ESPE Abstracts

Background: CNS tumors are the most frequent solid tumors in pediatric population. The IGF system of ligands and receptors are known to play an important role in both normal and neoplastic growth. Recently, we have shown that in paediatric gliomas, IGF-1R nuclear localization was significantly associated with both high grade tumours and increased risk of death, suggesting that nuclear IGF-1R localization may contribute to an aggressive behaviour of these tumours.<p class="...

Background: Exercise programs are related to the anabolic function of GH/IGF-I axis.Objective and hypotheses: To analyse IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and ALS serum concentrations in adolescent swimmers at different stages of training season, and compare them with physical performance and body composition.Method: Nine male athletes, aged 16–19 years, who trained regularly throughout the season, were studied. IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and ALS were recor...

Introduction: Italy was the first EU country to be affected by COVID-19 outbreak. The sudden change in everyday life was challenging for children and young people (CYP) who rely heavily on peer connections for emotional and social support. Concerns for consequences in CYP with type 1 diabetes (T1D) rose.Objectives: To compare the diabetes-specific health-related quality of life (D-HRQOL) of CYP with T1D and their parents...

Background: Leprechaunism, also known as Donohue syndrome, is due to a severe congenital insulin-resistance, with prenatal and neonatal growth retardation, typical dysmorphic features, glycaemic dysregulation with hyperinsulinism and hyperandrogenism.Objective and hypotheses: These patients have a poor prognosis with death in the first year of life.Method: We report the case of a newborn (35.4 weeks) with severe fetal growth restri...

Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant, variably expressed, multisystem disorder with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 1000–2500. In 2001, PTPN11 was the first gene associated to Noonan syndrome; now, at least 20 other genes have been discovered especially in the RAS–MAPK signalling pathway. More recently, missense mutations in RIT1 have been reported as causative of NS. A six-years female patient was referred to our Hospital for short stature (<-2 sds) an...

Aims: Although rare, craniopharyngiomas are the commonest suprasellar tumour in childhood. Despite high overall survival, children and young people <19 years with craniopharyngiomas are at risk of multiple relapses and long-term tumour- and treatment-related neuroendocrine, cognitive and visual morbidity. A recent international survey highlighted the considerable variation in management strategies employed for these tumours, and the lack of any evidence- a...

Background: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare condition caused by an inadequate production of glucocorticoids. Preliminary data in adults suggest that AI could be associated with an increased susceptibility to infections; moreover, AI patients are at risk to develop a severe course of infectious diseases and to experience a life-threatening adrenal crisis. The aim of our study is to evaluate the severity and the outcome of COVID-19 in pediatric AI patients ...

Background: Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a rare life-threatening disorder. Data on PAI in children are scanty, with the exception of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD).Objective and hypotheses: Evaluate etiology of PAI in a large cohort of children and characterize clinical presentation in subjects with PAI not due to 21-OHD.Method: Children followed in eight tertiary centers wer...

Aim: To determine Sertoli cell function at diagnosis and after 3 months of chemotherapy.Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed including children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, acute myeloid leukaemia, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Serum levels of AMH were evaluated at diagnosis and after 3 months during chemotherapy. Results were analysed as standard deviation scores according to pubertal stage and expressed ...

Introduction: Improvements in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have increased survival, with the consequent concern about the long-term effects that childhood chemotherapy may have on ovarian function. AMH constitutes an indirect, reliable biomarker of the ovarian reserve, useful for the assessment of cancer therapy-related ovarian damage.Aim: To evaluate small ovarian f...