Absence of exercise-induced leptin suppression associated with insufficient epinephrine reserve in patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Plasma-Metanephrines in Patients with Autoimmune Addison's Disease with and without Residual Adrenocortical Function

PURPOSE

Residual adrenocortical function, RAF, has recently been demonstrated in one-third of patients with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD). Here, we set out to explore any influence of RAF on the levels of plasma metanephrines and any changes following stimulation with cosyntropin.

METHODS

We included 50 patients with verified RAF and 20 patients without RAF who served as controls upon cosyntropin stimulation testing. The patients had abstained from glucocorticoid and fludrocortisone replacement > 18 and 24 h, respectively, prior to morning blood sampling. The samples were obtained before and 30 and 60 min after cosyntropin stimulation and analyzed for serum cortisol, plasma metanephrine (MN), and normetanephrine (NMN) by liquid-chromatography tandem-mass pectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

Among the 70 patients with AAD, MN was detectable in 33%, 25%, and 26% at baseline, 30 min, and 60 min after cosyntropin stimulation, respectively. Patients with RAF were more likely to have detectable MN at baseline (p = 0.035) and at the time of 60 min (p = 0.048) compared to patients without RAF. There was a positive correlation between detectable MN and the level of cortisol at all time points (p = 0.02, p = 0.04, p < 0.001). No difference was noted for NMN levels, which remained within the normal reference ranges.

CONCLUSION

Even very small amounts of endogenous cortisol production affect MN levels in patients with AAD.

Emerging medical therapies for congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia has traditionally been treated with daily oral doses of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoid supplements. Such therapy does not precisely replicate the adrenal cortex's circadian pattern. As a consequence, patients are intermittently overtreated or undertreated leading to growth suppression in children, excess weight gain and altered metabolism. Several new treatments are on the horizon. This article will summarize some new potential therapies as adjuncts to, or replacement for, standard therapy.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to Steroid 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

Objective

To update the congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency clinical practice guideline published by the Endocrine Society in 2010.

Conclusions

The writing committee presents updated best practice guidelines for the clinical management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia based on published evidence and expert opinion with added considerations for patient safety, quality of life, cost, and utilization.

Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency: clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome

Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) is one of the most frequent autosomal recessive disorders in man with a prevalence ranging from 0.1 % in Caucasians up to a few percent in certain ethnic groups. Most cases are never diagnosed due to very mild symptoms, misdiagnosing as polycystic ovary syndrome, or ignorance. In contrast to classic CAH, patients with NCAH present with mild partial cortisol insufficiency and hyperandrogenism and will survive without any treatment. Undiagnosed NCAH may result in infertility, miscarriages, oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, acne, premature pubarche, testicular adrenal rest tumors, adrenal tumors, and voice problems among other symptoms. A baseline measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone can be used for diagnosis, but the ACTH stimulation test with measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone is regarded as the golden standard. The diagnosis can be verified by CYP21A2 mutation analysis. Treatment is symptomatic and usually with glucocorticoids alone. The lowest possible glucocorticoid dose should be used. Long-term treatment with glucocorticoids will improve the symptoms but will also result in iatrogenic cortisol insufficiency and may also lead to long-term complications such as obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, osteoporosis, and fractures. Although the complications seen in NCAH patients have been assumed to be related to the glucocorticoid treatment, some may, in fact, be associated with prolonged hyperandrogenism. Different risk factors and negative consequences should be monitored regularly in an attempt to improve the clinical outcome. More research is needed in this relatively common disorder.

Increased Abdominal Adiposity in Adolescents and Young Adults With Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

CONTEXT

Childhood obesity rates in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) exceed the high rates seen in normal children, potentially increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Abdominal adiposity, in particular visceral adipose tissue (VAT), is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and CVD. However, it remains unknown whether VAT is increased in CAH.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine whether adolescents and young adults with classical CAH have more VAT and sc adipose tissue (SAT) than matched controls and whether VAT and SAT are associated with biomarkers of metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and hyperandrogenism in CAH.

DESIGN/SETTING

This was a cross-sectional study at a tertiary center.

PARTICIPANTS

CAH subjects (n = 28; 15.6 ± 3.2 y; 15 females) were matched for age, sex, ethnicity, and body mass index to healthy controls (n = 28; 16.7 ± 2.3 y; 15 females).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

VAT and SAT, using computed tomography imaging and serum biomarkers associated with CVD risk, were measured. Data are reported as mean ± SD.

RESULTS

Both VAT (43.8 ± 45.5 cm(2)) and SAT (288.1 ± 206.5 cm(2)) were higher in CAH subjects than controls (VAT 26.4 ± 29.6 cm(2) and SAT 226.3 ± 157.5 cm(2); both P < .001). The VAT to SAT ratio was also higher in CAH subjects (0.15 ± 0.07) than controls (0.12 ± 0.06; P < .05). Within CAH, measures of obesity (waist to height ratio, fat mass) and inflammation (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, leptin) correlated strongly with VAT and SAT. In addition, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and low-density lipoprotein correlated with abdominal adiposity. There were no sex differences for VAT or SAT in CAH subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

CAH adolescents and young adults have increased abdominal adiposity, with a higher proportion of proinflammatory VAT than SAT. An improved understanding of the mechanism of obesity in CAH may lead to targeted prevention and therapeutics in this high-risk population.

Current and novel approaches to children and young people with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) represents a group of autosomal recessive conditions leading to glucocorticoid deficiency. CAH is the most common cause of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in the paediatric population. The majority of the other forms of primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency are rare conditions. It is critical to establish the underlying aetiology of each specific condition as a wide range of additional health problems specific to the underlying disorder can be found. Following the introduction of life-saving glucocorticoid replacement sixty years ago, steroid hormone replacement regimes have been refined leading to significant reductions in glucocorticoid doses over the last two decades. These adjustments are made with the aim both of improving the current management of children and young persons and of reducing future health problems in adult life. However despite optimisation of existing glucocorticoid replacement regimens fail to mimic the physiologic circadian rhythm of glucocorticoid secretion, current efforts therefore focus on optimising replacement strategies. In addition, in recent years novel experimental therapies have been developed which target adrenal sex steroid synthesis in patients with CAH aiming to reduce co-morbidities associated with sex steroid excess. These developments will hopefully improve the health status and long-term outcomes in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency.

Clinical outcomes in the management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of disorders affecting adrenal steroid synthesis. The most common form, 21-hydroxylase deficiency, leads to decreased production of cortisol and aldosterone with increased androgen secretion. In classic CAH glucocorticoid treatment can be life-saving, and provides symptom control, but must be given in an unphysiological manner with the risk of negative long-term outcomes. A late diagnosis or a severe phenotype or genotype has also a negative impact. These factors can result in impaired quality of life (QoL), increased cardiometabolic risk, short stature, osteoporosis and fractures, benign tumors, decreased fertility, and vocal problems. The prognosis has improved during the last decades, thanks to better clinical management and nowadays the most affected patients seem to have a good QoL. Very few patients above the age of 60 years have, however, been studied. Classifying patients according to genotype may give additional useful clinical information. The introduction of neonatal CAH screening may enhance long-term results. Monitoring of different risk factors and negative consequences should be done regularly in an attempt to improve clinical outcomes further.

Endogenous hyperandrogenism and exercise capacity lessons from the exercise-congenital adrenal hyperplasia model

Athletic excellence requires a combination of genetic endowment, continuous training, appropriate equipment, and proper nutrition. However, the specific genetic and/or intrinsic hormonal milieus that contribute to athletic performance are not clearly understood. Androgens are thought to play an important role in exercise-induced target tissue response. In adults, the use of exogenous anabolic steroids was found to improve athletic performance, decrease fatigue, increase muscle mass, and increase aggressiveness. However, the benefit of these substances in adolescents remains questionable. Moreover, the role of endogenous androgen secretion for competitive performance success is far less studied. The present review will summarize aspects related to the effect of endogenous hyperandrogenism on exercise performance, as seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and will concentrate on important lessons learned from the unique model of exercise in congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a disease associated with endogenous hyperandrogenism.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline

OBJECTIVE

We developed clinical practice guidelines for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

PARTICIPANTS

The Task Force included a chair, selected by The Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee (CGS), ten additional clinicians experienced in treating CAH, a methodologist, and a medical writer. Additional experts were also consulted. The authors received no corporate funding or remuneration.

CONSENSUS PROCESS

Consensus was guided by systematic reviews of evidence and discussions. The guidelines were reviewed and approved sequentially by The Endocrine Society's CGS and Clinical Affairs Core Committee, members responding to a web posting, and The Endocrine Society Council. At each stage, the Task Force incorporated changes in response to written comments.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend universal newborn screening for severe steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency followed by confirmatory tests. We recommend that prenatal treatment of CAH continue to be regarded as experimental. The diagnosis rests on clinical and hormonal data; genotyping is reserved for equivocal cases and genetic counseling. Glucocorticoid dosage should be minimized to avoid iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Mineralocorticoids and, in infants, supplemental sodium are recommended in classic CAH patients. We recommend against the routine use of experimental therapies to promote growth and delay puberty; we suggest patients avoid adrenalectomy. Surgical guidelines emphasize early single-stage genital repair for severely virilized girls, performed by experienced surgeons. Clinicians should consider patients' quality of life, consulting mental health professionals as appropriate. At the transition to adulthood, we recommend monitoring for potential complications of CAH. Finally, we recommend judicious use of medication during pregnancy and in symptomatic patients with nonclassic CAH.

Adrenomedullary function in patients with nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is classified into three types based on disease severity: classic salt-wasting, classic simple virilizing, and nonclassic. Adrenomedullary dysplasia and epinephrine deficiency have been described in classic CAH, resulting in glucose dysregulation. Our objective was to investigate adrenomedullary function in nonclassic CAH and to evaluate adrenomedullary function according to disease severity. Adrenomedullary function was evaluated in response to a standardized cycle ergonometer test in 23 CAH patients (14 females, age 9-38 years; 6 salt-wasting, 7 simple virilizing, 5 nonclassic receiving glucocorticoid treatment, 5 nonclassic not receiving glucocorticoid), and 14 controls (7 females, age 12-38 years). Epinephrine, glucose, and cortisol were measured at baseline and peak exercise. CAH patients and controls were similar in age and anthropometric measures. Patients with nonclassic CAH who were not receiving glucocorticoid and controls experienced the expected stress-induced rise in epinephrine, glucose, and cortisol. Compared to controls, patients with all types of CAH receiving glucocorticoid had impaired exercise-induced changes in epinephrine (salt-wasting: p=0.01;simple virilizing: p=0.01; nonclassic: p=0.03), and cortisol (salt-wasting: p=0.004; simple virilizing: p=0.006; nonclassic: p=0.03). Salt-wasting patients displayed the most significant impairment, including impairment in glucose response relative to controls (p=0.03). Hydrocortisone dose was negatively correlated with epinephrine response (r=-0.58; p=0.007) and glucose response (r=-0.60; p=0.002). The present study demonstrates that untreated patients with nonclassic CAH have normal adrenomedullary function. The degree of epinephrine deficiency in patients with CAH is associated with the severity of adrenocortical dysfunction, as well as glucocorticoid therapy.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and the function of adrenal medulla

: The most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the deficiency of steroid 21-hydroxylase which results from deletion or mutation of the cytochrome P450 21-hydroxylase gene. The low level of glucocorticoids and in some cases low level of mineralocorticoids has an important pathophysiological influence on the axis of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal cortex.

: Using determination of plasmatic metanephrine, normetanephrine and chromogranin A, we wanted to investigate the structure and function of adrenal medulla in patients with CAH, because adrenocortical and adrenomedullary systems are intimately linked anatomically and functionally.

: Levels of plasmatic metanephrine, normetanephrine and chromogranin A were measured in our group of 37 patients (age range: 5–45 years, 18 females and 19 males) with the classic salt-wasting form of CAH.

: The reference range was 73% for metanephrine (<10 ng/L, 83.3% females, 63.2% males) and 59.5% for metanephrine (<15 ng/L, 72.2% females, 47.4% males). The concentration of plasmatic nephrines in the first quartile reference range was achieved in the case of metanephrine in all patients (<23 ng/L), and in the case of normetanephrine in 86.5% of patients (<42.5 ng/L). The level in chromogranin A was normal in all patients. No significant differences were found in plasmatic concentrations of nephrines and chromogranin A between males and females with CAH, nor was there a significant correlation with genetic results (severe or moderate salt-wasting form of CAH).

: Impaired secretion of glucocorticoids in patients with CAH leads to the structural changes in adrenal medulla which are expressed by low production of metanephrine, and to a lesser extent, normetanephrine.

Cardiovascular disease risk in adult women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a common autosomal recessive disorder characterized by impaired cortisol biosynthesis, with or without aldosterone deficiency, and androgen excess. Patients with the classic (severe) form also have epinephrine deficiency. Patients with CAH have an increased prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease including obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Androgen excess in women appears to be an additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness, a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, also has been found to be increased in adults with CAH. The multiple hormonal imbalances present in the adult woman with CAH, in combination with chronic glucocorticoid therapy, contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. Further investigation of the predisposition to cardiovascular disease in women with CAH is warranted. Longitudinal studies are needed, and interventions targeting obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and hyperandrogenism may offer improved outcome.

Approach to the adult with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) describes a group of autosomal recessive disorders where there is impairment of cortisol biosynthesis. CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency accounts for 95% of cases and shows a wide range of clinical severity. Treatment of the classic or severe form of CAH is targeted at replacing cortisol and aldosterone and effectively controlling excess androgen symptoms by using the lowest possible glucocorticoid dose. Treatment of the mild or nonclassic form is targeted at controlling excess androgen symptoms and may or may not involve glucocorticoid therapy. Hydrocortisone is the treatment of choice for children, but there is no consensus on how patients should be treated as adults. Current glucocorticoid therapy is suboptimal because it is often difficult to reduce excess androgen without giving excess glucocorticoid, and patients may experience hypercortisolism, androgen excess, or a combination of these states. Treatment of CAH, especially in the adult patient, remains controversial given the lack of prospective randomized controlled trials comparing treatment regimens. Nevertheless, patients benefit from careful individualized therapy with avoidance of Cushingoid side effects and optimization of reproductive, sexual, and bone health.

Adult consequences of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency accounts for 95% of all CAH cases and is one the most common inborn metabolic disorders. While consensus and guidelines on therapeutic management in infancy and childhood are available, data regarding the treatment of adults with CAH are scarce. This review highlights the issues that need to be addressed when caring for the adult CAH patient. Issues include glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement, adrenal crisis, female and male fertility, genetic counselling, prenatal dexamethasone treatment, pregnancy and the odds of long-term morbidity and mortality in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Large-scale audit studies are urgently required to help optimise management and long-term outcome of these patients, as are optimisation of glucocorticoid replacement and biochemical monitoring tools. It is very important that the adult CAH patient receive regular monitoring by a multidisciplinary team at the secondary- or tertiary-care level.

Recent advances in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is an autosomal-recessive disease causing cortisol deficiency, aldosterone deficiency and hyperandrogenism. Diagnosis of 21-OHD is confirmed by steroid analysis in newborn screening or later on. Standard medical treatment consists of oral glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid administration in order to suppress adrenal androgens and to compensate for adrenal steroid deficiencies. However, available treatment is far from ideal, and not much is known about the long-term outcome in CAH as trials in patients in adulthood or old age are rare. Here we briefly describe the pathophysiology, clinical picture, genetics and epidemiology of 21-OHD. This is followed by a comprehensive review of the recent advances in diagnosis, treatment and outcome. Novel insights have been gained in the fields of newborn screening, specific steroid measurement utilizing mass spectrometry, genetics, glucocorticoid stress dosing, additive medical therapy, prenatal treatment, side-effects of medical treatment, adrenomedullary involvement, metabolic morbidity, fertility and gender identity. However, many issues are still unresolved, and novel questions, which will have to be answered in the future, arise with every new finding.

Patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia have decreased epinephrine reserve and defective glycemic control during prolonged moderate-intensity exercise

CONTEXT

Patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have adrenomedullary dysplasia and hypofunction, and their lack of adrenomedullary reserve has been associated with a defective glucose response to brief high-intensity exercise.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess hormonal, metabolic, and cardiovascular response to prolonged moderate-intensity exercise comparable to brisk walking in adolescents with classic CAH.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We compared six adolescents with classic CAH (16-20 yr old) with seven age-, sex-, and body mass index group-matched controls (16-23 yr old) using a 90-min standardized ergometer test. Metabolic, hormonal, and cardiovascular parameters were studied during exercise and recovery.

RESULTS

Glucose did not change throughout exercise and recovery for controls, whereas CAH patients showed a steady decline in glucose during exercise with an increase in glucose in the postexercise period. Glucose levels were significantly lower in CAH patients at 60 (P = 0.04), 75 (P = 0.01), and 90 (P = 0.03) min of exercise and 15 (P = 0.02) min post exercise, whereas glucose levels were comparable between the two groups early in exercise and at 30 min (P = 0.19) post exercise. As compared with controls, CAH patients had significantly lower epinephrine (P = 0.002) and cortisol (P < or = 0.001) levels throughout the study and similar norepinephrine, glucagon, and GH levels. Patients with CAH and controls had comparable cardiovascular parameters and perceived level of exertion. Despite having lower glucose levels, insulin levels were slightly higher in CAH patients during the testing period (P = 0.17), suggesting insulin insensitivity.

CONCLUSION

CAH patients have defective glycemic control and altered metabolic and hormonal responses during prolonged moderate-intensity exercise comparable to brisk walking.