Publications by Year: 2023

2023
Tsimeki M, Tsimpidakis A, Roidi S, Gregoriadis T, Soldatou A, Kitra V, Michala L. {Genital GVHD in Female Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series.}. Children (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;10.Abstract
Genital graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an underdiagnosed manifestation of chronic GVHD. Few articles have been published in pediatric populations, and there are no established guidelines for the management of this condition in children. This study aims to provide a systematic literature review of the published studies and cases of genital (vulvovaginal) GVHD in girls and adolescents post HSCT, with a focus on the time of diagnosis and clinical manifestations. The authors searched for English-language articles published after 1990, which included full patient details. Thirty-two cases of female patients under 20 years of age were identified. The median time of diagnosis was 381 days (IQR: 226-730 days), and 83{%} of patients developed Grade 3 vulvovaginal GVHD. Based on these observations, an early pediatric gynecologic examination of these patients, soon within the first year after HSCT, could be suggested for early diagnosis, treatment initiation and prevention of long-term complications.
Koukoubanis K, Stefanaki K, Karagiannakis DS, Kalampalikis A, Michala L. {Comparison of salivary cortisol levels between women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and healthy women: a pilot study.}. Endocrine. 2023;82:399–405.Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) has been associated with excessive-chronic stress, eating disorders, and weight loss. A common feature is the increased serum cortisol, but its measurement has many limitations. Currently, salivary cortisol (SC) has been proposed as a more sensitive and adequate index. AIM: To investigate the SC alterations through a 24-h period and the possible correlation with the severity of stress in women with FHA. METHODS: Between July 2019 and March 2021, 12 FHA women and 12 healthy controls of comparable age were included. Psychological, eating, and physical abnormalities were evaluated by applying equivalent validated self-questionnaires. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between FHA women and healthy individuals with respect to morning (8:00 am) serum cortisol and ACTH (522.5 ± 162.2 vs 442 ± 138.5 nmol/l; p = 0.204 and 37 ± 44.8 vs 17.4 ± 10.8 pg/ml; p = 0.186, respectively). Women with FHA had statistically significant higher morning SC compared to control subjects (21.8 ± 5.9 nmol/l vs 12.8 ± 3.8 nmol/l; p {\textless} 0.001), while no significant differences were found regarding the afternoon (4:00 pm) and midnight (12:00 am) SC. A significant positive correlation was found between morning SC and morning serum cortisol (rho = 0.532; p = 0.007), EAT-26 (rho = 0.527; p = 0.008) and HADS-Anxiety score (rho = 0.471; p = 0.02). Additionally, a significant negative correlation between morning SC and BMI was observed (rho = -0.53; p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Compared to serum cortisol, SC seems to express better the hypercortisolemic state of women with FHA and correlates well with the underlying contributing factors. Larger studies are needed in order to confirm these results and validate the optimal SC cut-off value associated with the development of FHA.
Markouli M, Michala L. {Fertility potential in 5$\alpha$-reductase type 2 deficient males.}. Journal of pediatric urology. 2023;19:108–114.Abstract
BACKGROUND: Males with 5$\alpha$-reductase deficiency experience oligospermia or azoospermia, resulting in fertility problems. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present systemic review was to assess the fertility status of males with 5$\alpha$-reductase type 2 deficiency and explore how reproduction can be achieved in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: An extensive search of two databases (Pubmed and SCOPUS) was performed. Studies with original clinical data in patients with 5$\alpha$-reductase deficiency evaluating the impact of the disease on semen quality and quantity and pregnancy outcomes through assisted or natural conception methods were eligible to be included in this systematic review. RESULTS: A total of nine cases were identified based on the eligibility criteria, all of which included reports of successful reproduction in males with 5$\alpha$-reductase type 2 deficiency. DISCUSSION: In five individuals, assisted reproduction technology was used to achieve conception, highlighting its importance in solving the fertility problems that males with 5$\alpha$-reductase deficiency are facing. Potential future fertility is a further indication for assigning the male gender in diagnosed newborns. CONCLUSION: In order to achieve this, the development of a management plan starting at birth is crucial for these patients, so that spermatogenesis and potential fertility can be preserved. In adulthood, semen analysis and mutation screening may also help in guiding these patients to select the correct fertilization method for their individual genetic and phenotypic characteristics.
Kalampalikis A, Michala L. {Cosmetic labiaplasty on minors: a review of current trends and evidence.}. International journal of impotence research. 2023;35:192–195.Abstract
Cosmetic labiaplasty is a form of Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FGCS) that is performed with the deliberate intent to alter the appearance and morphology of the external genitalia in the absence of medical concerns. Over the last decade, there is an increasing demand for FGCS and the industry behind it is constantly growing. Adolescents comprise an extremely vulnerable population, with labiaplasties in this particular age group having also increased. However, labiaplasty has been widely contested due to the irrevocable alteration of a psychosexually significant body part on minors too young to consent. Besides, the changes that occur during pubertal development in the genital area can significantly alter pediatric surgical results. Genital anatomy is more diverse than we previously thought and there is evidence to suggest that the labia minora with their rich innervation play an important role in sexual arousal and pleasure. Education regarding the wide range of normal genital appearance suffices in most cases to dissolve concerns regarding body self-image. Mental health issues should always be explored and, if identified, the girl should be referred to an experienced professional for their resolution. Postponing labiaplasty until adulthood is strongly recommended to help adolescents achieve a well-informed decision regarding an irreversible procedure with possible adverse esthetic and functional outcomes.