Long-term complications in patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism: a cross-sectional study.

Objective Chronic hypoparathyroidism and its treatment may lead to symptoms and complications affecting quality of life. We determined complications in chronic hypoparathyroid patients. Design Retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism treated with active vitamin D supplements in a tertiary care centre during the year 2015. Primary outcome parameters were history of kidney stones and seizures and presence of renal and cerebral calcifications on imaging. Secondary outcome parameters were current symptoms of paraesthesia/cramps, hospitalization due to hyper/hypocalcaemia and hypercalciuria. Subjects One hundred and seventy patients were included - 143 (84%) with post-surgical hypoparathyroidism (PSHP), 16 (9%) with non-surgical hypoparathyroidism (NSHP) and 11 (7%) with pseudo-hypoparathyroidism (PHP). Results History of kidney stones and seizures was present in 15 and 9% of patients, respectively. Renal and cerebral imaging was performed in 51 and 26% of the patients, with 22 and 25% of these patients having renal and cerebral calcifications respectively. Both history of seizures and cerebral calcifications were significantly more in NSHP and PHP than in PSHP patients. No association was observed between seizures and cerebral calcifications. Cramps/paraesthesia were present in 16%, and hospitalization related to hypocalcaemia was reported in 5% of the patients. Calciuria was screened in 47% at the time of consultation, and in 76% of the patients during the past 5 years. In 36% of these patients, calciuria was increased. Conclusions Patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism frequently develop ectopic calcifications. Non-surgical patients suffer more from seizures and cerebral calcifications than patients that developed hypoparathyroidism post surgery. There is a need for increased screening of long-term complications, according to the guidelines.

Vitamin D supplementation in cutaneous malignant melanoma outcome (ViDMe): a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have investigated the protective effect of vitamin D serum levels, at diagnosis and during the follow-up period after treatment, on melanoma outcome. In the present study we assess whether vitamin D supplementation, in the follow-up period after diagnosis and surgical resection of the primary tumor, has a protective effect on relapse of cutaneous malignant melanoma and whether this protective effect correlates with vitamin D levels in serum and Vitamin D Receptor immunoreactivity in the primary tumor. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a multicenter randomized double blind placebo- controlled phase III trial. Patients between the age of 18 and 80 years diagnosed and treated surgically for a melanoma stage IB-III are eligible for randomization in a 1:1 ratio to active treatment or placebo. The study drug is taken each month and consists of either 100,000 International Unit cholecalciferol or arachidis oleum raffinatum used as a placebo. The primary endpoint is relapse free survival. The secondary endpoints are 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 serum levels at diagnosis and at 6 month intervals, melanoma subtype, melanoma site and stage of melanoma at diagnosis according to the 2009 American Joint Committee on Cancer melanoma staging and classification. At randomization a bloodsample is taken for DNA analysis. The study is approved by the local Ethics Committees. DISCUSSION: If we can confirm our hypothesis that vitamin D supplementation after removal of the tumor has a protective effect on relapse of cutaneous malignant melanoma we may reduce the burden of CMM at several levels. Patients, diagnosed with melanoma may have a better clinical outcome and improved quality of life. There will be a decrease in health care costs related to treatment of metastatic disease and there will be a decrease in loss of professional years, which will markedly reduce the economic burden of the disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial.gov, NCT01748448 , 05/12/2012.

Calcium and vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis - a clinical update.

Combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation is an essential component of the management of osteoporosis, supported by a strong scientific rationale. The types of individuals who should receive calcium and vitamin D supplements are those: (i) patients with documented osteoporosis receiving antiresorptive or anabolic treatment; (ii) patients receiving glucocorticoids; and (iii) individuals with or at high risk of calcium and/or vitamin D insufficiencies, in particular older women and men. This article describes the evidence base that supports targeting these groups. Benefits are most apparent when 800 IU day(-1) vitamin D is complemented with a dose of 1000-1200 mg day(-1) elemental calcium. Compliance is also key to optimizing clinical efficacy.

Coping with infertility: a body-mind group intervention programme for infertile couples.

BACKGROUND: The recognition of the distressing character of infertility diagnosis and treatment has led to the development of several psychosocial interventions for infertile couples. At the Leuven University Fertility Centre, a body-mind marital group intervention was developed to help infertile couples cope with the distress related to infertility. METHODS AND RESULTS: This treatment programme was originally adapted from a mind-body approach, but integrated concepts and techniques from body-oriented therapy, art therapy and multi-family group therapy. In this paper, the therapeutic foundations, treatment goals and practical implications of the mind-body marital group intervention are outlined. Further, the treatment procedure is explained in detail and illustrated by clinical vignettes. CONCLUSIONS: Although the first clinical impressions about the usefulness of the body-mind group programme in fertility clinics seem promising, further research is needed to assess its effectiveness.

Evidence from the aged orchidectomized male rat model that 17beta-estradiol is a more effective bone-sparing and anabolic agent than 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone.

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of estrogen versus androgen action on orchidectomy (ORX)-induced bone loss and associated changes in body composition. During an experimental period of 4 months, aged (12-month-old) ORX rats were treated with 17beta-estradiol (E2; 0.75 microg/day) or different doses of the nonaromatizable androgen 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT; 45, 75, and 150 microg/day, respectively), via subcutaneous (sc) silastic implants. Low doses of DHT and E2 inhibited the ORX-induced rise of bone turnover markers (serum osteocalcin and urinary deoxypyridinoline [DPD]) to a similar extent. High-dose DHT prevented the ORX-induced decrease of trabecular bone density but had no significant effect on cortical thinning as assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). This bone-sparing action of DHT occurred at the expense of hypertrophy of the ventral prostate and seminal vesicles. On the other hand, E2 restored both trabecular bone density and cortical thickness in ORX rats and even prevented age-related bone loss. In contrast to DHT, E2 increased lean body mass and inhibited the ORX-associated increase of fat mass, as measured by DXA. Administration of E2 was associated with increased serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and decreased circulating levels of leptin. We conclude that, in the aged ORX rat model, E2 is more effective in preventing ORX-induced bone loss than DHT. Additionally, E2 has anabolic effects on muscle tissue and prevents the ORX-related increase of fat mass. Overall, these data suggest that androgen action on bone and body composition is dependent on stimulation of both androgen receptors (ARs) and estrogen receptors (ERs).

Successful treatment of idiopathic anejaculation with electroejaculation after microsurgical vas aspiration.

This case report describes a couple suffering from infertility secondary to psychogenic anejaculation, which was refractory to all conservative treatment modalities. A first trial of microsurgical vas aspiration in combination with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) resulted in a pregnancy. After 2 years, three more trials of microsurgical vas aspiration in combination with either IVF or subzonal insemination (SUZI) resulted in embryo transfer without pregnancy. Finally, after 3 years, spermatozoa obtained by rectal probe stimulation under general anaesthesia were cryopreserved. A second intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure using these cryopreserved spermatozoa also resulted in a second pregnancy. Although sperm concentration was in the normal range, in all samples obtained by either rectal probe electrostimulation or microsurgical vas aspiration, motility was <30% in all but two samples.

Bone and mineral metabolism in the androgen-resistant (testicular feminized) male rat.

Androgens have important effects on bone in vivo, possibly by direct activation of the androgen receptors in osteoblasts. To test this hypothesis, calcium homeostasis, bone mass, and bone turnover were evaluated in mature (4-month-old) androgen-resistant (testicular feminized, TFM) male rats. Data were compared with data from both female and male littermates of the same age and strain. Compared to normal males, TFM had similar serum testosterone, twofold higher estradiol and estrone, and sixfold higher androstenedione concentrations. Compared to normal females, TFM rats showed lower estradiol but also elevated concentrations of androstenedione and estrone. Despite similar free 1,25-(OH)2D3 concentrations, both TFM and male rats maintained higher serum calcium and phosphate concentrations than their female littermates. Serum IGF-I concentrations in TFM rats were decreased compared to male rats (-12%) or female rats (-27%). Serum osteocalcin concentrations, however, were twofold higher in TFM rats than in females but not significantly different from males. Femoral length, diameter, and cortical thickness were intermediate between those of males and females. The cancellous bone density of the femur and cancellous bone volume of the proximal metaphysis of the tibia, however, were not significantly different between groups. The ash weight of the tibia was also not significantly different, and the ash weight of the four distal lumbar vertebrae ranged between male and female values. Bone mechanical properties as measured by torsional strength and energy absorption of the femur were lower in TFM than in females but not different from males.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Short-term course of 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulates osteoblasts but not osteoclasts in osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

We investigated the effect of short-term, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 therapy (4 micrograms/day for 4 days) on calcium metabolism in 27 postmenopausal women (11 cases with osteoporosis and 16 cases with osteoarthritis). Bone mass at the axial and appendicular skeleton was higher in osteoarthritis than in osteoporosis. Initial values of calcium metabolism were similar. Osteoporotic and osteoarthritic patients responded with a similar significant increase in serum osteocalcin (+61% and +54%, respectively), fasting urinary calcium excretion (+178% and +124%, respectively) and 24 hour calcium excretion (+148% and +142%, respectively). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels decreased significantly in both groups (-30% and -18%, respectively). Osteoclastic bone resorption, evaluated by urinary hydroxyproline excretion, was not stimulated in either group. We conclude that in osteoporosis and also in osteoarthritis (1) 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) stimulation of osteoblast function is similar in production of osteocalcin; (2) the vitamin D target tissues react adequately to 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulation; (3) short-term high dose of 1,25(OH)2D3 does not stimulate bone resorption; and (4) the differences in bone mass between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are not related to an alteration of the responsiveness to stimulation by 1,25 (OH)2D3.

Seasonal variation in bone metabolism in young healthy subjects.

Serum vitamin D metabolites and urinary calcium excretion; parameters of bone formation (serum alkaline phosphatase, serum osteocalcin); parameters of bone resorption (24 hour hydroxyprolinuria, 2 hour fasting urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio); and parameters of cortical and trabecular bone density, parathyroid hormone (iPTH, COOH terminal assay), and serum minerals (calcium, phosphorus) were followed serially in 55 young adults (21 women and 34 men) from December 1985 until January 1987 at four different times during the year. The effect of a low-dose cyclooxygenase inhibitor (piroxicam 5 mg daily) on the same parameters of bone density and bone turnover when given from December until May, was also evaluated in this study. At the end of the treatment period parameters of bone turnover and bone density were comparable between placebo and piroxicam-treated groups. Therefore, the results of all subjects were pooled in order to investigate seasonal variation. In both sexes, seasonal variation was found not only for 250HD3 but also for 1,25(OH)2D3, serum calcium and phosphorus, urinary calcium excretion, and for bone density at the lumbar spine. Parameters of bone formation (serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase), bone resorption (24 hour urinary hydroxyprolinuria and fasting urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio) and PTH were influenced by this seasonal variation. We conclude that in young adults, a significant seasonal variation occurs, with low winter and high summer values, for serum 25 and 1,25(OH)2D3 for urinary calcium apparently without important influence on parameters of bone turnover or parathyroid activity and for lumbar spine density. Treatment with a low-dose cyclooxygenase inhibitor was without influence on the observed changes.