ESPE Abstracts

The pathogenetic role of genetic factors in congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is now widely known. The constant evolution of diagnostic methods in the field of medical genetics provides the opportunity to obtain an etiological diagnosis in CH patients with genetic defects in candidate genes. We performed genetic analysis by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of 18 candidate genes (DUOX2, DUOXA2, FOXE1, GLIS3, IGSF1, IYD, NKX2-1, NKX2-5, PAX8, SLC16A2, SLC26A4, SLC5A5, TG, THRA,...

Introduction: Turner's syndrome (TS) is associated with several manifestations the most frequent being short stature and hypogonadism. Some authors (Nadeem, 2012; Bakalov, 2008) reported that individuals with TS have increased risk of fractures, but the etiology and mechanism of bone fragility have not been yet fully elucidated and may be exacerbated by hormonal factors (Cintron, 2017; Soucek, 2015). Bone densitometry (BD) through the emission of double en...

Introduction: BIPSS before and after desmopressin stimulation has been shown to be a useful tool for diagnosis of ACTH-dependent CD and negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)or positive MRI but inconsistent biochemical data, in adult patients. However, little is known about its usefulness in pediatric population.Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of negative MRI, the sensitivity of BIPSS before and after desmopress...

Background: Wolfram syndrome type 2 (WFS2) characterized by childhood GI ulcers/ bleeding, diabetes, and neurodegeneration with optic atrophy and hearing loss was recently elucidated as caused by CISD2/NAF-1 gene mutation. NAF-1 suppression in cells results in intra-mitochondrial accumulation of iron, increased ROS generation and consequently increased cellular apoptosis. So far only two mutations in four families were reported.Objective: Elucidate the c...

Background: Obesity is a persistent disorder that almost universally recurs following treatment, suggesting a disruption on central nervous system control over energy homeostasis. Recent literature suggests that hypothalamic inflammation may have an important role on obesity pathogenesis. This inflammatory reaction, which histologically appears as a reactive gliosis, may be detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and has just been shown in rodent models and adults.</p...

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, one of the most frequent autosome recessive disorders, is caused by defects in steroidogenic enzymes involved in the cortisol biosynthesis. Approximately 95% of cases are caused by a deficiency of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme. Its deficiency leads to androgen excess, consequently, to virilization and rapid somatic growth with accelerated skeletal maturation. Mutations in CYP21A2 are responsible for different forms of 21-hydroxylase defi...

Introduction: Italy was the first EU country to be affected by COVID-19 outbreak. The sudden change in everyday life was challenging for children and young people (CYP) who rely heavily on peer connections for emotional and social support. Concerns for consequences in CYP with type 1 diabetes (T1D) rose.Objectives: To compare the diabetes-specific health-related quality of life (D-HRQOL) of CYP with T1D and their parents...

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta / Ehlers–Danlos (OI/EDS) overlap syndrome is a rare and recently described disorder of connective tissue, characterized by mutation of COL1A1 (17q21.33) or COL1A2 (7q21.3) genes, involved in alpha-1 and alpha-2 chains of type 1 collagen synthesis. Patients with OI/EDS overlap syndrome could show a phenotype characterized by features of both osteogenesis imperfecta (bone fragility, long bone fractures, blue sclerae, sho...

Introduction: Short stature is frequently caused by SHOX variants causing functional deficiency. SHOX resides in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR1) of the sex chromosomes and SHOX/enhancer alterations result in a broad phenotypic range: from Langer mesomelic dysplasia, Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis to idiopathic short stature (ISS). Growth hormone (GH) therapy is indicated for those individuals with short stature due to SHOXdeficiency. A frequent limitati...

Introduction: Bone fragility or predisposition to fractures with low-impact energy is a rare but potentially limiting condition. Variations in PLS3 gene are a cause of monogenic osteoporosis due to the alteration of osteoclast and osteocyte function and bone mineralization. It is characterized by early-onset osteoporosis, peripheral fractures, vertebral compression fractures and thoracic kyphosis. Due to its X-linked inheritance, the phenotype is more severe i...