ESPE Abstracts

Background and objective: Given phenotype variability as well as limited utility of conventional endocrine investigations in reaching the diagnosis in a 46,XY patient suspected of a disorder of sex development (DSD), there is an increasingly stronger argument for considering targeted genetic sequencing at an earlier stage of the evaluation process. This study focused on identifying the relationship between clinical examination, endocrine and radiological assessment, as well as...

Background and aim: Metformin is widely used in Type 2 diabetes, with increasing reports of a potential bone protective role. We investigated the role of AMPK in mediating the effects of metformin on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation to either osteoblasts or adipocytes.Methods: Confluent mouse MSCs (C3H10T1/2), wild type (WT) and AMPK knockout (KO) mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) were treated with metformin(500 μM), AMPK-activator A769662(...

Background: Published studies of radiologically confirmed fractures in sufficiently large cohorts of boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) are limited.Objective: To determine the incidence of fractures in a contemporary cohort of 91 boys with DMD managed in all Scottish centres.Method: Radiologically confirmed fractures were classified into vertebral fracture (VF) and non-VF in a retrospective audit of all boys currently mana...

Background: An increasing need for non-invasive, out-patient based investigations has necessitated a re-evaluation of urinary gonadotrophins (uGn) for assessing puberty.Objective: Prospective evaluation of the relationship between first morning uGn measured by immunoassay and corrected for creatinine (uLH:uCr; uFSH:uCr), and basal serum gonadotropins (sLH, sFSH) and in response to LHRH stimulation test. Prospective evaluation of uGn trend in patients rec...

Introduction: Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is an increasingly recognised cause of upper airway obstruction associated with holoprosencephaly, of which solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) is the least severe form. Studies have described pituitary abnormalities in up to 40%. We aimed to determine the use of baseline endocrine investigations and MRI brain in assessing endocrine dysfunction.Method: Retrospective casenote ...

Background: In the optimal care of children with DSD, it is considered good practice to work within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and engage in opportunities for professional development.Method: To explore the current models of MDT practice and the extent of professional development in specialist DSD centres, an international survey of 124 paediatric endocrinologists, identified through DSDnet and the I-DSD Registry, was performed in 2014.<p class="...

Background: The approach to investigating a newborn with a suspected DSD is likely to vary between centres and may be influenced by local availability.Method: To explore the current diagnostic practice and needs, an international survey of 124 paediatric endocrinologists, identified through DSDnet and the I-DSD Registry, was performed in 2014.Results: A total of 77/124 (62%) clinicians, in 74 centres, from 38/42 (91%) countries res...

Background: Classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by cortisol deficiency and elevated ACTH secretion, resulting in excess androgen production. This exposure to excess androgens contributes to advanced skeletal maturation and reduced growth in puberty. Data from the I-CAH registry were analyzed to identify growth-related characteristics of children and adolescents with...

Introduction: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a chronic disease that requires life-long hormonal replacement therapy. Growth of patients with CAH can be affected by this therapy or the hyperandrogenic effect of the disease. In this study, we aimed to assess the potential effect of CAH and its therapy on final height in Saudi affected patients.Methodology: This is a retrospective cohort study from two tertiary end...

Background: The short stature homeobox-containing (SHOX) gene, located in the telomeric pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1) on the short arm of both sex chromosomes, is important for linear growth.Objective and hypotheses: The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of SHOX gene deletions/point mutations in children with short stature in order to understand the role of SHOX gene in idiopathic short stature (ISS) and estimate its frequency.<p class=...