Evaluation of referrals for short stature: A retrospective chart review.

BACKGROUND: Referrals to paediatric endocrine clinics for short stature are common. Height velocity (HV) is an essential component of the evaluation of short stature as growth deceleration often reflects an underlying paediatric endocrine diagnosis (PED). Access to previous measurements facilitates prompt calculation of HV. OBJECTIVE: To determine the availability of previous measurements at time of referral for short stature and to determine predictors of a PED. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all referrals for short stature to a single paediatric endocrinologist between January 2008 and December 2014. Standard practice following receipt of a referral for short stature included repeated requests to the referring physician for previous measurements. RESULTS: A total of 324 charts of patients aged 11 months to 18 years were reviewed and 286 were eligible for inclusion. Previous measurements were available in 72.4%, and 44.8% of these were found to have a PED. There was a significant relation between HV<25th percentile and a PED (P<0.0001) and between height deficit (HD) and a PED (P<0.0001). Logistic regression analysis showed that a HV<25th percentile and a HD>2 standard deviations, increased the odds of PED by a factor of 5.12 (P<0.001) and 1.39 (P<0.005), respectively. CONCLUSION: HV is a significant predictor of a PED. Our higher rate of previous measurement availability is likely due to our effective referral screening protocol. The availability of these measurements, which are essential for HV calculation, are likely to reduce delays in diagnosis and management.

The Health Initiative Program for Kids (HIP Kids): effects of a 1-year multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention on adiposity and quality of life in obese children and adolescents--a longitudinal pilot intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Though recent data suggest that multidisciplinary outpatient interventions can have a positive effect on childhood obesity, it is still unclear which program components are most beneficial and how they affect quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine if a 1-year multidisciplinary, family-centered outpatient intervention based on social cognitive theory would be effective in (i) preventing further increases in BMI and BMI z-score, and (ii) improving QoL in obese children and adolescents. METHODS: Obese children and adolescents 8-17 years of age and their families participated in this 1-year longitudinal pilot intervention study. The intervention consisted of fifteen 90-minute educational sessions led by a dietitian, exercise specialist, and social worker. Anthropometric measures, body composition, and QoL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0), were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months. Laboratory values were measured at baseline and 12 months. The primary outcome measures were change in BMI and BMI z-score, secondary outcome measures included change in QoL and body composition. A paired sample t-test was used to assess within-group differences and 95% confidence intervals were reported for the mean differences. RESULTS: 42 obese children and adolescents (21 girls) completed the 1-year intervention (mean age 12.8 ± 3.14 years). Mean baseline BMI was 31.96 ± 5.94 kg/m(2) and BMI z-score was +2.19 ± 0.34. Baseline QoL (self-assessments and parental assessments) was impaired: mean baseline scores were 74.5 ± 16.5 and 63.7 ± 19.4 for physical functioning and 69.0 ± 14.9 and 64.0 ± 18.3 for emotional functioning, respectively. At 12 months, BMI z-score had decreased (-0.07 ± 0.11, 95% CI: -0.11 to -0.04). BMI (0.80 ± 1.57 kg/m(2), 95% CI 0.31 to 1.29) and fat-free mass (4.02 ± 6.27 kg, 95% CI 1.90 to 6.14) increased, but % body fat and waist circumference did not. Both the parent-reported physical (11.3 ± 19.2, 95% CI 4.7 to 17.9) and emotional (7.7 ± 15.7, 95% CI 2.3 to 13.0) functioning QoL scores and the children's self-reported physical (5.3 ± 17.1, 95% CI 0.5 to 11.1) and emotional (7.9 ± 14.3, 95% CI 3.2 to 12.7) functioning scores significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Following a 1-year intervention, the participants' BMI z-scores and QoL improved, while other adiposity-related measures of body composition remained unchanged. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000015622 .

Assessment of habitual physical activity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate habitual physical activity in a cohort of adolescents with type 1 diabetes in relation to similarly aged control subjects. METHODS: A cross-sectional case control study of 54 healthy adolescents and 66 patients with type 1 diabetes, 14 to 18 years of age, was conducted. Subjects were surveyed using the Habitual Activity Estimation Scale, a validated self-report instrument to assess activity levels in teens. Subjects' time was classified into categories ranging from inactive (lying down, resting) to very active (increased heart rate and diaphoresis). Active time, described in relative (%) and absolute hours per day was determined for each individual. Age, sex, weight, height and body mass index were recorded for all participants, and the charts of subjects with type 1 diabetes were reviewed for most recent levels of glycated hemoglobin, low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins, total cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. A regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with hours spent being active. RESULTS: Subjects with type 1 diabetes spent similar hours being very active (3.4 hours vs. 3.5 hours, p=0.49) but reported more time being inactive than controls (2.0 hours vs. 1.3 hours, p=0.002). In both groups, female gender was associated with more hours spent being active. Metabolic control as assessed by glycated hemoglobin worsened with activity. In the group with type 1 diabetes, more hours spent being active were associated with lower systolic blood pressure, lower serum triglyceride levels, lower total cholesterol and higher high-density lipoproteins, whereas inactivity correlated with higher low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes reported significantly more time being inactive than did healthy controls. In patients with type 1 diabetes, activity was associated with improved cardiovascular risk profile.

Effects of a Comprehensive, Intensive Lifestyle Intervention Combined with Metformin Extended Release in Obese Adolescents.

Objective. To assess a comprehensive, intensive lifestyle intervention in combination with metformin extended release (MXR) or placebo on body mass index (BMI) and risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in obese adolescents. Study Design. Sixty-nineobese adolescents (mean BMI 32.5) received a comprehensive lifestyle intervention with structured dietary, physical activity, and behavioral components for 24 months. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: MXR (33) 2,000 mg daily or placebo, with either moderate or vigorous intensity exercise for the first 3 months. Subsequently the exercise intervention was the same for all 4 groups. Results. Anthropometry measurements did not differ with initial exercise intensity at any time. At 3 months % body fat decreased in all 4 groups (P < 0.006). BMI and % body fat decreased in the MXR groups, but not the placebo groups, at 6 (-0.88, -3.16) and 12 months (-0.56, -2.34) (P < 0.05). Insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose, and leptin improved in all groups at 6 and 12 months. A high subject attrition rate (58%) occurred by 24 months. Conclusion. A comprehensive, intensive lifestyle intervention combined with MXR led to a decline in BMI and % body fat at 1 year independent of initial exercise intensity. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00934570 .

Multicentre randomized controlled trial of structured transition on diabetes care management compared to standard diabetes care in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes (Transition Trial).

BACKGROUND: Transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care is a high risk period during which there is an increased rate of disengagement from care. Suboptimal transition has been associated with higher risks for acute and chronic diabetes-related complications. The period of emerging adulthood challenges current systems of healthcare delivery as many young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) default from diabetes care and are at risk for diabetes complications which are undetected and therefore untreated. Despite the importance of minimizing loss to follow-up there are no randomized control trials evaluating models of transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multicentre randomized controlled trial. A minimum of 188 subjects with T1D aged between 17 and 20 years will be evaluated. Eligible subjects will be recruited from three pediatric care centres and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a structured transition program that will span 18 months or to receive standard diabetes care. The structured transition program is a multidisciplinary, complex intervention aiming to provide additional support in the transition period. A Transition Coordinator will provide transition support and will provide the link between pediatric and adult diabetes care. The Transition Coordinator is central to the intervention to facilitate ongoing contact with the medical system as well as education and clinical support where appropriate. Subjects will be seen in the pediatric care setting for 6 months and will then be transferred to the adult care setting where they will be seen for one year. There will then be a one-year follow-up period for outcome assessment. The primary outcome is the proportion of subjects who fail to attend at least one outpatient adult diabetes specialist visit during the second year after transition to adult diabetes care. Secondary outcome measures include A1C frequency measurement and levels, diabetes related emergency room visits and hospital admissions, frequency of complication screening, and subject perception and satisfaction with care. DISCUSSION: This trial will determine if the support of a Transition Coordinator improves health outcomes for this at-risk population of young adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01351857.

Childhood overweight and obesity management: A national perspective of primary health care providers' views, practices, perceived barriers and needs.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight in children are an escalating problem in Canada and worldwide. Currently, little is known about the manner in which primary health care providers are responding to Canada's obesity epidemic. OBJECTIVE: To determine the views, practices, challenges/barriers, and needs of a national sample of family physicians (FPs) and community paediatricians (CPs) with respect to paediatric obesity identification and management. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 1200 FPs and 1200 CPs across Canada between 2005 and 2006. RESULTS: A total of 464 FPs and 396 CPs participated. The majority of practitioners viewed paediatric obesity as an 'important'/'very important' issue. Although the majority reported providing dietary (more than 85%) and exercise (98%) advice to their overweight/obese patients, practitioners' perceived success rate in treating paediatric obesity was limited (less than 22%). Approximately 30% of FPs and 60% of CPs (P<0.05) used the recommended method to identify paediatric obesity. At least 50% of practitioners indicated that too few government-funded dietitians, a lack of success in controlling paediatric patients' weight, time constraints and limited training were key barriers to their success. To support efforts to identify or manage paediatric obesity, practitioners identified the need for office tools, patient educational materials and system-level changes. DISCUSSION: Canadian primary health care providers are not adequately equipped to deal with the paediatric obesity epidemic. Effective assessment tools and treatment resources, dissemination of clinical practice guidelines, enhanced undergraduate medical education and postgraduate continuing medical education, and system-level changes are urgently needed to address this health problem.

Lifestyle modification and metformin as long-term treatment options for obese adolescents: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a serious health concern affecting over 155 million children in developed countries worldwide. Childhood obesity is associated with significantly increased risk for development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psychosocial functioning problems (i.e., depression and decreased quality of life). The two major strategies for management of obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities are lifestyle modification and pharmacologic therapy. This paper will provide the background rationale and methods of the REACH childhood obesity treatment program. METHODS/DESIGN: The REACH study is a 2-year multidisciplinary, family-based, childhood obesity treatment program. Seventy-two obese adolescents (aged 10-16 years) and their parents are being recruited to participate in this randomized placebo controlled trial. Participants are randomized to receive either metformin or placebo, and are then randomized to a moderate or a vigorous intensity supervised exercise program for the first 12-weeks. After the 12-week exercise program, participants engage in weekly exercise sessions with an exercise facilitator at a local community center. Participants engage in treatment sessions with a dietitian and social worker monthly for the first year, and then every three months for the second year. The primary outcome measure is change in body mass index and the secondary outcome measures are changes in body composition, risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, changes in diet, physical activity, and psychosocial well-being (e.g., quality of life). It is hypothesized that participants who take metformin and engage in vigorous intensity exercise will show the greatest improvements in body mass index. In addition, it is hypothesized that participants who adhere to the REACH program will show improvements in body composition, physical activity, diet, psychosocial functioning and risk factor profiles for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These improvements are expected to be maintained over the 2-year program. DISCUSSION: The findings from this study will advance the knowledge regarding the long-term efficacy and sustainability of interventions for childhood obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00934570.

Impaired vascular function in obese adolescents with insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endothelial function (EF) in a cohort of obese adolescents with impaired insulin sensitivity. STUDY DESIGN: Cardiovascular risk factors and adipocytokines, along with digital hyperemia, were evaluated by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) in adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance (IR) in relation to healthy, nonobese controls. RESULTS: The obese and control subjects were of similar age (13.4+/-1.7 years vs 14.0+/-1.4 years) and sex. The obese subjects had IR (mean homeostasis model of assessment [HOMA] score=5.4; 95% confidence interval=3.3-7.5) and significantly greater body mass index (BMI) (BMI z-score 2.4+/-0.2 kg/m(2) vs 0.0+/-0.8 kg/m(2)) and waist circumference (WC) measures (109.6+/-11.1cm vs 70.5+/-9.4 cm) with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. The mean PAT ratio was significantly lower in obese adolescents compared with controls (1.51+/-0.4 vs 2.06+/-0.4; P=.002), indicative of impaired EF. Linear regression demonstrated associations between PAT ratio and BMI, WC, age, and LDL-C but not between PAT and leptin, resistin, or adiponectin levels or IR. CONCLUSIONS: Obese adolescents with IR exhibited significantly worse EF as assessed by PAT compared with healthy, nonobese controls, and EF showed a significant association with measures of adiposity and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Metformin in combination with structured lifestyle intervention improved body mass index in obese adolescents, but did not improve insulin resistance.

This study assessed the efficacy of adding metformin to a structured lifestyle intervention in reducing BMI in obese adolescents with insulin resistance. Obese adolescents (25) aged 10-16 years with a body mass index (BMI) > 95th percentile and insulin resistance (Homeostasis Model Assessment-HOMA) > 3.0 were assessed in a community clinic. A structured lifestyle intervention comprising nutritional and exercise education and motivational support in both individual and group sessions was delivered over 6 months. Subjects were randomized to lifestyle intervention alone or with metformin (1500 g daily). The primary outcome measures were a change in BMI and modification of metabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance, plasma lipids and adipocytokines. Eleven adolescents receiving lifestyle and metformin intervention and 14 receiving lifestyle alone completed the study. BMI decreased by 1.8 kg/m(2) with lifestyle and metformin but did not change with lifestyle alone. HOMA was significantly decreased in the lifestyle intervention group, but not following metformin, while the adiponectin/leptin ratio improved significantly in both groups. Dyslipidemic profiles improved most significantly with metformin. We conclude that metformin in combination with a 6-month structured lifestyle intervention is effective in reducing BMI in obese adolescents but did not improve insulin resistance. Lifestyle intervention, with or without metformin, improved metabolic risk factors such as plasma lipids and adipocytokines.

Impaired endothelial function in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a high-fat meal on endothelial function in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-three children with T1D, aged 12 to 18 years, and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were assessed for baseline macronutrient intake, and endothelial function was measured both fasting and after a standardized fast-food, high-fat breakfast. RESULTS: Endothelial function, assessed noninvasively by peripheral arterial tonometry, was impaired in the T1D group in the fasting state as compared with control subjects (T1D 1.78 +/- 0.4, control subjects 2.06 +/- 0.4, P = .02), and worsened postprandially in both groups (T1D 1.45 +/- 0.3, control subjects 1.71 +/- 0.3, P = .01). Both groups demonstrated significantly elevated triglyceride levels 3.5 hours after ingestion of the high-fat meal (T1D 114.8 +/- 42.8 and control subjects 126.7 +/- 54.9 mg/dL). Nutrient intake in both groups showed higher than recommended intakes of total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T1D exhibited worse endothelial function both before and after a high-fat breakfast than their peers. This suggests that patients with T1D are at greater risk of vascular impairment after a high-fat meal, the cumulative effect of which may contribute to the higher atherosclerotic burden observed in T1D.

Bisphosphonate treatment of pediatric bone disease.

The science of measuring bone mineral density has developed rapidly and, with it, an improved understanding of the efficacy and safety of various therapeutic interventions in adults. In contrast, the meaning and precision of such measurements in children are equivocal, and the concept of treatment for low bone density in the young patient is still largely undecided. In this report we review the present state of knowledge regarding the use of bisphosphonates during childhood to ameliorate the skeletal abnormalities associated with osteogenesis imperfecta, idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis, fibrous dysplasia of bone and cerebral palsy. Because of the paucity of long-term studies among children regarding the safety and efficacy of these drugs, it is difficult to formulate strong evidence-based recommendations for their use, except perhaps in children with osteogenesis imperfecta.