Long term clinical follow up of four patients with Wolfram syndrome and urodynamic abnormalities

OBJECTIVES

Wolfram syndrome is characterised by insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), diabetes insipidus (DI), optic atrophy, sensorineural deafness and neurocognitive disorders. The DIDMOAD acronym has been recently modified to DIDMOAUD suggesting the rising awareness of the prevalence of urinary tract dysfunction (UD). End stage renal disease is the commonest cause of mortality in Wolfram syndrome. We present a case series with main objective of long term follow up in four children having Wolfram syndrome with evaluation of their urodynamic profile.

METHODS

A prospective follow up of four genetically proven children with Wolfram syndrome presenting to a tertiary care pediatric diabetes clinic in Pune, India was conducted. Their clinical, and urodynamic parameters were reviewed.

RESULTS

IDDM, in the first decade, was the initial presentation in all the four children (three male and one female). Three children had persistent polyuria and polydipsia despite having optimum glycemic control; hence were diagnosed to have DI and treated with desmopressin. All four patients entered spontaneous puberty. All patients had homozygous mutation in WFS1 gene; three with exon 8 and one with exon 6 novel mutations. These children with symptoms of lower urinary tract malfunction were further evaluated with urodynamic studies; two of them had hypocontractile detrusor and another had sphincter-detrusor dyssynergia. Patients with hypocontractile bladder were taught clean intermittent catheterization and the use of overnight drain.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a novel homozygous deletion in exon 6 of WFS-1 gene. The importance of evaluation of lower urinary tract malfunction is highlighted by our case series. The final bladder outcome in our cases was a poorly contractile bladder in three patients.

Weight Velocity Percentiles in Children Aged 4-17 Years from Pune During 2007-2013

OBJECTIVE

To assess weight velocity and the age at peak weight velocity and to construct weight velocity percentiles in 4-17-year-old apparently healthy Indian children.

METHOD

This longitudinal study enrolled 1045 children (588 boys) from Pune belonging to middle and upper socioeconomic class aged 4-17 years. The study parameters included annual height and weight measurements recorded longitudinally from 2007 to 2013. A total of 5225 weight velocity measurements (2940 on boys) were computed. Age- and gender-specific smoothened weight velocity percentiles (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th) were constructed using LMS chart maker.

RESULTS

The median weight velocity was low in boys and girls at 4 years, thereafter it increased to a peak of 4.6 kg/year at 13 years in boys, then declined to 1.1 kg/year at 17.5 years. In girls, median weight velocity peaked to 4.0 kg/year at 11 years, then declined to 0.8 kg/year at 17.5 years. Peak velocity-centred analysis revealed higher peak velocities of 7.5 kg/year at 13.1 years and 6.6 kg/year at 12 years in boys and girls respectively.

CONCLUSION

Weight velocity percentiles are presented for 4-17-year-old apparently healthy Indian children.

Effect of metformin adjunct therapy on cardiometabolic parameters in Indian adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction

Insulin resistance is being increasingly reported in type-1 Diabetes (T1D) and is known to accelerate microvascular complications. The Asian Indian population has a higher risk of double diabetes development compared to Caucasians. Hence, we studied the effect of adding Metformin to standard insulin therapy on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity (IS), cardiometabolic parameters and body composition in Indian adolescents with T1D.

Methods

A Randomized controlled trial was conducted spanning 9 months (Registration number:CTRI/2019/11/022126). Inclusion: Age 10-19 years, T1D duration>1year, HbA1c>8% Exclusion: Uncontrolled vascular complications/comorbidities, Metformin intolerance, concomitant drugs affecting insulin sensitivity. Participants were randomized to Metformin/Placebo (n=41 each) groups and age, sex, duration-matched. Assessments were performed at baseline, 3 and 9 months.

Results

82 participants aged 14.7 ± 3years (40 females) were enrolled, with a mean diabetes duration of 5.2 ± 2.3 years. Over 9 months, HbA1c decreased significantly by 0.8 (95% confidence interval: -1.2 to -0.3) from 9.8 ± 1.8% to 9.1 ± 1.7% on Metformin but remained largely unchanged (difference of 0.2, 95% confidence interval: -0.7 to 0.2) i.e. 9.9 ± 1.6% and 9.7 ± 2.2% on placebo. HbA1c improvement correlated negatively with baseline IS (EGDR:r= -0.3;SEARCH:r = -0.24, p<0.05) implying better HbA1c-lowering in those with decreased initial IS. CGM-based glycemic variability (standard deviation) reduced by 6.3 mg/dL (95% confidence interval: -12.9 to 0.2) from 100.2 ± 19.1 mg/dL to 93.7 ± 19.9 mg/dL in those on Metformin (p=0.05) but not placebo (94.0 ± 20.5; 90.0 ± 22.6 mg/dL). Insulin sensitivity: CACTIexa & SEARCH scores demonstrated no change with Metformin but significant worsening on placebo. Significant increase in LDL-C(42%), total cholesterol(133.6 to 151.1 mg/dL), triglyceride (60.0 to 88.0 mg/dL) and carotid intima-media thickness was noted on placebo but not Metformin. Weight, BMI, fat Z-scores increased significantly on placebo but not Metformin. Adverse events (AE) were minor; AE, compliance and safety parameters were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

Metformin as an adjunct to insulin in Asian Indian adolescents with T1D demonstrated beneficial effect on glycemic control, glycemic variability, IS, lipid profile, vascular function, weight and body fat, with a good safety profile when administered for 9 months.

Adaptation and validation of an artificial intelligence based digital radiogrammetry tool for assessing bone health of indian children and youth with type-1 diabetes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

BoneXpert (BX) is an artificial intelligence software used primarily for bone age assessment. Besides, it can also be used to screen for bone health using the digital radiogrammetry tool called bone health index (BHI) for which normative reference values available are calculated from healthy European children. Due to ethnic difference in bone geometry, in a previous study, we generated reference curves based on healthy Indian children. The objectives of this study were: 1) To assess and compare bone health of Indian children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) using both European and Indian BHI SDS reference data and 2) To identify determinants of poor bone health in Indian children and youth with T1D by using BHI tool (based on BHI-SDS Indian reference data) of BX.

METHOD

The BHI was assessed retrospectively in 1159 subjects with T1D using digitalised left-hand x-rays and SDS were computed using European and Indian data. The demographic, anthropometric, clinical, biochemistry, dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) data and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) data collection were performed using standard protocols and were extracted from hospital records.

RESULTS

The BHI correlated well with DXA and pQCT parameters in subjects with T1D. BHI-SDS calculated using Indian reference data had better correlation with height and DXA parameters. 8.6% study participants had low (less than -2) BHI-SDS (Indian), with height SDS having significant effect. Subjects with low BHI-SDS were older, shorter and had higher duration of diabetes. They also had lower IGF1 and vitamin D concentrations, bone mineral density, and trabecular density. Female gender, increased duration of illness, poor glycaemic control, and vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency were significant predictors of poor BHI-SDS.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the utility of digital radiogrammetry AI tool to screen for bone health of children with T1D and demonstrates and highlights the necessity of interpretation using ethnicity specific normative data.

Effect of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation (Dairy vs. Pharmacological) on Bone Health of Underprivileged Indian Children and Youth with Type-1 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Bone health is affected by chronic childhood disorders including type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We conducted this randomized controlled trial with the objective of investigating the effect of 1-year supplementation of vitamin-D with milk or with pharmacological calcium on bone mass accrual in underprivileged Indian children and youth with T1DM.

METHODS

5 to 23year old (n = 203) underprivileged children and youth with T1DM were allocated to one of three groups: Milk (group A-received 200 ml milk + 1000 international unit (IU) vitamin-D3/day), Calcium supplement (group B-received 500 mg of calcium carbonate + 1000 IU of vitamin-D3/day) or standard of care/control (group C). Anthropometry, clinical details, biochemistry, diet (3-day 24-h recall), physical activity (questionnaires adapted for Indian children) and bone health parameters (using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography- DXA and pQCT respectively) were evaluated at enrolment and end of 12 month intervention.

RESULTS

Total body less head(TBLH) bone mineral content (BMC(g)) and bone mineral density (BMD(gm/cm2)) were significantly higher at end of study in girls in both supplemented groups (TBLHBMC-A-1011.8 ± 307.8, B-983.2 ± 352.9, C-792.8 ± 346.8. TBLHBMD-A-± 0.2, B-0.8 ± 0.2, C-0.6 ± 0.2, p < 0.05). Z score of lumbar spine bone mineral apparent density of supplemented participants of both sexes was significantly higher than controls (Boys- A-0.7 ± 1.1, B-0.6 ± 1.4, C- -0.7 ± 1.1; Girls- A-1.1 ± 1.1, B-0.9 ± 3.4, C- -1.7 ± 1.3, p < 0.05). A significantly higher percentage increase was found in cortical thickness in girls in both supplemented groups (A-17.9 ± 28.6, B-15.3 ± 16.5, C-7.6 ± 26.2); the differences remained after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with milk or pharmacological calcium (+vitaminD3) improved bone outcomes-particularly geometry in children with T1DM with more pronounced effect in girls. Pharmacological calcium may be more cost effective in optimising bone health in T1DM in resource limited settings.

The automated Greulich and Pyle: a coming-of-age for segmental methods?

The well-known Greulich and Pyle (GP) method of bone age assessment (BAA) relies on comparing a hand X-ray against templates of discrete maturity classes collected in an atlas. Automated methods have recently shown great success with BAA, especially using deep learning. In this perspective, we first review the success and limitations of various automated BAA methods. We then offer a novel hypothesis: When networks predict bone age that is not aligned with a GP reference class, it is not simply statistical error (although there is that as well); they are picking up nuances in the hand X-ray that lie "outside that class." In other words, trained networks predict distributions around classes. This raises a natural question: How can we further understand the reasons for a prediction to deviate from the nominal class age? We claim that segmental aging, that is, ratings based on characteristic bone groups can be used to qualify predictions. This so-called segmental GP method has excellent properties: It can not only help identify differential maturity in the hand but also provide a systematic way to extend the use of the current GP atlas to various other populations.

Development of a simplified new method of bone age estimation using three bones of the hand and wrist

Though the Greulich and Pyle (GP) method is easy, inter-observer variability, differential maturation of hand bones influences ratings. The Tanner-Whitehouse (TW) method is more accurate, but cumbersome. A simpler method combining the above, such that it utilizes fewer bones without affecting accuracy, would be widely used and more applicable in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

1. Devising a simplified method utilizing three bones of the hand and wrist for bone age (BA) assessment. 2. Testing whether the 3 bone method gives comparable results to standard methods (GP,TW2,TW3) in Indian children.

METHODS

Developmental stages and corresponding BA for radius, hamate, terminal phalanx (left middle finger) epiphyses combining stages from GP,TW3 atlases were described; BA were rated by two blinded observers. 3 bone method ratings were compared with the same dataset analyzed earlier using GP,TW2,TW3 (4 raters).

RESULTS

Radiographs analysed:493 (Girls=226). Mean chronological age:9.4 ± 4.6 yrs, mean BA 3 bone:9.8 ± 4.8 yrs, GP:9.6 ± 4.8 yrs, TW3:9.3 ± 4.5 yrs, TW2:9.9 ± 5.0 yrs. The 3 bone method demonstrated no significant inter-observer variability (p = 0.3, mean difference = 0.02 ± 0.6 yrs); a strong positive correlation (p < 0.0001) with GP (r = 0.985), TW3 (r = 0.983) and TW2 (r = 0.982) was noted. Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement; the root mean square errors between 3 bone and GP,TW3,TW2 ratings were 0.6,0.7,0.6 years; mean differences were 0.19,0.49,-0.14 years respectively. Greatest proportion of outliers (beyond ±1.96 SD of mean difference) was between 6 and 8 years age for difference in 3 bone and GP, and between 4-6 years for difference in 3 bone and TW3,TW2.

CONCLUSION

The 3 bone method has multiple advantages; it is easier, tackles differential maturation of wrist and hand bones, has good reproducibility, without compromising on accuracy rendering it suitable for office practice.

BoneXpert-derived bone health index reference curves constructed on healthy Indian children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications for the assessment of the paediatric musculoskeletal system like BoneXpert are not only useful to assess bone age (BA) but also to provide a bone health index (BHI) and a standard deviation score (SDS) for both. This allows comparison of the BHI with age- and sex-matched healthy Caucasian children.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted this study with the objective of generating BHI curves using BoneXpert in healthy Indian children with BA between 2 and 17 years.

METHOD

We retrospectively reviewed anthropometric parameters, BHI, and BHI SDS data of digitalized left-hand radiographs (joint photographic experts group [jpg] format) of a cohort of 788 paediatric patients from a previous study to which they were recruited to compare various methods of BA assessment. The recruited children represented all age groups for both sexes. The corrected BHI for jpg images was calculated using the formula corrected BHI=BHI*(stature/(avL*50))^0.33333 where stature is height of subject and avL is average length of metacarpal bones. The reference Indian BHI curves and centiles were generated using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma method.

RESULT

The mean BHI and BHI SDS of the study group were 4.02±0.57 and -1.73±1.09, respectively. The average increase in median BHI from each age group was between 2.5% and 3% in both sexes up to age of 14 years after which it increased to 4.5% to 5%. The mean BHI of Indian children was lower than that of Caucasian children with maximum differences noted in boys at 16 years (21.7%) and girls at 14 years (16%). We report 8.4% SD of BHI for our study sample. Reference percentile curves for BHI according to BA were derived separately for boys and girls.

CONCLUSION

Reference data has been provided for the screening of bone health status of Indian children and adolescents.

Assessment of pubertal onset and disorders of puberty in Indian children and youth with type-1 diabetes

OBJECTIVES

Disorders of pubertal development are enlisted as associated conditions in children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes (T1D). We conducted this study with objective (1) To estimate the median age at onset of puberty and luteinizing hormone (LH) and sex-steroid concentrations in Indian adolescents with T1D and (2) To assess the impact of puberty on glycemic control and insulin resistance (IR).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 399 children and youth aged 6-23 years with T1D. Demographic, anthropometric, biochemical and pelvic ultrasound data were collected using standard protocols. IR was calculated using estimated glucose disposal rate and puberty was assessed using Tanner staging.

RESULTS

Median age at onset of thelarche, pubarche and menarche were 11.3, 11.4 and 12.8 years in girls and that of gonadarche and pubarche were 10.6 and 12.7 years for boys. The mean LH and sex-steroid concentrations of subjects with T1D were similar to healthy subjects at each stage of puberty. The cut-offs of LH and sex-steroids derived from healthy Indian children yielded high sensitivity and specificity in determining pubertal onset. The prevalence of precocity, delayed puberty, ovarian cysts and polycystic ovaries was 0.9 , 5.1, 5.1 and 8.6 %, respectively. Glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity was poor in pubertal subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The age at onset of puberty, LH, and sex-steroid concentrations in subjects with T1D were like otherwise healthy Indian children with poor glycemic control and IR in pubertal subjects. Although most complications of T1D are associated with poor glycemic control, pubertal disorders were significantly low despite the less-than-optimal glycemic control.

Insulin Resistance in Adolescents and Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: A Review of Problems and Solutions

Though insulin resistance (IR) was previously considered a feature of only type 2 Diabetes (T2DM), its development in type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) is not an uncommon occurrence, the causes of which are multifactorial (gender, pubertal status, diabetes duration, ethnicity, genetics, adiposity, glycemic control, chronic inflammation). Despite improvements in glucose, blood pressure and lipid profile, vascular complications (coronary artery disease and nephropathy) continue to remain common causes of morbidity and mortality in T1DM. Aggressive glycemic control reduces but does not eliminate the risk of IR. IR accelerates the development of micro and macrovascular complications, many of which can be potentially reversed if diagnosed and managed early. Lack of endogenous insulin production makes estimation of insulin sensitivity in T1DM difficult. As hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies are cumbersome and invasive, the use of prediction equations for calculating estimated insulin sensitivity may prove to be useful. Along with intensive insulin therapy, dietary modifications and increasing physical activity, the role of Metformin in managing IR in T1DM is becoming increasingly popular. Metformin adjunct therapy in T1DM has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, lipid profile, body composition, vascular smooth muscle function, thereby reducing the risk of vascular complications, as well as reversal of early vascular dysfunction. However, further studies to assess long-term efficacy and safety of Metformin use in adolescents and youth with T1DM are needed. This review aims at revisiting the pathophysiology of IR in T1DM and techniques of identifying those at risk so as to put into action various strategies for management of the same.

A Cross-Sectional Multicentre Study to Validate Insulin Sensitivity Index Cut-Offs for Detection of Metabolic Syndrome in Indian Adolescents with Type-1 Diabetes

Background

A previous study compared insulin sensitivity indices for the detection of double diabetes (DD) in Indian adolescents with type-1 diabetes (T1D) and derived a cut-off to predict future risk for the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) in adolescents with T1D. We conducted the current study with the aim to validate these cut-offs for detecting DD among Indian subjects with T1D from various geographical locations.

Methods

This multicentric cross-sectional study included 161 Indian adolescents with T1D. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical data were collected using standard protocols. Insulin sensitivity (IS) was calculated using various equations developed to determine insulin sensitivity in subjects with T1D. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Consensus Definition 2017.

Results

We report 4.3% prevalence of MS in Indian adolescents with T1D with an additional 29.8% of study participants at risk of development of MS. Low High density lipoprotein (HDL) (23.6%) was the commonest abnormal component of the MS definition. Insulin sensitivity calculated by an equation derived by the SEARCH group was the most appropriate index to identify MS and metabolic risk in Indian adolescents with T1D. The proposed cut-off of 5.48 had high specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in identifying the risk of the development of DD.

Conclusions

Insulin sensitivity calculated by the equation proposed by the SEARCH group together with cut-offs derived in earlier study may be used effectively to identify risk of development of MS/DD in Indian adolescents with T1D from various geographical locations.

Utility of apolipoprotein ratio in predicting metabolic risk and microvascular complications in Indian children and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relationship of apolipoproteins with glycemic control and insulin resistance (IR) in Indian children and youth with type-1 diabetes (T1D) and to assess its utility in predicting metabolic risk (MR) and microvascular complications in these subjects.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 152 participants aged 6-23 years with T1D. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and body composition data were obtained using standard protocols. IR was calculated using estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) and metabolic syndrome (MS) was diagnosed using the international diabetes federation consensus definition 2017.

RESULTS

Apolipoprotein ratio in subjects with T1D had negative and positive correlation with eGDR and HbA_1c respectively. Positive correlation of Apolipoproten B and apolipoprotein ratio with urinary albumin creatinine ratio is noted. The ratio had area under curve of 0.766 and 0.737 to predict MR and microvascular complications respectively. The ratio cut-off of 0.536 yielded 77.1 % sensitivity and 61 % specificity to predict MR. On adding the apolipoprotein ratio as a predictor to the regression model developed to predict MR, the R² and accuracy improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The apolipoprotein ratio had significant correlation with IR, microalbuminuria and glycaemic control. The ratio also predicts risk of development of microvascular complications and maybe used to predict MR in subjects with T1D.

Adiponectin-leptin ratio as a marker of cardio-metabolic risk in Indian children and youth with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVES

Adiponectin/leptin ratio (ALR) is a promising novel marker of cardio-metabolic risk in patients with metabolic syndrome. Our aim was to study the association of adiponectin-leptin ratio with markers of obesity and adiposity and also to assess its usefulness as a marker of increased cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in Indian children and youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

This observational study included 79 children and youth with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) (10-21 years) having disease duration>6 months. Demographic data and laboratory findings were obtained from patients' records. Patients with ALR<1 were categorised as having increased CMR and those with ALR>1 were categorised as having no CMR.

RESULTS

ALR showed a significant negative correlation with body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference and body fat percentage (p<0.05). Body fat percentage was the single most important predictor of ALR. Children and youth with increased CMR had higher weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences and body fat percentage as compared to those with no CMR (p<0.05). In T1DM children with dyslipidemia, ALR was significantly lower as compared to those without dyslipidemia (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ALR may be a useful marker for adiposity and increased cardiometabolic risk in Indian children and youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

A Pilot Study to Assess Effect of Metformin Therapy on Prevention of Double Diabetes in Indian Adolescents with Type-1 Diabetes

Introduction

Increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Indian adolescents owing to the obesity epidemic leads to double diabetes (DD), which is associated with an increased risk of complications in type-1 diabetes (T1D). Metformin may be a useful intervention for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance in T1D. We conducted this pilot randomized controlled trial with the objective of investigating the effect of metformin on insulin sensitivity in Indian adolescents with T1D.

Method

This pilot randomized controlled trial was performed on 59 participants with T1D aged 10-19 years distributed uniformly by gender and puberty across two groups with a 3-month intervention period. The intervention group received metformin (weight less than 60 kg received 500 mg twice daily and more than 60 kg received 1 gm twice daily) and non-metformin group received standard of care for diabetes. Anthropometric, clinical details, biochemistry and insulin sensitivity indices (ISI) were evaluated using standard protocols at baseline and endline.

Result

22.2% of subjects from non-metformin group and 12.5% from metformin group were at the risk of the development of DD. The odds ratio and relative risk for the development of DD in non-metformin subjects were 2.0 and 1.4, respectively, as compared to participants in metformin group. The mean improvement in ISI ranged from 1.4% to 4.6% in participants on metformin as opposed to deterioration of -2% to -14.1% in non-metformin group. On performing the paired sample t-test, the reduction in ISI in non-metformin group was significant.

Conclusion

Metformin may prevent deterioration in insulin sensitivity in Indian adolescents with T1D.

Adult Height in Indian Girls with Turner Syndrome Treated with Long-Term Growth Hormone Therapy - A Western India Tertiary Centre Experience

Background and Objectives

Owing to paucity of data on adult height in Indian girls with Turner syndrome treated with growth hormone (GH), this study was conducted to assess improvement in height following GH therapy and adult height achieved with long-term GH therapy in Indian girls with Turner syndrome and to assess relationship between achieved and predicted height.

Methodology

Retrospective analysis was performed on 12 girls with karyotype-proven Turner syndrome, who had attained adult height following mean duration of GH therapy of 4.8 years (range: 2.7-7.6). Adult height predictions were performed using index of responsiveness (IOR) and Ranke's prediction model.

Results

Mean age at starting GH was 10.2 ± 1.9 years; Pubertal induction was between 11 and 15 years. Mean height gain was 29.3 ± 9.8 cm (range: 14-39.5) from onset of treatment to adult height. Significant improvement in height Z scores (IAP 2015 and Indian Turner reference data) following GH therapy (p = 0.002 and 0.012, respectively) was noted. Using Indian Turner reference data, the height Z score improved from pre-treatment 0.8 ± 0.8 to 2.0 ± 0.9 on stopping GH and adult height Z score of 1.3 ± 0.7. Using Ranke's equation for prediction of near adult height, predicted and achieved adult height showed a strong positive correlation (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.827, significant at 0.01 level).

Conclusion

At a dose in the lower range (40-50 mcg/kg/day) of recommendation and duration of 5 years, Indian girls with Turner syndrome can achieve adult height within the healthy Indian reference range. Dose individualization based on IOR would help in optimizing GH dosage and would turn out to be economically sustainable without compromising on height outcomes.

Nutritional Status of Underprivileged Indian Children and Youth with Type-1 Diabetes - A Multicentre Study

Background

India has the highest number of prevalent type-1 diabetes (T1D) cases in the under-20-year age population. Data on the anthropometry of underprivileged Indian children with T1D are scarce. In economically disadvantaged countries like India, poor growth in patients with T1D is a major concern due to limited accessibility and affordability. Besides, due to the double burden of malnutrition, the prevalence of obesity is increasing mirroring the global trends, which may lead to the development of insulin resistance.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in Indian children and youth with T1D and to identify the determinants of short stature.

Methods

A registry-based cross-sectional analysis of data collected from various centres across India enrolled in the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) programme.

Results

We observed that 6.4% were undernourished (3.4% severe undernutrition) and 17.7% (overweight 13.2%) had combined overweight/obesity. 21.2% of participants had short stature (adjusted for mid-parental height) with 7.4% cases of familial short stature. Longer duration of illness and insulin requirement were significant positive predictors of short stature while glycaemic control, insulin regimen and mid-parental height did not have a significant relationship with short stature. Participants on basal-bolus regimen had significantly higher insulin requirements and better glycaemic control than the ones on mixed-split regimen.

Conclusion

We report that around one-fifth of children and youth with T1D were overweight/obese and around a fourth were stunted, especially those with longer duration of diabetes and higher insulin requirements. Close monitoring of anthropometric parameters is necessary for all children with T1D to optimize growth and nutrition.

Longitudinal trends in lipid profile in indian children and youth with type-1 diabetes: a 5-year follow up from a single centre

INTRODUCTION

High prevalence of dyslipidaemia in children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes (T1D) places them at increased risk of developing atherosclerosis leading to mortality caused by cardiovascular disease(CVD). Thus, screening for fasting blood lipids when diabetes is stabilized in children aged 11 years and above is routinely recommended with follow-up every 5 years.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To characterize the lipid profile of children and adolescents with respect to diabetes duration. (2) To describe longitudinal changes in lipid profile over a 5-year period in patients with T1D.

METHODS

This longitudinal 5-year follow-up study included 112 patients with T1D aged 3-18 years. Demographic data, anthropometry and laboratory measurements were performed using standard protocols at baseline and endline. P value < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dyslipidaemia in our study was 49.5% with abnormal LDL as the most frequently deranged parameter. Duration of illness played a major role in deterioration of lipid profile mediated by triglyceride and VLDL. Duration of illness and fibre intake in diet significantly predicted the change in lipid profile which were driven by triglycerides and VLDL. Glycemic control, insulin sensitivity and serum TSH also significantly altered components of lipid profile with no impact on overall dyslipidaemia. A total of 6.5% subjects had LDL concentrations >130 mg/dl and the same proportion had non-HDL cholesterol concentrations >145 mg/dl at baseline while at endline, 11.9% subjects had LDL concentrations >130 mg/dl and 15.6% subjects had non-HDL cholesterol concentrations >145 mg/dl. 28.6% subjects with LDL > 130 mg/dl and non-HDL cholesterol >145 mg/dl at baseline had persistently elevated concentrations while 10.3% and 14.4% additional subjects developed elevated LDL and non-HDL cholesterol concentrations respectively during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The deterioration of lipid profile in T1D, due to increase in disease duration was chiefly mediated by increase in serum triglyceride and VLDL concentrations which may be prevented by improving glycaemic control, insulin sensitivity and fibre intake in diet.

Triple burden of malnutrition and role of anaemia in the development of complications associated with type 1 diabetes in Indian children and youth

OBJECTIVES

The double burden of malnutrition accompanied by micronutrient deficiency is referred to as the triple burden of malnutrition (TBM). Very few studies have highlighted the TBM in children with type-1 diabetes. We conducted this study with the objective of estimating the TBM in Indian children and youth with type-1 diabetes (T1D) and to study role of anaemia in the development of complications associated with T1D.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study included 394 subjects with T1D. Demographic data, anthropometry, blood pressure, biochemical measurements, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography were performed using standard protocols. Estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated for all subjects.

RESULTS

We report a 16, 5.8, and 16.2% prevalence of anaemia, underweight and overweight/obese suggesting TBM with microcytic hypochromic anaemia as the most common morphological form. Haemoglobin concentrations showed positive correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The presence of anaemia was a significant predictor of eGDR and macrovascular complications in T1D which could not be attributed to glycemic control. Bone health of anaemic T1D subjects was poor than subjects without anaemia on DXA scan after adjusting for confounders. No systematic pattern between Hb concentrations and eGFR or ACR was found.

CONCLUSIONS

TBM in Indian children and youth with T1D is a significant health problem and anaemia is an important predictor in the development of macrovascular complications and poor bone health associated with T1D. However, its role in development of microvascular complications remains to be explored.

Vitamin D status and determinants in Indian children and adolescents: a multicentre study

Studies performed on Indian children to assess vitamin-D status have been on small sample sizes, limited to specific geographical locations and used non-standard methods to measure 25(OH)D₃. This multicentre study assessed 25(OH)D₃ concentrations from dried blood spots (DBS) in 5–18-year-old Indian children and adolescents using a standardized protocol and identified factors contributing towards vitamin D deficiency. Cross-sectional, observational school-based study was conducted by multi-stage stratified random sampling. A city and nearby village were selected from 6 Indian states covering wide geographical areas. Demography, anthropometry, body-composition, dietary-intakes and DBS samples were collected. 25(OH)D₃ was assessed from DBS using Liquid chromatography with tandem-mass spectrometry. Vitamin-D status was assessed in 2500 children; with additional data collected on a subset (n = 669) to assess predictors. Mean vitamin-D concentration was 45.8 ± 23.9 nmol/L, 36.8% of subjects had sufficient vitamin-D (> 50 nmol/L); rural subjects and boys had higher concentrations (p < 0.05). On regression analysis, younger age, female-gender, overweight and urban residence significantly contributed to deficiency. More than half the Indian children/adolescents were vitamin-D deficient or insufficient. Our study reinforces vitamin-D deficiency as a major public health problem and the need for supplementation, food fortification and educating the population as initiatives required to improve sufficiency status.

Comparison of insulin sensitivity indices for detection of double diabetes in Indian adolescents with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVES

The role of insulin sensitivity (IS) in the development and progression of metabolic syndrome (MS) in subjects with type-1 diabetes (T1D) is being increasingly recognized. As patients with T1D lack endogenous insulin secretion, measurement of insulin concentration by immunoassay or by indices such as homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is not helpful in assessing IS. Hence, some equations have been developed and validated against data from euglycemic-hyper-insulinemic clamp tests (the gold standard) to estimate IS. 1) To assess IS using available equations (EDC, SEARCH and CACTI) and relationship of IS with MS and microalbuminuria in adolescents with T1D, (2) To compare the predictive value of these equations for detection of MS and derive a cut-off to predict the future risk of development of MS and microalbuminuria and (3) To identify the most accurate non-invasive and easy-to-use equation for detecting patients with double diabetes (DD) in a clinical setting.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 181 adolescents aged 12-18 years with T1D. Demographic data and laboratory measurements were performed using standard protocols. IS was calculated using following equations:(1) EDC=24.31-12.22×(WHR)-3.29×(hypertension)-0.57×(HbA1c), (2) SEARCH=exp(4.64725-0.02032(waist)-0.09779(HbA1c)-0.00235(Triglycerides), (3)CACTI-exA=exp(4.1075-0.01299×(waist)-1.05819×(insulin dose)-0.00354×(Triglycerides)-0.00802×(DBP)).

RESULTS

IS determined by all three methods had significant negative correlation (p<0.05) with MS as well as with microalbuminuria. The cut-off value of 5.485 mg/kg/min by SEARCH method for determining IS had the highest sensitivity and specificity in identifying MS.

CONCLUSIONS

IS by SEARCH equation may be used in routine clinical practice to detect DD in Indian adolescents with T1D at risk of developing metabolic as well as microvascular complications.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on idiopathic central precocious puberty - experience from an Indian centre

OBJECTIVES

Owing to increase in referrals for precocity observed during COVID-19 lockdown, this study was conducted to estimate the proportion of patients referred for precocity and within these, those with idiopathic central precocious puberty (iCPP) before vs. during the COVID lockdown, and to assess the differences in anthropometric and clinical characteristics among iCPP patients in the two groups.

METHODS

Retrospective study conducted at a tertiary level paediatric endocrinology centre (Western India) evaluating proportion of referrals for precocity and comparing demographics, anthropometry, pubertal staging and bone age at presentation among children with iCPP divided into two groups (pre-lockdown-group 1, lockdown-group 2).

RESULTS

During lockdown, 155 (5.1%; 146 girls) of 3,053 referrals for precocity as opposed to 59 (1.4%; 54 girls) of 4,208 before the lockdown (p<0.05) were seen; increase was higher in girls (p<0.05). Proportion of referrals for iCPP was significantly higher in the lockdown (4.4%; 136 children vs. 1%; 44 children in group 2) among both genders. Mean age at first visit was 7.8 ± 1.3 and 8.2 ± 1.2 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean height, weight, BMI and height minus mid-parental height Z scores were not significantly different between the groups. Children in group 2 had a significantly advanced mean bone age (10.7 ± 2 years) and difference in bone and chronological ages (2.5 ± 1.2 years) as compared to group-1 (9.7 ± 1.9; 1.9 ± 1.2) and a larger proportion presented in late puberty.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an increase in the referrals for precocious puberty and an increase in number of children diagnosed with iCPP during COVID lockdown.

Impact of decreased physical activity due to COVID restrictions on cardio-metabolic risk parameters in Indian children and youth with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Implementation of COVID restrictions following lockdown led to changes in routines of subjects with type 1 diabetes due to closure of schools and outdoor activities. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of decreased physical activity due to COVID restrictions on cardio-metabolic risk parameters (waist circumference, laboratory and body composition parameters) in Indian children and youth with T1D.

METHODS

This observational study included 312 participants (2-21 years) with T1DM having disease duration of ≥6 months. Demographic, anthropometric, body composition data and investigations were recorded at two time points (during COVID restrictions when children came for follow up, pre COVID restriction data from medical and electronic records).

RESULTS

Glycemic control improved during COVID restrictions (Hba1c: 9.8 ± 2.0%) as compared to pre COVID restrictions (Hba1C: 10.0 ± 1.9%) (p < 0.05). However, due to significant reduction in physical activity (p < 0.05) there was significant increase in waist circumference z-scores (-0.9 ± 1.1 vs -1.6 ± 1.1), body fat percentage z-scores (-0.2 ± 1.0 vs -0.3 ± 0.9) and lipid parameters like cholesterol, low density lipid cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (p < 0.05) without any significant change in body mass index z-scores (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged COVID restrictions, although led to modest improvement in glycemic control, there was worsening of cardio-metabolic risk factors or indices of adiposity like waist circumference, body fat percentage and lipid parameters which could be attributed to decreased time spent in physical activity.

Relationship between height age, bone age and chronological age in normal children in the context of nutritional and pubertal status

INTRODUCTION

Bone age (BA) is a quantitative determination of skeletal maturation. The role of puberty in variations in BA is poorly understood as hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis maturation and skeletal maturation are regulated in parallel but independently by multiple different factors. In countries like India where there is rapid nutrition transition and increase in prevalence of obesity, their impact on height and BA is not well understood.

OBJECTIVES

To study if in 2-17 year old healthy children, the difference between chronological age (CA), height age (HA) and BA is less than 1 year on either side of the chronological age and to assess relationship of BA with height, weight and BMI with special reference to gender and puberty.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 804 preschool/school-going Indian children. Anthropometric measurements and pubertal assessments were performed using standard protocols and were converted to age and sex standardized z-scores using Indian references while BA was estimated by Tanner-Whitehouse (TW3) method. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean age and gender standardized z-scores for height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and BA were -0.3 ± 0.7, -0.7 ± 0.8, -0.1 ± 1.0, and -0.2 ± 0.9 respectively. HA was more delayed in girls while BA was more delayed in boys. The mean BA z-score increased with increasing BMI. After the onset of puberty, there was higher increment in BA in girls and HA in boys (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HA, BA and CA were tightly correlated in healthy Indian children with a significant role of nutritional status and puberty in causing variation in the same.

Validation of mid-upper-arm-circumference cut-offs for assessment of overnutrition in Indian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement is an easy and low-cost method to determine nutritional status. MUAC cut-offs for screening for overnutrition in Indian children from 5 to 17 years age are recently published. We conducted this study to validate MUAC cut-offs against BMI to screen overnutrition in children with T1D in comparison with age-gender-matched healthy controls and to compare the predictive value of BMI and MUAC to assess adiposity.

METHODOLOGY

This cross sectional, observational study included 249 children and adolescents (5-17 years) with T1D attending a pediatric endocrine clinic along with same number of age and gender matched healthy controls. Demographic, anthropometric and body composition data were obtained using standardized protocols and questionnaires.

RESULTS

The co-relation between MUAC with BMI was significant for cases and controls and percent body fat with MUAC and BMI in T1D(r = 0.854,0.917 and 0.546,0.616). The AUC of MUAC to identify obesity based on BMI cut-offs for cases and controls and of BMI and MUAC for adiposity were similar(0.745,0.918 and 0.867,0.814). Sensitivity, specificity and PPV were significantly higher in controls than in cases.

CONCLUSION

MUAC is an accurate method to identify obesity and adiposity in T1D thereby reducing the risk of development of double diabetes.

Prevalence of nephropathy in Indian children and youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

Children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) having diabetic nephropathy (DN) are at increased risk of developing end stage renal disease. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of DN and its predictors in Indian children and youth with T1D.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 319 children and youth (2.6-21 years) with T1D having disease duration of at least 2 years. Demographic data and laboratory findings were obtained using standard questionnaires and protocols. Diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy was based on albuminuria on two occasions within a period of 3 months.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DN in our study subjects was 13.4%. 7.5% subjects were known cases of diabetic nephropathy on treatment with enalapril. Hypertension was found in 14.3% subjects with DN in contrast to 4.1% without DN (p<0.05). Duration of diabetes and estimated glucose disposal rate were the important predictors of DN. Interestingly, of the 43 children with DN, 11.3% (n=8) were under 10 years age.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high prevalence of DN in children and youth with T1D including in children under the age of 10 years. Early screening and timely intervention are required to retard the disease progression and avoid end stage renal disease.

A pilot study to determine association of parental metabolic syndrome with development of metabolic risk in Indian children, adolescents and youth with Type-1 diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is increasing in children with type-1 diabetes (T1D). Genetic and environmental factors shared among family members are considered significant risk factors. We conducted this study to assess the association of parental MS with development of metabolic risk (MR) in patients with T1D.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study included 29 patients with T1D along with their parents (29 triads). Demographic data, anthropometry, blood pressure, biochemical measurements and body composition measurements were performed using standard protocols. Insulin resistance was calculated using estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) in patients and using HOMA-IR in their parents. MS was diagnosed using International Diabetes Federation Consensus Definition, 2017.

RESULTS

Of total study participants, 44.8% patients with T1D had MR while 25.3% of parents had MS. Low HDL was identified as the most common component of MS. 64.3% patients with T1D, who had parents with MS, had MR. The odds ratio (OR) for development of MR in patients with T1D with parents affected by MS was 4.9 (95% confidence interval 1.0-24.1) while relative risk (RR) was 2.4 (95% confidence interval 0.9-6.1). MR in patients with T1D was found to have a strong correlation with parental MS and also with development of double diabetes (DD).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, parental MS increases the risk of development of metabolic abnormalities in patients with T1D. Thus, positive family history may serve as a useful indicator for targeted screening to detect DD.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and predictors of metabolic risk in Indian children, adolescents and youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at the same risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MS) as the general population. Several environmental factors such as lifestyle, exogenous insulin therapy (over-insulinization) and genetic/familial factors are thought to underlie the phenotype of 'double diabetes' (co-existence of MS components in patients with T1D).

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of overweight/obesity and MS and to identify its predictors in Indian children, adolescents and young adults with T1D.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 355 children and youth aged 6-23 years with T1D. Demographic data were obtained from patients using questionnaires. Anthropometry, blood pressure, sexual maturity rating, biochemical measurements and body composition measurements were performed using standard protocols. Insulin resistance (IR) was calculated using estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) and MS was diagnosed using the international diabetes federation (IDF) consensus definition 2017.

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight/obesity and MS in our study was 15.5% and 4.5%, respectively. Abnormal HDL-cholesterol was the most common component of MS (55.6%) among children with T1D. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and eGDR were identified as significant predictors of the likelihood of MS.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a similar prevalence of MS in children with T1D as compared to other healthy children, which emphasises the need for monitoring of eGDR to determine IR in these children.

Field Testing of Synthetic Growth Charts in 1-60-Month-Old Indian Children

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition among under-five children (U5C) in India is a major public health problem due to double burden caused by nutritional transition. WHO cut-offs are adopted as global growth standards which define how children should grow in condition of optimal nutrition and health. Growth references which are representative of population-specific existing growth patterns need to be updated regularly which is cumbersome; hence, the author's group published 'synthetic growth references' for Indian children of age 0-18 years.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to field test the new synthetic growth references in U5C for height-for-age, weight-for-age and body mass index (BMI)-for-age against WHO charts in urban and rural Indian children to estimate prevalence of various indices of malnutrition.

METHODS

A cross-sectional anthropometric assessment of apparently healthy rural and urban Indian U5C attending vaccination centre was performed using standard protocols. They were converted to Z-scores using WHO and Indian synthetic growth references. The equality of proportion of parameters of malnutrition was tested by McNemar's test and P value <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

WHO charts significantly overestimated stunting and malnutrition as compared to synthetic references with difference in sensitivity of 7.2% and 8.5%, respectively, and converse for over-nutrition by 2.1%. The most commonly affected parameter of malnutrition was underweight. Stunting was significantly higher in rural population using both cut-offs (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The synthetic references limit the spread of weight and BMI and do not overestimate stunting and wasting. They may be more useful for identification of malnutrition and may thus be recommended for routine screening in Indian U5C.

Glycaemic Control in Youth and Young Adults: Challenges and Solutions

Diabetes is the third most prevalent severe chronic disease of youth. Management of any chronic condition like type-1 diabetes (T1D) during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and physiological changes accompanied by important individuation and socialization processes, constitutes a major challenge for the youth, their family and the health-care team. The increasing prevalence of T1D in the adolescent age group and deteriorating glycaemic control from childhood to adolescence and youth, as well as the secular trend of worsening glycaemic control in youth and young adults with T1D, are a matter of real concern. Lack of monitoring, insufficient self-control, psychosocial factors, lack of family support and parental supervision, inadequate adherence to treatment, pubertal increase in insulin resistance and incompetent transition from paediatric to adult care are likely causes of deteriorating glycaemic control in youth. Efforts to improve insulin sensitivity by using pharmacological agents such as metformin are insufficient in resolving this problem. Interventions such as structured intervention, motivational interviews, development of youth friendly services and organization of diabetes camps for peer support can improve adherence in these individuals. Innovative technologies such as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring, comprehensive multidisciplinary teams with effective communication, parental support and supervision with planned transition from paediatric to adult care will not only reduce the risk of micro- and macrovascular complications in young adults with T1D but will also cause significant improvement in their quality of life.

Predictive value of WHO vs. IAP BMI charts for identification of metabolic risk in Indian children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Owing to increase in prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Indian children and adolescents, this study is conducted to assess the predictive value of IAP 2015 and WHO 2007 BMI for age cut-offs in identifying metabolic risk in Indian children.

METHODS

Cross-sectional multicentric school-based study on 9-18-year-old healthy children (n=1,418) randomly selected from three states of India.

RESULTS

WHO 2007 and IAP 2015 charts classified 222 (15.7%) and 271 (19.1%) as overweight/obese, respectively. A total of 192 (13.5%) subjects had metabolic risk. Of these 47 (25%) and 36 (18.75%) were classified as having normal body mass index (BMI) by WHO and IAP, respectively. In identifying metabolic risk, IAP 2015 and WHO 2007 charts showed a sensitivity of 81.3 and 75%, negative predictive value 96.5% as against 94.8%, positive predictive value 57.5 and 64.8%, and specificity of 89.7 and 91.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to obesity epidemic and high metabolic risk in Indians, IAP 2015 charts (as against the WHO 2007 references) which had a higher sensitivity in identifying metabolic risk may be more suitable in Indian children and adolescents.