ESPE Abstracts

Background: Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) is a rare heterogeneous syndrome of mineralocorticoid resistance. PHA type 1 (PHA1) is characterized by neonatal salt loss, failure to thrive, dehydration and circulatory shock. It includes two forms: renal (autosomal dominant), due to mutations in mineralocorticoid receptor coding gene NR3C2, and systemic (autosomal recessive), due to mutations in subunit genes of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). ENaC is constituted of three subu...

Background: Early predictors of cardiovascular risk using anthropometric and laboratory variables available in the general practice in obese children are poorly identified.Objective and hypotheses: To identify best predictors of early cardiovascular risk in obese children between anthropometric and laboratory parameters.Method: Cardiovascular risk was determined by measuring intima-media thickness of the right common carotid artery...

Background: Thyroid disorders (subclinical hypothyroidism and structural abnormalities) are common in Williams syndrome (WS) patients.Objective and hypotheses: Central hypothyroidism and GH deficiency (GHD) in a WS patient are discussed.Method: Case report and literature review.Results: A 5-month-old male was admitted to our hospital because of growth failure since the 3rd month, mild dysmorphisms, micropenis...

Background: Although the transition from the pre-pubertal condition to puberty occurs physiologically within a bounded age range, recent data indicate a central role for epigenetics in the regulation of several genes that could mediate an alteration of pubertal onset. Moreover, changes occurring during this developmental stage have often been associated with susceptibility to a wide range of diseases in later life. To identify changes in DNA methylation profil...

Introduction: Limitations of the available imaging technique led the introduction of a new quantitative approach ultrasound-based for assessment of bone tissue in pediatric subjects. This new methodology use data from unfiltered radio frequency signals, collected during ultrasonographic acquisition of bone district of interest to estimate the bone mineral density. Advantages of this new technique include absence of radiation exposure, low cost of management an...

Background: X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in PHEX gene and characterized by low phosphate levels and impaired bone mineralization. Burosumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), has emerged as a crucial therapy for XLH management, increasing serum phosphate levels and improving bone health. Recent studies indicate that inflammation may play a crucial role in the XLH complications...

Background: Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH; “small head syndrome”) is a rare, heterogeneous disease arising from the decreased production of neurons during brain development. 25 genes are implicated in causing MCPH among them the RTTN gene. Here we present the case of a boy from two unrelated parents presenting with a complex phenotype carrying a novel mutation in the RTTN gene.Case Pr...

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, oligo-anovulation and/or ultrasound finding of polycystic ovaries. Insulin-resistance represents the etiopathogenetic key of PCOS: a deficit of Inositol’s tissue availability seems to be responsible for this clinical picture. Hyperglycemia resulting insulin-resistance, determines a state of chronic inflammation, which increases oxidative stress.<p class="abst...

Background: There is increasing recognition that the in utero environment might influence obesity risk.Objective and Hypotheses: We explored the hypothesis that smoking and alcohol consumption in pregnancy are associated with offspring body composition using the Southampton Women’s Survey mother-offspring birth cohort study.Method: At 34 weeks’ gestation, maternal smoking and any alcohol intake in the preceding 1...

Background: More than >90% of cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency, steroid 11β-hydroxylase deficiency accounts for 5–8% of cases.Objective and hypotheses: To seek evidence on the prevalence of CYP11B1 mutations in prepubertal girls, adolescents and adult females with clinical signs of hyperandrogenemia.Method: The study included 31 girls with premature adrenar...