RESUMEN
This study corresponds to the first large-scale genetic analysis of inherited eye diseases (IED) in Argentina and describes the comprehensive genetic profile of a large cohort of patients. Medical records of 22 ophthalmology and genetics services throughout 13 Argentinian provinces were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of an ophthalmic genetic disease and a history of genetic testing were included. Medical, ophthalmological and family history was collected. A total of 773 patients from 637 families were included, with 98% having inherited retinal disease. The most common phenotype was retinitis pigmentosa (RP, 62%). Causative variants were detected in 379 (59%) patients. USH2A, RPGR, and ABCA4 were the most common disease-associated genes. USH2A was the most frequent gene associated with RP, RDH12 early-onset severe retinal dystrophy, ABCA4 Stargardt disease, PROM1 cone-rod dystrophy, and BEST1 macular dystrophy. The most frequent variants were RPGR c.1345 C > T, p.(Arg449*) and USH2A c.15089 C > A, p.(Ser5030*). The study revealed 156/448 (35%) previously unreported pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and 8 possible founder mutations. We present the genetic landscape of IED in Argentina and the largest cohort in South America. This data will serve as a reference for future genetic studies, aid diagnosis, inform counseling, and assist in addressing the largely unmet need for clinical trials to be conducted in the region.
RESUMEN
In 1991, the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, initiated a wellness program for its first- and second-year medical students. The program was based on the concept that to practice and promote preventive medicine, students must first understand and integrate wellness practices and theory into their own lives. With nearly 11 years of experience, the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a wellness program to its students that addresses areas of their personal, professional, and physical development of mind, body, and spirit. Voluntary student participation has been exceptional, and research at KCOM was initiated to determine to what extent the program was working to modify the wellness of its medical students.
