Retrospective study on the treatment of phalanx fractures with absorbable materials / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of absorbable material internal fixation in the treatment of phalanx fracture and its effect on the complications related to hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and foreign body reaction.Methods:The clinical data of 98 patients with phalangeal fracture in Huishan District People′s Hospital of Wuxi City from January 2018 to January 2020 were divided into absorbable group (49 cases, treated with absorbable material internal fixation) and microplate group (49 cases, treated with minimally invasive plate internal fixation). The rates of excellent and good treatment, operation conditions, serum inflammatory stress response indexes levels before and 1 d and 1 week after surgery were compared, and recovery at 3 and 6 months after surgery, the incidence of complications and the degree of treatment satisfaction were counted.Results:The rates of excellent and good treatmentin the absorbable group were higher than that in the micro plate group: 95.92%(47/49) vs. 81.63%(40/49), χ2 = 5.02, P<0.05. The duration of operation in the absorbable group was longer than that in the microplate group: (43.28 ± 12.18) min vs. (31.29 ± 11.69) min; and the duration of hospital stay, fracture healing time and recovery time were shorter than those in the microplate group: (4.09 ± 1.18) d vs. (6.89 ± 2.12) d, (4.35 ± 1.05) weeks vs. (5.69 ± 1.38) weeks, (4.89 ± 1.10) d vs. (6.20 ± 2.01) d; the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of serum hs-CRP, IL-10 and ACTH in absorbable group were lower than those in microplate group at 1 d and 1 week after surgery ( P<0.05). At 3 and 6 months after surgery, the range of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint in the absorbable group was greater than that in the microplate group, and the loss of grip strength of the healthy side was less than that in the microplate group ( P<0.05). The incidence of complications in absorbable group was lower than that in microplate group: 6.12%(3/49) vs. 20.41%(10/49), χ2 = 4.35, P<0.05. Conclusions:The absorbable material internal fixation can achieve good results in the treatment of phalanx fracture, the postoperative recovery is fast, the incidence of complications is lower.

Factors influencing the efficacy of initial adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the factors influencing the short-term (28 days) efficacy of initial adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS), as well as the factors influencing recurrence and prognosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data were collected from the children with IESS who received ACTH therapy for the first time in the Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, from April 2008 to January 2018 and were followed up for ≥2 years. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors influencing the short-term efficacy of ACTH therapy, recurrence, and long-term prognosis.@*RESULTS@#ACTH therapy achieved a control rate of seizures of 55.5% (111/200) on day 28 of treatment. Of the 111 children, 75 (67.6%) had no recurrence of seizures within 12 months of follow-up. The possibility of seizure control on day 28 of ACTH therapy in the children without focal seizures was 2.463 times that in those with focal seizures (P<0.05). The possibility of seizure control on day 28 of ACTH therapy in the children without hypsarrhythmia on electroencephalography on day 14 of ACTH therapy was 2.415 times that in those with hypsarrhythmia (P<0.05). The possibility of recurrence within 12 months after treatment was increased by 11.8% for every 1-month increase in the course of the disease (P<0.05). The possibility of moderate or severe developmental retardation or death in the children without seizure control after 28 days of ACTH therapy was 8.314 times that in those with seizure control (P<0.05). The possibility of moderate or severe developmental retardation or death in the children with structural etiology was 14.448 times that in those with unknown etiology (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Presence or absence of focal seizures and whether hypsarrhythmia disappears after 14 days of treatment can be used as predictors for the short-term efficacy of ACTH therapy, while the course of disease before treatment can be used as the predictor for recurrence after seizure control by ACTH therapy. The prognosis of IESS children is associated with etiology, and early control of seizures after ACTH therapy can improve long-term prognosis.

Clinical application value of Huanglian Jiedu Pills in improving syndrome of excess heat and fire toxin based on phase Ⅱ clinical trial study on plasma ATP, 4-HNE, and ACTH levels / 中国中药杂志

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center phase Ⅱ clinical trial design was used in this study to recruit subjects who were in line with the syndrome of excess heat and fire toxin, and were diagnosed as recurrent oral ulcers, gingivitis, and acute pharyngitis. A total of 240 cases were included and randomly divided into a placebo group and a Huanglian Jiedu Pills group. The clinical efficacy of Huanglian Jiedu Pills in treating the syndrome of excess heat and fire toxin was evaluated by using the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome scale. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine and evaluate the levels of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) in plasma of the two groups before and after administration and to predict their application value as clinical biomarkers. The results showed that the disappearance rate of main symptoms in the Huanglian Jiedu Pills group was 69.17%, and that in the placebo group was 50.83%. The comparison between the Huanglian Jiedu Pills group and the placebo group showed that 4-HNE before and after administration was statistically significant(P<0.05). The content of 4-HNE in the Huanglian Jiedu Pills group decreased significantly after administration(P<0.05), but that in the placebo group had no statistical significance and showed an upward trend. After administration, the content of ATP in both Huanglian Jiedu Pills group and placebo group decreased significantly(P<0.05), indicating that the energy metabolism disorder was significantly improved after administration of Huanglian Jiedu Pills and the body's self-healing ability also alleviated the increase in ATP level caused by the syndrome of excess heat and fire toxin to a certain extent. ACTH in both Huanglian Jiedu Pills group and placebo group decreased significantly after administration(P<0.05). It is concluded that Huanglian Jiedu Pills has a significant clinical effect, and can significantly improve the abnormal levels of ATP and 4-HNE in plasma caused by the syndrome of excess heat and fire toxin, which are speculated to be the effective clinical biomarkers for Huanglian Jiedu Pills to treat the syndrome of excess heat and fire toxin.

Crisis adrenal neonatal secundaria a hipoplasia hipofisaria / Neonatal Adrenal Crisis Secondary to Pituitary Hypoplasia

Introducción: La insuficiencia adrenal hipotálamo hipofisaria usualmente se manifiesta secundaria a tumores y, cuando resulta congénita se asocia, con frecuencia, con otras deficiencias hormonales. La crisis adrenal suele presentarse en su debut y puede resultar potencialmente mortal. Objetivo: Examinar el caso de una paciente con insuficiencia adrenal central que debutó con una crisis adrenal congénita. Presentación del caso: Recién nacida a término, padres no consanguíneos, hospitalizada a los 9 días de vida por clínica de una semana con múltiples episodios eméticos y apnea. Ingresó con deshidratación severa, hipotensa y estuporosa. Además, se encontró acidosis metabólica severa, hipoglucemia persistente, hiponatremia e insuficiencia prerrenal. Ante la no mejoría de su estado hemodinámico, a pesar del uso de cristaloides y vasopresores, finalmente mejoró con la administración de dosis altas de hidrocortisona. El diagnóstico de deficiencia de cortisol de origen central se realizó con un test dinámico de insulina y la resonancia magnética nuclear hipofisaria. Conclusiones: La crisis adrenal se debe tener presente como diagnóstico diferencial en episodios agudos con inestabilidad hemodinámica persistente e hipoglucemia de difícil manejo. Adicionalmente, hay que considerar que existen otras causas menos comunes de insuficiencia adrenal en neonatos como la hipoplasia hipofisaria(AU)

Introduction: Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal insufficiency usually manifests secondary to tumors and, when congenital, is often associated with other hormonal deficiencies. Adrenal crisis usually occurs at its onset and can be life threatening. Objective: To review the case of a patient with central adrenal insufficiency who had an onset with a congenital adrenal crisis. Case presentation: Term newborn, non-consanguineous parents, hospitalized at 9 days of life for a week-long clinical presentation with multiple emetic episodes and apnea. She was admitted with severe dehydration, hypotensive and stuporous. In addition, severe metabolic acidosis, persistent hypoglycemia, hyponatremia and prerenal failure were found. Given the lack of improvement of her hemodynamic status, despite the use of crystalloids and vasopressors, she finally improved with the administration of high doses of hydrocortisone. The diagnosis of cortisol deficiency of central origin was made with a dynamic insulin test and pituitary nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions: Adrenal crisis should be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in acute episodes with persistent hemodynamic instability and difficult-to-manage hypoglycemia. Additionally, other less common causes of adrenal insufficiency in neonates, such as pituitary hypoplasia, should be considered(AU)

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones in MCI and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review / Níveis dos hormônios do eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal no líquido cefalorraquidiano de pacientes com CCL e demência devido à doença de Alzheimer: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Underlying the neuropsychological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and subsequent hypercortisolemia have been proposed as major mechanisms driving AD progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to the onset of dementia. Nonetheless, changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of HPA axis hormones remain controversial despite their potential in AD diagnosis and prognosis testing. Objective: This study aimed to review the evidence of the variation in CSF levels of CRH, ACTH, and cortisol in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD compared with subjects without cognitive disorders. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases on July 5, 2022. Results: Seventeen observational studies were included. The results from the compiled investigations showed that individuals with AD exhibit a significant elevation of CSF cortisol levels which appear to correlate with the presence of the ApoE-ε4 allele, being higher in those homozygous for this allele. The variation of CSF CRH and ACTH levels in AD, on the other hand, is still inconclusive. Moreover, most studies found no significant difference in CSF cortisol levels in individuals with MCI compared to healthy subjects and patients with AD. Conclusion: The findings gathered in this review disclose a significant elevation of CSF cortisol levels in AD. Future investigations are warranted to elucidate the potential use of CSF cortisol as a biomarker in AD-associated dementia.

RESUMO Subjacentes às manifestações neuropsicológicas da doença de Alzheimer (DA), a desregulação do eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal (HPA) e a subsequente hipercortisolemia foram propostas como mecanismos principais que conduzem a progressão da DA desde o comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) até o início da demência. No entanto, as alterações nos níveis do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) dos hormônios do eixo HPA permanecem controversas, apesar de seu potencial no diagnóstico da DA e nos testes de prognóstico. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo revisar as evidências da variação nos níveis de CRH, ACTH e cortisol em indivíduos com comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) e DA em comparação com indivíduos sem distúrbios cognitivos. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, EMBASE e Web of Science em 5 de julho de 2022. Resultados: Dezessete estudos observacionais foram incluídos. Os resultados compilados mostraram que os indivíduos com DA apresentam uma elevação significativa dos níveis de cortisol no LCR que parecem correlacionar-se com a presença do alelo ApoE-ε4, sendo maior nos homozigotos para este alelo. A variação dos níveis de CRH e ACTH no LCR na DA, por outro lado, ainda é inconclusiva. Além disso, a maioria dos estudos não encontrou diferença significativa nos níveis de cortisol no LCR em indivíduos com CCL em comparação com indivíduos saudáveis e pacientes com DA. Conclusão: Os resultados reunidos nesta revisão revelaram uma elevação significativa dos níveis de cortisol no LCR na DA. Investigações futuras são necessárias para elucidar o uso potencial do cortisol no LCR como biomarcador na demência associada à DA.

Vigabatrina comparado con hormona adrenocorticotrópica para el tratamiento de espasmos infantiles y Síndrome de West / Vigabatrin compared with adrenocorticotropic hormone for the treatment of infantile spasms and West Syndrome

OBJETIVO: Determinar los riesgos y beneficios del uso de vigabatrina comparada con hormona adrenocorticotrópica (ACTH) para el tratamiento de espasmos infantiles. MÉTODO: Se realizó una búsqueda en Epistemonikos. Se extrajeron datos desde las revisiones identificadas. Se realizó un metaanálisis a partir de estudios primarios y se utilizó el método GRADE para la presentación de resultados. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron nueve revisiones sistemáticas. Se observó que el uso de vigabatrina en comparación con ACTH disminuye la resolución de espasmos (RR 0,8, IC 95% 0,65 - 0,98) y podría disminuir la resolución de hipsarritmia (RR 0,71, IC 95% 0,48 - 1,05). No fue posible determinar si el uso de vigabatrina disminuye el riesgo de desarrollar efectos adversos (RR 0,75, IC 95% 0,23 - 2,45) por certeza de evidencia muy baja. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia parece inclinarse a favor del uso de ACTH. Sin embargo debe considerarse la necesidad de nuevas investigaciones para esclarecer su seguridad.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risks and benefits of the use of vigabatrin compared to ACTH for the treatment of infantile spasms. METHOD: A search in Epistemonikos was performed. Data were extracted from the identified reviews. A meta-analysis was performed from primary studies and the GRADE method was used to present the results. RESULTS: Nine systematic reviews were identified. Vigabatrin use compared to ACTH was found to decrease resolution of spasms (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.65 - 0.98) and might decrease resolution of hypsarrhythmia (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0 .48 - 1.05). It was not possible to determine whether the use of vigabatrin reduces the risk of developing adverse effects (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.23 - 2.45) due to very low certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence seems to lean in favor of the use of ACTH. However, the need for new research should be considered to clarify its safety.

Unusual Presentation of a Thyroid Malignancy: A Case Report

Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy. We report a case of Medullary thyroid carcinoma in a 56-year-old male patient. Patient presented with lower limb paresis and severe hypokalemia. Cushing’s syndrome is a rare complication of Medullary thyroid carcinoma [MTC] and is due to ectopic Adrenocorticotropic [ACTH] secretion by tumor cells. Cushing’s syndrome presents a challenging diagnostic and management issue in patients with MTC. Entire clinical history, laboratory investigations, microscopic pictures are discussed in detail.

Mechanism of adrenocorticotropic hormone in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

In recent years, it has been demonstrated in some studies that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is effective in the treatment of certain steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, including membranous nephropathy, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, minimal change nephropathy and so forth.ACTH can effectively relieve proteinuria and protect renal function, suggesting that there may be other mechanisms in addition to the adrenocorticotropic effect.This article mainly introduces the biological characteristics of ACTH, in combination with the clinical and basic studies on the treatment of nephrotic syndrome by ACTH, and clarifies several possible mechanisms, in an attempt to provide basis for clinical application.

Pituitary immune-related adverse events induced by programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors in advanced lung cancer patients: A report of 3 cases / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Pituitary immune-related adverse events induced by programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors in advanced lung cancer patients: A report of 3 cases SUMMARY Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been widely used in lung cancer treatment, but their immune-related adverse events (irAEs) require intensive attention. Pituitary irAEs, including hypophysitis and hypopituitarism, are commonly induced by cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 inhibitors, but rarely by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) deficiency (IAD) is a special subtype of pituitary irAEs, without any other pituitary hormone dysfunction, and with no enlargement of pituitary gland, either. Here, we described three patients with advanced lung cancer who developed IAD and other irAEs, after PD-1 inhibitor treatment. Case 1 was a 68-year-old male diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with high expression of PD-L1. He was treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy, and developed immune-related hepatitis, which was cured by high-dose methylprednisolone [0.5-1.0 mg/(kg·d)]. Eleven months later, the patient was diagnosed with primary gastric adenocarcinoma, and was treated with apatinib, in addition to pembrolizumab. After 17 doses of pembrolizumab, he developed severe nausea and asthenia, when methylprednisolone had been stopped for 10 months. His blood tests showed severe hyponatremia (121 mmol/L, reference 137-147 mmol/L, the same below), low levels of 8:00 a.m. cortisol (< 1 μg/dL, reference 5-25 μg/dL, the same below) and ACTH (2.2 ng/L, reference 7.2-63.3 ng/L, the same below), and normal thyroid function, sex hormone and prolactin. Meanwhile, both his lung cancer and gastric cancer remained under good control. Case 2 was a 66-year-old male with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, who was treated with a new PD-1 inhibitor, HX008, combined with chemotherapy (clinical trial number: CTR20202387). After 5 months of treatment (7 doses in total), his cancer exhibited partial response, but his nausea and vomiting suddenly exacerbated, with mild dyspnea and weakness in his lower limbs. His blood tests showed mild hyponatremia (135 mmol/L), low levels of 8:00 a.m. cortisol (4.3 μg/dL) and ACTH (1.5 ng/L), and normal thyroid function. His thoracic computed tomography revealed moderate immune-related pneumonitis simultaneously. Case 3 was a 63-year-old male with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma. He was treated with first-line sintilimab combined with chemotherapy, which resulted in partial response, with mild immune-related rash. His cancer progressed after 5 cycles of treatment, and sintilimab was discontinued. Six months later, he developed asymptomatic hypoadrenocorticism, with low level of cortisol (1.5 μg/dL) at 8:00 a.m. and unresponsive ACTH (8.0 ng/L). After being rechallenged with another PD-1 inhibitor, teslelizumab, combined with chemotherapy, he had pulmonary infection, persistent low-grade fever, moderate asthenia, and severe hyponatremia (116 mmol/L). Meanwhile, his blood levels of 8:00 a.m. cortisol and ACTH were 3.1 μg/dL and 7.2 ng/L, respectively, with normal thyroid function, sex hormone and prolactin. All of the three patients had no headache or visual disturbance. Their pituitary magnetic resonance image showed no pituitary enlargement or stalk thickening, and no dynamic changes. They were all on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with prednisone (2.5-5.0 mg/d), and resumed the PD-1 inhibitor treatment when symptoms relieved. In particular, Case 2 started with high-dose prednisone [1 mg/(kg·d)] because of simultaneous immune-related pneumonitis, and then tapered it to the HRT dose. His cortisol and ACTH levels returned to and stayed normal. However, the other two patients' hypopituitarism did not recover. In summary, these cases demonstrated that the pituitary irAEs induced by PD-1 inhibitors could present as IAD, with a large time span of onset, non-specific clinical presentation, and different recovery patterns. Clinicians should monitor patients' pituitary hormone regularly, during and at least 6 months after PD-1 inhibitor treatment, especially in patients with good oncological response to the treatment.

Hormona adrenocorticotropa en pacientes con síndrome de West y progresión al síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut / Adrenocorticotropic hormone in patients with West syndrome and progression to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Introducción: Se evaluará el uso de la hormona adrenocorticotropa como tratamiento del síndrome de West (síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut) y el tiempo requerido para la progresión hacia la evolución grave. Existen escasos datos sobre esta patología para nuestra población. Material y Métodos: Se trata de una cohorte donde se analizaron 139 historias clínicas de pacientes evaluados en dos unidades de pediatría de la ciudad de Lima entre los años 2000 y 2010. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes que cumplían con los criterios: 1) Espasmos masivos, 2) Retraso en el desarrollo psicomotor y 3) Electroencefalograma que mostró hipsarritmia. Se administró hormona adrenocorticotropa como tratamiento posterior al diagnóstico. El período de seguimiento duró 10 años. Resultados: El cociente de riesgo (CR) de la progresión al Síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut en pacientes que utilizaron la hormona adrenocorticotropa en comparación con aquellos sin hormona adrenocorticotropa fue de 0,45 (IC del 95%: 0,24-0,83, p=0,011). El CR de la progresión al Síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut ajustado para todas las variables estudiadas (edad de inicio, sexo, frecuencia de las crisis, etiología y tiempo desde el diagnóstico hasta el inicio del tratamiento) en pacientes que utilizaban la hormona adrenocorticotropa en comparación con aquellos sin hormona adrenocorticotropa fue de 0,56 (IC del 95%: 0,29 a 0,08; p=0,085). Conclusiones: El uso de la hormona corticotropina en pacientes con síndrome de West podría proteger contra la progresión al síndrome Lennox-Gastaut. Consideramos que esto apoya la evidencia encontrada en poblaciones similares a la nuestra, y creemos que este hallazgo podría ser confirmado con ensayos clínicos.

Background: This paper will evaluate the use of adrenocorticotropic hormone as a therapy modality for West syndrome and the time required for development of the severely progressive form of West syndrome (LGS, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). There is little data on this condition for our population. Material and Methods: This is a cohort review in which 139 patient records were evaluated in two pediatric units in Lima, Peru; and they were analyzed between 2000 and 2010. All patients who met the following criteria were included in the study: massive spasms, delayed psychomotor development, and hypsarrhythmia in electroencephalogram (EEG) tracing. Adrenocorticotropic hormone was administered to a group of patients as post-diagnosis therapy. The follow-up period for these patients was 10 years. Results: The hazard ratio (HR) for progression to Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in patients using adrenocorticotropic hormone was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.24-0.83, p= 0.011) compared to those without adrenocorticotropic hormone. Adjusted RR for progression to Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome for all variables studied (age of onset, sex, frequency of seizures, etiology, and time from diagnosis to therapy initiation) in patients who used adrenocorticotropic hormone was 0.56 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.08, P= 0.085) compared with those without adrenocorticotropic hormone. Conclusions: The use of adrenocorticotropic hormone in patients with West syndrome could protect against progression to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. We consider this supports the evidence found in populations similar to ours, and we believe this finding could be confirmed with clinical trials.

Manejo preoperatorio de los adenomas hipofisarios. Lo que un residente de neurocirugía debe conocer / Preoperative management of pituitary adenomas. What a neurosurgery resident should know

Las lesiones selares son una patología con una incidencia de 3,2 a 4 / 100,000 y una prevalencia de 78 a 94 / 100,000. Un 10% son incidentalomas en la población adulta. Se cree que su prevalencia en el orden mundial actualmente va en aumento.En relación a las manifestaciones clínicas, cabe destacar que es una de las pocas enfermedades que pueden manifestarse tanto por signos y síntomas neurológicos (por ejemplo: hemianopsia bitemporal, síndrome de hipertensión endocraneana debido a hidrocefalia, entre otros), como también por síndromes endocrinológicos (por ejemplo: síndrome de Cushing, acromegalia, amenorrea-galactorrea, infertilidad).Todo paciente debe presentar un estudio clínico-radiológico completo, lo que permitirá un correcto diagnóstico y categorización del mismo.El objetivo del presente trabajo es proporcionar al neurocirujano en formación los conceptos claves que servirán de sustento para el manejo preoperatorio de un paciente con adenoma hipofisario.

Sellar lesions are a pathology with an incidence of 3.2 to 4 / 100.000 and a prevalence of 78 to 94 / 100.000. Normally, 10% of them are incidentalomas and adult patients are in the highest risk group. Because it ́s prevalence in the world is currently increasing, it is of extremely importance to study and understand this pathology. In relation to the clinical manifestations, it should be noted that it is one of the few diseases that can manifest through neurological signs and symptoms like bitemporal hemianopsia, endocranial hypertension syndrome due to hydrocephalus, as well as endocrinological syndromes like Cushing's, acromegaly, amenorrhea-galactorrhea and infertility. One of the most important things to notice is that the treatment success in this pathology comes with the correct diagnosis and characterization of it, for what all patients should have a complete clinical-radiological evaluation.In this study, we establish a guide with concepts and key tools to support the medical personal during a pre-surgical preparation of patients with pituitary adenoma.

Efficacy of adrenocorticotropic hormone in treating primary nephrotic syndrome in children with dual resistance to glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in treating primary nephrotic syndrome in children with dual resistance to glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs).Methods:Clinical data of 6 children with primary nephrotic syndrome treated with ACTH in the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019 were retrospectively collected. All the enrolled patients were children with primary nephrotic syndrome with dual resistance to glucocorticoids and CNIs. All the 6 children were given 0.4-1.0 IU·kg -1·d -1 ACTH (total ≤25 IU)+5% glucose 500 ml intravenous infusion for 8 h during the hormone reduction process, with a course of treatment for 5 days, once a month, and continuous treatment for 3-6 months. Clinical data such as 24 h urinary protein quantification, serum albumin, serum cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level and glucocorticoid dosage were collected at equal time points at 6 months before treatment, at the beginning of treatment, at the end of treatment and at 6 months of follow-up after treatment of ACTH to evaluate the efficacy and adverse reactions. Results:The onset age of 6 children was (4.89±1.77) years, and the age of the first treatment with ACTH was (9.49±3.06) years. All the 6 children completed 3 to 6 months of ACTH treatment, with 2 cases of complete remission, 2 cases of partial remission and 2 cases of no remission. At the end of ACTH treatment, 24 h urinary protein was significantly decreased ( P=0.026), serum albumin level was significantly increased ( P=0.003), and glucocorticoid dosage was significantly decreased ( P<0.001) than before treatment. At 6 months after the end of ACTH treatment, there was no statistical significance in 24 h urinary protein, serum albumin and hormone dosage compared with the end of ACTH treatment (all P>0.05), and the blood cholesterol level continued to decrease ( P=0.039). There was no significant change in eGFR during observation period ( P>0.05). In the process of ACTH infusion, all the 6 children showed transient decrease in urine output, rash in 2 cases, and elevated blood glucose in 1 case, which could be spontaneously relieved after drug withdrawal. There were no serious cardiovascular events, renal impairment, infection and other adverse reactions. Conclusions:ACTH has a good effect on children with primary nephrotic syndrome who are dual resistant to glucocorticoids and CNIs. ACTH can reduce proteinuria, decrease the dosage of glucocorticoids, improve the clinical remission rate, and has good security.

Sampling of the petrosal sinuses. Indications, results and usefulness / Muestreo de senos petrosos. Indicaciones, resultados y utilidad

Abstract Objectives: to analyze, evaluate and describe the usefulness of petrosal sinus sampling for diagnosing central Cushing's syndrome. Materials and methods: the technical aspects and results of bilateral venous sampling of the petrosal sinuses at the Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paul in Medellín, Colombia, from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018, were analyzed. Results: the average age was 43.3 years, with a range from 19 to 69 years. Laterality could be shown in 68.2% of cases, with a tendency to be located on the left in 53.3%. The central source of ACTH production could be shown in 95.4% of cases, with a basal average central/peripheral ratio of 21.7, and 70.8 after stimulation. All samples at 3, 5 and 10 minutes were confirmatory following stimulation. Conclusion: in our retrospective study, petrosal sinus catheterization provided laboratory confirmation of the central source of ACTH production in a high percentage of patients, with no immediate complications.

Resumen Objetivos: analizar, evaluar y describir la utilidad del muestreo de senos petrosos para diagnóstico del síndrome de Cushing de origen central. Material y métodos: se analizaron los aspectos técnicos y resultados del muestreo bilateral venoso de senos petrosos, desde el 1° de enero de 2012 a 31 de diciembre de 2018 en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl en Medellín, Colombia. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue 43.3 años con un rango de edad desde los 19 hasta los 69 años. La lateralidad pudo ser demostrada en 68.2% de los casos con una tendencia a la localización en el lado izquierdo en 53.3%. El origen central de producción de ACTH logró ser demostrado en 95.4% de los casos, con una relación central/periferia basal promedio de 21.7 y postestimulación de 70.8. Todas las muestras a los 3, 5 y 10 minutos fueron confirmatorias tras la estimulación. Conclusión: en nuestro estudio retrospectivo el cateterismo de senos petrosos confirmó la fuente central de producción de ACTH por laboratorio en un alto porcentaje de pacientes sin ninguna complicación inmediata.

Relationship between five hormone levels of hypertension and essential hypertension / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate the characteristics of five hormone levels of hypertension in patients with essential hypertension,and explore the correlation between them and essential hypertension.Methods The clinical data of 1 731 patients with essential hypertension and 305 healthy people in General Hospital of Heilongjiang Province Land Reclamation Bureau from April 2018 to March 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.The levels of renin,angiotension Ⅱ (AT Ⅱ),aldosterone,adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were measured by magnetic particle chemiluminescence,and the ratio of aldosterone to renin (ADRR) was calculated.Results The renin,AT Ⅱ,aldosterone,ACTH,cortisol and ADRR in patients with essential hypertension were significantly higher than those in healthy controls:(13.58 ± 9.78) ng/L vs.(9.20 ± 2.12) ng/L,(181.06 ± 89.82) ng/L vs.(133.49 ± 5.47) ng/L,(174.96 ± 103.14) ng/L vs.(136.04 ± 15.48) ng/L,(76.39 ± 61.43) ng/L vs.(26.98 ± 5.10) ng/L,(176.4 ± 88.8) μg/L vs.(145.1 ± 18.9) μg/L and 27.71 ± 18.37 vs.15.18 ± 1.77,and there were statistical differences (P＜0.01).The renin and AT Ⅱ in male patients with essential hypertension (904 cases) were significantly higher than those in female patients with essential hypertension (827 cases):(16.04 ± 10.67) ng/L vs.(10.34 ± 8.59) ng/L and (194.28 ± 96.22) ng/L vs.(166.37 ± 83.42) ng/L,the aldosterone was significantly lower than that in female patients with essential hypertension:(166.31 ± 101.91) ng/L vs.(184.68 ± 104.37) ng/L,and there were statistical differences (P＜0.01 or ＜0.05);there were no statistical difference in ACTH,cortisol and ADRR (P＞0.05).The renin and AT Ⅱ in patients aged 51 to 60 years (610 cases) and ＞60 years (572 cases) were significantly lower than those in patients aged ＜ 50 years (549 cases):(12.67 ± 10.76),(12.43 ± 8.29) ng/L vs.(16.05 ± 10.29) ng/L and (172.62 ± 81.63),(166.04 ± 79.09) ng/L vs.(208.94 ± 108.75) ng/L,and there were statistical differences (P＜0.05 or ＜0.01);there were no statistical difference in aldosterone,ACTH,cortisol and ADRR (P＞0.05).Multivariate linear regression analysis result showed that renin and AT Ⅱ were negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (P＜0.01 or ＜0.05),and aldosterone,ACTH and cortisol were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (P＜0.05 or ＜0.01).Conclusions Renin and AT Ⅱ are negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure;aldosterone,and ACTH and cortisol are positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.The five hormone levels of hypertension can reflect the function of renin-angiotension-aldosterone (RAAS) system and hypothalamus pituitary adrenocortical axis (HPA axis),which are the influencing factors of essential hypertension.

Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency Presenting with Skin Hyperpigmentation: A Case Report.

Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency (FGD) has highmorbidity and mortality, if not diagnosed and managedin time. The patient is liable to have hypoglycaemiawhich could be complicated by seizure and braindamage. Also these patients if not treated appropriately;will have high risk of infections and failure to thrive.We report a case of FGD baby of full term, male, birthweight 3 kg and born by uneventful normal delivery.On the second day of life, the baby had hypoglycaemiaand later he developed mucosal membrane and skinhyperpigmentation. Critical sample during thehypoglycemic episode showed low serum cortisol, highadrenocorticotropic hormone level, normal serumelectrolytes and normal kidney function. Arare familialglucocorticoid deficiency was diagnosed in time bydoing appropriate investigations; includes criticalsample during hypoglycaemia and the case wasmanaged successfully by hydrocortisone 5 mg orallyonce daily.

Clinical Significance of Radical Surgery in the Treatment of Silent Corticotroph Adenoma

OBJECTIVE: Silent corticotroph adenomas (SCA) are endocrine-inactive pituitary adenomas with positive immunohistochemistry staining for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We investigated whether SCA-associated clinical profiles were more aggressive than hormonally negative adenomas (HNA).METHODS: Among 627 patients with pathologically proven endocrine-inactive pituitary adenomas between 2004 and 2013, positive immunohistochemistry revealed 55 SCAs and 411 HNAs. Surgical outcomes and radiological and endocrinological characteristics were compared.RESULTS: Strong female predominance was observed in the SCA group (p<0.001). Cavernous sinus invasion was identified in 22 (40%) SCA patients and 72 (17.6%) HNA patients (p<0.001). There were no differences in ACTH or cortisol levels between the two groups. The incidence of preoperative hypopituitarism and postoperative hormonal outcome did not differ between two groups. Total resection was achieved in 35 patients (63.7%) with SCA and 332 patients (80.8%) with HNA (p=0.007). When tumors were completely removed, recurrence rates were not statistically different between two groups (p=0.60). When complete resection was not achieved, tumors regrew from these remnants in seven patients (35.0%) with SCA and 12 patients (15.2%) with HNA (p=0.05).CONCLUSION: Total surgical resection for SCA is often challenging as these tumors frequently invade a cavernous sinus. Early remnant tumor intervention is justified, because untreated residual pituitary tumors regrow when patients were followed up for a long time. Prophylactic radiotherapy is not warranted for completely resected SCAs as tumor recurrence is uncommon.

Clinical Significance of Radical Surgery in the Treatment of Silent Corticotroph Adenoma

OBJECTIVE: Silent corticotroph adenomas (SCA) are endocrine-inactive pituitary adenomas with positive immunohistochemistry staining for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We investigated whether SCA-associated clinical profiles were more aggressive than hormonally negative adenomas (HNA). METHODS: Among 627 patients with pathologically proven endocrine-inactive pituitary adenomas between 2004 and 2013, positive immunohistochemistry revealed 55 SCAs and 411 HNAs. Surgical outcomes and radiological and endocrinological characteristics were compared. RESULTS: Strong female predominance was observed in the SCA group (p<0.001). Cavernous sinus invasion was identified in 22 (40%) SCA patients and 72 (17.6%) HNA patients (p<0.001). There were no differences in ACTH or cortisol levels between the two groups. The incidence of preoperative hypopituitarism and postoperative hormonal outcome did not differ between two groups. Total resection was achieved in 35 patients (63.7%) with SCA and 332 patients (80.8%) with HNA (p=0.007). When tumors were completely removed, recurrence rates were not statistically different between two groups (p=0.60). When complete resection was not achieved, tumors regrew from these remnants in seven patients (35.0%) with SCA and 12 patients (15.2%) with HNA (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Total surgical resection for SCA is often challenging as these tumors frequently invade a cavernous sinus. Early remnant tumor intervention is justified, because untreated residual pituitary tumors regrow when patients were followed up for a long time. Prophylactic radiotherapy is not warranted for completely resected SCAs as tumor recurrence is uncommon.

Presence, patterns & predictors of hypocortisolism in patients with HIV infection in India

Background & objectives: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is rarely diagnosed in patients with HIV infection, in spite of autopsy studies showing very high rates of adrenal involvement. This study was aimed to determine the presence, patterns and predictors of AI in patients with HIV infection. Methods: Consecutive HIV patients, 18-70 yr age, without any severe co-morbid state, having at least one-year follow up at the antiretroviral therapy clinic, underwent clinical assessment and hormone assays. Results: From initially screened 527 patients, 359 patients having good immune function were analyzed. Basal morning cortisol <6 ?g/dl (<165 nmol/l; Group 1), 6-11 ?g/dl (165-300 nmol/l; Group 2), 11-18 ?g/dl (300-500 nmol/l; Group 3) and ?18 ?g/dl (500 nmol/l; Group 4) were observed in 13, 71, 199 and 76 patients, respectively. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test revealed 87 patients (24.23%) to have AI. AI in groups 1-4 was 100, 56.34, 17.09 and 0 per cent, respectively. AI patients were more likely to be females (P<0.05), having longer disease duration (P<0.05), immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, hyperkalaemia (P<0.01), lower fasting glucose (P<0.01), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and vitamin D. Regression analysis revealed morning cortisol and DHEAS to be best predictors of AI (P=0.004 and 0.028, respectively). Interpretation & conclusions: AI is a significant problem in HIV-infected individuals, observed in nearly a quarter of patients. Diagnosis warrants high index of suspicion and low threshold for screening, especially in those having low DHEAS and hyperkalaemia. Morning cortisol is a reasonable screening test, with ACTH stimulation warranted to confirm diagnosis, especially in patients with morning cortisol <11 ?g/dl (300 nmol/l).

Recent Updates on the Diagnosis and Management of Cushing's Syndrome

Cushing's syndrome, a potentially lethal disorder characterized by endogenous hypercortisolism, may be difficult to recognize, especially when it is mild and the presenting features are common in the general population. However, there is a need to identify the condition at an early stage, as it tends to progress, accruing additional morbidity and increasing mortality rates. Once a clinical suspicion is raised, screening tests involve timed measurement of urine, serum or salivary cortisol at baseline or after administration of dexamethasone, 1 mg. Each test has caveats, so that the choice of tests must be individualized for each patient. Once the diagnosis is established, and the cause is determined, surgical resection of abnormal tumor/tissue is the optimal treatment. When this cannot be achieved, medical treatment (or bilateral adrenalectomy) must be used to normalize cortisol production. Recent updates in screening for and treating Cushing's syndrome are reviewed here.

Ginger-separated Snake Moxibustion Improves Yang Deficiency Constitution by Up-regulating Serum Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Cortisol Levels in Yang Deficiency Constitution Volunteers / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: Yang deficiency constitution may bring with different types of illnesses in many people. The present study was designed to observe the effect of ginger-separated snake moxibustion on yang deficiency symptom, and serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT) contents in yang deficiency constitution subjects, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of yang deficiency constitution. METHODS: Ninety subjects with yang deficiency type constitution were equally and randomly assigned to control A group (19 men and 26 women, 18－60 years in age) and moxibustion group (16 men and 29 women, 18－60 years in age) and 45 normal subjects with mild constitution (18 men and 27 women, 18－60 years in age) were assigned to control B group. An snake-like moxa-cone was placed at a moxa-holder covering the middle back of human body from Dazhui (GV 14) to Yaoshu (GV 2) after paving a layer (about 1 cm thick) of fresh ginger in the holder, and then ignited, followed by the next moxa-cone, 3 cones altogether every time for each participant. The treatment was conducted once a week, 12 times in total. The subjects' constitution was scored according to the "Classification and Evaluation of Constitution of Traditional Chinese Medicine" formulated by China Association of Chinese Medicine. The serum ACTH and CORT contents were measured by radioimmunoassay before and at the end of the treatment and 6 months after the treatment. RESULTS: The constitation scores of the moxibustion group and control A group were significantly higher than that of the control B group before treatment (P0.05). The serum CORT and ACTH contents were significantly decreased in both the moxibustion and control A groups in comparison to the control B group before treatment (P0.05)．. CONCLUSION: The ginger-separated snake moxibustion treatment may improve the constitution of yang deficiency participants by increasing the levels of serum ACTH and CORT, which may be helpful in resisting diseases.