Search

Sir: The fragile X premutation, an expansion of a CGG triplet repeat in the 5′-untranslated region of the FMR1 gene (55–200 repeats), is one of the most common aetiologies of primary ovarian insufficiency: fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI).1–3 Men who carry the premutation are at increased risk for a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder termed fragile X tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS).4 In premutation carriers, FMR1 is transcribed at increased levels, and the large rCGG tracks may cause disease by acting in a toxic gain of function manner.5–8

Background The upward trend in industrial nations in the incidence of male genitourinary (GU) conditions may be attributed to increased exposure to endocrine disruptors. Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), a brominated flame retardant, is one such suspected endocrine disruptor. Objective We investigated the relationship between maternal serum levels of PBBs and GU conditions among male offspring exposed in utero. Methods In this cohort study of sons born to women accidentally exposed to PBBs during 1973–1974, we examined self-reported data on GU conditions among male offspring in relation to maternal serum PBB levels. We used generalized estimating equations to calculate odds ratios (ORs), controlling for gestational age at birth. Results Of 464 sons, 33 reported any GU condition (13 hernias, 10 hydroceles, 9 cryptorchidism, 5 hypospadias, and 1 varicocele). Four reported both hernia and hydrocele, and one both hernia and cryptorchidism. After adjustment for gestational age at birth, sons of highly exposed women (> 5 ppb) were twice as likely to report any GU condition compared with sons of the least exposed women [≤1 ppb; OR = 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.8–5.1]. This risk was increased when we excluded sons born after the exposure but before the mother’s serum PBB measurement (OR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.0–9.1). We found evidence of a 3-fold increase in reported hernia or hydrocele among sons with higher PBB exposure (test of trend p-value = 0.04). Neither hypospadias nor cryptorchidism was individually associated with PBB exposure. Conclusions Although cryptorchidism and hypospadias were not associated with in utero PBB exposure, this study suggests that other GU conditions may be associated with exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during development.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic injection of dextranomer-hyaluronic acid has become a popular treatment for childhood vesicoureteral reflux. Treated children are predominantly girls, and many are now entering adulthood. It has been reported in children that the radiographic appearance of implants may lead to misdiagnoses and unnecessary, invasive diagnostic procedures. CASE: We report the case of a woman treated with dextranomer-hyaluronic acid for childhood vesicoureteral reflux misdiagnosed with a bladder tumor on transvaginal ultrasonography. Renal ultrasound examination and urinalysis results were normal. Invasive testing was avoided given the history and characteristic ultrasonographic appearance of retained implants. CONCLUSION: It is important for health care providers to be aware of the radiographic appearance of dextranomer-hyaluronic acid implants in adults and to elicit an appropriate past medical history to avoid misdiagnosis and invasive diagnostic procedures.