Search

Aim: To explore the relationships between body composition, indices of hepatic fibrosis, and sonographic evidence of hepatic steatosis in children with overweight and obesity., Methods: One hundred and seventy individuals (age 12.7 ± 3.4 years, 38.2% boys) with overweight/obesity (BMI z-score 2.02 ± 0.54) underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis (fat percentage, truncal-to-total fat ratio, muscle-to-fat ratio [MFR]). Hepatic assessments included ultrasonography to detect liver steatosis, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ALT ratio, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS). A forward logistic regression model, adjusting for sex, age, and socio-economic position, was conducted., Results: The odds for sonographic hepatic steatosis increased by 3.8-fold for each SD decrease in MFR z-score (OR = 0.263, 95% CI [0.067-1.031], p = 0.05). The strongest correlation among boys was between MFR z-score and AST/ALT ratio (r = 0.530, p < 0.001), whereas the strongest correlation among girls was between fat percentage and NFS (r = 0.503, p < 0.001). Individuals with sonographic hepatic steatosis had higher fat mass (p = 0.003), lower MFR z-score (p = 0.020), greater insulin resistance (p = 0.018), and atherogenic dyslipidemic index (p = 0.037) compared to those without., Conclusions: We identified sex differences in the association between body composition and hepatic fibrosis indices. The relationship between adverse body composition and increased odds of hepatic steatosis underscores the importance of its assessment within this at-risk population., (© 2025 The Author(s). Acta Paediatrica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Foundation Acta Paediatrica.) more...

Purpose: Treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) increases insulin growth factor-1 (IGF1) levels, therefore, monitoring both IGF1 and growth constitutes an acceptable parameter of therapeutic safety and efficacy. We aimed to investigate the relationship between IGF1 level and body composition in children and adolescents undergoing rhGH therapy for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS)., Methods: This observational retrospective study included the bioimpedance analysis (BIA) reports (n = 305) of 135 pediatric patients (age 5-18 years), 64 with GHD and 71 with ISS, conducted as part of routine clinic visits. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records. Generalized estimating equations linear models were used to explore the contributing factors for body composition components of fat percentage (FATP), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) z-score, and muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) z-score while adjusting for cumulative doses of rhGH., Results: Subjects with GHD exhibited higher body mass index z-scores (p < 0.001), higher FATP and truncal FATP scores, lower MFR z-score, and higher diastolic blood pressure percentiles than the ISS group (p = 0.010, p = 0.027, p = 0.050, and p = 0.050, respectively). Female sex (p < 0.001) and a GHD diagnosis (p < 0.001), were major contributors to higher FATP scores; female sex (p = 0.049) and ISS diagnosis (p = 0.005) were major contributors to higher MFR z-scores; and female sex (p < 0.001), older age (p < 0.001) and higher insulin-like growth factor 1 z-scores (p = 0.021) were major contributors to higher ASMM z-scores. Socioeconomic position and cumulative rhGH dose were not significant contributors to body composition parameters., Conclusion: Children with GHD, including those undergoing rhGH treatment, may be at risk for increased adiposity and associated metabolic implications. Sex- and age-adjusted IGF1 levels were related to muscle mass but not to adiposity. Hence, rhGH treatment aimed at increasing IGF1 levels may alleviate these effects by promoting muscle growth., Competing Interests: Compliance with ethical standards Conflict of interest The author declares no competing interests. Ethics approval This study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center review board, approval number (065-18-TLV). Informed parental consent was waived by the institutional review board. Consent to participate Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center review board waived informed parental consent., (© 2024. The Author(s).) more...

Background: Advances in treatment could mitigate the expected adverse changes in the body composition of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D)., Objectives: To examine the evolution of weight status and body composition and their association with glycaemic control and partial clinical remission in youth with T1D., Methods: Ninety-nine participants with T1D (median age 9.5 years [interquartile range 7.3, 12.9], 59.6% boys) were longitudinally followed for 3 years since diagnosis. Data at seven pre-determined time points were extracted from medical files. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI) z-scores, muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) z-scores, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, continuous glucose monitoring metrics, and insulin dose-adjusted HbA1c (IDAA1c) levels., Results: The BMI z-scores increased significantly (p < 0.001) for both sexes, with no significant change in MFR z-scores over time. The girls had higher BMI z-scores (p < 0.001) and lower MFR z-scores than the boys (p = 0.016). The mean HbA1c levels decreased during the first month and at 3 months since diagnosis (p < 0.001), then plateaued and achieved a median overall HbA1c of 7.1% for the entire cohort. At 12 months, 37 participants (37.6%) were in partial clinical remission, as evidenced by IDAA1c ≤ 9. The odds of partial clinical remission at 2 years increased by 2.1-fold for each standard deviation increase in the MFR z-score (p < 0.001). Higher MFR z-scores were associated with better metabolic control., Conclusions: Integration of body composition assessments could mitigate adverse body changes in paediatric patients with T1D., (© 2024 The Authors. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...

Background: Celiac disease (CD) in children and adolescents has been linked with increased susceptibility for cardiometabolic disease in adulthood. We explored the interaction between body composition and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in pediatric CD., Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with CD followed at our Pediatric Endocrine and Gastroenterology Units between 1/2018-1/2022. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and body composition parameters (bioelectrical impedance analysis, BIA) were collected., Results: Forty-four patients with MetS components and 67 patients without them were enrolled. The cohort's mean age at BIA assessment was 11.5 ± 3.6 years. Individuals with MetS components were older (P = 0.045), had higher BMI z-scores (P < 0.001), higher total and truncal fat percentage levels (P < 0.001), lower muscle-to-fat ratio z-scores (P = 0.018), higher sarcopenic indices (P = 0.05), higher systolic blood pressure percentiles (P = 0.001), higher triglycerides levels (P = 0.009), and higher triglycerides/HDL-c ratios (P < 0.001) than those without MetS components. A sex- and age-adjusted model revealed that the diagnosis of MetS components was positively associated with fat percentage (odds ratio = 1.087, confidence interval [1.010-1.171], P = 0.027), but not with BMI z-scores (P = 0.138)., Conclusions: We found that fat percentage but not weight status is associated with risk for MetS components in individuals with childhood-onset CD. Preventive interventions should target an improvement in body composition., Impact: The literature on cardiometabolic risk in pediatric patients with celiac disease (CD) is sparse. Our analysis revealed that at least one metabolic syndrome (MetS) component was present in two out of every five children and adolescents with CD. An increase in fat percentage but not in body mass index z-scores predicted the presence of MetS components in our cohort. These findings suggest that the weight status of children and adolescents with CD does not mirror their risk for MetS components. Body composition analysis should be considered as an integral part of the clinical evaluation in young patients with CD., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.) more...

Early dropout and treatment adherence are main challenges in the treatment of children with obesity. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with attrition and adherence to weight loss intervention program. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all the children who entered the program for pediatric weight loss over 5 years and retrieved demographic and clinical characteristics. Attrition and adherence were documented. Ninety-two of the 248 enrolled children (52% women, mean age 11.1 ± 3.9 years, mean body mass index 31.1 ± 7 kg/m 2 ) dropped out (37%). Dropping out correlated with male sex, low parental education, and self-referral to the clinic ( P < .05 for all). Adherence correlated with older age and the mother's healthy lifestyle ( P < .05 for all). Sex, parental education, and referral source may predict treatment attrition. Early recognition of children at risk of attrition may help to facilitate better care of those children. more...

Background: Women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are more susceptible than men to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Signs of increased risk may already appear among adolescent girls., Objectives: We explored the contribution of body composition to the development of CVD risk factors among youth with T1D., Methods: One hundred and eighty nine subjects with T1D (mean age 15.3 ± 5.1 years, 55% boys) followed between January 2018-January 2022 were included in this observational study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from medical files. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, and muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) z-scores were calculated. Logistic regression model assessed the association between body composition (MFR z-scores) and evidence of CVD risk factors., Results: Females were characterised by higher median BMI z-scores (0.47 vs. 0.04, p = 0.012), higher fat and truncal fat percentage levels (p ≤ 0.001) and lower median MFR z-scores (-0.64 vs. -0.25, p ≤ 0.001), higher median triglyceride (TG) levels (71 vs. 61 mg/dl, p = 0.05), longer disease duration to initiation of insulin pump therapy (p = 0.041), and more time spent in marked hypoglycemia (1 vs. 0.2%, p = 0.007) than males. Males' MFR z-scores were associated with several diabetes-related parameters (age at diagnosis, CGM metrics, HbA1c and insulin dose), while the females'' MFR z-scores were linked to the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (TG:HDL ratio). The odds for CVD risk factors were doubled for every 1 SD decrease in MFR z-score (OR = 0.50, CI [0.30-0.84], p = 0.009) and also increased with age (OR = 1.07, CI [1.004-1.148], p = 0.038)., Conclusions: Body composition measurement has a predictive value in CVD risk assessment in youth with T1D, with unique characteristics and influences in each sex., (© 2022 The Authors. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...

Background: Pediatric obesity has been linked to the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS: abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and insulin resistance). Data on the role of muscle mass in the development of MetS are sparse. We explored the interaction between the muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) and MetS components in children with overweight or obesity. Methods: An observational study of 210 pediatric subjects (88 boys, mean age [±standard deviation (SD)] 11.9 ± 3.1 years, BMI z-score range 1.036-3.140) from January 2018 to January 2021. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita MC-780 MA and GMON Professional Software), and MFR z-scores were calculated. Results: The 148 subjects (70%) who had MetS components were older ( p  = 0.008), had lower socioeconomic positions, higher triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratios, fat percentages (FATP), truncal FATPs (TRFATPs), and lower MFR z-scores ( p  < 0.001 for all parameters) than those without MetS components. The correlation between the MFR z-score and the BMI z-score was stronger in subjects with obesity than in subjects with overweight ( r  = -0.556 vs. r  = -0.440, p  < 0.001 for both). The risk for MetS components increased by 1.4 for every 3% increase in FATP or TRFATP [odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, confidence interval ([CI] 1.20, 1.64), p  < 0.001]. The risk for MetS components was tripled for every 1 SD decrease in MFR z-scores [OR = 3.3, CI (1.74, 6.27), p  < 0.001]. Conclusions: Given the strong predictive value of the MFR z-score in the development of early-onset MetS components, preventive strategies should apply interventions for improving the body composition parameters of both adiposity and muscle. more...

Background: Physical growth during childhood and adolescence is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Heritability, the proportion of phenotypic variance explained by genetic factors, has been demonstrated for stature and weight status. The aim of this study was to explore the heritability of body composition., Methods: A real-life, observational study of the children and adolescents referred to the Endocrine Unit in a tertiary medical center. In January 2018, body composition by means of bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was implemented as part of the standard intake assessment of subjects referred for endocrine consultation. The clinic BIA database was searched for subjects with the term "observation of growth" as the sole reason for referral. BIA of 114 triads of healthy subjects aged 5-18 years and their parents were analyzed. The BIA report included the following data: fat mass, fat percentage, truncal fat percentage and muscle mass. Calculated variables included: appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM = the sum of muscle mass of four limbs), muscle-to-fat ratio [MFR = ASMM (kg)/fat mass (kg)] and sarcopenic index [(SI = ASMM(kg)/height (meter)²]. Data collection from medical files included pubertal stage and home address for socioeconomic position grading., Results: There were sex differences in body composition parameters in both the prepubertal and pubertal subjects. The boys among the prepubertal subjects had a lower fat percentage on average than girls (p = 0.020). Among the adolescents, boys on average had lower fat percentage (p = 0.011), higher sarcopenic index (p = 0.021), and higher muscle-to-fat ratio (p < 0.001), than adolescent girls. Correlation analyses between body composition parameters of all participants revealed significant correlations in the sarcopenic index of prepubertal children and their parents (boys-fathers: r = 0.380, p = 0.050; boys-mothers: r = 0.435, p = 0.026; girls-fathers: r = 0.462, p = 0.012; girls-mothers: r = 0.365, p = 0.050) and adiposity indices (fat percentage, truncal fat percentage and muscle-to-fat ratio) of prepubertal boys and their mothers (r = 0.438, p = 0.025; r = 0.420, p = 0.033, and r = 0.478, p = 0.014, respectively). There were no associations between body composition parameters of adolescents and their parents. Socioeconomic position adversely affected fat percentage in adolescent girls and mothers., Conclusions: Heritable body composition traits were demonstrated in childhood but not in adolescence, suggesting that environmental influence has a more telling effect during teenage years. more...

Objective: To explore the body composition of pediatric patients referred for endocrine evaluation., Methods: This real-life observational study conducted between January 2018 and January 2020 included 10 001 clinic visits of 3500 children and adolescents; first visits of 5 to 18-year-old patients were included. Anthropometric data, blood pressure levels, pubertal status, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA, Tanita MC-780 MA) were extracted from medical files. Excluded from the analysis were patients participating in other studies., Results: A total of 1001 patients (48% boys, mean age 11.3 ± 3.4 years, 33.5% prepubertal) were included. Mean anthropometric z-scores were normal and similar for boys and girls. Sex differences in body composition were as follows: boys had lower fat percentage, lower truncal fat percentage, higher appendicular skeletal muscle mass, and a higher muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR) than girls (P < .001 for all). MFR correlated with body mass index-standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS) in overweight/obese patients (r = -0.558, P < .001), although not in underweight patients. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) correlated with BMI-SDS in overweight/obese patients (r = 0.262, P < .001), although not in underweight patients. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) did not correlate with BMI-SDS in either group of extreme weight status. MFR correlated with SBP and DBP in overweight/obese patients (r = -0.230, P < .001 and r = -0.141, P = .018, respectively) as well as in underweight patients (r = 0.331, P < .001 and r = 0.264, P = .005, respectively)., Conclusions: Our findings support BIA for a more refined characterization of patients referred for endocrine evaluation than BMI-SDS. MFR may be a better surrogate marker of blood pressure levels than BMI-SDS in both underweight and overweight/obese pediatric patients., (Copyright © 2020 AACE. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.) more...

Aim: To explore corticosteroid prescription practices and knowledge among paediatricians., Methods: The Paediatricians Corticosteroids Survey, a cross-sectional, web-based survey distributed to Israeli paediatricians between February and July 2018., Results: Three hundred and forty-nine paediatricians (105 general paediatricians, 207 subspecialists and 37 paediatric endocrinologists) participated. Two hundred and three (58.2%) had >10 years of paediatric clinical experience and treated >60 patients/wk on average, 175/318 (55%) prescribed corticosteroids to >10% of their patients. On knowledge items, 11/266 (4.1%) responded 'not sure' when tapering of steroids is required, 22/268 (8.2%) to what 'stress dose' meant and 27/268 (10.1%) when a stress dose is required. Multivariate linear analysis showed higher scores were associated with training in paediatric endocrinology (β = 2.271, P = 0.032); medical practice only in a subspecialty (β = 1.909, P = 0.041) or in both general paediatrics and a subspecialty (β = 2.023, P = 0.014), compared to general paediatrics alone and medical studies in Israel (β = 1.059, P = 0.035). Overall, 96.2% thought continued medical education (CME) sessions would be helpful., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that despite clinical experience with corticosteroid usage, respondents demonstrated gaps in knowledge for potentially life-threatening situations. Corticosteroid-based CME programs are warranted to improve paediatricians' knowledge and patient management., (©2020 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...

Aims: Disparities in health outcomes in pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) based on race/ethnicity and socioeconomic position (SEP) have been reported. We compared T1D characteristics between Eritrean status-less children living in Israel and native-born Israeli children., Methods: This observational study compared 7 Eritrean and 28 Israeli children (< 8 years old at T1D diagnosis) who were diagnosed in a single diabetes center during 2015-2019. Sociodemographic and diabetes-related data from diagnosis until the last clinic visit were retrieved from their medical files., Results: At diagnosis, the mean age was 4.8 ± 2.2 years, 17 (48.6%) had diabetic ketoacidosis with a mean HbA1c level of 10.5 ± 2.1% (91.3 mmol/mol) and 29 (82.9%) had ≥ 2 pancreatic autoantibodies. The mean T1D duration of follow-up was 2.7 ± 1.4 years. Overall glycemic control during follow-up (> 6 months from diagnosis, mean number of samples 10.6 ± 5.2) was good, with mean, best, and peak HbA1c levels of 7.4 ± 0.8% (57.4 mmol/mol), 6.7 ± 0.7% (49.7 mmol/mol), and 8.1 ± 1.1% (65 mmol/mol), respectively. Thirty-two children (91.4%) used continuous glucose monitoring devices (CGMs), and the mean time from diagnosis to CGM initiation was 10.8 ± 14.1 months. CGM metrics: time CGM active: 95.4 ± 3.8%, mean glucose level: 170.0 ± 27.0 mg/dl (9.4 mmol/L), time-in-range: 56.4 ± 14.7%, time-below-range: 5.5 ± 5.7%, and time-above-range: 38.6 ± 16.1%. Diabetes-related parameters at diagnosis and during follow-up were similar between groups. Eritrean children had significantly lower SEPs (P < 0.001) and parental education levels (P < 0.001). Correlations between SEP and diabetes parameters and SEP and growth parameters were not significant., Conclusions: Eritrean status-less children in Israel achieved glycemic targets similar to those of Israeli children, perhaps reflecting uniformity in the standard of care and CGM usage. more...

Background: Younger age at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may affect the clinical course and outcome. We examined whether age at diagnosis was associated with glycemic control and metabolic outcome in young adulthood., Methods: This observational study included 105 young adults with T1D (current mean age: 21.2 ± 3.0 years, mean age at diagnosis 12.0 ± 4.0 years) followed during 2012 to 2019. Data on HbA1c, glucose variability, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and body composition were collected from medical records from age 18 years until last visit, and the association between age at diagnosis and outcomes was assessed., Results: Age at T1D diagnosis was negatively associated with HbA1c levels (r = -0.368, P = .001), BMI (r = -0.218, P = .026), and diastolic BP (r = -0.215, P = .028). Younger age at diagnosis predicted poorer glycemic control after controlling for T1D duration, sex, socioeconomic status, BMI, and CGM use (r 2 = 0.19, P = .002). There was a 0.1% greater HbA1c reduction for every yearly increase in age at diagnosis (β = -0.090, P = .042). The mean metabolic age of females diagnosed at <10 years of age was older than their chronological age (P = .049)., Conclusions: Younger age at T1D diagnosis predicts worse glycemic control at young adulthood, independent of recognized confounding risk factors (disease duration, sex, socioeconomic status, weight, and use of diabetes technology). Female patients diagnosed at a young age have an older metabolic age, indicating the need for lifestyle alteration to improve their basal metabolic rate., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.) more...

Background: Many obese children have at least one obese parent, and some of them have one parent who had undergone bariatric surgery ("bariatric families"). The perceptions and attitudes towards child obesity of parents in bariatric families vs. non-bariatric families have not been explored. We assessed how parents who underwent bariatric surgery for obesity perceived their child's obesity compared to those perceptions of obese parents who did not undergo bariatric surgery., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey by interviewing families in which one or both parents underwent bariatric surgery (bariatric group) and comparing their responses to those of families in which one or both parents had been treated conservatively for obesity (control group). The children of both groups were attending the Obesity Clinic of our children's hospital., Results: Thirty-six children (median age 10.6 years, 18 in each group, matched for age and sex) were recruited. More parents in the bariatric group replied that weight plays an important role in determining self-image (p < 0.03), and more replied that their child's obesity is a current and future health problem (p < 0.03 and p < 0.007, respectively, Table 1). Five children (28%) in the bariatric group had expectations of undergoing bariatric surgery compared to none in the control group (p < 0.02), with a similar trend among their parents (44% vs. 11%, respectively, p < 0.07)., Conclusion: Families in which one or both parents underwent bariatric surgery for obesity revealed different perceptions of their child's obesity and different opinions about interventions for treating it compared to families with no bariatric surgery. more...

Objective: To describe patient characteristics at presentation, management, and fertility preservation rates among a cohort of Israeli children and adolescents with gender dysphoria (GD). Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 106 consecutive children and adolescents with GD (<18 years) referred to and followed at the multidisciplinary Israeli Pediatric Gender Dysphoria Clinic from March 2013 through December 2018. Results: Of the 106 patients, 10 were prepubertal (9 prepubertal transgender females), and 96 were pubertal (38 pubertal transgender females). The GD population increased 11-fold since the establishment of our clinic in 2013. The subject's median age at referral was 15.5 years (range, 4.6 to 18 years). At the time of referral, 91 (95%) of the pubertal group had completed sexual maturation in their assigned gender at birth. Thirteen (13.5%) patients had attempted suicide, and 11 (11.5%) reported having had suicidal thoughts. Fourteen (45%) pubertal transgender females and 3 (6.5%) pubertal transgender males completed fertility preservation. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment was prescribed in 77 (80%) patients at a mean age of 15.9 ± 1.6 years. Gender-affirming hormones were prescribed in 61 (64%) patients at a mean age of 16.5 ± 1.3 years. No severe side effects were recorded. Two (2%) of the pubertal group expressed regret about medical treatment. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with GD are presenting for medical attention at increasing rates. Israeli adolescents with GD have high fertility preservation rates, perhaps attributable to cultural perspectives. Taking advantage of the option to preserve fertility can be achieved when proper counseling is both available and promoted by medical personnel. Abbreviations: GAH = gender-affirming hormone; GD = gender dysphoria; GnRHa = gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog; MHP = mental health professional. more...

Objective: Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) is a late-onset milder form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia that differs dramatically from the classic form. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric patients with the sole diagnosis of NCCAH has not been determined; therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine whether HRQOL is compromised in comparison to the general population. Methods: Single-center, cross-sectional, case-control study. Twenty-three hydrocortisone-treated children and adolescents (7 males) diagnosed with NCCAH by cosyntropin stimulation test and CYP21A2 gene mutation analysis were recruited to this study; 6 healthy siblings were also recruited. HRQOL was assessed by the child and parent-proxy PedsQL Inventory and compared between NCCAH subjects and healthy siblings. HRQOL scores of NCCAH subjects were compared with known standards from the U.S. and Israeli general healthy populations. Anthropometric measurements of children and parents were performed and compared between NCCAH subjects and healthy siblings. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: HRQOL scores of the participants and parents did not differ between NCCAH subjects and healthy siblings. The HRQOL emotional domain scores of the NCCAH patients and parent were significantly lower than the healthy U.S. pediatric population ( P = .046) but not different from established standards of the healthy Israeli population ( P = .583). Anthropometric measurements were within the normal range and did not differ between NCCAH subjects and their siblings. Total, school functioning, and psychosocial HRQOL domain scores were positively correlated with body mass index-standard deviation score in NCCAH subjects. Conclusion: HRQOL was not adversely affected by NCCAH among adequately treated children and adolescents. Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; CAH = congenital adrenal hyperplasia; HRQOL = health-related quality of life; NCCAH = nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia; PedsQL = Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; SDS = standard deviation score. more...

Background: In Israel, coronary heart disease mortality rates are significantly higher among the Arab population than the Jewish population. Dyslipidemia prevention should begin in childhood., Objectives: To identify sociodemographic disparities in the preventive health measurement of lipid profile testing and lipoprotein levels among Israeli children and adolescents., Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 1.2 million children and adolescents insured by Clalit Health Services between 2007 and 2011 was conducted using sociodemographic data and serum lipid concentrations., Results: Overall, 10.1% individuals had undergone lipid testing. Those with male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 0.813, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.809-0.816), Arab ethnicity (OR = 0.952, 95%CI 0.941-0.963), and low socioeconomic status (SES) (OR = 0.740, 95%CI 0.728-0.752) were less likely to be tested. By 2010, differences among economic sectors narrowed and Arab children were more likely to be tested (OR = 1.039, 95%CI 1.035-1.044). Girls had higher total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels compared to boys (P < 0.001). Jewish children had higher cholesterol and low-density and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, as well as lower triglyceride levels than Arabs (P < 0.001). Children with low SES had lower cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: We found that boys, Arab children, and those with low SES were less likely to be tested. Over time there was a gradual reduction in these disparities. Publicly sponsored healthcare services can diminish disparities in the provision of preventive health among diverse socioeconomic groups that comprise the national population. more...

Promising findings of α-1 antitrypsin (AAT) intervention in mice models of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) led researchers to investigate AAT as a therapeutic modality for β-cell preservation in recent-onset T1D patients. Our prospective, open-label Phase I/II extension study demonstrated that the administration of multiple repeated AAT infusions (up to 36) to AAT-sufficient pediatric T1D patients is safe and well-tolerated. Long-term surveillance of participants (up to 5 years) from diabetes onset revealed normal growth and pubertal progression through adolescence to attainment of full puberty and near adult height. No serious adverse events, clinical or laboratory abnormalities were reported. Given its safety profile, AAT may be an individualized-tailored innovative immunotherapy in AAT-sufficient pediatric patients with diverse immune-related medical conditions. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01661192. more...

Objectives: Pediatric lipoprotein curves are based on population-based samples. As obesity, may alter lipoprotein levels, cutoffs not adjusted for body mass index (BMI) are potentially inappropriate. We aimed to develop distinct serum lipid curves based on sex- and BMI-percentiles for children and adolescents., Methods: Cross-sectional analysis included all healthy children and adolescents (age range 2-17 years) with available serum lipid concentrations (n = 152,820 of approximately 1.2 million children and adolescents per study year). These children and adolescents were categorized according to sex- and age-stratified BMI-percentiles: 100,375 normal weight (5th-85th percentile), 26,028 overweight (85th-95th percentile) and 26,417 obese (≥95th percentile) individuals. Excluded were individuals with hyperlipidemia, gastrointestinal disease, thyroid disease and lipid-lowering medications. Lambda-Mu-Sigma, smoothed percentile lipid curves were computed., Results: Obese children had a lipid profile pattern throughout childhood and adolescence similar to that of normal weight subjects but with a significant upward shift in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs) and a downward shift in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Obese boys had 13 mg/dL higher TC levels (P < 0.001), 11 mg/dL higher LDL-C levels, 15 mg/dL higher non-HDL-C levels, and 5 mg/dL lower HDL-C levels (P < 0.001). Obese girls had 6 mg/dL higher TC levels, 7 mg/dL higher LDL-C levels, 11 mg/dl higher non-HDL-C levels, and 6 mg/dL lower HDL-C levels (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Across a large, nationally representative cohort of children and adolescents, lipoprotein levels were found to vary in relation to weight status. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that when evaluating the lipid profile in the pediatric population, in addition to sex-based curves, clinical decision making may require consideration of BMI-stratified curves. more...