Innovative mechanisms of pre-marketing authorization access for rare diseases in Brazil: a case study of pabinafusp-alfa for mucopolysaccharidosis type II / Mecanismos inovadores de acesso pré-comercialização a tecnologias para doenças raras no Brasil: um estudo de caso de alfapabinafuspe para mucopolissacaridose tipo II

Patients with rare diseases frequently face unmet medical needs due to the high costs, lengthy development times, and slow approval processes for new treatments. This case study discusses innovative access alternatives for rare diseases in Brazil, focusing on early access to pabinafusp-alfa for mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS-II), a rare genetic lysosomal storage disease characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. From September 2018 to March 2023, 20 Brazilian MPS-II patients received pabinafusp-alfa through a clinical research protocol. This enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) crosses the blood-brain barrier to address central nervous system manifestations unmet by existing treatments. Patients' participation in the clinical study resulted in an estimated BRL 65 million in cost savings for the public healthcare system compared to conventional ERT with idursulfase-alfa and potentially better clinical outcomes. The case study underscores the importance of innovative mechanisms in addressing patients' medical needs. Early access alternatives include: a) clinical study access, with execution/development aligned with healthcare managers and linked to future access strategies; b) regulatory-level risk-sharing, considering effectiveness uncertainties and the possibility of market withdrawal and/or reimbursement in case of negative results; and c) drug pre-delivery, with payment contingent on positive phase III clinical study outcomes. Although public-private partnerships in clinical research are underused, they could benefit all stakeholders by accelerating drug development, facilitating early patient access to innovative medicines, and generating healthcare system savings, particularly for rare diseases.

Pacientes com doenças raras frequentemente enfrentam necessidades médicas não atendidas devido aos altos custos, longos tempos de desenvolvimento e processos de aprovação lentos para novos tratamentos. Este estudo de caso discute alternativas inovadoras de acesso para doenças raras no Brasil, com foco no acesso precoce ao alfapabinafuspe para mucopolissacaridose tipo II (MPS-II), uma doença lisossômica de armazenamento genético rara, caracterizada por uma deficiência da enzima iduronato-2-sulfatase. De setembro de 2018 a março de 2023, 20 pacientes brasileiros com MPS-II receberam alfapabinafuspe por meio de pesquisa clínica. Essa terapia de reposição enzimática (TRE) atravessa a barreira hematoencefálica para tratar manifestações do sistema nervoso central não atendidas pelos tratamentos existentes. A participação dos pacientes no estudo clínico resultou em uma economia estimada de 65 milhões de reais para o sistema público de saúde, em comparação com a TRE convencional com idursulfase alfa, além de potencialmente melhores resultados clínicos. O estudo de caso destaca a importância de mecanismos inovadores no atendimento das necessidades médicas dos pacientes. As alternativas de acesso precoce incluem: a) acesso por meio de estudos clínicos, com execução/desenvolvimento alinhada aos gestores de saúde e vinculada a estratégias futuras de acesso; b) compartilhamento de risco em nível regulatório, considerando as incertezas de eficácia e a possibilidade de retirada do mercado e reembolso em caso de resultados negativos; e c) pré-entrega do medicamento, com pagamento condicionado aos resultados positivos do estudo clínico de fase III. Embora as parcerias público-privadas em pesquisa clínica sejam subutilizadas, elas poderiam beneficiar todas as partes interessadas ao acelerar o desenvolvimento de medicamentos, facilitar o acesso precoce dos pacientes a medicamentos inovadores e gerar economias para o sistema de saúde, especialmente para doenças raras.

Hemophagocytic syndrome in a patient with Fanconi anemia and VACTERL association / Síndrome hemofagocítica em paciente com anemia de Fanconi e associação VACTERL

INTRODUCTION: Hemophagocytic syndrome results from hyperactivity of histiocytes and lymphocytes, triggered by infections, mainly viral by cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr and herpes. Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease with heterogeneous symptoms common to other diseases such as VACTERL, a disease of unknown etiology in which there are several congenital malformations. The concomitance of Fanconi and VACTERL anemia occurs in 5 to 30% of FA patients. REPORT: A 14-month-old male infant was admitted to investigate fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and granulopenia. The patient was diagnosed with hemophagocytic syndrome due to hyperferritinemia, bone marrow hemophagocytosis, transaminase elevation, decreased fibrinogen, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection confirmed by serology and PCR. The test with mitomycin C (MMC) showed chromosomal fragility. The patient was diagnosed with a VACTERL/FA association for having a clinic and a test compatible with both FA and VACTERL. CONCLUSION: The VACTERL/FA association is seldom described, but is present in pediatric medical practice. This study presented the main clinical-laboratory aspects and reviewed the main aspects of the concurrence of this pathology.

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome hemofagocítica decorre da hiperatividade de histiócitos e linfócitos e é desencadeada por infeções, principalmente virais por citomegalovírus, Epstein-barr e herpes. A anemia de Fanconi (AF) é uma doença genética rara com sintomas heterogêneos em comum a outras doenças como a associação VACTERL, uma doença de etiologia desconhecida na qual existe diversas mal formações congênitas. A concomitância da anemia de Fanconi e VACTERL é descrita em 5 a 30% dos pacientes AF. RELATO: Lactente de 14 meses, sexo masculino, admitido para investigar um quadro de febre, hepatoesplenomegalia e granulopenia. Os exames laboratoriais mostraram a hiperferritemia, elevação da transaminases, medula óssea com hemofagocitose e, sorologia e PCR positivos para citomegalovírus (CMV). O paciente foi diagnosticado com síndrome hemofagocítica por citomegalovírus. Como havia também hipoplasia do polegar esquerdo, presença de hemivértebra, agenesia renal e teste positivo de fragilidades cromossômicas com mitomicina C (MMC), o paciente foi diagnosticado com associação VACTERL/AF. CONCLUSÃO: O citomegalovírus quando infecta pacientes com problemas de imunidade como AF, apresenta risco de desencadear a síndrome hemofagocítica. A associação VACTERL/AF é pouco descrita, mas presente na prática médica da pediatria. Esse estudo descreveu os principais aspectos clínicos-laboratoriais e revisou os aspectos fundamenais descritos sobre a concomitância dessas patologias.

Formação de um residente de Medicina de Família e Comunidade no contexto da Política Nacional de Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Doenças Raras / Training of a Family and Community Medicine resident in the context of the National Policy of Comprehensive Care for People with Rare Diseases / Formación de un residente de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria en el contexto de la Política Nacional de Atención Integral a Personas con Enfermedades Raras

Problema: Mudanças no perfil de morbimortalidade brasileiro têm evidenciado a importância das doenças genéticas, porém os dados epidemiológicos ainda são limitados. Desde 2014, a Política Nacional de Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Doenças Raras visa fomentar a assistência integral no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Entretanto, os profissionais da atenção primária ainda não são suficientemente capacitados para a abordagem das doenças genéticas e raras. O objetivo do estudo é apresentar a experiência adquirida por um médico residente em Medicina de Família e Comunidade em um serviço de referência em doenças genéticas e raras. Método: Trata-se de um relato de experiência de estágio eletivo desenvolvido durante oito semanas no Serviço de Genética Médica do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos da Universidade Federal da Bahia (HUPES-UFBA). O estágio foi composto de rotações em ambulatórios, laboratório, enfermaria e participação em aulas teóricas. Resultados: O residente teve contato com conhecimentos e ferramentas de genética que são úteis à sua prática como médico de família e comunidade, auxiliando na atenção às pessoas com doenças genéticas e raras. Também identificou como ferramentas e princípios da atenção primária à saúde potencializam o cuidado em genética médica. Conclusão: A experiência situou o residente quanto ao seu papel na linha de cuidado em doenças raras, reforçando a responsabilidade do profissional da atenção primária na assistência integral.

Problem: Changes in the Brazilian morbidity and mortality profile have highlighted the importance of genetic diseases, but epidemiological data are still limited. Since 2014, the National Policy for Comprehensive Care of People with Rare Diseases aims to foster comprehensive care in The Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS). However, primary care professionals are not yet sufficiently trained to deal with genetic and rare diseases. The objective of the study was to present the experience gained by a Family and Community Medicine resident in a reference service in genetic and rare diseases. Methods: This is an experience report of an elective internship developed during eight weeks at the Medical Genetics Service at Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos of Universidade Federal da Bahia (HUPES-UFBA). The internship consisted of rotations in outpatient clinics, laboratory, infirmary, and participation in theoretical classes. Results: Residents had contact with genetics knowledge and tools that are useful to their practice as a family physician, assisting in the care of people with genetic and rare diseases. They also identified how primary health care tools and principles enhance care in Medical Genetics. Conclusion: The experience gave the residents a better understanding of their role within the line of care for rare diseases, reinforcing the primary care professionals' responsibility for comprehensive care.

Problema: Los cambios en el perfil de morbilidad y mortalidad brasileño han puesto en atención la importancia de las enfermedades genéticas, pero los datos epidemiológicos aún son limitados. Desde 2014, la Política Nacional de Atención Integral a Personas con Enfermedades Raras tiene como objetivo fomentar la atención integral en el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS). Sin embargo, los profesionales de atención primaria aún no están lo suficientemente capacitados para hacer frente a las enfermedades genéticas y raras. El objetivo del estudio es presentar la experiencia adquirida por un médico residente en Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria en un servicio de referencia en genética y enfermedades raras. Método: Se trata de un informe de experiencia de estancia electiva desarrollada durante ocho semanas en el Servicio de Genética Médica de HUPES-UFBA. La estancia consistió en rotaciones en consultas externas, laboratorio, enfermería y participación en clases teóricas. Resultados: El residente tuvo contacto con conocimientos y herramientas genéticas que le son útiles para su práctica como médico de familia y comunitario, ayudando a atender a personas con enfermedades genéticas y raras. También identificó cómo las herramientas y los principios de la atención primaria de salud mejoran la atención en Genética Médica. Conclusión: La experiencia colocó al residente en su rol dentro de la línea de atención en enfermedades raras, reforzando la responsabilidad del profesional de atención primaria en la atención integral.

Clinical diagnostic techniques for rare genetic diseases in children: current status, advances, and thoughts / 中国当代儿科杂志

Rare diseases refer to a group of single diseases with low incidence rates, complex pathogeneses, severe disease conditions, and rapid progression. Most rare diseases have a genetic background and may occur in childhood. Paying attention to the rare genetic diseases in children and performing early diagnosis and treatment can effectively delay the course of disease and improve the quality of life of children. Many rare diseases can be diagnosed with the help of various experimental techniques, but the diagnosis of rare diseases is still not widely understood. This article summarizes the laboratory diagnostic techniques currently used for rare genetic diseases in children, so as to provide clues for the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases and help to enhance the theoretical understanding and precise medical treatment of rare genetic diseases in children.

Research advances in pharmacotherapy for rare diseases in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

There are more than 7 000 rare diseases and approximately 475 million individuals with rare diseases globally, with children accounting for two-thirds of this population. Due to a relatively small patient population and limited financial resources allocated for drug research and development in pharmaceutical enterprises, there are still no drugs approved for the treatment of several thousands of these rare diseases. At present, there are no drugs for 95% of the patients with rare diseases, and consequently, the therapeutic drugs for rare diseases have been designated as orphan drugs. In order to guide pharmaceutical enterprises to strengthen the research and development of orphan drugs, various nations have enacted the acts for rare disease drugs, promoted and simplified the patent application process for orphan drugs, and provided scientific recommendations and guidance for the research and development of orphan drugs. Since there is a relatively high incidence rate of rare diseases in children, this article reviews the latest research on pharmacotherapy for children with rare diseases.

Expert recommendations on homogenization management of the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

Rare diseases in children are characterized by low prevalence, complex pathogenesis, variety, and difficulty in the diagnosis and treatment. With the development of medical services, progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. However, due to asymmetric allocation of medical resources at different levels, there are still many shortcomings in the establishment and promotion of the homogenized management system of rare disease diagnosis and treatment. In order to further standardize the homogenized management of rare diseases in children, achieve early and accurate diagnosis and treatment, and improve the quality of life of the children, the Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Tianjin Children's Hospital (Tianjin University Children's Hospital) invited relevant experts in the field to develop recommendations for the management model of homogenized diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases in children from the aspects of information construction, hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, personnel training, scientific popularization, and multi-participation. The recommendations provide reference for the regional homogenization of clinical diagnosis and treatment management system for children with rare diseases.

Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency induced by HLCS gene mutations: a rare disease study / 中国当代儿科杂志

A boy, aged 16 months, attended the hospital due to head and facial erythema for 15 months and vulva erythema for 10 months with aggravation for 5 days. The boy developed perioral and periocular erythema in the neonatal period and had erythema and papules with desquamation and erosion in the neck, armpit, and trigone of vulva in infancy. Blood gas analysis showed metabolic acidosis; the analysis of amino acid and acylcarnitine profiles for inherited metabolic diseases and the analysis of organic acid in urine suggested multiple carboxylase deficiency; genetic testing showed a homozygous mutation of c.1522C>T(p.R508W) in the HLCS gene. Finally the boy was diagnosed with holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency and achieved a good clinical outcome after oral biotin treatment. This article analyzes the clinical data of a child with holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency and summarizes the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this child, so as to provide ideas for clinicians to diagnose this rare disease.

Síndrome de Adams-Oliver y complicaciones asociadas: reporte de una familia en Colombia y revisión de la literatura / Adams-Oliver syndrome and associated complications: Report of a family in Colombia and review of the literature

El síndrome de Adams-Oliver es un trastorno congénito raro, caracterizado por aplasia cutis congénita en el cuero cabelludo, defectos terminales transversales de las extremidades y piel marmorata telangiectásica congénita. Este puede presentarse debido a diferentes patrones de herencia de tipo autosómico dominante o autosómico recesivo, o por mutaciones dominantes de novo. Aunque el síndrome de Adams-Oliver es una enfermedad poco frecuente, es importante conocer sus características clínicas y patrones de herencia, para así establecer un correcto diagnóstico y sus posibles complicaciones durante el seguimiento. En el presente estudio, se describe el caso de una adolescente con síndrome de Adams-Oliver con patrón de herencia autosómica dominante, hipertensión pulmonar y bronquitis plástica. Había varios miembros de su familia con el mismo compromiso

The Adams-Oliver syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by aplasia cutis congenita of the scalp, terminal transverse limb defects, and congenital telangiectatic cutis marmorata. It can occur through different inheritance patterns: autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or de novo dominant mutations. Although the Adams-Oliver syndrome is a rare disease, it is essential to know its clinical characteristics and inheritance patterns, to establish a correct diagnosis and its possible complications during follow-up. In the present study, we describe the case of an adolescent with Adams-Oliver syndrome with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, pulmonary hypertension and plastic bronchitis, and several compromised family members.

Caracterización y factores asociados a la mortalidad debida a enfermedades huérfanas en Chile, 2002-2017 / Characteristics and factors associated with mortality due to rare diseases in Chile, 2002-2017

Introducción. Las enfermedades huérfanas se caracterizan por su baja prevalencia, comúnmente son de evolución crónica, debilitantes y potencialmente mortales. Objetivo. Determinar las características y los factores asociados a la mortalidad por enfermedades huérfanas en Chile, entre 2002 y 2017. Materiales y métodos. Es un estudio transversal y analítico a partir de datos secundarios oficiales del Departamento de Estadística e Información en Salud (DEIS) del Ministerio de Salud de Chile. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad específica, y las ajustadas por sexo y edad. Se efectuó un análisis de normalidad mediante la prueba de Kolmogórov-Smirnov. Se aplicaron la prueba de ji al cuadrado de independencia para las asociaciones y el análisis de regresión logística multivariada para determinar la probabilidad de muerte. Resultados. Durante el periodo de estudio, 10.718 defunciones se atribuyeron a enfermedades huérfanas; 53,2 % ocurrieron en mujeres. La tasa media anual de mortalidad fue de 3,9 por 100.000 habitantes: 4,1 en mujeres y 3,8 en hombres. Las principales causas de muerte, en mujeres, fueron enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob, anencefalia, hepatitis autoinmunitaria y, en hombres, enfermedad de Creutzfeldt-Jakob, distrofia muscular y anencefalia. Las mujeres tienen 1,75 más veces la posibilidad de fallecer por este grupo de enfermedades en comparación con los hombres (OR ajustado=1,75; IC95% 1,69-1,82). La mayor probabilidad de morir se presentó en los menores de 0 a 4 años (OR ajustado=15,30; IC95% 14,10-19,20). Conclusión. En Chile, las mujeres constituyeron el grupo de población de mayor riesgo de morir por enfermedades huérfanas durante los años 2002 y 2017.

Introduction: Rare diseases are characterized by their low prevalence, chronically debilitating and life-threatening nature. Objective: To determine the characteristics and factors associated with mortality due to rare diseases in Chile from 2002 to 2017. Materials and methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study based on secondary mortality database from the Departamento de Estadística e Información en Salud (DEIS), Ministerio de Salud de Chile (Department of Statistics and Health Information, Chile Ministry of Health) from 2002 to 2017. The specific mortality rates adjusted by age and sex were calculated. A normality analysis was conducted using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. In addition, a chi-square test of independence for associations and multivariate logistic regression was applied to determine the probability of death. Results: Between 2008 and 2012 there were 10,718 deaths due to rare diseases, 53.2% of them occurred among women. The average annual mortality rate was 3.9 per 100,000 inhabitants: 4.1 in women and 3.8 in men. The main causes of mortality among women were Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, anencephaly and autoinmune hepatitis, and among men, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, muscular dystrophy and anencephaly. Women are 1.75 times more likely to die than men (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.69 - 1.82). The highest probability of dying occurred among children aged 0-4 years (aOR = 15.30; 95% CI: 14.10 - 19.20). Conclusion: Overall, the burden of mortality due to rare disease was higher among women of all ages in Chile between 2002 and 2017.

Acesso a medicamentos para doenças raras no pós-estudo: revisão integrativa / Post-trial access to drugs for rare diseases: an integrative review / Acceso a medicamentos para enfermedades raras en el posestudio: una revisión integradora

Resumo A fim de analisar a produção científica acerca do acesso a medicamentos no pós-estudo por participantes de ensaios clínicos com doenças raras, realizou-se revisão integrativa da literatura nas bases Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Embase, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus e Web of Science, abrangendo 21 estudos. No processo analítico, surgiram duas categorias: pesquisa clínica com drogas órfãs e regulação do mercado; e acesso a drogas órfãs: história, globalização e direito à saúde. A primeira analisa questões relativas à quantidade de pacientes com doenças raras, à eficácia e à segurança dessas pesquisas e aos custos e preços dos medicamentos. A segunda trata do panorama histórico do acesso pós-estudo, da globalização dos ensaios clínicos e das dificuldades para efetivar o direito ao acesso a drogas órfãs no pós-estudo. Poucos artigos abordaram o acesso ao medicamento no pós-estudo por participantes com doenças raras como questão central, o que aponta a importância de mais estudos sobre esse tema.

Abstract This study is an integrative literature review to analyze the scientific production about post-trial drug access by participants of clinical trials for rare diseases. The search was carried out in the Virtual Health Library, Embase, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering 21 studies. Two categories emerged from the analysis: clinical research with orphan drugs and market regulation; and access to orphan drugs: background, globalization and the right to health. The first analyzes issues related to the number of patients with rare diseases, the efficacy and safety of these studies and the cost and price of medications. The second addresses the historical background of post-trial access, the globalization of clinical trials and the difficulties to ensure the right to post-trial access to orphan drugs. Few articles addressed post-trial drug access by participants with rare diseases as a central issue, which points to the importance of further studies on this subject.

Resumen Se pretende analizar la producción científica sobre el acceso a medicamentos para enfermedades raras en el posestudio a partir de una revisión integradora en las bases de datos Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, Embase, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus y Web of Science, que encontraron 21 estudios. Surgieron dos categorías en el análisis: investigación clínica con medicamentos huérfanos y regulación del mercado; y acceso a medicamentos huérfanos: historia, globalización y derecho a la salud. La primera examina el número de pacientes con enfermedades raras, la eficacia y seguridad de los estudios, así como los costes y precios de los medicamentos. La segunda aborda el panorama histórico del acceso posestudio, la globalización de los ensayos clínicos y las dificultades para materializar el derecho al acceso a medicamentos huérfanos en el posestudio. Pocos estudios plantean el acceso a estos medicamentos en el posestudio, y son necesarios más estudios sobre el tema.

Mucopolisacaridosis III. Revisión bibliográfica / Mucopolysaccharidosis III. Bibliographic review

Mucopolisacaridosis de tipo III es una enfermedad rara, con una incidencia de 1 en 70 000 nacidos vivos, es la más frecuente dentro del grupo de Mucopolisacaridosis y se produce por un defecto en la vía del metabolismo del heparan sulfato. Se caracteriza por afectar a mayor profundidad el sistema nervioso central, el paciente tiene un desarrollo normal hasta aproximadamente los 1 a 3 años de edad y posteriormente empieza con deterioro progresivo, cursa con retraso del desarrollo, alteración del comportamiento y trastorno del sueño agregándose déficit motor y cuadros infecciosos, culminando en un estado de postración. La esperanza de vida oscila entre los 20 a 30 años, aunque depende del fenotipo y la principal causa de muerte fue la neumonía. El diagnóstico definitivo se consigue mediante pruebas genómicas y ensayo enzimático. No cuenta con tratamiento curativo, únicamente con paliación y soporte ante las complicaciones que va desarrollando

Mucopolysaccharidosis III is a rare disease, with an incidence of 1 in 70 000 live births, it is the most frequent within the group of Mucopolysaccharidosis and is caused by a defect in the heparan sulfate metabolism pathway. It is characterized by affecting the central nervous system in greater depth, the patient has a normal development until approximately 1 to 3 years of age and later begins with progressive deterioration, courses with developmental delay, behavioral alteration and sleep disorder, adding motor deficits and infectious pictures, culminating in a state of prostration. Life expectancy ranges from 20 to 30 years, although it depends on the phenotype, and the main cause of death is pneumonia. Definitive diagnosis is achieved by genomic tests and enzymatic assay. It does not have curative treatment, only palliation and support in the face of the complications that it develops.

Giant colonic diverticulitis, an extremely rare presentation of a rare disease: clinical presentation and literature review

Introduction: Giant colonic diverticulum (GCD) is rare phenomenon, with less than 200 cases described in the literature. One of the complications of GCD is diverticulitis. To date, there is paucity of data addressing the diagnosis and management of GCD complicated by acute diverticulitis. Objective: To better understand the diagnostic tools, the initial management, and the long-term follow-up for this group of patients as well as to recommend a proper multidisciplinary approach to this infrequent disease. Method A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify all the published studies on GCD complicated by diverticulitis. Two of the authors assessed the relevance of the included full-text papers. The articles were assessed independently. Results: In total, 12 cases were identified. Our results show that 10/11 (91%) of the patients who had computed tomography (CT) scans during the initial evaluation had a correct diagnosis. There was no case of failure to non-operative approach (7/7). The patients who had an emergency operation were treated so due to diffuse peritonitis (two patients), acute hemorrhage arising from ulcers within the diverticula (one patient), and misdiagnosis (one patient). Conclusion: Giant colonic diverticulitis is a very rare disease. Computed tomography scan is a valuable tool for the initial diagnosis as well as for treatment strategy planning. Non-operative management is a viable option for patients without diffuse peritonitis. Interval endoscopy is recommended if no contraindication exists. (AU)

Covid 19. Una mirada desde la fibrosis quística / Covid 19. A look from cystic fibrosis

Los pacientes con fibrosis quística pediátricos, del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín, fueron atendidos en modalidad virtual y presencial continua durante la pandemia COVID 19, lo que contribuyó a mantener parámetros adecuados en espirometrías, función pulmonar y estado nutricional, a la vez que disminuyó el número de hospitalizaciones por exacerbación respiratoria.

Pediatric cystic fibrosis patients, from the Hospital of Specialty Carlos Andrade Marín, were treated virtually and continuously during the COVID 19 pandemic, this together with isolation, contributed to maintaining adequate parameters in their lung function and nutritional status, at the same time as hospitalizations for respiratory exacerbation decreased.

Caracterización clínica y funcional de pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal en el centro-occidente colombiano / Clinical-functional characterization of patients with spinal muscular atrophy in Central-Western Colombia

Introducción. La atrofia muscular espinal es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa huérfana de origen genético que afecta las neuronas motoras del asta anterior de la médula espinal, y produce atrofia y debilidad muscular. En Colombia, son pocos los estudios publicados sobre la enfermedad y no hay ninguno con análisis funcional. Objetivo. Caracterizar clínica y funcionalmente una serie de casos de atrofia muscular espinal del centro-occidente colombiano. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo transversal, entre el 2007 y el 2020, de pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y molecular de atrofia muscular espinal que consultaron en el centro de atención. La evaluación funcional se realizó con las escalas Hammersmith y Chop Intend. En la sistematización de los datos, se empleó el programa Epi-Info, versión 7.0. Resultados. Se analizaron 14 pacientes: 8 mujeres y 6 hombres. La atrofia muscular espinal más prevalente fue la de tipo II, la cual se presentó en 10 casos. Se encontró variabilidad fenotípica en términos de funcionalidad en algunos pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal de tipo II, cinco de los cuales lograron alcanzar la marcha. La estimación de la supervivencia fue de 28,6 años. Conclusiones. Los hallazgos en el grupo de pacientes analizados evidenciaron que los puntajes de la escala de Hammersmith revisada y expandida, concordaron con la gravedad de la enfermedad.

Introduction: Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the motor neurons of the anterior horn of the spinal cord, which results in muscle atrophy and weakness. In Colombia, few studies have been published on the pathology and none with functional analysis. Objective: To characterize clinically and functionally some cases of spinal muscular atrophy patients from Central-Western Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study between 2007 and 2020 with patients clinically and molecularly diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy who attended a care center. For the functional assessment we used the Hammersmith and Chop-Intend scales and the data were systematized with the Epi-Info, version 7.0 software. Results: We analyzed 14 patients (42.8 % men). The most prevalent spinal muscular atrophy was type II with 71.4 %. We found phenotypic variability in terms of functionality in some patients with type II spinal muscular atrophy, 37.5 % of whom reached gait. Survival was estimated at 28.6 years. Conclusions: The findings in the group of patients analyzed revealed that the scores of the revised and expanded Hammersmith scales correlated with the severity of SMA.

Terminal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 6 (6P25 3P 243): a literature review and case report of a Brazilian child / Deleção terminal do braço curto do cromossomo 6 (6p25 3p 243): uma revisão de literatura e relato de caso de uma criança brasileira

Introduction: Deletion syndromes are rare events in clinical practice. A chromosomal deletion occurs when seg-ments of genetic information are missing on a particular chromosome or more. The absence of some genes implies varied phenotypes, which detailed explanation is not fully elucidated yet. Objective: Report the case of a child with a terminal segment deletion of 8,9 Mb on the short arm of chromosome 6 (in 6p25.3p24.3) Methods: This case report was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the institution. For its preparation, the exam data provided by the patient's family were added from prenatal to early childhood and the discussion with professionals related to the case. Results: B.A.G., a two-year-old female child, the only daughter of non-consanguineous par-ents, no family history of similar diseases. She was born by premature cesarean section (GA: 35 weeks), presenting Dandy-Walker malformation, Fallot tetralogy, head circumference in the 97th percentile, and syndromic facies, with hypertelorism, low implantation of the ears, and opacity of both lenses. Conclusion: Deletions on chromosome 6 are a very rare genetic alteration. Until 2004, there were only 43 cases in the medical literature, excluding ring chromosome 6 anomalie31. Regarding the terminal deletions of the short arm, this case specifically - 6p24pter - was associated with developmental delay, brain malformations, abnormalities in the anterior chamber of the eye, hearing loss, and abnormalities in the ear, micrognathia, and heart diseases (AU)

Introdução: As síndromes de deleção são eventos raros na prática clínica. A deleção cromossômica ocorre quando segmentos de informação genética são perdidos em um ou mais cromossomos. A ausência de alguns genes implica em fenótipos variados, cuja explicação detalhada ainda não está totalmente elucidada. Objetivo: Relatar o caso de uma criança com deleção de segmento terminal de 8,9 Mb do braço curto do cromossomo 6 (em 6p25.3p24.3) Métodos: Esse relato de caso foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Instituição. Para sua elaboração, foram adicionados os dados de exames fornecidos pela família do paciente desde o pré-natal até a primeira infância e a discussão com profissionais relacionados ao caso. Descrição do Caso: B.A.G., criança de dois anos, sexo femi-nino, filha única de pais não consanguíneos, sem antecedentes na família de doenças similares. Nasceu por cesárea prematura (IG 35 semanas), apresentando Síndrome de Dandy-Walker, tetralogia de Fallot, perímetro cefálico no percentil 97 e fácie sindrômica, com hipertelorismo, baixa implantação das orelhas e opacidades do cristalino bi-lateralmente. Conclusão: As deleções no cromossomo 6 são alterações genéticas de grande raridade. Até 2004, existiam apenas 43 casos na literatura médica, excluindo a anomalia do cromossomo 6 em anal 31. No que se refere às deleções terminais do braço curto, a do caso em questão - 6p24-pter - foram associadas o atraso no desenvol-vimento, malformações cerebrais, anormalidades na câmara anterior do olho, perda auditiva, anormalidades no ouvido, micrognatia e cardiopatias (AU)

Xantomatose cerebrotendínea: uma doença rara e multissistêmica ainda pouco conhecida. Quando devemos suspeitar? / Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis: a rare and multisystemic disease still little known. When should we suspect?

Xantomatose cerebrotendínea (XCT) é uma doença congênita autossômica recessiva rara multissistêmica do me-tabolismo do ácido biliar que leva ao acúmulo de intermediários do colesterol em diversos tecidos. A principal ma-nifestação da doença é o acometimento neurológico progressivo e irreversível, que inicia na infância e evolui com disfunção neurológica grave na fase adulta. Sintomas não neurológicos característicos como xantomas tendíneos, cataratas de início na infância e diarreia crônica infantil também podem estar presentes. No Brasil, não existe te-rapia medicamentosa para a doença. A principal abordagem terapêutica para retardar a progressão do quadro é o acompanhamento multidisciplinar com o objetivo de melhorar a qualidade de vida. Apesar dos sintomas iniciarem na infância, a maioria dos pacientes demora em média 16 anos para receber o diagnóstico, fase na qual o dano neurológico já é extenso e as abordagens terapêuticas não são mais eficazes. Neste estudo é relatado o caso de paciente de 47 anos com XCT que iniciou os sintomas na infância, com piora neurológica aos 38 anos e diagnóstico aos 44 anos, fase na qual a neurodegeneração já era grave e irreversível. Os testes laboratoriais e Imagem de Res-sonância Magnética indicaram alterações características da doença. Ressalta-se a importância de ter a XTC como diagnóstico diferencial na presença de um quadro neurológico progressivo, amplo e variado, associado com xanto-mas tendíneos e outros sinais e sintomas específicos. Por tratar-se de doença crônica e degenerativa, o diagnóstico precoce é essencial para que se possa instituir medidas que melhorem a qualidade de vida (AU)

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare, multisystemic autosomal-recessive disease of biliary acid me-tabolism that leads to accumulation of cholesterol intermediates in multiple tissues. Its primary presentation is progressive and irreversible neurological damage, beginning in childhood and progressing to neurological dys-function in adulthood. There also are characteristic non-neurological symptoms, including tendinous xanthomas, cataracts beginning in childhood, and chronic infantile diarrhea. In Brazil, there is no available treatment for CTX. The primary therapeutic approach to slow disease progression is a palliative one, with multidisciplinary team. While CTX symptoms begin in childhood, most patients are diagnosed at approximately age 16, when neurological damage is extensive and therapeutic approaches are no longer effective. Here, we report a case of a 47-year-old female patient with CTX with symptoms beginning in childhood, with neurological worsening at the age of 38 and diagnosis at 44, at which neurodegeneration was already severe and irreversible. Laboratory tests and magnetic resonance imaging indicated characteristic symptoms. It is important to consider CTX as a differential diagnosis in the presence of a progressive, wide, and varied neurological picture, with tendinous xanthomas and other specific symptoms. Because it is a chronic and degenerative disease, early diagnosis is essential to establish measures to improve the quality of life (AU)