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Background: Recent research indicates that patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at higher risk for disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) than their peers without diabetes. The present study aimed at examining the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on DEBs in a sample of Italian children and adolescents with T1D and in matched-pair healthy controls.Methods: 138 children and adolescents with T1D (aged 8.01-19.11 years, 65 boys) attending a Southern Italian diabetic service and 276 age- and gender-matched healthy peers voluntarily completed a cross-sectional online survey of eating behaviors (ChEAT and Eat-26), anthropometric characteristics, and clinical characteristics. Results: 8.69% (N=12) of participants with T1D and 13.4% (N=37) of controls had ChEAT/EAT-26 scores indicating presence of DEBs, with no differences between patients—whether children (total ChEAT score F(1, 157)=.104, p=.748) or adolescents (total EAT-26 score F(1, 255)=.135, p=.731)—and healthy peers. zBMI values were lower than those measured in the latest diabetes visit (pp=.110). In both groups, adolescents had lower Oral Control scores than children (T1D: F(1, 138)= 20.411, p2 =.132, controls: F(1, 276)=18.271, p2 =.063); additionally, gender (female) and age were found to be significant predictors of several ChEAT/EAT-26 scores.Discussion: Psychological conditions in relation to DEB symptoms of children and adolescents with T1D were not aggravated by lockdown conditions. Results indicated DEBs as more of a female adolescent developmental issue rather than as a result of the challenges of living with a chronic illness aggravated by outbreak. Possible effects of parental pressure on their children’s eating behaviors in the context of home confinement and of using a non-diabetes-specific measure to assess DEBs are discussed.

Background : Henoch Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an acute small vessel vasculitis. It is the most common vasculitis in children. Although the cause is unknown, IgA seems to play a central role in the pathogenesis of Henoch Schonlein purpura. The major clinical features include a palpable purpuric rash on the lower extremities, abdominal pain or renal involvement, and arthritis. Cutaneous manifestations are the essential elements in the diagnosis of Henoch Schonlein purpura. The palpable purpura is characteristically 2 to 10mm in diameter and is usually present on the lower extremities. There are no specific diagnostic tests available for diagnosing this condition. Laboratory studies are useful to exclude other conditions that may mimic Henoch Schonlein purpura. In majority of the cases, the disease is self-limited. Relapsing can occur, in particular during the first year of the disease. There is no consensus on a specific treatment. Corticosteroids are effective in rapid resolution of renal and abdominal manifestations. Immunosuppressive drugs, such as Mycophenolate Mofetil may be a better treatment choice in case of renal involvement.Case report : We report a case of a 14 years old girl affected from recurrent Henoch Schonlein Purpura. From the age of nine years patient presented three episodes of purpura with gastrointestinal involvement, in particular hematemesis, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Each episode was treated with high doses of corticosteroids (methylprednisolone in vein or prednisone per os). Patient came to our Department during the third episode of Purpura. In consideration of the recurrence of the Henoch Schonlein Purpura and the gastrointestinal involvement we decided to start Mycophenolate Mofetil treatment. Patient’s conditions improved thanks to Mycophenolate Mofetil treatment. Conclusion: In our case of recurrent HSP Mycophenolate Mofetil treatment has been very effective, avoiding the adverse events of a prolonged steroid treatment. This experience teaches us that immunosuppressive agents may be very useful to induce and maintain remission not only in renal involvement, but in all cases of persistence, recurrence or complicated forms of Henoch Schonlein purpura in children.