Search Results

You are looking at 101 - 110 of 451 items for

  • Abstract: adrenarche x
  • Abstract: amenorrhoea x
  • Abstract: fertility x
  • Abstract: Gender x
  • Abstract: Hypogonadism x
  • Abstract: infertility x
  • Abstract: Klinefelter x
  • Abstract: menarche x
  • Abstract: testes x
  • Abstract: transsexual x
  • Abstract: Turner x
  • Abstract: sperm* x
  • Abstract: ovary x
  • Abstract: follicles x
Clear All Modify Search
Rachel Forfar Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK

Search for other papers by Rachel Forfar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mashal Hussain Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

Search for other papers by Mashal Hussain in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Puneet Khurana Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK

Search for other papers by Puneet Khurana in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jennifer Cook Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK

Search for other papers by Jennifer Cook in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Steve Lewis Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK

Search for other papers by Steve Lewis in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Dillon Popat Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

Search for other papers by Dillon Popat in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
David Jackson Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

Search for other papers by David Jackson in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ed McIver Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK

Search for other papers by Ed McIver in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jeff Jerman Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK

Search for other papers by Jeff Jerman in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Debra Taylor Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, UK

Search for other papers by Debra Taylor in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Adrian JL Clark Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

Search for other papers by Adrian JL Clark in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Li F Chan Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK

Search for other papers by Li F Chan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

The overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), in conditions such as Cushing’s disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), leads to significant morbidity. Current treatment with glucocorticoids does not adequately suppress plasma ACTH, resulting in excess adrenal androgen production. At present, there is no effective medical treatment in clinical use that would directly block the action of ACTH. Such a therapy would be of great clinical value. ACTH acts via a highly selective receptor, the melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) associated with its accessory protein MRAP. ACTH is the only known naturally occurring agonist for this receptor. This lack of redundancy and the high degree of ligand specificity suggest that antagonism of this receptor could provide a useful therapeutic strategy in the treatment of conditions of ACTH excess. To this end, we screened an extensive library of low-molecular-weight drug-like compounds for MC2R antagonist activity using a high-throughput homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence cAMP assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably co-expressing human MC2R and MRAP. Hits that demonstrated MC2R antagonist properties were counter-screened against the β2 adrenergic receptor and dose–response analysis undertaken. This led to the identification of a highly specific MC2R antagonist capable of antagonising ACTH-induced progesterone release in murine Y-1 adrenal cells and having selectivity for MC2R amongst the human melanocortin receptors. This work provides a foundation for the clinical investigation of small-molecule ACTH antagonists as therapeutic agents and proof of concept for the screening and discovery of such compounds.

Open access
Meghnaa Hebbar College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Meghnaa Hebbar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Halimah Khalil College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Halimah Khalil in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Nawal Zia College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Nawal Zia in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jameela Sheikh College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Jameela Sheikh in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Eka Melson University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Eka Melson in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Meri Davitadze Clinic NeoLab, Tbilisi, Georgia

Search for other papers by Meri Davitadze in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Helena Gleeson Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Helena Gleeson in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Tejal Lathia Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, India

Search for other papers by Tejal Lathia in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Chitra Selvan Department of Endocrinology, M S Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru, India

Search for other papers by Chitra Selvan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Punith Kempegowda Clinic NeoLab, Tbilisi, Georgia
Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Search for other papers by Punith Kempegowda in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
PCOS SEva Working Group
Search for other papers by PCOS SEva Working Group in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
PCOS SEva Working Group

With increasing evidence of emotional well-being disorders associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), effective screening processes are of utmost importance. We studied the impact of using questionnaires to screen for emotional and psychosexual well-being across different models of care for PCOS. We analysed the data from the surveys to assess the difference in the prevalence of emotional and psychosexual ill-being across ethnicity and region. In this prospective cohort study, we invited all women attending consultations for PCOS in Birmingham, UK, and Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai, India. Those who consented to participate in the study were invited to complete a pre-clinic survey about socio-demographic data, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), Beliefs about Obese Person scale (BAOP), and Female Sexual Function Index score (FSFI) and a post-clinic survey on clinic experience, lifestyle advice, and specialist referral. A total of 115 women were included in this study. The rate of questionnaire completion was 98.3% (113/115), 97.4% (112/115), 93.04% (107/115), and 84.3% (97/115) for HADS, BICI, BAOP, and FSFI, respectively. In the post-clinic survey, 28.8% reported they were screened for anxiety, 27.1% for depression, and 45.8% for body image concerns. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder through pre-clinic survey was 56.5% (50.0% UK vs 59.5% India, P = 0.483), 16.5% (13.9% UK vs 17.7% India, P = 0.529), and 29.6% (36.1% UK vs 26.6% India, P = 0.208), respectively. Surveys with validated questionnaires can improve screening for emotional and psychosexual well-being associated with PCOS which may be missed by ad hoc screening during consultations.

Open access
Xiying Zeng The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Xiying Zeng in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yinxiang Huang Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China

Search for other papers by Yinxiang Huang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Mulin Zhang Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China

Search for other papers by Mulin Zhang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yun Chen The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Yun Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jiawen Ye The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China

Search for other papers by Jiawen Ye in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yan Han School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China

Search for other papers by Yan Han in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Danyan Ma School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China

Search for other papers by Danyan Ma in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xin Zheng Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China

Search for other papers by Xin Zheng in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Xiaohong Yan Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China

Search for other papers by Xiaohong Yan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Changqin Liu The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Diabetes Translational Medicine, Xiamen, China

Search for other papers by Changqin Liu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is recognized as the most important biomarker for ovarian reserve. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to explore the potential association of AMH with central obesity or general obesity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 179 patients with PCOS were enrolled and underwent anthropometric measurements (BMI and waist circumference (WC)) and serum AMH level detection. Pearson’s correlation and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations of AMH with central obesity and general obesity.

Results

Subjects with increasing BMI showed significantly lower values of AMH (median (interquartile range (IQR)) 8.95 (6.03–13.60) ng/mL in normal weight group, 6.57 (4.18–8.77) ng/mL in overweight group, and 6.03 (4.34–9.44) ng/mL in obesity group, P = 0.001), but higher levels of systolic blood pressure, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, obesity indices (WC, hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI)). Compared with the group of PCOS women without central obesity, the group with central obesity had significantly lower value of AMH (median (IQR) 8.56 (5.29–12.96) ng/mL vs 6.22 (4.33–8.82) ng/mL; P = 0.003). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that AMH was significantly and negatively correlated with BMI (r = −0.280; P < 0.001), WC (r = −0.263; P < 0.001), WHtR (r = −0.273; P < 0.001), and CVAI (r = −0.211; P = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounding factors showed that AMH was independently and negatively associated with central obesity but was not significantly associated with general obesity.

Conclusions

AMH was independently and negatively associated with central obesity. Closely monitoring the WC and AMH should be addressed in terms of assessing ovarian reserve in women with PCOS.

Open access
Mette H Viuff Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

Search for other papers by Mette H Viuff in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
and
Claus H Gravholt Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

Search for other papers by Claus H Gravholt in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

In this commentary, we discuss the state of affairs concerning the clinical care of females with Turner syndrome (TS) in Germany. TS is a rare disease and new international guidelines describe an appropriate setup for optimal clinical care. Several countries have implemented a program with centralized adult Turner syndrome clinics, which are now found in France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, parts of England and possibly other countries, but hitherto not in Germany. Such an approach should ensure the availability of high quality multi-disciplinary care for all women with TS to be treated and to detect all the conditions that have been associated with TS, which typically appear at odd times during the lifetime of a female with TS. Care should be offered at no added cost for the patient, and treatment with relevant drugs should be available at reasonable cost for the individual patient. Currently, it is quite problematic that many female sex hormone preparations are not available at low cost in a number of countries. Additional problems include supply chain issue which lead to patients not being able to buy their usual drug for a certain period of time. We think it is timely that countries improve the care for individuals with rare conditions, such as TS.

Open access
Srdjan Pandurevic Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Srdjan Pandurevic in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ilaria Mancini Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Ilaria Mancini in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Dimitri Mitselman Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Dimitri Mitselman in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Matteo Magagnoli Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Matteo Magagnoli in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Rita Teglia Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Rita Teglia in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Roberta Fazzeri Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Roberta Fazzeri in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Paola Dionese Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Paola Dionese in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Carolina Cecchetti Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Carolina Cecchetti in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Massimiliamo Caprio Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy

Search for other papers by Massimiliamo Caprio in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Costanzo Moretti Department of Systems Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

Search for other papers by Costanzo Moretti in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Justyna Sicinska Dermatology Clinic of CSK MSWiA Hospital, Warsaw, Poland

Search for other papers by Justyna Sicinska in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Alessandro Agostini Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Alessandro Agostini in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Domenica Gazineo Teaching Hospital, S. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Domenica Gazineo in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Lea Godino Teaching Hospital, S. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Lea Godino in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ignacio Sajoux Epigenomics in Endocrinology and Nutrition Group, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria (IDIS), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), Spain
Medical Department Pronokal Group, Barcelona, Spain

Search for other papers by Ignacio Sajoux in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Flaminia Fanelli Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Flaminia Fanelli in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Cristina M Meriggiola Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Cristina M Meriggiola in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Uberto Pagotto Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Uberto Pagotto in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Alessandra Gambineri Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Prevention and Care, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Search for other papers by Alessandra Gambineri in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

The aim of this study isto assess the efficacy of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) method vs a Mediterranean low-calorie diet (LCD) in obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women of a reproductive age.

Design

Randomized controlled open-label trial was performed in this study. The treatment period was 16 weeks; VLCKD for 8 weeks then LCD for 8 weeks, according to the Pronokal® method (experimental group; n = 15) vs Mediterranean LCD for 16 weeks (control group; n = 15). Ovulation monitoring was carried out at baseline and after 16 weeks, while a clinical exam, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), anthropometry, and biochemical analyses were performed at baseline, at week 8, and at week 16.

Results

BMI decreased significantly in both groups and to a major extent in the experimental group (−13.7% vs −5.1%, P = 0.0003). Significant differences between the experimental and the control groups were also observed in the reduction of waist circumference (−11.4% vs −2.9%), BIA-measured body fat (−24.0% vs −8.1%), and free testosterone (−30.4% vs −12.6%) after 16 weeks (P = 0.0008, P = 0.0176, and P = 0.0009, respectively). Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance significantly decreased only in the experimental group (P = 0.0238) but without significant differences with respect to the control group (−23% vs −13.2%, P > 0.05). At baseline, 38.5% of participants in the experimental group and 14.3% of participants in the control group had ovulation, which increased to 84.6% (P = 0.031) and 35.7% (P > 0.05) at the end of the study, respectively.

Conclusion

In obese PCOS patients, 16 weeks of VLCKD protocol with the Pronokal® method was more effective than Mediterranean LCD in reducing total and visceral fat, and in ameliorating hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction.

Significance statements

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial on the use of the VLCKD method in obese PCOS. It demonstrates the superiority of VLCKD with respect to Mediterranean LCD in reducing BMI with an almost selective reduction of fat mass and a unique effect of VLCKD in reducing visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and in increasing SHBG with a consequent reduction of free testosterone. Interestingly, this study also demonstrates the superiority of the VLCKD protocol in improving ovulation, whose occurrence increased by 46.1% in the group treated by the VLCKD method against a rise of 21.4% in the group treated by Mediterranean LCD. This study extends the therapeutic approach possibilities in obese PCOS women.

Open access
Bruno Donadille Service d’Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France

Search for other papers by Bruno Donadille in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Muriel Houang Service d’Explorations Fonctionnelles Endocriniennes, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Trousseau, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France

Search for other papers by Muriel Houang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Irène Netchine Service d’Explorations Fonctionnelles Endocriniennes, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Trousseau, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France
Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France

Search for other papers by Irène Netchine in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jean-Pierre Siffroi Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
INSERM UMR_S933, Paris, France

Search for other papers by Jean-Pierre Siffroi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Sophie Christin-Maitre Service d’Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocrines Rares de la Croissance, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Est, AP-HP, Paris, France
Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
INSERM UMR_S933, Paris, France

Search for other papers by Sophie Christin-Maitre in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Human 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3b-HSD) is a very rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia resulting from HSD3B2 gene mutations. The estimated prevalence is less than 1/1,000,000 at birth. It leads to steroidogenesis impairment in both adrenals and gonads. Few data are available concerning adult testicular function in such patients. We had the opportunity to study gonadal axis and testicular function in a 46,XY adult patient, carrying a HSD3B2 mutation. He presented at birth a neonatal salt-wasting syndrome. He had a micropenis, a perineal hypospadias and two intrascrotal testes. HSD3B2 gene sequencing revealed a 687del27 homozygous mutation. The patient achieved normal puberty at the age of 15 years. Transition from the paediatric department occurred at the age of 19 years. His hormonal profile under hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone treatments revealed normal serum levels of 17OH-pregnenolone, as well as SDHEA, ACTH, total testosterone, inhibin B and AMH. Pelvic ultrasound identified two scrotal testes of 21 mL each, without any testicular adrenal rest tumours. His adult spermatic characteristics were normal, according to WHO 2010 criteria, with a sperm concentration of 57.6 million/mL (N > 15), 21% of typical forms (N > 4%). Sperm vitality was subnormal (41%; N > 58%). This patient, in contrast to previous reports, presents subnormal sperm parameters and therefore potential male fertility in a 24-years-old patient with severe 3b-HSD deficiency. This case should improve counselling about fertility of male patients carrying HSD3B2 mutation.

Open access
Caroline Culen University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Caroline Culen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Diana-Alexandra Ertl University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Diana-Alexandra Ertl in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Katharina Schubert University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Katharina Schubert in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Lisa Bartha-Doering University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Lisa Bartha-Doering in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Gabriele Haeusler University Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Gabriele Haeusler in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Turner syndrome (TS), although considered a rare disease, is the most common sex chromosome abnormality in women, with an incident of 1 in 2500 female births. TS is characterized by distinctive physical features such as short stature, ovarian dysgenesis, an increased risk for heart and renal defects as well as a specific cognitive and psychosocial phenotype. Given the complexity of the condition, patients face manifold difficulties which increase over the lifespan. Furthermore, failures during the transitional phase to adult care result in moderate health outcomes and decreased quality of life. Guidelines on the optimal screening procedures and medical treatment are easy to find. However, recommendations for the treatment of the incriminating psychosocial aspects in TS are scarce. In this work, we first reviewed the literature on the cognitive and psychosocial development of girls with TS compared with normal development, from disclosure to young adulthood, and then introduce a psychosocial approach to counseling and treating patients with TS, including recommendations for age-appropriate psychological diagnostics. With this work, we aim to facilitate the integration of emphasized psychosocial care in state-of-the-art treatment for girls and women with TS.

Open access
María Dolores Rodríguez Arnao Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain

Search for other papers by María Dolores Rodríguez Arnao in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Amparo Rodríguez Sánchez Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain

Search for other papers by Amparo Rodríguez Sánchez in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ignacio Díez López Hospital Universitario Araba, Araba/Alava, Spain

Search for other papers by Ignacio Díez López in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Joaquín Ramírez Fernández Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain

Search for other papers by Joaquín Ramírez Fernández in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jose Antonio Bermúdez de la Vega Centro Nuevas Tecnologias, Sevilla, Spain

Search for other papers by Jose Antonio Bermúdez de la Vega in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Diego Yeste Fernández Hospital Vall d’Hebrón, Barcelona, Spain

Search for other papers by Diego Yeste Fernández in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
María Chueca Guindulain Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain

Search for other papers by María Chueca Guindulain in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Raquel Corripio Collado Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain

Search for other papers by Raquel Corripio Collado in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jacobo Pérez Sánchez Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain

Search for other papers by Jacobo Pérez Sánchez in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Ana Fernández González Merck S.L.U., Madrid, Spain

Search for other papers by Ana Fernández González in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
ECOS Spain Study Collaborative Investigator Group
Search for other papers by ECOS Spain Study Collaborative Investigator Group in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Background

Non-adherence to r-hGH treatments occurs in a variable percentage of subjects. One problem found when evaluating adherence is the great variability in methods of detection and definitions utilized in studies. This study assessed the level of adherence in subjects receiving r-hGH with the easypod™ electronic device.

Methods

National, multicenter, prospective and observational study involving 238 subjects (144 with GH deficiency (GHD), and 86 with small for gestational age (SGA), 8 with Turner Syndrome), who received r-hGH with easypod™ for at least 3 months before inclusion. The follow-up period was 4 years.

Results

Overall adherence was 94.5%; 97.5% after 6 months, 95.3% after 1 year, 93.7% after 2, 94.4% after 3 and 95.5% after 4 years of treatment. No differences in adherence were observed between prepubertal and pubertal groups and GHD and SGA groups. Change in height after 1 and 2 years, change in height SDS after 1 and 2 years, HV after 1 year, HV SDS after at 1 and 4 years, change in BMI after 1 year and change in BMI SDS at 1 and 2 years showed significant correlation with adherence. No significant differences in adherence according to IGF-I levels were found in follow-up visits or between groups.

Conclusions

The easypod™ electronic device, apart from being a precise and objective measure of adherence to r-hGH treatment, allows high compliance rates to be achieved over long periods of time. Adherence significantly impacts growth outcomes associated with r-hGH treatment.

Open access
Diana-Alexandra Ertl Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Diana-Alexandra Ertl in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Andreas Gleiss Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Andreas Gleiss in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Katharina Schubert Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Katharina Schubert in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Caroline Culen Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Caroline Culen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Peer Hauck Pediatric Heart Center Vienna, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Peer Hauck in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Johannes Ott Clinic Division for Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Johannes Ott in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Alois Gessl Division of Endocrinology, University Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Alois Gessl in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Gabriele Haeusler Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, University Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Search for other papers by Gabriele Haeusler in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Background

Previous studies have shown that only a minority of patients with Turner syndrome (TS) have adequate medical care after transfer to adult care.

Aim of this study

To assess the status of medical follow-up and quality of life (QoL) in adult women diagnosed with TS and followed up until transfer. To compare the subjective and objective view of the medical care quality and initiate improvements based on patients’ experiences and current recommendations.

Methods

39 adult women with TS out of 64 patients contacted were seen for a clinical and laboratory check, cardiac ultrasound, standardized and structured questionnaires (SF-36v2 and Beck depression inventory).

Results

7/39 of the patients were not being followed medically at all. Only 2/39 consulted all the specialists recommended. Comorbidities were newly diagnosed in 27/39 patients; of these, 11 related to the cardiovascular system. Patients in our cohort scored as high as the mean reference population for SF-36v2 in both mental and physical compartments. Obese participants had lower scores in the physical function section, whereas higher education was related to higher physical QoL scores. Adult height slightly correlated positively with physical health.

Conclusion

Medical follow-up was inadequate in our study cohort of adults with TS. Even though their medical follow-up was insufficient, these women felt adequately treated, leaving them vulnerable for premature illness. Initiatives in health autonomy and a structured transfer process as well as closer collaborations within specialities are urgently needed.

Open access
Ping Li Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Ping Li in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Fei Cheng Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Fei Cheng in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Lei Xiu Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

Search for other papers by Lei Xiu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

This study sought to determine the effect of the recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment of Turner syndrome (TS) on height outcome.

Methods

We searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. A literature search identified 640 records. After screening and full-text assessment, 11 records were included in the systematic review. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. We also assessed the quality of evidence with the GRADE system.

Results

Compared with controls, rhGH therapy led to increased final height (MD = 7.22 cm, 95% CI 5.27–9.18, P < 0.001, I2 = 4%; P = 0.18), height standard deviation (HtSDS) (SMD = 1.22, 95% CI 0.88–1.56, P < 0.001, I2 = 49%; P = 0.14) and height velocity (HV) (MD 2.68 cm/year; 95% CI 2.34, 3.02; P < 0.001, I2 = 0%; P = 0.72). There was a small increase in bone age (SMD 0.32 years; 95% CI 0.1, 0.54; P = 0.004, I2 = 73%; P = 0.02) after rhGH therapy for 12 months. What is more, the rhGH/oxandrolone combination therapy suggested greater final height (MD 2.46 cm; 95% CI 0.73, 4.18; P = 0.005, I2 = 32%; P = 0.22), increase and faster HV (SMD 1.67 cm/year; 95% CI 1.03, 2.31; P < 0.03, I2 = 80%; P < 0.001), with no significant increase in HtSDS and bone maturation compared with rhGH therapy alone.

Conclusions

For TS patients, rhGH alone or with concomitant use of oxandrolone treatment had advantages on final height.

Open access