Profile of 208 patients with inborn errors of immunity at a tertiary care center in South India.

Primary immune deficiencies or inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that predispose affected individuals to infections, allergy, autoimmunity, autoinflammation and malignancies. IEIs are increasingly being recognized in the Indian subcontinent. Two hundred and eight patients diagnosed with an IEI during February 2017 to November 2021 at a tertiary care center in South India were included in the study. The clinical features, laboratory findings including microbiologic and genetic data, and treatment and outcome details were analyzed. The diagnosis of IEI was confirmed in a total of 208 patients (198 kindreds) based on relevant immunological tests and/or genetic tests. The male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1. Of the 208 patients, 72 (34.6%) were < 1 yr, 112 (53.8%) were 1-18 years, and 24 (11.5%) were above 18 years. The most common IEI in our cohort was SCID (17.7%) followed by CGD (12.9%) and CVID (9.1%). We also had a significant proportion of patients with DOCK8 deficiency (7.2%), LAD (6.2%) and six patients (2.8%) with autoinflammatory diseases. Autoimmunity was noted in forty-six (22%) patients. Molecular testing was performed in 152 patients by exome sequencing on the NGS platform, and a genetic variant was reported in 132 cases. Twenty-nine children underwent 34 HSCT, and 135 patients remain on supportive therapy such as immunoglobulin replacement and/or antimicrobial prophylaxis. Fifty-nine (28.3%) patients died during the study period, and infections were the predominant cause of mortality. Seven families underwent prenatal testing in the subsequent pregnancy. We describe the profile of 208 patients with IEI, and to the best of our knowledge, this represents the largest data on IEI from the Indian subcontinent reported so far.

Proband only exome sequencing in 403 Indian children with neurodevelopmental disorders: Diagnostic yield, utility and challenges in a resource-limited setting.

Whole exome sequencing is recommended as the first tier test for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with trio being an ideal option for the detection of de novo variants. Cost constraints have led to adoption of sequential testing i.e. proband-only whole exome followed by targeted testing of parents. The reported diagnostic yield for proband exome approach ranges between 31 and 53%. Typically, these study designs have aptly incorporated targeted parental segregation before concluding a genetic diagnosis to be confirmed. The reported estimates however do not accurately reflect the yield of proband only standalone whole -exome, a question commonly posed to the referring clinician in self pay medical systems like India. To assess the utility of standalone proband exome (without follow up targeted parental testing), we retrospectively evaluated 403 cases of neurodevelopmental disorders referred for proband-only whole exome sequencing at Neuberg Centre for Genomic Medicine (NCGM), Ahmedabad during the period of January 2019 and December 2021. A diagnosis was considered confirmed only upon the detection of Pathogenic/Likely Pathogenic variants in concordance with patient's phenotype as well as established inheritance pattern. Targeted parental/familial segregation analysis was recommended as a follow up test where applicable. The diagnostic yield of the proband-only standalone whole exome was 31.5%. Only 20 families submitted samples for follow up targeted testing, and a genetic diagnosis was confirmed in twelve cases increasing the yield to 34.5%. To understand factors leading to poor uptake of sequential parental testing, we focused on cases where an ultra-rare variant was detected in hitherto described de novo dominant neurodevelopmental disorder. A total of 40 novel variants in genes associated with de novo autosomal dominant disorders could not be reclassified as parental segregation was denied. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted upon informed consent to comprehend reasons for denial. Major factors influencing decision making included lack of definitive cure in the detected disorders; especially when couples not planning further conception and financial constraints to fund further targeted testing. Our study thus depicts the utility and challenges of proband-only exome approach and highlights the need for larger studies to understand factors influencing decision making in sequential testing.

Expanding the spectrum of ADNP-related disorder-Antenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia and a novel de novo mutation in ADNP gene.

De novo heterozygous ADNP variants have been associated with a complex neurological phenotype characterized primarily by neurodevelopmental delay. Cardiac and renal anomalies have additionally been observed in a few patients. All reported cases to date have been ascertained postnatally. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been previously observed in one child diagnosed with a de novo ADNP-related neurodevelopmental disorder. We report a fetus who presented with syndromic CDH associated with a de novo heterozygous ADNP variant.

The diagnostic utility of exome-based carrier screening in families with a positive family history.

Identification of disease-causing variants in families with a history of a suspected recessive disorder is essential for appropriate counseling and reproductive decision making. The present case series depicts the utility of whole exome-based phenotypes-driven carrier analysis in 14 families with a positive family history. A phenotype-based analysis revealed a putative diagnostic yield of 71.4%. Proband sample, though insufficient, was available in only one family, which allowed the diagnosis to be confirmed. In the remaining nine families, despite the detection of heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, only a putative diagnosis was possible due to incomplete proband phenotyping as well as nonavailability of proband samples. We describe the youngest known patient homozygous for a likely pathogenic variant in PPP1R21. He is currently asymptomatic at 7 days of life and has a simplified gyral pattern on neuroimaging. The case series, though small, captures the challenges in the diagnosis of genetic disorders in low to middle income countries with in-equitable health care access. It reinforces the significance of detailed phenotyping in the proband as well as the importance of DNA storage for a conclusive diagnosis. A recurring post-test counseling challenge was risk ascertainment and reproductive decision making in subsequent pregnancies if the detected pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants are co-inherited, in families with a putative diagnosis. When opted for, prenatal testing in such a scenario would be limited in its ability to comment on the fetal status with respect to the disorder in the proband.

Bi-allelic loss of function variants in GOLGA2 are associated with a complex neurological phenotype: Report of a second family.

GOGLA2/GM130 is a Golgin protein involved in vesicle tethering, cell proliferation and autophagy. Recessive loss of function mutation in GOLGA2 has been previously reported in a single family with muscular dystrophy and microcephaly. Here we describe a second consanguineous family with the bi-allelic loss of function mutations in GOLGA2. The patient exhibits microcephaly, seizures, and myopathy similar to the previously reported patient with GOLGA2 mutation. This report supports the critical developmental requirement of GOLGA2 and emphasizes a similar and severe clinical presentation with loss of function mutations in affected patients.

Clinical and molecular characterization of Indian patients with fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase deficiency: Identification of a frequent variant (E281K).

Fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder of gluconeogenesis caused by genetic defect in the FBP1 gene. It is characterized by episodic, often life-threatening metabolic acidosis, liver dysfunction, and hyperlactatemia. Without a high index of suspicion, it may remain undiagnosed with devastating consequences. Accurate diagnosis can be achieved either by enzyme assay or gene studies. Enzyme assay requires a liver biopsy and is tedious, invasive, expensive, and not easily available. Therefore, genetic testing is the most appropriate method to confirm the diagnosis. Molecular studies were performed on 18 suspected cases presenting with episodic symptoms. Seven different pathogenic variants were identified. Two common variants were noted in two subpopulations from the Indian subcontinent; p.Glu281Lys (E281K) occurred most frequently (in 10 patients) followed by p.Arg158Trp (R158W, in 4 patients). Molecular analysis confirmed the diagnosis and helped in managing these patients by providing appropriate genetic counseling. In conclusion, genetic studies identified two common variants in the Indian subcontinent, thus simplifying the diagnostic algorithm in this treatable disorder.

Mutation update for the GPC3 gene involved in Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome and review of the literature.

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is an X-linked multiple congenital anomalies and overgrowth syndrome caused by a defect in the glypican-3 gene (GPC3). Until now, GPC3 mutations have been reported in isolated cases or small series and the global genotypic spectrum of these mutations has never been delineated. In this study, we review the 57 previously described GPC3 mutations and significantly expand this mutational spectrum with the description of 29 novel mutations. Compiling our data and those of the literature, we provide an overview of 86 distinct GPC3 mutations identified in 120 unrelated families, ranging from single nucleotide variations to complex genomic rearrangements and dispersed throughout the entire coding region of GPC3. The vast majority of them are deletions or truncating mutations (frameshift, nonsense mutations) predicted to result in a loss-of-function. Missense mutations are rare and the two which were functionally characterized, impaired GPC3 function by preventing GPC3 cleavage and cell surface addressing respectively. This report by describing for the first time the wide mutational spectrum of GPC3 could help clinicians and geneticists in interpreting GPC3 variants identified incidentally by high-throughput sequencing technologies and also reinforces the need for functional validation of non-truncating mutations (missense, in frame mutations, duplications).

Is the diagnostic yield influenced by the indication for fetal autopsy?

The utility of fetal autopsy to corroborate antenatal ultrasound findings and to aid genetic counseling is well known. However, the ability to identify an underlying cause for the common indications for which it is performed is not well studied. This study aimed to determine if the diagnostic yield of fetal autopsy in identifying the underlying cause is determined by the indication of the autopsy. Five groups of fetuses were defined based on the indication for the autopsy performed in 903 cases: (i) malformations, (ii) intrauterine death (IUD), (iii) cystic hygroma and hydrops fetalis, (iv) isolated abnormalities of amniotic fluid, and (v) intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The highest diagnostic yield was in fetuses with isolated abnormalities of amniotic fluid (77%), followed by those with IUGR (75%), with IUD (69.6%), those in group five (55.2%) and lowest (45%) in fetuses with malformations (P < 0.001). A cause was identified in 77.8% fetuses with multiple malformations compared to 37.5% with isolated malformations (P < 0.001), with chromosomal abnormalities in 31.8% versus 9.9% respectively (P < 0.001) and malformation syndromes in 42.5% versus 26.3% (P < 0.001). Placental examination provided the highest yield in IUD, IUGR, and oligohydramnios (43.1%; P < 0.003) whereas chromosomal analysis was most useful in cystic hygroma/NIHF (28.9%; P < 0.001). This information on the diagnostic yield in fetal autopsy related its common indications, can be utilized to counsel families of the utility of autopsy to establish cause and recurrence risks and thereby assist then to make an informed decision to consent for the procedure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Craniosynostosis and Noonan syndrome with KRAS mutations: Expanding the phenotype with a case report and review of the literature.

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome caused by germline mutations in genes coding for components of the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (RAS-MAPK) pathway. Features include short stature, characteristic facies, congenital heart anomalies, and developmental delay. While there is considerable clinical heterogeneity in NS, craniosynostosis is not a common feature of the condition. Here, we report on a 2 month-old girl with Noonan syndrome associated with a de novo mutation in KRAS (p.P34Q) and premature closure of the sagittal suture. We provide a review of the literature of germline KRAS mutations and find that approximately 10% of published cases have craniosynostosis. Our findings expand on the NS phenotype and suggest that germline mutations in the KRAS gene are causally involved in craniosynostosis, supporting the role of the RAS-MAPK pathway as a mediator of aberrant bone growth in cranial sutures. The inclusion of craniosynostosis as a possible phenotype in KRAS-associated Noonan Syndrome has implications in the differential diagnosis and surgical management of individuals with craniosynostosis.

Molecular Diagnosis of Hereditary Fructose Intolerance: Founder Mutation in a Community from India.

Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a difficult-to-confirm diagnosis, requiring either invasive liver biopsy-enzyme assay or potentially hazardous fructose challenge test or expensive molecular genetic analysis. Therefore, worldwide there has been a trend towards finding "common mutations" in distinct ethnic groups to simplify the process of diagnosis. The nonspecific presentation of the disease often leads to diagnostic confusion with other metabolic liver disorders such as glycogenoses, galactosemia, and tyrosinemia. This leads to much delay in diagnosis with consequent harm to the patient.We report mutations in the ALDOB gene, from eleven Indian patients, seven of whom belong to the Agarwal community. Six patients from the Agarwal community and two non-Agarwal patients harbored one novel mutation, c.324+1G>A (five homozygous and one heterozygous), in the ALDOB gene. Haplotyping performed in families confirmed a founder effect. The community has been known to harbor founder mutations in other genes such as the MLC1, PANK2, and CAPN3 genes, thus providing another evidence for a founder effect in the community in case of HFI. This may pave the path for a simpler and quicker test at least for this community in India. In addition to the founder mutation, we report four other novel mutations, c.112+1delG, c.380-1G>A, c.677G>A, and c.689delA, and a previously reported mutation, c.1013C>T, in the cohort from India.

Molecular evaluation of a novel missense mutation & an insertional truncating mutation in SUMF1 gene.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Multiple suphphatase deficiency (MSD) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting the post translational activation of all enzymes of the sulphatase family. To date, approximately 30 different mutations have been identified in the causative gene, sulfatase modifying factor 1 (SUMF1). We describe here the mutation analysis of a case of MSD. METHODS: The proband was a four year old boy with developmental delay followed by neuroregression. He had coarse facies, appendicular hypertonia, truncal ataxia and ichthyosis limited to both lower limbs. Radiographs showed dysostosis multiplex. Clinical suspicion of MSD was confirmed by enzyme analysis of four enzymes of the sulphatase group. RESULTS: The patient was compound heterozygote for a c.451A>G (p.K151E) substitution in exon 3 and a single base insertion mutation (c.690_691 InsT) in exon 5 in the SUMF1 gene. The bioinformatic analysis of the missense mutation revealed no apparent effect on the overall structure. However, the mutated 151-amino acid residue was found to be adjacent to the substrate binding and the active site residues, thereby affecting the substrate binding and/or catalytic activity, resulting in almost complete loss of enzyme function. CONCLUSIONS: The two mutations identified in the present case were novel. This is perhaps the first report of an insertion mutation in SUMF1 causing premature truncation of the protein.

Survival analysis of Down syndrome cohort in a tertiary health care center in India.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the major causes of death in Down Syndrome (DS), the ages at which mortality rates are the highest and recognize factors associated with it. METHODS: The prospective cohort-based study was carried out in a tertiary health care center. Children with DS (n = 543) counseled at the Center of Medical Genetics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital from 2005 through 2009 were followed up in year 2010. Survival curves and Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis were used to determine the effect of different variables on survival. RESULTS: Total mortality was 13 %, of which 80.3 % was in children less than 2 y of age. Presence of congenital heart disease (CHD) increased the risk of mortality by 5.7 folds (p = 0.001). A definitive survival benefit after cardiac intervention was noted, although it differed with the type of CHD. Sex, maternal age at time of birth and karyotypes did not show a significant correlation with survival. CONCLUSIONS: The higher DS infant mortality observed in the present study could be attributed to financial constraints of the families and misconceptions amongst health professionals. It is recommended that a nation-wide DS registry be created to study the morbidity and mortality in Down syndrome from birth. The findings of this study will help clinicians in making management decisions and enable better counseling.