ESPE Abstracts

Background: Patients with autoimmune Addison’s disease (AAD) lack production of glucocorticoids (GCs), mineralocorticoids (MCs) and androgens from the adrenal gland, due to autoimmune destruction of its cortex. Patients require replacement of GCs and MCs for the rest of their lives. In some cases, testosterone is supplemented in females. Brain function is sensitive to fluctuations in cortisol and may therefore be affected in AAD due to long-term disturba...

Background: Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are treated with life-long glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy. Negative effects on cognition, brain structure and function during working memory tasks have been identified. To date, no studies on functional connectivity during rest have been performed in patients with CAH. One study conducted on patients with Cushing’s syndrome, another disorder of cortisol imbalance, suggests that long-t...

Objective: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) requires life-long replacement of cortisol. However, this long-term GC-treatment could change the developmental trajectory of the brain and predispose patients to problems with cognition and mood regulation. Previously, we have found impairments in working memory in patients with CAH, as well as alterations in brain structure in regions of the central executive network (CEN). These changes could be associated wit...

Objective: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) requires life-long replacement of cortisol. Female fetuses with classical CAH are virilized, which can be prevented by prenatal dexamethasone (DEX) treatment from gestational week 7. However, 7 out of 8 fetuses are treated unnecessarily during fetal life and are thus exposed to high prenatal glucocorticoid (GC) levels. Both prenatal exposures to high GC levels, as well as long term postnatal GC-treatment in patients with CAH are ...

Background: Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder involving many organ systems. The frequency of TS is around one per 5000 to 10 000 live births and is caused by mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 (APS2) is an endocrinopathy characterized by two or more autoimmune diseases. Several susceptibility genes are known. The prevalence of APS2 is around 1:20 000.Object...

Background: Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare disease with a complex clinical picture and genetic background. In up to 50% genetic mutations are found. The goal is to be able to provide a comprehensive prognosis and genetic counseling for this family with CHH.Case presentation: At the age of 16 years a boy with familial constitutional delay (adrenarche only with 15 years, no growth spurt, bone age 14 years) present...

Background: POU1F1 encodes a pituitary-specific homeodomain transcription factor that is crucial for development and differentiation of anterior pituitary cell types. Mutations in this gene result in GH, TSH and prolactin (PRL) deficiencies.Objective and hypotheses: To describe a male newborn of a mother with known dominant p.R271W mutation in the POU1F1 gene.Methods: Case report with clinical follow up, endocrine investigations, n...

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder requiring daily care to prevent both acute and chronic complications. Intensive support to facilitate coping and self-care skills is advocated. Healthcare providers are challenged to manage the transition of adolescents from paediatric to adult diabetes services.Objective and hypotheses: While centres providing structured integrated paediatric and adult care seem optimal, many patients op...

Background: Chimerism is the phenomenon of two or more genetically distinct cell lines (originating from different zygotes) in the same individual. In situations when the sex of the fertilised eggs is disparate, it can lead to intersex phenotypes.Objective and hypotheses: We report a case of ovotesticular disorder of sexual development with chimerism resulting from a twin pregnancy (not involving assisted reproductive technologies).<p class="abstext"...

Background: Over the past 20 years there is growing evidence that onset of puberty and changes in body proportions occur at an earlier age, especially in girls. Several studies have suggested this trend is linked to increasing rates of overweight and obese children. However, data on delayed pubertal trends are scant.Objective and hypotheses: To characterize body proportions of children evaluated for pubertal disorders.Method: Retro...