Review and Recommendations on Management of Adult Female Thalassemia Patients with Hypogonadism based on Literature Review and Experience of ICET-A Network Specialists.

Background: Multi-transfused thalassemia major (TM) patients frequently develop severe endocrine complications, mainly due to iron overload, anemia, and chronic liver disease, which require prompt diagnosis, treatment and follow-up by specialists. The most common endocrine complication documented is hypogonadotropic hypogonadism which increases with age and associated comorbidities. It is thus important for physicians to have a clear understanding of the pathophysiology and management of this disorder.

Experience with laparoscopic adrenalectomy in children.

In a review of 109 cases reported in the literature, including our own experience with two successful right laparoscopic adrenalectomies performed in a 3-year old girl for androgen-secreting adenoma and in a 9-year-old male for pheochromocytoma, we analysed the indications, surgical techniques and results of video-assisted (laparoscopic or retroperitoneoscopic) adrenalectomy in children. The indications are no different from those for traditional surgery. It seems that there are no age or tumour size limits for a well-trained surgical team.