ESPE Abstracts

Background: The genetic causes of disorders of sex development (DSD) are difficult to identify since these conditions are refractory to classic genetic approaches. In particular the underlying genetic mutations of most cases of 46,XY DSD is unknown.Objective and hypotheses: Using an exome sequencing approach we aimed to identify new genetic factors involved in 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis.Method: Exon enrichment was performed using Agi...

Background: Ovotesticular disorder of sex development (DSD) is characterized by the presence of both testicular and ovarian tissue in the gonads of an individual. Selective gonadal surgery is usually performed in infancy.Objective and hypotheses: Little is known about the long-term outcome of conservative gonadal surgery in ovotesticular DSD. We present our experience in a 46,XX girl diagnosed in the neonatal period.Method: The pat...

Introduction: Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1), encoded by the NR5A1 gene, regulates several genes involved in male sexual determination, such as SOX9 and AMH, cholesterol mobilization and synthesis of a number of steroidogenic enzymes, like 3βHSD, and androgen biosynthesis, like INSL3. Mutations in NR5A1 have been associated to a broad phenotypic spectrum in 46, XY subjects, including pure gonadal dysgenesis, infertility, anorchia...

Background: Patients with 46,XY, DSD are characterized by ambiguous or female external genitalia, caused by incomplete intrauterine masculinization. 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency due to SRD5A2 gene mutations result in inadequate conversion from testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and is responsible for incomplete virilization in male patients. Up to date, more than 50 mutations have been reported, however, clinical features are variable and heterogeneous.<p cl...

Background: Adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) develop an adverse metabolic and cardiovascular risk profile. Both over- and undertreatment with glucocorticoids are associated with these adverse metabolic effects. There is limited data available of changes in cardiovascular parameters during lifetime.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate unfavorable changes in cardiovascu...

Objectives: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is the most common thyroid abnormality in Down Syndrome (DS) children (25-60%); its etiology remains still not completely clarified. Aim of this prospective multicenter study was to evaluate prevalence and natural course of autoimmune and non-autoimmune SH in a large cohort of DS children and adolescents.Methods: The study population included 101 DS patients with SH (TSH 5-...

Background: For children above 5 years of age no specific national growth charts are available in our country, the most widely used being the Swiss ones (Prader, 1989). Previous studies have shown significant differences between the various international standards available regarding. The incidence of growth disorders.Objective and hypotheses: Our aim was to compare the recommended growth reference with a new one based on a national representative sample...

Background: Gender assignment in children with disorder of sex development (DSD) is a key step in their management and needs detailed assessment. In developing countries, children with DSD are often presented late, due to lack of awareness and social stigmatization, which makes management more challenging.Methodology: Retrospective review of complex DSD cases (karyotyping different from current sex of rearing), presented...

Background: Determination of the gonads in men is closely dependent on Sertoli cells differentiation and maturation. Many cases of differences of sex development (DSD) are caused by variations in these processes. The study of the mechanisms underlying these complex conditions is crucial for optimal clinical management and Sertoli cells would be an ideal model for this purpose. Our human Sertoli-like cell model (SLCs) may shed some light on the identification o...

Background: Disorders of sex development (DSD) are classified as a congenital discrepancy between external genitalia, and gonadal and chromosomal sex. Despite extensive laboratory and imaging investigations, the etiology of DSD is unknown in more than 50% of patients. We aimed to evaluate the etiology of DSD using whole exome sequencing (WES) technique.Methods: Eleven patients with DSD (ten with 46,XY and one with 46...