First Accuracy and User-Experience Evaluation of New Continuous Glucose Monitoring System for Hypoglycemia Due to Hyperinsulinism

INTRODUCTION

Patients with congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) require constant glucose monitoring to detect and treat recurrent and severe hypoglycemia. Historically, this has been achieved with intermittent self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG), but patients are increasingly using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Given the rapidity of CGM device development, and increasing calls for CGM use from HI families, it is vital that new devices are evaluated early.

METHODS

We provided two months of supplies for the new Dexcom G7 CGM device to 10 patients with HI who had recently finished using the Dexcom G6. Self-monitoring blood glucose was performed concurrently with paired readings providing accuracy calculations. Patients and families completed questionnaires about device use at the end of the two-month study period.

RESULTS

Compared to the G6, the G7 showed a significant reduction in mean absolute relative difference (25%-18%, P < .001) and in the over-read error (Bland Altman +1.96 SD; 3.54 mmol/L to 2.95 mmol/L). This resulted in an improvement in hypoglycemia detection from 42% to 62% (P < .001). Families reported an overall preference for the G7 but highlighted concerns about high sensor failure rates.

DISCUSSION

The reduction in mean absolute relative difference and over-read error and the improvement in hypoglycemia detection implies that the G7 is a safer and more useful device in the management of hypoglycemia for patients with HI. Accuracy, while improved from previous devices, remains suboptimal with 40% of hypoglycemia episodes not detected.

Chromosome 20p11.2 deletions cause congenital hyperinsulinism via the loss of FOXA2 or its regulatory elements

Persistent congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) is a rare genetically heterogeneous condition characterised by dysregulated insulin secretion leading to life-threatening hypoglycaemia. For up to 50% of affected individuals screening of the known HI genes does not identify a disease-causing variant. Large deletions have previously been used to identify novel regulatory regions causing HI. Here, we used genome sequencing to search for novel large (>1 Mb) deletions in 180 probands with HI of unknown cause and replicated our findings in a large cohort of 883 genetically unsolved individuals with HI using off-target copy number variant calling from targeted gene panels. We identified overlapping heterozygous deletions in five individuals (range 3-8 Mb) spanning chromosome 20p11.2. The pancreatic beta-cell transcription factor gene, FOXA2, a known cause of HI was deleted in two of the five individuals. In the remaining three, we found a minimal deleted region of 2.4 Mb adjacent to FOXA2 that encompasses multiple non-coding regulatory elements that are in conformational contact with FOXA2. Our data suggests that the deletions in these three children may cause disease through the dysregulation of FOXA2 expression. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of FOXA2 in the beta-cell and confirm an aetiological role for chromosome 20p11.2 deletions in syndromic HI.

Congenital Hyperinsulinism - Notes for the General Pediatrician

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare condition but is a common cause of severe and persistent hypoglycemia in early life. Prompt recognition of CHI is critical to prevent the impact of neuroglycopenia and consequent lifelong neurodisability. It is important to be alert to the possibility of CHI in newborn babies with recurrent hypoglycemia associated with high glucose requirements. Pediatricians are advised to mitigate the risk of hypoglycemia by early treatment with high concentration dextrose and intravenous glucagon infusions. Specific medical therapies with diazoxide and/or somatostatin receptor analogues may be commenced after the finding of detectable insulin at hypoglycemia, a biochemical characteristic of CHI. Early exploration of genetic etiology is recommended, chiefly in the search for a focal form, amenable to limited pancreatic surgery. Genetic ascertainment is also useful to understand the basis of disease, variable responses to medical therapies and escalation of conservative treatment to subtotal pancreatectomy. CHI is a heterogeneous disorder with varying natural history. Many newborns and infants with CHI have severe and complex illness features; their long-term care is best achieved through review at specialist centers.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging review suggests unrecognised hypoglycaemia in childhood

Introduction

Neonatal and early-life hypoglycaemia, is a frequent finding but is often non-specific and asymptomatic, making detection and diagnosis challenging. Hypoglycaemia-induced cerebral injury can be identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in cerebral white matter, occipital lobes, and posterior parietotemporal regions. It is unknown if children may have hypoglycaemic brain injury secondary to unrecognised hypoglycaemia in early life. We have examined retrospective radiological findings of likely brain injury by neuroimaging to investigate the existence of previous missed hypoglycaemic events.

Methods

Retrospective MRI data in children in a single tertiary centre, over a ten-year period was reviewed to identify potential cases of unrecognised early-life hypoglycaemia. A detailed search from an electronic radiology repository involved the term "hypoglycaemia'' from text-based reports. The initial report was used for those who required serial scanning. Images specific to relevant reports were further reviewed by a designated paediatric neuroradiologist to confirm likely hypoglycaemia induced brain injury. Medical records of those children were subsequently reviewed to assess if the hypoglycaemia had been diagnosed prior to imaging.

Results

A total of 107 MR imaging reports were identified for review, and 52 (48.5%) showed typical features strongly suggestive of hypoglycaemic brain injury. Medical note review confirmed no documented clinical information of hypoglycaemia prior to imaging in 22 (42%) patients, raising the likelihood of missed hypoglycaemic events resulting in brain injury.

Conclusions

We have identified the existence of unrecognised childhood hypoglycaemia through neuroimaging review. This study highlights the need for heightened awareness of early life hypoglycaemia to prevent adverse neurological outcomes later in childhood.

Dasiglucagon for the Treatment of Congenital Hyperinsulinism: A Randomized Phase 3 Trial in Infants and Children

CONTEXT

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is characterized by dysregulated insulin secretion causing hypoglycemia and consequent brain damage. Dasiglucagon is a glucagon analogue under investigation to treat CHI.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dasiglucagon delivered via continuous subcutaneous infusion to children with CHI and persistent hypoglycemia as add-on to standard of care (SoC).

METHODS

In this open-label trial, patients were randomized 1:1 to SoC or SoC + dasiglucagon (10-70 µg/h) for 4 weeks. In the following 4 weeks, all patients received dasiglucagon + SoC. Hypoglycemia was assessed by self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) and blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Primary endpoint was average number of SMPG-detected hypoglycemia episodes/week (SMPG <3.9 mmol/L) during Weeks 2 to 4.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (0.6-10.9 years) were randomly assigned to dasiglucagon + SoC (n = 16) or SoC (n = 16). The rate of SMPG-detected hypoglycemia decreased from baseline in both groups, but with no statistically significant difference during Weeks 2 to 4 (event rate ratio: 0.85 [0.54; 1.36], P = .5028). However, dasiglucagon administration resulted in a 43% reduction in CGM-detected hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L) vs SoC alone during Weeks 2 to 4 (post hoc analysis; event rate ratio: 0.57 [0.39; 0.83], P = .0029). Dasiglucagon enabled reductions (of 37% to 61%) in all other measures of hypoglycemia assessed by CGM vs SoC alone including extent and percent time in hypoglycemia (post hoc analyses). Dasiglucagon appeared safe and well tolerated. Skin and gastrointestinal events were more frequent with dasiglucagon + SoC than SoC only.

CONCLUSION

Clinically meaningful reductions in all CGM-recorded measures of hypoglycemia support using dasiglucagon as a potential treatment for CHI.

Prevalence of Deleterious Variants in MC3R in Patients With Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty

CONTEXT

The melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) has recently emerged as a critical regulator of pubertal timing, linear growth, and the acquisition of lean mass in humans and mice. In population-based studies, heterozygous carriers of deleterious variants in MC3R report a later onset of puberty than noncarriers. However, the frequency of such variants in patients who present with clinical disorders of pubertal development is currently unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to determine whether deleterious MC3R variants are more frequently found in patients clinically presenting with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) or normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH).

METHODS

We examined the sequence of MC3R in 362 adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of CDGP and 657 patients with nIHH, experimentally characterized the signaling properties of all nonsynonymous variants found and compared their frequency to that in 5774 controls from a population-based cohort. Additionally, we established the relative frequency of predicted deleterious variants in individuals with self-reported delayed vs normally timed menarche/voice-breaking in the UK Biobank cohort.

RESULTS

MC3R loss-of-function variants were infrequent but overrepresented in patients with CDGP (8/362 [2.2%]; OR = 4.17; P = .001). There was no strong evidence of overrepresentation in patients with nIHH (4/657 [0.6%]; OR = 1.15; P = .779). In 246 328 women from the UK Biobank, predicted deleterious variants were more frequently found in those self-reporting delayed (aged ≥16 years) vs normal age at menarche (OR = 1.66; P = 3.90E-07).

CONCLUSION

We have found evidence that functionally damaging variants in MC3R are overrepresented in individuals with CDGP but are not a common cause of this phenotype.

Standardised practices in the networked management of congenital hyperinsulinism: a UK national collaborative consensus

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a condition characterised by severe and recurrent hypoglycaemia in infants and young children caused by inappropriate insulin over-secretion. CHI is of heterogeneous aetiology with a significant genetic component and is often unresponsive to standard medical therapy options. The treatment of CHI can be multifaceted and complex, requiring multidisciplinary input. It is important to manage hypoglycaemia in CHI promptly as the risk of long-term neurodisability arising from neuroglycopaenia is high. The UK CHI consensus on the practice and management of CHI was developed to optimise and harmonise clinical management of patients in centres specialising in CHI as well as in non-specialist centres engaged in collaborative, networked models of care. Using current best practice and a consensus approach, it provides guidance and practical advice in the domains of diagnosis, clinical assessment and treatment to mitigate hypoglycaemia risk and improve long term outcomes for health and well-being.

Reactogenicity, immunogenicity and breakthrough infections following heterologous or fractional second dose COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents (Com-COV3): A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This was the first study to investigate the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of heterologous or fractional second dose COVID-19 vaccine regimens in adolescents.

METHODS

A phase II, single-blind, multi-centre, randomised-controlled trial recruited across seven UK sites from September to November 2021, with follow-up visits to August 2022. Healthy 12-to-16 years olds were randomised (1:1:1) to either 30 µg BNT162b2 (BNT-30), 10 µg BNT162b2 (BNT-10), or NVX-CoV2373 (NVX), 8 weeks after a first 30 µg dose of BNT162b2. The primary outcome was solicited systemic reactions in the week following vaccination. Secondary outcomes included immunogenicity and safety. 'Breakthrough infection' analyses were exploratory.

FINDINGS

148 participants were recruited (median age 14 years old, 62% female, 26% anti-nucleocapsid IgG seropositive pre-second dose); 132 participants received a second dose. Reactions were mostly mild-to-moderate, with lower rates in BNT-10 recipients. No vaccine-related serious adverse events occurred. Compared to BNT-30, at 28 days post-second dose anti-spike antibody responses were similar for NVX (adjusted geometric mean ratio [aGMR]) 1.09 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84, 1.42] and lower for BNT-10 (aGMR 0.78 [95% CI: 0.61, 0.99]). For Omicron BA.1 and BA.2, the neutralising antibody titres for BNT-30 at day 28 were similar for BNT-10 (aGMR 1.0 [95% CI: 0.65, 1.54] and 1.02 [95% CI: 0.71, 1.48], respectively), but higher for NVX (aGMR 1.7 [95% CI: 1.07, 2.69] and 1.43 [95% CI: 0.96, 2.12], respectively). Compared to BNT-30, cellular immune responses were greatest for NVX (aGMR 1.73 [95% CI: 0.94, 3.18]), and lowest for BNT-10 (aGMR 0.65 [95% CI: 0.37, 1.15]) at 14 days post-second dose. Cellular responses were similar across the study arms by day 236 post-second dose. Amongst SARS-CoV-2 infection naïve participants, NVX participants had an 89% reduction in risk of self-reported 'breakthrough infection' compared to BNT-30 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.11 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.86]) up until day 132 after second dose. BNT-10 recipients were more likely to have a 'breakthrough infection' compared to BNT-30 (aHR 2.14 [95% CI: 1.02, 4.51]) up to day 132 and day 236 post-second dose. Antibody responses at 132 and 236 days after second dose were similar for all vaccine schedules.

INTERPRETATION

Heterologous and fractional dose COVID-19 vaccine schedules in adolescents are safe, well-tolerated and immunogenic. The enhanced performance of the heterologous schedule using NVX-CoV2373 against the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant suggests this mRNA prime and protein-subunit boost schedule may provide a greater breadth of protection than the licensed homologous schedule.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research and Vaccine Task Force.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number registry: 12348322.

International Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Hyperinsulinism

Hyperinsulinism (HI) due to dysregulation of pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretion is the most common and most severe cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infants and children. In the 65 years since HI in children was first described, there has been a dramatic advancement in the diagnostic tools available, including new genetic techniques and novel radiologic imaging for focal HI, however; there have been almost no new therapeutic modalities since the development of diazoxide. Recent advances in neonatal research and genetics have improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of both transient and persistent forms of neonatal hyperinsulinism. Rapid turnaround of genetic test results combined with advanced radiologic imaging can permit identification and localization of surgically-curable focal lesions in a large proportion of children with congenital forms of HI, but are only available in certain centers in 'developed' countries. Diazoxide, the only drug currently approved for treating HI, was recently designated as an "essential medicine" by the World Health Organization but has been approved in only 16% of Latin American countries and remains unavailable in many under-developed areas of the world. Novel treatments for HI are emerging, but they await completion of safety and efficacy trials before being considered for clinical use. This international consensus statement on diagnosis and management of HI was developed in order to assist specialists, general pediatricians, and neonatologists in early recognition and treatment of HI with the ultimate aim of reducing the prevalence of brain injury caused by hypoglycemia. A previous statement on diagnosis and management of HI in Japan was published in 2017. The current document provides an updated guideline for management of infants and children with HI and includes potential accommodations for less-developed regions of the world where resources may be limited.

Integration of nurse-led virtual reviews with growth hormone device-linked patient adherence information: a mixed methods feasibility study

Introduction

Easypod-connect™ for childhood growth disorders is a unique connected system that enables transmission of injection adherence information for recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH). Although this system has the potential to facilitate greater adherence, observational studies have shown declining adherence over prolonged periods when used without additional support. Supplemental nurse practitioner support has been envisaged but not investigated; in this study, we have undertaken feasibility analysis of nurse-led virtual reviews (NVR) in combination with easypod-connect™ in a single centre using quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Aims

We aimed to test feasibility by assessing compliance with NVR, height standard deviation score (SDS) gain, adherence improvement and patient opinions.

Methods

Patients using easypod™ r-hGH were recruited prospectively to a 12-month study with two telephone NVR appointments in addition to standard of care in-person hospital outpatient visits. A subset was recruited for a semi-structured interview for qualitative thematic analysis.

Results

Forty-three patients of median (range) age 10.7 (6.7, 15.2) were recruited for a period of 1.1 (0.7, 1.8) years. Thirty-three (76.7%) patients were fully compliant with NVR integration with easypod-connect™, establishing feasibility. Median (inter-quartile range, IQR) height SDS improved from -1.85 (-2.44, -1.37) to -1.48 (-2.14, -1.07) (p<0.001) while adherence remained similar in the majority from study start [96.5 (88.8, 100.0)] to end [99.0 (94.0, 100.0)]. Qualitative analysis identified themes supporting patient benefit: practicalities of appointments, perceived purpose and significance of virtual reviews, and the importance of optimising growth. Four patients complained of injection pain, of whom two switched to an alternative r-hGH device.

Conclusion

Our study has demonstrated the feasibility of nurse-led virtual review integration with easypod-connect™ in a mixed methods study, laying the foundation for research in larger groups over longer periods. Nurse practitioner supported application of easypod-connect™ offers the potential for improved growth outcomes in all r-hGH devices providing adherence information.

Continuous glucose monitoring for children with hypoglycaemia: Evidence in 2023

In 2023, childhood hypoglycaemia remains a major public health problem and significant risk factor for consequent adverse neurodevelopment. Irrespective of the underlying cause, key elements of clinical management include the detection, prediction and prevention of episodes of hypoglycaemia. These tasks are increasingly served by Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices that measure subcutaneous glucose at near-continuous frequency. While the use of CGM in type 1 diabetes is well established, the evidence for widespread use in rare hypoglycaemia disorders is less than convincing. However, in the few years since our last review there have been multiple developments and increased user feedback, requiring a review of clinical application. Despite advances in device technology, point accuracy of CGM remains low for children with non-diabetes hypoglycaemia. Simple provision of CGM devices has not replicated the efficacy seen in those with diabetes and is yet to show benefit. Machine learning techniques for hypoglycaemia prevention have so far failed to demonstrate sufficient prediction accuracy for real world use even in those with diabetes. Furthermore, access to CGM globally is restricted by costs kept high by the commercially-driven speed of technical innovation. Nonetheless, the ability of CGM to digitally phenotype disease groups has led to a better understanding of natural history of disease, facilitated diagnoses and informed changes in clinical management. Large CGM datasets have prompted re-evaluation of hypoglycaemia incidence and facilitated improved trial design. Importantly, an individualised approach and focus on the behavioural determinants of hypoglycaemia has led to real world reduction in hypoglycaemia. In this state of the art review, we critically analyse the updated evidence for use of CGM in non-diabetic childhood hypoglycaemia disorders since 2020 and provide suggestions for qualified use.

The behaviour change behind a successful pilot of hypoglycaemia reduction with HYPO-CHEAT

Background

Children with hypoglycaemia disorders, such as congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), are at constant risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugars) with the attendant risk of brain injury. Current approaches to hypoglycaemia detection and prevention vary from fingerprick glucose testing to the provision of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to machine learning (ML) driven glucose forecasting. Recent trends for ML have had limited success in preventing free-living hypoglycaemia, due to a focus on increasingly accurate glucose forecasts and a failure to acknowledge the human in the loop and the essential step of changing behaviour. The wealth of evidence from the fields of behaviour change and persuasive technology (PT) allows for the creation of a theory-informed and technologically considered approach.

Objectives

We aimed to create a PT that would overcome the identified barriers to hypoglycaemia prevention for those with CHI to focus on proactive prevention rather than commonly used reactive approaches.

Methods

We used the behaviour change technique taxonomy and persuasive systems design models to create HYPO-CHEAT (HYpoglycaemia-Prevention-thrOugh-Cgm-HEatmap-Assisted-Technology): a novel approach that presents aggregated CGM data in simple visualisations. The resultant ease of data interpretation is intended to facilitate behaviour change and subsequently reduce hypoglycaemia.

Results

HYPO-CHEAT was piloted in 10 patients with CHI over 12 weeks and successfully identified weekly patterns of hypoglycaemia. These patterns consistently correlated with identifiable behaviours and were translated into both a change in proximal fingerprick behaviour and ultimately, a significant reduction in aggregated hypoglycaemia from 7.1% to 5.4% with four out of five patients showing clinically meaningful reductions in hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions

We have provided pilot data of a new approach to hypoglycaemia prevention that focuses on proactive prevention and behaviour change. This approach is personalised for individual patients with CHI and is a first step in changing our approach to hypoglycaemia prevention in this group.

Notes for the general paediatrician: managing thyrotoxicosis in children and young people

Thyrotoxicosis due to hyperthyroidism is a serious disorder in childhood often presenting to general paediatricians with a range of clinical manifestations. The commonest cause is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder resulting from thyrotropin receptor stimulation by autoantibodies. Early recognition and accurate interpretation of investigations are essential to achieve and maintain a euthyroid state. This will not only optimise growth, development and transition from childhood to young adult life but also avoid the potentially severe and life-threatening complications of acute thyrotoxicosis. In this review, we have focussed on the general paediatrician's perspective of the presentation and management of thyrotoxicosis and the need to network with specialist paediatric endocrine centres to optimise patient care. We have discussed nuances of therapy, side effects and long-term outcomes, while recognising that limited remission rates in this age group often necessitate more definitive management. While carbimazole is usually used as first-line medical therapy, we have provided useful information to guide paediatricians in the discussion of individualised safe and effective treatment plans for both short-term and long-term management.

HYPO-CHEAT's aggregated weekly visualisations of risk reduce real world hypoglycaemia

Background

Children with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) are at constant risk of hypoglycaemia with the attendant risk of brain injury. Current hypoglycaemia prevention methods centre on the prediction of a continuous glucose variable using machine learning (ML) processing of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This approach ignores repetitive and predictable behavioural factors and is dependent upon ongoing CGM. Thus, there has been very limited success in reducing real-world hypoglycaemia with a ML approach in any condition.

Objectives

We describe the development of HYPO-CHEAT (HYpoglycaemia-Prevention-thrOugh-CGM-HEatmap-Technology), which is designed to overcome these limitations by describing weekly hypoglycaemia risk. We tested HYPO-CHEAT in a real-world setting to evaluate change in hypoglycaemia.

Methods

HYPO-CHEAT aggregates individual CGM data to identify weekly hypoglycaemia patterns. These are visualised via a hypoglycaemia heatmap along with actionable interpretations and targets. The algorithm is iterative and reacts to anticipated changing patterns of hypoglycaemia. HYPO-CHEAT was compared with Dexcom Clarity's pattern identification and Facebook Prophet's forecasting algorithm using data from 10 children with CHI using CGM for 12 weeks. HYPO-CHEAT's efficacy was assessed via change in time below range (TBR).

Results

HYPO-CHEAT identified hypoglycaemia patterns in all patients. Dexcom Clarity identified no patterns. Predictions from Facebook Prophet were inconsistent and difficult to interpret. Importantly, the patterns identified by HYPO-CHEAT matched the lived experience of all patients, generating new and actionable understanding of the cause of hypos. This facilitated patients to significantly reduce their time in hypoglycaemia from 7.1% to 5.4% even when real-time CGM data was removed.

Conclusions

HYPO-CHEAT's personalised hypoglycaemia heatmaps reduced total and targeted TBR even when CGM was reblinded. HYPO-CHEAT offers a highly effective and immediately available personalised approach to prevent hypoglycaemia and empower patients to self-care.

Topological data analysis identified prognostically-distinct phenotypes in MitraClip patients

Background

Topological data analysis (TDA) is the state-of-the-art unsupervised machine learning framework that can provide insight into the dataset and visualize condensed information via the topological network graph. This robust approach was never used to assess the heterogeneous MitraClip population.

Purpose

We aim to develop a TDA model that will identify prognostically-distinct phenogroups in MitraClip patients without a priori knowledge of the population and their outcomes.

Method

Patients who underwent MitraClip (June 2014-September 2020) at Mayo Clinic sites were identified from the institutional database for baseline and follow-up data. Thirteen variables were used for TDA. The topological network graph was created using the Python Scikit-TDA Kepler-Mapper package (v. 2.0.1), and clustering was performed at the graph level with Louvain's modularity method. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the all-cause mortality endpoint of each cluster identified in an unsupervised manner. The dataset with cluster labels was also used to train a Light Gradient Boosted Machine model, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was applied to determine the feature importance.

Results

A total of 389 consecutive patients were included in the final analysis and two major clusters consisting of 384 patients were identified. The mean age was 80.3±8.7 years; 256 (65.8%) were male. The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons Mitral Valve Replacement risk score was 9.6±6.9%. Fifty-five (14.5%) patients died during the mean follow duration (185 days). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant survival differences among the two clusters (HR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.39–4.06, p=0.001; Figure 1). Clusters 1 (n=195) was associated with &gt; mild residual mitral regurgitation and worse survival performance and was characterized with worse tricuspid regurgitation severity, a higher proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter, anterior leaflet prolapse, and mitral annular/leaflet calcification, as summarized in Table 1.

Conclusion

TDA can identify distinct phenotype clusters with prognostic significance in MitraClip patients based on mitral valve morphology and clinical risk factors. This simple model can facilitate clinical risk stratification for MitraClip patients regarding procedural success and survival performance.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

A retrospective analysis of endocrine disease in sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase insufficiency: case series and literature review

Sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SGPL1) insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS) is an autosomal recessive multi-system disorder, which mainly incorporates steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and primary adrenal insufficiency. Other variable endocrine manifestations are described. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively annotate the endocrinopathies associated with pathogenic SGPL1 variants and assess for genotype-phenotype correlations by retrospectively reviewing the reports of endocrine disease within our patient cohort and all published cases in the wider literature up to February 2022. Glucocorticoid insufficiency in early childhood is the most common endocrine manifestation affecting 64% of the 50 patients reported with SPLIS, and a third of these individuals have additional mineralocorticoid deficiency. While most individuals also have nephrotic syndrome, SGPL1 variants also account for isolated adrenal insufficiency at presentation. Primary gonadal insufficiency, manifesting with microphallus and cryptorchidism, is reported in less than one-third of affected boys, all with concomitant adrenal disease. Mild primary hypothyroidism affects approximately a third of patients. There is paucity of data on the impact of SGPL1 deficiency on growth, and pubertal development, limited by the early and high mortality rate (approximately 50%). There is no clear genotype-phenotype correlation overall in the syndrome, with variable disease penetrance within individual kindreds. However, with regards to endocrine phenotype, the most prevalent disease variant p.R222Q (affecting 22%) is most consistently associated with isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. To conclude, SPLIS is associated with significant multiple endocrine disorders. While endocrinopathy in the syndrome generally presents in infancy, late-onset disease also occurs. Screening for these is therefore warranted both at diagnosis and through follow-up.

Post COVID syndrome: A novel challenge and threat to international health

The global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has affected every continent worldwide. The novelty of this virus, its mutations and the rapid speed and unprecedented rate at which it has torn through the global community has in turn lead to an innate lack of knowledge and information about the actual disease caused and the severity of the complications associated with COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been infecting individuals since 2019 and now as of 2022 has been circulating for just over 2 years within the global populous. As the number of cases have risen globally over this period (some of which having contracted the virus twice) further endeavours have been undertaken to better understand the pathogenesis and natural progression of the disease. A condition reported in some cases with extended bouts of sickness or symptoms following the initial infection with COVID was labelled “long COVID” towards the earlier phases of the pandemic (in the spring of 2020), but has only recently gained the global media and medical attention due to its affliction of more individuals on a global basis and has thus warranted further investigation. Long COVID is described as a persistent, long-term state of poor health following an infection with COVID-19. The effect of Long COVID is multisystemic in nature with a wide array of signs and symptoms. The most commonly reported clinical features of long COVID are: headaches, myalgia, chest pain, rashes, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, anosmia, persistent cough, brain fogs, forgetfulness, depression, insomnia, fatigue and anxiety. This research aims to explore the symptomatology, pathophysiology as well as the treatment and prevention of Long COVID.

Insight into hypoglycemia frequency in congenital hyperinsulinism: evaluation of a large UK CGM dataset

INTRODUCTION

Hypoglycemia is often recurrent and severe in patients with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). However, there is little information regarding frequency or patterns of episodes to inform clinical management and future trial design.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We aimed to describe frequency and patterns of hypoglycemia by varying thresholds through a large continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) dataset. Through the UK CHI centers of excellence, data were analyzed from patients with CHI over a 5-year period. Hypoglycemia thresholds of 3.0 (H3.0), 3.5 (H3.5) and 3.9 (H3.9) mmol/L were used to test threshold change on hypoglycemia frequencies.

RESULTS

From 63 patients, 3.4 million data points, representing 32 years of monitoring, were analyzed. By UK consensus threshold H3.5, patients experienced a mean 1.3 hypoglycemic episodes per day. Per cent time hypoglycemic increased from 1.2% to 3.3% to 6.9% when threshold changed from H3.0 to H3.5 and H3.9. Merged data showed periodicity of hypoglycemia risk in 24-hour periods in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We have evaluated a large dataset to provide a comprehensive picture of the frequency and patterns of hypoglycemia for patients with CHI in the UK. These data establish a baseline risk of hypoglycemia by CGM and provide a framework for clinical management and clinical trial design.

Cortisol Levels During Acute Illnesses in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Importance

Endogenous cortisol levels in children and adolescents during acute illnesses can contribute to the evidence base required to optimize glucocorticoid (GC) stress doses for children and adolescents known to have GC deficiency.

Objective

To identify endogenous cortisol levels during a range of acute illnesses in children and adolescents without GC deficiency from published evidence.

Evidence Review

CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, and MEDLINE were searched for studies published between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2020. Two reviewers independently identified relevant studies. Differences were resolved by joint discussion. Inclusion criteria were common acute illnesses, age from 1 month to 18 years, and basal blood cortisol levels obtained within 48 hours of presentation. Studies with fewer than 5 participants and those that included participants known to have GC deficiency or a history of treatment that could affect cortisol levels were excluded from the review. Data for predefined fields were extracted and independently checked by separate pairs of reviewers. Overall weighted means and pooled SDs for cortisol levels were calculated.

Findings

All 15 studies included were hospital based and included 864 unique participants: 14 studies were prospective observational studies, 1 was part of a trial, and 5 included control individuals. Mean cortisol levels were higher in all participants with an acute illness (n = 689) than in controls (n = 175) (difference in weighted means, 18.95 μg/dL; 95% CI, 16.68-21.22 μg/dL). Cortisol levels were highest in patients with bacterial meningitis (weighted mean [pooled SD], 46.42 [22.24] μg/dL) and were more than 3-fold higher in the group with severe gastroenteritis (weighted mean [pooled SD], 39.64 [21.34] μg/dL) than in the control group. Among the subgroups with sepsis, those with shock had lower cortisol levels than those without shock (weighted mean [pooled SD], 27.83 [36.39] μg/dL vs 37.00 [23.30] μg/dL), but levels in nonsurvivors did not differ from levels in survivors (weighted mean [pooled SD], 24.89 [51.65] μg/dL vs 30.53 [30.60] μg/dL).

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review found that, in children and adolescents without GC deficiency, circulating cortisol levels were higher during acute illnesses than those in controls and also varied across a range of acute illnesses. Whether these levels need to be achieved with exogenous GC stress doses tailored according to the nature and severity of the illness in children and adolescents with GC deficiency warrants investigation.

Increased referrals for congenital hyperinsulinism genetic testing in children with trisomy 21 reflects the high burden of non-genetic risk factors in this group

BACKGROUND

Hyperinsulinism results from inappropriate insulin secretion during hypoglycaemia. Down syndrome is causally linked to a number of endocrine disorders including Type 1 diabetes and neonatal diabetes. We noted a high number of individuals with Down syndrome referred for hyperinsulinism genetic testing, and therefore aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of Down syndrome was increased in our hyperinsulinism cohort compared to the population.

METHODS

We identified individuals with Down syndrome referred for hyperinsulinism genetic testing to the Exeter Genomics Laboratory between 2008 and 2020. We sequenced the known hyperinsulinism genes in all individuals and investigated their clinical features.

RESULTS

We identified 11 individuals with Down syndrome in a cohort of 2011 patients referred for genetic testing for hyperinsulinism. This represents an increased prevalence compared to the population (2.5/2011 expected vs. 11/2011 observed, p = 6.8 × 10^-5 ). A pathogenic ABCC8 mutation was identified in one of the 11 individuals. Of the remaining 10 individuals, five had non-genetic risk factors for hyperinsulinism resulting from the Down syndrome phenotype: intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, gastric/oesophageal surgery, and asparaginase treatment for leukaemia. For five individuals no risk factors for hypoglycaemia were reported although two of these individuals had transient hyperinsulinism and one was lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Down syndrome is more common in patients with hyperinsulinism than in the population. This is likely due to an increased burden of non-genetic risk factors resulting from the Down syndrome phenotype. Down syndrome should not preclude genetic testing as coincidental monogenic hyperinsulinism and Down syndrome is possible.

Correction to: Congenital hyperinsulinism in infancy and childhood: challenges, unmet needs and the perspective of patients and families

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is a rare disease that causes newborn babies and children to have low blood sugar because of the abnormal release of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that promotes the transfer of sugar from the blood into the body’s cells. In a healthy person, insulin is released only after a meal when the level of blood sugar is high, but infants and children with CHI make insulin even if the blood sugar is low. This can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can cause brain damage if left untreated. Unfortunately, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, resulting in avoidable brain damage and developmental delays in these children. CHI is associated with substantial stress and anxiety for the families, especially due to the need for frequent feeding and the fear of low blood sugars added to the constant need to measure blood sugar levels.

This article discusses the most important challenges and unmet needs in this rare disease, including the limited treatment options, the side effects of available treatment options and the heavy psychological, social and financial burden on affected families. Effective screening of newborns for CHI needs to be improved, and quick referral to specialized treatment centers is necessary to ensure the best outcomes for patients and families. In addition, awareness of CHI has to be raised in all medical professions caring for newborns and infants, and new medications are urgently needed to ensure the best possible treatment for all patients with CHI.

Bilateral same session flexible ureterorenoscopy for endoscopic management of bilateral renal calculi is noninferior to unilateral flexible ureterorenoscopy for management of multiple unilateral renal calculi: outcomes of a prospective comparative study

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate safety and efficacy of bilateral same session ureterorenoscopy (BSS-FURS) for management of bilateral renal calculi.

METHODS

A prospective comparative study was designed to compare the results of BSS-FURS with unilateral flexible ureterorenoscopy (U-FURS) for management of renal calculi between June 2003 and May 2016. A sample size of 55 patients in each arm was calculated considering a 20% increase in the incidence of complications with BSS-FURS over 15% complication rate in U-FURS (alpha = 0.05; Beta = 0.90). Patient demographics, stone burden, total operative time, postoperative creatinine level, duration of hospital stay, perioperative complications and stone free rate (SFR) were compared in both the groups. The literature pertaining to BSS-FURS was reviewed.

RESULTS

Although the study group patients had higher overall stone burden (18.60 ± 7.70 mm vs. 13.32 ± 6.43 mm) and significantly longer operative time (48.30 ± 16.71 min vs. 32.95 ± 13.05 min; p < 0.05) as compared to the control group, the length of hospital stay, SFR (67.85% vs. 78.5%; p = 0.436) and perioperative complications were comparable in both the groups. Most patients who developed postoperative fever from both groups had struvite stones.

CONCLUSION

BSS-FURS is a safe and efficient procedure for the management of bilateral renal calculi in the hands of an experienced endourologist. It has comparable SFR and morbidity compared to U-FURS. Caution should be exercised in patients with struvite stones, as they are more likely to develop postoperative fever.

Truncating and zinc-finger variants in GLI2 are associated with hypopituitarism

Variants in transcription factor GLI2 have been associated with hypopituitarism and structural brain abnormalities, occasionally including holoprosencephaly (HPE). Substantial phenotypic variability and nonpenetrance have been described, posing difficulties in the counseling of affected families. We present three individuals with novel likely pathogenic GLI2 variants, two with truncating and one with a de novo missense variant p.(Ser548Leu), and review the literature for comprehensive phenotypic descriptions of individuals with confirmed pathogenic (a) intragenic GLI2 variants and (b) chromosome 2q14.2 deletions encompassing only GLI2. We show that most of the 31 missense variants previously reported as pathogenic are likely benign or, at most, low-risk variants. Four Zn-finger variants: p.(Arg479Gly), p.(Arg516Pro), p.(Gly518Lys), and p.(Tyr575His) were classified as likely pathogenic, and three other variants as possibly pathogenic: p.(Pro253Ser), p.(Ala593Val), and p.(Pro1243Leu). We analyze the phenotypic descriptions of 60 individuals with pathogenic GLI2 variants and evidence a morbidity spectrum that includes hypopituitarism (58%), HPE (6%) or other brain structure abnormalities (15%), orofacial clefting (17%) and dysmorphic facial features (35%). We establish that truncating and Zn-finger variants in GLI2 are associated with a high risk of hypopituitarism, and that a solitary median maxillary central incisor is part of the GLI2-related phenotypic variability. The most prevalent phenotypic feature is post-axial polydactyly (65%) which is also the mildest phenotypic expression of the condition, reported in many parents of individuals with systemic findings. Our approach clarifies clinical risks and the important messages to discuss in counseling for a pathogenic GLI2 variant.

Variation in Glycaemic Outcomes in Focal Forms of Congenital Hyperinsulinism - The UK Perspective

Context

In focal congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), localized clonal expansion of pancreatic β-cells causes excess insulin secretion and severe hypoglycemia. Surgery is curative, but not all lesions are amenable to surgery.

Objective

We describe surgical and nonsurgical outcomes of focal CHI in a national cohort.

Methods

Patients with focal CHI were retrospectively reviewed at 2 specialist centers, 2003-2018.

Results

Of 59 patients with focal CHI, 57 had heterozygous mutations in ABCC8/KCNJ11 (51 paternally inherited, 6 de novo). Fluorine-18 L-3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography computed tomography scan identified focal lesions in 51 patients. In 5 patients, imaging was inconclusive; the diagnosis was established by frozen section histopathology in 3 patients, a lesion was not identified in 1 patient, and 1 declined surgery. Most patients (n = 56) were unresponsive to diazoxide, of whom 33 were unresponsive or partially responsive to somatostatin receptor analog (SSRA) therapy. Fifty-five patients underwent surgery: 40 had immediate resolution of CHI, 10 had persistent hypoglycemia and a focus was not identified on biopsy in 5. In the 10 patients with persistent hypoglycemia, 7 underwent further surgery with resolution in 4 and ongoing hypoglycemia requiring SSRA in 3. Nine (15% of cohort) patients (1 complex surgical access; 4 biopsy negative; 4 declined surgery) were managed conservatively; medication was discontinued in 8 children at a median (range) age 2.4 (1.5-7.7) years and 1 remains on SSRA at 16 years with improved fasting tolerance and reduction in SSRA dose.

Conclusion

Despite a unifying genetic basis of disease, we report inherent heterogeneity in focal CHI patients impacting outcomes of both surgical and medical management.

Congenital hyperinsulinism in infancy and childhood: challenges, unmet needs and the perspective of patients and families

BACKGROUND

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infants and children, and carries a considerable risk of neurological damage and developmental delays if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Despite rapid advances in diagnosis and management, long-term developmental outcomes have not significantly improved in the past years. CHI remains a disease that is associated with significant morbidity, and psychosocial and financial burden for affected families, especially concerning the need for constant blood glucose monitoring throughout patients' lives.

RESULTS

In this review, we discuss the key clinical challenges and unmet needs, and present insights on patients' and families' perspective on their daily life with CHI. Prevention of neurocognitive impairment and successful management of patients with CHI largely depend on early diagnosis and effective treatment by a multidisciplinary team of specialists with experience in the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

To ensure the best outcomes for patients and their families, improvements in effective screening and treatment, and accelerated referral to specialized centers need to be implemented. There is a need to develop a wider range of centers of excellence and networks of specialized care to optimize the best outcomes both for patients and for clinicians. Awareness of the presentation and the risks of CHI has to be raised across all professions involved in the care of newborns and infants. For many patients, the limited treatment options currently available are insufficient to manage the disease effectively, and they are associated with a range of adverse events. New therapies would benefit all patients, even those that are relatively stable on current treatments, by reducing the need for constant blood glucose monitoring and facilitating a personalized approach to treatment.

Families' Experiences of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Management of Congenital Hyperinsulinism: A Thematic Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In patients with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), recurrent hypoglycaemia can lead to longstanding neurological impairments. At present, glycaemic monitoring is with intermittent fingerprick blood glucose testing but this lacks utility to identify patterns and misses hypoglycaemic episodes between tests. Although continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is well established in type 1 diabetes, its use has only been described in small studies in patients with CHI. In such studies, medical perspectives have been provided without fully considering the views of families using CGM. In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore families' experiences of using CGM in order to inform future clinical strategies for the management of CHI.

METHODS

Ten patients with CHI in a specialist centre used CGM for twelve weeks. All were invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine families in whom patient ages ranged between two and seventeen years. Transcripts of the audio-recorded interviews were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis method.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed five core themes: CGM's function as an educational tool; behavioural changes; positive experiences; negative experiences; and design improvements. Close monitoring and retrospective analysis of glucose trends allowed for enhanced understanding of factors that influenced glucose levels at various times of the day. Parents noted more hypoglycaemic episodes than previously encountered through fingerprick tests; this new knowledge prompted modification of daily routines to prevent and improve the management of hypoglycaemia. CGM use was viewed favourably as offering parental reassurance, reduced fingerprick tests and predictive warnings. However, families also reported unfavourable aspects of alarms and questionable accuracy at low glucose levels. Adolescents were frustrated by the short proximity range for data transmission resulting in the need to always carry a separate receiver. Overall, families were positive about the use of CGM but expected application to be tailored to their child's medical condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and families with CHI using CGM noticed trends in glucose levels which motivated behavioural changes to reduce hypoglycaemia with advantages outweighing disadvantages. They expected CHI-specific modifications to enhance utility. Future design of CGM should incorporate end users' opinions and experiences for optimal glycaemic monitoring of CHI.

Does prior transurethral resection of prostate have a negative impact on the outcome of holmium laser enucleation of prostate? Results from a prospective comparative study

Objectives

To prospectively evaluate safety and efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) for surgical treatment of recurrent symptoms due to prostatomegaly after prior transurethral resection of prostate (TURP).

Materials and Methods:

We prospectively evaluated 43 patients with a history of TURP who underwent HoLEP (study group). Patients in chronological order who underwent HoLEP without prior TURP were included in the control group. We hypothesized that prior TURP would increase technical difficulties, thereby leading to a reduction in procedure efficiency by 25%. Patients’ demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

Demographic data in both groups were comparable. The average interval between past TURP and HoLEP was 4.22 years. There was no difficulty in identifying the dissection plane in the study group and the difference in the procedure efficiency between the study and the control groups were statistically insignificant (0.75 ± 0.31 g/min-study group vs. 0.69 ± 0.36 g/min-control group; P = 0.665). The intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes were comparable in both groups.

Conclusions:

Prior TURP does not negatively impact the outcome of HoLEP in treating symptomatic recurrence for enlarged prostate after initial TURP.

The hypoglycaemia error grid: A UK-wide consensus on CGM accuracy assessment in hyperinsulinism

OBJECTIVE

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is gaining in popularity for patients with paediatric hypoglycaemia disorders such as Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI), but no standard measures of accuracy or associated clinical risk are available. The small number of prior assessments of CGM accuracy in CHI have thus been incomplete. We aimed to develop a novel Hypoglycaemia Error Grid (HEG) for CGM assessment for those with CHI based on expert consensus opinion applied to a large paired (CGM/blood glucose) dataset.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Paediatric endocrinology consultants regularly managing CHI in the two UK centres of excellence were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding glucose cutoffs and associated anticipated risks of CGM errors in a hypothetical model. Collated information was utilised to mathematically generate the HEG which was then approved by expert, consensus opinion. Ten patients with CHI underwent 12 weeks of monitoring with a Dexcom G6 CGM and self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) with a Contour Next One glucometer to test application of the HEG and provide an assessment of accuracy for those with CHI.

RESULTS

CGM performance was suboptimal, based on 1441 paired values of CGM and SMBG showing Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of 19.3% and hypoglycaemia (glucose <3.5mmol/L (63mg/dL)) sensitivity of only 45%. The HEG provided clinical context to CGM errors with 15% classified as moderate risk by expert consensus when data was restricted to that of practical use. This provides a contrasting risk profile from existing diabetes error grids, reinforcing its utility in the clinical assessment of CGM accuracy in hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hypoglycaemia Error Grid, based on UK expert consensus opinion has demonstrated inadequate accuracy of CGM to recommend as a standalone tool for routine clinical use. However, suboptimal accuracy of CGM relative to SMBG does not detract from alternative uses of CGM in this patient group, such as use as a digital phenotyping tool. The HEG is freely available on GitHub for use by other researchers to assess accuracy in their patient populations and validate these findings.

Omicron: The pandemic propagator and lockdown instigator - what can be learnt from South Africa and such discoveries in future

The SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes the disease termed COVID-19 ripped through the globe in the latter part of 2019 and has left a state of fear, death and destruction in its wake. The Omicron variant was officially announced by the South African authorities on the 24th of November 2021, with the first confirmed sample of the infection being collected on the 9th of November 2021. The initial cases were flagged as a possible new variant due to the stark differences in the presentation and clinical features of the patients. At the time of Omicron's discovery, the predominant variant circulating within South Africa was the Delta variant B.1.617.2 which typically presented with more severe and distinct symptoms. Omicron spread rapidly within the Southern Africa and abroad, principally South Africa, Botswana, Hongkong and Israel were among the first countries to record cases of the new variant. The first European case of the Omicron variant was confirmed on the 26th of November 2021 in Belgium. Towards the end of November 2021 cases of the new variant had been confirmed and recorded in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal and Scotland. Additional cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in Canada, Australia, India and United States. At this current point in the development of the Omicron upsurge in cases the international community should aim for further vaccinations among their fellow countrymen, but more so vaccine equality should be ensured. Such equality should be ensured in the developing nations as the virus does not respect any boundaries or territories and thus a higher level of vaccination worldwide will confer greater protection to the global community as a whole.

Clustering of Hypoglycemia Events in Patients With Hyperinsulinism: Extension of the Digital Phenotype Through Retrospective Data Analysis

Background

Hyperinsulinism (HI) due to excess and dysregulated insulin secretion is the most common cause of severe and recurrent hypoglycemia in childhood. High cerebral glucose use in the early hours results in a high risk of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes and carries a significant risk of brain injury. Prevention of hypoglycemia is the cornerstone of the management of HI, but the risk of hypoglycemia at night or the timing of hypoglycemia in children with HI has not been studied; thus, the digital phenotype remains incomplete and management suboptimal.

Objective

This study aims to quantify the timing of hypoglycemia in patients with HI to describe glycemic variability and to extend the digital phenotype. This will facilitate future work using computational modeling to enable behavior change and reduce exposure of patients with HI to injurious hypoglycemic events.

Methods

Patients underwent continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with a Dexcom G4 or G6 CGM device as part of their clinical assessment for either HI (N=23) or idiopathic ketotic hypoglycemia (IKH; N=24). The CGM data were analyzed for temporal trends. Hypoglycemia was defined as glucose levels <3.5 mmol/L.

Results

A total of 449 hypoglycemic events totaling 15,610 minutes were captured over 237 days from 47 patients (29 males; mean age 70 months, SD 53). The mean length of hypoglycemic events was 35 minutes. There was a clear tendency for hypoglycemia in the early hours (3-7 AM), particularly for patients with HI older than 10 months who experienced hypoglycemia 7.6% (1480/19,370 minutes) of time in this period compared with 2.6% (2405/92,840 minutes) of time outside this period (P<.001). This tendency was less pronounced in patients with HI who were younger than 10 months, patients with a negative genetic test result, and patients with IKH. Despite real-time CGM, there were 42 hypoglycemic events from 13 separate patients with HI lasting >30 minutes.

Conclusions

This is the first study to have taken the first step in extending the digital phenotype of HI by describing the glycemic trends and identifying the timing of hypoglycemia measured by CGM. We have identified the early hours as a time of high hypoglycemia risk for patients with HI and demonstrated that simple provision of CGM data to patients is not sufficient to eliminate hypoglycemia. Future work in HI should concentrate on the early hours as a period of high risk for hypoglycemia and must target personalized hypoglycemia predictions. Focus must move to the human-computer interaction as an aspect of the digital phenotype that is susceptible to change rather than simple mathematical modeling to produce small improvements in hypoglycemia prediction accuracy.

Robotic intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder in the supine Trendelenburg position: a stepwise approach

Robotic radical cystectomy with urinary diversion has become increasingly utilized for the surgical management of bladder cancer. Orthotopic neobladder reconstruction is still performed worldwide primarily via an extracorporeal approach because of the difficulty associated with robotic intracorporeal reconstruction. The objective of this article is to demonstrate a stepwise approach for robotic intracorporeal neobladder in a standardized manner that adheres to the principles of open surgery.

Mucormycosis and COVID-19 an epidemic in a pandemic?

Mucormycosis and aspergillosis are rare, invasive and life-threatening infections primarily caused by Rhizopus arrhizus and Aspergillus fumigatus with higher case fatality rates (>50%), respectively. Invasive Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis have been established and recognized as complications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such cases have been intimately linked and related to prior corticosteroid therapy. With the new highly infectious Delta strain (B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1) of the coronavirus which is running rampant throughout India causing unprecedented death tolls, a new crisis is evolving. Invasive "black fungus" (Mucormycosis) is creating an epidemic within a global pandemic. The unique socio-economic, genetic and health status of Indian population culminates into a melting pot which sustains the viable triad for the "black fungus" infection to gain a stronghold. Diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression and the current COVID-19 global pandemic with its massive surges in the country have produced the "perfect storm." Ophthalmologist across India have reported a surge in invasive Mucormycosis cases with a rise in orbital compartment syndrome often calling for radical procedures such as enucleation surgeries. The "black fungus" pandemic and invasive Mucormycosis resulted in the sinister secondary infections and complications are closely linked with the COVID-19 infection in India. It is therefore of the upmost importance that neighbouring countries particularly Nepal and other Asiatic nations take great cognizance of this indolent "black fungus killer" and ensure new screening and testing protocols for early identification to ensure effective management.

AB0034 PD-1 AGONISM INHIBITS ACTIVATION OF PLASMACYTOID DENDRITIC CELLS

Background:

T cell function is regulated by complex signaling networks of interconnected activators and inhibitors. Blockade of inhibitory receptors such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) has emerged as a novel treatment for multiple forms of cancer. One of the most common adverse events associated with blockade of the endogenous PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is the induction of autoimmune pathology in multiple tissues, demonstrating that PD-1 activation is necessary for normal immune homeostasis in humans (Kostine, et al., 2018). Given this body of clinical data, we sought to develop a PD-1 agonist antibody as a therapeutic approach to restore immune homeostasis in patients living with autoimmune diseases. PD-1 expression and function has been primarily described on T cells (Ishida, et al., 1992), with additional data available from several other immune cell populations (Ohaegbulam, et al., 2015).

Objectives:

To study the effect of PD-1 agonism on plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) function.

Methods:

Human PBMCs stimulated with or without toll-like receptor (TLR)-9 agonist, CpG were analyzed by flow cytometry for PD-1 expression on immune cell subsets. To assess the impact of PD-1 agonist on pDC function human PBMCs were activated by CpG in the presence or absence of PD-1 agonist. Type-I interferon (IFN) levels were quantified using ELISA from culture supernatants. The expression of interferon stimulated genes was analyzed by qPCR as a measure of type-I IFN activation.

Results:

We have discovered that TLR9 activation can induce PD-1 expression on plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which has not been previously reported. Further, we have demonstrated that PD-1 agonism inhibits TLR9-mediated activation and the effector functions of plasmacytoid dendritic cells.

Conclusion:

These data suggest the potential of PD-1 as a target for regulating diseases with pathology generated by type-I IFN.

References:

[1]Ishida, Y., Agata, Y., Shihibahara, K., & Honjo, T. (1992). Induced expression of PD-1, a novel member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, upon programmed cell death. EMBO J., 11(11):3887-95.

[2]Kostine, M., Rouxel, L., Barnetche, T., Veillon, R., Martin, F., Dutriaux, C., . . . Schaeverbeke, T. (2018). Rheumatic disorders associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with cancer-clinical aspects and relationship with tumour response: a single-centre prospective cohort study. Annual Rheumatic Disease, 77(3):393-398.

[3]Ohaegbulam, K. C., Assal, A., Lazar-Molnar, E., Yao, Y., & Zang, X. (2015). Human cancer immunotherapy with antibodies to the PD-1 and PD-L1 pathway. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 21(1); 24-33.

Disclosure of Interests:

Ishita Banerjee Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Lindsay Edwards Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Patrick Halvey Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Salvatore Alioto Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, David Cluckley Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Caitlin Mitchell Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Christopher Cox Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Emily Lurier Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Michael Cianci Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Soumya Bengeri Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Susmita Borthakur Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Katalin Kis-Toth Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Nathan Higginson-Scott Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Consultant of: Biotech Companies, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Jo Viney Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics, Kevin L. Otipoby Shareholder of: Pandion Therapeutics, Employee of: Pandion Therapeutics

An eHealth Framework for Managing Pediatric Growth Disorders and Growth Hormone Therapy

Background

The use of technology to support health and health care has grown rapidly in the last decade across all ages and medical specialties. Newly developed eHealth tools are being implemented in long-term management of growth failure in children, a low prevalence pediatric endocrine disorder.

Objective

Our objective was to create a framework that can guide future implementation and research on the use of eHealth tools to support patients with growth disorders who require growth hormone therapy.

Methods

A total of 12 pediatric endocrinologists with experience in eHealth, from a wide geographical distribution, participated in a series of online discussions. We summarized the discussions of 3 workshops, conducted during 2020, on the use of eHealth in the management of growth disorders, which were structured to provide insights on existing challenges, opportunities, and solutions for the implementation of eHealth tools across the patient journey, from referral to the end of pediatric therapy.

Results

A total of 815 responses were collected from 2 questionnaire-based activities covering referral and diagnosis of growth disorders, and subsequent growth hormone therapy stages of the patient pathway, relating to physicians, nurses, and patients, parents, or caregivers. We mapped the feedback from those discussions into a framework that we developed as a guide to integration of eHealth tools across the patient journey. Responses focused on improved clinical management, such as growth monitoring and automation of referral for early detection of growth disorders, which could trigger rapid evaluation and diagnosis. Patient support included the use of eHealth for enhanced patient and caregiver communication, better access to educational opportunities, and enhanced medical and psychological support during growth hormone therapy management. Given the potential availability of patient data from connected devices, artificial intelligence can be used to predict adherence and personalize patient support. Providing evidence to demonstrate the value and utility of eHealth tools will ensure that these tools are widely accepted, trusted, and used in clinical practice, but implementation issues (eg, adaptation to specific clinical settings) must be addressed.

Conclusions

The use of eHealth in growth hormone therapy has major potential to improve the management of growth disorders along the patient journey. Combining objective clinical information and patient adherence data is vital in supporting decision-making and the development of new eHealth tools. Involvement of clinicians and patients in the process of integrating such technologies into clinical practice is essential for implementation and developing evidence that eHealth tools can provide value across the patient pathway.

Design and development of a compact ion implanter and plasma diagnosis facility based on a 2.45 GHz microwave ion source

A project on developing a 2.45 GHz microwave ion source based compact ion implanter and plasma diagnostic facility has been taken up by the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. It consists of a double-wall ECR plasma cavity, a four-step ridge waveguide, an extraction system, and an experimental beam chamber. The mechanical design has been carried out in such a way that both types of experiments, plasma diagnosis and ion implantation, can be easily accommodated simultaneously and separately. To optimize microwave coupling to the ECR plasma cavity, a four-step ridge waveguide is designed. Microwave coupling simulation for the ECR plasma cavity has been performed at different power inputs using COMSOL Multiphysics. An enhanced electric field profile has been obtained at the center of the ECR plasma cavity with the help of a four-step ridge waveguide compared to the WR284 waveguide. The magnetic field distribution for two magnetic rings and the extraction system's focusing properties have been simulated using the computer simulation technique. A tunable axial magnetic field profile has been obtained with a two permanent magnetic ring arrangement. The dependency of the beam emittance and beam current on accelerating voltages up to 50 kV has been simulated with different ions. It shows that ion masses have a great impact on the beam emittance and output current. This facility has provision for in situ plasma diagnosis using a Langmuir probe and optical emission spectroscopy setups. This system will be used for ion implantation, surface patterning, and studies of basic plasma sciences.

Peer Review of Paediatric Endocrine Services in the UK: A Template for Quality and Service Improvement

BACKGROUND

Independent peer review of healthcare services can complement existing internal-, institutional-, and national-level regulatory mechanisms aimed at improving quality of healthcare. However, this has not been reported for paediatric endocrinology services in the UK. We aimed to test feasibility and acceptability through a first cycle of a national peer review of paediatric endocrine services.

METHODS

Tertiary centres in paediatric endocrinology across the UK were assessed against 54 quality standards, developed by the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) in five domains of healthcare by a team comprising paediatric endocrinologists and specialist nurses. The evaluation was supported by a self-assessment. A post-peer-review questionnaire was used as feedback.

RESULTS

All 22 centres in the UK underwent independent peer review between 2011 and 2017. Each served a median population of 2.6 million (range 1-8 million) and offered 1,872 (range 779-6,738) outpatient consultations annually. A total of 43 (range 30-49) standards were met in combined evaluation of all centres. Variance of adherence for essential standards ranged from 52 to 97% at individual centres with 90% adherence demonstrated by 32% of centres. Post-review feedback showed 20/22 (95%) validating the utility of the peer review.

CONCLUSIONS

The BSPED peer review of all UK centres providing paediatric endocrine services is shown to be feasible and provides a quality benchmark for replication by national services.

A prospective evaluation of high- and low-power holmium laser settings for transurethral lithotripsy in the management of adults with large bladder calculi

PURPOSE

To prospectively investigate the efficacy and safety of high-power (100 W) vs low-power (20 W) laser settings for transurethral laser lithotripsy in the management large vesical calculi (> 4 cm).

METHODS

All patients with vesical calculi > 4 cm in the maximum dimension and scheduled for transurethral holmium laser lithotripsy were invited to participate in the study. Every alternate patient was treated with either the low- or high-power laser settings. We used a continuous irrigation resectoscope with laser bridge or a laser working element (Karl Storz) for laser lithotripsy of bladder stones. We compared the operative time, intra-operative/post-operative complications (up to 1 year), and stone-free rates between the treatment groups using IBM SPSS Statistics 24 software. Comparisons between treatment groups for continuous variables were assessed using the Welch test, while categorical variables were compared with either the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Twenty patients with ten in each cohort were recruited. Preoperative data and mean bladder stone size were comparable in both groups. The duration of surgery was significantly reduced from 70.80 ± 25.28 min in low-power cohort to 40.90 ± 15.01 min in the high-power group (p = 0.005). There were no significant intra-operative complications in either group. All patients were stone-free following the procedure.

CONCLUSION

High-power laser setting of up to 100 W results in a significant reduction in duration of surgery without any increase in the complication rate for treatment of large bladder stones.

Durability of Digital Flexible Ureteroscope in University Hospital and Ambulatory Surgical Center: Is It Time to Rethink?

Introduction and Objectives: Published literature on damages to a digital flexible ureteroscope (DFU) examines a limited number of ureteroscopes and shows wide variation in its durability. The aim of this study was to compare the primary damage location, causes of DFU damages, and the durability of Karl Storz Flex-Xc digital ureteroscope between University Hospital (UH) and Ambulatory Care Surgery Center (ASC). We also evaluated the available literature on the durability of DFU. Methods: Each damaged DFU prospectively underwent a manufacturer's evaluation to determine the reason for return and primary site of damage. Hospital data on the number of ureteroscopic procedures and damaged DFUs over 3 years were retrospectively reviewed. The possible reason for the damage was classified as either intraoperative or between the procedures. The durability of DFUs, type, and cause of damage were compared between the UH and nonteaching ASC. A chi-square test was utilized for categorical variables. When cell frequencies were <5, Fisher's exact test was used. Results: During the study period, 1211 ureteroscopies were performed and 143 ureteroscopes were returned to the manufacturer. The mean number of uses was 7.45 at the UH and 16.5 at the ASC. The location and cause of damage were similar at both locations. The most common locations of primary damage were at the angle cover (70.6%) and instrument channel (19.2%). Most damage occurred during the handling of the ureteroscopes between surgical procedures (78%). On review of the literature, we found that DFUs were 6 times more durable in a nonteaching hospital. Conclusions: The DFU was more than two times as durable in the ASC as in the UH. Most incidents occurred during handling between surgical procedures. Future research is needed to examine the impact of training and certification of support staff on durability of DFUs.

Carbon nanotubes for rapid capturing of SARS-COV-2 virus: revealing a mechanistic aspect of binding based on computational studies

We investigate the binding interactions of synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Two essential components of the SARS-CoV-2 structure i.e.6LU7 (main protease of SARS-CoV-2) and 6LZG (spike receptor-binding domain complexed with its receptor ACE2) were used for computational studies. MWCNTs of different morphologies (zigzag, armchair and chiral) were synthesized through a thermal chemical vapour deposition process as a function of pyrolysis temperature. A direct correlation between radius to volume ratio of the synthesized MWCNTs and the binding energies for all three (zigzag, armchair and chiral) conformations were observed in our computational studies. Our result suggests that MWCNTs interact with the active sites of the main protease along with the host angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2) receptors. Furthermore, it is also observed that MWCNTs have significant binding affinities towards SARS-CoV-2. However, the highest free binding energy of -87.09 kcal mol-1 with 6LZG were shown by the armchair MWCNTs with SARS-CoV-2 through the simulated molecular dynamic trajectories, which could alter the SARS-CoV-2 structure with higher accuracy. The radial distribution function also confirms the density variation as a function of distance from a reference particle of MWCNTs for the study of interparticle interactions of the MWCNT and SARS-CoV-2. Due to these interesting attributes, such MWCNTs could find potential application in personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic kits.

Acute Illness and Death in Children With Adrenal Insufficiency

BACKGROUND

Adrenal Insufficiency (AI) can lead to life-threatening Adrenal Crisis (AC) and Adrenal Death (AD). Parents are trained to prevent, recognise and react to AC but there is little available information on what parents are actually doing at home to manage symptomatic AI.

METHODS

Three approaches were taken: (A) A retrospective analysis of patient characteristics in children and young people with AD over a 13-year period, (B) An interview-aided questionnaire to assess the circumstances around AC in children currently in our adrenal clinic, and (C) a separate study of parent perceptions of the administration of parenteral hydrocortisone.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients died (median age 10 years) over a thirteen-year period resulting in an estimated incidence of one AD per 300 patient years. Those with unspecified adrenal insufficiency were overrepresented (P = 0.004). Of the 127 patients contacted, thirty-eight (30%) were identified with hospital attendance with AC. Responses from twenty patients (median age 7.5 years) with AC reported nausea/vomiting (75%) and drowsiness (70%) as common symptoms preceding AC. All patients received an increase in oral hydrocortisone prior to admission but only two received intramuscular hydrocortisone. Questionnaires revealed that 79% of parents reported confidence in the administration of intramuscular hydrocortisone and only 20% identified a missed opportunity for injection.

CONCLUSIONS

In children experiencing AC, parents followed 'sick day' guidance for oral hydrocortisone, but rarely administered intramuscular hydrocortisone. This finding is discrepant from the 79% of parents who reported confidence in this task. Local training programmes for management of AC are comprehensive, but insufficient to prevent the most serious crises. New strategies to encourage use of parenteral hydrocortisone need to be devised.

Thyroid scintigraphy differentiates subtypes of congenital hypothyroidism

INTRODUCTION

UK screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is based on dried blood spot Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Scintigraphy may identify CH subtypes classified as dysplasia, gland in situ (GIS) and ectopia, but is not performed in all centres. We retrospectively investigated the role of scintigraphy to identify CH subtypes in a single tertiary centre cohort.

METHODS

Babies who screened positive for CH between 2007 and 2017 were studied (n=418 of 534 783). Scintigraphy outcomes were correlated with TSH and levothyroxine dose. GIS patients were analysed for 3-year outcomes.

RESULTS

303 patients started levothyroxine. Scintigraphy demonstrated three subtypes: GIS (n=139, 46%) ectopia (n=84, 28%) and dysplasia (n=80, 26%). Three-year follow up demonstrated permanence in 54% of 37 GIS cases.

DISCUSSION

Thyroid scintigraphy differentiates subtypes of CH and suggests a higher than expected proportion of patients with GIS and ectopia. CH is permanent in half of those with GIS.

Simultaneous Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate with Removal of the Permanent Prostatic Urethral Stent Using the High-Power Holmium Laser: Technique in Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Background: Although the prostatic urethral stents are no longer used in the United States for treatment of prostatomegaly, urologists will encounter patients with complications of previously placed permanent prostatic stents. We report two cases of persistent bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after prostatic stent placement treated with simultaneous holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) with endoscopic removal of the prostatic urethral stent using high-power holmium laser. We also reviewed the literature regarding the removal of prostatic stents with holmium laser combined with surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Case Presentation: A 71-year-old man who presented with LUTS, recurrent gross hematuria, and urinary infection, which developed after placement of a prostatic stent 10 years prior for urinary retention secondary to prostatomegaly (80 g). He underwent combined HoLEP with endoscopic removal of the prostatic stent using 100 W holmium laser at a power setting of 2 J and 30 Hz. The surgical steps comprised fragmentation of the stent in situ by making incisions at 5, 7, and 12 o'clock positions followed by enucleation of the prostate. The stent was then separated from enucleated tissue in the urinary bladder. The remaining prostate adenoma was then morcellated and removed. The patient remained asymptomatic at 10-year follow-up. Another patient was 62-year-old man who developed recurrence of bothersome LUTS, 1 year after placement a prostatic stent for urinary retention. On investigation his prostate was 105 g and stent showed partial migration in the bladder with overlying calcification. HoLEP and stent removal was performed in a manner similar to the first patient. This patient also remained asymptomatic at a 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: Combined HoLEP with removal of a prostatic urethral stent using a high-power holmium laser is safe and effective with long-term durable outcome.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate Within 6 Weeks of Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Prostate Biopsy is Safe and Effective

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of performing Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to an enlarged prostate within 6-weeks of a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent a HoLEP at our institution, excluding any patients with a confounding urologic history and compared patients who underwent a TRUS-guided 6- or 12-core prostate biopsy, and then underwent a HoLEP within 6 weeks (study group) with all other patients (control group). Our primary outcomes were enucleation efficiency (EE) and perioperative complication rate. Our secondary outcomes included postoperative drop in hemoglobin, duration of catheterization, length of hospital stay, voiding metrics at 1 and 6 months and rate of incidental prostate cancer diagnosed on histopathological examination of prostate specimens after HoLEP. To test for differences between the study and control groups, we performed independent sample t-test (2-tailed) and chi-square tests for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

552 patients met inclusion criteria and 84 patients underwent prostate biopsy within a period of 45 days prior to HoLEP. Enucleation efficiency was higher in the study group (P = 0.00). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding perioperative complications, postoperative voiding outcomes, or rate of incidental prostate cancer detection.

CONCLUSIONS

TRUS prostate biopsy performed within 6 weeks of HoLEP does not negatively impact operative difficulty or treatment outcome.

Synthesis of exfoliated multilayer graphene and its putative interactions with SARS-CoV-2 virus investigated through computational studies

Our work investigates the interaction of synthesized graphene with the SARS-CoV-2 virus using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. The layer dependent inhibitory effect of graphene nanosheets on spike receptor-binding domain of 6LZG, complexed with host receptor i.e. angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of SARS-CoV-2 was investigated through computational study. Graphene sample was synthesized using mechanical exfoliation with shear stress and its mechanism of inhibition towards the SARS-CoV-2 virus was explored by molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. The thermodynamics study for the free binding energy of graphene towards the SARS-CoV-2 virus was analyzed. The binding energy of graphene towards the virus increased with an increasing number of layers. It shows the highest affinity of -17.5 Kcal/mol in molecular docking while ΔG_binding is in the order of -28.01 ± 0.04 5 Kcal/mol for the seven-layers structure. The increase in carbon layers is associated with an increasing number of edge sp³ -type carbon, providing greater curvature, further increase the surface reactivity responsible for high binding efficiency. The MD simulation data reveals the high inhibition efficiency of the synthesized graphene towards SARS-CoV-2 virus which would help to design future in-vitro studies. The graphene system could find potential applications in personal protective equipment and diagnostic kits.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Case report: contradictory genetics and imaging in focal congenital hyperinsulinism reinforces the need for pancreatic biopsy

Background

Congenital Hyperinsulinism (CHI) is an important cause of severe hypoglycaemia in infancy due to excessive, dysregulated insulin secretion. In focal CHI, a localised lesion within the pancreas hypersecretes insulin and, importantly, hypoglycaemia resolution is possible through limited surgical resection of the lesion. Diagnosis of focal CHI is based on a crucial combination of compatible genetics and specialised imaging. Specifically, a focal lesion arises due to a paternal mutation in one of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel genes, KCNJ11 or ABCC8, in combination with post-zygotic loss of maternal heterozygosity within the affected pancreatic tissue. 6-[18F]Fluoro-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (¹⁸F-DOPA) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging is used to detect and localise the lesion prior to surgery. However, its accuracy is imperfect and needs recognition in individual case management.

Case presentation

We report the case of an infant with hypoglycaemia due to CHI and a paternally inherited KCNJ11 mutation, c.286G > A (p.Ala96Thr), leading to a high probability of focal CHI. However,¹⁸F-DOPA PET/CT scanning demonstrated diffuse uptake and failed to conclusively identify a focal lesion. Due to unresponsiveness to medical therapy and ongoing significant hypoglycaemia, surgery was undertaken and a small 4.9 × 1.7 mm focal lesion was discovered at the pancreatic neck. This is the second case where this particular KCNJ11 mutation has been incorrectly associated with diffuse ¹⁸F-DOPA uptake, in contrast to the correct diagnosis of focal CHI confirmed by pancreatic biopsy.

Conclusions

Identifying discrepancies between genetic and imaging investigations is crucial as this may negatively impact upon the diagnosis and surgical treatment of focal CHI. This case highlights the need for pancreatic biopsy when a strong suspicion of focal CHI is present even if ¹⁸F-DOPA imaging fails to demonstrate a discrete lesion.