ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: Recent studies point to the existence of androgen-responsive non-coding (nc) RNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) RNA.Aim: To quantify the androgen-responsive gene expression of SNORD5 and RNY5 and investigate their relationship to the testosterone (T) rise following hCG stimulation in boys with no genetic evidence of androgen insensitivity.Methods: 19 bo...

Introduction: Androgens are essential for the development of male sex characteristics. Testosterone (T) production from androstenedione (A) by the Hydroxysteroid 17-Beta Dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17B3) in gonadal Leydig cells triggers the differentiation of the Wolffian ducts into epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles and the prostate. Shortly after, the virilisation of the external male genitalia starts through the conversion of T into dihydrotestosterone (DHT...

Background: Childhood onset PTC has a more aggressive presentation but no overall increase in mortality compared to adults.Objective: To characterize a pediatric cohort with PTC at diagnosis using the American Thyroid Association (ATA) Initial Risk Stratification (IRS) and to evaluate the response to initial treatment until 3 years based on the modified ATA Dynamic Risk Stratification (DRS) for adults.<p class="abste...

Background: Digital health is becoming increasingly important worldwide. However, there is a lack of research on barriers to the implementation of digital health solutions for growth disorders in the Gulf Region. Participatory research can help to understand barriers faced by different stakeholders, design effective solutions and evaluate their implementation, whilst taking cultural aspects into consideration. Involving clinicians in understanding barriers to ...

Introduction: Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and adrenal insufficiency (AI) rely on lifelong hormone replacement with hydrocortisone (HC). Alkindi® is the first HC licensed for children from birth to 18 years with AI, available in small doses of 0.5, 1, 2 and 5mg required for the needs of neonates, infants and children.Objectives: Primary: long-term safety of Alkindi®; Secondary: long-term d...

Growth Hormone deficiency (GHD) in newborn is an infrequent condition, which can cause threat to life due mainly to hypoglycemia that begins in the first week of life. A GH basal level (whether random or associated with spontaneous hypoglycemia) that distinguishes infants with GHD from those with GH sufficiency in the neonatal period is not conclusive. Few data have been reported about the GH measurements in serum and dried blood spots on filter paper samples in healthy neonat...

Background: The flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS) has been a great advance in quality of life for patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, it is a more expensive method.Objectives: To describe the characteristics of the pediatric population (<18 years) diagnosed with T1D using FGMS, during one year in our community. To assess the degree of satisfaction and possible inconveniences. To evaluate the ...

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent cancer in childhood. Over the past decades, survival rates increased, but relapse is still associated with a poor prognosis, especially if the bone marrow (BM) is affected. Marrow adipose tissue (MAT) constitutes a major part of the BM niche, but its impact on normal hematopoiesis versus leukemia initiation, progression and relapse has only recently gained attention. MAT is very sensitive to changes in the patient’s...

Background: Biallelic mutations of the CYP11B2 aldosterone synthase gene cause deficiency of aldosterone synthesis. Patients exhibit isolated deficiency of aldosterone biosynthesis, increased plasma renin activity, increased steroid precursors desoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, as well as 18-hydroxy-desoxycorticosterone, and show salt wasting and poor growth. The aldosterone synthase enzyme has 18-hydroxylase (corticosterone methyloxidase type I, CMO I) and 18-oxidase (CMO ...

Background: The prevalence of vertebral fractures (VF) in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is currently unknown as systematic spine imaging is rarely performed.Objective: To determine the prevalence of VF in DMD and factors associated with VF.Method: A prospective study utilising systematic screening with DXA vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) was performed in all 47 eligible boys. 6/47 were excluded due to spinal instrumentation...