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Courcelles L, Stoenoiu M, Haufroid V, Lopez-Sublet M, Boland L, Wauthier L, Beauloye C, Maiter D, Januszewicz A, Kreutz R, Persu A, Gruson D. Laboratory Testing for Endocrine Hypertension: Current and Future Perspectives. Clin Chem 2024; 70:709-726. [PMID: 38484135 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary hypertension (SH) is a form of high blood pressure caused by an identifiable underlying condition. Although, it accounts for a small fraction of the overall hypertensive population, detection and management of SH is of utmost importance, because SH phenotypes carry a high cardiovascular risk and can possibly be cured by timely treatment. CONTENT This review focuses on the endocrine causes of SH, such as primary aldosteronism, Cushing syndrome, thyroid disease, pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, acromegaly, and rare monogenic forms. It discusses current biomarkers, analytical methods, and diagnostic strategies, highlighting advantages and limitations of each approach. It also explores the emerging -omics technologies that can provide a comprehensive and multidimensional assessment of SH and its underlying mechanisms. SUMMARY Endocrine SH is a heterogeneous and complex condition that requires proper screening and confirmatory tests to avoid diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes. Careful biomarker interpretation is essential due to potential interferences, variability, and method-dependent differences. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is a superior method for measuring low-concentration hormones and metabolites involved in SH, but it requires expertise. Omics approaches have great potential to identify novel biomarkers, pathways, and targets for SH diagnosis and treatment, especially considering its multifactorial nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisiane Courcelles
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Stoenoiu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Haufroid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Louvain centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marilucy Lopez-Sublet
- AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne, Centre d'Excellence Européen en Hypertension Artérielle, Service de Médecine Interne, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR 942 MASCOT, Paris 13-Université Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
- FCRIN INI-CRCT (Cardiovascular and Renal Clinical Trialists), CHRU de Nancy - Hôpitaux de Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Division of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lidvine Boland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Louvain centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Loris Wauthier
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Beauloye
- Division of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique Maiter
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrzej Januszewicz
- Department of Hypertension, National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Reinhold Kreutz
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandre Persu
- Division of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Damien Gruson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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2
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Sofer Y, Osher E, Abu Ahmad W, Yacobi Bach M, Even Zohar N, Zaid D, Golani N, Moshe Y, Tordjman K, Stern N, Greenman Y. Gender-affirming hormone therapy effect on cortisol levels in trans males and trans females. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 100:164-169. [PMID: 37933843 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies have shown differences in baseline and stimulated cortisol levels between men and women. Whether this difference is secondary to sex hormones or to other factors, such as genetic or epigenetic changes, is unknown. We investigated the effect of gender-affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis of transgender subjects in an effort to throw light on this question. METHODS Ten transgender males (TM) and eight transgender females (TF) underwent a low-dose (1 µg) adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test before and 6 months after GAHT initiation. Serum total, free and salivary cortisol (SC) levels were measured at baseline and at 20, 30 and 40 min. RESULTS For the TM, all three levels were significantly lower at several time points after ACTH injection compared to pretreatment levels following 6 months of treatment (p < .05). Likewise, the overall SC response as calculated by the area under the curve was significantly lower (p = .0053). For the TF, the basal total cortisol (TC) level increased after 6 months of treatment (p < .01) while ACTH-stimulated SC levels decreased significantly. The basal ACTH levels were significantly lower following hormonal therapy (p < .001). CONCLUSION Stimulated salivary cortisol levels decreased significantly after 6 months of GAHT in both male and female transgender subjects, possibly reflecting a decreased state of anxiety associated with treatment initiation. Additionally, basal and stimulated serum TC levels increased after hormonal treatment in the TF, probably secondary to the effect of oestrogen on cortisol-binding globulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Sofer
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Esther Osher
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Wiessam Abu Ahmad
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Yacobi Bach
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naomi Even Zohar
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dana Zaid
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nehama Golani
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yaffa Moshe
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Karen Tordjman
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naftali Stern
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yona Greenman
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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3
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Vega-Beyhart A, Araujo-Castro M, Hanzu FA, Casals G. Cortisol: Analytical and clinical determinants. Adv Clin Chem 2023; 113:235-271. [PMID: 36858647 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol, the main human glucocorticoid, is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal cortex and predominantly metabolized by the liver. Interpretation of quantitative results from the analysis of serum, urine and saliva is complicated by variation in circadian rhythm, response to stress as well as the presence of protein-bound and free forms. Interestingly, cortisol is the only hormone routinely measured in serum, urine, and saliva. Preanalytical and analytical challenges arise in each matrix and are further compounded by the use of various stimulation and suppression tests commonly employed in clinical practice. Although not yet included in clinical guidelines, measurement of cortisol in hair may be of interest in specific situations. Immunoassays are the most widely used methods in clinical laboratories to measure cortisol, but they are susceptible to interference from synthetic and endogenous steroids, generally producing a variable overestimation of true cortisol results, especially in urine. Analysis by mass spectrometry provides higher specificity and allows simultaneous measurement of multiple steroids including synthetic steroids, thus reducing diagnostic uncertainty. An integrated review of cortisol in various disease states is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Vega-Beyhart
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Araujo-Castro
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Felicia A Hanzu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregori Casals
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Fundamental Care and Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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4
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Petersenn S. Overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test and 24 h urine free cortisol-accuracy and pitfalls when screening for Cushing's syndrome. Pituitary 2022; 25:693-697. [PMID: 35821308 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-022-01249-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome (CS) is often delayed due to variable clinical features and its rarity. Simple and accurate screening tests are required to enhance screening for hypercortisolism. Both overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and urinary free cortisol (UFC) demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CS. However, each test has its own distinctive features, making it preferable in specific clinical conditions. This review will discuss the pitfalls for each of those tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Petersenn
- ENDOC Center for Endocrine Tumors, Erik-Blumenfeld-Platz 27a, 22587, Hamburg, Germany.
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5
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Schär S, Mürner-Lavanchy I, Schmidt SJ, Koenig J, Kaess M. Child maltreatment and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:100987. [PMID: 35202606 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its effector hormone cortisol have been proposed as one possible mechanism linking child maltreatment experiences to health disparities. In this series of meta-analyses, we aimed to quantify the existing evidence on the effect of child maltreatment on various measures of HPA axis activity. The systematic literature search yielded 1,858 records, of which 87 studies (k = 132) were included. Using random-effects models, we found evidence for blunted cortisol stress reactivity in individuals exposed to child maltreatment. In contrast, no overall differences were found in any of the other HPA axis activity measures (including measures of daily activity, cortisol assessed in the context of pharmacological challenges and cumulative measures of cortisol secretion). The impact of several moderators (e.g., sex, psychopathology, study quality), the role of methodological shortcomings of existing studies, as well as potential directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Schär
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ines Mürner-Lavanchy
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie J Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julian Koenig
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany; Section for Experimental Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Fleseriu M, Auchus R, Bancos I, Ben-Shlomo A, Bertherat J, Biermasz NR, Boguszewski CL, Bronstein MD, Buchfelder M, Carmichael JD, Casanueva FF, Castinetti F, Chanson P, Findling J, Gadelha M, Geer EB, Giustina A, Grossman A, Gurnell M, Ho K, Ioachimescu AG, Kaiser UB, Karavitaki N, Katznelson L, Kelly DF, Lacroix A, McCormack A, Melmed S, Molitch M, Mortini P, Newell-Price J, Nieman L, Pereira AM, Petersenn S, Pivonello R, Raff H, Reincke M, Salvatori R, Scaroni C, Shimon I, Stratakis CA, Swearingen B, Tabarin A, Takahashi Y, Theodoropoulou M, Tsagarakis S, Valassi E, Varlamov EV, Vila G, Wass J, Webb SM, Zatelli MC, Biller BMK. Consensus on diagnosis and management of Cushing's disease: a guideline update. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2021; 9:847-875. [PMID: 34687601 PMCID: PMC8743006 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(21)00235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's disease requires accurate diagnosis, careful treatment selection, and long-term management to optimise patient outcomes. The Pituitary Society convened a consensus workshop comprising more than 50 academic researchers and clinical experts to discuss the application of recent evidence to clinical practice. In advance of the virtual meeting, data from 2015 to present about screening and diagnosis; surgery, medical, and radiation therapy; and disease-related and treatment-related complications of Cushing's disease summarised in recorded lectures were reviewed by all participants. During the meeting, concise summaries of the recorded lectures were presented, followed by small group breakout discussions. Consensus opinions from each group were collated into a draft document, which was reviewed and approved by all participants. Recommendations regarding use of laboratory tests, imaging, and treatment options are presented, along with algorithms for diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and management of Cushing's disease. Topics considered most important to address in future research are also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jerome Bertherat
- Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares de la Surrénale, Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Nienke R Biermasz
- Leiden University Medical Center and European Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN), Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - John D Carmichael
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Santiago de Compostela University and Ciber OBN, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Frederic Castinetti
- Aix Marseille Université, Marseille Medical Genetics, INSERM, Marseille, France; Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France; Department of Endocrinology, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Chanson
- Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Mônica Gadelha
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliza B Geer
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Ashley Grossman
- University of London, London, UK; University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Gurnell
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Center, Cambridge, UK; Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ken Ho
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, 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
| | | | | | - André Lacroix
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ann McCormack
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mark Molitch
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alberto M Pereira
- Leiden University Medical Center and European Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Stephan Petersenn
- ENDOC Center for Endocrine Tumors, Hamburg, Germany and University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Hershel Raff
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Advocate Aurora Research Institute, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital of LMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Ilan Shimon
- Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
| | | | | | - Antoine Tabarin
- CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Marily Theodoropoulou
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital of LMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Elena Valassi
- Endocrinology Unit, Hospital General de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain; Research Center for Pituitary Diseases (CIBERER Unit 747), Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Greisa Vila
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - John Wass
- Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Webb
- Research Center for Pituitary Diseases (CIBERER Unit 747), Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Due to the variable clinical features and its rarity diagnosis of Cushing's disease (CD) is often delayed. Clearly, awareness for CD needs to be raised, accompanied by the availability of simple and accurate screening tests. Late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC), 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST), and urinary free cortisol (UFC) have all been extensively studied, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. However, each of those well-established tests has its own distinctive features, making it preferable in specific clinical conditions and patient groups. To choose the most appropriate test in individual patients, an expert endocrinologist should be consulted. This review will discuss the pitfalls for each of those tests.
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8
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Casals G, Hanzu FA. Cortisol Measurements in Cushing's Syndrome: Immunoassay or Mass Spectrometry? Ann Lab Med 2020; 40:285-296. [PMID: 32067427 PMCID: PMC7054699 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2020.40.4.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Determination of cortisol levels in the urine (24 hours urine free cortisol), saliva (late-night), or serum (total cortisol after dexamethasone suppression) is recommended to screen for Cushing's syndrome (CS). This review focuses on the differences between the frequently used cortisol-antibody immunoassay-based methods and the highly specific mass-spectrometry-based methods that are progressively being employed in clinical laboratories for CS screening. The particular characteristics of cortisol metabolism and the lack of specificity of the immunoassays cause marked differences between both methods that are in turn highly dependent on the biological matrix, in which the cortisol is measured. Understanding the origin of these differences is essential for the interpretation of these results. Although cross-reactivity with endogenous steroids leads to grossly inaccurate results of immunoassay measurements of cortisol in the saliva and urine, preliminary evidence suggests that the clinical sensitivity of CS screening using immunoassays may be similar to CS screening using mass spectrometry. However, mass spectrometry offers more accurate results and considerably reduced variation across laboratories, while avoiding false-positive results. Moreover, mass spectrometry can overcome some common diagnostic challenges, such as identification of exogenous corticosteroids or simultaneous assessment of appropriate dexamethasone levels in suppression tests. Further, comprehensive mass spectrometry-based profiling of several steroid metabolites may be useful for discriminating among different subtypes of CS. Finally, this review discusses the main preanalytical factors that could cause variations in cortisol measurements and their influence on the reliability of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregori Casals
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centrode Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Felicia Alexandra Hanzu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Quade L, Chazot PL, Gowland R. Desperately seeking stress: A pilot study of cortisol in archaeological tooth structures. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2020; 174:532-541. [PMID: 33026108 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced through activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. It is known as the "stress hormone" for its primary role in the body's stress response and has been the focus of much modern clinical research. Within archaeology, only a few studies have analyzed cortisol in human remains and these have been restricted to hair (Webb et al., 2010; Webb, White, van Uum, & Longstaffe, 2015a; Webb, White, van Uum, & Longstaffe, 2015b). This study examines the utility of dentine and enamel, which survive well archaeologically, as possible reservoirs for detectable levels of cortisol. MATERIALS AND METHODS Then, 69 teeth from 65 individuals from five Roman and Post-Roman sites in France were tested via competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess and quantify the cortisol concentrations present within tooth dentine and enamel. RESULTS In both tooth dentine and enamel, detectable concentrations of cortisol were identified in multiple teeth. However, concentrations were low and not all teeth yielded results that were measurable through cortisol ELISA. Differences in cortisol values between dentine and enamel could suggest different uptake mechanisms or timing. DISCUSSION These results suggest that cortisol is incorporated within tooth structures and merits further investigation in both modern and archaeological contexts. Analysis of the results through liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometry would verify current results and might yield values that could be better integrated with published cortisol studies. Future studies of cortisol in tooth structures would greatly expand the research potential of cortisol in the past and could have implications for studies of human stress across deep time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Quade
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Paul L Chazot
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
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10
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Galm BP, Qiao N, Klibanski A, Biller BMK, Tritos NA. Accuracy of Laboratory Tests for the Diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5781205. [PMID: 32133504 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The diagnosis of Cushing syndrome (CS) can be challenging. It remains to be determined which diagnostic tests are the most accurate. OBJECTIVE To summarize the accuracy of diagnostic tests for CS using contemporary meta-analytic techniques (hierarchical models). DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews (inception until August 3, 2018). STUDY SELECTION Studies performed in adults that determined the accuracy of one or more diagnostic tests: overnight 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST), 2-day low-dose DST (2d DST), 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC), late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC), midnight serum cortisol (MSC), and the dexamethasone-suppressed CRH (dex-CRH) and desmopressin (dex-DDAVP) tests. DATA EXTRACTION Two authors independently extracted data and performed methodological assessments. DATA SYNTHESIS One hundred thirty-nine studies (14 140 participants) were included in the analysis. The respective sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) estimates include the following: DST 98.6% (96.9%-99.4%), 90.6% (86.4%-93.6%), 10.5 (7.2-15.3), and 0.016 (0.007-0.035); 2d DST 95.3% (91.3%-97.5%), 92.8% (85.7%-96.5%), 13.2 (6.47-27.1), and 0.051 (0.027-0.095); UFC 94.0% (91.6%-95.7%), 93.0% (89.0%-95.5%), 13.3 (8.47-21.0), and 0.065 (0.046-0.092); LNSC 95.8% (93.%-97.2%), 93.4% (90.7%-95.4%), 14.6 (10.3-20.7), and 0.045 (0.030-0.066); MSC 96.1% (93.5%-97.6%), 93.2% (88.1%-96.3%), 14.2 (7.96-25.2), and 0.042 (0.026-0.069); and dex-CRH 98.6% (90.4%-99.8%), 85.9% (67.6%-94.7%), 7.0 (2.80-17.6), and 0.016 (0.002-0.118). A single study evaluated dex-DDAVP. Meta-regression and a novel network meta-analytic approach suggest that DST is the most sensitive while UFC is the least sensitive. CONCLUSIONS All of the included diagnostic tests for CS are highly sensitive and specific. It appears that the DST is the most sensitive while the UFC is less sensitive. The specificity of all first-line tests appears comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon P Galm
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nidan Qiao
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Shanghai Pituitary Tumor Center, Shanghai Neurosurgical Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Beverly M K Biller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicholas A Tritos
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Gibbison B, Keenan DM, Roelfsema F, Evans J, Phillips K, Rogers CA, Angelini GD, Lightman SL. Dynamic Pituitary-Adrenal Interactions in the Critically Ill after Cardiac Surgery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:dgz206. [PMID: 31738827 PMCID: PMC7089849 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Patients with critical illness are thought to be at risk of adrenal insufficiency. There are no models of dynamic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in this group of patients and thus current methods of diagnosis are based on aggregated, static models. OBJECTIVE To characterize the secretory dynamics of the HPA axis in the critically ill (CI) after cardiac surgery. DESIGN Mathematical modeling of cohorts. SETTING Cardiac critical care unit. PATIENTS 20 male patients CI at least 48 hours after cardiac surgery and 19 healthy (H) male volunteers. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Measures of hormone secretory dynamics were generated from serum adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) sampled every hour and total cortisol every 10 min for 24 h. RESULTS All CI patients had pulsatile ACTH and cortisol profiles. CI patients had similar ACTH secretion (1036.4 [737.6] pg/mL/24 h) compared to the H volunteers (1502.3 [1152.2] pg/mL/24 h; P = .20), but increased cortisol secretion (CI: 14 447.0 [5709.3] vs H: 5915.5 [1686.7)] nmol/L/24 h; P < .0001). This increase in cortisol was due to nonpulsatile (CI: 9253.4 [3348.8] vs H: 960 [589.0] nmol/L/24 h, P < .0001), rather than pulsatile cortisol secretion (CI: 5193.1 [3018.5] vs H: 4955.1 [1753.6] nmol/L/24 h; P = .43). Seven (35%) of the 20 CI patients had cortisol pulse nadirs below the current international guideline threshold for critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency, but an overall secretion that would not be considered deficient. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the premise that current tests of HPA axis function are unhelpful in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in the CI. The reduced ACTH and increase in nonpulsatile cortisol secretion imply that the secretion of cortisol is driven by factors outside the HPA axis in critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Gibbison
- Department of Anaesthesia, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Daniel M Keenan
- Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, US
| | - Ferdinand Roelfsema
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Endocrinology, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jon Evans
- Clinical Trials and Evaluation Unit, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kirsty Phillips
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris A Rogers
- Clinical Trials and Evaluation Unit, Bristol Trials Centre, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gianni D Angelini
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Stafford L Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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12
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Jarial KDS, Bhansali A, Mukherjee KK, Pal R, Sharma A, Vashishtha RK, Sukumar SP, Sachdeva N, Walia R. UTILITY OF A SINGLE LATE-NIGHT PLASMA CORTISOL AND ACTH FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CUSHING SYNDROME. Endocr Pract 2017; 24:156-162. [PMID: 29144801 DOI: 10.4158/ep171803.or] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of various screening tests for the diagnosis of Cushing syndrome (CS). METHODS Thirty-five patients with CS and 16 patients of pseudo-CS were enrolled. Assessment of 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC), late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC), overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ONDST), late-night plasma cortisol (LNPC), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) on outpatient basis, and during sleep as well as in awake state after 48 hours of hospital admission. RESULTS We found that 24-h UFC performed the best among the screening tests with sensitivity, specificity and areas under the curve (AUCs) of 96.0%, 99%, and 0.988, respectively, at a cut-off of 144.6 μg/24 h. A cut-off of 10.5 nmol/L for LNSC had sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 88.2%, and an AUC of 0.897. A cut-off of 412.4 nmol/L for LNPC on outpatient basis had sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 91.2%, and an AUC of 0.957. Cut-offs of 215 and 243.3 nmol/L for LNPC during sleep and awake states after acclimatization had sensitivity, specificity, and an AUC of 94.1%, 88.2%, and 0.958, respectively. An ONDST cut-off of 94.6 nmol/L provided sensitivity, specificity, and an AUC of 96.0%, 99.03% and 0.995, respectively. A cut-off of 30.3 pg/mL for late-night ACTH on outpatient basis had sensitivity 67.6%, specificity 99.9%, and an AUC 0.796.A cut-off of 22.6 pg/mL for ACTH during sleep state after acclimatization had sensitivity, specificity, and an AUC of 73.5%, 99.2%, and 0.827, respectively. CONCLUSION UFC is the best screening test for CS. Furthermore, single measurements of LNPC and ACTH help to establish the diagnosis and ACTH dependency of CS in the majority of patients with CS. ABBREVIATIONS ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone AUC = area under the curve CRH = corticotropin-releasing hormone CS = Cushing syndrome ECLIA = electrochemiluminescence immuno-assay LDDST = low-dose dexamethasone suppression test LNPC = late-night plasma cortisol LNSC = late-night salivary cortisol ONDST = overnight dexamethasone suppression test RIA = radio-immuno assay UFC = urinary free cortisol.
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13
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Sheriff N, McCormack AI. How useful is urinary-free cortisol in the clinic? Biomark Med 2017; 11:1009-1016. [DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2016-0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Measurement of 24-h urine-free cortisol is frequently employed as a first-line screening and disease-monitoring test in Cushing's syndrome (CS). The quest for ‘cortisol specificity’ has seen the emergence of mass spectrometry (MS) based assays, particularly liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. In contrast to traditional immunoassays, liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry ‘free cortisol’ measurement is less susceptible to ‘interference’ from cortisol precursors and metabolites. However, detection of these conjugates is important in mild CS and therefore, missed by MS if cortisol alone is measured. MS assays nevertheless are capable of measuring broad steroid profiles, including the potential to distinguish benign from malignant adrenal-based CS and detection of exogenous glucocorticoids. Until this is routine practice, we recommend against abandoning immunoassays measurement of urine-free cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisa Sheriff
- Hormones and Cancer Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ann I McCormack
- Hormones and Cancer Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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14
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Prete A, Paragliola RM, Bottiglieri F, Rota CA, Pontecorvi A, Salvatori R, Corsello SM. Factors predicting the duration of adrenal insufficiency in patients successfully treated for Cushing disease and nonmalignant primary adrenal Cushing syndrome. Endocrine 2017; 55:969-980. [PMID: 27395418 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Successful treatment of Cushing syndrome causes transient or permanent adrenal insufficiency deriving from endogenous hypercortisolism-induced hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis suppression. We analyzed pre-treatment factors potentially affecting the duration of adrenal insufficiency. We conducted a retrospective analysis on patients successfully treated for Cushing disease (15 patients) who underwent transsphenoidal surgery, and nonmalignant primary adrenal Cushing syndrome (31 patients) who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, divided into patients with overt primary adrenal Cushing syndrome (14 patients) and subclinical primary adrenal Cushing syndrome (17 patients). Epidemiological data, medical history, and hormonal parameters depending on the etiology of hypercortisolism were collected and compared to the duration of adrenal insufficiency. The median duration of follow-up after surgery for Cushing disease and primary adrenal Cushing syndrome was 70 and 48 months, respectively. In the Cushing disease group, the median duration of adrenal insufficiency after transsphenoidal surgery was 15 months: younger age at diagnosis and longer duration of signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism before diagnosis and surgery were associated with longer duration of adrenal insufficiency. The median duration of adrenal insufficiency was 6 months for subclinical primary adrenal Cushing syndrome and 18.5 months for overt primary adrenal Cushing syndrome. The biochemical severity of hypercortisolism, the grade of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis suppression, and treatment with ketoconazole before surgery accounted for longer duration of adrenal insufficiency. In patients with Cushing disease, younger age and delayed diagnosis and treatment predict longer need for glucocorticoid replacement therapy after successful transsphenoidal surgery. In patients with primary adrenal Cushing syndrome, the severity of hypercortisolism plays a primary role in influencing the duration of adrenal insufficiency after unilateral adrenalectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Prete
- Unit of Endocrinology, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Paragliola
- Unit of Endocrinology, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Filomena Bottiglieri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Carlo Antonio Rota
- Unit of Endocrinology, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Roberto Salvatori
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, and Pituitary Center Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 773 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Salvatore Maria Corsello
- Unit of Endocrinology, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome, 00168, Italy.
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15
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Sofer Y, Osher E, Limor R, Shefer G, Marcus Y, Shapira I, Tordjman K, Greenman Y, Berliner S, Stern N. GENDER DETERMINES SERUM FREE CORTISOL: HIGHER LEVELS IN MEN. Endocr Pract 2016; 22:1415-1421. [PMID: 27540879 DOI: 10.4158/ep161370.or] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because only the free fraction of serum cortisol can readily access glucocorticoid receptors, we investigated whether or not a gender-related difference in serum free cortisol (FC) exists in the basal and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulated state. METHODS Serum total cortisol (TC) and FC were measured in 323 subjects (175 men; 148 women). Additionally, the low-dose 1-μg ACTH test was performed in 56 subjects (30 women, 26 men). Subjects were healthy volunteers, recruited in a preventive medicine screening program and an outpatient clinic. RESULTS Overall, basal serum TC and FC level were ~18 and ~33%, respectively, higher in men than in women (TC, 14.5 ± 0.33 μg/dL vs. 12.3 ± 0.33 μg/dL; P<.0001; FC, 0.68 ± 0.02 μg/dL vs. 0.51 ± 0.02 μg/dL; P<.0001). The higher FC in men relative to women was apparent across a wide age range (17 to 86 years) and persisted after adjustment for age and body mass index. The FC fraction (%FC, out of TC) was concordantly higher in men (5.4 ± 0.09% vs. 4.8 ± 0.3%; P = .046). FC was not related to the estimated menopausal status (women age below and above 47, 50, or 53 years). ACTH-stimulated FC levels were significantly higher in men compared to women, as reflected by the area under the response curve (49.4 ± 3.4 μg × min vs. 39.6 ± 2.2 μg × min; P = .0014). CONCLUSION Gender is an unrecognized determinant of serum FC in humans. The possibility of lifelong exposure to the higher bioactive fraction of cortisol under basal conditions or daily stress involving ACTH stimulation should be further investigated in the context of gender-related phenotypic features such as "android" (visceral) fat deposition and longevity. ABBREVIATIONS ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone BMI = body mass index CBG = cortisol-binding globulin FC = free cortisol HPA = hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal TC = total cortisol.
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16
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Machado MC, Fragoso MCBV, Moreira AC, Boguszewski CL, Vieira L, Naves LA, Vilar L, de Araújo LA, Czepielewski MA, Gadelha MR, Musolino NRC, Miranda PAC, Bronstein MD, Ribeiro-Oliveira A. Recommendations of the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism for the diagnosis of Cushing's disease in Brazil. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2016; 60:267-86. [PMID: 27355856 PMCID: PMC10522300 DOI: 10.1590/2359-3997000000174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although it is a rare condition, the accurate diagnosis and treatment of Cushing's disease is important due to its higher morbidity and mortality compared to the general population, which is attributed to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and infections. Screening for hypercortisolism is recommended for patients who present multiple and progressive clinical signs and symptoms, especially those who are considered to be more specific to Cushing's syndrome, abnormal findings relative to age (e.g., spinal osteoporosis and high blood pressure in young patients), weight gain associated with reduced growth rate in the pediatric population and for those with adrenal incidentalomas. Routine screening is not recommended for other groups of patients, such as those with obesity or diabetes mellitus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary, the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test and the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test are the main tests for the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Bilateral and simultaneous petrosal sinus sampling is the gold standard method and is performed when the triad of initial tests is inconclusive, doubtful or conflicting. The aim of this article is to provide information on the early detection and establishment of a proper diagnosis of Cushing's disease, recommending follow-up of these patients at experienced referral centers. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2016;60(3):267-86.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio Carlos Machado
- Hospital das ClínicasFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasilUnidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP); Departamento de Endocrinologia, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Maria Candida Barisson Vilares Fragoso
- Hospital das ClínicasFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasilUnidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP); Departamento de Endocrinologia, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Ayrton Custódio Moreira
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão PretoUniversidade de São PauloRibeirão PretoSPBrasilDivisão de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil;
| | - César Luiz Boguszewski
- Serviço de Endocrinologia e MetabologiaHospital de ClínicasUniversidade Federal do ParanáCuritibaPRBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (SEMPR), Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brasil;
| | - Leonardo Vieira
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaHospital Universitário Clementino Fraga FilhoUniversidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroRJBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (HUCFF/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil;
| | - Luciana A. Naves
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaHospital Universitário de BrasíliaUniversidade de BrasíliaBrasíliaDFBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brasil;
| | - Lucio Vilar
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaHospital de ClínicasUniversidade Federal de PernambucoRecifePEBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brasil;
| | | | - Mauro A. Czepielewski
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegreFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto AlegreRSBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil;
| | - Monica R. Gadelha
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaHospital Universitário Clementino Fraga FilhoUniversidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroRJBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (HUCFF/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil;
| | - Nina Rosa Castro Musolino
- Hospital das ClínicasFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasilUnidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Divisão de Neurocirurgia Funcional, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, SP;Brasil
| | - Paulo Augusto C Miranda
- Serviço de EndocrinologiaSanta Casa de Belo HorizonteBelo HorizonteMGBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil;
| | - Marcello Delano Bronstein
- Hospital das ClínicasFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloSPBrasilUnidade de Neuroendocrinologia, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP); Departamento de Endocrinologia, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brasil;
| | - Antônio Ribeiro-Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisServiço de EndocrinologiaHospital de ClínicasBelo HorizonteMGBrasilServiço de Endocrinologia, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Pecori Giraldi F, Ambrogio AG. Variability in laboratory parameters used for management of Cushing's syndrome. Endocrine 2015; 50:580-9. [PMID: 26160393 PMCID: PMC4662716 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0676-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The progress in assay methodology, from the use of radioactive tracers to chemiluminescent signals, from competitive to chromatographic techniques and from serum or urine to saliva has considerably impacted on hormonal measurements. The clinician now may choose among multiple tests but the inherent variability in cortisol and ACTH secretion, coupled to lack of harmonization among assay procedures and normal ranges mandates careful interpretation of any result. The present review will examine factors which affect interpretation of cortisol and ACTH measurements and their impact on tests used for management of Cushing's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Milan, MI, Italy.
| | - Alberto G Ambrogio
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Milan, MI, Italy
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18
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D’Aurizio F, Tozzoli R, Dorizzi RM, Brescia V, Esposito E, Fortunato A, Giovanella L, Guzzaloni G. La diagnostica di laboratorio delle malattie del surrene. Raccomandazioni pratiche per la sindrome di Cushing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13631-015-0088-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Fleseriu M, Petersenn S. Medical therapy for Cushing's disease: adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors and glucocorticoid receptor blockers. Pituitary 2015; 18:245-52. [PMID: 25560275 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-014-0627-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Morbidity and mortality in Cushing's disease (CD) patients are increased if patients are not appropriately treated. Surgery remains the first line therapy, however the role of medical therapy has become more prominent in patients when biochemical remission is not achieved/or recurs after surgery, while waiting effects of radiation therapy or when surgery is contraindicated. Furthermore, use of preoperative medical therapy has been also recognized. In addition to centrally acting therapies (reviewed elsewhere in this special issue), adrenal steroidogenesis inhibitors, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists are frequently used. A PubMed search of all original articles or abstracts detailing medical therapy in CD, published within 12 months (2013-2014), were identified and pertinent data extracted. Although not prospectively studied, ketoconazole and metyrapone have been the most frequently used medical therapies. A large retrospective ketoconazole study showed that almost half of patients who continued on ketoconazole therapy achieved biochemical control and clinical improvement; however almost 20% discontinued ketoconazole due to poor tolerability. Notably, hepatotoxicity was usually mild and resolved after drug withdrawal. Etomidate remains the only drug available for intravenous use. A new potent inhibitor of both aldosterone synthase and 11β-hydroxylase, following the completion of a phase II study LCI699 is being studied in a large phase III with promising results. Mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, has been approved for hyperglycemia associated with Cushing's syndrome based on the results of a prospective study where it produced in the majority of patients' significant clinical and metabolic improvement. Absence of both a biochemical marker for remission and/or diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency remain, however, a limiting factor. Patient characteristics and preference should guide the choice between different medications in the absence of clinical trials comparing any of these therapies. Despite significant progress, there is still a need for a medical therapy that is more effective and with less adverse effects for patients with CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology) and Neurological Surgery, Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Mail Code BTE 28, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA,
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Yuen KCJ, Chong LE, Koch CA. Adrenal insufficiency in pregnancy: challenging issues in diagnosis and management. Endocrine 2013; 44:283-92. [PMID: 23377701 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-013-9893-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency (AI) in pregnancy is relatively rare, but it is associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality if untreated during gestation or in the puerperium. Hence, timely diagnosis and decisive treatment by the clinician are critical. However, due to pregnancy-induced metabolic and endocrine changes and the resemblance of symptomatology of AI to those of pregnancy, the diagnosis is often difficult to recognize and challenging to confirm. Normal pregnancy is a state of glucocorticoid excess particularly in the latter stages, and normative values for serum cortisol levels are not well-established. Furthermore, testing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis using validated stimulation tests during pregnancy are lacking. Therefore, it is the aim of the present review to discuss and to summarize the current knowledge, focussing on the challenges in recognizing AI in pregnancy and interpreting the diagnostic tests, and to propose a clinical approach for optimizing the management of AI in women diagnosed before or during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C J Yuen
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mailcode L607, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA,
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Abstract
Cushing's disease (CD) is caused by a corticotroph, adrenocorticotropic-hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Transsphenoidal surgery is the initial treatment of choice in almost all cases. Remission rates for microadenomas are good at 65-90 % (with an experienced neurosurgeon) but remission rates are much lower for macroadenomas. However, even after postoperative remission, recurrence rates are high and can be seen up to decades after an initial diagnosis. Repeat surgery or radiation can be useful in these cases, although both have clear limitations with respect to efficacy and/or side effects. Hence, there is a clear unmet need for an effective medical treatment. Currently, most drugs act by inhibiting steroidogenesis in the adrenal glands. Most is known about the effects of ketoconazole and metyrapone. While effective, access to ketoconazole and metyrapone is limited in many countries, experience with long-term use is limited, and side effects can be significant. Recent studies have suggested a role for a pituitary-directed therapy with new multireceptor ligand somatostatin analogs (e.g., pasireotide, recently approved in Europe for treatment of CD), second-generation dopamine agonists, or a combination of both. Mifepristone (a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) is another promising drug, recently approved by the FDA for treatment of hyperglycemia associated with Cushing's syndrome. We review available medical treatments for CD with a focus on the two most recent compounds referenced above. Our aim is to expand awareness of current research, and the possibilities afforded by available medical treatments for this mesmerizing, but often frightful disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine and Neurological Surgery, Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Stephan Petersenn
- ENDOC Center for Endocrine Tumors, Altonaer Str. 59, 20357 Hamburg, Germany
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