Timing of surgery for feminizing genitoplasty in patients suffering from congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Techniques of Primary Vaginoplasty in Young Adults with Differences of Sex Development and Female Identification

Background: The ideal timing of genital surgery in differences/disorders of sex development (DSD) is controversial and differs according to the underlying type of DSD. Increasing numbers of persisting sinus as a result of delayed feminizing genitoplasty in DSD patients require interdisciplinary collaboration of pediatric surgeons/urologists and gynecologists. This study focusses on surgical techniques other than bowel vaginoplasties and results of gender assigning surgery in young adolescents. Methods: Data of adolescent and adult patients treated between 2015 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively: underlying type of malformation, techniques of vaginoplasty, vaginal length and caliber, possibility of sexual intercourse, and temporary vaginal dilatation. Results: A total of 9 patients received a primary vaginoplasty at a median age of 16.75 years (range 10.3–29.25). The underlying anatomical conditions were persistent urogenital sinus (UGS) in 8 patients (3 patients with CAH, 2 patients with XY-DSD, 1 patient with cloacal malformation and missed UGS, 2 patients with UGS only). One patient had a MURCS association. Surgical techniques were total urogenital mobilization and perineal flap vaginoplasty in 4 patients, modified McIndoe vaginoplasty in 4 patients, and a laparoscopic vaginal pull-through in 1 patient. In a median follow-up of 45 months (2–84), all but 1 patient presented with physiological vaginal length and width. Conclusions: If possible, modern treatment concepts delay gender assigning surgery until the participation of the patient in the decision-making process is possible. Optimal treatment concepts are given by transfer of surgical techniques from pediatric urology/surgery by multidisciplinary teams. Techniques other than bowel vaginoplasties are favorable.

Multidimensional Aspects of Female Sexual Function in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Case-Control Study

Context

46,XX patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are exposed to elevated androgens in utero causing varying levels of virilization. The majority undergo feminizing genitoplasty early in life, with potential impact on sexual function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Objective

We aimed to determine how sexual and lower urinary tract function, body image, and global HRQoL differs between patients with classic CAH and controls and to characterize how gynecologic anatomy contributes to outcomes.

Methods

36 patients with classic CAH and 27 control women who were matched for age, race, and marital status underwent standardized gynecological examination and validated questionnaires. The responses were analyzed in relation to gynecological measurements, genotype, and disease status.

Results

Compared with controls, patients with CAH were more likely to have sexual dysfunction (P = 0.009), dyspareunia (P = 0.007), and other pelvic pain (P = 0.007); were less likely to be heterosexual (P = 0.013) or ever have been sexually active (P = 0.003); had poorer body image independent of body mass index (P < 0.001); and had worse HRQoL in the areas of general health (P = 0.03) and pain (P = 0.009). The patients with CAH had smaller vaginal calibers and perineal body lengths and larger clitoral indexes when compared with controls (P < 0.001). A larger vaginal caliber in CAH patients was associated with better overall sexual function (P = 0.024), increased sexual satisfaction (P = 0.017), less pain (P < 0.001), and greater number of sexual partners (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

46,XX patients with CAH have increased rates of sexual dysfunction, poor body image, and poor HRQoL, which is mitigated by having a larger vaginal caliber. Management aimed at optimizing vaginal caliber might improve sexual function.

Treatment of the Enlarged Clitoris

Management of the enlarged clitoris, because of its import for sexual function, has been and remains one of the most controversial topics in pediatric urology. Early controversy surrounding clitoroplasty resulted from many factors including an incomplete understanding of clitoral anatomy and incorrect assumptions of the role of the clitoris in sexual function. With a better understanding of anatomy and function, procedures have evolved to preserve clitoral tissue, especially with respect to the neurovascular bundles. These changes have been made in an effort to preserve clitoral sensation and preserve orgasmic potential. It is the goal of this manuscript to describe the different procedures that have been developed for the surgical management of clitoromegally, with emphasis on the risks and benefits of each. Equally important to any discussion of such a sensitive topic is an understanding of long-term patient outcomes. As we will see, despite its importance, there has been a dearth of data in this regard. Future work in the arena of patient satisfaction will undoubtedly play a major role in directing our surgical approach.

Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency in congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of inherited genetic disorders involving deficiencies in enzymes that convert cholesterol to cortisol within the adrenal cortex. There are five key enzymes involved in the production of cortisol. Of these key enzymes, deficiency of 21-hydroxylase is the most commonly defective enzyme leading to CAH representing more than 90% of cases. The low adrenal cortisol levels associated with CAH affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal negative feedback system leading to increased pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production, which overstimulates the adrenal cortex in an attempt to increase cortisol production resulting in a hyperplastic adrenal cortex. The deficiency of enzyme 21-hydroxylase results from mutations or deletions in the CYP21A2 gene found on chromosome 6p. The disorder is transmitted as an autosomal recessive pattern and specific mutations may be correlated to enzymatic compromise of varying degrees, leading to the clinical manifestation of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) CAH.

Gender of rearing and psychosocial aspect in 46 XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

In congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with ambiguous genitalia, assigning gender of rearing can be complex, especially If genitalia is highly virilized. Apart from karyotype, prenatal androgen exposure, patient's gender orientation, sociocultural, and parental influences play a role. The aim of this study was to assess gender dysphoria and psychosocial issues in patients of CAH raised as males and females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study that includes patients (old and new) with CAH who were treated by us in the last 6 months. A semi-structured interview proforma was used to elicit history and psychosocial background of the patients. The clinical and biochemical details were noted. For psychological analysis, patients were screened for gender dysphoria using Parent Report Gender Identity Questionnaire for children <12 years and Gender Identity/Gender Dysphoria Questionnaire for Adolescents and Adults.

RESULTS

We analyzed 22 46 XX CAH patients among which, 3 were reared as males and 19 as females. Among the 19 patients reared as females, 17 patients showed no gender dysphoria. Two patients revealed gender dysphoria as indicated by their marginally low scores on the gender dysphoria assessment. However, in view of current literature and the age groups of the patients, behavior of the 6-year-old patient can be best understood as being tomboyish. Gender dysphoria in the 22-year-old can be explained by the dominance of psychosocial factors and not hormones alone. Among the three patients reared as males, two prepubertal were satisfied with their male gender identity. The third patient, aged 32 years, had gender dysphoria when reared as a male that resolved when gender was reassigned as female and feminizing surgery was done.

CONCLUSION

Gender assignment in 46 XX CAH is guided by factors such as degree of virilization of genitalia, gender orientation, patient involvement, sociocultural, and parental influences.

Surgery in disorders of sex development (DSD) with a gender issue: If (why), when, and how?

Ten years after the consensus meeting on disorders of sex development (DSD), genital surgery continues to raise questions and criticisms concerning its indications, its technical aspects, timing and evaluation. This standpoint details each distinct situation and its possible management in 5 main groups of DSD patients with atypical genitalia: the 46,XX DSD group (congenital adrenal hyperplasia); the heterogeneous 46,XY DSD group (gonadal dysgenesis, disorders of steroidogenesis, target tissues impairments …); gonosomic mosaicisms (45,X/46,XY patients); ovo-testicular DSD; and "non-hormonal/non chromosomal" DSD. Questions are summarized for each DSD group with the support of literature and the feed-back of several world experts. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of presentation there is no consensus regarding the indications, the timing, the procedure nor the evaluation of outcome of DSD surgery. There are, however, some issues on which most experts would agree: 1) The need for identifying centres of expertise with a multidisciplinary approach; 2) A conservative management of the gonads in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome at least until puberty although some studies expressed concerns about the heightened tumour risk in this group; 3) To avoid vaginal dilatation in children after surgical reconstruction; 4) To keep asymptomatic mullerian remnants during childhood; 5) To remove confirmed streak gonads when Y material is present; 6) It is likely that 46,XY cloacal exstrophy, aphallia and severe micropenis would do best raised as male although this is based on limited outcome data. There is general acknowledgement among experts that timing, the choice of the individual and irreversibility of surgical procedures are sources of concerns. There is, however, little evidence provided regarding the impact of non-treated DSD during childhood for the individual development, the parents, society and the risk of stigmatization. The low level of evidence should lead to design collaborative prospective studies involving all parties and using consensual protocols of evaluation.

Effects of feminizing reconstructive surgery on sexual function and genital sensitivity in patients with female pseudohermaphroditism versus healthy control

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect on sexual function and genital sensitivity of adult female pseudohermaphroditism patients received feminizing reconstructive surgical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 32 female pseudohermaphroditism patients and 10 healthy women were in enrolled in this study. All patients underwent feminizing reconstructive surgical procedures in adulthood. Sensitivity thresholds for clitoris and upper vagina were tested using a Genito Sensory Analyzer, and sexual function was assessed using a standardized measure simultaneously.

RESULTS

In those patients who underwent surgical procedures, there was a mild impairment to sensitivity in the clitoris compared to healthy controls. The sensitivity thresholds in the upper vagina also did not differ significantly between the two groups. No significant difference of sexual function was observed on these adult female pseudohermaphroditism patients compared to those healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery may lead to mild decreased sensitivity of clitoris, but did not cause sexual dysfunction in adult female pseudohermaphroditism patients.

Preventing female virilisation in congenital adrenal hyperplasia: The controversial role of antenatal dexamethasone

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) refers to a group of recessively inherited disorders of cortisol production, which in the classical form results in virilisation of female fetuses. Since the 1980s, antenatal treatment with dexamethasone has been recommended in high-risk pregnancies to minimise the risk of virilising the female genitalia of affected fetuses. To be effective, this treatment requires implementation in early pregnancy, prior to the commencement of autonomous fetal adrenal androgen synthesis. Using this approach, seven of eight high-risk pregnancies are treated unnecessarily, prior to establishing the fetal gender or the confirmed diagnosis of a genetically affected pregnancy. In the face of ongoing concerns regarding potential adverse maternal-fetal effects of antenatal dexamethasone exposure, a review of this practice has been advocated by expert advisory groups. In this review, we summarise current controversies, potential improvements and future directions in the management of pregnancies at risk of CAH. In high-risk families, recent genomic advances include early prenatal diagnosis utilising noninvasive genetic techniques to minimise unnecessary dexamethasone exposure to unaffected fetuses. In affected pregnancies when families elect for antenatal treatment, optimal antenatal dosing regimens need to be defined and a standardised treatment and follow-up protocol are recommended. Establishment of a national registry with standardised follow-up will allow future families to be better informed of the risks and benefits of both treated and untreated fetal CAH.