Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

BACKGROUND:Daily recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is approved and marketed worldwide to treat children and adults with GH deficiency and other conditions. Efficacy of rhGH therapy is influenced by several variables. Drop of treatment adherence over time has been recognized as a cause of reduced rhGH efficacy and has driven considerable efforts from pharmaceutical companies and scientists to develop long-acting rhGH (LAGH) formulations in order to relieve patients and their families from the burden of daily injections.SUMMARY:Different technologies to manipulate drug release have been produced allowing weekly, biweekly, or monthly rhGH administration. The LAGH formulations developed at present have demonstrated a comparable or even higher efficacy as compared with daily rhGH in most of the cases and no major safety issues in phase 3 studies. A greater incidence of injection-site reactions has been reported but mainly of mild and transient nature.KEY MESSAGES:Despite LAGH analogs appearing promising, potential drawbacks still need to be addressed. Long-term consequences of nonphysiological GH profile and its consequences on metabolism and risk of cancer, optimal therapeutic monitoring, immunogenicity of LAGH molecules, and potential novel side effects related to the technologies used to develop these molecules are among the major concerns that require answers from long-term surveillance. Finally, increased acceptance of LAGH formulations from patients and their caregivers is yet to be demonstrated and cost-effectiveness evaluated consequently.

Obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent in paediatric populations worldwide. In addition to increasing prevalence, the severity of obesity is also continuing to rise. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a worrying trend and highlight one of the most significant challenges to public health. Childhood obesity affects multiple organs in the body and is associated with both significant morbidity and ultimately premature mortality. The prevalence of complications associated with obesity, including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, fatty liver disease and psychosocial complications are becoming increasingly prevalent within the paediatric populations. Treatment guidelines currently focus on intervention with lifestyle and behavioural modifications, with pharmacotherapy and surgery reserved for patients who are refractory to such treatment. Research into adult obesity has established pharmacological novel therapies, which have been approved and established in clinical practice; however, the research and implementation of such therapies in paediatric populations have been lagging behind. Despite the relative lack of widespread research in comparison to the adult population, newer therapies are being trialled, which should allow a greater availability of treatment options for childhood obesity in the future. This review summarizes the current evidence for the management of obesity in terms of medical and surgical options. Both future therapeutic agents and those which cause weight loss but have an alternative indication are also included and discussed as part of the review. The review summarizes the most recent research for each intervention and demonstrates the potential efficacy and limitations of each treatment option.

Abstract Objectives Childhood obesity is a public health concern worldwide, with rates continuing to rise, despite preventive measures. Lifestyle modification remains the mainstay in the treatment of patients with excessive weight, but unfortunately, this is not always successful. Options for medical management of obesity in the paediatric population are limited. Methods Seven adolescents (all girls, mean age 14.9 years) with a body mass index (BMI) above 98th percentile and serious complications secondary to obesity were offered an intense weight management programme. The participants were reviewed by a multidisciplinary team every two weeks for advice and support, and treated with daily subcutaneous injections of liraglutide (dose range 1.2–3.0 mg). Scores for anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results The results showed a significant weight loss over the three months with an average reduction of 5.4 kg (4.2%; 95% CI 1.93–8.78; p=0.0087). The mean drop in BMI was 2.1 kg/m2, which is statistically significant (95% CI 0.973–3.199; p=0.0037). Resolution of complications (raised intracranial pressure and steatohepatitis) was noted following weight loss. Anxiety and depressive symptoms improved over the three-month intervention course, especially features of separation anxiety disorder. Liraglutide was well tolerated by all patients. Conclusions Liraglutide medication, alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team guided lifestyle therapy, is effective and safe in the treatment for excessive weight in adolescents, leading to the reversal of the complications related to obesity and improvement in the psychological symptoms.

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)