Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0015672 (fatigue)
 51,768 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

A gradual loss of anterior pituitary hormones is suspected in patients treated with irradiation due to brain tumors. Development of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) with age has been documented in patients with idiopathic GHD. A gradual loss of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion has been also shown in a patient with severe GHD and an invisible pituitary stalk on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this longitudinal and cross-sectional study was to evaluate the gradual loss of growth hormone (GH) and ACTH in a homogeneous group of patients with hypopituitarism. Twenty-eight patients (23 males, 5 females) from four hospitals were diagnosed as having prenatal or perinatal-onset hypothalamic hypopituitarism. They had an abnormal pituitary stalk on MRI (invisible in 18 patients, thin in 10 patients) without any other organic disease of the brain. Each patient had GHD upon initial evaluation. Height (n=20) was analyzed as standard deviation score (SDS). Longitudinal (n=8) and cross-sectional (n=28) GH secretion capacity was evaluated by GH peaks, in response to insulin tolerance test (ITT) and growth hormone releasing factor test (GRF test). Longitudinal (n=10) and cross-sectional (n=28) ACTH secretion capacity was evaluated by cortisol peaks in response to ITT. Height SDS decreased each year in all the untreated patients after birth. GH peaks decreased gradually with age. Longitudinal data showed decreased GH peaks with age in seven out of eight patients using ITT and in all four patients using GRF tests. Cortisol peaks also decreased gradually together with signs and symptoms for adrenal deficiency such as general fatigue. Cortisol peaks of less than 414 nmol/L (15 microg/dl) in response to ITT were seen in 24% of the tests before age 10 and 56% before age 25. In conclusion, GHD and ACTH deficiency developed gradually in patients with prenatal or perinatal-onset hypothalamic hypopituitarism who had invisible or thin pituitary stalks examined by MRI.
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PMID:Development of growth hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiencies in patients with prenatal or perinatal-onset hypothalamic hypopituitarism having invisible or thin pituitary stalk on magnetic resonance imaging. 1152 7

The aim of this study was to verify whether treatment with slow-release lanreotide (SRL) before surgery is useful in the management of patients with GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma. Twenty untreated acromegalics were enrolled randomly in two groups. Ten patients (group 1: 2 males and 8 females aged 44.5 +/- 4.3 years) underwent surgery via transsphenoidal access. Only one of them was cured by surgery, whereas the other nine were treated with SRL. In the other ten patients (group 2: 3 males and 7 females aged 43.2 +/- 12.3 years), transsphenoidal surgery followed SRL treatment. Surgery induced the normalization of GH and IGF-1 levels in four group 2 patients - three of them had shown an evident shrinkage of the tumor after SRL treatment. After surgery, group 1 showed a significant decrease of mean IGF-1 (580 +/- 63 vs. 789 +/- 64 ng/ml, p < 0.02), but not of GH values (26.1 +/- 9.8 vs. 44.8 +/- 19.3 ng/ml, NS); the cured patient was excluded from the following evaluations. Group 2 showed an evident, but not significant, decrease of both GH and IGF-1 values compared to values measured at the end of medical treatment (GH: 22.4 +/- 9.7 vs. 7.7 +/- 4.7 ng/ml, NS. IGF-1: 570 +/- 69 vs. 402 +/- 58 ng/ml, NS). Gonadal, thyroid and adrenal impairment was evident in six, four and no patients in group 1 and in three, two and one patients in group 2, respectively. SRL 30 mg was administered every 14 days for three months and then every 10 days until the 6th month. Before SRL treatment, mean GH and IGF-1 levels did not differ significantly in group 1 vs. group 2 (GH: 29.3 +/- 10.5 vs. 43.4 +/- 22.0 ng/ml; IGF-1: 633 +/- 38 vs. 778 +/- 83 ng/ml). In group 1, a significant decrease of serum GH, but not of IGF-1 levels, was achieved at the end of 1st trimester of SRL (GH: 17.6 +/- 5.4 ng/ml, p < 0.05. IGF-1: 540 +/- 48 ng/ml, NS), whereas a significant decrease in both GH and IGF-1 values was evident during the 2nd trimester (GH: 6.1 +/- 3.0 ng/ml, p < 0.05. IGF-1: 433 +/- 74 ng/ml, p < 0.02). Serum GH levels, measured during the 2nd trimester of SRL therapy, were also significantly lower than levels measured at the end of the 1st trimester (p < 0.05). Group 2 serum GH and IGF-1 levels were not significantly decreased at the end of the 1st trimester (GH: 27.2 +/- 12.1 ng/ml, NS. IGF-1: 698 +/- 74 ng/ml, NS), whereas only serum IGF-1 (570 +/- 69 ng/ml, p < 0.05) was significantly reduced during the 2nd trimester of SRL (GH: 22.4 +/- 9.7 ng/ml, NS). Serum GH and IGF-I fell in the normal range in 4 patients in group 1 and one in group 2 at the end of the second trimester of SRL therapy. Independently of the trial applied, the mean clinical score level ameliorated significantly in both groups (group 1: p < 0.0005; group 2: p < 0.0001). In both groups, the proportion of patients complaining of headache and tissue swelling and the score level of headache, tissue swelling and excessive sweating decreased significantly. In group 1 the score level of fatigue and arthralgia also decreased significantly. In conclusion, this study proves that in patients with GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma: (i) surgery followed by SRL induces a better clinical and biochemical status than SRL alone; (ii) SRL treatment before surgery ameliorates the clinical and biochemical outcome and reduces the prevalence of hypopituitarism due to surgery.
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PMID:Effectiveness of slow-release lanreotide in previously operated and untreated patients with GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma. 1160 83

The concept of an androgen deficiency syndrome in women is a relatively old one, although it has gained substantially increased attention in recent years. Androgens are quantitatively the predominant sex steroid in women, circulating in the micro- and nanomolar concentration range, compared with picomolar levels of oestrogen. The most significant biologically active androgen is testosterone, which circulates bound tightly to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and loosely to albumin. It is generally held that the non-SHBG bound fraction is the bioavailable moiety. Hence interpretable testosterone measurements require data on total concentrations as well as the SHBG level. Testosterone deficiency occurs in a number of situations such as hypopituitarism, primary ovarian and adrenal failure, exogenous corticosteroid use and oral oestrogen therapy (due to the elevation of SHBG and suppression of gonadotrophins). Clinical symptoms of androgen deficiency include lethargy, tiredness and loss of sex drive and interest, and have responded well to androgen replacement, generally without significant side-effects.
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PMID:The role of androgen therapy. 1209 69

Patients with suprasellar lesions develop profound hypothalamic obesity and listlessness with no effective treatment. We added triiodothyronine (T(3)) supplementation in 3 such patients and present their response. All had previous nutritional counseling without benefit. All were treated for diabetes insipidus (DI) and hypopituitarism; serum free thyroxine (T(4)) level was normal. A 24-year-old woman (pineal tumor and astrocytoma) had weight gain (4.7 kg/yr for 3 years), cold intolerance, fatigue, dry skin, and constipation; after T(3), she lost 14 kg over 27 months and reported overall improvement. Her bone mineral density also improved. A 10.6-year-old boy (optic glioma) was gaining 6 kg/yr for 4 years; after T(3) supplement, he lost 4.3 kg over 11 months. A 12-year-old girl (mixed germ cell tumor) had weight gain (8.3 kg/yr for 3 years) and listlessness; after T(3), she lost 8.1 kg over 16 months and had improved alertness. All patients were asymptomatic despite supraphysiologic T(3) levels. We suggest that T(3) may serve as a simple and effective supplement, which can promote weight loss and improve the well being of these patients with hypothalamic obesity.
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PMID:Triiodothyronine supplementation for hypothalamic obesity. 1240 83

The concept of a female androgen insufficiency syndrome, although not new, remains somewhat controversial. Androgens are quantitatively the predominant sex steroid in women, circulating in the micromolar and nanomolar concentration range, compared with picomolar levels of oestrogens. The most significant biologically active androgen is testosterone (T), which circulates bound tightly to sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and loosely to albumin. It is generally held that the non-SHBG-bound fraction is the bioavailable moiety. Hence, clinically useful T measurements require data on total concentrations as well as SHBG level. Testosterone insufficiency occurs in a number of circumstances, including hypopituitarism, premature ovarian failure, adrenal failure, exogenous corticosteroid use and oral oestrogen therapy (causing elevation of SHBG and suppression of gonadotrophins). Clinical symptoms of androgen insufficiency include loss of libido, diminished well-being, fatigue and blunted motivation and have been reported to respond well to T replacement, generally without significant side-effects.
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PMID:The role of androgen therapy. 1276 19

Adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency results mainly from pituitary or peri-pituitary disease and/or its treatment and is frequently accompanied by other anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. GH deficiency (GHD) results in a number of psychological and physical symptoms and signs which in combination constitute the adult 'GHD syndrome'. The psychological symptoms include decreased energy levels, social isolation, and lack of positive well being, depressed mood and increase in anxiety. The physical symptoms and signs include abnormal body composition with reduced lean body mass, increased central adiposity, and decreased extracellular fluid volume, decreased bone mineral density with an increased risk of fracture, reduced muscle strength, reduced exercise capacity, increased LDL cholesterol and reduced insulin sensitivity. Hypopituitarism and GHD are associated with an increased standardised mortality ratio. The diagnosis of GHD is confirmed by the insulin tolerance test or alternative stimulation test in the presence of structural pituitary disease and/or additional pituitary hormone deficiencies. Replacement with synthetic growth hormone by once daily subcutaneous injection can reverse many of the symptoms and signs of growth hormone deficiency, but the long-term effects are yet to be established. Whether or not all patients with GHD should receive GH replacement remains a matter for debate: a selective approach to therapy based on psychological well being and quality of life has been adopted in many centres.
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PMID:Do all adults with growth hormone deficiency require growth hormone treatment? 1457 66

A 52-year-old man presented with vomiting, general fatigue and hyponatremia. His symptoms and signs were consistent with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Endocrine studies revealed hypopituitarism and administration of hydrocortisone resulted in a marked polyuria. The patient was diagnosed as masked diabetes insipidus. The lymphocytic hypophysitis was also diagnosed on the basis of MRI findings and anti-pituitary antibody. Six months later, these abnormalities disappeared. Diabetes insipidus may exist in a case of hyponatremia due to contrastive SIADH. Such patients may recover spontaneously and careful follow-up is required, avoiding a long-term treatment by monotonous continuation of hormonal replacement.
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PMID:Transient lymphocytic panhypophysitis associated with SIADH leading to diabetes insipidus after glucocorticoid replacement. 1460

We report a case of anterior hypopituitarism showing recurrent pituitary mass associated with central diabetes insipidus. A 76-year old woman was hospitalized with general fatigue and 5 kg body weight loss. Endocrinological examinations and pituitary provocative tests demonstrated hypopituitarism and central diabetes insipidus. T1-weighted image of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intrasellar cystic mass with ring enhancement suggesting pituitary abscess. MRI films subsequently obtained from another hospital and studied retrospectively showed intrasellar cystic mass with ring enhancement 4 years earlier, and a mass shape that was decreased after 2 years. Over the subsequent years, the patient has remained asymptomatic with hormone replacement therapy only. Cystic pituitary adenoma or Rathke's cleft cyst with repeated infection may be involved in the repeated change of pituitary mass shape although neither pituitary surgery nor a pituitary biopsy was performed because of the patient's age and condition. It is reported that apparent recurrence of Rathke's cleft cysts after initially successful surgery was higher than suggested by previous reports, and that long-term follow-up with pituitary imaging and neuroophthalmological assessment is essential. Careful evaluation by follow-up brain MRI is needed in the present case to prevent future recurrence of pituitary abscess.
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PMID:A case of anterior hypopituitarism showing recurrent pituitary mass associated with central diabetes insipidus. 1470 57

There are many treatment options for female sexual dysfunction (FSD), with the optimal therapy depending on the etiology of the problem. The cause of sexual dysfunction is multifactorial and may include psychological problems such as depression or anxiety disorders, conflict within the relationship, partner performance and technique, issues relating to prior abuse, medical illness, medications, fatigue, stress, or gynecological problems that make sexual activity uncomfortable. The role of low androgen concentrations in FSD is gaining increasing attention. Available therapeutic options include adjusting medications, counseling, treating depression or anxiety, reducing stress and fatigue, sex therapy, devices, estrogen therapy for genitourinary atrophy, and possibly vasoactive substances. Although no androgen therapies are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for FSD, they are being used in clinical practice, and early clinical trial results suggest that they may be both effective and safe in the treatment of FSD, specifically low libido. Androgen therapy should be considered primarily in women who have a physiological reason for reduced androgen concentrations, including aging, hypopituitarism, oophorectomy, or adrenal insufficiency. Products in use include oral methyltestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, topical testosterone ointment, and testosterone implants and injections. Products available for men, including skin patches and gels, are currently being studied at doses appropriate for women. Possible risks include hirsutism, acne, liver dysfunction, lowering of the voice, adverse lipid changes, virilization of a female fetus, and, as androgens are aromatized to estrogens, potentially the risks of estrogen therapy.
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PMID:The role of androgens in female sexual dysfunction. 1506 34

To evaluate the long-term impact of cured Cushing's disease on subjective well-being, we assessed quality of life by validated health-related questionnaires in 58 patients cured from Cushing's disease by transsphenoidal surgery (n = 58), some of whom received additional radiotherapy (n = 11) and/or bilateral adrenalectomy (n = 3). The mean duration of remission was 13.4 +/- 6.7 yr (range of 2-25 yr). Patient data were compared with a control group of 98 healthy subjects with the same age and sex distribution and with age-adjusted reference values available from the literature. General perceived well-being, measured by the Nottingham Health Profile and the Short Form, was reduced compared with controls for all subscales (P < 0.001). Patients with Cushing's disease had worse scores on subscales of fatigue Multidimensional Fatigue Index and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Compared with reference values from the literature, quality of life was also reduced in the patients according to all questionnaires and all items, except pain (Short Form), sleep (Nottingham Health Profile), and reduced activity (Multidimensional Fatigue Index). Despite conventional hormone replacement therapy, hypopituitarism was an important independent predictor of reduced quality of life. Patients without hypopituitarism (n = 28) showed reduced scores on physical items but normal scores on mental items compared with controls. In conclusion, despite long-term cure of Cushing's disease, patients experience a considerable decrease in quality of life, with physical and psychosocial impairments, especially in the presence of hypopituitarism.
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PMID:Quality of life in patients after long-term biochemical cure of Cushing's disease. 1574 Dec 67


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