Denosumab (DMAB) efficacy for treatment of osteoporosis was demonstrated in a pivotal trial with a reduction in vertebral and hip fractures during 3 years, and fracture risk reduction was sustained up to 10 years in an extension study. DMAB causes potent yet reversible inhibition of bone resorption. Bone density declines rapidly upon discontinuation and bone turnover markers increase above baseline in a rebound fashion. Spontaneous multiple vertebral fractures after DMAB discontinuation were recently reported. Prior treatment with bisphosphonates (BP) was postulated to decrease the risk for this alarming phenomenon. We aimed to describe our experience of fractures following DMAB withdrawal with special attention to past history of osteoporosis treatment. A phone survey of physicians engaged in bone metabolism from nine hospitals in Israel was performed. Clinical data of the patients presenting with vertebral fractures upon DMAB discontinuation were summarized and compared to the previously published cases. Nine elderly (74.2 ± 5.3 years) female patients were identified. Most patients had a prolonged prior exposure to BP (7.4 ± 3.2 years). All but one sustained osteoporotic fractures prior to DMAB initiation and their FRAX scores were high. Thirty-six vertebral fractures were identified in nine patients. Eight patients presented with multiple fractures, and most fractures were spontaneous. In line with the previous reports, the timing and severity of the fractures raise concern of DMAB discontinuation effect. Prolonged BP exposure in most of our patients challenges the protective effect hypothesis. Care providers, patients, and regulatory authorities should be aware of the possible risk of DMAB treatment interruption.
The results affirm that a significant number of patients suspected of having FHH but proven negative for CASR mutation have AP2S1 p.R15 mutations. Screening for AP2S1 p.R15 mutations in such cases should be considered, given the clinical benefits (avoiding unnecessary parathyroidectomy) that have already been demonstrated for CASR screening in FHH1.
CaSR and AP2S1 sequencing is worthwhile in patients with familial hyperparathyroidism and phenotype suggesting FHH as it can diagnose up to 50% of cases. GNA11 mutations seem much rarer. Learning disabilities in these patients, associated with higher serum calcium and magnesium levels may suggest the presence of AP2S1 rather than CaSR mutation and may guide the first step in the genetic evaluation.
Context: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) affects patients in a broad age group, including young women. Mitotane, an adrenolytic agent, is the mainstay of treatment after surgical removal of the tumor. There is extreme paucity of information regarding the effect of mitotane on childbearing potential and pregnancy outcome.Objective: The aim of the study was to describe and discuss the case of an ACC patient who conceived while on mitotane treatment. Current literature is reviewed.
Patient and Methods:A 33-year-old woman received mitotane treatment for 4 years due to metastatic ACC. Despite nearly therapeutic blood levels of the drug, the patient had regular menstruation and was able to conceive. Mitotane was stopped at gestation week 6. Although the drug continued to be detected in considerable amounts, the fetus developed normally, including morphologically intact adrenal glands. At gestation week 21, pregnancy was terminated due to ACC recurrence. Mitotane levels were undetectable in fetal cord blood and amniotic fluid.
Conclusion:Our report suggests that mitotane, despite its action as an endocrine disruptor, does not affect normal gonadal function or an ability to conceive. The concern of placental transfer by this hydrophobic compound is not supported by our findings. However, we do not recommend drawing conclusions regarding the safety of mitotane in pregnancy, based on 1 or several case reports. Until more data are available, pregnancy should be avoided in women being treated with mitotane for ACC. years, with rapid development of facial and ankle edema, hirsutism, supraclavicular fat pads, and easy bruising. Cushing's syndrome was diagnosed by 9 times the upper limit of normal urinary free cortisol and abnormal overnight dexamethasone suppression test. ACTH was undetectable. Abdominal computer tomography revealed a right adrenal mass measuring 7.5 cm in its longest diameter, with baseline Hounsfield unit density of 30, undergoing contrast enhancement to 66 and no contrast washout on late 10-minute scan. According to the above parameters, adrenal carcinoma was suspected. No metastases were seen on abdominal and lung computer tomography scan and on fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET). Electrolytes were normal at presentation, but over a period of 10 days, hypokalemia evolved, indicating overt hypercortisolism. It responded to treatment with aldospirone. At this point, ketoconazole was administered.Urinary free cortisol had fallen from 1018 to 313 mg/d after 2 days of therapy and to 130 mg/d after 4 days.
Vitamin D repletion in PHP seems safe. Considering the documented adverse influence of vitamin D deficiency in PHP, particularly on skeletal manifestations and on the postoperative course, vitamin D repletion is warranted.
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