ABSTRACT Objective To measure type 1 serum amino-terminal propeptide procollagen (P1NP) and type 1 cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide collagen (CTX) before parathyroidectomy (PTX) in PHPT patients, correlating these measurements with bone mineral density (BMD) changes. Subjects and methods 31 primary hyperparathyroidism (HPTP) were followed from diagnosis up to 12-18 months after surgery. Serum levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH) vitamin D, CTX, P1NP, and BMD were measured before and 1 year after surgery. Results One year after PTX, the mean BMD increased by 8.6%, 5.5%, 5.5%, and 2.2% in the lumbar spine, femoral neck (FN), total hip (TH), and distal third of the nondominant radius (R33%), respectively. There was a significant correlation between BMD change 1 year after the PTX and CTX (L1-L4: r = 0.614, p < 0.0003; FN: r = 0.497, p < 0.0051; TH: r = 0.595, p < 0.0005; R33%: r = 0.364, p < 0.043) and P1NP (L1-L4: r = 0,687, p < 0,0001; FN: r = 0,533, p < 0,0024; TH: r = 0,642, p < 0,0001; R33%: r = 0,467, p < 0,0079) preoperative levels. The increase in 25(OH)D levels has no correlation with BMD increase (r = -0.135; p = 0.4816). On linear regression, a minimum preoperative CTX value of 0.331 ng/mL or P1NP of 37.9 ng/mL was associated with a minimum 4% increase in L1-L4 BMD. In TH, minimum preoperative values of 0.684 ng/mL for CTX and 76.0 ng/mL for P1NP were associated with a ≥ 4% increase in BMD. Conclusion PHPT patients presented a significant correlation between preoperative levels of turnover markers and BMD improvement 1 year after PTX.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the usefulness of a third-generation PTH assay in the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Subjects and methods Forty-one PHPT patients (4 men and 37 women) with 61.2 ± 10.9 (mean ± SD) years, were studied and had PTH levels measured with two different methods using the same immunochemiluminescent assay plataform (Elecsys 2010 System, Roche). We compared a second-generation assay (I-PTH) with a third-generation PTH assay (Bio-PTH). Two populations of 423 and 120 healthy adults with serum 25OHD levels above 25 ng/mL were used to define normal values in the I-PTH and Bio-PTH assays respectively. Results Normal PTH values based in the healthy adults population were 24.2-78.0 pg/mL for the I-PTH assay and 19.9-58.5 pg/mL for Bio-PTH assay. In PHPT patients, PTH values ranged from 67 to 553 pg/mL (median: 168 pg/mL) using the I-PTH assay and from 55 to 328 pg/mL (median: 111 pg/mL) using the Bio-PTH assay. Results obtained with the Bio-PTH assay were significantly lower (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon). In general I-PTH and Bio-PTH showed highly significant correlation (r = 0.952, p < 0.0001). Passing–Bablok analysis gave a regression equation of Bio PTH = 13.44 + 0.59 x intact PTH. PHPT patients had 25OHD levels ranging from 4 to 36 ng/mL (mean 16.2 ng/mL); 35 subjects (85.3%) had values bellow 25 ng/mL. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that both second and third generation PTH methods are strongly correlated in PHPT patients and control subjects. Lower results with Bio-PTH tests are expected in function of the assay specificity determined by the amino-terminal antibody used.

Objetivo A dosagem de cortisol salivar é uma metodologia que vem tendo crescente aceitação no estudo da função adrenocortical. Sua alta correlação com a fração livre sérica, facilidade de coleta e presença limitada de interferentes têm originado múltiplas publicações, em especial no screening de pacientes suspeitos de hiperfunção. Neste trabalho apresentamos nossa experiência no desenvolvimento de metodologia baseada em cromatografia líquida e espectrometria de massas (HPLC-MS/MS) para a medida de cortisol e cortisona salivares. Materiais e métodos Para este estudo utilizamos 181 amostras de saliva de nossa rotina diagnóstica. A metodologia de HPLC-MS/MS baseou-se num espectrômetro de massas Waters Quattro Premier. Após derivatização com hidroxilamina, as transições monitoradas incluíram cortisol e cortisona. Um radioimunoensaio (RIE) in house foi empregado para comparação. Resultados A sensibilidade funcional para cortisol foi de 24 ng/dL, com linearidade entre 24 e 1,929 ng/dL. Os valores de cortisol obtidos nas 181 amostras apresentaram mediana de 52 ng/dL, com percentis 5‐95% de 24 e 374 ng/dL. Com o RIE, os resultados foram 86, 25 e 436 ng/L, respectivamente, com os valores obtidos no RIE significativamente mais elevados (P<0,0001), e alta correlação (r=0,8312, P<0,0001). Cortisona, medida em 159 amostras, mostrou mediana de 278 ng/dL, com percentis 5‐95% entre 100 e 1.133 ng/dL. A correlação com os valores de cortisol foi significativa (r=0,820, P<0,0001). Conclusão Concluímos que o método baseado em HPLC-MS/MS compara-se favoravelmente com o RIE para a medida de cortisol salivar, com a possibilidade adicional da medida concomitante de cortisona e avaliação da atividade da enzima 11βHSD2.

Objective Salivary cortisol measurement plays an important role in the evaluation of adrenal function. Its high correlation with free serum cortisol, the easy of sampling and the limited presence of interfering steroids, generated multiple recent studies of its application, in special in the screening of adrenal hyperfunction. In this paper we present our experience in the development of a high pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for salivary cortisol and cortisone measurement. Materials and methods For this study we used 181 saliva samples from our routine diagnostic laboratory. The HPLC-MS/MS method was based on a Waters Quattro Premier tandem mass spectrometer with an electrospray probe. After derivatization with hydroxylamine transitions monitored included cortisol and cortisone. An in-house radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used for salivary cortisol results comparison. Results Functional sensitivity was 24 ng/dL for cortisol and linearity from 24 to 1929 ng/dL. Saliva cortisol values obtained in the 181 samples presented a median of 52 ng/dL with 5‐95% percentile of 24 and 374 ng/dL. With the RIA the results were 86, 25 and 436 ng/dL, respectively, with values for RIA being significantly higher (P<0.0001) and high correlation (r=0.8312, P<0.0001). Cortisone measured in 159 samples showed a median of 278 ng/dL, with 5‐95% percentile of 100 and 1,133 ng/dL. Correlation with cortisol values was significant (r=0.820, P<0.0001). Conclusion We conclude that the HPLC-MS/MS method compares favorably with the RIA for salivary cortisol measurement, with the additional possibility of concomitant cortisone measurement and the evaluation of 11βHSD2 activity.

INTRODUÇÃO: Diversos métodos têm sido propostos com intuito de melhorar índices de sucesso cirúrgico no tratamento do hiperparatiroidismo associado à doença renal crônica (DRC). OBJETIVOS: Avaliar uso do estereomicroscópio na seleção de tecido paratiroideano na paratiroidectomia total com autoimplante em pacientes com DRC. MÉTODOS: 118 pacientes DRC operados entre 04/2000-10/2009 foram divididos em: G1-66 pacientes operados entre 04/2000-05/2005 cuja seleção de tecido foi realizada por método convencional (macroscopia); G2-52 pacientes operados entre 03/2008-10/2009, cuja seleção de tecido foi realizada com uso da estereomicroscopia: Leica-Stereomicroscope (amplificação: 10×-80×). Pacientes foram ainda categorizados em hiperparatiroidismo secundário (HPS) ou terciário (HPT) (HPS-diálise/HPT-transplantados renais). Seguimento pós-operatório: 12-36 meses. PTH intraoperatório medido 100/118 pacientes (84.7%). Todos pacientes foram operados pelo mesmo cirurgião. RESULTADOS: Dados em média. G1, 66 pacientes (38 HPS, 24f/14m; 40 anos; 28 HPT, 14f/14m; 44 anos). G2, 52 pacientes (29 HPS, 11f/18m; 50,7 anos; 23 HPT, 13f/10m; 44,4 anos). Pacientes dialíticos do G2 apresentaram cálcio pré-operatório maior que G1 (p < 0,05), sugerindo doença mais severa. Hipoparatiroidismo definitivo: 7/118 (5,9%) pacientes: G1, 4/66 (6%); G2, 3/52 (5,7%). Recorrência do hiperparatiroidismo no autoimplante: 4 pacientes, 2 em cada grupo. Todas foram em pacientes em diálise. CONCLUSÃO: Estereomicroscopia no tratamento do hiperparatiroidismo associado à DRC é útil na padronização da técnica de seleção de tecido para o autoimplante.

INTRODUCTION: Several methods have been proposed to improve operative success in renal hyperparathyroidism. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate stereomicroscopy in parathyroid tissue selection for total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation in secondary (SHPT)/tertiary (THPT) hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: 118 renal patients underwent surgery from April of 2000 to October 2009. They were divided into two groups: G1, 66 patients operated from April of 2000 to May of 2005, with tissue selection based on macroscopic observation; G2, 52 patients operated from March of 2008 to October 2009 with stereomicroscopy for tissue selection searching for the presence of adipose cells. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Patients presented SHPT (dialysis treatment) or THPT (renal-grafted). Follow-up was 12-36 months. Intra-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) was measured in 100/118 (84.7%) patients. RESULTS: Data are presented as means. G1 included 66 patients (38 SHPT, 24 females/14 males; 40.0 years of age; 28 THPT, 14 females/14 males; 44 years of age). G2 included 52 patients (29 SHPT, 11 females/18 males; 50.7 years of age; 23 THPT, 13 females/10 males, 44.4 years of age). SHPT patients from G2 presented preoperative serum calcium higher than those of SHPT patients in G1 (p < 0.05), suggesting a more severe disease. Definitive hypoparathyroidism was found in seven of 118 patients (5.9%). Graft-dependent recurrence occurred in four patients, two in each group. All occurred in dialysis patients. CONCLUSION: Stereomicroscopy in SHPT/THPT surgical treatment may be a useful tool to standardize parathyroid tissue selection.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a ocorrência de tecido prostático em pacientes portadoras da forma clássica de hiperplasia congênita das suprarrenais, com cariótipo 46,XX e analisar a sensibilidade e a especificidade do antígeno prostático específico (PSA) das pacientes com hiperplasia congênita das suprarrenais em relação à detecção de tecido prostático na ressonância magnética (RNM) de região pélvica. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas 52 crianças e adolescentes, sendo 32 meninas portadoras da forma clássica de hiperplasia congênita das suprarrenais, 10 meninas e 10 meninos sem hiperplasia congênita das suprarrenais. A RNM da região pélvica e a coleta de PSA, diidrotestosterona e testosterona foram realizadas em todos os pacientes. Para analisar a capacidade de discriminação do antígeno prostático-específico, foi utilizada a curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve). RESULTADOS: Cinco das 32 pacientes portadoras de hiperplasia congênita das suprarrenais apresentaram tecido prostático na RNM de região pélvica. Para concentração de antígeno prostático-específico de 0,1 ng/mL, obteve-se sensibilidade de 100% e especificidade de 88,9% para a detecção de tecido prostático. CONCLUSÕES: A ocorrência de tecido prostático nas pacientes portadoras de hiperplasia congênita das suprarrenais estudadas foi de 15,6%. O antígeno prostático-específico mostrou ser valioso marcador de tecido prostático nestas pacientes.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the presence of prostatic tissue in 46,XX patients with the classical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH); to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of prostatic specific antigen (PSA) measured in congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients with regard to the detection of prostatic tissue in pelvic MRI. METHODS: We studied 52 children and adolescents, 32 with the classical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 10 boys and 10 girls without CAH. Pelvic MRI was performed in all patients to detect prostatic tissue. Prostate specific antigen, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone were measured in all patients. We used Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve for PSA discrimination capacity. RESULTS: Five girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia showed image of prostatic tissue on pelvic MRI. Prostate specific antigen showed sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 88.9%, respectively, taking 0.1 ng/mL as the cutoff level. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of prostatic tissue in 46,XX patients with the classical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia was 15.6%. PSA demonstrated to be a good marker of prostatic tissue in these patients and should be used to screen patients to be submitted to image studies.

Poucas áreas de diagnóstico laboratorial apresentaram evolução recente mais acelerada do que os testes para o diagnóstico e monitoramento das doenças osteometabólicas. Novos conhecimentos sobre fisiopatologia, além de novidades nas modalidades terapêuticas e nos testes diagnósticos tornaram o campo na área de diagnósticos muito mais complexo, efetivo e interessante. O diagnóstico diferencial das hiper e hipocalcemias, assim como a definição e o seguimento da terapêutica para osteoporose são duas áreas onde progressos sensíveis puderam ser constatados. Por outro lado, o aproveitamento de todo esse potencial exige dos profissionais que atuam na área um conhecimento cada vez maior, de forma que o emprego dos novos testes seja feito com eficácia e coerência.

Few areas in the clinical laboratory field presented a more accelerated recent evolution than that of the tests for diagnosis and monitoring of osteometabolic diseases. Newer knowledge about physiopathology, newer therapeutic modalities and new diagnostic tests, turned this field much more complex, effective and interesting. The differential diagnosis of hyper and hypocalcemia and the definition and follow-up of osteoporosis therapeutics, are two of the areas where a more significant progress has been made. On the other side, the good use of all this potential asks the professionals working in this area an even deeper knowledge, so that the new tests are employed with efficacy and coherence.

CONTEXTO: A perda óssea acelerada observada na pós menopausa é atribuída a um incremento do turnover ósseo, com predomínio da reabsorção em decorrência da falência ovariana. Ao contrário da formação tem sido difícil de estabelecer um marcador sensível de reabsorção. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito da terapia de reposicão hormonal (TRH) na densidade e nos marcadores urinários de reabsorção óssea, piridinolina (PIR) e deoxipiridinolina (D-PIR). TIPO DE ESTUDO: Estudo coorte de correlação. LOCAL: Centro universitário de referência. PACIENTES: 53 mulheres menopausadas há 3,6 ± 5 anos, idade mediana de 53 anos. VARIÁVEIS ESTUDADAS: A excreção urinária de PIR e D-PIR na urina de jejum ,analisada por HPLC e expressa em pmol /mmol de creatinina ,foi avaliada em condições basais e após 1,2,4 e 12 meses de TRH. Realizaram densitometria óssea (DO) em coluna e fêmur antes e após 12 meses de TRH. RESULTADOS: A DO após TRH foi 4.7%(P<0.0004); 2%(P<0.002); and 3%(P<0.01) maior que os valores basais na coluna , colo do fêmur e trocanter respectivamente. Observou-se um decréscimo dos valores de PIR e D-PIR precoce e progressivo, atingindo 28,9% (P<0.0002) e 42% (P<0.0002) após 1ano de TRH respectivamente. Não houve correlação entre os valores de DO e os de PIR E D-PIR. CONCLUSÕES: A excreção urinária de PIR e D-PIR constituem um marcador sensível da reabsorção óssea.O decréscimo precoce a torna útil na avaliação da eficácia terapeutica.

CONTEXT: The menopause accelerates bone loss and is associated with an increased bone turnover. Bone formation may be evaluated by several biochemical markers. However, the establishment of an accurate marker for bone resorption has been more difficult to achieve. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mass and on the markers of bone resorption: urinary excretion of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline. DESIGN: Cohort correlational study. SETTING: Academic referral center. SAMPLE: 53 post-menopausal women, aged 48-58 years. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Urinary pyr and d-pyr were measured in fasting urine samples by spectrofluorometry after high performance liquid chromatography and corrected for creatinine excretion measured before treatment and after 1, 2, 4 and 12 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) before treatment and after 12 months of HRT. RESULTS: The BMD after HRT was about 4.7% (P < 0.0004); 2% (P < 0.002); and 3% (P < 0.01) higher than the basal values in lumbar spine, neck and trochanter respectively. There were no significant correlations between pyridinium cross-links and age, weight, menopause duration and BMD. The decrease in pyr and d-pyr was progressive after HRT, reaching 28.9% (P < 0.0002), and 42% (P < 0.0002) respectively after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline excretion decreases early in hormone replacement therapy, reflecting a decrease in the bone resorption rate, and no correlation was observed with the bone mass evaluated by densitometry.