ESPE Abstracts

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in addition to renin-angiotensin- aldosterone axis is a potent aldosterone stimulator, suggesting a potential contribution in conditions associated with increased ACTH concentrations. This review aims to systematically review and synthesize the scientific evidence of alterations of plasma aldosterone concentrations in response to ACTH stimulation during the cosyntropin (Synacthen) test and define the range of aldosterone response. A systemati...

Background: Mutations in the RET gene have been described in subjects with multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 2 (MEN 2A). MEN 2A is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by tumors of the C cells of the thyroid, adrenal medulla and parathyroid glands. Patients develop either C-cell hyperplasia or medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, and in some cases hyperparathyroidism.Objective/Method: To descr...

Background and aim: Epidemiologic observations suggest that women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) often suffer from menstrual cycle disorders. There may also be a negative association between the age of onset of T1DM and the age of menarche. Delayed menarche, in turn, may be associated with increased risk for diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate pathologic manifestations of reproductive function in young women with T1DM and their ...

Background: Obesity in childhood and adolescence represents a major health problem of our century and accounts for a significant increase in morbidity and mortality in adulthood. In Greece, more than 35% of children and adolescents are currently overweight or obese.Objective and hypotheses: To develop a National e-Health System for General Pediatricians and General Practitioners for the prevention and management of overweight and obesity. Specific aims i...

Background: Since the initiation of neonatal screening-programs for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in the 1970’s, an increase in the incidence of CH has been observed. This change has been attributed to the gradual use of lower TSH cut-offs that lead to the detection of milder cases of CH. Based on currently used screening cut-offs, CH occurs in approximately 1:2 000 to 1:4 000 newborns, varying by geographic location and ethnicity. A female predominance, approaching a 2:...

Background: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has been widely used during the last decades. Increased susceptibility to birth defects and a higher cardiometabolic risk in children born after IVF than naturally conceived (NC) children have been reported. Also, a higher incidence of hyperthyrotropinemia has been noted in children born after IVF with respect to NC children and has been attributed to an epigenetic modification of the TSH set-point.Object...

Background: Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance (PGGR) or Chrousos syndrome is a rare familial or sporadic condition caused by mutations in the hGR gene, which reduce tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids. A new case of PGGR caused by a novel heterozygous point mutation in the hGR gene, which resulted in threonine (T) to isoleucine (I) substitution at amino acid position 556 in the ligand-binding domain of the receptor, was recently reported in a patient with an adre...

Background: Since the initiation of neonatal screening programs for Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) in the 1970’s, a gradual decrease of TSH cut-off limits has been observed worldwide. Nevertheless, lack of universal consensus has led to wide variation of cut-off limits and LT4 therapy criteria among screening programs, even within the same country. The Greek neonatal CH screening program is carried out by a single laboratory that uses one of the lowest cut-off limits worl...

Background: The term Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) describes children with subnormal thyroid hormone levels present at birth. According to literature, CH has an incidence of ~1:1500–1:3000 births with a clear predominance of females (female:male ratio 2:1) and is mainly caused by thyroid dysgenesis (80%). Low FT4 levels have been used as important criteria for CH diagnosis and treatment initiation. The Greek neonatal CH screening program has followed the TSH cut-off lowe...

Background: A high frequency of extrathyroidal congenital anomalies has been reported in infants with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) detected by neonatal screening. Current ESPE guidelines suggest that congenital malformations, underlying dysmorphic syndromes and psychomotor and language development should be sought for and monitored in CH patients. The identification of co-existing nosologies and malformations is helpful not only for clinical purposes but also for uncovering ...