BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a mitogenic hormone involved in many processes such as growth, metabolism, angiogenesis and differentiation. After very preterm birth, energy demands increase while maternal supplies of nutrients and other factors are lost and the infant may become dependent on parenteral nutrition for weeks. Low postnatal IGF-1 concentrations in preterm infants are associated with poor weight gain, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other morbidities. We will describe the process by which we aim to develop supplementation with recombinant human (rh) IGF-1 and its binding protein rhIGFBP-3 as a possible therapy to promote growth and maturation and reduce morbidities in extremely preterm infants.METHODS: In order to calculate a dose of IGF-1 tolerated by neonates, a pharmacokinetic study of transfusion with fresh frozen plasma was performed, which provided a relatively low dose of IGF-1, (on average 1.4 µg/kg), that increased serum IGF-1 to levels close to those observed in fetuses and preterm infants of similar GAs. Thereafter, a Phase I 3 hours IV infusion of rhIGF-1/rhIGFBP-3 was conducted in 5 infants, followed by a Phase II study with four sections (A-D). In the Phase II, sections A-D studies, time on infusion increased and younger gestational ages were included.RESULTS: IV infusion increased IGF-1 but with short half-life (0.5h) implying a need for continuous infusion. In order to obtain in utero levels of IGF-I, the dose was increased from 100 to 250 µg/kg/24 h and the infusion was prolonged from 3 weeks postnatal age until a postmenstrual age of 29 weeks and 6 days.CONCLUSION: The purpose has been to ensure high-quality research into the development of a new drug for preterm infants. We hope that our work will help to establish a new standard for the testing of medications for preterm infants. (Less)

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IGF-1 as a Drug for Preterm Infants: A Step-Wise Clinical Development.

Objectives
Aging HIV-infected antiretroviral-treatment (ART)-controlled patients often present cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities. Thus, it is mandatory that life-long used ART has no cardiometabolic toxicity. Protease inhibitors have been associated with cardiometabolic risk, integrase-strand-transfer-inhibitors (INSTI) with weight gain and the CCR5 inhibitor maraviroc with improved vascular function. We have previously reported that the INSTI dolutegravir and maraviroc improved, and ritonavir-boosted atazanavir(atazanavir/r) worsened, inflammation and senescence in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC)s from adult controls. Here, we analyzed the pathways involved in the drugs’ effects on inflammation, senescence and also insulin resistance.

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HIV antiretroviral drugs, dolutegravir, maraviroc and ritonavir-boosted atazanavir use different pathways to affect inflammation, senescence and insulin sensitivity in human coronary endothelial cells.

Background Donohue syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of insulin resistance, causing a functional defect in insulin receptor function, and affecting the ability of the insulin to bind the receptor. Features include severe hyperinsulinism and fasting hypoglycemia, along with severe failure to thrive despite feeding. An accelerated fasting state results in muscle wasting, decreased subcutaneous fat, and an excess of thick skin. A reduced thoracic diameter is accentuated by increased abdominal distension, which impacts on respiratory reserve. Cardiac disease develops early in life, with progressive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as a result of hyperinsulinism. Prognosis is poor with the majority of patients dying in infancy of sepsis. The aim of this review is to report our experience of providing anesthesia for patients with Donohue syndrome, and inform guidance for safe management of these children, based on a comprehensive literature review. Methods A literature search was carried out using PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library, and using the MESH search terms detailed below. Patients were identified by formal request to the department of pediatric endocrinology at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Each patient's notes were searched manually and electronically for both clinical presentation and outcome, and anesthesia records. Discussion There is currently no published literature relating to anesthetic management of Donohue syndrome. We report a case series of 5 patients with Donohue syndrome who have presented to our institution. This small series of children with this complex disorder demonstrates a clearly increased risk of general anesthesia. Many of the risks relate to restrictive lung disease and abdominal distension which worsens with bag valve mask ventilation and limited respiratory reserve which leads to precipitous desaturation. During induction, a spontaneously breathing technique is recommended. If required, bag valve mask ventilation should be accompanied by constant gastric aspiration. Intubation is challenging, and a difficult airway plan, including a second experienced anesthetist and ENT support, should be in place. These children are predisposed to developing cardiomyopathy and therefore at risk of cardiovascular collapse under anesthesia.

Donohue syndrome: A review of literature, case series, and anesthetic considerations.

Mutations in the insulin receptor (INSR) gene underlie rare severe INSR-related insulin resistance syndromes (SIR), including insulin resistance type A, Rabson–Mendenhall syndrome and Donohue syndrome (DS), with DS representing the most severe form of insulin resistance. Treatment of these cases is challenging, with the majority of DS patients dying within the first two years of life. rhIGF-I (mecasermin) has been reported to improve metabolic control and increase lifespan in DS patients. A case report and literature review were completed. We present a case involving a male patient with DS, harbouring a homozygous mutation in the INSR gene (c.591delC). Initial rhIGF-I application via BID (twice daily) injection was unsatisfactory, but continuous subcutaneous rhIGF-I infusion via an insulin pump improved weight development and diabetes control (HbA1c decreased from 10 to 7.6%). However, our patient died at 22 months of age during the course of a respiratory infection in in Libya. Currently available data in the literature comprising more than 30 treated patients worldwide seem to support a trial of rhIGF-I in SIR. rhIGF-I represents a treatment option for challenging SIR cases, but careful consideration of the therapeutic benefits and the burden of the disease is warranted. Continuous application via pump might be advantageous compared to single injections.

Mecasermin in Insulin Receptor-Related Severe Insulin Resistance Syndromes: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Clinical characteristics INSR-related severe syndromic insulin resistance comprises a phenotypic spectrum that is a continuum from the severe phenotype Donohue syndrome (DS) (also known as leprechaunism) to the milder phenotype Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome (RMS). DS at the severe end of the spectrum is characterized by severe insulin resistance (hyperinsulinemia with associated fasting hypoglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia), severe prenatal growth restriction and postnatal growth failure, hypotonia and developmental delay, characteristic facies, and organomegaly involving heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, and ovaries. Death usually occurs before age one year. RMS at the milder end of the spectrum is characterized by severe insulin resistance that, although not as severe as that of DS, is nonetheless accompanied by fluctuations in blood glucose levels, diabetic ketoacidosis, and – in the second decade – microvascular complications. Findings can range from severe growth delay and intellectual disability to normal growth and development. Facial features can be milder than those of DS. Complications of longstanding hyperglycemia are the most common cause of death. While death usually occurs in the second decade, some affected individuals live longer. Diagnosis/testing The diagnosis of INSR-related severe syndromic insulin resistance is established in a proband with characteristic clinical findings and identification of biallelic INSR pathogenic variants on molecular genetic testing. Management Treatment of manifestations: DS: No effective treatments for insulin resistance or other manifestations of DS are currently available. Frequent feedings as well as increased protein content of evening feedings can help prevent fasting hypoglycemia. RMS: Insulin sensitizers are used first to decrease levels of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c); however, their effect diminishes with time, often requiring dose adjustments and multidrug therapy. When hyperglycemia persists, insulin is started – usually in high doses, especially during the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Anti-androgen therapies can be used to treat hyperandrogenism. Oophorectomy may be needed. Surveillance: Routine monitoring of psychomotor development; glucose levels, HbA1c levels, thyroid function for evidence of hypothyroidism; cardiac status; ovarian size by ultrasound examination; urine for hypercalciuria and kidneys for nephrocalcinosis by ultrasound examination. Agents/circumstances to avoid in DS: Agents that cause hypoglycemia; prolonged fasting; contact with persons with contagious disease. Pregnancy management: Heterozygotes for an INSR pathogenic variant are at increased risk for gestational diabetes and require monitoring for glucose intolerance before and during pregnancy. Of note, gestational diabetes, which can be hard to control, requires high doses of insulin. A high-resolution fetal ultrasound examination with fetal echocardiogram to screen for malformations is recommended; referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for diabetic management during pregnancy may be considered. Therapies under investigation: Recombinant human IGF-1(rhIGF-1) shows promise in the treatment of severe insulin resistance; however, its benefit is not well established and it is more likely to be effective in individuals with less severe insulin resistance as the few individuals with prolonged survival with rhIGF-1 treatment had milder phenotypes. Although treatment of RMS with meterleptin (leptin replacement therapy) was beneficial to metabolic control, data to date are insufficient to support its use in patient care. Genetic counseling INSR-related severe syndromic insulin resistance is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. At conception, each sib of an affected individual has a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being an asymptomatic carrier, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier. Once the INSR pathogenic variants have been identified in an affected family member, carrier testing for at-risk relatives and prenatal and preimplantation genetic testing are possible.

INSR-Related Severe Syndromic Insulin Resistance

Ten-year improvement of insulin resistance and growth with recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 in a patient with insulin receptor mutations resulting in leprechaunism

Corrigendum to “Ten-year improvement of insulin resistance and growth with recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 in a patient with insulin receptor mutations resulting in leprechaunism” [Diabetes Metab. 41 (2015) 331–337]

B. Fremont

Papers

Ten-year improvement of insulin resistance and growth with recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 in a patient with insulin receptor mutations resulting in leprechaunism

Corrigendum to “Ten-year improvement of insulin resistance and growth with recombinant human insulin-like growth factor 1 in a patient with insulin receptor mutations resulting in leprechaunism” [Diabetes Metab. 41 (2015) 331–337]