Recovery Trajectories in Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa

Background: This study aimed to document recovery trajectories among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) based on three markers of remission, namely changes in body weight, food restriction, and excessive exercise, and to identify predictors of these trajectories. Methods: One hundred twenty-six adolescent girls (14.7 ± 1.3 years) were recruited during initial assessment visits at specialized eating disorder (ED) programs in five University Health Centers across the province of Quebec, Canada. z-BMI and AN symptom severity (food restriction and excessive exercise) were assessed at initial assessment visits and subsequently reassessed at each quarterly follow-up over a 12-month period to identify recovery trajectories. Results: Considering the three markers of remission, three distinct trajectories emerged: Group 1, rapid responders; Group 2, gradual responders; and Group 3, unstable responders. At initial visits, a difference between groups was found regarding the type of treatment (p = 0.01) and weight suppression (p = 0.02). Group 1 had a higher number of youths hospitalized than Group 2 and Group 3, and a greater weight suppression than Group 3. Furthermore, individuals with atypical AN were more likely to belong to Group 2 than to Group 1 and Group 3 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of the heterogeneity of recovery trajectories in adolescent girls with AN.

Somatic Outcomes and Nutritional Management of Anorexia Nervosa

This Special Issue of Nutrients, entitled "Nutritional Management and Outcomes in Anorexia Nervosa", aims to advance aspects of the scientific understanding of some serious or frequent somatic involvements and of the precocious nutrition management of severe forms of the disease in order to assist clinicians in the management of such patients [...].

Faecal calprotectin: Marker of intestinal inflammatory process in anorexia nervosa? A preliminary study

PURPOSE

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a serious and potentially lethal mental disorder characterised by a deliberate quest to reduce one's weight. It can have multiple physical and psychological consequences. The clinical presentation of AN can include gastrointestinal symptoms, however, the pathophysiology of these symptoms in the context of AN remains uncertain. It is hypothesised that patients with AN may have an increase in intestinal permeability, which could lead to an increase in faecal calprotectin (fCP), a marker of intestinal inflammation. No relation between AN and elevation of fCP has been previously described in literature.

METHODS

Eight patients hospitalised for AN have a dosage of fCP.

RESULTS

Calprotectine was found to be elevated in 50% of cases, with or without any underlying comorbid gastrointestinal disease. Only the duration of illness tended to be associated with the increase in fCP suggesting a greater alteration as a function related to the time of denutrition.

CONCLUSION

Although these findings provide insights in the potential pathophysiology of gastrointestinal symptoms in AN, further studies that evaluate the factors associated with elevated fCP in patients with AN are needed.

To Improve the Initial Inpatient Management of Adolescents Admitted with Severe Anorexia Nervosa: A Narrative Review and a Convenient Protocol

Inadequate nutritional rehabilitation of severely malnourished adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) increases the risk of medical complications. There is no consensus on best practices for inpatient nutritional rehabilitation and medical stabilization for severe AN. This study aimed to elaborate an admission protocol for adolescents with severe AN based on a comprehensive narrative review of current evidence. A Pubmed search was conducted in July 2017 and updated in August 2020, using the keywords severe AN or eating disorders (ED), management guidelines and adolescent. Relevant references cited in these guidelines were retrieved. A secondary search was conducted using AN or ED and refeeding protocol, refeeding syndrome (RS), hypophosphatemia, hypoglycemia, cardiac monitoring or cardiac complications. Evidence obtained was used to develop the admission protocol. Selective blood tests were proposed during the first three days of nutritional rehabilitation. Higher initial caloric intake is supported by evidence. Continuous nasogastric tube feeding was proposed for patients with a BMI < 12 kg/m2. We monitor hypoglycemia for 72 h. Continuous cardiac monitoring for bradycardia <30 BPM and systematic phosphate supplementation should be considered. Developing protocols is necessary to improve standardization of care. We provide an example of an inpatient admission protocol for adolescents with severe AN.

[Chronic diseases: Building up on the challenge of adolescence for a successful transition to adult care services]

La transition de la prise en charge pédiatrique vers la prise en charge d’adulte est un processus qui nécessite d’être abordé très tôt dans le suivi d’un enfant porteur d’une maladie chronique. Elle doit tenir compte du rythme de chacun des intervenants : le praticien, l’adolescent et sa famille. L’interaction entre les bouleversements de l’adolescence et le processus de transition entraîne trop souvent une rupture du suivi, avec ses conséquences en termes de morbidité et de mortalité. Depuis quelques années, des guides et des structures dédiées sont mises en place pour favoriser un passage serein vers les structures pour adultes.

Initial inpatient management of adolescents and young adults admitted with severe malnutrition due to anorexia nervosa: protocol for a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a highly prevalent disease in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The quality of initial inpatient medical management in a patient with severe malnutrition due to AN is crucial to prevent further medical instability. This review aims to inventory evidence regarding initial refeeding and management of AYAs with AN in an inpatient setting, in order to avoid medical complications.

METHODS

A systematic review will be conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, All EBM Reviews, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database and CINAHL. The search strategy consists of terms related to anorexia, hospitalization and Pediatrics. Randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, cross-sectional and cohort studies will be included. Participants will include adolescents and adults 18-24 years old diagnosed with AN and meeting criteria for severe disease. The primary outcome will be any of the following complications: hypophosphatemia, refeeding syndrome, hypoglycemia, cardiac arrythmia, hepatic cytolysis or death. Data will be extracted and the risk of bias will be assessed by one author and reviewed by a second author. Results will be presented in a systematic narrative synthesis format. The quality of evidence for all outcomes will be evaluated using the GRADE methodology.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review will examine current evidence on initial inpatient refeeding and help to document effectiveness of initial inpatient management in AYAs with severe AN in avoiding further medical complications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered on PROSPERO under the reference number CRD42019123608 .

The Bulle: Support and Prevention of Psychological Decompensation of Health Care Workers During the Trauma of the COVID-19 Epidemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges for the health care system. The pressure on health care staff continues to intensify, accentuated by the confinement (lockdown) of the population and the unprecedented duration of this emergency. Separately and especially together, overwork, degraded conditions of care because of the never-ending emergency, and the risk of exposure to the virus can lead to acute psychological distress or signs of burnout. This original program was developed at Cochin Hospital in Paris, France to prevent these potentially dramatic psychological consequences, support the medical staff, and identify those most affected to offer them specific care. A program and a space for relaxation and support for hospital caregivers by hospital caregivers, the Port Royal Bulle (the Bubble) offers these workers help in decompression and relaxation. It combines a warm and caring welcome that promotes attention, listening, conversations, and exchanges as needed, empathetic support, and the ability to participate in soothing, relaxing, or low-impact physical activities. It takes care of caregivers. The Bubble is a program that is simple to set up and that appears to meet professionals' expectations. Making it permanent and enlarging its scale, as a complement to existing programs, might help to support health care personnel in their work.

Validation of the "Good2Go": the first French-language transition readiness questionnaire

The use of transition readiness questionnaires is strongly recommended in adolescents with chronic conditions. The aim of our study was to validate "Good2Go," the first French-language transition readiness questionnaire. We analyzed the data from 2 multicentric studies (Canada and France) involving adolescents with chronic conditions (type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, juvenile idiopathic arthritis). Content and construct validity were examined using factorial and Rasch analysis (structural validity), Spearman's correlation, and Mann-Whitney test (external validity). Cronbach's α and intra-class correlation coefficients explored reliability. Cognitive interviews assessed wording comprehension and item appropriateness. Good2Go was completed by 321 participants (boys = 51%; mean age = 16.4 years (standard deviation = 1.5; min = 14.0; max = 18.0); Canada = 51.1%). Factor analysis identified 3 domains: "health self-advocacy," "knowledge about chronic conditions," and "self-management skills." The 3-domain structure showed a satisfying Rasch fit, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Good2Go domain scores were significantly higher in participants over 17 years of age, indicating satisfactory external validity.Conclusion: Good2Go is a valid 20-item questionnaire to assess transition readiness in adolescents with chronic conditions and may be useful in routine care to propose individually tailored preparation for their transfer to adult healthcare. Further research is now needed to analyze correlation between domain scores and success of transition.What is Known:• In adolescents with chronic conditions, the use of transition readiness questionnaires is recommended to propose individually tailored preparation for their transfer to adult healthcare.• However, no French-language questionnaire has been so far validated.What is New:• Based on a complete validation methodology, this study highlights that the French-language 20-items Good2Go questionnaire has good psychometric properties.• It explores all transition key points though 3 scored domains: "health self-advocacy", "knowledge about chronic disease" and "self-management skills".

Incidence of cardiovascular events and risk markers in a prospective study of children diagnosed with Marfan syndrome

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the incidence of cardiovascular events (CVEs) and their associated risk markers in children with Marfan syndrome (MFS).

AIMS

To assess the incidence of CVEs and determine risk markers in a cohort diagnosed with Marfan syndrome during childhood and followed for several years.

METHODS

From a French multicentre nationwide database, 462 patients with MFS diagnosed during childhood were included prospectively. Patients' files were screened for a period of 20 years (1993-2013). CVEs (e.g. death, aortic dissection, cardiac valve or aortic root surgery) were assessed during the prospective follow-up.

RESULTS

Median (interquartile range) age at the end of follow-up was 17.2 (11.1-21.3) years. CVEs were reported for 35 participants (7.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.3-10.4%). First CVEs were prophylactic aortic root surgery (n=29), aortic dissection (n=4; two aged <18 years) and death (n=2). Kaplan-Meier cumulative incidence of CVEs was 5.3% (95% CI 3.3-8.7%) during childhood (aged≤18 years) and 19.4% (95% CI 13.3-27.9%) at 25years of age. The cumulative rate of CVEs was higher in case of Valsalva sinus Z-score increase of≥0.1 per year (P=0.0003), maximal Valsalva sinus diameter growth speed ≥5mm per year (P=0.03), aortic regurgitation≥2 (P=0.0005) and maximal Valsalva sinus Z-score≥3 before 16 years of age (P<0.0001). In a multivariable Cox proportional analysis, the Valsalva sinus Z-score remained significantly related to outcome. Considering aortic root evolution, aortic regurgitation, age at diagnosis and beta-blocker therapy were related to Valsalva sinus Z-score evolution during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

CVEs in children with MFS are mainly related to prophylactic aortic root surgery. Aortic dissections are rarely observed in children. The Valsalva sinus Z-score is a strong indicator of subsequent CVEs in children with MFS. Attention to follow-up and beta-blocker observance may be warranted in high-risk children.

Renal injury in pediatric anorexia nervosa: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

Although primarily a mental health disorder, anorexia nervosa (AN) has many physical consequences. Among them, the consequences on kidney function are often underestimated. We evaluated renal function in adolescent AN inpatients and investigated the correlation between the GFR and intrinsic patient characteristics.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 51 patients hospitalized for the restrictive type of AN in 2013. Data were divided into: (1) medical history of AN; (2) growth parameters and vital signs upon admission; and (3) blood tests. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Cockroft-Gault, MAYO Clinical Quadratic (MCQ), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), and Schwartz equations.

RESULTS

The calculated percentages of patients with a GFR below 90 mL/min/1.73 m² according to the different equations were as follows: Cockroft-Gault, 45%; MDRD, 28%; CKD-EPI, 14%; MCQ, 12%, and Schwartz, 4%. There was a strong association between the body mass index (BMI) and the GFR according to all equations (p < 0.0001). The lowest heart rate was significantly associated with a reduced GFR according to the Cockroft-Gault equation (p = 0.03). The GFR values did not differ significantly after rehydration.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should evaluate AN patients for renal complications, especially when the BMI and heart rate are very low. Dehydration was not solely responsible for renal impairment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, single-center retrospective cohort study.

Anorexia nervosa in adolescents: evolution of weight history and impact of excess premorbid weight

The purpose of our study is to establish if the proportion of patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa that have a history of excess weight has increased over a 10-year period and to study how different premorbid weight groups vary in terms of clinical characteristics. We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of all new patients presenting with anorexia nervosa, restrictive and binge/purge subtypes, in 2004 and 2014 at the Adolescent Medicine Clinic of Sainte-Justine University Health Centre (n = 172). The prevalence of excess premorbid weight was similar in both cohorts (32% in 2004 versus 29.5% in 2014). The historically overweight subgroup had a lower heart rate at intake (64.77 versus 69.75, p = 0.03). Patients with excess premorbid weight lost an average of 1 kg more per month than their historically thinner counterparts (2.6 kg versus 1.6 kg/month, p = 0.0011). The total decrease in BMI was much greater in patients with a history of excess weight (7 BMI points versus 3.8, p = 0.0001).Conclusion: Since overweight and obese patients present with significant weight suppression values, our study stresses the importance of screening for AN in all patients rather than in only the noticeably underweight. What is Known: • More than one third of patients presenting with AN have a history of overweight or obesity, which is comparable to the general population. • A delay between AN onset and diagnosis has been described in overweight adolescents. What is New: • Historically overweight patients presenting with AN demonstrate increased speed of weight loss, greater drop in BMI, and lower heart rate at presentation. • For patients with a history of excess weight considered as having recovered from AN, the average BMI at discharge was within normal limits.

Association of modifiers and other genetic factors explain Marfan syndrome clinical variability

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder related to variants in the FBN1 gene. Prognosis is related to aortic risk of dissection following aneurysm. MFS clinical variability is notable, for age of onset as well as severity and number of clinical manifestations. To identify genetic modifiers, we combined genome-wide approaches in 1070 clinically well-characterized FBN1 disease-causing variant carriers: (1) an FBN1 eQTL analysis in 80 fibroblasts of FBN1 stop variant carriers, (2) a linkage analysis, (3) a kinship matrix association study in 14 clinically concordant and discordant sib-pairs, (4) a genome-wide association study and (5) a whole exome sequencing in 98 extreme phenotype samples.Three genetic mechanisms of variability were found. A new genotype/phenotype correlation with an excess of loss-of-cysteine variants (P = 0.004) in severely affected subjects. A second pathogenic event in another thoracic aortic aneurysm gene or the COL4A1 gene (known to be involved in cerebral aneurysm) was found in nine individuals. A polygenic model involving at least nine modifier loci (named gMod-M1-9) was observed through cross-mapping of results. Notably, gMod-M2 which co-localizes with PRKG1, in which activating variants have already been described in thoracic aortic aneurysm, and gMod-M3 co-localized with a metalloprotease (proteins of extra-cellular matrix regulation) cluster. Our results represent a major advance in understanding the complex genetic architecture of MFS and provide the first steps toward prediction of clinical evolution.

PRISE EN CHARGE MULTIDISCIPLINAIRE D’ADOLESCENTS AVEC SYMPTÔMES DOULOUREUX FONCTIONNELS RÉFRACTAIRES

BACKGROUND

La douleur chronique, d’origine organique ou somatique, représente un fardeau financier important au niveau du système de santé. L’intervention multidisciplinaire a été démontrée efficace pour améliorer cliniquement l’impact fonctionnel de cette condition.

OBJECTIVES

Étude de l’impact d’une prise en charge multidisciplinaire pédiatrique et psychologique sur les symptômes douloureux fonctionnels et leur retentissement dans une population adolescente référée pour échec de prise en charge nitiale.

DESIGN/METHODS

Analyse rétrospective de dossiers d’adolescents, de 14 à 18 ans, suivis en clinique des adolescents pour des symptômes douloureux fonctionnels entre janvier 2016 et juin 2017. L’équipe multidisciplinaire est composée de pédiatre, psychologue en suivi individuel ou lors du groupe d’intervention en gestion de la douleur, physiothérapeute et infirmière.

RESULTS

24/36 adolescents ayant des symptômes réfractaires avaient des dossiers exploitables. L’âge médian était de 15,9 ans [14,9; 16,3] avec 87,5% de filles dans l’échantillon. Les principales plaintes rapportées étaient des céphalées (50%), nausées/vomissements (50%), douleurs abdominales (37,5%), douleurs musculo-squelettiques (37,5%), fatigue (37,5%) et symptômes neurologiques (20,8%). Le nombre médian de plaintes étaient de 2 par patient. À la consultation initiale, pour le symptôme principal, la durée médiane écoulée depuis l’apparition était de 13 mois [3,75; 34,5], l’intensité médiane de 6/10 et la fréquence médiane de 7 jours/semaine. Le nombre médian de consultations médicales avant la prise en charge spécialisée était de 3 [2; 5], dont 76,6% d’entre elles en surspécialité pédiatrique. Les patients avaient un nombre médian d’intervenants psychosociaux impliqués au dossier initial de 1, dont un psychologue dans 42,4%. Initialement, 83,3% des patients présentaient un absentéisme scolaire significatif. Suite à la prise en charge, nous avions une amélioration des symptômes pour 70,8% et de l’absentéisme scolaire pour 63,6%. Les symptômes de nausées/vomissements étaient les plus persistants. Sur notre petit groupe d’adolescents, il n’a pas été possible de mettre en évidence de différence significative entre ceux qui avaient bénéficié du groupe d’intervention et les autres.

CONCLUSION

Dans une population d’adolescents avec symptômes douloureux fonctionnels dont la prise en charge en première ligne n’a pas été efficace, une prise en charge multidisciplinaire spécialisée permet une amélioration des symptômes et de la fréquentation scolaire dans 2/3 des cas.

[What Are the Individual, Family, and Social Characteristics Differentiating Prepubertal from Pubertal Anorexia Nervosa?]

Prepubertal anorexia nervosa may entail multiple physical effects. When the onset occurs before puberty, the disorder might be associated with a poorer prognosis and a greater resistance to treatment. Until now, prepubertal anorexia nervosa studies have mostly dealt with symptomatology, but rarely with associated factors.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aims to differentiate prepubescent from pubescent anorexia nervosa regarding individual, family and social characteristics.

METHOD:

At admission in programs specialized in eating disorders, female patients (n = 19 prepubertal and 126 pubertal) and their parents filled in questionnaires (EDI-3, BDI II, IPPA, FACES IV, IDPESQ) on key individual, family and social characteristics associated with anorexia nervosa. Prepubertal and pubertal patient results were compared for each measured variable. Pubertal development and anorexia presence were assessed by a paediatrician in all patients.

RESULTS:

Prepubertal patients account for 13.8% of all cases and have a lower percentile rank than pubertal patients. The many questionnaire results showed little or no difficulty at personal, family or social level and no difference with older patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results contribute to challenge our current understanding of prepubertal anorexia nervosa and the prepubescent patient capacity to report their difficulties, which highlights the importance of using several respondents when defining clinical profiles.

Sleep duration, quality of life and depression in adolescents: a school-based survey

BACKGROUND

The main objective of this study was to assess the link between sleep duration, quality of life and depression in adolescents. The secondary objective was to study the sleeping behavior of a large sample of adolescents from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

METHODS

Study subjects were high school students studying in or around Paris with a general, vocational or technological training background. A survey was conducted to evaluate the subject's perception of their own sleep, quality of life and depression.

RESULTS

The survey analyzed 855 students between 14 and 19 years of age, with equal numbers of males and females. The average sleep duration was 7 h 14 min ±1 h 20 min and was inversely correlated with age (r=-0.142, P<0.01). Students studying vocational subjects reported significantly more sleep than students studying technological subjects (P=0.02). Univariate analyses revealed a positive relationship between sleep duration and quality of life (r=0.17, P<0.001) and an inverse relationship between sleep duration and depression (r=-0.5, P<0.001). Multivariate analyses identified depression, delayed sleep phase disorder, and medical condition as determinants of sleep duration.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation of a large student cohort has confirmed that the average sleep duration in adolescents is far below what is recommended. Depression significantly influenced sleep duration. We recommend that a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of sleep should be made during the medical examination of any adolescent.

Human Papillomavirus vaccination in general practice in France, three years after the implementation of a targeted vaccine recommendation based on age and sexual history

In France, vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV) was recommended in 2007 for all 14-year-old girls as well as "catch-up" vaccination for girls between 15-23 y of age either before or within one year of becoming sexually active. We evaluated the vaccine coverage according to the eligibility for vaccination in a sample of young girls aged 14 to 23 years, who were seen in general practices. A survey was proposed to 706 general practitioners (GPs) and carried out from July to September 2010. GPs, also called "family doctor," are physicians whose practice is not restricted to a specific field of medicine but instead covers a variety of medical problems in patients of all ages. Each participating GP included, retrospectively, the last female patient aged 14-17 y and the last female patient aged 18-23 y whom he had seen. A questionnaire collected information regarding the GP and the patients' characteristics. The vaccine coverage was determined according to the eligibility for vaccination, i.e. the coverage among younger women (14-17) and among those sexually active in the second age range (18-23). Sexual activity status was assessed by GP, according to information stated in the medical record. The 363 participating physicians (response rate 51.4%) included 712 patients (357 in the 14- to 17-year-old group and 355 in the 15- to 23-year-old group) in their responses. The rate of the vaccination coverage in the 14- to 17-year-old group was 55%. Among the girls in the 18- to 23-year-old group, 126 were eligible, and their vaccination coverage rate was 82%. The evaluation of the eligibility by the GPs was incorrect in 36% of the cases. Of the 712 patients, 6% of the girls had been vaccinated without a need for the vaccination, and 26% of the girls had not been vaccinated, although they needed to be vaccinated. Regarding the vaccine uptake, vaccination at the age of 14 was not as effective as vaccinating the older population for which vaccination was indicated as a catch-up program, based on sexual history. However, in more than one-third of the older population, difficulties remained regarding the determination of eligibility, according to the sexual history of the patient.

Association of environmental markers with childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus revealed by a long questionnaire on early life exposures and lifestyle in a case-control study

Background

The incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence is rising in many countries, supposedly because of changing environmental factors, which are yet largely unknown. The purpose of the study was to unravel environmental markers associated with T1D.

Methods

Cases were children with T1D from the French Isis-Diab cohort. Controls were schoolmates or friends of the patients. Parents were asked to fill a 845-item questionnaire investigating the child’s environment before diagnosis. The analysis took into account the matching between cases and controls. A second analysis used propensity score methods.

Results

We found a negative association of several lifestyle variables, gastroenteritis episodes, dental hygiene, hazelnut cocoa spread consumption, wasp and bee stings with T1D, consumption of vegetables from a farm and death of a pet by old age.

Conclusions

The found statistical association of new environmental markers with T1D calls for replication in other cohorts and investigation of new environmental areas.

Trial registration

Clinical-Trial.gov NCT02212522. Registered August 6, 2014. 

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3690-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A recurrent fibrillin-1 mutation in severe early onset Marfan syndrome

The recurrent substitution of isoleucine for threonine at codon 1048 (I1048T) substitution has been linked to severe, early onset Marfan syndrome, however, the existence of strong genotype-phenotype associations in Marfan syndrome (MFS) is not widely agreed upon. Our aim is to substantiate the association between the I1048T substitution and a severe clinical presentation to facilitate care planning and genetic counseling. We review the clinical findings from seven cases of early-onset MFS with a recurrent I1048T substitution. The presented findings include those from one newly diagnosed case, significant new detail from three additional cases, and a review of published findings in three cases. All seven individuals with the I1048T substitution had mitral insufficiency, arachnodactyly and characteristic facies consistent with early-onset MFS. Our findings support the existence of a genotype-phenotype correlation between the I1048T substitution and early-onset MFS. Recognition of this relationship has implications for genetic counseling and clinical care. Additionally, exploration of how the I1048T substitution results in a severe phenotype may lead to further insight into the pathophysiology of MFS.

The clinical presentation of Marfan syndrome is modulated by expression of wild-type FBN1 allele

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder mainly caused by mutations within FBN1 gene. The disease displays large variability in age of onset or severity and very poor phenotype/genotype correlations have been demonstrated. We investigated the hypothesis that phenotype severity could be related to the variable expression level of fibrillin-1 (FBN1) synthesized from the wild-type (WT) allele. Quantitative reverse-transcription and polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate FBN1 levels in skin fibroblasts from 80 Marfan patients with premature termination codons and in skin fibroblasts from 80 controls. Results in controls showed a 3.9-fold variation in FBN1 mRNA synthesis level between subjects. A similar 4.4-fold variation was found in the Marfan population, but the mean level of FBN1 mRNA was a half of the control population. Differential allelic expression analysis in Marfan fibroblasts showed that over 90% of FBN1 mRNA was transcribed from the wild allele and the mutated allele was not detected. In the control population, independently of the expression level of FBN1, we observed steady-state equilibrium between the two allelic-mRNAs suggesting that FBN1 expression mainly depends on trans-acting regulators. Finally, we show that a low level of residual WT FBN1 mRNA accounts for a high risk of ectopia lentis and pectus abnormality and tends to increase the risk of aortic dilatation.

[The emergency department: an appropriate place for identifying troubled teens]

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress among adolescents seen in emergency departments, and the secondary objective was to highlight their main reasons for consulting.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study in three multicenter emergency departments receiving adolescents in Île-de-France conducted in 2010. All adolescents completed a questionnaire including the ADRS (Adolescent Depression Rating Scale, a screening questionnaire for depression) and a series of questions relating to somatization and risk behaviors.

RESULTS

The study included 346 adolescents, 320 of which were fully analyzed. The ADRS score was considered normal (score < 3) for 70.6% of the sample (n = 226), 19.4% of adolescents (n = 62) had moderate depressive symptoms (3 ≤ score < 6), and 10.0% severe depressive symptoms (score ≥ 6) (n = 32). The majority of patients consulted for trauma and less than 10% for acute psychiatric problems; 17% of adolescents who came to the emergency department for a nonpsychiatric reason had an ADRS ≥ 3, i.e., with mental distress.

CONCLUSION

The routine use of a self-administered questionnaire in the emergency services could identify adolescents with moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

Study of phenotype evolution during childhood in Marfan syndrome to improve clinical recognition

PURPOSE

Because diagnosis of Marfan syndrome is difficult during infancy, we used a large cohort of children to describe the evolution of the Marfan syndrome phenotype with age.

METHODS

Two hundred and fifty-nine children carrying an FBN1 gene mutation and fulfilling Ghent criteria were compared with 474 non-Marfan syndrome children.

RESULTS

Prevalence of skeletal features changed with aging: prevalence of pectus deformity increased from 43% at 0-6 years to 62% at 15-17 years, wrist signs increased from 28 to 67%, and scoliosis increased from 16 to 59%. Hypermobility decreased from 67 to 47% and pes planus decreased from 73 to 65%. Striae increased from 2 to 84%. Prevalence of ectopia lentis remained stable, varying from 66 to 72%, similar to aortic root dilatation (varying from 75 to 80%). Aortic root dilatation remained stable during follow-up in this population receiving β-blocker therapy. When comparing Marfan syndrome children with non-Marfan syndrome children, height appeared to be a simple and discriminant criterion when it was >3.3 SD above the mean. Ectopia lentis and aortic dilatation were both similarly discriminating.

CONCLUSION

Ectopia lentis and aortic dilatation are the best-discriminating features, but height remains a simple discriminating variable for general practitioners when >3.3 SD above the mean. Mean aortic dilatation remains stable in infancy when children receive a β-blocker.

Somatic outcome among patients hospitalised for anorexia nervosa in adolescence: disorders reported and links with global outcome

AIMS

(1) To describe the frequency of somatic pathologies and depression among former anorexia nervosa (AN) patients; (2) to study links with subjects' clinical history and global outcomes.

METHODS

97 women hospitalised for AN during adolescence, 9.00 ± 1.92 years previously, were interviewed using structured questionnaires concerning somatic and psychiatric disorders that they had experienced.

RESULTS

Iron deficiency, migraine, cystitis, upper digestive system disorders, fractures, osteoporosis, and dental problems were reported with a frequency >20 %. Depression was reported by 2/3 of the sample. Osteoporosis was 14 times more frequent in case of vitamin D deficiency. Fractures were three times more frequent in presence of osteoporosis and less frequent when the overall outcome was better.

CONCLUSION

Among women who had AN in adolescence, somatic comorbidities are frequent in adulthood. They are linked to the severity and the duration of AN, and to the overall outcome of the subject.

[Prevalence of chronic hyperventilation syndrome in children and teenagers]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hyperventilation syndrome in the general population of children and teenagers from the Île-de-France region (France).

METHODS

Three hundred children and teenagers (170 girls and 130 boys, aged 1 to17 years) were included in the study. To evaluate the probability of hyperventilation syndrome, we asked the children and teenagers to complete the Hyperventilation Syndrome Ambroise-Paré Enfant (SHAPE) questionnaire. The frequency of occurrence of the signs was evaluated by the child himself or herself with or without parental help. Children and teenagers with a score of 25 or over were considered to have hyperventilation syndrome.

RESULTS

Sixty-three out of 300 questionnaires with a score of 25 or over revealed the presence of hyperventilation syndrome: 21% of the population evaluated. Among those surveyed, 42 were girls and 21 boys: 24.7 and 16.2%, respectively. The 280 questionnaires filled out among the non-asthmatics showed that 52 were positive (18.6%), while the positivity rate in the asthma group amounted to 55%.

CONCLUSION

Although the diagnostic criteria for hyperventilation syndrome remains contested, this study shows that the disorder is real and frequent.

Iron metabolism in patients with anorexia nervosa: elevated serum hepcidin concentrations in the absence of inflammation

BACKGROUND

Only a few studies based on small cohorts have been carried out on iron status in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of hepcidin in hyperferritinemia in AN adolescents.

DESIGN

Twenty-seven adolescents hospitalized for AN in the pediatric inpatient unit of Ambroise Paré Academic Hospital were enrolled in the study. The control group comprised 11 patients. Hematologic variables and markers of iron status, including serum hepcidin, were measured before and after nutritional rehabilitation.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 14.4 y. Except for 2 AN patients and 1 control patient, all patients presented normal hemoglobin, vitamin B-12, and folate concentrations. Markers of inflammation and cytokines were normal throughout the study. None of the muscular lysis markers were elevated. Most AN patients had normal serum iron concentrations on admission. Serum ferritin concentrations were significantly higher in patients than in control subjects (198 compared with 49 μg/L, respectively; P < 0.001). The median hepcidin concentration was significantly higher in AN patients than in the control group (186.5 compared with 39.5 μg/L, respectively; P = 0.002). There was a highly significant correlation between ferritinemia and serum hepcidin concentrations (P < 0.0001). After nutritional rehabilitation, a significant reduction was observed (P = 0.004) in serum ferritin. Serum hepcidin analyzed in a smaller number of patients also returned to within the normal range.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepcidin and ferritin concentrations were higher in the serum of AN patients, without any evidence of iron overload or inflammation. These concentrations returned to normal after nutritional rehabilitation. These results suggest that nutritional stress induced by malnourishment in the hepatocyte could be yet another mechanism that regulates hepcidin.

Experience of adolescence in patients treated with GH during childhood

OBJECTIVE

To assess quality of life (QoL) and self-esteem among older adolescents and young adults treated with growth hormone (GH) during childhood for partial or complete GH deficiency or small for gestational age (SGA) status.

METHODS

Postal survey, including a general self-questionnaire and two QoL questionnaires (SF36 and QLS-H), conducted among patients treated with GH at the pediatric outpatient clinic of the Ambroise Pard University Hospital (Boulogne-Billancourt, France) during the last 20 years.

RESULTS

Thirty five patients (53.8%) returned their questionnaires completed. Social adjustment and quality of life of patients evaluated was similar to the general population despite lower-than-average final height. However a negative impact on sexuality and relationships with members of the opposite sex was suggested by the later mean ages of first romantic kiss and first sexual intercourse (15.5 years and 19.0 years old, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Among patients treated with GH during childhood, psychological impacts may persist in late adolescence. These results indicate a need for improved management of GH-treated children at puberty.

Prognosis factors in probands with an FBN1 mutation diagnosed before the age of 1 year

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder. Diagnostic criteria of neonatal MFS (nMFS), the most severe form, are still debated. The aim of our study was to search for clinical and molecular prognostic factors that could be associated with length of survival. Probands ascertained via the framework of the Universal Marfan database-FBN1, diagnosed before the age of 1 y and presenting with cardiovascular features (aortic root dilatation or valvular insufficiency) were included in this study. Clinical and molecular data were correlated to survival. Among the 60 individuals, 38 had died, 82% died before the age of 1 y, mostly because of congestive heart failure. Three probands reached adulthood. Valvular insufficiencies and diaphragmatic hernia were predictive of shorter life expectancy. Two FBN1 mutations were found outside of the exon 24-32 region (in exons 4 and 21). Mutations in exons 25-26 were overrepresented and were associated with shorter survival (p = 0.03). We report the largest genotyped series of probands with MFS diagnosed before 1 y of life. In this population, factors significantly associated with shorter survival are presence of valvular insufficiencies or diaphragmatic hernia in addition to a mutation in exons 25 or 26.

[Benign afebrile seizures in rotavirus gastroenteritis]

Benign afebrile seizures associated with mild gastroenteritis and normal serum electrolytes are often described in Asian infants under the name of convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG). Herein, we report 3 cases of CwG that occurred in Caucasian children. Clinical features and outcomes are described and the cases reported in the literature are reviewed. The CwG syndrome is now recognized as a distinct entity characterized by the following criteria: (1) it occurs in previously healthy 6-month to 3-year-old children who present with afebrile convulsions, (2) it is associated with mild gastroenteritis, (3) seizures tend to occur in a clustered manner, (4) interictal EEG shows no paroxysmal discharge, and (5) laboratory examinations are normal, including normal cerebrospinal fluid, serum electrolytes and glycemia. The CwG syndrome is a self-limited disease with a short course and a good prognosis. Investigations must be targeted and anticonvulsivant therapy is not required. As rotavirus is the most common agent among the diarrheal viruses detected to be the cause of CwG, one could hypothesize that this virus may play a role in the CwG pathogenesis.

Cardiovascular manifestations in men and women carrying a FBN1 mutation

AIMS

In patients with Marfan syndrome and other type-1 fibrillinopathies, genetic testing is becoming more easily available, leading to the identification of mutations early in the course of the disease. This study evaluates the cardiovascular (CV) risk associated with the discovery of a fibrillin-1 (FBN1) mutation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 1,013 probands with pathogenic FBN1 mutations were included, among whom 965 patients [median age: 22 years (11-34), male gender 53%] had data suitable for analysis. The percentage of patients with an ascending aortic (AA) dilatation increased steadily with increasing age and reached 96% (95% CI: 94-97%) by 60 years. The presence of aortic events (dissection or prophylactic surgery) was rare before 20 years and then increased progressively, reaching 74% (95% CI: 67-81%) by 60 years. Compared with women, men were at higher risk for AA dilatation [≤ 30 years: 57% (95% CI: 52-63) vs. 50% (95% CI: 45-55), P = 0.0076] and aortic events [≤ 30 years: 21% (95% CI: 17-26) vs. 11% (95% CI: 8-16), P < 0.0001; adjusted HR: 1.4 (1.1-1.8), P = 0.005]. The prevalence of mitral valve (MV) prolapse [≤ 60 years: 77% (95% CI: 72-82)] and MV regurgitation [≤ 60 years: 61% (95% CI: 53-69)] also increased steadily with age, but surgery limited to the MV remained rare [≤ 60 years: 13% (95% CI: 8-21)]. No difference between genders was observed (for all P> 0.20). From 1985 to 2005 the prevalence of AA dilatation remained stable (P for trend = 0.88), whereas the percentage of patients with AA dissection significantly decreased (P for trend = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The CV risk remains important in patients with an FBN1 gene mutation and is present throughout life, justifying regular aortic monitoring. Aortic dilatation or dissection should always trigger suspicion of a genetic background leading to thorough examination for extra-aortic features and comprehensive pedigree investigation.

Spinal imaging contributes to the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome

The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) is defined by a combination of major and minor criteria, related to the different systems involved, according to the Ghent nosology of the spine. Spinal imaging can detect both skeletal (including scoliosis and spondylolisthesis) and neurological involvement (i.e. dural ectasia). The aim of the present study was to assess the interest of screening the rachis by conventional radiography CR and complementary imaging (computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) in patients suspected of MFS, and to modelise the most relevant imaging procedure to diagnose MFS.

METHODS

Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of CR of the lumbosacral spine versus sectional imaging for the detection of dural ectasia (DE) in a subgroup of 92 patients suspected of MFS. Retrospective analysis of the contribution of CR to the diagnosis of MFS in 1992 patients referred to our clinic.

RESULTS

DE was detected by CR in 12 of the 92 patients (13%) and was always confirmed by CT or MRI. Complementary imaging alone detected 33 DE (35.9%). All patients with DE detected by CR were diagnosed with MFS. Among the 1992 patients, 591 were confirmed MFS; 117 patients had DE detected by CR (19,8%) while 12 (2,0%) were detected by complementary imaging. In MFS patients, 98 (16.6%) had significant scoliosis and 14 (2.4%) had spondylolisthesis. The positive predictive value of DE detected by CR for the diagnosis of MFS was 92.9% (95% IC: 86.8-96.4), and the negative predictive value was 74.6% (95% IC: 72.6-76.5). We conclude that spinal imaging is useful for the diagnosis of MFS.

Nomograms for aortic root diameters in children using two-dimensional echocardiography

The evaluation of aortic root dilation is of major importance for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with diverse diseases, including the Marfan syndrome. However, we noted that the available nomograms suggested a lower aortic root dilation rate in adults (75%) than in children (90%), when the opposite would have been expected. To establish new nomograms, we selected a population of 353 normal children. We took transthoracic echocardiographic measurements of the aortic root diameters at the level of the aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta according to the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations. All diameters correlated well with the height, weight, body surface area, and age (r = 0.75 to 0.84, p <0.0001). Covariance analysis adjusting for body surface area showed slightly larger diameters at the level of the sinuses of Valsalva in male children than in female children (+1 mm, p = 0.0002). Equations and derived nomograms were developed, giving the upper limit of normal (allowing simple recognition of aortic dilation) and the Z score (allowing fine quantification of dilation and differentiation of normal growth from pathologic dilation) for all 4 aortic root diameters (ie, aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and proximal ascending aorta) according to body surface area and gender. We applied the nomograms to 282 children with confirmed Marfan syndrome, of whom 65.2% presented with dilation of the sinuses of Valsalva. In conclusion, we propose equations to calculate the upper limit of normal and Z-score for aortic root diameters measured by 2-dimensional echocardiography, which should be useful tools for the diagnosis and follow-up of aortic root aneurysms in children.

Comparison of Clinical Presentations and Outcomes Between Patients With TGFBR2 and FBN1 Mutations in Marfan Syndrome and Related Disorders

Background— TGFBR2 mutations were recognized recently among patients with a Marfan-like phenotype. The associated clinical and prognostic spectra remain unclear.

Methods and Results— Clinical features and outcomes of 71 patients with a TGFBR2 mutation (TGFBR2 group) were compared with 50 age- and sex-matched unaffected family members (control subjects) and 243 patients harboring FBN1 mutations (FBN1 group). Aortic dilatation was present in a similar proportion of patients in both the TGFBR2 and FBN1 groups (78% versus 79%, respectively) but was highly variable. The incidence and average age for thoracic aortic surgery (31% versus 27% and 35±16 versus 39±13 years, respectively) and aortic dissection (14% versus 10% and 38±12 versus 39±9 years) were also similar in the 2 groups. Mitral valve involvement (myxomatous, prolapse, mitral regurgitation) was less frequent in the TGFBR2 than in the FBN1 group (all P <0.05). Aortic dilatation, dissection, or sudden death was the index event leading to genetic diagnosis in 65% of families with TGFBR2 mutations, versus 32% with FBN1 mutations ( P =0.002). The rate of death was greater in TGFBR2 families before diagnosis but similar once the disease had been recognized. Most pregnancies were uneventful (without death or aortic dissection) in both TGFBR2 and FBN1 families (38 of 39 versus 213 of 217; P =1). Seven patients (10%) with a TGFBR2 mutation fulfilled international criteria for Marfan syndrome, 3 of whom presented with features specific for Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Conclusions— Clinical outcomes appear similar between treated patients with TGFBR2 mutations and individuals with FBN1 mutations. Prognosis depends on clinical disease expression and treatment rather than simply the presence of a TGFBR2 gene mutation.