-
European Neuropsychopharmacology : the... Jul 2022Parenthood age may affect the risk for the development of different psychiatric disorders in the offspring, including bipolar disorder (BD). The present systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Parenthood age may affect the risk for the development of different psychiatric disorders in the offspring, including bipolar disorder (BD). The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to appraise the relationship between paternal age and risk for BD and to explore the eventual relationship between paternal age and age at onset of BD. We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO online databases for original studies from inception, up to December 2021. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Sixteen studies participated in the qualitative synthesis, of which k = 14 fetched quantitative data encompassing a total of 13,424,760 participants and 217,089 individuals with BD. Both fathers [adjusted for the age of other parent and socioeconomic status odd ratio - OR = 1.29(95%C.I. = 1.13-1.48)] and mothers aged ≤ 20 years [(OR = 1.23(95%C.I. = 1.14-1.33)] had consistently increased odds of BD diagnosis in their offspring compared to parents aged 25-29 years. Fathers aged ≥ 45 years [adjusted OR = 1.29 (95%C.I. = 1.15-1.46)] and mothers aged 35-39 years [OR = 1.10(95%C.I. = 1.01-1.19)] and 40 years or older [OR = 1.2(95% C.I. = 1.02-1.40)] likewise had inflated odds of BD diagnosis in their offspring compared to parents aged 25-29 years. Early and delayed parenthood are associated with an increased risk of BD in the offspring. Mechanisms underlying this association are largely unknown and may involve a complex interplay between psychosocial, genetic and biological factors, and with different impacts according to sex and age range. Evidence on the association between parental age and illness onset is still tentative but it points towards a possible specific effect of advanced paternal age on early BD-onset.
Topics: Bipolar Disorder; Family; Humans; Odds Ratio; Parents; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35635997
DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.05.004 -
Human Reproduction Update Aug 2022The beneficial effects of hormonal therapy in stimulating spermatogenesis in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and either normal gonadotrophins or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The beneficial effects of hormonal therapy in stimulating spermatogenesis in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and either normal gonadotrophins or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism prior to surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) is controversial. Although the European Association of Urology guidelines state that hormone stimulation is not recommended in routine clinical practice, a significant number of patients undergo empiric therapy prior to SSR. The success rate for SSR from microdissection testicular sperm extraction is only 40-60%, thus hormonal therapy could prove to be an effective adjunctive therapy to increase SSR rates.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the SSR rates in men with NOA (excluding those with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) receiving hormone therapy compared to placebo or no treatment. The secondary objective was to compare the effects of hormonal therapy in normogonadotropic and hypergonadotropic NOA men.
SEARCH METHODS
A literature search was performed using the Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Clinicaltrials.gov databases from 01 January 1946 to 17 September 2020. We included all studies where hormone status was confirmed. We excluded non-English language and animal studies. Heterogeneity was calculated using I2 statistics and risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools. We performed a meta-analysis on all the eligible controlled trials to determine whether hormone stimulation (irrespective of class) improved SSR rates and also whether this was affected by baseline hormone status (hypergonadotropic versus normogonadotropic NOA men). Sensitivity analyses were performed when indicated.
OUTCOMES
A total of 3846 studies were screened and 22 studies were included with 1706 participants. A higher SSR rate in subjects pre-treated with hormonal therapy was observed (odds ratio (OR) 1.96, 95% CI: 1.08-3.56, P = 0.03) and this trend persisted when excluding a study containing only men with Klinefelter syndrome (OR 1.90, 95% CI: 1.03-3.51, P = 0.04). However, the subgroup analysis of baseline hormone status demonstrated a significant improvement only in normogonadotropic men (OR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.10-4.14, P = 0.02) and not in hypergonadotropic patients (OR 1.73, 95% CI: 0.44-6.77, P = 0.43). The literature was at moderate or severe risk of bias.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
This meta-analysis demonstrates that hormone therapy is not associated with improved SSR rates in hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. While hormone therapy improved SSR rates in eugonadal men with NOA, the quality of evidence was low with a moderate to high risk of bias. Therefore, hormone therapy should not be routinely used in men with NOA prior to SSR and large scale, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the meta-analysis findings.
Topics: Azoospermia; Hormones; Humans; Klinefelter Syndrome; Male; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Semen; Sperm Retrieval; Spermatozoa; Testis
PubMed: 35526153
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac016 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 202211-deoxycorticosterone overproduction due to an adrenal tumor or hyperplasia is a very rare cause of mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension. The objective is to provide...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
11-deoxycorticosterone overproduction due to an adrenal tumor or hyperplasia is a very rare cause of mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension. The objective is to provide the most relevant clinical features that clinicians dealing with patients presenting with the hallmarks of hypertension due to 11-deoxycorticosterone-producing adrenal lesions should be aware of.
DESIGN AND METHODS
We report the case of a patient with an 11-deoxycorticosterone-producing adrenal lesion and provide a systematic review of all published cases (PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE) between 1965 and 2021.
RESULTS
We identified 46 cases (including ours). Most cases (31, 67%) affected women with a mean age of 42.9 ± 15.2 years and presented with high blood pressure and hypokalemia (average of 2.68 ± 0.62 mmol/L). Median (interquartile range) time from onset of first suggestive symptoms to diagnosis was 24 (55) months. Aldosterone levels were low or in the reference range in 98% of the cases when available. 11-deoxycorticosterone levels were a median of 12.5 (18.9) times above the upper limit of the normal reference range reported in each article and overproduction of more than one hormone was seen in 31 (67%). Carcinoma was the most common histological type (21, 45.7%). Median tumor size was 61.5 (60) mm. Malignant lesions were larger, had higher 11-deoxycorticosterone levels and shorter time of evolution at diagnosis compared to benign lesions.
CONCLUSIONS
11-deoxycorticosterone-producing adrenal lesions are very rare, affecting mostly middle-aged women with a primary aldosteronism-like clinical presentation and carcinoma is the most frequent histological diagnosis. Measuring 11-deoxycorticosterone levels, when low aldosterone levels or in the lower limit of the reference range are present in hypertensive patients, is advisable.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
Open Science Framework, 10.17605/OSF.IO/NR7UV.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital; Adult; Aldosterone; Carcinoma; Desoxycorticosterone; Female; Humans; Hyperplasia; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged
PubMed: 35432204
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.846865 -
Clinical Endocrinology Jul 2022Previous studies have suggested a higher prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome amongst transgender individuals. We undertook a systematic review to determine the prevalence...
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have suggested a higher prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome amongst transgender individuals. We undertook a systematic review to determine the prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome amongst transgender individuals presumed male at birth and summarize the clinical features and potential treatment implications for individuals with Klinefelter syndrome commencing gender-affirming hormone therapy.
DESIGN
Using preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines, we searched EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to 31 December 2021. All studies reporting on the prevalence or clinical features of transgender individuals with Klinefelter syndrome were included. This study is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, number CRD42021227916.
RESULTS
Our search strategy retrieved 11 cohort studies comprising 1376 transgender individuals. In all, 14 of 1376 (1.02%) individuals were diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome. Based on the seven studies in which karyotype was undertaken in all individuals, the prevalence is 9/1013 (0.88%; 95% CI, 0.41%-1.68%). Case reports highlight unique treatment considerations in this population, including azoospermia, venous thromboembolism, and monitoring of breast cancer and bone health.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to the general population, observational studies document a higher prevalence of Klinefelter syndrome amongst transgender individuals, though underdiagnosis in the general population limits conclusions. Routine karyotype in transgender people initiating gender-affirming hormone therapy is not supported unless clinical features of Klinefelter syndrome, such as small testicular volume, or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism are present. Transgender individuals with Klinefelter syndrome need to manage a unique risk profile if they desire feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy.
Topics: Hormones; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Klinefelter Syndrome; Male; Prevalence; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 35394664
DOI: 10.1111/cen.14734 -
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance Apr 2022Men who have sex with men experience disproportionately high levels of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual risk behavior, substance use, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
eHealth Interventions to Address HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Sexual Risk Behavior, Substance Use, and Mental Ill-health in Men Who Have Sex With Men: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Men who have sex with men experience disproportionately high levels of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual risk behavior, substance use, and mental ill-health. These experiences are interrelated, and these interrelations are potentiated by structural conditions of discrimination, stigma, and unequal access to appropriate health services, and they magnify each other and have intersecting causal pathways, worsening both risk for each condition and risk for the negative sequelae of each condition. eHealth interventions could address these issues simultaneously and thus have wide-ranging and greater effects than would be for any 1 outcome alone.
OBJECTIVE
We systematically reviewed the evidence for the effectiveness of eHealth interventions in addressing these outcomes separately or together.
METHODS
We searched 19 databases for randomized trials of interactive or noninteractive eHealth interventions delivered via mobile phone apps, internet, or other electronic media to populations consisting entirely or principally of men who have sex with men to prevent HIV, STIs, sexual risk behavior, alcohol and drug use, or common mental illnesses. We extracted data and appraised each study, estimated meta-analyses where possible by using random effects and robust variance estimation, and assessed the certainty of our findings (closeness of the estimated effect to the true effect) by using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations).
RESULTS
We included 14 trials, of which 13 included active versus control comparisons; none reported mental health outcomes, and all drew from 12 months or less of follow-up postintervention. Findings for STIs drew on low numbers of studies and did not suggest consistent short-term (<3 months postintervention; d=0.17, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.52; I=0%; 2 studies) or midterm (3-12 months postintervention, no meta-analysis, 1 study) evidence of effectiveness. Eight studies considering sexual risk behavior outcomes suggested a short-term, nonsignificant reduction (d=-0.14, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.03) with very low certainty, but 6 studies reporting midterm follow-ups suggested a significant impact on reducing sexual risk behavior (d=-0.12, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.05) with low certainty. Meta-analyses could not be undertaken for alcohol and drug use (2 heterogeneous studies) or for HIV infections (1 study for each of short-term or midterm follow-up), and alcohol outcomes alone were not captured in the included studies. Certainty was graded as low to very low for most outcomes, including all meta-analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
To create a comprehensive eHealth intervention that targets multiple outcomes, intervention evaluations should seek to generalize both mechanisms and components that are successfully used to achieve change in 1 outcome over multiple outcomes. However, additional evaluations of interventions seeking to address outcomes other than sexual risk behavior are needed before development and evaluation of a joined-up intervention.
Topics: HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Risk-Taking; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Substance-Related Disorders; Telemedicine
PubMed: 35384845
DOI: 10.2196/27061 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2022Certain exposures related to agricultural work have been associated with neurological disorders. To date, few studies have included brain health measurements to link... (Review)
Review
Certain exposures related to agricultural work have been associated with neurological disorders. To date, few studies have included brain health measurements to link specific risk factors with possible neural mechanisms. Moreover, a synthesis of agricultural risk factors associated with poorer brain health outcomes is missing. In this systematic review, we identified 106 articles using keywords related to agriculture, occupational exposure, and the brain. We identified seven major risk factors: non-specific factors that are associated with agricultural work itself, toluene, pesticides, heavy metal or dust exposure, work with farm animals, and nicotine exposure from plants. Of these, pesticides are the most highly studied. The majority of qualifying studies were epidemiological studies. Nigral striatal regions were the most well studied brain area impacted. Of the three human neuroimaging studies we found, two focused on functional networks and the third focused on gray matter. We identified two major directions for future studies that will help inform preventative strategies for brain health in vulnerable agricultural workers: (1) the effects of moderators such as type of work, sex, migrant status, race, and age; and (2) more comprehensive brain imaging studies, both observational and experimental, involving several imaging techniques.
Topics: Agriculture; Animals; Brain; Farmers; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Pesticides; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35329061
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063373 -
PloS One 2022This systematic review aims to describe 1) the epidemiology of the diseases indicated for treatment with growth hormone (GH) in Italy; 2) the adherence to the GH...
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aims to describe 1) the epidemiology of the diseases indicated for treatment with growth hormone (GH) in Italy; 2) the adherence to the GH treatment in Italy and factors associated with non-adherence; 3) the economic impact of GH treatment in Italy; 4) the quality of life of patients treated with GH and their caregivers in Italy.
METHODS
Systematic literature searches were performed in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from January 2010 to March 2021. Literature selection process, data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. Study protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021240455).
RESULTS
We included 25 studies in the qualitative synthesis. The estimated prevalence of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was 1/4,000-10,000 in the general population of children; the prevalence of Short Stature HOmeoboX Containing gene deficiency (SHOX-D) was 1/1,000-2,000 in the general population of children; the birth prevalence of Turner syndrome was 1/2,500; the birth prevalence of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) was 1/15,000. Treatment adherence was suboptimal, with a range of non-adherent patients of 10-30%. The main reasons for suboptimal adherence were forgetfulness, being away from home, pain/discomfort caused by the injection. Economic studies reported a total cost for a complete multi-year course of GH treatment of almost 100,000 euros. A study showed that drug wastage can amount up to 15% of consumption, and that in some Italian regions there could be a considerable over- or under-prescribing. In general, patients and caregivers considered the GH treatment acceptable. There was a general satisfaction among patients with regard to social and school life and GH treatment outcomes, while there was a certain level of intolerance to GH treatment among adolescents. Studies on PWS patients and their caregivers showed a lower quality of life compared to the general population, and that social stigma persists.
CONCLUSION
Growth failure conditions with approved GH treatment in Italy constitute a significant burden of disease in clinical, social, and economic terms. GH treatment is generally considered acceptable by patients and caregivers. The total cost of the GH treatment is considerable; there are margins for improving efficiency, by increasing adherence, reducing drug wastage and promoting prescriptive appropriateness.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Italy; Male; Prader-Willi Syndrome; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Treatment Adherence and Compliance; Turner Syndrome
PubMed: 35213607
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264403 -
Fertility and Sterility Apr 2022To correlate the distinct diagnostic criteria of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with the development of maternal and neonatal complications. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To correlate the distinct diagnostic criteria of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with the development of maternal and neonatal complications.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Pregnant women with PCOS.
INTERVENTION(S)
Maternal and neonatal complications were compared among women with PCOS diagnosed with different criteria.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
The primary outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia (PE) were assessed for every diagnostic criterion.
RESULT(S)
Seventy-nine studies were included. Regarding gestational diabetes, the overall pooled prevalence was 14% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11%-18%; I, 97%), reaching the highest level when polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound and 1 of the remaining 2 Rotterdam criteria (1/2 Rotterdam criteria) were used (18%; 95% CI, 13%-24%; I, 20%) and the lowest when polycystic morphology on ultrasound and hyperandrogenism were used (3%; 95% CI, 0%-19%; I, not applicable). Regarding PE, the overall pooled prevalence was 5% (95% CI, 4%-7%; I, 82%). The highest PE prevalence was reported when the National Institutes of Health criteria were used (14%; 95% CI, 5%-33%; I, 90%) and the lowest when menstrual irregularities and 1 of the 2 Rotterdam criteria were used (2%; 95% CI, 1%-3%; I, not applicable).
CONCLUSION(S)
The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women with PCOS does not differ according to the criteria used; however, women diagnosed with PCOS per the National Institutes of Health criteria are at higher risk of PE.
Topics: Diabetes, Gestational; Female; Humans; Hyperandrogenism; Infant, Newborn; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 35120743
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.027 -
JAMA Network Open Feb 2022The application of precision medicine principles for the treatment of depressive disorders in adolescents requires an examination of the variables associated with...
IMPORTANCE
The application of precision medicine principles for the treatment of depressive disorders in adolescents requires an examination of the variables associated with depression outcomes in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).
OBJECTIVE
To describe predictors, moderators, and mediators associated with outcomes in RCTs for the treatment of depressive disorders in adolescents.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
A scoping review of RCTs for the treatment of depression in adolescents was conducted. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo, and CINAHL. Included publications tested predictors, moderators, and/or mediators associated with depression symptom outcomes (eg, symptom reduction, response, remission) in RCTs pertaining to the treatment of adolescents, ages 13 to 17 years. Predictors were defined as variables that were associated with depression outcomes, independent of treatment group. Moderators were defined as baseline variables that were associated with differential outcomes between treatment groups. Mediators were defined by a formal mediation analysis. In duplicate, variables were extracted and coded with respect to analysis type (univariable or multivariable), statistical significance, direction of effect size, reporting of a priori hypotheses, and adjustment for multiple comparisons. Aggregated results were summarized by variable domain and RCT sample.
FINDINGS
Eighty-one articles reporting on variables associated with outcomes across 33 RCTs were identified, including studies of biological (10 RCTs), psychosocial (18 RCTs), and combined (4 RCTs) treatments as well as a service delivery model (1 RCT). Fifty-three variable domains were tested as baseline predictors of depression outcome, 41 as moderators, 19 as postbaseline predictors, and 5 as mediators. Variable domains that were reported as significant in at least 3 RCTs included age, sex/gender, baseline depression severity, early response to treatment, sleep changes, parent-child conflict, overall psychopathology, suicidal ideation, hopelessness, functional impairment, attendance at therapy sessions, and history of trauma. Two publications reported a priori hypotheses and adjustment for multiple comparisons, both finding that baseline depression severity and family conflict were associated with poorer outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This review identified commonly researched variables requiring more scrutiny as well as underresearched variables to inform future study designs. Further efforts to discover predictors, moderators, and mediators associated with treatment response have great potential to optimize care for adolescents with depression.
Topics: Adolescent; Behavior Therapy; Depression; Female; Forecasting; Humans; Male; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35103789
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.46331 -
The Science of the Total Environment May 2022Urbanization and biodiversity loss are linked to chronic disorders, in particular allergic diseases. The aim of this scoping review was to provide a synopsis of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Urbanization and biodiversity loss are linked to chronic disorders, in particular allergic diseases. The aim of this scoping review was to provide a synopsis of intervention studies specifically examining the influence of exposure to natural environments on human microbiota as well as immunological markers as suggested interlink between natural environment and the development of allergic diseases.
METHODS
We searched PubMed (MEDLINE®) and all references cited in the included studies following the PRISMA statement guidelines. No restrictions regarding age and sex of study participants, language or publication date were made. The protocol was registered at OSF REGISTRIES (https://osf.io/musgr).
RESULTS
After screening, eight intervention studies were included. The interventions reported were mainly of pilot character and various, ranging from nature-related educational programs, biodiversity interventions in day-cares to short-term contact with soil- and sand-preparations. Most of the studied interventions appeared to increase human microbiota richness and diversity in specific taxa groups in the short-time. Immunological markers were assessed in only two studies. In these, their associations with human microbiota richness were pre-dominantly reported.
CONCLUSION
There is some evidence that the so-called biodiversity interventions have the potential to diversify human microbiota, at least over a short period. Adequately powered randomized controlled trials with long term follow-up are required to examine sustainable effects on microbiota and immune system.
Topics: Biodiversity; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Immune System; Microbiota; Soil
PubMed: 35090907
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153422