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International Journal of Surgery... May 2023Surgical resection of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) is associated with a significant risk of intraoperative hemodynamic instability and cardiovascular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Surgical resection of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) is associated with a significant risk of intraoperative hemodynamic instability and cardiovascular complications. α-blockade remains the routine preoperative medical preparation despite controversies over the lack of evidence. We presented an updated meta-analysis to ulteriorly evaluate the potential efficacy of preoperative α-blockade versus no blockade for PPGL patients undergoing surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies assessing preoperative α-blockade for PPGL surgery in adults were identified through a systematic literature search via MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL up to November 2022. Outcome data of intraoperative hemodynamic parameters and major postoperative events were extracted. Mean difference and risk ratio were synthesized as appropriate for each outcome to determine the cumulative effect size.
RESULTS
Fifteen nonrandomized studies involving 3542 patients were finally eligible. Intraoperatively, none of the analyzed hemodynamic parameters differed between patients with or without α-blockade: maximum and minimum systolic blood pressure, hypertensive and hypotensive hemodynamic instability episodes, and peak heart rate, subgroup analysis of normotensive PPGL patients yielded similar results with the overall effects. Postoperatively, α-blockade was associated with prolonged hypotension and vasopressor usage (risk ratio: 4.21, 95% CI: 1.17-15.18, P =0.03). ICU admission, length of stay, overall cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality were similar between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative α-blockade ensured neither more stable intraoperative hemodynamics nor better perioperative outcome over no blockade for PPGL surgery. However, large-volume randomized controlled trials are still warranted to ascertain these findings.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Pheochromocytoma; Paraganglioma; Hypotension; Blood Pressure; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37037514
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000390 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2006The role of corticosteroids in the process of labour is not well understood. Animal studies have shown the importance of cortisol secretion by the fetal adrenal gland in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The role of corticosteroids in the process of labour is not well understood. Animal studies have shown the importance of cortisol secretion by the fetal adrenal gland in initiating labour in sheep. Infusion of glucocorticosteroids into the fetus has also shown to induce premature labour in sheep. Given these studies it has been postulated that corticosteroids will promote the induction of labour in women. This is one of a series of reviews of methods of cervical ripening and labour induction using standardised methodology.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effects of corticosteroids for third trimester cervical ripening or induction of labour in comparison with other methods of cervical priming or induction of labour.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (December 2005) and bibliographies of relevant papers.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Clinical trials of corticosteroids for third trimester cervical ripening or labour induction.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
A strategy was developed to deal with the large volume and complexity of trial data relating to labour induction. This involved a two-stage method of data extraction. We assessed trial quality. We contacted study authors for additional information. We collected adverse effects information from the trials.
MAIN RESULTS
Only one small trial (66 women) was included. The primary outcome vaginal birth within 24 hours was not reported. No benefit of intramuscular administration of corticosteroids with intravenous oxytocin was found when compared with oxytocin alone. However, given the small size of this trial this result should be interpreted cautiously.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of corticosteroids for induction of labour is uncertain. This method of induction of labour is not commonly used and so further research in this area is probably unwarranted.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cervical Ripening; Dexamethasone; Female; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Labor, Induced; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, Third
PubMed: 16625570
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003100.pub2 -
Oman Medical Journal Jan 2020Histoplasmosis is uncommon in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh, where, in recent years, cases are increasingly reported. We sought to describe the... (Review)
Review
Histoplasmosis is uncommon in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh, where, in recent years, cases are increasingly reported. We sought to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation, investigations, treatment, and outcome of histoplasmosis in Bangladesh. We conducted a retrospective data review of published literature from 1962 to 2017, containing information on histoplasmosis in and/or from Bangladesh. Unpublished, well-documented histoplasmosis cases were also included. A total of 26 male patients aged 8-75 years, with a diagnosis of histoplasmosis were included; nine were farmers, seven had diabetes, one was a renal transplant recipient, and four had HIV/AIDS. Fever (n = 20), weight loss (n = 17), anemia (n = 15), lymphadenopathy (n = 9), and hepatosplenomegaly (n = 7) were common. Eleven patients had bilateral adrenal enlargement. Diagnosis was confirmed by histo/cytopathology from skin (n = 1), oropharyngeal ulcers (n = 8), lymph nodes (n = 3), adrenal glands (n = 11), paravertebral soft tissue (n = 2), and bone marrow (n = 4). Cultures of representative samples and antibodies were detected in three and two cases, respectively. Twenty-two patients had disseminated histoplasmosis and four patients had localized oropharyngeal disease. Nine patients were prescribed anti-tuberculosis drugs empirically before establishing the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Treatment consisted of amphotericin B and itraconazole. Six patients died in hospital, 14 patients recovered with relapse in two cases, and the outcome of the other patients could not be ascertained. Histoplasmosis is thought to be endemic in Bangladesh, but few cases are reported to date, which may be due to many asymptomatic, undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or under-reported cases. Histoplasmosis should be considered as a differential in appropriate clinical scenarios.
PubMed: 32095275
DOI: 10.5001/omj.2020.09 -
BMJ Open Dec 2020Accurate subtype classification in primary aldosteronism (PA) is critical in assessing the optimal treatment options. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Accurate subtype classification in primary aldosteronism (PA) is critical in assessing the optimal treatment options. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of adrenal imaging for unilateral PA classification.
METHODS
Systematic searches of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases were performed from 1 January 2000 to 1 February 2020, for all studies that used CT or MRI in determining unilateral PA and validated the results against invasive adrenal vein sampling (AVS). Summary diagnostic accuracies were assessed using a bivariate random-effects model. Subgroup analyses, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were performed to explore the possible sources of heterogeneity.
RESULT
A total of 25 studies, involving a total of 4669 subjects, were identified. The overall analysis revealed a pooled sensitivity of 68% (95% CI: 61% to 74%) and specificity of 57% (95% CI 50% to 65%) for CT/MRI in identifying unilateral PA. Sensitivity was higher in the contrast-enhanced (CT) group versus the traditional CT group (77% (95% CI 66% to 85%) vs 58% (95% CI 50% to 66%). Subgroup analysis stratified by screening test for PA showed that the sensitivity of the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) group was higher than that of the non-ARR group (78% (95% CI 69% to 84%) vs 66% (95% CI 58% to 72%)). The diagnostic accuracy of PA patients aged ≤40 years was reported in four studies, and the overall sensitivity was 71%, with 79% specificity. Meta-regression revealed a significant impact of sample size on sensitivity and of age and study quality on specificity.
CONCLUSION
CT/MRI is not a reliable alternative to invasive AVS without excellent sensitivity or specificity for correctly identifying unilateral PA. Even in young patients (≤40 years), 21% of patients would have undergone unnecessary adrenalectomy based on imaging results alone.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenalectomy; Aged; Humans; Hyperaldosteronism; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 33384386
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038489 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD) is a rare but potentially fatal disease. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD) is a rare but potentially fatal disease.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched the PubMed database and made a systematic review of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency. If the status of other anterior pituitary hormones was not mentioned, the case was excluded.
RESULTS
We identified 123 cases diagnosed as immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced IAD, consisting of 44 female and 79 male patients. The average age of these patients was 64.3 ± 12.6 years old, and 67.5% were 60 years old or above. The majority (78.9%) of these patients received anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) antibodies or anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) antibodies or both, and 19.5% received combined therapy, sequential therapy, or both. A total of 26 patients received anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 antibodies (anti-CTLA-4). The median ICI treatment cycle before the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was 8 (6, 12), and the median ICI treatment duration before the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was 6 (4, 8) months. Eleven cases developed IAD 1 to 11 months after discontinuation of ICIs. Fatigue and appetite loss were the most common symptoms, and surprisingly, there were two asymptomatic cases of IAD. Most patients (88 cases) had normal pituitary magnetic resonance imaging, only 14 cases reported mild atrophy or swelling pituitary gland, and 21 cases reported no imaging results. Most diagnoses were made by basal hormone levels, and pituitary stimulation tests were performed in only a part of the cases. No cases had been reported of discontinuation of ICI use due to IAD nor had there been any deaths due to IAD.
CONCLUSION
IAD was predominant in elderly male patients mainly receiving anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies. It was sometimes difficult to recognize IAD at first glance since non-specific symptoms were common and asymptomatic cases of IAD were also reported. Although IAD can be deadly, it usually does not affect the continued use of ICIs.
Topics: Humans; Adrenal Insufficiency; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Endocrine System Diseases; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Hypoglycemia; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
PubMed: 38318292
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1326684 -
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 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... Jun 2019The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to...
The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenalectomy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Peritoneum; Reproducibility of Results; Retroperitoneal Space; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31166429
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.65.5.578 -
Medicine May 2019Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors that mainly occur in the gastrointestinal tract. The GISTs that are sporadically reported...
INTRODUCTION
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors that mainly occur in the gastrointestinal tract. The GISTs that are sporadically reported in extra-gastrointestinal regions are named as extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs). However, the primary EGISTs that originate from the liver are rare.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 64-year-old female presenting with right upper abdominal pain and thirsty for more than 20 days.
DIAGNOSIS
A diagnosis of a 15 × 14 × 7 cm liver mass located in the posterior right lobe of liver and spread to the right adrenal gland was confirmed. Pathological results showed that the tumor was mainly composed of epithelial cells and tested positive for CD117 and SDHB (succinate dehydrogenase complex iron sulfur subunit B). The gene mutational analyses for c-Kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha exons revealed negative results. Fluorescence in situ hybridization of murine double minute 2 produced negative fluorescence results which distinguished it from dedifferentiated liposarcomas. The postoperative gastroduodenal and colorectal endoscopy did not find any neoplastic lesions. To this end, the diagnosis of primary hepatic EGIST of wild type nature was confirmed.
INTERVENTIONS
The patient received right hepatectomy and adrenalectomy, no postoperative chemotherapy was administered.
OUTCOMES
The patient died 11 months after surgery due to tumor metastasis.
CONCLUSION
Primary hepatic EGIST is a rare and complicated disease of liver, a multidisciplinary team is necessary in diagnosis and treatment of primary hepatic EGIST.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenalectomy; Fatal Outcome; Female; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors; Hepatectomy; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Thirst; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 31096446
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000015482 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2017Neuroblastoma is a rare malignant disease and mainly affects infants and very young children. The tumours mainly develop in the adrenal medullary tissue, with an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neuroblastoma is a rare malignant disease and mainly affects infants and very young children. The tumours mainly develop in the adrenal medullary tissue, with an abdominal mass as the most common presentation. About 50% of patients have metastatic disease at diagnosis. The high-risk group is characterised by metastasis and other features that increase the risk of an adverse outcome. High-risk patients have a five-year event-free survival of less than 50%. Retinoic acid has been shown to inhibit growth of human neuroblastoma cells and has been considered as a potential candidate for improving the outcome of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of additional retinoic acid as part of a postconsolidation therapy after high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), compared to placebo retinoic acid or to no additional retinoic acid in people with high-risk neuroblastoma (as defined by the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) classification system).
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library (2016, Issue 11), MEDLINE in PubMed (1946 to 24 November 2016), and Embase in Ovid (1947 to 24 November 2016). Further searches included trial registries (on 22 December 2016), conference proceedings (on 23 March 2017) and reference lists of recent reviews and relevant studies. We did not apply limits by publication year or languages.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating additional retinoic acid after HDCT followed by HSCT for people with high-risk neuroblastoma compared to placebo retinoic acid or to no additional retinoic acid. Primary outcomes were overall survival and treatment-related mortality. Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival, event-free survival, early toxicity, late toxicity, and health-related quality of life.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
The update search did not identify any additional studies. We identified one RCT that included people with high-risk neuroblastoma who received HDCT followed by autologous HSCT (N = 98) after a first random allocation and who received retinoic acid (13-cis-retinoic acid; N = 50) or no further therapy (N = 48) after a second random allocation. These 98 participants had no progressive disease after HDCT followed by autologous HSCT. There was no clear evidence of difference between the treatment groups either in overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 1.63; one trial; P = 0.66) or in event-free survival (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.49; one trial; P = 0.59). We calculated the HR values using the complete follow-up period of the trial. The study also reported overall survival estimates at a fixed point in time. At the time point of five years, the survival estimate was reported to be 59% for the retinoic acid group and 41% for the no-further-therapy group (P value not reported). We did not identify results for treatment-related mortality, progression-free survival, early or late toxicity, or health-related quality of life. We could not rule out the possible presence of selection bias, performance bias, attrition bias, and other bias. We judged the evidence to be of low quality for overall survival and event-free survival, downgraded because of study limitations and imprecision.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We identified one RCT that evaluated additional retinoic acid as part of a postconsolidation therapy after HDCT followed by autologous HSCT versus no further therapy in people with high-risk neuroblastoma. There was no clear evidence of a difference in overall survival and event-free survival between the treatment alternatives. This could be the result of low power. Information on other outcomes was not available. This trial was performed in the 1990s, since when many changes in treatment and risk classification have occurred. Based on the currently available evidence, we are therefore uncertain about the effects of retinoic acid in people with high-risk neuroblastoma. More research is needed for a definitive conclusion.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Agents; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Consolidation Chemotherapy; Disease-Free Survival; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Infant; Neuroblastoma; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selection Bias; Tretinoin
PubMed: 28840597
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010685.pub3 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology May 2013Up to now studies on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in psychosis have shown inconsistent findings. These inconsistencies have been often ascribed to... (Review)
Review
Up to now studies on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in psychosis have shown inconsistent findings. These inconsistencies have been often ascribed to confounding effects of long duration of illness and chronic treatment with psychotropic medications of the subjects studied (chronic psychosis). In the last years, several studies have focused on the study of subjects at their first episode of psychosis to overcome these possible confounders. The aim of this paper was to review the literature investigating HPA axis activity in first episode psychosis. Findings from these studies support the presence of HPA axis hyperactivity and a blunted HPA axis response to stress at the onset of psychosis. Possible biological pathways linking these HPA axis abnormalities to the development of psychosis are discussed.
Topics: Biomarkers; Disease Susceptibility; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Organ Size; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Psychotic Disorders
PubMed: 23369532
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.12.025