Comprehensive Insights into Pediatric Craniopharyngioma: Endocrine and Metabolic Profiles, Treatment Challenges, and Long-term Outcomes with a Multicenter Approach.

Introduction: Craniopharyngiomas (CPG) have complex challenges in treatment due to their proximity to vital structures, surgical and radiotherapeutic complexities, and the tendency for recurrence. This study aims to identify the prevalence of endocrine and metabolic comorbidities observed during initial diagnosis and long-term follow-up in a nationwide cohort of pediatric CPG patients. The study also highlights the associated difficulties in their management. Methods: Sixteen centers entered 152 patients into the ÇEDD NET data system. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory characteristics at presentation, administered treatments, accompanying endocrine, metabolic, and other system involvements, and the patient's follow-up features. Results: Of the evaluated patients, 64 were female, and 88 were male. At presentation, the mean age was 9.1 ± 3.67 (min:1.46-max:16.92) years. The most common complaints at presentation were headache (68.4%), vision problems (42%), short stature (15%), nausea and vomiting (7%). The surgical procedure applied to the patients was gross total resection (GTR) in 97 cases (63.8%) and subtotal resection in 55 cases (36.2%). Radiotherapy was initiated in 11.8% of the patients. In the pathological examination, 92% of the cases were adamantinamatous type, 8% were papillary type. Postoperatively, hormone deficiencies consisted of thyroid-stimulating hormone (92.1%), adrenocorticotropic hormone (81%), antidiuretic hormone (79%), growth hormone (65.1%), and gonadotropin (43.4%) deficiencies. Recombinant growth hormone treatment (rhGH) was initiated on 27 patients. The study showed hesitancy among physicians regarding rhGH. The median survival without relapse was 2.2 years. Median time of relapse was 1.82 years (range: 0.13-10.35 years). Relapse was related to longer follow-ups and reduced GTR rates. The median follow-up time was 3.13 years. Among the last follow-up visits, the prevalence of obesity was 38%, but of these, 46.5% were already obese at diagnosis. However, 20% who were not obese at baseline became obese on follow-up. Permanent visual impairment was observed in 26 patients, neurological deficits in 13 patients, and diabetes mellitus in 5 patients. Conclusion: Recurrence was predominantly due to incomplete resection and the low rate of postoperative radiotherapy. It also emphasized challenges in multidisciplinary regular follow ups and suggested early interventions such as dietary restrictions and increased exercise to prevent obesity.

Recommendations for Clinical Decision-making in Children with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease: Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease Joint Working Group Report

It is well-known that in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the frequency of Celiac disease (CD) is increased due to mechanisms which are not fully elucidated but include autoimmune injury as well as shared genetic predisposition. Although histopathologic examination is the gold standard for diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary endoscopy is crucial. Therefore, for both clinicians and patients' families, the diagnosis of CD remains challenging. In light of this, a joint working group, the Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease Joint Working Group, was convened, with the aim of reporting institutional data and reviewing current international guidelines, in order to provide a framework for clinicians. Several controversial issues were discussed: For CD screening in children with T1D, regardless of age, it is recommended to measure tissue transglutaminase-immunoglobulin A (tTG-IgA) and/or endomysial-IgA antibody due to their high sensitivity and specificity. However, the decision-making process based on tTG-IgA titer in children with T1D is still debated, since tTG-IgA titers may fluctuate in children with T1D. Moreover, seronegativity may occur spontaneously. The authors' own data showed that most of the cases who have biopsy-proven CD had tTG-IgA levels 7-10 times above the upper limit. The decision for endoscopy based solely on tTG-IgA levels should be avoided, except in cases where tTG-IgA levels are seven times and above the upper limit. A closer collaboration should be built between divisions of pediatric endocrinology and gastroenterology in terms of screening, diagnosis and follow-up of children with T1D and suspicious CD.

Metabolic syndrome and risk factors after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The early and late complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) determine the patients' prognosis and life quality. We aim to determine the metabolic syndrome development frequency after HSCT in children to find out the risk factors and compare them with healthy adolescents. METHODS: Thirty-six children who underwent HSCT at least two years ago were analyzed prospectively and cross-sectionally. Our study included 18 healthy children between the ages of 11 and 17 as a control group. All of the cases were assessed in terms of metabolic syndrome (MS) through the use of Modified WHO Criteria. RESULTS: The patients' median age was 10.6 (5.1-17) years, the median time of follow-up after HCST was 4.1 (2-13.5) years and 70% were male. Two cases were diagnosed with MS (5.6%). When considered in terms of the sub-components of MS, 2 cases (5.6%) were found to have obesity, 17 cases (47%) abnormal glucose tolerance, 11 cases (30.7%) dyslipidemia, and 3 cases (8.6%) hypertension. The MS rate was not different when compared with the 11-17 year-old healthy control group (0 vs. 11%, p=0.48). Myeloablative conditioning regimen (65 vs. 20%) and the increased age at which HSCT was performed were considered to be risk factors in terms of insulin resistance (p=0.025 and 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Age and conditioning regimens were found to be the risk factors for insulin resistance development. The long-term follow-up of the cases who had undergone HSCT in childhood in terms of MS and its sub-components is important in order to increase life quality.

A large cohort of disorders of sex development and their genetic characteristics: 6 novel mutations in known genes.

INTRODUCTION: Disorders of sex development (DSD) constitutes a group of congenital conditions that affect urogenital differentiation and are associated with chromosomal, gonadal and phenotypic sex abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and genetic features of childhood DSD cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DSD patients followed up between the years of 2002-2018 were evaluated in terms of their complaints, demographic, clinical features and genetic diagnoses. RESULTS: Out of 289 patients, 143(49.5%) were classified as 46XY DSD, 62(21.5%) as 46XX DSD and 84(29%) as sex chromosomal DSD. Genetic diagnosis was achieved in 150 patients (51.9%). The distribution of the molecular diagnosis of the 46XY DSD patients were; 12 (26.6%) SRD5A2, 10 (22.2%) AR, 7 (15.5%) HSD17B3, 3 (6.6%) WT-1, 2 (4.4%) AMHR2, 2 (4.4%) AMH, 2 (4.4%) LHCGR, 2 (4.4%) HSD3B2, 1 (2.2%) NR5A1, 1 (2.2%) CYP17A1 and 1 (2.2%) SRY mutation. Fifty (80.6%) of the 46XX DSD patients received a diagnosis with clinical and laboratory findings. Twenty-four (38.7%) of them were 21-hydroxylase deficiency, 9(14.5%) Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome, 4 (6.5%) 11-ß hydroxylase deficiency, 3 (4.8%) gonadal dysgenesis and 2 (3.2%) aromatase deficiency. In 46XX group pathogenic mutations were detected in 21(33.8%) of the patients. Eighty-four (29%) patients were diagnosed as sex chromosomal disorder. Of these 66 (78.5%) were Turner Syndrome, 6 (7.2%) Klinefelter Syndrome and 10 (11.9%) mix gonadal dysgenesis. Gender re-assignment was decided in 11 patients. Malignant and pre-invasive lesions was diagnosed in 8 (2.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: Many of DSD's are clinically similar and etiology of numerous of them still cannot be established. A multi-disciplinary approach and new rapid genetic diagnostic methods are needed in the process from diagnosis to gender assignment and follow-up.

Aromatase Deficiency in Two Siblings with 46,XX Karyotype Raised as Different Genders: A Novel Mutation (p.R115X) in the CYP19A1 Gene

Aromatase deficiency rarely causes a 46,XX sexual differentiation disorder. The CYP19A1 gene encodes the aromatase enzyme which catalyses the conversion of androgens to oestrogens. In cases with 46,XX karyotype, mutations in the CYP19A1 gene can lead to disorders of sex development. Clinical findings in aromatase deficiency vary depending on the degree of deficiency. The effect of increased androgens, including acne, cliteromegaly and hirsutism, can be observed in mothers with placental aromatase deficiency. A decrease in maternal virilisation symptoms is observable in the postpartum period. It is rarely reported that there is no virilization in pregnancy. In this study, two 46,XX sibling having the p.R115X (c.343 C>T) novel pathogenic variant in the CYP19A1 gene and raised as different genders, with no maternal virilisation during pregnancy, are presented. In conclusion, 46,XX virilised females should be examined in terms of aromatase deficiency once congenital adrenal hyperplasia has been excluded, even if there is no history of maternal virilisation during pregnancy.

A novel thyroid hormone receptor alpha gene mutation, clinic characteristics, and follow-up findings in a patient with thyroid hormone resistance.

Thyroid hormone receptor alpha (THRA) gene mutation is a thyroid hormone resistance syndrome characterized by near-normal thyroid function tests and tissue-specific hypothyroidism. In this case study, we report a novel de novo p.G291S heterozygous mutation in the THRA gene was detected at mutation analysis. A 4-year-old male patient was admitted due to short stature, motor-mental retardation, and constipation. At physical examination, coarse facial appearance, eyelid edema, pallor, and umbilical hernia were observed. Primary thyroid hormone resistance should be considered in patients with phenotypically hypothyroid features. Laboratory analysis found moderate elevation in free triiodothyronine (T3) levels, normochromic normocytic anemia, and elevated creatine kinase levels. In conclusion, THRA gene mutation should be considered in patients with clinical hypothyroid findings and increased/moderately elevated free T3, decreased/ normal free thyroxine, normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, and increased muscle enzymes.

Reliability and Validity of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey in Turkish Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to show the reliability and validity of a Turkish version of Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A total of 200 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, ages 9-18 years, completed the DEPS-R Turkish version. In addition to tests of validity, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to investigate the factor structure of the 16-item Turkish version of DEPS-R. RESULTS: The Turkish version of DEPS-R demonstrated satisfactory Cronbach's ∝ (0.847) and was significantly correlated with age (r=0.194; p<0.01), hemoglobin A1c levels (r=0.303; p<0.01), and body mass index-standard deviation score (r=0.412; p<0.01) indicating criterion validity. Median DEPS-R scores of Turkish version for the total samples, females, and males were 11.0, 11.5, and 10.5, respectively. CONCLUSION: Disturbed eating behaviors and insulin restriction were associated with poor metabolic control. A short, self-administered diabetes-specific screening tool for disordered eating behavior can be used routinely in the clinical care of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The Turkish version of DEPS-R is a valid screening tool for disordered eating behaviors in type 1 diabetes and it is potentially important to early detect disordered eating behaviors.

Is anti-Mullerian hormone an indicator of potential polycystic ovary syndrome in prepubertal girls with simple obesity?

The aim of this anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in prepubertal obese girls are a predictive marker for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and AMH. Sixty girls with premature pubarche or obesity and 20 healthy controls between the ages of 6-9 were enrolled. Of the patients, 22 (36.7%) were in the obese group (Group 1), 28 (46.7%) in the early pubarche group (Group 2) and 10 (16.6%) in the early pubarche + obese group (Group 3). Comparison of the subjects' fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) demonstrated significantly higher values for group 1 compared to group 2 (p=0.001 and 0.001) and, likewise, significantly higher values for group 3 compared to group 2. There was no significant differences between all groups for AMH levels. AMH levels were not significantly different in the obese girls compared to the other groups. There was also no relationship between AMH and insulin resistance in any of the groups. Further studies, however, are needed due the limited number of subjects in this study and in the absence of adequate relevant data.

An unusual manifestation: Papillary thyroid carcinoma in a patient with ataxia-telengiectasia.

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare autosomal recessive, multisystem, neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by oculocutaneous telangiectasias, variable immunodeficiency and progressive neurological impairment. Definitive diagnosis is made by revealing a disease causing mutation on ATM gene. Missense mutations and polymorphisms of ATM gene can play a role in the development of thyroid papillary carcinoma. A 13-year-old Turkish girl was diagnosed with ataxia telengiectasia at the age of 8 years. When she was 12 years old, multi-nodular goiter was detected by physical examination and ultrasonography. She underwent thyroidectomy and histopathologic investigation revealed a papillary carcinoma with follicular variant. The patient received post-operative radioiodine therapy as well as L-thyroxine treatment because she had residual lesions. Up until now, she is the first Turkish child wit A-T and thyroid carcinoma described in the literature.

Molecular analysis of PROP1, POU1F1, LHX3, and HESX1 in Turkish patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency: a multicenter study.

To investigate the specific mutations in PROP1, POU1F1, LHX3, and HESX1 genes in patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) in Turkey. Seventy-six patients with CPHD were included in this study. Based on clinical, hormonal, and neuro-radiological data, relevant transcription factor genes were evaluated by Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Total frequency of mutations was 30.9 % in patients with CPHD. Frequency was significantly higher in familial patients (p = 0.001). Three different types of mutations in PROP1 gene (complete gene deletion, c.301-302delAG, a novel mutation; IVS1+2T>G) were found in 12 unrelated patients (21.8 %). Mutations in PROP1 gene were markedly higher in familial than in sporadic cases (58.8 vs. 5.3 %, p < 0.001). Homozygous complete gene deletion was the most common mutation in PROP1 gene (8/12) and was identified in six familial patients. Four different homozygous mutations [p.Q4X, novel mutations; exons 1-2 deletion, p.V153F, p.I244S] were detected in POU1F1 gene. Central precocious puberty was firstly observed in a sporadic-male patient with homozygous POU1F1 (p.I244S) mutation. A homozygous mutation in HESX1 gene (p.R160H) was detected in one patient. This study is the first to investigate specific mutations in CPHD patients in Turkey. Complete deletion in PROP1 gene was the most common mutation encountered in patients with CPHD. We believe that the results of this study will contribute to the establishment of genetic screening strategies in Turkey, as well as to the studies on phenotype-genotype correlations and early diagnosis of CPHD patients.

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring corroborates the success of parathyroidectomy in children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring in evaluating the outcome of parathyroidectomy in pediatric patients. METHODS: Intraoperative PTH monitoring during parathyroidectomy was performed in five children (3M, 2F); three had parathyroid adenomas (single gland disease) and two had primary hyperplasia. One patient had undergone two previous surgical interventions to remove the parathyroid glands, but the PTH levels had remained high with persistence of symptoms. Immunoradiometric analysis was used for PTH measurements. Preoperative PTH values were obtained to monitor the baseline levels. Serum samples were collected 20 minutes after removal of the adenoma/parathyroid gland(s) and PTH levels were compared with preoperative values. Specimens were also confirmed by frozen sectional examination. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 11 years (range: 3 months-16 years). Mean preoperative PTH values were 633.3±579 pg/mL (range: 143-1300 pg/mL). Intraoperative values decreased to 18.7±5.5 pg/mL (range: 8-27 pg/mL) following removal of the gland(s). Normal calcium levels were achieved with adequate management following surgery. One patient (with multiple surgeries and found to have an ectopic parathyroid gland) had hungry bone syndrome after the operation and was treated successfully. There were no major complications. All patients maintained normal calcium/phosphorus levels in the follow-up period, ranging from 2 to 5 years. CONCLUSION: An ectopic parathyroid gland or another undetected adenoma can be overlooked during surgery. Owing to the short life of the hormone, intraoperative PTH monitoring to determine PTH clearance proved to be a feasible marker for adequacy and safety of surgery and "cure".

Agricultural pesticides and precocious puberty.

The onset and course of puberty is under the control of the neuroendocrine system. Factors affecting the regulation of timing and order of this system's functions may alter the onset and course of puberty. Several environmental endocrine disruptors (EDs) with significant influences on the normal course of puberty have been identified. Despite the numerous animal and human studies on EDs that may extensively affect human health, there are still several issues that need to be clarified. This chapter discusses the effects of pesticides, which constitute a significant portion of disruptors and have been increasingly used in agriculture, on precocious puberty.

Gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty in a patient with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita caused by a novel DAX-1 mutation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is typically characterized by a DAX-1 gene mutation and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. However, rare cases with precocious puberty or normal puberty have been reported. Currently, the mechanism of action of the DAX-1 gene on puberty is not clearly known. CASE REPORT: We report a male who was diagnosed as having AHC in the newborn period and detected as having stop codon Q155 X mutation in the DAX-1 gene. This subject developed central precocious puberty when he was 9 months old. RESULTS: This paper is the first case report of AHC, central precocious puberty and a mutation in the DAX-1 gene. DAX-1 gene mutations can result in various phenotypes. CONCLUSION: In cases with AHC, central precocious puberty can develop rather than hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which is the most frequently observed puberty disorder related to DAX-1 gene mutations.

Persistent elevated serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone after reoperation for primary hyperparathyroidism and after pamidronate therapy.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a life-threatening rare disorder. It is seen as a result of neonatal primary hyperparathyroidism, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, increased vitamin D levels and inactivation of calcium sensing receptor mutations. The clinical findings are hypotonia, bone demineralization, hypercalcemia and parathyroid hyperplasia. We present a six-month-old female patient, the first child of nonconsanguineous parents, who was referred for the investigation of failure to thrive, vomiting, constipation, fever, abdominal distention and hypotonia. Physical examination revealed weight under 3rd percentile, height 3rd-10th percentile, decreased subcutaneous fat, and distention of the abdomen. In neurological examination, hypotonia, motor-mental retardation, and active deep tendon reflexes were found. The biochemical values at the time of admission revealed primary hyperparathyroidism. Since hypercalcemia did not respond to calcitonin therapy and due to the mortality of hypercalcemia, parathyroidectomy was performed. Because hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia continued, angiography was done which revealed increased parathyroid hormone levels in the periphery of the innominate vein. Exploratory surgery followed, but hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia persisted after all of these procedures. Calcium-sensing receptor mutations and supernumerary gland were considered. Because hypercalcemia persisted, pamidronate therapy was initiated on a monthly basis.