ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: The major genetic cause of CPP is the paternally inherited Makorin RING-finger protein 3 (MKRN3) deficiency. Rare patients carry variants in kisspeptin and its receptor and DLK1.Objectives: To identify genetic causes of CPP.Population and methods: MKRN3 Sanger sequencing was performed in 56 unrelated subjects (12 familial non-maternal, 44 sporadic (6 boys)), whole-ge...

Context: Children with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) require chronic glucocorticoid administration to substitute glucocorticoids and suppress adrenocorticotropic hormone-induced hyperandrogenemia. There is still no evidence about the best timing of the highest hydrocortisone (HC) dose. Administration of the highest dose in the morning aims to mimic the physiological rhythm of cortisol, while a high dose late in the evening may inhibit the early-morning inc...

Introduction: Ghrelin binds to its receptor GHSR1A, encoded by GHSR, on somatotrophs of the pituitary. Growth hormone (GH) secretion is enhanced by ghrelin binding as well as the receptor’s constitutive activity. Results from in vitro experiments, knock-out mice, and GWAS suggest that heterozygous loss-of-function of GHSR may be associated with short stature, but observations in case studies are equivocal. We aimed to better ch...

Introduction: Among children with short stature, some show persistent IGF-I levels <-2.0 SDS despite a normal growth hormone (GH) response in a stimulation test. This may be caused by conditions that could benefit from recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy (e.g. GH neurosecretory dysfunction, bioinactive GH, partial GH insensitivity). Therefore, the IGF-I generation test (IGFIGT) was implemented in 2006 using a national, standardized protocol. Children with a...

Introduction: Knowledge of changes in bone-mineral metabolism in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is of particular interest, since in many patients bone metabolic disease is an epiphenomenon of the underlying pathology. Impaired bone mineralisation and diminished spinal bone mineral density (BMD) are reported in children with IBD, together with increased incidence of vertebral fracture. The short- and long-term implications of reduced BMD are especially important...

Introduction and aims: Obesity is often associated with elevated insulin levels and resistance to insulin action (IR). Insulin regulates the lipid metabolism. In overweight children, IR may well play a greater role than obesity in the development of lipid alterations. This study sought to ascertain whether there was any difference in lipid levels between obese and non-obese children, and to test for correlations between IR markers and BMI.Patients and me...

Introduction: GH deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with impaired cardiac function, contributing to increased mortality due to cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that adults with GHD have high levels of brain natriuretic peptide as a measure of cardiac function. GH replacement therapy can improve cardiac function and lower BNP levels. The scarce research carried out in children appears to show that GHD is linked to decreased left-ventricle size and reduced left-v...

Background: Erythrocytosis is characterized by increased number of red blood cells. Primary form is also known as polycythemia vera, while secondary forms can be due to several causes, among which hyperandrogenism. Although the association of severe hyperandrogenism and polyglobulia is known, literature data concerning this comorbidity are overall scanty, and completely lacking in pediatric age.Case report: We report the history of a 14 years-old girl ad...

Background: As well as acting on longitudinal growth, growth hormone (GH) also has a number of metabolic effects, and is involved in the regulation, functioning and development of the immune system.Aims: To evaluate the immune profile in GH-deficient children after 6 months’ GH treatment.Method: A total of 44 children were examined before and after a six-month course of treatment with rhGH (0.03 mg/Kg per day). Levels of IGF1 ...

Introduction: Small-for-gestionational-age newborns (SGA-NB) may present subsequent comorbidities affecting their metabolism, growth, and development. Analysis of changes in serum proteome profile expression in SGA-NB may provide physiopathological information and help to identify postnatal biomarkers.Aim: To compare serum proteome profiles in SGA vs AGA newborns, stratified by gestational age.Study population and method: The study...