ESPE Abstracts

Background: The genetic etiology of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is well recognized, with over 60 loci being identified to date, mainly through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Most of these genetic associations involve common variants, while a sizable portion of the missing heritability of T1D could be attributed to unidentified rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (minor allele frequency (MAF) < 5%). The recent availability of large human whole genome sequencing d...

This presentation provides an overview of genetics relevant to pediatric endocrine nursing practice. A brief genetic primer for nurses will be given followed by discussion of patient and clinician barriers to genetic literacy. Genetic competencies for nursing practice will be reviewed and application will be demonstrated through several pediatric endocrinecase presentations. At completion, participants will be able to incorporate concepts of genetic literacy and apply genetic ...

Patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), develop autoantibodies to multiple self-proteins. The patients have high titer autoantibodies to multiple cytokines, most prominently to type 1 interferons and cytokines associated with Th17 cell functions. In addition to these signature autoantibodies, APECED patients develop autoantibodies to many other self-proteins characteristic to autoimmune diseases and display broad autoantibody repe...

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), caused by loss of paternally imprinted genes in the 15q11-13 region, results in hypogonadism which is more severe in males.Objective: To review the gonadal status of patients seen in a dedicated PWS clinic from 1990–2013 inclusive so as to establish the clinical patterns and hence to optimise future management.Method: Retrospective case note review over a 23-year period.<p class="ab...

Introduction: Prompt diagnosis in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is important for counselling the family and thus pre-empt the hyperphagic phase of the condition.Objectives: To determine the key diagnostic features of PWS during the perinatal period and hence recommend strategies to ensure early diagnosis.Study design: Retrospective case note review with prospective questionnaire survey of birth details for the affected child and heal...

Background: While GH therapy forms the mainstay of growth promoting treatment for Turner syndrome (TS), adjunctive use of oxandrolone and optimal timing of pubertal induction remain controversial. The previously published interim analysis of this randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that oxandrolone and pubertal induction at 14y vs 12y significantly increased final height. However, these effects were not additive.Objective: To up...

Background: Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is one of the important hormonal mediators of human growth. Circulating IGF-I exists in a ternary complex bound to the acid-labile subunit (ALS) and one of its six binding proteins (BPs). IGF-I bound to ALS and BPs needs to be liberated by either Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protease A (PAPP-A) or A2 (PAPP-A2) to reach its receptor. Stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) is a potent inhibitor of both PAPP-A and PAPP-A2. Genome-wide association s...

Background: Pituitary gigantism is an extremely rare disorder characterised by GH excess that occurs before fusion of the epiphyseal growth plates.Case summary: A 13 years 6 month old Chinese boy presented to the paediatric endocrine outpatient clinic with tall stature. He was noted by his parents to have a continued growth spurt since 9 years old, and he required new shoes and clothes every school term. He had no headaches or visual disturbances. There ...

Background: Main features of the autosomal dominant form of GH deficiency (IGHD II) include markedly reduced secretion of GH combined with low concentrations of IGF-I leading to short stature.Objective and hypotheses: We report on a girl referred for assessment of short stature (−4.6 SDS) at a chronological age of 7 yr 10 mo. The GH deficiency was confirmed by standard GH provocation tests, which revealed severely reduced GH and IGF-I concentration...

Introduction: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health1 highlights the importance of growth as a measurement of health and wellbeing in children. Growth measurements in children can only be evaluated if plotted on a growth chart. The use of growth charts was reviewed in Forth Valley Royal Hospital Paediatric department over 10 days in all clinics held in the paediatric outpatient department.Method: Case notes of all c...