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Seminars in Reproductive Medicine Mar 2022Hyperandrogenism-clinical features resulting from increased androgen production and/or action-is not uncommon in peripubertal girls. Hyperandrogenism affects 3 to 20% of...
Hyperandrogenism-clinical features resulting from increased androgen production and/or action-is not uncommon in peripubertal girls. Hyperandrogenism affects 3 to 20% of adolescent girls and often is associated with hyperandrogenemia. In prepubertal girls, the most common etiologies of androgen excess are premature adrenarche (60%) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH; 4%). In pubertal girls, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS; 20-40%) and CAH (14%) are the most common diagnoses related to androgen excess. Androgen-secreting ovarian or adrenal tumors are rare (0.2%). Early pubic hair, acne, and/or hirsutism are the most common clinical manifestations, but signs of overt virilization in adolescent girls-rapid progression of pubic hair or hirsutism, clitoromegaly, voice deepening, severe cystic acne, growth acceleration, increased muscle mass, and bone age advancement past height age-should prompt detailed evaluation. This article addresses the clinical manifestations of and management considerations for non-PCOS-related hyperandrogenism in adolescent girls. We propose an algorithm to aid diagnostic evaluation of androgen excess in this specific patient population.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Androgens; Female; Hirsutism; Humans; Hyperandrogenism; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PubMed: 35052005
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1742259 -
Thyroid : Official Journal of the... Apr 2022The human adrenal cortex undergoes several rapid remodeling steps during its lifetime. In rodents, similar remodeling occurs postnatally in the "X-zone" layer through...
The human adrenal cortex undergoes several rapid remodeling steps during its lifetime. In rodents, similar remodeling occurs postnatally in the "X-zone" layer through unknown mechanisms. Furthermore, little is known regarding the impact of thyroid hormone (TH) on adrenal glands in humans. To investigate the impact of TH on adrenal pathophysiology, we created two genetic murine models mimicking human nonautoimmune hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Moreover, we analyzed serum thyrotropin (TSH) and steroid hormone concentrations in patients diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism and premature adrenarche (PA). We found that TH receptor beta-mediated hypertrophy of the X-zone significantly elevated the adrenal weights of hyperthyroid women. In the hypothyroid model, the X-zone was poorly developed in both sexes. Moreover, large reciprocal changes in the expression levels of genes that regulate adrenal cortical function were observed with both models. Unexpectedly, up- and downregulation of several genes involved in catecholamine synthesis were detected in the adrenal glands of the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid models, respectively. Furthermore, TSH and adrenal steroid concentrations correlated positively in pediatric patients with congenital hypothyroidism and PA. Our results revealed that congenital hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism functionally affect adrenal gland development and related steroidogenic activity, as well as the adrenal medulla.
Topics: Animals; Child; Congenital Hypothyroidism; Female; Gene Expression; Humans; Hyperthyroidism; Male; Mice; Thyroid Hormones; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 35044245
DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0535 -
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 -
Clinical Endocrinology Mar 2022Premature adrenarche (PA) has been suggested as a risk factor for future health problems, such as metabolic syndrome and early menarche. However, not all girls with PA...
OBJECTIVE
Premature adrenarche (PA) has been suggested as a risk factor for future health problems, such as metabolic syndrome and early menarche. However, not all girls with PA have these features and it is not certain who will develop them. We propose that these abnormalities might be identified earlier, even before they are visible.
DESIGN
Case-control study.
SETTING
Tertiary care hospital.
PARTICIPANTS
Forty-eight girls with premature pubarche due to PA and age (mean age 7.6 ± 1.0 years), weight, body mass index (BMI), birth weight and gestational age-matched 49 girls with no palpable breast tissue.
MEASUREMENTS
Early pubertal pelvic and breast ultrasonographic changes and their associations with obesity and metabolic parameters were evaluated. Blood samples were collected, breast and pelvic ultrasound examinations were performed and bone ages were assessed.
RESULTS
Girls with PA were taller and their bone ages were higher (p = .049 and p = .005). Fasting blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not different between the groups. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol were not different either. Ultrasonography revealed breast gland tissue in 30% of girls with PA and 5% of controls (p = .006). Uterine volume and endometrial thickness were higher in girls with PA (p = .03 and p = .04). Endometrial thickness was positively associated with serum insulin levels in the whole study group and after adjusting for age, diagnosis, BMI, mean ovarian volume and LH, FSH, estradiol levels, this association remained with a borderline p-value (R = 0.486, p = .050).
CONCLUSIONS
We found early changes in uterus and breast glands of girls with PA and endometrial thickness was positively associated with insulin levels.
Topics: Adrenarche; Case-Control Studies; Child; Estradiol; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Insulin; Luteinizing Hormone; Puberty, Precocious; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34918373
DOI: 10.1111/cen.14662 -
Clinical Endocrinology Mar 2022An association between premature adrenarche and metabolic syndrome at presentation has been described. Our aim was to assess whether the presence of high... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
CONTEXT
An association between premature adrenarche and metabolic syndrome at presentation has been described. Our aim was to assess whether the presence of high dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS [HD]) at the adrenarche determines the risk of metabolic syndrome during puberty, taking into account body mass index (BMI) and birth weight.
DESIGN
Prospective observational.
PATIENTS
Five hundred four girls from the Growth and Obesity Chilean Cohort Study were followed from birth through puberty. At age ~7, subjects were classified by DHEAS concentrations into the HD (>75th percentile) or normal DHEAS (ND, ≤75th percentile) subgroups.
MEASUREMENTS
Anthropometrics, semiannual clinical pubertal staging and hormonal and metabolic levels. The relationships among DHEAS at age ~7, metabolic syndrome, and each of its components independently, were analyzed by linear and logistic regression models during puberty and 1-year postmenarche, adjusted by confounders.
RESULTS
Girls with HD at 7 years exhibited higher BMI, more central fat and higher serum androgen and insulin like growth factor (IGF)-I levels throughout puberty. Also, girls with HD had a greater prevalence of hyperglycemia at B2 and B4 breast stages, and of low HDL at B4. At 1 year after menarche, HD girls had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and those with BMI > 1 SD score had a higher metabolic score and insulin levels than ND girls with similar BMI.
CONCLUSIONS
Our observations suggest that girls with HD at the age of adrenarche may be at greater risk for metabolic syndrome at adolescence, especially in those who are overweight or obese. Our results emphasize the importance of lifestyle interventions for childhood overweight and obesity among girls with HD.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenarche; Body Mass Index; Child; Cohort Studies; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; Female; Humans; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Puberty
PubMed: 34904249
DOI: 10.1111/cen.14654 -
EClinicalMedicine Dec 2021Extremely tall children (defined as height SDS (HSDS) ≥+3) are frequently referred to specialized healthcare for diagnostic work-up. However, no systematic studies...
BACKGROUND
Extremely tall children (defined as height SDS (HSDS) ≥+3) are frequently referred to specialized healthcare for diagnostic work-up. However, no systematic studies focusing on such children currently exist. We investigated the aetiology, clinical features, and auxological clues indicative of syndromic tall stature in extremely tall children subject to population-wide growth monitoring and screening rules.
METHODS
Subjects with HSDS ≥+3 after three years of age born between 1990 and 2010 were identified from the Helsinki University Hospital district growth database. We comprehensively reviewed their medical records up to December 2020 and recorded underlying diagnoses, auxological data, and clinical features.
FINDINGS
We identified 424 subjects (214 girls and 210 boys) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Underlying growth disorder was diagnosed in 61 (14%) patients, in 36 (17%) girls and 25 (12%) boys, respectively (P=0•15). Secondary causes were diagnosed in 42 (10%) patients and the two most frequent secondary diagnoses, premature adrenarche, and central precocious puberty were more frequent in girls. Primary disorder, mainly Marfan or Sotos syndrome, was diagnosed in 19 (4%) patients. Molecular genetic studies were used as a part of diagnostic work-up in 120 subjects. However, array CGH or next-generation sequencing studies were seldom used. Idiopathic tall stature (ITS) was diagnosed in 363 (86%) subjects, and it was considered familial in two-thirds. Dysmorphic features or a neurodevelopmental disorder were recorded in 104 (29%) children with ITS. The probability of a monogenic primary growth disorder increased with the degree of tall stature and deviation from target height.
INTERPRETATION
A considerable proportion of extremely tall children have an underlying primary or secondary growth disorder, and their risk is associated with auxological parameters. Clinical features related to syndromic tall stature were surprisingly frequent in subjects with ITS, supporting the view that syndromic growth disorders with mild phenotypes may be underdiagnosed in extremely tall children. Our results lend support to comprehensive diagnostic work-up of extremely tall children.
FUNDING
Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation, Foundation for Pediatric Research, and Helsinki University Hospital research grants.
PubMed: 34849478
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101208 -
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by compound heterozygosity of two novel CYP11B1 gene variants.Hormones (Athens, Greece) Mar 2022Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in seven genes involved in the cortisol and aldosterone... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in seven genes involved in the cortisol and aldosterone biosynthetic pathway. The second most common cause, 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11βOHD), is attributed to pathogenic variants in the CYP11B1 gene encoding for the enzyme 11β-hydroxylase (11βOH).
CASE PRESENTATION
A 13-year-old girl was referred to the pediatric endocrinologist due to a syncopal episode. She is the third child of non-consanguineous parents. She presented with premature adrenarche at the age of 6 years and menarche at the age of 12 years. On physical examination, her height was 154.5 cm and weight 50 kg, while she presented with acne, hirsutism, clitoromegaly, and normal blood pressure. Laboratory investigation revealed increased androgen levels and poor cortisol response to the ACTH stimulation test. From the family history, the mother was diagnosed with CAH at the age of 10 years and was under treatment with methylprednisolone. Previous molecular investigation of the CYP21A2 gene was negative. Due to the increased androstenedione levels in the index patient, the suspicion of 11βOH was raised, and she was investigated for 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and CYP11B1 gene pathogenic variants. The patient and her mother were found to be compound heterozygous for two novel variants of the CYP11B1 gene.
CONCLUSION
We present a case of CAH due to compound heterozygosity of two novel pathogenic variants of the CYP11B1 gene, emphasizing the importance of molecular investigation in order to confirm clinical diagnosis and allow proper genetic counseling of the family.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital; Aldosterone; Child; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Mutation; Steroid 11-beta-Hydroxylase; Steroid 21-Hydroxylase
PubMed: 34697763
DOI: 10.1007/s42000-021-00322-1 -
Clinical Endocrinology Mar 2022A nonclassic form of 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (NC11β-OHD) has been reported to cause mild androgen excess symptoms. Currently, the gold standard for biochemical...
OBJECTIVE
A nonclassic form of 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (NC11β-OHD) has been reported to cause mild androgen excess symptoms. Currently, the gold standard for biochemical diagnosis is elevated 11-deoxycortisol (11-DOC) levels after corticotropin stimulation test (ACTHstimT). However, there are no clear 11-DOC level cutoffs. One of the accepted references for 11-DOC levels for the paediatric population was published in 1991 by Lashansky et al. AIM: To determine the correlation between 11-DOC levels measured during ACTHstimT and clinical symptoms attributed to NC11β-OHD.
DESIGN
A retrospective study including all paediatric patients who underwent ACTHstimT at Shamir Medical Center between 2007 and 2015. Clinical data were collected from the patients' medical files. Outcome measures included the number of patients with hyperandrogenism signs and predefined elevated 11-DOC cut-off levels according to Lashansky for sex and age, and according to commercial kit cut-offs.
RESULTS
Data were complete at presentation for 136 patients. Long-term clinical data were documented for 98 patients, mean follow-up duration of 3.1 years (1.37-5.09). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of cases with elevated 11-DOC according to both cut-offs and early puberty, premature adrenarche nor acne. Follow-up data demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the number of cases with elevated 11-DOC levels among patients with compromised final adult height, polycystic ovarian syndrome or hyperandrogenism.
CONCLUSIONS
Basal and corticotropin stimulated 11-DOC levels were not significantly elevated above the 1.5 times cut-offs according to paediatric-specific norms or the commercial assay in paediatric individuals with possible clinical suspicion of NC11β-OHD.
Topics: Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Child; Cortodoxone; Female; Humans; Hyperandrogenism; Male; Mixed Function Oxygenases; Puberty, Precocious; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34596265
DOI: 10.1111/cen.14597 -
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 -
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology &... Aug 2021Premature adrenarche may be associated with an intrauterine programmed metabolic syndrome which should be considered as a warning sign for coronary heart disease due to...
OBJECTIVES
Premature adrenarche may be associated with an intrauterine programmed metabolic syndrome which should be considered as a warning sign for coronary heart disease due to accelerated atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and polycystic ovary syndrome.
METHODS
Seventy-three patients with premature adrenarche were evaluated for metabolic parameters and aortic elasticity to evaluate the susceptibility to atherosclerosis and compared with a control group. The patients were examined in two groups as overweight and nonoverweight, and metabolic and cardiac parameters were also compared among these groups. Strain, distensibility, and stiffness index parameters were used to evaluate aortic elasticity.
RESULTS
Biochemical parameters and cardiac measurements were not statistically different between patients and controls. They also did not differ between patients with normal weight and overweight groups. Atherogenic index and insulin resistance were closely related and a positive correlation between cholesterol and triglyceride, and ascending aortic stiffness was found.
CONCLUSIONS
The results may suggest that cholesterol and triglyceride-related arterial involvement is more involved in the pathogenesis of arterial stiffness. It can be considered that 'being overweight' or 'having metabolic profile characterized by insulin resistance and dyslipidemia' are the major coexisting factors influencing the vascular structure, rather than increased androgens and premature adrenarche itself.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Diseases; Adrenarche; Atherosclerosis; Case-Control Studies; Child; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Overweight; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Vascular Stiffness
PubMed: 34167179
DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2021-0160