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1.
Int J Obes (Lond) ; 48(7): 1036-1038, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38467728

ABSTRACT

Although the orchestrating role of Interleukin-36 cytokines in regulating inflammation at barrier tissue sites, is well established, whether they play a significant role in the settings of metabolic health and disease, has yet to be fully established. Several recent studies have demonstrated that IL-36 cytokine expression is elevated among adult patients with obesity, and can play roles in regulating both insulin sensitivity and driving inflammation. In this report, we have extended these analyses to paediatric patients and identified an association between elevated serum levels of expression of the specific Interleukin-36 subfamily member, IL-36ß, among children with obesity displaying insulin sensitivity, compared to children with obesity who are insulin resistant. While these data further indicate a possible protective role for IL-36 in metabolic health, they also differ with previous findings from an adult patient cohort, where elevated levels of the related cytokine, IL-36γ, were found to occur in association with improved metabolic health. While highlighting important differences between paediatric and adult patient cohorts in the context of metabolic disease associated with obesity, these data underscore the need for a deeper mechanistic analysis of the role of IL-36 cytokines in disease.


Subject(s)
Insulin Resistance , Interleukin-1 , Pediatric Obesity , Humans , Insulin Resistance/physiology , Child , Male , Female , Interleukin-1/blood , Pediatric Obesity/blood , Pediatric Obesity/complications , Adolescent , Inflammation/blood
2.
Health Expect ; 2023 Nov 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37984806

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes are a cohort whose self-management of their diabetes care often declines during adolescence which can lead to adverse health outcomes. Research indicates that providers find it challenging to engage adolescents in communication exchanges during triadic encounters in diabetes clinics. Our study aimed to explore adolescents, parents, and providers' experiences of clinic encounters. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of 13 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (aged 11-17), 14 parents, and seven providers. Participants were recruited from two outpatient diabetes clinics in two urban children's hospitals, Ireland. Data were obtained using a combination of interviews and focus groups. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Adolescents and their parents appeared to hold both positive and negative experiences of diabetes clinic encounters. Providers reported challenges associated with engaging adolescents in communication exchanges. The structure, focus and style of clinic encounters created barriers that potentially led to suboptimal adolescent participation and impaired provider-adolescent communication during clinic visits. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide insights into the challenges associated with adolescents' engagement in communication encounters in diabetes clinics. Healthcare providers could encourage adolescents to be more actively involved in their diabetes management, by taking an adolescent-centred approach and creating a nonjudgemental milieu. Focusing on adolescent's agenda could lead to more meaningful and relevant discussions between providers and adolescents and ensure more tailored education in the time available. Adolescence is a risky period for nonadherence and adverse health complications; therefore, it is critical that providers make every contact count in diabetes clinic encounters. PATIENT OR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: The study's design and delivery were guided by two advisory groups, comprising (1) five adolescents living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and (2) five parents of an adolescent with T1D.

3.
Diabetologia ; 65(6): 1012-1017, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35305128

ABSTRACT

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are an abundant population of innate T cells. When activated, MAIT cells rapidly produce a range of cytokines, including IFNγ, TNF-α and IL-17. Several studies have implicated MAIT cells in the development of metabolic dysfunction, but the mechanisms through which this occurs are not fully understood. We hypothesised that MAIT cells are associated with insulin resistance in children with obesity, and affect insulin signalling through their production of IL-17. METHODS: In a cross-sectional observational study, we investigated MAIT cell cytokine profiles in a cohort of 30 children with obesity and 30 healthy control participants, of similar age, using flow cytometry. We then used a cell-based model to determine the direct effect of MAIT cells and IL-17 on insulin signalling and glucose uptake. RESULTS: Children with obesity display increased MAIT cell frequencies (2.2% vs 2.8%, p=0.047), and, once activated, these produced elevated levels of both TNF-α (39% vs 28%, p=0.03) and IL-17 (1.25% vs 0.5%, p=0.008). The IL-17-producing MAIT cells were associated with an elevated HOMA-IR (r=0.65, p=0.001). The MAIT cell secretome from adults with obesity resulted in reduced glucose uptake when compared with the secretome from healthy adult control (1.31 vs 0.96, p=0.0002), a defect that could be blocked by neutralising IL-17. Finally, we demonstrated that recombinant IL-17 blocked insulin-mediated glucose uptake via inhibition of phosphorylated Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATIONS: Collectively, these studies provide further support for the role of MAIT cells in the development of metabolic dysfunction, and suggest that an IL-17-mediated effect on intracellular insulin signalling is responsible.


Subject(s)
Insulin Resistance , Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells , Pediatric Obesity , Adult , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Glucose/metabolism , Humans , Insulin/metabolism , Interleukin-17/metabolism , Lymphocyte Activation , Pediatric Obesity/metabolism , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
4.
Pediatr Diabetes ; 23(4): 457-461, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35294086

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hyperinsulinism results from inappropriate insulin secretion during hypoglycaemia. Down syndrome is causally linked to a number of endocrine disorders including Type 1 diabetes and neonatal diabetes. We noted a high number of individuals with Down syndrome referred for hyperinsulinism genetic testing, and therefore aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of Down syndrome was increased in our hyperinsulinism cohort compared to the population. METHODS: We identified individuals with Down syndrome referred for hyperinsulinism genetic testing to the Exeter Genomics Laboratory between 2008 and 2020. We sequenced the known hyperinsulinism genes in all individuals and investigated their clinical features. RESULTS: We identified 11 individuals with Down syndrome in a cohort of 2011 patients referred for genetic testing for hyperinsulinism. This represents an increased prevalence compared to the population (2.5/2011 expected vs. 11/2011 observed, p = 6.8 × 10-5 ). A pathogenic ABCC8 mutation was identified in one of the 11 individuals. Of the remaining 10 individuals, five had non-genetic risk factors for hyperinsulinism resulting from the Down syndrome phenotype: intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, gastric/oesophageal surgery, and asparaginase treatment for leukaemia. For five individuals no risk factors for hypoglycaemia were reported although two of these individuals had transient hyperinsulinism and one was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Down syndrome is more common in patients with hyperinsulinism than in the population. This is likely due to an increased burden of non-genetic risk factors resulting from the Down syndrome phenotype. Down syndrome should not preclude genetic testing as coincidental monogenic hyperinsulinism and Down syndrome is possible.


Subject(s)
Congenital Hyperinsulinism , Down Syndrome , Congenital Hyperinsulinism/complications , Congenital Hyperinsulinism/diagnosis , Congenital Hyperinsulinism/epidemiology , Down Syndrome/complications , Down Syndrome/diagnosis , Down Syndrome/epidemiology , Genetic Testing , Humans , Mutation , Referral and Consultation , Risk Factors
5.
Genet Med ; 23(7): 1202-1210, 2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33674768

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The variant spectrum and the phenotype of X-linked Kabuki syndrome type 2 (KS2) are poorly understood. METHODS: Genetic and clinical details of new and published individuals with pathogenic KDM6A variants were compiled and analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-one distinct pathogenic KDM6A variants (50 truncating, 11 missense) from 80 patients (34 males, 46 females) were identified. Missense variants clustered in the TRP 2, 3, 7 and Jmj-C domains. Truncating variants were significantly more likely to be de novo. Thirteen individuals had maternally inherited variants and one had a paternally inherited variant. Neonatal feeding difficulties, hypoglycemia, postnatal growth retardation, poor weight gain, motor delay, intellectual disability (ID), microcephaly, congenital heart anomalies, palate defects, renal malformations, strabismus, hearing loss, recurrent infections, hyperinsulinism, seizures, joint hypermobility, and gastroesophageal reflux were frequent clinical findings. Facial features of over a third of patients were not typical for KS. Males were significantly more likely to be born prematurely, have shorter stature, and severe developmental delay/ID. CONCLUSION: We expand the KDM6A variant spectrum and delineate the KS2 phenotype. We demonstrate that the variability of the KS2 phenotypic depends on sex and the variant type. We also highlight the overlaps and differences between the phenotypes of KS2 and KS1.


Subject(s)
Histone Demethylases/genetics , Intellectual Disability , Sex Characteristics , Abnormalities, Multiple , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Face/abnormalities , Female , Genetic Association Studies , Hematologic Diseases , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Male , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Phenotype , Vestibular Diseases
6.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 37(5): 1547-1561, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33665678

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Endoscopic extended transsphenoidal surgery (EETSS) has gained popularity for treatment of craniopharyngiomas. The aim of this study is to assess the outcome of endoscopic extended transsphenoidal surgery (EETSS) for newly diagnosed paediatric craniopharyngiomas. METHODS: Patient details were obtained from a prospective database of all endoscopic transnasal operations performed by a single surgeon. Outcomes including visual function, pituitary function, body mass index (BMI), postoperative neurological deficit, extent of resection and recurrence on follow-up were obtained. Obesity was defined as BMI percentile of equal to or greater than 95%. RESULTS: Between January 2011 and January 2020, 15 of 16 children (5-18 years old) with newly diagnosed craniopharyngiomas underwent EETSS. Four patients had a conchal-type sphenoid sinus. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 4 patients and near total resection (NTR) in 5 patients. The remaining 6 had subtotal resection (STR). Postoperative radiotherapy was used in 6 patients (4 with STR, 2 with NTR). There were no postoperative deaths, strokes or CSF leaks. Normalisation of visual fields (VF) occurred in 9/13 patients with preoperative VF defects. One patient developed a new visual field defect. During a median follow-up period of 74 (8-104) months, 2 patients have required further surgery for tumour progression following initial STR, where a tumour remnant was left in situ to preserve the pituitary stalk. 6/11 patients developed new anterior pituitary dysfunction as a result of surgery and 9/12 developed new diabetes insipidus (DI). At the time of last follow-up, 14/15 children had anterior panhypopituitarism, 13/15 had DI and 1 patient developed new onset obesity. Two patients, who were obese preoperatively, were no longer obese at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: EETSS can be performed as the first option in the majority of children with newly diagnosed craniopharyngioma, despite factors such as small nose, non-pneumatised sphenoid sinus, small sella or purely suprasellar tumour location. Preservation of the pituitary stalk at the expense of leaving residual tumour may not be in the best interests of the patient.


Subject(s)
Craniopharyngioma , Neuroendoscopy , Pituitary Neoplasms , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Craniopharyngioma/diagnostic imaging , Craniopharyngioma/surgery , Humans , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery , Pituitary Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Pituitary Neoplasms/surgery , Postoperative Complications , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome
7.
Genet Med ; 21(1): 233-242, 2019 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29907798

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Describe the clinical and molecular findings of patients with Kabuki syndrome (KS) who present with hypoglycemia due to congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), and assess the incidence of KS in patients with HI. METHODS: We documented the clinical features and molecular diagnoses of 9 infants with persistent HI and KS via a combination of sequencing and copy-number profiling methodologies. Subsequently, we retrospectively evaluated 100 infants with HI lacking a genetic diagnosis, for causative variants in KS genes. RESULTS: Molecular diagnoses of KS were established by identification of pathogenic variants in KMT2D (n = 5) and KDM6A (n = 4). Among the 100 infants with HI of unknown genetic etiology, a KS diagnosis was uncovered in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of HI among patients with KS may be higher than previously reported, and KS may account for as much as 1% of patients diagnosed with HI. As the recognition of dysmorphic features associated with KS is challenging in the neonatal period, we propose KS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of HI. Since HI in patients with KS is well managed medically, a timely recognition of hyperinsulinemic episodes will improve outcomes, and prevent aggravation of the preexisting mild to moderate intellectual disability in KS.


Subject(s)
Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics , Congenital Hyperinsulinism/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Face/abnormalities , Hematologic Diseases/genetics , Histone Demethylases/genetics , Neoplasm Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Vestibular Diseases/genetics , Abnormalities, Multiple/diagnosis , Abnormalities, Multiple/physiopathology , Child, Preschool , Congenital Hyperinsulinism/complications , Congenital Hyperinsulinism/diagnosis , Congenital Hyperinsulinism/physiopathology , Face/physiopathology , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Hematologic Diseases/complications , Hematologic Diseases/diagnosis , Hematologic Diseases/physiopathology , Humans , Infant , Intellectual Disability/complications , Intellectual Disability/diagnosis , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Intellectual Disability/physiopathology , Male , Mutation , Pathology, Molecular , Retrospective Studies , Vestibular Diseases/complications , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Vestibular Diseases/physiopathology
9.
Cytokine ; 119: 152-158, 2019 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30909151

ABSTRACT

Almost a third of Irish children are now overweight and the country ranks 58th out of 200 countries for its proportion of overweight youths. With the rising obesity epidemic, and the impaired immune responses of this population, it is vital to understand the effects that obesity has on the immune system and to design future therapeutics, adjuvants and vaccines with overweight and obese populations in mind. Many current vaccines use adjuvants that have been found to be less effective at stimulating the immune response in children compared with adults and there is now substantial effort to design paediatric-focused adjuvants. Additionally, vaccine responses have been shown to be less effective in obese populations indicating that this is a particularly vulnerable population. We have recently identified cytosolic nucleic acids (CNAs), as novel candidate adjuvants for childhood vaccines. Here we investigated whether immune responses to these candidate adjuvants were adversely affected in infants born to overweight or obese mothers, and in overweight and obese children. Type I Interferon (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα) are vital for driving innate and adaptive immune responses. We found that childhood obesity conferred no significant adverse effect on CNA-induced Type I IFN responses when compared with lean children. Similarly, Type I IFN responses were intact in the cord blood of babies delivered from overweight and obese mothers, when compared with lean mothers. There was also no significant impact of obesity on CNA-induced TNFα responses in children or from cord blood of infants born to overweight/obese mothers. In all cases, there was a tendency towards decreased production of innate cytokine Type I Interferon and TNFα, however there was no significant negative correlation. Interestingly, high maternal BMI showed weak and moderate positive correlation with IL-12p70 and IFNγ, respectively, in response to CNA stimulation. This study demonstrates that future adjuvants can be tailored for these populations through the use of activators of CNA sensors.


Subject(s)
Cytokines/metabolism , Nucleic Acids/metabolism , Overweight/metabolism , Pediatric Obesity/metabolism , Adult , Body Mass Index , Child , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Mothers
10.
J Med Genet ; 55(4): 233-239, 2018 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29358271

ABSTRACT

Background Irish Travellers are an endogamous, nomadic, ethnic minority population mostly resident on the island of Ireland with smaller populations in Europe and the USA. High levels of consanguinity result in many rare autosomal recessive disorders. Due to founder effects and endogamy, most recessive disorders are caused by specific homozygous mutations unique to this population. Key clinicians and scientists with experience in managing rare disorders seen in this population have developed a de facto advisory service on differential diagnoses to consider when faced with specific clinical scenarios. Objective(s) To catalogue all known inherited disorders found in the Irish Traveller population. Methods We performed detailed literature and database searches to identify relevant publications and the disease mutations of known genetic disorders found in Irish Travellers. Results We identified 104 genetic disorders: 90 inherited in an autosomal recessive manner; 13 autosomal dominant and one a recurring chromosomal duplication. Conclusion We have collated our experience of inherited disorders found in the Irish Traveller population to make it publically available through this publication to facilitate a targeted genetic approach to diagnostics in this ethnic group.


Subject(s)
Genetic Diseases, Inborn/epidemiology , Genetic Diseases, Inborn/genetics , Genetics, Population/classification , Consanguinity , Ethnicity/genetics , Europe/epidemiology , Genetic Diseases, Inborn/classification , Humans , Ireland/epidemiology , Minority Groups , Mutation , White People
11.
Pediatr Diabetes ; 19(8): 1441-1450, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30105887

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the association between height, demographics, and treatment in youths with type 1 diabetes participating in an international network for pediatric diabetes centers (SWEET). METHODS: Data were collected from 55 centers with documented patients' height. All subjects below 20 years of age, diabetes duration >1 year, and without celiac disease were included. World Health Organization growth charts were used to calculate height and body mass index z-scores. Multiple hierarchic regression models adjusting for known confounders were applied. RESULTS: Data on 22 941 subjects (51.8% male) were analyzed with a median and interquartile range for age 14.8 years (11.2, 17.6), diabetes duration 5.6 years (3.1, 8.9), and height z-score 0.34 (-0.37, 1.03). Children were taller in the youngest age groups: adjusted height z-scores of 0.31 (±0.06) and 0.39 (±0.06), respectively; with shorter diabetes duration (<2 years: 0.36 [±0.06]; 2-<5 years: 0.34 [±0.06]; ≥5 years: 0.21 [±0.06]) and if they were pump users: 0.35 ± 0.05 vs 0.25 ± 0.05 (>three injections/day and 0.19 ± 0.06 [0-3 injections daily]), respectively. High hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and low to normal weight were associated with a lower height z-score. Trends were identical in all models except for gender. No gender differences were found except in the final height model where females exhibited higher z-score than males. CONCLUSION: For youths treated at centers offering modern diabetes management, major growth disturbances are virtually eliminated. For children with a young age at onset, high HbA1c, injections, and/or non-intensive diabetes, treatment still requires attention in order to attain normal growth.


Subject(s)
Blood Glucose/metabolism , Body Height , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Insulin/administration & dosage , Adolescent , Age of Onset , Blood Glucose/drug effects , Body Height/drug effects , Body Height/physiology , Child , Child Development/drug effects , Child Development/physiology , Community Networks/organization & administration , Cooperative Behavior , Cross-Sectional Studies , Databases, Factual , Female , Glycated Hemoglobin/drug effects , Humans , Insulin/pharmacology , Insulin Infusion Systems , International Cooperation , Male
14.
J Immunol ; 194(12): 5775-80, 2015 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25980010

ABSTRACT

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate MHC-unrestricted cells that regulate inflammatory responses through the rapid production of cytokines. In this article, we show that circulating MAIT cells are depleted in obese adults, and depletion is associated with diabetic status. Circulating MAIT cells more frequently produced IL-17 upon stimulation ex vivo, a cytokine implicated in insulin resistance. MAIT cells were enriched in adipose tissue (AT) compared with blood. AT MAIT cells, but not circulating MAIT cells, were capable of producing IL-10. In AT from obese subjects, MAIT cells were depleted, were less likely to produce IL-10, and more frequently produced IL-17. Finally, we show that IL-17(+) MAIT cells are also increased in childhood obesity, and altered MAIT cell frequencies in obese children are positively associated with insulin resistance. These data indicate that MAIT cells are enriched in human AT and display an IL-17(+) phenotype in both obese adults and children, correlating with levels of insulin resistance. The alterations in MAIT cells may be contributing to obesity-related sterile inflammation and insulin resistance.


Subject(s)
Interleukin-17/biosynthesis , Mucous Membrane/immunology , Obesity/immunology , Obesity/metabolism , T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology , T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Case-Control Studies , Child , Cytokines/biosynthesis , Female , Humans , Lymphocyte Count , Male , Middle Aged , Mucous Membrane/metabolism , Phenotype
15.
J Paediatr Child Health ; 50(8): 639-42, 2014 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24953343

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine if parental hypoglycaemia fear is associated with worse glycaemic control and increased resource utilisation and to identify risk factors for increased hypoglycaemia fear. METHODS: Parents of children with diabetes completed a modified Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey. Demographic data, phone contacts and mean glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were also recorded over a 1 year study period. RESULTS: A total of 106 parents participated. Mean patient age was 11.1 years, and duration of diabetes was 4.8 years. Fifty-two per cent were male, and 48% were on insulin pump therapy. Fear of hypoglycaemia was highest among parents of 6- to 11-year-olds. Parents of children with HbA1c less than 7.5% had less hypoglycaemia fear. Previous seizures and increased frequency of phone calls to the diabetes team were not associated with increased fear. CONCLUSION: Fear of hypoglycaemia is associated with worse glycaemic control. It is highest among parents of 6- to 11-year-olds but is not affected by previous severe hypoglycaemia or associated with increased contact with the diabetes team.


Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care/statistics & numerical data , Anxiety/etiology , Attitude to Health , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/psychology , Fear , Hypoglycemia/psychology , Parents/psychology , Adolescent , Ambulatory Care/psychology , Anxiety/epidemiology , Anxiety/psychology , Biomarkers/blood , Child , Child, Preschool , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy , Fear/psychology , Female , Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism , Humans , Hypoglycemia/blood , Hypoglycemia/chemically induced , Hypoglycemic Agents/adverse effects , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Insulin/adverse effects , Insulin/therapeutic use , Male , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Telephone
16.
J Health Psychol ; 29(8): 905-917, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38158848

ABSTRACT

Type 1 diabetes-management can be considered an adolescent-parent collaboration. Given particular adolescent adherence challenges, it is integral that adolescent-parent dyadic relationships are investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore dyads' adjustment to type 1 diabetes, while examining the congruence/dissimilarity within these dyads. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 dyads (20 individuals) separately. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed with thematic analysis using a dyadic framework method. Findings suggested complex experiences of adjustment among parents and adolescents which reflect two main themes - Never-Ending Abyss of Management and Diabetes Integration, with three subthemes - A Life of Food Restrictions, Evolving Familial Bonds and Technology as easing the burden of Diabetes. Dyadic analyses revealed dyadic congruence across most themes. This study adds to the adjustment literature by providing a systemic perspective rarely presented in prior paediatric research.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 , Parent-Child Relations , Parents , Humans , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/psychology , Adolescent , Male , Female , Parents/psychology , Adult , Qualitative Research , Interviews as Topic , Child , Middle Aged
17.
Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) ; 78(1): 73-8, 2013 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22712566

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The insulin-tolerance test (ITT) is the gold standard for evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The low-dose ACTH stimulation test is increasingly used for evaluation of secondary adrenal insufficiency as several studies performed in adults have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity when compared to the ITT. Whether the ACTH stimulation test demonstrates similar sensitivity in a paediatric and adolescent population compared with the gold standard is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivity of the low-dose (1-µg) Synacthen(™) test (LDSST) and the gold-standard ITT in a paediatric and adolescent population. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: A retrospective review of 42 consecutive LDSSTs in children and adolescents with suboptimal cortisol responses (peak <500 nm) on ITT. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (74%) had an adequate cortisol response to low-dose Synacthen(™) (sensitivity 26%). Patients had a higher cortisol increment with the LDSST than ITT (median Δ cortisol 294 vs 168 nm, P < 0.0001) and correspondingly a higher cortisol peak (median peak cortisol 572 vs 396 nm, P < 0.0001). Patients who had a suboptimal peak cortisol both on ITT and on LDSST had a lower baseline cortisol on ITT (median 178 vs 227 nm, P = 0.04). Peak cortisol on ITT was significantly higher in patients who had a subsequent normal LDSST than those that did not (median 417 vs 300 nm, P = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: The 1-µg LDSST lacks sensitivity in detection of secondary adrenal insufficiency in children when compared to the gold-standard ITT.


Subject(s)
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/pharmacology , Hydrocortisone/metabolism , Hypoglycemia/chemically induced , Hypoglycemia/metabolism , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/drug effects , Insulin/pharmacology , Pituitary-Adrenal System/drug effects , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies
18.
Nutr Metab (Lond) ; 20(1): 37, 2023 Sep 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37667333

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Macrosomia (birthweight ≥ 4 kg or ≥ 4.5 kg) is strongly associated with a predisposition to childhood obesity, which in turn is linked with adverse cardiometabolic health. Despite this, there is a lack of longitudinal investigation on the impact of high birthweight on cardiometabolic outcomes in youth. The preteen period represents an important window of opportunity to further explore this link, to potentially prevent cardiometabolic profiles worsening during puberty. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of 9-11-year-olds (n = 405) born to mothers in the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study, who previously delivered an infant with macrosomia. Preteens were dichotomised into those born with and without macrosomia, using two common cut-off criteria (birthweight ≥ 4 kg (n = 208) and < 4 kg; ≥ 4.5 kg (n = 65) and < 4.5 kg). Cardiometabolic health was assessed using anthropometry, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiorespiratory endurance (20-m shuttle run test), and non-fasting serum biomarkers for a subgroup (n = 213). Statistical comparisons between the two groups were explored using independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Chi-square tests. Crude and adjusted linear regression models investigated associations between macrosomia and preteen cardiometabolic outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 29.3% (n = 119) of preteens had overweight/obesity based on their BMI z-score. Preteens born ≥ 4 kg had lower median (IQR) C3 concentrations (1.38 (1.22, 1.52) g/L vs. 1.4 (1.26, 1.6) g/L, p = 0.043) and lower median (IQR) ICAM-1 concentrations (345.39 (290.34, 394.91) ng/mL vs. 387.44 (312.91, 441.83) ng/mL, p = 0.040), than those born < 4 kg. Those born ≥ 4.5 kg had higher mean (SD) BMI z-scores (0.71 (0.99) vs. 0.36 (1.09), p = 0.016), and higher median (IQR) lean mass (24.76 (23.28, 28.51) kg vs. 23.87 (21.9, 26.79) kg, p = 0.021), than those born < 4.5 kg. Adjusted linear regression analyses revealed birthweight ≥ 4 kg was negatively associated with C3 concentration (g/L) (B = - 0.095, 95% CI = - 0.162, - 0.029, p = 0.005) and birthweight ≥ 4.5 kg was positively associated with weight z-score (B = 0.325, 95% CI = 0.018, 0.633, p = 0.038), height z-score (B = 0.391, 95% CI = 0.079, 0.703, p = 0.014), lean mass (kg) (B = 1.353, 95% CI = 0.264, 2.442, p = 0.015) and cardiorespiratory endurance (B = 0.407, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.808, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: This study found no strong evidence to suggest that macrosomia is associated with adverse preteen cardiometabolic health. Macrosomia alone may not be a long-term cardiometabolic risk factor. Trial registration ISRCTN54392969 registered at  www.isrctn.com .

19.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract ; 190: 109985, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35809690

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To investigate adolescents' communication with healthcare providers (HCPs) and co- design a question prompt list as one part of an intervention to increase patient participation and communication at diabetes clinic visits. METHODS: Using an adolescent-led co-design approach we conducted interviews and focus groups with adolescents, parents, and healthcare providers (HCPs) and held workshops with both a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) and a Parent Advisory Group (PAG). RESULTS: Adolescents and parents identified challenges categorised into four themes: negative experience communicating with HCPs, lacking patient education leading to disinterest, low self-confidence out of fear of being wrong and forgetting to ask question(s). Adolescents identified that a Question Prompt List (QPL) could help them to ask questions, be more confident and participate more. The design process was an iterative development that engaged all stakeholders. Parents and HCPs assumed adolescents had greater knowledge about diabetes than they had in reality. CONCLUSIONS: Divergence in perceptions between adults and adolescents regarding patient knowledge of diabetes care demonstrates the importance of encouraging adolescents to ask the questions that matter to them. The QPL could be a useful means of supporting adolescents to actively participate in clinic encounters with healthcare providers.


Subject(s)
Communication , Diabetes Mellitus , Adolescent , Adult , Ambulatory Care , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Child , Humans , Parents , Patient Participation
20.
Patient Educ Couns ; 104(9): 2170-2176, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33640232

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Research on long-term health conditions indicates that adolescents are not actively involved during their medical visits. Active involvement is essential because this can help adolescents learn how to self-manage their treatment plan. OBJECTIVE: To co-design a video intervention to improve youth question-asking and provider education during paediatric diabetes visits. PATIENT INVOLVEMENT: A participatory-led approach was used to co-design the video, through a combination of interviews/ focus groups and the establishment of a Youth Advisory Group. METHODS: First, focus groups and one-to-one interviews were held with adolescents, parents and healthcare providers. Second, two workshops were held with the Youth Advisory Group, Parent Advisory Group and stakeholders on script design. Finally, an iterative development of the video took place between the research team, videographer, both advisory groups and the steering committee. There were three rounds of feedback before the video was finalised. RESULTS: Adolescents' content preferences included: 1) message of empowerment; 2) managing your diabetes so you can get on with the fun stuff in life; 3) Promoting independence; 4) Reasons for not speaking at clinic visits and reassurance; 5) Becoming comfortable to speak and ask questions at clinic visits; 6) Practical advice on how to ask questions. Formatting preferences included that the video should be short, divided into segments, with adolescents with diabetes acting in it, and speaking directly to the camera. DISCUSSION: Identifying and reflecting adolescents' needs and preferences for engagement with healthcare providers was critical in the development process. Adolescents' participation in the co-design process was pivotal to the acceptability of the intervention for adolescents with diabetes. PRACTICAL VALUE: The intervention may increase adolescents' participation in communication and interactions with healthcare providers, which may help them to be more active in the self-management of their condition.


Subject(s)
Communication , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 , Adolescent , Ambulatory Care , Child , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy , Humans , Parents , Patient Participation
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