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Introduction: Energy metabolism in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is known to be different. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) accounts for the largest portion of total energy needs. The objective of our study was to assess resting metabolic rate and its determinants in adolescents and young adults with T1D in comparison with age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 97 children and young adults (10–19 years) with type 1 diabetes having a disease duration of at least 1 year. For the control population, 95 age- and gender-matched healthy adolescents were enrolled. Clinical examination and biochemical evaluation of parameters pertaining to diabetes and body composition were estimated, and RMR was measured using indirect calorimetry for both cases and controls. Results: Adolescents with T1D were significantly shorter, and had significantly lower calorie intake, higher RMR and volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) as compared to the healthy controls (P < 0.05). RMR adjusted for weight showed a significant positive correlation with lean body mass (LBM) percentage, and energy intake and a negative correlation with disease duration. Those with a T1D duration of less than 5 years demonstrated a significantly higher RMR, lower body fat percentage, higher LBM percentage, carbohydrate and energy intake/kg body weight and higher calculated insulin sensitivity (IS) as compared to those with greater disease duration. Muscle mass percentage and higher energy intake were found to be significant positive predictors and advancing age/diabetes duration was a negative predictor of weight-adjusted RMR (P < 0.05), whereas IS and male gender tended towards significant negative association (P = 0.06). Conclusion: Indian children with type 1 diabetes had a higher resting metabolic rate as compared to healthy children. Muscle mass, energy intake and diabetes duration were observed to be important predictors of RMR in T1D. Reduction in RMR with advancing age/disease duration may predispose to weight gain and subsequent double diabetes in T1D.

Introduction: Bone age (BA) assessment is important in evaluating disorders of growth and puberty; the Greulich and Pyle atlas method (GP) is most used. We aimed to determine the weightage to be attributed by raters to various segments of the hand x-ray, namely, distal end of radius-ulna (RU), carpals, and short bones for rating bone age using the GP atlas method. Methods: 692 deidentified x-rays from a previous study (PUNE-dataset) and 400 from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA-dataset) were included in the study. Mean of BA assessed by experienced raters was termed reference rating. Linear regression was used to model reference age as function of age ratings of the three segments. The root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of segmental arithmetic mean and weighted mean with respect to reference rating were computed for both datasets. Results: Short bones were assigned the highest weightage. Carpals were assigned higher weightage in pre-pubertal PUNE participants as compared to RSNA, vice-versa in RU segment of post-pubertal participants. The RMSE of weighted mean ratings was significantly lower than for the arithmetic mean in the PUNE dataset. Conclusion: We thus determined weightage to be attributed by raters to segments of the hand x-ray for assessment of bone age by the GP method.

Introduction: A good screening tool, such as a growth chart, should distinguish between children with normal growth and those with perturbed growth. Suitability of synthetic Indian growth references for diagnosing growth-related disorders for under-five children has not been evaluated. To assess the validity of World Health Organization (WHO) 2006 standards vs synthetic Indian references (2019) (by comparing weight, height, body mass index (BMI), standard deviation scores (SDS) and the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF)) in differentiating normal children and children with growth-related disorders. Methods: Records of 2188 children (0–60 months) attending a tertiary centre paediatric outpatient department (OPD) were retrospectively studied; 1854 children were healthy and 334 were diagnosed with growth-related disorders as per the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) classification. The anthropometric parameters converted to Z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), BMI-for-age (BAZ) and a CIAF were computed using WHO and synthetic charts; Student’s t-test was used for assessing differences and Youden’s index for validity. Results: Disease status of children and anthropometric failure on WAZ, HAZ, BAZ and CIAF on both WHO and synthetic charts had a significant association (P-value

Abstract Introduction Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) occurs in genetically susceptible individuals due to certain environmental triggers causing destruction of insulin secreting beta cells. One of the environmental triggers studied recently in the pathogenesis and progression of T1DM is the role of gut microbiome. Objectives (1) To compare the gut microbiome profile of T1DM children with healthy age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) matched controls. (2) To assess the relationship of abundance of genera with glycemic control in children with T1DM. Methods Cross‐sectional, case–control study. Sixty‐eight children with T1DM and 61 age‐, gender‐, and BMI‐matched healthy controls were enrolled. QIAamp Fast DNA Stool Mini kit protocol and reagents were used for DNA isolation and Miseq sequencing platform for targeted gene sequencing. Results Alpha and beta diversity analysis showed no significant differences in the abundance of microbes between the groups. At phylum level, Firmicutes was the dominant phylum followed by Actinobacteria and Bacteroidota in both groups. Analysis of microbiome at the genera level showed that percentage abundance for Parasutterella was higher in children with T1DM as compared to the healthy group (p

IntroductionInsulin resistance is being increasingly reported in type-1 Diabetes (T1D) and is known to accelerate microvascular complications. The Asian Indian population has a higher risk of double diabetes development compared to Caucasians. Hence, we studied the effect of adding Metformin to standard insulin therapy on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity (IS), cardiometabolic parameters and body composition in Indian adolescents with T1D.MethodsA Randomized controlled trial was conducted spanning 9 months (Registration number:CTRI/2019/11/022126). Inclusion: Age 10-19 years, T1D duration>1year, HbA1c>8% Exclusion: Uncontrolled vascular complications/comorbidities, Metformin intolerance, concomitant drugs affecting insulin sensitivity. Participants were randomized to Metformin/Placebo (n=41 each) groups and age, sex, duration-matched. Assessments were performed at baseline, 3 and 9 months.Results82 participants aged 14.7 ± 3years (40 females) were enrolled, with a mean diabetes duration of 5.2 ± 2.3 years. Over 9 months, HbA1c decreased significantly by 0.8 (95% confidence interval: -1.2 to -0.3) from 9.8 ± 1.8% to 9.1 ± 1.7% on Metformin but remained largely unchanged (difference of 0.2, 95% confidence interval: -0.7 to 0.2) i.e. 9.9 ± 1.6% and 9.7 ± 2.2% on placebo. HbA1c improvement correlated negatively with baseline IS (EGDR:r= -0.3;SEARCH:r = -0.24, p

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

Background: Non-genetic factors like microbial dysbiosis may be contributing to the increasing incidence/progression of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Objectives: To analyse the gut microbiota profile in Indian children with T1DM and its effect on glycaemic control. Methodology: Faecal samples of 29 children with T1DM were collected and faecal microbial DNA was extracted and subjected to 16S rRNA (ribosomal RNA) sequencing and further analysis. Results: The dominant phyla in children with T1DM were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Butyrate-producing bacteria Blautia and Ruminococcus showed a significant negative correlation with the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels (p < 0.05). Coprococcus and Propionibacterium were important negative predictors of glycaemic control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study suggests that Indian children with T1DM have a distinct gut microbiome taxonomic composition and that short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria like Ruminococcus and Blautia (butyrate-producing) may play an important role in the glycaemic control of subjects with T1DM.

Introduction: Increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Indian adolescents owing to the obesity epidemic leads to double diabetes (DD), which is associated with an increased risk of complications in type-1 diabetes (T1D). Metformin may be a useful intervention for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance in T1D. We conducted this pilot randomized controlled trial with the objective of investigating the effect of metformin on insulin sensitivity in Indian adolescents with T1D. Method: This pilot randomized controlled trial was performed on 59 participants with T1D aged 10–19 years distributed uniformly by gender and puberty across two groups with a 3-month intervention period. The intervention group received metformin (weight less than 60 kg received 500 mg twice daily and more than 60 kg received 1 gm twice daily) and non-metformin group received standard of care for diabetes. Anthropometric, clinical details, biochemistry and insulin sensitivity indices (ISI) were evaluated using standard protocols at baseline and endline. Result: 22.2% of subjects from non-metformin group and 12.5% from metformin group were at the risk of the development of DD. The odds ratio and relative risk for the development of DD in non-metformin subjects were 2.0 and 1.4, respectively, as compared to participants in metformin group. The mean improvement in ISI ranged from 1.4% to 4.6% in participants on metformin as opposed to deterioration of -2% to -14.1% in non-metformin group. On performing the paired sample t-test, the reduction in ISI in non-metformin group was significant. Conclusion: Metformin may prevent deterioration in insulin sensitivity in Indian adolescents with T1D.

Background: India has the highest number of prevalent type-1 diabetes (T1D) cases in the under-20-year age population. Data on the anthropometry of underprivileged Indian children with T1D are scarce. In economically disadvantaged countries like India, poor growth in patients with T1D is a major concern due to limited accessibility and affordability. Besides, due to the double burden of malnutrition, the prevalence of obesity is increasing mirroring the global trends, which may lead to the development of insulin resistance. Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of malnutrition in Indian children and youth with T1D and to identify the determinants of short stature. Methods: A registry-based cross-sectional analysis of data collected from various centres across India enrolled in the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) programme. Results: We observed that 6.4% were undernourished (3.4% severe undernutrition) and 17.7% (overweight 13.2%) had combined overweight/obesity. 21.2% of participants had short stature (adjusted for mid-parental height) with 7.4% cases of familial short stature. Longer duration of illness and insulin requirement were significant positive predictors of short stature while glycaemic control, insulin regimen and mid-parental height did not have a significant relationship with short stature. Participants on basal-bolus regimen had significantly higher insulin requirements and better glycaemic control than the ones on mixed-split regimen. Conclusion: We report that around one-fifth of children and youth with T1D were overweight/obese and around a fourth were stunted, especially those with longer duration of diabetes and higher insulin requirements. Close monitoring of anthropometric parameters is necessary for all children with T1D to optimize growth and nutrition.

Background and Objectives: Owing to paucity of data on adult height in Indian girls with Turner syndrome treated with growth hormone (GH), this study was conducted to assess improvement in height following GH therapy and adult height achieved with long-term GH therapy in Indian girls with Turner syndrome and to assess relationship between achieved and predicted height. Methodology: Retrospective analysis was performed on 12 girls with karyotype-proven Turner syndrome, who had attained adult height following mean duration of GH therapy of 4.8 years (range: 2.7-7.6). Adult height predictions were performed using index of responsiveness (IOR) and Ranke's prediction model. Results: Mean age at starting GH was 10.2 ± 1.9 years; Pubertal induction was between 11 and 15 years. Mean height gain was 29.3 ± 9.8 cm (range: 14–39.5) from onset of treatment to adult height. Significant improvement in height Z scores (IAP 2015 and Indian Turner reference data) following GH therapy (p = 0.002 and 0.012, respectively) was noted. Using Indian Turner reference data, the height Z score improved from pre-treatment 0.8 ± 0.8 to 2.0 ± 0.9 on stopping GH and adult height Z score of 1.3 ± 0.7. Using Ranke's equation for prediction of near adult height, predicted and achieved adult height showed a strong positive correlation (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.827, significant at 0.01 level). Conclusion: At a dose in the lower range (40-50 mcg/kg/day) of recommendation and duration of 5 years, Indian girls with Turner syndrome can achieve adult height within the healthy Indian reference range. Dose individualization based on IOR would help in optimizing GH dosage and would turn out to be economically sustainable without compromising on height outcomes.

Abstract Studies performed on Indian children to assess vitamin-D status have been on small sample sizes, limited to specific geographical locations and used non-standard methods to measure 25(OH)D3. This multicentre study assessed 25(OH)D3 concentrations from dried blood spots (DBS) in 5–18-year-old Indian children and adolescents using a standardized protocol and identified factors contributing towards vitamin D deficiency. Cross-sectional, observational school-based study was conducted by multi-stage stratified random sampling. A city and nearby village were selected from 6 Indian states covering wide geographical areas. Demography, anthropometry, body-composition, dietary-intakes and DBS samples were collected. 25(OH)D3 was assessed from DBS using Liquid chromatography with tandem-mass spectrometry. Vitamin-D status was assessed in 2500 children; with additional data collected on a subset (n = 669) to assess predictors. Mean vitamin-D concentration was 45.8 ± 23.9 nmol/L, 36.8% of subjects had sufficient vitamin-D (> 50 nmol/L); rural subjects and boys had higher concentrations (p

Background Growth centiles and growth curves are two ways to present child anthropometry; however, they differ in the type of data used, the method of analysis, the biological parameters fitted and the form of interpretation. Aim To fit and compare height growth centiles and curves in Indian children. Subjects and methods 1468 children (796 boys) from Pune India aged 6–18 years with longitudinal data on age and height (n = 7781) were analysed using GAMLSS (Generalised Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape) for growth centiles, and SITAR (SuperImposition by Rotation and Translation) for growth curves. Results SITAR explained 98.7% and 98.8% of the height variance in boys and girls, with mean age at peak height velocity 13.1 and 11.0 years, and mean peak velocity 9.0 and 8.0 cm/year, respectively. GAMLSS (Box-Cox Cole Green model) also captured the pubertal growth spurt but the centiles were shallower than the SITAR mean curve. Boys showed a mid-growth spurt at age 8 years. Conclusion GAMLSS displays the distribution of height in the population by age and sex, while SITAR effectively and parsimoniously summarises the pattern of height growth in individual children. The two approaches provide distinct, useful information about child growth.

Growth charts are graphical representations of centile or standard deviation curves prepared from population-based studies. Growth charts are derived from large numbers of children either cross-sectionally or longitudinally. The variation in anthropometric measures amongst individuals of different ethnicities requires specific charts also for Indian children and need to be updated to reflect secular trends. Growth charts in India have come a long way from the development of first ones in the mid-1940s by National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) to Paediatrician Friendly IAP growth charts with mid-parental height and BMI tool. Indian BMI charts recommend overweight and obesity cut-offs for children to the adult equivalents of 23 and 27kg/m2 to prevent the under-diagnosis of obesity. Indian growth charts have been published for upper:lower segment ratios, Turner syndrome, waist circumference, height velocity and sitting height.

Background: Reduced levels of estrogen have been associated with metabolic alterations and increased insulin resistance (IR) in postmenopausal women, thus predisposing them to cardiometabolic risks. The aim of this study was to assess alterations in parameters of cardiometabolic risk in apparently healthy pre- and post-menopausal women and to study the effect of IR on these metabolic parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected apparently healthy women (n = 262). These women were categorized as premenopausal (n = 184) and postmenopausal (n = 78). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting glucose, and insulin concentrations were estimated on all the participants using standard protocols. Homeostatic model assessment of IR was computed to estimate the level of IR. Results: Most lipid parameters, blood pressure, waist circumference, and fat percentage were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women. On subcategorizing women with respect to IR (3), metabolic parameters (e.g., triglyceride – 104.7 ±53.2 mg/dl, Blood Sugar Level Fasting (BSLF) – 103.3 ± 40.1 mg/dl, and fasting serum insulin – 23 ± 12.3 mIU/L) were also higher (P < 0.001) in premenopausal women having IR >3. Significantly higher low-density lipoprotein (132.7 ± 38.7 mg/dl vs. 114.4 ± 25 mg/dl) and total cholesterol (211.3 ± 40.5 vs. 184.8 ± 29.4 mg/dl) were observed in postmenopausal women with IR >3 (P < 0.05) along with higher BSLF (126.6±54.3 mg/dl**) and fasting insulin levels (22.3 ± 12.1 mIU/L) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals that IR may predispose women to increased cardiometabolic risk. Urgent attention needs to be focused toward metabolic health of women.

Objectives: To present the clinical profile, diagnostic work-up, and management of children with Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD).Materials and Methods: A retrospective study from a tertiary pediatric endocrine unit of western India. We included 39 patients who presented over a period of 9 years from June 2009 to June 2018. Results: Nineteen patients (48.7%) were diagnosed with 46 XY DSD, 16 (41%) with 46 XX DSD, and 4 (10.3%) with sex chromosomal DSD. Out of 46 XY DSD, androgen insensitivity was observed in 8 (42.1%) patients, 5 alpha-reductase deficiency in 5 (26.3%), gonadal dysgenesis in 3 (15.8%), ovotesticular DSD in 2 (10.5%) and 17 beta-hydroxylase (17γ-HSD3) deficiency in 1 (5.3%). Congenital adrenal hyperplasia was the most common cause in 46 XX DSD observed in 11 (68.75%) out of 16 patients, ovotesticular DSD was seen in 4 (25%) patients and testicular DSD in 1 (6.25%) patient. In sex chromosomal DSD 3 (75%) patients had mixed gonadal dysgenesis and 1 (25%) had ovotesticular DSD out of a total of 4 patients. At presentation gender of rearing was assigned as male in 16 (41%) patients, female in 20 (51.3%) patients, and no gender was assigned in 3 (7.7%). The gender of rearing was changed after diagnosis in 6 (16.7%) children. Conclusion: CAH was the most common etiology of 46 XX DSD whereas androgen insensitivity among 46 XY DSD. Assigning the sex of rearing should not be hurried and should be done only after diagnosis and parental counseling. A multidisciplinary and systematic approach is required for children with DSD.

Introduction: There is a growing body of evidence against using World Health Organization (WHO) charts for developing nations. Our objectives were: 1) To compare nutritional status of -0.5 (clinically significant), whereas on WHO charts all wealth classes had WHZ

Background: There are several methods of bone age (BA) assessment, which include Gruelich-Pyle (GP), Gilsanz-Ratib (GR), and Tanner Whitehouse-3 (TW-3) methods. Although GP atlas is the most widely used, there are concerns about its accuracy in children of different ethnicities, making the use of the TW-3 method an attractive option in Indian children. Objectives: 1) To assess the relationship of BA with chronological age (CA) as assessed by different methods (GP, GR, and TW-3) in healthy Indian children 2) To assess which of the three methods of BA assessment is more suitable in Indian children. Methodology: X-rays of 851 children (438 boys and 413 girls, aged 2–16.5 years) were analyzed by four independent observers using three different methods of BA estimation (GP, GR, and TW-3). Mean BAs were converted to Z-scores. For purpose of deciding which method of BA was most suitable in our cohort, a test of proportions and root mean square (RMS) deviations were computed. Results: Using the test of proportions, the TW-3 method was most suitable overall (P < 0.05). TW-3 method was again most applicable in prepubertal boys (P < 0.05), in prepubertal girls (although not significant, P > 0.1), and pubertal girls (P < 0.05). However, in pubertal boys, the GR atlas method was most suitable (P < 0.05). The same results were obtained when root mean square (RMS) deviations were computed. Interestingly, BA was underestimated in Indian boys irrespective of the method used. In Indian girls, however, the BA was underestimated till the pubertal growth spurt, after which there was rapid advancement of BA. Conclusions: Among the three methods (GP, GR, and TW-3), the BAs estimated by the TW-3 method were closest to CAs. Hence, it seems reasonable to recommend the use of the TW-3 method for BA estimation in the Indian population till an Indian standard bone age atlas is developed.

Background: Sitting height (SH) and leg length (LL) help in assessing disproportionate growth. Anthropometric dissimilarity has been observed in different ethnicities. Aim: To (1) study sitting height and body proportions in children from different regions of India; and (2) compare sitting height and body proportions with data from other countries. Subjects and methods: This was a cross-sectional multicentric observational study, where 7961 (4328 boys) 3–18 year old children from five regions (north, south, east, west and central) were measured (height, weight and SH). Results: Boys from north India and girls from central India were taller and heavier (mean height 153.2 ± 18, 146.4 ± 11), while western boys and girls were the shortest (131.1 ± 20.7, 129.8 ± 19.5) (p

Background: Sitting height (StH) percentiles are not described for the Indian paediatric population. Aim: To generate multicentre StH percentile values for Indian children. Subjects and methods: A total of 7961 apparently healthy children (3–17 years old, Boys: 4328) randomly selected from 10 schools from six states of India were measured for height (ht), StH and weight during July 2016–October 2017. Results: The StH:Ht ratio was 0.52 (0.02) and was similar between boys and girls (p > 0.1). The ratio decreased in boys until the age of 14 years and then slightly increased; the lowest ratio was observed during 13–15 years. In girls, however, the StH:Ht ratio decreased until the age of 9 years and then plateaued until 15 years of age with a slight increase at 16 years; the lowest ratio was observed at the age of 12–13 years. Sitting height percentiles (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th) were computed using LMS chartmaker. Conclusions: The results indicate that, during the pubertal years, the lower limb growth is more predominant than trunk growth. Further, this study provides smoothened percentile curves for sitting height in Indian children for the first time.

Objective and Aims: Overweight/obese children are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Random glucose elevations provide early warning signs of glycemic dysregulation. To assess random blood glucose (RBG) concentrations and risk factors associated with prediabetes in children aged 3-18 years from six Indian regions. Method: Multicenter, cross sectional, observational school-based study; multi-stage stratified random sampling was carried out. Height and weight measured; body mass index (BMI) was computed. RBG measured using a glucometer. National sample survey was used for dietary patterns. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 for Windows. Setting: Study centers were from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Punjab from 40 selected schools. Participant: Children aged 3-18 years were measured. Results: Data on 14339 subjects (7413 boys) were analyzed. Prevalence of obesity was 5.8% and overweight-10.6%. Overall, 1% had low (7.2 mmol/L). With increasing mean BMI, there was increase in RBG concentrations. Children from Tamil Nadu were more likely to have RBG outside reference range compared to other regions (P < 0.05). Assam and Punjab had highest prevalence of RBG and BMI within reference range. Energy intake partly explained regional variations. Multivariate analysis showed male gender, urban residency, age >10 yrs (girls) and 13 yrs (boys), and overweight or obesity were predictive of prediabetes. Conclusion: Increased prevalence of overweight, obesity and prediabetes in Indian children are a matter of concern. Regional differences suggest that strategies to prevent obesity and combat perturbations in blood sugar may have to be customized.

Background: Genital stage and testicular volume examination and assessment are essential for assessment of growth puberty in boys. There is paucity of Indian data for penile and testicular parameters particularly in pubertal years. Aim: The aim of this study is to present normative data for penile length, testicular volume, and testicular length from birth to 18 years in boys from western Maharashtra and to correlate these parameters with sexual maturity staging (SMR) (Tanner staging). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken in apparently healthy boys from 0 to 18 years of age from western Maharashtra from October 2016 to October 2017. Age, anthropometric parameters, stretched penile length (SPL), testicular volume, and testicular length were measured. Pubertal stage was categorized using Tanner staging. Data were entered in Microsoft excel 2013 and using SPSS version 16. LMS method was used to construct age-specific Z-scores for SPL, testicular volume, and testicular length. Results: A total of 843 boys were enrolled in the study. Mean SPL was 4.1 ± 0.4, 5.4 ± 0.8, and 10.2 ± 1.7 cm at 1, 10, and 18 years of age, respectively, and showed a gradual rise from birth to 18 years. Mean testicular volume was 1.8 ± 0.5, 3.3 ± 1.2, and 24.1 ± 3.5 ml, whereas testicular length was 1.3 ± 0.4, 2.1 ± 0.5, and 4.4 ± 0.7 cm respectively, at 1, 10, and 18 years, respectively. The magnitude of increase for SPL and testicular volume was greater around 9–10 years. The increase in SPL and testicular size was hand in hand with SMR for genital development as well as for axillary and pubic hair stages. Conclusion: Normative data on SPL, testicular volume, and testicular length from western Maharashtra are presented. These data may be useful in disorders of puberty and genitalia in boys.

Background and Aims: For updating growth references, large datasets are usually required; collection of these data are expensive and cumbersome. Using a combination of regression equations, Preece Baines model and global LMS values, synthetic growth references for the target population can be generated. The objective of this study is to compare growth references created from continuous anthropometric data using LMS method versus those created synthetically from anthropometric means at key ages. Methods: De-identified data on 46421 children (26037 boys) from 0-18 years of age from several multicentric studies conducted by the authors' group (2007 to 2017) were included in this study; growth references were constructed using the LMS method. For the production of synthetic references, arithmetic means of heights and weights at key ages were used and global LMS values were used from literature. Results: There was no difference in the medians for height, weight and BMI between the references created by the two methods. The extreme percentile values for height were similar (P < 0.05). However, the spread of values for weight and BMI was narrower in the synthetic references. Conclusion: Growth references produced from continuous data differ from those produced synthetically using anthropometric means mainly at the extreme centiles for weight and body mass index; synthetic references take into consideration global trends over several decades.

Introduction: Due to the high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in spite of abundant sunshine and scarcity of studies investigating Vitamin D status in Indian children from rural and semirural areas, the objectives of this cross-sectional study were to: (1) assess the Vitamin D status of school-children in a semi-rural setting and (2) identify the determinants of Vitamin D status in these children. Materials and Methods: Data collected included anthropometric measurements (height and weight), body composition, three-one-day dietary recall method, demographic data, and sunlight exposure. Serum 25-hydroxyVitamin D (25(OH)D) was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Anthropometric characteristics of the children were similar and mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 58.5 ± 10.3 nmol/L with no significant differences between genders. Around 80% children reported sunlight exposure of 2 h or more. A majority (71%) of children were Vitamin D insufficient with serum 25(OH)D concentrations between 50 and 74.9 nmol/L. Determinants of Vitamin D identified were duration of sunlight exposure and body fat percent. Significant (P < 0.05) positive association of duration of sunlight exposure was observed with serum 25(OH)D concentrations, while BF% showed a negative association with serum 25(OH)D (β = –0.307; standard error = 0.1388; P < 0.05). Discussion: We have reported a high prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency in school-children aged 6–12 years, from a semirural setting, in spite of a majority (80%) reporting >2 h of sunlight exposure. We have also demonstrated that duration of sunlight exposure and body fat percentage are the two important determinants of serum 25(OH)D concentrations in these children.

Context: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent worldwide, and observational studies have associated it with an atherogenic lipid profile. Aim: To determine the interrelationship between Vitamin D and lipid profile in apparently healthy premenopausal Indian women, considering confounding factors such as lifestyle that independently influence lipids. Setting and Design: Cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and twenty healthy premenopausal women (20–45 year) were recruited from Gujarat, India. Data were collected on anthropometry, physical activity, sunlight exposure, and diet. Fasting blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D), parathyroid hormone, and lipid profile. Statistical Analysis: Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to derive correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and serum lipids. Results: Ninety-three percent women showed Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25[OH]D < 20 ng/ml). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations showed significant inverse correlation with total cholesterol (TC) (r = −0.202, P = 0.027), triglycerides (TG) (r = −0.284, P = 0.002), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (r = −0.184, P = 0.044) and positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (r = 0.250, P = 0.006). On dichotomizing the population according to median 25(OH)D concentration (11.1 ng/dl), no significant differences were observed between the groups for anthropometry, sunlight exposure, and lifestyle. Serum lipid profiles were significantly different, above median serum 25(OH)D concentration group showed favorable serum lipids (TC: 179.3 ± 30 vs. 191.8 ± 31.7 mg/dl; TG: 140 ± 39.1 vs. 165.5 ± 53.4 mg/dl; LDL-C: 100 ± 30.2 vs. 112 ± 32 mg/dl; HDL-C: 53 ± 14 vs. 47.6 ± 9.3 mg/dl)(P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that association of 25(OH)D concentrations with lipid profile even after considering lifestyle factors which independently influence lipids. Intervention trials would be required to prove this association to be causation.

Pointers of endocrine disease play important role in the management a sick child and high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose an endocrine problem in critical care setting. Clinical features and laboratory parameters guide us to reach the diagnosis of specific hormonal problem and help in further management of a critically ill child with improved outcome. Role of steroid in shock is also important. Supplementation of GH and IGF1 in critical illness is not promising and needs further evidence to support its use in critical care setting in children.

Context: Common intronic variants of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene have been associated with obesity-related traits in humans. Aims: (1) The aim of this study is to study the distribution of FTO gene variants across different body mass index (BMI) categories and (2) to explore the association between FTO gene variants and lifestyle factors in obese and normal weight Indian children. Subjects and Methods: Fifty-six children (26 boys, mean age 10.3 ± 2.2 years) were studied. Height, weight, and waist and hip circumference were measured. Physical activity (questionnaire) and food intake (food frequency questionnaire) were assessed. Body fat percentage (%BF) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. FTO allelic variants at rs9939609 site were detected by SYBR Green Amplification Refractory Mutation System real-time polymerase chain reaction using allele-specific primers. Generalized linear model was used to investigate the simultaneous influence of genetic and lifestyle factors on %BF. Results: Mean height, weight, and BMI of normal and obese children were 130.6 ± 7.1 versus 143.2 ± 15.6, 24.0 ± 5.2 versus 53.1 ± 15.8, and 13.9 ± 2.1 versus 25.3 ± 3.2, respectively. The frequency of AA allele was 57% among obese children and 35% in normal weight children. Children with the AA allele who were obese had least physical activity, whereas children with AT allele and obesity had the highest intake of calories when compared to children who had AT allele and were normal. %BF was positively associated with AA alleles and junk food intake and negatively with healthy food intake and moderate physical activity. Conclusions: Healthy lifestyle with high physical activity and diet low in calories and fat may help in modifying the risk imposed by FTO variants in children.

Introduction: Maternal body composition (BC) changes during lactation. Increased prepregnancy obesity is associated with poor obstetric outcomes. The aim was to study changes in maternal BC postpartum (PP) to 1-year PP with reference to their prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) status. Methods: The study design was a 1-year follow-up study. Sixty-five apparently healthy primiparous women (28.6 ± 3.4 years delivered full-term infants) were randomly selected from December 2010 to June 2013 and postclassified on the basis of their prepregnancy BMI status. Anthropometry, sociodemographic status, physical activity, diet, clinical examination, biochemical tests, and BC at total body (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, GE, Lunar DPX) were collected using standardized protocols. Results: Forty-one women were classified in Group A with normal prepregnancy BMI (20.4 ± 2.0 kg/m2) and 24 women in Group B with overweight/obese (OW/OB) prepregnancy BMI (26.1 ± 1.9 kg/m2). At 1 year, 75% of women returned to normal BMI in Group A, whereas all 100% of women from Group B remained in OW category at 1-year PP. Nearly 43% of Group B women showed the presence of at least two metabolic syndrome risk factors as compared to 36% in Group A at 1 year. Conclusion: Women with OW/OB prepregnancy BMI accumulated higher visceral fat with a higher prevalence of metabolic risk factors at 1-year PP. Our study underlines the importance of maintaining BMI status in reference range in reproductive years.

Context: Fluorosis is controlled by the duration of fluoride exposure and calcium and Vitamin D nutrition status. Aim: To examine (a) prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis in adolescents from upper, middle, and lower socioeconomic strata (SES) and (b) association of fluorosis with calcium intake and Vitamin D status. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study conducted in 10–13.9 years apparently healthy adolescents (n = 90), from different SES of Patan (Gujarat, India). Materials and Methods: Dental fluorosis was graded as mild, moderate, and severe. Radiographs of the right hand and wrist were examined and graded. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD) and parathyroid hormone concentrations were measured. Diet was recorded (24 h recall) and calcium intake was computed (C-diet V-2.1, 2013, Xenios Technologies Pvt. Ltd). Statistical Analysis: Generalized linear model was used to analyze relationships between fluorosis, SES, serum 25OHD concentration, and calcium intake. Results: Fluorosis was predominant in lower SES (17% had both dental and radiological features whereas 73% had dental fluorosis); no skeletal deformities were observed. Mean 25OHD concentrations and dietary calcium were 26.3 ± 4.9, 23.4 ± 4.7, and 18.6 ± 4 ng/ml and 441.2 ± 227.6, 484.3 ± 160.9, and 749.2 ± 245.4 mg/day, respectively, for lower, middle, and upper SES (P < 0.05). Fluorosis and SES showed a significant association (exponential β = 2.5, P = 0.01) as compared to upper SES, middle SES adolescents were at 1.3 times while lower SES adolescents were at 2.5 times higher risk. Serum 25OHD concentrations (P = 0.937) and dietary calcium intake (P = 0.825) did not show a significant association with fluorosis. Conclusion: Fluorosis was more common in lower SES adolescents, probably due to the lack of access to bottled water. Relatively adequate calcium intake and serum 25OHD concentrations may have increased the efficiency of dietary calcium absorption, thus preventing severe fluorosis.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Introduction: Dietary and life style practices differ in postpartum (PP) and nonpregnant Indian women. Effect of these practices on postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and development of cardio-metabolic risk (CMR) has been scarcely studied in urban women. Aims of this study were to (i) compare anthropometry, biochemical parameters and body composition up to 3 years PP (ii) effect of PPWR, dietary fat intake and physical activity on CMR factors. Methods: Design: Cross-sectional, 300-fullterm, apparently healthy primi-parous women (28.6 ± 3.4 years) randomly selected. 128 women within 7-day of delivery (Group-A), 88 with 1-2 years (Group-B) and 84 with 3-4-year-old-children (Group-C) were studied. Anthropometry, sociodemographic status, physical activity, diet, clinical examination, biochemical tests, body composition, at total body (TB), by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE-Lunar DPX) were collected. Results: Women at 3-year PP showed higher weight retention (6.5[10] kg) than at 1-year (3.0[7] kg) (median [IQR]). Android fat % (central obesity) increased (P < 0.05) at 1-year PP (47 ± 10.0%) when compared to 1-week PP (44.3 ± 6.7%) and remained elevated at 3-year PP (45.6 ± 10.2%). Regression analysis revealed that at 1-year PP, increase in PPWR (Odd Ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.2, 2.5], P < 0.001) and inactivity (OR 1.4, 95% CI= (0.97, 2.0), P < 0.1) were predictors for CMR. At 3-year PP, only PPWR was responsible for increase in CMR parameters (OR 1.6, 95% CI = (1.3, 2.3), P < 0.001) and not inactivity (P > 0.1). Conclusion: Postdelivery, low physical activity and higher PPWR may increase CMR in Indian women.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has a wide presence in children and has a high mortality rates. The disease, if left unmanaged, poses various challenges to the patient and healthcare providers, including development of diabetic complications and thus decreasing the life expectancy of the affected child. The challenges of T1DM include awareness of the disease that is very poor among the general public and also in parents of T1DM children along with the health care professionals. The challenge of lack of awareness of T1DM can be met by increasing public awareness programs, conducting workshops for diabetes educators regarding T1DM in children, newsletters, CMEs, online courses, and by structured teaching modules for diabetes educators. Diagnosis of T1DM was a challenge a few decades ago but the situation has improved today with diagnostic tests and facilities, made available even in villages. Investigation facilities and infrastructure, however, are very poor at the primary care level, especially in rural areas. Insulin availability, acceptability, and affordability are also major problems, compounded by the various types of insulin that are available in the market with a varied price range. But effective use of insulin remains a matter of utmost importance.

Context: Assessment of growth by objective anthropometric methods is crucial in child care. India is in a phase of nutrition transition and thus it is vital to update growth references regularly. Objective: To review growth standards and references for assessment of physical growth of Indian children for clinical use and research purposes. Materials and Methods: Basics of growth charts and importance of anthropometric measurements are described. A comparison between growth standards and references is provided. Further, Indian growth reference curves based on the data collected by Agarwal et al. and adopted by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Organization growth standards for children under the age of 5 years (2006) and contemporary Indian growth references published on apparently healthy affluent Indian children (data collected in 2007-08) are discussed. The article also discusses the use of adult equivalent body mass index (BMI) cut-offs for screening for overweight and obesity in Indian children. Results and Conclusions: For the assessment of height, weight and BMI, WHO growth standards (for children < 5 years) and contemporary cross sectional reference percentile curves (for children from 5-18 years) are available for clinical use and for research purposes. BMI percentiles (adjusted for the Asian adult BMI equivalent cut-offs) for the assessment of physical growth of present day Indian children are also available. LMS values and Microsoft excel macro for calculating SD scores can be obtained from the author (email: vamankhadilkar@gmail.com). Contemporary growth charts can be obtained by sending a message to 08861201183 or email: gntd@novonordisk.com.

We are pleased to view the article based on Dr. Rama Kawade's thesis illustrating the importance of micronutrient adequacy, especially zinc, and associated health implications in Indian adolescent girls. This brief commentary addresses three major aspects in which Kawade's work has made a significant contribution; nutrition and health issues of adolescents, rising importance of zinc in terms of deficiency problems being addressed, and development of dietary interventions to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies.

Growth follows a specific set of patterns inspite of variability in children. This led to the development of growth charts . As growth provides an interplay of many factors, growth chart helps monitor growth and diagnose disease. They are also used for epidemiological purpose. There are many growth charts available. Training of health care workers to use and interpret growth chart in the children is needed for national health.