Massachusetts' Findings from Statewide Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Massachusetts began newborn screening (NBS) for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) following the availability of new treatment options. The New England Newborn Screening Program developed, validated, and implemented a screening algorithm for the detection of SMA-affected infants who show absent SMN1 Exon 7 by Real-Time™ quantitative PCR (qPCR). We screened 179,467 neonates and identified 9 SMA-affected infants, all of whom were referred to a specialist by day of life 6 (average and median 4 days of life). Another ten SMN1 hybrids were observed but never referred. The nine referred infants who were confirmed to have SMA were entered into treatment protocols. Early data show that some SMA-affected children have remained asymptomatic and are meeting developmental milestones and some have mild to moderate delays. The Massachusetts experience demonstrates that SMA NBS is feasible, can be implemented on a population basis, and helps engage infants for early treatment to maximize benefit.

Ten Years of Newborn Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in Massachusetts.

BACKGROUND: Massachusetts began newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) using measurement of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) from dried blood spots. OBJECTIVE: We describe developments and outcomes from the first 10 years of this program (February 1, 2009, to January 31, 2019). METHODS: TREC values, diagnostic, and outcome data from all patients screened for SCID were evaluated. RESULTS: NBS of 720,038 infants prompted immunologic evaluation of 237 (0.03%). Of 237, 9 were diagnosed with SCID/leaky SCID (4% of referrals vs 0.001% general population). Another 7 were diagnosed with other combined immunodeficiencies, and 3 with athymia. SCID/leaky SCID incidence was approximately 1 in 80,000, whereas approximately 1 in 51,000 had severe T-cell lymphopenia for which definitive treatment was indicated. All patients with SCID/leaky SCID underwent hematopoietic cell transplant or gene therapy with 100% survival. One patient with athymia underwent successful thymus transplant. No known cases of SCID were missed. Compared with outcomes from the 10 years before SCID NBS, survival trended higher (9 of 9 vs 4 of 7), likely due to a lower rate of infection before treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support a single NBS testing-and-referral algorithm for all gestational ages. Despite lower median TREC values in premature infants, the majority for all ages are well above the TREC cutoff and the algorithm, which selects urgent (undetectable TREC) and repeatedly abnormal TREC values, minimizes referral. We also found that low naïve T-cell percentage is associated with a higher risk of SCID/CID, demonstrating the utility of memory/naïve T-cell phenotyping as part of follow-up flow cytometry.

Noonan syndrome with loose anagen hair associated with trichorrhexis nodosa and trichoptilosis.

We report a case of Noonan syndrome with loose anagen hair (NS/LAH), a rare variant of Noonan syndrome, with associated trichorrhexis nodosa and trichoptilosis. The SHOC2 mutation may be responsible for these additional hair shaft defects, revealing the importance of microscopic examination of hairs in these patients.

WRN Mutation Update: Mutation Spectrum, Patient Registries, and Translational Prospects.

Werner syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a constellation of adult onset phenotypes consistent with an acceleration of intrinsic biological aging. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the WRN gene, which encodes a multifunctional nuclear protein with exonuclease and helicase activities. WRN protein is thought to be involved in optimization of various aspects of DNA metabolism, including DNA repair, recombination, replication, and transcription. In this update, we summarize a total of 83 different WRN mutations, including eight previously unpublished mutations identified by the International Registry of Werner Syndrome (Seattle, WA) and the Japanese Werner Consortium (Chiba, Japan), as well as 75 mutations already reported in the literature. The Seattle International Registry recruits patients from all over the world to investigate genetic causes of a wide variety of progeroid syndromes in order to contribute to the knowledge of basic mechanisms of human aging. Given the unusually high prevalence of WS patients and heterozygous carriers in Japan, the major goal of the Japanese Consortium is to develop effective therapies and to establish management guidelines for WS patients in Japan and elsewhere. This review will also discuss potential translational approaches to this disorder, including those currently under investigation.

The phenotypic spectrum of Schaaf-Yang syndrome: 18 new affected individuals from 14 families.

PURPOSE: Truncating mutations in the maternally imprinted, paternally expressed gene MAGEL2, which is located in the Prader-Willi critical region 15q11-13, have recently been reported to cause Schaaf-Yang syndrome, a Prader-Willi-like disease that manifests as developmental delay/intellectual disability, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, and autism spectrum disorder. The causality of the reported variants in the context of the patients' phenotypes was questioned, as MAGEL2 whole-gene deletions seem to cause little or no clinical phenotype. METHODS: Here we report a total of 18 newly identified individuals with Schaaf-Yang syndrome from 14 families, including 1 family with 3 individuals found to be affected with a truncating variant of MAGEL2, 11 individuals who are clinically affected but were not tested molecularly, and a presymptomatic fetal sibling carrying the pathogenic MAGEL2 variant. RESULTS: All cases harbor truncating mutations of MAGEL2, and nucleotides c.1990-1996 arise as a mutational hotspot, with 10 individuals and 1 fetus harboring a c.1996dupC (p.Q666fs) mutation and 2 fetuses harboring a c.1996delC (p.Q666fs) mutation. The phenotypic spectrum of Schaaf-Yang syndrome ranges from fetal akinesia to neurobehavioral disease and contractures of the small finger joints. CONCLUSION: This study provides strong evidence for the pathogenicity of truncating mutations of the paternal allele of MAGEL2, refines the associated clinical phenotypes, and highlights implications for genetic counseling for affected families.Genet Med 19 1, 45-52.

Multiple Café au Lait Spots in a Group of Fair-Skinned Children without Signs or Symptoms of Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

BACKGROUND: The presence of six or more café au lait (CAL) spots is a criterion for the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Children with multiple CAL spots are often referred to dermatologists for NF-1 screening. The objective of this case series is to characterize a subset of fair-complected children with red or blond hair and multiple feathery CAL spots who did not meet the criteria for NF-1 at the time of their last evaluation. METHODS: We conducted a chart review of eight patients seen in our pediatric dermatology clinic who were previously identified as having multiple CAL spots and no other signs or symptoms of NF-1. RESULTS: We describe eight patients ages 2 to 9 years old with multiple, irregular CAL spots with feathery borders and no other signs or symptoms of NF-1. Most of these patients had red or blond hair and were fair complected. All patients were evaluated in our pediatric dermatology clinic, some with a geneticist. The number of CAL spots per patient ranged from 5 to 15 (mean 9.4, median 9). CONCLUSION: A subset of children, many with fair complexions and red or blond hair, has an increased number of feathery CAL spots and appears unlikely to develop NF-1, although genetic testing was not conducted. It is important to recognize the benign nature of CAL spots in these patients so that appropriate screening and follow-up recommendations may be made.

De novo mutations in PURA are associated with hypotonia and developmental delay.

PURA is the leading candidate gene responsible for the developmental phenotype in the 5q31.3 microdeletion syndrome. De novo mutations in PURA were recently reported in 15 individuals with developmental features similar to the 5q31.3 microdeletion syndrome. Here we describe six unrelated children who were identified by clinical whole-exome sequencing (WES) to have novel de novo variants in PURA with a similar phenotype of hypotonia and developmental delay and frequently associated with seizures. The protein Purα (encoded by PURA) is involved in neuronal proliferation, dendrite maturation, and the transport of mRNA to translation sites during neuronal development. Mutations in PURA may alter normal brain development and impair neuronal function, leading to developmental delay and the seizures observed in patients with mutations in PURA.

Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency in 11 screening programs in the United States.

IMPORTANCE: Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) using assays to detect T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) began in Wisconsin in 2008, and SCID was added to the national recommended uniform panel for newborn screened disorders in 2010. Currently 23 states, the District of Columbia, and the Navajo Nation conduct population-wide newborn screening for SCID. The incidence of SCID is estimated at 1 in 100,000 births. OBJECTIVES: To present data from a spectrum of SCID newborn screening programs, establish population-based incidence for SCID and other conditions with T-cell lymphopenia, and document early institution of effective treatments. DESIGN: Epidemiological and retrospective observational study. SETTING: Representatives in states conducting SCID newborn screening were invited to submit their SCID screening algorithms, test performance data, and deidentified clinical and laboratory information regarding infants screened and cases with nonnormal results. Infants born from the start of each participating program from January 2008 through the most recent evaluable date prior to July 2013 were included. Representatives from 10 states plus the Navajo Area Indian Health Service contributed data from 3,030,083 newborns screened with a TREC test. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Infants with SCID and other diagnoses of T-cell lymphopenia were classified. Incidence and, where possible, etiologies were determined. Interventions and survival were tracked. RESULTS: Screening detected 52 cases of typical SCID, leaky SCID, and Omenn syndrome, affecting 1 in 58,000 infants (95% CI, 1/46,000-1/80,000). Survival of SCID-affected infants through their diagnosis and immune reconstitution was 87% (45/52), 92% (45/49) for infants who received transplantation, enzyme replacement, and/or gene therapy. Additional interventions for SCID and non-SCID T-cell lymphopenia included immunoglobulin infusions, preventive antibiotics, and avoidance of live vaccines. Variations in definitions and follow-up practices influenced the rates of detection of non-SCID T-cell lymphopenia. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Newborn screening in 11 programs in the United States identified SCID in 1 in 58,000 infants, with high survival. The usefulness of detection of non-SCID T-cell lymphopenias by the same screening remains to be determined.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa associated with amniotic band syndrome.

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a term used to describe congenital anomalies that result from the entrapment of a fetus in fibrous bands. We describe two male infants born with features of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) and ABS. These cases add to the few previous reports of simultaneous DEB and ABS. Abnormal type VII collagen in anchoring structures of the amniotic epithelium is a proposed mechanism for loose amniotic bands that entangle the fetus, with an abnormality in the gene that encodes for type VII collagen.

BCOR analysis in patients with OFCD and Lenz microphthalmia syndromes, mental retardation with ocular anomalies, and cardiac laterality defects.

Oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) and Lenz microphthalmia syndromes form part of a spectrum of X-linked microphthalmia disorders characterized by ocular, dental, cardiac and skeletal anomalies and mental retardation. The two syndromes are allelic, caused by mutations in the BCL-6 corepressor gene (BCOR). To extend the series of phenotypes associated with pathogenic mutations in BCOR, we sequenced the BCOR gene in patients with (1) OFCD syndrome, (2) putative X-linked ('Lenz') microphthalmia syndrome, (3) isolated ocular defects and (4) laterality phenotypes. We present a new cohort of females with OFCD syndrome and null mutations in BCOR, supporting the hypothesis that BCOR is the sole molecular cause of this syndrome. We identify for the first time mosaic BCOR mutations in two females with OFCD syndrome and one apparently asymptomatic female. We present a female diagnosed with isolated ocular defects and identify minor features of OFCD syndrome, suggesting that OFCD syndrome may be mild and underdiagnosed. We have sequenced a cohort of males diagnosed with putative X-linked microphthalmia and found a mutation, p.P85L, in a single case, suggesting that BCOR mutations are not a major cause of X-linked microphthalmia in males. The absence of BCOR mutations in a panel of patients with non-specific laterality defects suggests that mutations in BCOR are not a major cause of isolated heart and laterality defects. Phenotypic analysis of OFCD and Lenz microphthalmia syndromes shows that in addition to the standard diagnostic criteria of congenital cataract, microphthalmia and radiculomegaly, patients should be examined for skeletal defects, particularly radioulnar synostosis, and cardiac/laterality defects.

Mosaic tetraploidy and transient GFI1 mutation in a patient with severe chronic neutropenia.

This report presents the case of a 15-year-old male with severe chronic neutropenia, leukopenia, and persistent tetraploid mosaicism in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. His father had mild neutropenia and bone marrow tetraploidy. Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content peripheral blood showed tetraploidy in 20% of granulocytes and 15% of monocytes. Sequence analysis of the ELA2 gene was normal, but the GFI1 gene exhibited transient appearance of single base changes the coding region and promoter. We speculate that an underlying genetic defect, inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, leads to both disordered mitosis and neutropenia in this kindred.

Deletion 22q11: spectrum of associated disorders.

Velocardiofacial syndrome, also called Shprintzen syndrome or DiGeorge sequence, is one of the most common genetic disorders in humans. Caused by a microdeletion on chromosome 22, it manifests in a remarkable variety of symptoms in multiple systems. The most frequent anomalies involve palatal function, facial features and congenital cardiac defects. In addition, learning disabilities and psychiatric issues are common. The aim of this article is to provide a concise review of the clinical characteristics of this complex disorder. Recognition of the features associated with velocardiofacial syndrome allows for an inclusive diagnosis and more comprehensive care.

Gene therapy improves immune function in preadolescents with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.

Retroviral gene therapy can restore immunity to infants with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) caused by mutations in the IL2RG gene encoding the common gamma chain (gammac) of receptors for interleukins 2 (IL-2), -4, -7, -9, -15, and -21. We investigated the safety and efficacy of gene therapy as salvage treatment for older XSCID children with inadequate immune reconstitution despite prior bone marrow transplant from a parent. Subjects received retrovirus-transduced autologous peripherally mobilized CD34(+) hematopoietic cells. T-cell function significantly improved in the youngest subject (age 10 years), and multilineage retroviral marking occurred in all 3 children.

Townes-Brocks syndrome: twenty novel SALL1 mutations in sporadic and familial cases and refinement of the SALL1 hot spot region.

Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS) is an autosomal dominant malformation syndrome characterized by renal, anal, ear, and thumb anomalies caused by SALL1 mutations. To date, 36 SALL1 mutations have been described in TBS patients. All but three of those, namely p.R276X, p.S372X, and c.1404dupG, have been found only in single families thereby preventing phenotype-genotype correlations. Here we present 20 novel mutations (12 short deletions, five short duplications, three nonsense mutations) in 20 unrelated families. We delineate the phenotypes and report previously unknown ocular manifestations, i.e. congenital cataracts with unilateral microphthalmia. We show that 46 out of the now 56 SALL1 mutations are located between the coding regions for the glutamine-rich domain mediating SALL protein interactions and 65 bp 3' of the coding region for the first double zinc finger domain, narrowing the SALL1 mutational hotspot region to a stretch of 802 bp within exon 2. Of note, only two SALL1 mutations would result in truncated proteins without the glutamine-rich domain, one of which is reported here. The latter is associated with anal, ear, hand, and renal manifestations, indicating that the glutamine-rich domain is not required for typical TBS.

Familial immunodeficiency with cutaneous vasculitis, myoclonus, and cognitive impairment.

We report a family with five of six siblings (including identical male twins) with a novel constellation of immunologic and neurologic impairments. Affected subjects experienced severe dermatitis starting around 9 months of age, Stevens-Johnson syndrome in early childhood, and extreme elevations of IgE (9,400-43,000 IU/ml). The oldest sibling died at age 27 of respiratory failure following recurrent, severe pneumonias. All four surviving affected siblings have had chronic sinusitis or otitis, cutaneous vasculitis, and recurrent bacterial pneumonias leading to bronchiectasis. Neurologic features in all five siblings included oral motor deficits, dysarthria, low average IQ (70-80), and essential myoclonus. Four had documented ataxia and/or mild sensory loss with increased patellar but diminished ankle reflexes. The nonconsanguineous parents and one sibling had none of the above findings, consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. This primary immunodeficiency with distinctive neurological impairments represents a new syndrome. Published 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.