Day 10, Cushing’s Awareness Challenge

Posted on April 10, 2026 by MaryO

This is one of the suggestions from the Cushing’s Awareness Challenge post:

What have you learned about the medical community since you have become sick?

This one is so easy. I’ve said it a thousand times – you know your own body better than any doctor will. Most doctors have never seen a Cushing’s patient, few ever will in the future.

If you believe you have Cushing’s (or any other rare disease), learn what you can about it, connect with other patients, make a timeline of symptoms and photographs. Read, take notes, save all your doctors notes, keep your lab findings, get second/third/ten or more opinions.  Make a calendar showing which days you had what symptoms.  Google calendars are great for this.

This is your life, your one and only shot (no pun intended!) at it. Make it the best and healthiest that you can.

When my friend and fellow e-patient Dave deBronkart learned he had a rare and terminal kidney cancer, he turned to a group of fellow patients online and found a medical treatment that even his own doctors didn’t know. It saved his life.

In this video he calls on all patients to talk with one another, know their own health data, and make health care better one e-Patient at a time.

7a4e4-maryoonerose

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Urinary free cortisol analyses: Enhancing their clinical performance in Cushing’s syndrome management by means of LC-MS/MS

Posted on April 10, 2026 by MaryO

Highlights

  • An LC-MS/MS method was developed for UFC, cortisone and dexamethasone monitoring.
  • Direct injection was found to be suitable, even in cases of hypocortisolism.
  • Cortisone and cortisol/cortisone ratio complementary role in UFC tests was proved.
  • Dexamethasone monitoring in urine allowed to exclude invalid samples.
  • Population-based LC-MS/MS reference ranges were established.

Abstract

24 h urinary free cortisol (UFC) analysis constitutes one of the three first level recommended tests in Cushing’s syndrome (CS) diagnostic confirmation work up. However, it occasionally leads to inaccurate results due to the use of immunoassays (IAs) or the concomitant administration of exogenous glucocorticoids, among others.
This study aimed to develop a rapid and accurate LC-MS/MS method which may ultimately replace the use of IAs, and also provide relevant clinical information through the simultaneous monitoring of UFC, cortisone, and dexamethasone.
An LC-MS/MS method based on direct injection approach was developed and fully characterized for the quantitation of the target analytes. A population-based reference range was established, and the potential supporting role of cortisone and cortisol/cortisone ratio was comprehensively assessed in patients under CS follow-up or clinical suspicion for hypercortisolism. The presence of dexamethasone was also assessed in order to exclude invalid samples from evaluation.
Significant differences were observed for cortisone and cortisol/cortisone ratio between the control group and patients with hyper−/hypocortisolism, and an ideal level of biochemical agreement was observed with UFC LC-MS/MS values when the combination of both biomarkers was considered. Dexamethasone was detected in up to 7.7% of the studied population.
The herein presented LC-MS/MS approach not only offers the possibility of discontinuing the use of IAs, but also provides additional biomarkers which are significantly relevant in CS management, thus enhancing the overall clinical performance of UFC analyses.

Introduction

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is characterized by a state of hypercortisolism that can be detected and monitored by means of clinical laboratory tests, such as 24 h urinary freecortisol (UFC). UFC measurement constitutes one of the three first level recommended tests, along with overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression and late night salivary cortisol tests [1], [2].
UFC levels are in general highly variable, and at least two 24 h urine collections are necessary for screening/monitoring of CS [1], [2]. In addition to this, 24 h urine samples are often further required due to unexpected or biochemically inconsistent results. This makes the process even more tedious for the patient, and ultimately causes delays in CS diagnosis and management.
Such discordant results may derive from an undeclared use of exogenous glucocorticoids or analytical limitations, among other reasons. The latter occurs especially when UFC analyses are performed by immunoassays (IAs), due to their limited specificity.
Therefore, improvements in UFC tests concerning the analytical methodology, and the inclusion of complementary biomarkers that reinforce their clinical interpretation in the light of unexpected/inconsistent results, appear necessary.
Besides, the simultaneous monitoring of exogenous glucocorticoids in UFC analyses, which is not often considered in clinical practice, should be included.
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been suggested as the most suitable alternative for UFC quantification [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], since it overcomes IAs analytical limitations. Besides, it also allows for the simultaneous monitoring of different analytes.
In the context of CS management, the simultaneous LC-MS/MS determination of UFC and cortisone, as well as the use of cortisol/cortisone ratio have been previously suggested [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19]. With regard to the monitoring of exogenous glucocorticoids, at our center (Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Palma, Spain), it would be of particular importance in the case of dexamethasone. This is because the UFC determination is often followed by an overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test, and its intake may occur by mistake prior or during urine collection.
Despite their advantages, LC-MS/MS methods usually require time-consuming sample preparations, e.g. liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) protocols [20], thus not allowing to completely avoid using IAs in most clinical laboratories. In Spain, to the best of our knowledge, all hospitals in the public healthcare system still use IAs for UFC analysis. Mass spectrometry is only available at tertiary-care centers or academic hospitals, where is still used in combination with IAs to cope with the large volume of samples received on a daily basis. In this case, the use of complementary biomarkers in LC-MS/MS UFC analyses would be of particular interest, as discordant results may occur between methods due to IA analytical limitations.
For all these reasons, in the herein presented study, a novel, rapid and accurate LC-MS/MS method based on direct injection approach for the quantitation of UFC, cortisone, and dexamethasone was developed. Given the lack of standardization in reference ranges, appropriate population-based LC-MS/MS reference values were established.
Most research only focuses on the ability of cortisone and cortisol/cortisone ratio to discriminate ectopic ACTH production from other subtypes of CS [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19]. For this reason, this study assessed their suitability as complementary biomarkers, and therefore their ability to reinforce the clinical interpretation of UFC analyses.
To the best of our knowledge, they have not been previously assessed in the context of hypocortisolism. This would be of substantial importance in the follow-up of CS since adrenal insufficiency secondary to adrenalectomy/pituitary surgery or pharmacological treatment (e.g. ketoconazole, metyrapone) may occur. Therefore, such scenario was further considered.

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Gene test for growth hormone deficiency developed

Posted on April 10, 2026 by MaryO

A new test developed by University of Manchester and NHS scientists could revolutionise the way children with growth hormone deficiency are diagnosed.

Children suspected of having GHD – which cause growth to slow down or stop and other serious physical problems—currently require a test involving fasting for up to 12 hours.

The fasting is followed by an intravenous infusion in hospital and up to 10 blood tests over half a day to measure growth hormone production.

Because the current test is unreliable, it often has to be done twice before growth hormone injections can be prescribed.

Now the discovery—which the team think could be available within 2 to 5 years -could reduce the process to a single blood test, freeing up valuable time and space for the NHS.

Dr. Adam Stevens from The University of Manchester and Dr. Philip Murray from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were part of the team whose results are published in JCI Insight today.

Dr. Stevens said: “We think this is an important development in the way doctors will be able to diagnose growth hormone deficiency – a condition which causes distress to many thousands of children in the UK

“This sort of diagnostic would not be available even a few years ago but thanks to the enormous computing power we have, and advances in genetics, it is now possible for this aspect of care to be made so much easier for patients – and the NHS.

“These volume of data involved is so huge and complicated that traditional data-processing application software is inadequate to deal with it.”

Comparing data from 72 patients with GHD and 26 healthy children, they used high powered computers to examine 30,000 genes—the full gene expression- of each child.

A sophisticated mathematical technique called Random Forest Analysis analysed around three million separate data points to compare different gene patterns between the children with and without GHD.

The research identified 347 genes which when analysed with the computer algorithm can determine whether a child has GHD or not and thus whether they will benefit from treatment.

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) occurs when the pituitary gland—which is size of a pea- fails to produce enough growth hormone. It more commonly affects children than adults.

Many teenagers with GHD have poor bone strength, fatigue and lack stamina as well as depression, lack of concentration, poor memory and anxiety problems.

GHD occurs in roughly 1 in 5,000 people. Since the mid-1980s, synthetic growth hormones have been successfully used to treat children—and adults—with the deficiency.

Dr. Murray added: “This study provides strong proof of concept, but before it is in a position to be adopted by the NHS, we must carry out a further validation exercise which will involve comparing our new diagnostic with the existing test.

“Once we have crossed that hurdle, we hope to be in a position for this to be adopted within 2 to 5 years – and that can’t come soon enough for these children.”

Child Growth Foundation manager Jenny Child’s daughter has Growth Hormone Deficiency.

She said: Growth Hormone Deficiency isn’t just about growth, as lack of growth hormone impacts the child in many ways, such as lack of strength and they can find it difficult to keep up physically with their peers. It impacts the child’s self-esteem as they are often treated as being much younger, because of their size. Growth hormone treatment allows the child to grow to their genetic potential.

“A growth hormone stimulation test can be very daunting for both child and parents. The test can make the child feel quite unwell and they can experience headaches, nausea and unconsciousness through hypoglycaemia.”

 Explore further: Northern climes make a difference with growth hormone treatment

More information: Philip G. Murray et al. Transcriptomics and machine learning predict diagnosis and severity of growth hormone deficiency, JCI Insight (2018). DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.93247

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Bimonthly Growth Hormone Injections to Replace Daily Injections?

Posted on April 9, 2026 by MaryO

At the Annual ENDO 2017 meeting in Orlando, FL, Moore et al provided an update on somavaratan, the long acting recombinant human growth hormone being investigated for children and adults with growth hormone deficiency.

Current treatment for these patients is somewhat burdensome given the need for daily subcutaneous injections. Somavaratan provides the option for bimonthly injections.

At ENDO 2017, 3 year data was presented in children given somavaratan and the data is impressive.

The 3 year data is part of an ongoing extension study following a 6 month Phase 2 trial in which 64 patients received 5.0 mg/kg/month at various dosing schedules. Of those patients, 60 continued in an open label extension study (dose adjusted to 3.5 mg/kg given twice-monthly by the beginning of Year 2 of treatment).  At ENDO 2017, data from 30 of those patients who had completed 3 years of treatment were presented.

(Insulin-like growth factor standard deviation score (IGF-I SDS) increased from -1.7 ± 0.8 at baseline to 1.1 ± 1.6 at peak (3–5 days post-injection) and -0.2 ± 0.9 at trough (end of dosing cycle) in Year 3. Of the 30 patients, 8 had transient IGF-I SDS excursions > 2.0, of which 3 events were > 3.0 (range, 2.3–3.9).

Height velocity (HV) remained consistent at 8.5 ± 1.8, 8.5 ± 1.7, and 8.1 ± 1.5 cm/year, for years 1, 2, and 3 respectively.

Height-SDS increased from -2.6 ± 0.5 at baseline to -1.9 ± 0.6, -1.4 ± 0.7, and -1.0 ± 0.7 at years 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Treatment-related adverse events were generally mild and transient.

In an exclusive interview with Rare Disease Report, one of the investigators of the study, Bradley Miller, MD, PhD, of the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, said that compliance is an issue with growth hormone replacement therapy and any options that can remove the daily injection requirements would likely be well received by both patients and clinicians.

A Phase 3 study is currently underway to comparing bimonthly somavaratan treatment with daily growth hormone treatments (NCT02339090).

Somavaratan is being developed by Versartis Inc

About Growth Hormone Deficiency 

Growth hormone deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone, resulting in short stature, delayed or absent puberty, and changes in muscle mass, cholesterol levels, and bone strength. The condition can be congenital, structural (malformations in the brain) or acquired (resulting from trauma, infections, tumors, radiation therapy, or other causes).

Currently, the standard of care is subcutaneous injection of a biosynthetic recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). The frequency of the injections is based on the patient’s level of growth hormone deficiency (ie, whether growth hormone is completely absent or some growth hormone is present), but most patients require daily administration.

The rhGH treatments are typically given until the child’s maximum growth potential is achieved, often requiring many years of treatment (and increasing the risk of poor compliance).

Reference

Moore WV, Fechner PY, Nguyan HJ, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Somavaratan (VRS-317), a Long-Acting Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH), in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD): 3-Year Update of the Vertical & VISTA Trials (NCT01718041, NCT02068521). Presented at: ENDO 2017; Orlando, FL; April 1-4, 2017. Abstract OE31-1.

From http://www.raredr.com/news/bimonthly-growth-hormone

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Day 9, Cushing’s Awareness Challenge

Posted on April 9, 2026 by MaryO

Uh, Oh – I’m nearly a day late (and a dollar short?)…and I’m not yet sure what today’s topic will be.  I seem swamped by everything lately, waking up tired, napping, going to bed tired, waking up in the middle of the night, traveling, work, starting all over again…and my DH was recently diagnosed with cancer which makes everything more hectic and tiring.

It’s been like this since I was being diagnosed with Cushing’s in the mid-1980’s.  You’d think  things would be improved in the last 29 years.  But, no.

My mind wants things to have improved, so I’ve taken on more challenges, and my DH has provided some for me (see one of my other blogs, MaryOMedical).

Thank goodness, I have only part-time jobs (4 0f them!), that I can mostly do from home.  I don’t know how anyone post-Cushing’s could manage a full-time job!

I can see this post morphing into the topic “My Dream Day“…

I’d wake up refreshed and really awake at about 7:00AM and take the dog out for a brisk run.

Get home about 8:00AM and start on my website work.

Later in the morning, I’d get some bills paid – and there would be enough money to do so!

After lunch, out with the dog again, then practice the piano some, read a bit, finish up the website work, teach a few piano students, work on my church job, then dinner.

After dinner, check email, out with the dog, maybe handbell or choir practice, a bit of TV, then bed about 10PM

Nothing fancy but NO NAPS.  Work would be getting done, time for hobbies, the dog, 3 healthy meals.

Just a normal life that so many take for granted. Or, do they?

me-tired

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