Unexpected findings in cervical spine in spondylometaphyseal dysplasia Sutcliff type FN1-related.

The autosomal dominant spondylometaphyseal dysplasia Sutcliff type or corner fracture type FN1-related is characterized by a combination of metaphyseal irregularities simulating fractures ("corner fractures"), developmental coxa vara, and vertebral changes. It is linked to heterozygous mutations in FN1 and COL2A1. Vertebral changes as delayed vertebral ossification, ovoid vertebral bodies, anterior vertebral wedging, and platyspondyly have been observed in this condition, while odontoid abnormalities have not been reported. We report an odontoid anomaly in a girl with SMD-CF FN1-related showing the heterozygous variant c.505T>A; p.(Cys169Ser), presenting at 11.9 years of age with acute quadriparesis. Images showed spinal cord compression and injury associated with os odontoideum and C1-C2 instability. She required decompression and instrumented occipitocervical stabilization, suffering from residual paraparesis. This paper describes the first case of SMD-CF FN1-related accompanied by odontoid anomalies.

Achondroplasia in Latin America: practical recommendations for the multidisciplinary care of pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Achondroplasia is the most common bone dysplasia associated with disproportionate short stature, and other comorbidities, such as foramen magnum stenosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis, lumbar hyperlordosis, genu varum and spinal compression. Additionally, patients affected with this condition have higher frequency of sleep disorders, ear infections, hearing loss and slowed development milestones. Considering these clinical features, we aimed to summarize the regional experts' recommendations for the multidisciplinary management of patients with achondroplasia in Latin America, a vast geographic territory with multicultural characteristics and with socio-economical differences of developing countries. METHODS: Latin American experts (from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia) particiáted of an Advisory Board meeting (October 2019), and had a structured discussion how patients with achondroplasia are followed in their healthcare centers and punctuated gaps and opportunities for regional improvement in the management of achondroplasia. RESULTS: Practical recommendations have been established for genetic counselling, prenatal diagnosis and planning of delivery in patients with achondroplasia. An outline of strategies was added as follow-up guidelines to specialists according to patient developmental phases, amongst them neurologic, orthopedic, otorhinolaryngologic, nutritional and anthropometric aspects, and related to development milestones. Additionally, the role of physical therapy, physical activity, phonoaudiology and other care related to the quality of life of patients and their families were discussed. Preoperative recommendations to patients with achondroplasia were also included. CONCLUSIONS: This study summarized the main expert recommendations for the health care professionals management of achondroplasia in Latin America, reinforcing that achondroplasia-associated comorbidities are not limited to orthopedic concerns.

Delineation of the clinical and radiological features of Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome childhood survivors, four new cases and review of the literature.

Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome (SWS; MIM 601559) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the leukemia inhibitor factor receptor gene (LIFR). Common clinical and radiological findings are often observed, and high neonatal mortality occurs due to respiratory distress and hyperthermic episodes. Despite initially considered as a lethal disorder during the newborn period, in recent years, several SWS childhood survivors have been reported. We report a detailed clinical and radiological characterization of four unrelated childhood SWS molecularly confirmed patients and review 22 previously reported childhood surviving cases. We contribute to the definition of the childhood survival phenotype of SWS, emphasizing the evolving phenotype, characterized by skeletal abnormalities with typical radiological findings, distinctive dysmorphic features, and dysautonomia. Based on the typical features and clinical course, early diagnosis is possible and crucial to plan appropriate management and prevent potential complications. Genetic confirmation is advisable in order to improve genetic counseling to the patients and their families.

Skeletal dysplasias in Latin America.

Skeletal dysplasias (SD) are disturbances in growth due to defects intrinsic to the bone and/or cartilage, usually affecting multiple bones and having a progressive character. In this article, we review the state of clinical and research SD resources available in Latin America, including three specific countries (Brazil, Argentina, and Chile), that have established multidisciplinary clinics for the care of these patients. From the epidemiological point of view, the SD prevalence of 3.2 per 10,000 births from nine South American countries included in the ECLAMC network represents the most accurate estimate not just in Latin America, but worldwide. In Brazil, there are currently five groups focused on SD. The data from one of these groups including the website www.ocd.med.br, created to assist in the diagnosis of SD, are highlighted showing that telemedicine for this purpose represents a good strategy for the region. The experience of more than 30 years of the SD multidisciplinary clinic in an Argentinian Hospital is presented, evidencing a solid experience mainly in the follow-up of the most frequent SD, especially those belonging the FGFR3 group and OI. In Chile, a group with 20 years of experience presents its work with geneticists and pediatricians, focusing on diagnostic purposes and clinical management. Altogether, although SD health-care and research activities in Latin America are in their early stages, the experience in these three countries seems promising and stimulating for the region as a whole.

Height growth velocity during infancy and childhood in achondroplasia.

There is a lack of knowledge about longitudinal growth during childhood in achondroplasia. We report patterns of linear growth and height growth velocity references. The sample consisted of 84 children, 41 girls and 43 boys. Growth data was collected from birth until mid-childhood. The median (interquartile range) number of measurements per child was 13.5 (12, 15). Individual growth curves were estimated by fitting the Reed 1st model to each individual's height for age data. Height growth velocities references for age centiles were calculated by LMS method. Mean (SD) birth length was 46.14 cm (2.17) and 45.53 cm (2.16), for boys and girls respectively. Individual growth curves were analyzed. Shifts in growth channels were seen: out of 84 infants, 41 (48.8%) changed more than 1 SDS between birth to 5 years old. The numbers of infants shifting upward were similar (20/84) to the infants shifting downward (21/84). Height growth velocity curves show that after a period of fast decreasing growth velocity since birth, with a mean of 15.5 cm/year and 9.5 cm/year at 6 month and 1 year old, the growth velocity is stable in late preschool years, with a mean of 4.3 cm/year. Shifts in growth channels were seen between birth and 5 years old. Professionals who follow up them must consider this phenomenon during infancy. ACH children experienced a period of fast decreasing growth during infancy and the growth curve was similar in shape and lesser in magnitude than the general population.

Uncommon IFITM5 mutation associated with severe skeletal deformity in osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is the most common skeletal dysplasia, which predisposes to recurrent fractures and bone deformity and presents with wide clinical variability. More than 80% of OI cases are related to dominantly inherited mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2. The rest of the cases, however, involve many other noncollagen genes, all of which are autosomal-recessively inherited, except for IFITM5 and WNT1, which are also associated with autosomal dominant OI. Since 2012, a single recurrent heterozygous mutation in IFITM5 (c.-14C>T) has been shown to underlie OI type V. Although this is the most common OI-causing mutation in IFITM5, a second, less common mutation in IFITM5, c.119C>T (p.Ser40Leu), has been identified, which is not associated with the OI type V phenotype. In this report, we describe the clinical and radiological features of a further patient with this uncommon mutation in IFITM5 (c.119C>T, p.Ser40Leu). The patient presented with prenatal signs of severe OI and developed extreme short stature with short and bowed limbs, relative macrocephaly, scoliosis, vertebral compression, and a hypoplastic thorax. He had global developmental delay, recurrent respiratory problems, and required special family care and multidisciplinary treatment. To date, all patients with the uncommon c.119C>T mutation have presented with severe OI, rather than OI type V. Thus, this report further strengthens the case for a genotype-phenotype correlation for IFITM5-related OI.

Leg length, sitting height, and body proportions references for achondroplasia: New tools for monitoring growth.

Achondroplasia is the most common form of inherited disproportionate short stature. We report leg length, sitting height, and body proportion curves for achondroplasia. Seven centile format of sitting height, leg length, sitting height/leg length ratio, sitting height/height ratio, and head circumference/height ratio were estimated by the LMS method. The Q-test was applied to assess the goodness of fit. For comparison, centiles of sitting height and leg length were graphed using Argentine national growth references for achondroplasia and non-achondroplasia populations. The sample consisted of 342 children with achondroplasia (171 males, 171 females) aged 0-18 years. The median (interquartile range) number of measurements per child was 6 (3, 12) for sitting height and 8 (3, 13) for head circumference. Median leg length increased from 14 cm at age 1 week to 44 and 40 cm (males and females, respectively) in achondroplasia adolescents which is 3.5 cm shorter than non-achondroplasia children at age 1 week and, 38 cm shorter at adolescence. Median sitting height increased from 34 cm at birth to 86 and 81 in adolescents' boys and girls respectively, only 5 cm shorter than non-achondroplasia children. Sitting height/leg length decreased from 2.61 at birth to approximately 1.90 at adolescent. Median head circumference/height ratio decreased from 0.79 at birth to 0.46 at 18 years in both sexes. Growth of lower limbs is affected early in life and becomes more noticeable throughout childhood. The disharmonic growth between the less affected trunk and the severely affected limbs determine body disproportion in achondroplasia.

Novel IFT122 mutations in three Argentinian patients with cranioectodermal dysplasia: Expanding the mutational spectrum.

Cranioectodermal dysplasia (CED), also known as Sensenbrenner syndrome, is an autosomal recessive ciliary chondrodysplasia characterized by a recognizable craniofacial gestalt, skeletal abnormalities, and ectodermal features. To date, four genes have been shown to underlie the syndrome, namely, IFT122 (WDR10), WDR35 (IFT121), IFT43 (C14orf179), and WDR19 (IFT144). Clinical characterization of a larger cohort of patients with CED has been undertaken previously. Nevertheless, there are too few molecularly confirmed patients reported in the literature to determine precise genotype-phenotype correlations. To date, biallelic IFT122 mutations have been described in only five families. We therefore studied three unrelated Argentinian patients with typical features of CED using a 4813 next-generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel, which we call the "Mendeliome." The three patients had different, novel, compound heterozygous mutations in IFT122. Consequently, we compared these three patients to those previously described with IFT122 mutations. Thus, our report serves to add 6 novel mutations to the IFT122 mutation spectrum and to contribute to the IFT122-related clinical characterization.

Homozygous N540K hypochondroplasia--first report: radiological and clinical features.

We describe a 16-month-old male with N540K homozygous mutation in the FGFR3 gene who showed a more severe phenotype than hypochondroplasia (HCH). To our knowledge, a homozygous state for this mutation causing HCH has not been reported before. The clinical and radiological characteristics of our patient represent an intermediate condition between achondroplasia and achondroplasia/hypochondroplasia compound heterozygosity. This case represents a new expression of FGFR3 spectrum and it is of considerable importance for the genetic counseling in cases where both parents are affected with HCH.

Clinical and auxological characteristics and quality of life of 50 children and adolescents with segmental overgrowth syndromes at a single center. / Clínica, auxología y calidad de vida en cincuenta niños, niñas y adolescentes con síndromes de sobrecrecimiento corporal segmentario de un único centro.

Introduction. Segmental overgrowth syndromes are a group of rare diseases characterized by overgrowth in one or more parts of the body, mostly related to mosaic mutations in the AKT/PI3K/mTOR and RAS- MAPK signaling pathway. Our objective was to analyze the clinical and auxological characteristics and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this group of patients at a tertiary care hospital. Population and methods. Cross-sectional study of a follow-up cohort. Age, sex, sociodemographic data, anthropometric measurements of the affected and contralateral segments, complications, treatment, quality of life (PedsQL 4.0), and pain were analyzed. Central and dispersion measures were estimated. A univariate analysis between the quality of life and study variables was done. Results. A total of 50 patients were included; 29 were males. Median age: 9.95 (r: 1.44-17.81) years. The most common diagnosis was PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS) (37/50). The median number of affected segments was 2 (r: 1-7) per patient. Vascular malformations were observed in 40, and capillary malformations, in 20 patients. Pain was the most common complication (24/50). An asymmetry of the lower extremities of < 5 cm was observed in 31 patients. In most children, height was between the 50th and 97th percentiles. A lower HRQoL was observed among girls, patients with complex vascular malformations, and those with unmet basic needs (UBNs). Conclusions. PROS was the most common diagnosis. Pain was the most common complication. HRQoL was lower among girls, patients with combined vascular malformations, and those with UBNs.

Introducción. Los síndromes de sobrecrecimiento corporal segmentario son un grupo de enfermedades poco frecuentes caracterizadas por exceso de crecimiento en una o más partes del cuerpo relacionadas, en su mayoría, con mutaciones en mosaico en la vía de señalización AKT/PI3K/mTOR y RAS-MAPK. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar las características clínicas y auxológicas, y la calidad de vida relacionada a salud (CVRS) en este grupo de pacientes en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal de una cohorte en seguimiento. Se analizaron edad, sexo, datos sociodemográficos, mediciones antropométricas del segmento afectado y del contralateral, complicaciones, tratamiento, calidad de vida (PedsQL4.0) y dolor. Se calcularon medidas centrales y de dispersión. Se realizó análisis univariado entre calidad de vida y variables incluidas. Resultados. Se incluyeron 50 pacientes, 29 varones. Mediana de edad 9,95 (r 1,44-17,81) años. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue síndrome de sobrecrecimiento relacionado a PIK3CA (PROS) (37/50). Mediana de número de segmentos afectados 2 (r: 1-7) por niño. Cuarenta casos presentaron malformación vascular; 20, capilar. El dolor (24/50) fue la complicación más frecuente. Treinta y un pacientes mostraron asimetría de longitud de miembros inferiores, < 5 cm. La estatura se ubicó entre los centilos 50 y 97 en la mayoría de los niños. Menor CVRS se observó en mujeres, en pacientes con malformación vascular compleja y necesidades básicas insatisfechas (NBI). Conclusiones. PROS fue el diagnóstico más frecuente. El dolor fue una complicación frecuente. La CVRS fue menor en mujeres, pacientes con malformación vascular combinada y NBI.

Acetabular Protrusion in a Cohort of Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Evaluated in a Pediatric Hospital.

Acetabular protrusion (AP) is present in 33 to 55% of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Even though the finding is relatively common, it is poorly described in pediatric patients. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and associations of AP in pediatric OI patients. We retrospectively and cross-sectionally evaluated clinical histories and radiographic findings of OI patients aged 2 to 19.5 years, recording sex, age, severity, anthropometric measurements, ambulation status, femoral fractures history, and occurrence of orthopaedic surgeries and nephropathy. AP was considered present when the center-edge (CE) angle was more than 35 degrees and the acetabular line crossed the Kohler's line by more than 1 and 3 mm in boys and girls, respectively, and 3 and 6 mm in adult males and females, respectively. The association with risk factors and complications was analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A total of 71 children were evaluated. The median age was 8.6 years, and 54.9% of them had moderate to severe forms of OI. In 71.8% of the children, an abnormal CE angle was found, being frequent in mild, moderate, and severe cases. AP was present in 22.5% of all patients and in 41% of children with moderate to severe OI, and was significantly associated with older ages ( p = 0.0062) and nonwalking status ( p = 0.0093). We found a high prevalence of AP in children with moderate to severe forms of OI, which was present even at younger ages. In addition, we found a significant increase in the number of children with abnormal CE angles even in those with mild forms of OI. The presence of AP was associated with the severity of the OI and age, and in a negative association with the ambulatory status.

TRPV4-pathy manifesting both skeletal dysplasia and peripheral neuropathy: a report of three patients.

Heterozygous missense mutations of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 channel (TRPV4) cause a spectrum of skeletal disorders, including brachyolmia, spondylometaphyseal dysplasia Kozlowski type, metatropic dysplasia, parastremmatic dysplasia, and spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia Maroteaux type. Similarly, heterozygous missense mutations of TRPV4 cause a spectrum of peripheral neuropathy, including hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type IIC, congenital spinal muscular atrophy, and scapuloperoneal spinal muscular atrophy. There are no apparent differences in the amino acid positions affected or type of change predicted by the TRPV4 mutations responsible for the two disease spectrums; nevertheless, no fundamental phenotypic overlap has been shown between the two spectrums. Here, we report on three patients who had both skeletal dysplasia and peripheral neuropathy caused by heterozygous TRPV4 missense mutations. The skeletal and neurologic phenotypes of these patients covered the wide spectrum of reported TRPV4-pathies (disease caused by TRPV4 mutations). The molecular data are complementary, proving that "neuropathic" mutations can cause skeletal dysplasia but also the "skeletopathic" mutations can lead to neuropathies. Our findings suggest that pathogenic mechanisms of TRPV4-pathies in skeletal and nervous systems are not always mutually exclusive and provide further evidence that there is no clear genotype-phenotype correlation for either spectrum. Co-occurrence of skeletal dysplasia and degenerative neuropathy should be kept in mind in clinical practice including diagnostic testing, surgical evaluation, and genetic counseling.

Isolated lateralized overgrowth: clinical, radiological, and auxological characteristics of a single-site cohort of 76 cases. / Sobrecrecimiento lateral aislado - caracterización auxológica y clínico-radiológica de una cohorte de 76 casos de un único centro.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated lateralized overgrowth (ILO), formerly referred to as hemihyperplasia/hemihypertrophy, is the overgrowth of one-half of the body to its contralateral in the absence of a recognizable pattern of malformations or genetic syndromes. Our objective was to analyze the growth clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with ILO under follow-up in a tertiary care hospital in Argentina between 1993 and 2020. POPULATION AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational, single cohort study of patients with ILO. RESULTS: A total of 76 cases were included; 41 were males. Median years of follow-up: 5.85 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.60-10.96), maximum: 15.76 years. Forty-eight of 76 patients had overgrowth compromising more than 1 body segment (complex ILO). The mean birth weight Z-score of term girls with complex ILO was +0.51 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.91) (p 0.022). Most children grew between the 50th and 97th centile of the Argentinian population height reference. The median leg length discrepancy was 1.5 cm (IQR: 1.01-2.2) in patients receiving medical treatment and 3.70 cm (IQR: 2.95-3.98 cm) in those who required epiphysiodesis. Progression of discrepancy ≤ 2 cm was observed in 75% of cases. Renal asymmetry ≥ 1 cm was observed in 8 cases; Wilms tumor was noted in 2 cases: mean age at diagnosis: 0.75 years. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal growth of children with ILO is normal, except in girls with complex ILO, in whom it tends to be increased. The average height of boys and girls tends to be located in high centiles with normal growth over time. Embryonal tumor screening is recommended in this group of children.

Introducción. El sobrecrecimiento lateral aislado (SLA), antes denominado hemihiperplasia/hemihipertrofia, se refiere al sobrecrecimiento corporal lateral en ausencia de un patrón reconocible de malformaciones o síndromes genéticos. El objetivo fue analizar el crecimiento y las características clínico-radiológicas de pacientes con SLA en seguimiento en un hospital de tercer nivel en Argentina entre 1993 y 2020. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de una cohorte de pacientes con SLA. Resultados. Se incluyeron 76 casos, 41 varones. Mediana de años de seguimiento: 5,85 (rango intercuartílico [RIC] 2,60-10,96), máximo 15,76 años. Cuarenta y ocho de 76 pacientes presentaron sobrecrecimiento en más de un segmento corporal (SLA complejo). El puntaje Z promedio de peso al nacer de niñas de término con SLA complejo fue +0,51 (desviación estándar [DE] 0,91) (p 0,022). El crecimiento en estatura de la mayoría de los niños se ubicó entre los centilos 50 y 97 de la población de referencia. La mediana de asimetría de longitud de miembros inferiores fue 1,5 cm (RIC 1,01-2,2) en pacientes con tratamiento médico y 3,70 cm (RIC 2,95- 3,98 cm) en aquellos que requirieron epifisiodesis. El 75 % mostró una progresión de la asimetría menor o igual a 2 cm. Ocho casos presentaron asimetría renal mayor o igual a 1 cm; 2 casos presentaron nefroblastoma: edad promedio al diagnóstico 0,75 años. Conclusiones. El crecimiento prenatal de niños con SLA es normal, excepto en niñas con SLA complejo en quienes tiende a estar aumentado. La estatura promedio se ubica en centilos altos con crecimiento normal. Se recomienda realizar cribado de tumores embrionarios en este grupo de niños.

Osteochondromatosis: clinical variability and factors related to quality of life in children and adults. / Exostosis múltiple: variabilidad clínica y factores relacionados a la calidad de vida en niños y en adultos.

INTRODUCTION: Hereditary osteochondromatosis is an uncommon, autosomal, dominant condition characterized by the presence of multiple bone growths. OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children > 2 years and adults receiving follow-up at a tertiary care children's hospital in Argentina. POPULATION AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a follow-up cohort. HRQoL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory® (PedsQL) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF- 36). Sex, age, sociodemographic characteristics, height, radiology, axis alteration and limb function, presence of pain, and malignant change were recorded. Severity was classified as per Pedrini et al. Parametric and non-parametric tests and regression analysis were done. RESULTS: A total of 66 cases (47 children and 19 adults) were included. Male/female ratio: 1.7/1. Median age: 13.4 years (r: 2.21-55.3). Pain was observed in 30/47 children and in 17/19 adults. Considering the adult bone age (or epiphyseal closure) as the cutoff point to define adult status, 11/37 children and 18/27 adults had a severe disease and 2/38 children and 9/27 adults had short stature. The average value of the physical component of HRQoL in children was 65.9 (SD: 22.5) and, in adults, 27.2 (IQR: 18.5- 34.7). The presence of pain and clinical severity were significantly associated with a lower HRQoL, both in children and adults. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that pain and disease severity had a negative effect on HRQoL.

Introducción. La exostosis múltiple hereditaria es una enfermedad poco frecuente autosómica dominante caracterizada por presencia de múltiples proyecciones óseas. OBJETIVO: Analizar factores asociados a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) en niños >2 años y en adultos en seguimiento en un hospital de pediatría de alta complejidad de Argentina. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal de una cohorte en seguimiento. La CVRS se midió con Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory® (PedsQL) y Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Se registró sexo, edad, características sociodemográficas, estatura, radiología, alteración de eje y función de miembros, presencia de dolor y malignización. Se clasificó la gravedad según Pedrini y col. Se realizaron pruebas paramétricas, no paramétricas y análisis de regresión. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 66 casos (47 niños y 19 adultos). Relación sexo masculino/femenino: 1,7/1. Mediana de edad: 13,4 años (r: 2,21- 55,3). Presentaron dolor 30 de 47 niños y 17 de 19 adultos. Si se considera la edad ósea adulta (o cierre epifisario) como punto de corte para definir el estado de adulto, 11 de 37 niños y 18 de 27 adultos presentaron forma grave de enfermedad, y se observó baja estatura en 2 de 38 niños y en 9 de 27 adultos. El valor promedio del componente físico de CVRS en niños fue 65,9 (DE: 22,5) y, en adultos, 27,2 (RIC: 18,5-34,7). La presencia de dolor y la gravedad clínica se asoció significativamente a menor CVRS tanto en niños como en adultos. CONCLUSIONES: En este estudio se observó que el dolor y la gravedad de la enfermedad tuvieron un efecto negativo en la CVRS.

Impact of achondroplasia on Latin American patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Achondroplasia (ACH), the most common form of disproportionate short stature, is caused by a pathogenic variant in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene. Recent advances in drug therapy for ACH have highlighted the importance of elucidating the natural history and socioeconomic burden of this condition. Recognition that there are many potential issues for the patient with ACH is the first step in planning cost-effective interventions in Latin America (LATAM), a vast geographic territory comprising countries with multicultural characteristics and wide socioeconomic differences. We conducted a systematic literature review to characterize the impact of ACH on affected individuals and on healthcare resources in LATAM countries. METHODS: Searches of the global medical literature as well as regional and local medical literature up to August 2020. Observational studies on patients with ACH from any LATAM country. Pairs of reviewers independently screened eligible articles, extracted data from included studies, and assessed their risk of bias. RESULTS: Fifty-three unique studies (28 case series and cross-sectional studies and 25 case reports) including data on 1604 patients were eligible. Of these studies, 11 had data available for meta-analysis. Both premature mortality and all-cause mortality in the pooled studies was 15% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.0E-3 to 0.47; I2 = 82.9%, p = 0.0029; three studies, n = 99 patients]. Frequency of cardio-respiratory-metabolic disorders was 17% [95% CI 0.04-0.37; I2 = 90.3%, p < 0.0001; four studies, n = 230 patients]; nervous system disorders was 18% [95% CI 0.07-0.33; I2 = 84.6%, p < 0.0001; six studies, n = 262 patients]; ear, nose, throat and speech disorders was 32% [95% CI 0.18-0.48; I2 = 73.4%, p = 0.0046; five studies, n = 183 patients]; and spinal issues including stenosis, compression and associated pain was 24% [95% CI 0.07-0.47; I2 = 91.3%, p < 0.0001; five studies, n = 235 patients]. CONCLUSIONS: There is currently evidence of high clinical burden in ACH patients in LATAM countries. Establishing the impact of ACH provides the necessary foundation for planning tailored and effective public health interventions.

Clinical and Genetic Analysis of Multiple Osteochondromas in A Cohort of Argentine Patients.

Multiple Osteochondromatosis (MO, MIM 133700 & 133701), an autosomal dominant O-glycosylation disorder (EXT1/EXT2-CDG), can be associated with a reduction in skeletal growth, bony deformity, restricted joint motion, shortened stature and pathogenic variants in two tumor suppressor genes, EXT1 and EXT2. In this work, we report a cross-sectional study including 35 index patients and 20 affected family members. Clinical phenotyping of all 55 affected cases was obtained, but genetic studies were performed only in 35 indexes. Of these, a total of 40% (n = 14) had a family history of MO. Clinical severity scores were class I in 34% (n:18), class II in 24.5% (n:13) and class III in 41.5% (n:22). Pathogenic variants were identified in 83% (29/35) probands. We detected 18 (62%) in EXT1 and 11 (38%) in EXT2. Patients with EXT1 variants showed a height z-score of 1.03 SD lower than those with EXT2 variants and greater clinical severity (II-III vs. I). Interestingly, three patients showed intellectual impairment, two patients showed a dual diagnosis, one Turner Syndrome and one hypochondroplasia. This study improves knowledge of MO, reporting new pathogenic variants and forwarding the worldwide collaboration necessary to promote the inclusion of patients into future biologically based therapeutics.

International Consensus Statement on the diagnosis, multidisciplinary management and lifelong care of individuals with achondroplasia.

Achondroplasia, the most common skeletal dysplasia, is characterized by a variety of medical, functional and psychosocial challenges across the lifespan. The condition is caused by a common, recurring, gain-of-function mutation in FGFR3, the gene that encodes fibroblast growth factor receptor 3. This mutation leads to impaired endochondral ossification of the human skeleton. The clinical and radiographic hallmarks of achondroplasia make accurate diagnosis possible in most patients. However, marked variability exists in the clinical care pathways and protocols practised by clinicians who manage children and adults with this condition. A group of 55 international experts from 16 countries and 5 continents have developed consensus statements and recommendations that aim to capture the key challenges and optimal management of achondroplasia across each major life stage and sub-specialty area, using a modified Delphi process. The primary purpose of this first International Consensus Statement is to facilitate the improvement and standardization of care for children and adults with achondroplasia worldwide in order to optimize their clinical outcomes and quality of life.