ESPE Abstracts

Background: Human GH is a heterogeneous protein hormone consisting of several isoforms, the most abundant being 22 kDa- and 20 kDa-GH. The availability of analytical methods to measure these GH isoforms might represent a valuable diagnostic tool to investigate GH secretion in short stature.Objective and hypotheses: Aim of the present study was to measure circulating levels of 22 kDa- and 20 kDa-GH in children with different diagnosis of short stature suc...

Objective and hypotheses: We studied the prevalence of deficiency in the short stature homeobox containing gene (SHOX) in short-statured children and analysed clinical and radiological signs.Method: A total of 162 children aged 1–17 years (53% females, 67% prepubertal, median age 6.6 years, median height SDS −1.7) presenting with short stature between 2008 and 2014, were analysed for SHOX mutations by direct sequencing and multiplex ligation p...

Background: At present, literature regarding postnatal growth in small for gestational age (SGA) subjects and its’ correlation with growth factor levels is still controversial. A relation between IGF1 and IGFBP3 levels at birth and weight and length catch up growth has been demonstrated. In the first months of life a rapid weight catch-up growth has also been associated to an increase of leptin, basal insulin and insulin resistance.Objective and hyp...

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...

Background: Triglyceride (TG)/HDL ratio has recently been considered a index of cardio-metabolic risk in healthy and obese subjects. Diet, lifestyle indexes, anthropometric parameters, and metabolic control are the variables with possible influence on belonging to a certain cardio-metabolic risk group.Objective and hypotheses: To identify whether HbA1c per se has an influence on TG/HDL and to study other possible variables influencing the ratio....

Background: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder frequently caused by the serine-threonine-kinase-11(STK11) gene mutation and characterized by hamartomatous polyps throughout the gastrointestinal tract, mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation and predisposition to several malignancies. Rarely, PJS may be associated to an oestrogen producing large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumour that may result in gynecomastia and increased growth velocity (GV).<p ...

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis I Hurler (MPS-IH is an inborn error of metabolism arising from the defective activity of alpha-L-iduronidase, an enzyme involved in the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). As a result, the pathological lysosomal storage of GAGs in several tissues leads to multi-systemic complications, such as hepatosplenomegaly, progressive central nervous system deterioration, skeletal dysplasia and faltering growth, commonly resulting ...

Introduction: Genetic syndromes often show suggestive facial features that provide clues for the diagnosis. Considering the high number of genetic syndromes and the possible overlap of some features, memorizing facial gestalt is a challenging task for clinicians. DeepGestalt technology, and its app Face2Gene, has a growing impact on the diagnosis and management of genetic diseases by analyzing the features detected in one or more facial images of affected indi...

GH and IGF1 regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis playing a key role in growth, and leading to consider potential oncogenic effects of GH. To evaluate possible oncogenic risks in GHD patients who underwent GH replacement therapy, the SAGhE consortium was created. The data collected have not yielded definite conclusions and continuous surveillance is yet required. MiRNAs are regulators of gene expression, and are involved in many biological processes. We ai...

Introduction: Early identification of classic 21OH-Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (21OH-CAH) through newborn screening (NBS) is crucial to prevent adrenal crises, especially in males. Today 21 OH-CAH NBS is performed in 5/21 regions of Italy. This study aims to report the results of 21OH-CAH NBS in Italy from 2006 to 2019.Methods: All patients underwent a dried blood spot (DBS) test for 17OH-progesterone (17OHP) within t...