1
|
Ponti ML, Comitini F, Murgia D, Ganga R, Canu R, Dessì C, Foschini ML, Leoni G, Morittu M, Perra M, Pilia MP, Casini MR, Zappu A, Origa R. Impact of the direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on chronic hepatitis C in Sardinian patients with transfusion-dependent Thalassemia major. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:561-567. [PMID: 30658940 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Direct antiviral agents (DAAs) have revolutionised the standard of care for the treatment of hepatitis even in patients with hemoglobinopathies. The aim of this study is to show how, thanks to DAAs, HCV infection has been substantially eradicated in one of the biggest Centres for the management of Thalassemia in Europe. METHODS Thalassemia major patients regularly transfused and iron chelated in Cagliari (Italy) who were HCV-RNA positive were evaluated for the potential prescription of antiviral therapy. RESULTS A total of 99 patients, 26 of whom had been diagnosed with cirrhosis, were treated with at least one dose of DAAs, which proved to be safe and well tolerated. Two of the patients died during the treatment after becoming HCV-RNA negative while another voluntarily interrupted the therapy. The final SVR in the patients who completed the treatment was 100%, while measuring 97% (96/99) in the Intention-to-Treat analysis. After DAAs, no new cases of hepatocellular carcinoma have been reported. CONCLUSIONS The use of DAAs in patients suffering from beta-Thalassemia major with chronic hepatitis C or cirrhosis can be considered safe and effective. Close monitoring for hepatocellular carcinoma development is, in any case, recommended indefinitely post-SVR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Roberto Canu
- Medicine I, 'G.Brotzu' Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlo Dessì
- Thalassemia Unit, 'A. Cao' Hospital, A.O. 'G. Brotzu', Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Maddalena Morittu
- Thalassemia Unit, 'A. Cao' Hospital, A.O. 'G. Brotzu', Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Perra
- Thalassemia Unit, 'A. Cao' Hospital, A.O. 'G. Brotzu', Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Pilia
- Thalassemia Unit, 'A. Cao' Hospital, A.O. 'G. Brotzu', Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Antonietta Zappu
- Thalassemia Unit, 'A. Cao' Hospital, A.O. 'G. Brotzu', Cagliari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Origa
- Thalassemia Unit, 'A. Cao' Hospital, A.O. 'G. Brotzu', Cagliari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Floris F, Comitini F, Leoni G, Moi P, Morittu M, Orecchia V, Perra M, Pilia MP, Zappu A, Casini MR, Origa R. Quality of life in Sardinian patients with transfusion-dependent Thalassemia: a cross-sectional study. Qual Life Res 2018; 27:2533-2539. [PMID: 29922915 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-018-1911-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study has been to evaluate the physical, psychological, and social well-being in a large group of Sardinian adult patients with transfusion-dependent beta-Thalassemia when compared with a group of healthy subjects of the same age and geographical extraction. METHODS Male or female patients ≥ 18 years of age with Thalassemia major on regular transfusion at Thalassemia Center in Cagliari (Italy) were requested to complete the World Health Organization Quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. The WHOQOL-BREF was also made available online to age- and sex-matched non-thalassemic adult subjects living in Sardinia. RESULTS Two hundred and seven subjects with Thalassemia were invited to participate in the study. The questionnaire was also completed by 211 age- and sex-matched non-thalassemic subjects living in Sardinia. Scores suggestive of a good quality of life were obtained in all the areas investigated. Thalassemia patients had scores at least as good as those of non-thalassemic subjects in all items and the percentage of those with a score ≥ 60 was higher among patients. The analysis of demographic actually highlights that the disease has a little effect on their personal and social lives. There was a positive association between subjective well-being and effective clinical conditions. Moreover, the association between health perception and adherence to treatment suggests that compliance with treatment contributes to the well-being of the patient, both physically and psychologically. CONCLUSIONS Adult subjects with Thalassemia who live in Western countries have a good quality of life in accordance with the advances in the management of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - GiovanBattista Leoni
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico "A.Cao" - A.O. "G.Brotzu", Via Jenner s.n., 09121, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Moi
- University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maddalena Morittu
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico "A.Cao" - A.O. "G.Brotzu", Via Jenner s.n., 09121, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Orecchia
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico "A.Cao" - A.O. "G.Brotzu", Via Jenner s.n., 09121, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Perra
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico "A.Cao" - A.O. "G.Brotzu", Via Jenner s.n., 09121, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Pilia
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico "A.Cao" - A.O. "G.Brotzu", Via Jenner s.n., 09121, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonietta Zappu
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico "A.Cao" - A.O. "G.Brotzu", Via Jenner s.n., 09121, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Casini
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico "A.Cao" - A.O. "G.Brotzu", Via Jenner s.n., 09121, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Origa
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico "A.Cao" - A.O. "G.Brotzu", Via Jenner s.n., 09121, Cagliari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Origa R, Tatti F, Zappu A, Leoni GB, Dessì C, Moi P, Morittu M, Orecchia V, Denotti AR, Pilia MP, Anni F, Perra M, Casini MR, Barella S. Earlier initiation of transfusional and iron chelation therapies in recently born children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Am J Hematol 2017; 92:E627-E628. [PMID: 28741691 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Origa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - Federica Tatti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - Antonietta Zappu
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”-A.O. G.Brotzu; Cagliari Italy
| | | | - Carlo Dessì
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”-A.O. G.Brotzu; Cagliari Italy
| | - Paolo Moi
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”-A.O. G.Brotzu; Cagliari Italy
| | - Maddalena Morittu
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”-A.O. G.Brotzu; Cagliari Italy
| | - Valeria Orecchia
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”-A.O. G.Brotzu; Cagliari Italy
| | - Anna Rita Denotti
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - Maria Paola Pilia
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”-A.O. G.Brotzu; Cagliari Italy
| | - Franco Anni
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - Maria Perra
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”-A.O. G.Brotzu; Cagliari Italy
| | | | - Susanna Barella
- Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico “A.Cao”-A.O. G.Brotzu; Cagliari Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ibba A, Pilia S, Zavattari P, Loche A, Guzzetti C, Casini MR, Minerba L, Loche S. The role of FTO genotype on eating behavior in obese Sardinian children and adolescents. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2013; 26:539-44. [PMID: 23509208 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2012-0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to study the influence of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene on eating behavior in 412 obese Sardinian children and adolescents. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several susceptibility loci for obesity. Among these, the polymorphisms in the intron 1 of the FTO gene has been found associated to weight gain and obesity in various populations. METHODS All obese patients were genotyped for the FTO single nucleotide polimorphysm (SNP) rs9939609. In all subjects we evaluated eating behavior using the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). RESULTS We found no differences in eating behavior according to the genotype, either in the entire cohort, or when subjects were subdivided into four different age groups. CONCLUSIONS FTO genotype is associated with body mass index but does not influence eating behavior in a selected cohort of obese children from the isolated genetic population of Sardinia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Ibba
- Servizio di Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Microcitemico, ASL Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zavattari P, Loche A, Pilia S, Ibba A, Moi L, Guzzetti C, Casini MR, Loche S. rs9939609 in the FTO gene is associated with obesity but not with several biochemical parameters in Sardinian obese children. Ann Hum Genet 2011; 75:648-54. [PMID: 21913894 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2011.00674.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have reported an association of the intronic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9939609 of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene with obesity and with a number of obesity-related features. We studied the association of rs9939609 with obesity in 912 obese children and adolescents (426 males and 486 females, mean ± SD age 10.5 ± 3.3 years) and in 543 normal weight subjects. A number of biochemical and clinical parameters was also evaluated in 700 of these patients. In the obese group, mean body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) was similar between the three genotypes. The A allele was present in 55% of the patients' and in 43% of controls' chromosomes. The distribution of heterozygotes was similar between patients and controls (47%), while the distribution of AA homozygotes was significantly higher in patients (31% vs. 20%). Logistic regression analysis on the genotypes yielded a χ(2) of 35.5 with an odds ratio of 1.6 (CI = 1.3-1.8), P < 1 × 10(-5) . None of the clinical and metabolic parameters tested was associated with the genotype. In conclusion, we have confirmed the strong association between FTO and obesity, and shown that only AA homozygotes are predisposed to develop obesity while TT homozygotes might be protected. Finally, we found no association between rs9939609 and a number of obesity-related abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Zavattari
- Servizio di Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Microcitemico - ASL Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pilia S, Casini MR, Cambuli VM, Ibba A, Civolani P, Zavattari P, Incani M, Mossa P, Baroni MG, Mariotti S, Loche S. Prevalence of Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies (GAD and IA2) in Sardinian children and adolescents with autoimmune thyroiditis. Diabet Med 2011; 28:896-9. [PMID: 21749442 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2011.03313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis are common autoimmune diseases characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against tissue-specific components. Non-thyroid-specific autoantibodies are frequent in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. The prevalence of Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis is unknown. METHODS The prevalence of Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies (GAD and IA2) was analysed in 236 Sardinian children and adolescents with autoimmune thyroiditis. GAD and IA2 antibodies were measured at the time of the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis and re-evaluated after 1 year in the children who were shown to be positive. Autoantibody prevalence was evaluated in 949 healthy age-matched controls. RESULTS The prevalence of GAD and/or IA2 antibodies was 8% in the children and adolescents with autoimmune thyroiditis and 4.1% in control subjects (P = 0.017). When Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies were separately analysed, the difference remained significant for IA2 (3.39% in autoimmune thyroiditis vs. 1.16% in control subjects, P = 0.012), but not for GAD (5.1% in autoimmune thyroiditis vs. 3.79% in control subjects, P = 0.367). Seven of 10 children with autoimmune thyroiditis and detectable Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies at the diagnosis remained positive after 1 year. In the course of 2 years of follow-up, two patients who were positive for Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies at the time of diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis developed diabetes. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study reporting the prevalence of Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies in a selected cohort of genetically homogeneous children and adolescents with autoimmune thyroiditis. The main finding was that the prevalence of Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies and of newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis was significantly higher than that observed in the general paediatric population, suggesting that children with autoimmune thyroiditis are at increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Pilia
- Paediatric Endocrine Unit, Microcitemico Hospital, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Loche S, Guzzetti C, Pilia S, Ibba A, Civolani P, Porcu M, Minerba L, Casini MR. Effect of body mass index on the growth hormone response to clonidine stimulation testing in children with short stature. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2011; 74:726-31. [PMID: 21521260 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.03988.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An inverse relationship has been shown between body mass index (BMI) and the peak growth hormone (GH) response to stimulation in adults and in children with short stature. This relation is observed even within a normal range of BMI. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMI on the GH response to clonidine in a large number of children with short stature. DESIGN We conducted a retrospective study on the GH response to clonidine in a single centre. METHODS We studied 202 children with short stature (135 M and 67 F) who underwent clonidine testing from 2007 to 2009. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-eight patients had a GH peak >10 μg/l. In univariate regression analysis, the peak GH after clonidine was negatively correlated with BMI-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) and positively correlated with height velocity-SDS and IGF-I-SDS. Only the relationship between peak GH and BMI-SDS remained significant in children with a BMI-SDS from -2 to +2. In the multivariate stepwise regression analysis, BMI-SDS and IGF-I-SDS were the only significant variables in the entire cohort, explaining 19·5% of the variance in peak GH. When only subjects with BMI-SDS between -2·0 and +2·0 were included in the analysis (n = 173), BMI-SDS alone explained 21·4% of the variability in peak GH. The number of patients who failed the clonidine test increased with increasing BMI-SDS. CONCLUSIONS BMI affects the GH response to clonidine in children with short stature and should be considered when interpreting the results to the stimulation test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Loche
- Servizio di Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Microcitemico, ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zavattari P, Loche A, Civolani P, Pilia S, Moi L, Casini MR, Minerba L, Loche S. An INSIG2 Polymorphism Affects Glucose Homeostasis in Sardinian Obese Children and Adolescents. Ann Hum Genet 2010; 74:381-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2010.00590.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
9
|
Marras V, Casini MR, Pilia S, Carta D, Civolani P, Porcu M, Uccheddu AP, Loche S. Thyroid function in obese children and adolescents. Horm Res Paediatr 2010; 73:193-7. [PMID: 20197672 DOI: 10.1159/000284361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is frequently associated with modifications of thyroid size and function. We evaluated the prevalence of thyroid function abnormalities and the effects of puberty and weight loss in obese children and adolescents. METHODS We examined 468 obese children (255 girls and 213 boys aged 3.7-17.9 years) and 52 normal-weight age-matched children as controls. TSH, fT3, fT4, fasting serum insulin and glucose were measured at baseline. fT3, fT4 and TSH were also measured after 6 months of lifestyle intervention in a subset of 43 patients. RESULTS 109 obese children showed abnormal circulating thyroid hormone concentrations (84 had elevated fT3 levels, 15 elevated TSH, 6 elevated fT4, 3 elevated fT3 and TSH, and 1 elevated fT3, fT4 and TSH levels). Serum TSH and fT3 concentrations were positively correlated with BMI-SDS. The prevalence of patients with abnormal thyroid hormone concentrations was similar between sexes and between prepubertal and pubertal subjects. After 6 months of lifestyle intervention, thyroid hormone concentrations normalized in 27 of the patients with decreased BMI-SDS, and in 2 patients in whom BMI-SDS increased. CONCLUSIONS In obese children, an increased fT3 concentration is the most frequent thyroid function abnormality. Serum fT3 and TSH correlate with BMI. Moderate weight loss frequently restores these abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Marras
- Servizio di Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Regionale per le Microcitemie, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Secco A, di Iorgi N, Napoli F, Calandra E, Ghezzi M, Frassinetti C, Parodi S, Casini MR, Lorini R, Loche S, Maghnie M. The glucagon test in the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in children with short stature younger than 6 years. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94:4251-7. [PMID: 19837934 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-0779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Few studies have addressed the diagnostic role of the glucagon test in children with suspected GH deficiency (GHD). OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the glucagon test as an alternative test to insulin tolerance test (ITT) and arginine in GHD children younger than 6 yr. DESIGN AND SETTING This study was conducted in two pediatric endocrinology centers. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-eight children (median age 4.2 yr, median height -3.0 sd score) with GHD confirmed by a peak GH to ITT and arginine less than 10 microg/liter (median 4.7 and 3.4 microg/liter, respectively) underwent a glucagon stimulation test. Magnetic resonance imaging showed normal hypothalamic-pituitary anatomy in 24 children, isolated anterior pituitary hypoplasia in seven, and structural hypothalamic-pituitary abnormalities in 17. RESULTS Median GH peak response to glucagon (13.5 microg/liter) was significantly higher than that observed after ITT and arginine (P < 0.0001). GH peak after glucagon was less than 10 microg/liter in 20 subjects (group 1) and greater than 10 microg/liter in 28 subjects (group 2) without significant clinical or biochemical differences between the two groups. Median GH peak after glucagon was similar between patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency and those with isolated GHD and between subjects with and without structural hypothalamic-pituitary abnormalities. The magnitude of the GH peak after glucagon was negatively correlated to age at diagnosis (rho = -0.636, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that glucagon has an effective GH-releasing activity and can be used to evaluate somatotroph function in young children with short stature. Normative data for this test in young children need to be established before its use in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Secco
- Department of Pediatrics, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico G Gaslini Institute, University of Genova, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insulin resistance (IR) increases during puberty in normal children. IR is the first adverse metabolic event of obesity, and the marker of the metabolic syndrome. We aimed to study the effect of puberty on IR in obese and normal-weight children. DESIGN Cross-sectional evaluation of fasting glucose, insulin concentrations, and homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) in obese and control children throughout puberty. PATIENTS AND METHODS We recruited 424 obese children (207 pre-pubertal and 217 pubertal divided in Tanner stages 2-3, 4, and 5) and estimated IR using the HOMA-IR index. Data were compared to those obtained in 123 healthy normal-weight children (40 pre-pubertal and 83 pubertal divided in Tanner stages 2-3, 4, and 5). RESULTS In the obese children mean HOMA-IR increased progressively across Tanner stages, and was significantly higher in all groups (pre-pubertal and Tanner stages 2-3, 4, and 5) of obese than in control children. HOMA-IR was significantly correlated with BMI. CONCLUSIONS HOMA-IR in obese children increases at puberty more than in normal-weight children and does not return to pre-pubertal values at the end of puberty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Pilia
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Microcitemico Hospital, ASL Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nucaro AL, Melis P, Casini MR, Rossino R, Cau M, Melis MA, Loche S. Turner syndrome mosaicism: an unusual case with a de novo large dicentric marker chromosome: mos 45,X/46,X, ter rea(X;X)(p22.3;p22.3). J Appl Genet 2008; 49:301-3. [PMID: 18670067 DOI: 10.1007/bf03195627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
X/X translocations are quite rare in humans. The effect of this anomaly on the phenotype is variable and depends on the amount of deleted material and whether the chromosomes are joined by their long or short arms. We report an unusual case of Turner syndrome mosaicism in a 16-year-old girl, who was referred to our Institute for primary amenorrhoea associated with short stature. Endocrine evaluation revealed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, which required a study of the karyotype. Cytogenetic analysis, performed on peripheral blood leucocytes, showed a mos 45,X/46,X,ter rea (X;X)(p22.3;p22.3) de novo karyotype. The prevalent cell line was 45,X (90% cells). A second cell line (10% cells) showed a very large marker chromosome, similar to a large metacentric chromosome. FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridisation) and molecular analysis revealed that the marker chromosome was dicentric and totally derived from the paternal X chromosome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lisa Nucaro
- Istituto di Neurogenetica e Neurofarmacologia, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Maghnie M, Uga E, Temporini F, Di Iorgi N, Secco A, Tinelli C, Papalia A, Casini MR, Loche S. Evaluation of adrenal function in patients with growth hormone deficiency and hypothalamic-pituitary disorders: comparison between insulin-induced hypoglycemia, low-dose ACTH, standard ACTH and CRH stimulation tests. Eur J Endocrinol 2005; 152:735-41. [PMID: 15879359 DOI: 10.1530/eje.1.01911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with organic growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or with structural hypothalamic-pituitary abnormalities may have additional anterior pituitary hormone deficits, and are at risk of developing complete or partial corticotropin (ACTH) deficiency. Evaluation of the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is essential in these patients because, although clinically asymptomatic, their HPA cannot appropriately react to stressful stimuli with potentially life-threatening consequences. DESIGN AND METHODS In this study we evaluated the integrity of the HPA in 24 patients (age 4.2-31 years at the time of the study) with an established diagnosis of GHD and compared the reliability of the insulin tolerance test (ITT), short synacthen test (SST), low-dose SST (LDSST), and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) test in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. RESULTS At a cortisol cut-off for a normal response of 550 nmol/l (20 microg/dl), the response to ITT was subnormal in 11 subjects, 6 with congenital and 5 with acquired GHD. Four patients had overt adrenal insufficiency, with morning cortisol concentrations ranging between 66.2-135.2 nmol/l (2.4-4.9 microg/dl) and typical clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. In all these patients, a subnormal cortisol response to ITT was confirmed by LDSST and by CRH tests. SST failed to identify one of the patients as adrenal insufficient. In the seven asymptomatic patients with a subnormal cortisol response to ITT, the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was confirmed in one by LDSST, in none by SST, and in five by CRH tests. The five patients with a normal cortisol response to ITT exhibited a normal response also after LDSST and SST. Only two of them had a normal response after a CRH test. In the seven patients with asymptomatic adrenal insufficiency mean morning cortisol concentration was significantly higher than in the patients with overt adrenal insufficiency. ITT was contraindicated in eight patients, and none of them had clinical symptoms of overt adrenal insufficiency. One of these patients had a subnormal cortisol response to LDSST, SST, and CRH, and three exhibited a subnormal response to CRH but normal responses to LDSST and to SST. CONCLUSION We conclude that none of these tests can be considered completely reliable for establishing or excluding the presence of secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency. Consequently, clinical judgment remains one of the most important issues for deciding which patients need assessment or re-assessment of adrenal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Maghnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pavia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The unlimited availability of GH obtained by recombinant DNA technology has allowed optimization of treatment in GH-deficient (GHD) children. At the same time it has prompted a number of studies in conditions not characterized by GHD such as Turner syndrome, intrauterine growth retardation, chronic renal failure and other chromosomal and genetic abnormalities associated with short stature. Several controlled and uncontrolled studies have now reported the adult height of patients with short stature and normal GH secretion. Critical reviewing of the data shows that some short non-GHD children may benefit from a prolonged treatment with GH. However, further studies are needed in order to be able to identify the subjects for whom treatment is really beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Loche
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ospedale Regionale per le Microcitemie, Cagliari, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Loche S, Bizzarri C, Maghnie M, Faedda A, Tzialla C, Autelli M, Casini MR, Cappa M. Results of early reevaluation of growth hormone secretion in short children with apparent growth hormone deficiency. J Pediatr 2002; 140:445-9. [PMID: 12006959 DOI: 10.1067/mpd.2002.122729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that normalization of the growth hormone (GH) response to stimulation in patients with GH deficiency (GHD) and normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hypothalamic-pituitary area might occur earlier than at attainment of final height. STUDY DESIGN Prepubertal children with short stature (21 boys and 12 girls; age, 5.2-10 years), in whom a diagnosis of GHD was based on a GH response <10 microg/L after 2 pharmacologic tests (clonidine, arginine, or insulin hypoglycemia), and normal MRI of the hypothalamic-pituitary area were studied. After 1 to 6 months, all children underwent reevaluation of GH secretion by means of one of the provocative tests previously used. During that time, none of the children received GH therapy or entered puberty. RESULTS A GH response > or =10 microg/L after retesting was found in 28 patients, and a GH response <10 microg/L was found in 5. In 9 patients, the peak GH response at diagnosis was <7 microg/L to both tests used. In 8, the GH response at retesting was > or =10 microg/L and was 9.0 microg/L in the remaining child. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that patients with pathologic GH responses to provocative tests but normal MRI should be reevaluated and followed up before a diagnosis of GHD is firmly established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Loche
- Servizio di Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Regionale per le Microcitemie, Cagliari, Clinica Pediatrica, Servizio Analisi Chimico Cliniche, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università di Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Loche S, Casini MR, Faedda A. The GH/IGF-I axis in puberty. Br J Clin Pract Suppl 1996; 85:1-4. [PMID: 8995016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Puberty, either spontaneous, precocious or pharmacologically induced has profound effects on the physiology of the GH/IGF-I axis. Both spontaneous and stimulated GH secretion increase with puberty. The increase in spontaneous GH secretion is the result of increased GH pulse amplitude rather than frequency, and is probably an oestrogen-dependent effect. Parallel to the increase in GH secretion at puberty, circulating IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 also increase. The pubertal increase in IGF-I correlates with stages of puberty as well as sex steroid levels. Circulating immunoreactive GHRH also increases with puberty, while circulating GH-binding protein levels are not affected by sexual maturation. Several data suggest an important role for the GH/IGF-I axis in the pubertal growth spurt. More recent data, however, have provided evidence of an important role for gonadal hormones in promoting adolescent growth independent of GH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Loche
- Servizio di Endocrinologia Pediatrica, Ospedale Regionale per le Microcitemie, Università di Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|