The Immunological Epigenetic Landscape of the Human Life Trajectory.

Adaptive immunity changes over an individual's lifetime, maturing by adulthood and diminishing with old age. Epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA and histone methylation form the molecular basis of immunological memory during lymphocyte development. Monocytes alter their function to convey immune tolerance, yet the epigenetic influences at play remain to be fully understood in the context of lifespan. This study of a healthy genetically homogenous cohort of children, adults and seniors sought to decipher the epigenetic dynamics in B-lymphocytes and monocytes. Variable global cytosine methylation within retro-transposable LINE-1 repeats was noted in monocytes compared to B-lymphocytes across age groups. The expression of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ alpha chain gene HLA-DQA1*01 revealed significantly reduced levels in monocytes in all ages relative to B-lymphocytes, as well as between lifespan groups. High melting point analysis and bisulfite sequencing of the HLA-DQA1*01 promoter in monocytes highlighted variable cytosine methylation in children and seniors but greater stability at this locus in adults. Further epigenetic evaluation revealed higher histone lysine 27 trimethylation in monocytes from this adult group. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA pulldown demonstrated association with a novel lncRNA TINA with structurally conserved similarities to the previously recognized epigenetic modifier PARTICLE. Seeking to interpret the epigenetic immunological landscape across three representative age groups, this study focused on HLA-DQA1*01 to expose cytosine and histone methylation alterations and their association with the non-coding transcriptome. Such insights unveil previously unknown complex epigenetic layers, orchestrating the strength and weakening of adaptive immunity with the progression of life.

Newborn screening-detected 21-hydroxylase deficiency: growth pattern is not associated with the genotype.

BACKGROUND: Normalising growth in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21- hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD-CAH) requires a long-term maintenance of a fragile balance between hydrocortisone (HC) replacement and androgen suppression. The growth pattern inchildren with 21OHD-CAH diagnosed by clinical symptoms has been evaluated in numerous retrospective studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate growth of patients with 21OHD-CAH detected by newborn screening (NBS), prior to clinical symptoms. METHODS: Nation-wide NBS for 21OHD-CAH was implemented in the Czech Republic in 2006. Since then, 1,317,987 neonates were screened (2006-2017) and 21OHD-CAH was confirmed in 108 patients. Growth was evaluated as height-standard deviation score (SDS) at regular time-points, related to bone age and compared to recent population standards. In 88 patients, available data allowed long-term evaluation of growth, HC and fludrocortisone doses (in half-year intervals), with a median observation period of ten years. RESULTS: Body height in affected children was shorter between years 1-9 of life with a nadir at age 1-3 years. Their height did not differ from general population at the age 10-12 years. There were not found differencies according to 21OHD-CAH severity. CONCLUSIONS: NBS is an effective secondary prevention tool for the early detection of 21OHD-CAH which improves growth patterns. A significant growth deceleration was observed during infancy and early childhood periods but with following height normalization. Growth pattern was not associated with the genotype of 21OHD, if patients have been detected by NBS.

Epidemiology of rare diseases detected by newborn screening in the Czech Republic.

OBJECTIVES: Presymptomatic detection of patients with rare diseases (RD), defined by a population frequency less than 1 : 2,000, is the task of newborn screening (NBS). In the Czech Republic (CZ), currently eighteen RD are screened: phenylketonuria/hyperphenylalaninemia (PKU/HPA), congenital hypothyroidism (CH), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), cystic fibrosis (CF), medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD), long chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD), very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD), carnitine palmitoyl transferase I and II deficiency (CPTID, CPTIID), carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency (CACTD), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), glutaric aciduria type I (GA I), isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (IVA), argininemia (ARG), citrullinemia (CIT), biotinidase deficiency (BTD), cystathionine beta-synthase-deficient homocystinuria (CBSD HCU), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency homocystinuria (MTHFRD HCU). The aim was to analyze the prevalence of RD screened by NBS in CZ. METHODS: We examined the NBS programme in CZ from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2017, which covered 888,891 neonates. Dried blood spots were primarily analyzed using fluorescence immuno-assay, tandem mass spectrometry and fluorimetry. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of RD among the neonate cohort was 1 : 1,043. Individually, 1 : 2,877 for CH, 1 : 5,521 for PKU/HPA, 1 : 6,536 for CF (1 : 5,887 including false negative patients), 1 : 12,520 for CAH, 1 : 22,222 for MCADD, 1 : 80,808 for LCHADD, 1 : 177,778 for GA I, 1 : 177,778 for IVA, 1 : 222,223 for VLCADD, 1 : 296,297 for MSUD, 1 : 8,638 for BTD, and 1 : 181,396 for CBSD HCU. CONCLUSIONS: The observed prevalence of RD, based on NBS, corresponds to that expected, more precisely it was higher for BTD and lower for MSUD, IVA, CBSD HCU, MCADD and VLCADD. Early detection of rare diseases by means of NBS is an effective secondary prevention tool.

Neonatal screening in the Czech Republic: increased prevalence of selected diseases in low birthweight neonates.

Neonates with low birthweight (LBW) represent a vulnerable population. This retrospective study analyzed the birth frequency of diseases detected by neonatal screening (NBS) in normal and LBW neonates in the Czech Republic. Between years 2002 and 2016, the number of screened disorders in the Czech Republic gradually increased from two to 13. Prevalence of screened diseases was calculated for cohorts ranging from 777,100 to 1,277,283 neonates stratified by birthweight. Odds ratio of the association of LBW with each disease was calculated and statistical significance was evaluated using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. Three diseases were associated with higher risk of prevalence in LBW neonates, namely congenital hypothyroidism (OR 2.50, CI 1.92; 3.25), cystic fibrosis (OR 2.44, CI 1.51; 3.94), and long chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (LCHADD) (OR 7.74, CI 2.18; 27.42).Conclusion: Although the underlying mechanisms are not well understood, results can be hypothesized that LBW (respectively prematurity) may lead to the secondary and often transitory hypothyroidism while cystic fibrosis and LCHADD may manifest already prenatally and result into preterm birth and LBW. What is Known: • The percentage of low birthweight (LBW) neonates in the Czech Republic has been increasing. • Previously published studies reported positive association between LBW and congenital hypothyroidism and cystic fibrosis. What is New: • The association between LCHADD and LBW has not yet been described. • LBW can be the first manifestation of cystic fibrosis and LCHADD.

Two novel fusion genes, AIF1L-ETV6 and ABL1-AIF1L, result together with ETV6-ABL1 from a single chromosomal rearrangement in acute lymphoblastic leukemia with prenatal origin.

Fusion genes resulting from chromosomal rearrangements represent a hallmark of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Unlike more common fusion genes generated via simple reciprocal chromosomal translocations, formation of the ETV6-ABL1 fusion gene requires 3 DNA breaks and usually results from an interchromosomal insertion. We report a child with ALL in which a single interchromosomal insertion led to the formation of ETV6-ABL1 and 2 novel fusion genes: AIF1L-ETV6 and ABL1-AIF1L. We demonstrate the prenatal origin of this complex chromosomal rearrangement, which apparently initiated the leukemogenic process, by successful backtracking of the ETV6-ABL1 fusion into the patient's archived neonatal blood. We cloned coding sequences of AIF1L-ETV6 and ABL1-AIF1L in-frame fusion transcripts from the patient's leukemic blasts and we show that the chimeric protein containing the DNA binding domain of ETV6 is expressed from the AIF1L-ETV6 transcript and localized in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of transfected HEK293T cells. Transcriptomic and genomic profiling of the diagnostic bone marrow sample revealed Ph-like gene expression signature and loss of the IKZF1 and CDKN2A/B genes, the typical genetic lesions accompanying ETV6-ABL1-positive ALL. The prenatal origin of the rearrangement confirms that ETV6-ABL1 is not sufficient to cause overt leukemia, even when combined with the 2 novel fusions. We did not find the AIF1L-ETV6 and ABL1-AIF1L fusions in other ETV6-ABL1-positive ALL. Nevertheless, functional studies would be needed to establish the biological role of AIF1L-ETV6 and ABL1-AIF1L and to determine whether they contribute to leukemogenesis and/or to the final leukemia phenotype.

A product of immunoreactive trypsinogen and pancreatitis-associated protein as second-tier strategy in cystic fibrosis newborn screening.

BACKGROUND: In cystic fibrosis newborn screening (CFNBS), immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) and pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP) can be used as screening parameters. We evaluated the IRT×PAP product as second-tier parameter in CFNBS in newborns with elevated IRT. METHODS: Data on 410,111 screened newborns including 78 patients with classical cystic fibrosis (CF) from two European centers were retrospectively analyzed by discrimination analysis to identify a screening protocol with optimal cutoffs. We also studied differences in PAP measurement methods and the association of IRT and PAP with age. RESULTS: PAP values differed systematically between fluorometric and photometric assays. The IRT×PAP product showed better discrimination for classical CF than PAP only as second-tier screening parameter (p<0.001). In CF patients, IRT decreased while PAP values remained high over years. In newborns without CF, IRT decreased after birth over weeks while PAP increased within days. CONCLUSIONS: The IRT×PAP product performs well as second-tier cutoff parameter for CFNBS. Screening quality parameters depend on the analytic method and on age at blood collection.

Diffuse parenchymal lung disease as first clinical manifestation of GATA-2 deficiency in childhood.

BACKGROUND: GATA-2 transcription factor deficiency has recently been described in patients with a propensity towards myeloid malignancy associated with other highly variable phenotypic features: chronic leukocytopenias (dendritic cell-, monocyto-, granulocyto-, lymphocytopenia), increased susceptibility to infections, lymphatic vasculature abnormalities, and sensorineural deafness. Patients often suffer from opportunistic respiratory infections; chronic pulmonary changes have been found in advanced disease. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 17-year-old previously healthy Caucasian male who was admitted to the hospital with fever, malaise, headache, cough and dyspnea. A chest X-ray revealed bilateral interstitial infiltrates and pneumonia was diagnosed. Despite prompt clinical improvement under antibiotic therapy, interstitial changes remained stable. A high resolution computer tomography showed severe diffuse parenchymal lung disease, while the patient's pulmonary function tests were normal and he was asymptomatic. Lung tissue biopsy revealed chronic reparative and resorptive reaction with organizing vasculitis. At the time of the initial presentation to the hospital, serological signs of acute infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were present; EBV viremia with atypical serological response persisted during two-year follow up. No other infectious agents were found. Marked monocytopenia combined with B-cell lymphopenia led to a suspicion of GATA-2 deficiency. Diagnosis was confirmed by detection of the previously published heterozygous mutation in GATA2 (c.1081 C > T, p.R361C). The patient's brother and father were both carriers of the same genetic defect. The brother had no clinically relevant ailments despite leukocyte changes similar to the index patient. The father suffered from spondylarthritis, and apart from B-cell lymphopenia, no other changes within the leukocyte pool were seen. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a diagnosis of GATA-2 deficiency should be considered in all patients with diffuse parenchymal lung disease presenting together with leukocytopenia, namely monocyto-, dendritic cell- and B-lymphopenia, irrespective of severity of the clinical phenotype. Genetic counseling and screening for GATA2 mutations within the patient's family should be provided as the phenotype is highly variable and carriers without apparent immunodeficiency are still in danger of developing myeloid malignancy. A prompt recognition of this rare condition helps to direct clinical treatment strategies and follow-up procedures.

The TREC/KREC assay for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with DiGeorge syndrome.

UNLABELLED: DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) presents with a wide spectrum of thymic pathologies. Nationwide neonatal screening programs of lymphocyte production using T-cell recombination excision circles (TREC) have repeatedly identified patients with DGS. We tested what proportion of DGS patients could be identified at birth by combined TREC and kappa-deleting element recombination circle (KREC) screening. Furthermore, we followed TREC/KREC levels in peripheral blood (PB) to monitor postnatal changes in lymphocyte production. METHODS: TREC/KREC copies were assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and were related to the albumin control gene in dry blood spots (DBSs) from control (n = 56), severe immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID, n = 10) and DGS (n = 13) newborns. PB was evaluated in DGS children (n = 32), in diagnostic samples from SCID babies (n = 5) and in 91 controls. RESULTS: All but one DGS patient had TREC levels in the normal range at birth, albeit quantitative TREC values were significantly lower in the DGS cohort. One patient had slightly reduced KREC at birth. Postnatal DGS samples revealed reduced TREC numbers in 5 of 32 (16%) patients, whereas KREC copy numbers were similar to controls. Both TREC and KREC levels showed a more pronounced decrease with age in DGS patients than in controls (p < 0.0001 for both in a linear model). DGS patients had higher percentages of NK cells at the expense of T cells (p < 0.0001). The patients with reduced TREC levels had repeated infections in infancy and developed allergy and/or autoimmunity, but they were not strikingly different from other patients. In 12 DGS patients with paired DBS and blood samples, the TREC/KREC levels were mostly stable or increased and showed similar kinetics in respective patients. CONCLUSIONS: The combined TREC/KREC approach with correction via control gene identified 1 of 13 (8%) of DiGeorge syndrome patients at birth in our cohort. The majority of patients had TREC/KREC levels in the normal range.

Comparison of different IRT-PAP protocols to screen newborns for cystic fibrosis in three central European populations.

BACKGROUND: In recent years different IRT/PAP protocols have been evaluated, but the individual performance remains unclear. To optimize the IRT/PAP strategy we compared protocols from three regional CF newborn screening centers (Heidelberg, Dresden, and Prague). METHODS: We evaluated the effect of elevating the IRT-cut-off from 50 to 65 µg/l (~97.5th to ~99.0th percentile), the need of a failsafe protocol (FS, IRT ≥ 99.9th percentile) and the relative performance using either two IRT-dependent PAP-cut-offs or one PAP-cut-off. FINDINGS: Elevation of the IRT cut-off to 65 µg/l (~99.0th percentile) increased the PPV significantly (Dresden: 0.065 vs. 0.080, p < 0.0001, Prague: 0.052 vs. 0.074, p < 0.0001) without reducing sensitivity. All three IRT/PAP protocols showed a trend towards a higher sensitivity with FS than without and when using one PAP-cut-off instead of two IRT-dependent PAP-cut-offs. CONCLUSIONS: For best performance we suggest an IRT/PAP protocol with an IRT-cut-off close to the 99.0th percentile, FS, and a single PAP-cut-off.

Prospective and parallel assessments of cystic fibrosis newborn screening protocols in the Czech Republic: IRT/DNA/IRT versus IRT/PAP and IRT/PAP/DNA.

UNLABELLED: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening disease for which early diagnosis following newborn screening (NBS) improves the prognosis. We performed a prospective assessment of the immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT)/DNA/IRT protocol currently in use nationwide, versus the IRT/pancreatitis-associated protein (PAP) and IRT/PAP/DNA CF NBS protocols. Dried blood spots (DBS) from 106,522 Czech newborns were examined for IRT concentrations. In the IRT/DNA/IRT protocol, DNA-testing was performed for IRT ≥ 65 ng/mL. Newborns with IRT ≥ 200 ng/mL and no detected cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR) mutations were recalled for a repeat IRT. In the same group of newborns, for both parallel protocols, PAP was measured in DBS with IRT ≥ 50 ng/mL. In PAP-positive newborns (i.e., ≥1.8 if IRT 50-99.9 or ≥1.0 if IRT ≥ 100, all in ng/mL), DNA-testing followed as part of the IRT/PAP/DNA protocol. Newborns with at least one CFTR mutation in the IRT/DNA/IRT and IRT/PAP/DNA protocols; a positive PAP in IRT/PAP; or a high repeat IRT in IRT/DNA/IRT were referred for sweat testing. CONCLUSION: the combined results of the utilized protocols led to the detection of 21 CF patients, 19 of which were identified using the IRT/DNA/IRT protocol, 16 using IRT/PAP, and 15 using IRT/PAP/DNA. Decreased cut-offs for PAP within the IRT/PAP protocol would lead to higher sensitivity but would increase false positives. Within the IRT/PAP/DNA protocol, decreased PAP cut-offs would result in high sensitivity, an acceptable number of false positives, and would reduce the number of DNA analyses. Thus, we concluded that the IRT/PAP/DNA protocol would represent the most suitable protocol in our conditions.

Genetic analysis of the CYP21A2 gene in neonatal dried blood spots from children with transiently elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) identifies a certain proportion of newborns with transient moderate elevation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP). These children require regular follow-up until normalization of their 17-OHP levels. We investigated the possibility of reducing the individuals' recall rates by using genetic methods on their original neonatal dried blood spots. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analysed neonatal dried blood spots from 753 subjects with transiently elevated levels of 17-OHP. The CYP21A2 gene was sequenced to detect point mutations, and the presence of CYP21A2 was further confirmed by two methods utilizing the difference between CYP21A2 and its CYP21A1P pseudogene in the sequence of exon 3 (8-bp deletion). The accuracy of the methods was verified using samples from 70 subjects with known CYP21A2 mutations and 181 healthy children. RESULT: Among the 701 successfully sequenced samples from subjects with transiently elevated 17-OHP, 670 (95%) had no point mutations or novel variants in the CYP21A2 gene. We found no individuals carrying genotypes consistent with the diagnosis of CAH (i.e. homozygotes or compound heterozygotes for point mutations, large deletions or rearrangements). However, 21 heterozygous carriers of known point mutations that cause the classic and nonclassic forms of CAH were identified. Additionally, we detected eight heterozygous and two homozygous point variants with unknown functional significance. CONCLUSION: Although CAH caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency could be genetically excluded with a reasonable degree of confidence in 95% of the genotyped subjects that had transiently elevated 17-OHP, the performance of the tests was suboptimal when performed using dried blood spots and time-consuming in comparison with the current practice of repeated measurements of 17-OHP. The introduction of this method into clinical practice seems to be impractical at this stage.

Lessons learned from 5 years of newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the Czech Republic: 17-hydroxyprogesterone, genotypes, and screening performance.

The aims were to summarize the experience and to determine the performance metrics of newborn screening (NBS) for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in the Czech Republic. 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) was measured in NBS samples prospectively in 545,026 newborns and retrospectively in 31 CAH patients born outside the study period. A total of 2,811 screened newborns had abnormal 17OHP; CAH was confirmed in 46 probands. One patient with a severe-moderate genotype of CAH had 17OHP below the cut-off and was diagnosed clinically. This corresponds to a screening sensitivity of 98% and a false positive rate (FPR) of 0.51%. The median of 17OHP in the most severe genotypes was 484 nmol/L (n = 21); in severe/moderate, 321 nmol/L (n = 30); in moderate, 61 nmol/L (n = 20); and in mild genotypes, 31 nmol/L (n = 7). NBS is efficient to detect severe CAH but may fail to detect milder variants. However, the FPR is too high but could be improved by application of a second tier test.

Chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes identified in Czech patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) comprises a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by an enzymatic deficiency which impairs the biosynthesis of cortisol and, in the majority of severe cases, also the biosynthesis of aldosterone. Approximately 95% of all CAH cases are caused by mutations in the steroid 21-hydroxylase gene (CYP21A2). The CYP21A2 gene and its inactive pseudogene (CYP21A1P) are located within the HLA class III region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus on chromosome 6p21.3. In this study, we describe chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes detected in our patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). Chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes were present in 171 out of 508 mutated CYP21A2 alleles (33.8%). We detected four types of chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes: three of them have been described previously as CH-1, CH-3, CH-4, and one type is novel. The novel chimeric gene, termed CH-7, was detected in 21.4% of the mutant alleles. Possible causes of CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 formation are associated with 1) high recombination rate in the MHC locus, 2) high recombination rate between highly homologous genes and pseudogenes in the CYP21 gene area, and 3) the existence of chi-like sequences and repetitive minisatellite consensus sequences in CYP21A2 and CYP21A1P which play a role in promoting genetic recombination.

Identification of CYP21A2 mutant alleles in Czech patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is comprised of a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by an enzymatic deficiency which impairs the biosynthesis of cortisol and, in most of the severe cases, also the biosynthesis of aldosterone. Approximately 90-95% of all the CAH cases are due to mutations in the steroid 21-hydroxylase gene (CYP21A2). In this study, the molecular genetic analysis of CYP21A2 was performed in 267 Czech probands suspected of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). 21OHD was confirmed in 241 probands (2 mutations were detected). In 26 probands, a mutation was found only in 1 CYP21A2 allele. A set of 30 different mutant alleles was determined. We describe i) mutated CYP21A2 alleles carrying novel point mutations (p.Thr168Asn, p.Ser169X and p.Pro386Arg), ii) mutated CYP21A2 alleles carrying the novel chimeric gene designated as CH-7, which was detected in 21.4% of the mutant alleles, iii) an unusual genotype with a combination of the CYP21A2 duplication, 2 point mutations and the CYP21A2 large-scale gene conversion on the second allele, and (iv) a detailed analysis of the chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes. In conclusion, our genotyping approach allowed for the accurate identification of the CYP21A2 gene mutations in 21OHD patients and their families and provided some useful information on diagnosis and genetic counselling.

Acute leukemias with ETV6/ABL1 (TEL/ABL) fusion: poor prognosis and prenatal origin.

The ETV6/ABL1 (TEL/ABL) fusion gene is a rare aberration in malignant disorders. Only 19 cases of ETV6/ABL1-positive hematological malignancy have been published, diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, other types of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm, acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This study reports three new cases (aged 8 months, 5 years, and 33 years) of ALL with the ETV6/ABL1 fusion found by screening 392 newly diagnosed ALL patients (335 children and 57 adults). A thorough review of the literature and an analysis of all published data, including the three new cases, suggest poor prognosis of ETV6/ABL1-positive acute leukemias. The course of the disease in the two pediatric patients is characterized by minimal residual disease monitoring, using quantification of both the ETV6/ABL1 transcript and immunoreceptor gene rearrangements. Eosinophilia could not be confirmed as a hallmark of the ETV6/ABL1-positive disease. Studies of neonatal blood spots demonstrated that, in the child diagnosed at five years, the ETV6/ABL1 fusion initiating the ALL originated prenatally.

Pilot newborn screening project for cystic fibrosis in the Czech Republic: defining role of the delay in its symptomatic diagnosis and influence of ultrasound-based prenatal diagnosis on the incidence of the disease.

The objective need for cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS) in the Czech Republic has recently been substantiated by a significant delay of its symptomatic diagnosis. This trend most likely resulted from the process of decentralisation of health care which led to the deterioration of care for patients who need specialised approaches. Applied newborn screening model (IRT/DNA/IRT) was efficacious enough to detect CF cases with median age at diagnosis of 37 days. The incidence of CF (1 in 6946 live births) ascertained in this project was lower than that established previously by epidemiological studies (1 in 2700-1 in 3300). However, adjustment for broadly applied ultrasound-based prenatal diagnosis (PND) in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, that was performed within the period of the project (1/2/2005-2/11/2006), rendered an incidence estimate of 1 in 4023. This value is closer to that observed in other CF NBS programmes and reflects influence of PND on the incidence of CF.

Long-term stability of amino acids and acylcarnitines in dried blood spots.

BACKGROUND: Dried blood filter cards, collected for newborn screening, are often stored for long periods of time. They may be suitable for the retrospective diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism, but no data are currently available on the long-term stability of amino acids and acylcarnitine species. METHODS: We analyzed amino acids and acylcarnitines by tandem mass spectrometry in 660 anonymous, randomly selected filter cards from 1989 through 2004. We assessed long-term stability of metabolites by linear regression and estimated annual decrease of concentration for each metabolite. RESULTS: Concentrations of free carnitine increased by 7.6% per year during the first 5 years of storage and decreased by 1.4% per year thereafter. Alanine, arginine, leucine, methionine, and phenylalanine decreased by 6.5%, 3.3%, 3.1%, 7.3%, and 5.7% per year, respectively. Acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine, citrulline, glycine, and ornithine decreased by 18.5%, 27.4%, 8.1%, 14.7%, and 16.3% per year during the first 5 years, respectively; thereafter the decline was more gradual. Tyrosine decreased by 1.7% per year during the first 5 years and 7.9% per year thereafter. We could not analyze medium- and long-chain acylcarnitine species because of low physiological concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Estimation of the annual decrease of metabolites may allow for the retrospective diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism in filter cards that have been stored for long periods of time.

Prevalence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia among sudden infant death in the Czech Republic and Austria.

This study aimed to estimate the number of infants who died of unrecognized congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in Austria and the Czech Republic within the past 13 years, before the introduction of adequate neonatal screening. The study was based on retrospective analysis of neonatal screening cards of 242 infants who died suddenly between 7 days and 12 months of age and whose cause of death could not be identified. 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) was measured by fluoroimmunoassay and positive samples were subsequently genotyped. Three infants out of 242 may have had unrecognized CAH due to CYP21 (steroid 21-hydroxylase) gene defect. Their newborn 17-OHP levels and CYP21 genotypes were 706 nmol/l and del/conv//del/conv, 53 nmol/l and I2//I2, and 811 nmol/l and I2//Gln318stop, respectively. CAH due to CYP21 defect can lead to sudden unexpected death without prior symptoms typical for the condition. Hence, newborn screening would have prevented these deaths had it been available. In addition, we have shown that the I2 point mutation that is expected to lead to simple virilizing form may lead to a fatal outcome.

Prenatal origin of childhood AML occurs less frequently than in childhood ALL.

BACKGROUND: While there is enough convincing evidence in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the data on the pre-natal origin in childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are less comprehensive. Our study aimed to screen Guthrie cards (neonatal blood spots) of non-infant childhood AML and ALL patients for the presence of their respective leukemic markers. METHODS: We analysed Guthrie cards of 12 ALL patients aged 2-6 years using immunoglobulin (Ig) and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements (n = 15) and/or intronic breakpoints of TEL/AML1 fusion gene (n = 3). In AML patients (n = 13, age 1-14 years) PML/RARalpha (n = 4), CBFbeta/MYH11 (n = 3), AML1/ETO (n = 2), MLL/AF6 (n = 1), MLL/AF9 (n = 1) and MLL/AF10 (n = 1) fusion genes and/or internal tandem duplication of FLT3 gene (FLT3/ITD) (n = 2) were used as clonotypic markers. Assay sensitivity determined using serial dilutions of patient DNA into the DNA of a healthy donor allowed us to detect the pre-leukemic clone in Guthrie card providing 1-3 positive cells were present in the neonatal blood spot. RESULTS: In 3 patients with ALL (25%) we reproducibly detected their leukemic markers (Ig/TCR n = 2; TEL/AML1 n = 1) in the Guthrie card. We did not find patient-specific molecular markers in any patient with AML. CONCLUSION: In the largest cohort examined so far we used identical approach for the backtracking of non-infant childhood ALL and AML. Our data suggest that either the prenatal origin of AML is less frequent or the load of pre-leukemic cells is significantly lower at birth in AML compared to ALL cases.

Estimation of the false-negative rate in newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Newborn screening based on measurement of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) in a dried blood spot on filter paper is an effective tool for early diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Its most important rationale is prevention of a life-threatening salt-wasting (SW) crisis; in moderate forms of CAH, early diagnosis and treatment may prevent permanent negative effects of androgen overproduction. Our target was to analyse if all CAH patients who had been identified clinically before puberty would have been detected by the newborn screening. METHODS: Newborn screening cards of 110 CAH patients born between 1988 and 2000 in five Middle-European countries and diagnosed prior to puberty (77 SW and 33 moderate) and cards from 920 random, healthy newborn controls were analysed. CAH screening had not yet been introduced during this time. The diagnosis was based on clinical and laboratory signs and, in most cases, on CYP21 gene mutation analysis. All 17-OHP measurements in dried blood spots were carried out using a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay kit. RESULTS: In the newborn screening blood spots, the median of 17-OHP levels was 561 nmol/l (range 91-1404 nmol/l) in subjects with the SW form and 40 nmol/l (4-247 nmol/l) in the moderate form. All 77 SW patients would have been detected by newborn screening using the recommended cut-off limits (30 nmol/l). However, 10 of 33 patients with moderate CAH would have been missed. 17-OHP levels of all controls were below the cut-off. CONCLUSION: Newborn screening is efficient for diagnosing the SW form of CAH, but is inappropriate for identifying all patients with a moderate form of CAH. It appears that the false-negative rate is at least one-third in children with the moderate form of CAH.