Safety and efficacy of burosumab in improving phosphate metabolism, bone health, and quality of life in adolescents with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) is due to loss-of-function mutations in the phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homologue on the X chromosome (PHEX) that lead to increased fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) production. FGF23 excess causes renal phosphate wasting and insufficient 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) synthesis with reduced intestinal phosphate absorption, ultimately resulting in chronic hypophosphatemia. Children with XLH show typical skeletal lesions of rickets, deformities of the lower limbs, stunted growth with disproportionate short stature, bone pain, and physical dysfunctions. Burosumab, a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to FGF23 to inhibit its activity, is more effective to improve the biochemical and clinical signs of XLH than conventional treatment with phosphate supplements and vitamin D active metabolites. Data on adolescents with XLH during the transition period to young adulthood are few. In this prospective case series, we aimed to assess safety and efficacy of burosumab in adolescents with XLH who discontinued long-term conventional therapy. METHODS: Five Caucasian adolescents (4 males, 1 female; mean age 15.4 ± 1.5 years) with XLH were recruited and switched from conventional treatment to burosumab (0.8-1.2 mg/kg, s. c. QW2). Burosumab was continued for 12-48 months and, once discontinued, patients were followed-up for 6-12 months. In all patients, serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 1,25(OH)2D levels, and renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TmP/GFR) values were assessed at entry and during burosumab. Intact FGF23 plasma levels were measured at entry. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed at entry and every 3-6 months to evaluate the impact of low extremity pain, stiffness, and difficulties performing daily activities. RESULTS: At entry, all patients showed hypophosphatemia, increased intact FGF23 levels, reduced TmP/GFR, insufficient 1,25(OH)2D levels, and in four out of five increased ALP levels. Two patients had radiological signs of rickets. During burosumab, all patients showed a significant increase in serum phosphate and 1,25(OH)2D levels, and in TmP/GFR values (P < 0.05 - P < 0.0001). Serum ALP levels significantly declined (P < 0.05) to normal values. No changes of serum calcium and PTH levels (PNS) were found during burosumab. PROs significantly improved (P < 0.02 - P < 0.0001) in all patients. Four patients discontinued burosumab when they turned 18 or 19, whereas one continued the treatment since he was still younger than 18 during the study period. Four patients who suspended burosumab showed a rapid decline in serum phosphate and 1,25(OH)2D levels and in TmP/GFR values; serum ALP levels increased, and PROs progressively worsened with a significant reduction in quality of life. These consequences were not observed in the patient who continued burosumab treatment. DISCUSSION: Our data showed that conventional treatment improved only in part the signs and symptoms of XLH. Burosumab was well tolerated and was effective in improving phosphate metabolism, bone health, and PROs. All the benefits of burosumab were lost after its discontinuation. These results suggested that continuing burosumab is required to achieve and maintain the clinical benefits of the treatment during the transition to young adulthood in patients with XLH.

Methylome analysis in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty.

BACKGROUND: Genetic and environmental factors are implicated in many developmental processes. Recent evidence, however, has suggested that epigenetic changes may also influence the onset of puberty or the susceptibility to a wide range of diseases later in life. The present study aims to investigate changes in genomic DNA methylation profiles associated with pubertal onset analyzing human peripheral blood leukocytes from three different groups of subjects: 19 girls with central precocious puberty (CPP), 14 healthy prepubertal girls matched by age and 13 healthy pubertal girls matched by pubertal stage. For this purpose, the comparisons were performed between pre- and pubertal controls to identify changes in normal pubertal transition and CPP versus pre- and pubertal controls. RESULTS: Analysis of methylation changes associated with normal pubertal transition identified 1006 differentially methylated CpG sites, 86% of them were found to be hypermethylated in prepubertal controls. Some of these CpG sites reside in genes associated with the age of menarche or transcription factors involved in the process of pubertal development. Analysis of methylome profiles in CPP patients showed 65% and 55% hypomethylated CpG sites compared with prepubertal and pubertal controls, respectively. In addition, interestingly, our results revealed the presence of 43 differentially methylated genes coding for zinc finger (ZNF) proteins. Gene ontology and IPA analysis performed in the three groups studied revealed significant enrichment of them in some pathways related to neuronal communication (semaphorin and gustation pathways), estrogens action, some cancers (particularly breast and ovarian) or metabolism (particularly sirtuin). CONCLUSIONS: The different methylation profiles of girls with normal and precocious puberty indicate that regulation of the pubertal process in humans is associated with specific epigenetic changes. Differentially methylated genes include ZNF genes that may play a role in developmental control. In addition, our data highlight changes in the methylation status of genes involved in signaling pathways that determine the migration and function of GnRH neurons and the onset of metabolic and neoplastic diseases that may be associated with CPP in later life.

Increased risk of nephrolithiasis: an emerging issue in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence of nephrolithiasis in a cohort of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and to study if there is an association with the metabolic control of the disease. METHODS: This study was designed as a multicenter 1 year-prospective study involving 52 subjects (35 males) with confirmed molecular diagnosis of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). Each patient was evaluated at three different time-points: T0, T1 (+6 months of follow-up), T2 (+12 months of follow up). At each follow up visit, auxological data were collected, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), Δ4-androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) serum levels, and urinary excretion of creatinine, calcium, oxalate and citrate were assayed. Moreover, a renal ultrasound was performed. RESULTS: The incidence of nephrolithiasis, assessed by ultrasound was 17.3% at T0, 13.5% at T1 and 11.5% at T2. At T0, one subject showed nephrocalcinosis. In the study population, a statistically significant difference was found for 17-OHP [T0: 11.1 (3.0-25.1) ng/mL; T1: 7.1 (1.8-19.9) ng/mL; T2: 5.9 (2.0-20.0) ng/mL, p < 0.005], and Δ4-androstenedione [T0: 0.9 (0.3-2.5) ng/mL; T1: 0.3 (0.3-1.1) ng/mL; T2: 0.5 (0.3-1.5) ng/mL, p < 0.005] which both decreased over the follow up time. No statistically significant difference among metabolic markers was found in the group of the subjects with nephrolithiasis, even if 17-OHP, DHEAS and Δ4-androstenedione levels showed a tendency towards a reduction from T0 to T2. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to study possible hidden patterns of associations/correlations between variables, and to assess the trend of them during the time. PCA revealed a decrease in the amount of the variables 17-OHP, Δ4-androstenedione, and ACTH that occurred during follow-up, which was also observed in subjects showing nephrolithiasis. CONCLUSIONS: our data demonstrated that children affected with 21-OHD can be at risk of developing nephrolithiasis. Additional studies are needed to clarify the pathogenesis and other possible risk factors for this condition, and to establish if regular screening of kidney ultrasound in these patients can be indicated.

Central Precocious Puberty in Italian Boys: Data From a Large Nationwide Cohort.

CONTEXT: There are only a few nationwide studies on boys with central precocious puberty (CPP) and the last Italian study is a case series of 45 boys that dates back to 2000. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the causes of CPP in boys diagnosed during the last 2 decades in Italy and the relative frequency of forms with associated central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared to idiopathic ones. METHODS: We performed a national multicenter retrospective study collecting data from 193 otherwise normal healthy boys with a diagnosis of CPP. Based on MRI findings, the patients were divided into: Group 1, no CNS abnormalities; Group 2, mild abnormalities (incidental findings) unrelated to CPP; and Group 3, causal pathological CNS abnormalities. RESULTS: The MRI findings show normal findings in 86%, mild abnormalities (incidental findings) in 8.3%, and causal pathological CNS abnormalities in 5.7% of the cases. In Group 3, we found a higher proportion of patients with chronological age at diagnosis < 7 years (P = .00001) and body mass index greater than +2 SDS (P < .01). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue therapy was started in 183/193 subjects. The final height appeared in the range of the target height in all groups and in 9 patients in whom the therapy was not started. CONCLUSION: In our study on a large nationwide cohort of boys referred for precocious puberty signs, the percentage of forms associated with CNS abnormalities was one of the lowest reported in the literature.

DICER1 Syndrome: A Multicenter Surgical Experience and Systematic Review.

DICER1 syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that predisposes patients to the development of malignant and non-malignant diseases. Presently, DICER1 syndrome diagnosis still occurs late, usually following surgical operations, affecting patients' outcomes, especially for further neoplasms, which are entailed in this syndrome. For this reason, herein we present a multicenter report of DICER1 syndrome, with the prospective aim of enhancing post-surgical surveillance. A cohort of seven patients was collected among the surgical registries of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Pisa with the General and Oncologic Surgery of Federico II, University of Naples, and the Pediatric Surgery, Regina Margherita Hospital, University of Turin. In each case, the following data were analyzed: sex, age at diagnosis, age at first surgery, clinical features, familial, genetic investigations, and follow-up. A comprehensive literature review of DICER1 cases, including case reports and multicenter studies published from 1996 to June 2022, was performed. Eventually, the retrieved data from the literature were compared with the data emerging from our cohort of patients.

Adrenal crisis in infants and young children with adrenal insufficiency: Management and prevention.

Background: Despite the optimization of replacement therapy, adrenal crises still represent life-threatening emergencies in many children with adrenal insufficiency. Objective: We summarized current standards of clinical practice for adrenal crisis and investigated the prevalence of suspected/incipient adrenal crisis, in relation to different treatment modalities, in a group of children with adrenal insufficiency. Results: Fifty-one children were investigated. Forty-one patients (32 patients <4 yrs and 9 patients >4 yrs) used quartered non-diluted 10 mg tablets. Two patients <4 yrs used a micronized weighted formulation obtained from 10 mg tablets. Two patients <4 yrs used a liquid formulation. Six patients >4 yrs used crushed non-diluted 10 mg tablets. The overall number of episodes of adrenal crisis was 7.3/patient/yr in patients <4yrs and 4.9/patient/yr in patients >4 yrs. The mean number of hospital admissions was 0.5/patient/yr in children <4 yrs and 0.53/patient/yr in children >4 yrs. There was a wide variability in the individual number of events reported. Both children on therapy with a micronized weighted formulation reported no episode of suspected adrenal crisis during the 6-month observation period. Conclusion: Parental education on oral stress dosing and switching to parenteral hydrocortisone when necessary are the essential approaches to prevent adrenal crisis in children.

Euthyroid sick syndrome and its association with complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus onset.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate (i) the prevalence and association of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) [decreased FT3 and/or FT4 and normal/decreased TSH] with severity indexes of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) onset such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and kidney damage [acute kidney injury (AKI) based on KDIGO criteria, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), renal tubular damage (RTD)], (ii) relationship between clinical/metabolic parameters at T1DM onset and thyroid hormones, and (iii) ESS as a prognostic indicator of delayed recovery from kidney damage. METHODS: A total of 161 children with T1DM onset were included. RTD was defined by abnormal urinary beta-2-microglobulin and/or neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and/or tubular reabsorption of phosphate <85% and/or fractional excretion of Na>2%. ATN was defined by RTD+AKI. RESULTS: Of 161 participants, 60 (37.3%) presented ESS. It was more prevalent in case of more severe T1DM presentation both in terms of metabolic derangement (DKA) and kidney function impairment (AKI, RTD and ATN). Only ATN, however, was associated with ESS at adjusted analysis. FT3 inversely correlated with serum triglycerides and creatinine, and urinary calcium/creatinine ratio and NGAL. Participants with euthyroidism showed earlier recovery from AKI than those with ESS. ESS spontaneously disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: ESS is associated with T1DM onset severity and spontaneously disappears. ESS delayed the recovery from AKI. IMPACT: This is the first longitudinal study describing in detail the relationship between clinical/metabolic factors at type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) onset and thyroid hormones, with particular attention to the relationship between diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-related kidney function impairment and euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS). Participants with more severe T1DM onset presentation both in terms of metabolic derangement and kidney function impairment had an increased prevalence of ESS. Children with ESS had a slower recovery from acute kidney injury compared with those without ESS. ESS spontaneously disappeared in all participants.

Patients with DeSanto-Shinawi syndrome: Further extension of phenotype from Italy.

Here we describe three patients with neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, mildly dysmorphic features, and hirsutism, all of which carry de novo sequence variants in the WW domain-containing adaptor of the coiled-coil (WAC) gene; two of these-c.167delA, p.(Asn56I1efs*136) and c.1746G>C, p.(Gln582His)-are novel pathogenic variants, and the third-c.1837C>T, p(Arg613*)-has been previously described. Diseases associated with WAC include DeSanto-Shinawi syndrome; to date, de novo heterozygous constitutional pathogenic WAC variants have caused a syndromic form of intellectual disability and mild dysmorphic features in 33 patients, yet potential associations with other clinical manifestations, such as oligomenorrhea and hyperandrogenism, remain unknown, because the phenotypic spectrum of the condition has not yet been delineated. The patient bearing the novel c.167delA WAC gene variant presented a normal psychomotor development, oligomenorrhea, hyperandrogenism, and hirsutism, and hirsutism was also observed in the patient with the c.1746G>C WAC gene variant. Hypertrichosis and hirsutism have been described in nine DeSanto-Shinawi patients, only in 17 of the 33 aforementioned patients thus far reported this aspect, and no hormonal-pattern data are available. In conclusion, we note that the pathogenic c.167delA WAC variant may be associated with a mild phenotype; and in addition to the neurodevelopmental problems nearly all DeSanto-Shinawi patients experience (i.e., intellectual disability and/or developmental delay), we recommend the addition of mild dysmorphic features, hirsutism, and hypertrichosis to this clinical presentation.

Rare PHEX intron variant causes complete and severe phenotype in a family with hypophosphatemic rickets: a case report.

OBJECTIVES: Lower limb deformities in children need careful orthopedic evaluation to distinguish physiological forms from pathological ones. X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare hereditary condition caused by PHEX gene mutations where tibial varum can be the first sign. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a family presenting with severe tibial varum, harbouring a rare PHEX intron mutation, c.1586+6T>C. This is the first clinical description available in literature for this variant. Despite the previous prediction of a mild phenotype in functional study, our patients showed important bone deformities, rickets and impaired growth since infancy followed by severe bone pain, hearing loss and reduced life quality in adulthood. Burosumab therapy improved biochemical and radiological findings in children and ameliorated quality of life in adults. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrated c.1586+6T>C causes a severe XLH phenotype, responsive to Burosumab. Familial genetic screening, enlarged to intronic region analysis, when XLH is suspected, allows precocious diagnosis to start timely the appropriate treatment.

Circulating levels of DLK1 and glucose homeostasis in girls with obesity: A pilot study.

Introduction: DLK1 gene is considered a molecular gatekeeper of adipogenesis. DLK1 mutations have been reported as a cause of central precocious puberty associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome with undetectable DLK1 serum levels. We investigated the association between DLK1 circulating levels with clinical and biochemical parameters in obese adolescents and healthy controls. Methods: Sixty-five obese adolescents and 40 controls were enrolled and underwent a complete clinical examination and biochemical assessment for glucose homeostasis and DLK1 plasma levels. Results: We observed lower DLK1 levels in cases compared to controls. Moreover, we found a negative correlation between DLK1 and HOMA-IR and a direct correlation with insulin-sensitivity index. Discussion: Our findings suggest that DLK1 might be involved in metabolic derangement in obese children.

MKRN3 role in regulating pubertal onset: the state of art of functional studies.

Puberty is a critical process characterized by several physical and psychological changes that culminate in the achievement of sexual maturation and fertility. The onset of puberty depends on several incompletely understood mechanisms that certainly involve gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its effects on the pituitary gland. The role of makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) in the regulation of pubertal timing was revealed when loss-of-function mutations were identified in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP), which to date, represent the most commonly known genetic cause of this condition. The MKRN3 gene showed ubiquitous expression in tissues from a broad spectrum of species, suggesting an important cellular role. Its involvement in the initiation of puberty and endocrine functions has just begun to be studied. This review discusses some of the recent approaches developed to predict MKRN3 functions and its involvement in pubertal development.

[The Management of Endocrine Complications in Patients with Haemoglobinopathies: Good Clinical Practice of the Italian Society of Thalassemia and Haemoglobinopathies (SITE).] / Le principali complicanze endocrinologiche nelle emoglobinopatie: buone pratiche cliniche della Società Italiana Talassemie ed Emoglobinopatie (SITE).

BACKGROUND: The treatment of endocrinopathies in haemoglobinopathies is a continually expanding research area; therefore, recommendations supporting the appropriateness of treatments are a pressing need for the medical community. METHODS: The Management Committee of SITE selected and gathered a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional team including experts in haemoglobinopathies and experts in endocrinopathies, who have been flanked by experts with methodological and organizational expertise, in order to formulate recommendations based on the available scientific evidence integrated by clinical experience. The project followed the systematic approach for the production of clinical practice guidelines according to the methodology suggested by the National Center for Clinical Excellence, Quality and Safety of Care (CNEC). RESULTS: Out of 14 topics 100 clinical questions were addressed and 206 recommendations were elaborated. Strength of recommendations, panel agreement, general description of the topic, and interpretation of evidence were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Good Practice Recommendations are the final outcome of translational research and allow to transfer the latest research knowledge to the daily clinical practice of endocrine complications in haemoglobinopathies.

Case report: Goiter and overt hypothyroidism in an iodine-deficient toddler on soy milk and hypoallergenic diet.

Soy-based infant formulas (SFs) are often consumed by cow's milk allergic children. However, some concerns have risen since soy intake may adversely affect thyroid function in iodine-deficient or subclinical hypothyroid individuals. We report the first Italian case of SF induced goiter and hypothyroidism registered in our country since National Iodine program has been instituted. Finally, we review cases previously reported in literature. A 22-month-old toddler with a previous diagnosis of cow's milk protein allergy came to clinical attention for important goiter and overt hypothyroidism. Detailed dietary anamnesis revealed that he was on a restrictive dietary regimen based on soymilk since 12 months of age. A temporary levothyroxine substitution was instituted to avoid hypothyroidism complications. Adequate iodine supplementation and diet diversification completely reversed SF-induced hypothyroidism and goiter, confirming the diagnostic suspicion of soymilk-induced thyroid dysfunction in a iodine-deficient toddler. This case report demonstrates the importance of careful dietary habits investigation and adequate micronutrients supplementation in children on a restrictive diet due to multiple food allergies in order to prevent nutritional deficits.

Isolated childhood growth hormone deficiency: a 30-year experience on final height and a new prediction model.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the near-final height (nFHt) in a large cohort of pediatricpatients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and to elaborate a new predictive method of nFHt. METHODS: We recruited GHD patients diagnosed between 1987 and 2014 and followed-up until nFHt. To predict the values of nFHt, each predictor was run in a univariable spline. RESULTS: We enrolled 1051 patients. Pre-treatment height was -2.43 SDS, lower than parental height (THt) (-1.09 SDS, p < 0.001). The dose of recombinant human GH (rhGH) was 0.21mg/kg/week at start of treatment. nFHt was -1.08 SDS (height gain 1.27 SDS), higher than pre-treatment height (p < 0.001) and comparable to THt. 1.6% of the patients were shorter than -2 SDS from THt. The rhGH dose at nFHt was 0.19 mg/kg/week, lower than at the start (p < 0.001). The polynomial regression showed that nFHt was affected by gender, THt, age at puberty, height at puberty, age at the end of treatment (F = 325.37, p < 0.0001, R2 87.2%). CONCLUSION: This large national study shows that GHD children can reach their THt. The rhGH/kg/day dose significantly decreased from the start to the end of the treatment. Our model suggests the importance of a timely diagnosis, possibly before puberty, the beneficial effect of long-term treatment with rhGH, and the key-role of THt. Our prediction model has a very acceptable error compared to the majority of other published studies.

Good Clinical Practice of the Italian Society of Thalassemia and Haemoglobinopathies (SITE) for the Management of Endocrine Complications in Patients with Haemoglobinopathies.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of endocrinopathies in haemoglobinopathies is a continually expanding research area; therefore, recommendations supporting the appropriateness of treatments are a pressing need for the medical community. METHODS: The Management Committee of SITE selected and gathered a multidisciplinary and multi-professional team, including experts in haemoglobinopathies and experts in endocrinopathies, who have been flanked by experts with methodological and organizational expertise, in order to formulate recommendations based on the available scientific evidence integrated by personal clinical experience. The project followed the systematic approach for the production of clinical practice guidelines according to the methodology suggested by the National Center for Clinical Excellence, Quality and Safety of Care (CNEC). RESULTS: Out of 14 topics, 100 clinical questions were addressed, and 206 recommendations were elaborated on. The strength of recommendations, panel agreement, a short general description of the topic, and the interpretation of evidence were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Good Practice Recommendations are the final outcome of translational research and allow one to transfer to the daily clinical practice of endocrine complications in haemoglobinopathies.

Central precocious puberty during COVID-19 pandemic and sleep disturbance: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Increased incidence of central precocious puberty (CPP) after coronavirus infectious disease-19 lockdown has been reported. Our study aims in investigating changes in CPP rates and in sleep patterns in CPP and healthy controls. METHODS: CPP were retrospectively evaluated from April 2020 to April 2021. Parents of girls diagnosed with CPP during lockdown and of matched healthy controls filled out a questionnaire about sleep disturbances (SDSC questionnaire) and sleep schedules. RESULTS: Thirty-five CPP and 37 controls completed the survey. Incidence of new CPP cases significantly increased in 2020-2021 compared to 2017-2020 (5:100 vs 2:100, p = 0.02). Sleep disturbance rates did not differ between CPP and healthy controls before lockdown. During lockdown, CPP reported higher rates of sleep disturbs for total score (p = 0.005), excessive somnolence (p = 0.049), sleep breathing disorders (p = 0.049), and sleep-wake transition disorders (p = 0.005). Moreover, CPP group more frequently shifted toward later bedtime (p = 0.03) during lockdown compared to controls. Hours of sleep and smartphone exposure around bedtime did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the observation of increased incidence of CPP after lockdown measures. Additionally, CPP showed higher rates of sleep disturbances and later bedtime compared to controls. The causality link between sleep disturbances and CPP should be further investigated to gain knowledge in this association.

Diencephalic Syndrome Due to Optic Pathway Gliomas in Pediatric Patients: An Italian Multicenter Study.

Diencephalic syndrome (DS) is a rare pediatric condition associated with optic pathway gliomas (OPGs). Since they are slow-growing tumors, their diagnosis might be delayed, with consequences on long-term outcomes. We present a multicenter case series of nine children with DS associated with OPG, with the aim of providing relevant details about mortality and long-term sequelae. We retrospectively identified nine children (6 M) with DS (median age 14 months, range 3-26 months). Four patients had NF1-related OPGs. Children with NF1 were significantly older than sporadic cases (median (range) age in months: 21.2 (14-26) versus 10 (3-17); p = 0.015). Seven tumors were histologically confirmed as low-grade astrocytomas. All patients received upfront chemotherapy and nutritional support. Although no patient died, all of them experienced tumor progression within 5.67 years since diagnosis and were treated with several lines of chemotherapy and/or surgery. Long-term sequelae included visual, pituitary and neurological dysfunction. Despite an excellent overall survival, PFS rates are poor in OPGs with DS. These patients invariably present visual, neurological or endocrine sequelae. Therefore, functional outcomes and quality-of-life measures should be considered in prospective trials involving patients with OPGs, aiming to identify "high-risk" patients and to better individualize treatment.

Association between Hepatic Steatosis and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the increasing rate of pediatric obesity, its complications such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have become prevalent already in childhood. We aimed to assess the relationship between these two diseases in a cohort of children with obesity. METHODS: We enrolled 153 children with obesity (mean age 10.5 ± 2.66, mean BMI 30.9 ± 5.1) showing OSA. Subjects underwent a laboratory evaluation, a cardio-respiratory polysomnography (PSG), and a liver ultrasound. RESULTS: All subjects had a clinical diagnosis of OSA based on the AHI > 1/h (mean AHI 8.0 ± 5.9; range 2.21-19.0). Of these, 69 showed hepatic steatosis (62.3% as mild, 20.3% as moderate, and 17.4% as severe degree). A strong association between ALT and apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) was observed (p = 0.0003). This association was not confirmed after adjusting for hepatic steatosis (p = 0.53). By subdividing our population according to the presence/absence of steatosis, this association was found only in the steatosis group (p = 0.009). As the severity of steatosis increased, the significance of its association with AHI compared to the absence of steatosis became progressively stronger (all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic steatosis seems to drive the association between OSA and ALT levels, suggesting a potential pathogenic role of OSA in NAFLD.