Ifosfamide nephrotoxicity in adult patients

Background

Ifosfamide, a widely prescribed antineoplasic agent, is frequently associated with kidney dysfunction. Its nephrotoxicity is well documented in children, but data are lacking in adult patients.

Methods

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical, biological and histological characteristics of ifosfamide nephrotoxicity.

Results

We report 34 patients (median age: 41 years) admitted in six French nephrology departments for kidney failure and/or tubular dysfunction. Fifteen patients (44.1%) received cisplatin as part of their chemotherapy. In 6 patients (17.7%), ifosfamide nephrotoxicity was revealed by a proximal tubular dysfunction (PTD), in 5 patients (14.4%) by an acute kidney injury (AKI), in 6 patients (17.7%) by a chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in 17 patients (49.7%) by an association of PTD and AKI. Fourteen renal biopsies (41.2%) were performed and revealed acute tubular necrosis (85.7%), vacuolation (78.6%) and nuclear atypias (71.4%) of renal epithelial cells, interstitial inflammation (71.4%) and fibrosis (57.1%). Electron microscopy showed mitochondrial enlargement and dysmorphic changes suggestive of mitochondrial toxicity. Ten patients (29.4%) progressed to Stage 5 CKD, six (17.6%) required haemodialysis and six patients died during a median follow-up period of 31 months. Risk factors for Stage 5 CKD were age and cisplatin co-administration.

Infectious complications of a rituximab-based immunosuppressive regimen in patients with glomerular disease

BACKGROUND

Recent years have seen increasing use of rituximab (RTX) for various types of primary and secondary glomerulopathies. However, there are no studies that specifically address the risk of infection related to this agent in patients with these conditions.

METHODS

We reviewed the outcomes of all patients who received RTX therapy for glomerular disease between June 2000 and October 2011 in eight French nephrology departments. Each case was analysed for survival, cause of death if a non-survivor and/or the presence of infectious complications, including severe or opportunistic infection occurring within the 12 months following RTX infusion.

RESULTS

Among 98 patients treated with RTX, 25 presented with at least one infection. We report an infection rate of 21.6 per 100 patient-years. Five patients died within 12 months following an RTX infusion, of whom four also presented with an infection. The median interval between the last RTX infusion and the first infectious episode was 2.1 months (interquartile range 0.5-5.1). Most infections were bacterial (79%) and pneumonia was the most frequent infection reported (27%). The presence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.006), the cumulative RTX dose (P = 0.01) and the concomitant use of azathioprine (P = 0.03) were identified as independent risk factors. Renal failure was significantly associated with an increased infection risk by bivariate analysis (P = 0.03) and was almost significant by multivariate analysis (P = 0.05). Nephrotic syndrome did not further increase the risk of infection and/or death.

CONCLUSION

The risk of infection after RTX-based immunosuppression among patients with glomerulopathy must be considered and patients should receive close monitoring and appropriate infection prophylaxis, especially in those with diabetes and high-dose RTX regimens.

Detection of Drug-Drug Interactions Inducing Acute Kidney Injury by Electronic Health Records Mining

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

While risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) is a well documented adverse effect of some drugs, few studies have assessed the relationship between drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and AKI. Our objective was to develop an algorithm capable of detecting potential signals on this relationship by retrospectively mining data from electronic health records.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data were extracted from the clinical data warehouse (CDW) of the Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou (HEGP). AKI was defined as the first level of the RIFLE criteria, that is, an increase ≥50 % of creatinine basis. Algorithm accuracy was tested on 20 single drugs, 10 nephrotoxic and 10 non-nephrotoxic. We then tested 45 pairs of non-nephrotoxic drugs, among the most prescribed at our hospital and representing distinct pharmacological classes for DDIs.

RESULTS

Sensitivity and specificity were 50 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 23.66-76.34] and 90 % (95 % CI 59.58-98.21), respectively, for single drugs. Our algorithm confirmed a previously identified signal concerning clarithromycin and calcium-channel blockers (unadjusted odds ratio (ORu) 2.92; 95 % CI 1.11-7.69, p = 0.04). Among the 45 drug pairs investigated, we identified a signal concerning 55 patients in association with bromazepam and hydroxyzine (ORu 1.66; 95 % CI 1.23-2.23). This signal was not confirmed after a chart review. Even so, AKI and co-prescription were confirmed for 96 % (95 % CI 88-99) and 88 % (95 % CI 76-94) of these patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Data mining techniques on CDW can foster the detection of adverse drug reactions when drugs are used alone or in combination.

Glycated Hemoglobin Level and Mortality in a Nondiabetic Population with CKD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is used to diagnose diabetes mellitus (DM) and guide its management. The association between higher HbA1c and progression to ESRD and mortality has been demonstrated in populations with DM. This study examined the association between HbA1c and these end points in a population with CKD and without DM.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

In the hospital-based NephroTest cohort study, measured GFR (mGFR) was taken by (51)Cr-EDTA renal clearance and HbA1c in 1165 adults with nondialysis CKD stages 1-5 and without DM between January 2000 and December 2010. The median follow-up was 3.48 years (interquartile range, 1.94-5.82) for the competing events of ESRD and pre-ESRD mortality. Time-fixed and time-dependent Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for ESRD and mortality according to HbA1c, treated continuously or in tertiles.

RESULTS

At inclusion, the mean mGFR was 42.2±19.9 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), and the mean HbA1c value was 5.5%±0.5%. During follow-up, 109 patients died, and 162 patients reached ESRD. Pre-ESRD mortality was significantly associated with HbA1c treated continuously: for every 1% higher HbA1c, the crude HR was 2.16 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.27 to 3.68), and it was 1.85 (95% CI, 1.05 to 3.24) after adjustment for mGFR and other risk factors of death. After excluding incident diabetes over time, the updated mean of HbA1c remained significantly associated with higher mortality risk: adjusted HR for the highest (5.7%-6.4%) versus the lowest tertile (<5.3%) was 2.62 (95% CI, 1.16 to 5.91). There was no association with ESRD risk after adjustment for risk factors of CKD progression.

CONCLUSIONS

In a CKD cohort, HbA1c values in the prediabetes range are associated with mortality. Such values should be therefore included among the risk factors for negative outcomes in CKD populations.

The consequences of sudden fluid shifts on body composition in critically ill patients

INTRODUCTION

Estimation of body composition as fat-free mass (FFM) is subjected to many variations caused by injury and stress conditions in the intensive care unit (ICU). Body cell mass (BCM), the metabolically active part of FFM, is reported to be more specifically correlated to changes in nutritional status. Bedside estimation of BCM could help to provide more valuable markers of nutritional status and may promote understanding of metabolic consequences of energy deficit in the ICU patients. We aimed to quantify BCM, water compartments and FFM by methods usable at the bedside for evaluating the impact of sudden and massive fluid shifts on body composition in ICU patients.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective experimental study over an 6 month-period in a 18-bed ICU. Body composition of 31 consecutive hemodynamically stable patients requiring acute renal replacement therapy for fluid overload (ultrafiltration ≥5% body weight) was investigated before and after the hemodialysis session. Intra-(ICW) and extracellular (ECW) water volumes were calculated from the raw values of the low- and high-frequency resistances measured by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance. BCM was assessed by a calculated method recently developed for ICU patients. FFM was derived from BCM and ECW.

RESULTS

Intradialytic weight loss was 3.8 ± 0.8 kg. Percentage changes of ECW (-7.99 ± 4.60%) and of ICW (-7.63 ± 5.11%) were similar, resulting ECW/ICW ratio constant (1.26 ± 0.20). The fall of FFM (-2.24 ± 1.56 kg, -4.43 ± 2.65%) was less pronounced than the decrease of ECW (P < 0.001) or ICW (P < 0.001). Intradialytic variation of BCM was clinically negligible (-0.38 ± 0.93 kg, -1.56 ± 3.94%) and was significantly less than FFM (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

BCM estimation is less driven by sudden massive fluid shifts than FMM. Assessment of BCM should be preferred to FFM when severe hydration disturbances are present in ICU patients.

Discoidin domain receptor 1 is a major mediator of inflammation and fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy

The interactions between tubulointerstitial infiltrating cells and the extracellular matrix play an important role in regulating renal fibrosis. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a nonintegrin tyrosine kinase receptor for collagen implicated in cell adhesion, proliferation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. We have previously demonstrated that transgenic mice lacking DDR1 are protected from hypertension-associated renal fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of DDR1 in renal inflammation and fibrosis related to primitive tubulointerstitial injury. After 12 days of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), kidney histopathologic and real-time quantitative PCR analyses were performed in DDR1(-/-) and wild-type mice. DDR1 expression was strongly increased in the obstructed kidney. Wild-type mice developed important perivascular and interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. In comparison, DDR1(-/-) mice displayed reduced accumulation of fibrillar collagen and transforming growth factor β expression. F4/80(+) cell count and proinflammatory cytokines were remarkably blunted in DDR1(-/-) obstructed kidneys. Leukocyte rolling and adhesion evaluated by intravital microscopy were not different between DDR1(-/-) and wild-type mice. Importantly, macrophages isolated from DDR1(-/-) mice presented similar M1/M2 polarization but displayed impaired migration in response to monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Together, these data suggest that DDR1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of renal disease via enhanced inflammation. Inhibition of DDR1 expression or activity may represent a novel therapeutic target against the progression of renal diseases.

Effects on growth and metabolism of growth hormone treatment for 3 years in 36 children with Prader-Willi syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder whose many manifestations include obesity and short stature. Diabetes, osteoporosis, and scoliosis are common. We evaluated the effects of human growth hormone (hGH).

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 36 children (1-15 years of age) with genetically confirmed PWS who were given hGH (mean dose 0.033 ± 0.006 mg/kg/day) for 36 months. At baseline and once yearly, we evaluated growth, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), glucose tolerance, serum lipids, and spinal radiographs.

RESULTS

Height gain over the 3-year period was 1.2 SD score. Lean body mass increased significantly during each treatment year. Total body fat decreased by 5.42 and 1.17% in the 1st and 2nd years, respectively. BMD remained unchanged during therapy. IGF-1 and homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance increased, and glucose intolerance was found in 22.7% of patients at baseline and 0% at 3 years. None of the patients had diabetes. Their lipid profile improved. Scoliosis was present in 27.8% of the patients at baseline and 47.2% at 3 years.

CONCLUSION

GH treatment in children with PWS has multiple beneficial effects on growth and body composition. Tolerance is good, with an improvement in glucose metabolism, although IGF-1 levels and insulin resistance parameters should be monitored closely. The high rate of scoliosis warrants monitoring by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.

Serum procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) as an early predictor of the growth response to growth hormone treatment: Comparison of intrauterine growth retardation and idiopathic short stature

There is no way to predict early the growth response to growth hormone (GH) treatment in short children with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) or idiopathic short stature (ISS).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the capacity of the procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), a new marker of bone formation, to help in this prediction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Longitudinal study of 30 patients treated at 7.7 (range: 2.2-12.5) years for IUGR (n=16) or ISS (n=14) with GH (0.47 and 0.33 or 0.4mg/kg/week respectively). P1NP and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I) were measured before and after 3-6 months of GH treatment.

RESULTS

Before treatment, IUGR patients were younger and shorter than ISS patients, but their other characteristics were similar. IGF I Z-score (ZS) and P1NP concentrations were positively correlated in the whole population (Rho=0.48; P=0.01). After 3-6 months of treatment, both concentrations increased in IUGR and ISS (P<0.01). They remained correlated only in ISS (Rho=0.54; P<0.05). P1NP before treatment was negatively correlated (Rho=-0.67, P=0.015) with the growth rate (SD) during the first year of treatment in ISS but not in IUGR; IGF I ZS was not. The changes in P1NP for the whole population over 3-6 months, but not the changes in IGF I ZS, were positively correlated with the growth rate (Rho=0.41, P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower basal plasma P1NP concentrations predict better growth response to GH treatment during the first year in ISS children. Greater increases in its concentrations after 3-6 months of GH treatment may also predict a better growth response in both ISS and IUGR.

Final height and gonad function after total body irradiation during childhood

Short stature and gonad failure can be a side effect of total body irradiation (TBI). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the factors influencing final height and gonad function after TBI. Fifty young adults given TBI during childhood were included. Twenty-seven had been treated with growth hormone (GH). Those given single 10 Grays (Gy) or fractionated 12 Gy TBI had similar characteristics, GH peaks, final heights and gonad function. After the end of GH treatment, 11/20 patients evaluated had GH peak >10 microg/l. Final height was <-2s.d. in 29 (58%). The height loss between TBI and final height (2.4+/-1.1 s.d.) was greater in those who were younger when irradiated (P<0.0001). When the GH-treated and -untreated patients were analyzed separately, this loss was correlated with the age at TBI at 4-8 years for the GH-treated and at 6-8 years for the untreated. Boys showed negative correlations between testicular volume and plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, P=0.0008) and between plasma FSH and inhibin B (P=0.005) concentrations. We concluded that the indications for GH treatment should be mainly based on the age at irradiation, taking into account the GH peak. The plasma FSH and inhibin B concentrations may predict sperm function.

[Central precocious puberty in girls: prediction of the etiology]

Precocious puberty (PP) is defined in girls by the occurrence of pubertal development before the age of 8. This development raises 3 questions: 1) Is it abnormal puberty or variant of the normal? 2) If abnormal puberty, is it of central, hypothalamic-pituitary, or peripheral, ovarian or adrenal origin? 3) If central, is it idiopathic or due to a lesion, and is there indication to treat it? The PP in a girl with no previous medical history is usually of central and idiopathic origin. However, isolated central PP may reveal a CNS lesion, particularly an optic glioma with its risk of blindness. Two independent predictors of CNS lesion are the age at PP onset of less than 6 years old, and increased plasma estradiol concentration. The selection of the girls for neuroradiological imaging should be based on these two parameters. However, neuroradiological imaging remains necessary until the prospective confirmation of their predictive value.

Management of boys with short stature and delayed puberty

OBJECTIVE

To review the management of boys with short stature and delayed puberty and the testosterone priming protocol.

METHODS

In 148 boys aged > 14 years seen for height < -2 SDS and constitutional delayed puberty we evaluated growth hormone (GH) secretion and final height (80 boys).

RESULTS

The GH peak was < 10 microg/l after arginine-insulin tests performed with testosterone heptylate priming in 8/32 (25%) and without in 62/153 (41%), including first and second evaluations. It was low in 7/11 boys given 2 x 100 mg testosterone (14.7 +/- 1.7 microg/l) and in 1/21 given 4 x 100 mg (21.3 +/- 2.0 microg/l, p = 0.04). It was low during sleep in 4/29 (14%) boys, all having basal plasma testosterone below 3.5 nmol/l. The basal insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentration was below -2 SDS in 22% of the boys evaluated. Final height was -0.8 +/- 0.1 SDS. It was similar in those with low (n = 9) and normal (n = 71) GH peak, and in those treated (n = 22) or untreated (n = 58) with testosterone. It was over 1 SDS lower than the target height in 20% and than the predicted height at the initial evaluation in 14% of the boys. Pubertal growth was not correlated with the GH peak or plasma IGF-I.

CONCLUSIONS

The GH peak during the sleep is more frequently normal than the peak after stimulation. The number of testosterone doses influences the quality of priming. The medical problems involved in treating boys with delayed puberty are excluding disease and deciding on testosterone treatment.

Idiopathic male pseudohermaphroditism: variations in presentation and management

Male pseudohermaphroditism (MPH) is the abnormal development of genitalia in an individual with a 46,XY chromosome complement and testicular tissue. The etiology of MPH is unknown in most cases, which are defined as idiopathic.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the data for cases of idiopathic MPH.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 29 patients with idiopathic MPH and no uterus.

RESULTS

Four patients had a family history of abnormal sexual development and five had low birth weight. The initial manifestations were sexual ambiguity (26), microphallus and hypospadias (2), and primary amenorrhea (1). Basal and/or stimulated testosterone concentrations showed insufficient testosterone secretion in three patients. Genitography showed a vagina in 13 patients. Male genitoplasties were performed on 21 out of the 24 patients reared as males and female genitoplasties on five patients. Histological studies of the gonads of these showed streak gonads in one, normal gonads in one and signs of testicular dysgenesis in three others. Molecular studies on the SRY gene (17) showed no mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

Idiopathic male pseudohermaphroditism is a heterogeneous condition, even within families with a history of this condition. We propose a set of guidelines for the management of these patients.

Extreme Short Stature after Intrauterine Growth Retardation: Factors Associated with Lack of Catch-Up Growth

The factors associated with lack of catch-up growth after intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To identify these factors by analyzing the clinical features and growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis.

METHODS

95 patients with height <-3 SD after IUGR were assigned to group 1 without (n = 50) or group 2 with (n = 45) malformations. Twenty-one in group 1 and 19 in group 2 were treated with GH.

RESULTS

They were seen at 5.3 +/- 0.5 and 4 +/- 0.5 year (p = 0.02) with heights at -3.4 +/- 0.1 and -3.9 +/- 0.2 SD (p = 0.03). Group 1 differed from group 2 in having a lower frequency of consanguinity (2 vs. 28.9%, p < 0.001), and higher frequencies of target heights (26.5 vs. 6.7%, p = 0.02) and mothers' heights (34.7 vs. 8.9%, p < 0.01) <-2 SD, multiparity (26 vs. 8.9%, p < 0.05), prematurity (36 vs. 15.5%, p < 0.05) and cesarean section birth (42 vs. 17.8%, p = 0.01). The GH-IGF-I axis data and the height increases after 3 years of GH treatment (1.6 +/- 0.2 in group 1 and 1.1 +/- 0.3 SD in group 2) were similar.

CONCLUSION

The short height of the parents, particularly of the mother, is associated with factors limiting the catch-up growth after IUGR of children without malformations, while the high frequency of consanguinity in those with malformations suggests that transmitted fetal factors affect organogenesis or development.

Congenital gonadotropin deficiency in boys: management during childhood

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the features of boys with congenital gonadotropin deficiency (CGD), and to determine the value of plasma inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) for predicting testicular function and the effect of testosterone treatment.

PATIENTS

We followed 19 boys for CGD, including five with Kallmann syndrome.

RESULTS

The boys were seen before 14 years of age for micropenis (9 boys) or later for delayed puberty (10 boys). No testis was palpable in the scrotum in 13 patients, bilaterally in seven of them. Luteinizing hormone (LH) peak after a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) test was between 0.5 and 5.6 U/l. Plasma inhibin B was low in the four patients evaluated at less than 1 year old. AMH was low in one of them and normal in four others. Of the older patients, three lad low plasma inhibin B and four had normal concentrations; plasma AMH was low in three of them and increased in four. Testosterone treatment restored penis length to normal in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Low plasma inhibin B and AMH concentrations may indicate testicular damage in boys with CGD.

Assessing short-statured children for growth hormone deficiency

AIM

To optimize the workup of short-statured children by defining the most appropriate tools for diagnosing growth hormone (GH) deficiency.

METHODS

Patients were assigned to prepubertal (n = 113) or pubertal (n = 112, including 25 boys primed with testosterone) age groups. Mean plasma GH concentration during sleep, GH peak after provocative test, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were measured in a single evaluation.

RESULTS

The mean GH concentration during sleep was more often normal (n = 155) than the GH peak after provocative tests (n = 105) or the IGF-I concentration (n = 88). Prepubertal patients with a normal body mass index (BMI) had mean GH concentrations during sleep that correlated positively with height, growth rate, GH peak after provocative tests, and IGF-I (p < 0.0005 for all) and negatively with the difference between target and patient heights (p = 0.01) and BMI (p < 0.05). Pubertal patients with a normal BMI had a mean GH concentration during sleep that correlated positively with GH after provocative tests (p < 0.0001) and IGF-I (p < 0.005). Mean GH concentration during sleep and IGF-I concentration for boys primed with testosterone were more often normal (n = 23) than the GH peak after provocative tests (n = 14). All 9 patients with pituitary stalk interruption had low IGF-I concentrations; 1 patient had a normal GH peak after provocative test, and 2 patients had normal mean GH concentrations during sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring the GH concentration during sleep and priming boys with pubertal delay can help to exclude idiopathic GH deficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging is needed to exclude anatomic abnormalities when GH and/or IGF-I concentrations are low.

Extremely Short Stature: Influence of Each Parent’s Height on Clinical-Biological Features

Idiopathic extremely short stature probably has several causes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of each parent's height on clinical-biological features.

METHODS

57 patients without intrauterine growth retardation seen at 7.9 +/- 0.4 years for height < or = -3 SD were classified according to the difference between their target height and actual height: < 2 SD in familial short stature (FSS, n = 28) and >2 SD in non-FSS (n = 29).

RESULTS

Height decreased from -0.5 +/- 0.1 SD at birth to -2 +/- 0.2 SD at 1 year and -2.7 +/- 0.1 SD at 3 years, but the changes in the two groups were similar. FSS children were shorter than non-FSS children both at birth (p = 0.03) and as adults after growth hormone (GH) treatment (p < 0.05), but their plasma insulin-like growth factor I concentrations and GH peaks were similar. The FSS children fathers' heights were more frequently below -2 SD (64%) than the mothers' heights (35%) and were correlated with height at first evaluation (p < 0.05). For the whole population, the mothers' heights were correlated with birth weight (p < 0.05) and with height at first evaluation (p < 0.03).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the influence of the mother's height on birth weight and shows how of the father's height influences idiopathic extremely short stature.

Follow-up of 68 children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency: relevance of genotype for management

The phenotype of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) varies greatly. The purpose of this study was to optimize diagnosis and follow-up by comparing phenotype with genotype. Sixty-eight patients with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency were studied by clinical, hormonal, and molecular genetic methods. Patients were classified according to predicted mutation severity: group 0, null mutation (17.6%); group A, homozygous for IVS2 splice mutation or compound heterozygous for IVS2 and null mutations (33.8%); group B, homozygous or compound heterozygous for I172N mutation (14.7%); group C, homozygous or compound heterozygous for V281L or P30L mutations (26.5%); and group D, mutations with unknown enzyme activity (7.4%). All group 0 and A patients had the salt-wasting form, and group C had nonclassical forms. Group B included five salt-wasting and five simple virilizing forms. Groups 0 and A were younger at diagnosis (P < 0.02), and females were more virilized than those in group B. Group B had higher basal plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone (564 +/- 162 nmol/liter) and testosterone (11 +/- 3 nmol/liter) levels than group C [59 +/- 13 nmol/liter (P < 0.001) and 1.4 +/- 0.2 nmol/liter (P < 0.005), respectively]. Hydrocortisone doses given to groups 0, A, and B were similar at all ages, but lower in group C (P < 0.01). Final height was below target height in classical (n = 16; -2 +/- 0.2 SD score; P < 0.02) and nonclassical (n = 11; -1.2 +/- 0.4 SD score; P < 0.03) forms. The severity of the genetic defects and the clinical-laboratory features are well correlated. Genotyping, combined with neonatal screening and optimal medical and surgical treatment, can help in the management of CAH.

Growth hormone deficiency: permanence and diagnosis in young adults

OBJECTIVE

To optimize the tools for diagnosing idiopathic growth hormone (GH) deficiency.

METHODS

We compared the data of 43 young adults treated for GH deficiency before and after GH treatment and puberty. Those with organic lesions were assigned to group 1 (n = 9), those with certain GH deficiency (n = 11) to group 2 and those with no criterion of certitude of GH deficiency to group 3 (n = 23).

RESULTS

Group 1 patients: the GH peaks at first [1.5 +/- (SE) 0.4 microg/l] and second (1.9 +/- 0.7 microg/l) evaluations before treatment were similar to those at the third evaluation (1.2 +/- 0.8 microg/l) after treatment. Group 2 patients: they had similar peaks (2.6 +/- 0.8, 2.9 +/- 0.5 and 5.5 +/- 1.4 microg/l). Group 3 patients: the peaks increased from 4.9 +/- 0.4 and 4.8 +/- 0.4 to 18.4 +/- 2.3 microg/l (p < 0.0001); 87% had a GH peak >10 microg/l at this evaluation. The plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 was initially below -2 z-score in 12/13 of these patients and similarly low in 4/17 patients at the third evaluation. The growth rates of the three groups before and their increase during the 1st year of treatment were similar.

CONCLUSION

Almost all patients with GH deficiency before puberty without criteria of certitude had a normal GH peak after puberty. Some of these patients probably had a transiently low GH secretion.

Factors influencing the growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the factors influencing the growth hormone (GH) response to GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) test in idiopathic GH deficiency.

METHODS

28 patients aged 4.9 +/- 0.7 years with certain GH deficiency were given GHRH (2 microg/kg).

RESULTS

The GH peak after GHRH was correlated negatively with age at evaluation (r = -0.37, p < 0.05) and body mass index (r = -0.44, p = 0.02), and positively with anterior pituitary height (r = 0.47, p = 0.02), GH peak after non-GHRH stimulation (r = 0.78, p < 0.0001) and spontaneous GH peak (r = 0.82, p = 0.007). It was lower in the patients aged >5 years than in the youngest (p = 0.04), but it was similar in the patients with and without features suggesting a hypothalamic origin.

CONCLUSION

The GH response to GHRH test cannot be used to differentiate between hypothalamic and pituitary forms of idiopathic GH deficiency, probably because the GH response decreases after the first 5 years of life, whatever the origin of the deficiency.

Hypothalamic hamartoma: comparison of clinical presentation and magnetic resonance images

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is one of the most frequent causes of organic central precocious puberty (CPP). We compared the clinical presentation and the magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 19 patients with HH aged 5.7 +/- 4.1 (SD) years at the first endocrine evaluation. They had isolated CPP (group 1, n = 9), CPP plus gelastic seizures (group 2, n = 5), isolated seizures (group 3, n = 4), and 1 patient was asymptomatic.

METHODS/RESULTS

All patients without neurological symptoms (group 1 and the asymptomatic patient) had pedunculated lesion (diameter 6.4 +/- 3.6 (3-15) mm), suspended from the floor of the third ventricle. All patients with neurological symptoms (groups 2 and 3) had sessile lesion (diameter 18.3 +/- 9.6 (10-38) mm, p = 0.0005 compared to the others), located in the interpeduncular cistern with extension to the hypothalamus. Seven patients were overweight. The growth hormone peak, free thyroxine, cortisol and prolactin concentrations, and the concomitant plasma and urinary osmolalities were normal in all the cases evaluated. The mean predicted or adult heights of 10 patients treated 5.2 +/- 3.3 years for CPP with gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone (GnRH) analog were -0.3 +/- 1.7 SD, similar to their target height -0.1 +/- 0.9 SD.

CONCLUSION

The clinical presentation of HH depends on its anatomy: small and pedunculated HH are associated with CPP, while large and sessile HH are associated with seizures. The hypothalamic-pituitary function in these cases is normal, which suggests that the absence of CPP is not due to gonadotropin deficiency. GnRH analog treatment preserves the growth potential in those with CPP.

Adult height in advanced puberty with or without gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone analog treatment

Advanced puberty is defined as the onset of puberty in girls at 8-10 years of age and in boys at 9-11 years. This study analyzes adult height in 57 children with advanced puberty to evaluate the results of treating children (9 girls and 8 boys) with gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone (GnRH) analog and the impact of advanced puberty on adult height in untreated children (31 girls and 9 boys). For treated girls, adult height predicted at the onset of treatment (151.9+/-1.7 cm) was similar to the final adult height (155.3+/-1.4 cm), but lower than target height (157.2+/-1.6 cm, p = 0.04). For untreated girls, adult height predicted at the initial evaluation (156.7+/-1 cm) was also similar to adult height (157+/-1 cm), but lower than the target height (157.6+/-1 cm, p = 0.03). The adult heights of both treated and untreated girls were similar to their target heights. For treated boys, adult height predicted at the onset of treatment (173.2+/-3.1 cm) was greater than the final adult height (164.1+/-2.1 cm, p = 0.01), which was lower than target height (170.4+/-1.2 cm, p = 0.01). For untreated boys, adult height predicted at the initial evaluation (170.8+/-2.7 cm) was similar to both the adult height (169.1+/-1.9 cm) and target height (170.2+/-1.2 cm). Height gains between the onset of puberty and adult height were similar in treated (29.9+/-2.3 cm in girls and 29.8+/-1.7 cm in boys) and untreated (28.6+/-1 and 33.1+/-2 cm) children. When expressed as SD, the adult height was significantly shorter than that at 4 years in treated girls (difference 1 SD, p = 0.03), in untreated girls (difference 0.9 SD, p = 0.0002) and in treated boys (difference 0.9 SD, p = 0.02), but it was similar to that in untreated boys. Adult height was below target height by >5 cm in seven girls (two of them treated) and five boys (four of them treated). In conclusion, treating advanced puberty did not change the adult height reached by girls, and was associated with reduced growth potential in boys. The adult heights of untreated children were similar to those predicted at the initial evaluation and to target heights, but in girls they were 1 SD lower than the height at 4 years. These data suggest that advanced puberty decreases the growth potential by about 5 cm, and that GnRH analog treatment does not prevent this.

GH deficiency caused by cranial irradiation during childhood: factors and markers in young adults

Cranial irradiation alters hypothalamic-pituitary function. We reevaluated 90 patients with GH deficiency caused by fractionated cranial irradiation performed at age 4.9 +/- 0.4 (SE) yr when they were 15.7 +/- 0.2 yr old. Group 1 received 18 Grays (Gy) (7 cases) or 24 Gy (21 cases) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia; group 2, 30-40 Gy for medulloblastoma (22 cases); group 3, 45-60 Gy for optic glioma and various tumors (30 cases); and group 4, 40-50 Gy for retinoblastoma (10 cases). The mean GH peaks after an arginine insulin test in group 3 (1.9 +/- 0.4 microg/liter) was lower than in groups 1 (4.8 +/- 0.5 microg/liter, P < 0.001) and 2 (3.4 +/- 0.5 microg/liter, P < 0.03). The mean plasma IGF-I concentrations in group 3 [-3.8 +/- 0.2 z score (zs)] was lower than in groups 1 (-2.4 +/- 0.3 zs, P < 0.001) and 2 (-3.1 +/- 0.2 zs, P < 0.02), as was the mean in group 4 (-3.9 +/- 0.3 zs, P < 0.01 compared with group 1 and P < 0.05 compared with group 2). GH peaks and IGF-I were correlated positively (P = 0.0001) and negatively with dose (P < 0.001 for GH and P = 0.0001 for IGF-I), but not with age at irradiation. Among the 43 patients with GH peaks below 3 microg/liter, 41 (95%) had plasma IGF-I less than -2 zs. The body mass index (BMI), plasma insulin, and leptin were similar in the four groups. They were positively correlated with each other (P < 0.001 for BMI compared with insulin and with leptin, respectively, and P < 0.01 for insulin compared with leptin), but not with age or dose of irradiation, or with markers of GH secretion. In conclusion, in patients with GH deficiency caused by cranial irradiation, the residual GH secretion and plasma IGF-I depend on the dose. Almost all the patients with severe GH deficiency had low plasma IGF-I. BMI, leptin, and insulin seem to be independent of GH status.

Factors affecting gonadal function after bone marrow transplantation during childhood

Conditioning for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) may alter viability of germ cells and production of gonadal hormones. We analyzed the risk factors for gonadal failure after 12 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) given as six fractions (n = 31, group 1), 10 Gy (one dose) TBI (n = 20, group 2), 6 Gy (one dose) total lymphoid irradiation (TLI, n = 17, group 3) and chemotherapy alone (n = 7, group 4), given at 7.7 +/- 0.4 (0.6-13.6) years. Among the 34 girls, seven (20.6%) had normal ovarian function with regular spontaneous menstruation and normal plasma follicle-stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing (LH) hormones, five (14.7%) had partial ovarian failure with regular menstruation but increased FSH and/or LH, and 22 (64.7%) had complete ovarian failure. The 24 girls with chronological and bone ages >13 years included similar percentages, with increased FSH or LH in all four groups. There was a positive correlation between age at BMT and FSH (r = 0.54, P < 0.01), but not with lh, and between fsh and lh (r = 0.8, P = 0.0003). Plasma FSH concentrations had returned to normal spontaneously in six cases, and those of LH in two cases. Among the 41 boys, 16 (39%) had normal testicular function and 25 (61%) had tubular failure and increased FSH. Of these, 10 also had Leydig cell failure (three complete and seven partial). The 18 boys with chronological and bone ages >15 years included similar percentages with increased FSH or LH in groups 1 to 3, and testicular volume was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 3 (P = 0.008). There was no correlation between age at BMT and FSH, LH or testosterone, but there was a negative correlation between FSH and inhibin B (rho = -0.87, P < 0.003). we conclude that girls are more likely to suffer ovarian failure the older they are at bmt, and that early ovarian recovery is possible. the negative correlation between fsh and inhibin b in boys suggests that this parameter is an additional indicator of tubular function.

Disorders of growth and puberty in children with non-tumoral hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus may cause disorders of growth and puberty. 31 patients (25 girls) with non-tumoral hydrocephalus were seen at 8.5 +/- 3.1 (SD) years for short stature (8 patients), overweight (8 patients), central early puberty (onset before 9 years, 21 patients), premature pubarche (1 patient) and/or delayed puberty (2 patients). Among the patients with short stature, 4 had meningomyelocele and one had untreated early puberty. Only 1/11 patients evaluated had growth hormone deficiency. Among the overweight patients, 5 had early puberty. The plasma leptin concentrations were positively correlated with the body mass index (r = 0.65, p < 0.01, n = 14). Free thyroxin, cortisol, prolactin and concomitant plasma and urinary osmolalities were normal in all cases evaluated, except one who had low free thyroxin. The 7 patients with early puberty and who were given gonadotropin releasing hormone analog for over 2 years had mean predicted adult height of -2.45 +/- 1.9 SD before treatment and -2.46 +/- 1.4 SD afterwards. Ventriculocisternostomy performed on 2 girls seen for delayed puberty was followed by breast development and menarche. In conclusion, in children with hydrocephalus, short stature is frequently due to meningomyelocele and rarely to GH deficiency. Central early puberty is the most frequent endocrine disorder.

Central precocious puberty: clinical and laboratory features

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the initial presentation of patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) varies according to the aetiology, whether this permits the differentiation between idiopathic and organic forms, and whether the body mass index (BMI) and plasma leptin concentrations are linked to gonadotrophin secretion.

DESIGN

The clinical and laboratory features of 256 patients (26 boys and 230 girls) with CPP were studied separately in boys and girls. We compared patients with idiopathic CPP (seven boys and 186 girls) to those with organic CPP, whose pubertal development revealed a central nervous system (CNS) lesion (five boys and 11 girls), and to patients with organic CPP associated with a previously treated CNS lesion (14 boys and 33 girls).

RESULTS

Boys with organic CPP, having revealed or treated CNS lesions, started their puberty earlier (3.0 +/- 1.0 years and 6.7 +/- 0.5 years) than boys with idiopathic CPP (8.5 +/- 0.2 years, P < 0.01 and < 0.05). Boys with organic CPP associated with a treated CNS lesion had lower luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) peaks ratio after stimulation with gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) (1.6 +/- 0.5) than did boys with idiopathic CPP (2.2 +/- 0.3, P < 0.05). Girls with organic CPP revealing a CNS lesion started their puberty earlier (3.6 +/- 0.9 years) than girls with idiopathic CPP (6.6 +/- 0.1 years, P < 0.0 l) and had higher LH (P < 0.01) and FSH peaks (< 0.05). Girls with organic CPP associated with a treated CNS lesion had higher BMI (1.8 +/- 0.2 z-score) than did girls with idiopathic CPP (1.3 +/- 0.1 zs, P < 0.05), higher leptin concentrations (11.7 +/- 1.8 microg/l vs. 7.7 +/- 0.5 microg/l, P < 0.0 l), LH peak (P < 0.01), FSH peak (P < 0.05) and LH/FSH peaks ratio (1 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.1, P < 0.05). Only 12.4% of the girls with idiopathic CPP had BMI-zs < 0, and their plasma leptins were positively correlated with BMI (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The features of central precocious puberty vary according to the aetiology, but it is impossible to exclude a central nervous system lesion in a given patient with central precocious puberty without performing central nervous system imaging. This imaging remains necessary in all cases of central precocious puberty. Most of the girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty had increased BMI, but we found no correlation between plasma leptin concentrations and gonadotrophin secretion.

Changes in height, weight and plasma leptin after bone marrow transplantation

Short stature can be a severe side-effect of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Because of the effect of weight changes on growth rate and on plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF I), we analyzed changes in height and body mass index (BMI) in 53 patients given BMT. Group 1 (n = 22) was given 12 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) as six fractions, group 2 (n = 14) 10 Gy TBI (one dose), group 3 (n = 8) 6 Gy total lymphoid irradiation (one dose), and group 4 (n = 9) chemotherapy alone. At the first evaluation, 13/36 patients in groups 1 and 2 had low growth hormone (GH) peaks after stimulation. The mean plasma IGF I concentrations (z score) were similar in groups 1 (-2.9 +/- 0.3) and 2 (-2.5 +/- 0.3), and in groups 3 (-1.4 +/- 0.3) and 4 (-1.4 +/- 0.7), but those of group 1 were lower than those of groups 3 (P < 0.01) and 4 (P < 0.05), and those of group 2 than those of group 3 (P < 0.05). BMI during the 5 years after BMT did not change in groups 1 and 2, decreased in group 3, and increased in group 4. However, these changes were not significant. Most of the patients given TBI had BMI below the mean at 2 (66%) and 5 (57%) years later. Their BMI and leptin concentrations correlated positively with each other (P = 0.005), and negatively with GH peak (P = 0.02 for BMI and 0.007 for leptin). In conclusion, this study suggests that TBI actually decreases GH secretion and is followed by a persistent low BMI. The negative relationship between GH peak and leptin may indicate that both are markers of a TBI-induced hypothalamic-pituitary lesion.

Pituitary apoplexy in an adolescent with prolactin-secreting adenoma

A 14.8-year-old girl was treated with bromocriptine for a prolactin-secreting adenoma. She suddenly developed headaches, vomiting, fever and meningeal syndrome. This was associated with corticotropin, thyrotropin and gonadotropin deficiencies. Magnetic resonance imaging showed peripheral enhancement and a central hyposignal suggesting intra-adenoma hemorrhage and then disappearance of the adenoma. Hydrocortisone was initiated in emergency to prevent any risk to life.

Effect of short-term testosterone treatment on leptin concentrations in boys with pubertal delay

Testosterone administration increases growth hormone (GH) secretion and decreases the plasma leptin concentration in men. We evaluated the effect of increased GH secretion due to short-term testosterone treatment on leptin concentrations. Ten boys aged 14.8 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SE) years with transient GH deficiency caused by pubertal delay were evaluated before and after (3 months) 4 intramuscular injections of 100 mg testosterone heptylate, given at 15-day intervals. The leptin concentration decreased from 5.4 +/- 1.3 to 3. 6 +/- 1.1 microgram/l (p < 0.001), despite a weight gain of 3.4 +/- 0.5 kg. There were significant increases in body mass index (BMI), from -0.2 +/- 0.5 to 0.2 +/- 0.5 SD, p < 0.005, in GH peak after stimulation test, from 6.3 +/- 0.5 to 21.7 +/- 2.9 microgram/l, p < 0. 0003, in plasma testosterone, from 0.6 +/- 0.1 to 6.5 +/- 1.3 microgram/l, p < 0.001, in insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), from 152 +/- 21 to 330 +/- 30 microgram/l, p < 0.0001, and in IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), from 4.2 +/- 0.5 to 5.4 +/- 0.4 mg/l, p < 0.01. But there were no changes in blood glucose (4.7 +/- 0.1 and 4.8 +/- 0.1 mmol/l), or plasma fasting insulin (9.0 +/- 1.2 and 8.1 +/- 1.3 mIU/l). The leptin concentrations were positively correlated with the BMI before (p < 0.03) and after (p < 0.04) testosterone, but not with the GH peak after stimulation, or with plasma testosterone, IGF-I or IGFBP-3. The leptin and insulin concentrations after testosterone treatment were positively correlated (p < 0.04). Thus, short-term testosterone treatment of boys with pubertal delay decreases their leptin concentrations. The lack of correlation with GH secretion or with its changes, despite the dramatic increase in GH secretion, and the lack of change in insulin are additional features suggesting that testosterone increases the leptin concentration mainly by an effect on adipose tissue.

Increased expression of prolactin receptor gene assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in human breast tumors versus normal breast tissues

The role of PRL in human breast tumorigenesis is not well understood. One of the limitations is the difficulty of accurately measuring PRL receptors (PRLR) in human tissues. We established a quantitative PCR method (Q-PCR) in T-47D human breast cancer cells and applied it to 29 patients, 25 of whom presented with either cancer or fibroadenoma. Four patients underwent a mammoplasty, and normal epithelial cells were cultured before Q-PCR. In T-47D cells, 31 x 10(6) messenger RNA molecules were detected per microgram of total RNA. In all patients, expression of the PRLR gene was detected, varying from 1500 to 1 x 10(6) molecules/microgram of RNA in normal tissues and from 4500 to 34.7 x 10(6) molecules/microgram of RNA in tumors. PRLR expression was always greater in tumor than in normal contiguous tissue and similar in cultured mammary epithelial cells and normal breast tissues. Estradiol and progesterone receptor-negative tumors expressed low levels of PRLR transcripts, similar to normal breast tissue from menopausal women. Immunocytochemical analysis of PRLR confirmed stronger staining in almost all tumor samples compared with normal tissues. A messenger RNA encoding locally produced human PRL was also identified by RT-PCR in every sample tested. Our results confirm PRLR gene expression in all tissues studied, and moreover, indicate that this expression is increased in human breast tumors vs. normal contiguous tissues.

Ovarian function after bone marrow transplantation during childhood

Ovarian failure is often brought about by the conditioning protocol used for bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We monitored ovarian function in 31 girls conditioned for BMT at 10.3 +/- 0.6 (s.e., 3.2-17.5) years by chemotherapy alone (group 1, n = 8) or chemotherapy plus body irradiation (12 Gy, fractionated in group 2, n = 9, or 10 Gy single total body in group 3, n = 7, and 5 or 6 Gy single thoraco-abdominal in group 4, n = 7, irradiation) at 13.4 +/- 0.4 (11.7-18.6) years. Breast development was normal (n = 11), did not occur (n = 14), or did not progress spontaneously (n = 2) after BMT. The other four girls who menstruated before BMT had permanent amenorrhea. Basal plasma gonadotropin concentrations were measured in 29; follicle-stimulating hormone was increased in them all and luteinizing hormone in 23. At the last clinical evaluation at 16.3 +/- 0.4 (12.1-21.6) years, 23 girls had complete ovarian failure, two had partial ovarian failure, and six had normal ovarian function. Three of these were the youngest group 1 patients and those who had not received busulfan. We conclude that conditioning for BMT given during childhood frequently prevents normal estrogen secretion at puberty. Adequate substitutive treatment may be necessary to induce growth acceleration and sexual development.

Inactive renin in infants and children: evidence for its physiological response to orthostasis in children

The aim of this work was to investigate the presence of inactive renin (IR) in plasma of normal infants and children and nephrectomized children and to study the plasma IR response to stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system (orthostasis) in children. The study was performed in 10 normal infants (2 days to 1 yr old), 28 normal children (1-15 yr old), 8 nephrectomized children (8-14 yr old), and 7 normal adults (20-40 yr old). IR was calculated as the difference in renin activity in trypsin-treated (1500 micrograms/ml) plasma, e.g. total renin (TR), and in untreated plasma, e.g. active renin (AR). IR was not detectable in most infants in the supine position, but their AR values were high (8.8-30 ng/ml X h). Moreover, in some of these infants, trypsin appeared to degrade renin activity, since TR values were lower than AR values. IR was detectable in 3 infants and 27 children, but their AR values were in a lower range (0.3-10 ng/ml X h). Trypsin degradation of renin activity was not found in either children or adults. With increasing age (2 days to 40 yr), AR decreased while IR and the IR to TR ratio increased significantly (P less than 0.001). A significant (P less than 0.001) inverse relationship was found between the IR and AR values of subjects 2 days to 40 yr old. IR was detectable in all nephrectomized children and represented 25% of normal values, while AR was undetectable (less than 0.1 ng/ml X h). In children in the upright position, IR decreased and AR increased significantly (P less than 0.001) in a reciprocal manner. TR did not change. These data suggest 1) that trypsin degradation of renin activity and absence of trypsin-activated IR are specific to infants with high AR levels, and 2) that IR might be activated in vivo into AR, especially after changes in position in children. IR could be a prorenin playing a physiological role in children.

Enzymatic determination of acetate in serum or plasma using a centrifugal fast analyser

A simple enzymatic spectrophotometric micromethod is described for direct kinetic assay of acetate in serum or plasma using the Eni-Gemsaec centrifugal fast analyser. The method is based on the transformation of acetate and ATP into acetylphosphate and ADP by acetate kinase (EC 2.7.2.1). ADP is further measured by two coupling reactions involving pyruvate kinase (EC 2.7.1.40) and lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) with measurement of NADH consumption at 340 nm. The method involves a reagent blank for compensation of reagent deterioration, a preincubation of 3 min without acetate kinase to eliminate any interference due to endogenous pyruvate, and a two-point kinetic protocol with measurements of absorbance at 95s and 395 s. The analytical performances of the proposed method were investigated using an evaluation scheme proposed by the French Society of Clinical Biology.