Serum testosterone mirrors inflammation parameters in females hospitalized with COVID-19

BACKGROUND

While low testosterone (T) was described as a predictor of unfavorable coronavirus-disease 19 (COVID-19) outcome in men, data concerning the role of T in women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are scant and limited to small cohorts. This study investigated the relationship between serum T values and outcomes of COVID-19 in a large female hospitalized cohort.

METHODS

One-hundred-sixty-eight adult women (median age 77, range 18-100 years; 154 in post-menopause) hospitalized for COVID-19 were assessed for PaO2/Fio2 ratio, serum T and inflammatory parameters.

RESULTS

Median duration for hospital stay was 14.2 days (range 1-115) with overall mortality of 26% (n = 44). Subjects who died were significantly older (p < 0.001), had significantly more comorbidities (p = 0.015) and higher serum T (p = 0.040), white blood cells (p = 0.007), c-reactive protein (CRP; p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6; p < 0.001), procalcitonin (PCT; p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; p = 0.001), D-dimer (p = 0.035), fibrinogen (p = 0.038) and lower serum free-triiodothyronine (FT3; p < 0.001) and luteinizing hormone (LH; p = 0.024) values. In post-menopausal women, significant associations were observed between T levels and serum CRP (rho: 0.23; p = 0.002), IL-6 (rho: 0.41; p < 0.001), LDH (rho: 0.34; p < 0.001), D-Dimer (rho: 0.21; p = 0.008), PCT (rho: 0.26; p = 0.001) and HDL cholesterol (rho:  - 0,22, p = 0.008). In multivariate regression analyses, serum T maintained the significant association with mortality after correction for age, coexistent comorbidities and serum LH and FT3, whereas it was lost after correction for inflammatory parameters.

CONCLUSION

In females, high serum T levels might be a mirror of inflammatory phenotype and worse COVID-19 course.

SGLT2-inhibitors are effective and safe in the elderly: The SOLD study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may have important benefits for the elderly with type 2 diabetes (T2D), however some safety concerns still limit their use in patients over 70 years of age. The SOLD study (SGLT2i in Older Diabetic patients) is a multicenter study, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SGLT2i in the older diabetic patients in a real-life setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed a population of 739 adults (mean age 75.4 ± 3.9 years, M/F 420/319) with T2D, which started a SGLT2i-based treatment after the age of 70, with at least one year of follow-up. Data were collected at baseline, at 6 and 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

SGLT2i (37.5% Empagliflozin, 35.7% Dapagliflozin, 26.1% Canagliflozin, 0.7% Ertugliflozin) were an add-on therapy to Metformin in 88.6%, to basal insulin in 36.1% and to other antidiabetic drugs in 29.6% of cases. 565 subjects completed the follow up, while 174 (23.5%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events which were SGLT2i related. A statistically significant reduction of glycated hemoglobin (baseline vs 12 months: 7.8 ± 1.1 vs 7.1 ± 0.8%, p < 0.001) and body mass index values (baseline vs 12 months: 29.2 ± 4.7 vs 28.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001) were evident during follow-up. Overall, estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable over time, with significant reduction of urinary albumin excretion. In the subgroup of patients which were ≥ 80 years, a significant improvement in glycated hemoglobin values without renal function alterations was evident. Overall discontinuation rate during the follow-up period was different across age groups, being urinary tract infections and worsening of renal function the most common cause.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2i are well-tolerated and safe in the elderly and appear as an effective therapeutic option, though some caution is also suggested, especially in more fragile subjects.

Impact of age on postsurgical outcomes of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas

PURPOSE

The management of pituitary adenomas in the elderly has become a relevant clinical issue, in relationship with improved life expectancy and spreading use of imaging techniques. In this single-center and retrospective study, we investigated the impact of age on peri- and postsurgical outcomes in patients undergoing transnasal sphenoidal (TNS) surgery for pituitary adenomas.

METHODS

One-hundred-sixty-nine patients (62% males) undergoing endoscopic transphenoidal (TNS) surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) were enrolled. Patients were subdivided into three groups according to age tertiles: ≤56 (group 1), 57-69 (group 2), and ≥70 (group 3) years. Postsurgical and endocrinological outcomes were evaluated and compared among the three age groups.

RESULTS

37/169 patients (21.9%) developed at least one perisurgical complication, without significant association with the patients' age (P = 0.838), Charlson co-morbidity score (P = 0.326), and American Society of Anesthesiologist score (P = 0.616). In the multivariate regression analysis, the adenoma size resulted the only determinant of perisurgical complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [C.I.] 1.00-1.13; P = 0.044). The development and the recovery of at least one pituitary hormone deficiency were observed in 12.2% and 14.2% of patients, respectively. The risk of developing new pituitary hormone deficiencies was correlated with cavernous sinus invasion as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (hazard ratio [HR] 4.19, 95% C.I. 1.39-12.66; P = 0.010), whereas the probability to normalize at least one pituitary hormone deficiency was significantly correlated with younger age of patients (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12-0.61; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study reinforce the concept that endoscopic TNS surgery is a safe therapeutic option in the elderly patients with NFPA, even in presence of comorbidities and high anesthetic risk.

Bilateral testicular masses and adrenal insufficiency: is congenital adrenal hyperplasia the only possible diagnosis? First two cases of TARTS described in Addison-only X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and a brief review of literature

BACKGROUND

Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) are benign masses deemed to originate from pluripotent testicular steroidogenic cells that grow under chronic ACTH stimulation. These lesions, occasionally misdiagnosed as Leydig cell tumors (LCTs), are typically described in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited disorder of beta-oxidation with accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in various tissues, and a rare cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). TARTs have never been associated with X-ALD. CASE 1 DESCRIPTION: A 19-year old male, who had previously undergone bilateral enucleation of presumed LCTs, was referred to our unit. Follow-up scans showed persistent bilateral lesions compatible with TARTs. Biochemical exams revealed PAI but excluded CAH. A serum VLCFAs panel was consistent with X-ALD, with gene testing confirming the diagnosis. Histological revision of the previously resected testicular lesions was compatible with TARTs. Start of glucocorticoid replacement therapy was associated with a reduction of testicular masses. CASE 2 DESCRIPTION: A 26-year old X-ALD male was diagnosed with bilateral testicular lesions compatible with TARTs. These lesions increased after ACTH elevation following switch to modified-release hydrocortisone. Clinical and sonographic findings allowed for a "watchful-waiting" approach, avoiding unnecessary surgery.

CONCLUSION

These are the first cases reported of TARTs in patients with X-ALD-associated PAI. Testicular lesions in patients with an early onset of ACTH elevation, regardless of the cause, should always be thoughtfully investigated, as they may reveal themselves as TARTs. We suggest that all patients affected from chronic ACTH elevation of a young age of onset should undergo testicular ultrasound in order to evaluate the presence of these lesions. GRT in these patients might also help preserving fertility.

Impact of Comorbidities and Glycemia at Admission and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With COVID-19: A Case Series From an Academic Hospital in Lombardy, Italy

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes may unfavorably influence the outcome of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), but the determinants of this effect are still poorly understood. In this monocentric study, we aimed at evaluating the impact of type 2 diabetes, comorbidities, plasma glucose levels, and antidiabetes medications on the survival of COVID-19 patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a case series involving 387 COVID-19 patients admitted to a single center in the region of Lombardy, the epicenter of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic in Italy, between 20 February and 9 April 2020. Medical history, pharmacological treatments, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes of patients without diabetes and patients with type 2 diabetes were compared. Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied to investigate risk factors associated with mortality.

RESULTS

Our samples included 90 patients (23.3%) with type 2 diabetes, who displayed double the mortality rate of subjects without diabetes (42.3% vs. 21.7%, P < 0.001). In spite of this, after correction for age and sex, risk of mortality was significantly associated with a history of hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.84, 95% CI 1.15-2.95; P = 0.011), coronary artery disease (aHR 1.56, 95% CI 1.04-2.35; P = 0.031), chronic kidney disease (aHR 2.07, 95% CI 1.27-3.38; P = 0.003), stroke (aHR 2.09, 95% CI 1.23-3.55; P = 0.006), and cancer (aHR 1.57, 95% CI 1.08-2.42; P = 0.04) but not with type 2 diabetes (P = 0.170). In patients with diabetes, elevated plasma glucose (aHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.44, per mmol/L; P = 0.015) and IL-6 levels at admission (aHR 2.47, 95% CI 1.28-4.78, per 1-SD increase; P = 0.007) as well as treatment with insulin (aHR 3.05, 95% CI 1.57-5.95; P = 0.001) and β-blockers (aHR 3.20, 95% CI 1.50-6.60; P = 0.001) were independently associated with increased mortality, whereas the use of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors was significantly and independently associated with a lower risk of mortality (aHR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.92; P = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma glucose levels at admission and antidiabetes drugs may influence the survival of COVID-19 patients affected by type 2 diabetes.

Suboptimal medication adherence may favor the progression of vertebral fractures in women with post-menopausal osteoporosis treated with denosumab

BACKGROUND

Medication adherence is a determinant of therapeutic outcomes in osteoporotic patients treated with bisphosphonates. In this monocentric study, we evaluated whether the regular drug administration may influence the effectiveness of denosumab in preventing vertebral fractures (VFs) in real-world clinical practice.

METHODS

Two-hundred and four women (median age 75 years, range: 54-90 years) under treatment with denosumab for post-menopausal osteoporosis were longitudinally evaluated for incident radiological VFs and changes in lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in relationship with medication adherence. All patients were persistent with denosumab treatment (i.e., maximum delay in administration of a single denosumab dose: 90 days). Patients were defined adherent to denosumab therapy when the drug was administered every 6 months ±28 days.

RESULTS

One-hundred-seventy-three patients (84.4%) were adherent to denosumab therapy, whereas the remaining 31 patients (15.6%) received in delay one or more denosumab doses (cumulative delay: 52 days, range 29-183 days). Fourteen patients (6.9%) experienced incident VFs during the follow-up (median duration: 30 months, range: 18-48 months), in relationship with non-adherence to denosumab therapy (hazard ratio 4.44; 95% CI: 1.01-19.47) and smaller increase in lumbar spine BMD (hazard ratio 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

In post-menopausal women at high risk of fractures, the small delay in the administration of denosumab (i.e., not uncommon in clinical practice) was associated with a significant increase in incidence of VFs. Preservation of standard dosing schedule appears to be an important determinant of denosumab effectiveness in the real-life clinical practice.

Clinically Nonfunctioning Pituitary Incidentalomas: Characteristics and Natural History

INTRODUCTION

Available data on pituitary incidentalomas mostly derive from small-scale studies, with heterogeneous inclusion criteria and limited follow-up. No paper has focused specifically on clinically nonfunctioning pituitary in-cidentalomas (CNFPIs).

OBJECTIVE

To describe the charac-teristics and the natural history of patients diagnosed with CNFPIs.

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter cohort study evaluating hormonal, imaging, and visual field characteristics at diagnosis and during follow-up of CNFPIs investigated in 2 Pituitary Centers.

RESULTS

Three hundred and seventy-one patients were included (50.9% microadenomas, 35.6% males). Men were older and more likely to have a macroadenoma (p < 0.01). Totally, 23.7% of patients presented secondary hormonal deficits (SHDs), related to tumor size (higher in macroadenomas; p < 0.001) and age (higher in older patients; p < 0.001). Hypogonadism was the most frequent SHD (15.6%). Two hundred and ninety-six patients had follow-up data, 29.1% required surgery after first evaluation, and 97 had at least 3 years of follow-up. In total, 15.3% adenomas grew (more macroadenomas), but only in microadenomas patients with longer follow-up showed a higher growth trend. Totally, 5.2% of patients developed new SHDs (micro- vs. macroadenomas p = 1.000), and in 60% of them this was not associated with an increase in tumor size. Thirteen additional patients required surgery during follow-up (1 microadenoma at diagnosis).

CONCLUSIONS

Macroadenomas and age are risk factors for SHD in CNFPIs, which occur at diagnosis in a quarter of patients. During follow-up, macroadenomas tend to grow more often, but microadenomas display higher growth trend as follow-up increases. Deterioration of pituitary function is not always related to adenoma growth.

Levothyroxine supplementation on assisted reproduction technology (ART) outcomes in women with subtle hypothyroidism: a retrospective study

The need for treating subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in women undergoing assisted reproduction technology (ART) is under debate. Moreover, it is known that controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols may impair the thyroidal axis. Therefore, we evaluated if levothyroxine (L-T4) supplementation in SCH women before undergoing ART positively affects the main reproductive outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed in vitro fertilization (IVF) data of 4147 women submitted to 6545 cycles in a tertiary care IVF Center (January 2009-December 2014). L-T4 (1.4-2.0 mcg/kg) treatment was offered to all women with a pre-cycle TSH >2.5 mIU/L before starting COH and main ART outcomes were compared in euthyroid and L-T4-treated women undergoing ART. Among 4147 women, 1074 (26%) were affected by SCH and were treated with L-T4 before COH was started. No statistically significant differences among L-T4-treated and euthyroid women group were observed regarding pregnancy rate, respectively, per cycle (27.67% vs 26.37%; p = .314) and per embryo transfer (30.13% vs 29.17%; p = .489), live birth rate, respectively, per cycle (21.58% vs 20.38%; p = .304) and per embryo transfer (23.49 vs 22.54%; p = .449) and the rest of primary and secondary efficacy endpoints. Early L-T4 treatment for infertile women with a subtle thyroid dysfunction may mitigate and protect from the negative effects of SCH in the setting of ART, and may preventively overcome also the negative impact of COH on thyroidal axis.