Mortality in adults with hypopituitarism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Increased Mortality Risk in Patients With Primary and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency

CONTEXT

Mortality data in patients with adrenal insufficiency are inconsistent, possibly due to temporal and geographical differences between patients and their reference populations.

OBJECTIVE

To compare mortality risk and causes of death in adrenal insufficiency with an individually matched reference population.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was done using a UK general practitioner database (CPRD). A total of 6821 patients with adrenal insufficiency (primary, 2052; secondary, 3948) were compared with 67564 individually-matched controls (primary, 20366; secondary, 39134). Main outcomes were all-cause and cause-specific mortality, and hospital admission from adrenal crisis.

RESULTS

With follow-up of 40 799 and 406 899 person-years for patients and controls respectively, the hazard ratio (HR [95% CI]) for all-cause mortality was 1.68 [1.58-1.77]. HRs were greater in primary (1.83 [1.66-2.02]) than in secondary (1.52 [1.40-1.64]) disease; primary versus secondary disease (1.16 [1.03-1.30]). The leading cause of death was cardiovascular disease (HR 1.54 [1.32-1.80]), along with malignant neoplasms and respiratory disease. Deaths from infection were also relatively high (HR 4.00 [2.15-7.46]). Adrenal crisis contributed to 10% of all deaths. In the first 2 years following diagnosis, the patients' mortality rate and hospitalization from adrenal crisis were higher than in later years.

CONCLUSION

Mortality was increased in adrenal insufficiency, especially primary, even with individual matching and was observed early in the disease course. Cardiovascular disease was the major cause but mortality from infection was also high. Adrenal crisis was a common contributor. Early education for prompt treatment of infections and avoidance of adrenal crisis hold potential to reduce mortality.

Pituitary Dysfunction as a Cause of Cardiovascular Disease

The hypothalamic-pituitary axis is responsible for the neuroendocrine control of several organ systems. The anterior pituitary directly affects the functions of the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, and gonads, and regulates growth and milk production. The posterior hypophysis, through nerve connections with the hypothalamic nuclei, releases vasopressin and oxytocin responsible for water balance and social bonding, sexual reproduction and childbirth, respectively. Pituitary gland hormonal excess or deficiency results in dysregulation of metabolic pathways and mechanisms that are important for the homeostasis of the organism and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular (CV) disorders are common in pituitary disease and have a significant impact on survival. Hormonal imbalance is associated with CV complications either through direct effects on the heart structure and function and vasculature or indirectly by altering the metabolic profile. Optimal endocrine control can prevent or reverse CV defects and preserve survival and quality of life. In this review, we discuss the effects of pituitary hormone excess and deficiency on the CV system. Specifically, we assess the impact of Somatotroph, Corticotroph, Gonadotroph, and Lactotroph anterior pituitary axes on the CV system. The effect of posterior pituitary function on the CV system is also explored.

Management of hypopituitarism: a perspective from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Hypopituitarism is a disorder characterized by insufficient secretion of one or more pituitary hormones. New etiologies of hypopituitarism have been recently described, including head trauma, cerebral hemorrhage, and drug-induced hypophysitis. The investigation of patients with these new disorders, in addition to advances in diagnosis and treatment of hypopituitarism, has increased the prevalence of this condition. Pituitary hormone deficiencies can induce significant clinical changes with consequent increased morbidity and mortality rates, while hormone replacement based on current guidelines protects these patients. In this review, we will first discuss the different etiologies of hypopituitarism and then address one by one the clinical aspects, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic options for deficiencies of TSH, ACTH, gonadotropin, and GH. Finally, we will detail the hormonal interactions that occur during replacement of pituitary hormones.

Sensitivity and specificity of the macimorelin test for diagnosis of AGHD

OBJECTIVE

The macimorelin test is approved for the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) based on its efficacy vs the insulin tolerance test (ITT). Macimorelin has a significant advantage over ITT in avoiding hypoglycemia. Analyses were conducted to determine whether macimorelin performance is affected by age, BMI, or sex, and evaluate its performance vs ITT over a range of GH cutpoints.

DESIGN

Post hoc analyses of data from a previous randomized phase 3 study included participants aged 18-66 years with BMI <37 kg/m2 and high (Group A), intermediate (Group B), or low (Group C) likelihood for AGHD based on pituitary history, and matched controls (Group D).

METHODS

Probability of AGHD was estimated using unadjusted, age-adjusted, BMI-adjusted, and sex-adjusted logistic models. Area under the curve (AUC) of the estimated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (range, 0-1; 1 = perfect) was compared for adjusted vs unadjusted models. Separate analyses evaluated agreement, sensitivity, and specificity for macimorelin and ITT using cutpoints of 2.8, 4.0, 5.1, and 6.5 ng/mL.

RESULTS

For participants in Group A (n = 41) and Group D (n = 29), unadjusted, age-adjusted, BMI-adjusted, and sex-adjusted models had ROC AUCs (95% CIs) of 0.9924 (0.9807-1), 0.9924 (0.9807-1), 0.9916 (0.9786-1), and 0.9950 (0.9861-1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Macimorelin performance was not meaningfully affected by age, BMI, or sex, indicating robustness for AGHD diagnosis. Of the 4 GH cutpoints evaluated, the cutpoint of 5.1 ng/mL provided maximal specificity (96%) and high sensitivity (92%) and was in good overall agreement with the ITT at the same cutpoint (87%).

Machine-Learning Prediction of Postoperative Pituitary Hormonal Outcomes in Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas: A Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

No accurate predictive models were identified for hormonal prognosis in non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA). This study aimed to develop machine learning (ML) models to facilitate the prognostic assessment of pituitary hormonal outcomes after surgery.

METHODS

A total of 215 male patients with NFPA, who underwent surgery in four medical centers from 2015 to 2021, were retrospectively reviewed. The data were pooled after heterogeneity assessment, and they were randomly divided into training and testing sets (172:43). Six ML models and logistic regression models were developed using six anterior pituitary hormones.

RESULTS

Only thyroid-stimulating hormone (p < 0.001), follicle-stimulating hormone (p < 0.001), and prolactin (PRL; p < 0.001) decreased significantly following surgery, whereas growth hormone (GH) (p < 0.001) increased significantly. The postoperative GH (p = 0.07) levels were slightly higher in patients with gross total resection, but the PRL (p = 0.03) level was significantly lower than that in patients with subtotal resection. The optimal model achieved area-under-the-receiver-operating-characteristic-curve values of 0.82, 0.74, and 0.85 in predicting hormonal hypofunction, new deficiency, and hormonal recovery following surgery, respectively. According to feature importance analyses, the preoperative levels of the same type and other hormones were all important in predicting postoperative individual hormonal hypofunction.

CONCLUSION

Fluctuation in anterior pituitary hormones varies with increases and decreases because of transsphenoidal surgery. The ML models could accurately predict postoperative pituitary outcomes based on preoperative anterior pituitary hormones in NFPA.

Craniopharyngioma in the Elderly: A Multicenter and Nationwide Study in Spain

BACKGROUND

Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a rare tumor in the elderly whose clinical features and prognosis are not well known in this population.

AIM

To evaluate the clinicopathological features and therapeutic outcomes of CP diagnosed in the elderly.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, multicenter, national study of CP patients diagnosed over the age of 65 years and surgically treated.

RESULTS

From a total of 384 adult CP patients, we selected 53 (13.8%) patients (27 women [50.9%], mean age 72.3 ± 5.1 years [range 65-83 years]) diagnosed after the age of 65 years. The most common clinical symptoms were visual field defects (71.2%) followed by headache (45.3%). The maximum tumor diameter was 2.9 ± 1.1 cm. In most patients, the tumor was suprasellar (96.2%) and mixed (solid-cystic) (58.5%). The surgical approach most commonly used was transcranial surgery (52.8%), and more than half of the patients (54.7%) underwent subtotal resection (STR). Adamantinomatous CP and papillary CP were present in 51 and 45.1%, respectively, with mixed forms in the remaining. Surgery was accompanied by an improvement in visual field defects and in headaches; however, pituitary hormonal hypofunction increased, mainly at the expense of an increase in the prevalence of diabetes insipidus (DI) (from 3.9 to 69.2%). Near-total resection (NTR) was associated with a higher prevalence of DI compared with subtotal resection (87.5 vs. 53.6%, p = 0.008). Patients were followed for 46.7 ± 40.8 months. The mortality rate was 39.6% with a median survival time of 88 (95% CI: 57-118) months. DI at last visit was associated with a lower survival.

CONCLUSION

CP diagnosed in the elderly shows a similar distribution by sex and histologic forms than that diagnosed at younger ages. At presentation, visual field alterations and headaches are the main clinical symptoms which improve substantially with surgery. However, surgery, mainly NTR, is accompanied by worsening of pituitary function, especially DI, which seems to be a predictor of mortality in this population.

Neuroendocrine manifestations of Erdheim-Chester disease

Neuroendocrine manifestations are common in Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) patients. ECD is a rare non-Langerhans form of histiocytosis with multisystemic infiltration. The involvement of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis is common and central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is one of the most common endocrine manifestations in ECD patients. CDI is the first manifestation of ECD in 25%-48% of the cases. Suprasellar region extension, due to the infiltration of ECD lesions, can cause neurologic manifestations by mass effects, such as headache, visual disturbance, and cranial nerve palsies. Recent studies have revealed that disorders affecting anterior pituitary hormones are common in ECD patients. Secondary adrenal insufficiency, secondary hypothyroidism, (adult) growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia, and hypoprolactinemia can develop as the neuroendocrine manifestations of ECD. Since the symptoms of anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies tend to be nonspecific, the diagnosis of anterior pituitary hormone dysfunctions can be delayed. Some anterior pituitary dysfunctions such as adrenocorticotropic hormone and/or thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiencies can be life-threatening without adequate hormone supplementation therapies. An endocrinological evaluation of the function of the pituitary gland should be performed at the initial diagnosis of ECD. It is important to recognize that endocrine dysfunctions can develop later during the follow-up of ECD.

Status and clinical and radiological predictive factors of presurgical anterior pituitary function in pituitary adenomas. Study of 232 patients

PURPOSE

To investigate the status of preoperative anterior pituitary function in patients undergoing pituitary adenoma (PA) resection and to identify factors associated with preoperative anterior pituitary dysfunction (APD).

METHODS

Patients with functioning and nonfunctioning PAs who underwent pituitary adenoma resection for first time, from January 2009 to December 2019 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Total sample included 232 patients; 123 (53.2%) females, mean age at diagnosis was 53.3 years. Sixty-three percent presented as nonfunctioning PAs and 37.1% as functioning PAs. Eighty-eight percent were macroadenomas and 34.9% had cavernous sinus invasion. APD was demonstrated in 36.2% (n = 84) of the patients. The FSH/LH deficit was the most frequent anterior pituitary deficit (31.9%); followed by ACTH (18.1%); TSH (16.4%) and GH (13.8%). We identified as independent risk factors of APD, male sex (OR = 6.1, 95% CI = 3.3-11.0); age (OR = 1.03 for each year, 95% CI = 1.01-1.04), diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.63-7.69), pituitary apoplexy presentation (OR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.3-14.5) and tumor size (OR = 1.06 for each mm, 95% CI = 1.04-1.09). Nonfunctioning PAs (NFPA) had higher risk of APD than functioning PAs (FPA) (OR = 2.8 (95% CI = 1.5-5.0), but these differences disappeared after adjusted by tumor size (OR adjusted by tumor size = 1.7, 95% CI = 0.9-3.3). The tumor size with the highest diagnostic accuracy to predict hypopituitarism was 22 mm (sensitivity of 61.9% and specificity of 70.1%).

CONCLUSION

More than one third of PAs candidates for surgery had APD. The male sex, diabetes, an older age, pituitary apoplexy, and larger PAs were risk factors of APD. Hence, in these patients, the hormonal study should be prioritized and the need for dynamic tests must be carefully assessed.

Cerebral vasoreactivity, a surrogate marker of cerebrovascular disease, is not impaired in subjects with lifetime, untreated, congenital isolated GH deficiency

OBJECTIVES

Cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) is a major cause of death and disability. The role of the GH/IGF-I axis on CeVD risk is controversial. Patients with GH deficiency (GHD) in the setting of hypopituitarism often exhibit CeVD predisposing factors, like low nitric oxide generation, endothelial dysfunction, increased visceral fat mass, increased levels of LDL cholesterol, and increased intima-media thickness, a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis. However, several confounders such as the primary hypothalamic-pituitary lesion, hormonal replacement therapies, consequences of surgery and radiotherapy, may influence this relationship. Therefore, we decided to assess cerebral vasoreactivity, a surrogate marker of CeVD, in adult subjects with untreated isolated GHD (IGHD) due to the same homozygous null mutation in the GHRH receptor gene.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 25 adult IGHD subjects and 25 age- and gender-matched controls. Interview, physical examination, laboratory data, intima-media thickness measurement, and transcranial Doppler were performed. The intracranial hemodynamics (mean flow velocity, pulsatility and resistance indexes) were measured, and the response to the vasodilatory stimulus by breath-holding maneuver (breath-holding index) was calculated.

RESULTS

IGHD and control groups were similar in Framingham risk score and intima-media thickness. Similarly, there was no difference in mean flow velocity, pulsatility, resistance, and breath-holding index.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifetime, untreated IGHD does not cause impaired cerebral vasoreactivity.

Excess Mortality Among Hospitalized Patients With Hypopituitarism-A Population-Based, Matched-Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Patients with hypopituitarism face excess mortality in the long-term outpatient setting. However, associations of pituitary dysfunction with outcomes in acutely hospitalized patients are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work is to assess clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients with hypopituitarism with or without diabetes insipidus (DI).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

In this population-based, matched-cohort study from 2012 to 2017, hospitalized adult patients with a history of hypopituitarism were 1:1 propensity score-matched with a general medical inpatient cohort.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included all-cause readmission rates within 30 days and 1 year, intensive care unit (ICU) admission rates, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

After matching, 6764 cases were included in the study. In total, 3382 patients had hypopituitarism and of those 807 (24%) suffered from DI. All-cause in-hospital mortality occurred in 198 (5.9%) of patients with hypopituitarism and in 164 (4.9%) of matched controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.32, [95% CI, 1.06-1.65], P = .013). Increased mortality was primarily observed in patients with DI (OR 3.69 [95% CI, 2.44-5.58], P < .001). Patients with hypopituitarism had higher ICU admissions (OR 1.50 [95% CI, 1.30-1.74], P < .001), and faced a 2.4-day prolonged length of hospitalization (95% CI, 1.94-2.95, P < .001) compared to matched controls. Risk of 30-day (OR 1.31 [95% CI, 1.13-1.51], P < .001) and 1-year readmission (OR 1.29 [95% CI, 1.17-1.42], P < .001) was higher among patients with hypopituitarism as compared with medical controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with hypopituitarism are highly vulnerable once hospitalized for acute medical conditions with increased risk of mortality and adverse clinical outcomes. This was most pronounced among those with DI.

Management of central diabetes insipidus

The treatment of central diabetes insipidus has not changed significantly in recent decades, and dDAVP and replacement of free water deficit remain the cornerstones of treatment. Oral dDAVP has replaced nasal dDAVP as a more reliable mode of treatment for chronic central diabetes insipidus. Hyponatraemia is a common side effect, occurring in one in four patients, and should be avoided by allowing a regular break from dDAVP to allow a resultant aquaresis. Hypernatraemia is less common, and typically occurs during hospitalization, when access to water is restricted, and in cases of adipsic DI. Management of adipsic DI can be challenging, and requires initial inpatient assessment to establish dose of dDAVP, daily fluid prescription, and eunatraemic weight which can guide day-to-day fluid targets in the long-term.

Metabolic syndrome and its components in adult hypopituitary patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in adult hypopituitary patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of hypopituitary adult patients followed in a single reference center for pituitary diseases. MetS was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Patients with 18 years or older, presenting two or more anterior pituitary deficiencies associated or not with diabetes insipidus (DI), were included, while patients with hypopituitarism due to Acromegaly or Cushing's disease were excluded.

RESULTS

We studied 99 hypopituitary patients (52 males, mean age 50.1 ± 16.3 years, mean age at diagnosis 33.7 ± 17.6 years) who have been followed for a mean time of 15.9 ± 10.1 years. Hypothalamic-pituitary tumors and non-tumoral etiologies were observed in 53.4% and 46.6% of the cases, respectively. FSH/LH, GH, TSH, ACTH deficiency and DI was present in 99%, 98.6%, 96%, 81.8%, and 23.2%, respectively. The prevalence of MetS was 39.4% and was significantly higher in patients older than 50 years (p = 0.02), overweight/obese (p < 0.001), with hypopituitarism diagnosed in adult life (p = 0.02), who did not replace GH (p = 0.004) and in smokers (p = 0.007). In the logistic regression model, body mass index (BMI) and GH replacement were significantly associated with the presence of MetS. Reduced HDL cholesterol was the most prevalent component of MetS in hypopituitary patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MetS is a common finding in adult hypopituitary patients, which is mainly influenced by increased BMI and untreated GH deficiency. Trial Registration number (Plataforma Brasil): CAAE 51008815.2.0000.0096 (May 31, 2017) .

Growth hormone therapy in adults with growth hormone deficiency: a critical assessment of the literature

PURPOSE

Growth hormone (GH) therapy has been studied as treatment for clinical manifestations of adult-onset growth hormone deficiency (AO-GHD), including cardiovascular risk, bone health, and quality of life. Patients with AO-GHD typically also have significant history of pituitary pathology and hypopituitarism, which raises the question of what proportion of their clinical presentation can be attributed to GHD alone. Currently, much of the existing data for GH therapy in AO-GHD come from uncontrolled retrospective studies and observational protocols. These considerations require careful reassessment of the role of GH as a therapeutic agent in adult patients with hypopituitarism.

METHODS

We contrast results from placebo-controlled trials with those from uncontrolled and retrospective studies for GH replacement in patients with hypopituitarism. We also examine the evidence for the manifestations of AO-GHD being attributed to GHD alone, as well as the data on adults with congenital, life-long untreated isolated GHD.

RESULTS

The evidence for increased morbidity and mortality in hypopituitary patients with GHD, and for the benefits of GH therapy, are conflicting. There remains the possibility that the described clinical manifestations of AO-GHD may not be due to GHD alone, but may also be related to underlying pituitary pathology, treatment history and suboptimal hormone replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of inconsistent data on the benefits of GH therapy, treatment of AO-GHD remains an individualized decision. There is a need for more randomized, placebo-controlled studies to evaluate the long-term outcomes of GH therapy in adults with hypopituitarism.

Surgical management of craniopharyngiomas in adult patients: a systematic review and consensus statement on behalf of the EANS skull base section

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Craniopharyngiomas are locally aggressive neuroepithelial tumors infiltrating nearby critical neurovascular structures. The majority of published surgical series deal with childhood-onset craniopharyngiomas, while the optimal surgical management for adult-onset tumors remains unclear. The aim of this paper is to summarize the main principles defining the surgical strategy for the management of craniopharyngiomas in adult patients through an extensive systematic literature review in order to formulate a series of recommendations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The MEDLINE database was systematically reviewed (January 1970-February 2019) to identify pertinent articles dealing with the surgical management of adult-onset craniopharyngiomas. A summary of literature evidence was proposed after discussion within the EANS skull base section.

RESULTS

The EANS task force formulated 13 recommendations and 4 suggestions. Treatment of these patients should be performed in tertiary referral centers. The endonasal approach is presently recommended for midline craniopharyngiomas because of the improved GTR and superior endocrinological and visual outcomes. The rate of CSF leak has strongly diminished with the use of the multilayer reconstruction technique. Transcranial approaches are recommended for tumors presenting lateral extensions or purely intraventricular. Independent of the technique, a maximal but hypothalamic-sparing resection should be performed to limit the occurrence of postoperative hypothalamic syndromes and metabolic complications. Similar principles should also be applied for tumor recurrences. Radiotherapy or intracystic agents are alternative treatments when no further surgery is possible. A multidisciplinary long-term follow-up is necessary.

Pituitary Dysfunction after Radiation for Anterior Skull Base Malignancies: Incidence and Screening

Background  Management of anterior cranial base malignancies requires multidisciplinary care. Radiation therapy remains a mainstay of definitive or adjuvant treatment. Apart from primary hypothyroidism, the effects of radiation on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis after high-dose treatment of head and neck malignancies remain poorly described. We describe a comprehensive screening protocol for surveillance and characterize the incidence of pituitary dysfunction after radiation for anterior cranial base malignancies. Methods  A review of patients prospectively enrolled in a skull base registry at an academic center was performed. Included patients had a history of anterior skull base malignancy and external beam radiation to the primary site, with comprehensive post-treatment pituitary serologies and at least 1 year of post-radiation follow-up. Routine hormonal screening was initiated during the study period for all patients with anterior skull base irradiation. Results  Eighty-one patients met inclusion. Fifty-eight patients (71%) demonstrated some laboratory abnormality. Thirty patients (37%) demonstrated evidence of hypopituitarism. Twenty-four (29%) demonstrated central hypogonadism, and 16% of patients showed central hypothyroidism. Ten patients (12%) displayed central adrenal insufficiency with six patients demonstrating panhypopituitarism. Primary tumor location and maximum dose of radiation to the gland appeared to correlate with incidence of hypopituitarism. Conclusion  Radiation for malignancies of the anterior skull base resulted in a 37% incidence of hypopituitarism in our study. Given the potential morbidity of hypopituitarism, we recommend annual post-treatment screening in these patients. We describe a comprehensive set of serologies that can be utilized, and recommend updating clinical guidelines to reflect the necessity of this screening.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY IN ADULTS AND PATIENTS TRANSITIONING FROM PEDIATRIC TO ADULT CARE

Objective: The development of these guidelines is sponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Board of Directors and American College of Endocrinology (ACE) Board of Trustees and adheres with published AACE protocols for the standardized production of clinical practice guidelines (CPG). Methods: Recommendations are based on diligent reviews of clinical evidence with transparent incorporation of subjective factors, according to established AACE/ACE guidelines for guidelines protocols. Results: The Executive Summary of this 2019 updated guideline contains 58 numbered recommendations: 12 are Grade A (21%), 19 are Grade B (33%), 21 are Grade C (36%), and 6 are Grade D (10%). These detailed, evidence-based recommendations allow for nuance-based clinical decision-making that addresses multiple aspects of real-world care of patients. The evidence base presented in the subsequent Appendix provides relevant supporting information for the Executive Summary recommendations. This update contains 357 citations of which 51 (14%) are evidence level (EL) 1 (strong), 168 (47%) are EL 2 (intermediate), 61 (17%) are EL 3 (weak), and 77 (22%) are EL 4 (no clinical evidence). Conclusion: This CPG is a practical tool that practicing endocrinologists and regulatory bodies can refer to regarding the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of adults and patients transitioning from pediatric to adult-care services with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). It provides guidelines on assessment, screening, diagnostic testing, and treatment recommendations for a range of individuals with various causes of adult GHD. The recommendations emphasize the importance of considering testing patients with a reasonable level of clinical suspicion of GHD using appropriate growth hormone (GH) cut-points for various GH-stimulation tests to accurately diagnose adult GHD, and to exercise caution interpreting serum GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, as various GH and IGF-1 assays are used to support treatment decisions. The intention to treat often requires sound clinical judgment and careful assessment of the benefits and risks specific to each individual patient. Unapproved uses of GH, long-term safety, and the current status of long-acting GH preparations are also discussed in this document. LAY ABSTRACT This updated guideline provides evidence-based recommendations regarding the identification, screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a range of individuals with various causes of adult growth-hormone deficiency (GHD) and patients with childhood-onset GHD transitioning to adult care. The update summarizes the most current knowledge about the accuracy of available GH-stimulation tests, safety of recombinant human GH (rhGH) replacement, unapproved uses of rhGH related to sports and aging, and new developments such as long-acting GH preparations that use a variety of technologies to prolong GH action. Recommendations offer a framework for physicians to manage patients with GHD effectively during transition to adult care and adulthood. Establishing a correct diagnosis is essential before consideration of replacement therapy with rhGH. Since the diagnosis of GHD in adults can be challenging, GH-stimulation tests are recommended based on individual patient circumstances and use of appropriate GH cut-points. Available GH-stimulation tests are discussed regarding variability, accuracy, reproducibility, safety, and contraindications, among other factors. The regimen for starting and maintaining rhGH treatment now uses individualized dose adjustments, which has improved effectiveness and reduced reported side effects, dependent on age, gender, body mass index, and various other individual characteristics. With careful dosing of rhGH replacement, many features of adult GHD are reversible and side effects of therapy can be minimized. Scientific studies have consistently shown rhGH therapy to be beneficial for adults with GHD, including improvements in body composition and quality of life, and have demonstrated the safety of short- and long-term rhGH replacement. Abbreviations: AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists; ACE = American College of Endocrinology; AHSG = alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein; AO-GHD = adult-onset growth hormone deficiency; ARG = arginine; BEL = best evidence level; BMD = bone mineral density; BMI = body mass index; CI = confidence interval; CO-GHD = childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency; CPG = clinical practice guideline; CRP = C-reactive protein; DM = diabetes mellitus; DXA = dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; EL = evidence level; FDA = Food and Drug Administration; FD-GST = fixed-dose glucagon stimulation test; GeNeSIS = Genetics and Neuroendocrinology of Short Stature International Study; GH = growth hormone; GHD = growth hormone deficiency; GHRH = growth hormone-releasing hormone; GST = glucagon stimulation test; HDL = high-density lipoprotein; HypoCCS = Hypopituitary Control and Complications Study; IGF-1 = insulin-like growth factor-1; IGFBP = insulin-like growth factor-binding protein; IGHD = isolated growth hormone deficiency; ITT = insulin tolerance test; KIMS = Kabi International Metabolic Surveillance; LAGH = long-acting growth hormone; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; LIF = leukemia inhibitory factor; MPHD = multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; P-III-NP = procollagen type-III amino-terminal pro-peptide; PHD = pituitary hormone deficiencies; QoL = quality of life; rhGH = recombinant human growth hormone; ROC = receiver operating characteristic; RR = relative risk; SAH = subarachnoid hemorrhage; SDS = standard deviation score; SIR = standardized incidence ratio; SN = secondary neoplasms; T3 = triiodothyronine; TBI = traumatic brain injury; VDBP = vitamin D-binding protein; WADA = World Anti-Doping Agency; WB-GST = weight-based glucagon stimulation test.

Adult growth hormone deficiency: clinical advances and approaches to improve adherence

Introduction: There have been significant clinical advances in the understanding of the diagnosis and benefits of long-term recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement in adults with GH deficiency (GHD) since its approval in 1996 by the United States Food and Drug Administration.Areas covered: We searched PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsychInfo databases between January 2000 and June 2019 for published studies evaluating adults with GHD. We reviewed the data of the oral macimorelin test compared to the GHRH plus arginine and the insulin tolerance tests that led to its approval by the United States FDA and European Medicines Agency for adult diagnostic testing. We summarize the clinical advances of long-term benefits of rhGH therapy and the potential effects of GH receptor polymorphisms on individual treatment responsiveness. We identify that non-adherence and discontinuation rates are high and recommend strategies to support patients to improve adherence. We also provide an overview of several long-acting GH (LAGH) preparations currently under development and their potential role in improving treatment adherence.Expert opinion: This article summarizes recent clinical advances in rhGH replacement therapy, the biological and molecular aspects that may influence rhGH action, and offers practical strategies to enhance adherence in adults with GHD.

Hypopituitarism after Gamma Knife radiosurgery for pituitary adenomas: a multicenter, international study

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent or residual adenomas are frequently treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). The most common complication after GKRS for pituitary adenomas is hypopituitarism. In the current study, the authors detail the timing and types of hypopituitarism in a multicenter, international cohort of pituitary adenoma patients treated with GKRS.

METHODS

Seventeen institutions pooled clinical data obtained from pituitary adenoma patients who were treated with GKRS from 1988 to 2016. Patients who had undergone prior radiotherapy were excluded. A total of 1023 patients met the study inclusion criteria. The treated lesions included 410 nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), 262 cases of Cushing's disease (CD), and 251 cases of acromegaly. The median follow-up was 51 months (range 6-246 months). Statistical analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model to evaluate factors associated with the development of new-onset hypopituitarism.

RESULTS

At last follow-up, 248 patients had developed new pituitary hormone deficiency (86 with NFPA, 66 with CD, and 96 with acromegaly). Among these patients, 150 (60.5%) had single and 98 (39.5%) had multiple hormone deficiencies. New hormonal changes included 82 cortisol (21.6%), 135 thyrotropin (35.6%), 92 gonadotropin (24.3%), 59 growth hormone (15.6%), and 11 vasopressin (2.9%) deficiencies. The actuarial 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, 7-year, and 10-year rates of hypopituitarism were 7.8%, 16.2%, 22.4%, 27.5%, and 31.3%, respectively. The median time to hypopituitarism onset was 39 months.In univariate analyses, an increased rate of new-onset hypopituitarism was significantly associated with a lower isodose line (p = 0.006, HR = 8.695), whole sellar targeting (p = 0.033, HR = 1.452), and treatment of a functional pituitary adenoma as compared with an NFPA (p = 0.008, HR = 1.510). In multivariate analyses, only a lower isodose line was found to be an independent predictor of new-onset hypopituitarism (p = 0.001, HR = 1.38).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypopituitarism remains the most common unintended effect of GKRS for a pituitary adenoma. Treating the target volume at an isodose line of 50% or greater and avoiding whole-sellar radiosurgery, unless necessary, will likely mitigate the risk of post-GKRS hypopituitarism. Follow-up of these patients is required to detect and treat latent endocrinopathies.

Hypopituitarism other than sellar and parasellar tumors or traumatic brain injury assessed in a tertiary hospital

Objective:

Data regarding the etiology, clinical and biochemical patterns in hypopituitarism is scant for Pakistan. We describe the characteristics of patients with hypopituitarism other than sellar and parasellar tumors or traumatic brain injury from a tertiary care center in Pakistan.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study in the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. We studied all patients presenting with hypopituitarism, between January 2004 and December 2013. Clinical, hormonal and imaging data pertinent to the study was collected according to inclusion criteria.

Results:

Forty-two patients presented to the endocrinology clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital during the study period. Thirty-seven patients (88.1%) were females. Mean age ± standard deviation of the participants was 53.8 ± 14.7 years. Sixteen patients had secondary infertility and all were females; a majority of patients in this group had Sheehan’s syndrome (n=8) followed by empty sella syndrome (n=3), partial empty sella syndrome (n=2), idiopathic cause (n=2) and tuberculoma (n=1). Eighteen females (48.6%) reported inability to lactate.

Conclusions:

Non-traumatic hypopituitarism was more common in women, with Sheehan syndrome being the most common cause of hypopituitarism in our study (35.7%). Secondary hypothyroidism was the most common hormonal deficiency. The most commonly reported symptom was weakness.

Mortality in 43,598 men with infertility - a Swedish nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies indicate a higher risk of comorbidity in men with infertility; however, research on mortality is scarce and the few studies that do exist have rarely differentiated between infertility and infertility-related diagnoses.

OBJECTIVE

To examine mortality in men with an infertility or infertility-related diagnosis.

DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Population-based cohort study of men born in 1944-1992 in Sweden. We used Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for infertility while adjusting for number of children, education, year of birth, country of birth, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease and end-stage renal disease. In all, 43,598 men with a diagnosis of infertility and 57,733 men with an infertility-related diagnosis were compared with 2,762,254 men (reference group) without such diagnoses.

OUTCOME MEASURES

All-cause and cause-specific mortality at age 20 to 69 years.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The 2,863,585 men in the study were followed for a median time of 22.0 years. During follow-up, 439 men with a diagnosis of infertility died, corresponding to a crude incidence rate of 1.56 deaths per 1,000 person-years. These figures can be compared with 1,400 deaths in men with an infertility-related diagnosis (1.96 deaths/1,000 person-years) and 99,463 deaths in reference individuals (2.17 deaths/1,000 person-years). Overall, men with a diagnosis of infertility did not have a higher risk of death (adjusted [a]HR=0.98; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.89-1.08), but had a higher risk of death before age 30 (20-29 years) (aHR=3.26; 95% CI=2.42-4.41). This early excess mortality was largely explained by cancer diagnosed before infertility. Having an infertility-related diagnosis was associated with death (aHR=1.23; 95% CI=1.17-1.30). Limitations include the lack of general screening for infertility in Sweden and the lack of information on semen parameters.

CONCLUSION

Men with a diagnosis of infertility are not at a higher risk of death than the general population, although having a diagnosis related to infertility may be linked to a higher risk of death.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Men with a diagnosis of infertility do not seem to have a higher risk of death though an infertility-related diagnosis in men is associated with the risk of death.

circOMA1-Mediated miR-145-5p Suppresses Tumor Growth of Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas by Targeting TPT1

CONTEXT

Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are the major cause of hypopituitarism and infertility. However, the pathogenesis of NFPAs remains largely unknown. Previous studies have demonstrated the crucial role of miRNAs in the progression of pituitary adenomas. Increasing evidence has indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) might mediate miRNA transcriptional activity, providing new insights to study the pathogenesis of NFPAs.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the regulation and activity of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis in the tumorigenesis of NFPAs.

DESIGN

The function of miR-145-5p in NFPAs was investigated invitro and invivo. The mechanical details were explored and potential targets of miR-145-5p were identified. Finally, miR-145-5p-associated circRNAs were functionally recognized and confirmed.

RESULTS

miR-145-5p was markedly decreased in NFPA samples and correlated negatively with NFPA invasiveness. Overexpression of miR-145-5p suppressed NFPA cell proliferation and invasiveness and promoted apoptosis. Further results confirmed that translationally controlled tumor protein (TPT1) is a target of miR-145-5p and mediated the effect of miR-145-5p. TPT1 and its downstream factors Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL were downregulated, and Bax was upregulated by miR-145-5p. Moreover, circOMA1 (hsa_circRNA_0002316) was demonstrated to sponge miR-145-5p, whose suppression on NFPA cells was abrogated by circOMA1 overexpression. circOMA1 silencing exhibited a similar inhibitory effect with miR-145-5p overexpression by downregulating TPT1. We found that circOMA1 could further upregulate Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL and downregulate Bax.

CONCLUSIONS

circOMA1 promotes NFPA progression by acting as the sponge of tumor suppressor miR-145-5p to regulate the TPT1 signaling pathway, revealing a therapeutic target in preventing the tumorigenesis of NFPAs.

Functioning Pituitary Adenomas - Current Treatment Options and Emerging Medical Therapies

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumours comprising approximately 16% of all primary cranial neoplasms. Functioning pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas, somatotroph, corticotroph, thyrotroph and rarely gonadotroph adenomas) cause complex clinical syndromes and require prompt treatment to reduce associated morbidity and mortality. Treatment approaches include transsphenoidal surgery, medical therapy and radiation. Medical therapy is the primary therapy for prolactinomas, and surgery by a skilled neurosurgeon is the first-line approach for other functioning pituitary adenomas. A multimodal treatment is frequently necessary to achieve biochemical and clinical control, especially, when surgery is not curative or when medical therapy fails. Several emerging, novel, medical treatments for acromegaly, Cushing's disease and prolactinomas are in phase II and III clinical trials and may become effective additions to the current drug armamentarium. The availability of various management options will allow an individualised treatment approach based on the unique tumour type, clinical situation and patient preference.

Prevalence and treatment of central hypogonadism and hypoandrogenism in women with hypopituitarism

PURPOSE

Women with hypopituitarism have increased morbidity and mortality, and hypogonadism has been suggested to be a contributing mechanism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of central hypogonadism and hypoandrogenism in women with hypopituitarism at a single Swedish center.

METHODS

All consecutive women (n = 184) who commenced growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg between 1995 and 2015 were included. In accordance with the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines, strict criteria, based on menstrual history combined with laboratory measurements, were used to define central hypogonadism. Hypoandrogenism was defined as subnormal levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and/or androstenedione.

RESULTS

Central hypogonadism was present in 78% of the women, in 75% of those ≤ 52 years and in 82% of those > 52 years of age. Hypoandrogenism was found in 61% of all the women and in 92% of those with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency. The estrogen substitution rate in hypogonadal women ≤ 52 years was lower than the hormonal substitution rate in the other pituitary hormone axes (74% versus 100%, P < 0.001). The use of estrogen substitution tended to decrease between 2000 and 2016. Few women received androgen treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In this first study of hypogonadism in women with hypopituitarism, using stringent diagnostic criteria for hypogonadism, the prevalence of central hypogonadism and low androgen levels was high and estrogen substitution was insufficient. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of hypogonadism and insufficient sex steroid replacement for the increased morbidity in hypopituitary women.

Hypophysitis Outcome and Factors Predicting Responsiveness to Glucocorticoid Therapy: A Prospective and Double-Arm Study

CONTEXT

Primary autoimmune hypophysitis (PAH) evolves in most untreated cases in irreversible hypopituitarism. PAH outcome, instead, after immunosuppressive treatment has not been completely clarified.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate hypophysitis and pituitary function outcomes.

DESIGN

A prospective, double-arm study with a 2-year follow-up.

SETTING

Referral center for pituitary disease.

PATIENTS

Twenty PAH cases.

INTERVENTIONS

Oral prednisone 50 mg/d or conservative strategy by observation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary endpoint was the improvement/stabilization/worsening of PAH from baseline to a 2-year visit. Secondary endpoint was the improvement/stabilization/worsening of pituitary function from baseline to a 2-year visit.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (57.1%) were treated with a glucocorticoid-immunosuppressive therapy, and eight patients (42.9%) were observed. At the 2-year visit, PAH improvement/recovery occurred in eight immunosuppressive-treated (66.7%) patients and in two untreated patients (25%). PAH worsened in three untreated patients (37.5%) and was considered stable in four immunosuppressive-treated (33.3%) and three untreated patients (37.5%). Improvement/recovery of pituitary function occurred more frequently in immunosuppressive-treated patients (58.3%) compared with untreated ones (25%; P = 0.04). Responsiveness to immunosuppressive treatment is correlated with antipituitary antibody presence (P = 0.01), occurrence of diabetes insipidus at PAH diagnosis (P = 0.01), absence of the physiological neuropituitary "bright spot" on T1-weighed images (P = 0.01), and pituitary stalk at optical chiasm larger than 3.9 mm (area under the curve: 0.97, sensibility: 100%, specificity: 100%; P = 0.04). On the other hand, we failed to identify factors predicting the outcome, among untreated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucocorticoid treatment of hypophysitis improves pituitary secretion and should be encouraged in accordance with the evaluation of endocrine-, immunological-, and morphological-predictive markers.

Reflex and reflective testing strategies for early detection of pituitary dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

The clinical presentation of pituitary dysfunction is typically variable and may often be insidious, resulting in delayed diagnosis by up to decades. The complexity of presentation and difficulty in pattern recognition of first line hormone tests result in challenges in early diagnosis of this condition. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of reflective testing and interpretive commenting on the early detection and management of such cases from primary care.

METHODS

Prospective audit over 12 months in which first line pituitary target organ hormones were identified via a reflex algorithm in the laboratory information system. Selected tests were reviewed by a laboratory clinician and decision made on reflective testing and interpretive commenting based on available clinical information and previous result trends. Patients who had a laboratory intervention were followed up to determine the clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Out of 1099 patients identified, additional testing was made for 214. Interpretative comments were subsequently added to reports of 196 patients, 48 (25%) of whom were referred to endocrinology and 35 (73%) of these were directly related to the laboratory intervention. Eleven other patients had outcomes related to the intervention. Pituitary related conditions (insufficiency and/or adenoma) were found in 29 patients, 24 of which were identified as a result of laboratory intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the clinical value of laboratory intervention in aiding early detection of pituitary dysfunction and may avoid the disease burden of delayed management.

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients with idiopathic diabetes insipidus

INTRODUCTION

Central diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disease characterized by the excretion of excessive volumes of dilute urine due to reduced levels of the antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP), caused by an acquired or genetic defect in the neurohypophysis. The aim of this study was to identify any autonomic dysfunction (AD) in patients with DI as a possible cofactor responsible for their reportedly higher mortality.

METHODS

The study involved 12 patients (6 females) with central idiopathic DI and a well-controlled electrolyte balance, and 12 controls matched for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors, who were assessed using the tilt, lying-to-standing, hand grip, deep breath, Valsalva maneuver and Stroop tests.

RESULTS

The tilt test showed a significantly more pronounced decrease in both systolic (- 20.67 ± 18 vs. - 1.92 ± 6.99 mmHg, p = 0.0009) and diastolic blood pressure (- 10.5 ± 14.29 vs. - 1.5 ± 5 mmHg, p = 0.012) in patients than in controls. Three patients with DI had to suspend the test due to the onset of syncope. The lying-to-standing test also revealed a marked reduction in blood pressure in patients with DI (1.05 ± 0.13 vs. 1.53 ± 0.14, p = 0.0001). Similar results emerged for the Valsalva maneuver (Valsalva ratio, 1.24 ± 0.19 vs. 1.79 ± 0.11, p < 0.0001) and deep breath test (1.08 ± 0.11 vs. 1.33 ± 0.08, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

All the principal autonomic tests performed in the study were concordant in indicating that patients with central DI have an impaired autonomic nervous system function despite a normal hydroelectrolytic balance under desmopressin therapy. This impairment may reflect damage to the autonomic system per se and/or the absence of any vasoactive effect of AVP on vascular smooth muscle. In our opinion, patients with central DI should be educated on how to prevent orthostatic hypotension, and pharmacological treatment should be considered for patients with a more marked impairment.

Update on GH therapy in adults

Over the last three decades, short- and long-term observational studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses have provided relevant information on the efficacy and safety of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in adults with GH deficiency (AGHD). The knowledge acquired during this time has been compiled into different guidelines that offer clinicians an evidence-based, practical approach for the management of AGHD. There are, however, still open questions in some key areas in which recommendations are supported by only moderate or weak evidence. In the last recent years, the development of long-acting GH preparations has created new therapeutic possibilities by decreasing injection frequency, improving adherence and thereby potentially maximizing clinical outcomes. The aims of this review are to advance our understanding on the diagnosis and treatment of AGHD and to present an update and future perspectives on the use of long-acting GH preparations.

Morbidity and mortality in patients with hyperprolactinaemia: the PROLEARS study

PURPOSE

High serum prolactin concentrations have been associated with adverse health outcomes in some but not all studies. This study aimed to examine the morbidity and all-cause mortality associated with hyperprolactinaemia.

METHODS

A population-based matched cohort study in Tayside (Scotland, UK) from 1988 to 2014 was performed. Record-linkage technology was used to identify patients with hyperprolactinaemia that were compared to an age-sex-matched cohort of patients free of hyperprolactinaemia. The number of deaths and incident admissions with diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancer, breast cancer, bone fractures and infectious conditions were compared by the survival analysis.

RESULTS

Patients with hyperprolactinaemia related to pituitary tumours had no increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bone fractures, all-cause cancer or breast cancer. Whilst no increased mortality was observed in patients with pituitary microadenomas (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 0.79-3.44), other subgroups including those with pituitary macroadenomas and drug-induced and idiopathic hyperprolactinaemia demonstrated an increased risk of death. Individuals with drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia also demonstrated increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease and bone fracture. However, these increased risks were not associated with the degree of serum prolactin elevation (P_trend > 0.3). No increased risk of cancer was observed in any subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

No excess morbidity was observed in patients with raised prolactin due to pituitary tumours. Although the increased morbidity and mortality associated with defined patient subgroups are unlikely to be directly related to the elevation in serum prolactin, hyperprolactinaemia might act as a biomarker for the presence of some increased disease risk in these patients.