Impact of preconception thyrotrophin on obstetric outcomes in the fertile population.

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with infertility, miscarriage and obstetric complications. However, there is controversy regarding the optimal TSH value in women seeking pregnancy. Current guidelines recommend that hypothyroid women with levothyroxine replacement who are planning pregnancy should optimise the dose of levothyroxine to achieve thyrotrophin (TSH) levels <2.5 mU/l, since these requirements increase in pregnancy, thus reducing the risk of TSH elevation during the first trimester. In women with infertility, who undergo highly complex treatments and have positive thyroid autoimmunity, values of TSH <2.5 mU/l prior to fertility treatment are suggested. Although this is a different population, these «optimal¼ TSH levels were also extended to euthyroid women without evidence of infertility, who are seeking pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: Determine whether preconception TSH levels between 2.5 and 4.64 mIU/l are associated with adverse obstetric outcomes in euthyroid women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. We evaluated 3265 medical records of pregnant women aged 18-40 years, euthyroid (TSH 0.5-4.64 mU/ml), with TSH measurement at least one year before gestation. 1779 met inclusion criteria. The population was divided according to categories: TSH 0.5-2.4 mU/l (optimal) and TSH 2.5-4.6 mU/l (suboptimal). Information on maternal and fetal obstetric outcomes was collected from each group. RESULTS: We found no statistical difference in the occurrence of adverse obstetric events between the two groups. There was also no difference when adjusting for thyroid autoimmunity, age, body mass index, previous diabetes and previous arterial hypertension. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the reference range of TSH used in the general population could be used in women seeking pregnancy, even in the presence of thyroid autoimmunity. Treatment with levothyroxine should be considered only in patients with special situations.

Prevalence of men's health history in male breast cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Male breast carcinoma (MBC) is an uncommon disease, accounting for less than 0.5% of cancer diagnoses in men. Data on the prevalence thereof in Argentina are unknown. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of a men's health history associated with MBC as well as the anthropometric and clinical characteristics of the study population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included all men according to original biological sex over 18 years of age with a history of breast cancer who sought care at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires [Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires] between January 2010 and December 2018. RESULTS: We included 57 men with breast cancer. Their median age was 71 years. Of them, 53.06% had obesity and 24.53% had diabetes. With respect to men's health history, 5.56% (2/36) had infertility, 29.17% (14/48) had gynaecomastia and 60.71% (17/28) had sexual dysfunction. Some 63% (7/11) had androgen deficiency based on laboratory diagnosis; of them, 45.45% (5/11) had high gonadotropins. CONCLUSION: We identified similarities with the literature as to the prevalence of obesity, diabetes and infertility in patients with MBC. The prevalence of testosterone deficiency was higher than reported for men of the same age. Many of these factors support the need to examine the role of endogenous hormones. Further research is required to help physicians care for and counsel men at higher risk of this disease.

[Evaluation of sexual issues by professionals who assist type 2 diabetic men]. / Evaluación de temas sexuales por profesionales que asisten a hombres con diabetes tipo 2.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to assess whether physicians who care for people with type 2 diabetes address andrological symptoms such as erectile sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, and symptoms and/or signs of hypogonadism. METHODS: An anonymous survey was carried out with 171 doctors, 113 were females (66.1%), the mean age was 46 ± 10 years (females: 45 ± 10 and males: 49 ± 10, p = 0.006). RESULTS: There were no differences in responses according to gender. Regarding the presence of erectile sexual dysfunction and/or decreased libido, 44.4% (n = 76) and 55.6% (n = 95) did not ask about them, respectively. In patients with symptoms of hypogonadism, 50.9% (n = 87) did not request a testosterone measurement. Regarding the improvement of the metabolic profile of type 2 diabetes mellitus and sexual symptoms after replacement with testosterone, 65.8% of the respondents answered that both conditions could improve after treatment. In the presence of symptoms compatible with hypogonadism, 74.7% of those surveyed stated that the measurement of testosterone should be performed. A total of 108 (63.2%) showed interest in being trained on topics related to type 2 diabetes and disorders of the sexual sphere. CONCLUSION: A large percentage of physicians who take care of men with type 2 diabetes do not inquire about andrological disorders. It is necessary to raise awareness and train doctors to detect, treat and/or refer these frequent health problems, not only to improve the quality of life of patients but also to effectively respond and prevent a major health problem.

Introducción: Los trastornos andrológicos son frecuentes en varones con diabetes tipo 2. El objetivo fue evaluar si los médicos que atienden a personas con diabetes tipo 2 abordan problemas andrológicos como disfunción sexual eréctil, disminución de libido y síntomas de hipogonadismo. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una encuesta anónima a 171 médicos, de ellos 113 fueron mujeres (66.1%) con una edad media de 46 ± 10 años (mujeres: 45 ± 10 y varones: 49 ± 10, p = 0.006). Resultados: No hubo diferencias en las respuestas según el género. El 44.4% (n = 76) y el 55.6% (n = 95) no preguntan sobre la presencia de disfunción sexual eréctil y/o disminución de libido, respectivamente. El 50.9% (n = 87) no solicitó medición de testosterona en pacientes con síntomas de hipogonadismo. El 65.8% de los participantes respondió que el reemplazo con testosterona puede mejorar el perfil metabólico de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y los síntomas sexuales. El 74.7% de los encuestados afirmó que la medición de testosterona debería realizarse ante la presencia de síntomas compatibles con hipogonadismo. El 63.2% (n = 108) mostró interés en formación sobre temas relacionados a diabetes tipo 2 y trastornos de la esfera sexual. Conclusión: Un gran porcentaje de médicos que asisten a varones con diabetes tipo 2 no indaga sobre trastornos andrológicos. Es necesario concientizar y entrenar a los médicos, para detectar, tratar y/o derivar estos problemas de salud tan frecuentes, no solo para mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes sino para responder y prevenir efectivamente a un problema mayor de salud.

Evaluación de temas sexuales por profesionales que asisten a hombres con diabetes tipo 2 / Evaluation of sexual issues by professionals who assist type 2 diabetic men

Resumen Introducción: Los trastornos andrológicos son frecuentes en varones con diabetes tipo 2. El objetivo fue evaluar si los médicos que atienden a personas con diabetes tipo 2 abordan problemas andro lógicos como disfunción sexual eréctil, disminución de libido y síntomas de hipogonadismo. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una encuesta anónima a 171 médicos, de ellos 113 fueron mujeres (66.1%) con una edad media de 46 ± 10 años (mujeres: 45 ± 10 y varones: 49 ± 10, p = 0.006). Resultados: No hubo diferencias en las res puestas según el género. El 44.4% (n = 76) y el 55.6% (n = 95) no preguntan sobre la presencia de disfunción sexual eréctil y/o disminución de libido, respectivamente. El 50.9% (n = 87) no solicitó medición de testosterona en pacientes con síntomas de hipogonadismo. El 65.8% de los participantes respondió que el reemplazo con testosterona puede mejorar el perfil metabólico de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y los síntomas sexuales. El 74.7% de los encuestados afirmó que la medición de testosterona debería realizarse ante la presencia de síntomas compatibles con hipogonadismo. El 63.2% (n = 108) mostró interés en formación sobre temas relacionados a diabetes tipo 2 y trastornos de la esfera sexual. Conclusión: Un gran porcentaje de médicos que asisten a varones con diabetes tipo 2 no indaga sobre trastornos andrológicos. Es necesario concientizar y entrenar a los médicos, para detectar, tratar y/o derivar estos problemas de salud tan frecuentes, no solo para mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes sino para responder y prevenir efectivamente a un problema mayor de salud.

Abstract Introduction: Our objective was to assess whether physicians who care for people with type 2 dia betes address andrological symptoms such as erectile sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, and symptoms and/ or signs of hypogonadism. Methods: An anonymous survey was carried out with 171 doctors, 113 were females (66.1%), the mean age was 46 ± 10 years (females: 45 ± 10 and males: 49 ± 10, p = 0.006). Results: There were no differences in responses according to gender. Regarding the presence of erectile sexual dysfunction and/or decreased libido, 44.4% (n = 76) and 55.6% (n = 95) did not ask about them, respectively. In patients with symptoms of hypogonadism, 50.9% (n = 87) did not request a testosterone measurement. Regarding the improvement of the metabolic profile of type 2 diabetes mellitus and sexual symptoms after replacement with testosterone, 65.8% of the respondents answered that both conditions could improve after treatment. In the presence of symptoms compatible with hypogonadism, 74.7% of those surveyed stated that the measurement of testosterone should be performed. A total of 108 (63.2%) showed interest in being trained on topics related to type 2 diabetes and disorders of the sexual sphere. Conclusion: A large percentage of physicians who take care of men with type 2 diabetes do not inquire about andrological disorders. It is necessary to raise awareness and train doctors to detect, treat and/or refer these frequent health problems, not only to improve the quality of life of patients but also to effectively respond and prevent a major health problem.

Seasonal Variations in Sex Steroids in a Young Male Population and Their Relationship with Plasma Levels of Vitamin D.

PURPOSE: Vitamin D (VD) acts on sperm motility, capacitation and survival but its role in steroidogenesis is less clear. Aims: To analyze seasonal variations in sex steroids and VD in a healthy male population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy males, 34.0±4.8 years were included. Blood collection in winter (W) and summer (S) was performed to measure: 25OHD, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Testosterone/estradiol (T/E2) ratio was calculated. RESULTS: In W, lower levels of 25OHD: 18.8±7.2 ng/mL vs. 38.8±11.9 ng/mL (p<0.0001) and LH: 3.5±1.2 mU/mL vs. 3.9±1.5 mU/mL (p=0.05), and higher levels of TT: 501.9±157.7 ng/dL vs. 405.0±128.0 ng/dL (p=0.0003), FT: 11.8±4.1 ng/dL vs. 10.2±3.7 ng/dL (p=0.017), SHBG: 28.5±10.9 nmol/L vs. 23.6±7.9 nmol/L (p=0.002) and T/E2 ratio: 30.7±19.7 ng/dL/pg/mL vs. 17.3±3.6 ng/dL/pg/mL (p=0.0015) with no variation in E2 levels were observed. A positive correlation between 25OHD and E2 (r=0.28, p=0.04) and negative correlations between 25OHD and TT (r=-0.27, p=0.049), 25OHD and FT (r=-0.32, p=0.01), and 25OHD and T/E2 (r=-0.44, p=0.0008) were found. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy young male population, seasonal variations were observed in 25OHD and LH levels (higher in S) and in TT, FT, SHBG levels, and T/E2 (higher in W). Lower values of TT and FT in S are accompanied by higher levels of LH, which rules out a central mechanism for lowering testosterone. 25OHD negatively correlated with TT, FT, and T/E2 and positively correlated with E2, suggesting a relationship between VD status and changes in gonadal steroids.

Virilization and metabolic disease in postmenopausal women related to ovarian hyperplasia and hypertecosis / [Virilización y enfermedad metabólica en mujer postmenopáusica relacionado a hiperplasia e hipertecosis ovárica]

During menopausal transition, mild clinical signs of hyperandrogenism may appear as part of the normal aging process, but the development of frank virilization suggests a specific source of androgen excess. In this context, androgen-secreting tumors at both adrenal and ovarian levels should be ruled out. We present the case of a 51-year-old postmenopausal woman with signs of 12 month period virilization, associated with personal history of type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension, poorly managed in the past year. Laboratory tests showed elevation of serum androgen levels and hyperinsulinemia. Images were requested, revealing both enlarged homogeneous and solid ovaries, with preserved adrenal glands, which led to suspicion of a possible thecal hyperplasia of the ovarian stroma. Laparoscopic bilateral adnexectomy was performed and the pathological report confirmed the presumptive diagnosis. One month later after surgery, serum testosterone levels returned to values ​​close to spected for a postmenopausal woman. Finding the source of virilization in postmenopausal women is challenging, and they are usually associated with rare pathologies. A detailed medical history is essential to differentiate the progressive development of virilization that characterizes benign causes from the rapid progression that characterizes malignant tumors. The adequate interpretation of laboratory tests with complementary images, as well as looking for the association of pathologies causing elevated cardiovascular risk such as diabetes and hypertension are essential to establish a right diagnosis and treatment.

Durante la transición menopáusica pueden aparecer signos clínicos leves de hiperandrogenismo, como parte del proceso de envejecimiento normal, pero el desarrollo de virilización franca sugiere una fuente específica de exceso de andrógenos debiendo descartar la presencia de tumores secretores de andrógenos tanto a nivel adrenal como ovárico. Se presenta un caso de una mujer de 51 años postmenopáusica con signos de virilización de 12 meses de evolución, asociado a antecedente personal de diabetes tipo 2 e hipertensión arterial, de mal manejo en el último año. Las pruebas de laboratorio mostraron una franca elevación de los niveles de andrógeno sérico e hiperinsulinemia asociada. Las imágenes solicitadas evidenciaron ambos ovarios aumentados de tamaño de aspecto homogéneo y sólido, con glándulas adrenales de aspecto conservado, lo que hizo sospechar de una posible hiperplasia tecal del estroma ovárico. Se realizó una anexectomía bilateral por laparoscopia, cuya anatomía patológica confirmó la presunción diagnóstica. Los dosajes de testosterona sérica al mes de la cirugía retornaron a valores cercanos a la normalidad para una mujer postmenopáusica. El diagnóstico causal de virilización en mujeres posmenopáusicas es un desafío, y por lo general están asociadas con patologías poco frecuentes. Una historia clínica detallada es fundamental para diferenciar el desarrollo progresivo de virilización que caracteriza las causas benignas de la rápida progresión que caracteriza a los tumores malignos. La interpretación de pruebas correctas de laboratorio con imágenes complementarias, así como la búsqueda de antecedentes de riesgo cardiovascular como la diabetes y la hipertensión asociadas son fundamentales para establecer un correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy and the Risk of Hypoglycemia.

We report the case of a 45-year-old man with a history of Klinefelter syndrome undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, and with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin with poor metabolic control. When vildagliptin was added to his treatment, he presented hypoglycemia after the testosterone injection. We highlight this not widely reported drug interaction between hypoglycemic agents and testosterone.

Pegvisomant in acromegaly: a multicenter real-life study in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the long term safety and efficacy of pegvisomant (PEGV), and the predictors of treatment response in patients with acromegaly in the real life setting. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, hormonal and radiological data of acromegalic patients treated with PEGV in 17 Argentine centers. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (age range 22-77, 51 females) with acromegaly have been treated with PEGV for up to 118 months (median 27 months). Before PEGV, 97.3% of patients had been treated with medical therapy, surgery and/or radiotherapy, two patients had no previous treatment. At that time, all patients had an IGF-1 above the upper normal limit (ULN) (mean 2.4 x ULN ± 0.98, range 1.25-7). At diagnosis of acromegaly 84% presented macroadenomas, prior to PEGV only 23,5% of patients remained with tumor remnant > 1 cm, the remaining showed normal or less than 1 cm images. Disease control (IGF-1 ≤ 1.2 x ULN) was achieved in 62.9% of patients with a mean dose of 11.8 mg/day. Thirty-four patients (45%) received PEGV monotherapy, while 41 (55%) received combined therapy with either somatostatin analogues and/or cabergoline. Adverse events related to PEGV were: local injection site reaction in 5.3%, elevated liver enzymes in 9.3%, and tumor size growth in 9.8%. Pre-PEGV IGF-I level was the only predictor of treatment response: 2.1 x ULN vs 2.8 x ULN in controlled and uncontrolled patients respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: this long term experience indicates PEGV treatment was highly effective and safe in our series of Argentine patients with acromegaly refractory to standard therapies. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2019;63(4):320-7.

Pegvisomant in acromegaly: a multicenter real-life study in Argentina

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the long term safety and efficacy of pegvisomant (PEGV), and the predictors of treatment response in patients with acromegaly in the real life setting. Subjects and methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, hormonal and radiological data of acromegalic patients treated with PEGV in 17 Argentine centers. Results Seventy-five patients (age range 22-77, 51 females) with acromegaly have been treated with PEGV for up to 118 months (median 27 months). Before PEGV, 97.3% of patients had been treated with medical therapy, surgery and/or radiotherapy, two patients had no previous treatment. At that time, all patients had an IGF-1 above the upper normal limit (ULN) (mean 2.4 x ULN ± 0.98, range 1.25-7). At diagnosis of acromegaly 84% presented macroadenomas, prior to PEGV only 23,5% of patients remained with tumor remnant > 1 cm, the remaining showed normal or less than 1 cm images. Disease control (IGF-1 ≤ 1.2 x ULN) was achieved in 62.9% of patients with a mean dose of 11.8 mg/day. Thirty-four patients (45%) received PEGV monotherapy, while 41 (55%) received combined therapy with either somatostatin analogues and/or cabergoline. Adverse events related to PEGV were: local injection site reaction in 5.3%, elevated liver enzymes in 9.3%, and tumor size growth in 9.8%. Pre-PEGV IGF-I level was the only predictor of treatment response: 2.1 x ULN vs 2.8 x ULN in controlled and uncontrolled patients respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion this long term experience indicates PEGV treatment was highly effective and safe in our series of Argentine patients with acromegaly refractory to standard therapies. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2019;63(4):320-7

Síndrome de Turner: nuestra experiencia en la creación del Registro Institucional y de la Unidad Interdisciplinaria en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires: un primer paso para el mejor seguimiento / Turner syndrome: our experience in the creation of the Registry Institutional and Interdisciplinary Unit at the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires: a first step to the best follow-up

El síndrome de Turner (ST) resulta de la ausencia completa o parcial del segundo cromosoma sexual en fenotipos femeninos. Tiene una incidencia de 1:2000- 2500 nacidas vivas. Recién en la última década se ha puesto atención a la salud de las adultas con ST. La mortalidad es 3 veces superior respecto de la población general debido al riesgo de disección aórtica por anomalías cardiovasculares estructurales y aterosclerosis vinculada a hipertensión arterial, diabetes, dislipidemia y obesidad. También presentan elevada prevalencia de enfermedades autoinmunitarias. Objetivo: evaluar la calidad del seguimiento clínico de pacientes adultas con ST, comparando los controles de salud preconformación y posconformación del Registro y de la Unidad Interdisciplinaria. En el año 2017 fuimos convocados para integrar el Programa de Enfermedades Raras del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. A partir de la creación del Registro Institucional y del equipo multidisciplinario obtuvimos mejoría significativa en los controles por las especialidades de cardiología, endocrinología y otorrinolaringología, en los controles bioquímicos del metabolismo lipídico, hidrocarbonado, hepatograma, TSH y anticuerpos para celiaquía e imágenes cardiovasculares y densitometría ósea. En conclusión, el seguimiento sistematizado e institucional, mediante el Registro y la creación de la Unidad Interdisciplinaria de Síndrome de Turner, permitió encontrar las falencias del sistema de atención y optimizar el seguimiento de esta población. (AU)

Turner syndrome (TS) results from the complete or partial absence of the second sex chromosome in female phenotypes. It has an incidence of 1: 2000-2500 girls born alive. Only in the last decade has been paid attention to the health of adults women with TS. Mortality is 3 times higher than in the general population due to the risk of aortic dissection cause to structural cardiovascular anomalies and atherosclerosis related to hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. They also have a high prevalence of autoimmune diseases. Until nowadays in Argentina do not exist a national registry of this disease that complies with the international follow-up recommendations for these patients. We proposed to develop the institutional register at 2014 and a multidisciplinary team was created to care and follow up girls and women with TS during 2015. It was indexed to Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires' Rare Diseases Program since 2017. After the creation of the institutional registry and the multidisciplinary team we obtained a significant improvement in cardiology, endocrinology and otorhinolaryngology schedule visits, in lipids and hydrocarbon metabolism, liver, thyroid and celiac diseases biochemical controls and in the performance of cardiovascular MNR and bone densitometry. In conclusion, the systematized and institutional follow-up, through the registry and the creation of the Interdisciplinary Unit of Turner Syndrome, allowed us to find the flaws of the care system and to optimize the follow up of this population. (AU)

Terapia de reemplazo hormonal y enfermedad cardiovascular en el hombre adulto hipogonádico / Hormone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease in the hypogonadal adult men

RESUMEN El diagnóstico de hipogonadismo requiere de la presencia de síntomas y signos sugestivos de deficiencia de testosterona asociado a la confirmación por estudios de laboratorio de valores de testosterona por debajo del valor normal. Se ha descrito un aumento en la prescripción de la terapia androgénica en el hipoandrogenismo asociado con la edad, y existe preocupación sobre los potenciales efectos adversos en especial a nivel cardiovascular relacionados con la misma. Los mecanismos fisiopatológicos propuestos en relación a los posibles efectos adversos de la testosterona sobre el sistema cardiovascular incluyen: aumento de la expresión de receptor para tromboxano A2 (TXA2), aumento de la expresión vascular en células endoteliales de la molécula de adhesión vascular 1 (VCAM1), estimulación de la eritropoyesis con el desarrollo de policitemia, como también aumento de la incidencia de síndrome apnea del sueño. Pero por otra parte, existe evidencia de que el hipogonadismo no tratado se asocia a aumento de enfermedad cardiovascular y mortalidad. Se sugiere considerar la administración de TRH en pacientes con hipogonadismo sintomático, tomando en cuenta los riesgos y beneficios asociados a la misma y con precaución en su indicación en los pacientes más frágiles y con alto riesgo cardiovascular.

ABSTRACT The diagnosis of hypogonadism requires of the presence of symptoms and signs suggestive of testosterone deficiency associated with confirmation by laboratory studies of testosterone below the normal value. It has been described an increase in the prescription of androgenic therapy in late onset hypogonadism (associated with aging) and there is concern of its potential adverse effects, especially on cardiovascular events. The proposed physiopathological mechanisms, related to the adverse effects of testosterone on the cardiovascular system include: increased expression of thromboxane A2 receptors (TXA2), increased expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), stimulation of erythropoiesis with the development of polycythemia, as well as an increase in the incidence of sleep apnea syndrome. On the other hand, evidence exists on the association of not treated hypogonadism with an increase in cardiovascular disease and mortality. It is suggested to consider the use of testosterone therapy in patients with symptomatic hypogonadism, always taking into account the possible risks and benefits associated with its use and being careful on its indication in fragile patients with high cardiovascular risk.

Clinical and Etiological Aspects of Gynecomastia in Adult Males: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the characteristics of presentation, biochemical profile, and etiology of gynecomastia in adults. METHODS: Medical records of 237 men aged 18-85 years with gynecomastia were evaluated. RESULTS: Highest prevalence of gynecomastia was observed between 21 and 30 years (n = 74; 31.2%). The most common presenting complaints were aesthetic concerns (62.8%) and breast pain (51.2%). 25.3% of the subjects had a history of pubertal gynecomastia. 56.5% had bilateral gynecomastia. 39.9% were overweight and 22.8% were obese. The etiology could not be identified in 45.1% of the cases; the most frequent identified causes were anabolic steroids consumption (13.9%), hypogonadism (11.1%), and use of pharmaceutical drugs (7.8%). Patients with bilateral gynecomastia had a longer history of disease, higher BMI, and lower testosterone levels. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with gynecomastia presented more often with aesthetic concerns and secondarily with breast pain. The most frequent final diagnosis was idiopathic gynecomastia, whereas the most frequent identified etiologies were anabolic steroids consumption, hypogonadism, and use of pharmaceutical drugs. Despite the low frequency of etiologies such as thyroid dysfunction or adrenal carcinoma, we emphasize the importance of a thorough assessment of the patient, as gynecomastia may be the tip of the iceberg for the diagnosis of treatable diseases.

Functional plurihormonal adrenal oncocytoma: case report and literature review.

We present a 27-year-old woman with an adrenal oncocytoma. This is a very rare entity. We provide a review of the clinical, biochemical and pathological features of cases reported in the literature.

Síndrome de ovario poliquístico / Polycystic ovary syndrome

El síndrome de ovario poliquísticos (SOP) representa una de las endocrinopatías más frecuentes en la mujer y es la principal causa de hiperandrogenismo (HA). Se trata de un trastorno complejo, multifactorial, poligénico con influencias ambientales. Aunque se han propuestos diferentes criterios para su diagnóstico, se prefiere el uso del más abarcativo (Criterio de Rotterdam) con la presencia de 2 de 3 de los siguientes: 1) HA clínico o bioquímico, 2) oligoanovulación crónica (OA), 3) poliquistosis ovárica por ecografía, excluyendo otras etiologías. Es frecuente su asociación con comorbilidades metabólicas (obesidad, diabetes 2, dislipidemia, apnea del sueño, etc.) y trastornos reproductivos (hiperplasia endometrial e infertilidad), sobre todo en los fenotipos clásicos, con HA y OA. El tratamiento estará orientado a las características clínicas de cada paciente y al deseo reproductivo. La pérdida de peso en aquellas con sobrepeso u obesidad o ambos factores puede restaurar los ciclos menstruales y disminuir el riesgo metabólico y representa la primera línea de tratamiento. Los anticonceptivos orales (ACO) son el tratamiento farmacológico de elección ya que atenúan las manifestaciones de HA y ofrecen protección endometrial. En las pacientes con oligoanovulación que buscan embarazo, el citrato de clomifeno es el tratamiento aconsejado en primera instancia. La metformina podría usarse en aquellas con intolerancia a la glucosa o diabetes 2 y también como segunda línea de tratamiento para restaurar los ciclos e inducir la ovulación. (AU)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, the main cause of hyperandrogenism (HA). It is a complex, multifactorial polygenic disorder with environmental influences. Although there have been proposed different criteria for diagnosis, using the most comprehensive (Criteria Rotterdam) with the presence of 2 of 3 of the following is preferred: 1) HA clinical or biochemical, 2) oligo-anovulation chronic (OA), 3) polycystic ovaries by ultrasound, excluding other etiologies. It is frequently associated with metabolic comorbidities (obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, etc.) and reproductive disorders (endometrial hyperplasia and infertility), especially in the classical phenotypes, with HA and OA. The treatment will be oriented to the clinical characteristics of each patient and reproductive desire. Weight loss in those who are overweight and / or obesity can restore menstrual cycles and decrease metabolic risk and represents the first line of treatment. Oral contraceptives (OC) are the pharmacological treatment of choice as it attenuates the manifestations of HA and offer endometrial protection. In patients seeking pregnancy with oligo-anovulation, clomiphene citrate would be used at first instance. Metformin may be used in those with impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes and also as a second-line treatment to restore cycles and induce ovulation. (AU)

Vitamin D and male reproductive system.

Vitamin D deficiency is a highly prevalent worldwide condition and affects people of all ages. The most important role of vitamin D is the regulation of intestinal calcium absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus to maintain muscle and bone homeostasis. Furthermore, in recent years it has been discovered that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is widely distributed in many organs and tissues where vitamin D can perform other actions that include the modulation of the immune response, insulin secretion, anti-proliferative effect on cells of vascular smooth muscle, modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and regulates cell growth in several organs. The VDR is widely distributed in the male reproductive system. Vitamin D induces changes in the spermatozoa's calcium and cholesterol content and in protein phosphorylation to tyrosine/threonine residues. These changes could be involved in sperm capacitation. Vitamin D seems to regulate aromatase expression in different tissues. Studies analyzing seasonal variations of sex steroids in male populations yield conflicting results. This is probably due to the wide heterogeneity of the populations included according to age, systemic diseases and obesity.

Male gonadal axis function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Patients with type 2 diabetes have lower serum testosterone levels and a higher prevalence of hypogonadism than non-diabetic patients, independently of the metabolic control of disease. The mechanisms underlying a decrease in testosterone might be related to age, obesity and insulin resistance, often present in patients with type 2 diabetes. The increase in estrogens due to higher aromatase enzyme activity in increased adipose tissue might exert negative-feedback inhibition centrally. Insulin stimulates gonadal axis activity at all three levels and therefore insulin resistance might account for the lower testosterone production. Leptin exerts a central stimulatory effect but inhibits testicular testosterone secretion. Thus, resistance to leptin in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes determines lower central effects of leptin with lower gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and, on the other hand, hyperleptinemia secondary to leptin resistance inhibits testosterone secretion at the testicular level. However, lower testosterone levels in patients with diabetes are observed independently of age, weight and body mass index, which leads to the assumption that hyperglycemia per se might play a role in the decrease in testosterone. Several studies have shown that an overload of glucose results in decreased serum testosterone levels. The aim of this review is to assess changes in the male gonadal axis that occur in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Clinical Presentation of Klinefelter's Syndrome: Differences According to Age.

The aim of the study was to establish the characteristics of presentation of 94 patients with Kinelfelter's syndrome (KS) referred to the endocrinologist at different ages. The diagnosis of KS was more frequent in the age group between 11 and 20 years (46.8%). Most of the patients (83.7%) showed the classic 47,XXY karyotype and 7.1% showed a 47,XXY/46,XY mosaicism. Half of the patients younger than 18 years presented mild neurodevelopmental disorders. The most frequent clinical findings were cryptorchidism in prepubertal patients, and small testes, cryptorchidism, and gynecomastia in pubertal patients. FSH, LH, AMH, and inhibin B levels were normal in prepubertal patients and became abnormal from midpuberty. Most adults were referred for small testes, infertility, and gynecomastia; 43.6% had sexual dysfunction. Testosterone levels were low in 45%. Mean stature was above the 50th percentile, and 62.5% had BMI ≥25.0 kg/m(2). In conclusion, the diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome seems to be made earlier nowadays probably because pediatricians are more aware that boys and adolescents with neuro-developmental disorders and cryptorchidism are at increased risk. The increasing use of prenatal diagnosis has also decreased the mean age at diagnosis and allowed to get insight into the evolution of previously undiagnosed cases, which probably represent the mildest forms. In adults average height and weight are slightly higher than those in the normal population. Bone mineral density is mildly affected, more at the spine than at the femoral neck level, in less than half of cases.