Leyla Akin

Fetal-neonatal ovarian cysts--their monitoring and management: retrospective evaluation of 20 cases and review of the literature.

Objective: Neonatal ovarian cysts (NOC) are usually self-limiting structures. However, large or complex cysts may lead to severe complications. A standard guide to management, treatment and follow-up of NOC is not yet available. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the records of NOC patients from two medical centers. Methods: A total of 20 newborns with NOC were included in the study. The size and localization of the cyst, the age, the signs and symptoms at presentation, and the possible maternal and fetal-neonatal etiologic factors were recorded. Follow-up procedures and treatment modalities were evaluated. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 34 gestational weeks. The cysts (mean size 53±15 mm) were predominantly in the right ovary (75%) and were evaluated as large cysts in 16 (80%) of the patients. In 5 of the patients with large cysts and in 1 of the 4 patients with small cysts, the cysts were evaluated as complex cysts. Torsion of the ovary was detected in five (25%) cases and these cases were treated surgically. Patients with simple cysts were closely followed by ultrasonography until the cysts disappeared. Conclusion: To date, there is no precise guide for the monitoring and treatment of NOCs. Surgical treatment should always be performed in a way to protect the ovaries and to ensure future fertility. In our NOC series, it has been possible to apply a non-invasive follow-up program and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Conflict of interest:None declared.

Vitamin D deficiency rickets mimicking pseudohypoparathyroidism.

Vitamin D deficiency rickets (VDDR) is a disorder biochemically characterized by elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, normal or decreased serum calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphate concentrations, secondary hyperparathyroidism and decreased serum 25−hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. In stage 1 VDDR, urinary amino acid and phosphate excretion are normal with minimal or no findings of rickets on radiographs. Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is an inherited disorder characterized by end−organ resistance to parathormone (PTH). VDDR occasionally resembles PHP type 2 in clinical presentation and biochemical features, creating difficulties in the differential diagnosis of these two entities. Here we report an infant diagnosed with VDDR. In addition to inadequate vitamin D intake, usage of antiepileptic drugs (AED) may have led to the worsening of the vitamin D deficiency. The patient presented with a history of febrile convulsions, for which he received phenobarbital treatment. The initial findings of hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and normal tubular reabsorption of phosphate, mimicking PHP 2, responded well to vitamin D and oral Ca treatment with normalization of serum Ca, phosphorus (P), ALP and PTH levels Conflict of interest:None declared.

Increased endothelial microparticles in obese and overweight children.

Abstract Background: Obesity in children increases the risk of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction is an important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are considered as markers of endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate circulating EMPs in obese and overweight children and to disclose the measure of obesity with the strongest relation with circulating microparticles and carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: This prospective study included 55 obese and overweight children and 23 healthy controls. Insulin resistance was studied. Both in vivo and in vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cell evaluations were used for the study. Circulating EMPs (CD144 and CD146) were measured by flow cytometry. The carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured using ultrasound and echocardiography, respectively. Study groups were compared for anthropometric measurement, insulin resistance, circulating EMP, cIMT, and LVMI. The relationship among overweight, obesity, and circulating EMPs were investigated. Results: Blood pressure, CD144+EMP levels, and LVMI were statistically higher in the patients group than in the control group. The multiple logistic regression analysis and the backward elimination method showed that CD144+EMP and systolic blood pressure had a linear relationship with overweight and obesity. Conclusion: Our results suggest that endothelial damage starts in the early stage of childhood obesity and that obese and overweight children have increased circulating CD144+EMPs, showing that endothelial dysfunction and increased CD144+EMPs may be related to obesity.

The endocrine disruptor bisphenol A may play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescent girls

Experimental in vitro studies have shown that bisphenol A affects steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis and ovarian morphology. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A in the aetiopathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents and its relationship with metabolic parameters, insulin resistance and obesity in this population.

Increased Serum Phthalates (MEHP, DEHP) and Bisphenol A Concentrations in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder The Role of Endocrine Disruptors in Autism Etiopathogenesis

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between autism spectrum disorders development and exposure to mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP), di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), and bisphenol A (BPA), 1 of the endocrine disruptors, among phthalates. The study included 48 children with autism spectrum disorder (27 boys, 21 girls) and 41 healthy subjects (24 boys, 17 girls) as controls. Serum MEHP, DEHP, and BPA levels were measured by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Children with autism spectrum disorder had significantly increased serum MEHP, DEHP, and BPA concentrations (0.47 ± 0.14 µg/ml, 2.70 ± 0.90 µg/ml, 1.25 ± 0.30 ng/ml) compared to healthy control subjects (0.29 ± 0.05 µg/ml, 1.62 ± 0.56 µg/ml, 0.88 ± 0.18 ng/ml) respectively (P = .000). The fact that higher serum MEHP, DEHP, and BPA were found levels in the autism spectrum disorder group compared to healthy controls suggests that endocrine disruptors may have a role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders.

Does Early Treatment Prevent Deafness in Thiamine-Responsive Megaloblastic Anaemia Syndrome?

Thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anaemia (TRMA; OMIM 249270) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by diabetes mellitus, megaloblastic anaemia, and sensorineural deafness. Progressive hearing loss is one of the cardinal findings of the syndrome and is known to be irreversible. Whether the deafness in TRMA syndrome can be prevented is not yet known. Here, we report a four-month-old female infant diagnosed with TRMA syndrome at an early age. There was no hearing loss at the time of diagnosis. The patient’s initial auditory evoked brainstem response measurements were normal. Although she was given thiamine supplementation regularly following the diagnosis, the patient developed moderate sensorineural hearing loss at 20 months of age, indicating that early diagnosis and treatment with oral thiamine (100 mg/day) could not prevent deafness in TRMA syndrome. It would be premature to draw general conclusions from one case, but we believe that further patient-based observations can shed light on the pathophysiology of this rare syndrome as well as prediction of its prognosis. Conflict of interest:None declared.

Five novel mutations in the SCNN1A gene causing autosomal recessive pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1

BACKGROUND Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1) is a monogenic disease caused by mutations in the genes encoding the human mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) or the α (SCNN1A), β (SCNN1B) or γ (SCNN1G) subunit of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC). While autosomal dominant mutation of the MR cause renal PHA1, autosomal recessive mutations of the ENaC lead to systemic PHA1. In the latter, affected children suffer from neonatal onset of multi-organ salt loss and often exhibit cystic fibrosis-like pulmonary symptoms. OBJECTIVE We searched for underlying mutations in seven unrelated children with systemic PHA1, all offsprings of healthy consanguineous parents. METHODS AND RESULTS Amplification of the SCNN1A gene and sequencing of all 13 coding exons unraveled mutations in all of our patients. We found five novel homozygous mutations (c.587_588insC in two patients, c.1342_1343insTACA, c.742delG, c.189C>A, c.1361-2A>G) and one known mutation (c.1474C>T) leading to truncation of the αENaC protein. All parents were asymptomatic heterozygous carriers of the respective mutations, confirming the autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Five out of seven patients exhibited pulmonary symptoms in the neonatal period. CONCLUSION The α subunit is essential for ENaC function and mutations truncating the pore-forming part of the protein leading to systemic PHA1. Based on current knowledge, the pulmonary phenotype cannot be satisfactorily predicted.

Fatty liver is a good indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis risk in obese children and adolescents regardless of liver enzyme elevation

To investigate the presence of association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subclinical atherosclerosis using carotid intima media thickness (c‐IMT) in obese children and adolescents. Additionally, we wished to investigate the relationship between fatty liver and elevated liver enzymes.

Primary adrenal failure due to viral infection in an infant.

Acquired primary adrenal insufficiency is a rare disorder in childhood. The most common cause is autoimmune adrenalitis, especially as a part of polyendocrinopathy syndromes. Impaired adrenal function is seen in patients infected with HIV. In adult patients with AIDS, cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated adrenal insufficiency is a well-known condition, whereas CMV infection as a causing adrenal insufficiency in children is very rare. Here, we report an infant with transient adrenal insufficiency associated with CMV infection but without HIV. She was treated successfully with steroid replacement and ganciclovir. Early diagnosis and treatment is lifesaving in these patients.

Organophosphate intoxication presenting as diabetic keto-acidosis

Abstract Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is common in developing countries. The presenting symptoms and signs of OP intoxication are multiple and may cause diffuculty in differential diagnosis, especially in children. A case of OP intoxication is reported who presented as diabetic keto-acidosis.