype, FMR1 screening, single nucleotide polymorphism array, and WES.

RESULTS

A likely molecular etiology (pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant) was identified in 18 of 36 index cases (50% diagnostic yield). In 12 families, we found a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in a gene previously incriminated in POI, and in 6 families, we found a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in new candidate genes. Most of the variants identified were located in genes involved in cell division and meiosis (n = 11) or DNA repair (n = 4).

CONCLUSIONS

The genetic etiologic diagnosis in POI allows for genetic familial counseling, anticipated pregnancy planning, and ovarian tissue preservation or oocyte preservation. Identifying new genes may lead to future development of therapeutics in reproduction based on disrupted molecular pathways.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT 01177891.

An Unsafe/Safe Typology in People with Type 2 Diabetes: Bridging Patients' Expectations, Personality Traits, Medication Adherence, and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Support programs are provided to people with diabetes to help them manage their disease. However, adherence to and persistence in support programs are often low, making it difficult to demonstrate their effectiveness.

AIM

To identify the determinants of patients' perceived interest in diabetes support programs because it may be a powerful determinant of effective participation in such programs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An online study conducted in April 2021 in metropolitan France on 600 people with diabetes recruited from a consumer panel. A 64-item psychosocial questionnaire including a question asking to evaluate the helpfulness of a support program was used. Univariate, multivariate, and multiple correspondence analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The existence of a typology, known as Unsafe/Safe, was discovered, in which patients with type 2 diabetes respond in two distinct ways. Type U (unsafe) patients, who believe that a support program would be helpful, are more likely to be nonadherent to their treatment, have high hemoglobin A1c levels, have at least one diabetic complication, lack information regarding their disease and treatment, rate the burden of their disease and impairment of their quality of life as high, worry about their future, and are pessimistic. Type S (safe) patients have the opposite characteristics. Type U patients can be dichotomized into two broad classes: one in which they lack information regarding disease and treatment and the other in which alterations in the quality of life and burden of the disease predominate. Insulin-treated patients give more importance to the lack of information, whereas noninsulin-treated patients complain primarily about the burden of the disease and impairment of quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This study describes this new U/S typology, proposes a simple method based on a nine-item questionnaire to identify type U patients by calculating a Program Helpfulness Score described herein, and clarifies the nature of the intervention to be provided to them. This novel approach could be applied to other chronic diseases.

Pituitary adenoma in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Pituitary adenoma (PA) is one of the three major components of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Recent studies have suggested that MEN1-associated PAs are less aggressive than initially estimated. We propose an analysis of the outcome of PAs with a standard of care treatment in a nationwide cohort of MEN1 patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational nationwide cohort study using the MEN1 patient registry from the French Group of Endocrine Tumours (GTE).

METHODS

The GTE database population consists of 1435 patients with MEN1. This analysis focused on 551 patients recruited after 2000 with at least 3 years of follow-up. The study outcome was tumour progression of PA defined by an increase in Hardy classification (HC) during follow-up according to referring physician regular reports.

RESULTS

Among 551 MEN1 patients (index and related), 202 (36.7%) had PA, with 114 (56.4%) diagnosed by MEN1-related screening. PAs were defined according to HC as microadenoma (grade I) in 117 cases (57.9%), macroadenoma in 59 (29.2%) with 20 HC grade II and 39 HC grades III-IV and unspecified in 26 (12.8%). They were prolactinomas in 92 cases (45.5%) and non-secreting in 73 (36.1%). After a median follow-up of 3 years among the 137 patients with HC grades I-II, 4 patients (2.9%) presented tumour progression.

CONCLUSION

PAs in patients with MEN1 are less aggressive than previously thought. Tumour progression is rare with a standard of care monitoring and treatment, especially in related patients who mostly present non-secreting microadenoma. MRI monitoring for asymptomatic MEN1 patients should be reduced accordingly.

Cost-Utility of Acromegaly Pharmacological Treatments in a French Context

Objective

Efficacy of pharmacological treatments for acromegaly has been assessed in many clinical or real-world studies but no study was interested in economics evaluation of these treatments in France. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the cost-utility of second-line pharmacological treatments in acromegaly patients.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to follow a cohort of 1,000 patients for a lifetime horizon. First-generation somatostatin analogues (FGSA), pegvisomant, pasireotide and pegvisomant combined with FGSA (off label) were compared. Efficacy was defined as the normalization of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration and was obtained from pivotal trials and adjusted by a network meta-analysis. Costs data were obtained from French databases and literature. Utilities from the literature were used to estimate quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

Results

The incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR) of treatments compared to FGSA were estimated to be 562,463 € per QALY gained for pasireotide, 171,332 € per QALY gained for pegvisomant, and 186,242 € per QALY gained for pegvisomant + FGSA. Pasireotide seems to be the least cost-efficient treatment. Sensitivity analyses showed the robustness of the results.

Conclusion

FGSA, pegvisomant and pegvisomant + FGSA were on the cost-effective frontier, therefore, depending on the willingness-to-pay for an additional QALY, they are the most cost-effective treatments. This medico-economic analysis highlighted the consistency of the efficiency results with the efficacy results assessed in the pivotal trials. However, most recent treatment guidelines recommend an individualized treatment strategy based on the patient and disease profile.

A large extended family with hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome due to deletion of the third exon of CDC73: clinical and molecular features

PURPOSE

We described the phenotype of a large 4-generation family with Hyperparathyrodism-Jaw Tumor syndrome (HPT-JT) associated with a rare deletion of exon 3 of the CDC73 gene.

METHODS

We collected medical, genetic data on 24 family members descended from a common ancestor carrying a heterozygous deletion of exon 3.

RESULTS

Thirteen carried the deletion, the penetrance was estimated at 50% at 40 years. Seven patients (39 ± 14.5 years) presented with HPT which could start at 13. Median plasmatic calcium and PTH levels were 3.13 ± 0.7 mmol/L and 115 ± 406 pg/ml, respectively. Kidney disease related to hypercalcemia were present in 57.1% of patients. All seven patients underwent surgery to remove a single parathyroid adenoma. One recurrence occurred 7 years post-surgery. No parathyroid carcinoma has been found to date. We found two atypical parathyroid adenomas. We described an additional somatic variant in exon 1 of gene CDC73 in two tumors. Jaw tumors were not necessarily associated with hyperparathyroidism, as shown in one case. Two kidney cysts were also reported. Variable phenotype expressivity was emphasized by clinical presentations in 2 monozygotic twins: acute hypercalcemia, kidney failure and ossifying fibroma in one twin, versus normocalcemic parathyroid adenoma in the other one.

CONCLUSION

We report a family carrier of a deletion of exon 3 of the CDC73 gene. This is characterized by a high level of hypercalcemia, deleterious kidney effects and atypical parathyroid adenomas without carcinomas. Onset and intensity of HPT remain unpredictable. The additional somatic mutation found in the parathyroid tumor could lead to these phenotypical variations.

No more hypoglycaemia on days with physical activity and unrestricted diet when using a closed-loop system for 12 weeks: A post hoc secondary analysis of the multicentre, randomized controlled Diabeloop WP7 trial

A post hoc analysis of the Diabeloop WP7 multicentre, randomized controlled trial was performed to investigate the efficacy of the Diabeloop Generation-1 (DBLG1) closed-loop system in controlling the hypoglycaemia induced by physical activity (PA) in real-life conditions. Glycaemic outcomes were compared between days with and without PA in 56 patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using DBLG1 for 12 weeks. After the patient announces a PA, DBLG1 reduces insulin delivery and, if necessary, calculates the amount of preventive carbohydrates (CHO). Daily time spent in the interstitial glucose range less than 70 mg/dL was not significantly different between days with and without PA (2.0% ± 1.5% vs. 2.2% ± 1.1%), regardless of the intensity or duration of the PA. Preventive CHO intake recommended by the system was significantly higher in days with PA (41.1 ± 35.5 vs. 21.8 ± 28.5 g/day; P < .0001), and insulin delivery was significantly lower (31.5 ± 10.5 vs. 34.0 ± 10.5 U/day; P < .0001). The time spent in hyperglycaemia and the glycaemic variation coefficient increased significantly on days with PA. In real-life conditions, the use of DBLG1 avoids PA-induced hypoglycaemia. Insulin adjustments and preventive CHO recommendation may explain this therapeutic benefit.

A Novel Familial PHP1B Variant With Incomplete Loss of Methylation at GNAS-A/B and Enhanced Methylation at GNAS-AS2

CONTEXT

Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B (PHP1B), also referred to as inactivating PTH/PTHrP signaling disorder (iPPSD), is characterized by proximal renal tubular resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH) leading to hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and elevated PTH values. Autosomal dominant PHP1B (AD-PHP1B) with loss of methylation at the maternal GNAS A/B:TSS-DMR (transcription start site-differentially methylated region) alone can be caused by maternal deletions involving STX16.

OBJECTIVE

Characterize a previously not reported AD-PHP1B family with loss of methylation at GNAS A/B:TSS-DMR, but without evidence for a STX16 deletion on the maternal allele and assess GNAS-AS2:TSS-DMR methylation.

METHODS

DNA from 24 patients and 10 controls were investigated. AD-PHP1B patients without STX16 deletion from a single family (n = 5), AD-PHP1B patients with STX16 deletion (n = 9), sporPHP1B (n = 10), unaffected controls (n = 10), patUPD20 (n = 1), and matUPD20 (n = 1). Methylation and copy number analyses were performed by pyrosequencing, methylation-sensitive multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.

RESULTS

Molecular cloning of polymerase chain reaction-amplified, bisulfite-treated genomic DNA from healthy controls revealed evidence for 2 distinct GNAS-AS2:TSS-DMR subdomains, named AS2-1 and AS2-2, which showed 16.0 ± 2.3% and 31.0 ± 2.2% methylation, respectively. DNA from affected members of a previously not reported AD-PHP1B family without the known genetic defects revealed incomplete loss of methylation at GNAS A/B:TSS-DMR, normal methylation at the 3 well-established maternal and paternal DMRs, and, surprisingly, increased methylation at AS2-1 (32.9 ± 3.5%), but not at AS2-2 (30.5 ± 2.9%).

CONCLUSION

The distinct methylation changes at the novel GNAS-AS2:TSS-DMR will help characterize further different PHP1B/iPPSD3 variants and will guide the search for underlying genetic defects, which may provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying GNAS methylation.

Pegvisomant treatment in acromegaly in clinical practice: Final results of the French ACROSTUDY (312 patients)

OBJECTIVE

We report the final analysis of the French ACROSTUDY, using data revised and enriched since the 2013 interim analysis. Our objective was to validate the use of pegvisomant (PEGV) in the treatment of acromegaly and to determine efficacy and safety.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with acromegaly treated with PEGV and followed up for at least 5 years were included. Eighty-eight investigators from 62 clinical centers in France included patients from April 2007 to April 2014. PEGV dose and administration frequency were determined by the physicians, based on their clinical evaluation and local habits. No additional examinations beyond those performed in normal follow-up were required. Minimum recommended follow-up included check-ups at treatment initiation, 6 months, 12 months and then annually.

RESULTS

In total, 312 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 46.1±14.3 years at introduction of PEGV. Median PEGV treatment duration was 6.3 years and median follow-up was 5.6 years. Median dose at initiation was 10mg/day. The percentages of patients with IGF-1 ≤ ULN (upper limit of normal) were 10% (n=300) at baseline, 54% at 6 months (n=278), and 61.7% (n=253) at 2 years, then stabilizing at 64.4% (n=180) at 5 years. Mean PEGV dose was 17.4±11.7mg in patients with controlled disease versus 21.1±17.3mg in those without control at 5 years. At 5 years, 21.8% of patients (54/248) were receiving >30mg PEGV per day. In patients with at least one pituitary imaging procedure during the 5-year follow-up (n=292), the most recent image showed stable tumor volume in 212 subjects (72.6%), increased volume in 13 (4.5%), and decreased volume in 30 (10.3%). No PEGV treatments were permanently discontinued due to transaminase elevation. There were no cases of liver failure.

CONCLUSION

The French ACROSTUDY showed normalization of IGF-1 levels in 64.4% of a real-life cohort of patients, mostly with uncontrolled disease despite multiple prior therapies. Long-term follow-up showed a sustained effectiveness and good long-term safety.

Cushing Syndrome in Carney Complex: Unilateral or Bilateral Adrenalectomy?

Carney Complex (CNC) is a rare multiple endocrine syndrome dueto PRKR1A germline mutations. Primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease (PPNAD), the most frequent manifestation of the disease is responsible for non-ACTH dependent Cushing syndrome and bilateral adrenalectomy is the recommended treatment. We had followed up a CNC family with mainly Cushing syndrome disease secondary to PPNAD for more than 40 years over 2 generations. Six members carry the disease and present a germline mutation of PRKR1A, 4 women and 2 men. One patient accidently died one year after surgery and the others 5 patients were regularly followed up. The index case, a 25 years woman, was diagnosed with Cushing syndrome in 1972 with hyperandrogenism, short stature and mild manifestations of hypercortisolism. Unilateral adrenalectomy was performed on the side of a nodular adrenal and pathology described PPNAD. Her sister was subsequently diagnosed and treated the same way. The 2 sisters did well, with pregnancies for both of them but different post surgery hormonal results. The index case had partial cortisol deficiency with persistent low cortisol level at 108 nmol/L. Her sister presented a moderate increase in cortisol in the evening or after dexamethasone at 306 nmol/L at last evaluation. The only events possibly associated to hypercortisolism in this patient were central overweight and three episodes of spontaneous pulmonary embolism and veinous thrombosis. Their 2 brothers were evaluated at 17 and 39 years while they developed cushing syndrome signs (round face, HTA, amyotrophy and fatigability). As CNC have been recognized at this time by Dr Carney, bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in one patient who died accidentally a few months later. His brother chose unilateral adrenalectomy on the side of the macronodular gland, recovered hypercortisolism signs and still needs adrenal substitution. The daughter of the index case demonstrated at 21 years old a mild Cushing syndrome and chose unilateral adrenalectomy like her mother. Symptoms resumed without any recurrence during 20 years follow up. The daughter of the patient II.2 was diagnosed earlier at seven years of age because she developed hyperandrogenism, central weight gain and growth arrest due to Cushing syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy was successfully performed and adrenal substitution was prescribed. Surprisingly, adrenal function seemed to recover 5 to 6 years post surgery and treatment was decreased then stopped. Adrenal CT scan did not show any residual gland but noriodocholesterol scintigraphy confirmed bilateral adrenal uptake. She is now mother of 2 and present a near normal cortisol circadian rythm without any treatment. Finally, we showed in this long-term study that unilateral adrenalectomy in PPNAD could be an option for the treatment of mild Cushing syndrome in adults. Recovery after bilateral adrenalectomy occurred in one patient.

Surgery versus conservative care for Rathke's cleft cyst

BACKGROUND

Rathke's cleft cysts are benign cystic lesions of the sellar region, which may cause headache, pituitary deficiencies and visual disturbances from mass effect. Their management is not standardized yet. This study is about establishing a consensus for medical care of RCC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective observational study of all patients that were diagnosed or followed for RCC between 2008 and 2018 (11 years), in the neurosurgical and the adult endocrine departments of our institution. The study's average time length of follow-up is 72.9 months (from 2 to 385 months).

RESULTS

The 57 included patients were divided into 2 groups: group A, which included 39 patients that were conservatively managed and group B, which included 18 surgically treated patients. Group A showed either an improvement or a spontaneous resolution of headaches in 56.1% of the cases (P<0.01); a resolution of hyperprolactinemia in 70% of the cases (P=0.21); and of hypogonadism, ACTH deficiency, growth hormone deficiency in 100% of the cases. There was no spontaneous improvement of visual disturbances (P<0.01) or diabetes insipidus (P=0.29) during follow-up. Regarding group B, surgery allowed improvement or complete resolution of headaches in 60% of the cases; visual troubles in 100% of the cases (P<0.01); and hyperprolactinemia in 100% of the cases. Pituitary deficiencies were not improved by surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers guidance in decision-making regarding the management of RCC patients. Surgery is particularly suitable for treating visual disturbances caused by RCC. Regular follow-up is more appropriate than surgery concerning headaches, hyperprolactinemia, endocrine disruptions and diabetes insipidus.

Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism with Anosmia and Gorlin Features Caused by a PTCH1 Mutation Reveals a New Candidate Gene for Kallmann Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Two loci (CHD7 and SOX10) underlying Kallmann syndrome (KS) were discovered through clinical and genetic analysis of CHARGE and Waardenburg syndromes, conditions that include congenital anosmia caused by olfactory bulb (CA/OBs) defects and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). We hypothesized that other candidate genes for KS could be discovered by analyzing rare syndromes presenting with these signs. Study Design, Size, Duration: We first investigated a family with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS) in which affected members exhibited clinical signs suggesting KS. Participants/Materials, Methods: Proband and family members underwent detailed clinical assessment. The proband received detailed neuroendocrine evaluation. Genetic analyses included sequencing the PTCH1 gene at diagnosis, followed by exome analyses of causative or candidate KS/CHH genes, in order to exclude contribution to the phenotypes of additional mutations. Exome analyses in additional 124 patients with KS/CHH probands with no additional GGS signs.

RESULTS

The proband exhibited CA, absent OBs on magnetic resonance imaging, and had CHH with unilateral cryptorchidism, consistent with KS. Pulsatile Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy normalized serum gonadotropins and increased testosterone levels, supporting GnRH deficiency. Genetic studies revealed 3 affected family members harbor a novel mutation of PTCH1 (c.838G> T; p.Glu280*). This unreported nonsense deleterious mutation results in either a putative truncated Ptch1 protein or in an absence of translated Ptch1 protein related to nonsense mediated messenger RNA decay. This heterozygous mutation cosegregates in the pedigree with GGS and CA with OBs aplasia/hypoplasia and with CHH in the proband suggesting a genetic linkage and an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. No pathogenic rare variants in other KS/CHH genes cosegregated with these phenotypes. In additional 124 KS/CHH patients, 3 additional heterozygous, rare missense variants were found and predicted in silico to be damaging: p.Ser1203Arg, p.Arg1192Ser, and p.Ile108Met.

CONCLUSION

This family suggests that the 2 main signs of KS can be included in GGS associated with PTCH1 mutations. Our data combined with mice models suggest that PTCH1 could be a novel candidate gene for KS/CHH and reinforce the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in pathophysiology of KS and GnRH neuron migration.

Pegvisomant in combination or pegvisomant alone after failure of somatostatin analogs in acromegaly patients: an observational French ACROSTUDY cohort study

OBJECTIVE

After surgery, when somatostatin analogs (SAs) do not normalise IGF-I, pegvisomant (PEG) is indicated. Our aim was to define the medical reasons for the treatment of patients with PEG as monotherapy (M) or combined with SA, either as primary bitherapy, PB (PEG is secondarily introduced after SA) or as secondary bitherapy, SB (SAs secondarily introduced after PEG).

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed French data from ACROSTUDY.

RESULTS

167, 88 and 57 patients were treated with M, PB or SB, respectively, during a median time of 80, 42 and 70 months. The median PEG dose was respectively 15, 10 and 20 mg. Before PEG, the mean IGF-I level did not differ between M and PB but the proportion of patients with suprasellar tumour extension was higher in PB group (67.5% vs. 44.4%, P = 0.022). SB regimen was used preferentially in patients with tumour increase and IGF-I level difficult to normalise under PEG. In both secondary regimens, the decrease of the frequency of PEG's injections, compared to monotherapy was confirmed. However, the mean weekly dose of PEG between M and PB remained the same.

CONCLUSIONS

The medical rationale for continuing SAs rather than switching to PEG alone in patients who do not normalise IGF-I under SAs was a tumour concern with suprasellar extension and tumour shrinkage under SA. A potential explanation for introducing SA in association with PEG appears to be a tumour enlargement and difficulties to normalise IGF-I levels under PEG given alone. In both regimens, the prospect of lowering PEG injection frequency favoured the choice.

Correction to: Pegvisomant in combination or pegvisomant alone after failure of somatostatin analogs in acromegaly patients: an observational French ACROSTUDY cohort study

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Practical implementation of automated closed-loop insulin delivery: A French position statement

Automated closed-loop (CL) insulin therapy has come of age. This major technological advance is expected to significantly improve the quality of care for adults, adolescents and children with type 1 diabetes. To improve access to this innovation for both patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs), and to promote adherence to its requirements in terms of safety, regulations, ethics and practice, the French Diabetes Society (SFD) brought together a French Working Group of experts to discuss the current practical consensus. The result is the present statement describing the indications for CL therapy with emphasis on the idea that treatment expectations must be clearly defined in advance. Specifications for expert care centres in charge of initiating the treatment were also proposed. Great importance was also attached to the crucial place of high-quality training for patients and healthcare professionals. Long-term follow-up should collect not only metabolic and clinical results, but also indicators related to psychosocial and human factors. Overall, this national consensus statement aims to promote the introduction of marketed CL devices into standard clinical practice.

Discordant biological parameters of remission in acromegaly do not increase the risk of hypertension or diabetes: a study with the Liege Acromegaly Survey database

PURPOSE

Acromegaly is a rare disease due to growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. GH and IGF-1 levels are usually congruent, indicating either remission or active disease; however, a discrepancy between GH and IGF-1 may occur. We aimed to evaluate the outcome of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT) in acromegalic patients with congruent GH and/or IGF-1 levels vs. discordant biochemical parameters.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the data of 3173 patients from the Liege Acromegaly Survey (LAS) allowed us to include 190 patients from 8 tertiary referral centers across Europe, treated by surgery, with available data concerning DM and HT both at diagnosis and at the last follow-up (LFU). We recorded the number of anti-HT and anti-DM drugs used at the first evaluation and at LFU for every patient.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients belonged to the REM group (concordant parameters), 65 patients were considered as GH_dis (high random GH/controlled IGF-1), and 26 patients were considered as IGF-1_dis (high IGF-1/controlled random GH). At diagnosis, 72 patients (37.8%) had HT and 54 patients had DM (28.4%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the number of anti-HT and anti-DM drugs at diagnosis versus LFU (mean duration: 7.3 ± 4.5 years) between all three groups.

CONCLUSION

The long-term outcome of DM and HT in acromegaly does not tend to be more severe in patients with biochemical discordance in comparison with patients considered as in remission on the basis of concordant biological parameters, suggesting that patients with biochemical discordance do not require a closer follow-up.

Multivariable Prediction Model for Biochemical Response to First-Generation Somatostatin Receptor Ligands in Acromegaly

CONTEXT

First-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (fg-SRLs) represent the mainstay of medical therapy for acromegaly, but they provide biochemical control of disease in only a subset of patients. Various pretreatment biomarkers might affect biochemical response to fg-SRLs.

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical predictors of the biochemical response to fg-SRLs monotherapy defined as biochemical response (insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 ≤ 1.3 × ULN (upper limit of normal)), partial response (>20% relative IGF-1 reduction without normalization), and nonresponse (≤20% relative IGF-1 reduction), and IGF-1 reduction.

DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter study.

SETTING

Eight participating European centers.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of participant data from 2 cohorts (Rotterdam and Liège acromegaly survey, 622 out of 3520 patients). Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of biochemical response to fg-SRL monotherapy.

RESULTS

Lower IGF-1 concentration at baseline (odds ratio (OR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-0.95 IGF-1 ULN, P = .0073) and lower bodyweight (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99 kg, P = .038) were associated with biochemical response. Higher IGF-1 concentration at baseline (OR = 1.40, (1.19-1.65) IGF-1 ULN, P ≤ .0001), the presence of type 2 diabetes (oral medication OR = 2.48, (1.43-4.29), P = .0013; insulin therapy OR = 2.65, (1.02-6.70), P = .045), and higher bodyweight (OR = 1.02, (1.01-1.04) kg, P = .0023) were associated with achieving partial response. Younger patients at diagnosis are more likely to achieve nonresponse (OR = 0.96, (0.94-0.99) year, P = .0070). Baseline IGF-1 and growth hormone concentration at diagnosis were associated with absolute IGF-1 reduction (β = 0.90, standard error (SE) = 0.02, P ≤ .0001 and β  = 0.002, SE = 0.001, P = .014, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Baseline IGF-1 concentration was the best predictor of biochemical response to fg-SRL, followed by bodyweight, while younger patients were more likely to achieve nonresponse.

Efficacy and safety of dopamine agonists in patients treated with antipsychotics and presenting a macroprolactinoma

CONTEXT

In patients treated with antipsychotics, the rare occurrence of a macroprolactinoma represents a therapeutic challenge.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and psychiatric safety of dopamine agonists (DAs) prescribed for large macroprolactinomas in patients with psychosis treated with antipsychotics.

DESIGN

This was a multicenter (France and Belgium) retrospective study.

PATIENTS

Eighteen patients treated with antipsychotics were included.

RESULTS

Under DA, median PRL levels decreased from 1247 (117-81 132) to 42 (4-573) ng/mL (P = 0.008), from 3850 (449-38 000) to 141 (60-6000) ng/mL (P = 0.037) and from 1664 (94-9400) to 1215 (48-5640) ng/mL (P = 0.56) when given alone (n = 8), before surgery (n = 7), or after surgery (n = 6), respectively. The prolactinoma median largest diameter decreased by 28% (0-57) in patients under DAs alone (P = 0.02) but did not change when given after surgery. Optic chiasm decompression was achieved in 82% of patients. Five patients (28%) were admitted for psychotic relapse while receiving DAs (but three of them had stopped antipsychotic treatment at that time). A more severe underlying psychosis, rather than the DA treatment itself, may explain such psychiatric admissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Even if the DA efficacy on PRL levels and tumor volume in patients with macroprolactinoma under antipsychotic drugs is less impressive than that typically observed, it may be considered satisfactory for half of our patients, particularly in cases of optic chiasm compression. Psychotic exacerbation was unusual in these patients, occurring mostly in those with the most severe psychotic forms. DAs may therefore be used as antitumor treatment for macroprolactinoma in patients with visual involvement, severe headaches or invasion into the skull base who receive antipsychotics.

SAT-LB60 Discordant Biological Parameters of Remission in Acromegaly Do Not Increase the Risk of Hypertension or Diabetes: A Study With the Liege Acromegaly Survey Database

Introduction: Acromegaly is a rare disease due to growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. GH and IGF-1 levels are usually congruent, indicating either remission or active disease, however a discrepancy between GH and IGF-1 may occur. We aimed to evaluate the outcome of acromegalic comorbidities in patients with congruent GH and/or IGF-1 levels vs discordant biochemical parameters. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the data of 3173 patients from the Liège Acromegaly Survey (LAS) allowed to include 190 patients from 8 tertiary referral centers across Europe, treated by surgery, with available data concerning diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT) both at diagnosis and at last follow-up. We recorded for all the patients the number of antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs used at the first evaluation and at last follow-up. Results: Ninety-nine patients belonged to the REM group (Concordant parameters), sixty-five patients were considered as GH_dis and 26 patients were considered as IGF-1_dis. At diagnosis, 63 patients (33.1%) had HT and 54 patients had DM (28.4%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of number of anti-HT and anti-diabetic drugs at diagnosis versus last follow-up (mean duration=7.3+/-4.5years) between all 3 groups. Discussion: The results highlight that the long-term outcome of acromegaly does not tend to be more severe in patients with biochemical discordance in comparison with patients considered as in remission on the basis of concordant biological parameters, suggesting that patients with biochemical discordance do not require a closer follow-up.

Evolution of macroprolactinomas during pregnancy: A cohort study of 85 pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy in patients with macroprolactinomas has been associated with a higher risk of pituitary tumour growth. However, the incidence and risk factors remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the evolution of macroprolactinomas during pregnancy and to identify potential risk factors.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

This is a two-centre, retrospective, observational study. All patients with macroprolactinomas, treated with a dopamine receptor agonist (DA), and who had at least one pregnancy were included.

RESULTS

There were a total of 85 viable pregnancies in 46 patients with macroprolactinomas. At diagnosis, mean size of pituitary adenomas was 17.9 ± 8.2 mm (10-43 mm) and mean plasma prolactin level was 1012.2 ± 1606.1 µg/L (60-7804 µg/L). Tumour growth-related symptoms were identified 12 times in 9 patients (19.6%) including 3 cases of apoplexy. Restarting, changing and/or increasing DA treatment was effective in 10 cases. Emergency surgery had to be performed twice (due to pituitary apoplexy). Patients with tumour progression tended to present with larger tumours after initial treatment and before pregnancy (9.9 vs 5.9 mm; P = .0504 and 11.5 vs 7.3 mm; P = .0671, respectively), whereas adenoma size at diagnosis did not seem to be a significant factor. The obstetrical outcomes were comparable to the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic growth of macroprolactinoma during pregnancy occurred in 19.6% of medically treated patients. This risk seems higher for patients with poor initial tumour response to the DA treatment. Tumour progression is generally well controlled with medical treatment during pregnancy.

BMPR1A and BMPR1B Missense Mutations Cause Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

CONTEXT

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a frequently occurring disorder affecting approximately 1% of women under 40 years of age. POI, which is characterized by the premature depletion of ovarian follicles and elevated plasma levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, leads to infertility. Although various etiological factors have been described, including chromosomal abnormalities and gene mutations, most cases remain idiopathic.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and to functionally validate new sequence variants in 2 genes that play a key role in mammalian ovarian function, BMPR1A and BMPR1B (encoding for bone morphogenic protein receptor), leading to POI.

METHODS

The impact on bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling of BMPR1A and BMPR1B variants, previously identified by whole-exome sequencing on 69 women affected by isolated POI, was established by different in vitro functional experiments.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that the BMPR1A-p.Arg442His and BMPR1B-p.Phe272Leu variants are correctly expressed and located but lead to an impairment of downstream BMP signaling.

CONCLUSION

In accordance with infertility observed in mice lacking Bmpr1a in the ovaries and in Bmpr1b-/- mice, our results unveil, for the first time, a link between BMPR1A and BMPR1B variants and the origin of POI. We show that BMP signaling impairment through specific BMPR1A and BMPR1B variants is a novel pathophysiological mechanism involved in human POI. We consider that BMPR1A and BMPR1B variants constitute genetic biomarkers of the origin of POI and have clinical utility.

Added value of 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography-computed tomography in presurgical localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands after dual tracer subtraction scintigraphy failure: A retrospective study of 47 patients

Hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder. The precise localization of causal parathyroid gland is crucial to guide surgical treatment. Several studies report the added value of 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) as second line imaging but rely on suboptimal first-line imaging using 99mTc-sestaMIBI dual phase scintigraphy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the percentage of successful parathyroid localization with FCH PET/CT after failure of a more sensitive first-line detection protocol associating neck ultrasonography and 99mTc-Pertechnetate/99mTc-sestaMIBI dual tracer subtraction scintigraphy.We included retrospectively 47 patients who underwent a FCH PET/CT as second line imaging for biologically proven primary hyperparathyroidism from November 2016 to October 2018 in Godinot Institute (Reims, France). 99mTc-Pertechnetate/99mTc-sestaMIBI dual tracer subtraction scintigraphy and neck ultrasonography were used as first-line imaging and failed to localize the causal parathyroid lesion in all cases.FCH PET/CT demonstrated at least 1 parathyroid target lesion in 29 patients (62%). 21/29 patients underwent surgery. Target lesions corresponded histologically to hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands for all 21 patients and surgery was followed by hyperparathyroidism biological resolution. Calcium serum levels were associated to FCH PET/CT positivity (P = .002) and a trend toward significance was seen for Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (P = .09).FCH PET/CT is a promising tool in second-line parathyroid imaging. Large prospective studies and cost-effectiveness analyses are needed to precise its role.

Impaired 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 in Glucocorticoid-Resistant Patients

CONTEXT

Six patients carrying heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR) presented with hypercortisolism, associated with low kalemia, low plasma renin, and aldosterone levels, with or without hypertension, suggesting a pseudohypermineralocorticism whose mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesize that an impaired activity of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2; encoded by the HSD11B2 gene), catalyzing cortisol (F) inactivation, may account for an inappropriate activation of a renal mineralocorticoid signaling pathway in these GC-resistant patients.

OBJECTIVE

We aim at studying the GR-mediated regulation of HSD11B2.

DESIGN

The HSD11B2 promoter was subcloned and luciferase reporter assays evaluated GR-dependent HSD11B2 regulation, and 11β-HSD2 expression/activity was studied in human breast cancer MCF7 cells, endogenously expressing this enzyme.

RESULTS

Transfection assays revealed that GR transactivated the long (2.1-kbp) HSD11B2 promoter construct, whereas a defective 501H GR mutant was unable to stimulate luciferase activity. GR-mediated transactivation of the HSD11B2 gene was inhibited by the GR antagonist RU486. A threefold increase in HSD11B2 mRNA levels was observed after dexamethasone (DXM) treatment of MCF7 cells, inhibited by RU486 or by actinomycin, supporting a GR-dependent transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation further demonstrated a DXM-dependent GR recruitment onto the HSD11B2 promoter. 11β-HSD2 activity, evaluated by the cortisone/F ratio, quantified by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, was 10-fold higher in the supernatant of DXM-treated cells than controls, consistent with a GR-dependent stimulation of 11β-HSD2 catalytic activity.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, we demonstrate that 11β-HSD2 expression and activity are transcriptionally regulated by GR. In the context of GR haploinsufficiency, these findings provide evidence that defective GR signaling may account for apparent mineralocorticoid excess in GC-resistant patients.

Similarities and differences in the reproductive phenotypes of women with congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism caused by GNRHR mutations and women with polycystic ovary syndrome

STUDY QUESTION

Does the phenotype of women with normosmic congenital hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (nCHH) and pituitary resistance to GnRH caused by biallelic mutations in the GnRH receptor (GNRHR) (nCHH/bi-GNRHR) differ from that of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Women with nCHH/bi-GNRHR have variable pubertal development but nearly all have primary amenorrhea and an exaggerated LH response to GnRH stimulation, similar to that seen in women with PCOS.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Women with nCHH/bi-GNRHR are very rare and their phenotype at diagnosis is not always adequately documented. The results of gonadotrophin stimulation by acute GnRH challenge test and ovarian features have not been directly compared between these patients and women with PCOS.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We describe the phenotypic spectrum at nCHH/bi-GNRHR diagnosis in a series of 12 women. Their reproductive characteristics and acute responses to GnRH were compared to those of 70 women with PCOS.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Patients and controls (healthy female volunteers aged over 18 years) were enrolled in a single French referral centre. Evaluation included clinical and hormonal studies, pelvic ultrasonography and GnRH challenge test. We also functionally characterized two missense GNRHR mutations found in two new consanguineous families.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Breast development was highly variable at nCHH/bi-GNRHR diagnosis, but only one patient had undeveloped breasts. Primary amenorrhea was present in all but two cases. In untreated nCHH/bi-GNRHR patients, uterine height (UH) correlated (P = 0.01) with the circulating estradiol level and was shorter than in 23 nulliparous post-pubertal age-matched controls (P < 0.0001) and than in 15 teenagers with PCOS under 20-years-old (P < 0.0001) in which PCOS was revealed by primary amenorrhea or primary-secondary amenorrhea. Unexpectedly, the stimulated LH peak response in nCHH/bi-GNRHR patients was variable, and often normal or exaggerated. Interestingly, the LH peak response was similar to that seen in the PCOS patients, but the latter women had significantly larger mean ovarian volume (P < 0.001) and uterine length (P < 0.001) and higher mean estradiol (P < 0.001), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) (P = 0.02) and inhibin-B (P < 0.001) levels. In the two new consaguineous families, the affected nCHH/bi-GNRHR women carried the T269M or Y290F GNRHR missense mutation in the homozygous state. In vitro analysis of GnRHR showed complete or partial loss-of-function of the T269M and Y290F mutants compared to their wildtype counterpart.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The number of nCHH/bi-GNRHR patients reported here is small. As this disorder is very rare, an international study would be necessary to recruit a larger cohort and consolidate the phenotypic spectrum observed here.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

In teenagers and young women with primary amenorrhea, significant breast and uterine development does not rule out CHH caused by biallelic GNRHR mutations. In rare patients with PCOS presenting with primary amenorrhea and a mild phenotype, the similar exaggerated pituitary LH responses to GnRH in PCOS and nCHH/bi-GNRHR patients could lead to diagnostic errors. This challenge test should therefore not be recommended. As indicated by consensus and guidelines, careful analysis of clinical presentation and measurements of testosterone circulating levels remain the basis of PCOS diagnosis. Also, analysis of ovarian volume, UH and of inhibin-B, AMH, estradiol and androgen circulating levels could help to distinguish between mild PCOS and nCHH/bi-GNRHR.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by the French National Research Agency (ANR) grant ANR-09-GENO-017 KALGENOPATH, France; and by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) grant PRIN 2012227FLF_004, Italy. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Three Consecutive Pregnancies in a Patient with Chronic Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Associated with Hypothyroidism and Extremely High Levels of Anti-Thyrotropin Receptor Antibodies

Background: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR) antibodies (TRAb) can be present in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. Transplacental TRAb transfer can lead to fetal thyroid dysfunction and serious complications. Patient Findings: We report the case of a woman with autoimmune hypothyroidism and extremely high TRAb levels, with blocking and stimulating activities (biological activities characterized with Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing TSHR). At week 22 of her first pregnancy, sonography detected fetal growth retardation and cardiac abnormalities (extreme tachycardia, right ventricular dilatation, pericardial effusion). The mother's TRAb level, assayed later, was 4030 IU/L (n < 10). Delivered via caesarean section gestational week 30, the newborn girl had several malformations, signs of malnutrition, goiter and hyperthyroidism associated with elevated TRAb (1200 IU/L). The newborn died 26 days after delivery. Faced with persistently high TRAb levels and a desire to become pregnant again, the woman was treated with three consecutive 740-MBq activities of iodine-131, which resulted in a decrease in TRAb to 640 IU/L. The patient had two subsequent pregnancies 16 and 72 months after the radioiodine administration. During the close follow-ups, fetal development was normal, and initial TRAb levels during the two pregnancies were 680 and 260 IU/L, respectively, which initially decreased but then increased in late pregnancy. In both cases, labor was induced at 34 weeks. The newborns, mildly hyperthyroid at birth, required carbimazole treatment at days 5 and 2, respectively. The mild hyperthyroidism despite high TRAb levels was likely due to the concomitant presence of stimulating and blocking TRAb. The two girls, now aged 12 and 8 years, are in good health. The mother has no detectable thyroid gland tissue and is euthyroid on levothyroxine (175 μg/d). Her TRAb level gradually decreased to 136 IU/L. Summary and Conclusions: This remarkable case illustrates the severe consequences of untreated fetal hyperthyroidism and the need to assay and follow-up TRAb levels in women of reproductive age with autoimmune thyroiditis.