The clinical approach to child and adolescent patients with lipodystrophy: a series of international case discussions
Abstract
Introduction: Lipodystrophy syndromes comprise a group of rare endocrine disorders characterized by the generalized or partial loss of adipose tissue. Affected individuals frequently display absolute or relative reductions in leptin, a key adipokine regulator of hunger-satiety signaling, and are predisposed to a range of metabolic and end-organ complications, often from a young age. The presentation and severity of lipodystrophy syndromes is largely dependent on the extent of adipose tissue loss while comorbidities often deteriorate with age. In this regard, optimizing care for children and adolescents with lipodystrophy syndromes is a pivotal step in supporting them into adulthood. To assist clinicians with limited experience of managing young patients with lipodystrophy syndromes, we describe our clinical approach to a series of pediatric patients with these rare diseases.
Methods: The clinical history, diagnosis, disease management and follow-up care of 10 international pediatric patients with lipodystrophy syndromes are presented. Teaching points from each case study are also provided. Most of these cases are based on patients from our clinics with certain details changed to protect privacy. Others represent hypothetical scenarios based on our clinical experience supported by review of the medical literature and are included here for educational purposes.
Results: Our patients illustrate the broad phenotypic spectrum of lipodystrophy syndromes that can manifest early in…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 10 participants or records.
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