Características Fonoaudiológicas de Pacientes Atendidos por um Serviço de Genética Clínica / Speech-language Pathology Characteristics of Patients Assisted by a Clinical Genetics Service / Características de patología del habla y lenguaje de Pacientes Atendidos por un Servicio de Genética Clínica

Introdução: O trabalho conjunto da genética médica e da fonoaudiologia é essencial, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de procedimentos que auxiliam no tratamento de pacientes com distúrbios da comunicação. Objetivo: Analisar as características fonoaudiológicas de pacientes pediátricos atendidos por um serviço de genética clínica. Método: Estudo transversal observacional, realizado com pacientes atendidos pelo serviço de genética de um hospital em Porto Alegre. Para a coleta de dados, aplicou-se um questionário relacionado as áreas de audição, deglutição, motricidade orofacial, voz e linguagem. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída por 54 participantes com idades entre 8 meses e 17 anos (média de idade 6 anos e 5 meses). 24,07% (n=13) dos pacientes apresentaram diagnóstico de síndrome, e 59,26% (n=32) tinham atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Com relação ao perfil fonoaudiológico, 81,48% (n=44) apresentaram algum hábito oral deletério durante a infância. 16,67% (n=9) percebiam alguma dificuldade para ouvir e 29,62% (n=16) para deglutir. 85,19% (n=46) dos participantes manifestaram a linguagem oral desenvolvida e, destes, 71,74% (n=33) apresentavam trocas na fala. 33,33% (n=18) já estavam em atendimento fonoaudiológico, e outros 24,07% (n=13) estavam na fila de espera para este atendimento. Conclusões: Uma parte significativa dos pacientes apresentou queixas e/ou manifestações nas áreas da comunicação humana, principalmente em relação à linguagem, à fala e aos hábitos orais deletérios. Esses dados destacam a importância do encaminhamento para a equipe de fonoaudiologia. (AU)

Introduction: The collaborative efforts of medical genetics and speech therapy are essential, contributing to the development of procedures that assist in treating patients with communication disorders. Objective: To analyze the speech therapy characteristics of pediatric patients seen by a clinical genetics service. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study conducted with patients seen at the genetics service of a hospital in Porto Alegre. A questionnaire related to hearing, swallowing, orofacial motricity, voice, and language areas was used for data collection. Results: The sample consisted of 54 participants aged between 8 months and 17 years, with an average age of 6 years and 5 months. 24.07% (n=13) of the patients had a diagnosis of syndrome, and 59.26% (n=32) had delayed neuropsychomotor development. Regarding the speech therapy profile, 81.48% (n=44) had some harmful oral habit during childhood. 16.67% (n=9) reported some difficulty in hearing, and 29.62% (n=16) in swallowing. 85.19% (n=46) of the participants showed developed oral language, and of these, 71.74% (n=33) made speech substitutions. 33.33% (n=18) of the patients were already undergoing speech therapy, and another 24.07% (n=13) were on the waiting list for this treatment. Conclusions: A significant portion of the patients presented complaints and/or manifestations in the areas of human communication, especially regarding language, speech, and harmful oral habits. These data highlight the importance of referral to the speech therapy team. (AU)

Introducción: La colaboración entre genética médica y foniatría es esencial para desarrollar procedimientos que ayuden en el tratamiento de pacientes con trastornos de la comunicación. Objetivo:Analizar las características de patología del habla y lenguaje de pacientes pediátricos atendidos por un servicio de genética clínica. Método: Estudio transversal observacional con pacientes atendidos por el servicio de genética de un hospital en Porto Alegre. Se aplicó un cuestionario sobre audición, deglución, motricidad orofacial, voz y lenguaje. Resultados: La muestra consistió en 54 participantes con edades comprendidas entre 8 meses y 17 años (media: 6 años y 5 meses). El 24,07% (n=13) de los pacientes tenían un diagnóstico de síndrome, y el 59,26% (n=32) presentaron retraso en el desarrollo neuropsicomotor. En cuanto al perfil foniatra, el 81,48% (n=44) presentaron algún hábito oral perjudicial durante la infancia. El 16,67% (n=9) reportaron dificultades para oír, y el 29,62% (n=16) para tragar. El 85,19% (n=46) manifestaron lenguaje oral desarrollado y, de ellos, el 71,74% (n=33) realizaban intercambios en el habla. El 33,33% (n=18) de los pacientes ya estaban en tratamiento foniatra y el 24,07% (n=13) estaban en lista de espera para este tratamiento. Conclusiones: Una parte significativa de los pacientes presentó quejas y/o manifestaciones en las áreas de la comunicación humana, especialmente en relación con el lenguaje, el habla y los hábitos orales perjudiciales, enfatizando la importancia de la derivación al equipo de foniatría. (AU)

¿Qué puede esconder el retraso global del desarrollo? A propósito de un caso de causa genética / What can Global Developmental Delay Conceal? Apropos of a Case with a Genetic Cause

Se presenta un niño de 6 años con antecedente de retraso del lenguaje que llevó a sus padres a realizar múltiples consultas. En un primer momento, su cuadro fue interpretado como parte de un retraso global del desarrollo. Posteriormente, el paciente presentó convulsiones y episodios de descompensación metabólica, comenzando desde entonces su seguimiento por los Servicios de neurología, genética y metabolismo. Finalmente, tras varios estudios complementarios, por medio de un exoma trío se arribó al diagnóstico de síndrome de microduplicación del cromosoma 7q11.23, lo que justifica tanto el retraso global de desarrollo del paciente como su clínica neurológica. (AU)

A six-year-old boy presents with a history of language delay that led his parents to make multiple consultations. At first, we interpreted his condition as part of a global developmental delay. Subsequently, the patient presented seizures and episodes of metabolic decompensation, and since then, he had to be followed up by neurology, genetics, and metabolism services. Finally, after several complementary studies, following a trio exome analysis, we diagnosed chromosome 7q11.23 microduplication syndrome, which explains his global developmental delay and neurological symptoms. (AU)

Family aggregation of language impairment in an isolated Chilean population from Robinson Crusoe Island.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the inhabitants of the Chilean Robinson Crusoe Island have an increased frequency of specific language impairment (SLI) or developmental language disorder (DLD). AIMS: To explore the familial aggregation of DLD in this community. METHODS & PROCEDURES: We assessed the frequency of DLD amongst colonial children between the ages of 3 and 8;11 years (50 individuals from 45 nuclear families). Familial aggregation rates of language disorder were calculated by assessing all available first-degree relatives (n = 107, 77 parents, 25 siblings, five half-siblings) of the probands. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: We found that 71% of the child population performed significantly below expected in measures of phonological production or expressive and receptive morphology. The majority of these children presented with severe expressive and/or receptive language difficulties. One-quarter of language-disordered probands primarily had phonological difficulties. Family members of affected probands experienced a higher risk of language disorder than those of typically developing probands. This increased risk was apparent regardless of non-verbal IQ. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The study substantiates the existence of a familial form of speech and language disorder on Robinson Crusoe Island. Furthermore, we find that the familiarity is stable regardless of non-verbal IQ, supporting the recent movement to reduce the importance of non-verbal IQ criterion in DLD diagnoses.

Síndrome H: primer caso pediátrico reportado en América Latina / H syndrome: First reported paediatric case in Latin America

Introducción: El síndrome H es una enfermedad genética extremadamente rara de compromiso multisistémico, el cual clínicamente puede ser reconocido de forma precoz, ofreciendo de manera oportuna un seguimiento, tratamiento específico y asesoramiento genético. Objetivo: Presentar un caso con características «típicas del síndrome H¼ para favorecer su identificación precoz. Caso clínico: Varón de 8 años de edad, evaluado por tumoraciones testiculares, lesiones dérmicas tipo hiperpigmentación con hipertricosis, retraso del lenguaje, talla baja, deformidades articulares, hipoacusia neurosensorial bilateral, anemia, hipergammaglobulinemia y alteraciones óseas. En los estudios histológicos de la piel y las masas testiculares se observó infiltración linfoplasmocitaria. El secuenciamiento del gen SLC29A3 detectó una mutación homocigota c.1087 C>T (p.Arg363Trp; rs387907067) concluyente con el síndrome H, la cual ha sido reportada previamente. Conclusiones: Este es el primer caso reportado en Latinoamérica del síndrome H, cuyas características descritas son parte del espectro clínico. El hallazgo clínico principal, que orienta al diagnóstico, es la hiperpigmentación acompañada de hipertricosis.

Introduction: H Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disease, with a multisystemic character and which can be identified in early childhood, offering the opportunity of specific treatment and genetic counselling. Objective: To present a clinical case with "typical" characteristics of H Syndrome. Clinical case: The case is presented of an 8-year-old male patient who presented with testicular tumours and skin lesions characterised by hyperpigmentation with hypertrichosis, language delay, short stature, and joint deformities. He also presented with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, anaemia, hypergammaglobulinaemia, and bone disorders. Histopathology studies of the skin and testicular masses reported lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Sequencing analysis of gene SLC29A3 showed the homozygote mutation c.1087 C>T (p.Arg363Trp; rs387907067). Conclusions: These findings are consistent with H syndrome, and this is the first reported case in Latin America. The key to the diagnosis is the finding of hyperpigmentation with hypertrichosis.

[H syndrome: First reported paediatric case in Latin America]. / Síndrome H: primer caso pediátrico reportado en América Latina.

INTRODUCTION: H Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disease, with a multisystemic character and which can be identified in early childhood, offering the opportunity of specific treatment and genetic counselling. OBJECTIVE: To present a clinical case with "typical" characteristics of H Syndrome. CLINICAL CASE: The case is presented of an 8-year-old male patient who presented with testicular tumours and skin lesions characterised by hyperpigmentation with hypertrichosis, language delay, short stature, and joint deformities. He also presented with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, anaemia, hypergammaglobulinaemia, and bone disorders. Histopathology studies of the skin and testicular masses reported lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Sequencing analysis of gene SLC29A3 showed the homozygote mutation c.1087 C>T (p.Arg363Trp; rs387907067). CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with H syndrome, and this is the first reported case in Latin America. The key to the diagnosis is the finding of hyperpigmentation with hypertrichosis.

Dental morphological markers as a proxy for ethnicity in Robinson Crusoe Islanders / Marcadores morfológicos dentarios en la estimación de la etnicidad poblacional de la Isla Robinson Crusoe

Chilean Robinson Crusoe Island is a semi-isolated location with unusually high rates of both consanguinity and language disorder. The current population of 633 inhabitants is descended almost exclusively from the colonization at the end of the 19th century, as there were few preceding immigrations to the island. This study investigates the genetic composition and degree of miscegenation within the island population, using dental morphological markers. The universe of island children was studied (n= 128, 3 to 15 years of age) using clinical exams, dental cast, and identification of each individual within a previously-constructed extensive genealogy for the island. The frequencies for Carabelli's cusp (61.7%), shovel-shaped incisor (9.4%), and sixth cusp (2.3%), along with the absence of seventh cusp, are consistent with a primarily Caucasian population. The estimated degree of miscegenation suggests an Amerindian component of 4.3%, which is consistent with the extensive known genealogies of the founders. Characterizing the genetic profile of Robinson Crusoe Island, a location with a remarkably high prevalence of language disorder, facilitates the comparison of the genetic variants underlying this pathology with those identified in European populations.

La isla chilena Robinson Crusoe es un semiaislado geográfico de alta consanguinidad. Su población actual de 633 habitantes proviene de la última colonización ocurrida a finales del siglo XIX y pocas migraciones posteriores, en quienes recientemente se ha descrito una alta incidencia de trastorno de lenguaje. Este estudio estimó el componente genético y grado de miscegenación de la población isleña usando marcadores morfológicos dentarios. Se estudió al universo de niños isleños (n= 128, 3 a 15 años de edad) con exámenes clínicos, modelos dentales y ubicación de cada individuo en genealogías extensas confeccionadas previamente. La frecuencia de Tubérculo de Carabelli fue 61,7%, Diente en Pala 9,4%, tubérculo sexto 2,3% y ausencia del rasgo tubérculo séptimo, lo que concuerda con una población eminentemente caucásica. El grado de miscegenación estima que el componente amerindio de esta población es de 4,3%, que también se evidencia al analizar las genealogías extensas originadas por los colonizadores. La descripción del perfil genético de esta población, donde se han reportado altas prevalencias de trastorno de lenguaje, permitirá comparar con las variantes genéticas subyacentes a esta patología descritas para poblaciones europeas.

A novel nonsense mutation in KDM5C/JARID1C gene causing intellectual disability, short stature and speech delay.

Mutations in the Jumonji AT-rich interactive domain 1C (JARID1C/SMCX/KDM5C) gene, located at Xp11.22, are emerging as frequent causes of X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). KDM5C encodes for a member of an ARID protein family that harbors conserved DNA-binding motifs and acts as a histone H3 lysine 4 demethylase, suggesting a potential role in epigenetic regulation during development, cell growth and differentiation. In this study, we describe clinical and genetic findings of a Brazilian family co-segregating a novel nonsense mutation (c.2172C>A) in exon 15 of KDM5C gene with the intellectual disability phenotype. The transition resulted in replacement of the normal cysteine by a premature termination codon at position 724 of the protein (p.Cys724X), leading to reduced levels of KDM5C transcript probably due to nonsense mediated mRNA decay. The clinical phenotype of the proband, who has two affected brothers and a mild cognitively impaired mother, consisted of short stature, speech delay, hyperactivity, violent behavior and high palate, besides severe mental retardation. Our findings extend the number of KDM5C mutations implicated in XLID and highlight its promise for understanding neural function and unexplained cases of XLID.

Genome-wide analysis of genetic susceptibility to language impairment in an isolated Chilean population.

Specific language impairment (SLI) is an unexpected deficit in the acquisition of language skills and affects between 5 and 8% of pre-school children. Despite its prevalence and high heritability, our understanding of the aetiology of this disorder is only emerging. In this paper, we apply genome-wide techniques to investigate an isolated Chilean population who exhibit an increased frequency of SLI. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) mapping and parametric and non-parametric linkage analyses indicate that complex genetic factors are likely to underlie susceptibility to SLI in this population. Across all analyses performed, the most consistently implicated locus was on chromosome 7q. This locus achieved highly significant linkage under all three non-parametric models (max NPL = 6.73, P = 4.0 × 10(-11)). In addition, it yielded a HLOD of 1.24 in the recessive parametric linkage analyses and contained a segment that was homozygous in two affected individuals. Further, investigation of this region identified a two-SNP haplotype that occurs at an increased frequency in language-impaired individuals (P = 0.008). We hypothesise that the linkage regions identified here, in particular that on chromosome 7, may contain variants that underlie the high prevalence of SLI observed in this isolated population and may be of relevance to other populations affected by language impairments.

Association of D16S515 microsatellite with specific language impairment on Robinson Crusoe Island, an isolated Chilean population: a possible key to understanding language development.

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a developmental language disorder that occurs for no known reason. The disorder affects 2-8% of children. Some scientific evidence suggests that genetic factors are implicated in the etiology of SLI. The disorder is genetically complex. Two novel loci, SLI1 on chromosome 16q24 (MIM 606711) and SLI2 on chromosome 19q13 (MIM 606712), have been found to be highly correlated with SLI. Four genes have been identified as susceptibility genes. SLI occurs at an unusually elevated incidence (35%) among the population of Robinson Crusoe Island (Chile), which also has a high consanguinity rate. This finding supports the influence of genetic mechanisms in the transmission of SLI based on a founder effect. To investigate further the genetic involvement in this population, we collected blood samples from 115 islanders from 13 families with a language-impaired proband and from 18 families with a normal-language proband. The analysis of micro satellite marker D16S515, located in locus SLI1, demonstrated that the 230-bp allele was correlated with SLI and that the 232-bp allele was correlated with normal language development. The domain containing the D16S515 marker, therefore, may play a role in language development.

Frontonasal dysplasia, severe neuropsychological delay, and midline central nervous system anomalies: report of 10 Brazilian male patients.

Here we report on 10 male patients with frontonasal dysplasia, cleft lip/palate, mental retardation, lack of language acquisition, and severe central nervous system involvement. Imaging studies disclosed absence of the corpus callosum, midline cysts, and an abnormally modeled cerebellum. Neuronal heterotopias were present in five patients and parieto-occipital encephalocele in three patients. We suggest that this pattern found exclusively in males, most likely represents a newly recognized syndrome distilled from the group of disorders subsumed under frontonasal dysplasia.

[High prevalence of specific language impairment in Robinson Crusoe Island. A possible founder effect]. / Alta prevalencia de trastorno específico de lenguaje en isla Robinson Crusoe y probable efecto fundador.

BACKGROUND: Specific language impairment (SLI) occurs in 2% to 8% of preschool children. Major and candidate genes are probably involved. Genetic drift is a cause for the presence of high frequencies of deleterious alíeles of a specific disease and the founder effect is one of its forms. Robinson Crusoe Island has 633 inhabitants and its actual population began with 8 families that repopulated the island at the end of XIXth century. AIM: To assess the frequency of specific language impairment among children living in Robinson Crusoe Island. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All 66 children aged between 3 and 9 years living in the island, were studied. Parents were interviewed and in children, non verbal intelligence, audiometric parameters, comprehension and expression of oral language were assessed. Extended genealogies were also performed. RESULTS: Forty children had at least one parent that was descending of founder families. Among these, 35% had SLI. Eighth five percent of SLI affected children came from the same colonizer family. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SLI in Robinson Crusoe Island is higher than that reported in mainland Chile and abroad. This high prevalence, associated to a high frequency of consanguinity, supports the influence of genetic mechanisms in SLI transmission, based on a founder effect.

Alta prevalencia de trastorno específico de lenguaje en isla Robinson Crusoe y probable efecto fundador / High prevalence of specific language impairment in Robinson Crusoe Island. A possible founder effect

Specific language impairment (SLI) occurs in 2 percent to 8 percent of preschool children. Major and candidate genes are probably involved. Genetic drift is a cause for the presence of high frequencies of deleterious alíeles of a specific disease and the founder effect is one of its forms. Robinson Crusoe Island has 633 inhabitants and its actual population began with 8 families that repopulated the island at the end ofXIXth century. Aim To assess the frequency of specific language impairment among children living in Robinson Crusoe Island. Material and methods: All 66 children aged between 3 and 9 years living in the island, were studied. Parents were interviewed and in children, non verbal intelligence, audiometric parameters, comprehension and expression of oral language were assessed. Extended genealogies were also performed. Results: Forty children had at least one parent that was descending of founder families. Among these, 35 percent had SLI. Eighth five percent of SLI affected children came from the same colonizer family. Conclusions: The prevalence of SLI in Robinson Crusoe Island is higher than that reponed in mainland Chile and abroad. This high prevalence, associated to a high frequency of consanguinity, supports the influence of genetic mechanisms in SLI transmission, based on a founder effect.

Language skills and neuropsychological performance in patients with SHH mutations and a holoprosencephaly-like phenotype.

Here, we evaluate linguistic skills and neuropsychological performance in a sample of patients with SHH mutations and a holoprosencephaly (HPE)-like phenotype, a minor form of classic HPE. Our findings suggest that patients with SHH mutations and a HPE-like phenotype have normal cognitive ratios and significant language impairment. Imaging evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal in three patients and in one there was hypoplasia of the anterior commissure and the presence of a temporal cyst, apparently not related to the clinical findings.

[Characterization of the linguistic profile of a family with Perisylvian Syndrome]. / Caracterização das manifestações lingüísticas de uma família com Síndrome Perisylviana.

BACKGROUND: Perisylvian syndrome refers to a variety of clinical manifestations associated to lesions in the perisylvian or opercular regions. Polymicrogyria is the most common structural malformation found. The syndrome may be inherited and the clinical spectrum includes subtle language disturbances on one end and more severe characteristics such as prominent pseudobulbar signs and refractory epilepsy on the other end. Other studies have already associated perisylvian polymicrogyria with developmental language disorders or specific language impairment. AIM: to describe the language deficits of four members of a family with Perisylvian Syndrome, and to correlate these deficits to neuroimaging data. METHOD: The patients underwent neuroimaging investigation, psychological assessment using the Weschler Intelligence Scales, and specific speech-language evaluation. The following tests were used for the assessment of vocabulary, phonology, syntax, pragmatics, reading and writing: Thematical Pictures of Yavas, ABFW-Child Language Test, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), and other specific protocols. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed perisylvian polymicrogyria in all of the subjects, with varied locations and extensions. Speech-language assessment indicated significant oral and written language deficits in all of the subjects. CONCLUSION: The obtained data indicate that language impairment can co-exist with reading deficits in members of the same family. Neuroimaging findings reveal cortical alterations that are associated to specific language impairments within the spectrum of the Perisylvian Syndrome. Another important aspect evidenced by this study is the similarities in the language profiles of siblings and mother, suggesting that a variety of linguistic manifestations exist within the spectrum of the syndrome. Perisylvian polymicrogyria can be one of the neurobiological malformations involved in the manifestation of these deficits.

Impact of molecular mechanisms, including deletion size, on Prader-Willi syndrome phenotype: study of 75 patients.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) can result from a 15q11-q13 paternal deletion, maternal uniparental disomy (UPD), or imprinting mutations. We describe here the phenotypic variability detected in 51 patients with different types of deletions and 24 patients with UPD. Although no statistically significant differences could be demonstrated between the two main types of PWS deletion patients, it was observed that type I (BP1-BP3) patients acquired speech later than type II (BP2-BP3) patients. Comparing the clinical pictures of our patients with UPD with those with deletions, we found that UPD children presented with lower birth length and started walking earlier and deletion patients presented with a much higher incidence of seizures than UPD patients. In addition, the mean maternal age in the UPD group was higher than in the deletion group. No statistically significant differences could be demonstrated between the deletion and the UPD group with respect to any of the major features of PWS. In conclusion, our study did not detect significant phenotypic differences among type I and type II PWS deletion patients, but it did demonstrate that seizures were six times more common in patients with a deletion than in those with UPD.

[Specific developmental language disorder: a theoretical approach to its diagnosis, aetiology and clinical symptoms]. / Trastorno específico del desarrollo del lenguaje: una aproximación teórica a su diagnóstico, etiología y manifestaciones clínicas.

AIM: This article presents an updated review about the definition, diagnostic criteria, classifications, etiology and the evolution of the specific language impairment (SLI). DEVELOPMENT: The specific language impairment is characterized by a developmental language delay and an impaired language, that persist over time and it is not explained by sensorial, motor and mental disabilities, neither by psycopathological disorders, socio-emotional deprivation, nor brain injury. The diagnosis is based on exclusional criteria. Some researchers propose different classifications considering the children performance in language comprehension and language production. Genetical linkage to the FOXP2 gen in the SPCH1 region of the chromosome 7 and to the chromosomes 13, 16 y 19 has been reported. The neuroimage studies have shown alterations in the volume and perfusion of some brain structures related to language. The manifestations of SLI may change during the development of the children and may disturb the self-esteem, the academic performance and the social abilities. CONCLUSIONS: The variability in the linguistic and cognitive performance, and the variety in the etiological findings in children with SLI, don't allow to settle the affected population as an homogeneous group. Different theoretical positions have emerged as a consequence of this condition.

The prevalence of the FMR1 and FMR2 mutations among preschool children with language delay.

We examined the prevalence of the fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) full mutation and fragile X E mutation (FMR2) among preschoolers evaluated for language delay. A total of 534 preschoolers recruited from a Developmental Pediatric or Speech and Language Disorders clinic were tested with Southern blot and polymerase chain reaction DNA analyses; 3 were found to have the FMR1 full mutation. None of the 534 children tested positive for the FMR2 full mutation; however, 3 children had unusually small FMR2 alleles suggestive of FMR2 deletions. Screening for fragile X among language-delayed preschoolers is warranted, particularly when there is a family history of mental retardation, but regardless of sex or the presence of behavioral or physical features associated with the fragile X phenotype. The potential benefit of screening for FMR2 alterations is an unexpected implication of the study and is worthy of continued exploration.