Multiple Anterior Pituitary Hormone Deficiencies Research Articles

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome broadens the clinical spectrum of the TTC26 ciliopathy

In this case series, David et al. describe clinical features of 4 patients in 2 unrelated consanguineous families with TTC26 ciliopathy due to a homozygous c.695A>G p.Asn232Ser mutation. Three of the patients had MRI findings consistent with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS), a congenital anomaly of the pituitary gland. Additionally, 2 of 3 patients with PSIS had multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Three patients also had ocular manifestations, including isolated bilateral esotropia, unilateral retinal coloboma, microphthalmia, corneal dystrophy, and optic disc edema, suggesting that ocular abnormalities are a part of the phenotype associated with defective TTC26.

Pediatric Giant Prolactinoma Presenting With Acute Obstructive Hydrocephalus and Intracranial Hypertension

Background: Pediatric prolactinomas (PP) are rare but represent 50% of all pediatric pituitary adenomas. Girls are affected more frequently than boys, although PP tend to be larger and more aggressive (earlier age, larger mass, and higher prolactin levels) in boys. Thus, microadenomas (tumors < 10 mm in diameter) are typical in females and macroadenomas (10–40 mm in diameter) are typical in males. Giant prolactinomas (> 40 mm in maximum diameter), an unusual subset of macroprolactinomas, are also commonly found in boys. In a large case series, the largest tumor volume reported was 93.5 cm3. Here we report a giant prolactinoma in a female requiring V/P shunt for decompression. Clinical Case: A 16-year old female presented with 2 weeks of intractable headache, nausea and vomiting, vision impairment, and changes in balance described as running into stationary household objects. Historical review revealed primary amenorrhea and short stature. On initial exam, the patient had a right eye afferent pupillary defect, concern for loss of color vision, and bilateral optic nerve edema with blurred disc margins. Brain MRI showed a large lobulated mass centered in the suprasellar cistern, measuring approximately 6.4 x 5.8 x 5.7 cm with a tumor volume of 105 cm3. There was extension superiorly, anteriorly, and laterally, with homogeneously enhancing and cystic components, and mass effect resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus. Differential diagnoses included craniopharyngioma, germinoma, and adenoma. Initial tests demonstrated prolactin of >2,000 ng/mL, with diluted result of 17,811.16 ng/mL. Morning fasting labs confirmed multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies including central hypothyroidism, ACTH deficiency, GH deficiency, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The patient was started on hydrocortisone and levothyroxine. Due to obstructive hydrocephalus and vision impairment, she underwent VP shunt placement for decompression. She was started on cabergoline for medical treatment of the tumor and did not require surgical resection. Repeat prolactin measurements have shown striking improvement (to 2,350 ng/ml, 824 ng/ml, and 152 ng/ml at 1 week, 1-month, and 2-month-follow-up, respectively) with central vision improved in both eyes, papilledema resolved, and resolution of headaches. Conclusion: Giant prolactinomas presenting with hydrocephalus and intracranial hypertension are very rare in pediatrics, especially in girls, and can vary greatly in mass characteristics and resulting hormone deficiencies. Our patient is unique with her large tumor volume and the extent of pituitary hormone deficiencies. Prolactin levels should be measured with all sellar masses, as this may prevent unnecessary invasive intervention and possibly provide prompt response to medical management.

SUN-LB2 Undescended Testicle and Short Stature as Manifestation of Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome a Report From Saudi Arabia

BackgroundPituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a congenital disease with isolated growth hormone deficiency or multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. Here, the authors report a case of PSIS from Saudi Arabia.Clinical CaseA 16 year old Saudi boy presented to the endocrine clinic with short stature and undescended testis, status post bilateral orchidopexy. He was delivered by caesarean section because of breech presentation and birth asphyxia. Investigation revealed underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics with decreased facial and pubic hair growth. The patient height was 134 cm whereas the bone age was 9 - 11 years. Pelvis examination showed a scrotum with bilateral 1 mL testes and the stretch penile length was 3 cm.The patient laboratory investigations showed hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL, serum sodium 140 mmol/L, serum potassium 4.1 mmol/L, serum chloride 102 mmol/L, calcium 9.1 mg/dL, random blood sugar 110 mg/dL and albumin 3.8 mg/dL. A pituitary hormone profile showed hypopituitarism with thyroid, and adrenal sparing. The patient free T4 was 17.3 pmol/L (9-25 pmol/L) and synacthen test revealed a morning baseline cortisol level of 6.5 µg/dL (normal = 4.3-22.4 ug/dL) with adrenocorticotrophic hormone of 9.8 pmol/L (1.1 - 13.2 pmol/L). Insulin-like growth factor 1 level 50 ng/dL (normal = 193.0 - 731.0 ug/L), follicle-stimulating hormone 0.35 µIU/mL (normal, 0.0-10.0), and leutinizing hormone 0.4 µIU/mL (normal = 1.2-7.8). The patient’s morning testosterone level showed 8 ng/dL (normal = 280-800 ng/dL) and prolactin 116 mIU/L (normal = 86 - 324 mIU/L). There were no symptom suggestive of posterior pituitary involvement like polyuria and polydipsia as urine and serum osmolality. The MRI examination showed no pituitary gland identified in the sella turcica and no clear pituitary stalk. A T1 hyperintense focus with post-contrast enhancement was identified posterior to the optic chiasma representing an ectopic posterior pituitary gland. The growth hormone and testosterone therapy were added to medical therapy of the patients and no thyroid or hydrocortisone replacement therapy was given. Conclusion: Despite the fact that this is a rare disorder, it should always be kept in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with short stature. Patients with this disease have an excellent opportunity to reach normal height if they present before the joining of epiphyses.

Hypophysitis secondary to nivolumab and pembrolizumab is a clinical entity distinct from ipilimumab-associated hypophysitis.

Little has been published describing hypophysitis after nivolumab or pembrolizumab treatment. We aimed to (i) assess the risk of hypophysitis following nivolumab or pembrolizumab treatment, (ii) characterize the clinical presentation and outcomes in these patients and (iii) compare these patients to hypophysitis following ipilimumab and ipilimumab plus nivolumab (combo). We hypothesized that headaches, pituitary enlargement on MRI and multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies would occur less often in the nivolumab/pembrolizumab group versus ipilimumab or combo hypophysitis patients. We conducted a multi-center retrospective review utilizing the Research Patient Database registry to evaluate individuals diagnosed with hypophysitis following treatment with nivolumab/pembrolizumab (n = 22), ipilimumab (n = 64) and combo (n = 20). Encounter notes, radiologic imaging and laboratory results for these patients were comprehensively reviewed. Hypophysitis was rare following treatment with nivolumab/pembrolizumab (0.5%, 17/3522) compared to ipilimumab (13.6%, 34/250), P < 0.0001. Hypophysitis was diagnosed later in nivolumab/pembrolizumab (median: 25.8 weeks, interquartile range (IR): 18.4-44.0) compared to ipilimumab (9.3, IR: 7.2-11.1) or combo patients (12.5, IR: 7.4-18.6), P < 0.0001 for both. Headache and pituitary enlargement occurred less commonly in nivolumab/pemrolizumab patients (23% and 5/18, respectively) compared to ipilimumab (75%, 60/61) and combo (75%, 16/17) treatment groups (P < 0.0001 versus ipilimumab and P = 0.001 versus combo for headache and P < 0.0001 for both for enlargement). This study represents the first comprehensive cohort analysis of nivolumab or pembrolizumab-associated hypophysitis in a large patient group. Hypophysitis occurs rarely with these medications, and these patients have a distinct phenotype compared to hypophysitis after treatment with ipilimumab or ipilimumab plus nivolumab.

MOLECULAR GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS CHILDREN WITH GROWTHHORMONE DEFICIENCY

Clinical manifestations of heterogeneity of growth hormone deficiency when definitive results of hormonal stimulus test determines the need to search for molecular genetic markers of the disease to form personalized therapeutic algorithms. Molecular genetic analysis in patients with congenital hypopituitarism was carried out by new-generation sequencing (NGS) with "Amplisek" technology. All patients with congenital hypopituitarism, who are in a special registry of Saint Petersburg, were included in this study. differences in the frequency of detection of mutations in patients with multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency and in patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency were found. The mutation frequency of diagnosis in genes responsible for congenital hypopituitarism in patients of St. Petersburg were studied.Mutations in genes associated with congenital hypopituitarism were identified in 16.3% of patients with pituitary dwarfism (16 of 98). The most commonly diagnosed mutations are changes in gene PROP1. In carrying out the molecular genetic studies of patients with congenital hypopituitarism is necessary to consider the likelihood of the presence of these rare pathologies such as loss of genes GHSR, ARNT2, BTK. Currently conducting molecular genetic studies in patients with congenital hypopituitarism further predicts development of the disease and, if necessary, adjust the ongoing replacement therapy.

Clinical and genetic features of patients with multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency caused by mutations in the PROP1 gene; the efficacy of recombinant growth hormone therapy

Rationale. One of the most common causes of multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) is genetic defects in the PROP1 gene. PROP1 deficiency leads to malfunction of somatotrophs, lactotrophs, thyrotrophs, corticotrophs, and gonadotrophs. Now, there is an opportunity to conduct large-scale population studies of patients with genetic MPHD, describe their clinical and genetic heterogeneity, and evaluate the efficacy of long-term therapy of these patients with a recombinant growth hormone (rGH).&#x0D; Aim. The study aim was to assess the spectrum of PROP1 gene mutations in the Russian population of MPHD patients, rate and expected age of hypopituitarism components, and efficacy of rGH therapy.&#x0D; Material and methods. We analyzed the data of 27 patients diagnosed with MPHD and genetically confirmed mutations in the PROP1 gene who were treated at the Institute of Pediatric Endocrinology of the Endocrinology Research Center (ERC) in 1978―2016. MPHD was diagnosed based on laboratory data and stimulatory tests characterizing the functional activity of the pituitary gland. The molecular genetic study was performed using high-performance parallel sequencing. We used a custom Ampliseq_HP primer panel developed at the Department of Hereditary Endocrinopathies of the ERC, which included coding regions of the following genes: ARNT2, GH1, GHRH, GHRHR, GHSR, GLI2, HESX1, LHX3, LHX4, OTX2, PAX6, POU1F1, PROP1, SHH, SOX2, and SOX3. All patients received rGH therapy at a growth-stimulating dose from the time of GH deficiency diagnosis until final height completion. We evaluated the efficacy of therapy by comparing the achieved final height with the genetically expected one.&#x0D; Results. Non-familial cases prevailed (N=23) in the study cohort of patients with MPHD caused by mutations in the PROP1 gene; only two patients were monochorionic twin sisters; the other two patients were siblings. An analysis of the distribution of PROP1 gene mutations revealed a hot-point mutation c.301_302delAG in 24 patients (89%, 95% CI 71%; 98%). A mutation in the c.150delA locus occurred in 11 patients (41%, 95% CI 22%; 61%). Two patients had other mutations (c.629delC and c.43_49delGGGCGAG). Total GH deficiency was detected in all patients. The rate of secondary hypothyroidism (SHT) in patients of the study sample was 78% (95% CI 58%; 91%) at the time of diagnosis of GH deficiency and 100% (95% CI 81%; 100%) at the time of final height. The rate of secondary hypogonadism (SHG) at the time of final height was 100% (95% CI 81%; 100%), and the rate of secondary hypocorticism (SHC) was 41% (95% CI 22%; 61%). The normal level of prolactin was detected in 83% (95% CI 65%; 94%) of patients. At the time of growth plate closure, patients receiving rGH therapy at the growth-stimulating dose achieved the genetically expected final height.&#x0D; Conclusion. According to our findings, the most common mutation in the PROP1 gene is a deletion of AG nucleotides in the 101 codon (c.301_302 delAG), which is found in 89% (95% CI 71%; 98) patients. Patients with MPHD caused by mutations in the PROP1 gene have total GH deficiency and are diagnosed with secondary hypothyroidism and secondary hypogonadism in 100% of cases. The possibility of delayed manifestation of hypopituitarism components requires regular screening of tropic hormone levels for the timely start of substitution therapy and prevention of life-threatening conditions. rGH therapy is highly effective for GH deficiency caused by PROP1 gene mutations and allows patients to achieve the genetically expected height in the case of early diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency.

Pattern of Thyroid Disorders in Children and Adolescents Seen at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, Over a 10-year Period.

Introduction:Thyroid disorders account for a large proportion of pediatric endocrine disorders. Untreated hypothyroidism in childhood has permanent adverse effects on physical, intellectual, and neurological development. However, few studies have reported the pattern of pediatric thyroid disorders in Nigeria.Objectives:The objective of this study was to document the pattern of thyroid disorders in children and adolescents seen at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) over a 10-year period.Participants and Methods:This is a retrospective descriptive study involving children with thyroid disorders seen from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015.Results:Seventy-one patients with thyroid disorders (0.13%) were seen out of 52,800 new cases (incidence of 1/1000 new cases) comprising 13.4% of 546 pediatric endocrine cases with a male:female ratio of 1:1.2. Median (range) age at presentation was 1.6 (0.001–14) years. Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) constituted a major proportion of cases (46.7%), with a median (range) age at presentation of 9 (1.5–24) months. Down syndrome constituted 45% of patients with CH with associated congenital heart defects in eight (53%) patients. Acquired hypothyroidism was seen in ten patients (five goitrous and five nongoitrous). Six patients had hypothyroidism associated with multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Nine patients (all females) had hyperthyroidism with confirmed Graves' disease in 5 (55.6%), with mean age at presentation being 9.4 ± 2.09 years. Other conditions were euthyroid sick syndrome (2.8%), euthyroid goiter (1.4%), and acute thyroiditis (1.4%). Eight infants of mothers on treatment for hyperthyroidism ( first seen between the 7th h of life to 2 months of age) had transient hypothyroidism while one 8-day-old had transient hyperthyroidism.Conclusion:CH was the most common disorder encountered with late age at presentation. Routine newborn screening and maintaining a high index of suspicion are advocated.

Pituitary dysfunction and its association with quality of life in traumatic brain injury

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability and may cause transient or persistent, isolated or multiple hypopituitarism in a variable percentage of cases. ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of isolated and multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency in subjects with TBI in a single institution. The secondary aim was to determine a correlation between pituitary deficiency and quality of life (QOL) after TBI. MethodsThirty-five patients, aged between 18 and 63 years, were evaluated 6months to 5 years after TBI. We evaluated the QOL by SF-12® questionnaire and measured serum basal GH, IGF1, LH, FSH, testosterone (in males), 17-β-estradiol (in women), PRL, fT4 and TSH. In patients with low IGF1, a GHRH + Arginine test was performed. ResultsSingle or multiple pituitary failure was found in 13 patients (37%). Low testosterone was found in 7 males, low FSH and/or LH in 4, low IGF1 in 7 patients. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and GH insufficiency assessed by GHRH + Arginine test were found respectively in 3 and 2 patients. One patient displayed a concomitant GH insufficiency and low TSH level. Twenty six patients showed a reduction in QOL. A correlations between altered QOL and hormonal deficiency was not observed. ConclusionsIsolated or multiple hypopituitarism resulting from TBI are frequent. Alterations in QOL and pituitary function resulting from TBI are not associated.

Relationship between pituitary stalk (PS) visibility and the severity of hormone deficiencies: PS interruption syndrome revisited.

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a rare cause of combined pituitary hormone deficiency characterized by a triad shown in pituitary imaging, yet it has never been evaluated due to the visibility of pituitary stalk (PS) in imaging findings. The major objective of the study was to systematically describe the disease including clinical presentations, imaging findings and to estimate the severity of anterior pituitary hormone deficiency based on the visibility of the PS. This was a retrospective study including 74 adult patients with PSIS in Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases between January 2010 and June 2014. Sixty had invisible PS according to the findings on MRI, while the rest had a thin or intersected PS. Basic characteristics and hormonal status were compared. Of the 74 patients with PSIS, age at diagnosis was 25 (22-28) years. Absent pubertal development (97·3%) was the most common presenting symptom, followed by short stature. Insulin tolerance test (ITT) and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test were used to evaluate the function of anterior pituitary. The prevalence of isolated deficiency in growth hormone (GH), gonadotrophins, corticotrophin and thyrotrophin were 100%, 97·2%, 88·2% and 70·3%, respectively. Although the ratio of each deficiency did not vary between patients with invisible PS and with visible PS, panhypopituitarism occurred significantly more frequent in patients with invisible PS. Patients with invisible PS had significantly lower levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and hormones from targeted glands including morning cortisol, 24-h urine free cortisol, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and testosterone (T) in male than patients with visible PS. Moreover, patients with invisible PS had lower peak LH and FSH in GnRH stimulation test, and higher peak cortisol in ITT while peak GH remained unchanged between two groups. The prevalence of multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency was high in adult patients with PSIS. And more importantly, we found the visibility of PS shown on MRI might be an indication of the severity of PSIS.

Measurement of Serum Free Thyroxine Index May Provide Additional Case Detection Compared to Free Thyroxine in the Diagnosis of Central Hypothyroidism.

The diagnosis of central hypothyroidism is often suspected in patients with hypothalamic/pituitary pathology, in the setting of low, normal, or even slightly elevated serum TSH and low free thyroxine (FT4). We present four cases of central hypothyroidism (three had known pituitary pathology) in whom central hypothyroidism was diagnosed after the serum free thyroxine index (FTI) was found to be low. All had normal range serum TSH and free thyroxine levels. This report illustrates that the assessment of the serum FTI may be helpful in making the diagnosis of central hypothyroidism in the appropriate clinical setting and when free T4 is in the low-normal range, particularly in patients with multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies and/or with symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism.

A Case with Empty Sella Syndrome Combined with Multiple Anterior Pituitary Hormone Deficiencies Presenting as Hypoglycemic Coma

&lt;title&gt;Abstract A 55-year-old male was admitted to emergency department with a hypoglycemic shock of unknown origin. He was presented with tonic seizure activity after admission. Initial diagnostic procedure could exclude diabetes mellitus, drug side effects, and exogenous insulin application. Detailed evaluation of the patient's history revealed that the patient had experienced repeated hypoglycemic episodes for 2 years. He was diagnosed with hypothyroidism six years ago. Initial laboratory investigations revealed hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and low plasma cortisol level (0.18 pg/dᄂ)· Sellar magnetic resonance imaging showed empty sella. Replacement therapy with hydrocortisone resulted in the improvement of clinical symptoms. Combined pituitary stimulation test with exception of hypoglycemia induced growth hormone and cortisol stimulation test was performed. The response of thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone was normal. We report the case of empty sella syndrome associated with hypoglycemic shock due to with multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies.&lt;/p&gt;

The causes of hypopituitarism in the absence of abnormal pituitary imaging

Hypopituitarism in the absence of a history of pituitary pathology or abnormal pituitary imaging is rare. To identify the cause of hypopituitarism in individuals in whom pituitary imaging was normal. Retrospective analysis of electronic patient record. A review of the pituitary function in the 506 patients on the Morriston Hospital pituitary database revealed 230 had some degree of hypopituitarism and of these, 21 (9%) had normal pituitary imaging. Of this group, six patients had a past medical history of subarachnoid haemorrhage, head injury or meningitis, and mainly suffered from a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone. One patient had a stroke resulting in multiple anterior hormone deficiencies and six individuals had idiopathic cranial diabetes insipidus (DI). Subsequent investigations of the remaining eight patients with normal pituitary imaging revealed that two had neurosarcoidosis both of whom had panhypopituitarism. Four patients had haemochromatosis which resulted in gonadotropin deficiency in two, DI in one and panhypopituitarism in the other. There were two individuals with confirmed hypopituitarism and multiple hormone deficiencies in which no cause could be identified. These results show that hypopituitarism in the absence of pituitary pathology or an identifiable cause is rare. In patients with multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies haemochromatosis and sarcoidosis should be considered.

Random Postoperative Day-3 Cortisol Concentration as a Predictor of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Integrity after Transsphenoidal Surgery

To determine whether a random postoperative day-3 cortisol value of 10 μg/dL or greater is predictive of adrenal sufficiency 3 to 10 weeks after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) and during long-term clinical follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed the case records of patients who underwent TSS at our institution between 1991 and 2008. Inclusion criteria were as follows: random cortisol measured on the morning of postoperative day 3, adrenal dynamic testing performed 3 to 10 weeks after TSS, and clinical assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis at least 6 months after TSS. A total of 466 patients underwent TSS at our institution during the study period. Eighty-three patients met study inclusion criteria. Sensitivity of a random postoperative day-3 serum cortisol value of 10 μg/dL or greater for the prediction of adrenal sufficiency at a median follow-up of 42 days was 64.81% (95% confidence interval, 50.6%-77.32%), with an odds ratio of 3.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-8.58). Specificity was 62.1% (95% confidence interval, 42.3%-79.3%). At a median follow-up of 500 days, only 2 patients with a postoperative day-3 cortisol value of 10 μg/dL or greater required hydrocortisone replacement, both of whom had multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies and evidence of pituitary dysfunction during the perioperative period. In the appropriate clinical context, a postoperative day-3 cortisol value of 10 μg/dL or greater accurately predicts the integrity of the HPA axis. The final decision regarding corticosteroid replacement should be personalized, considering the postoperative day-3 cortisol level, the clinical context in which the measurement was obtained, and any evidence of concomitant pituitary dysfunction in the perioperative period.

Pharmacologic Correction of Dominant‐Negative GH1 Deficiency Causing Mutations

Dominant-negative growth hormone gene (GH1) mutations cause familial isolated growth hormone deficiency type II (IGHD II), which is characterized by GH deficiency, occasional multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies, and anterior pituitary hypoplasia. We have previously shown that 17.5-/22-kDa GH1 transcript ratios correlate with the severity of the IGHD II phenotype. We hypothesized that different pharmaceutical agents could affect the GH1 transcript ratio by modulating alternative splicing. We exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells from IGHD II patients and unaffected family members to different pharmacologic agents and then determined the 17.5-/22-kDa transcript ratios by real-time PCR. Dexamethasone and digoxin significantly increased the 17.5-/22-kDa transcript ratio, while sodium butyrate and 5-iodotubericidin significantly decreased the ratio. Since we have previously shown that the ratio of the 17.5-/22-kDa GH1 transcripts correlates with severity of the IGHD II phenotype, our findings here suggest that selected previously unconsidered agents could possibly reduce the severity of IGHD II, while other agents could possibly exacerbate the disease phenotype.

A Molecular Basis for Variation in Clinical Severity of Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency Type II

Dominant-negative GH1 mutations cause familial isolated growth hormone deficiency type II (IGHD II), which is characterized by GH deficiency, occasional multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies, and anterior pituitary hypoplasia. The basis of the variable expression and progression of IGHD II among relatives who share the same GH1 mutation is poorly understood. We hypothesized that the cellular ratios of mutant/normal GH1 transcripts would correlate with the severity of the IGHD II phenotype. We determined the relative amounts of mutant and normal GH1 transcripts in cell lines and correlated transcript ratios with severity. Members of the same IGHD II kindred were genotyped for the GH1 E3+1 G/A mutation by DNA sequencing. Ratios of their 17.5-kDa (mutant)/22-kDa (normal) GH1 transcripts were determined in cultured lymphocytes (CLs), and these ratios were correlated with height sd scores obtained before GH replacement therapy. Ratios of 17.5-/22-kDa GH1 transcripts in CLs from family members with the same IGHD II mutation correlated with differences in their height SD scores. Our findings suggest that expression levels of both the mutant and normal GH1 allele are important in the pathogenesis of IGHD II, that the ratio of mutant/normal transcripts may be a predictive marker of the penetrance and severity of IGHD II, and that CLs may be useful as surrogates to study GH1 transcript expression of subjects whose anterior pituitary cells are not available.

Sheehan’s syndrome with pancytopenia—complete recovery after hormone replacement (case series with review)

Reports of pancytopenia in patients with Sheehan's syndrome are rare, because the disorder is not commonly seen in western countries. A case series of pancytopenia in three patients of Sheehan's syndrome is presented. Three women aged 22, 30, and 34 years developed Sheehan's syndrome preceded by post partum hemorrhage. During investigations, they were found to have pancytopenia with hypocellular marrow. Treatment with thyroxine and glucocorticoids resulted in complete recovery after attaining euthyroid and eucortisolemic state. Review of literature revealed the rarity of the disorder, with only four cases reported so far. Multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies in Sheehan's syndrome are responsible for pancytopenia; replacement of thyroid and cortisol hormones results in complete recovery.

Anterior pituitary hormone effects on hepatic functions in infants with congenital hypopituitarism

Background: Congenital hypopituitarism is an uncommon cause of neonatal cholestasis. Little is known about the effect of anterior pituitary hormone on hepatic functions.Methods: A retrospective review of the medical charts of eight infants with congenital hypopituitarism and neonatal cholestasis was performed. The results of endocrinological investigations, eye examinations, and magnetic resonance imaging were used to classify these infants.Results: Eight infants (4 male and 4 female; mean age, 1.7 weeks) who presented with cholestatic jaundice subsequently (mean age, 7.6 weeks) developed isolated or multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. Persistent hypoglycemia, ocular abnormalities, and microphallus were often clinical signs prompting further endocrinological and radiological investigations. Septo-optic dysplasia was prevalent, occurring in five cases. Cholestasis and hepatosplenomegaly resolved within a mean of 9.7 and 10 weeks, respectively, in the majority of cases after replacement of glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones. However, transaminase levels remained high after hormone replacement. Cortisol deficiency and hypoglycemia were noted in all cases, often following stress. Hyperlipidemia persisted in one case after the resolution of cholestasis and after corticosteroid and thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Growth hormone deficiency was not corrected due to the absence of hypoglycemia after corticosteroid hormone, an infant’s age, and/or a lack of financial resources.Conclusions: In our series, it appears that glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones play a significant role in the resolution of cholestasis and hepatosplenomegaly. A persistently elevated transaminase level and hyperlipidemia after corticosteroid and thyroid hormone replacement may indicate the need for long-term follow-up and/or growth hormone therapy.

GH deficiency with central precocious puberty: a new rare disorder associated with a developmental defect of the hypothalamic–pituitary area

GH deficiency (GHD) associated with central precocious puberty (CPP) has been widely reported in cases of arachnoid cyst, septo-optic dysplasia, brain tumors, or after cerebral radiation therapy. However, idiopathic GHD associated with CPP has been reported in only one isolated case. To evaluate the occurrence and clinical features of the association of nonacquired GHD and CPP. This was a retrospective multicenter study. The study population was identified through a French nationwide multicenter network (about 3000 patients). We reviewed the medical records of all subjects diagnosed with nonacquired GHD and CPP, with or without developmental abnormalities of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and without any known associated anomaly. We identified four patients with either isolated GHD (n=1) or multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies (n=3). Clinical signs of CPP occurred at 6.4 +/- 2.3 years in boys and 7.5 +/- 0.5 years in girls, and GnRH analog therapy was started at 4.2 +/- 1.6 years after the initiation of recombinant human GH treatment. Cerebral MRI demonstrated ectopic neurohypophysis associated with anterior pituitary hypoplasia in three out of the four patients. The morphology and position of the anterior pituitary and neurohypophysis were normal in one patient who displayed a persistence of the craniopharyngeal canal. CPP is very rare in patients with nonacquired GHD and is mostly associated with developmental defects in the hypothalamic-pituitary area. Whether molecular mechanisms governing development and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis share dependent factors remains to be explored.

Clinical, endocrinological and radiological courses in patients who was initially diagnosed as idiopathic central diabetes insipidus

Purpose : Idiopathic central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is defined in CDI patients without definite etiology. Some patients initially diagnosed as idiopathic CDI progressed to organic causes. We reviewed clinical, endocrinological, and radiological courses of 20 patients who was initially diagnosed as idiopathic CDI, to assess the predicting factors for progression to brain tumors. Methods : We reviewed the medical data and followed up their clinical courses in 20 CDI patients who had no definite organic etiology, such as malformation, tumor, at the time of diagnosis. Results : Our study included 15 males and 5 females. Mean age of CDI diagnosis was 7.8±3.6 (2.1- 14.7) years. Mean follow-up duration was 8.6±5.1 (1.5-18) years. Six (30%) patients were diagnosed as brain tumor during follow-up. Ten (50%) of 20 patients had growth hormone deficiency. Multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies were found more frequently in brain tumor patients than idiopathic patients (60% vs 7%, P=0.037). Pituitary stalk thickening (PST) and loss of posterior pituitary signal were observed in 9 patients (47%), respectively. The newly development of PST was observed in patients diagnosed as brain tumor. Conclusion : About 30% of idiopathic CDI patients progress to organic disease such as germ cell tumor or histiocytosis. If there are multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiency or newly development of PST, more close and careful follow-up is needed.

ANTERIOR PITUITARY HORMONE EFFECTS ON HEPATIC FUNCTIONS IN INFANTS WITH CONGENITAL HYPOPITUITARISM

Background: Congenital hypopituitarism is an uncommon cause of neonatal cholestasis. Little is known about the effect of anterior pituitary hormone on hepatic functions. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical charts of eight infants with congenital hypopituitarism and neonatal cholestasis was performed. The results of endocrinological investigations, eye examinations, and magnetic resonance imaging were used to classify these infants. Results: Eight infants (4 male and 4 female; mean age, 1.7 weeks) who presented with cholestatic jaundice subsequently (mean age, 7.6 weeks) developed isolated or multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. Persistent hypoglycemia, ocular abnormalities, and microphallus were often clinical signs prompting further endocrinological and radiological investigations. Septo-optic dysplasia was prevalent, occurring in five cases. Cholestasis and hepatosplenome