Maternal mosaicism underlies the inheritance of a rare germline AKT3 variant which is responsible for megalencephaly-polymicrogyria-polydactyly-hydrocephalus syndrome in two Roma half-siblings.

Megalencephaly-polymicrogyria-polydactyly-hydrocephalus (MPPH) syndrome is a developmental brain disorder characterized by an enlarged brain size with bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria and a variable degree of ventriculomegaly. MPPH syndrome is associated with oromotor dysfunction, epilepsy, intellectual disability and postaxial hexadactyly. The molecular diagnosis of this disorder is established by the identification of a pathogenic variant in either AKT3, CCND2 or PIK3R2. Previously reported AKT3 variants are associated with various brain abnormalities and may lead to megalencephaly. MPPH syndrome is usually due to germline pathogenic AKT3 variants. Somatic mosaic pathogenic variants associated with hemimegalencephaly, which is similar to MPPH, have also been observed. A Hungarian Roma family with two half-siblings, which present with intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, epilepsy, brain malformations, and megalencephaly was studied. Whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis was performed. WES analysis revealed a heterozygous c.1393C > T p.(Arg465Trp) pathogenic missense AKT3 variant in both affected half-siblings. The variant was verified via Sanger sequencing and was not present in the DNA sample from the healthy mother, which was derived from peripheral blood, suggesting maternal germline mosaicism. In conclusion, this is the first report in which maternal germline mosaicism of a rare pathogenic AKT3 variant leads to autosomal dominantly inherited MPPH syndrome.

[FINANCING OF MEDICINES FOR TREATMENT OF RARE DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. ORPHAN DRUGS IN RARE NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES]. / RITKA IDEGRENDSZERI BETEGSÉGEK KEZELÉSÉRE SZOLGALÓ GYÓGYSZEREK TÁMOGATÁSA. ÁRVA GYÓGYSZEREK RITKA NEUROLÓGIAI KÓRKEPÉKBEN.

OBJECTIVES: Nervous system involvement is expected up to 60-70% in case of rare diseases. This article aims to present the financial methods and expenditures of rare neurological diseases' orphan medicinal products being financed in the frame of Hungarian social insurance system in 2012. METHODS: The subsidized orphan medicines were selected on the Orphanet portal 2012 while orphans financed by compessionate use were provided by the Hungarian National Insurance Fund Administration (OEP) database. Three products exist without orphan designation, however those are intended for the treatment of rare neurological ailments. The medicines were categorized by financial methods and determined by costs. RESULTS: Numerically, out of 36 pieces of subsidized orphan or orphan criteria fulfilled medicines 17 were authorized for the treatments of rare neurological diseases in the year of 2012. Most of the drugs (14 pieces) were to be financed in the frame of compassionate use by the reimbursement system. The cost amount of social insurance for 387 rare neurological disease patients reached more than 4.5 billion HUF (1.4% of the total pharmaceutical budget in outpatient care). CONCLUSIONS: In Hungary half of the subsidized orphans are intended for the treatments of rare neurological ailments. 30% of the total amount of social insurance for rare diseases' medicinal treatments were used to subsidizing rare neurological disease patients in 2012. Most of the orphan medicines were to be financed in the frame of compassionate use by the reimbursement system for outpatient care. Consequently, a great deal of crucial problems occurred in relation with the unconventional subsidizing method. At the end of 2012 new financial methods have been elaborated and introduced in a pilot phase from 1 January 2013. In spite of the high cost commitment, nearly the entire diagnosed rare disease subpopulation has been provided with subsidized treatments in Hungary. In order to facilitate the access to orphan drugs, collaboration is needed between the financing agencies and the professional representatives for identifying the optimal form of financial subsidy.

[DISEASE BURDEN OP DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY PATIENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS]. / DUCHENNE-FÉLE IZOMDISZTRÓFIÁVAL ÉLO BETEGEK ÉS GONDOZÓIK BETEGSÉGTERHEI.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Data on the disease burden of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy are scarce in Hungary. The aim of this study was to assess patients' and their caregivers' health related quality of life and healthcare utilisations. METHODS: A cross sectional survey was performed as part of the European BURQOL-RD project. The EQ-5D-5L and Barthel Index questionnaires were applied, health care utilisations and patients' informal carers were surveyed. RESULTS: One symptomatic female carer, 50 children (boys 94%) and six adult patients (five males) participated in the study, the latter two subgroups were included in the analysis. The average age was 9.7 (SD = 4.6) and 24.3 (SD = 9.8) years, respectively. Median age at time of diagnosis was three years. The average EQ-5D score among children and adults was 0.198 (SD = 0.417) and 0.244 (SD = 0.322), respectively, the Barthel Index was 57.6 (SD = 29.9) and 53.0 (SD = 36.5). Score of satisfaction with healthcare (10-point Likert-scale) was mean 5.3 (SD = 2.1) and 5.3 (SD = 2.9). 15 children were hospitalised in the past 12 months for mean 12.9 (SD = 24.5) days. Two patients received help from professional carer. 25 children (mean age 11.1, SD = 4.4 years) were helped/supervisied by principal informal carer (parent) for mean 90.1 (SD = 44.4) hours/week and further family members helped in 21 cases. Correlation between EQ-5D and Barthel Index was strong and significant (0.731; p < 0.01) as well as with informal care time (-0.770; p < 0.01), but correlation with satisfaction with health care was not significant (EQ-5D: 0.241; Barthel Index: 0.219; informal care: -0.142). CONCLUSION: Duchenne muscular dystrophy leads to a significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients. Parents play outstanding role in the care of affected children. This study is the first in the Central and Eastern European region that provides quality of life data in this rare disease for further health economic studies.

Partial trisomy of the pericentromeric region of chromosome 5 in a girl with binder phenotype.

The patient reported here displayed most characteristic features of Binder syndrome (OMIM: 155050), a rare maxillonasal malformation with unknown etiology. She was sent for genetic evaluation at the age of 10 years because of facial dysmorphism and borderline intellectual disability. Cytogenetic analyses showed a de novo supernumerary small ring chromosome with a pericentromeric region of chromosome 5 in all lymphocytes. Array painting revealed that the marker contains a 20,950-kb genomic region comprising cytogenetic band 5p14.1q11.1. Additionally, 7 reports have been published in the literature with partial trisomy of chromosome 5 overlapping with our case. These 8 cases were analyzed for phenotype/genotype correlation which suggested that the maxillonasal anomalies of Binder phenotype and trisomy of the pericentromeric region of chromosome 5 may be in causal relationship. Future functional annotation studies of genes localized in this genomic region should take this into consideration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a patient with association of a chromosome abnormality and clinical characteristics of Binder phenotype.

[Hungarian national plan and strategy for rare diseases]. / Ritka Betegségek Nemzeti Terve.

The rarity of low prevalence diseases and the lack of information, research, diagnosis, treatment and expert availability may mean that the people affected do not benefit from the health resources and services they need. Rare diseases are considered to have little impact on society as a whole, yet they pose serious difficulties for sufferers and their families. By the end of the last century, two robust achievements in science and technology, i.e. the biotechnological and informatics revolutions, have created a real base for global approach to rare diseases by coordinating the capacities for health care, biomedical research and drug development and pooling the very limited resources available both nationally and transnationally. The European Commission has taken a number of actions which help patients and professionals to share expertise and information across borders with the objective of reducing the number of people suffering from these types of diseases. These actions together form the legal basis of the European Union policy on rare diseases. Orphan or rare diseases are now one of the priorities in the public health programmes in European Union. In 2009, the document "European Union Council Recommendation on an action in the field of rare diseases" was released with the main goal to provide national health authorities with supporting tools for the development and implementation of national plans and strategies for rare diseases by the end of 2013. This recommendation adopted by European Union Member States, allows common policy guidelines to be shared everywhere in Europe. By September 2013 the Hungarian National Plan for Rare Diseases, a health policy strategy until 2020 was finalized. The present report gives a short view on the document.

[Shift of focus in the financing of Hungarian drugs. Reimbursement for orphan drugs for treating rare diseases: financing of enzyme replacement therapy in Hungary]. / Hangsúlyeltolódások a hazai gyógyszerek finanszírozásában. A ritka betegségek kezelésére szolgáló árva gyógyszerek támogatása. Enzimpótló kezelések finanszírozása hazánkban.

Focusing on the benefits of patients with rare disease the authors analysed the aspects of orphan medicines financed in the frame of the Hungarian social insurance system in 2012 in order to make the consumption more rational, transparent and predictable. Most of the orphan drugs were financed in the frame of compassionate use by the reimbursement system. Consequently, a great deal of crucial problems occurred in relation to the unconventional subsidized method, especially in the case of the highest cost enzyme replacement therapies. On the base of the findings, proposals of the authors are presented for access to orphan drugs, fitting to the specific professional, economical and ethical aspects of this unique field of the health care system. The primary goal is to provide a suitable subsidized method for the treatment of rare disease patients with unmet medical needs. The financial modification of orphans became indispensible in Hungary. Professionals from numerous fields dealing with rare disease patients' care expressed agreement on the issue. Transforming the orphan medicines' financial structure has been initiated according to internationally shared principles.

[Identifying rare genomic disorders with array comparative genomic hybridization in Hungary]. / Ritka genomikai betegségek azonosítása array komparatív genomhibridizációs módszerrel - elsoként Magyarországon.

INTRODUCTION: In the past decade the study of genomic disorders has received more interest. Array comparative genome hybridization is a widely spread diagnostic method in the research of genomic disorders. This method was implemented in the laboratory of the authors in 2012. AIM: This molecular cytogenetic method was first used to examine patients with complex developmental disorders in whom no genetic background was identified by traditional methods. METHOD: The authors complemented traditional diagnostic methods with array comparative genome hybridization, which has not been used in routine diagnostics in Hungary so far. RESULTS: Using this novel method the authors were able to identify genomic alterations in 7 out of 18 patients with complex developmental disorders. They found de novo alterations in 6 out of 7 patients, which were most likely causative in the development of the phenotype, while in one case they detected a familial genomic alteration. This method helped the authors to determine the breakpoint of genomic variation in their patients and delineate the affected genes contributing to the phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: These results call attention to the usefulness of next generation diagnostic methods available in the laboratory of the authors.

[Cystic fibrosis -- disease burden and health-related quality of life of patients and their caregivers: results of the European BURQOL-RD survey in Hungary]. / Cystás fibrosissal élo betegek és gondozóik életminosége és betegségterhei: a BURQOL-RD európai felmérés magyarországi eredményei.

INTRODUCTION: Data on disease burden of cystic fibrosis in Hungary are scarce. AIM: To assess quality of life and resource utilisations of patients with cystic fibrosis. METHOD: In a cross-sectional survey (BURQOL-RD project), the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was applied and healthcare utilisations were retrospectively surveyed. RESULTS: 110 patients participated in the study (age-groups, year: 0-13, N = 48; 14-17, N = 12; ≥18, N = 50), median age at the diagnosis was 1 year. EQ-5D-5L score in age-groups 18-24 and 25-34 was significantly lower than in the general population (p<0.05). 75 patients (68%) attended pulmonology care, 55 patients (50%) were hospitalised in the past 6 and 12 months, respectively, and 57 patients (52%) were taking dornase alpha. Five adult patients (10%) received help from non-professional caregiver. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic fibrosis leads to significant deterioration of quality of life. This study is the first from the Central Eastern European region that provides basic inputs for further health economic evaluations of cystic fibrosis care.

[Diagnostic delay of rare diseases in Europe and in Hungary]. / A ritka betegségek diagnosztikájának késedelme Európában és Magyarországon.

UNLABELLED: The long diagnostic delay is a characteristic problem of rare disease patients. AIMS: Diagnostic delay was studied in 14 countries by EurordisCare2 involving patient organizations. METHODS: 252 Hungarian patients (cystic fibrosis; Duchenne muscular dystrophy; tuberous sclerosis, retinitis pigmentosa, and Williams' syndrome) completed the questionnaires. RESULTS: The median delay was longer in Hungary than in Europe (cystic fibrosis: 227 vs. 45 days; Duchenne muscular dystrophy: 467 vs. 360 days; tuberous sclerosis: 155 vs. 120 days). Patients' experience was similar in Hungary and in Europe. The proportion of misdiagnosis was 30.8% in Hungary (Europe: 41%), 34.8% of patients got diagnosis outside of living place region (EU: 26%) and 19.9% of them found the personal expenses too high (EU: 10%). Delivery of the diagnosis was unnecessary according to 27.4% of Hungarian patients (EU: 35%). CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative survey demonstrated that the problems with the diagnosis of rare diseases are widespread, the identified areas require interventions, and it confirmed the importance of centralized care.

Analysis of Hungarian patients with Rett syndrome phenotype for MECP2, CDKL5 and FOXG1 gene mutations.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is characterized by a relatively specific clinical phenotype. We screened 152 individuals with RTT phenotype. A total of 22 different known MECP2 mutations were identified in 42 subjects (27.6%). Of the 22 mutations, we identified 7 (31.8%) frameshift-causing deletions, 4 (18.2%) nonsense, 10 (45.5%) missense mutations and one insertion (4.5%). The most frequent pathologic changes were: p.Thr158Met (14.2%) and p.Arg133Cys (11.9%) missense, and p.Arg255Stop (9.5%) and p.Arg294Stop (9.5%) nonsense mutations. We also detected the c.925C >T (p.Arg309Trp) mutation in an affected patient, whose role in RTT pathogenesis is still unknown. Patients without detectable MECP2 defects were screened for mutations of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene, responsible for the early-onset variant of RTT. We discovered two novel mutations: c.607G >T resulting in a termination codon at aa203, disrupting the catalytic domain, and c.1708G >T leading to a stop at aa570 of the C terminus. Both patients with CDKL5 mutation presented therapy-resistant epilepsy and a phenotype fitting with the diagnosis of early-onset variant of RTT. No FOXG1 mutation was detected in any of the remaining patients. A total of 110 (72.5%) patients remained without molecular genetic diagnosis that necessitates further search for novel gene mutations in this phenotype. Our results also suggest the need of screening for CDKL5 mutations in patients with Rett phenotype tested negative for MECP2 mutations.

[First decade of post-genomic era. Hopes, disappointments, new answers]. / Az elso posztgenom évtized az orvostudományban.

The first decade after the announcement of the draft sequence of human genome has brought spectacular advances in basic science, however, the fact that human health did not benefit that much caused disappointment, as well. In order to explore the causes of the absence of revolution in medicine, beside the extension of research strategy new conception about the role of genetics in health and disease should also be considered. In order to resolve the disappointments, the author recommends a new perspective to view the role of genetics in health and diseases. When the contribution of recent research results is evaluated not only in the original transgenerational aspect but also in developmental aspect of genetics, some questions about the genomic medicine might be clearer. This review discusses the advantage of this concept in (1) clinical interpretation of the findings of molecular technologies, (2) understanding the novel concept of gene-environment relationship, and (3) organizing the health service delivery through reasonable professional competences. The developmental aspect of genetics is suggested to consider in future research strategy, interpretation of the results, understanding the role of genes and environment in health and disease, and construction of health service delivery system in genomic medicine.

Phenotypic variants of the deafness-associated mitochondrial DNA A7445G mutation.

A number of nuclear and mitochondrial mutations have been implicated in non-syndromic hearing loss. Among them, various mutations of mitochondrial Ser(UCN)-tRNA and 12S rRNA genes have been found to be associated with deafness; the A7445G mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in this group is unique, simultaneously affecting two different mitochondrial genes, encoding the Ser(UCN)-tRNA and the first subunit of cytochrome oxidase. Besides the hearing loss, it is mainly associated with palmoplantar keratoderma, though; different phenotypic associations have been reported. The current paper reviews the available PubMed reports on the A7445G mtDNA mutation, with special attention to the phenotypic variations. Further, a Hungarian family with the A7445G mutation is reported, in which analysis of both the affected and the non-affected members revealed the mutation in both homo- and heteroplasmic forms, independently of the hearing status of the subjects, a phenomenon previously not reported in other pedigrees. The female lineage represented a rare variant of the U4b haplogroup.

[Clinical classification of congenital limb abnormalities]. / Veleszületett végtagfejlodési rendellenességek klinikai osztályozása.

Limb developmental defects are well-known, conspicuous abnormalities. Until this day, the background has still not been completely revealed, however, the development of scientific methods provides more and more opportunities which may help to understand developmental processes and defects of this compound system. Considering these aspects, following data collection from patients with limb developmental defects, we began a study with the purpose of finding/establishing a classification system that is suitable for morphological and clinical distinctions, besides considering developmental aspects, and may help to indicate adequate genetic examinations. To classify 195 patients included in our database, we chose a worldwide accepted table from Swanson. Based upon our observations we proposed some alterations, which finally lead to a table, suitable for patient classification based upon morphology and clinical features. Furthermore it allows comparisons concerning developmental aspects, gives reasonable background for genetic studies and is suitable for everyday clinical usage.

[Psychological aspects of presymptomatic diagnosis in Huntington disease]. / A Huntington-betegség preszimptómás genetikai vizsgálatát kérok pszichológiai felkészítése.

INTRODUCTION: Huntington disease is an autosomal dominant, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, starting in adulthood. International recommendations were created for presymptomatic testing (genetic test performed before symptoms appear). During the initial preparation for presymptomatic testing, a genetic counsellor, neurologist and psychologist attend. AIM: The authors evaluated whether the international recommendations could be used in the 10 cases examined, and how much the process must be individualized. METHOD: The authors stated a protocol based on the literature, and utilized it for the purpose of obtaining informed consent. Psychological preparation was an important part of this process. Ten cases are presented in whose families Huntington disease was determined, and therefore they asked for their own presymptomatic testing. RESULTS: From the ten persons who asked for examination, four changed their minds during the psychological process; four were attended in the process, and two asked for the test without any psychological preparation. CONCLUSION: Along with the following of the protocol steps individual factors need to be taken into account in order to ideally plan the preparation process of presymptomatic testing. Authors recommend keeping contact with the individuals after genetic testing.

[Rapid diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization]. / Magzati kromoszóma-rendellenességek gyors diagnosztizálása interfázis fluoreszcens in situ hibridizációval.

INTRODUCTION: In the course of the Down-screening protocol there are possibilities today for rapid diagnosis of aneuploidies among high-risk pregnancies identified by non-invasive screening tests, however, the diagnostic value of these molecular genetic tests are debated. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this prospective study, data about the reliability of one of the rapid tests, namely; interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (int-FISH) was to be gathered by the authors. METHODS: For the period between May 2002 and September 2006 all of the 1279 fetal sample were examined both with int-FISH and full karyotyping. RESULTS: Extra or absent signal was detected in 47 cases (3.7%) (trisomy 21 in 32, various other numerical abnormalities in 15 cases). All of these numerical aberrations were confirmed by metaphase analysis without false positivity or negativity. In 19 cases the finding of int-FISH was negative, however, full karyotyping disclosed abnormalities (in 12 of these 19 cases, the abnormality was balanced). Only 4 of the 1279 fetuses (0.3%) (3 small extra marker chromosomes, 1 de novo unbalanced translocation) were to be found, who would have been born with phenotypical abnormalities without metaphase analysis (2 of them had suspect ultrasound signs). CONCLUSION: Although more analysis are needed, based on the results of this study it is to be concluded that rapid molecular genetic methods like int-FISH might be accepted as a diagnostic tests of fetal aneuploidy, if its use were restricted to high risk pregnancies identified by advanced maternal age and non-invasive maternal screening only. However, full karyotyping is needed in cases with familial translocation and abnormal 2nd trimester ultrasound signs.

[Metabolic bone disease in premature infants and genetic polymorphisms]. / Koraszülöttek csontanyagcsere-betegsége és genetikai polimorfizmusok.

UNLABELLED: Metabolic bone disease is an important complication among infants very-low-birth-weight (< 1500 g). In adults, osteoporosis has been shown to be associated with polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor, estrogen receptor, and collagen Ialpha1 receptor genes. AIM: The primary goal of the study was to investigate the possible association between metabolic bone disease and the allelic polymorphisms of these three genes. METHOD: 104 infants very-low-birth-weight were enrolled to the study. Bone formation (serum alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin) and bone resorption (urinary excretion of calcium and pyridinium crosslink) markers were determined and x-rays of the chest and wrist (together with the distal portions of associated long bones) were obtained. RESULTS: Thirty infants (28,8%) were diagnosed with metabolic bone disease based on high activity of bone formation, bone resorption markers, and positive radiologic signs. Statistically significant correlation between thymine-adenine repeat [(TA) n ] allelic variant of estrogen receptor gene and bone disease was observed. Infants with metabolic bone disease more often carried low number of repeats [(TA) n < 19] [odds ratio (OR): 5.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.26-14.98]. Significantly higher number of repeats [(TA)n > 18] was found more frequently in the control group (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.82). Furthermore significant interaction between vitamin D receptor and collagen Ialpha1 receptor genotypes ( p = 0.023) was observed. In a forward stepwise logistic regression model, bone disorder of preterms correlated with male gender ( p = 0.001), duration of hospitalization ( p = 0.007), homozygous allelic variants of high number of (TA) n repeats ( p = 0.025) and interaction between vitamin D receptor (Tt) and estrogen receptor (homozygous allelic variants of low number of repeats) genotype ( p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the development of metabolic bone disease in infants very-low-birth-weight may be associated with genetic polymorphisms.

[Internet-based biobank-registers in Hungary]. / Világháló alapú biobankregiszterek Magyarországon.

Genomic studies - such as genotype-phenotype interactions and gene expression studies - play an increasing role in biomedical research. Obviously, these studies strongly depend on specimen-collections of the affected individuals. Collected, stored and registered specimens along with available clinical data represent a biobank. - Collaboration of the owners of biobanks and sharing the specimen collections increase the efficiency of research. This paper presents Hungarian initiatives aiming at establishing biobank-registers, identification and harmonization of the work of individual biobanks. The authors present the structure and aims of Hungarian Biobank homepage, Semmelweis Biobank, rare disease-specified Orphanet and NEPSYBANK specified on neuropsychiatric research. - During these years several new biobanks are established for genomic studies. Probably this process will accelerate significantly in the nearest future, when specific statute will regulate the establishment and maintenance of biobanks. It is presumed that the presented biobank-networks would help the coordination.

The interface between assisted reproductive technologies and genetics: technical, social, ethical and legal issues.

The interface between assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and genetics comprises several sensitive and important issues that affect infertile couples, families with severe genetic diseases, potential children, professionals in ART and genetics, health care, researchers and the society in general. Genetic causes have a considerable involvement in infertility. Genetic conditions may also be transmitted to the offspring and hence create transgenerational infertility or other serious health problems. Several studies also suggest a slightly elevated risk of birth defects in children born following ART. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has become widely practiced throughout the world for various medical indications, but its limits are being debated. The attitudes towards ART and PGD vary substantially within Europe. The purpose of the present paper was to outline a framework for development of guidelines to be issued jointly by European Society of Human Genetics and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology for the interface between genetics and ART. Technical, social, ethical and legal issues of ART and genetics will be reviewed.

Females with PDHA1 gene mutations: a diagnostic challenge.

Biochemical analysis was performed in muscle tissue and in fibroblasts of four unrelated females consecutively diagnosed with a 'de novo' point mutation in the PDHA1 gene. Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit deficiency was confirmed in the muscle sample of all patients, however, in three out of four cases the activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in fibroblasts showed a normal activity. A skewed inactivation was confirmed of the maternal X chromosome in fibroblasts in all children. Due to the possibility of a skewed X inactivation pattern enzyme measurements in fibroblasts are not always reliable for the diagnosis of a PDHc defect in females. Based on the overlapping features of PDHc deficiency with those of the disorders of the oxidative phosphorylation we suggest performing a fresh muscle biopsy for detailed biochemical analysis in females with a suspected pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, followed by molecular genetic analysis of the PDHA1 gene.

Transient progeroid phenotype and lipodystrophy in mosaic polyploidy.

Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome is a rare disorder with a progressive course and early lethality. Severe mental and growth retardation, muscle hypotonia, a progeroid face, wrinkled skin, relative macrocephaly with late closure of the anterior fontanel, arachnodactyly and congenital heart defects are also typical. We report on a female infant with all the characteristic features of this syndrome after birth. Chromosomal studies on peripheral leukocytes showed a normal karyotype. In view of an abnormal lipid distribution and lipodystrophy, metabolic studies for congenital disorders of glycosylation have been performed with normal results. At the age of 2 years 6 months the progeroid signs were no longer present, and the patient had a striking improvement in her psychomotor development. As there are overlapping features in Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome and in mosaic polyploidy, including psychomotor retardation, reduced peripheral muscle bulk, arachnodactyly and lipodystrophy, chromosome analysis was performed in the fibroblast culture of our patient. A mosaic triploidy/tetraploidy was detected in 60% and 14% of the cells, respectively. We therefore recommend chromosome analysis of fibroblasts from patients with a neonatal presentation of progeroid features and lipodystrophy.