Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2010; 118(4): 281-283
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241203
Short Communication

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Transient Salt Wasting in POMC-deficiency due to Infection Induced Stress

S. Darcan1 , S. Can2 , D. Goksen1 , G. Asar3
  • 1Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatrics, Izmir, Turkey
  • 2Tepecik Education Hospital, Pediatrics, Izmir, Turkey
  • 3Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology, Izmir, Turkey
Further Information

Publication History

received 08.06.2008 first decision 21.07.2009

accepted 18.09.2009

Publication Date:
08 December 2009 (online)

Abstract

Obesity is a multifactorial disorder influenced by genetic, behavioral, environmental and cultural factors. A twelve month old male patient was admitted to the hospital because of malaise, irritability, disquietness and obesity. His BMI was 19.8 kg/m2 and BMI SDS was 1.38. Mental development was normal, and motor skills were mildly delayed most probably due to his obesity. His physical examination was totally normal except obesity and red hair. A history of hypoglycemia on the fourth day of life, which resolved after oral glucose administration, was reported. The child had been hyperphagic from the first weeks of life and had aggressive behavior when food was denied. The body weight of the patient increased dramatically during the first year of life. Based on the clinical features and laboratory findings (the overgrowth syndrome, red hair, hypoglycemia and hypocortisolism) the patient was diagnosed as POMC deficiency and the diagnosis was confirmed by genetic studies. Hypoglycemia and apnea episodes ceased as he was put on hydrocortisone but he developed relative mineralocorticoid deficiency during a urinary tract infection. In POMC deficiency, relative mineralocorticoid deficiency should be in mind in episodes of severe stress and therapy should be initiated.

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Correspondence

Dr. D. Goksen

Ege University

Faculty of Medicine, Pediatrics Ege ­University

Faculty of Medicine

­Department of Pediatrics

35100 Izmir

Turkey

Phone: +90 2323 88 63 66

Fax: +90 2323 88 63 66

Email: damla.goksen@ege.edu.tr

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