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Biomedical subjects

R Rapaport

Publications and source records attributed to R Rapaport.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

New-onset IDDM presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis in a pregnant adolescent.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the presentation of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) as ketoacidosis during pregnancy in a teenager. CASE: A 14-year-old pregnant girl presented with ketoacidosis (bicarbonate 14 nM, 14 meq/l, pH 7.27, glucose 67 mM, 1,208 mg/dl) during the last month of pregnancy with a fetal demise. Two years of follow-up has confirmed that she has IDDM. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes presenting in pregnant adolescents is likely due to IDDM. Immediate insulin therapy and proper education about managing diabetes should be initiated to hopefully prevent the outcome described in this patient.

Adolescent↗

Implications of the DCCT for children and adolescents with IDDM.

The DCCT findings have unique implications for youth with diabetes. Attempts should be made to achieve improved glycemic control in all children and adolescents with diabetes, but particular care needs to be exercised to avoid untoward side effects, especially hypoglycemia.

Adolescent↗

Familial Pallister-Hall syndrome: case report and hormonal evaluation.

Pallister-Hall syndrome is a usually lethal dysplasia/malformation syndrome characterized by hypothalamic hamartoblastoma, hypopituitarism, postaxial polydactyly, craniofacial malformations, imperforate anus, and other malformations. We report a familial case in a male infant and his female sib fetus, suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance, or germinal mosaicism for an autosomal dominant mutation, or a segregating submicroscopic chromosome abnormality. Detailed endocrine evaluation on the surviving infant revealed documented pituitary function, pituitary deficit, and hypothalamic deficiency. We suggest that hypothalamic dysfunction contributes to the hypopituitarism seen in Pallister-Hall syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests in infants.

The TSH response to TRH administration (7 micrograms/kg) was measured in 68 infants (22 premature) who had abnormal thyroid screening tests by the filter paper method and whose serum thyroid function tests were only mildly abnormal. Twenty-eight infants (12 premature) had peak TSH values of 35 mU/L or less and were considered normal (group I). Forty infants (10 premature) had peak TSH values above 35 mU/L and were considered hyperresponsive (group II). The mean age at testing, screening T4, TSH levels that prompted the testing, as well as baseline T4, T3, and free T4 at the time of TRH testing were not different between the groups. The mean (+/- SD) baseline TSH value was greater in group II (6.8 +/- 2.3 mU/L) than in group I (4.4 +/- 2.2 mU/L; P < 0.001). However, there was a great deal of overlap in the individual TSH values (group I, 0.9-10 mU/L; group II, 1.9-10.6 mU/L). Mean peak TSH levels were significantly different in the two groups (group I, 24 +/- 7.7 mU/L; group II, 60.3 +/- 26.1 mU/L; P < 0.001). During long term follow-up, all 25 group I infants available for evaluation have been confirmed as clinically and biochemically normal. No infant diagnosed as normal was later found to have evidence of hypothyroidism. Fourteen infants in group II have had evidence of thyroid dysfunction. We conclude that the TSH response to TRH stimulation is a useful tool for the evaluation of infants suspected of having primary hypothyroidism. Whether hyperresponsiveness to TRH represents a form of neonatal hypothyroidism requiring treatment remains to be determined.

Congenital Hypothyroidism↗

46,XX pure gonadal dysgenesis with growth hormone deficiency and impaired 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity.

Patients with 46,XX pure gonadal dysgenesis generally are of normal stature and have less than usual amounts of pubic and axillary hair. We report on a patient who presented at age 11.9 years with short stature, absence of breast development, and excessive pubic hair. Her karyotype in leukocytes, fibroblasts, and streak gonad was 46,XX. The patient was diagnosed as having growth hormone deficiency. Elevated ACTH stimulated levels of 17-hydroxypregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone and elevated ACTH stimulated ratio of 17-hydroxypregnenolone to 17-hydroxyprogesterone suggested inadequate adrenal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Treatment with growth hormone resulted in improvement in growth velocity and replacement with estrogen in feminization. We suggest that the finding of short stature in patients with 46,XX pure gonadal dysgenesis should not be attributed to the syndrome, but rather requires investigation for possible growth hormone deficiency. The poor growth of our patient prior to growth hormone replacement implies that dehydroepiandrosterone, unlike testosterone and estrogen, is ineffective in promoting linear growth in the absence of adequate growth hormone.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Inappropriate suppression of thyrotropin during medical treatment of Graves disease in childhood.

Twenty-nine patients (22 female) aged 2 to 17 years were followed with serial measurements of serum triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyrotropin during medical therapy for Graves disease. Fourteen patients had 17 instances of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid suppression with inappropriately low thyrotropin levels. Five patients had six episodes of low thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels with normal levels of thyrotropin, and 10 patients had 11 episodes of normal thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels with subnormal levels of thyrotropin. We conclude that thyrotropin values may not be reliable for diagnosing either mild hypothyroidism or persistent hyperthyroidism during the medical treatment of Graves disease.

Adolescent↗

Subcutaneous growth hormone-releasing hormone therapy in growth hormone-deficient children: first year of therapy.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of GH-releasing Hormone [GHRH-(1-44)] therapy in GH-deficient children. Twenty previously untreated prepubertal children with GHRH deficiency were treated for 1 yr in a multicenter, open label, company-sponsored study with at least 20 micrograms/kg GHRH-(1-44), sc, half at bedtime and half upon awakening. The main effects were enhancement of linear growth, advancement in bone age, and alteration in general blood chemistries and hormonal values. The mean velocity of the entire group increased from 3.6 +/- 1.1 to 8.1 +/- 1.5 cm/yr (P < 10(-4)) at 1 yr of therapy. After 6 months of therapy, 16 were growing at a mean of 9.4 +/- 2.0 cm/yr and were continued on this dose. In 4 patients who were growing at a rate of 5.5 +/- 1.7 cm/yr, the dose was increased to 40 micrograms/kg daily for the second 6 months. The high dose group increased their mean linear growth velocity for the second 6 months while on the higher dose to 7.6 +/- 0.4 cm/yr (P < 10(-2)). This was equal to the mean velocity for the second 6 months of therapy of the 16 subjects who remained on the 20 micrograms/kg daily therapy (7.6 +/- 1.2 cm/yr). Mean advancement of bone age was 1.3 +/- 0.6 yr during the first year of therapy. No adverse changes in general biochemical, hormonal, or pituitary radiographic analyses were noted. No change in fasting glucose or insulin concentrations, or excessive generation of insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations occurred. We conclude that GHRH in a daily dose of 20-40 micrograms/kg for 1 yr was effective in increasing growth velocity in most GHRH-responsive GH-deficient patients. It was well tolerated without side-effects. Glucose intolerance was not noted.

Adolescent↗

Clonal analysis of peripheral T cell precursors in lpr mice.

MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice develop massive lymphadenopathy characterized by expansion of an unusual population of T cells with the Thy 1+, CD3+, CD4-, CD8- (double negative) phenotype. The role these cells play in accelerating the autoimmune syndrome seen in these mice is unknown. In order to better understand the origin of the expanded population of T cells, we have derived a panel hybridomas from double negative lpr lymph node cells. Surprisingly, eleven of twelve hybridomas selected for the absence of surface CD4 and CD8 do not express CD3. Six of eleven confirmed to have inherited the MRL T cell receptor locus have rearrangement at that locus, suggesting commitment to a T cell lineage. Only hybridoma 2.4, which expresses CD3, responds to ConA, anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, and induces antibody production. The presence of CD3-, CD4-, CD8- T cells in the periphery of lpr mice confirms aberrant T cell development in these mice and suggests an intrinsic cell defect which is expressed early in lymphopoiesis.

Animals↗

Immune functions during treatment of growth hormone-deficient children with biosynthetic human growth hormone.

Immune functions, including cell surface markers, interleukin-2 receptor levels and responses of lymphocytes to mitogenic stimulation were evaluated in seven growth hormone deficient children ages 4-15 years, during treatment with biosynthetically derived human growth hormone. Treatment resulted in a decrease in % B cells and in % T total cells and also decreases in most individual patients' mitogen responses and interleukin-2 receptor levels. Most of the changes noted were transient and similar to those previously demonstrated during pituitary-derived human growth hormone treatment. Although not resulting in overt clinical manifestations in our patients, we think that potential interactions between growth hormone and immune functions need to be considered by physicians treating children with growth hormone.

Adolescent↗

Primary empty sella syndrome in childhood: association with precocious puberty.

Primary empty sella syndrome has been considered an infrequent finding in childhood. One hundred and twelve cases have been reported in children ages 0.7 to 18 years. The frequency of primary empty sella ranged from 1% to 58%. Endocrine abnormalities were described in nearly all children while visual abnormalities were noted in only 6%. Growth hormone deficiency was the single most common hormonal dysfunction noted in children with primary empty sella. Precocious puberty has been rarely reported in association with primary empty sella. We report the case of a 7-1/2 year old girl with gonadotropin dependent central precocious puberty and a partially empty sella who had no other hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. We suggest that pubertal abnormalities be included among the endocrine disorders potentially associated with the primary empty sella syndrome.

Child↗

Recurrent acute suppurative thyroiditis.

Recurrent acute left-sided suppurative thyroiditis was observed and treated in an eight-year-old girl. Barium swallow performed after the third episode revealed the presence of a pyriform sinus fistula extending to the upper pole of the left lobe. Despite resection of the fistula, she relapsed for a fourth time. The fistula was again seen on esophagogram. A probe was left inside the tract during subsequent surgery, thus facilitating its complete removal. AST occurs most commonly as a result of the persistence of a connection between the throat and the thyroid gland which is otherwise extremely resistant to infection. AST is usually left-sided and not associated with thyroid dysfunction. Recurrences are common unless the congenital fistula is identified and completely excised.

Acute Disease↗

Thyroid adenoma following treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Sequelae of the treatment of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) include multiple effects on the endocrine system, especially as it relates to growth and puberty. Thyroid dysfunction, and in particular, the occurrence of thyroid neoplasia, has been only rarely described. We report the development of benign thyroid neoplasms in two patients 9 years following the diagnosis and treatment of ALL. Both patients were clinically and biochemically euthyroid with noncystic "cold" nodules found on thyroid scan. In light of these observations, and along with previous reports of malignant thyroid neoplasia in children with ALL, long-term careful observation of children successfully treated for ALL is indicated.

Adenoma↗

Effect of treatment with biosynthetic human growth hormone (GH) on peripheral blood lymphocyte populations and function in growth hormone-deficient children.

GH influences the immune response. The mechanism is not known; however, the presence of receptors for GH on human lymphocytes as well as its ability to influence and modulate immune responses in animals suggest an association between GH and immune function in man. We evaluated the effect of recombinantly derived natural sequence human GH (hGH) on lymphocyte surface antigen expression, response to mitogenic stimulation, expression of interleukin-1 receptors, and production of anti-hGH antibodies in GH-deficient children. The only observed changes were a decrease in the percentage of B-cells and a transient increased reactivity to phytohemagglutinin stimulation. It appears from the results of our studies that the administration of hGH has a selective effect on lymphocyte immune function; however, we cannot eliminate a role for hGH in the initiation or regulation of antigen-mediated immune responses.

Adolescent↗

Elevated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor are associated with progressive encephalopathy in children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

The cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was assayed in the sera (n = 31) and cerebrospinal fluid (n = 26) of children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, using a competitive radioimmunoassay. Elevated serum levels of TNF were found in 15 (79%) of 19 patients with progressive encephalopathy (PE), compared with 1 (8%) of 12 patients without neurologic involvement. There was a significant association of PE with elevated serum TNF levels. Conversely, of 16 patients with elevated serum TNF levels, 15 (94%) were found to have PE, and of 8 patients with serum TNF levels greater than 100 pg/ml, all 8 (100%) had PE. No association was found between cerebrospinal fluid levels of TNF and PE. Neither serum nor cerebrospinal fluid TNF levels correlated with the degree of cachexia. These data suggest that circulating TNF may be responsible for the myelin damage that occurs in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-associated PE.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗