ESPE Abstracts

Objectives: Heterozygous mutations in the aggrecan gene (ACAN) are associated with idiopathic short stature, with or without advanced bone age (BA), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and early onset of severe osteoarthritis (OA). Variable features also include midface hypoplasia, brachydactyly, short thumbs and intervertebral disc degenerative disease.Methods: We reviewed 173 radiographs in 22 individuals (8F:14M), (three shoulders, 10 hands, 10 w...

Objective: To investigate the association of the gonadal axis with pro- and anti- oxidation, in relation to obesity and pubertal status in boys, before and after a stimulatory exercise bout.Design: Cross-sectional human experimental study.Methods: Ninty-two healthy normal-weight and obese pre- and early- pubertal boys, participated in this study. All subjects underwent a baseline blood sampling followed by an aerobic exercise bout ...

Background: Childhood pineal and/or suprasellar intracranial germ cell tumours (IGCT) are highly curable (>90%) with neuraxial radiation alone; international (SIOP) trials have aimed to decrease late radiation-induced neuroendocrine morbidity by substituting chemotherapy. However, without longitudinal study, disease and treatment contributions to long term outcomes remain unknown.Objective: To define tumour and treatment factors implicated in neuroen...

Background: Several studies have correlated Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) including classic IVF and Intacytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) with epigenetic alterations in the offspring that could have long lasting unfavorable metabolic effects. Proteomics, a state-of-the-art technology used for the identification of early biomarkers of disease, has already been implemented in the search of success in ART but not yet for such markers evaluation in offspring of ART.</p...

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: Cell-mediated initiation of enchondral ossification is essential for growth plate maturation. The matrix mineralization inhibitors matrix Gla protein (MGP) and osteocalcin (OC) represent key regulators of matrix mineralization and are highly expressed in growth plate chondrocytes. Pharmacological or nutritional phylloquinone (K1) depletion is known to affect skeletal mineralization by reduced gamma-carboxilisation of MGP and OC. Constituents of mineral matrix such ...

Background: Difficulties in transition of adolescent Turner Syndrome (TS) patients to adult health care has been reported in many studies.Objective and hypotheses: We conducted a medical and psychological follow-up of adult patients with Turner Syndrome which had been treated at our tertiary pediatric endocrine centre.Method: We screened for expected comorbidities and provided a questionnaire asking for current medical care. Furthe...

Background: Upon excessive expansion, adipose tissue is infiltrated by macrophages and shows increased production of inflammatory cytokines. This chronic low grade inflammation of adipose tissue is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. A supplementation with resveratrol can reverse the metabolic disturbances of human obesity, in part by mimicking the effects of caloric restriction.Objective and Hypotheses: We hypothesized that the beneficia...

Background: Progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH) is a rare condition characterized by extensive heterotopic ossification (HO) of connective tissues. Associations of HO and Albright hereditary dystrophy (AHO) lead to the identification of GNAS mutations to be causative for ectopic none formations. The highly imprinted GNAS locus is known to cause a broad spectrum of pathologic conditions, including pseudohypoparathyrodism (PHP), pseudoPHP AHO. While PHP is caused by maternal ...

Background: After 50 years of hGH use for GH deficient (GHD) children the definition of the adequate hGH substitution dose and response remain uncertain.Objective and hypotheses: We hypothesized that subjects with GHD caused by congenital pituitary defects constitute an ideal model for defining substitution dose of hGH. Consequently, an appropriate study group was formed and pertinent long-term data were retrospectively analyzed.Me...