Beyond the Guidelines: Perspectives on Management of Pediatric Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a comprehensive overview of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in youth, identifying gaps in categorizing triglyceride (TG) levels and management strategies, and exploring new therapies for TG reduction. RECENT FINDINGS: Non-fasting TG levels as important cardiovascular (CV) risk indicators, with HTG's pathophysiology involving genetic and secondary factors affecting TG metabolism. Emerging treatments, including those affecting the lipoprotein lipase complex and inhibiting proteins like apoC3 and ANGPTL3, show promise. The review highlights the need for specific management approaches for youth, the significance of non-fasting TG levels, and the potential of new therapies in reducing CV and pancreatitis risks, advocating for further research on these treatments' efficacy and safety.

Nephrocalcinosis and kidney function in children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia: baseline results from a large longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), conventional therapy with oral phosphate salts and active vitamin D has been associated with nephrocalcinosis. However, the nature of the relationships among XLH, its treatment, nephrocalcinosis, and kidney function remain poorly understood. METHODS: Renal ultrasounds were performed and glomerular filtration rates were estimated (eGFR) at baseline in burosumab-naïve patients with XLH who participated in burosumab clinical trials (NCT02181764, NCT02526160, NCT02537431, NCT02163577, NCT02750618, NCT02915705) or enrolled in the XLH Disease Monitoring Program (XLH-DMP; NCT03651505). In this cross-sectional analysis, patient, disease, and treatment characteristics were described among patients with and without nephrocalcinosis. RESULTS: The analysis included 196 children (mean [SD] age 7.6 [4.0] yr) and 318 adults (40.3 [13.1] yr). Mean (SD) height z-score was -1.9 (1.2) for children and -2.3 (1.7) for adults. Nearly all children (97%) and adults (94%) had previously received conventional therapy. Nephrocalcinosis was detected in 22% of children and 38% of adults. In children, reduced eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 was more prevalent in those with nephrocalcinosis (25%) than in those without (11%), a finding that was not observed in adults. Children with nephrocalcinosis had lower mean values of TmP/GFR (p<.05), serum 1,25(OH)2D (p<.05), and eGFR (p<.001) and higher mean serum calcium concentrations (p<.05) than did those without nephrocalcinosis. Adults with nephrocalcinosis had lower mean serum phosphorus (p<.01) and 1,25(OH)2D (p<.05) concentrations than those without. Exploratory logistic regression analyses revealed no significant associations between the presence of nephrocalcinosis and other described patient or disease characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrocalcinosis was observed in nearly one-quarter of children and more than one-third of adults with XLH. Further study is needed to better understand the predictors and long-term consequences of nephrocalcinosis, with surveillance for nephrocalcinosis remaining important in the management of XLH.

Conventionally, patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) were treated with phosphate and vitamin D taken by mouth. However, this therapy might lead to a buildup of calcium in the kidney, called nephrocalcinosis. Here, we tried to better understand how XLH, conventional therapy, nephrocalcinosis, and kidney function are related. Nephrocalcinosis was detected with kidney ultrasounds. Kidney function, called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), was determined using blood levels of creatinine. Patients had been part of burosumab clinical trials or part of the XLH Disease Monitoring Program. Data were collected from patients before they received burosumab. The study included 196 children and 318 adults. Almost all children and adults had received conventional therapy. 22% of children and 38% of adults had nephrocalcinosis. Some lab values were different among patients with vs without nephrocalcinosis. Children with nephrocalcinosis had significantly greater loss of phosphate by the kidneys, lower blood levels of the active form of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), lower eGFR, and higher blood levels of calcium than those without nephrocalcinosis. Adults with nephrocalcinosis had significantly lower blood levels of phosphorus and 1,25(OH)2D concentrations than those without. It remains important to monitor patients with XLH for nephrocalcinosis. Further study is needed to better understand nephrocalcinosis.

Exploring the Gut Microbiota: Key Insights Into Its Role in Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes.

The gut microbiota (GM), comprising trillions of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, is a key player in the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MS), and cardiovascular diseases. This mini-review delves into the intricate roles and mechanisms of the GM in these conditions, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiota. The review elucidates the diversity and development of the human GM, highlighting its pivotal functions in host physiology, including nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and energy metabolism. Studies show that GM dysbiosis is linked to increased energy extraction, altered metabolic pathways, and inflammation, contributing to obesity, MS, and T2D. The interplay between dietary habits and GM composition is explored, underscoring the influence of diet on microbial diversity and metabolic functions. Additionally, the review addresses the impact of common medications and therapeutic interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation on GM composition. The evidence so far advocates for further research to delineate the therapeutic potential of GM modulation in mitigating obesity and metabolic diseases, emphasizing the necessity of clinical trials to establish effective and sustainable treatment protocols.

Precocious Puberty and GnRH Analogs: Current Treatment Practices and Perspectives among US Pediatric Endocrinologists.

INTRODUCTION: Gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas) are used for treatment of precocious puberty. Over the last decade, several new formulations have been approved. METHODS: The Drugs and Therapeutics Subcommittee of the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) undertook a review to ascertain the current treatment options, prescribing behaviors, and practices of GnRHas among pediatric endocrinologists practicing within the USA. The survey consisted of four main subsections: (1) description of clinical practice; (2) self-assessment of knowledge base of pediatric and adult GnRHa formulations; (3) current practice for treating central precocious puberty (CPP); and (4) utilization of healthcare resources. RESULTS: There were 223 survey respondents. Pediatric endocrine practitioners were most familiar with the pediatric one-monthly preparation, the 3-month preparation, and the histrelin implant (Supprelin®) (88%, 96%, and 91%, respectively), with lower familiarity for 24-week triptorelin intramuscular (Triptodur®) (65%) and 6-month subcutaneous leuprolide (Fensolvi®) (45%). Only 23% of the respondents reported being extremely familiar with the availability of adult formulations, and 25% reported being completely unaware of cost differences between pediatric and adult GnRHa preparations. The implant was the most preferred therapy (44%), but in practice, respondents reported a higher percentage of patients treated with the 3-month preparation. While family preference/ease of treatment (87%) was the key determinant for using a particular GnRHa preparation, insurance coverage also played a significant role in the decision (64%). Responses regarding assessment for efficacy of treatment were inconsistent, as were practices and criteria for obtaining an MRI. CONCLUSIONS: The survey indicated there is more familiarity with older, shorter acting GnRHas, which are prescribed in greater numbers than newer, longer acting formulations. There is lack of consensus on the need for central nervous system (CNS) imaging in girls presenting with CPP between 6 and 8 years of age and use of laboratory testing to monitor response to treatment. Insurance requirements regarding CNS imaging and laboratory monitoring are highly variable. Despite having similar constituents and bioavailability, there are substantial cost differences between the pediatric and adult formulations and lack of evidence for safe use of these formulations in children. The survey-based analysis highlights the challenges faced by prescribers while reflecting on areas where further research is needed to provide evidence-based practice guidelines for pediatric endocrinologists.

Rising tide: The global surge of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents demands action now.

Childhood-onset obesity has emerged as a major public healthcare challenge across the globe, fueled by an obesogenic environment and influenced by both genetic and epigenetic predispositions. This has led to an exponential rise in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents. The looming wave of diabetes-related complications in early adulthood is anticipated to strain the healthcare budgets in most countries. Unless there is a collective global effort to curb the devastation caused by the situation, the impact is poised to be pro-found. A multifaceted research effort, governmental legislation, and effective social action are crucial in attaining this goal. This article delves into the current epidemiological landscape, explores evidence concerning potential risks and consequences, delves into the pathobiology of childhood obesity, and discusses the latest evidence-based management strategies for diabesity.

An international multidisciplinary consensus on pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in children and adolescents, particularly those with obesity. NAFLD is considered a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome due to its close associations with abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and atherogenic dyslipidemia. Experts have proposed an alternative terminology, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), to better reflect its pathophysiology. This study aimed to develop consensus statements and recommendations for pediatric MAFLD through collaboration among international experts. METHODS: A group of 65 experts from 35 countries and six continents, including pediatricians, hepatologists, and endocrinologists, participated in a consensus development process. The process encompassed various aspects of pediatric MAFLD, including epidemiology, mechanisms, screening, and management. FINDINGS: In round 1, we received 65 surveys from 35 countries and analyzed these results, which informed us that 73.3% of respondents agreed with 20 draft statements while 23.8% agreed somewhat. The mean percentage of agreement or somewhat agreement increased to 80.85% and 15.75%, respectively, in round 2. The final statements covered a wide range of topics related to epidemiology, pathophysiology, and strategies for screening and managing pediatric MAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus statements and recommendations developed by an international expert panel serve to optimize clinical outcomes and improve the quality of life for children and adolescents with MAFLD. These findings emphasize the need for standardized approaches in diagnosing and treating pediatric MAFLD. FUNDING: This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82070588, 82370577), the National Key R&D Program of China (2023YFA1800801), National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding (2022-PUMCH-C-014), the Wuxi Taihu Talent Plan (DJTD202106), and the Medical Key Discipline Program of Wuxi Health Commission (ZDXK2021007).

Altered lipid metabolism and the development of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: An increasing amount of research has underscored the significant role of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This comprehensive review examines the intricate relationship between lipoprotein abnormalities and the development of MAFLD. RECENT FINDINGS: Atherogenic dyslipidemia seen in insulin resistance states play a significant role in initiating and exacerbating hepatic lipid accumulation. There are also specific genetic factors ( PNPLA3 , TM6SF2 , MBOAT7 , HSD17B13 , GCKR- P446L) and transcription factors (SREBP-2, FXR, and LXR9) that increase susceptibility to both lipoprotein disorders and MAFLD. Most monogenic primary lipid disorders do not cause hepatic steatosis unless accompanied by metabolic stress. Hepatic steatosis occurs in the presence of secondary systemic metabolic stress in conjunction with predisposing environmental factors that lead to insulin resistance. Identifying specific aberrant lipoprotein metabolic factors promoting hepatic fat accumulation and subsequently exacerbating steatohepatitis will shed light on potential targets for therapeutic interventions. SUMMARY: The clinical implications of interconnection between genetic factors and an insulin resistant environment that predisposes MAFLD is many fold. Potential therapeutic strategies in preventing or mitigating MAFLD progression include lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and emerging therapies targeting aberrant lipoprotein metabolism.

Invited Mini Review Metabolic Bone Disease of Prematurity: Overview and Practice Recommendations.

Metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) is defined by undermineralization of the preterm infant skeleton arising from inadequate prenatal and postnatal calcium (Ca) and phosphate (PO4) accretion. Severe MBDP can be associated with rickets and fractures. Despite advances in neonatal nutrition, MBDP remains prevalent in premature infants due to inadequate mineral accretion ex-utero. There also remain significant knowledge gaps regarding best practices for monitoring and treatment of MBDP among neonatologists and pediatric endocrinologists. Preventing and treating MBDP can prevent serious consequences including rickets or pathologic fractures. Postnatal monitoring to facilitate early recognition of MBDP is best done by first-tier laboratory screening by measuring serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase to identify infants at risk. If these labs are abnormal, further studies including assessing parathyroid hormone and/or tubular resorption of phosphate can help differentiate between Ca and PO4 deficiency as primary etiologies to guide appropriate treatment with mineral supplements. Additional research into optimal mineral supplementation for the prevention and treatment of MBDP is needed to improve long-term bone health outcomes and provide a fuller evidence base for future treatment guidelines.

Children and Adolescents With Hybrid Diabetes: A Management Conundrum.

OBJECTIVE: Hybrid diabetes (HD); ie, insulin resistance with positive diabetes-associated autoantibodies (DAAs) is increasing in children. We aimed to compare the characteristics of children with HD with those with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) at diagnosis and after 2 years. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients aged 0 to 19 years, with C-peptide and 4 DAA measurements available, who were diangosed with new-onset diabetes from 2016 to 2020 were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 102 subjects were included, 32 with T1DM, 21 with HD, and 49 with T2DM. Amongst the groups (T1DM vs HD vs T2DM), there were differences in the proportion of non-Hispanic Whites (81.3% vs 47.6% vs 16.4%, P < .001), frequency of family history of T2DM (37.5% vs 100% vs 85.4%, P < .001), acanthosis nigricans (0% vs 42.9% vs 93.9%, P <.001), median body mass index z-score (-0.55 vs 1.8 vs 2.4, P <.001), and median C-peptide (0.4 ng/mL vs 0.9 ng/mL vs 2.4 ng/mL, P <.001). At 2 years, differences were seen in median body mass index z-scores (0.3 vs 1.9 vs 2.3, P <.001), mean HDL-cholesterol (58.0 mg/dL vs 48.2 mg/dL vs 39.5 mg/dL, P <.001), and the use of basal insulin (100% vs 100% vs 74.4%, P <.001). CONCLUSION: Phenotypic and metabolic differences were seen in youth with T1DM, HD, and T2DM at diagnosis and follow-up. At 2 years, all subjects with HD remained insulin dependent whereas some with T2DM were not, indicating the need for targeted interventions to address the etiopathogenesis.

Lipid Disorders and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Dyslipidemia has been linked metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Several genes and transcription factors involved in lipid metabolism can increase susceptibility to MAFLD. Multiple parallel 'hits' have been proposed for developing hepatic steatosis, NASH, and MAFLD, including insulin resistance and subsequent free fatty acid excess, de novo lipogenesis, and excessive hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol deposition in the liver. This lead to defective beta-oxidation in the mitochondria and VLDL export and increased inflammation. Given the significant cardiovascular risk, dyslipidemia associated with MAFLD should be managed by lifestyle changes and lipid-lowering agents such as statins, fenofibrate, and omega-3 fatty acids, with judicious use of insulin-sensitizing agents, and adequate control of dysglycemia.

Adrenal Insufficiency in Peroxisomal Disorders: A Single Institution Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: There are two major categories of peroxisomal disorders (PDs): peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (PBDs) due to defects in peroxisomal (PEX) genes and deficiency of other peroxisomal enzymes (such as D-bifunctional enzyme deficiency due to HSD17B4). PDs are characterized by abnormal elevations of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA). We aimed to evaluate the clinical phenotype of adrenal insufficiency in patients with PD and to assess any genotype-phenotype correlations with adrenal insufficiency. CASE PRESENTATION: We performed a retrospective electronic medical record review at a single university medical center, of data over 12 years and identified 7 patients with PD. Of the 7 patients identified, 6 patients had a diagnosis of PBD and one had a single peroxisomal enzyme deficiency, HSD17B4. The average age of the patients at diagnosis were 0.61 ± 0.66 years. Four patients (66.7%) had primary adrenal insufficiency: 3, out of the 4, patients had elevated baseline ACTH. Three patients failed to have increased response after the Cortrosyn™ stimulation test. Three patients were on daily hydrocortisone replacement, and 1 patient was on stress-dose hydrocortisone only as needed. Specific genetic variant analysis revealed that all the 3 patients with PBD and adrenal insufficiency who were on steroid supplementation had the compound heterozygous pathogenic variant in exon 13 of PEX1 c.2097dupT (p.Ile700Tyrfs*42) and c.2528G>A (p.Gly843Asp), while the 1 patient with peroxisomal enzyme deficiency and adrenal insufficiency had compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in HSD17B4 c.1369A>T (p.Asn457Tyr) and c.1210 - 1G>A (splice acceptor). Two of these patients with PEX1 variants also required mineralocorticoid supplementation. The 3 PBD patients without adrenal insufficiency did not have a PEX1 variant. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Primary adrenal insufficiency is common in patients with PD. Based on our data, patients with the compound heterozygous PEX1 pathogenic variants of exon 13 (c.2097dupT and c.2528G>A) tend to have adrenal insufficiency. Aldosterone deficiency, though rare, can occur in PD.

Hyponatremia after craniotomy in children: a single-institution review.

PURPOSE: Hyponatremia after craniotomy can be associated with increased morbidity. However, the incidence of and factors associated with post-craniotomy hyponatremia in children are not known. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 0-21 years who underwent craniotomy in 2017-2019 at a single center to determine the incidence of and to identify risk factors for hyponatremia after craniotomy. Indications for craniotomy included tumors (excluding craniopharyngioma), epilepsy, intracranial infection, trauma, craniofacial, suboccipital decompression for the treatment of Chiari malformation, and cerebrovascular disease. Hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium level ≤ 135 mEq/L any time during the postoperative hospital stay. Statistical significance was defined a priori at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Postoperative hyponatremia occurred in 61 (25%) of 240 children. On univariate analysis, hyponatremia was associated with younger age (8.5 vs 6.3 years, p = 0.01), use of preoperative anti-epileptic drugs (p = 0.02), need for blood transfusion (p = 0.02), government/private insurance (p = 0.04), and pre-existing hydrocephalus, defined as the requirement for permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion (p = 0.04). On multivariate analysis, only hydrocephalus (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.03-8.40) remained statistically significant. Hyponatremia most occurred on the first postoperative day, with normonatremia achieved in a median of 14 (IQR 9.8-24.3) h. Hyponatremia was significantly associated with longer length of stay (median 8 vs 3 days, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Hyponatremia was present in 25% of children after craniotomy. Preoperative hydrocephalus as an independent risk factor for hyponatremia after craniotomy.

Safety and Efficacy of Early Vitamin D Supplementation in Critically Ill Extremely Preterm Infants: An Ancillary Study of a Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite substantial evidence that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among infants born extremely preterm (≤28 weeks' of gestation), several consensus statements do not recommend vitamin D doses >400 IU/day for these infants. Safety remains a concern. OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to determine safety and efficacy profiles of enteral vitamin D in Black and White infants randomized to three different vitamin D doses soon after birth. DESIGN: Ancillary study of a masked randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Seventy-three infants born extremely preterm between 2012 and 2015 at a southern US academic neonatal unit (33' latitude) who had >90% compliance with the assigned intervention were included. INTERVENTION: Infants were randomized to receive placebo (placebo group), 200 IU/day vitamin D (200 IU group), or 800 IU/day vitamin D (800 IU group) during the first 28 days after birth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Safety outcomes included serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) and calcium concentrations. Efficacy outcomes included the predictive risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Per-protocol analysis using unadjusted, repeated-measures mixed models. RESULTS: Mean birth weight was 815 ± 199 g. Half were male and 56% were Black. Of 58 infants with 25(OH)D measurements at birth, 40 (69%) had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL). The mean difference in 25(OH)D in nanograms per milliliter between Postnatal Day 28 and Postnatal Day 1 was +9 in the placebo group, +23 in the 200 IU group, and +62 in the 800 IU group (P < 0.0001). The increase observed in 25(OH)D was more significant among Black infants. The predictive risk of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the 200 IU and 800 IU groups was lower, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. No vitamin D or calcium toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A vitamin D dose of 800 IU/day safely corrected vitamin D deficiency by Postnatal Day 14.

Case report: 11-ketotestosterone may potentiate advanced bone age as seen in some cases of Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome.

Context: Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome (WSS) is a genetic disorder associated with an array of clinical phenotypes, including advanced bone age and short stature. 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) is a member of the group known as 11-oxygenated C19 androgens that are implicated in premature adrenarche. Case description: Case 1: The patient is a 3 year and 11-month-old female diagnosed with WSS due to deletion of KMT2A detected on CGH microarray. At two years and 11 months, imaging revealed an advanced bone age. We obtained an 11KT level on this patient. 11KT in case 1 was elevated at 26.3 ng/dL, while the normal reference range is 7.3-10.9 ng/dL and the reference interval for premature adrenarche is 12.3-22.9 ng/dL, The repeat 11KT at follow up (chronological age 4 years and 6 months) was still elevated at 33.8 ng/dL Case 2: A second child with WSS and a 5kb intragenic KMT2A deletion was evaluated at 11 months of age; his 11KT was 4.5 ng/dL. Conclusions: The elevated 11KT may indicate maturational changes related to increasing adrenal gland androgenic activation and may explain the advanced bone age seen in some patients with WSS. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that describes 11KT as a bioactive androgen potentially causing bone age advancement in WSS. Lack of elevation of 11KT in the second child who is an infant suggests increasing androgenic precursors and metabolites related to premature adrenarche may need to be longitudinally followed.

Diagnostic Test Accuracy of Urine C-peptide Creatinine Ratio for the Correct Identification of the Type of Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

Objective: To examine the accuracy of urine c-peptide creatinine ratio (UCPCR) for identifying the type of diabetes in appropriate clinical settings. Design: Systematic review of test accuracy studies on patients with different forms of diabetes. Data sources: Medline, Embase and Cochrane library databases from 1 January 2000 to 15 November 2020. Eligibility criteria: Studies reporting the use of UCPCR for diagnosing patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and monogenic forms of diabetes (categorized as maturity-onset diabetes of the young [MODY]). Study selection and data synthesis: Two reviewers independently assessed articles for inclusion and assessed the methodological quality of the studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool, with input from a third reviewer to reach consensus when there was a dispute. Meta-analysis was performed with the studies reporting complete data to derive the pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and narrative synthesis only for those with incomplete data. Results: Nine studies with 4,488 patients were included in the qualitative synthesis, while only four of these (915 patients) had complete data and were included in the quantitative synthesis. All the studies had moderate risk of bias and applicability concerns. Meta-analysis of three studies (n=130) revealed sensitivity, specificity and DOR of 84.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 68.1-93.2%), 91.6% (82.8-96.1%) and 59.9 (32.8-106.0), respectively, for diagnosing T1DM using a UCPCR cut-off of <0.2 nmol/mmol. For participants with T2DM (three studies; n=739), UCPCR >0.2 nmol/mmol was associated with sensitivity, specificity and DOR of 92.8% (84.2-96.9%), 81.6% (61.3-92.5%) and 56.9 (31.3-103.5), respectively. For patients with MODY in the appropriate clinical setting, a UCPCR cut-off of >0.2 nmol/mmol showed sensitivity, specificity and DOR of 85.2% (73.1-92.4%), 98.0% (92.4-99.5%) and 281.8 (57.5-1,379.7), respectively. Conclusions: Based on studies with moderate risk of bias and applicability concerns, UCPCR confers moderate to high sensitivity, specificity, and DOR for correctly identifying T1DM, T2DM and monogenic diabetes in appropriate clinical settings. Large multinational studies with multi-ethnic participation among different age groups are necessary before this test can be routinely used in clinical practice. Study registration: Protocol was registered as PROSPERO CRD42017060633.

Pharmacologic Weight Management in the Era of Adolescent Obesity.

CONTEXT: Pediatric obesity is a serious health problem in the United States. While lifestyle modification therapy with dietary changes and increased physical activity are integral for the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate obesity in youth, only a modest effect on sustained weight reduction is observed in children and young adults with severe obesity. This underscores the need for additional evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents with severe obesity, including pharmacotherapy, before considering invasive procedures such as bariatric surgery. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This publication focuses on recent advances in pharmacotherapy of obesity with an emphasis on medications approved for common and rarer monogenic forms of pediatric obesity. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We review medications currently available in the United States, both those approved for weight reduction in children and "off-label" medications that have a broad safety margin. CONCLUSION: It is intended that this review will provide guidance for practicing clinicians and will encourage future exploration for successful pharmacotherapy and other interventions for obesity in youth.

Treatment of hyperglycemia not associated with NAFLD improvement in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background and objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have become public health problems in the pediatric population. However, the relationship between these two conditions is not well understood. The primary objective of this study was to assess whether treatment of hyperglycemia in obese, treatment-naive children with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was associated with an improvement of surrogate markers of NAFLD. Materials and methods: This retrospective, longitudinal study included 151 obese children with a diagnosis of T2DM (Age: 14 ± 1 years, 72% female children, BMI: 98.6th percentile, and A1c: 10.3 ± 0.2%). Clinical/demographic information was collected before patients started any diabetes treatment and 1 and 3 years after starting metformin and/or insulin therapy. Results: Forty-eight patients (32%) had abnormal ALT/AST (i.e., >40 U/L), suggestive of NAFLD. After 1 year of therapy, there were no significant differences in plasma ALT among patients started on insulin, metformin, or combination: 5±4 vs. -10 ± 3 vs. -2±2 IU/L, respectively, P = .07. Of note, changes in plasma ALT were small, despite a significant reduction of A1c in patients prescribed insulin (alone or with metformin): -2.8 ± 1.0%, P = .01, and -2.7 ± 0.3%, P < .001, respectively. In line with this, no significant correlations were found between changes in A1c and plasma aminotransferases. In contrast, changes in plasma AST/ALT were more strongly associated with BMI changes (r = 0.32, P < .001, and r = 0.19, P = .04, respectively). Similar results were observed after 3 years of follow-up. Conclusions: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is highly prevalent in obese children with T2DM. Treatment of hyperglycemia with metformin and/or insulin did not result in any significant improvement in surrogate markers of NAFLD (i.e., plasma aminotransferases). While changes in ALT and/or AST may not perfectly reflect histological changes in NAFLD, our findings suggest that the treatment of hyperglycemia per se may not be associated with NAFLD improvement.

Changes in Type 2 Diabetes Trends in Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

CONTEXT: There is concern that the growing incidence of pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D) may have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether trends in new-onset pediatric T2D-inclusive of patients requiring hospitalization and patients managed as outpatients-were impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to compare patient characteristics prior to and during COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective single-center medical record review was conducted in a hospital which cares for 90% of Alabama's pediatric T2D patients. Patients with new-onset T2D referred from March 2017 to March 2021 were included. Counts of patients presenting per month ("monthly rates") were computed. Linear regression models were estimated for the full sample and stratified by Medicaid and non-Medicaid insurance status. Patient characteristics prior to vs during COVID-19 were compared. RESULTS: A total of 642 patients presented with new-onset T2D over this period. Monthly rates were 11.1 ±â€…3.8 prior to COVID-19 and 19.3 ±â€…7.8 during COVID-19 (P = .004). Monthly rates for Medicaid patients differed prior to and during COVID-19 (7.9 ±â€…3.4 vs 15.3 ±â€…6.6, P = .003) but not for non-Medicaid patients (3.3 ±â€…1.7 vs 4.0 ±â€…2.4, P = .33). Regression results showed significant increases in monthly rates during COVID-19 for the full sample (ß= 5.93, P < .05) and for Medicaid enrollees (ß= 5.42, P < .05) Hospitalization rate, severity of obesity, and hemoglobin A1c remained similar prior to and during COVID-19, though the proportion of male patients increased from 36.8% to 46.1% (P = .021). CONCLUSIONS: A rise in new-onset T2D was observed among Alabama's youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, a burden that disproportionately affected Medicaid enrollees and males. Future research should explore the pathways through which the pandemic impacted pediatric T2D.

Childhood Hypertriglyceridemia: Is It Time for a New Approach?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is widely prevalent in youth. There is an unmet need for effective medications in the management of HTG in youth. The purpose of this review is to summarize the approach to HTG in acute and chronic settings, and highlight emerging therapies targeted at specific genes, proteins, and enzymes to selectively alter triglyceride (TG) metabolism. RECENT FINDINGS: Genetic and lifestyle factors play a significant role in the pathophysiology of HTG. Severe elevation of TG poses a risk of acute pancreatitis, while mild-to-moderate HTG increases the risk for premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and, increasingly, has been linked with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Although a variety of therapeutic agents are in development, strict adherence to a heart healthy lifestyle, including dietary changes, remain the cornerstone of management for youth with HTG. In addition to lifestyle changes, pharmacological interventions, including fibrates, omega 3 fatty acids, and statins may be considered for management of moderate-to-severe HTG. In view of its association with premature cardiovascular disease (CVD), non-high-density-lipoprotein-C (non-HDL-C) is an important target for therapy in children with moderate HTG. Management of HTG is dependent on its etiology, concomitant symptoms, and degree of TG elevation. The last two decades have seen remarkable changes in drug development, specifically those that act through the lipoprotein lipase complex, including new targeted treatments such as inhibitors of apolipoprotein C3 and angiopoietin-like protein 3.

Novel therapeutic targets and agents for pediatric dyslipidemia.

Landmark studies have convincingly demonstrated that atherosclerosis begins in youth. While generally asymptomatic, an increasing number of youth with disorders of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, are being identified through selective and universal screening. While a heart healthy lifestyle is the foundation of treatment for all youth with dyslipidemia, lipid-lowering therapy may be required by some to prevent morbidity and premature mortality, especially when initiated at a young age. When appropriate, use of statins has become standard of care for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while fibrates may be beneficial in helping to lower triglycerides. Many therapeutic options commonly used in adults are not yet approved for use in youth less than 18 years of age. Although currently available lipid-lowering therapy is well tolerated and safe when administered to youth, response to treatment may vary and some conditions lack an efficient therapeutic option. Thus, newer agents are needed to aid in management. Many are in development and clinical trials in youth are currently in progress but will require FDA approval before becoming commercially available. Many utilize novel approaches to favorably alter lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. In the absence of long-term outcome data of youth who were treated beginning at an early age, clinical registries may prove to be useful in monitoring safety and efficacy and help to inform clinical decision-making. In this manuscript, we review currently available and novel therapeutic agents in development for the treatment of elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.