Epidemiological Assessment of a Pediatric Palliative Care Clinic at a Brazilian Quaternary Hospital: 20 Years of Experience.

Background: The pediatric palliative care (PPC) sets up an interdisciplinary approach of chronic complex diseases throughout birth to adolescence. It encompasses countless contrasts in development and diagnosis scopes, which make this area a challenge to nonpediatric practitioners. Objective: We sought to assess the most prevalent diseases in follow-up of the PPC team. Methods: We analyzed the medical records of PPC clinic during the years 2001 and 2021 and the diagnosis of outpatients. We established a parallel with the world scientific literature concerning the epidemiology of PPC. Results: The most prevalent diseases were epidermolysis bullosa (36.9%), followed by neurological Inherited Errors of Metabolism (IEM) diseases (19.0%), IEM diseases (14.3%), dysmorphological and chromosomal disorders (8.5%), skeletal disorders mainly osteogenesis imperfecta (6.9%), and liver transplantation conditions (5.5%) (p < 0.001). The less frequent conditions were external causes, such as neonatal insults or traffic accidents (2.8%), cancer (1.7%), congenital cardiopathies (1.4%), congenital infectious diseases (1.1%), gastrointestinal and hepatic conditions (0.8%), and rheumatological conditions (0.3%). The patients were older at diagnosis (6.9 years) and at PPC referral (13.2 years) than patients with epidermolysis bullosa and skeletal disorders and dysmorphological and chromosomal disorders were younger on referral. Conclusion: There are a lot of complex chronic conditions which could benefit from palliative care in pediatric setting. However, epidemiological and symptomatological assessment of the health service is necessary to provide an appropriate care to the country's reality.

Avaliação e ensino de emoções com crianças e jovens adultos com autismo ou síndrome de down mediado pela família / Assessment and teaching of emotions with children and young adults with autism or down syndrome mediated by family / Evaluación y enseñanza de las emociones con niños y jóvenes con autismo o síndrome de down mediadas por la familia

Este estudo avaliou o reconhecimento (imitação, identidade e identificação) e a nomeação de estímulos emocionais de valência negativa (raiva e tristeza) e positiva (alegria e surpresa) em conjunto com a influência dos tipos de estímulos utilizados (social-feminino, social-masculino, familiar e emoji) em crianças e jovens adultos com autismo ou síndrome de Down, por meio de tarefas aplicadas pela família e mediadas por recursos tecnológicos durante a pandemia de covid-19. Participaram cinco crianças e dois jovens adultos com autismo e uma criança e dois jovens adultos com síndrome de Down. Foram implementadas tarefas de identidade, reconhecimento, nomeação e imitação, com estímulos faciais de função avaliativa (sem consequência diferencial) e de ensino (com consequência diferencial, uso de dicas e critério de aprendizagem), visando a emergência da nomeação emocional por meio do ensino das tarefas de reconhecimento. Os resultados da linha de base identificaram que, para os participantes que apresentaram menor tempo de resposta para o mesmo gênero, a diferença de tempo de resposta foi em média 57,28% menor. Em relação à valência emocional, 50% dos participantes apresentaram diferenças nos acertos, a depender da valência positiva e negativa, sendo que 66,66% apresentaram diferenças para o tempo de resposta a depender da valência emocional. Após o procedimento de ensino, os participantes mostraram maior número de acertos nas tarefas, independentemente do gênero de estímulo e valência emocional, criando ocasião para generalização da aprendizagem de reconhecimento e nomeação de emoções, além de consolidar a viabilidade de estratégias de ensino mediadas por recursos tecnológicos e aplicadas por familiares.(AU)

This study evaluated the recognition (imitation, identity, and identification) and naming of negative (anger and sadness) and positive (joy and surprise) emotional stimuli alongside the influence of the types of stimuli (social-female, social-male, family, and emoji) in children and young adults with autism and Down syndrome, via tasks applied by the family and mediated by technological resources, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five children and two young adults with autism and one child and two young adults with Down syndrome participated. Identity, recognition, naming, and imitation tasks were planned and implemented using facial stimuli with evaluative (without differential consequence) and teaching (with differential consequence, tips, and learning criteria) functions, aiming at the emergence of emotional naming from the recognition teaching tasks. The baseline results showed that, for participants who had a shorter response time for the same gender, the response time difference was on average 57.28% lower. Regarding the emotional valence, 50% of the participants showed differences in the correct answers, depending on the positive and negative valence, and 66.66% showed differences in the response time depending on the emotional valence. After the teaching procedure, the participants showed a greater number of correct answers in the tasks, regardless of the stimulus type and emotional valence, creating an opportunity for generalizing learning of emotion recognition and naming, in addition to consolidating the feasibility of teaching strategies mediated by technological resources and applied by family members.(AU)

Este estudio evaluó el reconocimiento (imitación, identidad e identificación) y la denominación de estímulos emocionales negativos (enfado y tristeza) y positivos (alegría y sorpresa) y la influencia de los tipos de estímulos utilizados (social-femenino, social-masculino, familiar y emoji ) de niños y jóvenes con autismo o síndrome de Down, a través de tareas aplicadas por la familia, mediadas por recursos tecnológicos durante la pandemia de la covid-19. Participaron cinco niños y dos adultos jóvenes con autismo, y un niño y dos adultos jóvenes con síndrome de Down. Se planificaron e implementaron tareas de identidad, reconocimiento, nombramiento e imitación con estímulos faciales con función evaluativa (sin consecuencia diferencial) y enseñanza (con consecuencia diferencial, uso de ayudas y criterios de aprendizaje), buscando la emergencia del nombramiento emocional después de la enseñanza de tareas de reconocimiento. Los resultados de la línea de base identificaron que para los participantes que tenían un tiempo de respuesta más corto para el mismo género, la diferencia en el tiempo de respuesta fue un 57,28% menor. En cuanto a la valencia emocional, el 50% de los participantes mostraron diferencias en las respuestas correctas, en función de la valencia positiva y negativa, y el 66,66% tuvieron diferencias en el tiempo de respuesta, en función de la valencia emocional. Después del procedimiento de enseñanza, los participantes mostraron mayor número de aciertos en las tareas evaluadas, independientemente del tipo de estímulo o valencia emocional, lo que genera una oportunidad para la generalización del aprendizaje de reconocimiento y denominación de emociones, además de consolidar la viabilidad de estrategias de enseñanza mediadas por recursos tecnológicos y aplicadas por la familia.(AU)

Economic cost of patients with trisomy 13, 18, and 21 in a tertiary hospital in Thailand.

The purpose of this study was to determine direct and indirect costs of patients with trisomy (T) 13, 18, and 21 in Thailand. Direct medical costs were obtained from Siriraj Informatics and Data Innovation Center (SiData+), Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, and indirect costs were estimated using a human capital approach. About 241 patients with T21 had outpatient care visits and 124 patients received inpatient care. For T13 and T18, five and seven patients were analyzed for outpatient and inpatient cares, respectively. For patients with T13, T18, and T21 receiving outpatient care, total annual mean direct medical costs ranged from 183.2 USD to 655.2 USD. For inpatient care, average yearly direct medical costs varied between 2,507 USD to 14,790 USD. The mean and median increased with age. In outpatient care, costs associated with drugs and medical devices were a major factor for both T13 and T21 patients, whereas laboratory costs were substantial for T18 patients. For inpatient care, costs of drug and medical devices were the greatest for T13 patients, while service fee and operation costs were the highest for T18 and T21 patients, respectively. For outpatient care, adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) had significantly higher mean annual direct medical costs than those without CHD. However, all adult and pediatric patients with CHD receiving inpatient care had significantly higher costs. Patients with T13, T18, and T21 had relative lifetime costs of 22,715 USD, 11,924 USD, and 1,022,830 USD, respectively.

The role of ultrasound in first-trimester screening after the introduction of NIPT as a service of public health insurance - a consensus statement of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) Germany.

Combined first-trimester screening (FTS) and noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) have been proven to be reliable noninvasive procedures to detect the most common chromosomal abnormalities (trisomies 21, 18, 13) in the first trimester. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the strengths and limitations of these two procedures and to give a consensus statement of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) Germany on how to use the two techniques in the first trimester after the introduction of NIPT as a service of the statutory health insurance companies in Germany.

Application of chromosome microarray analysis and karyotyping in diagnostic assessment of abnormal Down syndrome screening results.

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common congenital cause of intellectual disability and also leads to numerous metabolic and structural problems. This study aims to explore the application value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and karyotyping in prenatal diagnosis for pregnant women with abnormal DS screening results. METHODS: The study recruited 1452 pregnant women with abnormal DS screening results including 493 with an enlarged nuchal translucency thickness (NT ≥ 2.5 mm) and 959 with an abnormal second-trimester maternal serum biomarker screening results. They underwent amniocentesis to obtain amniotic fluid for CMA and karyotyping. RESULTS: CMA identified 74/1452 abnormal results, which was more efficient than karyotyping (51/1452, P < 0.05.) CMA is equivalent to traditional karyotyping for identifying aneuploidies. Compared to karyotyping CMA identified 1.90% more copy number variants (CNVs) ranging from 159Kb to 6496Kb. However, 34.4% of them were recurrent pathogenic CNVs associated with risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. CMA identified 13 variants of uncertain significance (VUS) results and 1 maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) of chromosome 7. Karyotyping identified 3 mosaic sex chromosome aneuploidy and 4 balanced translocation which could not be identified by CMA. In enlarged NT group, karyotyping identified 80.9% abnormal results while in serum screening group karyotyping identified 35.7%. However, the incidence of pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) CNVs was nearly the same in both groups. That was because aneuploidies and gross duplication/deletion were previously screened out by NT scan. CONCLUSIONS: CMA and karyotyping have both advantages and disadvantages in prenatal diagnosis of pregnant women with abnormal DS screening results. However, there was not enough evidence to support routine CMA in pregnant women with abnormal DS screening results.

Teste citogenético por Hibridização in Situ por Fluorescência (FISH) para detecção de alterações citogenéticas de alto risco em pacientes com mieloma múltiplo / Cytogenetic test by Hybridization in Situ by Fluorescence (FISH) for detection of alterations High-risk cytogenetics in patients with multiple myeloma

INTRODUÇÃO: O mieloma múltiplo é uma neoplasia dos plasmócitos. Essas células neoplásicas proliferam na medula óssea impedindo o funcionamento das demais células hematológicas. As células neoplásicas produzem uma imunoglobulina monoclonal (proteína M) que é importante na fisiopatologia e no diagnóstico dessa doença. O mieloma múltiplo geralmente acomete adultos acima de 60 anos e estima-se que no Brasil a sua incidência anual esteja próximo à 1,2 indivíduos para cada 100.000 habitantes, com elevada letalidade. As manifestações clínicas mais comuns são dores ósseas, anemia e infecções recorrentes. As alterações mais comuns em exames de imagem e de laboratório incluem lesões líticas nos ossos, exames associados com insuficiência renal, hipercalcemia e anemia, além do achado da proteína M. Determinadas alterações citogenéticas estão associadas com o tratamento que deve ser instituído para o paciente e com o seu prognóstico. As alterações cromossômicas estudadas foram: t(4;14), del(17p13) e t(14;16). TECNOLOGIA: Citogenética por Hibridização in Situ por Fluorescência (FISH). PERGUNTA: Deve-se utilizar a citogenética por Hibridização In Situ por Fluorescência (FISH) versus citogenética convencional para detectar as alterações t(4:14), del(17p13) e t(14:16) em pacientes com mieloma múltiplo? EVIDÊNCIAS CLÍNICAS: Foi realizada busca de estudos que avaliassem a tecnologia nas bases de dados Embase, Medline (via Pubmed), Cochrane Library e LILACS. Após a triagem de 1346 relatos, 11 estudos observacionais foram selecionados. Nos domínios do QUADAS-2, a maioria dos estudos apresentou risco de viés incerto, exceto para o domínio Fluxo e Temporalidade, em que 81,8% dos estudos apresentaram baixo risco de viés. Os estudos incluídos analisaram uma amostra de 781 pacientes com mieloma múltiplo. Destes, 653 foram avaliadas pelo FISH e 719 pela citogenética convencional. A t(4;14) foi detectada em 11,3% (58/518) das amostras por FISH e 0,17% (1/607) por citogenética convencional. Os resultados da meta-análise mostraram que o FISH aumentou em 12% a detecção da t(4;14) quando comparado a citogenética convencional (RD: 0,12 [IC 95%: 0,06-0,19]; p < 0,0001; I2 : 52%). Em relação à del(17p13), esta foi detectada em 12,2% (80/653) das amostras por FISH e 1,6% (10/607) por citogenética convencional. O FISH aumentou em 12% a detecção da del(17p13) em comparação à citogenética convencional (RD: 0,12 [IC 95%: 0,04-0,20]; p < 0,0001; I 2 : 77%). Por fim, a t(14;16) foi detectada em 0,42% (2/478) das amostras por FISH e 0,17% (1/607) por citogenética convencional. Não houve diferença entre o FISH e a citogenética convencional para detecção da t(14;16) (RD: 0,00 [IC 95%: -0,01-0,02]; p = 0,41; I2 : 0%). A qualidade da evidência, avaliada pelo GRADE, foi considerada muito baixa para todos os desfechos avaliados. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: Foram elaborados dois cenários, proposto e alternativo, considerando as estratégias de estadiamento incluindo FISH e citogenética convencional, variando a porcentagem de pacientes submetidos ao teste citogenético por FISH. A incorporação do FISH para o estadiamento dos pacientes com mieloma múltiplo pode provocar um incremento orçamentário em R$239.206,38 para o primeiro ano (2022), atingindo R$1.246.915,77 no quinto ano (2026), quando inicialmente 5% dos pacientes são submetidos ao FISH e ocorre aumento progressivo de 5% ao ano. O impacto em cinco anos seria de R$ 3.691.966,50. Quando inicialmente 10% dos pacientes diagnosticados com mieloma múltiplo são estadiados por meio do FISH, com o aumento progressivo de 10% ao ano, mantendo-se porcentagem constante para a citogenética convencional, o impacto orçamentário incremental seria de R$478.412,76 para o primeiro ano (2022), atingindo R$2.493.831,54 no quinto ano de incorporação (2026), sendo o valor acumulado em cinco anos de R$ 7.383.933,00. MONITORAMENTO DO HORIZONTE TECNOLÓGICO: As pesquisas nas bases de dados para monitoramento do horizonte tecnológico identificaram três modelos de sonda para o painel FISH em pacientes com mieloma múltiplo no FDA. No Clinical Trials nenhuma nova tecnologia para avaliação citogenética foi identificada. Em relação ao depósito de patentes, foi encontrado um depósito patentário chinês do ano de 2019. PERSPECTIVA DO PACIENTE: Foi aberta chamada pública conjunta para Perspectiva do Paciente durante o período de 18/10/2021 a 24/10/2021, que contou com quinze inscrições, sendo o representante definido por consenso do grupo. No relato, o participante descreveu aspectos da sua vivência como paciente com mieloma múltiplo, destacando a rapidez na obtenção de diagnóstico, a realização do transplante de medula óssea e o uso de diferentes tecnologias durante o tratamento.  Além disso, informou ter tido boa resposta terapêutica à lenalidomida durante cinco anos, em virtude da progressão da doença depois desse intervalo temporal, passou a utilizar protocolo com daratumumabe, apresentando melhora geral do quadro clínico. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O teste FISH já é realizado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) no diagnóstico de outras doenças. Neste Relatório, foi analisado a ampliação de uso deste exame para o diagnóstico de mieloma múltiplo. Pelos achados desta revisão, o teste FISH foi superior à citogenética convencional no diagnóstico das alterações citogenéticas t(4;14) e del(17p13), que são alterações relativamente frequentes e relevantes para o tratamento e o prognóstico dos pacientes com esse tipo de câncer. A alteração t(14;16), por ter baixa prevalência nos pacientes com esse tipo de câncer, demanda que ela seja analisada em uma amostra maior de indivíduos para que seja evidenciada uma diferença significativa entre os dois métodos. No Brasil, os laboratórios de referência para doenças raras possuem a infraestrutura necessária para a realização dos exames e seria necessária a ampliação do uso por meio do SUS. Do ponto de vista da implementação, a capacitação de recursos humanos é um fator de extrema importância, uma vez que a maioria destes laboratórios, atualmente, não possui pessoal capacitado especificamente para analisar amostras de pacientes com mieloma múltiplo. As agências internacionais NICE e CADTH recomendam a realização do FISH como parte dos exames diagnósticos necessários para o estadiamento citogenético e a tomada de decisão quanto a estratégia terapêutica a ser empregada diante da classificação de risco dos pacientes com mieloma múltiplo. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: Os membros do Plenário presentes na 104ª Reunião da Conitec, no dia 08 de dezembro de 2021, deliberaram, por unanimidade, sem nenhum conflito de interesses, que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em consulta pública com recomendação preliminar favorável à ampliação de uso do teste citogenético por Hibridização in Situ por Fluorescência (FISH) na detecção de alterações citogenéticas de alto risco em pacientes com mieloma múltiplo. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Por meio da Consulta Pública nº 116/2021, realizada entre os dias 27/12/2021 e 17/01/2022, foram recebidas 73 contribuições, todas favoráveis à ampliação do uso do FISH para detecção de alterações moleculares de alto risco em pacientes com mieloma múltiplo. As evidências científicas apresentadas reforçaram a importância do FISH enquanto método de identificação destas alterações moleculares, para as quais a citogenética convencional possui baixa sensibilidade. Na avaliação econômica e de impacto orçamentário, foram apontadas possibilidades de redução do custo do exame com a utilização de menor número de sondas de hibridização, dependendo do nível de treinamento dos profissionais. Pacientes e associações enfatizaram a necessidade de garantir o acesso ao exame pelo SUS e, como pontos negativos, o alto custo do exame na rede privada e a indisponibilidade atual do exame no sistema público de saúde. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: Os membros do Plenário presentes na 105ª Reunião da Conitec, no dia 09/02/2022, deliberaram, por unanimidade, sem nenhuma declaração de conflito de interesses, recomendar a ampliação de uso do teste citogenético por Hibridização in Situ por Fluorescência (FISH) na detecção de alterações citogenéticas de alto risco em pacientes com mieloma múltiplo. Foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 695/2022. DECISÃO: Ampliar o uso do teste citogenético por Hibridização in Situ por Fluorescência (FISH) na detecção de alterações citogenéticas de alto risco em pacientes com mieloma múltiplo, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS, conforme a Portaria nº 20, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 49, seção 1, página 95, em 14 de março de 2022.

Assessment of Combined Karyotype Analysis and Chromosome Microarray Analysis in Prenatal Diagnosis: A Cohort Study of 3710 Pregnancies.

Objective: The current study aimed to compare the characteristics of chromosome abnormalities detected by conventional G-banding karyotyping, chromosome microarray analysis (CMA), or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)/CNVplex analysis and further explore the application value of combined karyotype analysis and CMA in prenatal diagnosis with a larger sample size. Methods: From March 2019 to March 2021, 3710 amniocentesis samples were retrospectively collected from women who accepted prenatal diagnosis at 16 to 22 + 6 weeks of pregnancy. The pregnant women underwent karyotype analysis and CMA. In the case of fetal chromosomal mosaicism, FISH or CNVplex analysis was utilized for validation. Results: In total, 3710 G-banding karyotype results and CMA results from invasive prenatal diagnosis were collected. Of these, 201 (5.41%) fetuses with an abnormal karyotype were observed. The CMA analysis showed that the abnormality rate was 9.14% (340/3710). The detection rate of CMA combined with karyotype analysis was 0.35% higher than that of CMA alone and 4.08% higher than that of karyotyping alone. Additionally, 12 cases had abnormal karyotype analysis, despite normal CMA results. To further detect the chromosome mosaicism, we used FISH analysis to correct the karyotype results of case 1. Correspondingly, a total of 157 cases showed abnormal CMA results but normal karyotype analysis. We also found chromosomal mosaicism in 4 cases using CMA. Moreover, CNVplex and CMA demonstrated that representative case 15 was mosaicism for trisomy 2. Conclusions: Conventional G-banding karyotyping and CMA have their own advantages and limitations. A combination of karyotype analysis and CMA can increase the detection rate of chromosome abnormalities and make up for the limitation of signal detection.

Validation of preimplantation genetic tests for aneuploidy (PGT-A) with DNA from spent culture media (SCM): concordance assessment and implication.

BACKGROUND: Spent culture medium (SCM) as a source of DNA for preimplantation genetic tests aneuploidy (PGT-A) has been widely discussed. METHODS: Seventy-five blastocysts that were donated for research provided a unique possibility in which multiple specimens, including trophectoderm (TE) biopsy, SCM, and paired corresponding whole blastocyst (WB) specimens from the same blastocyst source, could be utilized for the purpose of this preclinical validation. RESULTS: To conduct a validation ploidy concordance assessment, we evaluated the full chromosomal concordance rates between SCM and WB (SCM-to-WB), and between TE and WB (TE-to-WB) as well as sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy. 78.67% (59/75) of NGS results in the SCM group were interpretable, a significantly lower percentage than their corresponding TE and WB groups. This discrepancy manifests itself in intrinsically low quantity and poor integrity DNA from SCM. Subsequently, remarkable differences in full concordance rates (including mosaicism, and segmental aneuploidies) are seen as follows: 32.2% (SCM-to-WB, 19/59) and 69.33% (TE-to-WB, 52/75), (p < 0.001). In such cases, full concordance rates were 27.27% (15/55) in SCM-to-WB, and, 76% (57/75) in TE-to-WB (p < 0.001). Collectively, the NGS data from SCM also translated into lower sensitivities, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), overall diagnostic accuracies, and higher Negative Likelihood Ratio (NLR). CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that DNA is detectable in the majority of SCM samples. Individual chromosomal aberration, such as segmental aneuploidy and mosaicism, can be quantitatively and qualitatively measured. However, TE still provides a more accurate and reliable high-throughput methodology for PGT-A. Meanwhile, cell-free DNA in SCM reporting lacks uniform diagnostic interpretations. Considering that this test is meant to determine which embryos are relegated to be discarded, PGT-A with cell-free DNA in SCM should not be permitted to be applied in routine clinical settings for diagnosis purpose.

Stressed parents, happy parents. An assessment of parenting stress and family quality of life in families with a child with Phelan-McDermid syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) are characterised by phenotypical traits that can be experienced as challenging by their environment. This study assessed parenting stress and Family Quality of Life (FQOL) in parents of individuals with PMS and identified potential contributing variables. METHOD: Mothers (n = 14) and fathers (n = 13) of individuals with PMS (n = 14; 6 females, 8 males; age 2-37, M = 20, SD = 11.92) completed questionnaires on parenting stress, FQOL, adaptive behaviour and background characteristics. RESULTS: Mothers and fathers experienced high, similar and related levels of parenting stress and FQOL satisfaction. Parenting stress and FQOL satisfaction were inversely related. High and low ratings were retrieved for subscales measuring feelings of parental role restriction and emotional well-being, respectively. The adaptive skills of the individuals with PMS were related to fathers' parenting stress and FQOL satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical practice is encouraged to be attentive to family dynamics and grasp opportunities to interact with these dynamics.

A Novel External Quality Assessment of Chromosomal Karyotype Analysis Based on Chimera Image Assembly.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a new external quality assessment (EQA) of chromosomal karyotype analysis. METHODS: Chimeric assembly A1 was established by collecting chimeric chromosome images prepared artificially from chromosomally abnormal amniocytes remaining after prenatal diagnosis. Chimeric assembly B1 and nonchimeric assembly C1 were constructed through the collection of chimeric and nonchimeric chromosome images from prenatal diagnosis, respectively. Then, chromosome images were selected randomly from assemblies A1, B1, or C1 to send to 20 technicians via email to verify the validity of a new EQA of chromosomal karyotype analysis. RESULTS: According to the EQA of 20 technicians, 47,XX,+mar from assembly A was easily misdiagnosed as 47,XX,+19 or 47,XXY, and 45,XX,t(13;22) (q10;q10) was misdiagnosed as 45,XX,13S+,-22. The total misdiagnosis rate was 3.8%. For assembly B, 46,X,+mar and 46,X,idic(Y) were easily misdiagnosed as 46,XY and 46,X,+mar, respectively. In addition, some testers missed 47,XXX in 47,XXX[2]/46,XX[48], as well as 47,XX,+18 in 46,XX [47]/47,XX,+18[3], and 45,X and 47,XXX in 46,XX[47]/45,X[2]/47,XXX[1]. The total misdiagnosis rate was 4.2%. All karyo-types from assembly C were correctly diagnosed, although incorrect descriptions used for 4% of cases. CONCLUSION: The quality of chromosome karyotype analysis can be comprehensively evaluated by a new EQA based on assembly A1 or B1.

Prenatal diagnosis of BACs-on-Beads assay in 1520 cases from Fujian Province, China.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of BACs-on-Beads (BoBs™) assay for rapid detection of chromosomal abnormalities for prenatal diagnosis (PND). METHODS: A total of 1520 samples, including seven chorionic villi biopsy samples, 1328 amniotic fluid samples, and 185 umbilical cord samples from pregnant women were collected to detect the chromosomal abnormalities using BoBs™ assay and karyotyping. Furthermore, abnormal specimens were verified by chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the success rate of karyotyping and BoBs™ assay in PND was 98.09% and 100%, respectively. BoBs™ assay was concordant with karyotyping for Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13, sex chromosomal aneuploidy, Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, and mosaicism. BoBs™ assay also detected Smith-Magenis syndrome, Williams-Beuren syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome, Miller-Dieker syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Xp22.31 microdeletions, 22q11.2, and 17p11.2 microduplications. However, karyotyping failed to show these chromosomal abnormalities. A case of 8q21.2q23.3 duplication which was found by karyotyping was not detected by BoBs™ assay. Furthermore, all these chromosomal abnormalities were consistent with CMA and FISH verifications. According to the reports, we estimated that the detection rates of karyotyping, BoBs™, and CMA in the present study were 4.28%, 4.93%, and 5%, respectively, which is consistent with the results of a previous study. The respective costs for the three methods were about $135-145, $270-290, and $540-580. CONCLUSION: BoBs™ assay is considered a reliable, rapid test for use in PND. A variety of comprehensive technological applications can complement each other in PND, in order to maximize the diagnosis rate and reduce the occurrence of birth defects.

Outcomes Assessment of Multi-Level Sleep Surgery in Syndromic Versus Non-Syndromic Children.

OBJECTIVES: Analyze the differences in length of stay, cost, disposition, and demographics between syndromic and non-syndromic children undergoing multi-level sleep surgery. METHODS: Children with sleep disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea that had undergone sleep surgeries were isolated from the 1997 to 2012 editions of the Kids' Inpatient Database, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Children were then classified as syndromic or non-syndromic and stratified by level of sleep surgery (tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy plus other site surgery, other site surgery). Length of stay and cost were reported with Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, disposition with binomial logistic regression, and demographics with chi-square. RESULTS: Syndromic children compared to non-syndromic children were more likely to have surgery beyond just tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy and also had a longer length of stay, higher total cost and non-routine disposition (all P < .001). Syndromic children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy plus other site surgery had a longer length of stay compared to syndromic children undergoing tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy (6.00 days vs 3.63 days, P < .001). However, no similar statistically significant difference in length of stay was found in non-syndromic children (2.01 days vs 2.87 days, P > .05). CONCLUSION: The potential risks/benefits need to be weighed carefully before undertaking sleep surgery in syndromic children. They experience a longer length of stay, higher cost, and non-routine disposition when compared to non-syndromic children. This is especially true when considering the transition from tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy to tonsillectomy & adenoidectomy plus other site surgery, as syndromic children experience a longer length of stay and non-syndromic children do not.

Chip-Based Digital PCR Approach Provides A Sensitive and Cost-Effective Single-Day Screening Tool for Common Fetal Aneuploidies-A Proof of Concept Study.

In the prenatal period, the copy number aberrations of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y account for over 80% of the clinically significant chromosome abnormalities. Classical cytogenetic analysis is the gold standard in invasive prenatal diagnostics but the long test waiting time affects its clinical utility. Several molecular rapid tests have been developed and employed in clinical practice, however all have substantial drawbacks. The aim of the study was to design and evaluate an optimized tool for rapid molecular detection of fetal aneuploidies. We established a novel single-day method using a chip-based platform, the QuantStudio 3D Digital PCR system. In order to assess the clinical usefulness of our screening test, we analyzed 133 prenatal samples. The difference in distributions of euploid and aneuploid samples identified the ploidy of each of the target chromosomes with high precision. The distribution of the chromosome ratio for euploid and aneuploid samples showed a statistically significant result (p = 0.003 for trisomy 13, p = 0.001 for trisomies 18 and 21, Mann-Whitney U test). Our results suggest that this novel chip-based approach provides a tool for rapid, technically simple, cost-effective screening for common fetal aneuploidies.

Quantitative gait assessment in children with 16p11.2 syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Neurodevelopmental disorders such as 16p11.2 syndrome are frequently associated with motor impairments including locomotion. The lack of precise measures of gait, combined with the challenges inherent in studying children with neurodevelopmental disorders, hinders quantitative motor assessments. Gait and balance are quantifiable measures that may help to refine the motor phenotype in 16p11.2. The characterization of motor profile is useful to study the trajectories of locomotion performance of children with genetic variants and may provide insights into neural pathway dysfunction based on genotype/phenotype model. METHODS: Thirty-six children (21 probands with 16p11.2 deletion and duplication mutation and 15 unaffected siblings), with a mean age of 8.5 years (range 3.2-15.4) and 55% male, were enrolled. Of the probands, 23% (n = 6) had a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and were all male. Gait assessments included 6-min walk test (6MWT), 10-m walk/run test (10MWR), timed-up-and-go test (TUG), and spatio-temporal measurements of preferred- and fast-paced walking. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Tests (PEDI-CAT), a caregiver-reported functional assessment, was administered. Measures of balance were calculated using percent time in double support and base of support. Analyses of the six children with ASD were described separately. RESULTS: Thirty-six participants completed the protocol. Compared with sibling controls, probands had significantly lower scores on the 6MWT (p = 0.04), 10MWR (p = 0.01), and TUG (p = 0.005). Group differences were also identified in base of support (p = 0.003). Probands had significantly lower PEDI-CAT scores in all domains including the mobility scale (p < 0.001). Using age-matched subsamples, the ASD and non-ASD genetic variant groups had larger base of support compared to the controls. In the fast-paced condition, all participants increased their velocity, and there was a corresponding decrease in percent time in double support compared to the preferred-pace condition in all participants. Only the ASD group presented with upper limb arm/hand stereotypies. CONCLUSIONS: Children with 16p11.2, with and without ASD, present with balance impairment during locomotion activities. Probands performed worse on functional assessments, and quantitative measures revealed differences in base of support. These results highlight the importance of using precise measures to differentiate motor dysfunction in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases directly using paper-dried cord blood as the starting material for PCR.

A rapid and low-cost method of diagnosis is becoming important for detecting fetal inherited diseases, including single-gene disorders and chromosomal abnormalities. Here, we demonstrated an innovation that use paper-dried cord blood (PCB) as the starting material for PCR and whole genome amplification without any DNA extraction step at a very low cost. A novel PCR buffer named "DDB buffer" containing ammonium sulfate and glycerol were used instead of the conventional 10× PCR buffer. The amplicons were directly analyzed through microchip electrophoresis and whole genome sequencing. Inhibitory substances in filter paper were effectively inactivated using DDB buffer. Direct PCR amplification of DNA fragments ranging from 100 to 900 bp using filter paper spotted with 0.5 to 5 µL of cord blood and various anticoagulants was successful. We were able to determine fetal single-gene disorders and chromosomal diseases in all 46 chromosomes using PCB samples successfully. Compared with prenatal diagnosis using purified DNA, the proposed method is simple, fast, less prone to cross-contamination at minimal cost. Researchers and clinical and healthcare workers may employ this method for genetic diagnosis using cord blood samples with minimum laboratory resources. This method is very promising for a variety of genetic diagnosis applications in underserved communities at the point of need in developing areas. Graphical abstract.

Intellectual, adaptive and behavioural characteristics in four patients with 18p deletion syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The association of behavioural phenotype assessment with cytogenomic characterisation may provide a better comprehension of genotype-phenotype correlations in syndromes caused by chromosomal abnormalities, such as 18p deletion syndrome. METHOD: We report on four Brazilian patients with 18p deletion syndrome characterised by cytogenomic techniques and detailed neuropsychological evaluation. Intellectual, adaptive and behavioural characteristics were assessed through the Wechsler's Scales, the Vineland-II Scale and the Child Behaviour Checklist, respectively. Socio-economic measures including main caretaker educational level and family income as defined by Brazilian criteria for social class classification were also collected to evaluate a possible contribution of environmental factors in neurocognitive variability. RESULTS: Two out of four patients showed intellectual disability (IQ < 70). Wechsler's scale results suggest that in our sample, interpretation of social situations based on observation of non-verbal behaviour constitute a cognitive strength while judgement of social rules and language skills associated with word knowledge and verbal fluency may be a cognitive weakness. Concerning adaptive behaviour, motor and socialisation domains showed to better develop than communication and daily living skills on the Vineland-II Scale. Only one patient presented internalising behavioural problems based on the Child Behaviour Checklist. Our results also suggested that socio-economic status may contribute to overall patient development. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that some 18p deletion syndrome patients may present average intellectual performance and that the segment deletion size and some families' socio-economic conditions may influence cognitive development.

Desirable quality-control materials for the establishment of qualified external quality assessment on prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies.

OBJECTIVE: To prepare desirable quality-control materials for the establishement of qualified external quality assessment on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-detected prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies. METHODS: Four types of amniotic fluid cell suspensions (13-trisomy, 18-trisomy, 21-trisomy and 47,XXY) were mixed together by ratio to produce mosaicism with the percentages of each aneuploidy as 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%, respectively. After being stored in liquid nitrogen of -196 °C for six months, randomly selected samples were incubated in 37 °C water, followed by cultivation, hypo-osmosis and fixation. Finally, FISH detetion was applied on them before and after external laboratory mailing, in step with detection on conventional case samples. RESULTS: Before mailing, the positive rates of each aneuploidy described above were 12.8%, 23.6%, 33.8%, 44.0%, while 12.6%, 23.8%, 34.0%, 43.5% after mailing. t-test, criteria for stability assessment of quality-control materials in CANS-GL03:2006, showed no significant effect of external mailing on mosaicism since corresponding t values are lower than threshold with significance level α as 0.05 and degree of freedom as 10. CONCLUSION: As FISH detection showed, the mosaic cell strains prepared in current study exhibited excellent stabilities after cryopreservation in -196 °C, subculture, hypo-osmosis, fixation and external laboratory mailing, demonstrating them as reliable and promising quality-control materials for the establishment of a qualified external quality assessment on prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies.

Highly sensitive and rapid isolation of fetal nucleated red blood cells with microbead-based selective sedimentation for non-invasive prenatal diagnostics.

Non-invasive prenatal diagnostics (NIPD) has been an emerging field for prenatal diagnosis research. Carrying the whole genome coding of the fetus, fetal nucleated red blood cells (FNRBCs) have been pursued as a surrogate biomarker traveling around in maternal blood. Here, by combining a unique microbead-based centrifugal separation and enzymatic release, we demonstrated a novel method for FNRBC isolation from the blood samples. First, the gelatin-coated silica microbeads were modified with FNRBC-specific antibody (anti-CD147) to capture the target cells in the blood samples. Then, the density difference between microbead-bound FNRBCs and normal blood cells enables the purification of FNRBCs via an improved high-density percoll-based separation. The non-invasive release of FNRBCs can then be achieved by enzymatically degrading the gelatin film on the surface of the microbeads, allowing a gentle release of the captured target cells with as high as 84% efficiency and ∼80% purity. We further applied it to isolate fetal cells from maternal peripheral blood. The released cells were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction to verify their fetal origin and fluorescent in situ hybridization to detect fetal chromosome disorders. This straightforward and reliable alternative platform for FNRBC detection may have the potential for realizing facile NIPD.

Prospective observations study protocol to investigate cost-effectiveness of various prenatal test strategies after the introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing.

BACKGROUND: Among the non-invasive screening methods for the identification of fetal aneuploidy, NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) shows the highest sensitivity and specificity in high-risk pregnancies. Due to the low false positive rate of NIPT, it is assumed that the implementation of NIPT as a primary screening method may reduce the number of invasive fetal tests and result in a similar or lowered cost in the overall detection of Down syndrome. However, most previous studies are based on theoretical economic analysis. This study aims to determine the cost effectiveness of various prenatal test strategies, including NIPT, in real clinical settings in both low risk and high risk pregnancies. METHODS/DESIGN: In this prospective observational study, women (< 24 weeks) with singleton or twin pregnancies will be enrolled in 12 different healthcare institutions. The participants will be grouped based on the risks of fetal chromosomal abnormalities and will be counseled on the various screening or diagnostic methods, including NIPT, according to the aneuploidy risk. The final decision on screening or diagnostic methods will be made by patients after counseling. Questionnaires regarding factors affecting the decision on prenatal test will be answered by the participants and physicians. The economic analysis on final total costs will be compared according to the various prenatal test strategies. DISCUSSION: The results of present study are expected to have a significant impact on national policies in determining Korean prenatal screening test strategies and to help in developing novel and effective prenatal screening tests in the future.

X-ray Structures and Feasibility Assessment of CLK2 Inhibitors for Phelan-McDermid Syndrome.

CLK2 inhibition has been proposed as a potential mechanism to improve autism and neuronal functions in Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS). Herein, the discovery of a very potent indazole CLK inhibitor series and the CLK2 X-ray structure of the most potent analogue are reported. This new indazole series was identified through a biochemical CLK2 Caliper assay screen with 30k compounds selected by an in silico approach. Novel high-resolution X-ray structures of all CLKs, including the first CLK4 X-ray structure, bound to known CLK2 inhibitor tool compounds (e.g., TG003, CX-4945), are also shown and yield insight into inhibitor selectivity in the CLK family. The efficacy of the new CLK2 inhibitors from the indazole series was demonstrated in the mouse brain slice assay, and potential safety concerns were investigated. Genotoxicity findings in the human lymphocyte micronucleus test (MNT) assay are shown by using two structurally different CLK inhibitors to reveal a major concern for pan-CLK inhibition in PMDS.