Persistent growth-promoting effects of vosoritide in children with achondroplasia are accompanied by improvements in physical and social aspects of health-related quality of life.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the impact of vosoritide on health-related quality of life in children with achondroplasia. METHODS: Participants received vosoritide (15 µg/kg/day) in an extension trial (NCT03424018) after having participated in a placebo-controlled trial (NCT03197766). RESULTS: The population comprised 119 participants (mean [SD] age 9.7 [2.6] years). Mean treatment duration was 4 (0.78) years. At year 3, the largest mean (SD) changes were observed in the QoLISSY physical score (5.99 [19.41], caregiver-reported; 6.32 [20.15], self-reported) and social score (2.85 [8.29] and 6.76 (22.64), respectively). Changes were greatest in participants with ≥1 SD increase in height Z-score (physical: 11.36 [19.51], caregiver-reported [n=38]; 8.48 [21.83], self-reported [n=28]) (social: 5.84 [15.45] and 9.79 [22.80], respectively). To determine how domain scores may change with age in untreated persons, models were produced using observational/untreated-person data. A 1-year increase in age was associated with a change of 0.16 (SE, 0.55) and 0.16 (0.50), for caregiver-reported physical and social domain scores, respectively. Self-reported scores changed by 1.45 (0.71) and 1.92 (0.77), respectively. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that after 3 years of treatment vosoritide demonstrates a positive effect on physical and social functioning among children with achondroplasia, particularly in children with a more pronounced change in height Z-score.

Hurler Syndrome Glycosaminoglycans Decrease in Cerebrospinal Fluid without Brain-Targeted Therapy.

Novel therapies for Hurler syndrome aim to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to target neurodegeneration by degrading glycosaminoglycans (GAG). BBB penetration has been assumed with decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) GAG, yet little is known about CSF GAG without brain-targeting therapies. We compared pre-transplant CSF GAG in patients who were treatment naïve (n = 19) versus receiving standard non-BBB penetrating enzyme replacement therapy (ERT, n = 12). In the ERT versus treatment naïve groups, CSF GAG was significantly lower across all content assayed, raising questions about using CSF GAG decrements to show BBB penetration. Future studies should compare GAG reduction in standard versus novel therapies. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:1182-1186.

Persistent bone and joint disease despite current treatments for mucopolysaccharidosis types I, II, and VI: Data from a 10-year prospective study.

The mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) disorders have many potential new therapies on the horizon. Thus, historic control data on disease progression and variability are urgently needed. We conducted a 10-year prospective observational study of 55 children with MPS IH (N = 23), MPS IA (N = 10), non-neuronopathic MPS II (N = 13), and MPS VI (N = 9) to systematically evaluate bone and joint disease. Annual measurements included height, weight, and goniometry. Mixed effects modeling was used to evaluate changes over time. All participants had been treated with hematopoietic cell transplantation and/or enzyme replacement therapy. Height z-score decreased over time in MPS IH, MPS II, and MPS VI, but not MPS IA. Adult heights were 136 ± 10 cm in MPS IH, 161 ± 11 cm in MPS IA, 161 ± 14 cm in MPS II, and 128 ± 15 cm in MPS VI. Adult average BMI percentiles were high: 75 ± 30%ile in MPS IH, 71 ± 37%ile in MPS IA, 71 ± 25%ile in MPS II, and 60 ± 42%ile in MPS VI. Every participant had joint contractures of the shoulders, elbows, hips, and/or knees. Joint contractures remained stable over time. In conclusion, despite current treatments for MPS I, II, and VI, short stature and joint contractures persist. The elevation in average BMI may be related, in part, to physical inactivity due to the ongoing bone and joint disease. Data from this longitudinal historical control study may be used to expedite testing of experimental bone and joint directed therapies and to highlight the need for weight management as part of routine clinical care for patients with MPS.

Growth parameters in children with achondroplasia: A 7-year, prospective, multinational, observational study.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to collect baseline growth parameters in children with achondroplasia who might enroll in interventional trials of vosoritide, and to establish a historical control. METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, participants (≤17 years) underwent a detailed medical history and physical examination and were followed every 3 months until they finished participating in the study by enrolling in an interventional trial or withdrawing. RESULTS: A total of 363 children were enrolled (28 centers, 8 countries). Mean (SD) follow up was 20.4 (15.0) months. In participants <1 year, mean annualized growth velocity (AGV) was 11.6 cm/year for girls and 14.6 cm/year for boys. By age 1 year, mean AGV decreased to 7.4 cm/year in girls and 7.1 cm/year in boys. By age 10 years, mean AGV decreased to 3.6 cm/year for both sexes. Mean height z-score in participants <1 year was -2.5 for girls and -3.2 for boys and decreased up to the age 5 years (-5.3 for girls; -4.6 for boys). Girls and boys had a disproportionate upper-to-lower body segment ratio. Mean ratio was highest in participants aged <1 year (2.9 for girls; 2.8 for boys) and decreased gradually to approximately 2 in both sexes from 4 years of age onward. CONCLUSION: This study represents one of the largest datasets of prospectively collected medical and longitudinal growth data in children with achondroplasia. It serves as a robust historical control to measure therapeutic interventions against and to further delineate the natural history of this condition.

Growth in individuals with attenuated mucopolysaccharidosis type I during untreated and treated periods: Data from the MPS I registry.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (MPS I) is caused by deficiency of α-L-iduronidase. Short stature and growth deceleration are common in individuals with the attenuated MPS I phenotype. Study objectives were to assess growth in individuals with attenuated MPS I enrolled in The MPS I Registry while untreated and after initiation of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with laronidase (recombinant human iduronidase). Individuals in the MPS I Registry with at least one observation for height and assigned attenuated MPS I phenotype as of September 2020 were included. The cohort included 142 males and 153 females 2-18 years of age. Age and sex adjusted standardized height-for-age z-scores during the natural history and ERT-treatment periods were assessed using linear mixed model repeated measures analyses. Growth curves were estimated during both periods and compared to standard growth charts from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). There was a significantly slower decline in height z-scores with age during the ERT-treated period compared to the natural history period. Estimated average height z-scores in the ERT-treatment versus the natural history period at age 10 were -2.4 versus -3.3 in females and -1.4 versus -2.9 in males (females first treated 3 year; males <4.1 year). While median height remained below CDC standards during both the natural history and ERT-treated periods for individuals with attenuated MPS I, laronidase ERT was associated with slower declines in height z-scores.

Once-daily, subcutaneous vosoritide therapy in children with achondroplasia: a randomised, double-blind, phase 3, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial.

BACKGROUND: There are no effective therapies for achondroplasia. An open-label study suggested that vosoritide administration might increase growth velocity in children with achondroplasia. This phase 3 trial was designed to further assess these preliminary findings. METHODS: This randomised, double-blind, phase 3, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial compared once-daily subcutaneous administration of vosoritide with placebo in children with achondroplasia. The trial was done in hospitals at 24 sites in seven countries (Australia, Germany, Japan, Spain, Turkey, the USA, and the UK). Eligible patients had a clinical diagnosis of achondroplasia, were ambulatory, had participated for 6 months in a baseline growth study and were aged 5 to less than 18 years at enrolment. Randomisation was done by means of a voice or web-response system, stratified according to sex and Tanner stage. Participants, investigators, and trial sponsor were masked to group assignment. Participants received either vosoritide 15·0 µg/kg or placebo, as allocated, for the duration of the 52-week treatment period administered by daily subcutaneous injections in their homes by trained caregivers. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in mean annualised growth velocity at 52 weeks in treated patients as compared with controls. All randomly assigned patients were included in the efficacy analyses (n=121). All patients who received one dose of vosoritide or placebo (n=121) were included in the safety analyses. The trial is complete and is registered, with EudraCT, number, 2015-003836-11. FINDINGS: All participants were recruited from Dec 12, 2016, to Nov 7, 2018, with 60 assigned to receive vosoritide and 61 to receive placebo. Of 124 patients screened for eligibility, 121 patients were randomly assigned, and 119 patients completed the 52-week trial. The adjusted mean difference in annualised growth velocity between patients in the vosoritide group and placebo group was 1·57 cm/year in favour of vosoritide (95% CI [1·22-1·93]; two-sided p<0·0001). A total of 119 patients had at least one adverse event; vosoritide group, 59 (98%), and placebo group, 60 (98%). None of the serious adverse events were considered to be treatment related and no deaths occurred. INTERPRETATION: Vosoritide is an effective treatment to increase growth in children with achondroplasia. It is not known whether final adult height will be increased, or what the harms of long-term therapy might be. FUNDING: BioMarin Pharmaceutical.

Safe and persistent growth-promoting effects of vosoritide in children with achondroplasia: 2-year results from an open-label, phase 3 extension study.

PURPOSE: Achondroplasia is caused by pathogenic variants in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene that lead to impaired endochondral ossification. Vosoritide, an analog of C-type natriuretic peptide, stimulates endochondral bone growth and is in development for the treatment of achondroplasia. This phase 3 extension study was conducted to document the efficacy and safety of continuous, daily vosoritide treatment in children with achondroplasia, and the two-year results are reported. METHODS: After completing at least six months of a baseline observational growth study, and 52 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, participants were eligible to continue treatment in an open-label extension study, where all participants received vosoritide at a dose of 15.0 µg/kg/day. RESULTS: In children randomized to vosoritide, annualized growth velocity increased from 4.26 cm/year at baseline to 5.39 cm/year at 52 weeks and 5.52 cm/year at week 104. In children who crossed over from placebo to vosoritide in the extension study, annualized growth velocity increased from 3.81 cm/year at week 52 to 5.43 cm/year at week 104. No new adverse effects of vosoritide were detected. CONCLUSION: Vosoritide treatment has safe and persistent growth-promoting effects in children with achondroplasia treated daily for two years.

Hepatic Steatosis is Negatively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between hepatic steatosis and bone mineral density (BMD) in children. In addition, to assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the relationship between hepatic steatosis and BMD. STUDY DESIGN: A community-based sample of 235 children was assessed for hepatic steatosis, BMD, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Hepatic steatosis was measured by liver magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). BMD was measured by whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 12.5 years (SD 2.5 years). Liver MRI-PDFF ranged from 1.1% to 40.1% with a mean of 9.3% (SD 8.5%). Across this broad spectrum of hepatic fat content, there was a significant negative relationship between liver MRI-PDFF and BMD z score (R = -0.421, P < .001). Across the states of sufficiency, insufficiency, and deficiency, there was a significant negative association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and liver MRI-PDFF (P < .05); however, there was no significant association between vitamin D status and BMD z score (P = .94). Finally, children with clinically low BMD z scores were found to have higher alanine aminotransferase (P < .05) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (P < .05) levels compared with children with normal BMD z scores. CONCLUSIONS: Across the full range of liver MRI-PDFF, there was a strong negative relationship between hepatic steatosis and BMD z score. Given the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the critical importance of childhood bone mineralization in protecting against osteoporosis, clinicians should prioritize supporting bone development in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Evaluation of non-reducing end pathologic glycosaminoglycan detection method for monitoring therapeutic response to enzyme replacement therapy in human mucopolysaccharidosis I.

Therapeutic development and monitoring require demonstration of effects on disease phenotype. However, due to the complexity of measuring clinically-relevant effects in rare multisystem diseases, robust biomarkers are essential. For the mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), the measurement of glycosaminoglycan levels is relevant as glycosaminoglycan accumulation is the primary event that occurs due to reduced lysosomal enzyme activity. Traditional dye-based assays that measure total glycosaminoglycan levels have a high background, due to a normal, baseline glycosaminoglycan content in unaffected individuals. An assay that selectively detects the disease-specific non-reducing ends of heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans that remain undegraded due to deficiency of a specific enzyme in the catabolic pathway avoids the normal background, increasing sensitivity and specificity. We evaluated glycosaminoglycan content by dye-based and non-reducing end methods using urine, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid from MPS I human samples before and after treatment with intravenous recombinant human alpha-l-iduronidase. We found that both urine total glycosaminoglycans and serum heparan sulfate derived non-reducing end levels were markedly decreased compared to baseline after 26 weeks and 52 weeks of therapy, with a significantly greater percentage reduction in serum non-reducing end (89.8% at 26 weeks and 81.3% at 52 weeks) compared to urine total glycosaminoglycans (68.3% at 26 weeks and 62.4% at 52 weeks, p < 0.001). Unexpectedly, we also observed a decrease in non-reducing end levels in cerebrospinal fluid in all five subjects for whom samples were collected (mean 41.8% reduction, p = 0.01). The non-reducing ends in cerebrospinal fluid showed a positive correlation with serum non-reducing end levels in the subjects (r2 = 0.65, p = 0.005). Results suggest utility of the non-reducing end assay in evaluating a therapeutic response in MPS I.

Intrathecal enzyme replacement for cognitive decline in mucopolysaccharidosis type I, a randomized, open-label, controlled pilot study.

Central nervous system manifestations of mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) such as cognitive impairment, hydrocephalus, and spinal cord compression are inadequately treated by intravenously-administered enzyme replacement therapy with laronidase (recombinant human alpha-L-iduronidase). While hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treats neurological symptoms, this therapy is not generally offered to attenuated MPS I patients. This study is a randomized, open-label, controlled pilot study of intrathecal laronidase in eight attenuated MPS I patients with cognitive impairment. Subjects ranged between 12 years and 50 years old with a median age of 18 years. All subjects had received intravenous laronidase prior to the study over a range of 4 to 10 years, with a mean of 7.75 years. Weekly intravenous laronidase was continued throughout the duration of the study. The randomization period was one year, during which control subjects attended all study visits and assessments, but did not receive any intrathecal laronidase. After the first year, all eight subjects received treatment for one additional year. There was no significant difference in neuropsychological assessment scores between control or treatment groups, either over the one-year randomized period or at 18 or 24 months. However, there was no significant decline in scores in the control group either. Adverse events included pain (injection site, back, groin), headache, neck spasm, and transient blurry vision. There were seven serious adverse events, one judged as possibly related (headache requiring hospitalization). There was no significant effect of intrathecal laronidase on cognitive impairment in older, attenuated MPS I patients over a two-year treatment period. A five-year open-label extension study is underway.

Clinical trial of laronidase in Hurler syndrome after hematopoietic cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS IH) is a lysosomal storage disease treated with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) because it stabilizes cognitive deterioration, but is insufficient to alleviate all somatic manifestations. Intravenous laronidase improves somatic burden in attenuated MPS I. It is unknown whether laronidase can improve somatic disease following HCT in MPS IH. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of laronidase on somatic outcomes of patients with MPS IH previously treated with HCT. METHODS: This 2-year open-label pilot study of laronidase included ten patients (age 5-13 years) who were at least 2 years post-HCT and donor engrafted. Outcomes were assessed semi-annually and compared to historic controls. RESULTS: The two youngest participants had a statistically significant improvement in growth compared to controls. Development of persistent high-titer anti-drug antibodies (ADA) was associated with poorer 6-min walk test (6MWT) performance; when patients with high ADA titers were excluded, there was a significant improvement in the 6MWT in the remaining seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laronidase seemed to improve growth in participants <8 years old, and 6MWT performance in participants without ADA. Given the small number of patients treated in this pilot study, additional study is needed before definitive conclusions can be made.

Early characteristics of bone deficits in children with Fontan palliation.

BACKGROUND: This is a cross-sectional study aiming to understand the early characteristics and background of bone health impairment in clinically well children with Fontan circulation. METHODS: We enrolled 10 clinically well children with Fontan palliation (operated >5 years before study entrance, Tanner stage ≤3, age 12.1 ± 1.77 years, 7 males) and 11 healthy controls (age 12.0 ± 1.45 years, 9 males) at two children's hospitals. All patients underwent peripheral quantitative CT. For the Fontan group, we obtained clinical characteristics, NYHA class, cardiac index by MRI, dual x-ray absorptiometry, and biochemical studies. Linear regression was used to compare radius and tibia peripheral quantitative CT measures between Fontan patients and controls. RESULTS: All Fontan patients were clinically well (NYHA class 1 or 2, cardiac index 4.85 ± 1.51 L/min/m2) and without significant comorbidities. Adjusted trabecular bone mineral density, cortical thickness, and bone strength index at the radius were significantly decreased in Fontan patients compared to controls with mean differences -30.13 mg/cm3 (p = 0.041), -0.31 mm (p = 0.043), and -6.65 mg2/mm4 (p = 0.036), respectively. No differences were found for tibial measures. In Fontan patients, the mean height-adjusted lumbar bone mineral density and total body less head z scores were -0.46 ± 1.1 and -0.63 ± 1.1, respectively, which are below the average, but within normal range for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: In a clinically well Fontan cohort, we found significant bone deficits by peripheral quantitative CT in the radius but not the tibia, suggesting non-weight-bearing bones may be more vulnerable to the unique haemodynamics of the Fontan circulation.

Dysostosis Multiplex in Human Mucopolysaccharidosis Type 1 H and in Animal Models of the Disease.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, caused by deficiency of α-L-iduronidase, and consequent accumulation of dermatan and heparan sulfates. Severity of the disease ranges from mild (Scheie) to moderate (Hurler-Scheie) to severe (Hurler or MPS-IH). A prominent clinical manifestation of MPS-IH is dysostosis multiplex, a constellation of skeletal abnormalities. We performed a retrospective review comparing manifestations of dysostosis multiplex in patients presenting with MPSIH and relevant animal models. Dog, cat and mouse models of MPS-IH are extensively studied to better understand the pathology of the disease. While all animal models display certain characteristics of human MPSIH, species-specific manifestations must be considered when evaluating skeletal abnormalities. Moreover, some skeletal abnormalities emerge at species-specific developmental stages, e.g. thoracolumbar kyphosis is an early manifestation in humans, while it appears late in the mouse model. The choice of the appropriate diagnostic test is of importance to avoid misleading conclusions.

Intrathecal enzyme replacement for Hurler syndrome: biomarker association with neurocognitive outcomes.

PURPOSE: Abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been reported in Hurler syndrome, a fatal neurodegenerative lysosomal disorder. While no biomarker has predicted neurocognitive response to treatment, one of these abnormalities, glycosaminoglycan nonreducing ends (NREs), holds promise to monitor therapeutic efficacy. A trial of intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) added to standard treatment enabled tracking of CSF abnormalities, including NREs. We evaluated safety, biomarker response, and neurocognitive correlates of change. METHODS: In addition to intravenous ERT and hematopoietic cell transplantation, patients (N = 24) received intrathecal ERT at four peritransplant time points; CSF was evaluated at each point. Neurocognitive functioning was quantified at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years posttransplant. Changes in CSF biomarkers and neurocognitive function were evaluated for an association. RESULTS: Over treatment, there were significant decreases in CSF opening pressure, biomarkers of disease activity, and markers of inflammation. Percent decrease in NRE from pretreatment to final intrathecal dose posttransplant was positively associated with percent change in neurocognitive score from pretreatment to 2 years posttransplant. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal ERT was safe and, in combination with standard treatment, was associated with reductions in CSF abnormalities. Critically, we report evidence of a link between a biomarker treatment response and neurocognitive outcome in Hurler syndrome.

Short stature as a presenting symptom of attenuated Mucopolysaccharidosis type I: case report and clinical insights.

BACKGROUND: Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) results in significant disease burden and early treatment is important for optimal outcomes. Recognition of short stature and growth failure as symptoms of MPS I among pediatric endocrinologists may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A male patient first began experiencing hip pain at 5 years of age and was referred to an endocrinologist for short stature at age 7. Clinical history included recurrent respiratory infections, sleep apnea, moderate joint contractures, mild facial dysmorphic features, scoliosis, and umbilical hernia. Height was more than - 2 SD below the median at all time points. Growth velocity was below the 3rd percentile. Treatment for short stature included leuprolide acetate and recombinant human growth hormone. The patient was diagnosed with MPS I and began enzyme replacement therapy with laronidase at age 18. CONCLUSIONS: The case study patient had many symptoms of MPS I yet remained undiagnosed for 11 years after presenting with short stature. The appropriate path to MPS I diagnosis when patients present with short stature and/or growth failure plus one or more of the common signs of attenuated disease is described. Improved awareness regarding association of short stature and growth failure with attenuated MPS I is needed since early identification and treatment significantly decreases disease burden.

Feasibility and tolerability of whole-body, low-intensity vibration and its effects on muscle function and bone in patients with dystrophinopathies: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Dystrophinopathies are X-linked muscle degenerative disorders that result in progressive muscle weakness complicated by bone loss. This study's goal was to evaluate feasibility and tolerability of whole-body, low-intensity vibration (WBLIV) and its potential effects on muscle and bone in patients with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy. METHODS: This 12-month pilot study included 5 patients (age 5.9-21.7 years) who used a low-intensity Marodyne LivMD plate vibrating at 30-90 Hz for 10 min/day for the first 6 months. Timed motor function tests, myometry, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography were performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Motor function and lower extremity muscle strength remained either unchanged or improved during the intervention phase, followed by deterioration after WBLIV discontinuation. Indices of bone density and geometry remained stable in the tibia. CONCLUSIONS: WBLIV was well tolerated and appeared to have a stabilizing effect on lower extremity muscle function and bone measures. Muscle Nerve 55: 875-883, 2017.

Elevated TNF-α is associated with pain and physical disability in mucopolysaccharidosis types I, II, and VI.

BACKGROUND: Children and adults with the lysosomal storage diseases mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) types I, II and VI live shortened lives permeated by chronic pain and physical disability. Current treatments do not alleviate these problems. Thus there is a critical need to understand the mechanism of chronic pain and disability in MPS in order to improve the way we treat patients. A potential target is inflammation. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that excessive inflammation mediated by the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inflammatory pathway is the fundamental cause of much of the chronic pain and physical disability in MPS. METHODS: 55 patients with MPS I, II, or VI were enrolled over the course of a 5-year prospective longitudinal natural history study and evaluated annually for 2-5years. 51 healthy controls were enrolled in a separate cross-sectional study of bone and energy metabolism. TNF-α was measured by ELISA. Pain and physical disability were measured by the Children's Health Questionnaire - Parent Form 50 (CHQ-PF50). Differences in log-transformed TNF-α levels and associations with CHQ domains were evaluated using a linear mixed effects model with random intercept. RESULTS: TNF-α levels were measured in 48 MPS (age: 5-17years; 35% female) and 51 controls (age: 8-17years; 53% female). Among MPS, 22 (46%) were treated with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) alone, 24 (50%) with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) alone, and 2 (4%) with both HCT and ERT. TNF-α levels are higher in MPS compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). Higher TNF-α levels are associated with increased pain and decreased physical function, social limitations due to physical health, and physical summary score (all p<0.05). TNF-α levels were not significantly associated with the general health score. TNF-α levels did not change significantly over time in MPS. CONCLUSIONS: Higher TNF-α levels are implicated in the pain and decreased physical function present in individuals with MPS despite treatment with ERT and/or HCT, suggesting that TNF-a inhibition could potentially be a useful adjunctive therapy. Further investigation into the role of TNF-α inhibition in MPS to decrease pain and improve physical function is indicated.

Bone mineral density in children with fanconi anemia after hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited DNA repair disorder associated with short stature and bone marrow failure, usually requiring hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Although low bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in leukemia patients after HCT, little is known about BMD in FA children after HCT (FA HCT). This study's goals were to compare BMD in FA HCT to BMD in healthy controls and in children who received HCT for hematologic malignancy (cancer HCT), and to test for associations between BMD and risk factors for bone loss. This cross-sectional study included 20 FA HCT, 13 cancer HCT, and 90 healthy controls, age-matched and <18 years old at evaluation. BMD Z-scores for total body (TBMD) and lumbar spine (LBMD) were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and adjusted for height-for-age Z-score (HAZ). FA HCT had lower mean TBMDHAZ Z-score (by .8 SD) and higher fraction with Z-score ≤ -1 than healthy controls (42% versus 11%). No LBMD deficits were detected. FA HCT and cancer HCT groups did not differ significantly in TBMD or LBMD Z-scores. In FA HCT patients, lower body mass index and lower percent fat were associated with lower BMD. This study highlights the importance of monitoring BMD to optimize bone health in FA patients.

Next generation sequencing in endocrine practice.

With the completion of the Human Genome Project and advances in genomic sequencing technologies, the use of clinical molecular diagnostics has grown tremendously over the last decade. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has overcome many of the practical roadblocks that had slowed the adoption of molecular testing for routine clinical diagnosis. In endocrinology, targeted NGS now complements biochemical testing and imaging studies. The goal of this review is to provide clinicians with a guide to the application of NGS to genetic testing for endocrine conditions, by compiling a list of established gene mutations detectable by NGS, and highlighting key phenotypic features of these disorders. As we outline in this review, the clinical utility of NGS-based molecular testing for endocrine disorders is very high. Identifying an exact genetic etiology improves understanding of the disease, provides clear explanation to families about the cause, and guides decisions about screening, prevention and/or treatment. To illustrate this approach, a case of hypophosphatasia with a pathogenic mutation in the ALPL gene detected by NGS is presented.

Critical hypercalcemia following discontinuation of denosumab therapy for metastatic giant cell tumor of bone.

We report a 14 year-old female with Giant Cell Tumor of Bone, successfully treated with denosumab, who developed critical hypercalcemia after completion of therapy. Five months after her last denosumab treatment, serum calcium rose to 16.5 mg/dL (normal 8.7-10.8 mg/dL), nearly double her prior level of 8.4 mg/dL while receiving denosumab. She required emergent intervention to treat her hypercalcemia, which was attributed to rebound osteoclast activity and osteopetrotic bone. Denosumab is widely used in adults and increasingly in pediatric oncology populations and our experience demonstrates the need for close monitoring for electrolyte derangements following discontinuation.