ESPE Abstracts

Background: Delta-Like Homologue 1 (DLK1) is a gene encoding a transmembrane protein, which may also be secreted into the circulation. DLK1 levels are known to rise in maternal serum during late gestation and our genetic studies in the mouse have shown that this DLK1 arises from the conceptus. However, the cell population that secretes DLK1 into the maternal circulation has not been identified. Since DLK1 has been shown to be differentially expressed in intrauterine growth res...

Introduction: Glucocorticoid replacement has been the main focus of research in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). However, few studies have focused on mineralocorticoid replacement.Aim: Evaluation of mineralocorticoid replacement in a large cohort (n=124) with CAH recruited retrospectively over a 10-year (2010-2020) period.Methods: We recruited 124patients (71female, 5...

Introduction: The UK 100,000 Genomes Project (100KGP) recently investigated the genetic basis of rare disease using whole genome sequencing. The genetic aetiology of most rare paediatric endocrine disease remains unexplained.Methods: Children with genetically unexplained rare endocrine disease attending a subspecialist paediatric endocrinology clinic underwent whole genome sequencing as part of the 100KGP. Parental DNA w...

Introduction: Ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP) is a radiological diagnosis likely caused by a migration defect that occurs during pituitary development. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics and hormonal deficiencies seen in patients with EPP.Method: Longitudinal observational study performed in a single [HK1] [NM2] centre from 1993-2020. As per MRI findings, cases were divided into three cohorts 1) C1: EPP on...

Background: PCC and PGL are rare in CYP. National children’s registry data reveal an annual incidence of 0.2 and 0.3 per million in 5–9 and 10–14 year age groups respectively. Almost all result from a genetic predisposition, can present with non-specific symptoms, and represent a significant management challenge.Aims: We aimed to provide the first interdisciplinary national management guidelines using the AGREEII framework for CYP with con...

Introduction: Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare, pleiotropic, autosomal recessive disorder, with prevalence between 1 in 100,000 – 160,000 in Europe and the USA. It is characterised by 6 cardinal features: rod-cone dystrophy, truncal obesity, cognitive impairment, hypogonadism and genitourinary anomalies, postaxial polydactyly and renal dysfunction, as well as a plethora of secondary features spanning multiple body systems. BBS belongs to a family of ...

Background: Steroid therapy has been used as a therapeutic strategy in the management of Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) with good effect. However, as always, exogenous steroid administration carries with it a risk of iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency.Aim: We characterise steroid therapy use in PIMS-TS and consider implications for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal...

Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) describes a rare group of inherited conditions caused by enzyme defects within the steroid biosynthesis pathway. 21-hydroxylase deficiency accounts for approximately 95% of cases. The prevalence of even rarer forms of CAH varies according to geographical location and ethnicity.Aims: To report the clinical characteristics of rare forms of CAH under the care of a tertiary ...

Background: Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH) is the most frequent cause of severe and persistent hypoglycaemia in infancy. Prompt recognition and successful management are critical to ensure prevention of hypoglycaemic brain injury and neurological sequelae. The incidence of HH varies from 1:50,000-1:2,500, and mutations in at least 12 different genes involved in β-cell insulin release have been described. Recently, the spectrum of genetic causes for HH has been exten...

Background: Donohue syndrome (DS) is the most severe form of insulin-resistance due to autosomal recessive mutations in the insulin receptor gene. Typical features include pre-/postnatal growth impairment, hyperinsulinaemic hyperglycaemia with fasting hypoglycaemia, nephrocalcinosis, recurrent sepsis, little adipose tissue, soft tissue overgrowth, hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans and facial dysmorphism. However, additional comorbidities may be present, affecting prognosis.<...