Classic 21-hydroxylase Deficiency Research Articles

CRF1 and ACTH antagonists in patients with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency

CRF1 and ACTH antagonists in patients with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Prevalence of adrenal rest tumors and course of gonadal dysfunction in a clinical sample of men with congenital adrenal hyperplasia - a longitudinal analysis over 10 years

Abstract Background Subfertility is prevalent in men with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). We sought to characterize the long-term evolution of their gonadal function. Methods Retrospective longitudinal single-center study in 27 men (11 with testicular adrenal rest tissue (TART)); median observation period 12 years; testosterone (T), 11-oxygenated androgens, gonadotropins and inhibin B measurement at each timepoint. Results T concentrations were below the normal range (n.s.) in 43.2% (no TART) and 54.6% (TART) per patient. After accounting for BMI, sex hormone-binding globulin, and age, men with TART exhibited higher T (14.0 ± 0.80 nmol/l) than those without (11.9 ± 0.71 nmol/l). During the observation period, T levels rose in both groups but more in men with TART (from 10.1 ± 1.1 to 17.3 ± 1.9 nmol/l vs. 10.3 ± 1.0 to 12.8± 1.9 nmol/l); this was accompanied by rising luteinizing hormone and diminishing hydrocortisone equivalent dosages (TART: from 38.1± 3.2 to 35.1 ± 1.8 mg/d; vs. no TART: 28.8 ± 2.7 to 28.1 ± 1.6 mg/d) without correlation with any markers of adrenal androgen control. Inhibin B declined in men with large TART over time while TART status remained stable. Conclusion T levels below the normal range are frequent in men with 21OHD, regardless of TART, but change little over time. Besides adrenal androgen control gonadal axis suppression from supraphysiological glucocorticoid dosages needs to be considered. While our results do not endorse regular screening for alterations in TART status among adults, Sertoli cell function should be monitored in men with large TART.

Phase 3 Trial of Crinecerfont in Adult Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

BackgroundAdrenal insufficiency in patients with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is treated with glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Control of adrenal-derived androgen excess usually requires supraphysiologic glucocorticoid dosing, which predisposes patients to glucocorticoid-related complications. Crinecerfont, an oral corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 receptor antagonist, lowered androstenedione levels in phase 2 trials involving patients with CAH.MethodsIn this phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned adults with CAH in a 2:1 ratio to receive crinecerfont or placebo for 24 weeks. Glucocorticoid treatment was maintained at a stable level for 4 weeks to evaluate androstenedione values, followed by glucocorticoid dose reduction and optimization over 20 weeks to achieve the lowest glucocorticoid dose that maintained androstenedione control (≤120% of the baseline value or within the reference range). The primary efficacy end point was the percent change in the daily glucocorticoid dose from baseline to week 24 with maintenance of androstenedione control.ResultsAll 182 patients who underwent randomization (122 to the crinecerfont group and 60 to the placebo group) were included in the 24-week analysis, with imputation of missing values; 176 patients (97%) remained in the trial at week 24. The mean glucocorticoid dose at baseline was 17.6 mg per square meter of body-surface area per day of hydrocortisone equivalents; the mean androstenedione level was elevated at 620 ng per deciliter. At week 24, the change in the glucocorticoid dose (with androstenedione control) was −27.3% in the crinecerfont group and −10.3% in the placebo group (least-squares mean difference, −17.0 percentage points; P<0.001). A physiologic glucocorticoid dose (with androstenedione control) was reported in 63% of the patients in the crinecerfont group and in 18% in the placebo group (P<0.001). At week 4, androstenedione levels decreased with crinecerfont (−299 ng per deciliter) but increased with placebo (45.5 ng per deciliter) (least-squares mean difference, −345 ng per deciliter; P<0.001). Fatigue and headache were the most common adverse events in the two trial groups.ConclusionsAmong patients with CAH, the use of crinecerfont resulted in a greater decrease from baseline in the mean daily glucocorticoid dose, including a reduction to the physiologic range, than placebo following evaluation of adrenal androgen levels. (Funded by Neurocrine Biosciences; CAHtalyst ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04490915.)

Adrenal adenoma secreting 17-hydroxyprogesterone mimicking non-classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

In adrenal steroidogenesis, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is a substrate for 21-hydroxylase, one of the crucial enzymes of the cortisol and aldosterone biosynthesis pathway. Thus, measurement serum 17-OHP concentration is used when the diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is suspected. In the classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency, randomly timed measurements of 17-OHP are generally significantly elevated using different immunoassays. In the non-classic form of CAH (NC-CAH), the activity of 21-hydroxylase is less decreased, therefore the measurements of 17-OHP after ACTH stimulation test are usually required for diagnosis. Nonetheless, elevated 17-OHP concentration may also origin from adrenal tumors or ovarian neoplasms as a result of defects in steroidogenesis with an accumulation of steroids precursors. The presented cases and the literature review draw attention to the occurrence of rare causes of benign adrenal adenomas with steroidogenesis defects which may lead to a misdiagnosis of CAH.

Best Practice for Identification of Classical 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Should Include 21 Deoxycortisol Analysis with Appropriate Isomeric Steroid Separation.

There are mixed reports on the inclusion and use of 21 deoxycortisol (21DF) as the primary decision marker for classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency. We hypothesize that this may be due to insufficient recognition of the presence and chromatographic separation of isomeric steroids. The aim of this study was to determine the comparative utility of 21DF for screening and diagnosis of CAH due to classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency using a second-tier LC-MS/MS method that included the separation of isomeric steroids to 17OHP and 21DF. For each baby sample, one 3.2 mm dried blood spot was eluted in a methanolic solution containing isotopically matched internal standards. Data were interrogated by univariate and receiver operator characteristic analysis. Steroid profile results were generated for 924 non-CAH baby samples (median gestational age 37 weeks, range 22 to 43 weeks) and 17 babies with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The ROC curves demonstrated 21DF to have the best sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency with an AUC = 1.0. The heatmap showed the very strong correlation (r = 0.83) between 17OHP and 21DF. Our data support 21DF as a robust marker for CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. We recommend that 21DF be incorporated into routine newborn screening panels as part of the second-tier LC-MS/MS method, follow-up plasma steroid panels, and external quality assurance material.

THU186 A Case Of 3beta-hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type2 Deficiency Diagnosed By Whole Genome Sequencing In A Patient With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Abstract Disclosure: S. Chang: None. C. Kim: None. 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency (3βHSD2D) is a very rare type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) caused by HSD3B2 gene mutations. The estimated prevalence is less than 0.5% of all CAH and less than 1/1,000,000 at birth. It is a disorder of impaired steroidogenesis and sex steroid deficiency characterized by variable degrees of salt wasting, hypoglycemia, male incomplete masculinization and female virilization. Some newborns with 3βHSD2D have increased level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) that clinicians misdiagnose them as having classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency. A male newborn was referred to our hospital for generalized hyperpigmentation. Laboratory test showed hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and hypoglycemia. Hormonal study showed high level of adrenocorticotropic hormone, 17OHP, progesterone, renin activity, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione and low level of aldosterone. Clinically diagnosing with CAH, we administered glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement. We performed PCR sequencing for CYP21A2 gene mutation to confirm 21 hydroxylase deficiency but revealed normal result. After follow-up for 17 years with replacement treatment, he happened to have the opportunity to perform whole genome sequencing. Whole genome sequencing allowed to detect two pathogenic mutations in the HSD3B2 gene, described in compound heterozygosity (p.Arg249Ter and c.-149_143-1766del). One mutation (c.-149_143-1766del) is inherited from his father and the mother was not done for gene study. While there have been less than 100 cases of 3βHSD2D reported worldwide, in our best knowledge, this is the first case of genetically confirmed 3βHSD2D in Korea. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

SAT286 Effect of Tildacerfont On Gonadotropins And Testicular Steroidogenesis In Men With Classic 21-hydroxylase Deficiency

Abstract Disclosure: R. Charlton: Employee; Self; Spruce Biosciences, Inc. A. Khattab: Consulting Fee; Self; Antares Pharma, Inc. R.J. Auchus: Grant Recipient; Self; Spruce Biosciences, Inc. Research Investigator; Self; Spruce Biosciences, Inc. Impaired testicular function is a common comorbidity of classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) can disrupt testicular architecture and cause primary hypogonadism. Both supraphysiologic glucocorticoid doses and adrenal-derived androgens and estrogens can suppress gonadotropins and cause secondary hypogonadism. We conducted a post-hoc analysis of gonadal axis function in men with 21OHD participating in SPR001-201 and SPR001-202, two phase 2 studies of tildacerfont, a once-daily oral corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRFR1) antagonist, designed to reduce ACTH and adrenal steroid production, including androstenedione (A4). Study 201 included 3 cohorts: Cohort A, 5 men who received tildacerfont in a 6-week dose escalation - 2 weeks at 200 mg QD, 2 weeks at 600 mg QD, and 2 weeks at 1000 mg QD without washout between doses; Cohort B, 1 man who received tildacerfont for 2 weeks at 200 mg BID; and Cohort C, 4 men who received tildacerfont for 2 weeks at 100 mg BID. Study 202 included 4 men who received tildacerfont 400 mg QD for 12 weeks. Participants continued their previously prescribed glucocorticoid ± mineralocorticoid replacement without dose adjustments. Geometric means were used to describe hormone levels due to the small participant numbers. Mean and median ages were 46/32y in Study 201 and 32/35y in Study 202 (range 18-54 in both studies). All participants reported race as white except one who identified as white and Asian. Four reported ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino. At baseline, testosterone (T) levels were normal except for four 201 participants that had T &amp;lt;300 ng/dL. At baseline, 6/11 (55%) had suppressed LH (including the four with low T), and 11/14 (79%) had A4/T ratios &amp;gt;1, indicating a predominantly adrenal origin of T. In Study 201, mean T levels increased in Study 201 from 375.5 ng/dL to 390.5 ng/dL at week 2 (n=9), 485.4 ng/dL at week 4 (n=4) and 420.7 ng/dL at week 6 (n=4). In Study 202, mean T levels were 448.4 ng/dL at baseline and 412.0 ng/dL at week 12. Mean LH levels increased in Study 201 from 0.68 IU/L to 1.59 IU/L at week 2 (n=10), 1.62 IU/L at week 4 (n=5) and 0.85 IU/L at week 6 (n=4) (normal 1.8-8.6IU/L). In Study 202, mean LH levels increased from 0.44 IU/L at baseline to 0.87 IU/L at week 12. Of the four men who had low T and suppressed LH (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), LH rose in all 4 and normalized in 3/4 (75%). Mean A4/T ratios decreased across both studies. In Study 201, the mean declined from a baseline of 1.28 to 0.59 at week 2 (n=9), 0.87 at week 4 (n=4), and 1.03 at week 6 (n=4). In Study 202, the A4/T ratio decreased from baseline of 2.44 to 0.68 at week 12. All the hypogonadal men experienced reductions in A4/T ratios, and 3/4 (75%) achieved A4/T &amp;lt;1. This post-hoc analysis highlights that gonadal axis disruption is common in men with 21OHD and suggests that modulation of adrenal androgen production via CRFR1 antagonism may improve testicular function. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Clinical and Hormonal Profile of Classical 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Experience from a Tertiary Centre In India.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder requiring treatment with steroids. Both over and under-treatment can have an impact on growth outcomes. The aim of this study was to study the clinical and hormonal profile of a cohort of individuals with classical 21-hydroxylase CAH and to assess the factors influencing growth outcomes in these individuals. In this cross-sectional study, individuals with classical CAH were included. Baseline data were obtained from electronic medical records. Anthropometric measurements and hormonal profiles were assessed. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range) and qualitative variables as percentages. To measure the correlation between variables, Spearman's rank correlation was used. Of the 27 patients with classical 21-hydroxylase CAH, 13 had salt wasting and 14 had simple virilizing phenotype. The median height standard deviation score (SDS) of the cohort was -1 SDS (-2.00 to 0.2) with 24% having short stature (height < -2 SDS). There was no significant difference in height SDS depending on the age, gender, type of CAH or onset of central precocious puberty. There was no significant correlation between glucocorticoid dose and height SDS (r = 0.104). Obesity was a common finding (40% adults, 41.1% children). However, there was no significant correlation between BMI and glucocorticoid dose (r = 0.419). Short stature was a significant finding as noted in earlier studies. However, the high prevalence of obesity was a new finding that could not be explained by the dose of steroids alone.

Childhood and adolescent obesity associated with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Long-term cardiometabolic morbidity in young adults with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia

PurposeTo study the current practice for assessing comorbidity in adults with 21-hydroxylase CAH and to assess the prevalence of comorbidity in these adults.MethodsA structured questionnaire was sent to 46 expert centres managing adults with CAH. Information collected included current therapy and surveillance practice with a particular focus on osteoporosis/osteopaenia, hyperlipidaemia, type 2 diabetes/hyperinsulinaemia, hypertension, CV disease, obesity.ResultsOf the 31 (67%) centres from 15 countries that completed the survey, 30 (97%) screened for hypertension by measuring blood pressure, 30 (97%) screened for obesity, 26 (84%) screened for abnormal glucose homoeostasis mainly by using Hb1Ac (73%), 25 (81%) screened for osteoporosis mainly by DXA (92%), 20 (65%) screened for hyperlipidaemia and 6 (19%) screened for additional CV disease. Of the 31 centres, 13 provided further information on the six co-morbidities in 244 patients with a median age of 33 yrs (range 19, 94). Of these, 126 (52%) were females and 174 (71%) received fludrocortisone in addition to glucocorticoids. Of the 244 adults, 73 (30%) were treated for at least one comorbidity and 15 (21%) for more than 2 co-morbidities. Of 73, the patients who were treated for osteoporosis/osteopaenia, hyperlipidaemia, type 2 diabetes/hyperinsulinaemia, hypertension, CV disease, obesity were 43 (59%), 17 (23%), 16 (22%), 10 (14%), 8 (11), 3 (4%) respectively.ConclusionCardiometabolic and bone morbidities are not uncommon in adults with CAH. There is a need to standardise the screening for these morbidities from early adulthood and to explore optimal therapy through routine collection of standardised data.

Current and future perspectives on clinical management of classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Optimizing the glucocorticoid dosage has been a major concern in classic 21OHD (21-hydroxylase deficiency) treatment, as it is essential to adjust it meticulously to the needs of the individual patient. Insufficient glucocorticoid treatment will cause adrenal insufficiency, including life-threatening adrenal crisis, while excess of androgen could cause precocious pubertal growth in children, virilization in female patients, and infertility in male and female adult patients. Meanwhile, overtreatment with glucocorticoids causes iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome which could result in growth impairment, obesity, osteoporosis, and hypertension. The dilemma of 21OHD treatment is that glucocorticoid supplementation therapy at physiological dosage does not sufficiently suppress ACTH, consequently leading to adrenal androgen excess. Accordingly, the window for the appropriate glucocorticoid treatment would have to be substantially narrower than that of other types of adrenal insufficiency without androgen excess, such as adrenal hypoplasia. For the appropriate management of classic 21OHD, the physician has to be well versed in the physiology of the adrenal cortex, growth, and reproductive function. Comprehensive understanding of patients' requirements according to their life stage and sex is essential. Furthermore, female patients with 46,XX need to be cared for as differences in sex development (DSD) with careful psychological management. In this review, we aimed to comprehensively summarize the current status of classic 21OHD treatment, including the initial treatment during the neonatal period, management of adrenal insufficiency, maintenance therapy of each life stage, and the importance of clinical management as DSD for 46,XX female patients. The recently developed agents, Chronocort, and Crinecerfont, are also discussed.

ODP375 Absence of Virilization With Completely Normal Phenotype in a Newborn Female With Salt-Wasting Classical CAH

Abstract Background Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to the disruption of adrenal steroidogenesis. 21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most common form and is caused by the mutations in the 21-hydroxylase (CYP21A2) gene. Deficiency in the 21-hydroxylase enzyme can affect aldosterone and cortisol production and shift the pathway to increased androgen production. It is classified as classical and nonclassical depending on the severity of enzyme deficiency. The classical form can present as a life-threatening salt-wasting or a milder form of simple virilizing CAH. Female patients with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency present with ambiguous genitalia secondary to increased androgen production. We present a case of salt-wasting classical CAH in a female patient with no signs of virilization that was diagnosed based on newborn screening. Case presentation A four-day-old full-term female was referred to our hospital for elevated 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) on a newborn screen. She was born via normal vaginal delivery with an uncomplicated prenatal and postnatal course. Her newborn screen was drawn at day 1 of life resulted in 17-OHP of 128.20 nmol/L (normal cutoff of 85 nmol/L). Otherwise, she was active, feeding well with no other concerns. On admission, her vital signs were within normal, with an unremarkable physical examination. Specifically, the genitourinary exam demonstrated normal female external genitalia with no evidence of virilization, no clitoromegaly with a clitoris length of 12 mm and width 1-2 mm, no hyperpigmentation, and with normal-appearing vaginal orifice and urethral meatus. Confirmatory 17-OHP by mass spectrometry was sent along with the metabolic panel, and her initial electrolytes were within normal. Since there was a low suspicion for salt-wasting CAH given her normal labs and unremarkable physical exam, medication was not started, and the patient was admitted for monitoring. The potassium level trended up abnormally to 6.3 mmol/L, which prompted the initiation of empiric treatment with a physiologic dose of Hydrocortisone and Florinef on day of life 7, pending confirmatory 17-OHP level. Confirmatory17-OHP was 1242 ng/dL (normal &amp;lt;78) and following stimulation with Cosyntropin a markedly elevated 17-OHP 27,929.31 ng/dL (normal expected 7-106) and low cortisol level 2 mcg/dL, for which definitive treatment with hydrocortisone and Florinef were initiated. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase deficiency with mutations in the CYP21A2 gene for I172N, R356W, and c. *13G&amp;gt;A. Further genetic workup to explain the complete lack of virilization, including assessment of an androgen insensitivity panel and whole-exome sequencing, was unremarkable. Conclusion This case illustrates the critical importance of heel-stick newborn screening for CAH to prevent a life-threatening salt-wasting crisis as female patients with classical CAH can present with a phenotypic complete lack of virilization that could be misleading and fatal if not recognized. Presentation: No date and time listed

Health status of children and young persons with congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the UK (CAH-UK): a cross-sectional multi-centre study.

ObjectiveThere is limited knowledge on the onset of comorbidities in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) during childhood. We aimed to establish the health status of children with CAH in the UK.Design and methodsThis cross-sectional multicentre study involved 14 tertiary endocrine UK units, recruiting 101 patients aged 8–18 years with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency and 83 controls. We analysed demographic, clinical and metabolic data, as well as psychological questionnaires (Strengths and Difficulties (SDQ), Paediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL)).ResultsPatient height SDS in relation to mid-parental height decreased with age, indicating the discrepancy between height achieved and genetic potential height. Bone age was advanced in 40.5% patients, with a mean difference from the chronological age of 1.8 (±2.3) years. Patients were more frequently overweight (27%) or obese (22%) compared to controls (10.8% and 10.8%, respectively, P < 0.001). No consistent relationship between glucocorticoid dose and anthropometric measurements or hormonal biomarkers was detected. A small number of patients had raised total cholesterol (3.0%), low HDL (3.0%), raised LDL (7.0%) and triglycerides (5.0%). SDQ scores were within the ‘high’ and ‘very high’ categories of concern for 16.3% of patients. ‘School functioning’ was the lowest PedsQL scoring dimension with a median (interquartile range) of 70 (55–80), followed by ‘emotional functioning’ with a median of 75 (65–85).ConclusionsOur results show an increased prevalence of problems with growth and weight gain in CAH children and suggest reduced quality of life. This highlights the urgent need to optimise management and monitoring strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.

Long-term cardiometabolic morbidity in young adults wWith classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Prenatal dexamethasone treatment for classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Europe

ObjectiveTo assess the current medical practice in Europe regarding prenatal dexamethasone (Pdex) treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.Design and methodsA questionnaire was designed and distributed, including 17 questions collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Thirty-six medical centres from 14 European countries responded and 30 out of 36 centres were reference centres of the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions, EndoERN.ResultsPdex treatment is currently provided by 36% of the surveyed centres. The treatment is initiated by different specialties, that is paediatricians, endocrinologists, gynaecologists or geneticists. Regarding the starting point of Pdex, 23% stated to initiate therapy at 4–5 weeks postconception (wpc), 31% at 6 wpc and 46 % as early as pregnancy is confirmed and before 7 wpc at the latest. A dose of 20 µg/kg/day is used. Dose distribution among the centres varies from once to thrice daily. Prenatal diagnostics for treated cases are conducted in 72% of the responding centres. Cases treated per country and year vary between 0.5 and 8.25. Registries for long-term follow-up are only available at 46% of the centres that are using Pdex treatment. National registries are only available in Sweden and France.ConclusionsThis study reveals a high international variability and discrepancy in the use of Pdex treatment across Europe. It highlights the importance of a European cooperation initiative for a joint international prospective trial to establish evidence-based guidelines on prenatal diagnostics, treatment and follow-up of pregnancies at risk for CAH.

Adrenal Morphology as an Indicator of Long-Term Disease Control in Adults with Classic 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency.

BackgroundMonitoring adults with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is challenging due to variation in clinical and laboratory settings. Moreover, guidelines for adrenal imaging in 21OHD are not yet available. We evaluated the relationship between adrenal morphology and disease control status in classical 21OHD.MethodsThis retrospective, cross-sectional study included 90 adult 21OHD patients and 270 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We assessed adrenal volume, width, and tumor presence using abdominal computed tomography and evaluated correlations of adrenal volume and width with hormonal status. We investigated the diagnostic performance of adrenal volume and width for identifying well-controlled status in 21OHD patients (17α-hydroxyprogesterone [17-OHP] <10 ng/mL).ResultsThe adrenal morphology of 21OHD patients showed hypertrophy (45.6%), normal size (42.2%), and hypotrophy (12.2%). Adrenal tumors were detected in 12 patients (13.3%). The adrenal volume and width of 21OHD patients were significantly larger than those of controls (18.2±12.2 mL vs. 7.1±2.0 mL, 4.7±1.9 mm vs. 3.3±0.5 mm, P<0.001 for both). The 17-OHP and androstenedione levels were highest in patients with adrenal hypertrophy, followed by those with normal adrenal glands and adrenal hypotrophy (P<0.05 for both). Adrenal volume and width correlated positively with adrenocorticotropic hormone, 17-OHP, 11β-hydroxytestosterone, progesterone sulfate, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in both sexes (r=0.33–0.95, P<0.05 for all). For identifying well-controlled patients, the optimal cut-off values of adrenal volume and width were 10.7 mL and 4 mm, respectively (area under the curve, 0.82–0.88; P<0.001 for both).ConclusionAdrenal volume and width may be reliable quantitative parameters for monitoring patients with classical 21OHD.

Prevalence of testicular adrenal rest tumor and factors associated with its development in 6 month to 18 years-old patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a potentially life-threatening form of primary adrenal insufficiency characterized by cortisol, aldosterone, and epinephrine deficiencies, as well as overproduction of androgen. Infertility is one of the most important complications in male patients with CAH, and testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) are known to be the most important caause of infertility in these patients. In the present study, the prevalence of TART and factors associated with its development were evaluated in patients with CAH. Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study evaluating 30 males (6 month -18 years) with the classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) through testicular ultrasonography. Data including age, bone age, puberty, 21-OHD phenotype (salt wasting (SW) or simple virilizing (SV)) and serum levels of 17- hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were records. Results: The prevalence of TART was determined 56.7%, which increased with age with higher prevalence in children >12 (52.9%) year old. The mean age in patients with TART was 12.4 ± 4.18 years. No association was found between TART and 21-OHD phenotype, androstenedione, or 17OHP levels, but an association was found between TART and elevated levels of ACTH (p= 0.049), advanced bone age (p= 0.030) and puberty (p= 0.003). Conclusion: According to the results, TART is very common and can occur in pre-pubertal and young patients, and the disease control could be a factor associated with its development. Therefore, it is suggested to investigate the TART development early in childhood, mainly in poorly controlled 21-OHD patients.

Production of 11-Oxygenated Androgens by Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumors.

ContextTesticular adrenal rest tumors (TART) are a common complication in males with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). TART are likely to contribute to the androgen excess in 21OHD patients, but a direct quantification of steroidogenesis from these tumors has not been yet done.ObjectiveWe aimed to define the production of 11-oxygenated 19-carbon (11oxC19) steroids by TART.MethodsUsing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, steroids were measured in left (n = 7) and right (n = 4) spermatic vein and simultaneously drawn peripheral blood (n = 7) samples from 7 men with 21OHD and TART. For comparison, we also measured the peripheral steroid concentrations in 5 adrenalectomized patients and 12 age- and BMI-matched controls. Additionally, steroids were quantified in TART cell– and adrenal cell–conditioned medium, with and without adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation.ResultsCompared with peripheral blood from 21OHD patients with TART, the spermatic vein samples displayed the highest gradient for 11β-hydroxytestosterone (11OHT; 96-fold) of the 11oxC19 steroids, followed by 11-ketotestosterone (47-fold) and 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4; 29-fold), suggesting production of these steroids in TART. TART cells produced higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of A4 and 11OHA4 after ACTH stimulation compared with adrenal cells, indicating ACTH-induced production of testosterone in TART.ConclusionIn patients with 21OHD, TART produce 11oxC19 steroids, but in different proportions than the adrenals. The very high ratio of 11OHT in spermatic vs peripheral vein blood suggests the 11-hydroxylation of testosterone by TART, and the in vitro results indicate that this metabolism is ACTH-sensitive.

Glucocorticoid receptor Gene (NR3C1) Polymorphisms and Haplotypes in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BackgroundLifelong glucocorticoid (GC) replacement is the mainstay treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). Challenges posed by therapeutic management of these patients are well known, but novel insights into the variability in clinical response to GC highlight a role for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1). AimTo assess whether six commonly studied NR3C1 SNPs, which were previously associated with modified response to GC, are associated with CAH. We further assessed the linkage disequilibrium (LD) among these NR3C1 SNPs and their combination into haplotypes. MethodsGenotypes were determined by Taqman allele discrimination assays for Tth111I (rs10052957), ER22 (rs6189), 23 EK (rs6190), N363S (rs56149945), BclI (rs41423247) and 9β (rs6198) in a Brazilian cohort of 102 unrelated 21-OHD patients and 163 unrelated healthy subjects (controls). Haplotypes were estimated using Haplo.stats, and LD among SNPs using Haploview. ResultsHeterozygous subjects for Tth111I were more frequent in 21-OHD patients (P = 0.004), while heterozygous for BclI were more frequent in controls (P = 0.049). We found a strong LD among the six NR3C1 SNPs, and four out of six common haplotypes contained the Tth111I-variant. Although we found no significant differences in overall haplotype analysis, the BclI-haplotype was less frequent among 21-OHD patients (P = 0.0180). ConclusionsBclI-haplotype was less common and heterozygous for Tth111I were more frequent in 21-OHD patients, while heterozygous for BclI were more frequent in controls. Our novel findings may contribute to further clinical studies on the prognostic value of NR3C1 haplotypes towards individualized treatment for 21-OHD patients.

Changes in Adrenal and Gonadal Androgens After 14-Day Treatment With CRF1 Receptor Antagonist, Crinecerfont (NBI-74788), in Men With Classic 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) causes cortisol insufficiency and androgen excess. A phase 2 trial of crinecerfont, a CRF1 receptor antagonist, in 18 adults with 21OHD showed prominent decreases in ACTH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione (A4), and in women, testosterone (T), after 14 days of treatment. In men with 21OHD, T derives from both adrenals and testes; in poor disease control, A4/T ratio is elevated due to disproportionately increased adrenal A4 production and decreased testicular T production. We sought to determine the impact of crinecerfont on both adrenal and gonadal androgen production in men with 21OHD in this phase 2 trial.Methods: A4 and T data were analyzed for 7 men who completed 1 or more of 4 oral dosing regimens: Cohort 1, 50 mg QHS, n=4; Cohort 2, 100 mg QHS, n=2; Cohort 3, 100 mg QPM, n=5; and Cohort 4, 100 mg BID, n=3 (14 total treatment periods). Mean 0600-1000 4-hour morning window (M4hMW) and mean 24-hour (M24h) A4, T, and A4/T ratios were analyzed from serial serum samples at baseline and on day 15.Results: Dose-dependent reductions in M4hMW A4 were observed [median (range)] in men, consistent with previously presented data in all subjects:Cohort 1: -21% (-84 to -12%);Cohort 2: -37% (-51% to -23%);Cohort 3: -43% (-85% to +140%);Cohort 4: -62% (-90% to -33%).In contrast, M4hMW T showed inconsistent changes [median (range)]: Cohort 1: +18% (-40% to +82%);Cohort 2: -4% (-4.3% to -3.8%);Cohort 3: +9% (-11 to +24%);Cohort 4: +9% (-3% to +27%).Thus, M4hMW A4/T ratios decreased with dose. Values at baseline, on day 15, and percent changes [median (range)] were, respectively:Cohort 1: 0.9 (0.3–2.6), 0.6 (0.1–2.1), -26% (-91% to +23%);Cohort 2: 5.0 (4.8–5.2), 3.3 (2.5–4.2), -35% (-49% to -20%);Cohort 3: 0.6 (0.1–6.9), 0.3 (0.1–2.7), -54% (-85% to +178%);Cohort 4: 3.9 (0.6–5.9), 0.4 (0.3–2.1), -65% (-92% to -31%).M24h A4/T ratios similarly declined in all cohorts. Values at baseline, on day 15, and percent changes [median (range)] were, respectively:Cohort 1: 1.0 (0.3–2.3), 0.4 (0.1–1.9), -33% (-92% to +2%);Cohort 2: 4.3 (3.8–4.9), 2.7 (2.4–3.0), -36% (-51% to -22%);Cohort 3: 0.5 (0.1–4.7), 0.4 (0.1–2.4), -59% (-78% to +310%);Cohort 4: 3.2 (0.4–4.1), 0.4 (0.3–1.7), -58% (-89% to -31%).Conclusions: Following crinecerfont therapy, A4 and A4/T decreased in a dose-dependent manner in men with 21OHD. In contrast to reductions in T observed in women with 21OHD, T did not change consistently and rose in some men. Preserved T values despite marked A4 reductions suggests testicular T production increased during crinecerfont therapy, perhaps due to release of gonadotropin suppression from adrenal-derived androgens. Long term studies are needed to determine if crinecerfont treatment improves additional measures of testicular function in men with 21OHD.Reference: RJ Auchus, et al. J Endocr Soc 2020;4(Suppl 1):OR25-03.