Endocrine Abstracts

This is a brief reflection on how the role of the children’s endocrine nurse specialist has evolved over the past 24 years and discussion around what the next 24 years may look like. What have we achieved; what is there still to do and what are the major challenges for the future? When days are filled with phone calls, clinics, paper/ computer work, supporting colleagues and caring for patients- we often forget what we have actually achieved and how much our roles have de...

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) may be viewed as a relatively easy condition to diagnose and treat. However, for the parents who are contacted with the neonatal screening results the news can be devastating. The quality of information provided at diagnosis is variable, and there are few support groups they can turn to. Many seek information online before meeting a paediatrician.Methods: The British Thyroid Foundation in conjunction with our r...

Introduction: Children with Laron’s syndrome have a classical phenotype which includes extreme short stature and mid facial hypoplasia. It is biochemically characterised by high levels of GH and very low IGF1 levels. These children fulfil the criteria for recombinant IGF1 (rhIGF1, Mecasermin) therapy, however this has to be balanced with possible side effects. This study looked at the short term efficacy and safety profile of six children (five males) with Laron’s sy...

Background: Chromosome analysis is always indicated in disorders of sex development (DSD), but the need for karyotyping in gender dysphoria (GD) is less clear.Aims and objectives: We therefore aimed to review the place of routine chromosome analysis in the management of GD in children and adolescents.Patients and methods: Five hundred and twenty children and adolescents with GD have been referred at the time of reporting to the two...

Background: Several devices are available for the administration of recombinant GH. A prospective study was undertaken to look at those attributes of GH delivery device most important to patients when making their choice.Objectives: i) To understand which features of a GH device are considered most important to patients when choosing a device. ii) Comparison of patient’s device preferences at start of GH treatment and after 2 years of treatment. iii...

Introductions: Gender Identity Disorder (GID) occurs when a person’s gender identity differs from their biological sex, causing distress (gender dysphoria). GID presenting in childhood can dissipate at puberty. If it persists, they may progress to physical interventions. This involves the use of a GnRH analogue (GnRHa) for one year followed by cross sex hormones.Methods: As part of the clinical assessments, adolescents have body composition measurem...