Barbara Fraccascia

Dr. Barbara Fraccascia


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 October 2024 in Diseases
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BFBarbara Fraccascia
Barbara Fraccascia
Giorgio SoderoGiorgio Sodero
Giorgio Sodero
LPLucia Celeste Pane
Lucia Celeste Pane
EMElena Malavolta
Elena Malavolta
CGCaterina Gola
Caterina Gola
CCClelia Cipolla
Clelia Cipolla
Background: Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is a rare disorder of sex development characterized by 46,XY karyotype and testes, yet presenting with a complete female phenotype, which is related to mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Case presentation: We herein present the case of a 14-year-old adolescent with primary amenorrhea and suspected delayed puberty whose diagnostic journey led to the identification of CAIS through the demonstration of a novel AR variant (c.159_207del). Case-based review: Our report encompasses the complexity of CAIS management, focusing on the risk of malignancy, surveillance options, hormone replacement therapy, timing of an eventual gonadectomy, and the psychosocial impact of such a diagnosis. An algorithm has been formulated for the management of CAIS starting in adolescence, highlighting the conservative approach for those patients unwilling to undergo gonadectomy. Conclusions: Primary amenorrhea and delay in puberty development may provide clues, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of CAIS. This review emphasizes the cruciality of a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with CAIS, needing for an individualized care to optimize the overall outcome.

25 May 2024 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Giorgio SoderoGiorgio Sodero
Giorgio Sodero
LPLucia Celeste Pane
Lucia Celeste Pane
EMElena Malavolta
Elena Malavolta
GRGiulia Rotunno
Giulia Rotunno
LSLinda Sessa
Linda Sessa
CCClelia Cipolla
Clelia Cipolla
Background: A correlation between plasma lipids and timing of pubertal development has been hypothesized, though lipid influence remains unclear in central precocious puberty (CPP). Aim: To assess any possible alterations in the lipid profile and triglyceride glucose index (TyG) in children diagnosed with CPP. Patients and Methods: Retrospective single-center study conducted on children (aged 6.3 ± 2.1 years) evaluated for the suspicion of CPP. Results: Based on the results of the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) test, considering 5 IU/L as cut-off of the luteinizing hormone peak, CPP was confirmed in 43 patients (57.3%). Sixteen (37.2%) had a pathologic body mass index (BMI), with 9 (20.9%) being overweight and 7 (16.27%) obese. High total cholesterol was found in 3 patients with CPP (6.97%), high triglycerides were found in 11 patients with CPP (25.58%), high LDL cholesterol was found in 5 patients with CPP (11.62%), low HDL cholesterol was found in 12/43 patients with CPP (27.9%), a pathologic TyG was found in 13/43 patients with CPP (30.23%). No significant association was observed in the lipid profile for patients with or without CPP, except for HDL cholesterol, which was lower in the CPP group (47.1 ± 10.9; p = 0.033). However, the association between serum HDL cholesterol and CPP was not confirmed at the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for patients’ sex and age (p = 0.1; OR: 1.035; 95% CI: 0.993–1.078). Conclusion: The overall lipid profile of our pediatric patients diagnosed with CPP did not differ from patients having idiopathic precocious thelarche or normal variants of puberty development.