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CONTEXT: Turner syndrome (TS) is a rare chromosomal disorder characterized by gonadal dysfunction, short stature, and heart defects, among other features. Women with TS often suffer from severe fatigue, for which they are typically referred to endocrinologists. The diagnostic work-up is generally time-consuming and invasive, and it rarely solves the problem. To prevent the personal and financial burden of unnecessary diagnostic procedures, it is crucial to understand fatigue in TS. OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between fatigue and endocrine and non-endocrine comorbidities in a-for rare disorders-large group of women with TS. METHODS: 170 genetically confirmed women with TS who attended the TS Reference Center underwent a systematic health screening, including a structured interview, complete physical examination, biochemical measurements, perceived stress and fatigue questionnaires, and additional tests when indicated. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range) age was 32.6 (23.9-41.4) years. Severe fatigue was experienced by 1 in 3 women with TS. Liver enzyme disturbances and body mass index were significantly associated with higher fatigue scores. Perceived stress was highly correlated with fatigue. CONCLUSION: There was no association between fatigue and most endocrine and non-endocrine disorders, which implies that fatigue is only partly explained by somatic disorders. The high correlation between perceived stress and fatigue suggests that TS-related neuropsychological processes may play an important role in the etiology of fatigue in women with TS. We provide a practical algorithm for the endocrine, non-endocrine, and psychological approach to fatigue in women with TS.

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex, rare genetic disorder caused by a loss of expression of paternally expressed genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13. The most common underlying genotypes are paternal deletion (DEL) and maternal uniparental disomy (mUPD). DELs can be subdivided into type 1 (DEL-1) and (smaller) type 2 deletions (DEL-2). Most research has focused on behavioral, cognitive and psychological differences between the different genotypes. However, little is known about physical health problems in relation to genetic subtypes. In this cross-sectional study, we compare physical health problems and other clinical features among adults with PWS caused by DEL (N = 65, 12 DEL-1, 27 DEL-2) and mUPD (N = 65). A meta-analysis, including our own data, showed that BMI was 2.79 kg/m 2 higher in adults with a DEL (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between DEL-1 and DEL-2. Scoliosis was more prevalent among adults with a DEL (80% vs. 58%; p = 0.04). Psychotic episodes were more prevalent among adults with an mUPD (44% vs. 9%; p < 0.001). In conclusion, there were no significant differences in physical health outcomes between the genetic subtypes, apart from scoliosis and BMI. The differences in health problems, therefore, mainly apply to the psychological domain.

Acylated ghrelin (AG) is a gut-derived peptide with growth hormone secretagogue (GHS), orexigenic and other physiological activities mediated by GHS receptor-1a (GHSR). Ghrelin occurs in unacylated form (UAG) with activities opposing AG, although its mechanism of action is unknown. UAG does not antagonize AG at GHSR, and has biological effects on cells that lack this receptor. Because UAG binds to cells, it has been hypothesized that UAG acts via a cell-surface receptor, although this has not been confirmed. This study aimed to identify cell surface proteins to which UAG binds that could modulate or mediate its biological effects. The MCF7 cell-line was used as a model because UAG induces ERK signaling in these cells in the absence of GHSR. Using ligand-receptor capture and LC-MS/MS we identified specific heparan-sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) to which UAG interacts on cell surfaces. In line with this, UAG, as well as AG, bind with high affinity to heparin, and heparin and heparinase treatment suppress, whereas HSPG overexpression increases, UAG binding to MCF7 cell surfaces. Moreover, heparin suppresses the ERK response to UAG. However, conversion of the lysines in UAG to alanine, which prevents its binding to heparin and cell surface HSPGs, does not prevent its activation of ERK. Our data show that the interaction of UAG with HSPGs modulates its biological activity in cells. More broadly, the interaction of UAG and AG with HSPGs could be important for the specificity and potency of their biological action in vivo.

Objective Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with common endocrine disorders show a high dropout (up to 50%) after the transfer from paediatric to adult endocrinology. Little is known about transition readiness in rare endocrine conditions (rEC). This study aims to assess medical self-management skills (SMS) among AYA with rEC in relation to age and gender, in order to understand dropout and increase transition readiness. Design Cross-sectional study using web-based medical self-management questionnaires. Methods Questionnaires consisting of 54 questions in seven domains were filled out by the adolescents before the first shared appointment with both paediatric and adult endocrinologist. Results Fifty-seven patients (median age 17 years, 25/57 females) participated and generally scored well on most items. However, one out of seven did not know the name of their disorder, one sixth of the glucocorticoid users did not know that dose should be adapted in case of illness or surgery, over one-fifth had never ordered their repeat prescriptions themselves and two-thirds had never had a conversation alone with their doctor. Conclusions Several SMS among patients with rEC are insufficient, with regard to medical knowledge, practical skills and communication. As SMS are only weakly related to non-modifiable factors, such as age and gender, we recommend focussing on other factors to increase transition readiness. The timing, amount and ‘mode’ of medical information should be individualised. Transition checklists should be used to detect shortcomings in practical skills and communication, which can subsequently be trained with the help of parents, caregivers and/or e-technology.

Context: Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is associated with several hypothalamic-pituitary hormone deficiencies. There is no agreement on the prevalence of central adrenal insufficiency (CAI) in adults with PWS. In some countries, it is general practice to prescribe stress-dose hydrocortisone during physical or psychological stress in patients with PWS. Side effects of frequent hydrocortisone use are weight gain, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension—already major problems in adults with PWS. However, undertreatment of CAI can cause significant morbidity—or even mortality. Objective: To prevent both over- and undertreatment with hydrocortisone, we assessed the prevalence of CAI in a large international cohort of adults with PWS. As the synacthen test shows variable results in PWS, we only use the metyrapone test (MTP) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Design: Metyrapone test or ITT in adults with PWS (N = 82) and review of medical files for symptoms of hypocortisolism related to surgery (N = 645). Setting: Outpatient clinic

Introduction Acromegaly is a rare disorder in which, due to the high incidence of secondary hypogonadism, pregnancies are relatively rare. However, some women with acromegaly do get pregnant, which brings along questions about medication, complications and follow-up. This review tries to address these issues and provide the reader with practical information. Methods This review summarizes published data. Conclusions Acromegaly is a disorder that is characterized by changes in growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin concentrations and actions. All these hormones are important in pregnancy as well. In principle, the fetal-placental collaboration between mother and child more-or-less takes over the control over GH and IGF-1, not only in normal physiology but also to a certain extend in acromegaly. When medication for the high GH levels or actions is continued during pregnancy, both dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogs and GH receptor antagonists have been used and the available data suggest that there are no adverse consequences on mother or fetus to date. However, it is strongly advised to stop any medical intervention during pregnancy until more data are available on the safety of these compounds. Also, medical treatment is not needed as tumor size and disease activity are not reported to escape.

Objective: Seamless transition of endocrine patients from the paediatric to adult setting is still suboptimal, especially in patients with complex disorders, i.e., small for gestational age, Turner or Prader–Willi syndromes; Childhood Cancer Survivors, and those with childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency. Methods: An expert panel meeting comprised of European paediatric and adult endocrinologists was convened to explore the current gaps in managing the healthcare of patients with endocrine diseases during transition from paediatric to adult care settings. Results: While a consensus was reached that a team approach is best, discussions revealed that a ‘one size fits all’ model for transition is largely unsuccessful in these patients. They need more tailored care during adolescence to prevent complications like failure to achieve target adult height, reduced bone mineral density, morbid obesity, metabolic perturbations (obesity and body composition), inappropriate/inadequate puberty, compromised fertility, diminished quality of life and failure to adapt to the demands of adult life. Sometimes it is difficult for young people to detach emotionally from their paediatric endocrinologist and/ or the abrupt change from an environment of parental responsibility to one of autonomy. Discussions about impending transition and healthcare autonomy should begin in early adolescence and continue throughout young adulthood to ensure seamless continuum of care and optimal treatment outcomes. Conclusions: Even amongst a group of healthcare professionals with a great interest in improving transition services for patients with endocrine diseases, there is still much work to be done to improve the quality of healthcare for transition patients.

Objective: To evaluate extended dosing intervals (EDIs) with lanreotide Autogel 120 mg in patients with acromegaly previously biochemically controlled with octreotide LAR 10 or 20 mg. Design and methods: Patients with acromegaly had received octreotide LAR 10 or 20 mg/4 weeks for >= 6 months and had normal IGF1 levels. Lanreotide Autogel 120 mg was administered every 6 weeks for 24 weeks (phase 1); depending on week-24 IGF1 levels, treatment was then administered every 4, 6 or 8 weeks for a further 24 weeks (phase 2). Hormone levels, patient-reported outcomes and adverse events were assessed. Primary endpoint: proportion of patients on 6- or 8-week EDIs with normal IGF1 levels at week 48 (study end). Results: 107/124 patients completed the study (15 withdrew from phase 1 and two from phase 2). Of 124 patients enrolled, 77.4% were allocated to 6- or 8 -tal of 88.7% (83.1-94.3) had normal IGF1 levels after 24 weeks with 6- weekly dosing. GH levels were <= 2.5 mu g/l in >90% of patients after 24 and 48 weeks. Patient preferences for lanreotide Autogel 120 mg every 4, 6 or 8 weeks over octreotide LAR every 4 weeks were high. Conclusions: Patients with acromegaly achieving biochemical control with octreotide LAR 10 or 20 mg/4 weeks are possible candidates for lanreotide Autogel 120 mg EDIs. EDIs are effective and well received among such patients.