ESPE Abstracts

Background: Few studies have described the phenotypic spectrum of Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the range of H-P structural abnormalities and the endocrine morbidity of children with SOD and related disorders.Methods: Retrospective longitudinal single centre study of children with SOD (n:171), Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency (MPHD) (n:53) and Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) (n:35).<p class="ab...

Background: Mutations in the nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) gene are a rare cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI), as well as cardiomyopathies and functional impairment of the gonads.Objective: Despite the description of different NNT mutations in homozygosis and compound heterozygosis in PAI patients, it remains to be clarified to which extent the function and expression of the m...

Background: Normal thyroid function is necessary for the optimal growth promoting effects of GH. Changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis following GH have been reported in subjects initially thought to be euthyroid. A specific group of patients, children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), are thought to have a ‘vulnerable’ HPT axis.Objective and hypotheses: To evaluate the impact of paediatric GH therapy on thyroid hormone statu...

Background: Genetic causes of central precocious puberty (CPP) has been increasingly recognized, extending our knowledge of the triggering factors of human pubertal timing. Distinct etiologies remain to be elucidated in sporadic and familial cases. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) is a chromatin-associated protein that can activate or repress gene transcription, playing a role in neuronal maturation. It is encoded by MECP2 gene located at chromoso...

Background: There is currently no published study evaluating the role of the IGF axis on bone development following anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in Crohn’s disease (CD).Method: Prospective, 12-month study in 19CD(12M) who were clinical responders to antiTNF therapy, median age 14.9 years (range 11.2–17.2). IGF1, insulin growth factor binding protein 3(IGFBP3), acid labile subunit (ALS), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and...

Background: The prevalence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is increasing and the age at presentation is falling. Late presentation with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is more common in younger children who are at increased risk of cerebral oedema.Objective and hypotheses: To describe the clinical presentation of new onset T1DM to our centre and report time to diagnosis, incidence of DKA, requirement for intensive care and complications.<p c...

Introduction: Debate still exists about the safety of long-term use of prednisone (P) versus hydrocortisone (HC) for treating children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia -21OH D (CAH).Aim: To investigate the linear growth and weigh gain as well as metabolic component in children with CAH who were treated with either HC or P since early infancy for 5 years or more.Methods: Data of ...

Children diagnosed with adrenocortical tumors (ACT) have variable prognosis depending on disease presentation at diagnosis. Available therapeutic options render excellent outcome for a subset of patients, but limited improvement in the survival of those diagnosed with non-localized/advanced disease. ACT DNA methylation was recently demonstrated to be a robust and independent prognostic biomarker. Aiming to identify potential therapeutic targets for these children, we compared ...

Background: Premature adrenarche (PA) has been considered a benign condition. Recently, associations with an increased metabolic risk have arisen. This risk may depend on ethnic background and infancy weight gain, which could be different by gender.Objective and hypotheses: To determine whether PA in children at pubertal onset (TII) determines a higher metabolic profile.Methods: 1190 children (49.9% female) from the longitudinal co...

Background: Psychosocial factors may be fundamental explaining poor glycaemic control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Anxiety, depression are well described in children with T1DM. According to Kauffman (2012), diabetes management can only be successful if psychosocial needs are assessed and addressed.Objective and hypotheses: To examine the association between glycaemic control and scores on two screening tools measuring psychosocial risk and em...