ESPE Abstracts

Background: Previous studies evaluating bone quality and microarchitecture in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) have produced conflicting data.Objective and hypotheses: To evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitecture in 36 XLH patients (13 children and 23 adults) with confirmed PHEX mutations compared to healthy controls.Method: The areal BMD (aBMD) at lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck, total hip an...

Introduction: X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is characterized by a mineralization disorder in the growth plate and cortical and trabecular bones, resulting in bone deformities with anthropometric changes and potential alterations in body composition.Objective: To evaluate the body composition of 12 children and adolescents with XLH compared to healthy controls by anthropometric and densitometry data.<p class...

Background: Hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) deficiencies are frequent in childhood brain tumor survivors (CBTS) after cranial radiation. There is currently no consensus on the most optimal way to screen for HP dysfunction regarding diagnostic tests or time interval. It is not known whether MRI changes in time in the HP-region or in brain volume are predictive of HP dysfunction.Aim: To quantify changes in the HP-region and in brain volume on MRI in CBTS after...

Introduction: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is a biochemical condition characterized by serum levels of TSH above the reference range upper limit (4,5μUI/mL), with normal concentrations of thyroid hormones. In cases of non-autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism (NASHT), genetic defects have been described and can determine disorders in the biosynthesis process of thyroid hormones, such as heterozygous mutations in the TSH receptor gene (TSHR) and ...

Background: The easypodTM auto-injector is designed to make daily administration of recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) comfortable and easier to patients. EasypodTM device delivers pre-set doses of r-hGH (Saizen®) and stores a digital record of adherence to therapy that can be shared with healthcare providers for evaluation.Objective: To assess adherence to r-hGH therapy delivered via the easypodTM device in ea...

Introduction: Growth is a complex process influenced by several genetic factors both pre and postnatal, in which 80% of the height variation is explained by genetic factors. Nevertheless, the standard medical evaluation of short stature (SS) relies upon physical examination and laboratory parameters and identifies a pathological cause of SS in 1–40% of individuals. Rearrangements affecting chromosome 15 are rare and affected patients show a variety of nonspecific features...

Background: Congenital GH deficiency (GHD) can be isolated (IGHD) or combined with other pituitary hormone deficiencies (CPHD). The identification of mutations has clinical implications for the management of patients and genetic counseling1.Objective: To prospectively conduct a molecular-genetic analysis in genes associated with IGHD or CPHD.Method: Forty patients with IGHD (n=8) or CPHD (n=32) were stu...

Introduction: Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is the commonest cause of severe hypoglycaemia in early childhood but glycaemic characterisation remains scarce. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) offers a deep understanding of glycaemic control to understand disease burden, individualise patient care and inform therapeutic trials in CHI. Preliminary studies suggest inadequate accuracy and no efficacy of standalone CGM to reduce hypoglycaemia. Provision is hist...

Background: In paediatric patients with metabolic bone diseases, measurement of the concentrations of minerals including inorganic phosphate is often indicated, and hypophosphataemia is a clinically manageable biochemical disorder. The clinical interpretation of plasma or serum phosphate concentrations depends, to a certain extent, on the age- and gender-specific reference intervals applicable to the laboratory methods employed.Whereas h...

Background: Genital abnormalities are a source of concern and anxiety to parents and patients and in some cases, for the physicians who may have difficulty making pathological and eventually genetic diagnosis. They range from simple small penis and labial adhesions to the complex genital ambiguity and disorders of sex development.Hypothesis: To determine the genital abnormalities presenting in the Paediatric endocrinology unit of the University of Port H...