Specificity of Early Childhood Hyperphagia Profiles in Neurogenetic Conditions.

Hyperphagia is highly penetrant in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and has increasingly been reported in other neurogenetic conditions (NGC). The Hyperphagia Questionnaire (HQ) was completed by caregivers of 4-8-year-olds with PWS (n = 17), Angelman syndrome (AS; n = 22), Williams syndrome (WS; n = 25), or low-risk controls (LRC; n = 35). All NGC groups were significantly elevated in HQ Total and Behavior scores compared to LRC. Only AS and WS were significantly elevated in the Drive domain, and only PWS in the Severity domain. After controlling for externalizing behavior, HQ Total scores were higher for PWS relative to other groups. Hyperphagic symptoms may not differentiate PWS from other NGCs in early childhood. However, hyperphagic phenotypes may be most severe in PWS. Further investigation of these profiles may inform etiology and syndrome-specific treatments.

Orthopedic manifestations in children with Prader-Willi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disease often associated with bone problems, mainly scoliosis and hip dysplasia (HD). This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of orthopedic deformities in patients with PWS. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 175 patients up to March 2023. The Cobb angle(CA) of the spine, the alpha angle of the hip joint, and the acetabular index (AI) were measured. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between demographic parameters and bone deformities. RESULTS: Scoliosis was found in 66 patients (43.7%), including 52 (78.8%) with mild scoliosis, 10 (15.2%) with moderate scoliosis, and 4 (6.1%) with severe scoliosis. Only seven patients received orthopedic treatment (10.6%). The median age of scoliosis was 4.5 years old, and the prevalence of scoliosis increased rapidly at the age of 5 years and adolescence. The mean CA in this study increased gradually with age. HD was found in 47 patients (38.2%), and 6 patients received orthopedic treatment (12.7%). The median age at HD was 1.8 years old. The mean AI of the study population decreased with age. The prevalence of HD treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) was low. No significant differences were observed in sex, genotype, body mass index (BMI), obesity rate, or onset of scoliosis and HD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of scoliosis and HD was higher in patients with PWS. The onset age and developmental trends of the different skeletal malformations were different. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for the prognosis and treatment of orthopedic diseases in patients with PWS.

Genotype-phenotype correlation in Prader-Willi syndrome: A large-sample analysis in China.

The genotype-phenotype relationship in PWS patients is important for a better understanding of the clinical phenotype and clinical characteristics of different genotypes of PWS in children. We aimed to explore the influence of specific gene changes on the clinical symptoms of PWS and the value of early screening and early intervention of the condition. All data in this study were extracted from the database of the XiaoPang Weili Rare Disease Care Center. The collected information included basic demographics, maternal pregnancy information, endocrine abnormalities, growth and development abnormalities, and other clinical phenotypes. The relationships between genotypes and phenotypes in the major categories of PWS were analyzed. A total of 586 PWS cases with confirmed molecular diagnosis and genotyping were included in this study. Among them, 83.8% belonged to the deletion type, 10.9% the uniparental disomy (UPD) type, and 5.3% the imprinting defect (ID) type. Age-wide comparison among the three groups: The rate of hypopigmentation in the deletion group was higher than that in the UPD group (88.8% vs. 60.9%; p < 0.05); A total of 62 patients (14.2%) had epilepsy; and no statistical significance was found among the three groups (p = 0.110). Age-wide comparison between the deletion and non-deletion types: the rate of skin hypopigmentation and epilepsy in the deletion group was significantly higher than that in the non-deletion group (88.8% vs. 68.4%, p < 0.001; 15.9% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.040). The intergroup comparison for the >2-year age group: there were significant intergroup differences in the language development delay among the three groups (p < 0.001). The incidence of delayed language development was the highest in the deletion group, followed by the UPD group, and the lowest in the ID group. The rates of obesity and hyperphagia in the deletion group were also higher than those in the non-deletion group (71.1% vs. 58.9%, p = 0.041; 75.7% vs. 62.0%, p = 0.016). There are significant differences in the rates of skin hypopigmentation and language developmental delay among the deletion, UPD, and ID genotypes. The patients with deletion type had significantly higher rates of lighter skin color, obesity, hyperphagia, language developmental delay, and epilepsy. The results of this study will help clinicians better understand the impact of different PWS molecular etiologies on specific phenotypes.

Ovarian cyst torsion in Prader-Willi Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder involving multiple systems, with an incidence of about 1/10000-25000. Ovarian torsion (OT) is not commonly found in children. Ovarian cyst acts as one of the primary factors resulting in OT. While ovarian cyst torsion with Prader-Willi Syndrome has not been reported before. CASE PRESENTATION: A 12-years old female was admitted to Emergency Department of our hospital with the chief complaint of abdominal pain. The outcomes of physical examination revealed the height of 150 cm, weight of 103 kg, BMI of 45.77 kg/m2. The patient manifested the special facial features, an obese body, with the abdomen distended into a spherical shape. The fat accumulation in the abdomen significantly embarrassed the palpation. The abdominal CT scan indicated a huge cystic mass in the abdominal cavity, sized about 138 mm × 118 mm. According to medical history, the patient was born with low crying and hypotonia, who has developed the uncontrollable eating behavior since 3-years old. These abnormalities led to a speculation of PWS syndrome, so a genetic test was performed and finally confirmed it, concluding a torsion of ovarian cyst with PWS. With the multidisciplinary consultation, a careful treatment strategy containing the control of blood pressure and blood sugar, coenzyme Q10 was administrated to nourish the myocardium and the application of Growth Hormone was developed. All the above preoperative treatments have brought great benefits to patients. Thus promising the successful completion of operation. The postoperative follow-up till now indicated that the abdominal incision was well healed, without operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This may be the first case report. In the treatment of ovarian cyst torsion, PWS syndrome requires fully consideration, as the latter can lead to multisystem abnormalities, especially the relation to perioperative management, and even fatalities. Genetic testing should be conducted early when PWS was suspected, accompanied with adequate preparation for the perioperative period, the follow-ups of patients should be maintained for a long time after surgery.

The importance of gynecological examination in adolescent girls and adult women with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Current published guidelines for routine care of women with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) do not include recommendations for gynecologic examinations. We describe our experience with gynecological examinations in women with PWS and offer recommendations for routine health care for these patients. Data were collected on all 41 PWS females ages ≥12 year, followed in our national Israeli multidisciplinary clinic between the years 2011 and 2022. Menstrual data and findings on external gynecological examination, including evaluation of the vulva and hymen were recorded at yearly visits. During the gynecological evaluation the topic of sexual education was discussed. Pelvic ultrasound, specifically for antral follicular count, was performed for those visiting the clinic during 2020-2022. Blood samples for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol were obtained routinely and DEXA scans for bone density were done when indicated. Of the 41 women, (median age at start of follow-up 17 years, range [12.3-39], BMI 30.4 kg/m2 [IQR 23.5-37.1]), 39 women agreed to external gynecological examination. Eleven women (27%) had spontaneous menses, with menarche at the age of 14 to as late as 31 years. The hymen was intact in all except one. Poor hygiene was observed in eight women, three women with vulvovaginitis, and five with irritated vulva related to poor hygiene. Gynecological ultrasound was performed in 27 women. In 22, endometrial thickness was less than 5 mm. The median antral follicular count (AFC) was 6 (<10th percentile for age). No correlation between AFC and menstruation or BMI was found. Mean FSH level was 5.7 ± 3.6 IU, LH was 2.29 ± 2.23, and estradiol was 128 ± 76 pmol/L. Data on DEXA measurements were available in 25 women aged 16-39. Median spine T score was -1.3 (range between 0.5 and -3.7), and hip T score was -1.2 (range between 0.8 and -3.3). A negative correlation was found between endometrial thickness and the presence of osteopenia or osteoporosis (r = -0.5, p = 0.013). Despite our recommendations, only eight of 14 women agreed to hormonal treatment or contraception. One woman who received treatment had a thromboembolic event. Routine health care for women with PWS should include gynecological examinations. The gynecological evaluation should include external genital examination, assessment of hygiene, obtaining a blood sample for hormone levels, and documenting a history of sexual experience or sexual abuse. Hormonal treatment or contraception should be offered when appropriate.

Malignancies in Prader-Willi Syndrome: Results From a Large International Cohort and Literature Review.

CONTEXT: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex disorder combining hypothalamic dysfunction, neurodevelopmental delay, hypotonia, and hyperphagia with risk of obesity and its complications. PWS is caused by the loss of expression of the PWS critical region, a cluster of paternally expressed genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13. As life expectancy of patients with PWS increases, age-related diseases like malignancies might pose a new threat to health. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of malignancies in patients with PWS and to provide clinical recommendations for cancer screening. METHODS: We included 706 patients with PWS (160 children, 546 adults). We retrospectively collected data from medical records on past or current malignancies, the type of malignancy, and risk factors for malignancy. Additionally, we searched the literature for information about the relationship between genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13 and malignancies. RESULTS: Seven adults (age range, 18-55 years) had been diagnosed with a malignancy (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, intracranial hemangiopericytoma, melanoma, stomach adenocarcinoma, biliary cancer, parotid adenocarcinoma, and colon cancer). All patients with a malignancy had a paternal 15q11-13 deletion. The literature review showed that several genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13 are related to malignancies. CONCLUSION: Malignancies are rare in patients with PWS. Therefore, screening for malignancies is only indicated when clinically relevant symptoms are present, such as unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, symptoms suggestive of paraneoplastic syndrome, or localizing symptoms. Given the increased cancer risk associated with obesity, which is common in PWS, participation in national screening programs should be encouraged.

Multifactorial influences on successful health outcomes for an adolescent with Prader-Willi syndrome: a qualitative case study.

PURPOSE: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the most common syndromic cause of childhood obesity. This qualitative case study aimed to identify and describe lifestyle themes of an adolescent with PWS that resulted in maintenance of a healthy body mass index (BMI). CASE DESCRIPTION: The 16-year-old female demonstrated failure to thrive upon birth and underwent 9 months supplemented tube feeding, achieving 50th percentile weight for height. Throughout childhood she received treatment of physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and has maintained a healthy BMI ranging from 25-50th percentile weight for height. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two video interviews were completed separately. Qualitative analysis of the transcribed data identified two overarching themes for maintaining a healthy BMI in this adolescent: 1) adolescent and parent individual characteristics; and 2) family dynamics and lifestyle. Adolescent and parental characteristics included: high level of cognitive function for diagnosis, mild hyperphagia, desire for a regimented schedule, parental type A personalities, intentionality in parental decisions/actions. Family lifestyle characteristics included strong parental involvement and well-defined expectations for their daughter, purposeful integration of physical activity into lifestyle, and presence of a strong family support system. CONCLUSION: The convergence of multiple optimal influences provided an ideal health outcome in the adolescent.

Proteins and proteases of Prader-Willi syndrome: a comprehensive review and perspectives.

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare complex genetic disease that is associated with pathological disorders that include endocrine disruption, developmental, neurological, and physical problems as well as intellectual, and behavioral dysfunction. In early stage, PWS is characterized by respiratory distress, hypotonia, and poor sucking ability, causing feeding concern and poor weight gain. Additional features of the disease evolve over time. These include hyperphagia, obesity, developmental, cognitive delay, skin picking, high pain threshold, short stature, growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, strabismus, scoliosis, joint laxity, or hip dysplasia. The disease is associated with a shortened life expectancy. There is no cure for PWS, although interventions are available for symptoms management. PWS is caused by genetic defects in chromosome 15q11.2-q13, and categorized into three groups, namely Paternal deletion, Maternal uniparental disomy, and Imprinting defect. PWS is confirmed through genetic testing and DNA-methylation analysis. Studies revealed that at least two key proteins namely MAGEL-2 and NECDIN along with two proteases PCSK1 and PCSK2 are linked to PWS. Herein, we summarize our current understanding and knowledge about the role of these proteins and enzymes in various biological processes associated with PWS. The review also describes how loss and/or impairment of functional activity of these macromolecules can lead to hormonal disbalance by promoting degradation of secretory granules and via inhibition of proteolytic maturation of precursor-proteins. The present review will draw attention of researchers, scientists, and academicians engaged in PWS study and will help to identify potential targets and molecular pathways for PWS intervention and treatment.

Hypothalamic syndrome.

Hypothalamic syndrome (HS) is a rare disorder caused by disease-related and/or treatment-related injury to the hypothalamus, most commonly associated with rare, non-cancerous parasellar masses, such as craniopharyngiomas, germ cell tumours, gliomas, cysts of Rathke's pouch and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, as well as with genetic neurodevelopmental syndromes, such as Prader-Willi syndrome and septo-optic dysplasia. HS is characterized by intractable weight gain associated with severe morbid obesity, multiple endocrine abnormalities and memory impairment, attention deficit and reduced impulse control as well as increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Currently, there is no cure for this condition but treatments for general obesity are often used in patients with HS, including surgery, medication and counselling. However, these are mostly ineffective and no medications that are specifically approved for the treatment of HS are available. Specific challenges in HS are because the syndrome represents an adverse effect of different diseases, and that diagnostic criteria, aetiology, pathogenesis and management of HS are not completely defined.

Development and validation of the Pediatric-Youth Hyperphagia Assessment for Prader-Willi syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperphagia is a highly stressful, life-threatening feature of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). It is important to assess this complex behavior accurately over time. This study aimed to develop and validate the Pediatric-Youth Hyperphagia Assessment for Prader-Willi syndrome (PYHAP) as a tool targeting children and adolescents. METHODS: After an extensive literature review and qualitative interviews, the final version of the PYHAP with 14 questions in 3 domains (verbal [5], behavior [4], and social [5]) was developed and tested at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, Korea from July 2018 to September 2019. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to confirm construct validity. The correlations between the PYHAP and the Korean Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (K-CEBQ) were calculated to evaluate convergent and discriminant validity. Criterion validity and the validity of the response categories were also tested. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the PYHAP was 0.91. The fit indices for CFA were good (comparative fit index, 0.87; standardized root mean squared residual, 0.08). The domains of the PYHAP were closely correlated with the relevant domains of the K-CEBQ. The accuracy of the PYHAP score for predicting uncontrolled hyperphagia was good (area under the curve, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.65 to 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The PYHAP was confirmed to be a reliable and valid tool to evaluate hyperphagia in children and adolescents with PWS via caregivers' assessments. It is recommended to use the PYHAP to communicate with parents or caregivers about patients' hyperphagia or to monitor and manage extreme behaviors in children with PWS.

Mosaic de novo SNRPN gene variant associated with Prader-Willi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is an imprinting disorder caused by the absence of paternal expressed genes in the Prader-Willi critical region (PWCR) on chromosome 15q11.2-q13. Three molecular mechanisms have been known to cause PWS, including a deletion in the PWCR, uniparental disomy 15 and imprinting defects. RESULTS: We report the first case of PWS associated with a single-nucleotide SNRPN variant in a 10-year-old girl presenting with clinical features consistent with PWS, including infantile hypotonia and feeding difficulty, developmental delay with cognitive impairment, excessive eating with central obesity, sleep disturbances, skin picking and related behaviour issues. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo mosaic nonsense variant of the SNRPN gene (c.73C>T, p.R25X) in 10% of DNA isolated from buccal cells and 19% of DNA from patient-derived lymphoblast cells. DNA methylation study did not detect an abnormal methylation pattern in the SNRPN locus. Parental origin studies showed a paternal source of an intronic single-nucleotide polymorphism within the locus in proximity to the SNRPN variant. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report that provides evidence of a de novo point mutation of paternal origin in SNRPN as a new disease-causing mechanism for PWS. This finding suggests that gene sequencing should be considered as part of the diagnostic workup in patients with clinical suspicion of PWS.

Estudo piloto de triagem usando a Análise da Curva de Dissociação de Alta Resolução Sensível à Metilação (MS -HRM) em swabs orais para detectar a Síndrome de Prader-Willi / Pilot screening study using Methylation Sensitive High Resolution Dissociation Curve Analysis (MS -HRM) on oral swabs to detect Prader-Willi Syndrome

A síndrome de Prader-Willi (SPW) é uma desordem genética complexa, caracterizada por deleções, dissomia uniparental materna ou defeito no centro de imprinting no alelo paterno do cromossomo 15. As perdas de funções de genes específicos da região 15q11 afetam múltiplos sistemas corporais. O diagnóstico da SPW é difícil de ser realizado com base apenas no exame clínico e envolve a realização de diversas técnicas de biologia molecular para a completa elucidação da etiologia genética, tornando todo o processo laborioso, demorado e custoso. A realização de um teste molecular que permita um diagnóstico rápido e preciso é de vital importância para um melhor prognóstico para paciente. A coleta bem-sucedida de amostras e a extração de DNA de swabs são alternativas não invasivas e confiáveis, tanto para os pacientes quanto para os profissionais que realizarão a coleta destas amostras. Neste trabalho foi possível demonstrar um método simples de coleta de amostras e extração de DNA, que possui baixo custo, é eficaz, fácil e rápido, que fornece uma quantidade e qualidade suficiente de DNA para a execução do MS-HRM, qPCR e sequenciamento. Uma comparação dos procedimentos de extração mostra que o método simples de extração de NaCl é o mais adequado para extração de DNA de amostra bucal coletada através de swab. Neste trabalho foi demonstrado um método simples de coleta de amostras através do swab e extração de DNA com baixo custo e boa qualidade do DNA.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex disorder, uniparental by deletions, dissociated from no imprint defect in any of the chromosomes 15. As gene variants of the genetic region of the 15q11 region, the diagnosis of PWS is challenging to perform based on clinical examination alone. It involves the performance of several molecular biology techniques for the complete elucidation of genetics, determining the entire laborious, time-consuming, and costly process. The performance of a molecular test allows a quick diagnosis, which is vital for a better prognosis for the patient. Successful sample collection and DNA collection from swabs are non-invasive alternatives for patients and practitioners performing probable sample collection. In this work, it was possible to demonstrate a simple sample collection and DNA method, which has a low cost, is effective, easy, and fast, and provides a sufficient quantity and quality of DNA for the execution of MS-HRM, qPCR, and sequencing. A comparison of the extraction procedures shows that the simple NaCl extraction method is the most appropriate for extracting DNA from a buccal sample collected via swab. In this work, a simple method for swab sampling and extracting DNA was demonstrated, with low cost and good DNA quality.

Nutritional phases of Prader-Willi syndrome. / Fases nutricionales en Síndrome de Prader-Willi.

INTRODUCTION: Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is the most common cause of genetic obesity. Hyperphagia and obe sity are the most associated concepts with this condition. However, undernutrition secondary to severe hypotonia and feeding difficulties is the predominant initial feature. OBJECTIVE: to reprodu ce and communicate the nutritional phases on a series of Chilean cases with PWS. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study in which clinical records of PWS individuals under nutritional con trol at the Clínica Santa María in Santiago, Chile between 2017 and 2018 were analyzed. The anthro pometric references of the World Health Organization were used to carry out the nutritional as sessment. The classification into nutritional phases was according to the Miller criteria. RESULTS: 24 patients from infants to adults were included. All children aged under 9 months were in phase I and had malnutrition or were eutrophic; those between 9 and 25 months were classified in phase 2a; pa tients between 2.1 and 4.5 years were distributed between phases 1 and 2 and 66% were eutrophic; those between 4.5 to 8 years, 80% were in phase 2a and 2b and obesity begins to appear, and patients over 8 years of age, 75% were in phase 3 and all are overweight or obese. There was an association bet ween nutritional phase and age but not between it and nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the nutritional phases described according to age were reproduced according to those internationally described. There was no association between nutritional status and age.

The Diagnostic Journey of a Patient with Prader-Willi-Like Syndrome and a Unique Homozygous SNURF-SNRPN Variant; Bio-Molecular Analysis and Review of the Literature.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by hypotonia, intellectual disability, and hypothalamic dysfunction, causing pituitary hormone deficiencies and hyperphagia, ultimately leading to obesity. PWS is most often caused by the loss of expression of a cluster of genes on chromosome 15q11.2-13. Patients with Prader-Willi-like syndrome (PWLS) display features of the PWS phenotype without a classical PWS genetic defect. We describe a 46-year-old patient with PWLS, including hypotonia, intellectual disability, hyperphagia, and pituitary hormone deficiencies. Routine genetic tests for PWS were normal, but a homozygous missense variant NM_003097.3(SNRPN):c.193C>T, p.(Arg65Trp) was identified. Single nucleotide polymorphism array showed several large regions of homozygosity, caused by high-grade consanguinity between the parents. Our functional analysis, the 'Pipeline for Rapid in silico, in vivo, in vitro Screening of Mutations' (PRiSM) screen, showed that overexpression of SNRPN-p.Arg65Trp had a dominant negative effect, strongly suggesting pathogenicity. However, it could not be confirmed that the variant was responsible for the phenotype of the patient. In conclusion, we present a unique homozygous missense variant in SNURF-SNRPN in a patient with PWLS. We describe the diagnostic trajectory of this patient and the possible contributors to her phenotype in light of the current literature on the genotype-phenotype relationship in PWS.

Correlação entre o genótipo e o fenótipo dos pacientes com a Síndrome de Prader-Willi / Correlation between the genotype and phenotype of patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome

A síndrome de Prader-Willi (SPW) é uma doença multissistêmica, cujas manifestações principais incluem hipotonia, obesidade, leve atraso mental, hipogonadismo e insuficiência do hormônio de crescimento. A SPW foi a primeira desordem genética descrita envolvida com o imprinting genômico. O imprinting genômico é uma modificação epigenética do DNA responsável por metilar as ilhas CpG, presentes em regiões promotoras dos genes, inativando a expressão deste gene. Na SPW, o indivíduo possui o alelo materno quimicamente inativado através do imprinting, além disso, o indivíduo perde a função dos mesmos genes no alelo paterno devido a 3 possíveis mecanismos genéticos: Deleção, dissomia uniparental materna (DUM), e microdeleções ou defeitos no centro de controle do imprinting. Ainda há muito a se entender sobre as bases genéticas da SPW e sua correlação com os fenótipos clínicos vistos nestes pacientes, e esta comparação entre o perfil molecular e os sintomas clínicos vistos em pacientes com a SPW vem sendo um tema muito discutido dentro da literatura. Muitos achados suportam uma possível correlação entre o genótipo e o fenótipo destes pacientes. Estabelecendo uma possível correlação entre genótipo e fenótipo irá trazer uma maior compreensão da SPW, provendo um melhor aconselhamento genético e consequentemente melhorando o prognóstico para estes indivíduos e suas famílias. Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar a associação dos diferentes mecanismos genéticos da SPW com os diversos sintomas clínicos, contribuindo para um melhor prognóstico da doença. Um estudo descritivo de pesquisa básica e quantitativa a partir de amostras de sangue periférico de 45 pacientes com padrão de metilação compatível com a SPW acompanhados no Centro de Genética Médica do IFF/FIOCRUZ e pelo Instituto Estadual de Diabetes e Endocrinologia do Estado do rio de Janeiro (IEDE/RJ). O estudo vemsendo desenvolvido no Laboratório de Alta Complexidade do IFF (LACIFF). A abordagem metodológica consistiu no rastreamento destes 45 pacientes utilizando a técnica de MS HRM; MS-MLPA visando identificar as deleções nos pacientes; e o sequenciamento de Sanger visando identificar as dissomias uniparentais maternas e os defeitos no centro de controle do imprinting. Posteriormente foi realizado a coleta de dados fenotípicos dos pacientes que apresentaram alterações compatíveis com a SPW. O trabalho em questão tem como resultados esperados encontrar uma correlação genótipo ­ fenótipo, visando um melhor entendimento sobre as bases genéticas da síndrome e um melhor prognóstico para estes pacientes e suas famílias.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystemic disease, the main manifestations of which include hypotonia, obesity, mild mental retardation, hypogonadism, and insufficient growth hormone. SPW was the first described genetic disorder involved with genomic imprinting. Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic modification of the DNA responsible for the methylation of the CpG islands, present in promoter regions of the genes, inactivating the expression of this gene. In PWS, the individual has the maternally allele chemically inactivated through imprinting, in addition, the individual loses the function of the same genes in the paternal allele due to 3 possible genetic mechanisms: Deletion, maternal uniparental disomy (matUPD), and micro deletions or defects in the imprinting control center. There is still a lot to understand about the genetic bases of PWS and its correlation with the clinical phenotypes seen in these patients, and this parallel between the molecular profile and the clinical symptoms seen in patients with PWS has been a very discussed topic in the literature. Many findings support a possible correlation between the genotype and phenotype of these patients. Establishing a possible correlation between genotype and phenotype, will bring a greater understanding of PWS, providing better genetic counseling and consequently improving the prognosis for these individuals and their families. This study aims to identify the association of the different genetic mechanisms of PWS with the different clinical symptoms, contributing to a better prognosis of the disease. A descriptive study of basic and quantitative research based on peripheral blood samples from 45 patients with methylation status compatible with PWS followed at the Medical Genetics Center of IFF / FIOCRUZ and by the State Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology of the State of Rio de Janeiro (IEDE / RJ). The study has been developed at the IFF High Complexity Laboratory (LACIFF). The methodological approach consisted of tracking these 45 patients using the MS-HRM technique; MS MLPA to identify deletions in patients; and the Sanger sequencing aiming to identify maternal uniparental dissomies and defects in the imprinting control center. Subsequently, phenotypic data were collected from patients who presented changes compatible with PWS. The work in question has as expected results to find this genotype - phenotype correlation, aiming at a better understanding about the genetic bases of the syndrome and a better prognosis for these patients and their families.

[Cytogenetic and molecular analysis of a case of Prader-Willi syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance of cytogenetic and molecular genetic diagnosis of a special type of secondary sexual dysplasia and the applicability of various methods for its detection. METHODS: Using karyotype analysis, array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR), we diagnosed and differentially diagnosed a case of secondary sexual dysplasia. RESULTS: Abnormalities were not found in the karyotype analysis or the SRY and AZF gene detection, nor chromosomal duplication and deletion in the initial SurePrint G3 Human CGH Array Kit8×60K.SurePrint G3 unrestricteda CGH ISCA v2,88×60K, however, identified a 68.9 kb deletion of chromosome 15 (hg19:25190737-25259677). MLPA revealed the deletion of exon 3 of the SNRPN gene. MS-PCR showed a significant decrease in the paternal fragment signals, but no difference in the maternal fragment signals between the sample from the patient and that from the control. CONCLUSIONS: The patient was confirmed with Prader-Willi syndrome by various methods of detection.

Missed Diagnoses and Health Problems in Adults With Prader-Willi Syndrome: Recommendations for Screening and Treatment.

CONTEXT: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex hypothalamic disorder, combining hyperphagia, hypotonia, intellectual disability, and pituitary hormone deficiencies. Annual mortality of patients with PWS is high (3%). In half of the patients, the cause of death is obesity related and/or of cardiopulmonary origin. Health problems leading to this increased mortality often remain undetected due to the complexity and rareness of the syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of health problems in adults with PWS retrospectively. PATIENTS, DESIGN, AND SETTING: We systematically screened 115 PWS adults for undiagnosed health problems. All patients visited the multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for rare endocrine syndromes at the Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands. We collected the results of medical questionnaires, interviews, physical examinations, biochemical measurements, polygraphy, polysomnography, and radiology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Presence or absence of endocrine and nonendocrine comorbidities in relation to living situation, body mass index, genotype, and demographic factors. RESULTS: Seventy patients (61%) had undiagnosed health problems, while 1 in every 4 patients had multiple undiagnosed health problems simultaneously. All males and 93% of females had hypogonadism, 74% had scoliosis, 18% had hypertension, 19% had hypercholesterolemia, 17% had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 17% had hypothyroidism. Unfavorable lifestyles were common: 22% exercised too little (according to PWS criteria) and 37% did not see a dietitian. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic screening revealed many undiagnosed health problems in PWS adults. Based on patient characteristics, we provide an algorithm for diagnostics and treatment, with the aim to prevent early complications and reduce mortality in this vulnerable patient group.

Prader-Willi syndrome: endocrine manifestations and management

ABSTRACT Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder caused by the absence of gene expression in the 15q11.2-q13 paternal chromosome. Patients with PWS develop hypothalamic dysfunction that can lead to various endocrine changes such as: obesity, growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency and low bone mineral density. In addition, individuals with PWS have increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review summarizes and updates the current knowledge about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of endocrine manifestations associated with Prader Willi syndrome, especially diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency, management and monitoring of adverse effects; diagnosis of central adrenal insufficiency and management in stressful situations; screening for central hypothyroidism; research and treatment of hypogonadism; prevention and treatment of disorders of glucose metabolism. Careful attention to the endocrine aspects of PWS contributes significantly to the health of these individuals. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):223-34

[Clinical practice guidelines for Prader-Willi syndrome].

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is the first multi-systemic genetic disorder known to be caused by imprinting defect. The clinical manifestations of PWS vary with age. At the prenatal stage, decreased fetal movements are frequent. The major clinical manifestations during neonatal period include hypotonia, weak cry, poor suck and feeding difficulties. Growth retardation and delayed language and motor development are observed during infancy. Short stature, small hands and feet, cognitive deficiency are noticed in the childhood. At adolescence, prominent growth retardation, obesity, gonadal dysplasia, abnormal behavior and learning difficulties are the major issues. Morbid obesity caused by insatiable appetite is the major factor for prognosis. Early diagnosis and intervention play a significance role in improving the quality of life, preventing serious complications and prolonging survival. This guideline covers the clinical manifestations, developmental process, pathogenesis, molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling of PWS, with an aim to provide reference for clinicians for early identification, proper intervention and genetic counseling for this disease.

Prader-Willi syndrome imprinting centre deletion mice have impaired baseline and 5-HT2CR-mediated response inhibition.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by deletion or inactivation of paternally expressed imprinted genes on human chromosome 15q11-q13. In addition to endocrine and developmental issues, PWS presents with behavioural problems including stereotyped behaviour, impulsiveness and cognitive deficits. The PWS genetic interval contains several brain-expressed small nucleolar (sno) RNA species that are subject to genomic imprinting, including snord115 that negatively regulates post-transcriptional modification of the serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) pre-mRNA potentially leading to a reduction in 5-HT2CR function. Using the imprinting centre deletion mouse model for PWS (PWSICdel) we have previously shown impairments in a number of behaviours, some of which are abnormally sensitive to 5-HT2CR-selective drugs. In the stop-signal reaction time task test of impulsivity, PWSICdel mice showed increased impulsivity relative to wild-type (WT) littermates. Challenge with the selective 5-HT2CR agonist WAY163909 reduced impulsivity in PWSICdel mice but had no effect on WT behaviour. This behavioural dissociation in was also reflected in differential patterns of immunoreactivity of the immediate early gene c-Fos, with a blunted response to the drug in the orbitofrontal cortex of PWSICdel mice, but no difference in c-Fos activation in the nucleus accumbens. These findings suggest specific facets of response inhibition are impaired in PWSICdel mice and that abnormal 5-HT2CR function may mediate this dissociation. These data have implications for our understanding of the aetiology of PWS-related behavioural traits and translational relevance for individuals with PWS who may seek to control appetite with the new obesity treatment 5-HT2CR agonist lorcaserin.