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Pediatric Research Jun 2022Premature adrenarche is a condition of childhood adrenal androgen excess (AAE) in the absence of gonadotropin-dependent puberty, and has been linked to insulin...
BACKGROUND
Premature adrenarche is a condition of childhood adrenal androgen excess (AAE) in the absence of gonadotropin-dependent puberty, and has been linked to insulin resistance and progression to metabolic syndrome. Microbial dysbiosis is associated with progression of inflammatory states and chronic diseases. Here, we aimed to examine the salivary microbiomes of children with AAE and assess the relationship with adrenal androgens and metabolic parameters.
METHODS
In a prospective cross-sectional study of children with AAE and healthy controls, adrenal and metabolic parameters were characterized and salivary microbiome was profiled using V3-V4 16S rDNA gene amplicon sequencing.
RESULTS
There was increased α-diversity in AAE (5 M, 15 F) compared to controls (3 M, 8 F), with positive correlation of 11OHA4, 11KA4, testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA, and DHEAS. Subanalyses showed increased α-diversity in both overweight/obese AAE and normal weight AAE compared to normal weight controls. Genus Peptostreptococcus, Veillonella, and Streptococcus salivarius were increased in normal weight AAE. Genus Prevotella, Abiotrophia, and Neisseria were increased in overweight/obese AAE.
CONCLUSION
These pilot data demonstrate differences in salivary microbiome profiles of children with and without AAE. Further studies are needed to assess the causal relationships between adrenal androgens, metabolic dysfunction, and salivary microbiome composition.
IMPACT
This study is the first to report the salivary microbiome of prepubertal children with adrenal androgen excess (AAE). α-Diversity is increased in the salivary microbiome of children with AAE independent of weight status, and in this study cohort several serum androgens are positively associated with α-diversity. Several taxa that have been associated with periodontal disease and inflammation are found to be significantly increased in AAE.
Topics: Androgens; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Humans; Microbiota; Obesity; Overweight; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 34341500
DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01661-w -
International Journal of Pediatric... 2020Premature adrenarche has been described as clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys and absence of signs of...
BACKGROUND
Premature adrenarche has been described as clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys and absence of signs of true puberty. Adrenal pathology such as adrenal tumors or non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) and exogenous androgen exposure need to be excluded prior to diagnosing (idiopathic) premature adrenarche. Premature adrenarche is more common among black girls compared to white girls and other racial groups. Adrenal pathology such as NCCAH is less common as a cause for premature adrenarche compared with idiopathic premature adrenarche. The evaluation guidelines for premature adrenarche however are not individualized based on racial/ethnic differences. Few studies have been done to evaluate a largely black population with premature adrenarche to assess the incidence of adrenal pathology.
METHODS
This cross-sectional retrospective study evaluated characteristics of prepubertal patients seen in an endocrine clinic for premature adrenarche.
RESULTS
Two hundred and seventy three subjects had signs of early adrenarche. Three subjects were found to have CAH (2 with NCCAH and 1 with late diagnosis classical CAH). None were black. Exogenous androgen exposure was etiology in 4 additional subjects. These 7 patients were excluded from further analysis. The remaining subjects had idiopathic PA ( = 266); 76.7% were females. The mean age at initial visit was 6.42 +/- 1.97 years (with no racial difference) although black subjects were reported symptom onset at a significantly younger age compared to non-Hispanic white patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed organic pathology was very uncommon in a predominantly black population with premature adrenarche. Patient factors that influence the probability of an underlying organic pathology including race/ ethnicity should be considered to individualize evaluation.
PubMed: 32165891
DOI: 10.1186/s13633-020-0075-8 -
Hormone and Metabolic Research =... Mar 2020If circulating adrenal androgens levels rise before the age of 8 years in girls, this phenomenon is termed premature adrenarche (PA), while the concomitant appearance of... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
If circulating adrenal androgens levels rise before the age of 8 years in girls, this phenomenon is termed premature adrenarche (PA), while the concomitant appearance of pubic hair is called premature pubarche (PP). Girls with PA-PP display an unfavorable hormonal profile compared to their normal peers and have an increased risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) features peripubertally. However, the sequelae of premature adrenarche remains unclear. We assessed metabolic, hormonal, psychologic profiles, and ovarian morphology in 21 women of mean age (±SD) 21.3±3.3 years, BMI: 23.6±4.4 kg/m with PA-PP, 45 women with PCOS and 26 controls, matched for age and BMI. PA-PP women displayed a favorable lipid profile compared to PCOS and controls. Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), however, were similar in PA-PP and PCOS women (2.09±1.42, 2.08±0.83) and higher than controls (1.13±0.49, p <0.05). Circulating androstenedione levels did not differ between PA-PP and PCOS women (0.11±0.05 vs. 0.12±0.03), but was higher than that of controls (0.02±0.0 nmol/l, p <0,05). Ovarian volume was increased in PA-PP and PCOS (11.14±3.3 vs. 10.99±4.61) compared to controls (6.74±1.83 cm). PA-PP women had a higher score of state/trait anxiety and depressive and eating disorder symptoms than controls, with a pattern that matched that of PCOS women. Only 14% of the PA-PP group fulfilled the Rotterdam PCOS criteria. Some women with a history of PA-PP displayed hormonal and psychologic profile similar to PCOS, and accordingly a regular monitoring of these girls during adulthood is advised.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenarche; Androgens; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Hormones; Humans; Ovary; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Puberty, Precocious; Ultrasonography; Young Adult
PubMed: 32074632
DOI: 10.1055/a-1109-2630 -
Problemy Endokrinologii Nov 2022Adrenocortical adenomas are often followed with steroid hormones hyperproduction, and therefore determination of their concentration plays an important role in the...
BACKGROUND
Adrenocortical adenomas are often followed with steroid hormones hyperproduction, and therefore determination of their concentration plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of adrenal diseases. Steroid profiling by tandem mass spectrometry is one of the main diagnostic methods in steroidogenesis characterization. Currently plasma and urinary steroid profiling is of particular interest in differential diagnosis and subtyping patients with adrenocortical adenomas.
AIM
Steroid profiling of pediatric patients with adrenal diseases (incidentalomas, ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma, ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome, premature adrenarche).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a retrospective analysis of steroid profile of 41 pediatric patients with adrenal diseases who were observed between 2005 and 2020 at the Endocrinology Research Centre.
RESULTS
All patients were divided into groups due to diagnosis: with ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma [n=7], ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome (autonomous cortisol secretion by an adrenal adenoma) [n=4], with incidentaloma [n=7] and premature adrenarche [n=23]. In group of patients with ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome identified statistically significant higher levels of 11-deoxycortisol (р=0, 0035) and significant lower levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone (р=0, 0026) and DHEA (р=0, 0047) compared to other groups. Statistically significant differences in steroid profiles between other groups were not identified.
CONCLUSION
Results of our study steroid profiling can be used as additional differential diagnosis method in patients with adrenocortical adenomas with or without hormonal hyperproduction (ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome and incidentaloma). Further studies are needed to identify steroid markers for subtyping pediatric adrenal diseases.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adrenocortical Adenoma; ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma; Hydrocortisone; Retrospective Studies; Adenoma
PubMed: 36689716
DOI: 10.14341/probl13166 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Aug 2021Premature adrenarche (PA) may increase the risk for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
CONTEXT
Premature adrenarche (PA) may increase the risk for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
OBJECTIVE
To study features of PCOS in young adult women with a history of PA.
METHODS
Thirty PA and 42 control females were followed from prepuberty to young adulthood (median age 18.1 years). The main outcome measures were ovarian function, the use of contraceptives, and clinical and biochemical indicators of hyperandrogenism.
RESULTS
We found no differences in the use of hormonal contraceptives (50 vs 50%, PA vs controls, respectively; P > .999), indication for using contraceptives (P = .193), or in the history of oligo- (17 vs 26%, P = .392) and amenorrhea (0 vs 0%, P > .999). Among women not using hormonal contraceptives, those with a history of PA had a higher prevalence of hirsutism (27 vs 0%, P = .023) but not acne (87 vs 67%, P = .252). Steroid profiles were broadly comparable between the groups, but PA women had lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations (30.1 vs 62.4 nmol/L, P < .001) resulting in higher free androgen index (3.94 vs 2.14, P < .001). The difference in SHBG levels persisted through body mass index adjustment. SHBG correlated negatively with the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (r -0.498, P = .003). Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations were comparable between the groups (39.3 vs 32.1 pmol/L, P = .619).
CONCLUSION
PA was not associated with evident ovarian dysfunction in young adult women. However, women with a history of PA had decreased SHBG levels and thus, increased bioavailability of circulating androgens.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adrenarche; Amenorrhea; Androgens; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Body Mass Index; Case-Control Studies; Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hirsutism; Humans; Hyperandrogenism; Insulin Resistance; Ovarian Function Tests; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Prevalence; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; Steroids; Young Adult
PubMed: 34060603
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab385 -
Hormone Research in Paediatrics 2020The term premature pubarche (PP) refers to the appearance of pubic hair before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. Although idiopathic PP (often associated with...
BACKGROUND
The term premature pubarche (PP) refers to the appearance of pubic hair before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. Although idiopathic PP (often associated with premature adrenarche) is considered an extreme variation from the norm, it may be an initial sign of persistent hyperandrogenism. Factors contributing to PP onset and progression have not been identified to date.
AIMS
The objectives of this study are to describe a group of Italian children with PP, to identify potential factors for its onset, and to define its clinical and biochemical progression.
METHODS
We retrospectively enrolled all infants born between 2001 and 2014 with PP. Children with advanced bone age (BA) underwent functional tests to determine the cause of PP. Hormonal analysis and BA determination were performed annually during a 4-year follow-up period.
RESULTS
A total of 334 children with PP were identified: idiopathic PP (92.5%, associated with premature adrenarche in some cases); related to precocious puberty (6.6%); late-onset 21-hydroxylase deficiency (0.9%). Low birth weight was associated with premature adrenal activation. Body mass index (BMI) was the only factor that influenced the progression of BA during follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Low birth weight is a predisposing factor for premature adrenal activation. The increase in BMI in patients with idiopathic PP during the 4-years of follow-up was responsible for BA acceleration. We recommend prevention of excessive weight gain in children with PP and strict adherence to follow-up in order to prevent serious metabolic consequences.
Topics: Birth Weight; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Italy; Male; Puberty, Precocious; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 33264767
DOI: 10.1159/000511873 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder resulting from lack of expression of the paternally derived chromosome 15q11-13, associated with several... (Review)
Review
A rare occurrence of non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and type 1 diabetes mellitus in a girl with Prader-Willi Syndrome: Case report and review of the literature.
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder resulting from lack of expression of the paternally derived chromosome 15q11-13, associated with several complications, including pubertal disorders, short stature, hyperphagia, obesity, glucose metabolism abnormalities, scoliosis, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and behavioral problems. We report the case of a girl affected by PWS who presented at the age of 5.9 with premature pubarche, accelerated linear growth and advanced bone age (BA). She was subsequently diagnosed with non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) confirmed by genetic analysis. Considering the clinical, biochemical, and genetic findings, hydrocortisone therapy was started to prevent rapid BA acceleration and severe compromission of final height. During infancy, short stature and low levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) for age and gender led to suspicion of growth hormone deficiency (GHD), confirmed by stimulation testing (arginine and clonidine). rhGH therapy was administered and continued until final height was reached. During endocrinological follow up she developed impaired glucose tolerance with positive markers of β-cell autoimmunity (anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, GAD Ab), which evolved over time into type 1 diabetes mellitus and insulin therapy with a basal-bolus scheme and an appropriate diet were needed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Prader-Willi Syndrome; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital; Human Growth Hormone; Obesity
PubMed: 37124733
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1148318 -
Clinical Pediatric Endocrinology : Case... 2022We aimed to determine the prevalence of early puberty in girls with premature pubarche and analyze the time interval between their pubarche and succeeding thelarche....
We aimed to determine the prevalence of early puberty in girls with premature pubarche and analyze the time interval between their pubarche and succeeding thelarche. This study included 60 female children with premature pubarche. We retrospectively collected clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings from all participants. We investigated the time interval between pubarche and thelarche in cases wherein premature pubarche was followed by thelarche. The mean age at onset of pubarche was 6.93 ± 0.79 yr old. Among the participants, 16.7% were preterm, 20% were small for gestational age (SGA), and 55% were overweight or obese. The mean time interval between pubarche and thelarche was 11.20 ± 7.41 mo. The mean serum DHEA-S level was higher in the preterm group (p = 0.016), and DHEA-S levels were generally higher in the SGA group (p = 0.004). This study documented the presence of being overweight or obese and having more advanced growth than their genetic potential in half of the patients who had premature pubarche. In addition to these identified risk factors, obesity-independent DHEA-S levels were observed to be higher in patients who had early puberty with the first six months of their follow-up considered to be the most critical time in predicting early puberty.
PubMed: 35002065
DOI: 10.1297/cpe.2021-0042 -
Journal of the Endocrine Society Feb 2021
PubMed: 33381669
DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa166 -
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology &... Apr 2024This study aimed to analyze the cardiac effects of hyperandrogenism in premature adrenarche (PA) and evaluate the risk of arrhythmia development.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to analyze the cardiac effects of hyperandrogenism in premature adrenarche (PA) and evaluate the risk of arrhythmia development.
METHODS
Fifty patients with PA and 50 healthy children from a pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic were included in the study. The patients underwent echocardiography and electrocardiographic evaluations. Conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler echocardiography, repolarization time, and repolarization dispersion time were evaluated.
RESULTS
The median age in the PA and control groups was 7.91 years (5.83-9.25), 8.08 years (5.75-9.33), respectively. Thirty percent of patients in the PA group were male. While mitral early diastolic velocity deceleration time (DT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), and E/e' ratio were significantly higher in the PA group than in the control group, mitral lateral annulus tissue Doppler early diastolic velocity was significantly lower (p=0.0001, 0.0001, 0.003, 0.0001). While P wave dispersion (PWD), Tpe, and QT-dispersion (QT-d) values were significantly higher in the PA group than in the control group, the P minimum value was significantly lower in the PA group (p=0.0001, 0.02, 0.004, and 0.0001, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Early subclinical diastolic dysfunction was observed in the PA group. There was an increased risk of atrial arrhythmia with PWD and an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia with increased Tpe and QT-d. There was a correlation between testosterone levels and diastolic function parameters. The increased risk of atrial arrhythmia is closely related to diastolic function.
Topics: Child; Humans; Male; Female; Adrenarche; Echocardiography, Doppler; Echocardiography; Diastole; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left
PubMed: 38386924
DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2023-0460