Luciana Mattos Barros Oliveira

Genetics of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Determining the physiologic influences that modulate GnRH secretion, the prime initiator of reproductive function in the human, is fundamental not only to our understanding of the rare condition of congenital idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), but also common disorders such as constitutional delay of puberty and hypothalamic amenorrhea. IHH is characterized by low levels of sex steroids and gonadotropins, normal findings on radiographic imaging of the hypothalamic-pituitary regions, and normal baseline and reserve testing of the remainder of the hypothalamic-pituitary axes. Failure of the normal pattern of episodic GnRH secretion results in delay of puberty and infertility. IHH is characterized by rich clinical and genetic heterogeneity, variable modes of inheritance, and association with other anomalies. To date, 4 genes have been identified as causes of IHH in the human; KAL [the gene for X-linked Kallmann syndrome (IHH and anosmia)], DAX1 [the gene for X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (IHH and adrenal insufficiency)], GNRHR (the GnRH receptor), and PC1 (the gene for prohormone convertase 1, causing a syndrome of IHH and defects in prohormone processing). As these mutations account for less than 20% of all IHH cases, discovery of additional gene mutations will continue to advance our understanding of this intriguing syndrome.

Total urogenital sinus mobilization for ambiguous genitalia

INTRODUCTION Genital ambiguity is a very common phenomenon in disorders of sex development (DSD). According to the Chicago Consensus 2006, feminizing genitoplasty, when indicated, should be performed in the most virilized cases (Prader III to V). Advances in the knowledge of genital anatomy in DSD have enabled the development and improvement of various surgical techniques. Mobilization of the urogenital sinus (MUS), first described by Peña, has become incorporated by most surgeons. However, the proximity of the urethral sphincter prompts concern over urinary incontinence, especially for full mobilization of the urogenital sinus. OBJECTIVE To retrospectively evaluate the short-term surgical results of feminizing genitoplasty with total mobilization of the urogenital sinus in patients with DSD. METHODS Review of medical records of all patients undergoing feminizing genitoplasty with mobilization of the urogenital sinus. We evaluated the rates of complications from surgery and of urinary incontinence, as well as cosmetic results, according to the opinion of the surgeon and the family. RESULTS A total of 8 patients were included in the study. The mean age at surgery was 51months. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) was diagnosed in six patients, and gonadal dysgenesis in the other two. The vagina was separated from the urethra, with suitable distance in all cases. No patient had urinary incontinence after surgery. The mean follow-up of patients was. 20months (3-56months). In all cases, surgeons recorded being satisfied with the aesthetic result of post-surgical genitalia. The family was recorded as satisfied with the aesthetic result of the genitalia after surgery. In every case, there was no need for a second surgical procedure. CONCLUSION The total mobilization of the urogenital sinus is a feasible and safe technique. The technique permits good cosmetic results, and urinary incontinence is absent. TYPE OF STUDY Therapeutic study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.

Clinical profile of 93 cases of 46, XY disorders of sexual development in a referral center

ABSTRACT The term DSD refers to disorders that affect the normal process of sexual development causing disagreement between chromosomal, gonadal and phenotypic sex, and this study aimed to describe the clinical profile of a group with DSD 46, XY joined on DSD Clinic of Hospital of Salvador, Bahia Clinics. It was a retrospective study of medical records of survey data of 93 patients with DSD 46, XY. Among the patients studied 50.5% had no defined etiology and 20.4% had androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), 63.4% had been initially recorded in males, 31 (33.3%) in females, being that in two it was necessary to reassignment. All patients with complete AIS pure gonadal dysgenesis and had female genitalia. Others have been diagnosed with genital ambiguity or severe hypospadias and cryptorchidism. The gonads were palpable at the first consultation in 75.3% of patients. It is important to establish an active surveillance program for these patients. The first assessment took place before the age of ten in more than 50% of cases, which shows that much needs to be done for medical education and community about the DSD. Because the phenotypic variability of sexual development disorders was noted that the clinical profile of patients studied ranged between different etiologies, including hindering the diagnostic conclusion of these individuals.

Valores elevados de leptina e LDL-colesterol em pacientes com hiperplasia adrenal congênita bem controlados

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate patients with classic CAH before and after treatment with glucocorticoids/mineralocorticoid and compare the metabolic profile of the well controlled (WC) and poorly controlled (PC) group. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We selected newly diagnosed patients and patients monitored for CAH, classical form, regularly using or not glucocorticoids/mineralocorticoid in the Genetics Service Hupes-UFBA, seen from March/2004 to May/2006. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation and laboratory tests (glucose, sodium and potassium; total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and uric acid; leptin, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, total testosterone, C peptide, and insulin). Patients with normal androgens were classified as well controlled (WC), and those with high levels of androgens either using or not glucocorticoids/mineralocorticoids were classified as poorly controlled (PC). RESULTS We studied 41 patients with CAH: 11 in the WC group and 30 in PC group. Leptin and LDL cholesterol levels were higher in WC than in the PC group (p < 0.05). Uric acid values were lower in WC compared with the PC group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Adequate control of CAH with steroids seems safe, as it is associated with only mild changes in lipid profile and leptin values. No other metabolic abnormality was associated with glucocorticoid use. The reason for lower uric acid levels found in WC CAH patients is unknown and should be further studied.