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The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Oct 2014The use of T has been suggested to improve women's health during the postmenopausal period. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
The use of T has been suggested to improve women's health during the postmenopausal period.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials to summarize the best available evidence regarding the benefits and harms of systemic T in postmenopausal women with normal adrenal function.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBSCO CINAHL, and Scopus was conducted through January 2014. We conducted study selection, data extraction, and appraisal in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool results.
RESULTS
We identified 35 randomized trials (n = 5053) at a moderate risk of bias. T use was associated with statistically significant improvement in various domains of sexual function and personal distress in postmenopausal women, although the majority of the trials did not have specific or contemporary diagnostic criteria for androgen deficiency in women. T use was also associated with a reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein and an increase in low-density lipoprotein and in the incidence of acne and hirsutism. No significant effect was noted on anthropometric measures and bone density. Long-term safety data were sparse, and the quality of such evidence was low.
CONCLUSION
Despite the improvement in sexual function associated with T use in postmenopausal women, long-term safety data are lacking.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Aging; Androgens; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Postmenopause; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sexuality; Testosterone
PubMed: 25279572
DOI: 10.1210/jc.2014-2262 -
International Journal of Surgery... Apr 2015Partial adrenalectomy is typically performed for the treatment of hereditary and sporadic bilateral tumours, to reduce the risk of adrenal failure, particularly in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Partial adrenalectomy is typically performed for the treatment of hereditary and sporadic bilateral tumours, to reduce the risk of adrenal failure, particularly in younger patients. Partial adrenalectomy proposes a postoperative steroid-free course nevertheless, is associated with the risk of local recurrence. In this study we evaluate the recurrence and functional outcomes of partial adrenalectomy.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Current Contents Connect, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The search identified 60 relevant articles reporting on patients who underwent partial adrenalectomy. Data was extracted from each study and used to calculate a pooled event rate and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
RESULTS
The overall recurrence rate was 8% (95% CI: 0.05-0.12) and the 85% (95% CI: 0.78-0.9) of the patients were steroid free. The recurrence rates were the least in the retroperitoneoscopic group 1% (95% CI: 0-0.04) and Conn's syndrome group 2% (95% CI: 0.01-0.05) and highest in open group 15% (95% CI: 0.07-0.28) and Pheochromocytoma group 10% (95% CI: 0.07-0.16). Steroid independence rates were best in the Conn's syndrome group 97% (95% CI: 0.85-0.99) and laparoscopic group 88% (95% CI: 0.75-0.95).
CONCLUSIONS
Partial adrenalectomy can obviate the need for steroid replacement in the majority of patients and local recurrence rates appear to be infrequent. For patients with hereditary and bilateral adrenal tumours, partial adrenalectomy should be recommended as a primary surgical approach whenever possible.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenalectomy; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Laparoscopy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Pheochromocytoma; Postoperative Period
PubMed: 25681039
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.01.015 -
European Radiology Feb 2019To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data to evaluate the utility of chemical shift imaging (CSI) for differentiating between adrenal adenomas... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data to evaluate the utility of chemical shift imaging (CSI) for differentiating between adrenal adenomas and non-adenomas.
METHODS
A systematic search of the MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases was performed. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by using the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) tool. A bivariate random effect model was used to determine summary and subgroup sensitivity and specificity and calculate summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC).
RESULTS
Eighteen studies with 1138 patients and 1280 lesions (859 adenomas, 421 non-adenomas) in total were included. In addition to summary analysis, quantitative analyses of the adrenal signal intensity index (SII, 978 lesions, 14 studies), adrenal-to-spleen ratio (ASR; 394 lesions, 7 studies) and visual analysis (560 lesions, 5 studies) were performed. The resultant data showed considerable heterogeneity (inconsistency index I of 94%, based on the diagnostic odds ratio, DOR). The pooled sensitivity of CSI for adenoma was 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-0.97] and pooled specificity was 0.95 (95% CI 0.89-0.97). The area (AUC) under the SROC curve was 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99). The corresponding AUCs were 0.98, 0.99 and 0.95 for SII, ASR and visual evaluation, respectively.
CONCLUSION
CSI has high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for adrenal adenoma. Diagnostic performance does not improve when quantitative indices are used.
KEY POINTS
• Inclusion of CSI in abdominal MRI protocols provides an effective solution for classifying adrenal masses discovered on MR exams • Visual evaluation of adrenal CSI is sufficient; use of quantitative indices does not improve diagnostic accuracy.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms; Adrenal Gland Diseases; Adrenocortical Adenoma; Area Under Curve; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; ROC Curve; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 30014203
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5626-5 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Jan 2024Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common endocrine cause of hypertension. The final diagnostic step involves subtyping, using adrenal vein sampling (AVS), to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common endocrine cause of hypertension. The final diagnostic step involves subtyping, using adrenal vein sampling (AVS), to determine if PA is unilateral or bilateral. The complete PA diagnostic process is time and resource intensive, which can impact rates of diagnosis and treatment. Previous studies have developed tools to predict bilateral PA before AVS.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of published tools that aim to identify bilateral subtypes of PA.
METHODS
Medline and Embase databases were searched to identify published models that sought to subtype PA, and algorithms to predict bilateral PA are reported. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were then performed.
RESULTS
There were 35 studies included, evaluating 55 unique algorithms to predict bilateral PA. The algorithms were grouped into 6 categories: those combining biochemical, radiological, and demographic characteristics (A); confirmatory testing alone or combined with biochemical, radiological, and demographic characteristics (B); biochemistry results alone (C); adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation testing (D); anatomical imaging (E); and functional imaging (F). Across the identified algorithms, sensitivity and specificity ranged from 5% to 100% and 36% to 100%, respectively. Meta-analysis of 30 unique predictive tools from 32 studies showed that the group A algorithms had the highest specificity for predicting bilateral PA, while group F had the highest sensitivity.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the variability in published predictive algorithms, they are likely important for decision-making regarding the value of AVS. Prospective validation may enable medical treatment upfront for people with a high likelihood of bilateral PA without the need for an invasive and resource-intensive test.
Topics: Humans; Hyperaldosteronism; Adrenal Glands; Sensitivity and Specificity; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Aldosterone; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37531636
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad451 -
The American Surgeon May 2016Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is increasingly employed for removal of adrenal masses. As adrenal tumors increase in size, however, their malignant potential likewise... (Review)
Review
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is increasingly employed for removal of adrenal masses. As adrenal tumors increase in size, however, their malignant potential likewise increases, raising concerns for the use of laparoscopy for removal of large adrenal malignancies. We present a systematic review of the use of laparoscopic adrenalectomy of large malignant tumors. A PubMed search was undertaken and two independent reviewers reviewed the manuscripts and a methodological index for nonrandomized studies score was determined. Manuscripts with scores greater than eight were included. The primary end points were rate of cancer recurrence, rate of conversion to open, complications, and surgical technique. Our initial search produced 412 manuscripts. After abstract review, 44 manuscripts were scored, of which 19 manuscripts were used. A total of 2183 tumors were removed, of which 517 were malignant. Average follow-up time was 38.7 months. The recurrence rate was 12.9 per cent. The rate of conversion was 3.6 per cent. The main techniques used were transabdominal and retroperitoneal. No significant differences in rate of recurrence or complications were seen when compared with open. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be performed for large and malignant tumors; however, most manuscripts on this subject lack significant scientific rigor and follow-up.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenalectomy; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Postoperative Complications; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27215723
DOI: No ID Found -
Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Dec 2023For diagnosing left adrenal gland metastasis in lung cancer, clinical guidelines recommend to perform EUS, but EUS-B (EUS using an EBUS-scope) is increasingly being... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
For diagnosing left adrenal gland metastasis in lung cancer, clinical guidelines recommend to perform EUS, but EUS-B (EUS using an EBUS-scope) is increasingly being used. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of both procedures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We did a systematic review (PROSPERO, CRD42023416205) and searched MEDLINE and EMBASE on 04-July-2023 for studies evaluating EUS and/or EUS-B in diagnosing left adrenal gland metastases in adults with (suspected) lung cancer. Outcomes were: (1) ability to visualize the left adrenal gland, (2) ability to sample (in those with successful visualization and in whom sampling was attempted), (3) ability to obtain adequate material (in those with successful sampling), (4) malignancy detection rate (in those with successful sampling), and (5) remaining risk of malignancy (in those with a negative EUS(-B)-FNA and undergoing a reference standard). We performed random-effects meta-analyses.
RESULTS
We included 19 studies (EUS: n = 11, EUS-B: n = 6, both: n = 2), covering 1712 patients. All studies had high (n = 18) or unclear (n = 1) risk of bias (QUADAS-2). Average ability to visualize the left adrenal gland was 0.94 (95 %CI 0.82-0.98; n = 7 studies). Average ability to sample was 1.00 (95 %CI 0.99-1.00; n = 9). Average ability to obtain adequate material was 0.96 (95 %CI 0.93-0.98; n = 18). Average malignancy detection rate was 0.42 (95 %CI 0.34-0.49; n = 18). Remaining risk of malignancy was 0.07 (95 %CI 0.04-0.12; n = 8). Ability to visualize was slightly higher for EUS (0.99; 95 %CI 0.90-1.00) than EUS-B (0.84; 95 %CI 0.70-0.92; p = 0.025), but the other performance characteristics were similar. No major complications were reported.
CONCLUSION
Both EUS and EUS-B have good performance and are safe for left adrenal gland analysis in patients with lung cancer, but the number of high-quality studies is limited and further well-constructed prospective studies are needed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; Endosonography; Sensitivity and Specificity; Adrenal Glands; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms
PubMed: 37827042
DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107391 -
Journal of Critical Care Sep 2010Our aim was to review the literature on the prevalence and impact of critical-illness related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) on the outcomes of patients with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Our aim was to review the literature on the prevalence and impact of critical-illness related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) on the outcomes of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
METHODS
We reviewed Cochrane, Medline, and CINAHL databases (through July 2008) to identify studies evaluating the adrenal function in severe CAP. Main data collected were prevalence of CIRCI and its mortality.
RESULTS
We screened 152 articles and identified 7 valid studies. Evaluation of adrenal function varied, and most studies used baseline total cortisol levels. The prevalence of CIRCI in severe CAP ranged from 0% to 48%. Among 533 patients, 56 (10.7%) had cortisol levels of 10 μg/dL or less and 121 patients (21.2%) had cortisol levels of 15 μg/dL or less. In a raw analysis, there was no significant difference in mortality when patients with cortisol levels less than 10 μg/dL (8.6 vs 15.5%; P = .55) or less than 15 μg/dL (12.4 vs 16%; P = .38) were compared with those with cortisol above these levels. In the meta-analysis, relative risk for mortality were 0.81 (confidence interval, 0.39-1.7; P = .59; χ(2) = 1.04) for cortisol levels less than 10 μg/dL and relative risk was 0.67 (confidence interval, 0.4-1.14; P = .84; χ(2) = 1.4) for cortisol levels less than 15 μg/dL.
CONCLUSIONS
A significant proportion of patients with severe CAP fulfilled criteria for CIRCI. However, CIRCI does not seem to affect the outcomes. Noteworthy, the presence of elevated cortisol levels is associated with increased mortality and may be useful as a prognostic marker in patients with severe CAP.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenal Insufficiency; Community-Acquired Infections; Critical Illness; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Pneumonia; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 20627449
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2010.03.004 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Jan 2021The characteristics of catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytomas have been well studied. However, less is known about the characteristics, management and outcome in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
The characteristics of catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytomas have been well studied. However, less is known about the characteristics, management and outcome in patients with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and/or corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)-secreting pheochromocytomas.
OBJECTIVE
To review the characteristics and outcomes of ACTH- and/or CRH-secreting pheochromocytomas.
DATA SOURCE
A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science, identifying relevant reports published up to 10 February 2020.
STUDY SELECTION
Original articles, including case reports and case series, reporting individual patient data from patients with ACTH- and/or CRH-secreting pheochromocytomas.
DATA EXTRACTION
Information on sex, age, symptoms at presentation, comorbidities, biochemistry, imaging, histopathology, and outcomes was extracted.
DATA SYNTHESIS
We identified 91 articles reporting on 99 cases of ACTH- and/or CRH-secreting pheochromocytomas (CRH-secreting n = 4). Median age at diagnosis was 49 years (interquartile range 38-59.5) with a 2:1 female to male ratio. Most patients presented with clinical Cushing syndrome (n = 79; 81%), hypertension (n = 87; 93%), and/or diabetes (n = 50; 54%). Blood pressure, glucose control, and biochemical parameters improved in the vast majority of patients postoperatively. Infections were the most common complication. Most cases (n = 70, 88%) with reported long-term outcome survived to publication (median follow-up 6 months).
CONCLUSION
Ectopic ACTH- and/or CRH-secreting pheochromocytoma should be considered in patients presenting with ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome and adrenal mass. Despite the challenge in diagnosis, patient outcomes appear favorable.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Biomarkers; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Pheochromocytoma; Prognosis
PubMed: 32710791
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa488 -
Pituitary May 2024This systematic review aims to examine the latest research findings and assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the pituitary gland. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review aims to examine the latest research findings and assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the pituitary gland.
METHOD
PubMed and Tripdatabase were searched from January 1st, 2020 to February 12th, 2024. Case reports, case series and reviews related to post COVID-19 vaccination pituitary disease were included. Eligible articles were tabulated and analysed in the attempt to provide an overview on the epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging, treatment, outcomes and pathophysiological background of post COVID-19 vaccination pituitary disease.
RESULTS
Among the 23 case reports included in this review, post COVID-19 vaccination hypophysitis was reported in 9 patients, pituitary apoplexy (PA) in 6 cases, SIADH in 5 cases and Isolated ACTH deficiency in 2 cases. Additionally, precipitating adrenal crisis was registered in 7 patients and pituitary tumor enlargement in 1 patient after receiving COVID-19 vaccination.
CONCLUSION
Despite the rarity of these events, our research findings suggest an association between COVID-19 vaccination and the subsequent development of pituitary diseases. The most common manifestations include hypophysitis with ADH deficiency, PA and SIADH, with symptoms typically emerging shortly after vaccine administration. Potential pathogenetic mechanisms include molecular mimicry, vaccine adjuvants and vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), with the presence of ACE2 receptors in the hypothalamus-pituitary system contributing to the process. These findings can aid in diagnostic and treatment decisions for patients presenting with these syndromes. Nevertheless, given the rarity of these events, safety and efficacy of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines remain robust and we strongly advocate continuing pursuing vaccination efforts.
PubMed: 38761322
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-024-01402-2 -
European Journal of Endocrinology Aug 2016Adrenal masses are incidentally discovered in 5% of CT scans. In 2013/2014, 81 million CT examinations were undertaken in the USA and 5 million in the UK. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Adrenal masses are incidentally discovered in 5% of CT scans. In 2013/2014, 81 million CT examinations were undertaken in the USA and 5 million in the UK. However, uncertainty remains around the optimal imaging approach for diagnosing malignancy. We aimed to review the evidence on the accuracy of imaging tests for differentiating malignant from benign adrenal masses.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, Science Citation Index, Conference Proceedings Citation Index, and ZETOC (January 1990 to August 2015). We included studies evaluating the accuracy of CT, MRI, or (18)F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG)-PET compared with an adequate histological or imaging-based follow-up reference standard.
RESULTS
We identified 37 studies suitable for inclusion, after screening 5469 references and 525 full-text articles. Studies evaluated the accuracy of CT (n=16), MRI (n=15), and FDG-PET (n=9) and were generally small and at high or unclear risk of bias. Only 19 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Limited data suggest that CT density >10HU has high sensitivity for detection of adrenal malignancy in participants with no prior indication for adrenal imaging, that is, masses with ≤10HU are unlikely to be malignant. All other estimates of test performance are based on too small numbers.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite their widespread use in routine assessment, there is insufficient evidence for the diagnostic value of individual imaging tests in distinguishing benign from malignant adrenal masses. Future research is urgently needed and should include prospective test validation studies for imaging and novel diagnostic approaches alongside detailed health economics analysis.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Humans; Incidental Findings; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Positron-Emission Tomography; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 27257145
DOI: 10.1530/EJE-16-0461