Effects of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism on the steady-state concentration of citalopram in patients with major depressive disorder.

Citalopram is commonly prescribed to patients suffering from major depressive disorder. Some of them do not respond adequately to therapy with citalopram, while many of them experience type A adverse drug reactions. Current research revealed that CYP2C19 isoenzyme is involved in the biotransformation of citalopram. The objective of our study was to investigate the impact of 681G>A polymorphism of the CYP2C19 gene on the efficacy, safety and the concentration/dose indicator of citalopram. Our study enrolled 130 patients with major depressive disorder and comorbid alcohol use disorder (average age-38.7 ± 14.1 years). Therapy regimen included citalopram in an average daily dose of 31.1 ± 14.4 mg per week. Therapy efficacy and safety were evaluated using the international psychometric scales. For genotyping, we performed the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our findings revealed the statistically significant results in terms of the treatment efficacy evaluation (HAMD scores at the end of the treatment course): (GG) 8.0 [8.0; 9.0] and (GA) 10.0 [9.0; 11.0], p < 0.001. In the safety profile (the UKU scores), the statistical significance was also obtained: (GG) 3.0 [3.0; 4.0] and (GA) 5.0 [4.0; 5.0], p < 0.001. We revealed a statistical significance for concentration/dose indicator of citalopram in patients with different genotypes: (GG) 2.543 [1.659; 4.239] and (GA) 4.196 [2.643; 5.753], p < 0.001). The effect of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism on the efficacy and safety profiles of citalopram was demonstrated in a group of 130 patients with major depressive disorder.

CHACO outreach project: the development of a primary health care-based medical genetic service in an Argentinean province.

Dissemination of knowledge in genetics to be applied in medicine has created a growing need for capacity building in health care workers. The CAPABILITY ARGENTINA outreach project protocol was designed as a model to introduce genetics in areas without genetic services. Our aim was for genetic health care to become part of primary care in an Argentine province lacking genetic services. The program was innovative as professionals from the referral center (Garrahan Hospital S.A.M.I.C.) traveled to remote areas to train professionals through problem-based education. A logical framework was designed for a local needs assessment. Teaching materials (Powerpoint presentations, printed syllabus, and CD) and a web page were developed. A demonstration project was carried out in the Province of Chaco, Argentina. A total of 485 health workers were trained. The number of consultations increased significantly in participating areas comparing before and after the training period. To support this increase, a complementary project was set up from a public hospital sponsored from within Argentina to build a cytogenetic laboratory in the capital of the Province of Chaco. The model was improved for reproduction in other areas in Argentina. CAPABILITY ARGENTINA is a capacity building model for training of primary care professionals in genetics that may be applied to other medical specialties. The outcomes of the programme have a direct impact on clinical practice.

[Angelman syndrome: the electroclinical characteristics in 35 patients]. / Sindrome de Angelman: características electroclínicas en 35 pacientes.

AIMS: The purpose of this study is to report on 35 patients with Angelman syndrome (AS) in whom we evaluated the electroclinical characteristics and the progression of their epilepsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The following factors were evaluated: sex, family background, neurological examination, age at onset and semiology of the epileptic seizures, EEG, types of epilepsy according to the international classification and response to therapy. We investigated the karyotype, and conducted FISH and methylation tests for AS. RESULTS: The 35 patients had an average follow up time of 5.6 years. Epilepsy was diagnosed in 25 cases, with an average age of onset of 1.6 years. The epileptic syndromes were: epilepsy with myoclonic seizures in 13, of which seven presented a myoclonic state in their history, focal epilepsy in seven, West's syndrome in three, and Lennox Gastaut syndrome in two. Intercritical EEG showed generalised MSW and SW paroxysms in 13, unilateral spikes in seven, hypsarrhythmia in three, generalised fast rhythm paroxysms and slow SW activity in two. Basal electroencephalographic activity was: slow hypervoltage waves with or without inserted spikes situated at the rear in 19, at the front in six, diffuse in six, and normal in four cases. CONCLUSIONS: 71.4% of patients with AS suffered epileptic seizures; epilepsy with myoclonic seizures was the most frequently observed epileptic syndrome and hypervoltage slow wave activity with or without spikes inserted in the posterior quadrants was a characteristic encephalographic pattern. In patients with mental retardation, with or without epilepsy and these electroencephalographic findings, even in the absence of characteristic clinical signs, methylation and FISH analyses for AS should be performed.

Lymphedema as a postulated cause of cutis verticis gyrata in Turner syndrome.

Unusual skin lesions were present at birth in four infants with Turner syndrome. The skin changes in these patients appear to have resulted either from in utero entrapment or pinching of edematous skin or from redundant skin remaining after in utero resolution of lymphedema. Distention by lymphedema is thought to cause several of the phenotypic characteristics seen in patients with Turner syndrome, including nuchal webbing and nail changes. In three of these patients the clinical appearance of the skin changes was similar to cutis verticis gyrata, marked by fixed thickened plaques in folds.

Sindrome de Meckel. / Meckel syndrome

Se presentam 3 casos de sindrome de Meckel Este se hereda como autosomico recesivo e implica, por lo tanto, que luego de tener un hijo afectado el reisgo de otro afectado es del 25% en cada embarazo siguiente.Los signos tipicos del sindrome son: encefalocele, poliquistosis renal,polidactilia postaxial, aunque no necesariamente deban estar los tres presentes. Otras anomalias menos frecuentes que pueden asociarse son: onfalocele, microcefalia, microftalmia,labio leporino y paladar hendido, cardiopatia congenita y genitales ambiguos. Se recalca la importancia del diagnostico clinico y anatomopatologico de los afectados, para poder asesorar geneticamente a los padres, antes de un nuevo embarazo

Sindrome de Meckel. / Meckel syndrome

Se presentam 3 casos de sindrome de Meckel Este se hereda como autosomico recesivo e implica, por lo tanto, que luego de tener un hijo afectado el reisgo de otro afectado es del 25% en cada embarazo siguiente.Los signos tipicos del sindrome son: encefalocele, poliquistosis renal,polidactilia postaxial, aunque no necesariamente deban estar los tres presentes. Otras anomalias menos frecuentes que pueden asociarse son: onfalocele, microcefalia, microftalmia,labio leporino y paladar hendido, cardiopatia congenita y genitales ambiguos. Se recalca la importancia del diagnostico clinico y anatomopatologico de los afectados, para poder asesorar geneticamente a los padres, antes de un nuevo embarazo