[Infantile epileptic encephalopathy: a good genetic study should be a priority]. / Encefalopatia epileptica del lactante: lo prioritario es un buen estudio genetico.

TITLE: Encefalopatia epileptica del lactante: lo prioritario es un buen estudio genetico.

Application of QF-PCR for the prenatal assessment of discordant monozygotic twins for fetal sex.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the utility of quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) in order to determine the zygosity of multiple pregnancies, as well as to define the origin of the most frequent aneuploidies in amniotic fluid samples. METHODS: We describe the case of a monochorionic (MC) diamniotic (DA) pregnancy with phenotypically discordant twins (nuchal cystic hygroma and non-immune hydrops in twin A and no anomalies in twin B). QF-PCR was performed for rapid prenatal diagnosis in uncultured amniocytes and subsequently in cultured cells. Polymorphic markers for chromosomes X, Y, 13, 18 and 21 were used for determination of zygosity as well as sex chromosome aneuploidy. RESULTS: Twin A showed a Turner Syndrome (TS) mosaicism pattern by QF-PCR in uncultured amniocytes. The monozygotic origin of the pregnancy was determined. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) in this sample showed a mosaicism X0/XY (83/17%). Cytogenetic analysis revealed a 45,X0 karyotype in twin A and a 46,XY karyotype in twin B. CONCLUSIONS: QF-PCR is a reliable tool for the determination of the zygosity independently of the chorionicity and the fetal sex in case of twin pregnancy. Testing both direct and cultured cells can provide useful results for genetic counselling in chromosomal mosaicisms.

Karyotype and prognosis in adult Spanish acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The aim of the study was to define the frequency and prognostic significance of acquired chromosomal abnormalities in our adult population and to ascertain whether karyotype represents a significant prognostic factor in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) independently of the new intensive chemotherapy programs and initial clinical characteristics.

[WAGR syndrome: a case report]. / Síndrome de WAGR. A propósito de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: WAGR syndrome is a rare syndrome which involves microdeletions of the short arm of chromosome 11 at band 11p13. The clinical features are Wilms' tumor, amiridia, genitourinary abnormalities and mental retardation. There are very few reported cases. We report a new case of WAGR syndrome and review the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Chromosome preparations were obtained from lymphocyte cultures of peripheral blood. For chromosome analysis GTG banding and fluorescent "in situ" hybridization (FISH) were used. RESULTS: Chromosomal analysis revealed deletion of p12-p13 bands. Our patient had bilateral aniridia, Wilms' tumor and cryptorquidia. CONCLUSIONS: The karyotype was 46, XY, del (11)(p12-p13). The p13 band deletion was the cause of the WAGR syndrome.