New Research Progress on Endocrine Disorders in Infants, Children, and Adolescents

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2024) | Viewed by 8539

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Pediatric Unit, IRCCS AOU, S. Orsola-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Interests: diabetes mellitus; clinical endocrinology; pediatric endocrinology; diabetes

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Guest Editor Assistant
Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, University Bologna, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
Interests: pediatric metabolic disease; pediatric endocrinology; newborn screening; public health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that we invite you on behalf of Children to submit your research, reviews, clinical practice guidelines, case reports, and other article types in this Special Issue entitled “New Research Progress on Endocrine Disorders in Infants, Children, and Adolescents”. 

In the current Special Issue, we will focus on advancements made in the field of pediatric endocrinology, an exciting and constantly evolving field of study. In fact, we are confident that only through a constant collaboration among experts in this clinic area can progress be made in sectors such as disorders involving growth, pubertal development, sexual differentiation and development, thyroid and adrenal, pituitary tumors, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and bone metabolism, obesity, metabolic syndrome and others.

Our aim is to disseminate new basic and clinical knowledge useful for both specialists and pediatricians and we would especially like to give space to new original cases and modern approaches in patient diagnostic, management or innovative therapies

Prof. Dr. Stefano Zucchini
Guest Editor

Dr. Egidio Candela
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pediatric endocrinology
  • pediatric endocrine tumors
  • gland disorders (adrenal, pituitary, thyroid)
  • pediatric obesity
  • disorders of growth and growth factors
  • sexual dysfunctions
  • bone and mineral metabolism
  • pediatric thyroid disorders

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1073 KiB  
Article
An Epidemiological Perspective on New Pediatric Cases of Type 1 Diabetes and Vitamin D Deficiency in South-East Romania: A Retrospective Study
by Maria Ursu, Mariana Cretu-Stuparu, Gabriela Gurau, Luciana-Carmen Nitoi, Aurel Nechita and Manuela Arbune
Children 2024, 11(10), 1162; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11101162 - 25 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1107
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and the biological profile of children from the southeast of Romania who have been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and to investigate the potential relationships between vitamin D deficiency [...] Read more.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and the biological profile of children from the southeast of Romania who have been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and to investigate the potential relationships between vitamin D deficiency and the onset of this disease, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a retrospective study that included 79 children under the age of 18 who were diagnosed with T1DM at the St. Ioan Galati Children’s Emergency Clinical Hospital between 2018 and 2023. Their demographic data (age, sex, and home environment), medical history (family medical history, birth weight, Apgar score, and type of nutrition), and biological parameters, including glycemia, HbA1C, and vitamin D level, were collected. We used advanced statistical methods to compare the levels of vitamin D in the children with T1DM with a control group of nondiabetic children. Results: The demographic characteristics of new T1DM are a median age of 9 and female/male sex ratio of 1:3, with 50.6% living in urban areas, 59.5% with a normal body mass index, and 74.6% presenting with ketoacidosis. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 52% of diabetic cases compared to 2.53% in the nondiabetic controls. Conclusions: There is an increasing incidence of pediatric T1DM. Diabetic ketoacidosis was frequently diagnosed as an initial manifestation and has frequently accompanied lower levels of vitamin D. Children with T1DM showed significant vitamin D deficiencies compared to the control group, highlighting the need for the monitoring and supplementation of this vitamin. Full article
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13 pages, 1537 KiB  
Article
Comparison between Liquid and Tablet Formulations in the Treatment of Congenital Hypothyroidism up to 3 Years of Age: The First Italian Study
by Rita Ortolano, Erika Cantarelli, Federico Baronio, Valentina Assirelli, Egidio Candela, Carla Mastrangelo, Sofia Vissani, Randa S. Alqaisi, Marcello Lanari and Alessandra Cassio
Children 2024, 11(9), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091136 - 19 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1017
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Levothyroxine (L-T4) is available for use in congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in three formulations: tablets, drops, and oral solution. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of all three L-T4 formulations. Methods: We enrolled 63 children born between January [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Levothyroxine (L-T4) is available for use in congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in three formulations: tablets, drops, and oral solution. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of all three L-T4 formulations. Methods: We enrolled 63 children born between January 2019 and April 2023 in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) and diagnosed with CH by newborn screening. They were divided according to the L-T4 formulation used: drops (Group D), oral solution (Group S), and tablets (Group T). Clinical and laboratory data were collected up to 3 years after the start of replacement therapy. Results: Serum-free thyroxine (sFT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (sTSH) normalization occurred within the first month of treatment in most patients of all groups. No negative effects on growth and cognitive development were observed. At 7–15 days we found higher median sTSH levels (p = 0.031) and a greater percentage of patients with sTSH > 5 µU/mL (p = 0.011) in Group S than in Group T, but comparable sFT4 levels. At 12 months, a greater percentage of patients of Group D showed sFT4 values below the normal range than Group S (p = 0.011) and Group T (p = 0.038); Conclusions: Overall, our study reported an equal efficacy of the L-T4 oral solution compared to drops and tablets in CH treatment. A larger series of patients and a long-term follow-up are needed. Full article
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14 pages, 1407 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Surge in Paediatric Type 2 Diabetes in an Inner-City London Centre—A Decade-Long Analysis of Incidence, Outcomes, and Transition
by Farah Abdelhameed, Anna Giuffrida, Ben Thorp, Myuri K. Moorthy and Evelien F. Gevers
Children 2024, 11(2), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11020173 - 29 Jan 2024
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Abstract
The rising prevalence of paediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D) is concerning, particularly with limited medical intervention despite evidence of accelerated disease progression. This study of a Barts Health NHS Trust cohort from 2008 to 2022 aims to elucidate the incidence, clinical outcomes, and [...] Read more.
The rising prevalence of paediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D) is concerning, particularly with limited medical intervention despite evidence of accelerated disease progression. This study of a Barts Health NHS Trust cohort from 2008 to 2022 aims to elucidate the incidence, clinical outcomes, and complications associated with paediatric T2D. A retrospective analysis utilising electronic and paper records identified 40 patients with T2D. The incidence doubled from 2.6/year in 2008–2013 to 5.4/year in 2014–2018. Sixty-eight percent exhibited co-morbidities, notably learning disabilities. At diagnosis, the mean BMI was 32.4 ± 6.71 kg/m2, with no gender-based disparity and no significant change over a two-year follow-up. The initial HbA1c was 75.2 ± 21.0 mmol/mol, decreasing to 55.0 ± 17.4 mmol/mol after three months (p = 0.001) and then rising to 63.0 ± 25.5 mmol/mol at one year (p = 0.07). While 22/37 patients achieved HbA1c < 48 mmol/mol, only 9 maintained this for a year. Several metabolic and cardiovascular complications were observed at diagnosis and follow-up, with no significant change in frequency. In 2022, 15 patients transitioned to adult services. HbA1c at transition was 74.7 ± 27.6 mmol/mol, showing no change one year post-transition (71.9 ± 26.9 mmol/mol, p = 0.34). This study highlights substantial therapeutic failure, with current management falling short in achieving a sustained reduction in BMI or HbA1c. Novel treatment approaches are needed to improve clinical outcomes and address the high burden of co-morbidities and complications. Full article
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Review

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8 pages, 402 KiB  
Review
Chronic Kidney Disease and Growth Failure in Children
by Tommaso Todisco, Grazia Maria Ubertini, Carla Bizzarri, Sandro Loche and Marco Cappa
Children 2024, 11(7), 808; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11070808 - 1 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3502
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant challenge for pediatric endocrinologists, as children with CKD may present a variety of endocrine complications. Growth failure is common in CKD, and its severity is correlated with the degree of renal insufficiency. Management strategies include addressing [...] Read more.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant challenge for pediatric endocrinologists, as children with CKD may present a variety of endocrine complications. Growth failure is common in CKD, and its severity is correlated with the degree of renal insufficiency. Management strategies include addressing reversible comorbidities, optimizing nutrition, and ensuring metabolic control. Kidney replacement therapy, including transplantation, determines a significant improvement in growth. According to a recent Consensus Statement, children with CKD stage 3—or on dialysis older >6 months—are eligible for treatment with recombinant growth hormone (rGH) in the case of persistent growth failure. Treatment with rGH may be considered for those with height between the 3rd and 10th percentile and persistent growth deceleration. In children who received kidney transplantation but continue to experience growth failure, initiation of GH therapy is recommended one year post-transplantation if spontaneous catch-up growth does not occur and steroid-free immunosuppression is not an option. In children with CKD, due to nephropathic cystinosis and persistent growth failure, GH therapy should be considered at all stages of CKD. Potential adverse effects and benefits must be regularly assessed during therapy. Treatment with GH is safe in children with CKD. However, its general efficacy is still controversial. All possible problems with a negative impact on growth should be timely addressed and resolved, whenever possible with a personalized approach to the patient. GH therapy may be useful in promoting catch-up growth in children with residual growth potential. Future research should focus on refining effective therapeutic strategies and establishing consensus guidelines to optimize growth outcomes in this population. Full article
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