Neonatal and early-onset diabetes in Ukraine: Atypical features and mortality.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to elucidate the aetiology and clinical features of neonatal and early-onset diabetes in a large database for pediatric diabetes patients in Ukraine. METHODS: We established a Pediatric Diabetes Register to identify patients diagnosed with diabetes before 9 months of age. Genetic testing was undertaken for 66 patients from 65 unrelated families with diabetes diagnosed within the first 6 months of life (neonatal diabetes, n = 36) or between 6 and 9 months (early-onset diabetes, n = 30). RESULTS: We determined the genetic aetiology in 86.1% of patients (31/36) diagnosed before 6 months and in 20% (6/30) diagnosed between 6 and 9 months. Fourteen individuals (37.8% of those with a genetic cause identified) had activating heterozygous variants in ABCC8 or KCNJ11. An additional 10 individuals had pathogenic variants in the INS or GCK genes, while 4 had 6q24 transient neonatal diabetes. Rare genetic subtypes (including pathogenic variants in EIF2AK3, GLIS3, INSR, PDX1, LRBA, RFX6 and FOXP3) were identified in nine probands (24.3% of solved cases), 6 of whom died. In total, eight individuals died between infancy and childhood, all of them were diagnosed before 6 months and had received a genetic diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: In the last decade, the increased availability of comprehensive genetic testing has resulted in increased recognition of the contribution of rare genetic subtypes within pediatric diabetes cohorts. In our study, we identified a high mortality rate among these patients.

Identification of GCK-maturity-onset diabetes of the young in cases of neonatal hyperglycemia: A case series and review of clinical features.

Heterozygous mutations in GCK result in a persistent, mildly raised glucose from birth, but it is usually diagnosed in adulthood as maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), where hyperglycemia is often an incidental finding. The hyperglycemia of GCK-MODY is benign and does not require treatment, but is important to be aware of, particularly in females where it has implications for managing pregnancy. We present three cases of neonatal hyperglycemia resulting from a heterozygous mutation in GCK, illustrating its clinical presentation and evolution in early life. In summary, as with adults, neonatal hyperglycemia is an incidental finding, does not require treatment and has no adverse consequences for health. Neonates and their parents should be referred for genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis, avoid a label of diabetes and enable pregnancy counseling for females found to be affected.

An open-label extension of a phase 2 dose-finding study of once-weekly somatrogon vs. once-daily Genotropin in children with short stature due to growth hormone deficiency: results following 5 years of treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Somatrogon is a long-acting recombinant human growth hormone (GH) employed as a once-weekly treatment for children with GH deficiency (GHD). A 12-month, phase 2 study of once-weekly somatrogon vs. once-daily GH (Genotropin®) was initiated, after which participants could enroll into an open-label extension (OLE) evaluating the safety and efficacy of long-term somatrogon treatment. METHODS: There were five study periods, Periods I and II were 6 months each while Periods III, IV, and V were 12 months each. In the main study (Periods I and II), 53 prepubertal children with GHD were randomized to once-weekly somatrogon (0.25, 0.48, or 0.66 mg/kg/week) or once-daily Genotropin (0.034 mg/kg/day); 48 continued into the OLE, consisting of Period III (original somatrogon dose; Genotropin recipients randomized to one of three somatrogon doses), Period IV (somatrogon 0.66 mg/kg/week), and Period V (prefilled somatrogon pen [0.66 mg/kg/week]). RESULTS: At the end of Period III, the mean ± SD annual height velocity (HV) for 0.25, 0.48, and 0.66 mg/kg/week somatrogon groups was 7.73 ± 1.89, 7.54 ± 1.28, and 8.81 ± 1.12 cm/year, respectively; HV was sustained during Periods IV/V. Height SD scores (SDS) showed progressive improvement throughout the OLE, regardless of initial cohort assignment, approaching the normal range (-0.69 ± SD 0.87) at the end of Period V Year 1. Mild or moderate treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 81.3% of participants, most unrelated to study drug. CONCLUSIONS: Up to 5 years of once-weekly somatrogon was well tolerated and resulted in sustained improvement in height SDS and delta height SDS in prepubertal short children with GHD.

Mutations in STARD8 (DLC3) May Cause 46,XY Gonadal Dysgenesis.

INTRODUCTION: 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis is a condition that is characterised by undeveloped testes in individuals with a male karyotype. Mutations in many genes that underlie this condition have been identified; however, there are still a considerable number of patients with an unknown genetic background. Recently, a mutation in the STARD8 X-linked gene in two sisters with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis has been reported. It was localised within the START domain, whose homologue in Drosophila is responsible for maintaining testes integrity during their development. METHODS: We analysed the potential pathogenicity of another STARD8 mutation, p.R887C, that was identified in a patient with 46,XY asymmetric gonadal dysgenesis. For this purpose, molecular dynamics simulations were performed. RESULTS: These simulations revealed the full rearrangement of the helix containing the p.R887C substitution upstream from the START domain, which may cause STARD8 protein dysfunction and contribute to 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. A comparison of the phenotypes of the three described 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis patients that harbour STARD8 mutations indicated that alterations of this gene can result in a partial or complete gonadal dysgenesis phenotype. CONCLUSION: Based on these and previous results, it is reasonable to include STARD8 in gene panels for 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis.

Novel missense mutation in ligand binding domain of AR gene identified in patient with androgen insensitivity syndrome from Ukraine.

To improve diagnostic informativity of AR gene mutation analysis in patients with AIS, we recommend to include novel identified missense mutation c.2507T>G in the list of AIS-causing mutations.

A Novel WT1 Mutation Identified in a 46,XX Testicular/Ovotesticular DSD Patient Results in the Retention of Intron 9.

The 46,XX testicular DSD (disorder/difference of sexual development) and 46,XX ovotesticular DSD (46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD) phenotypes are caused by genetic rearrangements or point mutations resulting in imbalance between components of the two antagonistic, pro-testicular and pro-ovarian pathways; however, the genetic causes of 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD are not fully understood, and molecular diagnosis for many patients with the conditions is unavailable. Only recently few mutations in the WT1 (WT1 transcription factor; 11p13) gene were described in a group of 46,XX TDSD and 46,XX OTDSD individuals. The WT1 protein contains a DNA/RNA binding domain consisting of four zinc fingers (ZnF) and a three-amino acid (KTS) motif that is present or absent, as a result of alternative splicing, between ZnF3 and ZnF4 (±KTS isoforms). Here, we present a patient with 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD in whom whole exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous de novo WT1 c.1437A>G mutation within an alternative donor splice site which is used for -KTS WT1 isoform formation. So far, no mutation in this splice site has been identified in any patient group. We demonstrated that the mutation results in the retention of intron 9 in the mature mRNA of the 46,XX TDSD/OTDSD patient. In cases when the erroneous mRNA is translated, exclusively the expression of a truncated WT1 +KTS protein lacking ZnF4 and no -KTS protein occurs from the mutated allele of the patient. We discuss potential mechanisms and pathways which can be disturbed upon two conditions: Absence of Zn4F and altered +KTS/-KTS ratio.

Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Macimorelin in Children with Suspected Growth Hormone Deficiency: An Open-Label, Group Comparison, Dose-Escalation Trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children requires the use of provocative growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests, which can have limited reliability and are potentially contraindicated in some patients. This is the first paediatric study to test the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) of macimorelin, an oral GH secretagogue, approved for diagnosis of adult GHD. METHODS: In this open-label, group comparison, single-dose escalation trial (EudraCT 2018-001988-23), sequential cohorts of patients (C1-C3) received ascending single doses of macimorelin: 0.25 (C1), 0.5 (C2), and 1.0 (C3) mg/kg. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, and secondary endpoints were PK/PD. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients aged between 2 and <18 with suspected GHD participated in the study. No macimorelin-related adverse events were reported, and macimorelin was well tolerated. Plasma macimorelin concentrations increased with dose: mean areas under the curve were 6.69 (C1), 18.02 (C2), and 30.92 (C3) h × ng/mL; mean maximum concentrations were 3.46 (C1), 8.13 (C2), and 12.87 (C3) ng/mL. GH concentration increased following macimorelin administration: mean times of maximum measured concentration were 52.5 (C1), 37.5 (C2), and 37.5 (C3) min. CONCLUSION: All 3 doses of macimorelin had excellent safety and tolerability with PK/PD profiles in expected ranges. These results support the use of 1.0 mg/mL macimorelin in a Phase 3 test validation trial in children.

Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes: A Collaborative, Expert Group Position Statement for Clinical Use in Central and Eastern Europe.

In both pediatric and adult populations with type 1 diabetes (T1D), technologies such as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), or sensor-augmented pumps (SAP) can consistently improve glycemic control [measured as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and time in range (TIR)] while reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. Use of technologies can thereby improve quality of life and reduce the burden of diabetes management compared with self-injection of multiple daily insulin doses (MDI). Novel hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems represent the latest treatment modality for T1D, combining modern glucose sensors and insulin pumps with a linked control algorithm to offer automated insulin delivery in response to blood glucose levels and trends. HCL systems have been associated with increased TIR, improved HbA1c, and fewer hypoglycemic events compared with CSII, SAP, and MDI, thereby potentially improving quality of life for people with diabetes (PwD) while reducing the costs of treating short- and long-term diabetes-related complications. However, many barriers to their use and regional inequalities remain in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Published data suggest that access to diabetes technologies is hindered by lack of funding, underdeveloped health technology assessment (HTA) bodies and guidelines, unfamiliarity with novel therapies, and inadequacies in healthcare system capacities. To optimize the use of diabetes technologies in CEE, an international meeting comprising experts in the field of diabetes was held to map the current regional access, to present the current national reimbursement guidelines, and to recommend solutions to overcome uptake barriers. Recommendations included regional and national development of HTA bodies, efficient allocation of resources, and structured education programs for healthcare professionals and PwD. The responsibility of the healthcare community to ensure that all individuals with T1D gain access to modern technologies in a timely and economically responsible manner, thereby improving health outcomes, was emphasized, particularly for interventions that are cost-effective.

Gonadectomy in conditions affecting sex development: a registry-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine trends in clinical practice for individuals with DSD requiring gonadectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Information regarding age at gonadectomy according to diagnosis; reported sex; time of presentation to specialist centre; and location of centre from cases reported to the International DSD Registry and who were over 16 years old in January 2019. RESULTS: Data regarding gonadectomy were available in 668 (88%) individuals from 44 centres. Of these, 248 (37%) (median age (range) 24 (17, 75) years) were male and 420 (63%) (median age (range) 26 (16, 86) years) were female. Gonadectomy was reported from 36 centres in 351/668 cases (53%). Females were more likely to undergo gonadectomy (n = 311, P < 0.0001). The indication for gonadectomy was reported in 268 (76%). The most common indication was mitigation of tumour risk in 172 (64%). Variations in the practice of gonadectomy were observed; of the 351 cases from 36 centres, 17 (5%) at 9 centres had undergone gonadectomy before their first presentation to the specialist centre. Median age at gonadectomy of cases from high-income countries and low-/middle-income countries (LMIC) was 13.0 years (0.1, 68) years and 16.5 years (1, 28), respectively (P < 0.0001) with the likelihood of long-term retention of gonads being higher in LMIC countries. CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of gonadectomy depends on the underlying diagnosis, sex of rearing and the geographical setting. Clinical benchmarks, which can be studied across all forms of DSD will allow a better understanding of the variation in the practice of gonadectomy.

Atypical Clinical Presentation of Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome in Siblings.

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the lack of regression of the derivatives of the Müllerian ducts in males. Boys with this condition usually present with unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism, inguinal hernias, and reproductive disorders with normal male genitalia. Variants in the AMH or AMHR2 genes are responsible for the development of this syndrome. The genetic diagnosis and surgery in PMDS is challenging for both the endocrinologist and the urologist. Here, we describe the management of 2 siblings from 1 family who presented with bilateral cryptorchidism and hypospadias at birth. One child had testis located in the pelvis in the position of normal ovaries, while the other child had testis which were located in the inguinal canals (bilateral inguinal cryptorchidism). Exome sequencing revealed a compound heterozygous variant in the AMHR2 gene c.1388G>A, p.R463H and c.1412G>A p.R471H. To our knowledge, hypospadias has not been described in association with PMDS.

Nationwide Study of Turner Syndrome in Ukrainian Children: Prevalence, Genetic Variants and Phenotypic Features

Objective: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of Turner syndrome (TS) in the Ukrainian population, the frequency of karyotype variants, the age of children at diagnosis, the degree of short stature and phenotypic features in TS girls. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made in 538 TS girls aged 0.11-18.2 years within the time period of 2005-2015 with detailed examination of 150 patients. Results: The prevalence of TS in Ukraine is 77.5 in 100.000 live female births. The average age at diagnosis is 9.33±4.93 years. The relative proportions of karyotypic abnormalities found were: 45,X (59.3%); mosaicism 45,X/46,XX (22.9%); and structural abnormalities in chromosome X (17.8%). The most frequently encountered findings were growth delay (98.8%), shortening of the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones (74.6%), abnormal nails (73.3%), broad chest (60.7%), short neck (58.6%), hypertelorism of nipples (51.4%), malformations of the cardiovascular (19.6%) and urinary systems (13.8%) and pathology related to vision (20.1%) and hearing (22.0%). Conclusion: In the Ukrainian population, the highest proportion of patients with TS had a karyotype 45,X. TS was accompanied by a lower frequency of malformations of internal organs compared to other countries.

The Clinical Cases of Geleophysic Dysplasia: One Gene, Different Phenotypes.

BACKGROUND: Geleophysic dysplasia is a rare multisystem disorder that principally affects the bones, joints, heart, and skin. This condition is inherited either in an autosomal dominant pattern due to FBN1 mutations or in an autosomal recessive pattern due to ADAMTSL2 mutations. Two patients with unaffected parents from unrelated families presented to their endocrinologist with severe short stature, resistant to growth hormone treatment. Routine endocrine tests did not reveal an underlying etiology. Exome sequencing was performed in each family. Our two patients, harboring de novo heterozygous FBN1 mutations p.Tyr1696Asp and p.Cys1748Ser, had common clinical symptoms such as severe short stature, characteristic facial features, short hands and feet, and limitation of joint movement. However, one patient had severe cardiac involvement whereas the other patient had tracheal stenosis requiring tracheostomy placement. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe dwarfism, skeletal anomalies, and other specific syndromic features (e.g., tracheal stenosis and cardiac valvulopathy) should undergo genetic testing to exclude acromelic dysplasia syndromes.

MODY in Ukraine: genes, clinical phenotypes and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) has not been previously studied in Ukraine. We investigated the genetic etiology in a selected cohort of patients with diabetes diagnosed before 18 years of age, and in their family members. METHODS: Genetic testing of the most prevalent MODY genes (GCK, HNF1A, HNF4A, HNF1B and INS) was undertaken for 36 families (39 affected individuals) by Sanger or targeted next generation sequencing. RESULTS: A genetic diagnosis of MODY was made in 15/39 affected individuals from 12/36 families (33%). HNF1A and HNF4A MODY were the most common subtypes, accounting for 9/15 of MODY cases. Eight patients with HNF1A or HNF4A MODY and inadequate glycemic control were successfully transferred to sulfonylureas. Median HbA1c decreased from 67 mmol/mol (range 58-69) to 47 mmol/mol (range 43-50) (8.3% [7.5-8.5] to 6.4% [6.1-6.7]) 3 months after transfer (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Genetic testing identified pathogenic HNF1A and HNF4A variants as the most common cause of MODY in Ukraine. Transfer to sulfonylureas substantially improved the glycemic control of these patients.

Long-Acting C-Terminal Peptide-Modified hGH (MOD-4023): Results of a Safety and Dose-Finding Study in GHD Children.

Context: Daily injections are required for growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy, which may cause low compliance as a result of inconvenience and distress in patients. Objective: C-terminal peptide-modified human GH (MOD-4023) is developed for once-a-week dosing regimen in GH-deficient (GHD) adults and children. The present trial was a safety and dose-finding study for weekly MOD-4023 in GHD children. Design: A multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled phase 2 study in children with GHD, evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of three different weekly MOD-4023 doses, compared with daily recombinant human GH (r-hGH). Setting: The trial was conducted in 14 endocrinology centers in Europe. Patients: Fifty-three prepubertal children with GHD completed 12 months of treatment with either MOD-4023 (N = 42) or r-hGH (N = 11). Interventions: C-terminal peptide-modified hGH (MOD-4023) was administered weekly at a dose of either 0.25, 0.48, or 0.66 mg/kg/wk and compared with daily hGH at a dose of 0.24 mg/kg/wk. Results: MOD-4023 showed an estimated half-life approximately fivefold to 10-fold longer when compared with daily r-hGH. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-binding peptide 3 showed a dose-dependent increase during MOD-4023 treatment. IGF-I standard deviation score for MOD-4023 did not exceed +2. All MOD-4023 cohorts demonstrated adequate catch-up growth. The 0.66 mg/kg/wk dose demonstrated efficacy closest to daily r-hGH. No serious adverse events were observed during MOD-4023 treatment, and its tolerability was consistent with known properties of r-hGH. Conclusions: This study confirms the long-acting properties of MOD-4023 and shows a promising safety and tolerability profile. This provides support for initiation of a phase 3 study in GHD children using a single weekly injection of MOD-4023.

Neonatal diabetes in Ukraine: incidence, genetics, clinical phenotype and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal diabetes has not been previously studied in Ukraine. We investigated the genetic etiology in patients with onset of diabetes during the first 9 months of life. METHODS: We established a Pediatric Diabetes Register to identify patients diagnosed with diabetes before 9 months of age. Genetic testing was undertaken for 42 patients with permanent or transient diabetes diagnosed within the first 6 months of life (n=22) or permanent diabetes diagnosed between 6 and 9 months (n=20). RESULTS: We determined the genetic etiology in 23 of 42 (55%) patients; 86% of the patients diagnosed before 6 months and 20% diagnosed between 6 and 9 months. The incidence of neonatal diabetes in Ukraine was calculated to be 1 in 126,397 live births. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic testing for patients identified through the Ukrainian Pediatric Diabetes Register identified KCNJ11 and ABCC8 mutations as the most common cause (52%) of neonatal diabetes. Transfer to sulfonylureas improved glycemic control in all 11 patients.