Multicenter, Randomized Trial of a Bionic Pancreas in Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Currently available semiautomated insulin-delivery systems require individualized insulin regimens for the initialization of therapy and meal doses based on carbohydrate counting for routine operation. In contrast, the bionic pancreas is initialized only on the basis of body weight, makes all dose decisions and delivers insulin autonomously, and uses meal announcements without carbohydrate counting. METHODS: In this 13-week, multicenter, randomized trial, we randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio persons at least 6 years of age with type 1 diabetes either to receive bionic pancreas treatment with insulin aspart or insulin lispro or to receive standard care (defined as any insulin-delivery method with unblinded, real-time continuous glucose monitoring). The primary outcome was the glycated hemoglobin level at 13 weeks. The key secondary outcome was the percentage of time that the glucose level as assessed by continuous glucose monitoring was below 54 mg per deciliter; the prespecified noninferiority limit for this outcome was 1 percentage point. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 219 participants 6 to 79 years of age were assigned to the bionic-pancreas group, and 107 to the standard-care group. The glycated hemoglobin level decreased from 7.9% to 7.3% in the bionic-pancreas group and did not change (was at 7.7% at both time points) in the standard-care group (mean adjusted difference at 13 weeks, -0.5 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.6 to -0.3; P<0.001). The percentage of time that the glucose level as assessed by continuous glucose monitoring was below 54 mg per deciliter did not differ significantly between the two groups (13-week adjusted difference, 0.0 percentage points; 95% CI, -0.1 to 0.04; P<0.001 for noninferiority). The rate of severe hypoglycemia was 17.7 events per 100 participant-years in the bionic-pancreas group and 10.8 events per 100 participant-years in the standard-care group (P = 0.39). No episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In this 13-week, randomized trial involving adults and children with type 1 diabetes, use of a bionic pancreas was associated with a greater reduction than standard care in the glycated hemoglobin level. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04200313.).

Trajectories of eGFR and risk of albuminuria in youth with type 2 diabetes: results from the TODAY cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We conducted exploratory analyses to identify distinct trajectories of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and their relationship with hyperfiltration, subsequent rapid eGFR decline, and albuminuria in participants with youth-onset type 2 diabetes enrolled in the Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study. METHODS: Annual serum creatinine, cystatin C, urine albumin, and creatinine measurements were obtained from 377 participants followed for ≥ 10 years. Albuminuria and eGFR were calculated. Hyperfiltration peak is the greatest eGFR inflection point during follow-up. Latent class modeling was applied to identify distinct eGFR trajectories. RESULTS: At baseline, participants' mean age was 14 years, type 2 diabetes duration was 6 months, mean HbA1c was 6%, and mean eGFR was 120 ml/min/1.73 m2. Five eGFR trajectories associated with different rates of albuminuria were identified, including a "progressive increasing eGFR" group (10%), three "stable eGFR" groups with varying starting mean eGFR, and an "eGFR steady decline" group (1%). Participants who exhibited the greatest peak eGFR also had the highest levels of elevated albuminuria at year 10. This group membership was characterized by a greater proportion of female and Hispanic participants. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct eGFR trajectories that associate with albuminuria risk were identified, with the eGFR trajectory characterized by increasing eGFR over time associating with the highest level of albuminuria. These descriptive data support the current recommendations to estimate GFR annually in young persons with type 2 diabetes and provide insight into eGFR-related factors which may contribute to predictive risk strategies for kidney disease therapies in youth with type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00081328, date registered 2002. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Liraglutide in Children and Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Metformin is the regulatory-approved treatment of choice for most youth with type 2 diabetes early in the disease. However, early loss of glycemic control has been observed with metformin monotherapy. Whether liraglutide added to metformin (with or without basal insulin treatment) is safe and effective in youth with type 2 diabetes is unknown. METHODS: Patients who were 10 to less than 17 years of age were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive subcutaneous liraglutide (up to 1.8 mg per day) or placebo for a 26-week double-blind period, followed by a 26-week open-label extension period. Inclusion criteria were a body-mass index greater than the 85th percentile and a glycated hemoglobin level between 7.0 and 11.0% if the patients were being treated with diet and exercise alone or between 6.5 and 11.0% if they were being treated with metformin (with or without insulin). All the patients received metformin during the trial. The primary end point was the change from baseline in the glycated hemoglobin level after 26 weeks. Secondary end points included the change in fasting plasma glucose level. Safety was assessed throughout the course of the trial. RESULTS: Of 135 patients who underwent randomization, 134 received at least one dose of liraglutide (66 patients) or placebo (68 patients). Demographic characteristics were similar in the two groups (mean age, 14.6 years). At the 26-week analysis of the primary efficacy end point, the mean glycated hemoglobin level had decreased by 0.64 percentage points with liraglutide and increased by 0.42 percentage points with placebo, for an estimated treatment difference of -1.06 percentage points (P<0.001); the difference increased to -1.30 percentage points by 52 weeks. The fasting plasma glucose level had decreased at both time points in the liraglutide group but had increased in the placebo group. The number of patients who reported adverse events was similar in the two groups (56 [84.8%] with liraglutide and 55 [80.9%] with placebo), but the overall rates of adverse events and gastrointestinal adverse events were higher with liraglutide. CONCLUSIONS: In children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes, liraglutide, at a dose of up to 1.8 mg per day (added to metformin, with or without basal insulin), was efficacious in improving glycemic control over 52 weeks. This efficacy came at the cost of an increased frequency of gastrointestinal adverse events. (Funded by Novo Nordisk; Ellipse ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01541215.).

Pediatric Endocrinology: Perspectives of Pediatric Endocrinologists Regarding Career Choice and Recruitment of Trainees.

OBJECTIVES: To examine main factors that influence the decision to choose pediatric endocrinology as a career among pediatric endocrinologists and assess their work satisfaction or stress level and suggested strategies to increase interest in subspecialty training in pediatric endocrinology. METHODS: A workforce survey was distributed among 1470 members of the Pediatric Endocrine Society. RESULTS: The response rate was 37.4%, with 550 members responding. The most common reasons for the respondents choosing pediatric endocrinology were intellectual stimulation (79%), exposure to endocrinology during residency (57%) or medical school (43%), and ability to establish relationships with patients with chronic disorders (54%). Of the respondents, 97% considered intellectual stimulation as the most favorable aspect of the specialty, and 84% considered financial compensation as the most unfavorable aspect of pediatric endocrinology. Majority (77%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their work environment. The mean work-related stress score (0 [none] to 10 [worst]) was 5.7, standard deviation was 2.1, and median was 6 (Q1, Q3: 4, 7). Increased financial compensation for the services and loan payment or forgiveness option were the top strategies suggested to enhance interest among residents for training in the subspecialty. One third (37%) felt that reducing the duration of the fellowship to 2 years would increase interest in training in pediatric endocrinology. CONCLUSION: The pediatric endocrinologists reported overall excellent career satisfaction, indicating the potential to attract high-quality doctors to the specialty. Improving reimbursement and loan forgiveness were the top strategies suggested for increasing interest in subspecialty training in pediatric endocrinology.

Recommendations for improving clinical trial design to facilitate the study of youth-onset type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in youths and differs from adult-onset type 2 diabetes in its characteristics and progression. Currently, only two drugs are approved for youth-onset type 2 diabetes and many patients are not meeting glycemic targets. Clearly, there is an urgent need to complete clinical trials in youths with type 2 diabetes to increase the therapeutic choice for these patients. However, factors such as limited patient numbers, unwillingness of patients to participate in trials, failure to meet strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and poor clinic attendance have limited the size and number of trials in this complicated patient demographic. RECOMMENDATIONS: This is a narrative opinion piece on the design of clinical trials in youth-onset type 2 diabetes prepared by researchers who undertake this type of study in different countries. The review addresses possible ways to enhance trial designs in youth-onset type 2 diabetes to meet regulatory requirements, while minimizing the barriers to patients' participation. The definition of adolescence, recruitment of sufficient patient numbers, increasing flexibility in selection criteria, improving convenience of trial visits, requirements of a control group, possible endpoints, and trial compliance are all considered. The authors recommend allowing extrapolation from adult data, using multiple interventional arms within future trials, broadening inclusion criteria, and focusing on endpoints beyond glucose control, among others, in order to improve the successful completion of more trials in this population. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in trial design will enable better recruitment and retention and thereby more evidence for treatment outcomes for youth-onset type 2 diabetes.

Country-Specific Prevalence and Incidence of Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: With increased awareness of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents, an overview of country-specific differences in epidemiology data is needed to develop a global picture of the disease development. SUMMARY: This study examined country-specific prevalence and incidence data of youth-onset T2D published between 2008 and 2019, and searched for national guidelines to expand the understanding of country-specific similarities and differences. Of the 1,190 articles and 17 congress abstracts identified, 58 were included in this review. Our search found the highest reported prevalence rates of youth-onset T2D in China (520 cases/100,000 people) and the USA (212 cases/100,000) and lowest in Denmark (0.6 cases/100,000) and Ireland (1.2 cases/100,000). However, the highest incidence rates were reported in Taiwan (63 cases/100,000) and the UK (33.2 cases/100,000), with the lowest in Fiji (0.43 cases/100,000) and Austria (0.6 cases/100,000). These differences in epidemiology data may be partly explained by variations in the diagnostic criteria used within studies, screening recommendations within national guidelines and race/ethnicity within countries. Key Messages: Our study suggests that published country-specific epidemiology data for youth-onset T2D are varied and scant, and often with reporting inconsistencies. Finding optimal diagnostic criteria and screening strategies for this disease should be of high interest to every country. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Genetic and environmental (physical fitness and sedentary activity) interaction effects on cardiometabolic risk factors in Mexican American children and adolescents.

Knowledge on genetic and environmental (G × E) interaction effects on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) in children is limited.  The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of G × E interaction effects on CMRFs in Mexican American (MA) children (n = 617, ages 6-17 years). The environments examined were sedentary activity (SA), assessed by recalls from "yesterday" (SAy) and "usually" (SAu) and physical fitness (PF) assessed by Harvard PF scores (HPFS). CMRF data included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fasting insulin (FI), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and number of metabolic syndrome components (MSC). We examined potential G × E interaction in the phenotypic expression of CMRFs using variance component models and likelihood-based statistical inference. Significant G × SA interactions were identified for six CMRFs: BMI, WC, FI, HOMA-IR, MSC, and HDL, and significant G × HPFS interactions were observed for four CMRFs: BMI, WC, FM, and HOMA-IR. However, after correcting for multiple hypothesis testing, only WC × SAy, FM × SAy, and FI × SAu interactions became marginally significant. After correcting for multiple testing, most of CMRFs exhibited significant G × E interactions (Reduced G × E model vs. Constrained model). These findings provide evidence that genetic factors interact with SA and PF to influence variation in CMRFs, and underscore the need for better understanding of these relationships to develop strategies and interventions to effectively reduce or prevent cardiometabolic risk in children.

Cardiac Biomarkers in Youth with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Results from the TODAY Study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine cardiac biomarkers over time in youth-onset type 2 diabetes, and relate serum concentrations to cardiovascular disease risk factors, and left ventricular structure and function. STUDY DESIGN: TODAY (Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth) was a multicenter randomized trial of 3 treatments including 521 participants with type 2 diabetes, aged 10-17 years, and with 2-6 years of follow-up. Participants were 36% male, obese, and ethnically diverse. Annual serum concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide, troponin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, receptors 1 and 2 were related to blood pressure, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, and left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic function, relative wall thickness, and mass. RESULTS: Elevated concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (≥100 pg/mL), TNF-α (≥5.6 pg/mL) and troponin (≥0.01 ng/mL), were present in 17.8%, 18.3%, and 34.2% of the cohort, respectively, at baseline, and in 15.4%, 17.1%, and 31.1% at the end of the study, with wide variability over time, without persistence in individuals or clear relationship to glycemia or cardiovascular structure/function. TNF receptors concentrations were increased at baseline and not significantly different from end-of-study concentrations. Adverse echocardiographic measures were more likely in the highest TNF receptor tertile (all P < .05): higher left ventricular mass (39.3 ± 9.0 g/m2.7), left atrial internal dimension (3.7 ± 0.4 cm) and E/Em ratio, a measure of diastolic dysfunction (6.2 ± 1.9). After adjustment for body mass index, these relationships were no longer significant. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum concentrations of cardiac biomarkers were common in youth with type 2 diabetes, but their clinical significance is unclear and will require further long-term study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.govNCT00081328.

Prevalence of Suspected Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Lean Adolescents in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can develop in lean subjects referred to as lean NAFLD. We aim to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in lean adolescents in the United States (US). METHODS: Cross sectional data from 1482 lean subjects (body mass index <85th percentile) ages between 12 and 18 years, who were enrolled in the National Health and Examination Survey during the 2005 to 2014 cycles were included. We defined suspected NAFLD as alanine aminotransferase >25.8 U/L for boys and >22.1 U/L for girls; hypertriglyceridemia as triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; low HDL as HDL <40 mg/dL and insulin resistance (IR) as homeostatic model assessment of IR ≥3. RESULTS: The mean weighted prevalence of suspected NAFLD among lean adolescents during 2005 to 2014 cycles was 8% (95% CI 6.2-9.9). Lean subjects with suspected NAFLD were significantly older compared with lean non-NAFLD subjects (15.5 vs 15 years, P value <0.05). Low HDL (15.5% vs 6.8%; P value 0.016) and hypertriglyceridemia (10% vs 3.9%; P value 0.028) were also found to be more common among lean NAFLD subjects compared with their non-NAFLD counterparts. Presence of IR increased the risk of having suspected NAFLD by 4-fold among lean adolescents. Non-Hispanic black lean adolescents were less likely to have suspected NAFLD compared with non-Hispanic white lean adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated prevalence of suspected NAFLD among lean adolescents in the US was found to be 8% with evidence of metabolic derangements such as low HDL, hypertriglyceridemia, and IR.

Type 2 diabetes in a 5-year-old and single center experience of type 2 diabetes in youth under 10.

The worrisome rise in pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is most prevalent among minority ethnic/racial populations. Typically, T2DM occurs during puberty in high risk obese adolescents with evidence of insulin resistance. Screening for T2DM in obese youth can be a daunting task for pediatricians and differentiating between pediatric T1DM and T2DM in obese youth can be challenging for pediatric endocrinologists. There is very limited data regarding the prevalence of T2DM among youth < 10 years of age. Here we present the case of a 5-year-old Hispanic male diagnosed with T2DM after referral by his pediatrician for abnormal weight gain, acanthosis nigricans and an elevated HbgA1c. He subsequently became symptomatic for diabetes with confirmed hyperglycemia and HbgA1c of 9.7% (83 mmol/mol) at the time of formal diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies (GAD65, Islet, and ZincT8) and monogenic diabetes genetic tests were negative. Due to elevated liver enzymes and baseline HbgA1c, he received basal insulin as his initial therapy. In this paper, we will discuss this case and present an IRB approved retrospective review of the characteristics of the 20 T2DM patients <10 years of age identified to date in our pediatric diabetes center. This review highlights that while uncommon, the diagnosis of T2DM merits consideration even in prepubertal children. This is especially true when working with a high risk population, such as our Hispanic South Texas youth.

Nephropathy in youth and young adults with type 2 diabetes.

The occurrence and progression of nephropathy associated with early onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a consequence of the ongoing epidemic of childhood obesity. Minimal evidence regarding treatment effectiveness of renovascular comorbidities in youth with early onset T2D is available, due to the relatively recent emergence of T2D in youth and young adults. Extrapolation of adult therapy guidelines is not an ideal approach to making therapeutic decisions in this population. Evolving management and intervention strategies are based on accumulating longitudinal data from cohorts of well characterized youth and young adults with T2D. The degree of similarity in histologic findings and disease specific characteristics of kidney disease in patients with early onset T2D and albuminuria compared with affected adults is not well characterized. Early aggressive therapies to minimize the impact of nephropathy are indicated as the evidence for best therapies in youth with T2D are further explored.

Genetic epidemiology of cardiometabolic risk factors and their clustering patterns in Mexican American children and adolescents: the SAFARI Study.

Pediatric metabolic syndrome (MS) and its cardiometabolic components (MSCs) have become increasingly prevalent, yet little is known about the genetics underlying MS risk in children. We examined the prevalence and genetics of MS-related traits among 670 non-diabetic Mexican American (MA) children and adolescents, aged 6-17 years (49 % female), who were participants in the San Antonio Family Assessment of Metabolic Risk Indicators in Youth study. These children are offspring or biological relatives of adult participants from three well-established Mexican American family studies in San Antonio, TX, at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. MS was defined as ≥3 abnormalities among 6 MSC measures: waist circumference, systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure, fasting insulin, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and fasting and/or 2-h OGTT glucose. Genetic analyses of MS, number of MSCs (MSC-N), MS factors, and bivariate MS traits were performed. Overweight/obesity (53 %), pre-diabetes (13 %), acanthosis nigricans (33 %), and MS (19 %) were strikingly prevalent, as were MS components, including abdominal adiposity (32 %) and low HDL-cholesterol (32 %). Factor analysis of MS traits yielded three constructs: adipo-insulin-lipid, blood pressure, and glucose factors, and their factor scores were highly heritable. MS itself exhibited 68 % heritability. MSC-N showed strong positive genetic correlations with obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and acanthosis nigricans, and negative genetic correlation with physical fitness. MS trait pairs exhibited strong genetic and/or environmental correlations. These findings highlight the complex genetic architecture of MS/MSCs in MA children, and underscore the need for early screening and intervention to prevent chronic sequelae in this vulnerable pediatric population.

Paraproteins of familial MGUS/multiple myeloma target family-typical antigens: hyperphosphorylation of autoantigens is a consistent finding in familial and sporadic MGUS/MM.

Paratarg-7 (P-7) is a frequent paraprotein target in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), multiple myeloma (MM), and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Patients with P-7-specific paraproteins carry a hyperphosphorylated paratarg-7 (pP-7). Because pP-7 carrier state is dominantly inherited, we determined the paraprotein targets in 4 families with familial MGUS/MM. No antigenic target was identified for the paraproteins from 2 members of one family. Paraproteins from affected members of 2 other families targeted P-7, and paraproteins from 4 affected members of a fourth family targeted P-8, which is encoded by the ATG13 gene. P-8 was hyperphosphorylated in the affected family members (pP-8) and pP-8 carrier state is inherited in a dominant fashion. Six additional autoantigenic nonfamilial paraprotein targets were also hyperphosphorylated in the respective patients compared with normal controls. We conclude that paraproteins of affected members with familial MGUS/MM share family-typical hyperphosphorylated antigens and hyperphosphorylation of paraprotein targets might be a general mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of MGUS/MM.

A patient with a unique frameshift mutation in GPC3, causing Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome, presenting with craniosynostosis, penoscrotal hypospadias, and a large prostatic utricle.

We present a Hispanic male with the clinical and molecular diagnosis of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS). The patient was born with multiple anomalies not entirely typical of SGBS patients, including penoscrotal hypospadias, a large prostatic utricle, and left coronal craniosynostosis. In addition, he demonstrated endocrine anomalies including a low random cortisol level suspicious for adrenal insufficiency and low testosterone level. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a prostatic utricle in SGBS and the second report of craniosynostosis. The unique disease-causing mutation likely arose de novo in the mother. It is a deletion-insertion that leads to a frameshift at the p.p. S359 [corrected] residue of GPC3 and a premature stop codon after five more amino acids. p. S359 [corrected] is the same residue that is normally cleaved by the Furin convertase, although the significance of this novel mutation with respect to the patient's multiple anomalies is unknown. We present this case as the perinatal course of a patient with unique features of SGBS and a confirmed molecular diagnosis.

Hereditary breast cancer: practical pursuit for clinical translation.

The benefits of a skillful medical history and histologic confirmation of relevant pathology are potentially lifesaving. Appropriately directed DNA testing based on these initial steps provides an opportunity for clinical translation into a cancer prevention program targeted to family members. Unfortunately, cancer prevention strategies that are based on genetics are frequently overlooked or underestimated in the overall practical management of patients at high risk for breast cancer as well as integral cancers that constitute a hereditary breast cancer syndrome. DNA testing, particularly for BRCA1 and BRCA2 in hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome and p53 in the Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and many other syndromes is commercially available for inclusion in a cancer control program and merits attention in this major public health problem. It is clear that the time and effort expended for a hereditary cancer syndrome diagnosis may significantly reduce both morbidity and mortality in breast cancer. We have found that genetic counselors can partner with the clinical physicians and make significant contributions to this labor-intensive effort.

Determinants of glycemic control in youth with type 2 diabetes at randomization in the TODAY study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate insulin sensitivity and secretion indices and determinants of glycemic control in youth with recent-onset type 2 diabetes (T2DM) at randomization in the TODAY study, the largest study of youth with T2DM to date. METHODS: We examined estimates of insulin sensitivity [1/fasting insulin (1/I(F)), fasting glucose/insulin (G(F) /I(F)), 1/fasting C-peptide (1/C(F)), G(F) /C(F)], ß-cell function [insulinogenic index (ΔI30/ΔG30), and ΔC30/ΔG30], and disposition index (DI) in the TODAY cohort of 704 youth (14.0 ± 2.0 yr; diabetes duration 7.8 ± 5.8 months; 64.9% female; 41.1% Hispanic, 31.5% Black, 19.6% White, 6.1% American Indian, and 1.7% Asian) according to hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) quartiles at study randomization. The randomization visit followed a run-in period (median 71 d) during which glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 8% for at least 2 months) was achieved with metformin alone. These measures were also examined in relation to screening HbA1c levels before run-in. RESULTS: Insulin secretion indices declined with increasing HbA1c quartiles, at randomization (ΔC30/ΔG30: 0.11 ± 0.09, 0.10 ± 0.19, 0.07 ± 0.06, and 0.03 ± 0.03 ng/mL per mg/dL, p < 0.0001; DI: 0.03 ± 0.03, 0.03 ± 0.05, 0.02 ± 0.02, and 0.01 ± 0.01 mg/dL(-1) , p < 0.0001) and at screening, with no significant difference in insulin sensitivity. There were no significant differences in estimates of insulin sensitivity or secretion between genders or across the different racial groups. At randomization and screening, HbA1c correlated with DI (r = -0.3, p < 0.001), with ΔC30/ΔG30, but not with insulin sensitivity estimates. CONCLUSIONS: In youth with recent-onset T2DM treated with metformin, glycemic control, as measured by HbA1c, appears to be associated with residual ß-cell function and not insulin sensitivity.

The Insulin-Only Bionic Pancreas Pivotal Trial Extension Study: A Multi-Center Single-Arm Evaluation of the Insulin-Only Configuration of the Bionic Pancreas in Adults and Youth with Type 1 Diabetes.

Objective: To evaluate a transition from standard-of-care (SC) management of type 1 diabetes (any insulin delivery method including hybrid closed-loop systems plus real-time continuous glucose monitoring [CGM]) to use of the insulin-only configuration of the iLet® bionic pancreas (BP) in 90 adults and children (age 6-71 years). Research Design and Methods: After the SC group completed the randomized controlled trial (RCT) portion of the Insulin-Only BP Pivotal Trial, 90 of the 107 participants participated in a 13-week study using the BP. The key outcomes were change from baseline in HbA1c and CGM metrics after 13 weeks on the BP. Results: Using the BP, mean HbA1c decreased from 7.7% ± 1.0% (61 ± 10.9 mmol/mol) at baseline to 7.1% ± 0.6% (54 ± 6.6 mmol/mol) at 13 weeks (mean change -0.55% ± 0.72% [-6 ± 7.9 mmol/mol], P < 0.001), time in range 70-180 mg/dL increased by 12.0% ± 12.5% (from 53% ± 17% to 65% ± 9%, P < 0.001), and mean glucose decreased by -18 ± 23 mg/dL (from 182 ± 32 to 164 ± 15 mg/dL, P < 0.001). The higher the baseline HbA1c level, the greater the change in HbA1c. Results were similar in the adult (N = 42) and pediatric (N = 48) cohorts. Time <70 mg/dL decreased from baseline over the 13 weeks by -0.50% ± 1.86% (P = 0.02), and time <54 mg/dL was similar (change from baseline -0.08% ± 0.59%, P = 0.24). Two severe hypoglycemia events (in same participant) and one diabetic ketoacidosis event occurred. Conclusions: Glycemic control improved after adult and pediatric participants in the SC arm in the Insulin-Only BP Pivotal Trial transitioned to use of the BP. Improvement using the BP was of similar magnitude to that observed during the RCT. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04200313.

Familial myeloma.

We describe a family with five cases of multiple myeloma, three cases of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and five cases of prostate cancer in two generations. The putative progenitor had progeny with two female partners. The progeny had prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and MGUS.

Lynch syndrome-associated extracolonic tumors are rare in two extended families with the same EPCAM deletion.

OBJECTIVES: The Lynch syndrome (LS) is an inherited cancer syndrome showing a preponderance of colorectal cancer (CRC) in context with endometrial cancer and several other extracolonic cancers, which is due to pathogenic mutations in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2. Some families were found to show a LS phenotype without an identified MMR mutation, although there was microsatellite instability and absence of MSH2 expression by immunohistochemistry. Studies of a subset of these families found a deletion at the 3' end of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM) gene, causing transcription read-through resulting in silencing of MSH2 through hypermethylation of its promoter. The tumor spectrum of such families appears to differ from classical LS. METHODS: Our study of two large families (USA Family R and Dutch Family A) with an EPCAM deletion was carried out using each institution's standard family study protocol. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and EPCAM deletion analysis was performed. RESULTS: Both families were found to harbor the same deletion at the 3' end of EPCAM. Analysis showed that the deletion originated from a common ancestor. Family R and Family A members showed segregation of CRC with the presence of this EPCAM mutation. Compared with classic LS, there were almost no extracolonic cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Members of Family R and Family A, all with the same EPCAM deletion, predominantly presented with CRC but no LS-associated endometrial cancer, confirming findings seen in other, smaller, LS families with EPCAM mutations. In these EPCAM mutation carriers, cancer surveillance should be focused on CRC.

The Intensive Care Unit Liaison Nurse and their value in averting clinical deterioration: A qualitative descriptive study.

OBJECTIVES: Intensive Care Unit Liaison Nurse roles are associated with improved clinical outcomes for patients and financial benefits for healthcare providers. However, there is little academic exploration of the ward nurses' perspectives of the role and whether it can affect ward nurses' confidence in identifying and managing the deteriorating patient. This study addresses this gap by examining both those perspectives. RESEARCH DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive approach was used, utilising semi-structured interviews to garner the perspectives of ward nurses.Interviewswere conducted with ward nurses who had been involved in a MedicalEmergencyTeam/Code Blue call;sought technical or clinical support;or had been at the bedside during a post intensive care unit discharge review. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING: A private, not-for-profit, metropolitan acute care hospital. FINDINGS: The participants identified four areas that contributed to improved patient care: reduced Medical Emergency Team/Code calls; improved ward based critical care knowledge through education; improved ward nurses' confidence in dealing with the deteriorating patient and provision of technical support. CONCLUSION: The Intensive Care Unit Liaison Nurse role not only contributes to improved clinical patient outcomes; it also influences confidence levels of the ward nurses in managing deteriorating patients.