ESPE Abstracts

Background: The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) pathway is a key regulator of energy balance and satiety. Variants in genes upstream of MC4R encoding leptin receptor (LEPR), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1(PCSK1) and those involved in Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) can impair MC4R pathway signaling. Clinically, these variants are characterized by hyperphagia (Pathologic insatiable hunger) and early-onset, severe obesity. E...

Introduction: Monogenic defects in the leptin-melanocortin pathway result in hyperphagia and severe, early-onset obesity. Knowledge of the natural history of anthropometric parameters in patients with monogenic obesity is essential for diagnosis. However, reliable data on early childhood weight and height development in affected patients are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the history of height, weight, and BMI development in early childhood in a Europea...

Introduction: The IGSF1 gene deficiency syndrome (IDS) is an X-linked disorder involving hormonal disfunctions. We report a case of Central Hypothyroidism (CH) due to a Xq26.1q26.2 microdeletion including the IGSF1 gene.Case: this boy was referred to our clinic for thyroid dysfunction. He was born at term by caesarean section due to maternal uterine myoma. Pregnancy was normal, parents were non consangu...

Background: Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a frequent cause of congenital hypopituitarism. Patients are initially referred for the evaluation of hypoglycemia during the neonatal period or growth retardation during infancy or childhood. PSIS are either associated with extra-pituitary malformations (EPM+) or isolated (EPM−).Objective and hypotheses: To compare baseline characteristics, GH response, and long term evolution in patients...

GH and IGF1 regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis playing a key role in growth, and leading to consider potential oncogenic effects of GH. To evaluate possible oncogenic risks in GHD patients who underwent GH replacement therapy, the SAGhE consortium was created. The data collected have not yielded definite conclusions and continuous surveillance is yet required. MiRNAs are regulators of gene expression, and are involved in many biological processes. We ai...

Moderate to severe Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) is rare in children and most patients have mild GO. This complex inflammatory autoimmune disorder affecting the orbital fat and muscles is linked to circulating TSH receptor antibodies and involves the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) on orbital fibroblasts. Severe GO features include proptosis, diplopia and vision loss. Intravenous glucocorticoid pulse therapy is the first line medical treatment for moderate to sever...

Background: Nowadays, the role of minipuberty in influencing pubertal development is well documented. Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with reproductive toxic effect. Aim of this study is to assess phthalate exposure within the first months of life in a cohort of healthy term infants and their mothers and the possible relationship with minipuberty.Methods: Sin...

Background: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is associated with an increased metabolic and cardiovascular risk profile1,2 and a metabolic syndrome is evident at a prepubertal age in 10% of the affected boys. Boys with KS tend to avoid competitive sports and describe themselves as ‘not good at sports’. Cardiopulmonary fitness in adults with KS has been found to be compromised by chronotropic insufficiency (CI) and a reduced maximal oxygen uptake...

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional indicator including several functions and represents an important evaluator of patient’s health, especially in chronic diseases. Treatment with aGnRH in Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) is source of stress for patients and families. The aim of our study is to evaluate QoL and levels of therapy-related stress in patients with CPP and in their families during and after treatment.Material and me...

Introduction: Since 2000 understanding of biology of sex development increased tremendously thanks to genetic research. This lead to new classification for persons with disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) based on genetics, and guidelines from the UK recommend revising medical care for persons with DSD by setting up interdisciplinary DSD teams. In Switzerland, persons with DSD asked for better care, stimulating the Swiss National Ethics Commission in 2012 to recomme...