ESPE Abstracts

Recently, pathogenic biallelic variants in the gene encoding DNA polymerase epsilon catalytic subunit 1 (POLE1), have been described in 15 individuals from 12 families, including members of 3 Irish families. These loss-of-function mutations cause POLε deficiency, thus impairing DNA replication. All reported cases share the same heterozygous intronic variant (c.1686þ32C>G) as part of a common haplotype, in addition to a different loss-of-function variant in the ot...

Background: Pancreatic epithelial cells represent an attractive cell source for replacement therapy of type 1 diabetes. Previously, we designed a protocol for expansion of human pancreatic duct-derived cells (HDDCs) and showed their β-cell engineering potential.Objective and hypotheses: In this study, we reprogrammed HDDCs into β-cell-like lineage by over-expressing mRNAs of key pancreatic transcription factors (TFs).Meth...

Background: Neonatal diabetes (NDM) is defined as diabetes developing before 6 months of age, affecting one in 100 000 live births. Permanent NDM is diagnosed in the first 6 months of life with no remission. The majority have a mutation in the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel (KCNJ11 in 31%, ABCC8 in 13%). Autosomal dominant and recessive forms are described. The majority of patients with NDM caused by KATP mutations respond to sulphonylureas.<p...

Introduction: Recurrent hypoglycemia is a life threatening condition. And its early diagnosis and correct diagnosis can be crucial to entail survival of the child.Objectives: To review this case with respect to the clinical scenario and critical pathways we should remember while investigating a case of recurrent hypoglycemia.Methods: History: A 5 year old, Pakistani origin, male ch...

Introduction: De novo and inherited cases of 16p11.2 microdeletion and duplication syndromes have a spectrum of clinical manifestations, with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity.16p11.2 copy number variants have shared phenotypic features (autism, developmental delay). Mirror phenotypes have also been described: deletions – obesity, hyperphagia, macrocephaly; duplications – underweight, feeding/eating disor...

Background: Automimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is an extremely rare autoimmune condition caused by AIRE (autoimmune regulator) gene mutations and characterised by a classic triad of 1) chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, 2) hypoparathyroidism and 3) adrenal insufficiency. APECED can involve any endocrine or non-endocrine organ. Consequently, clinicians need to be mindful of the great variability in presentation. Although ad...

Background: The excessive consumption of sucrose, primarily used in sweetened beverages, has been considered an important inducer of cardiometabolic diseases. Besides the association between metabolic syndrome and fructose found in animal models, literature is lacking prospective studies in humans, especially in paediatric ages.Objective and hypotheses: We assessed the effect of sugar-sweetened beverages reduction on markers of metabolic syndrome in obes...

Background: Genetic defects in the insulin receptor (INSR) are rare. Precise prevalence is unknown and significant clinical heterogeneity exists. Over 120 allelic variants have been described to date, spread throughout the receptor, and few geographical founder effects have been described. In this case series we identify a novel missense mutation in the tyrosine kinase domain of the INSR in three independently ascertained Irish families.Objective and Hyp...

Van Wyk and Grumbach reported the association of untreated chronic hypothyroidism with precious puberty, pituitary enlargement and multicystic ovaries first in 1960. TRH-induced TSH excess causes macropituitary gland and stimulation of the gonadal FSH receptors, which explains the phenotype isosexual precious puberty and multi-cystic ovaries. In the following we report on two patients with this rare syndrome. The first patient is an 11 year old girl from Venezuela, who moved t...

We report on a 17-year-old patient with hypoparathyroidism which was noticed during the diagnosis of a first renal colic a year and a half ago. At that time, a prevesical ureter stone on the right could be depicted sonographically, which disappeared spontaneously. Initially calcium levels in serum and urine were reported to be normal. However, a slight hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria as well as high normal vitamin D levels without vitamin D substitution were detected intermit...