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Yi Wang Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China

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Yingying Xu Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China

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Rongrong Xie Department of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China

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Bingyan Cao Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China

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Yuan Ding Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China

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Jiayun Guo Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China

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Xiaoqiao Li Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China

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Xiaolin Ni Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China

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Zheng Yuan Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China

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Linqi Chen Department of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China

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Liyang Liang Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China

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Chunxiu Gong Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China

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Objective

Rapid-onset obesity with hypoventilation, hypothalamic dysfunction, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) is rare, and manifestations of autonomic dysregulation are diverse and may be overlooked. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of these manifestations.

Methods

Patients with ROHHAD syndrome reported before and after 2019 were divided into groups 1 and 2. Patients who were diagnosed at three regional hospitals in China were included in group 3. We collected the age of each specific term of the ROHHAD (neurogenic tumor, NET) acronym and the detailed manifestations of each term, and compared them among the three groups.

Results

A total of 16 patients were diagnosed within the 2-year period. Two had neurogenic tumors and cognitive and behavioral abnormalities before developing rapid obesity. At least 93.8% of the patients had ≥ 4 symptoms of autonomic dysregulation. When comparing autonomic dysregulation among groups 1–3, the rates of cardiovascular manifestations were NA vs 12.8% vs 81.2%; gastrointestinal disturbances were 11.4% vs 8.5% vs 62.5%; strabismus was 25.7% vs 12.8% vs 62.5%; sleep disturbance was NA vs 6.4% vs 50.0%; and abnormal pain threshold was NA vs 10.6% vs 25.0% (all P < 0.05). The rates of cognitive and behavioral abnormalities were NA vs 29.8% and 87.5% (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Rapid-onset obesity is not always the first sign of ROHHAD syndrome. Higher rates of autonomic dysregulation and cognitive and behavioral abnormalities with multiple manifestations of autonomic dysregulation coexisted in our cohort, indicating that evaluations of autonomic function and the limbic system should be strengthened when assessing this condition.

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Nishchil Patel Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Plymouth, UK

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Kagabo Hirwa Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Plymouth, UK

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Gemma Gardner Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Plymouth, UK

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Kirsten Pearce Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Plymouth, UK

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Jinny Jeffery Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Plymouth, UK

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Fizzah Iqbal Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Plymouth, UK

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Daniel Flanagan Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Plymouth, UK

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Introduction

The aim of this study was to define functional and anatomical pituitary disease at the time of presentation following immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy and to describe any changes in pituitary function over time.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational audit of patients on ICI therapy at our centre between January 2013 and September 2023. We reviewed all patients on ICI therapy under the care of the oncology department at University Hospital Plymouth, a 1000-bedded hospital serving a population of 500,000 people. From this group, we identified all individuals referred to the endocrinology department with a suspected diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. Patients were established on adrenal steroid replacement and subsequently underwent formal pituitary testing. People were included if they had pituitary disease, as evidenced by low ACTH, other pituitary dysfunction and/or abnormalities on pituitary imaging.

Results

Nine hundred and fifty-four patients received ICI therapy during the study period, and 37 (a prevalence of 3.9%) developed hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunction. Their mean age was 65 years, and 70% were male. About 86.5% of the total patients affected were treated for metastatic malignancies. Ten of the 37 patients died during follow-up as a direct consequence or complication of their primary cancer diagnosis. The median interval for the onset of symptoms was 4 months. Following repeated testing, there was no recovery in cortisol or ACTH levels for any individual. Other permanent anterior pituitary hormone defects were unusual. Hypophysitis associated with immunotherapy appears to specifically target the corticotrophs, with no evidence of recovery over time. There was a specific abnormality seen in MRI scans of 7 of 27 patients who had scans, which appeared to be a particular feature of immune-mediated hypophysitis. These were confined to the anterior aspect of the pituitary gland, appearing as striations, and were not visible on any of the scans performed more than 3 months after the likely onset of the disease.

Conclusion

These data show that immune-related hypophysitis is a common complication of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This may result in an imaging abnormality within the areas of the pituitary that are richest in corticotrophs. The endocrine consequence of this is a permanent defect in ACTH and, therefore, cortisol production.

Open access
I M A A van Roessel Department of Pediatric Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Lundlaan, EA Utrecht, The Netherlands

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J E Gorter Department of Pediatric Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Lundlaan, EA Utrecht, The Netherlands

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B Bakker Department of Pediatric Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Lundlaan, EA Utrecht, The Netherlands

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M M van den Heuvel-Eibrink Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Lundlaan, EA Utrecht, The Netherlands

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M H Lequin Department of Radiology, Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
Department of Radiology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

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J van der Lugt Department of Pediatric Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands

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L Meijer Department of Pediatric Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands

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A Y N Schouten-van Meeteren Department of Pediatric Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands

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H M van Santen Department of Pediatric Neuro-oncology, Princess Máxima Center, Heidelberglaan, CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Lundlaan, EA Utrecht, The Netherlands

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Objective

Children with a supratentorial midline low-grade glioma (LGG) may be at risk for impaired bone health due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, obesity, exposure to multiple treatment modalities, and/or decreased mobility. The presence of impaired bone health and/or its severity in this population has been understudied. We aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for bone problems in children with supratentorial midline LGG.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was performed in children with supratentorial midline (suprasellar or thalamic) LGG between 1 January 2003 and 1 January 2022, visiting the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. Impaired bone health was defined as the presence of vertebral fractures and/or very low bone mineral density (BMD).

Results

In total, 161 children were included, with a median age at tumor diagnosis of 4.7 years (range: 0.1–17.9) and a median follow-up of 6.1 years (range: 0.1–19.9). Five patients (3.1%) had vertebral fractures. In 99 patients, BMD was assessed either by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (n = 12) or Bone Health Index (n = 95); 34 patients (34.3%) had a low BMD (≤ −2.0). Impaired visual capacity was associated with bone problems in multivariable analysis (OR: 6.63, 95% CI: 1.83–24.00, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

In this retrospective evaluation, decreased BMD was prevalent in 34.3% of children with supratentorial midline LGG. For the risk of developing bone problems, visual capacity seems highly relevant. Surveillance of bone health must be an aspect of awareness in the care and follow-up of children with a supratentorial midline LGG.

Significance statement

Patients with supratentorial midline LGG may encounter various risk factors for impaired bone health. Bone problems in survivors of childhood supratentorial midline LGG are, however, understudied. This is the first paper to address the prevalence of bone problems in this specific patient population, revealing visual problems as an important risk factor. Diencephalic syndrome historyand/or weight problems associated with hypothalamic dysfunction were related to bone problems in univariate analyses. The results of this study can be used in the development of guidelines to adequately screen and treat these patients to subsequently minimizing bone problems as one of the endocrine complications.

Open access
Alessandro Barbato Auxo-endocrinology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

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Giulia Gori Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Michele Sacchini Metabolic and Muscular Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Francesca Pochiero Metabolic and Muscular Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Sara Bargiacchi Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Giovanna Traficante Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Viviana Palazzo Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Lucia Tiberi Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Claudia Bianchini Pediatric Neurology and Neurogenetics Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Davide Mei Pediatric Neurology and Neurogenetics Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Elena Parrini Pediatric Neurology and Neurogenetics Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Tiziana Pisano Pediatric Neurology and Neurogenetics Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Elena Procopio Metabolic and Muscular Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy

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Renzo Guerrini Pediatric Neurology and Neurogenetics Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
NEUROFARBA Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

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Angela Peron Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

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Stefano Stagi Auxo-endocrinology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

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Context

Cytochrome C oxidase (COX) is the fourth component of the respiratory chain and is located within the internal membrane of mitochondria. COX deficiency causes an inherited mitochondrial disease with significant genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Four clinical subtypes have been identified, each with distinct phenotypes and genetic variants. Mitochondrial complex IV deficiency nuclear type 4 (MC4DN4) is a form of COX deficiency associated with pathogenic variants in the SCO1 gene.

Case description

We describe three patients with MC4DN4 with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), hypopituitarism, and SCO1 pathogenic variants. These patients’ phenotypes considerably differ from previously reported MC4DN4 phenotypes as they associate DEE with progressive hypopituitarism and survival beyond the first months after birth. Pituitary deficiency in these patients progressively worsened and mainly involved growth hormone secretion and thyroid function.

Conclusions

Our findings expand knowledge of phenotypic variability in MC4DN4 and suggest that SCO1 is a candidate gene for genetic hypopituitarism and DEE.

Significance statement

Our paper describes three patients affected by MC4DN4 with hypopituitarism and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), two features that have never been associated with this condition. In addition, we reviewed the clinical features of all previous cases of MC4DN4 to give the other clinicians a wide picture of the clinical phenotype of this genetic disease. We hope that the publication of our data may help others to identify this disease and consider the chance to analyze the SCO1 gene in cases of DEE associated with pituitary dysfunction. Our article contributes to expanding the spectrum of genetic hypopituitarism and proposes a model to explain an association between this condition, mitochondrial anomalies, and neurodevelopmental defects.

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Lukas Plachy Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Petra Dusatkova Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Klara Maratova Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Shenali Anne Amaratunga Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Dana Zemkova Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Vit Neuman Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Stanislava Kolouskova Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Barbora Obermannova Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Marta Snajderova Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Zdenek Sumnik Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Jan Lebl Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Stepanka Pruhova Department of Pediatrics, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu, Prague, Czech Republic

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Because the causes of combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) are complex, the etiology of congenital CPHD remains unknown in most cases. The aim of the study was to identify the genetic etiology of CPHD in a well-defined single-center cohort. In total, 34 children (12 girls) with congenital CPHD (growth hormone (GH) deficiency and impaired secretion of at least one other pituitary hormone) treated with GH in our center were enrolled in the study. Their median age was 11.2 years, pre-treatment height was −3.2 s.d., and maximal stimulated GH was 1.4 ug/L. Of them, 30 had central adrenal insufficiency, 27 had central hypothyroidism, ten had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and three had central diabetes insipidus. Twenty-six children had a midline defect on MRI. Children with clinical suspicion of a specific genetic disorder underwent genetic examination of the gene(s) of interest via Sanger sequencing or array comparative genomic hybridization. Children without a detected causal variant after the first-tier testing or with no suspicion of a specific genetic disorder were subsequently examined using next-generation sequencing growth panel. Variants were evaluated by the American College of Medical Genetics standards. Genetic etiology was confirmed in 7/34 (21%) children. Chromosomal aberrations were found in one child (14q microdeletion involving the OTX2 gene). The remaining 6 children had causative genetic variants in the GLI2, PROP1, POU1F1, TBX3, PMM2, and GNAO1 genes, respectively. We elucidated the cause of CPHD in a fifth of the patients. Moreover, our study supports the PMM2 gene as a candidate gene for CPHD and suggests pathogenic variants in the GNAO1 gene as a potential novel genetic cause of CPHD.

Open access
Saroj Kumar Sahoo Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
Division of Endocrinology, Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, Broomfield, UK

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Jayakrishnan C Menon Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India

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Nidhi Tripathy Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India

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Monalisa Nayak Department of Liver Intensive Care Unit, King’s College Hospital, London, UK

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Subhash Yadav Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India

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Objective

We studied the temporal course of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) dysfunction in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

Three hundred and two patients (median age 54 years (interquartile range (IQR) 42–64), 76% males) were recruited. The HPA axis was evaluated by morning cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) at admission (n = 232). Adrenal insufficiency (AI) during acute illness was defined using a morning cortisol <83 nmol/L. AI at 12 months follow-up was defined using a peak cortisol <406 nmol/L in the ACTH stimulation test (APST) (n = 90). Those with AI at 12 months were further assessed by APST every 6 months for recovery of hypoadrenalism.

Results

The median morning cortisol and ACTH levels during COVID-19 were 295 (IQR 133–460) nmol/L and 3.9 (0.8–6.9) pmol/L, respectively. AI was present in 33 (14%) patients; ACTH was elevated in three and low or inappropriately normal in the rest 30 patients. At 12 months, AI was seen in 13% (12/90) patients, with all cases being hypothalamic–pituitary in origin; five (42%) of them had not met the diagnostic criteria for AI during COVID-19. AI diagnosed at admission persisted at 12 months in seven patients and recovered in seven; the remaining 19 patients were lost to follow-up. The presence of AI at 12 months was independent of severity and steroid use during COVID-19. A morning cortisol <138 nmol/L during COVID-19 predicted the presence of AI at 12 months. All patients showed recovery of the HPA axis in the ensuing 12 months.

Conclusion

Central AI was common during acute COVID-19 and at 12 months of follow-up. AI can be late onset, developing after recovery from COVID-19, and was transient in nature.

Open access
Julia Beckhaus Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, Oldenburg, Germany
Division of Epidemiology and Biometry, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany

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Maria Eveslage Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany

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Brigitte Bison Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany

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Carsten Friedrich Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, Oldenburg, Germany

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Hermann L Müller Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, Oldenburg, Germany

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Objective

It is well known that both genetic background and lifestyle influence the development of ‘general’ obesity. However, the role of parental body mass index (BMI) on the development of obesity in long-term survivors of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma (CP) is not well understood. This study analyzed the correlation of patients’ BMI at diagnosis and last visit and parental BMI at CP diagnosis and further explored potential risk factors for obesity in CP patients.

Design

This is a registry-based retrospective cohort study.

Methods

In total,291 CP patients and their parents recruited in the German KRANIOPHARYNGEOM studies were included. Correlations between patient’s BMI SDS at CP diagnosis and last visit and parental BMI at CP diagnosis were analyzed. The associations between hypothalamic damage, maternal/paternal BMI and CP patients’ obesity at last visit were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

At follow-up, 52% of CP patients developed obesity (BMI > 3SDS). Patient’s BMI SDS at last visit was moderately correlated with BMI-SDS at CP diagnosis (r = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.38–0.58, P < 0.001), and also with maternal BMI at diagnosis (r = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.17–0.38, P < 0.001) and paternal BMI at diagnosis (r = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.19–0.41, P < 0.001). However, the contributing role of parental BMI to the pathogenesis of obesity was small compared to the impact of hypothalamic damage.

Conclusion

We conclude that besides hypothalamic damage, parental disposition for obesity is associated with the development of obesity in patients after CP. Our results indicate that also the family situation could have an influence on the development of obesity after CP and might be a therapeutic target.

Significance statement

Survivors of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma are at risk of developing morbid obesity. So far, patients with posterior hypothalamic involvement and lesion were identified as a high risk group. With this study, the influence of parental body mass index on the risk of obesity was investigated. Patient’s body-mass-index at last visit was correlated with maternal and paternal body mass index at diagnosis. With increasing maternal or paternal body mass index, the likelihood of obesity in individuals with CP increased. Nevertheless, the parents’ weight had only a small effect on the development of patients’ obesity compared to hypothalamic damage.

Open access
Shikai Gui Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

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Wanli Yu Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

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Jiabao Xie Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

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Lunshan Peng Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

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Yuanyuan Xiong Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

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Zhen Song Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Department of Urology, the 2nd affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

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Haitao Luo Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

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Juexian Xiao Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

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Shengtao Yuan Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China

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Zujue Cheng Department of Neurosurgery, the 2nd affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
Institute of Neuroscience, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China

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Invasive pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the most prevalent types of intracranial and neuroendocrine tumors. Their aggressive growth and difficulty in complete resection result in a high recurrence rate. Cystine transporter solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) is overexpressed in various cancers, which contributes to tumor growth, progression, and metastasis by promoting cystine uptake and glutathione biosynthesis. We identified SLC7A11 as an invasive biomarker based on three Gene Expression Omnibus cohorts. This study aimed to investigate the role of SLC7A11 in invasive PitNETs. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 and colony formation assays, while cell apoptosis was estimated with flow cytometry. Wound healing assays and transwell assays were utilized to evaluate migration and invasion ability. Our findings demonstrated that SLC7A11 was markedly upregulated in invasive PitNETs, and was associated with the invasiveness of PitNETs. Knockdown of SLC7A11 could largely suppress tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, SLC7A11 depletion was implicated in regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition and inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These insights suggest SLC7A11 as a potential therapeutic target for invasive PitNETs.

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Sherwin Criseno Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK

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Helena Gleeson Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK

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Andrew A Toogood Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK

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Neil Gittoes Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK

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Anne Topping School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK

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Niki Karavitaki Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK

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Objective

We conducted a survey of UK endocrine clinicians between June 2022 and August 2022 to understand current practices regarding GH treatment discontinuation in adults with growth hormone deficiency.

Design and methods

Using Survey Monkey®, a web-based multiple-choice questionnaire was disseminated to the UK Society for Endocrinology membership. It consisted of 15 questions on demographics, number of patients receiving GH and current practice on GH treatment discontinuation.

Results

In total, 102 endocrine clinicians completed the survey. Of these, 65 respondents (33 endocrinologists and 32 specialist nurses) indicated active involvement in managing patients with growth hormone deficiency. In total, 27.7% of clinicians were routinely offering a trial of GH discontinuation to adults receiving long-term GH therapy. Only 6% had a clinical guideline to direct such practice. In total, 29.2% stated that GH discontinuation should be routinely offered as an option to patients on long-term treatment, whilst 60% were not clearly in favour or against this approach but stated that it should probably be considered, and 9.2% were against. During the GH withdrawal period, most clinicians monitor signs and symptoms (75.4%), measure IGF-1 (84.6%), and complete a quality-of-life assessment (89.2%).

Conclusion

The practice of offering a trial of GH discontinuation in growth hormone deficiency adults on long-term GH therapy is highly variable, reflecting the lack of high-quality evidence. Around a quarter of clinicians offer GH withdrawal for a number of reasons, but only a few have a local clinical guidance. A further 60% of clinicians stated they would probably consider such an approach. Methodologically sound studies underpinning the development of safe and cost-effective guidance are needed.

Significance statement

In this UK survey of endocrine clinicians managing adults with growth hormone deficiency on long-term GH therapy, we explored for the first-time current practice and views on offering GH treatment discontinuation. In total, 27.7% of clinicians were routinely offering this option for a variety of reasons. Only 6% have local clinical guideline available to direct their practice on this. The majority of clinicians (60%), were not clearly in favour or against this approach but indicated it should probably be considered. In the absence of robust evidence on consequences of GH withdrawal, clinicians proposed monitoring of various clinical, biochemical and quality-of-life parameters during the period of discontinuation. Methodologically sound studies that will underpin the development of a safe, cost-effective guidance are needed.

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Xiaonan Guo Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

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Wenjing Hu Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

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Xiaorui Lyu Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

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Hanyuan Xu Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

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Huijuan Zhu Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

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Hui Pan Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

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Linjie Wang Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

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Hongbo Yang Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

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Fengying Gong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China

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Objective

Patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) with inadequate growth hormone levels are often correlated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the potential mechanism of how GHD influences liver function remains obscure. In the present study, we aim to perform hepatic metabolomics in Lewis dwarf rats, which were the standard congenital isolated GH-deficient rat, to evaluate the characterizations of hepatic metabolic profiles and explore their relations with liver functions.

Methods

Lewis dwarf homozygous (dw/dw) rats at 37 weeks (five females and five males), and Lewis dwarf heterozygous (dw/+) rats at 37 weeks (five females and five males) were analyzed in our study. Body lengths and weights, liver weights, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), and serum aspartate transaminase (AST) were measured. ELISA and RT-qPCR were used to assess IGF-1 levels in serum and liver, respectively. The non-targeted metabolomics was performed in the livers of dw/+ and dw/dw rats. Differential metabolites were selected according to the coefficient of variation (CV), variable importance in the projection (VIP) > 1, and P < 0.05. Hierarchical clustering of differential metabolites was conducted, and the KEGG database was used for metabolic pathway analysis.

Results

The body weights, body lengths, liver weights, and IGF-1 levels in the serum and liver of dw/dw rats were significantly decreased compared with dw/+ rats. Dw/dw rats exhibited more obvious hepatic steatosis accompanied by higher serum ALT and AST levels. Hepatic metabolomics showed that a total of 88 differential metabolites in positive ion mode, and 51 metabolites in negative ion mode were identified. Among them, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) 16:2, LPC 18:3, LPC 22:6, fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA)18:1 were significantly decreased, while palmitoyl acid, dehydrocholic acid, and 7-ketolithocholic acid were significantly increased in dw/dw rats compared with dw/+ rats. These seven differential metabolites were significantly associated with phenotypes of rats. Finally, KEGG pathway analysis showed that the arginine and proline metabolism pathway and bile secretion pathway were mainly clustered.

Conclusion

Lewis dw/dw rats with congenital isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) showed liver steatosis and abnormal liver function, which could be potentially associated with the distinctive hepatic metabolic profiles.

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