ESPE Abstracts

Background: BRAF is a component of the RAS/MAPK signalling pathway; germline mutations in components of this pathway are associated with congenital abnormalities such as Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous (CFC), Noonan and Costello Syndromes. These syndromes, known as RASopathies, are characterised by variably penetrant central nervous system, cardiac and facial abnormalities. Importantly, short stature and delayed puberty have been associated with these syndromes, as have featur...

Background: PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS) encompasses different syndromic disorders which are associated with autosomal-dominant mutations of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN. Patients are at high risk to develop benign and malignant tumors. Macrocephaly is a diagnostic feature, but there is a paucity of data on prevalence, degree und development during growth. Charts for length, weight and head circumference for this rare disorder do no...

Background: Most cases of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) are acquired and genetic aetiology is rare in the UK. We have investigated whether environmental factors are implicated in ‘idiopathic’ MPHD (IMPHD).Objective and hypotheses: In IMPHD to determine perinatal risk factors and radiological features; to identify the regional epidemiology.Method: Systematic analysis of paediatric IMPHD cases in the UK West ...

Background: We present a boy with classical adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and constantly increased 17-OH-progesterone (17-OH-P) values despite multiple dose adjustments of hydrocortisone up to 18 mg/m2 body surface and addition of fludrocortisone. After puberty, therapy was changed from hydrocortisone to prednisone without improvement of the 17-OH-P values. Non-compliance was suspected as cause of the inadequately controlled CAH. Alternatively, an atypical steroid metab...

Background: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) inhibits the in utero growth of the Müllerian structures in female fetuses. In neonates with suspected disorders of sexual development (DSDs), the presence of testicular tissues and functioning Sertoli cells can be investigated by testing for serum AMH concentration.Objective: To evaluate the performance of two new AMH assays in a hospital laboratory.Method: The technical performan...

Background: Classical salt wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is a rare disorder, as is isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency Type II (IGHD II) due to mutation of the growth hormone gene GH1. Here we describe the unusual case of a girl with concurrent 21OHD and IGHD II and its complex diagnostic work up. A 15.3-year-old girl presented with classical salt wasting CAH due to 21OHD and short stature (height 148...

Objectives: We describe 5 pedigrees with a novel phenotype including GHD associated with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and investigate the underlying molecular basis.Patients and Methods: 6 Turkish patients (5F, 1M) born to 5 consanguineous pedigrees with severe GHD were identified. All females had POI; the male had normal puberty. All had severe postnatal growth retardation (height -4.4 to -8.9 SDS at presentation...

Background: A mutation in EIF2S3 (NM_001415; Xp22.11) was previously associated with microcephaly and developmental delay in a single pedigree. EIF2S3 encodes the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 3 (eIF2γ), the largest of three EIF2 subunits. EIF2 initiates protein synthesis by forming a ternary complex with GTP and initiator methionyl-tRNA which then binds to the 40S ribosomal subunit, enabling scanning of mRNA from the 5′ end to...

Background: Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a highly heterogeneous condition with a variable phenotype, defined as two or more features of the classical triad: i) optic nerve hypoplasia, ii) midline brain defects, and iii) pituitary hormone abnormalities.Objective and hypotheses: To describe the clinical, endocrine, and neuroimaging features in eight children with SOD.Method: Eight (six males) consecutive patients, diagnosed with SO...

Introduction: The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide, and the management remains a challenge. The mainstay of management is lifestyle modification but if this is not successful, pharmacological agents are considered although the options in children and young people are quite limited. Metformin has been used as an adjunct therapy alongside lifestyle modification in children and young people with obesity. Some studies have shown it to be eff...