| 1. |
- Allosso, Francesca, et al.
(author)
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Mortality in patients with adrenal insufficiency: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- 2024
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In: BMJ open. - 2044-6055. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare disorder characterised by an impaired secretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal glands. Treatment strategies for AI have developed over time with reduced glucocorticoid replacement doses and improved circadian exposure regimens, but whether this has resulted in better survival is unknown. The main purpose of this systematic review is to gather and synthesise available evidence on long-term mortality in patients with AI. The secondary aim is to study causes of death, with focus on cardiovascular and infectious diseases, in AI patients.Studies published from the inception of respective databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science) until the end of May 2023 will be systematically synthetised. Observational studies with a reference population will be included, and their quality will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data collected will be narratively integrated and a meta-analysis will be performed to pool data from studies considered homogeneous. The systematic review will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. This will be the first systematic review assessing mortality and causes of death in AI patients. The findings of this systematic review will be of value for both patients and healthcare providers.This systematic review does not require ethical approval or informed consent because it will be based on previously published data only and does not implicate any direct contact with individual patients. The research results will be presented at scientific conferences and submitted for publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed scientific journal.CRD42023416253.
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| 2. |
- Esposito, Daniela, et al.
(author)
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Patients with adrenal insufficiency have cardiovascular features associated with hypovolemia
- 2020
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In: Endocrine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1355-008X .- 1559-0100. ; 70, s. 412-420
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) have excess mortality and morbidity, mainly due to cardiovascular (CV) diseases. The mechanisms for this is unclear. Objective To assess CV structure and function in AI patients on conventional replacement therapy and after switching to once-daily, modified-release hydrocortisone (OD-HC) in comparison with healthy matched controls. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of 17 adult AI patients (11 with primary AI, 6 with secondary AI) on stable replacement with cortisone acetate [median (minimum, maximum) 33.5 (12.5-50) mg] and, if needed, fludrocortisone [0.1 (0.05-0.2) mg], and 17 healthy matched controls. Ten patients were switched to an equivalent dose of OD-HC. Data from echocardiography, 24 h Holter-ECG and 24 h blood pressure monitoring were collected at baseline and 6 months after the switch to OD-HC. Results At baseline, AI patients had smaller left ventricular diastolic diameter (47.1 +/- 4.2 vs. 51.6 +/- 2.3 mm;P = 0.001) and left atrial diameter (34.9 +/- 4.7 vs. 38.2 +/- 2.6 cm;P = 0.018), and a higher ejection fraction (62.5 +/- 6.9% vs. 56.0 +/- 4.7%;P = 0.003) than controls. AI patients had lower nocturnal systolic and diastolic blood pressure than controls (108 +/- 15 mmHg vs. 117 +/- 8 mmHg;P = 0.038 and 65 +/- 9 mmHg vs. 73 +/- 7 mmHg;P = 0.008, respectively). After the switch to OD-HC, nocturnal diastolic blood pressure normalised. No significant changes were observed in echocardiographic and Holter-ECG parameters following the switch. Conclusions AI patients on conventional treatment display cardiovascular abnormalities that could be related to hypovolemia. Switch to OD-HC seems to have beneficial effect on blood pressure profile, but no effect on cardiovascular structure and function.
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| 3. |
- Esposito, Daniela, et al.
(author)
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Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: Managing Mineralocorticoid Replacement Therapy.
- 2018
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In: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. - : The Endocrine Society. - 1945-7197 .- 0021-972X. ; 103:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mineralocorticoid (MC) replacement therapy in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) was introduced more than 60 years ago. Still, there are limited data on how MC substitution should be optimized, since MC dosing regimens have only been systematically investigated in a few studies. We review the management of current standard MC replacement therapy in PAI and its plausible impact on outcome.Using PubMed, we conducted a systematic review of the literature from 1939 to 2017, with the following keywords: 'adrenal insufficiency', 'mineralocorticoid deficiency', 'aldosterone', 'cardiovascular disease', 'hypertension', and 'heart failure'.The current standard treatment consists of fludrocortisone (FC) given once daily in the morning, aiming at normotension, normokalemia, and plasma renin activity in the upper normal range. Available data suggest that patients with PAI may be under-replaced with FC as symptoms and signs indicating chronic MC under-replacement, such as salt craving and postural dizziness persist, in many treated PAI patients. Data acquired from large registry-based studies show that glucocorticoid doses for replacement in PAI are higher than those estimated from endogenous production. Glucocorticoid over-replacement may reduce the need of MC replacement but may also be a consequence of inadequate MC replacement.The commonly used MC replacement in PAI may not be adequate in some patients. Insufficient MC substitution may be responsible for poor cardiometabolic outcome and the failure to restore well-being adequately in patients with PAI. Well-designed studies oriented at optimizing MC replacement therapy are urgently needed.
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| 4. |
- Trotta, Maria Consiglia, et al.
(author)
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Thyroid dysfunction in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a pilot study on the putative role of miR-29a and TGFβ1
- 2024
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In: ENDOCRINE. - 1355-008X .- 1559-0100.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose:Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common causes of thyroid dysfunction in iodine sufficient worldwide areas, but its molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. To this regard, this study aimed to assess serum levels of miRNA-29a (miR-29a) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) in HT patients with different patterns of thyroid function. Methods:A total of 29 HT patients, with a median age of 52 years (21-68) were included. Of these, 13 had normal thyroid function (Eu-HT); 8 had non-treated hypothyroidism (Hypo-HT); 8 had hypothyroidism on replacement therapy with LT4 (subst-HT). All patients had serum miR-29a assayed through qRT-PCR and serum TGF beta 1 assayed by ELISA. Results:Serum miR-29a levels were significantly down-regulated in patients with Hypo-HT compared to Eu-HT patients (P < 0.01) and subst-HT patients (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was detected between serum miR-29a levels and TSH levels (r = -0.60, P < 0.01). Serum TGF beta 1 levels were significantly higher in Hypo-HT than both Eu-HT (P < 0.01) and subst-HT patients (P < 0.05). A negative correlation was observed between serum miR-29a and TGF beta 1 (r = -0.75, P < 0.01). Conclusions:In conclusion, Hypo-HT patients had lower levels of serum miR-29a and higher levels of TGF beta 1 in comparison with Eu-HT patients. Worthy of note, subst-HT patients showed restored serum miR-29a levels compared with Hypo-HT group, associated with lower serum TGF beta 1. These novel findings may suggest a possible impact of replacement therapy with levothyroxine on serum miR-29a levels in HT.
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| 5. |
- Accardo, G., et al.
(author)
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Management of cardiovascular complications in Klinefelter syndrome patients
- 2019
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In: Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1744-6651 .- 1744-8417. ; 14:2, s. 145-152
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Klinefelter syndrome (KS), also known as 47, XXY, shows increased mortality when compared with mortality rates among the general population. Cardiovascular, hemostatic, metabolic diseases are implicated. Moreover, cardiac congenital anomalies in KS can contribute to the increase in mortality. Areas covered: In this study, we have systematically reviewed the relationships between KS and the cardiovascular system and the management of cardiovascular complication. In summary, patients with KS display increased cardiovascular risk profile, characterized by increased prevalence of metabolic alterations including dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), and abnormalities in biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. KS subjects are characterized by subclinical abnormalities in endothelial function and in left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, which–when associated with chronotropic incompetence–may negatively influence cardiopulmonary performance. Moreover, KS patients appear to be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, due to thromboembolic events with high prevalence of recurrent venous ulcers, venous insufficiency, recurrent venous and arterial thromboembolism leading to deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Expert opinion: Considering the unequivocal finding of increased mortality of KS patients, we suggest a periodic cardiovascular follow up in specialized centers with multidisciplinary care teams that comprise endocrinologists and cardiologists dedicated to KS syndrome. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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| 6. |
- Balercia, G., et al.
(author)
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Thyroid function in Klinefelter syndrome: a multicentre study from KING group
- 2019
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In: Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0391-4097 .- 1720-8386. ; 42:10, s. 1199-1204
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- - Purpose: The prevalence and the etiopathogenesis of thyroid dysfunctions in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) are still unclear. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenetic role of hypogonadism in the thyroid disorders described in KS, with the scope to distinguish between patients with KS and hypogonadism due to other causes (Kallmann syndrome, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, iatrogenic hypogonadism and acquired hypogonadotropic hypogonadism after surgical removal of pituitary adenomas) called non-KS. Therefore, we evaluated thyroid function in KS and in non-KS hypogonadal patients. Methods: This is a case–control multicentre study from KING group: Endocrinology clinics in university-affiliated medical centres. One hundred and seventy four KS, and sixty-two non-KS hypogonadal men were enrolled. The primary outcome was the prevalence of thyroid diseases in KS and in non-KS. Changes in hormonal parameters were evaluated. Exclusion criterion was secondary hypothyroidism. Analyses were performed using Student’s t test. Mann–Whitney test and Chi-square test. Results: FT4 was significantly lower in KS vs non-KS. KS and non-KS presented similar TSH and testosterone levels. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) was diagnosed in 7% of KS. Five KS developed hypothyroidism. The ratio FT3/FT4 was similar in both groups. TSH index was 1.9 in KS and 2.3 in non-KS. Adjustment for differences in age, sample size and concomitant disease in multivariate models did not alter the results. Conclusions: We demonstrated in KS no etiopathogenic link to hypogonadism or change in the set point of thyrotrophic control in the altered FT4 production. The prevalence of HT in KS was similar to normal male population, showing absence of increased risk of HT associated with the XXY karyotype. © 2019, Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE).
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| 7. |
- Beecham, Ashley H, et al.
(author)
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Analysis of immune-related loci identifies 48 new susceptibility variants for multiple sclerosis.
- 2013
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In: Nature genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1546-1718 .- 1061-4036. ; 45:11, s. 1353-60
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Using the ImmunoChip custom genotyping array, we analyzed 14,498 subjects with multiple sclerosis and 24,091 healthy controls for 161,311 autosomal variants and identified 135 potentially associated regions (P < 1.0 × 10(-4)). In a replication phase, we combined these data with previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from an independent 14,802 subjects with multiple sclerosis and 26,703 healthy controls. In these 80,094 individuals of European ancestry, we identified 48 new susceptibility variants (P < 5.0 × 10(-8)), 3 of which we found after conditioning on previously identified variants. Thus, there are now 110 established multiple sclerosis risk variants at 103 discrete loci outside of the major histocompatibility complex. With high-resolution Bayesian fine mapping, we identified five regions where one variant accounted for more than 50% of the posterior probability of association. This study enhances the catalog of multiple sclerosis risk variants and illustrates the value of fine mapping in the resolution of GWAS signals.
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| 8. |
- Bergthorsdottir, Ragnhildur, 1971, et al.
(author)
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Increased risk of hospitalization, intensive care and death due to covid-19 in patients with adrenal insufficiency : a Swedish nationwide study
- 2024
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In: Journal of Internal Medicine. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0954-6820 .- 1365-2796. ; 295:3, s. 322-330
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 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.
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| 9. |
- Bobbio, Emanuele, et al.
(author)
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Incidental cardiac findings on somatostatin receptor PET/CT: What do they indicate and are they of clinical relevance?
- 2022
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In: Journal of nuclear cardiology : official publication of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1532-6551. ; 29:3, s. 1159-1165
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the case of a 47-year-old man with a history of recurrent episodes of frontal headache, fever, and chest discomfort as well as longstanding, difficult to treat arterial hypertension. Clinical work-up revealed the unexpected finding of an underlying pheochromocytoma as well as recent "silent" myocardial infarction. Our case highlights the importance of paying attention to incidental cardiac findings on somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography, as routinely performed in patients with clinically suspected neuroendocrine tumors. These incidental cardiac findings cannot only indicate a primary or secondary (metastatic) neuroendocrine tumor, but also areas of myocardial inflammation, as somatostatin receptors cannot only be found on the majority of neuroendocrine tumors, but also among other tissues on the surface of activated macrophages and lymphocytes. The detection of myocardial inflammation is of clinical importance and its underlying etiology should be evaluated to prompt eventual necessary treatment, as it is a potential driving force for cardiac remodeling and poor prognosis.
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| 10. |
- Bothou, Christina, et al.
(author)
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Current Management and Outcome of Pregnancies in Women With Adrenal Insufficiency : Experience from a Multicenter Survey
- 2020
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In: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. - : Oxford University Press. - 0021-972X .- 1945-7197. ; 105:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 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.
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