ESPE Abstracts

Background: AHDS is a devastating disease caused by defects in the thyroid hormone (TH) transporter MCT8. Endocrine expression is heralded by systemic hyperthyroidism with elevated serum T3, mildly increased TSH and decreased T4. However, the brain is hypothyroid, causing severe psychomotor retardation. Therapeutic attempts with PTU+levothyroxine or the T3-analogue DITPA could normalize TH derangements but without any neurological improvement. ...

Background: Dyshormonogenic hypothyroidism is classically a monogenic disease with recessive inheritance. Thyroid dysgenesis showed a multigenic origin in a mouse model of double-heterozygous deletions of Nkx2.1/Pax8 transcription factor genes, suggesting a possible polygenic nature of certain cases of human hypothyroidism.Objective and Hypotheses: To investigate genetic traits of polygenic involvement in dyshormonogenic hypothyroidism,...

Background: We describe the incidence, etiologies and clinical features of combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) in pediatric patients from a single tertiary center.Methods: The cohort comprised of patients with CPHD, treated in the Helsinki University Hospital between 1985 and 2018. They were identified through an ICD-9/ICD-10 code search, and the clinical data were recorded from the patient charts.<p class="...

Background: The low-dose short Synacthen test is a popular diagnostic test of adrenal insufficiency in children. It is employed by 82% of UK paediatric endocrinologists. Although various dosing strategies exist, 1 μg is most commonly employed, however none of the low-dose forms are commercially available. A BSPED survey revealed 14 different methods for diluting 250 μg/ml ampoules.Objective and hypotheses: Do various dilution strategies result ...

Background: Measuring testicular volume (TV) by orchidometer is a standard method of pubertal staging in boys. A paucity of evidence exists as to its inter and intra-user reliability and the impact of clinicians’ gender, training and experience on the accuracy of measurements.Objective and hypotheses: We engineered prosthetic models of different size testes to investigate the reliability of TV estimation.Method: The study was ...

Introduction: Type 1 Arnold Chiari syndrome (extension of cerebellar tonsils into the foramen magnum without involving the brain stem) causes ataxia, dysphagia, headache, breathing problems… So far, an association between Arnold Chiari and autoimmune diseases has not yet been described in literature.Case 1 description: M.V., on term third born, spontaneous delivery, non complicated pregnancy, normal physical and psychological development stages. He...

Background: Whilst adhering to the highest standards of data governance and security, the International DSD Registry (www.i-dsd.org) and the International CAH Registry (www.i-cah.org) allow standardised collection of data and promote multicentre collaboration across national boundaries and across multiple clinical and research disciplines.Results: By April 2015, over 1600 cases had bee...

Background: Recently, mutations in the highly conserved transactivation domain of MAFB gene have been identified as a cause of multicentric carpo-tarsal osteolysis (MCTO), rare skeletal disorder characterised by extensive bone resorption predominantly of the carpal and tarsal bones and frequently accompanied by progressive renal impairment. The MAFB is a basic leucine zipper transcription factor that is involved in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis and renal develo...

Background: Disorders (or differences) of sex development (DSD) are rare congenital conditions in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical. The luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is important for male sex development. LHCGR mutations can cause Leydig cell hypoplasia, which is an autosomal recessive disorder.Objective and hypotheses: We found two heterozygous mutations in the LHCGR, a n...

Introduction: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic diseases characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis. 95% of CAH cases result from mutation in the CYP21A2 gene encoding 21-hydroxilase. TNX-B gene partially overlaps CYP21A2 and encodes a matrix protein called Tenascin-X (TNX). Complete tenascin deficiency causes Enlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). A variant called CAH-X, has recently been described, resulting from CYP21...