Comparative Intraoperative Anterior Segment OCT Findings in Pediatric Patients with and without Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the angle structures during surgery using anterior segment (AS) OCT in children with and without glaucoma. DESIGN: Prospective comparative study, with single masked grader evaluating AS OCT images. PARTICIPANTS: This study included a total of 44 eyes of 8 children with glaucoma and 14 children without glaucoma undergoing ophthalmic surgery with general anesthesia. The median age for the glaucoma group was 6 months (range, 0.5-108 months), and that for the nonglaucoma group was 42 months (range, 14-95 months). METHODS: An Envisu C2300 handheld OCT with a high-resolution AS lens was used to capture videos of temporal and nasal quadrant anterior chamber angles from each eye. Still images of the temporal and nasal angles were selected and then graded by a masked ophthalmologist examiner to determine whether Schlemm's canal (SC) was visible, if abnormal tissue was present in the angle, and whether intrascleral lumens were present. Clinical correlation with severity of glaucoma was performed after AS OCT images were graded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence or absence of SC on AS OCT in glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous eyes. RESULTS: Schlemm's canal was present in 7 of 13 glaucomatous eyes compared with 27 of 27 nonglaucomatous eyes. In patients with unilateral glaucoma, absence of SC was noted only in the affected eye. Eight eyes with glaucoma showed abnormal tissue over the angle and SC. Intrascleral lumen and collector channels were found in both groups. Two patients with severe stenosis of SC during glaucoma angle surgery showed absent SC on AS OCT. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative AS OCT identified differences in the presence and characteristics of SC and the anterior chamber angle in pediatric patients with and without glaucoma. Further studies are needed to determine clinical correlation.

Hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy: a case report with molecular study.

Hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sparse scalp hair caused by hair follicle abnormalities as well as progressive retinal degeneration leading to blindness in the second or third decade of life. It is associated with mutations of the cadherin 3 (CDH3) gene, which result in abnormal expression of P-cadherin. Mutations in CDH3 are related to ectodermal dysplasia, ectrodactyly, and macular dystrophy. In this report, we describe an 11-year-old Iranian boy born with a missing left index fingernail and sparse scalp hair who later displayed macular pigmentary changes. Genetic testing of the CDH3 gene revealed a homozygous gene variant at exon 6 (640A>T). This novel in-frame mutation converts a lysine to a premature stop codon, altering synthesis of P-cadherin on chromosome 16q22.

Hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy: a case report with molecular study / Hipotricose com distrofia macular juvenil: relato de caso com estudo molecular

ABSTRACT Hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sparse scalp hair caused by hair follicle abnormalities as well as progressive retinal degeneration leading to blindness in the second or third decade of life. It is associated with mutations of the cadherin 3 (CDH3) gene, which result in abnormal expression of P-cadherin. Mutations in CDH3 are related to ectodermal dysplasia, ectrodactyly, and macular dystrophy. In this report, we describe an 11-year-old Iranian boy born with a missing left index fingernail and sparse scalp hair who later displayed macular pigmentary changes. Genetic testing of the CDH3 gene revealed a homozygous gene variant at exon 6 (640A>T). This novel in-frame mutation converts a lysine to a premature stop codon, altering synthesis of P-cadherin on chromosome 16q22.

RESUMO Hipotricose com distrofia macular juvenil (HDMJ) é uma doença autossômica recessiva rara caracterizada por rarefação capilar por alteração nos folículos pilosos e degeneracão progressiva da retina levando a cegueira na segunda e terceira década de vida. Associada a mutações no gene CDH3, resultando em expressão anormal de P-caderina. Mutações no gene CDH3 estão relacionados à displasia ectodérmica, ectrodactilia e distrofia macular. Neste relato descrevemos um menino Iraniano de 11 anos de idade, com ausência da unha na mão esquerda e rarefação capilar desde o nascimento, e que posteriormente apresentou alterações pigmentares maculares. Teste genético do gene CDH3 revelou uma variação homozigótica no exon 6 (640A>T). Essa mutação in-frame troca uma lisina por um codon de parada prematura, alterando a síntese da proteína P-caderina no cromossomo 16q22.

Genome-wide association meta-analysis identifies novel variants associated with fasting plasma glucose in East Asians.

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) has been recognized as an important indicator for the overall glycemic state preceding the onset of metabolic diseases. So far, most indentified genome-wide association loci for FPG were derived from populations with European ancestry, with a few exceptions. To extend a thorough catalog for FPG loci, we conducted meta-analyses of 13 genome-wide association studies in up to 24,740 nondiabetic subjects with East Asian ancestry. Follow-up replication analyses in up to an additional 21,345 participants identified three new FPG loci reaching genome-wide significance in or near PDK1-RAPGEF4, KANK1, and IGF1R. Our results could provide additional insight into the genetic variation implicated in fasting glucose regulation.

A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for adiponectin levels in East Asians identifies a novel locus near WDR11-FGFR2.

Blood levels of adiponectin, an adipocyte-secreted protein correlated with metabolic and cardiovascular risks, are highly heritable. Genome-wide association (GWA) studies for adiponectin levels have identified 14 loci harboring variants associated with blood levels of adiponectin. To identify novel adiponectin-associated loci, particularly those of importance in East Asians, we conducted a meta-analysis of GWA studies for adiponectin in 7827 individuals, followed by two stages of replications in 4298 and 5954 additional individuals. We identified a novel adiponectin-associated locus on chromosome 10 near WDR11-FGFR2 (P = 3.0 × 10(-14)) and provided suggestive evidence for a locus on chromosome 12 near OR8S1-LALBA (P = 1.2 × 10(-7)). Of the adiponectin-associated loci previously described, we confirmed the association at CDH13 (P = 6.8 × 10(-165)), ADIPOQ (P = 1.8 × 10(-22)), PEPD (P = 3.6 × 10(-12)), CMIP (P = 2.1 × 10(-10)), ZNF664 (P = 2.3 × 10(-7)) and GPR109A (P = 7.4 × 10(-6)). Conditional analysis at ADIPOQ revealed a second signal with suggestive evidence of association only after conditioning on the lead SNP (Pinitial = 0.020; Pconditional = 7.0 × 10(-7)). We further confirmed the independence of two pairs of closely located loci (<2 Mb) on chromosome 16 at CMIP and CDH13, and on chromosome 12 at GPR109A and ZNF664. In addition, the newly identified signal near WDR11-FGFR2 exhibited evidence of association with triglycerides (P = 3.3 × 10(-4)), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, P = 4.9 × 10(-4)) and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted waist-hip ratio (P = 9.8 × 10(-3)). These findings improve our knowledge of the genetic basis of adiponectin variation, demonstrate the shared allelic architecture for adiponectin with lipids and central obesity and motivate further studies of underlying mechanisms.

Whole genome expression profiling of normal human fetal and adult ocular tissues.

To study growth and development of ocular tissues, gene expression patterns in normal human fetal versus adult eyes were compared. Human retina/retinal pigment epithelium, choroid, sclera, optic nerve* and cornea* tissues were dissected from fetal (24 week gestational age) (N = 9; *N = 6), and adult (N = 6) normal donor eyes. The Illumina(®) whole genome expression microarray platform was used to assess differential expression. Statistical significance for all comparisons was determined using the Benjamin and Hochberg False Discovery Rate (FDR, 5%). Significant gene expression fold changes > 1.5 were found in adult versus fetal retina/RPE (N = 1185), choroid (N = 6446), sclera (N = 1349), and cornea (N = 3872), but not optic nerve. Genes showing differential expression were assessed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) for enriched functions and canonical pathways. In all tissues, development, cell death/growth, cancer functions, and signaling canonical pathways were enriched. There was also a general trend of down-regulation of collagen genes in adult tissues.

CYP1B1, MYOC, and LTBP2 mutations in primary congenital glaucoma patients in the United States.

PURPOSE: To screen primary congenital glaucoma patients in the United States for sequence variants within the CYP1B1, LTBP2, and MYOC genes using Sanger and whole exome sequencing. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: Fifty-seven primary congenital glaucoma patients (47 families), 71 unaffected family members of the primary congenital glaucoma probands, and 101 healthy unrelated individuals were recruited from a single institution. Sanger sequencing of the primary congenital glaucoma gene, CYP1B1, was performed on 47 proband deoxyribonucleic acid samples. Simultaneously, whole exome sequencing was conducted on 3 families, each including more than 1 affected individual. Concurrently, 33 of 47 primary congenital glaucoma probands with extended family deoxyribonucleic acid samples were screened for LTBP2 and MYOC gene mutations. Exome-sequenced variations were validated by additional Sanger sequencing to confirm segregation of filtered disease-causing single nucleotide variations. RESULTS: Seven primary congenital glaucoma families (14.9%) manifested disease phenotypes attributable to CYP1B1 mutations. One primary congenital glaucoma family possessed homozygous mutant alleles, whereas 6 families carried compound heterozygous mutations. Five novel combinations of compound heterozygous mutations were identified, of which 2 combinations were found with whole exome sequencing. No disease-causing mutations within the LTBP2 and MYOC genes were discovered. CONCLUSIONS: This study analyzed CYP1B1, LTBP2, and MYOC mutations in a cohort of primary congenital glaucoma patients from the United States, applying whole exome sequencing as a complementary tool to Sanger sequencing. Whole exome sequencing, coupled with Sanger sequencing, may identify novel genes in primary congenital glaucoma patients who have no mutations in known primary congenital glaucoma genes.

Optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of neurofibromatosis type-1 subjects with optic pathway gliomas.

PURPOSE: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common neurocutaneous disorder, with an approximate incidence of 1 in 3,500. Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) develop in 15% of individuals with NF1, commonly in childhood. OPGs are difficult to detect via a clinical inspection in children, often requiring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Given the significant visual risks associated with OPGs in NF1, there is a need for improved noninvasive techniques to diagnose OPGs in children; therefore, we studied optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a potential tool to assess optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) abnormalities. This prospective study was designed to evaluate OCT detection of RNFL loss from optic atrophy attributable to OPGs in a cohort of pediatric patients with NF1. METHODS: With the use of Stratus OCT, directed testing with the Fast Macular Thickness and Fast RNFL Thickness protocol scans were performed on 9 subjects with NF1 and known OPGs, 6 subjects with NF1 without OPGs, and 15 controls. RESULTS: NF1 subjects with OPGs had thinner RNFLs and macula when compared with age-matched controls and to NF1 subjects without OPGs. After applying the equivalence equation, the average RNFL thickness and macular volume in NF1 subjects without OPGs was equivalent to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that OCT can be used to detect RNFL thinning secondary to OPGs in NF1 subjects. This objective tool shows promise as a useful adjunct to routine clinical ophthalmologic evaluation in children with NF1.

Hepatocyte growth factor and myopia: genetic association analyses in a Caucasian population.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (C-MET) genes have previously been reported to be associated with myopia in Asian family-based and case-control association studies, respectively. We examined whether these genes were associated with myopia in a Caucasian family dataset biased towards high myopia. METHODS: Participating families had at least one offspring with high myopia (< or = -5.00 diopters [D]). Genotyping was performed with tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for each candidate gene using Taqman allelic discrimination assays. The data were analyzed with two family-based association methods, the pedigree disequilibrium test (PDT) and the association in the presence of linkage (APL) test. Analyses compared 1) high myopia (<-5.00 D), 2) mild to moderate myopia (-0.50 to -5.00 D), 3) any myopia (<-0.50 D) and 4) extreme high myopia (< or =-10.00 D) versus emmetropia using refractive error as either sphere (SPH) or spherical equivalent (SE=sphere + [cylinder/2]). Bonferroni correction was applied to adjust for multiple testing leading to significance levels of 0.0125 for HGF and 0.008 for C-MET. Two and three-marker sliding window haplotype association tests using APL were also performed for HGF markers. Significance levels for haplotype association testing were set at 0.01 for the global tests, and 0.007 for the three marker haplotype specific tests and 0.0125 for the two marker haplotype specific tests. RESULTS: A total of 146 multiplex families consisting of 649 Caucasian subjects were included. The HGF SNP, rs3735520 (APL p=0.002768 for SPH and 0.005609 for SE), and the haplotypes, rs2286194-rs3735520-rs17501108 (APL p=0.007403 for SPH and 0.062685 for SE) and rs12536657-rs2286194 (APL p=0.004219 for SPH and 0.00518 for SE), showed significant association with mild to moderate myopia versus emmetropia. A promising association between extreme high myopia and the HGF SNP, rs2286194, was also found (APL p=0.005763 for SPH and 0.004103 for SE). No evidence of association was found in the SNPs tested for C-MET. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports a strong association between the mild to moderate myopia group and the HGF SNP rs3735520 and the HGF haplotypes rs2286194-rs3735520-rs17501108 and rs12536657-rs2286194, and a moderate association of the extreme high myopia with rs2286194. C-MET polymorphism statistical associations with myopia in an Asian study were not replicated in our Caucasian cohort. HGF may be a potential myopia candidate gene for further investigation.

Replication of the recessive STBMS1 locus but with dominant inheritance.

PURPOSE: Strabismus is a common eye disorder with a prevalence of 1% to 4%. Comitant strabismus accounts for approximately 75% of all strabismus, yet more is known about the less common incomitant disorders. Comitant strabismus is at least partly inherited, but only one recessive genetic susceptibility locus, on chromosome 7p, has been identified in one family. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of STBMS1 as a cause of primary nonsyndromic comitant esotropia (PNCE). METHODS: Twelve families were recruited within the UK Hospital Eye Service as children attended for treatment of PNCE. All consenting persons were clinically assessed, and DNA was sampled. Chromosome 7 microsatellite markers were genotyped in all 12 families, and LOD scores were calculated under recessive and dominant models. RESULTS: One family was linked to STBMS1; in three, linkage was significantly excluded; and the remainder were uninformative. Twenty-six members from three generations of the linked family were analyzed further. Five family members were defined as affected; two had esotropia with an accommodative element; and three underwent strabismus surgery and appeared to have had an infantile/early-onset esotropia. A maximum LOD score of 3.21 was obtained under a dominant mode of inheritance; a recessive model gave an LOD score of 1.2. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that PNCE can result from sequence variants in an unknown gene at the STBMS1 locus. However, this locus accounts for only a proportion of cases, and other genetic loci remain to be identified. In contrast with the previously reported family, the pedigree described in this study is consistent with dominant rather than recessive inheritance at the STBMS1 locus.

The effects of fetal surgery on retinopathy of prematurity development.

BACKGROUND: Fetal surgery is selectively offered for severe or life-threatening fetal malformations. These infants are often born prematurely and are thus at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). It is not known whether fetal surgery confers an increased risk of developing severe ROP relative to published rates in standard premature populations ≤37 weeks of age grouped by birth weight (<1500 grams or ≥1500 grams). DESIGN: This is a retrospective chart review. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 137 patients who underwent open fetal/fetoscopic surgery from 1996-2004. Surgical indications included twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), myelomeningocele (MMC), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT), cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAM), and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAP). Of these, 17 patients had local ROP examination data. Binomial tests were performed to assess whether rates of ROP in our fetal/fetoscopic surgery cohort were significantly different from published rates. RESULTS: There were 5 patients each with an underlying diagnosis of TTTS and MMC, 2 patients each with CDH and TRAP, and 1 patient each with SCT, CCAM, and mediastinal teratoma. The mean gestational age at surgery was 23(4)/7 ± 2(3)/7 weeks, mean gestational age at birth was 30 ± 2(5)/7 weeks, and mean birth weight was 1449 ± 510 grams (610-2485). Compared to published rates of ROP and threshold ROP, our fetal surgery patients had significantly higher rates of ROP and threshold ROP in both the <1500 grams and the ≥1500 grams group (all p-values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fetal/fetoscopic surgery appears to significantly increase the rate of ROP and threshold ROP development. Greater numbers are needed to confirm these observations.

Identification of STRA6 and SKI sequence variants in patients with anophthalmia/microphthalmia.

PURPOSE: Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are rare congenital ocular malformations presenting with the absence of eye components or small eyes with or without structural abnormalities. A/M can be isolated or syndromic. The stimulated by retinoic acid gene 6 (STRA6) and Sloan-Kettering viral oncogene homolog (SKI) genes are involved in vitamin A metabolism, and are implicated with A/M developmental abnormalities in human and animal studies. Vitamin A metabolism is vital to normal eye development and growth. This study explores the association of these genes in a cohort of subjects with A/M. METHODS: STRA6 and SKI were screened for sequence variants by direct sequencing of genomic DNA samples from 18 affected subjects with A/M. The DNA samples of 4 external, unrelated controls were initially screened. Eighty-nine additional unrelated controls were screened to confirm that any sequence variants found in the affected subject DNA samples were related to the phenotype. Coding regions, intron-exon boundaries, and untranslated regions were sequenced by standard techniques. Derived DNA sequences were compared to known reference sequences from public genomic databases. RESULTS: For STRA6, a novel coding non-synonymous sequence variant was found in one subject, resulting in an amino acid change from glycine to glutamic acid in residue 217. One novel nonsense sequence variant found in the same subject changed the STRA6 amino acid residue 592 from cytosine to thymine resulting in a premature stop codon. For SKI, a known coding non-synonymous sequence variant (rs28384811) was found in 3 subject DNA samples and 11/89 control DNA samples. Four novel coding-synonymous sequence variants were observed in SKI. CONCLUSIONS: The STRA6 sequence variants reported in this study could play a role in the pathogenesis of A/M by structural changes to the STRA6 protein. We can attribute 4% A/M incidence in this cohort to these sequence variants. Although no SKI sequence variants were found in this cohort, SKI should not be ruled out as a candidate gene for A/M due to the small cohort size.

Ocular abnormalities in Apert syndrome: genotype/phenotype correlations with fibroblast growth factor receptor type 2 mutations.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Apert syndrome, a disorder of craniosynostosis, syndactyly, and other craniofacial malformations, is caused by point mutations (Ser252Trp or Pro253Arg) in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene. This study's goal was to determine ophthalmic phenotype/genotype correlations in patients with either mutation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of demographic and ophthalmologic data was performed for 18 children carrying either the S252W (11) or the P253R (7) mutation. Fisher exact tests were performed to determine significance of variable phenotypes between the two mutation groups. RESULTS: In the P253R group, 85% had strabismus (14% required surgery), 71% had ptosis, 43% had amblyopia, 14% had nasolacrimal duct obstruction, 14% had myopia, 14% had hyperopia, and 14% had astigmatism. In the S252W group, 91% had strabismus (64% required surgery), 73% had ptosis, 73% had amblyopia, 100% had nasolacrimal duct obstruction, 36% had myopia, 9% had hyperopia, and 82% had astigmatism. Overall, S252W and P253R groups showed significantly different numbers of patients with strabismus requiring surgery (p = 0.039), superior rectus muscle underaction (p = 0.024), nasolacrimal duct obstruction (p = 0.0002), and astigmatism (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with patients with the P253R mutation, Apert syndrome patients with the S252W mutation may have more severe ocular phenotypes with a higher likelihood of developing strabismus, especially vertical deviation. They also are more likely to develop astigmatic refractive errors and tearing secondary to nasolacrimal system anomalies.

Ocular phenotype correlations in patients with TWIST versus FGFR3 genetic mutations.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Despite the similar clinical phenotype of the Saethre-Chotzen and Muenke craniosynostoses, the 2 syndromes are now genotypically distinct. Patients with Saethre-Chotzen and Muenke syndromes carry mutations in the TWIST and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 3 genes, respectively. We sought to assess possible ocular phenotypic differences in patients with mutations of either gene previously grouped according to phenotype only. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for 21 children with known mutations of the TWIST (n=10) or the FGFR3 (n=11) genes. Data gathered included patient sex, age, family craniofacial history, craniofacial and ophthalmic surgeries, type of strabismus, ptosis, cycloplegic refraction, visual acuity, the presence of amblyopia, nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), nystagmus, hypertelorism, epicanthal fold anomalies, and any ocular structural abnormalities. RESULTS: In the TWIST group, ptosis was present in 90%, amblyopia in 70%, horizontal strabismus in 70%, vertical strabismus in 60%, NLDO in 60%, astigmatism in 50%, inferior oblique overaction (IOOA) in 40%, hyperopia in 40%, myopia in 30%, nystagmus in 30%, and optic nerve findings in 30%. In the FGFR3 group, ptosis was present in 36%, amblyopia in 18%, horizontal strabismus in 55%, vertical strabismus in 36%, NLDO in 0%, astigmatism in 9%, IOOA in 45%, hyperopia in 27%, myopia in 18%, nystagmus in 18%, and optic nerve findings in 27%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TWIST gene mutations may have more ophthalmic abnormalities, including more strabismus, ptosis, NLDO, astigmatism, vertical deviations, and amblyopia compared with patients with FGFR3 gene mutations.

The natural history of glaucoma and ocular hypertension after pediatric cataract surgery.

INTRODUCTION: We sought to define the prevalence and natural history of ocular hypertension and glaucoma for at least a 10-year period after pediatric cataract surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of patients who received pediatric cataract surgery. Inclusion criteria included 2 directed ophthalmologic examinations performed at a minimum of 5 and 10 years after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients (22 with bilateral cataracts and 41 with unilateral cataracts) were examined at a median of 15.1 year (range, 10.3-21.3 years) after surgery. A majority of the subjects had glaucoma or ocular hypertension (ie, 59%; 37/63). Nineteen percent (12/63) had glaucoma (5/22 with bilateral cataracts and 7/41 with unilateral cataracts). Approximately half (7/12) had developed glaucoma during the first 5-year observational period and the remainder (5/12) developed it during the following observational period. Forty percent (25/63) of the patients had ocular hypertension in at least one aphakic eye (9/23 with bilateral cataracts and 16/40 with unilateral cataracts). The rate of progression from ocular hypertension to glaucoma over a mean observational period of 7.2 years (range, 6.2-8.1 years) was 23% (5/22). DISCUSSION: Patients who receive surgery for pediatric cataracts are at very high risk of developing ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Patients can develop late-onset glaucoma and ocular hypertension more than 10 years after surgery. Years of ocular hypertension may precede the diagnosis of late-onset glaucoma.

Two novel TP63 mutations associated with the ankyloblepharon, ectodermal defects, and cleft lip and palate syndrome: a skin fragility phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Ankyloblepharon, ectodermal defects, and cleft lip and palate (AEC) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the sterile alpha motif region of TP63, a homologue of the tumor suppressor TP53. Recent structure-function studies have identified complexities in the genotype-phenotype correlation of the p63 syndromes. OBSERVATIONS: We report 2 sporadic cases of AEC syndrome in infants. Both patients demonstrated skin erosions with prominent scalp involvement. Histologic studies demonstrated mild basal layer vacuolization and rare dyskeratotic keratinocytes, with evidence of both acantholysis and cytolysis at the blister edge. Immunohistochemistry using anti-p63 monoclonal antibody demonstrated basal epidermal nuclear staining in both healthy control and patient tissue samples. Ultrastructural studies showed focal disruption of anchoring fibrils near the blister edge of one patient and normal desmosomes, hemidesmosomes, and basement membrane zone in the nonblistered skin of the other patient. The DNA analysis of each patient revealed 2 novel missense mutations in the TP63 gene that resulted in L514S and R555P amino acid substitutions within the sterile alpha motif region of the p63 protein. CONCLUSIONS: We report 2 novel TP63 mutations resulting in AEC syndrome. The R555P mutation is the most carboxy-terminal of all the reported AEC missense mutations of p63. The presence of skin fragility, manifested as erosive skin lesions in body areas in addition to the scalp, is postulated to be an important diagnostic feature of AEC syndrome.

Glaucoma following cataract surgery in children: surgically modifiable risk factors.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of glaucoma following cataract surgery in children and to identify surgically modifiable risk factors that may influence the development of glaucoma in these eyes. METHODS: All lensectomies performed in patients 18 years old or younger over a 7-year period (1995 through 2001) were identified by conducting a database search. A retrospective chart review was performed for every patient identified. Data extraction included patient's age at surgery, intraocular lens implantation at cataract extraction, date of glaucoma onset, and length of follow-up. Statistical methods included risk ratio calculations and Kaplan-Meier analyses for the "time to glaucoma" for eyes undergoing lensectomy. RESULTS: We identified 116 eyes of 79 children in whom lensectomy was performed. The median age at cataract surgery was 178 days (approval 6 months). Mean follow-up time was 2.7 years. The overall incidence of glaucoma was 11%. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that eyes operated on at less than 30 days of age were statistically more likely to develop glaucoma than eyes operated on at age 30 days or older (P < .001). For those operated on at less than 30 days of age, the risk ratio was 11.8 for subsequent glaucoma development compared with those operated on at 30 days of age or older. Forty-nine eyes (42%) had primary intraocular lens implantation, and none of these developed glaucoma (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Timing of surgery at less than 30 days of age and lack of implantation of an intraocular lens at lensectomy were both associated with an increased risk of subsequent glaucoma. Knowledge of modifiable risk factors is essential to allow ophthalmic surgeons to make cogent decisions regarding the care of children with cataracts.

Ophthalmic genetics/inherited eye disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Genetic diseases of the eye and involving the eye continue as a leading cause of blindness in children and adults. RECENT FINDINGS: Most genetic ocular disorders are not yet treatable and/or are without curative therapies because of our limited understanding of pathogenesis, and the need for well-designed and fully implemented animal model or human clinical trial testing of therapeutic methods. SUMMARY: Herein are current reviews of a variety of ophthalmologic genetic disorders such as anophthalmia, aniridia, albinism, anterior segment dysgenesis, Marfan syndrome, ectopia lentis, neurofibromatosis, retinal hemangioblastomas, and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy.

Neurocutaneous melanosis in association with encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis.

We describe a white female infant with neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) and encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis (ECCL). Multiple, giant and small congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) were observed on the head, neck and trunk and involved 70% of body surface area. Histologic examination of several CMN revealed atypical nodular proliferations of dermal nevomelanocytes. In a small (<1 cm) truncal CMN, single and dyscohesive intraepidermal nests of atypical nevomelanocytes simulating a superficial spreading melanoma, were observed. The placenta was grossly normal and histologically demonstrated multiple banal appearing nevomelanocytes within the stroma of its villi. At the 17-month follow-up no evidence of primary or metastatic melanoma was present. This previously undescribed association of NCM, ECCL and placental nevomelanocytes provides strong support for the hypothesized causal role of anomalous neural crest morphogenesis and migration in the development of all three disorders. The genetic mechanism underlying these complex birth defects has been hypothesized to result from the action of lethal autosomal dominant genes surviving by mosaicism.