-
Pituitary Oct 2023Giant prolactinomas are a rare entity, representing approximately 5% of all prolactinomas. A systematic review of 196 adult cases was performed. A comparison of the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Giant prolactinomas are a rare entity, representing approximately 5% of all prolactinomas. A systematic review of 196 adult cases was performed. A comparison of the clinical, biochemical and radiological characteristics, management and therapeutic outcomes in men versus women is made.
METHODS
A structured search was conducted using the term 'giant prolactinoma'. Following inclusion criteria were used: diameter ≥ 40 mm, prolactin levels > 1000 ng/ml and no concomitant GH/ ACTH secretion.
RESULTS
196 cases were included [age: 38 (28-50) years, F/M ratio: 1/3.6]. Median tumor diameter was 53 (43-69) mm. Pituitary deficiency was present in 91% of cases, with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism being the most frequent. Most common presenting symptoms were visual impairment (73%) and headache (50%) in men and amenorrhea (58%) in women. 82% of cases were treated with a dopamine agonist (DA) as first-line treatment which led to normoprolactinemia, tumor shrinkage and visual improvement in 51%, 88% and 85% of cases, respectively. Surgery was performed in 29% of cases and all showed tumor remnant and persistent hyperprolactinemia. Women had a lower prolactin level and a smaller tumor diameter at diagnosis but pituitary deficiencies were more frequent and outcome was worse.
CONCLUSION
Giant prolactinomas are rare and have a male predominance. Visual impairment is the most frequent presenting symptom in men and amenorrhea in women. The gender-related difference in tumor size and level of prolactin was confirmed in this analysis where men had a larger diameter and a higher baseline prolactin level. DAs are the treatment of choice, irrespective of tumor size and presence of visual impairment. As only half of the cases achieved normoprolactinemia we do not, in contrast to previous literature, state giant prolactinomas to be exquisitely sensitive to DAs. Patient characteristics associated with persistent hyperprolactinemia after treatment with a DA were female gender, higher baseline prolactin and larger tumor size . This analysis did show TSH- and ACTH-deficiency to be more frequent after surgery which was not seen for LH/FSH deficiency.
Topics: Female; Adult; Male; Humans; Prolactinoma; Pituitary Neoplasms; Hyperprolactinemia; Prolactin; Amenorrhea; Dopamine Agonists; Hypopituitarism; Vision Disorders; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
PubMed: 37544978
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-023-01337-0 -
Current Psychiatry Reports Nov 2023Despite clear evidence that sex differences largely impact the efficacy and tolerability of antipsychotic medication, current treatment guidelines for schizophrenia... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Despite clear evidence that sex differences largely impact the efficacy and tolerability of antipsychotic medication, current treatment guidelines for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) do not differentiate between men and women. This review summarizes the available evidence on strategies that may improve pharmacotherapy for women and provides evidence-based recommendations to optimize treatment for women with schizophrenia.
RECENT FINDINGS
We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for peer-reviewed studies on three topics: (1) sex differences in dose-adjusted antipsychotic serum concentrations, (2) hormonal augmentation therapy with estrogen and estrogen-like compounds to improve symptom severity, and (3) strategies to reduce antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Based on three database studies and one RCT, we found higher dose-adjusted concentrations in women compared to men for most antipsychotics. For quetiapine, higher concentrations were specifically found in older women. Based on two recent meta-analyses, both estrogen and raloxifene improved overall symptomatology. Most consistent findings were found for raloxifene augmentation in postmenopausal women. No studies evaluated the effects of estrogenic contraceptives on symptoms. Based on two meta-analyses and one RCT, adjunctive aripiprazole was the best-studied and safest strategy for lowering antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Evidence-based recommendations for female-specific pharmacotherapy for SSD consist of (1) female-specific dosing for antipsychotics (guided by therapeutic drug monitoring), (2) hormonal replacement with raloxifene in postmenopausal women, and (3) aripiprazole addition as best evidenced option in case of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. Combining these strategies could reduce side effects and improve outcome of women with SSD, which should be confirmed in future longitudinal RCTs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Aged; Antipsychotic Agents; Schizophrenia; Aripiprazole; Hyperprolactinemia; Raloxifene Hydrochloride; Estrogens
PubMed: 37864676
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01460-6 -
The Breast Journal 2023Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare and benign disease that primarily affects young women of reproductive age. Various factors have been suggested as possible... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare and benign disease that primarily affects young women of reproductive age. Various factors have been suggested as possible causes, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, history of taking birth control pills, hyperprolactinemia, smoking, and history of trauma. Due to unknown etiology, opinions on its treatment have varied, resulting in differing recurrence rates and side effects. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis can aid in understanding the causes and recurrence of the disease, thereby assisting in the selection of effective treatment and improving the quality of life. A systematic literature review was conducted using predefined search terms to identify eligible studies related to risk factors and recurrence up to June 2022 from electronic databases. Data were extracted and subjected to meta-analysis when applicable. A total of 71 studies with 4735 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 34.98 years, and the average mass size was 4.64 cm. About 3749 of these patients (79.17%) were Caucasian. Patients who mentioned a history of pregnancy were 92.65% with 76.57%, 22.7%, and 19.7% having a history of breastfeeding, taking contraceptive pills, and high prolactin levels, respectively. Around 5.6% of patients had previous trauma. The overall recurrence rate was 17.18%, with recurrence rates for treatments as follows: surgery (22.5%), immunosuppressive treatment (14.7%), combined treatment (14.9%), antibiotic treatment (6.74%), and observation (9.4%). Only antibiotic and expectant treatments had significant differences in recurrence rates compared to other treatments ( value = 0.023). In conclusion, factors such as Caucasian race, pregnancy and breastfeeding history, and use of contraceptive hormone are commonly associated with the disease recurrence. Treatment should be tailored based on symptom severity and patient preference, with surgery or immunosuppressive options for recurrence.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adult; Granulomatous Mastitis; Quality of Life; Breast Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Immunosuppressive Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Contraceptive Agents; Recurrence
PubMed: 37794976
DOI: 10.1155/2023/9947797 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Sep 2023Although there is an increasing body of evidence showing gender differences in various medical domains as well as presentation and biology of pituitary adenoma (PA),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Although there is an increasing body of evidence showing gender differences in various medical domains as well as presentation and biology of pituitary adenoma (PA), gender differences regarding outcome of patients who underwent transsphenoidal resection of PA are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify gender differences in PA surgery.
METHODS
The PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched up to April 2023 to identify eligible articles. Quality appraisal and extraction were performed in duplicate.
RESULTS
A total of 40 studies including 4989 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our analysis showed odds ratio of postoperative biochemical remission in males vs. females of 0.83 (95% CI 0.59-1.15, P = 0.26), odds ratio of gross total resection in male vs. female patients of 0.68 (95% CI 0.34-1.39, P = 0.30), odds ratio of postoperative diabetes insipidus in male vs. female patients of 0.40 (95% CI 0.26-0.64, P < 0.0001), and a mean difference of preoperative level of prolactin in male vs. female patients of 11.62 (95% CI - 119.04-142.27, P = 0.86).
CONCLUSIONS
There was a significantly higher rate of postoperative DI in female patients after endoscopic or microscopic transsphenoidal PA surgery, and although there was some data in isolated studies suggesting influence of gender on postoperative biochemical remission, rate of GTR, and preoperative prolactin levels, these findings could not be confirmed in this meta-analysis and demonstrated no statistically significant effect. Further research is needed and future studies concerning PA surgery should report their data by gender or sexual hormones and ideally further assess their impact on PA surgery.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Treatment Outcome; Prolactin; Retrospective Studies; Pituitary Neoplasms; Adenoma; Hormones; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37555999
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05726-z -
BMC Psychiatry Oct 2023We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of blonanserin and risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia and to provide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of blonanserin and risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia and to provide reliable pharmacotherapeutic evidence for in the clinical treatment of schizophrenia.
METHODS
We systematically searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases for head-to-head randomized controlled trials that compared blonanserin with risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia. We extracted the following data: author, year, country, diagnostic criteria, sample size, course of treatment, dosage and outcomes. Our main endpoint was the changes in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores. Meta-analysis of the included data was conducted by RevMan 5.3 software. We used the GRADE criteria to evaluate the certainty of the evidence.
RESULTS
A total of 411 studies were initially; 8 trials were eligible and were included in our analysis (N = 1386 participants). Regarding efficacy, there was no difference in changes in the PANSS total scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). In terms of safety, compared to risperidone, the incidence of serum prolactin increases and weight gain in the blonanserin group was lower (P<0.05), but the incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) was higher (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The efficacy of blonanserin is similar to that of risperidone, but it is unclear whether blonanserin is more effective than risperidone at improving cognitive and social function. More high-quality studies are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of blonanserin in the future.
Topics: Humans; Risperidone; Schizophrenia; Antipsychotic Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37821875
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05240-7 -
The Malaysian Journal of Medical... Feb 2024Infertility affects millions of people of reproductive age worldwide. Thyroid hormones and prolactin (PRL) affect reproduction and pregnancy; therefore, these two... (Review)
Review
Infertility affects millions of people of reproductive age worldwide. Thyroid hormones and prolactin (PRL) affect reproduction and pregnancy; therefore, these two hormones influence fertility. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the strength of the correlation between serum PRL and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in infertile women and to explore selected factors influencing the correlation. We conducted a systematic search of online databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SAGE and Google Scholar) from inception until March 2021 and a manual search of the bibliographies of the included studies to identify relevant publications. The original research paper describing the correlation between PRL and TSH in reproductive-age women with infertility (primary and secondary) was included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled correlations of PRL and TSH, followed by an assessment of heterogeneity and a sensitivity analysis. From a total of 822 relevant articles identified, 11 were eligible and included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The random effect pooled correlation estimates between PRL and TSH was 0.431 (95% CI: 0.251, 0.582), with substantial heterogeneity between the included studies ( = 80%, = 0.067, < 0.001). No significant publication bias was observed. Study region, types of infertility, sample size and year of the study did not influence the correlation estimates. Our results highlighted a significant positive moderate correlation between serum PRL and serum TSH in infertile women.
PubMed: 38456102
DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.1.2 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Dec 2023The role of anterior pituitary hormones - i.e., adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), growth hormone (GH),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The role of anterior pituitary hormones - i.e., adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) - in early schizophrenia and psychoses unclear. We thus performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the blood concentrations of ACTH, LH and FSH, GH, PRL, and TSH in drug-naïve people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) as compared with healthy controls.
METHODS
We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo for articles indexed until September 2022. Data quality was appraised. Random-effects meta-analyses were carried out, generating pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs). Between-study heterogeneity was estimated using the I statistic. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies were included. Drug-naïve people with FEP, compared to healthy subjects, had higher blood concentrations of ACTH (k = 7; N = 548; SMD = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.29 to 0.94; p < 0.001; I = 60.9%) and PRL (k = 17; N = 1757; SMD = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.56 to 1.14; p < 0.001; I = 85.5%) as well as lower levels of TSH (k = 6; N = 677; SMD = -0.34; 95%CI: -0.54 to -0.14; p = 0.001; I = 29.1%). Meta-regressions did not show any moderating effect of age (p = 0.78), sex (p = 0.21), or symptom severity (p = 0.87) on PRL concentrations in drug-naïve FEP. Available data were not sufficient to perform meta-analyses on FSH, LH, and GH.
CONCLUSIONS
Drug-naïve people with FEP have altered ACTH, PRL, and TSH blood concentrations, supporting the hypothesis that an abnormal anterior pituitary hormone secretion may be involved in the onset of schizophrenia and psychoses. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of pituitary hormones in FEP.
Topics: Humans; Prolactin; Growth Hormone; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Thyrotropin; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Human Growth Hormone; Psychotic Disorders; Pituitary Hormones
PubMed: 37778198
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106392 -
Endocrine Feb 2024Studies investigating the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive function are few and heterogeneous, and results are often conflicting. This systematic review and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Studies investigating the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive function are few and heterogeneous, and results are often conflicting. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out on studies conducted in men with active or anamnestic SARS-CoV-2 infection to evaluate its consequences on the male sex hormone profile and semen parameters.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
This meta-analysis follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocols. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched to identify relevant studies. We originally selected 3553 articles. After the eligibility phase, 16 articles met our inclusion criteria encompassing 11 case-control studies and 5 cohort studies (2 prospective and 3 retrospective studies). We performed the quantitative analysis with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. Cochran-Q and heterogeneity (I) indexes were used to assess statistical heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias tests were also performed.
RESULTS
Overall, 1250 patients with active or recent (up to 80 days before) COVID-19 infection and 1232 matched healthy controls were included. Sperm concentration, total sperm count, and total motility were significantly lower in patients compared with controls. Patients also showed lower levels of total testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone, and higher levels of luteinizing hormone, 17β-estradiol, and prolactin compared with healthy controls. None of the included studies found the presence of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA in the semen of infected patients.
CONCLUSION
The present systematic review and meta-analysis suggests the presence of an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and primary testicular damage manifested with a picture of altered steroidogenesis and worsening spermatogenesis. The absence of the virus in the seminal fluid indicates a low possibility of sexual transmission of the infection to partners and offspring. However, our findings mostly show short-term follow-up, while few studies have considered the long-term consequences of the viral infection, thus further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term consequences on male reproductive health.
PubMed: 38345682
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03705-7 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Feb 2024Prolactinomas occurring during the reproductive period exhibit a characteristic behavior. There are, however, gaps in the literature regarding the behavior of these...
IMPORTANCE
Prolactinomas occurring during the reproductive period exhibit a characteristic behavior. There are, however, gaps in the literature regarding the behavior of these tumors after menopause.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to review and characterize the influence of menopause on prolactinoma behavior.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
A systematic review of observational prospective or retrospective studies and clinical trials on prolactinomas was conducted in two situations: tumors diagnosed in the reproductive period (before menopause), with follow-up in the postmenopausal period, or prolactinomas diagnosed in the postmenopausal period, without language or date restrictions. Data extracted from the articles included patient and tumor characteristics (prolactinoma type, previous treatment, symptoms, and serum prolactin [PRL] levels).
FINDINGS
This study included five studies comprising 180 participants. Prolactinomas diagnosed in women of reproductive age are treated with dopaminergic agonists (DAs), with indications of treatment withdrawal after menopause, exhibited stable tumor behavior and PRL levels. Considering the diagnosis during the postmenopausal period, macroprolactinomas were more prevalent and showed tumor shrinkage when DAs were used. Cabergoline, the most commonly used drug, lowers PRL levels and reduces symptoms associated with adenoma.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Microadenomas diagnosed before menopause can be followed up without treatment. Prolactinomas diagnosed after menopause are typically macroadenomas. Cabergoline remains the treatment of choice in the presence of clinical or compressive symptoms. We recommend at least one annual follow-up for such patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Prolactinoma; Cabergoline; Postmenopause; Pituitary Neoplasms; Dopamine Agonists; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Prolactin
PubMed: 38194617
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002303 -
Pituitary Jun 2024Prolactinomas are common tumours that significantly reduce quality-of-life (QOL) due to sellar mass effect, secondary hypogonadism, and the peripheral effects of...
BACKGROUND
Prolactinomas are common tumours that significantly reduce quality-of-life (QOL) due to sellar mass effect, secondary hypogonadism, and the peripheral effects of prolactin. Understanding the factors that influence QOL would provide insights into therapeutic targets to optimise patient outcomes and improve wellbeing in prolactinoma.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Studies that reported patient QoL using validated metrics were included. Bias and methodological rigour were assessed using the MINORS criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies were identified studies were available for review, comprising 877 patients. Most were small cross-sectional studies at high risk of bias. Prolactinoma exhibit worse QOL than healthy controls, particularly mental and psychosocial wellbeing. QOL is also worse than patients with non-functional adenomas, but better than those with Cushing's disease and acromegaly. QOL correlates with prolactin levels, and approaches population baseline with prolonged biochemical control. Dopamine agonists and surgery both improve overall QOL, however improvements are more rapid with surgery.
CONCLUSION
Poor quality of life in prolactinoma is multifactorial, related to biochemical control, side effects of therapy, and sellar mass effect. Targeting persistent symptoms, reducing healthcare costs, and reducing side-effects of therapy are avenues to improving QOL in patients with prolactinoma.
Topics: Prolactinoma; Humans; Quality of Life; Pituitary Neoplasms; Dopamine Agonists
PubMed: 38656635
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-024-01392-1