ABSTRACT
Around 60% of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) remain undiagnosed after comprehensive genetic testing, primarily of protein-coding genes1. Large genome-sequenced cohorts are improving our ability to discover new diagnoses in the non-coding genome. Here we identify the non-coding RNA RNU4-2 as a syndromic NDD gene. RNU4-2 encodes the U4 small nuclear RNA (snRNA), which is a critical component of the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP complex of the major spliceosome2. We identify an 18 base pair region of RNU4-2 mapping to two structural elements in the U4/U6 snRNA duplex (the T-loop and stem III) that is severely depleted of variation in the general population, but in which we identify heterozygous variants in 115 individuals with NDD. Most individuals (77.4%) have the same highly recurrent single base insertion (n.64_65insT). In 54 individuals in whom it could be determined, the de novo variants were all on the maternal allele. We demonstrate that RNU4-2 is highly expressed in the developing human brain, in contrast to RNU4-1 and other U4 homologues. Using RNA sequencing, we show how 5' splice-site use is systematically disrupted in individuals with RNU4-2 variants, consistent with the known role of this region during spliceosome activation. Finally, we estimate that variants in this 18 base pair region explain 0.4% of individuals with NDD. This work underscores the importance of non-coding genes in rare disorders and will provide a diagnosis to thousands of individuals with NDD worldwide.
Subject(s)
Brain , Neurodevelopmental Disorders , RNA, Small Nuclear , Humans , RNA, Small Nuclear/genetics , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics , Female , Male , Brain/metabolism , Heterozygote , Alleles , Syndrome , Spliceosomes/genetics , AnimalsABSTRACT
Growing interest in therapeutic development for rare diseases necessitate a systematic approach to the collection and curation of natural history data that can be applied consistently across this group of heterogenous rare diseases. In this study, we discuss the challenges facing natural history studies for leukodystrophies and detail a novel standardized approach to creating a longitudinal natural history study using existing medical records. Prospective studies are uniquely challenging for rare diseases. Delays in diagnosis and overall rarity limit the timely collection of natural history data. When feasible, prospective studies are often cross-sectional rather than longitudinal and are unlikely to capture pre- or early- symptomatic disease trajectories, limiting their utility in characterizing the full natural history of the disease. Therapeutic development in leukodystrophies is subject to these same obstacles. The Global Leukodystrophy Initiative Clinical Trials Network (GLIA-CTN) comprises of a network of research institutions across the United States, supported by a multi-center biorepository protocol, to map the longitudinal clinical course of disease across leukodystrophies. As part of GLIA-CTN, we developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that delineated all study processes related to staff training, source documentation, and data sharing. Additionally, the SOP detailed the standardized approach to data extraction including diagnosis, clinical presentation, and medical events, such as age at gastrostomy tube placement. The key variables for extraction were selected through face validity, and common electronic case report forms (eCRF) across leukodystrophies were created to collect analyzable data. To enhance the depth of the data, clinical notes are extracted into "original" and "imputed" encounters, with imputed encounter referring to a historic event (e.g., loss of ambulation 3 months prior). Retrospective Functional Assessments were assigned by child neurologists, using a blinded dual-rater approach and score discrepancies were adjudicated by a third rater. Upon completion of extraction, data source verification is performed. Data missingness was evaluated using statistics. The proposed methodology will enable us to leverage existing medical records to address the persistent gap in natural history data within this unique disease group, allow for assessment of clinical trajectory both pre- and post-formal diagnosis, and promote recruitment of larger cohorts.
Subject(s)
Rare Diseases , Humans , Rare Diseases/diagnosis , Rare Diseases/therapy , Rare Diseases/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , United States , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder. Emerging therapies are most effective in the presymptomatic phase, and thus defining this window is critical. We hypothesize that early development delay may precede developmental plateau. With the advent of presymptomatic screening platforms and transformative therapies, it is essential to define the onset of neurologic disease. METHODS: The specific ages of gain and loss of developmental milestones were captured from the medical records of individuals affected by MLD. Milestone acquisition was characterized as: on target (obtained before the age limit of 90th percentile plus 2 standard deviations compared to a normative dataset), delayed (obtained after 90th percentile plus 2 standard deviations), or plateau (skills never gained). Regression was defined as the age at which skills were lost. LI-MLD was defined by age at onset before 2.5 years. RESULTS: Across an international cohort, 351 subjects were included (n = 194 LI-MLD subcohort). The median age at presentation of the LI-MLD cohort was 1.4 years (25th-75th %ile: 1.0-1.5). Within the LI-MLD cohort, 75/194 (39%) had developmental delay (or plateau) prior to MLD clinical presentation. Among the LI-MLD cohort with a minimum of 1.5 years of follow-up (n = 187), 73 (39.0%) subjects never attained independent ambulation. Within LI-MLD + delay subcohort, the median time between first missed milestone target to MLD decline was 0.60 years (maximum distance from delay to onset: 1.9 years). INTERPRETATION: Early developmental delay precedes regression in a subset of children affected by LI-MLD, defining the onset of neurologic dysfunction earlier than previously appreciated. The use of realworld data prior to diagnosis revealed an early deviation from typical development. Close monitoring for early developmental delay in presymptomatic individuals may help in earlier diagnosis with important consequences for treatment decisions.
Subject(s)
Age of Onset , Developmental Disabilities , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic , Humans , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/diagnosis , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/pathology , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/genetics , Developmental Disabilities/diagnosis , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Infant , Child , Adolescent , Cohort Studies , Disease ProgressionABSTRACT
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic mutations in the ARSA (Arylsulfatase A) gene. With the advent of presymptomatic diagnosis and the availability of therapies with a narrow window for intervention, it is critical to define a standardized approach to diagnosis, presymptomatic monitoring, and clinical care. To meet the needs of the MLD community, a panel of MLD experts was established to develop disease-specific guidelines based on healthcare resources in the United States. This group developed a consensus opinion for best-practice recommendations, as follows: (i) Diagnosis should include both genetic and biochemical testing; (ii) Early diagnosis and treatment for MLD is associated with improved clinical outcomes; (iii) The panel supported the development of newborn screening to accelerate the time to diagnosis and treatment; (iv) Clinical management of MLD should include specialists familiar with the disease who are able to follow patients longitudinally; (v) In early onset MLD, including late infantile and early juvenile subtypes, ex vivo gene therapy should be considered for presymptomatic patients where available; (vi) In late-onset MLD, including late juvenile and adult subtypes, hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) should be considered for patients with no or minimal disease involvement. This document summarizes current guidance on the presymptomatic monitoring of children affected by MLD as well as the clinical management of symptomatic patients. Future data-driven evidence and evolution of these recommendations will be important to stratify clinical treatment options and improve clinical care.
Subject(s)
Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Cerebroside-Sulfatase/genetics , Consensus , Genetic Therapy/methods , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/therapy , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/diagnosis , Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/genetics , Neonatal Screening/methods , United StatesABSTRACT
Prenatal diagnoses of congenital malformations have increased significantly in recent years with use of high-resolution prenatal imaging. Despite more precise radiological diagnoses, discussions with expectant parents remain challenging because congenital malformations are associated with a wide spectrum of outcomes. Comprehensive prenatal genetic testing has become an essential tool that improves the accuracy of prognostication. Testing strategies include chromosomal microarray, exome sequencing, and genome sequencing. The diagnostic yield varies depending on the specific malformations, severity of the abnormalities, and multi-organ involvement. The utility of prenatal genetic diagnosis includes increased diagnostic clarity for clinicians and families, informed pregnancy decision-making, neonatal care planning, and reproductive planning. Turnaround time for results of comprehensive genetic testing remains a barrier, especially for parents that are decision-making, although this has improved over time. Uncertainty inherent to many genetic testing results is a challenge. Appropriate genetic counseling is essential for parents to understand the diagnosis and prognosis and to make informed decisions. Recent research has investigated the yield of exome or genome sequencing in structurally normal fetuses, both with non-invasive screening methods and invasive diagnostic testing; the prenatal diagnostic community must evaluate and analyze the significant ethical considerations associated with this practice prior to generalizing its use. IMPACT: Reviews available genetic testing options during the prenatal period in detail. Discusses the impact of prenatal genetic testing on care using case-based examples. Consolidates the current literature on the yield of genetic testing for prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations.
ABSTRACT
MORC2 encodes an ATPase that plays a role in chromatin remodeling, DNA repair, and transcriptional regulation. Heterozygous variants in MORC2 have been reported in individuals with autosomal-dominant Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2Z and spinal muscular atrophy, and the onset of symptoms ranges from infancy to the second decade of life. Here, we present a cohort of 20 individuals referred for exome sequencing who harbor pathogenic variants in the ATPase module of MORC2. Individuals presented with a similar phenotype consisting of developmental delay, intellectual disability, growth retardation, microcephaly, and variable craniofacial dysmorphism. Weakness, hyporeflexia, and electrophysiologic abnormalities suggestive of neuropathy were frequently observed but were not the predominant feature. Five of 18 individuals for whom brain imaging was available had lesions reminiscent of those observed in Leigh syndrome, and five of six individuals who had dilated eye exams had retinal pigmentary abnormalities. Functional assays revealed that these MORC2 variants result in hyperactivation of epigenetic silencing by the HUSH complex, supporting their pathogenicity. The described set of morphological, growth, developmental, and neurological findings and medical concerns expands the spectrum of genetic disorders resulting from pathogenic variants in MORC2.
Subject(s)
Adenosine Triphosphatases/genetics , Craniofacial Abnormalities/genetics , Growth Disorders/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics , Transcription Factors/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Genetic Diseases, Inborn/genetics , Heterozygote , Humans , Infant , Intellectual Disability/genetics , Male , Microcephaly/genetics , Middle Aged , Phenotype , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fetal ventriculomegaly is a source of apprehension for expectant parents and may present prognostic uncertainty for physicians. Accurate prenatal counseling requires knowledge of its cause and associated findings as the differential diagnosis is broad. We have observed an association between ventriculomegaly and incomplete hippocampal inversion. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether ventricular size is related to incomplete hippocampal inversion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated pre- and postnatal brain MRIs in normal subjects (mean GA, 31 weeks; mean postnatal age, 27 days) and patients with isolated ventriculomegaly (mean GA, 31 weeks; mean postnatal age, 68 days) at a single academic medical center. Lateral ventricular diameter, multiple qualitative and quantitative markers of hippocampal inversion, and evidence of intraventricular hemorrhage were documented. RESULTS: Incomplete hippocampal inversion and ventricular size were associated in both normal subjects (n=51) and patients with ventriculomegaly (n=32) (P<0.05). Severe ventriculomegaly was significantly associated with adverse clinical outcome in postnatal (P=0.02) but not prenatal (P=0.43) groups. In all additional cases of isolated ventriculomegaly, clinical outcome was normal over the time of assessment (mean 1±1.9 years; range 0.01 to 10 years). CONCLUSION: Lateral ventricular atrial diameter and incomplete hippocampal inversion are associated. Less hippocampal inversion correlates with larger atria. For every 1-mm increase in fetal ventricular size, the odds of incomplete hippocampal inversion occurring increases by a factor of 1.6 in normal controls and 1.4 in patients with ventriculomegaly.
Subject(s)
Atrial Fibrillation , Hydrocephalus , Female , Humans , Infant , Pregnancy , Atrial Fibrillation/complications , Hydrocephalus/diagnostic imaging , Prenatal Diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Rotation , Ultrasonography, PrenatalABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aims to provide a comprehensive description of the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of SNAP25 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (SNAP25-DEE) by reviewing newly identified and previously reported individuals. METHODS: Individuals harboring heterozygous missense or loss-of-function variants in SNAP25 were assembled through collaboration with international colleagues, matchmaking platforms, and literature review. For each individual, detailed phenotyping, classification, and structural modeling of the identified variant were performed. RESULTS: The cohort comprises 23 individuals with pathogenic or likely pathogenic de novo variants in SNAP25. Intellectual disability and early-onset epilepsy were identified as the core symptoms of SNAP25-DEE, with recurrent findings of movement disorders, cerebral visual impairment, and brain atrophy. Structural modeling for all variants predicted possible functional defects concerning SNAP25 or impaired interaction with other components of the SNARE complex. CONCLUSION: We provide a comprehensive description of SNAP25-DEE with intellectual disability and early-onset epilepsy mostly occurring before the age of two years. These core symptoms and additional recurrent phenotypes show an overlap to genes encoding other components or associated proteins of the SNARE complex such as STX1B, STXBP1, or VAMP2. Thus, these findings advance the concept of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that may be termed "SNAREopathies."
Subject(s)
Brain Diseases , Epilepsy , Intellectual Disability , Neurodevelopmental Disorders , Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25/genetics , Child, Preschool , Epilepsy/genetics , Humans , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics , PhenotypeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Genome sequencing (GS) is promising for unsolved leukodystrophies, but its efficacy has not been prospectively studied. METHODS: A prospective time-delayed crossover design trial of GS to assess the efficacy of GS as a first-line diagnostic tool for genetic white matter disorders took place between December 1, 2015 and September 27, 2017. Patients were randomized to receive GS immediately with concurrent standard of care (SoC) testing, or to receive SoC testing for 4 months followed by GS. RESULTS: Thirty-four individuals were assessed at interim review. The genetic origin of 2 patient's leukoencephalopathy was resolved before randomization. Nine patients were stratified to the immediate intervention group and 23 patients to the delayed-GS arm. The efficacy of GS was significant relative to SoC in the immediate (5/9 [56%] vs 0/9 [0%]; Wild-Seber, p < 0.005) and delayed (control) arms (14/23 [61%] vs 5/23 [22%]; Wild-Seber, p < 0.005). The time to diagnosis was significantly shorter in the immediate-GS group (log-rank test, p = 0.04). The overall diagnostic efficacy of combined GS and SoC approaches was 26 of 34 (76.5%, 95% confidence interval = 58.8-89.3%) in <4 months, greater than historical norms of <50% over 5 years. Owing to loss of clinical equipoise, the trial design was altered to a single-arm observational study. INTERPRETATION: In this study, first-line GS provided earlier and greater diagnostic efficacy in white matter disorders. We provide an evidence-based diagnostic testing algorithm to enable appropriate clinical GS utilization in this population. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:264-273.
Subject(s)
Leukoencephalopathies/diagnosis , Leukoencephalopathies/genetics , Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Over Studies , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Prospective Studies , White Matter/pathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) currently has no approved treatments. OBJECTIVES: The Fosmetpantotenate Replacement Therapy pivotal trial examined whether treatment with fosmetpantotenate improves PKAN symptoms and stabilizes disease progression. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study evaluated fosmetpantotenate, 300 mg oral dose three times daily, versus placebo over a 24-week double-blind period. Patients with pathogenic variants of PANK2, aged 6 to 65 years, with a score ≥6 on the PKAN-Activities of Daily Living (PKAN-ADL) scale were enrolled. Patients were randomized to active (fosmetpantotenate) or placebo treatment, stratified by weight and age. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline at week 24 in PKAN-ADL. RESULTS: Between July 23, 2017, and December 18, 2018, 84 patients were randomized (fosmetpantotenate: n = 41; placebo: n = 43); all 84 patients were included in the analyses. Six patients in the placebo group discontinued treatment; two had worsening dystonia, two had poor compliance, and two died of PKAN-related complications (aspiration during feeding and disease progression with respiratory failure, respectively). Fosmetpantotenate and placebo group PKAN-ADL mean (standard deviation) scores were 28.2 (11.4) and 27.4 (11.5) at baseline, respectively, and were 26.9 (12.5) and 24.5 (11.8) at week 24, respectively. The difference in least square mean (95% confidence interval) at week 24 between fosmetpantotenate and placebo was -0.09 (-1.69 to 1.51; P = 0.9115). The overall incidence of treatment-emergent serious adverse events was similar in the fosmetpantotenate (8/41; 19.5%) and placebo (6/43; 14.0%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with fosmetpantotenate was safe but did not improve function assessed by the PKAN-ADL in patients with PKAN. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Subject(s)
Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration , Activities of Daily Living , Double-Blind Method , Humans , Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration/drug therapy , Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration/genetics , Pantothenic Acid/analogs & derivativesABSTRACT
The national importance of telemedicine for safe and effective patient care has been highlighted by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the 2020 pandemic the Division of Genetics and Metabolism piloted a telemedicine program focused on initial and follow-up visits in the patients' home. The goals were to increase access to care, decrease missed work, improve scheduling, and avoid the transport and exposure of medically fragile patients. Visits were conducted by physician medical geneticists, genetic counselors, and biochemical dietitians, together and separately. This allowed the program to develop detailed standard operating procedures. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this pilot-program was deployed by the full team of 22 providers in one business day. Two physicians remained on-site for patients requiring in-person evaluations. This model optimized patient safety and workforce preservation while providing full access to patients during a pandemic. We provide initial data on visit numbers, types of diagnoses, and no-show rates. Experience in this implementation before and during the pandemic has confirmed the effectiveness and value of telemedicine for a highly complex medical population. This program is a model that can and will be continued well-beyond the current crisis.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration , Endocrinology/organization & administration , Genetics, Medical/organization & administration , Models, Organizational , Pandemics , Telemedicine/organization & administration , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Delivery of Health Care/methods , Delivery of Health Care/standards , Endocrinology/education , Female , Genetic Counseling/methods , Genetic Counseling/organization & administration , Genetic Counseling/standards , Genetic Diseases, Inborn/epidemiology , Genetic Diseases, Inborn/therapy , Genetic Testing/methods , Genetic Testing/standards , Genetics, Medical/education , Humans , Implementation Science , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Internship and Residency/methods , Internship and Residency/organization & administration , Internship and Residency/standards , Male , Metabolic Diseases/epidemiology , Metabolic Diseases/therapy , Middle Aged , Patient Safety , Pilot Projects , Program Evaluation , Telemedicine/methods , Young AdultABSTRACT
Current rhabdomyolysis treatment guidelines vary based on the etiology and diagnosis, yet many cases evade conclusive diagnosis. In these cases, treatment options remain largely limited to fluids and supportive therapy. We present two cases of acute rhabdomyolysis diagnosed in the emergency department: a 5-year-old boy with sudden onset bilateral flank pain, and a 13-year-old boy with 2-3 days of worsening pectoral and shoulder pain. Each patient had a prior similar episode requiring hospitalization in the past. The 5-year-old had no inciting trauma or trigger, medication use, or illness. The 13-year-old previously had an upper respiratory infection during the week prior and had been strenuously exercising at the time of onset. Genetic testing results were unknown for both patients during their hospitalizations, and insurance and other barriers led to delay. Later results for the first patient revealed a heterozygous deletion in intron 19 on the LPIN1 gene interpreted as a variant of unknown significance. During their hospitalizations, both children were started on intravenous (i.v.) fluids, and creatine kinase (CK) initially trended downward, but then began to rise or plateau. After reviewing the cases, prior literature, and anecdotal evidence of benefit from corticosteroid therapy in rhabdomyolysis with our consultant metabolic physicians, dexamethasone was initiated. In both patients, dexamethasone use correlated with relief of patient symptoms, significantly decreased CK value, and our ability to discharge these patients home quickly. Our cases, discussion, and literature review all lead to the consideration of the use of dexamethasone in conjunction with standard therapy for acute rhabdomyolysis.
Subject(s)
Creatine Kinase/genetics , Dexamethasone/administration & dosage , Myoglobinuria/drug therapy , Phosphatidate Phosphatase/genetics , Adolescent , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage , Child, Preschool , Gene Deletion , Heterozygote , Humans , Male , Myoglobinuria/genetics , Myoglobinuria/pathology , PediatricsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Report a single-center 12-year experience in the fetal diagnosis of diencephalic-mesencephalic junction dysplasia (DMJD) to expand the phenotype with Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based classification, evaluate genetic etiologies, and ascertain outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective medical record and imaging review of all fetal MRI exams with DMJD were performed at our institution. RESULTS: Thirty-three pregnancies with fetal MRI findings of DMJD at 24 (18-37) weeks gestational age were studied; 70% were referred for fetal hydrocephalus. Three fetal MRI patterns were recognized. Type A (butterfly/hypothalamus-midbrain union) was seen in two cases (6%), Type B (partial thalamus-midbrain union) in 22 fetuses (70%), and Type C (complete/near complete midbrain-thalamic continuity) in nine fetuses (24%). L1CAM mutations were identified in four cases, and biallelic VRK1 variants in another. Among 14 live-born cases, 11 survived infancy, and 10 underwent postnatal brain MRI which confirmed the fetal MRI diagnosis in all but one case. Development was delayed in all surviving infants, most with additional neurological sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: DMJD may be identified by prenatal MRI as early as 18 weeks gestation. We propose three distinct phenotypic forms of DMJD, Types A-C. Next-generation sequencing provides an underlying molecular diagnosis in some patients, but further studies on associated genetic diagnoses and clinical outcomes are indicated.
Subject(s)
Fetus/abnormalities , Genetic Diseases, Inborn/diagnosis , Outcome Assessment, Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Female , Fetus/diagnostic imaging , Genetic Diseases, Inborn/epidemiology , Gestational Age , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Outcome Assessment, Health Care/methods , Phenotype , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Prenatal Diagnosis/statistics & numerical data , Retrospective StudiesSubject(s)
Bone Diseases, Developmental , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Bone Diseases, Developmental/diagnostic imaging , Female , Lung/diagnostic imaging , Lung/abnormalities , Male , Lung Volume Measurements/methods , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent clinical studies and management guidelines for the treatment of the organic acidopathies methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and propionic acidemia address the scope of interventions to maximize health and quality of life. Unfortunately, these disorders continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality due to acute and chronic systemic and end-organ injury. RECENT FINDINGS: Dietary management with medical foods has been a mainstay of therapy for decades, yet well controlled patients can manifest growth, development, cardiac, ophthalmological, renal, and neurological complications. Patients with organic acidopathies suffer metabolic brain injury that targets specific regions of the basal ganglia in a distinctive pattern, and these injuries may occur even with optimal management during metabolic stress. Liver transplantation has improved quality of life and metabolic stability, yet transplantation in this population does not entirely prevent brain injury or the development of optic neuropathy and cardiac disease. SUMMARY: Management guidelines should identify necessary screening for patients with methylmalonic acidemia and propionic acidemia, and improve anticipatory management of progressive end-organ disease. Liver transplantation improves overall metabolic control, but injury to nonregenerative tissues may not be mitigated. Continued use of medical foods in these patients requires prospective studies to demonstrate evidence of benefit in a controlled manner.
Subject(s)
Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors , Propionic Acidemia , Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/complications , Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/diagnosis , Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/diet therapy , Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/surgery , Brain Injury, Chronic/etiology , Brain Injury, Chronic/prevention & control , Food, Formulated , Humans , Liver Transplantation , Propionic Acidemia/complications , Propionic Acidemia/diagnosis , Propionic Acidemia/diet therapy , Propionic Acidemia/surgeryABSTRACT
Somatic mutations in the phosphatidylinositol/AKT/mTOR pathway cause segmental overgrowth disorders. Diagnostic descriptors associated with PIK3CA mutations include fibroadipose overgrowth (FAO), Hemihyperplasia multiple Lipomatosis (HHML), Congenital Lipomatous Overgrowth, Vascular malformations, Epidermal nevi, Scoliosis/skeletal and spinal (CLOVES) syndrome, macrodactyly, and the megalencephaly syndrome, Megalencephaly-Capillary malformation (MCAP) syndrome. We set out to refine the understanding of the clinical spectrum and natural history of these phenotypes, and now describe 35 patients with segmental overgrowth and somatic PIK3CA mutations. The phenotypic data show that these previously described disease entities have considerable overlap, and represent a spectrum. While this spectrum overlaps with Proteus syndrome (sporadic, mosaic, and progressive) it can be distinguished by the absence of cerebriform connective tissue nevi and a distinct natural history. Vascular malformations were found in 15/35 (43%) and epidermal nevi in 4/35 (11%) patients, lower than in Proteus syndrome. Unlike Proteus syndrome, 31/35 (89%) patients with PIK3CA mutations had congenital overgrowth, and in 35/35 patients this was asymmetric and disproportionate. Overgrowth was mild with little postnatal progression in most, while in others it was severe and progressive requiring multiple surgeries. Novel findings include: adipose dysregulation present in all patients, unilateral overgrowth that is predominantly left-sided, overgrowth that affects the lower extremities more than the upper extremities and progresses in a distal to proximal pattern, and in the most severely affected patients is associated with marked paucity of adipose tissue in unaffected areas. While the current data are consistent with some genotype-phenotype correlation, this cannot yet be confirmed.
Subject(s)
Genetic Association Studies , Phenotype , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics , Adipose Tissue/pathology , Adolescent , Adult , Age of Onset , Child , Child, Preschool , Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases , Female , Genotype , Humans , Hyperplasia/diagnosis , Hyperplasia/genetics , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Lipoma/diagnosis , Lipoma/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , Musculoskeletal Abnormalities/diagnosis , Musculoskeletal Abnormalities/genetics , Mutation , Nevus/diagnosis , Nevus/genetics , Organ Specificity/genetics , Vascular Malformations/diagnosis , Vascular Malformations/genetics , Young AdultABSTRACT
Inherited white matter disorders (IWMDs) are a phenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous group of disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS) with or without peripheral neuropathy. They are classified either as leukodystrophies (LDs), with primary glial abnormalities, or genetic leukoencephalopathies (gLEs), where other CNS cells are involved. As a group, these disorders are common, with an incidence of 1 in 7500 births. However, IWMDs often go undiagnosed or suffer delayed or misdiagnosis due to their heterogeneous presentation. Many of these disorders present with lethal secondary manifestations that can be prevented through early disease recognition, periodic surveillance, and preventative management. Emerging therapeutics, including gene therapy trials for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), suggest disease progression may be slowed or even prevented if treated early. Therapies for IWMDs that target glial cells or the peripheral immune system may provide novel insights for treating acquired disorders of white matter.