Genotypic Findings in Noonan and Non-Noonan RASopathies and Patient Eligibility for Growth Hormone Treatment.

Molecular study has become an invaluable tool in the field of RASopathies. Treatment with recombinant human growth hormone is approved in Noonan syndrome but not in the other RASopathies. The aim of this study was to learn about the molecular base of a large cohort of patients with RASopathies, with particular emphasis on patients with pathogenic variants in genes other than PTPN11, and its potential impact on rGH treatment indication. We reviewed the clinical diagnosis and molecular findings in 451 patients with a genetically confirmed RASopathy. HRAS alterations were detected in only 2 out of 19 patients referred with a Costello syndrome suspicion, whereas pathogenic variants in RAF1 and SHOC2 were detected in 3 and 2, respectively. In 22 patients referred with a generic suspicion of RASopathy, including cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, pathogenic alterations in classic Noonan syndrome genes (PTPN11, SOS1, RAF1, LZTR1, and RIT1) were found in 7 patients and pathogenic variants in genes associated with other RASopathies (HRAS, SHOC2, and PPPCB1) in 4. The correct nosological classification of patients with RASopathies is critical to decide whether they are candidates for treatment with rhGH. Our data illustrate the complexity of differential diagnosis in RASopathies, as well as the importance of genetic testing to guide the diagnostic orientation in these patients.

Biallelic cGMP-dependent type II protein kinase gene (PRKG2) variants cause a novel acromesomelic dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), its endogenous receptor, natriuretic peptide receptor-B (NPR-B), as well as its downstream mediator, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) dependent protein kinase II (cGKII), have been shown to play a pivotal role in chondrogenic differentiation and endochondral bone growth. In humans, biallelic variants in NPR2, encoding NPR-B, cause acromesomelic dysplasia, type Maroteaux, while heterozygous variants in NPR2 (natriuretic peptide receptor 2) and NPPC (natriuretic peptide precursor C), encoding CNP, cause milder phenotypes. In contrast, no variants in cGKII, encoded by the protein kinase cGMP-dependent type II gene (PRKG2), have been reported in humans to date, although its role in longitudinal growth has been clearly demonstrated in several animal models. METHODS: Exome sequencing was performed in two girls with severe short stature due to acromesomelic limb shortening, brachydactyly, mild to moderate platyspondyly and progressively increasing metaphyseal alterations of the long bones. Functional characterisation was undertaken for the identified variants. RESULTS: Two homozygous PRKG2 variants, a nonsense and a frameshift, were identified. The mutant transcripts are exposed to nonsense-mediated decay and the truncated mutant cGKII proteins, partially or completely lacking the kinase domain, alter the downstream mitogen activation protein kinase signalling pathway by failing to phosphorylate c-Raf 1 at Ser43 and subsequently reduce ERK1/2 activation in response to fibroblast growth factor 2. They also downregulate COL10A1 and upregulate COL2A1 expression through SOX9. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we have clinically and molecularly characterised a new acromesomelic dysplasia, acromesomelic dysplasia, PRKG2 type (AMDP).

Variants of STAR, AMH and ZFPM2/FOG2 May Contribute towards the Broad Phenotype Observed in 46,XY DSD Patients with Heterozygous Variants of NR5A1.

Variants of NR5A1 are often found in individuals with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) and manifest with a very broad spectrum of clinical characteristics and variable sex hormone levels. Such complex phenotypic expression can be due to the inheritance of additional genetic hits in DSD-associated genes that modify sex determination, differentiation and organ function in patients with heterozygous NR5A1 variants. Here we describe the clinical, biochemical and genetic features of a series of seven patients harboring monoallelic variants in the NR5A1 gene. We tested the transactivation activity of novel NR5A1 variants. We additionally included six of these patients in a targeted diagnostic gene panel for DSD and identified a second genetic hit in known DSD-causing genes STAR, AMH and ZFPM2/FOG2 in three individuals. Our study increases the number of NR5A1 variants related to 46,XY DSD and supports the hypothesis that a digenic mode of inheritance may contribute towards the broad spectrum of phenotypes observed in individuals with a heterozygous NR5A1 variation.

Percepción del respeto y mantenimiento de la dignidad en pacientes hospitalizados / Perception of respect and maintenance of dignity in hospitalized patients / Percepção do respeito e manutenção da dignidade em pacientes hospitalizados

La dignidad del paciente puede verse afectada en el transcurso de la hospitalización por conductas observables de los profesionales. A pesar de su importancia, existen pocos instrumentos para evaluarla. Mediante un estudio transversal, descriptivo, analítico y cuantitativo, se evalúa la percepción de dignidad del paciente con el "Cuestionario de percepción de dignidad de paciente hospitalizado (CuPDPH)", en español y validado. La muestra estuvo formada por 148 hombres y 138 mujeres, con una media de edad de 62.82 (DE 4.05). No se detectó diferencias significativas en las puntuaciones y las variables sociodemográficas. Los resultados permiten identificar puntos fuertes y áreas de mejora en el cuidado y respeto a la dignidad de las personas hospitalizadas. Profundizar en el tema resulta una oportunidad en el camino hacia la excelencia profesional, defendiendo las competencias técnica y ética.

Dignity is a fundamental concept that can be modified during hospitalization by the behavior of professionals. Despite its importance, there are few instruments to evaluate it. A transversal, descriptive, analytical and quantitative study evaluates the patient's perception of dignity based on the "Cuestionario de percepción de dignidad de paciente hospitalizado (CuPDPH)" in Spanish and validated. The sample was composed of 148 men and 138 women with an average age of 62.82 (SD 4.05). No significant differences were found in the scores and sociodemographic variables. The results allow us to identify highlights and areas of improvement in the care and respect for the dignity of hospitalized persons. Going deeper into the topic is an opportunity, on the way to professional excellence, defending technical competence and ethical competence.

Resumo A dignidade do paciente pode ser afetada no transcurso da hospitalização por condutas observáveis dos profissionais. Apesar de sua importância, existem poucos instrumentos para avalia-la. Mediante um estudo transversal, descritivo, analítico e quantitativo, avalia-se a percepção da dignidade do paciente com o "Questionário de percepção da dignidade de paciente hospitalizado (CuPDPH, sigla em espanhol)", em espanhol e validado. A amostra foi constituída por 148 homens e 138 mulheres, com uma média de idade de 62,82 (DP 4,05). Não se detectaram diferenças significativas nas pontuações e nas variáveis sócio-demográficas. Os resultados permitem identificar pontos fortes e áreas de melhora no cuidado e respeito à dignidade das pessoas hospitalizadas. Aprofundarse no tema representa uma oportunidade no caminho à excelência profissional, defendendo as competências técnica e ética.

Características auxológicas en pacientes pediátricos con déficit aislado permanente o transitorio de hormona del crecimiento. Respuesta al tratamiento y talla final / Auxological characteristics of pediatric patients with permanent or transient isolated growth hormone deficiency. Response to treatment and final height

Introducción: El tratamiento con hormona de crecimiento recombinante (rhGH) ha demostrado mejorar la talla adulta de los pacientes pediátricos con déficit de GH (DGH). Sin embargo, cuando los pacientes son reevaluados al llegar a la talla final, se evidencia que existen pacientes en los que el déficit de GH es permanente (DPGH) y otros en los que el déficit ha sido transitorio (DTGH). El objetivo es evaluar, en una cohorte de pacientes pediátricos con DGH, si existen diferencias en la respuesta al tratamiento con GH en función de que dicho déficit sea permanente o transitorio. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 89 pacientes con DGH, que fueron seguidos desde el diagnóstico y durante todo el seguimiento hasta la talla adulta. Se obtuvieron parámetros clínicos, auxológicos, radiológicos y analíticos al diagnóstico, así como tras el primer año de tratamiento y en la revisión de la talla final. Resultados: El 28% de los pacientes presentaron un DPGH. Talla inicial de −2,46 ± 0,86 DE en el DPGH y −2,24 ± 0,68 DE en el DTGH. El valor pico de GH al diagnóstico fue de 4,26 ± 2,78 y 6,20 ± 2,01 ng/mL, respectivamente (p < 0,01). Tras el primer año de tratamiento el incremento de la velocidad de crecimiento fue mayor en el grupo de DPGH: 4,33 ± 3,53 DE vs. 2,95 ± 2,54 DE (p = 0,043). Talla final de −0,81 ± 0,87 DE los DPGH y de −0,95 ± 0,83 DE los DTGH (p = 0,47). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con DPGH obtienen un mayor beneficio del tratamiento con rhGH tanto a corto como a largo plazo. Además, muestran niveles más bajos de GH en las pruebas de estímulo al diagnóstico, como ha sido descrito previamente

Introduction: Treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) has been shown to improve adult height in pediatric patients with GH deficiency (GHD). However, reassessment of patients after they reach their final height shows some of them have permanent GH deficiency (PGHD), while others had a transient deficiency (TGHD). The study objective was to assess, in a cohort of pediatric patients with GHD, potential differences in response to treatment with rhGH depending on whether deficiency is permanent or transient. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of 89 patients with GHD, who were monitored from diagnosis to adult height. Clinical, auxological, radiographic and laboratory variables were collected at diagnosis, after the first year of treatment, and when they had reached their adult height. Results: PGHD was found in 28% of patients. Initial height was −2.46 ± 0.86 SD and −2.24 ± 0.68 SD in subjects with PGHD and TGHD respectively. Peak GH level at diagnosis was 4.26 ± 2.78 and 6.20 ± 2.01 ng/mL (p < 0.01) in the PGHD and TGHD groups respectively. After the first year of treatment, increase in growth velocity was greater in the PGHD group: 4.33 ± 3.53 SD vs. 2.95 ± 2.54 SD in the PGHD group (p = 0.043). Final height was −0.81 ± 0.87 SD in the PGHD and −0.95 ± 0.83 SD in the TGHD group (p = 0.47). Conclusions: Patients with PGHD had a better short- and long-term response to rhGH. They also showed lower GH levels in stimulation tests at diagnosis, as previously reported

Auxological characteristics of pediatric patients with permanent or transient isolated growth hormone deficiency. Response to treatment and final height. / Características auxológicas en pacientes pediátricos con déficit aislado permanente o transitorio de hormona del crecimiento. Respuesta al tratamiento y talla final.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) has been shown to improve adult height in pediatric patients with GH deficiency (GHD). However, reassessment of patients after they reach their final height shows some of them have permanent GH deficiency (PGHD), while others had a transient deficiency (TGHD). The study objective was to assess, in a cohort of pediatric patients with GHD, potential differences in response to treatment with rhGH depending on whether deficiency is permanent or transient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 89 patients with GHD, who were monitored from diagnosis to adult height. Clinical, auxological, radiographic and laboratory variables were collected at diagnosis, after the first year of treatment, and when they had reached their adult height. RESULTS: PGHD was found in 28% of patients. Initial height was -2.46 ± 0.86 SD and -2.24 ± 0.68 SD in subjects with PGHD and TGHD respectively. Peak GH level at diagnosis was 4.26 ± 2.78 and 6.20 ± 2.01 ng/mL (p < 0.01) in the PGHD and TGHD groups respectively. After the first year of treatment, increase in growth velocity was greater in the PGHD group: 4.33 ± 3.53 SD vs. 2.95 ± 2.54 SD in the PGHD group (p = 0.043). Final height was -0.81 ± 0.87 SD in the PGHD and -0.95 ± 0.83 SD in the TGHD group (p = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PGHD had a better short- and long-term response to rhGH. They also showed lower GH levels in stimulation tests at diagnosis, as previously reported.

Correction of severe postconization cervical stenosis by means of bipolar office hysteroscopy / Corrección de estenosis cervical posconización grave por medio de energía bipolar en consulta de histeroscopia ambulatoria

Objective: To describe the use of office hysteroscopy as a new tool for the treatment of severe postconization cervical stenosis. Material and methods: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification III) in a Tertiary General Hospital. 18 patients with severe cervical stenosis after cervical conization because of cervical dysplasia. The procedure was performed by means of office hysteroscope. After local anesthesia was administered, the diagnostic hysteroscope was advanced under visual and ultrasonic guidance. Once the uterine cavity was reached, the hysteroscope was withdrawn, and the bipolar electrode resected protrusions and scarring along the endocervical canal. Two months later, patients were scheduled to assess clinical outcome and to repeat hysteroscopy to assess cervical patency. Results: The procedure was successful in 17 of 18 patients (94.4%) in the first trial. The other patient needed a second procedure. The mean operation time was 18.0 (67.4) minutes. Repeat hysteroscopy was successful in all patients. Conclusion: Hysteroscopic cervical resection is a safe and effective treatment for cervical stenosis

Objetivo: describir la utilidad de la histeroscopia en consulta para el tratamiento de la estenosis cervical grave posconización. Material y métodos: se trata de un estudio retrospectivo realizado en un hospital terciario. Se analizan 18 pacientes con estenosis cervical grave tras haber sido sometidas a una conización por displasia cervical. La técnica fue realizada por histeroscopia en la consulta. Tras aplicar anestesia local paracervical, el histeroscopio se introducía en el cérvix con guía ecográfica. Una vez que se alcanzaba la cavidad uterina, el histeroscopio se retiraba hasta colocarlo en el canal endocervical desde donde el electrodo bipolar iba resecando los tejidos cicatriciales y necróticos a lo largo de este canal. Dos meses más tarde las pacientes eran citadas para realizar una histeroscopia diagnóstica de comprobar el paso del canal cervical. Resultados: de las 18 pacientes incluidas en el análisis, en 17 este resultó efectivo en el primer intento (94,4%). La otra paciente necesitó una segunda intervención. El tiempo medio de intervención fue de 18.0 (SD 67,4) minutos. La histeroscopia de revisión fue exitosa en todas las pacientes. Conclusión: la resección cervical histeroscópica es un medio seguro y efectivo para tratar la estenosis cervical posconización

An Activating Mutation in STAT3 Results in Neonatal Diabetes Through Reduced Insulin Synthesis.

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare form of diabetes diagnosed within the first 6 months of life. Genetic studies have allowed the identification of several genes linked to the development of NDM; however, genetic causes for ∼20% of the cases remain to be clarified. Most cases of NDM involve isolated diabetes, but sometimes NDM appears in association with other pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases. Recent reports have linked activating mutations in STAT3 with early-onset autoimmune disorders that include diabetes of autoimmune origin, but the functional impact of STAT3-activating mutations have not been characterized at the pancreatic ß-cell level. By using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a novel missense mutation in the binding domain of the STAT3 protein in a patient with NDM. The functional analyses showed that the mutation results in an aberrant activation of STAT3, leading to deleterious downstream effects in pancreatic ß-cells. The identified mutation leads to hyperinhibition of the transcription factor Isl-1 and, consequently, to a decrease in insulin expression. These findings represent the first functional indication of a direct link between an NDM-linked activating mutation in STAT3 and pancreatic ß-cell dysfunction.

Achievement of metabolic control goals set by the American Diabetes Association and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes from Spain.

AIM: The "T1D Exchange Clinic Registry" of 13.316 pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in U.S. recently revealed that most children have HbA1c values above target levels established by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD). The aim of this study is to assess the proportion of youngsters with T1D who meet the internationally accepted targets for good metabolic control of diabetes at a single, referral Pediatric Diabetes Center in Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 236 children and adolescents with T1D controlled at our Pediatric Diabetes Unit. We analyzed the compliance to metabolic goals set by ADA and ISPAD and the differences between patients treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and multiple daily injections. STATISTICS: SPSS™ version 21.0. RESULTS: Mean age: 12.6 ± 4.6 years old, mean age at diagnosis: 6.1 ± 4.3 years old and mean diabetes duration: 6.4 ± 4.3 years; 47% female. HbA1c average: 6.7 ± 0.7% (49.7 ± 7.6 mmol/mol). The age-specific ADA and ISPAD HbA1c targets were achieved by 93% and 91% of patients, respectively. Among pump users, 97%/97% met ADA/ISPAD HbA1c targets compared to 87%/88% of MDI users (p = 0.04/p = 0.03), without significant differences in the analysis by groups of age. Among participants, 95%, 62%, 95%, 98% and 89% met HDLc, LDLc, triglycerides, BP and BMI targets. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients in our children and adolescent cohort of T1D patients correctly achieve metabolic goals established by ADA and ISPAD with low incidence of hypoglycemia.

Pulmonary function in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

AIM: To assess lung function in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of 100 patients with T1DM [median age 13 (10.6-14.7), 44% men, 23% prepubertal, and all nonsmokers] and 77 controls. None had evidence of lung disease or any other comorbidity. We performed pulmonary function tests, including spirometry [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio], plethysmography [total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume (RV), RV/TLC ratio, and airway resistance (Raw)], and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide in the lung (TLCO), alveolar volume (AV), and TLCO/AV ratio. The duration of diabetes, degree of metabolic control, insulin dose, and presence of diabetic complications were registered. The χ²-test and analysis of variance were used to compare categorical and quantitative variables, respectively. RESULTS: The duration of diabetes was 6.2±3.8 years with a median HbA1c of 7.08±0.4%. FEV1/FVC ratio was found to be significantly higher in patients with TIDM than in controls. Patients with diabetes also had a nonsignificant trend towards lower FVC, FEV1, Raw, and TLCO, and higher RV, TLC, and RV/TLC than controls. There were no differences in pulmonary function based on duration of disease or metabolic control. We found differences in pulmonary evaluation when pubertal stage was analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: The lung is functionally involved in children with T1DM. Pubertal development stage influences the evaluation of lung function.

Alteraciones de los genes de la vía RAS-MAPK en 200 pacientes españoles con síndrome de Noonan y otros síndromes neurocardiofaciocutáneos. Genotipo y cardiopatía / Alterations in RAS-MAPK genes in 200 spanish patients with noonan and other neuro-cardio-facio-cutaneous syndromes. Genotype and cardiopathy

Introducción y objetivos. La caracterización molecular de cardiopatías incluye una entidad congénita no infrecuente, el síndrome de Noonan. Presentamos el estudio de seis genes de la vía RAS-MAPK en pacientes españoles: perfil genotípico, impacto de la cardiopatía y expresividad clínica. Métodos. Compusieron la población en estudio 643 pacientes (y 182 familiares) diagnosticados por dismorfólogos, cardiólogos y endocrinopediatras de 74 hospitales (11 comunidades). Estudio primario de PTPN11 y complementario de SOS1, RAF1, BRAF, KRAS y HRAS, estratificado y orientado por signos clínicos, mediante secuenciación de exones recurrentes (un 80-95% de mutaciones descritas). Resultados. Se documentó mutación en 230 pacientes (91 mujeres, 139 varones) de 200 familias (31%), 172 PTPN11 +, 14 SOS1 +, 9 RAF1 + y 5 BRAF +, con referencia explícita a la cardiopatía padecida en 156 casos índice; 103 presentaban estenosis de la válvula pulmonar; 12, estenosis de la válvula pulmonar y miocardiopatía hipertrófica; 18, miocardiopatía hipertrófica y 14, otra cardiopatía; en sólo 9 casos se encontraba ausente. En 23/30 familiares positivos no había o no constaba cardiopatía. El rendimiento diagnóstico fue superior (p = 0,016) para las muestras de algunos centros (53%; 14/32), y alcanzó el 64% (9/14; p = 0,019) en profesionales concretos. El rendimiento cayó al 18% en los pacientes sin datos clínicos facilitados. El dato genotípico reorientó el diagnóstico clínico en 26 pacientes. Conclusiones. El 94% de los pacientes portadores de mutación presentaban cardiopatía, el 79% estenosis de la válvula pulmonar y el 12% miocardiopatía hipertrófica. En el 76% de los familiares positivos con rasgos clínicos compatibles, no se había documentado la cardiopatía. El estudio molecular es una herramienta útil en estos síndromes, aunque debe progresarse en la objetivación del diagnóstico clínico (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Molecular characterization of congenital heart diseases now includes the not infrequent dysmorphic Noonan syndrome. A study of 6 genes of the RAS-MAPK pathway in Spanish patients is presented: the impact of heart disease, clinical expressivity, and diagnostic yield are investigated. Methods. The study included 643 patients (and 182 family members) diagnosed by dysmorphologists, cardiologists, and pediatric endocrinologists from 74 tertiary hospitals. Bidirectional sequencing analysis of PTPN11, SOS1, RAF1, BRAF, KRAS and HRAS focused on exons carrying recurrent mutations accounting for 80% to 95% of previously described mutations. Results. Mutations were detected in 230 patients (91 women and 139 men) in 200 (31%) families (172 PTPN11+, 14 SOS1+, 9 RAF1+, 5 BRAF+). There was specific reference to the heart defect suffered in 156 index cases: 103 patients had shown pulmonary stenosis, 12 pulmonary stenosis with hyperthrophic cardiomyopathy, 18 hypertrophic cardiomiopathy, and 14 other cardiopathies; heart disease was absent in 9 index cases. Heart disease had not been documented in 23 of 30 family members with positive genotype and compatible clinical signs. Diagnostic yield was higher (P=.016) for samples from some centers (53%; 14/32) and even from certain professionals (64%; 9/14; P=.019). Characterization rate was 18% in patients for whom clinical data were not available. Genotyping led to a more precise diagnosis in 26 patients. Conclusions. Most patients (94%) with a positive genotype had known congenital heart disease, 79% pulmonary stenosis and 12% hyperthrophic cardiomyopathy. Cardiopathy had not been documented in 76% of family members carrying the mutation. Molecular study is a useful tool in these syndromes but a more rigorous clinical diagnosis should be intended as well (AU)

Alterations in RAS-MAPK genes in 200 Spanish patients with Noonan and other neuro-cardio-facio-cutaneous syndromes. Genotype and cardiopathy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Molecular characterization of congenital heart diseases now includes the not infrequent dysmorphic Noonan syndrome. A study of 6 genes of the RAS-MAPK pathway in Spanish patients is presented: the impact of heart disease, clinical expressivity, and diagnostic yield are investigated. METHODS: The study included 643 patients (and 182 family members) diagnosed by dysmorphologists, cardiologists, and pediatric endocrinologists from 74 tertiary hospitals. Bidirectional sequencing analysis of PTPN11, SOS1, RAF1, BRAF, KRAS and HRAS focused on exons carrying recurrent mutations accounting for 80% to 95% of previously described mutations. RESULTS: Mutations were detected in 230 patients (91 women and 139 men) in 200 (31%) families (172 PTPN11+, 14 SOS1+, 9 RAF1+, 5 BRAF+). There was specific reference to the heart defect suffered in 156 index cases: 103 patients had shown pulmonary stenosis, 12 pulmonary stenosis with hyperthrophic cardiomyopathy, 18 hypertrophic cardiomiopathy, and 14 other cardiopathies; heart disease was absent in 9 index cases. Heart disease had not been documented in 23 of 30 family members with positive genotype and compatible clinical signs. Diagnostic yield was higher (P=.016) for samples from some centers (53%; 14/32) and even from certain professionals (64%; 9/14; P=.019). Characterization rate was 18% in patients for whom clinical data were not available. Genotyping led to a more precise diagnosis in 26 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients (94%) with a positive genotype had known congenital heart disease, 79% pulmonary stenosis and 12% hyperthrophic cardiomyopathy. Cardiopathy had not been documented in 76% of family members carrying the mutation. Molecular study is a useful tool in these syndromes but a more rigorous clinical diagnosis should be intended as well.

Insulin dose adjustment when changing from multiple daily injections to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in the pediatric age group.

The aim of this study is to determine the proper initial dose adjustment when switching from multiple daily injections to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for type-1 diabetic pediatric patients. Our hypothesis is that the insulin adjustment varies depending on the pubertal status and the previous long-acting insulin used. Charts of 60 patients were reviewed. Data regarding insulin dose, type of insulin administrated, HbA1c, BMI, severe hypoglycemia and DKA events were collected during the previous year and after 6 weeks of pump therapy. In the prepubertal patients the reduction was 19% (26% if the previous insulin used was detemir). Pubertal patients experienced a decrease of 26%, and the detemir group 33%. The ratio long acting-basal/short acting-bolus insulin changed from 1.26 ± 0.84 to 0.93 ± 0.46 (P < 0.05). The total daily insulin dose needs to be decreased. Basal insulin constitutes 40-45% in prepubertal and 45-50% in pubertal patients. The reduction is different depending on the previous long-acting insulin used; being greater if the insulin is detemir.

An XX male with an intratubular undifferentiated germ cell neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a 46,XX male with an intratubular undifferentiated germ cell neoplasia within an extra-abdominal gonad. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Molecular, cytogenetic, pathologic, and clinical units of three tertiary hospitals. PATIENT(S): A male with ambiguous genitalia at birth and descended testes observed in a pediatric endocrinology setting. INTERVENTION(S): Physical examination, hormonal assays, cytogenetic investigation, molecular analysis, surgical intervention for biopsies and bilateral orchiectomy, and pathologic evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pathologic evaluation with immunostaining for placental alkaline phosphatase and C-kit. RESULT(S): Conventional chromosome analysis revealed a 46,XXq- karyotype, and fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments with the SRY probe found a signal at the short arm of the deleted X chromosome. Molecular analysis indicated the presence of a portion of the short arm of the Y chromosome including the proto-oncogene TSPY. Pathologic evaluation of the gonads revealed an intratubular undifferentiated germ cell neoplasia. CONCLUSION(S): This is the first case of a 46,XX male with descended testes in whom an intratubular undifferentiated germ cell neoplasia developed. When proposals of management in this subgroup of disorders of sexual differentiation are formulated, the risk of germ cell malignancy must be taken into account.

Should 21-hydroxylase deficiency genotyping be considered in assisted reproductive technology programs?

OBJECTIVE: To describe and discuss our experience of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) conceived via assisted reproduction techniques (ART). DESIGN: Case reports. SETTING: Tertiary hospitals and a CAH molecular diagnosis reference laboratory belonging to one of these. PATIENT(S): Five patients with CAH (with 21-hydroxylase deficiency [21OHD]) conceived via homo/heterologous ART with egg or sperm donations. INTERVENTION(S): Molecular diagnosis following DNA analysis of patients, parents, and siblings, including direct analysis of the gene (polymerase chain reaction/allele-specific hybridization), Southern analysis (for gene deletions and duplications), semiquantitative primer extension (to confirm duplications), complementary sequencing, and microsatellite analysis to confirm allele segregation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Genotype identification and segregation analysis of alleles. Clinical evaluation of patients. RESULT(S): Three children (two girls, one boy) with classic neonatal forms of CAH (salt wasting and severe virilization) and two with nonclassic forms (two girls, one compound heterozygous with a severe mutation who showed clinical signs at 3.5 years of age) were born to parents who used ART. All showed segregated 21OH gene mutations. The respective genotypes were: 655G/655G, Q318X/Q318X,R356W, gene deletion hybrid with break point at exons 3-4/8 bp deletion at exon 3, 655G/V281L, and V281L/V281L. The severe mutations in the donated gametes were 655G and Q318X-R356W. CONCLUSION(S): As a common, infertility-related and prenatal treatment-susceptible recessive genetic disease, 21OHD genotyping should be considered in ART.

Frequency of the metabolic syndrome in obese Spanish pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is associated with insulin-resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors at the early years of life. These features define the so-called metabolic syndrome (MS). AIMS: To assess the frequency of the MS among obese pediatric Spanish population and analyse the individual contribution and the predictive potential of individual components to the development of the syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 429 patients, 220 boys and 209 girls, aged 4-18 years, with a body mass index of >2 standard deviation scores for Spanish normative charts, were included in the study. Forty-seven percent were prepubertal and ten percent had Hispanic ethnicity. HbA1c, lipids, liver enzymes and uric acid levels were determined from blood and a standard 2-h oral glucose tolerance test was performed. MS was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III criteria modified by Cook as having at least three features among: obesity, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension (HTA) or impaired glucose metabolism (IGM). We defined IR as homeostatic model assessment of IR index and/or fasting insulin levels>95th centile of the control population. RESULTS: Almost 18% of the patients had MS, with significantly higher frequency in Hispanic (32%) than in Caucasian (16%) population. There were no differences by sex or pubertal status. Prevalence of low HDL, HTA, hypertriglyceridemia and IGM were 27, 23, 16 and 7% respectively. No silent T2D was identified. According to International Obesity Task Force charts, 22% of the patients were overweight and not obese, but no differences in the frequency of individual features of MS between these two groups were observed. Among IR patients (35% of our population), the frequency of MS reached 28%. IR predicted the presence of MS independently from age and race. CONCLUSION: MS is present in 18% of our obese pediatric population. IR is closely associated with the components of MS and strongly predicts its development.

[Laboratory Network within the Polio Eradication Initiative (1998-2003): six years of surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis in Spain]. / Red de Laboratorios del Plan de Erradicación de la Poliomielitis (1998-2003): 6 años de vigilancia de parálisis flácida aguda en España.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide poliomyelitis eradication was proposed in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO), based on reaching and maintaining high vaccination coverage and on implementing effective poliovirus infection surveillance systems. METHODS: In Spain the surveillance system focuses on active searching for acute flaccid paralysis cases through a nine-laboratory network, coordinated by the National Poliovirus Laboratory (NPL) in the National Center of Microbiology, and supported by Autonomous Community epidemiologists. Additionally, the Network sends enterovirus isolation data from other syndromes. The Laboratory Network is responsible for the primary virological study, while the NPL characterizes all polioviruses and the most epidemiologically relevant non-polio enteroviruses. RESULTS: A total of 54,533 samples were studied during the six-year period, and enteroviruses were detected in 9%. All the polioviruses isolated (n = 196), were characterized as Sabin-like (poliovirus vaccine), and among the non-polio enteroviruses, the most frequent was Echovirus 30. A total of 3% of the samples studied corresponded to the 268 acute flaccid paralysis cases or their contacts. DISCUSSION: According to the results and the WHO virological classification, Spain can be considered polio-free. However, the geographic situation of our country may facilitate the introduction of wild polioviruses that can give rise to imported poliomyelitis. Hence, the laboratory network should actively continue to participate in all the proposed WHO strategies, particularly maintenance of the poliomyelitis eradication infrastructures, and continuing monitoring and vaccination.

Dermatomiositis, lipodistrofia y resistencia a la insulina / Dermatomyositis, lipodystrophy and insulin resistance

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Red de Laboratorios del Plan de Erradicación de la Poliomielitis (1998-2003): 6 años de vigilancia de parálisis flácida aguda en España / Laboratory Network within the Polio Eradication Initiative (1998-2003): six years of surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis in Spain

Introducción. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) planteó como objetivo la erradicación de la poliomielitis en 1988, basándose fundamentalmente en alcanzar y mantener alta cobertura de inmunización e implantar sistemas eficaces de vigilancia de las infecciones por poliovirus. Métodos. En España, el sistema de vigilancia se basa en la búsqueda activa de casos de parálisis flácida aguda (PFA), mediante una red de 9 laboratorios coordinados por el Laboratorio Nacional de Poliovirus (LNP) del Centro Nacional de Microbiología y apoyados por epidemiólogos de cada comunidad autónoma. Adicionalmente, la red envía datos de aislamiento de enterovirus en cualquier síndrome clínico. En los laboratorios de la red se realiza el estudio virológico primario, mientras que en el LNP se caracterizan todos los poliovirus y los enterovirus no polio de mayor importancia epidemiológica. Resultados. El total de muestras estudiadas por la red ha sido de 54.533, con un rendimiento de enterovirus del 9%. Todos los poliovirus aislados (n = 196) se caracterizaron como Sabin-like (vacunales) y entre los enterovirus no polio, Echovirus 30 fue el dominante. El 3% de las muestras estudiadas correspondían a pacientes con PFA o sus contactos (268 casos). Discusión. España puede ser considerada como libre de polio, pero por su situación geográfica, puede ser puerta de entrada de poliovirus salvaje y dar lugar a casos importados. Por ello, debe participar activamente en todas las estrategias propuestas por la OMS, manteniendo en especial la infraestructura creada en el plan de la erradicación de la poliomielitis y continuando con la vigilancia e inmunización (AU)

Introduction. Worldwide poliomyelitis eradication was proposed in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO), based on reaching and maintaining high vaccination coverage and on implementing effective poliovirus infection surveillance systems. Methods. In Spain the surveillance system focuses on active searching for acute flaccid paralysis cases through a nine-laboratory network, coordinated by the National Poliovirus Laboratory (NPL) in the National Center of Microbiology, and supported by Autonomous Community epidemiologists. Additionally, the Network sends enterovirus isolation data from other syndromes. The Laboratory Network is responsible for the primary virological study, while the NPL characterizes all polioviruses and the most epidemiologically relevant non-polio enteroviruses. Results. A total of 54 533 samples were studied during the six-year period, and enteroviruses were detected in 9%. All the polioviruses isolated (n = 196), were characterized as Sabin-like (poliovirus vaccine), and among the non-polio enteroviruses, the most frequent was Echovirus 30. A total of 3% of the samples studied corresponded to the 268 acute flaccid paralysis cases or their contacts. Discussion. According to the results and the WHO virological classification, Spain can be considered polio-free. However, the geographic situation of our country may facilitate the introduction of wild polioviruses that can give rise to imported poliomyelitis. Hence, the laboratory network should actively continue to participate in all the proposed WHO strategies, particularly maintenance of the poliomyelitis eradication infrastructures, and continuing monitoring and vaccination (AU)