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Cassio A, Marescotti G, Aversa T, Salerno M, Tornese G, Stancampiano M, Tuli G, Faienza MF, Cavarzere P, Fava D, Parpagnoli M, Bruzzi P, Ibba A, Calcaterra V, Mameli C, Grandone A, Cherubini V, Assirelli V, Franchina F, Capalbo D, Mase RD, Tamaro G, Cavasin J, Munarin J, Russo G, Wasniewska M. Central Precocious Puberty in Italian Boys: Data From a Large Nationwide Cohort. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024:dgae035. [PMID: 38308814 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT There are only a few nationwide studies on boys with central precocious puberty (CPP) and the last Italian study is a case series of 45 boys that dates back to 2000. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the causes of CPP in boys diagnosed during the last 2 decades in Italy and the relative frequency of forms with associated central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to idiopathic ones. METHODS We performed a national multicenter retrospective study collecting data from 193 otherwise normal healthy boys with a diagnosis of CPP. Based on MRI findings, the patients were divided into: Group 1, no CNS abnormalities; Group 2, mild abnormalities (incidental findings) unrelated to CPP; and Group 3, causal pathological CNS abnormalities. RESULTS The MRI findings show normal findings in 86%, mild abnormalities (incidental findings) in 8.3%, and causal pathological CNS abnormalities in 5.7% of the cases. In Group 3, we found a higher proportion of patients with chronological age at diagnosis < 7 years (P = .00001) and body mass index greater than +2 SDS (P < .01). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue therapy was started in 183/193 subjects. The final height appeared in the range of the target height in all groups and in 9 patients in whom the therapy was not started. CONCLUSION In our study on a large nationwide cohort of boys referred for precocious puberty signs, the percentage of forms associated with CNS abnormalities was one of the lowest reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Cassio
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgery Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Gloria Marescotti
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tommaso Aversa
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Pediatric Unit, University Hospital, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Mariacarolina Salerno
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tornese
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34137 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marianna Stancampiano
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Gerdi Tuli
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Felicia Faienza
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari "A. Moro", 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Cavarzere
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Fava
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa 16147, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa 16142, Italy
| | - Maria Parpagnoli
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Meyer Children Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bruzzi
- Pediatric Unit Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Anastasia Ibba
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit and Newborn Screening Center, Pediatric Microcitemic Hospital, ASL Cagliari, 09121 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Child and Adolescent Unit, Department of internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Mameli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Grandone
- Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Valentino Cherubini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Salesi Hospital, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Valentina Assirelli
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgery Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Franchina
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Pediatric Unit, University Hospital, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Donatella Capalbo
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Mother and Child University Hospital Federico II Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Mase
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Mother and Child University Hospital Federico II Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tamaro
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", 34137 Trieste, Italy
| | - Julia Cavasin
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Jessica Munarin
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Gianni Russo
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Wasniewska
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Pediatric Unit, University Hospital, 98122 Messina, Italy
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Ortolano R, Cassio A, Alqaisi RS, Candela E, Di Natale V, Assirelli V, Bernardini L, Bortolamedi E, Cantarelli E, Corcioni B, Renzulli M, Balsamo A, Baronio F. Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumors in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Study of a Cohort of Patients from a Single Italian Center. Children (Basel) 2023; 10:1457. [PMID: 37761418 PMCID: PMC10528159 DOI: 10.3390/children10091457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) are a common complication in male patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The aim of our cross-sectional cohort study is to estimate the frequency of TARTs with the correlation of genotype and disease control on tumor development. Thirty-five male patients, aged 14-26 years, were included in the study, all followed by the same center of pediatric endocrinology in Bologna. We studied genotypes, hormonal profiles at different time intervals and testicular ultrasound. A logistic regression model with multivariant analysis was developed for the statistical analysis. TARTs were detected in 31.4% of the cases, 90.9% of them had a classic form with salt wasting, while 9.1% had a non-classic form. Additionally, a significant correlation between the incidence of TARTs and severity of genotype was detected. Patients with TARTs had markedly worse metabolic control on average (p = 0.027), reflected by high ACTH, 17OH progesterone, and overall delta4-androstenedione. In conclusion, a screening tool is mandatory, especially (but not exclusively) in patients with the most severe forms of CAH and poor endocrine control of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Ortolano
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.O.); (A.C.); (R.S.A.); (V.D.N.); (V.A.); (F.B.)
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.O.); (A.C.); (R.S.A.); (V.D.N.); (V.A.); (F.B.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Randa S. Alqaisi
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.O.); (A.C.); (R.S.A.); (V.D.N.); (V.A.); (F.B.)
- Pediatric and Neonatology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Mu’tah University, Alkarak 61710, Jordan
| | - Egidio Candela
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.O.); (A.C.); (R.S.A.); (V.D.N.); (V.A.); (F.B.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Valeria Di Natale
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.O.); (A.C.); (R.S.A.); (V.D.N.); (V.A.); (F.B.)
| | - Valentina Assirelli
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.O.); (A.C.); (R.S.A.); (V.D.N.); (V.A.); (F.B.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luca Bernardini
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.B.); (E.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Elisa Bortolamedi
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.B.); (E.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Erika Cantarelli
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.B.); (E.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Beniamino Corcioni
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (B.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (B.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Antonio Balsamo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Federico Baronio
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (R.O.); (A.C.); (R.S.A.); (V.D.N.); (V.A.); (F.B.)
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Casale S, Assirelli V, Pizza F, Balsamo A, Gennari M, Pession A, Plazzi G, Cassio A. Auxological and endocrine findings in narcolepsy type 1: seventeen-year follow-up from a pediatric endocrinology center. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1037398. [PMID: 37396177 PMCID: PMC10311432 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1037398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Narcolepsy Type 1 (NT1) is a rare hypersomnia of central origin linked to hypocretin deficiency, most frequently arising at pediatric age. NT1 could be associated with endocrine comorbidities involving the neuroendocrine axis, predominantly obesity, and Central Precocious Puberty (CPP). The primary aim of this study is the evaluation of endocrine and auxological parameters at diagnosis and during follow-up in patients with NT1, treated with Sodium Oxybate (SO) or not. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the auxological, biochemical, and radiological parameters of 112 patients referred to our Center between 2004-2022. The design of our study is cross-sectional at the time of diagnosis followed by a longitudinal follow-up. Results Our study confirms an increased frequency of CPP and obesity in patients with NT1. At first evaluation, obesity was found in 31.3% of patients, while overweight was found in 25.0%. A diagnosis of CPP was made in 19.6% of patients. Interestingly, this group showed a significantly lower level of CSF-hypocretin (hrct-1) at diagnosis compared to others. We found an improvement in BMI SDS in the SO-treated group compared to untreated patients, and this trend persisted also at 36 months of follow-up (0.0 ± 1.3 vs 1.3 ± 0.4; p<0.03). Sixty-three patients reached their final height, with a median SDS of 0.6 ± 1.1 in boys and 0.2 ± 1.2 in girls. Discussion To our knowledge, these are the first results regarding the final height in a large series of pediatric patients with NT1, with a normal range of IGF1-SDS levels and stature SDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Casale
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Assirelli
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Pizza
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Balsamo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monia Gennari
- Pediatric Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Pediatric Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Candela E, Zagariello M, Di Natale V, Ortolano R, Righetti F, Assirelli V, Biasucci G, Cassio A, Pession A, Baronio F. Cystathionine Beta-Synthase Deficiency: Three Consecutive Cases Detected in 40 Days by Newborn Screening in Emilia Romagna (Italy) and a Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Children (Basel) 2023; 10:children10020396. [PMID: 36832525 PMCID: PMC9955056 DOI: 10.3390/children10020396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Cysthiatonine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency (CBSD) is an autosomal recessive rare disorder caused by variations on CBS that leads to impaired conversion of homocysteine (Hcy) to cystathionine. Marked hyperhomocysteinemia is the hallmark of the disease. The administration of pyridoxine, the natural cofactor of CBS, may reduce total plasma Hcy. Patient phenotype is classified on pyridoxine responsivity in two groups: pyridoxine-responsive and non-responsive patients. Ectopia lentis, bone deformities, developmental delay, and thromboembolism are the classic signs and symptoms of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment impact patients' natural history. Therapy aims to lower promptly and maintain Hcy concentrations below 100 μmol/L. Depending on the patient's phenotype, the treatment goals could be obtained by the administration of pyridoxine and/or betaine associated with a methionine-restricted diet. CBSD could be diagnosed in the early days of life by expanded newborn screening (ENS), however, the risk of false negative results is not negligible. In Emilia-Romagna (Italy), during the first 10 years of screening experience, only three cases of CBSD identified have been diagnosed, all in the last two years (incidence 1:118,000 live births). We present the cases and a comprehensive review of the literature to emphasize the role of ENS for early diagnosis of CBSD and its potential pitfalls, reiterating the need for a more effective method to screen for CBSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egidio Candela
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Zagariello
- Specialty School of Pediatrics, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Natale
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Ortolano
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-214-3168
| | - Francesca Righetti
- Centro Laboratoristico Regionale di Riferimento Screening Neonatale e Malattie Endocrino-Metaboliche, UO Pediatria IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Assirelli
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- The Pediatric Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Baronio
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Barberi C, Di Natale V, Assirelli V, Bernardini L, Candela E, Cassio A. Implicating factors in the increase in cases of central precocious puberty (CPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experience of a tertiary centre of pediatric endocrinology and review of the literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1032914. [PMID: 36531478 PMCID: PMC9747748 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1032914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual development is a complex mechanism activated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Over the last one hundred years there has been a decline in the age at puberty onset in industrialised countries. Some Italian studies showed an increase in diagnoses of Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is thus supposed that in this period there was an increased impact of factors that can influence pubertal development. Our retrospective monocentric study aimed to confirm the existence of this phenomenon and analysed possible related factors. We retrospectively evaluated clinical, laboratory, radiological and ultrasound (US) data of 154 girls referred to our Tertiary Centre of Paediatric Endocrinology from January 2019 to April 2021 for different forms of Precocious Puberty. We subdivided the cases into subgroups according to the final diagnosis: CPP, Early Puberty (EP), isolated thelarche and isolated pubarche. The observation period was subdivided into: Period 1, before lockdown (1 January 2019 - 8 March 2020) and Period 2, lockdown and the following months (9 March 2020 - 30 April 2021). Period 2 was further divided into "restrictive lockdown period" (Period 2.1) (March 2020 - 14 June 2020, in which the schools were closed) and "less restrictive lockdown period" (Period 2.2) (15 June 2020 - 30 April 2021). We analysed data regarding the use of electronic devices before and during lockdown in a group of girls with CPP diagnosed in Period 2 and we compared the data with that of a control group. Our data show an increase in the number of new diagnoses of CPP during lockdown and in the following months, compared with the previous period. We also detected a higher use of PCs and smartphones in girls with CPP diagnosed in Period 2, compared with the control group. The percentage of the presence of endometrial rhyme detected during the pelvic ultrasound was higher in girls with CPP in Period 2, compared with the previous period. Based on our data we assume there was an environmental effect on pubertal timing that calls our attention to factors such as food, use of electronic devices and stress. We will need further studies to better understand this data.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Barberi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - V. Di Natale
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, Program of Endocrine Metabolic Diseases, Unit of Pediatrics, Bologna, Italy
| | - V. Assirelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric School of University of Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - L. Bernardini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric School of University of Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E. Candela
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric School of University of Bologna, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A. Cassio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, Program of Endocrine Metabolic Diseases, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: A. Cassio,
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Vigone MC, Ortolano R, Vincenzi G, Pozzi C, Ratti M, Assirelli V, Vissani S, Cavarzere P, Mussa A, Gastaldi R, Di Mase R, Salerno M, Street ME, Trombatore J, Weber G, Cassio A. Treatment of congenital hypothyroidism: comparison between L-thyroxine oral solution and tablet formulations up to 3 years of age. Eur J Endocrinol 2021; 186:45-52. [PMID: 34714772 DOI: 10.1530/eje-20-1444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral solution and tablet formulations of levothyroxine (L-T4) are both used in the treatment of congenital hypothyroidism (CH). However, few studies and with a limited follow-up period have been published comparing these two formulations in children. DESIGN The aim of this multicenter study was to compare the effectiveness of L-T4 oral solution (with ethanol as excipient) and tablet formulation in children with CH up to 3 years of age. METHODS Children diagnosed with CH between 2006 and 2015 were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the L-T4 formulation used: solution in drops (group D) or tablets (group T). Auxological parameters, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) values and L-T4 dose were collected at diagnosis and at 15 days, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of treatment. The developmental quotient (DQ) at 1 and 3 years of age was evaluated using Griffiths' Scale. RESULTS In this study, 254 children were enrolled among which 117 were treated with solution and 137 with tablets. Auxological parameters, dose and thyroid function values at diagnosis, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 months were not significantly different. TSH at 15 days (P = 0.002) and 1 month (P = 0.009) was significantly reduced in group D. At 2-year follow-up, median TSH was significantly lower in group T (P = 0.03). No statistical difference was detected between the median DQ; however, group D showed lower values in the language subscale at 12 months and in eye-hand coordination at 36 months. CONCLUSIONS Both therapeutic strategies are effective in the treatment of CH. A higher risk of overtreatment in the first months of therapy seems to be associated with oral solution L-T4; therefore, a different strategy should be considered when starting and adjusting the dose. No negative effects on cognitive development were observed. The data obtained are encouraging but long-term follow-up is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Vigone
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCSS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Ortolano
- Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Pediatric Unit, Program of Pediatric Endocrinology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gaia Vincenzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCSS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Pozzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCSS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Micol Ratti
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCSS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Assirelli
- Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Pediatric Unit, Program of Pediatric Endocrinology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sofia Vissani
- Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Pediatric Unit, Program of Pediatric Endocrinology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Cavarzere
- Pediatric Department, Universitary Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mussa
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Giovanna Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, Endocrine Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCSS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Pediatric Unit, Program of Pediatric Endocrinology, Bologna, Italy
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Assirelli V, Baronio F, Ortolano R, Maltoni G, Zucchini S, Di Natale V, Cassio A. Transient central precocious puberty: a new entity among the spectrum of precocious puberty? Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:210. [PMID: 34688301 PMCID: PMC8542285 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Recently, we observed some cases of Precocious Puberty (PP) with a partial central activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis that tended to normalized in 6–12 months. To evaluate the frequency of this form within the spectrum of forms of PP, we retrospectively assessed the clinical, hormonal and ultrasound characteristics of patients attending to our Center for signs of PP, between 2007 and 2017. To hypothesize some causes of this “pubertal poussée” a questionnaire about environmental data was provided to patients. Methods 96 girls were recruited for the study and divided into three Groups. Group 1: 56 subjects with Central PP (CPP) requiring treatment with GnRH analogue; Group 2: 22 subjects with transient activation of pubertal axis, that tended to normalize, “Transient CPP”(T-CPP); Group 3: 18 subjects with Isolated Thelarche (IT). Results Mean age at diagnosis was 6.8 ± 1.0 years in Group 1, 5.9 ± 1.3 years in Group 2 and 5.6 ± 1.5 years in Group 3. A significant increase of diagnosis of T-CPP was observed over the study period. Significantly higher use of some homeopathic medicines and potential exposure to pesticides was reported in Group 2 vs Group 1. Conclusions To our knowledge, we first reported a form defined as T-CPP, characterized by partial activation in the HPG axis normalizing over time. An increased use of homeopathic medicines and exposure to environmental pollutants in these patients was evidenced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Assirelli
- Program of Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, Unit of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, IRCCS- University Hospital of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, Bologna, Italy.,Specialty School of Paediatrics - Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Baronio
- Program of Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, Unit of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, IRCCS- University Hospital of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Ortolano
- Program of Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, Unit of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, IRCCS- University Hospital of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulio Maltoni
- Program of Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, Unit of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, IRCCS- University Hospital of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Zucchini
- Program of Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, Unit of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, IRCCS- University Hospital of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Natale
- Program of Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, Unit of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, IRCCS- University Hospital of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Program of Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, Unit of Pediatrics, University of Bologna, IRCCS- University Hospital of Bologna, Via Massarenti 11, Bologna, Italy.
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Neri I, Assirelli V, Chessa MA, Gurioli C, Filippi F, Virdi A. Eruptive Pseudoangiomatosis Induced by Mosquito Bites in an Infant. Dermatol Pract Concept 2019; 10:e2020024. [DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1001a24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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