Growth hormone deficiency in megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome: An association with activating mutations in PIK3CA

Megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome (MCAP) is a brain overgrowth disorder characterized by cortical malformations (specifically polymicrogyria), vascular anomalies, and segmental overgrowth secondary to somatic activating mutations in the PI3K-AKT-MTOR pathway (PIK3CA). Cases of growth failure and hypoglycemia have been reported in patients with MCAP, raising the suspicion for unappreciated growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Here we report an observational multicenter study of children with MCAP and GH deficiency. Eleven participants were confirmed to have GH deficiency, all with very low or undetectable circulating concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3. Seven underwent GH stimulation testing and all had insufficient responses with a median GH peak of 3.7 ng/ml (range 1.1-8.6). Growth patterns revealed a drastic decline in length z-scores within the first year of life but then stabilized afterward. Five were treated with GH; one discontinued due to inconsolability. The other four participants continued on GH with improvement in linear growth velocity. Other endocrinopathies were identified in 7 of the 11 participants in this cohort. This study indicates that GH deficiency is associated with MCAP and that children with MCAP and hypoglycemia and/or postnatal growth failure should be evaluated for GH deficiency and other endocrinopathies

Two cases of androgen insensitivity due to somatic mosaicism

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the androgen receptor (AR). The incidence of AIS is estimated to be 1 in 99,000. Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is characterized by a 46,XY karyotype with external genitalia that appear typically female and results from mutations that render the androgen receptor non-functional. Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) results from partial loss of function mutations in AR. Rarely, PAIS results from somatic mosaicism for an AR mutation and not from a hypomorphic variant. We present two cases of PAIS due to somatic mosaicism, one caused by a novel nonsense mutation and one caused by a missense mutation previously reported in CAIS. Two patients with atypical genitalia presented to our multidisciplinary clinic for disorders of sex development and sequencing of AR was performed as part of the diagnostic evaluation. In case one, AR sequencing revealed mosaicism for a nonsense mutation, c.1331T > A; p.Leu444Ter. This mutation has not previously been reported, but is presumed to be pathogenic. In case two, AR sequencing revealed a mosaic missense mutation, c.2279 C > A; p.Ser760Tyr, which has previously been reported in CAIS but not in PAIS. Similar phenotypes may result from AR mutations that are present in a mosaic state with full loss of function or hypomorphic mutations that partially impair the function of the protein in either all tissues or in a mosaic state

Considerations for Gender‐Affirming Hormonal and Surgical Care Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents and Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Background Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals and long‐term survivors with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) are both growing populations with specialized needs. No studies assess temporal trends or evaluate the care of TGD individuals with ACHD. Methods and Results Meetings between congenital cardiology and gender‐affirming care specialists identified unique considerations in TGD individuals with ACHD. A retrospective chart review was then performed to describe patient factors and outpatient trends in those with an ACHD diagnosis undergoing gender‐affirming hormonal or surgical care (GAHT/S) at 1 adult and 1 pediatric tertiary care center. Thirty‐three TGD individuals with ACHD were identified, 21 with a history of GAHT/S. Fourteen (66%) had moderate or complex ACHD, 8 (38%) identified as transgender male, 9 (43%) transgender female, and 4 (19%) other gender identities. Three had undergone gender‐affirming surgery. There were zero occurrences of the composite end point of unplanned hospitalization or thrombotic event over 71.1 person‐years of gender‐affirming care. Median age at first gender‐affirming appointment was 16.8 years [interquartile range 14.8–21.5]. The most common treatment modification was changing estradiol administration from oral to transdermal to reduce thrombotic risk (n=3). An increasing trend was observed from zero TGD patients with ACHD attending a gender diversity appointment in 2012 to 14 patients in 2022. Conclusions There is a growing population of TGD patients with ACHD and unique medical and psychosocial needs. Future studies must fully evaluate the reassuring safety profile observed in this small cohort. We share 10 actionable care considerations for providers with a goal of overseeing a safe and fulfilling gender transition across all TGD patients with ACHD

Anorectal malformation in a 46,XY patient with a de novo stop-loss variant in PPP1R12A and associated difference in sexual development: A case report

Introduction: Here we report an infant with a 46,XY karyotype and novel de novo PPP1R12A stop-loss variant with a concomitant anorectal malformation (ARM) and difference in sex development (DSD). Case report: This is an infant born with ambiguous genitalia and rectoperineal fistula. Genetic testing confirmed a 46,XY chromosomal complement and whole exome sequencing demonstrated a novel de novo heterozygous PPP1R12A stop-loss variant. The infant underwent tapering jejunoplasty, proximal jejunostomy and mucous fistula creation for jejunal atresia and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for the ARM. The gonad will be addressed with a biopsy and orchiopexy when the infant reaches six months of age. Conclusion: Although Müllerian anomalies and hypospadias may be common with ARM, a true DSD of this nature is exceedingly rare. Multidisciplinary care with urology, endocrinology, genetics, and colorectal surgery is paramount to providing optimal care for this patient

A self-guided curriculum on endocrinology standard of care for gender diverse youth, including ethical considerations

Objective: While the field of pediatric endocrinology, and the American Board of Pediatrics, continues expanding training to include gender-affirming care, many pediatric endocrinology fellowship programs do not have formal curriculum for this patient population. Members of the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) that have a special interest in transgender health designed a curriculum based on Endocrine Society practice guidelines to expand the knowledge of gender affirming care for medical trainees' and faculty. Methods: PES members designed a 5-part self-guided educational module series with embedded knowledge questions. Uniquely, medical ethical reflections were included within each module. Participants completed baseline demographic and baseline and follow-up knowledge surveys. Results: Most participants were pediatric endocrinology fellows and 44 % percent (n = 21) completed all study components, including the follow up knowledge survey. Knowledge question data analysis demonstrated knowledge gained in medical management of pubertal youth and surgical interventions. Conclusion: This is the first medical education curriculum in gender-affirming care created by pediatric endocrinologists grounded in the Endocrine Society practice guidelines. This study demonstrates medical knowledge gained in caring for gender diverse youth and is the first to incorporate ethical considerations for this patient population. While initially designed for pediatric endocrinology trainees and faculty, this curriculum may be of great utility for any provider interested in caring for gender diverse youth

Sex-related differences in diabetic kidney disease: A review on the mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications

Sexual dimorphism may play a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and explain differences observed in disease phenotypes, responses to interventions, and disease progression between men and women with diabetes. Therefore, omitting the consideration of sex as a biological factor may result in delayed diagnoses and suboptimal therapies. This review will summarize the effects of sexual dimorphism on putative metabolic and molecular mechanisms underlying DKD, and the potential implications of these differences on therapeutic interventions. To successfully implement precision medicine, we require a better understanding of sexual dimorphism in the pathophysiologic progression of DKD. Such insights can unveil sex-specific therapeutic targets that have the potential to maximize efficacy while minimizing adverse events

Kidney hemodynamic function in men and postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes and preserved kidney function

The progression of kidney disease may differ between sexes in type 2 diabetes (T2D), with previous studies reporting a slower decline in women. Glomerular hyperfiltration is a key factor driving the kidney function decline. The current study aimed to investigate the differences in kidney hemodynamic function between men and women with T2D. A cross-sectional analysis of pooled data from three studies compared kidney hemodynamic function between men and postmenopausal women with T2D without overt nephropathy. The outcome measures were glomerular filtration rate (GFR; inulin clearance), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF; p-aminohippurate clearance), filtration fraction (GFR/ERPF), and renal vascular resistance (RVR; mean arterial pressure/renal blood flow). Glomerular hydraulic pressure (PGLO) as well as afferent and efferent vascular resistance were estimated by Gomez formulae. Sex differences were assessed with linear regression models adjusted for systolic blood pressure, glucose, use of renin-angiotensin system blockers, and body mass index. In total, 101 men [age: 63 (58-68) yr, body mass index: 31.5 ± 3.9 kg/m2, GFR: 111 ± 18 mL/min, HbA1c: 7.4 ± 0.7%] and 27 women [age: 66 (62-69) yr, body mass index: 30.9 ± 4.5 kg/m2, GFR: 97 ± 11 mL/min, HbA1c: 7.1 ± 0.5%] were included. GFR was higher in men versus women [11.0 mL/min (95% confidence interval: 3.6, 18.4)]. Although statistically nonsignificant, PGLO trended higher in men [1.9mmHg (95% confidence interval: -0.1, 4.0)], whereas RVR [-0.012 mmHg/L/min (95% confidence interval: -0.022, -0.002)] and afferent vascular resistance were lower [-361 dyn/s/cm5 (95% confidence interval: -801, 78)]. In conclusion, in adults without overt nephropathy, GFR was higher in men compared with women. PGLO also trended to be higher in men. Both findings are possibly related to afferent vasodilation and suggest greater prevalence of hyperfiltration. This could contribute to accelerated GFR loss over time in men with T2D

Behavioral Health Diagnoses in Youth with Differences of Sex Development or Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Compared with Controls: A PEDSnet Study

Objective: To evaluate the odds of a behavioral health diagnosis among youth with differences of sex development (DSD) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) compared with matched controls in the PEDSnet database. Study design: All youth with a diagnosis of DSD (n = 1216) or CAH (n = 1647) and at least 1 outpatient encounter were extracted from the PEDSnet database and propensity-score matched on 8 variables (1:4) with controls (n = 4864 and 6588, respectively) using multivariable logistic regression. The likelihood of having behavioral health diagnoses was examined using generalized estimating equations. Results: Youth with DSD had higher odds of a behavioral health diagnosis (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.1; P \u3c.0001) and neurodevelopmental diagnosis (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4, 2.0; P \u3c.0001) compared with matched controls. Youth with CAH did not have an increased odds of a behavioral health diagnosis (OR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.9, 1.1; P =.9) compared with matched controls but did have higher odds of developmental delay (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4, 2.4; P \u3c.0001). Conclusions: Youth with DSD diagnosis have higher odds of a behavioral health or neurodevelopmental diagnosis compared with matched controls. Youth with CAH have higher odds of developmental delay, highlighting the need for screening in both groups

Exploring Factors Associated with Decisions about Feminizing Genitoplasty in Differences of Sex Development.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Infants with genital development considered atypical for assigned female sex may undergo feminizing genitoplasty (clitoroplasty and/or vaginoplasty) in early life. We sought to identify factors associated with parent/caregiver decisions regarding genitoplasty for their children with genital virilization. DESIGN: Longitudinal, observational study SETTING: Twelve pediatric centers in the United States with multidisciplinary differences/disorders of sex development clinics, 2015-2020 PARTICIPANTS: Children under 2 years old with genital appearance atypical for female sex of rearing and their parents/caregivers INTERVENTIONS/OUTCOME MEASURES: Data on the childs diagnosis and anatomic characteristics before surgery were extracted from the medical record. Parents/caregivers completed questionnaires on psychosocial distress, experience of uncertainty, cosmetic appearance of their childs genitalia, and demographic characteristics. Urologists rated cosmetic appearance. For 58 patients from the study cohort with genital virilization being raised as girls or gender-neutral, we compared these data across 3 groups based on the childs subsequent surgical intervention: (i) no surgery (n = 5), (ii) vaginoplasty without clitoroplasty (V-only) (n = 15), and (iii) vaginoplasty and clitoroplasty (V+C) (n = 38). RESULTS: Fathers and urologists ratings of genital appearance were more favorable in the no-surgery group than in the V-only and V+C groups. Clitorophallic length was greater in the V+C group compared with the V-only group, with substantial overlap between groups. Mothers depressive and anxious symptoms were lower in the no-surgery group compared with the V-only and V+C groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical decisions were associated with fathers and urologists ratings of genital appearance, the childs anatomic characteristics, and mothers depressive and anxious symptoms. Further research on surgical decision-making is needed to inform counseling practices