BackgroundGrowth hormone (GH) treatment is currently recommended in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) patients.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact (efficacy and safety) of the use of recombinant human GH (rhGH) as a treatment for PWS.MethodWe performed a systematic review and, where possible, meta-analysis for the following outcomes: growth, body mass index, body composition, cognitive function, quality of life, head circumference, motor development/strength, behaviour and adverse effects. We included all PWS patients, with all types of genetic defects and with or without GH deficiency, who participated in rhGH studies performed in infancy, childhood and adolescence, that were either randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (double-blinded or not) or non-randomised controlled trials (NRCTs) (cohort and before and after studies). The databases used were MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central.ResultsIn 16 RCTs and 20 NRCTs selected, the treated group had an improvement in height (1.67 SD scores (SDS); 1.54 to 1.81); body mass index z-scores (−0.67 SDS; −0.87 to −0.47) and fat mass proportion (−6.5% SDS; −8.46 to −4.54) compared with the control group. Data about cognition could not be aggregated.ConclusionBased on high quality evidence, rhGH treatment favoured an improvement of stature, body composition and body mass index, modifying the disease’s natural history; rhGH treatment may also be implicated in improved cognition and motor development in PWS patients at a young age.Ethics and disseminationThe current review was approved by the ethical committee of our institution. The results will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019140295
Objective: To carry out a review about Prader-Willi Syndrome based on the most recent
data about the subject and to give recommendation for the general
pediatricians for early diagnoses and follow-up. Data sources: Scientific articles in the PubMed and SciELO databases. The research was not
limited to a specific time period and included all articles in such
databases.Data synthesis: The Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder resulting from
the loss of imprinted gene expression within the paternal chromosome
15q11-q13. PWS is characterized by endocrine abnormalities, such as growth
hormone (GH) deficiency, obesity, central adrenal insufficiency,
hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and complex behavioral and intellectual
difficulties. PWS individuals also may present other comorbidities, such as
sleep disorders, scoliosis, constipation, dental issues and coagulation
disorders. The follow-up protocol of the Children’s Institute at
Universidade de São Paulo is based on four main pillars: diet, exercise,
recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy and behavioral and cognitive
issues. The diet must include a caloric restriction of 900 kcal/day,
according to the Prader-Willi Eating Pyramid and exercise plan is focused on
daily aerobic exercises and postural therapy. The rhGH therapy is highly
recommended by the international scientific literature and must be started
as soon as the diagnostic is made. The management of behavioral issues is
based on strategies to establish routine and rules. Conclusions: If the general pediatrician becomes more familiar with PWS, the diagnosis
and treatment will start earlier, which is essential to improve the quality
of life and care for these individuals.
Background
Insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) is a rare cause of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH) not addressed as a potential differential diagnosis in current pediatric guidelines. We present a case of IAS in a child with no previous history of autoimmune disease, no previous intake of triggering medications and absence of genetic predisposition.
Case presentation
A 6-year-old boy presented with recurrent HH (blood glucose of 26 mg/dL [1.4 mmol/L] and insulin of 686 μU/mL). Abdominal imaging was normal. After multiple therapeutic failures, we hypothesized misuse of exogenous insulin and factitious hypoglycemia. Council of Guardianship had the child separated from his mother, but insulin levels remained high. A chromatography test was then performed which showed high titers of endogenous insulin autoantibody (IAA) with early dissociation from the insulin molecule. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) test showed a DRB1 *13:01/*08:02 genotype. The patient was advised to control food intake and physical activity routines. During a 5-year follow-up, hypoglycemic episodes were sparse, despite high insulin levels.
Conclusions
Misdiagnosis of IAS with factitious hypoglycemia may happen if IAS is not considered as a differential diagnosis, leading to potential traumatic consequences. Further efforts should be made to increase awareness of IAS as a differential diagnosis of hypoglycemia and to include it in pediatric guidelines.
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