Rare copy number variation in autoimmune Addison's disease

Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is a rare but life-threatening endocrine disorder caused by an autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. A previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) has shown that common variants near immune-related genes, which mostly encode proteins participating in the immune response, affect the risk of developing this condition. However, little is known about the contribution of copy number variations (CNVs) to AAD susceptibility. We used the genome-wide genotyping data from Norwegian and Swedish individuals (1,182 cases and 3,810 controls) to investigate the putative role of CNVs in the AAD aetiology. Although the frequency of rare CNVs was similar between cases and controls, we observed that larger deletions (>1,000 kb) were more common among patients (OR = 4.23, 95% CI 1.85-9.66, p = 0.0002). Despite this, none of the large case-deletions were conclusively pathogenic, and the clinical presentation and an AAD-polygenic risk score were similar between cases with and without the large CNVs. Among deletions exclusive to individuals with AAD, we highlight two ultra-rare deletions in the genes LRBA and BCL2L11, which we speculate might have contributed to the polygenic risk in these carriers. In conclusion, rare CNVs do not appear to be a major cause of AAD but further studies are needed to ascertain the potential contribution of rare deletions to the polygenic load of AAD susceptibility.

Increased risk of hospitalization, intensive care and death due to COVID-19 in patients with adrenal insufficiency: A Swedish nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) have excess morbidity and mortality related to infectious disorders. Whether patients with AI have increased morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 is unknown.

METHODS

In this linked Swedish national register-based cohort study, patients with primary and secondary AI diagnosis were identified and followed from 1 January 2020 to 28 February 2021. They were compared with a control cohort from the general population matched 10:1 for age and sex. The following COVID-19 outcomes were studied: incidence of COVID-19 infection, rates of hospitalization, intensive care admission and death. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) adjusted for socioeconomic factors and comorbidities were estimated using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 5430 patients with AI and 54,300 matched controls: There were 47.6% women, mean age was 57.1 (standard deviation 18.1) years, and the frequency of COVID-19 infection was similar, but the frequency of hospitalization (2.1% vs. 0.8%), intensive care (0.3% vs. 0.1%) and death (0.8% vs. 0.2%) for COVID-19 was higher in AI patients than matched controls. After adjustment for socioeconomic factors and comorbidities, the HR (95% CI) was increased for hospitalization (1.96, 1.59-2.43), intensive care admission (2.76, 1.49-5.09) and death (2.29, 1.60-3.28).

CONCLUSION

Patients with AI have a similar incidence of COVID-19 infection to a matched control population, but a more than twofold increased risk of developing a severe infection or a fatal outcome. They should therefore be prioritized for vaccination, antiviral therapy and other appropriate treatment to mitigate hospitalization and death.

No link between type I interferon autoantibody positivity and adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines

Type I interferons act as gatekeepers against viral infection, and autoantibodies that neutralize these signaling molecules have been associated with COVID-19 severity and adverse reactions to the live-attenuated yellow fever vaccine. On this background, we sought to examine whether autoantibodies against type I interferons were associated with adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination. Our nationwide analysis suggests that type I interferon autoantibodies were not associated with adverse events after mRNA or viral-vector COVID-19 vaccines.

Increased Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Patients With Autoimmune Addison Disease

CONTEXT

Individuals with autoimmune Addison disease (AAD) take replacement medication for the lack of adrenal-derived glucocorticoid (GC) and mineralocorticoid hormones from diagnosis. The brain is highly sensitive to these hormones, but the consequence of having AAD for brain health has not been widely addressed.

OBJECTIVE

The present study compared resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fc) of the brain between individuals with AAD and healthy controls.

METHODS

Fifty-seven patients with AAD (33 female) and 69 healthy controls (39 female), aged 19 to 43 years were scanned with 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Independent component and subsequent dual regression analyses revealed that individuals with AAD had stronger rs-fc compared to controls in 3 networks: the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), the left medial visual and left posterior default mode network. A higher GC replacement dose was associated with stronger rs-fc in a small part of the left OFC in patients. We did not find any clear associations between rs-fc and executive functions or mental fatigue.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that having AAD affects the baseline functional organization of the brain and that current treatment strategies of AAD may be one risk factor.

Altered biomarkers for cardiovascular disease and inflammation in autoimmune Addison's disease - a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease has been reported in autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD), but pathomechanisms are poorly understood.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We compared serum levels of 177 cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers in 43 patients with AAD at >18-h glucocorticoid withdrawal and 43 matched controls, overall and stratified for sex. Biomarker levels were correlated with the frequency of adrenal crises and quality of life (QoL) by AddiQoL-30. Finally, we investigated changes in biomarker levels following 250 µg tetracosactide injection in patients without residual adrenocortical function (RAF) to explore glucocorticoid-independent effects of high ACTH.

RESULTS

Nineteen biomarkers significantly differed between patients with AAD and controls; all but 1 (ST1A1) were higher in AAD. Eight biomarkers were significantly higher in female patients compared with controls (IL6, MCP1, GAL9, SPON2, DR4, RAGE, TNFRSF9, and PGF), but none differed between male patients and controls. Levels of RAGE correlated with the frequency of adrenal crises (r = 0.415, P = .006) and AddiQoL-30 scores (r = -0.347, P = .028) but not after correction for multiple testing. PDL2 and leptin significantly declined 60 min after injection of ACTH in AAD without RAF (-0.15 normalized protein expression [NPX], P = .0001, and -0.25 NPX, P = .0003, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We show that cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers are altered in AAD compared with controls, particularly in women. RAGE might be a marker of disease severity in AAD, associated with more adrenal crises and reduced QoL. High ACTH reduced PDL2 and leptin levels in a glucocorticoid-independent manner but the overall effect on biomarker profiles was small.

Higher concentration in serum of insulin autoantibodies in patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis, compared to in control subjects

OBJECTIVES

In a recent study, we found increased antibody reactivity against the insulin receptor-A and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and their ligands in patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis, indicating that an autoimmune-mediated process may underlie development of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to supplement our previous study with analysing additional neuronal- and diabetes-associated autoantibodies of potential interest for schizophrenia in the same patients and controls as in the foregoing study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Analyses of neuronal (NMDAR, VGKC, AMPAR, GABABR, DPPX, GAD)- and voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) autoantibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (12 patients, 11 controls) and of diabetes-associated (GAD, IA-2, ZnT8, insulin)- and VGCC autoantibodies in serum (17 patients, 11 controls) were done by standard methods. Additionally, patients (n = 16) were accessed for clinical symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia.

RESULTS

Concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of NMDAR-, VGKC-, AMPAR-, GABABR-, DPPX-, GAD- and VGCC autoantibodies were below detection limits in all patients and controls. Concentration in serum of insulin autoantibodies was significantly higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.001), whereas no significant differences were found in concentrations in serum of GAD-, IA-2-, ZnT8- or VGCC autoantibodies between patients and controls. Patients' serum concentrations of insulin autoantibodies tended to inversely correlate to their PANSS scores.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we show higher concentration in serum of insulin autoantibodies in patients with schizophrenia. This finding is of importance since autoantibodies against insulin may be implicated in the autoimmune-mediated process underlying development of schizophrenia.

Relation between HLA and copy number variation of steroid 21-hydroxylase in a Swedish cohort of patients with autoimmune Addison's disease

OBJECTIVE

Autoantibodies against the adrenal enzyme 21-hydroxylase is a hallmark manifestation in autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD). Steroid 21-hydroxylase is encoded by CYP21A2, which is located in the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region together with the highly similar pseudogene CYP21A1P. A high level of copy number variation is seen for the 2 genes, and therefore, we asked whether genetic variation of the CYP21 genes is associated with AAD.

DESIGN

Case-control study on patients with AAD and healthy controls.

METHODS

Using next-generation DNA sequencing, we estimated the copy number of CYP21A2 and CYP21A1P, together with HLA alleles, in 479 Swedish patients with AAD and autoantibodies against 21-hydroxylase and in 1393 healthy controls.

RESULTS

With 95% of individuals carrying 2 functional 21-hydroxylase genes, no difference in CYP21A2 copy number was found when comparing patients and controls. In contrast, we discovered a lower copy number of the pseudogene CYP21A1P among AAD patients (P = 5 × 10-44), together with associations of additional nucleotide variants, in the CYP21 region. However, the strongest association was found for HLA-DQB1*02:01 (P = 9 × 10-63), which, in combination with the DRB1*04:04-DQB1*03:02 haplotype, imposed the greatest risk of AAD.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified strong associations between copy number variants in the CYP21 region and risk of AAD, although these associations most likely are due to linkage disequilibrium with disease-associated HLA class II alleles.

High-resolution daily profiles of tissue adrenal steroids by portable automated collection

Rhythms are intrinsic to endocrine systems, and disruption of these hormone oscillations occurs at very early stages of the disease. Because adrenal hormones are secreted with both circadian and ultradian periods, conventional single-time point measurements provide limited information about rhythmicity and, crucially, do not provide information during sleep, when many hormones fluctuate from nadir to peak concentrations. If blood sampling is attempted overnight, then this necessitates admission to a clinical research unit, can be stressful, and disturbs sleep. To overcome this problem and to measure free hormones within their target tissues, we used microdialysis, an ambulatory fraction collector, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to obtain high-resolution profiles of tissue adrenal steroids over 24 hours in 214 healthy volunteers. For validation, we compared tissue against plasma measurements in a further seven healthy volunteers. Sample collection from subcutaneous tissue was safe, well tolerated, and allowed most normal activities to continue. In addition to cortisol, we identified daily and ultradian variation in free cortisone, corticosterone, 18-hydroxycortisol, aldosterone, tetrahydrocortisol and allo-tetrahydrocortisol, and the presence of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. We used mathematical and computational methods to quantify the interindividual variability of hormones at different times of the day and develop "dynamic markers" of normality in healthy individuals stratified by sex, age, and body mass index. Our results provide insight into the dynamics of adrenal steroids in tissue in real-world settings and may serve as a normative reference for biomarkers of endocrine disorders (ULTRADIAN, NCT02934399).

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.

A polygenic risk score to help discriminate primary adrenal insufficiency of different etiologies

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). Despite its exceptionally high heritability, tools to estimate disease susceptibility in individual patients are lacking. We hypothesized that a polygenic risk score (PRS) for AAD could help investigate PAI pathogenesis in pediatric patients.

METHODS

We here constructed and evaluated a PRS for AAD in 1223 seropositive cases and 4097 controls. To test its clinical utility, we reevaluated 18 pediatric patients, whose whole genome we also sequenced. We next explored the individual PRS in more than 120 seronegative patients with idiopathic PAI.

RESULTS

The genetic susceptibility to AAD-quantified using PRS-was on average 1.5 standard deviations (SD) higher in patients compared with healthy controls (p < 2e-16), and 1.2 SD higher in the young patients compared with the old (p = 3e-4). Using the novel PRS, we searched for pediatric patients with strikingly low AAD susceptibility and identified cases of monogenic PAI, previously misdiagnosed as AAD. By stratifying seronegative adult patients by autoimmune comorbidities and disease duration we could delineate subgroups of PRS suggesting various disease etiologies.

CONCLUSIONS

The PRS performed well for case-control differentiation and susceptibility estimation in individual patients. Remarkably, a PRS for AAD holds promise as a means to detect disease etiologies other than autoimmunity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Self-management and hospitalization in 615 Swedish patients with Addison's disease during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) entails a chronic adrenal insufficiency and is associated with an increased risk of severe infections. It is, however, unknown how patients with AAD were affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020-2021. This study was aimed at investigating the incidence of COVID-19 in patients with AAD in Sweden, the self-adjustment of medications during the disease, impact on social aspects, and treatment during hospitalization. Additionally, we investigated if there were any possible risk factors for infection and hospitalization.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Questionnaires were sent out from April to October 2021 to 813 adult patients with AAD in the Swedish Addison Registry. The questionnaires included 55 questions inquiring about COVID-19 sickness, hospital care, medications, and comorbidities, focusing on the pre-vaccine phase.

RESULTS

Among the 615 included patients with AAD, COVID-19 was reported in 17% of which 8.5% required hospital care. Glucocorticoid treatment in hospitalized patients varied. For outpatients, 85% increased their glucocorticoid dosage during sickness. Older age (P = .002) and hypertension (P = .014) were associated with an increased risk of hospital care, while younger age (P < .001) and less worry about infection (P = .030) were correlated with a higher risk of COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest study to date examining AAD during the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed that although one-fifth of the cohort contracted COVID-19, few patients required hospital care. A majority of the patients applied general recommended sick rules despite reporting limited communication with healthcare during the pandemic.

Brain structure in autoimmune Addison's disease

Long-term disturbances in cortisol levels might affect brain structure in individuals with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD). This study investigated gray and white matter brain structure in a cohort of young adults with AAD. T1- and diffusion-weighted images were acquired for 52 individuals with AAD and 70 healthy controls, aged 19-43 years, using magnetic resonance imaging. Groups were compared on cortical thickness, surface area, cortical gray matter volume, subcortical volume (FreeSurfer), and white matter microstructure (FSL tract-based spatial statistics). Individuals with AAD had 4.3% smaller total brain volume. Correcting for head size, we did not find any regional structural differences, apart from reduced volume of the right superior parietal cortex in males with AAD. Within the patient group, a higher glucocorticoid (GC) replacement dose was associated with smaller total brain volume and smaller volume of the left lingual gyrus, left rostral anterior cingulate cortex, and right supramarginal gyrus. With the exception of smaller total brain volume and potential sensitivity of the parietal cortex to GC disturbances in men, brain structure seems relatively unaffected in young adults with AAD. However, the association between GC replacement dose and reduced brain volume may be reason for concern and requires follow-up study.

Young adult Swedish patients with autoimmune Addison's disease report difficulties with executive functions in daily life despite overall good cognitive performance

OBJECTIVES

Sub-optimal replacement of glucocorticoids (GC) in autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) may affect cognitive functioning. The present study therefore sought to investigate cognitive performance and self-reported problems with executive functions in a cohort of young adult patients with AAD.

DESIGN AND METHODS

67 patients with AAD (39 females), mean age 32 yrs. (range 19-41), and 80 control participants (43 females), mean age 29 yrs. (range 19-43), completed neuropsychological tests estimating verbal and non-verbal intellectual ability, learning, memory and executive functioning, in addition to self-report scales assessing problems with executive functions, fatigue and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

RESULTS

Patients performed within the average range on all cognitive tests compared to population norms. However, female AAD patients reported more problems than controls with both hot (emotion regulation) and cold (cognitive regulation) executive functions in daily life. Moreover, experienced problems with executive functions in both male and female patients were associated with increased mental fatigue and lower GC replacement doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite average performance in neuropsychological tests by both sexes, young adult female patients with AAD experience problems with executive functions in daily life. Coping with mental fatigue and optimization of pharmacotherapy may be important factors to be addressed in order to provide timely support for patients. Future research is needed to further determine other risk factors for experiencing executive function impairments in AAD.

Shared etiology of type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a population-based twin study

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto's thyroiditis frequently cluster in individuals and in families, indicating shared origins. The objective of this study was to investigate familial co-aggregation of these diseases and to quantify shared genetic and environmental factors.

DESIGN

This study is a twin cohort study.

METHODS

National health registers were used to identify cases among 110 814 Swedish twins. Co-aggregation was calculated as risk ratios for type 1 diabetes among co-twins of individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and vice-versa. Variance explained by genetics (i.e. heritability), and the proportions thereof shared between the diseases, was estimated by contrasting associations in monozygotic and dizygotic twins using structural equation models.

RESULTS

Individuals with one disease were at a high risk for the other disease (adjusted risk ratio: 11.4 (95% CI: 8.5-15.3)). Co-aggregation was more common in monozygotic than in dizygotic pairs, with adjusted risk ratios of 7.0 (95% CI: 3.2-15.1) and 1.7 (95% CI: 0.7-4.1), respectively. Genetic effects shared across diseases accounted for 11% of the variance for type 1 diabetes and 9% of the variance for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, while environmental factors unique to individual twins, but shared across diseases, accounted for 10% of the variance for type 1 diabetes and 18% of the variance for Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

CONCLUSIONS

Both genes and environment unique to individual twins contribute to considerable etiologic overlap between type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. These findings add to the current knowledge on the mechanisms behind autoimmune disease clustering and could guide future research aimed at identifying pathophysiological mechanisms and intervention targets.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a very rare cause of adrenal incidentalomas in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Undiagnosed congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can cause adrenal incidentalomas, but the frequency is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CAH in a population with adrenal incidentalomas and report the clinical characterization.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective study performed at a regional hospital from 2016 to 2021. Patients with adrenal incidentalomas were investigated with an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulation test in addition to hormonal workup. Serum cortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) were analyzed. Individuals with a basal or stimulated 17OHP ≥30 nmol/L were classified as suspicious non-classic CAH, and a CYP21A2-gene analysis was performed in these subjects.

RESULTS

In total, 320 individuals with adrenal incidentalomas were referred to the center, and of these individuals, an ACTH-stimulation test was performed in 222 (median age, 67 (24-87) years; 58.6% women; and 11.7% with bilateral lesions). None of the individuals presented a basal 17OHP ≥30 nmol/L, but there were 8 (3.6%) who did after ACTH stimulation. Four of these subjects (50%) presented bilateral lesions, and the tumor size was larger compared to that of the individuals with a stimulated 17OHP <30 nmol/L (median, 38 (19-66) vs. 19 (11-85) mm, p=0.001). A CYP21A2 variation (p.Val282Leu) was detected in one of the eight subjects with a stimulated 17OHP ≥30 nmol/L, i.e., the patient was a heterozygotic carrier. None of the eight subjects presented with cortisol insufficiency or clinical signs of hyperandrogenism.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of non-classic CAH in an adrenal incidentaloma cohort was 3.6% based on stimulated 17OHP and 0% based on gene analysis. CAH should be considered in AI management in selected cases and confirmed by genetic analysis.

Natural history and surgical outcome of Rathke's cleft cysts-A study from the Swedish Pituitary Registry

OBJECTIVE

Rathke's cleft cysts are benign, embryological remnants in the pituitary gland. The majority of them are small and asymptomatic but a few may become large, and cause mass effects, pituitary hormone deficiencies and visual impairment. Recommendations for the follow-up of Rathke's cleft cysts vary since data on the natural history are sparse.

PATIENTS AND DESIGN

Data at diagnosis and at 1, 5 and 10 years for patients with a Rathke's cleft cyst (434 at diagnosis, 317 females) were retrieved from the Swedish Pituitary Registry. Cysts ≤3 mm in diameter were excluded from the study.

MEASUREMENTS

Data included demographics, cyst size, pituitary function, visual defects and surgery.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis was 45 years. In patients with cysts <10 mm in diameter (n = 204) 2.9% had pituitary hormone deficiencies and 2% had visual field impairments. Cyst size did not progress during the 5 years. Cysts with a diameter of ≥10 mm that were not operated (n = 174) decreased in size over the years (p < .01). Pituitary hormone deficiencies and visual impairments were more frequent (18% and 5.7%, respectively) but were stable over time. Transphenoidal surgery was performed in 56 patients of whom 51 underwent surgery before the 1-year follow-up. The mean cyst diameter at diagnosis was 18 mm (range: 9─30 mm), 36% had pituitary hormone deficiency, 45% had visual field defects and 20% had impaired visual acuity. One year after surgery 60% had no cyst remnants, 50% had a pituitary deficiency, 26% had visual field defects and 12% had impaired visual acuity. No major changes were observed after 5 years. Twelve of the operated patients had a follow-up at 10 years, in eight the cyst remnants or recurrences increased in size over time (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Rathke's cleft cysts with a size less than 10 mm rarely grow and our results indicate that radiological follow-up can be restricted to 5 years. In contrast, progression of postoperative remnants or recurrent cysts is more likely and require long-term follow-up.

[Overview of immune-related side effects from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Part 2: Endocrine, rheumatologic and skin toxicity]

In the past decade, immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the field of oncology. Checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for several types of cancer and thousands of patients in Sweden now receive oncological immunotherapy annually. Immune-related side effects are common and can occur in almost any organ. These side effects are different from those that occur with traditional oncological treatments. The side effects are usually mild, but can be serious and even lethal. In a short time, health care providers have had to readjust to be able to handle these side effects. Early and correct diagnosis of immune-related side effects, proper management and a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. Here, we give an overview of the presentation, diagnosis and treatment of immune-related side effects, with emphasis on endocrine, rheumatologic and skin toxicity.

Prevalence of Nelson's syndrome after bilateral adrenalectomy in patients with cushing's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Bilateral adrenalectomy (BA) still plays an important role in the management of Cushing's disease (CD). Nelson's syndrome (NS) is a severe complication of BA, but conflicting data on its prevalence and predicting factors have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of NS, and identify factors associated with its development.

DATA SOURCES

Systematic literature search in four databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Observational studies reporting the prevalence of NS after BA in adult patients with CD.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by three independent investigators.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Thirty-six studies, with a total of 1316 CD patients treated with BA, were included for the primary outcome. Pooled prevalence of NS was 26% (95% CI 22-31%), with moderate to high heterogeneity (I² 67%, P < 0.01). The time from BA to NS varied from 2 months to 39 years. The prevalence of NS in the most recently published studies, where magnet resonance imaging was used, was 38% (95% CI 27-50%). The prevalence of treatment for NS was 21% (95% CI 18-26%). Relative risk for NS was not significantly affected by prior pituitary radiotherapy [0.9 (95% CI 0.5-1.6)] or pituitary surgery [0.6 (95% CI 0.4-1.0)].

CONCLUSIONS

Every fourth patient with CD treated with BA develops NS, and every fifth patient requires pituitary-specific treatment. The risk of NS may persist for up to four decades after BA. Life-long follow-up is essential for early detection and adequate treatment of NS.

Rate of fracture in patients with glucocorticoid replacement therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The association between glucocorticoid replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency (AI) and osteoporosis is unclear. Fracture is a major cause of morbidity in patients with osteoporosis. This study aims to determine if patients on glucocorticoid replacement therapy for AI have an increased rate of fractures compared to the general population.

METHODS

We included all studies with adult patients receiving glucocorticoid replacement therapy for either congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI), or secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI). Studies without fracture data were excluded, as well as meeting abstracts. Studies with fractures but without a control group were eligible to be included in the systematic review but not in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome was the number of fractures, which was further differentiated into osteoporotic fractures. In addition, the glucocorticoid dose equivalents used were noted whenever possible.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included in the systematic review. Seven were used in the meta-analysis of any fracture and six were used for osteoporotic fracture. The reported fracture rate ranged between no fracture to 60.8% in the patient group and no fracture to 43.8% in the control group. The odds ratio (OR) for any fracture was 2.71 (95%CI: 1.36-5.43, P = 0.005) and for osteoporotic fracture 2.76 (95%CI: 2.39-3.19 P < 0.00001), favoring the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AI on glucocorticoid replacement therapy have a higher rate of fractures compared to the control population.

Increased antibody reactivity against insulin receptor-A and insulin like growth factor 1 receptor and their ligands in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis

OBJECTIVES

Evidence has accumulated that an autoimmune-mediated process in the central nervous system may underlie the development of schizophrenia. Various antibodies have also previously been detected in serum of patients with schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze antibody reactivity against proteins, selected based on potential schizophrenia disease relevance, in both cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients with schizophrenia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cerebrospinal fluid and serum from 17 patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis and 12 controls were analyzed regarding antibody reactivity, using bead-based antigen arrays of protein fragments or peptides of 21 selected proteins. Additionally, the patients were accessed for clinical symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for schizophrenia.

RESULTS

Increased antibody reactivity was found in patients compared to controls against the insulin receptor (INSR), PAGE2B;2;5 and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in both cerebrospinal fluid and serum, and against the insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), insulin (INS), insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1), cadherin 5 (CDH5), nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in serum alone. Moreover, patients' antibody reactivity in serum against PAGE2B;2;5, IGF1R or NGF correlated positively to their PANSS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these results point to that an autoimmune-mediated process underlies the development of a core group of schizophrenia cases and that the INSR and IGF1R, their ligands (INS and IGF1) and related inter- and intracellular proteins (CDH5, PAGE2B;2;5, HSPs, NGF and VEGFA) may constitute antigen targets.

Genome-Wide Association Study Links Autoimmune Addison’s Disease to Break of Central Tolerance

Autoimmune Addison’s disease is the predominant cause of primary adrenal failure, and is highly heritable. The genetic background has remained poorly understood due to the low prevalence and complex inheritance of the disease. We performed a genome-wide association study, which identified nine independent risk loci (P &lt; 5 × 10–8). In addition to novel and previous risk loci involved in lymphocyte functionality, we further associated autoimmune Addison’s disease with two independent protein-coding alterations in the gene Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE). The most striking is the amino-acid substitution p.R471C (rs74203920, OR = 3.4 (2.7–4.3), P = 9.0 × 10–25), which introduces an additional cysteine residue in the zinc-finger motif of the PHD2 domain of AIRE. This unbiased elucidation of the genetic contribution to development of autoimmune Addison’s disease points to the importance of central immunological tolerance, and explains 35–41 percent of heritability.

Gene Expression to Guide Glucocorticoid Replacement in Autoimmune Addison’s Disease

Objective: Deciding the optimal doses of glucocorticoid (GC) replacement treatment in autoimmune Addison’s disease (AAD) is impeded by the lack of reliable biomarkers. This frequently results in over-treatment, with alarming and persistent side-effects, or under-replacement, which could be fatal. There is a need to think new in the quest for robust biomarkers to optimize GC replacement in AAD at an individual level.

Aim: We aimed to identify genes that are consistently up- or down-regulated in patients with AAD in response to different GC replacement doses. This information can be used to establish novel biomarkers to guide GC treatment in AAD.

Methods: Step 1: Global microarray expression analysis on RNA from whole blood before and after intravenous infusion of 100 mg hydrocortisone (HC) in 10 patients with AAD. To verify the results, we performed real-time PCR to compare gene expression levels of three of the highly differentially expressed genes (FKBP5, MMP9, and DSIPI) to compare gene expression levels before and two, four, and six hours after the HC infusion. Step 2: Rt-PCR to compare expression levels of 93 GC-regulated genes in normal versus very low morning cortisol levels in 27 patients with AAD.

Results: Step 1: Two hours after infusion of 100 mg HC, there was a marked increase in FKBP5, MMP9, and DSIPI expression levels. MMP9 and DSIPI expression levels correlated with serum cortisol. Step 2: Expression levels of CEBPB, DDIT4, FKBP5, DSIPI, and VDR were increased and ADARB1, ARIDB5, and POU2F1 decreased in normal versus very low morning cortisol. Normal serum cortisol levels positively correlated with DSIPI, DDIT4, and FKBP5 expression.

Conclusions: We introduce gene expression as a novel approach to guide GC replacement in AAD. We suggest that gene expression of DSIPI, DDIT4, and FKBP5 are particularly promising candidate biomarkers of GC replacement, followed by MMP9, CEBPB, VDR, ADARB1, ARID5B, and POU2F1.

Limited Genetic Overlap Between Overt Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Graves' Disease in Twins: A Population-based Study

CONTEXT

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) are known to coaggregate in families, but the magnitude and nature of a shared etiology is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the shared genetic influence on overt HT and GD and to examine if the heritability differs between men and women.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

We used national health registries to identify cases of HT and GD in a cohort of 110 814 Swedish twins. By comparing intra-class and cross-twin cross-trait correlations in dizygotic and monozygotic twins, we calculated heritability and the proportions thereof shared between the diseases. Univariate estimates of heritability were calculated by sex.

RESULTS

The heritability for HT and GD was 65% (95% CI, 61-70) and 63% (95% CI, 55-72), respectively. The genetic correlation was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.20-0.50) and shared genetic effects accounted for 8% of the variance for both HT and GD. Univariate heritability was significantly higher in men than in women for HT (90% vs 60%, P < 0.001) but not for GD (79% vs 63%, P = 0.085).

CONCLUSIONS

From a genetic perspective, HT and GD appear to be only modestly related diseases. Hence, the term "autoimmune thyroid disease," used to cluster these disorders, may have limited validity in a genetic context. Moreover, the mechanisms contributing to HT are partly different for the sexes, with genetic components more important in men.

Therapy options for adrenal insufficiency and recommendations for the management of adrenal crisis

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening condition requiring life-long glucocorticoid (GC) substitution therapy, as well as stress adaptation to prevent adrenal crises. The number of individuals with primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency in Europe is estimated to be 20-50/100.000. A growing number of AI cases are due to side effects of GC treatment used in different treatment strategies for cancer and to immunotherapy in cancer treatment. The benefit of hormone replacement therapy is evident but long-term adverse effects may arise due to the non-physiological GC doses and treatment regimens used. Given multiple GC replacement formulations available comprising short-acting, intermediate, long-acting and novel modified-release hydrocortisone as well as subcutaneous formulations, this review offers a concise summary on the latest therapeutic improvements for treatment of AI and prevention of adrenal crises. As availability of various glucocorticoid formulations and access to expert centers across Europe varies widely, European Reference Networks on rare endocrine conditions aim at harmonizing treatment and ensure access to specialized patient care for individual case-by-case treatment decisions. To improve the availability across Europe to cost effective oral and parenteral formulations of hydrocortisone will save lives.

Potential Transcriptional Biomarkers to Guide Glucocorticoid Replacement in Autoimmune Addison's Disease

Background

No reliable biomarkers exist to guide glucocorticoid (GC) replacement treatment in autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD), leading to overtreatment with alarming and persistent side effects or undertreatment, which could be fatal.

Objective

To explore changes in gene expression following different GC replacement doses as a means of identifying candidate transcriptional biomarkers to guide GC replacement in AAD.

Methods

Step 1: Global microarray expression analysis on RNA from whole blood before and after intravenous infusion of 100 mg hydrocortisone (HC) in 10 patients with AAD. In 3 of the most highly upregulated genes, we performed real-time PCR (rt-PCR) to compare gene expression levels before and 3, 4, and 6 hours after the HC infusion. Step 2: Rt-PCR to compare expression levels of 93 GC-regulated genes in normal versus very low morning cortisol levels in 27 patients with AAD.

Results

Step 1: Two hours after infusion of 100 mg HC, there was a marked increase in FKBP5, MMP9, and DSIPI expression levels. MMP9 and DSIPI expression levels correlated with serum cortisol. Step 2: Expression levels of CEBPB, DDIT4, FKBP5, DSIPI, and VDR were increased and levels of ADARB1, ARIDB5, and POU2F1 decreased in normal versus very low morning cortisol. Normal serum cortisol levels positively correlated with DSIPI, DDIT4, and FKBP5 expression.

Conclusions

We introduce gene expression as a novel approach to guide GC replacement in AAD. We suggest that gene expression of DSIPI, DDIT4, and FKBP5 are particularly promising candidate biomarkers of GC replacement, followed by MMP9, CEBPB, VDR, ADARB1, ARID5B, and POU2F1.

Fertility and pregnancy in women with primary adrenal insufficiency

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) occurs in ~1/5000-1/7000 individuals and is in most cases caused by autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD). Around 10-20% of women with AAD develop premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) before the age of 40 years. 21-Hydroxylase autoantibodies (21OHAb) are the best single immune marker to classify AAD among PAI patients and autoimmune POI in hypergonadotropic hypogonadic women. In AAD, detection of steroid-cell autoantibodies (StCA) predicts future development of POI. AAD-related autoimmune POI is characterized by a selective destruction of theca cells with preservation of primary follicles and granulosa cells of secondary and tertiary follicles. Women with AAD show reduced fertility and parity. Patients with well-managed disease are generally expected to have uneventful pregnancies with favorable outcome, but increased risk of maternal and neonatal complications has been reported. Hence, AAD pregnant women must be carefully monitored by skilled staff which is familiar with the disorder and specific attention must be given to the substitutive therapy.

Excess Morbidity Persists in Patients With Cushing's Disease During Long-term Remission: A Swedish Nationwide Study

CONTEXT

Whether multisystem morbidity in Cushing's disease (CD) remains elevated during long-term remission is still undetermined.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate comorbidities in patients with CD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

A retrospective, nationwide study of patients with CD identified in the Swedish National Patient Register between 1987 and 2013. Individual medical records were reviewed to verify diagnosis and remission status.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using the Swedish general population as reference. Comorbidities were investigated during three different time periods: (i) during the 3 years before diagnosis, (ii) from diagnosis to 1 year after remission, and (iii) during long-term remission.

RESULTS

We included 502 patients with confirmed CD, of whom 419 were in remission for a median of 10 (interquartile range 4 to 21) years. SIRs (95% CI) for myocardial infarction (4.4; 1.2 to 11.4), fractures (4.9; 2.7 to 8.3), and deep vein thrombosis (13.8; 3.8 to 35.3) were increased during the 3-year period before diagnosis. From diagnosis until 1 year after remission, SIRs (95% CI were increased for thromboembolism (18.3; 7.9 to 36.0), stroke (4.9; 1.3 to 12.5), and sepsis (13.6; 3.7 to 34.8). SIRs for thromboembolism (4.9; 2.6 to 8.4), stroke (3.1; 1.8 to 4.9), and sepsis (6.0; 3.1 to 10.6) remained increased during long-term remission.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CD have an increased incidence of stroke, thromboembolism, and sepsis even after remission, emphasizing the importance of early identification and management of risk factors for these comorbidities during long-term follow-up.

Current Management and Outcome of Pregnancies in Women With Adrenal Insufficiency: Experience from a Multicenter Survey

CONTEXT

Appropriate management of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in pregnancy can be challenging due to the rarity of the disease and lack of evidence-based recommendations to guide glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid dosage adjustment.

OBJECTIVE

Multicenter survey on current clinical approaches in managing AI during pregnancy.

DESIGN

Retrospective anonymized data collection from 19 international centers from 2013 to 2019.

SETTING AND PATIENTS

128 pregnancies in 113 women with different causes of AI: Addison disease (44%), secondary AI (25%), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (25%), and acquired AI due to bilateral adrenalectomy (6%).

RESULTS

Hydrocortisone (HC) was the most commonly used glucocorticoid in 83% (97/117) of pregnancies. Glucocorticoid dosage was increased at any time during pregnancy in 73/128 (57%) of cases. In these cases, the difference in the daily dose of HC equivalent between baseline and the third trimester was 8.6 ± 5.4 (range 1-30) mg. Fludrocortisone dosage was increased in fewer cases (7/54 during the first trimester, 9/64 during the second trimester, and 9/62 cases during the third trimester). Overall, an adrenal crisis was reported in 9/128 (7%) pregnancies. Cesarean section was the most frequent mode of delivery at 58% (69/118). Fetal complications were reported in 3/120 (3%) and minor maternal complications in 15/120 (13%) pregnancies without fatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey confirms good maternal and fetal outcome in women with AI managed in specialized endocrine centers. An emphasis on careful endocrine follow-up and repeated patient education is likely to have reduced the risk of adrenal crisis and resulted in positive outcomes.

Residual Corticosteroid Production in Autoimmune Addison Disease

CONTEXT

Contrary to current dogma, growing evidence suggests that some patients with autoimmune Addison disease (AAD) produce corticosteroids even years after diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine frequencies and clinical features of residual corticosteroid production in patients with AAD.

DESIGN

Two-staged, cross-sectional clinical study in 17 centers (Norway, Sweden, and Germany). Residual glucocorticoid (GC) production was defined as quantifiable serum cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol and residual mineralocorticoid (MC) production as quantifiable serum aldosterone and corticosterone after > 18 hours of medication fasting. Corticosteroids were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Clinical variables included frequency of adrenal crises and quality of life. Peak cortisol response was evaluated by a standard 250 µg cosyntropin test.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight (30.2%) of 192 patients had residual GC production, more common in men (n = 33; P < 0.002) and in shorter disease duration (median 6 [0-44] vs 13 [0-53] years; P < 0.001). Residual MC production was found in 26 (13.5%) patients and associated with shorter disease duration (median 5.5 [0.5-26.0] vs 13 [0-53] years; P < 0.004), lower fludrocortisone replacement dosage (median 0.075 [0.050-0.120] vs 0.100 [0.028-0.300] mg; P < 0.005), and higher plasma renin concentration (median 179 [22-915] vs 47.5 [0.6-658.0] mU/L; P < 0.001). There was no significant association between residual production and frequency of adrenal crises or quality of life. None had a normal cosyntropin response, but peak cortisol strongly correlated with unstimulated cortisol (r = 0.989; P < 0.001) and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; r = -0.487; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In established AAD, one-third of the patients still produce GCs even decades after diagnosis. Residual production is more common in men and in patients with shorter disease duration but is not associated with adrenal crises or quality of life.

Co-aggregation and heritability of organ-specific autoimmunity: a population-based twin study

OBJECTIVE

Co-aggregation of autoimmune diseases is common, suggesting partly shared etiologies. Genetic factors are believed to be important, but objective measures of environmental vs heritable influences on co-aggregation are absent. With a novel approach to twin studies, we aimed at estimating heritability and genetic overlap in seven organ-specific autoimmune diseases.

DESIGN

Prospective twin cohort study.

METHODS

We used a cohort of 110 814 twins to examine co-aggregation and heritability of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, atrophic gastritis, celiac disease, Graves' disease, type 1 diabetes, vitiligo and Addison's disease. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated for twins developing the same or different disease as compared to their co-twin. The differences between monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs were used to estimate the genetic influence on co-aggregation. Heritability for individual disorders was calculated using structural equational modeling adjusting for censoring and truncation of data.

RESULTS

Co-aggregation was more pronounced in monozygotic twins (median HR: 3.2, range: 2.2-9.2) than in dizygotic twins (median HR: 2.4, range: 1.1-10.0). Heritability was moderate for atrophic gastritis (0.38, 95% CI: 0.23-0.53) but high for all other diseases, ranging from 0.60 (95% CI: 0.49-0.71) for Graves' disease to 0.97 (95% CI: 0.91-1.00) for Addison's disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, co-aggregation was more pronounced in monozygotic than in dizygotic twins, suggesting that disease overlap is largely attributable to genetic factors. Co-aggregation was common, and twins faced up to a ten-fold risk of developing diseases not present in their co-twin. Our results validate and refine previous heritability estimates based on smaller twin cohorts.

Mass Cytometry Studies of Patients With Autoimmune Endocrine Diseases Reveal Distinct Disease-Specific Alterations in Immune Cell Subsets

Although there is evidence that autoimmune diseases share similar immunogenetic mechanisms, studies comparing peripheral CD45⁺ cells from patients with autoimmune endocrine diseases in parallel are limited. In this study, we applied high-dimensional single-cell mass cytometry to phenotypically characterize PBMC from patients with new-onset (N-T1D) and long-standing type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), Graves' disease and autoimmune Addison's disease (AD), as well as healthy controls. The frequency of CD20^loCD27^hiCD38^hiHLA-DR^int plasmablasts, CD86⁺CD14^loCD16⁺ non-classical monocytes and two subsets of CD56^dimHLA-DR⁺IFN-γ⁺ NK cells were increased in patients with HT. Subsets of CD56^dimCD69⁺HLA-DR^- NK cells and CD8⁺ TEMRA cells, both expressing IFN-γ, were expanded and reduced, respectively, in the N-T1D group. In addition, patients with AD were characterized by an increased percentage of central memory CD8⁺ T cells that expressed CCR4, GATA3, and IL-2. We demonstrate that patients with N-T1D, HT, and AD had altered frequencies of distinct subsets within antigen-presenting and cytotoxic cell lineages. Previously unreported alterations of specific cell subsets were identified in samples from patients with HT and AD. Our study might contribute to a better understanding of shared and diverging immunological features between autoimmune endocrine diseases.

Overall and Disease-Specific Mortality in Patients With Cushing Disease: A Swedish Nationwide Study

CONTEXT

Whether patients with Cushing disease (CD) in remission have increased mortality is still debatable.

OBJECTIVE

To study overall and disease-specific mortality and predictive factors in an unselected nationwide cohort of patients with CD.

DESIGN, PATIENTS, AND METHODS

A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with CD, identified in the Swedish National Patient Registry between 1987 and 2013. Medical records were systematically reviewed to verify the diagnosis. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% CIs were calculated and Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

Of 502 identified patients with CD (n = 387 women; 77%), 419 (83%) were confirmed to be in remission. Mean age at diagnosis was 43 (SD, 16) years and median follow-up was 13 (interquartile range, 6 to 23) years. The observed number of deaths was 133 vs 54 expected, resulting in an overall SMR of 2.5 (95% CI, 2.1 to 2.9). The commonest cause of death was cardiovascular diseases (SMR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.6 to 4.3). Excess mortality was also found associated with infections and suicide. For patients in remission, the SMR was 1.9 (95% CI, 1.5 to 2.3); bilateral adrenalectomy and glucocorticoid replacement therapy were independently associated with increased mortality, whereas GH replacement was associated with improved outcome.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this large nationwide study indicate that patients with CD have excess mortality. The findings illustrate the importance of achieving remission and continued active surveillance, along with adequate hormone replacement and evaluation of cardiovascular risk and mental health.

Sex-Specific Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Autoimmune Addison Disease-A Population-Based Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Little is known of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in autoimmune Addison disease (AAD). Inadequate glucocorticoid replacement might potentially increase CVD risk.

OBJECTIVE

To examine CVD in AAD in subgroups of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) and investigate the effects of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid dosing.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

In this cohort-control study, we used Swedish health registries from 1964 to 2013 to identify 1500 subjects with AAD and 13,758 matched controls. Incident CVD was analyzed from 2006 to 2013. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models. Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid doses were stratified to examine dose-related risks.

RESULTS

During 8807 person-years (PY), 94 events of first CVD (10.7/1000 PY) in patients with AAD occurred compared with 563 events during 80,163 PY (7.0/1000 PY) in controls. IHD was significantly more common in women (aHR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.49 to 3.10) but not men (aHR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.78) with AAD compared with controls. No increase in CeVD risk was detected (aHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.37, women; aHR, 0.88; 95% CI 0.53 to 1.50, men). CVD was associated with greater glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement doses in women but not men.

CONCLUSION

The risk of IHD but not CeVD is increased in AAD, especially in women. The risk of CVD independently correlated with greater glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement doses in women. Our data suggest that close monitoring and early treatment of risk factors for CVD, among women in particular, might be warranted.

SUN-450 Comorbidities in 419 Patients with Cushing's Disease in Remission: A Swedish Nationwide Study

Background: Patients with Cushing´s disease (CD) in remission have increased mortality compared to the general population. To date, large cohort studies, performed to assess long-term comorbidities in patients with CD, are lacking. Objective: To study the incidence of cardiovascular disease, sepsis, fractures and cancer in an unselected nationwide cohort of patients with CD. Methods: Patients with CD, diagnosed between 1987 and 2013, were identified in the Swedish National Patient Registry. Medical records were systematically reviewed to verify the diagnosis and remission status. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for comorbidities after CD was diagnosed, with 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated by using the Swedish general population as the reference. Patients: A total of 502 patients had confirmed diagnosis of CD. Of these, 419 (83%) patients [325 (78%) women] were in remission at the last follow-up, and thereby eligible for the analysis. The mean±SD age at diagnosis was 41±15 years and median (interquartile range) time in remission was 10 years (4-21). Out of 419 patients in remission, 315 (75%) had been treated with pituitary surgery, 116 (28%) with radiotherapy and 102 (25%) with bilateral adrenalectomy. Results: SIR in patients in remission was 2.6 (1.9-3.4) for stroke, 1.8 (1.1-2.6) for myocardial infarction, 4.4 (2.5-7.1) for pulmonary embolism and 3.4 (1.8-6.0) for deep vein thrombosis. The risk for sepsis was markedly elevated with a SIR of 5.8 (3.8-8.4). SIR for all fractures was 1.7 (1.3-2.1), 2.6 (1.4-4.6) for wrist fracture and 1.6 (0.9-2.6) for hip fracture. The overall incidence of cancer was not increased [SIR 1.2 (0.9-1.5)] in comparison with the background population. Conclusions This large nationwide study shows that patients with CD in remission have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, thromboembolism, fractures and severe infections. The excess morbidity in these patients illustrate the importance of early identification and management of risk factors for these comorbidities during long-term follow-up.

OR19-1 Heritability and Etiological Overlap in Seven Autoimmune Diseases: A Population-Based Swedish Twin Study

With few exceptions, autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are genetically complex disorders. Familial aggregation of AIDs is common, and it is therefore not surprising that many genetic risk markers in autoimmunity are pleiotropic ¹. Despite this, etiologic overlap across AIDs has not yet been explored in an unbiased fashion. We therefore used the Swedish Twin Registry to study heritability and overlap between seven AIDs known to cluster. Using data on 116,320 twins of known zygosity, we identified 1,957 subjects with a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, 762 with atrophic gastritis, 723 with celiac disease, 645 with Grave’s disease, 420 with type-1 diabetes, 192 with vitiligo and 31 with autoimmune Addison’s disease. Heritability for individual disorders ranged from 0.97 for Addison´s disease to 0.47 for pernicious anemia using AE-models (additive genetic and unique environmental effects). Probandwise concordance rates ranged from 0.71 in monozygotic twins (MZ) with Addison’s disease to 0 in dizygotic twins (DZ) with Addison’s disease and vitiligo. Rates were higher in MZ than in DZ pairs for all seven diseases. Probandwise pseudo-concordance was defined as the proportion of co-twins with a different AID among twins with index AID. Total probandwise concordance was defined as the proportion of co-twins with (any of the studied) AIDs among twins with index AID. The ratio of probandwise pseudo-concordance to total probandwise concordance was used as a measure of autoimmune clustering. This ratio was highest for Addison’s disease (MZ 0.54, DZ 1.0) and vitiligo (MZ 0.46, DZ 1.0), lower for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (MZ 0.29, DZ 0.29) and lowest for Celiac disease (MZ 0.12, DZ 0.31). In the context of the seven AIDs explored here, probandwise concordance rates for individual diseases underestimate the burden of autoimmunity. This effect is considerable for disorders with significant etiological overlap, such as Addison’s disease and vitiligo, but marginal in celiac disease, which has little etiological overlap. The genetic influence on disease occurrence for individual disorders is high, with heritability estimates ranging from 0.97 to 0.47. 1. Cotsapas C, Voight BF, Rossin E, et al. Pervasive sharing of genetic effects in autoimmune disease. PLoS Genet 2011;7(8):e1002254. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002254

The incidence of Cushing's disease: a nationwide Swedish study

BACKGROUND

Studies on the incidence of Cushing's disease (CD) are few and usually limited by a small number of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the annual incidence in a nationwide cohort of patients with presumed CD in Sweden.

METHODS

Patients registered with a diagnostic code for Cushing's syndrome (CS) or CD, between 1987 and 2013 were identified in the Swedish National Patient Registry. The CD diagnosis was validated by reviewing clinical, biochemical, imaging, and histopathological data.

RESULTS

Of 1317 patients identified, 534 (41%) had confirmed CD. One-hundred-and-fifty-six (12%) patients had other forms of CS, 41 (3%) had probable but unconfirmed CD, and 334 (25%) had diagnoses unrelated to CS. The mean (95% confidence interval) annual incidence between 1987 and 2013 of confirmed CD was 1.6 (1.4-1.8) cases per million. 1987-1995, 1996-2004, and 2005-2013, the mean annual incidence was 1.5 (1.1-1.8), 1.4 (1.0-1.7) and 2.0 (1.7-2.3) cases per million, respectively. During the last time period the incidence was higher than during the first and second time periods (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of CD in Sweden (1.6 cases per million) is in agreement with most previous reports. A higher incidence between 2005 and 2013 compared to 1987-2004 was noticed. Whether this reflects a truly increased incidence of the disease, or simply an increased awareness, earlier recognition, and earlier diagnosis can, however, not be answered. This study also illustrates the importance of validation of the diagnosis of CD in epidemiological research.

Everyday managing and living with autoimmune Addison's disease: Exploring experiences using photovoice methods

People with rare diseases are a minority group that faces risks for healthcare and work inequities because knowledge and resources on how to systematically support health or working life are limited. Integrating voices of persons living with rare diseases are an important aspect in inclusive and relevant healthcare practices. This study sought to actively involve persons with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD), a rare condition, in exploring challenges and possibilities situated in everyday life. Photovoice methods were utilized to incorporate experiences through photographic documentation and group discussions with five persons over seven weeks. Data generated from group sessions were visually analyzed or transcribed and analyzed with thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: Individual and fine tuning in everyday life; It is not how it was; The power of knowledge and support; Becoming the expert in an uncertain context; and, Finding balance and paving new ways. The findings showed that everyday life with AAD was more complex than earlier portrayed; entailing several barriers and negotiations. In order to meet the needs of persons with AAD, more extensive and relevant information, support and self-management education is needed. Moreover, a complementary focus on everyday life to promote their health and wellbeing is also important.

Common genetic variation in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) locus is associated with autoimmune Addison's disease in Sweden

Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is the predominating cause of primary adrenal failure. Despite its high heritability, the rarity of disease has long made candidate-gene studies the only feasible methodology for genetic studies. Here we conducted a comprehensive reinvestigation of suggested AAD risk loci and more than 1800 candidate genes with associated regulatory elements in 479 patients with AAD and 2394 controls. Our analysis enabled us to replicate many risk variants, but several other previously suggested risk variants failed confirmation. By exploring the full set of 1800 candidate genes, we further identified common variation in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) as a novel risk locus associated to sporadic AAD in our study. Our findings not only confirm that multiple loci are associated with disease risk, but also show to what extent the multiple risk loci jointly associate to AAD. In total, risk loci discovered to date only explain about 7% of variance in liability to AAD in our study population.

Signs of impaired blood-brain barrier function and lower IgG synthesis within the central nervous system in patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis, compared to that in controls

OBJECTIVES

Evidence has accumulated that an inflammatory, possibly autoimmune-mediated, process in the central nervous system (CNS), and by way of an aberrant immune system, may underlie the development of schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis for blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and immunoglobulin (Ig)G synthesis within the CNS.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 12 controls were investigated using lumbar puncture and blood sampling. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum/plasma (S/P) were analysed for albumin and IgG by standard laboratory methods, and the ratio of CSF-albumin to P-albumin (marker of BBB function) and the IgG index (marker of CNS IgG synthesis) were calculated. Additionally, the patients were assessed for clinical symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for schizophrenia.

RESULTS

The ratio of CSF-albumin to P-albumin was higher and the IgG index was lower in patients than in controls (p=0.045 and p=0.001, respectively). Moreover, subgroup analyses showed that patients in partial symptom remission had higher ratios of CSF-albumin to P-albumin than patients in full symptom remission, and that patients with heredity for schizophrenia or related psychosis had lower IgG indices than patients without heredity.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study we show that patients with schizophrenia or related psychosis have impaired BBB function and lower IgG synthesis within the CNS, compared to controls. These findings support the view that a pathological process within the CNS, combined with an aberrant immune system, may underlie the development of schizophrenia.

Clues for early detection of autoimmune Addison's disease - myths and realities

BACKGROUND

Early detection of autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is important as delay in diagnosis may result in a life-threatening adrenal crisis and death. The classical clinical picture of untreated AAD is well-described, but methodical investigations are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

Perform a retrospective audit of patient records with the aim of identifying biochemical markers for early diagnosis of AAD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicentre retrospective study including 272 patients diagnosed with AAD at hospitals in Norway and Sweden during 1978-2016. Scrutiny of medical records provided patient data and laboratory values.

RESULTS

Low sodium occurred in 207 of 247 (84%), but only one-third had elevated potassium. Other common nonendocrine tests were largely normal. TSH was elevated in 79 of 153 patients, and hypoglycaemia was found in 10%. Thirty-three per cent were diagnosed subsequent to adrenal crisis, in whom electrolyte disturbances were significantly more pronounced (P < 0.001). Serum cortisol was consistently decreased (median 62 nmol L^-1 [1-668]) and significantly lower in individuals with adrenal crisis (38 nmol L^-1 [2-442]) than in those without (81 nmol L^-1 [1-668], P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The most consistent biochemical finding of untreated AAD was low sodium independent of the degree of glucocorticoid deficiency. Half of the patients had elevated TSH levels. Only a minority presented with marked hyperkalaemia or other nonhormonal abnormalities. Thus, unexplained low sodium and/or elevated TSH should prompt consideration of an undiagnosed AAD, and on clinical suspicion bring about assay of cortisol and ACTH. Presence of 21-hydroxylase autoantibodies confirms autoimmune aetiology. Anticipating additional abnormalities in routine blood tests may delay diagnosis.

Cytokine Autoantibody Screening in the Swedish Addison Registry Identifies Patients With Undiagnosed APS1

CONTEXT

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a monogenic disorder that features autoimmune Addison disease as a major component. Although APS1 accounts for only a small fraction of all patients with Addison disease, early identification of these individuals is vital to prevent the potentially lethal complications of APS1.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether available serological and genetic markers are valuable screening tools for the identification of APS1 among patients diagnosed with Addison disease.

DESIGN

We systematically screened 677 patients with Addison disease enrolled in the Swedish Addison Registry for autoantibodies against interleukin-22 and interferon-α4. Autoantibody-positive patients were investigated for clinical manifestations of APS1, additional APS1-specific autoantibodies, and DNA sequence and copy number variations of AIRE.

RESULTS

In total, 17 patients (2.5%) displayed autoantibodies against interleukin-22 and/or interferon-α4, of which nine were known APS1 cases. Four patients previously undiagnosed with APS1 fulfilled clinical, genetic, and serological criteria. Hence, we identified four patients with undiagnosed APS1 with this screening procedure.

CONCLUSION

We propose that patients with Addison disease should be routinely screened for cytokine autoantibodies. Clinical or serological support for APS1 should warrant DNA sequencing and copy number analysis of AIRE to enable early diagnosis and prevention of lethal complications.

Heritability of Addison's disease and prevalence of associated autoimmunity in a cohort of 112,100 Swedish twins

PURPOSE

The pathophysiology behind autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is poorly understood, and the relative influence of genetic and environmental factors remains unclear. In this study, we examined the heritability of AAD and explored disease-associated autoimmune comorbidity among Swedish twins.

METHODS

A population-based longitudinal cohort of 112,100 Swedish twins was used to calculate the heritability of AAD, and to explore co-occurrence of 10 organ-specific autoimmune disorders in twin pairs with AAD. Diagnoses were collected 1964-2012 through linkage to the Swedish National Patient Register. The Swedish Prescribed Drug Register was used for additional diagnostic precision. When available, biobank serum samples were used to ascertain the AAD diagnosis through identification of 21-hydroxylase autoantibodies.

RESULTS

We identified 29 twins with AAD. Five out of nine (5/9) monozygotic pairs and zero out of fifteen (0/15) dizygotic pairs were concordant for AAD. The probandwise concordance for monozygotic twins was 0.71 (95% CI 0.40-0.90) and the heritability 0.97 (95% CI 0.88-99). Autoimmune disease patterns of monozygotic twin pairs affected by AAD displayed a higher degree of similarity than those of dizygotic twins, with an incidence rate ratio of 15 (95% CI 1.8-116) on the number of shared autoimmune diagnoses within pairs.

CONCLUSIONS

The heritability of AAD appears to be very high, emphasizing the need for further research on the genetic etiology of the disease. Monozygotic twin concordance for multiple autoimmune manifestations suggests strong genetic influence on disease specificity in organ-specific autoimmunity.

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 in an Indian cohort: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive organ-specific autoimmunity. There is scant information on APS1 in ethnic groups other than European Caucasians. We studied clinical aspects and autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene mutations in a cohort of Indian APS1 patients.

DESIGN

Twenty-three patients (19 families) from six referral centres in India, diagnosed between 1996 and 2016, were followed for [median (range)] 4 (0.2-19) years.

METHODS

Clinical features, mortality, organ-specific autoantibodies and AIRE gene mutations were studied.

RESULTS

Patients varied widely in their age of presentation [3.5 (0.1-17) years] and number of clinical manifestations [5 (2-11)]. Despite genetic heterogeneity, the frequencies of the major APS1 components (mucocutaneous candidiasis: 96%; hypoparathyroidism: 91%; primary adrenal insufficiency: 55%) were similar to reports in European series. In contrast, primary hypothyroidism (23%) occurred more frequently and at an early age, while kerato-conjunctivitis, urticarial rash and autoimmune hepatitis were uncommon (9% each). Six (26%) patients died at a young age [5.8 (3-23) years] due to septicaemia, hepatic failure and adrenal/hypocalcaemic crisis from non-compliance/unexplained cause. Interferon-α and/or interleukin-22 antibodies were elevated in all 19 patients tested, including an asymptomatic infant. Eleven AIRE mutations were detected, the most common being p.C322fsX372 (haplotype frequency 37%). Four mutations were novel, while six others were previously described in European Caucasians.

CONCLUSIONS

Indian APS1 patients exhibited considerable genetic heterogeneity and had highly variable clinical features. While the frequency of major manifestations was similar to that of European Caucasians, other features showed significant differences. A high mortality at a young age was observed.

Identification of endothelin-converting enzyme-2 as an autoantigen in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a rare monogenic autoimmune disorder caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. High titer autoantibodies are a characteristic feature of APS1 and are often associated with particular disease manifestations. Pituitary deficits are reported in up to 7% of all APS1 patients, with immunoreactivity to pituitary tissue frequently reported. We aimed to isolate and identify specific pituitary autoantigens in patients with APS1. Immunoscreening of a pituitary cDNA expression library identified endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE)-2 as a potential candidate autoantigen. Immunoreactivity against ECE-2 was detected in 46% APS1 patient sera, with no immunoreactivity detectable in patients with other autoimmune disorders or healthy controls. Quantitative-PCR showed ECE-2 mRNA to be most abundantly expressed in the pancreas with high levels also in the pituitary and brain. In the pancreas ECE-2 was co-expressed with insulin or somatostatin, but not glucagon and was widely expressed in GH producing cells in the guinea pig pituitary. The correlation between immunoreactivity against ECE-2 and the major recognized clinical phenotypes of APS1 including hypopituitarism was not apparent. Our results identify ECE-2 as a specific autoantigen in APS1 with a restricted neuroendocrine distribution.

Clinical and Immunological Characteristics of Autoimmune Addison Disease: A Nationwide Swedish Multicenter Study

CONTEXT

Studies of the clinical and immunological features of autoimmune Addison disease (AAD) are needed to understand the disease burden and increased mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To provide upgraded data on autoimmune comorbidities, replacement therapy, autoantibody profiles, and cardiovascular risk factors.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A cross-sectional, population-based study that included 660 AAD patients from the Swedish Addison Registry (2008-2014). When analyzing the cardiovascular risk factors, 3594 individuals from the population-based survey in Northern Sweden, MONICA (monitoring of trends and determinants of cardiovascular disease), served as controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The endpoints were the prevalence of autoimmune comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors. Autoantibodies against 13 autoantigens were determined.

RESULTS

The proportion of 21-hydroxylase autoantibody-positive patients was 83%, and 62% of patients had ≥1 associated autoimmune diseases, more frequently coexisting in females (P < 0.0001). AAD patients had a lower body mass index (P < 0.0001) and prevalence of hypertension (P = 0.027) compared with controls. Conventional hydrocortisone tablets were used by 89% of the patients, with a mean dose of 28.1 ± 8.5 mg/d. The mean hydrocortisone equivalent dose normalized to the body surface was 14.8 ± 4.4 mg/m2/d. A greater hydrocortisone equivalent dose was associated with a greater incidence of hypertension (P = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Careful monitoring of AAD patients is warranted to detect associated autoimmune diseases. Contemporary Swedish AAD patients did not have an increased prevalence of overweight, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or hyperlipidemia. However, high glucocorticoid replacement doses could be a risk factor for hypertension.

Extended exome sequencing identifies BACH2 as a novel major risk locus for Addison's disease

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands are targeted by destructive autoimmunity. Despite being the most common cause of primary adrenal failure, little is known about its aetiology.

METHODS

To understand the genetic background of Addison's disease, we utilized the extensively characterized patients of the Swedish Addison Registry. We developed an extended exome capture array comprising a selected set of 1853 genes and their potential regulatory elements, for the purpose of sequencing 479 patients with Addison's disease and 1394 controls.

RESULTS

We identified BACH2 (rs62408233-A, OR = 2.01 (1.71-2.37), P = 1.66 × 10^-15 , MAF 0.46/0.29 in cases/controls) as a novel gene associated with Addison's disease development. We also confirmed the previously known associations with the HLA complex.

CONCLUSION

Whilst BACH2 has been previously reported to associate with organ-specific autoimmune diseases co-inherited with Addison's disease, we have identified BACH2 as a major risk locus in Addison's disease, independent of concomitant autoimmune diseases. Our results may enable future research towards preventive disease treatment.

Identification of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 in patients with isolated hypoparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) among isolated hypoparathyroidism (HP) or primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is not well established. We studied the frequency of APS1 in patients with HP or PAI by measuring interferon-α (IFN-α) antibody levels, a highly sensitive and specific marker for APS1.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

In a single-centre cross-sectional study, 37 Indian patients with isolated HP and 40 patients with PAI were tested for IFN-α antibody using an indirect ELISA. In patients with elevated IFN-α antibody, the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene was bidirectionally sequenced.

RESULTS

Three (8·1%) patients with isolated HP had elevated IFN-α antibody levels (range: 367-17382 units; positive titre >56 units). Homozygous or compound heterozygous AIRE mutations were detected in all three patients, including a novel mutation (p.T68P). All three APS1 patients had atypical features. The first patient, diagnosed at 7 years of age, died suddenly 5 months later. The second patient had late-onset HP (at the age of 34 years) and a solitary episode of transient mucocutaneous candidiasis 5 years later. The final patient developed HP at the age of 14 years and premature ovarian insufficiency 14 years later. Interleukin-22 antibodies, as well as most other organ-specific antibodies, were absent in the 3 APS1 patients. All patients with PAI were negative for IFN-α antibody.

CONCLUSION

Eight percentage of patients with isolated HP had elevated IFN-α antibody levels and AIRE mutation-positive APS1. All APS1 patients had atypical clinical features. Testing for IFN-α antibody should be considered in patients with idiopathic HP.