ESPE Abstracts

Background: Though the genes and signalling pathways involved in sexual development have only been partially elucidated, it is known that their disruption can result in disorders of sexual development (DSD). XX ovarian dysgenesis (XX-OD) is a rare, genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by underdeveloped and dysfunctional ovaries. We previously identified a novel missense mutation in Nucleoporin107 (Nup107, c.1339G>A, p.D447N), an essential compo...

Background: NKX2-2 gene mutation (reported in 3 cases worldwide) cause severe IUGR and neonatal diabetes. Beta-cells of the mice Nkx2-2 (−/−) model were recently shown to convert into cells producing the appetite-promoting peptide ghrelin. Classically, ghrelin secretion is stimulated during fast and suppressed by nutrients or glucose ingestion in all age groups. In obese children this ghrelin suppression reaches a minimum of 60% of base...

Background: 5-alpha-reductase-2 (5α-RD2) deficiency is an autosomal recessive 46,XY disorder of sexual development, characterized by undervirilized prepubertal males with ambiguous genitalia. The pubertal rise in testosterone and 5α-RD1 isoenzyme activity causes virilization, often resulting in gender assignment change. Early precise diagnosis which anticipate adult function is critical for treatment and gender assignment.Objective and hypothes...

Background: Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) gene mutations have been recently shown to cause familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD), by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification in adrenocortical cells. Affected infants present within the first few months with isolated glucocorticoid deficiency.Objective and Hypotheses: To study the genetic etiology of four cases presenting uniquely with neonatal addisonian crisis (both min...

Background: The rs72613567:TA variant in the hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) gene has been associated with decreased risk of liver damage.Aims: To investigate the association between the HSD17B13 rs72613567:TA variant and both hepatic steatosis and biochemical markers of liver damage in obese children and to evaluate its potential effect in NAFLD genetic predisposition.<p...

Introduction: The diagnosis of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a challenge due to the complexity of its pathophysiology and the variety of clinical manifestations. Female newborns (NB) with classical forms present virilization of the external genitalia while in boys it is usually normal. Salt-losers boys and girls are highly susceptible to develop acute adrenal insufficiency and death in the first weeks of life; for these reasons, Neonatal Screening (NS) programs have ...

Background: The phenotype of SHOX aploinsufficiency is highly variable also in affected members of the same family with broad differences in severity of short stature, disproportion, presence of Madelung deformity.Case presentation: We present a family with a new mutation of SHOX gene. A 2.3 years old girl, born at term from unrelated parents, came to our observation for short stature. Her height was −2.02 SDS, arm span was normal, sitting heigh/he...

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...

Case presentation: G. 15 years 8 months; H 180 cm; P 149.6 kg, BMI 46 kg/m2, second born, father obese, healthy mother and two brothers, no familiarity for T1DM/T2DM, no gestational diabetes. Bronchial asthma, since 2-year-old important weight increase. Flue, polyuria, polydipsia, 12 kg loss in 15 days, anorexia since 5 days, vomit. Hospitalized for tachycardia, dyspnea, and asthenia. On arrival: serious dehydration, Kussmaul breathing, neck subcutaneous emphysema, ...

Introduction: Childhood obesity is associated with several complications, involving many systems. The prevalence of respiratory problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), is higher in obese children and adolescents. In fact, OSAS affects 13–59% of obese children and the severity is strongly associated with weight excess. Although overnight pulse oximetry (PO) can be used for diagnosing OSAS, a complete night polysomnography (PSG), which re...