Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance in Adult Patients with Acne: Association with Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Acne Severity.

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the pilosebaceous unit, and there are conflicting evidences regarding its association with metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 162 acne patients, over 20 years of age, matched for age and sex with 78 healthy controls without acne. The measured parameters included waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol. Acne severity was determined according to the Global Acne Grading System. The criteria used for the diagnosis of MS were those of the Harmonizing the Metabolic Syndrome Statement, adjusted for South Americans, and the IR was calculated using the HOMA-IR. Results: The prevalence of MS was significantly higher in cases, compared to controls (12.3% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.014), as was the prevalence of IR (11.7% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.047). In addition, MS and IR showed a positive correlation with the degree of acne severity (P = 0.011 and P = 0.021, respectively). HDL levels were significantly lower in cases (P = 0.012) and showed an association with acne severity (P = 0.038). In the logistic regression model, the risk factor that independently influenced both MS and IR in patients with acne was the WC (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Adults with acne, especially the most severe cases, are significantly more likely to have MS, IR, and lower HDL levels, compared to controls without acne.

Acné en la adolescencia: como reconocerlo y abordarlo / Acne in adolescents: how to recognize it and treat it / Acne na adolescencia: como reconhecer-lo e tratá-lo

El acné una de las enfermedades dermatológicas crónicas más frecuentes, siendo la adolescencia donde se observa su mayor incidencia y prevalencia. Constituye un motivo de consulta frecuente y a pesar de que su abordaje inicial es de resorte del pediatra, dependiendo de la evolución y los tipos de acné requieren la derivación y tratamiento con dermatólogo. Es una enfermedad cutánea, de carácter inflamatorio y que involucra la unidad pilosebácea. Su etiología es multifactorial y el diagnóstico es clínico al constatar las lesiones típicas. Teniendo en cuenta la importancia de la imagen corporal en esta etapa de la vida y el impacto de esta en la calidad de vida de los adolescentes, es imprescindible el reconocimiento precoz y tratamiento inicial por parte del pediatra. Existen posibilidades terapéuticas cada vez más novedosas, exigiendo a los profesionales de salud estar actualizados. Esta revisión pretende mostrar una puesta al día de la temática y ofrecer información actualizada sobre los tratamientos disponibles a nivel local.

Acne is one of the most common chronic dermatological diseases and it is primarily observed in adolescents. It is one of the causes of frequent consultation, and despite the fact that Its initial detection and approach is that of the pediatrician, depending on the evolution and the types of acne, referral and treatment by a dermatologist will be required. It is a skin disease, inflammatory in nature and involving the pilosebaceous unit. It has a multifactorial etiology and it requires clinical diagnosis when typical lesions are found. Considering importance of adolescents' image at this stage and the impact on their quality of life, early detection and treatment by the pediatrician are essential. There are increasing new therapeutic possibilities, which require health professionals to be updated. This review aims at showing an update of the subject and at providing updated information regarding the available treatments locally.

A acne é uma das doenças dermatológicas crônicas mais comuns, sendo a adolescência onde observase sua maior incidência e prevalência. Constitui motivo de consulta frequente e apesar de sua abordagem inicial é a do pediatra, dependendo da evolução e dos tipos de acne que necessitam de tratamento e encaminhamento feito por um dermatologista. É uma doença cutânea, de natureza inflamatória e que envolve a unidade pilossebácea. Sua etiologia é multifatorial e o diagnóstico é clínico quando são encontradas lesões típicas. Tendo em conta a importância da imagem corporal nesta fase da vida e o impacto dela na qualidade de vida dos adolescentes, o reconhecimento inicial pelo pediatra e o tratamento precoces são essenciais. Existem cada vez mais novas possibilidades terapêuticas, exigindo que os profissionais de saúde estejam atualizados. Este papertem como objetivo mostrar uma atualização do assunto e fornecer informação atualizada sobre os tratamentos disponíveis a nível local.

Clinical Features of Acne in Primary Care Patients Assessed Through Teledermatology.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Acne is present in about 90% of teenagers and 12% to 14% of adults. Face and trunk are the most affected areas. Lesions can result in postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring, leading to reduced quality of life. Asynchronous teledermatology has been increasingly used around the world, facilitating patient access to dermatologists. Our objectives were to assess: (1) clinical features of acne patients according to gender, age, severity, site of lesions, excoriation, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and atrophic scar (AS) and (2) how many referrals to in-person consultations with dermatologists could be avoided using asynchronous teledermatology in primary care attention? METHODS: We analyzed images, demographic and clinical data of 2459 acne patients assisted by teledermatology, with the aim to confirm the diagnoses, to classify acne severity according to grades I to IV, and to search for the presence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, atrophic scars, and/or excoriated acne (EA). We compared the clinical and biological data, looking for associations among them. RESULTS: Acne severity and age were associated with the most common sequels: postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (mainly on the trunk and in females, P < .0001) and atrophic scars (mainly on the face and in males, P < .0001). We also observed different frequencies according to age and sex: 13 to 24 years in males (P = .0023); and <12 (P = .0023) and 25 to 64 years old (P <.0001) for females; 68% of the patients had no need for in-person dermatologists' referral, being kept at primary care attention with proper diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION: Clinical features of acne and its sequels differ according to gender, age, site, and severity. The new findings of PIH associated with women and AS, with men, may help offer a more personalized management to patients. Teledermatology was suitable for the majority of the acne cases in primary care.

Acne vulgaris.

THE COMPARISONA. A 27-year-old Hispanic woman with comedonal and inflammatory acne. Erythema is prominent around the inflammatory lesions. Note the pustule on the cheek surrounded by pink color.B. A teenaged Black boy with acne papules and pustules on the face. There are comedones, hyperpigmented macules, and pustules on the cheek.C. A teenaged Black girl with pomade acne. The patient used various hair care products, which obstructed the pilosebaceous units on the forehead.

[Acne in the newborn.] / Acné en el recién nacido

Neonatal acne (NA) is a transitory dermatosis that occurs between the second and fourth weeks of life in 20% of children. This condition is more frequent in males, with a male-female ratio of 4.5:1. Present primary skin lesions are open and closed comedones which can evolve into papules, erythematous pustules and, in rare cases, nodules and cysts. NA topography includes the forehead, cheeks, chin, and eyelids, but occasionally it spreads to the scalp, neck, and trunk. NA occurs due to an elevated production of placental and neonatal androgens (of adrenal origin in both sexes and of testicular origin in males) which cause enlargement of the sebaceous glands and increases the production of sebum. Most cases are mild and transient, but if NA is severe and long-lasting, clinical and paraclinical examination will be necessary to find congenital adrenal hyperplasia or a virilizing tumor of adrenal or gonadal origin. The diagnosis of NA is clinical; its main differential -diagnoses are neonatal cephalic pustulosis, other neonatal vesiculopustular dermatoses, infectious diseases, and acneiform reactions. The resolution of NA is spontaneous. In most cases, the use of a mild dermal cleanser and water will be sufficient. For comedogenic lesions (open and closed comedones), topical retinoids or 20% azelaic acid may be used, as well as some topical antibiotics for inflammatory lesions.

El acné neonatal es una dermatosis transitoria que ocurre entre la segunda y la cuarta semanas de vida en uno de cada cinco niños. Es más frecuente en los varones, con una relación de sexo masculino-femenino de 4.5:1. Las manifestaciones clínicas incluyen comedones abiertos y cerrados que pueden progresar a lesiones inflamatorias como pápulas, pústulas eritematosas y, en casos raros, nódulos y quistes. Las zonas afectadas incluyen la frente, las mejillas, el mentón y los párpados, y en algunas ocasiones puede extenderse a la piel cabelluda, el cuello y el tronco. Ocurre por la mayor producción de andrógenos placentarios y neonatales (de origen suprarrenal en ambos sexos y de origen testicular en los varones), que provoca hipertrofia de las glándulas sebáceas y mayor producción de sebo. La mayoría de los casos son leves y autolimitados. Cuando el acné neonatal es grave y prolongado, se debe considerar la posibilidad de hiperandrogenismo, cuyas causas más frecuentes en esta edad son la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita y los tumores, adrenales o gonadales, productores de andrógenos. El diagnóstico del acné neonatal es clínico: se debe distinguir de la pustulosis cefálica neonatal, otras dermatosis neonatales vesiculopustulares, enfermedades infecciosas y reacciones acneiformes. Habitualmente, un dermolimpiador suave y agua resultan suficientes para su manejo. Las lesiones obstructivas (comedones abiertos y cerrados) pueden requerir retinoides tópicos o ácido azelaico al 20%, y las lesiones inflamatorias, algunos antibióticos tópicos.

Aplicación móvil para diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento estético del acné II / A Mobile Application for Diagnosis, Prevention and Cosmetic Treatments of Grade II Acne

Introducción: Algunos profesionales tienen dificultades para hacer la detección correcta de los signos y síntomas y para prescribir el tratamiento adecuado del acné II, que puede conducir a un tratamiento estético insatisfactorio. Por lo tanto, es necesario desarrollar tecnología educativa, por ejemplo, una aplicación. Objetivo: Desarrollar una aplicación multimedia en una plataforma móvil para el diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento estético del acné grado II. Métodos: Las fases de desarrollo de la estructura de la aplicación fueron: Fase 1 - "Concepción: identificación de las necesidades del desarrollo de la aplicación". Fase 2 - "Elaboración del prototipo de aplicación": esta fase incluyó la revisión integradora de la literatura en las principales bases de datos. Fase 3- "Creación de la aplicación": esta fase consistió en desarrollar el algoritmo, estructurar la base de datos y desarrollar el software; Fase 4- "Transición": se realizaron las pruebas de funcionalidad de la aplicación. Resultados: La aplicación móvil consta de 10 pantallas descriptivas y 4 pantallas con videos explicativos, el cual se registró en el Instituto Nacional de Propiedad Industrial (Ministerio de Desarrollo, Industria y Comercio Exterior) con el número de protocolo: BR: 51 2018 0001475 y está disponible de forma gratuita en línea en Google Play Store con el nombre de Face Care. Conclusión: El estudio permitió describir las etapas de planificación y desarrollo de una aplicación multimedia en una plataforma móvil para el diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento estético del acné grado II(AU)

Introduction: Some professionals have difficulties in correctly detecting signs and symptoms of acne II, as well as in prescribing the appropriate treatment for the condition, a fact that can lead to unsatisfactory cosmetic treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop educational technology; for example, an application. Objective: To develop a multimedia application on a mobile platform for diagnosis, prevention and cosmetic treatment of grade II acne. Methods: The application structure was developed in four phases: conception (identification of the application development needs), development of the application prototype (which included the integrative review of the literature from the main databases), creation of the application (which consisted in developing the algorithm, structuring the database and developing the software), and transition (during which the application's functionality tests were carried out). Results: The mobile application consists of ten descriptive screens and four screens with explanatory videos. It was registered within the National Institute of Industrial Property (Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade), with the protocol number BR: 51 2018 0001475. It is available online, for free, on the Google Play Store, under the name Face Care. Conclusion: This study allowed to describe the planning and development stages of a multimedia application on a mobile platform for the diagnosis, prevention and cosmetic treatment of grade II acne(AU)

Isotretinoin and the eye: A review for the dermatologist.

Due to the prevalence of acne vulgaris, isotretinoin is one of the most prescribed drugs among physicians and dermatologists. Although exhibiting an adequate safety profile, adverse events secondary to isotretinoin use are common. Before prescribing isotretinoin, physicians usually inquire about pregnancy and perform serologic tests including cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver enzymes. Ocular manifestations are commonly neglected. Despite being generally mild, ocular manifestations related to either topical or systemic isotretinoin may cause important ocular morbidity. The ocular surface is the most affected site within the eye; however, retinal and optic nerve disease also have been documented. Evaporative dry eye disease, which may range from mild to severe, is the most common adverse ocular effect associated with isotretinoin use. The aim of this review is to present an up-to-date overview for the dermatologist about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the ocular side effects of isotretinoin, and when to refer to the eye specialist.

Altered keratinization and vitamin D metabolism may be key pathogenetic pathways in syndromic hidradenitis suppurativa: a novel whole exome sequencing approach.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum, acne and hidradenitis suppurativa (PASH) and pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and hidradenitis suppurativa (PAPASH) patients, in spite of recently identified genetic variations, is just clinical, since most patients do not share the same mutations, and the mutations themselves are not informative of the biological pathways commonly disrupted in these patients. OBJECTIVE: To reveal genetic changes more closely related to PASH and PAPASH etiopathogenesis, identifying novel common pathways involved in these diseases. METHODS: Cohort study on PASH (n = 4) and PAPASH (n = 1) patients conducted using whole exome sequencing (WES) approach and a novel bioinformatic pipeline aimed at discovering potentially candidate genes selected from density mutations and involved in pathways relevant to the disease. RESULTS: WES results showed that patients presented 90 genes carrying mutations with deleterious and/or damage impact: 12 genes were in common among the 5 patients and bared 237 ns ExonVar (54 and 183 in homozygosis and heterozygosis, respectively). In the pathway enrichment analysis, only 10 genes were included, allowing us to retrieve 4 pathways shared by all patients: (1) Vitamin D metabolism, (2) keratinization, (3) formation of the cornified envelope and (4) steroid metabolism. Interestingly, all patients had vitamin D levels lower than normal, with a mean value of 10 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Our findings, through a novel strategy for analysing the genetic background of syndromic HS patients, suggested that vitamin D metabolism dysfunctions seem to be crucial in PASH and PAPASH pathogenesis. Based on low vitamin D serum levels, its supplementation is envisaged.

Toxicity induced by multiple high doses of vitamin B12 during pernicious anemia treatment: a case report.

Context: The clinical consequences of excess vitamin B12 induced by multiple oral doses of cyanocobalamin are not well-known.Case details: A young woman was treated with multiple daily doses of 1 mg of cyanocobalamin for severe pernicious anemia. After a total dose of 12 mg, she developed acne, palpitations, anxiety, akathisia, facial ruddiness, headache, and insomnia. She improved two weeks after stopping the drug. There were no sequelae nor complications.Discussion: Although these symptoms of cobalamin toxicity were unexpected and unusual, the case reminds us that the administration of any drug is not entirely safe.

Terapia láser de baja potencia en el acné vulgar / Low potency laser therapy in Acne vulgaris

RESUMEN Introducción: el acné es una enfermedad multifactorial que afecta en estructura y función a la unidad pilosebácea. Se presenta en los adolescentes y se padece mundialmente. En los casos más severos, puede involucrar al grupo familiar en su esfera afectiva y económica. La terapia láser de baja potencia se ha empleado como opción de procedimiento médico alternativo para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad; por su acción antibacteriana, antiedematosa y estimulante del sistema inmunitario. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento del acné vulgar en pacientes con terapia láser de baja potencia. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, en pacientes con formas clínicas leves y moderadas de acné vulgar que acudieron a la consulta de Dermatología del Hospital Universitario Comandante "Faustino Pérez Hernández", provincia Matanzas, entre junio del 2015 a junio del 2016. Se estudiaron las variables: edad, sexo, color de la piel, nivel de escolaridad, clasificación del acné, número de lesiones inflamatorias por hemicara, su tamaño, respuesta al tratamiento y grado de satisfacción. Se procesaron en el paquete estadístico SPSS para Windows, versión 16.0. Resultados: la mayor frecuencia de presentación fue de 18-25 años, sexo femenino y raza blanca. Respuesta satisfactoria independiente a su clasificación, con 15 sesiones, dos veces por semana. Conclusiones: el láser de baja potencia mejora y acorta el tiempo de evolución del acné vulgar.

ABSTRACT Introduction: acne is a multifactor disease that affects the structure and function of the pilosebaceous unit. It is a global condition that starts during adolescence. It can involve the family in its affective and economic sphere in the most severe cases. Low-power laser therapy is used as an alternative medical procedure for the treatment of this disease due to its antibacterial, antiedematous and immune-stimulant action. Objective: to determine the behavior of acne vulgar in patients under low potency laser therapy. Materials and methods: a descriptive, prospective study was carried out in patients suffering mild and moderated clinical forms of acne vulgaris who assisted the Dermatology consultation of the University Clinico-surgical Hospital "Faustino Perez Hernandez"¨, Matanzas province, from June 2015 to June 2016. The studied variables were age, sex, race, scholarship, acne classification, number of inflammatory lesions per hemiface, lesson size, answer to treatment and satisfaction level. Data were processed with the SPSS statistical package, 16.0 version for Windows. Results: the highest presentation frequency was in people aged 18-25 years, of the female sex and white race. The answer was satisfactory independently to classification with 15 sessions, twice a week. Conclusion: low potency laser improves and reduces acne vulgaris evolution time.

Large prospective study on adult acne in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula: risk factors, demographics, and clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory skin disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. The prevalence of acne is high during adolescence and is known to persist into adulthood; however, the characteristics of adult acne have not been well established. In the adult population, acne has been associated with psychosocial repercussions impacting the quality of life of those who suffer it, especially in female patients. METHODS: This study assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics of 1,384 patients between the ages of 25 and 60 years from 21 countries in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, with the purpose of identifying parameters for the severity of the disease, its links to demographic, biological, social, and environmental factors, and potential triggers. RESULTS: Gender differences in severity and location of the lesions were identified. In a univariate analysis, the male gender, use of cosmetics, age of onset of adolescence, and signs of hyperandrogenism were associated with acne severity. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of adult acne may vary from those of adolescent acne, although the disease presentations are generally similar. Further research is needed to establish similarities and differences in manifestations of adult acne versus adolescent acne.

Tratamiento del acné en la adolescencia / Treatment of acne in adolescents

El acné es la enfermedad dermatológica más común de la adolescencia. Aunque casi todos los casos remiten alrededor de la tercera década de la vida, cuando este problema conlleva una carga emocional para el paciente se requiere indicar tratamiento. En esta actualización, los autores revisan los distintos grados de compromiso de esta patología, el tratami-ento y los niveles de evidencia que tiene cada uno de ellos, con el objetivo de facilitar a los médicos de atención primaria el manejo de los pacientes que presentan esta enfermedad. (AU)

Acne is the most common dermatological condition in adolescents. Even though almost all cases will resolve around the third decade of life, treatment is indicated when this health problem carries an emotional burden for the patient. In this update, the authors review the grades of involvement of the disease and the available treatments according to levels of evidence, with the aim of helping primary care physicians to manage the patients presenting this illness. (AU)

TeleCondutas: acne / TeleGuides: acne

Acne é a dermatose mais comum, acometendo cerca de 80% dos adolescentes e adultos jovens. É caracterizada por lesões não-inflamatórias (comedões abertos e/ou fechados) e por lesões inflamatórias (pápulas, pústulas, cistos ou nódulos) tipicamente localizados na face, pescoço, dorso, tórax e braços. A etiologia da acne vulgar resulta da associação dos seguintes fatores: hiperqueratinização e obstrução do infundíulo folicular, devido à descamação anormal do epitélio folicular; aumento da produção de sebo estimulada pelos andrógenos; colonização do folículo pelo Propionibacterium acnes, gerando inflamação. Esta guia apresenta informação que orienta a conduta para casos de acne no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde, incluindo: classificação da acne vulgar, Características da acne vulgar, Erupção acneiforme, Diagnóstico da acne vulgar, Tratamento - Orientações gerais, Tratamento - Medicamentos, Terapia tópica, Antibióticos sistêmicos, Terapia antiandrogênica, Acne na Gestante, Acompanhamento, Encaminhamento para serviço especializado.

Acne in women.

This review focuses on the subject of acne in women, a disease that is increasingly common and that can also affect men. Adult acne differs from the type of acne that occurs in teenagers, and it may persist beyond adolescence or have its onset at an older age (adult-onset acne or late acne). Acne can have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients at any age, leading to a negative body image and decrease in self-esteem, and in older patients it can result in discrimination in the workplace and in other social environments. Acne in women must be understood as a specific problem, and here we discuss the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, psychology and treatment of this very prevalent problem.

Actualización del síndrome de ovario poliquístico y su importancia en dermatología / Update of polycystic ovary syndrome and its importance in dermatology

El Síndrome de Ovario Poliquístico es un trastorno endocrino común que afecta a mujeres en edad reproductiva que puede causar problemas metabólicos y deterioro psicosocial importante. Las manifestaciones dermatológicas más frecuentes del hiperandrogenismo incluyen acné, hirsutismo y alopecia, cuyo reconocimiento es esencial para hacer un diagnóstico precoz. Las modalidades de tratamiento incluyen terapia hormonal con el objetivo de modular la producción de andrógenos y su acción, así como tratamientos no hormonales dirigidos a condiciones dermatológicas específicas.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, which can cause metabolic, reproductive and psychosocial impairment. The most common skin manifestations of hyperandrogenism are acne, hirsutism and alopecia, whose recognition is essential for early diagnosis. There are several treatment modalities, including hormonal therapy in order to modulate androgen production and their effects, as well as other non hormonal treatments targeted to specific dermatologic conditions.

Técnica CROSS en cicatrices de acné / CROSS technique in acne scars

La cicatrización patológica es una complicación frecuente del acné que resulta del daño en la piel que se produce durante la curación de dicho proceso inflamatorio. Muchos pacientes desarrollarán cicatrices a pesar de un tratamiento oportuno y adecuado. A grandes rasgos se consideran dos tipos de cicatrización patológica: excesiva (cicatrices hipertróficas y queloides) e insuficiente (cicatrices atróficas). Estas últimas se ven en el 80-90% delos casos y se subclasifican en pica hielo, ondulada y en caja. Múltiples tratamientos se usan para eliminar las cicatrices del acné. A menudo, una combinación de varias técnicases necesaria para un tratamiento efectivo. La técnica CROSS es una modalidad terapéutica segura, eficaz y rentable en el tratamiento de las cicatrices pica hielo sin complicaciones significativas.

Pathological scarringis a common complication of acne that results from the skin damagethat occurs during the healing of this inflammatory process. Many patients develop scarringdespite a timely and appropriate treatment. Roughly two types of scarring are considered:excessive (hypertrophic scars and keloids) and insufficient (atrophic scars). The latter are seen in 80-90% of cases and are subclassified into ice pick, rolling and box car. Multiple treatments are used to remove acne scars. Often a combination of several techniquesis necessary for an effective treatment. The CROSS technique is a safe, effective andprofitable therapeutic modality for the treatment of ice pick scars without significant complications.

[Female hyperandrogenemia and normal serum levels of testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin]. / Hiperandrogenemia femenina y niveles séricos normales de testosterona y globulina ligadora de esteroides sexuales.

It is well known that the reference values usually employed for endocrine biochemical measurements are those suggested by the suppliers of commercial kits despite their advice that each laboratory should set its own reference values. Our objectives were to (i) determine reference ranges for serum testosterone (T) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) appropriate to our laboratory and population, and (ii) to analyze their influence on evaluating hyperandrogenemia. SHBG and T were measured, and free and bioavailable testosterone calculated, in (a) 30 selected non-hyperandrogenic women, (b) 87 non-selected healthy female blood donors, (c) 53 women with hyperandrogenism, and (d) 38 women with hyperandrogenic disorders but without biochemical hyperandrogenemia according to normal ranges suggested by the kit manufacturer. Mean serum SHBG concentrations were significantly different among all four groups. SHBG levels were significantly higher in selected normal women (group a). Using our results for this selected control group as new reference values, 12 out of 38 (31.6%) women with hyperandrogenic disorders without apparent hyperandrogenemia (group d) were recategorized as hyperandrogenemic. Similarly, 4 out of 63 (6.4%) non-selected, normal weight, women (group b), were recategorized as hyperandrogenic. Therefore, the diagnosis of hyperandrogenemia would improve accuracy by using customized reference SHBG values instead of those suggested by the suppliers.

Female hyperandrogenemia and normal serum levels of testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin

It is well known that the reference values usually employed for endocrine biochemical measurements are those suggested by the suppliers of commercial kits despite their advice that each laboratory should set its own reference values. Our objectives were to (i) determine reference ranges for serum testosterone (T) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) appropriate to our laboratory and population, and (ii) to analyze their influence on evaluating hyperandrogenemia. SHBG and T were measured, and free and bioavailable testosterone calculated, in (a) 30 selected non-hyperandrogenic women, (b) 87 non-selected healthy female blood donors, (c) 53 women with hyperandrogenism, and (d) 38 women with hyperandrogenic disorders but without biochemical hyperandrogenemia according to normal ranges suggested by the kit manufacturer. Mean serum SHBG concentrations were significantly different among all four groups. SHBG levels were significantly higher in selected normal women (group a). Using our results for this selected control group as new reference values, 12 out of 38 (31.6%) women with hyperandrogenic disorders without apparent hyperandrogenemia (group d) were recategorized as hyperandrogenemic. Similarly, 4 out of 63 (6.4%) non-selected, normal weight, women (group b), were recategorized as hyperandrogenic. Therefore, the diagnosis of hyperandrogenemia would improve accuracy by using customized reference SHBG values instead of those suggested by the suppliers.

Con frecuencia los valores de referencia utilizados para las evaluaciones bioquímicas endocrinológicas son los sugeridos por los kits utilizados, a pesar de las recomendaciones de que cada laboratorio debiera obtener sus propios valores de normalidad. Nuestros objetivos fueron (i) analizar los rangos de referencia para testosterona (T) y globulina ligadora de esteroides sexuales (SHBG) apropiados para nuestro laboratorio y población, y (ii) analizar su influencia en la evaluación de la hiperandrogenemia. Se midió T y SHBG y se calculó testosterona libre y biodisponible en un grupo (a) control de 30 mujeres no hiperandrogénicas, (b) 87 mujeres no seleccionadas donantes de sangre, (c) 53 mujeres con hiperandrogenismo, y (d) 38 mujeres con desórdenes hiperandrogénicos pero sin hiperandrogenemia de acuerdo a los rangos de normalidad sugeridos por el kit. La concentración media de SHBG fue significativamente diferente entre los cuatro grupos. Los niveles de SHBG fueron significativamente más altos en las mujeres controles seleccionadas (grupo a). Tomando en consideración los resultados obtenidos en este grupo y estableciendo los rangos de referencia adecuados, 12 de 38 mujeres (31.6%) hiperandrogénicas sin hiperandrogenemia (grupo d) fueron recategorizadas como con exceso androgénico bioquímico. De igual manera, al analizar mujeres normopesas no seleccionadas, en edad reproductiva (grupo b), 4 de 63 (6.4%) pudieron ser definidas como hiperandrogénicas. Utilizando valores adecuados de referencia para SHBG, se mejora la precisión del diagnóstico de exceso androgénico.