Dilatative fetal cardiomyopathy followed by a mirror syndrome.

Mirror syndrome (Ballantyne syndrome) is a rare condition characterized by maternal edema, which often affects the lungs. It mirrors the image of fetal and placental edema; therefore, it is also called triple edema. We present the case of a 37-year-old secundigravida, referred to our clinic at 26 weeks of a pregnancy complicated by fetal dilatative restrictive cardiomyopathy and hydrops, placentomegaly, new-onset dyspnea, and maternal calf edema. Due to worsening mirror syndrome, preterm labor was induced. Labor was complicated, with soft tissue dystocia, stillbirth, and postpartum hemorrhage. The first pregnancy was also complicated by fetal right ventricular noncompaction dilatative cardiomyopathy. A eutrophic male child was born vaginally at term and died due to deterioration of the cardiac disease in the third year of life. Next-generation sequencing panel for pediatric cardiology was performed in the deceased child and parents. Two gene variants were recorded: MYOM1: c.770_771delCA (p.Thr257fs) and TPM1: c.814G>A (p.Glu272Lys). Both variants were classified as variants of uncertain significance. This case emphasizes the importance of antenatal counseling, the timing of labor induction, appropriate management of possible complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and soft tissue dystocia, and the interpretation of placental biomarkers in the context of mirror syndrome. Finally, it contributes to understanding the clinical significance of the MYOM1 and TPM1 gene variants.

Prenatally detected encephalocele associated with a novel pathogenic TCTN3 variant: A case report and literature review.

Primary cilia are a component of almost all vertebrate cells with a crucial role in sensing and transducing environmental signals during tissue development. Their dysfunction is known as ciliopathies and can manifest with a wide spectrum of clinical disorders. Overlapping features and molecular heterogeneity of ciliopathies make diagnoses distinctly challenging. In this group of diseases, tectonic genes, and their mutations play an important role. We present a first-trimester fetus with occipital encephalocele and OFD type IV caused by TCTN3 compound heterozygous pathogenic variants: c.1423_1429del (p.Arg475Serfs*10) and c.3G>A (initiator codon). A severe arm anomaly was described in our case, with two fingers along the atrophic forearm and polydactyly on other limbs. This could be a new phenotypic characteristic contributing to further understanding of TCTN3-related disorders as well as other tectonic proteins in ciliopathy spectrum diseases.

THE FREQUENCY OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE RECEPTOR 2039A>G GENE POLYMORPHISM AND THE RISK OF MALE INFERTILITY IN ALBANIAN POPULATION.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of allele and genotype variants of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene polymorphic region at position Asn680Ser in the Albanian male population and associate them with the clinical parameters of infertility. The study included 114 infertile men (mean age 35.04±5.85 years) stratified according to the level of spermatogenetic impairment (oligoasthenozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and normospermia) and 112 fertile men (mean age 36.44±7.05 years) with normal semen parameters. Genotyping of the FSHR gene at position 680 was performed by TaqMan genotyping assay. All the participants underwent semen analysis, and serum reproductive hormones (FSH, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and testosterone) were also measured. The FSHR Asn680Ser genotype frequencies were as follows: Asn/Ser 42%, Ser/Ser 33.9% and Asn/Asn 24.1% in the control group, and Asn/Ser 56.1%, Ser/Ser 22.8% and Asn/Asn 21.1% in the whole group of infertile men (χ2-test: P=0.08). There was no statistically significant correlation between serum hormone levels and semen characteristics or between fertility status and FSHR Asn680Ser gene variants in the control group and the group of infertile men. However, adjusted logistic regression analysis (age, body mass index, smoking and alcohol as covariates) revealed increased odds ratio for male infertility among heterozygous Asn/Ser genotype carriers associated with lower values of semen parameters (normal morphology, concentration, total sperm count and motility). In conclusion, our case-control study further confirmed previous reports on no significant association between the FSHR Asn680Ser polymorphisms and male infertility. Nevertheless, the data presented herein indicate that the Asn/Ser genotype may increase the risk of male infertility in Albanian population.

Prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidies and disorders of sex development--a retrospective analysis of 11-year data.

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of prenatally diagnosed sex chromosome aneuploidies and disorders of sex development (DSDs). METHODS: This study includes a retrospective data analysis of 46 prenatally detected sex chromosome aneuploidies and one case of 46,XY DSD diagnosed during an 11-year period (2002-2012) at our department. RESULTS: Of the 46 sex chromosome aneuploidies, 29 cases (63.0%) were in the group of a selected population of women according to abnormal first-/second-trimester ultrasound and 17 (37.0%) cases in an unselected population of women who underwent fetal karyotyping because of advanced maternal age. The most common aneuploidy was Turner syndrome in full and mosaic form (50%). Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome was diagnosed in the case of 46,XY DSD. CONCLUSIONS: Sex chromosome aneuploidies must be taken into consideration if, in the first or second trimester, abnormalities are revealed on ultrasound, mainly Turner syndrome in full or mosaic form and 47,XYY.

Prenatal diagnosis of 18p deletion and isochromosome 18q mosaicism in a fetus with a cystic hygroma.

Although, deletion of short arm of chromosome 18 is one of the most frequent autosomal terminal deletions, mosaic form of 18p deletion is infrequently observed. Furthermore, prenatally detected cases of 18p deletion and isochromosome 18q mosaicism are extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of del(18p)/i(18q) mosaicism, prenatally detected after chori- onic villus sampling. A 37-year-old woman was referred for prenatal diagnosis because of fetal septated cystic hygroma measuring 4.3 mm. Cytogenetic analysis showed a mosaic 46,XX,del(18)(p11.2)/46,XX,i(18)(q10) karyotype in both, short- and long-term culture. Parents elected to terminate the pregnancy. Fetal mosaic karyotype was confirmed by chromosomal analysis of cultured skin fibroblasts. Molecular characterization of chromosome 18 structural aberrations was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Considering variable ultrasound findings among cases with del(18p)/i(18q) mosaicism, we emphasized that first and second trimester ultrasound screening examinations for fetal malformations, followed by cytogenetic and molecular evaluations, are very important in the management of prenatally detected cases.

Partial monosomy 2p and partial trisomy 4q due to paternal translocation t(2;4)(p25.1;q31.3).

Clinical features in patients with segmental aneuploidy often vary depending on the size of the chromosomal segment involved. Monosomy 2p is usually observed as a part of more complex syndromes among probands of balanced reciprocal translocation carriers. Patients with dup4q syndrome have variable clinical features, which are both related to the size of duplicated segment of the 4q and specific associated monosomy. Clinical findings of our patient were compatible with those previously reported in dup4q and del2p patients. Herein are presented the clinical and cytogenetic findings in a 4-year-old female with an unbalanced karyotype 46,XX,der(2)t(2;4)(p25.1;q31.3)pat. Clinical phenotypes of 2p;4q translocation cases are variable, because the involved breakpoints vary case-by-case. We also compare similarity of the clinical features of our proband and other patients carrying either duplication of the distal part of 4q and patients carrying a deletion of distal part of 2p as described in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first case of partial trisomy 4q accompanied with partial monosomy 2p.

De novo case of a partial trisomy 4p and a partial monosomy 8p.

The extent of clinical expression in cases of segmental aneuploidy often varies depending on the size of the chromosomal region involved. Here we present clinical and cytogenetic findings in a 5-month old boy with a duplication of a chromosomal segment 4p16.1-->4pter and a deletion of a chromosomal segment 8p23.1-->8pter. His karyotype was determined by applying classical GTG banding and FISH method (WHCR region, centromere 4, centromere 8, telomere 8p) as 46,XY,der(8)t(4;8)(p16.1;p23.1).ish der(8)t(4;8)(D8S504-,WHCR+,D8Z2+)dn. Parents are not related and have normal karyotypes, indicating de novo origin. We have compared similarity of the clinical features in our proband to other patients carrying only a duplication of the distal part of 4p or a deletion of distal part of 8p or similar combination described in the literature.

The smallest dislocated microduplication of Xq27.1 harboring SOX3 gene associated with XX male phenotype.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 90% of "XX males" are positive for SRY. However, there are isolated cases of sex reversal associated to other genes in male-determining pathway. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 1.3-old patient with 46,XX karyotype, male phenotypic gender and cryptorchidism. Microarray analysis revealed a de novo 273 kb duplication in the Xq27.1 region that contains SOX3. FISH with probe specific to SOX3 confirmed a unique genomic location of this duplication, dislocated proximal to the centromere of the X chromosome. CONCLUSIONS: This rare genetic condition was described in few other isolated cases that have associated SOX3 genetic rearrangements and DSD. Microarray and genome-wide-sequencing presents important part in routine diagnostics, and in delineation of other sex-determination-pathway genes in sex reversal disorders.

Susceptibility to chromosome instability and occurrence of the regular form of Down syndrome in young couples.

Although the risk of pregnancy with Down syndrome (DS) increases with age, conceptions with trisomy 21 can occur in mothers aged 35 or less. The micronucleus test on peripheral blood lymphocytes is a well-recognized method for studying chromosomal instability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of the micronucleus assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for estimation of chromosome instability and occurrence of trisomy 21 in young parents having pregnancy or a child with the regular form of Down syndrome. The study included 54 parents (27 couples) who had previous pregnancy with trisomy 21 at age 35 or less. The control group consisted of 30 couples with two healthy children and no previous spontaneous abortions. Parents with trisomy 21 pregnancy had significantly higher frequencies of micronuclei in binucleated cells. There was no statistically significant difference between the study and control groups in the frequencies of micronuclei in mononuclear cells, nuclear buds, or nucleoplasmic bridges. FISH analysis showed higher percentages of micronuclei containing whole chromosomes as well as statistically significant higher numbers of micronuclei containing chromosome 21 in the peripheral blood of DS parents. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes to treatment with the mutagen mitomycin C. Our results suggest that young parents with a history of the regular form of Down syndrome have a higher susceptibility to chromosome nondisjunction in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The micronucleus assay showed high specificity, but moderate sensitivity, for risk assessment of trisomy 21 pregnancy.

Mid trimester amniotic fluid soluble receptor tunica interna endothelial cell kinase-2 levels and risk for preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if elevated concentration of soluble receptor tunica interna endothelial cell kinase-2 (Tie-2) in the amniotic fluid represent a risk factor for the subsequent development of preeclampsia (PE). STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid samples were collected as a part of routine clinical diagnostics from women referred to clinical care due to genetic indications. A total of 12 women with preeclampsia and 26 normotensive pregnant women were included in the study. Mean gestational age at amniocentesis was 17.92 weeks of pregnancy in preeclampsia and 17.88 in control group, respectively. Concentrations of sTie-2 in the amniotic fluid were determined by a standardized enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Median concentration of Tie-2 in the amniotic fluid of PE patients was lower (median 1.109 ng/ml) compared with normotensive pregnant women (median 1.433 ng/Ml) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2973). Concentration of sTie-2 in the amniotic fluid did not significantly correlate with maternal age, gestational age at amniocentesis or delivery, as well as weight or length at birth. A difference in the gestational age at delivery in PE patients (mean 37.7 weeks) and normotensive pregnant controls (mean 39.8 weeks) was statistically significant (p = 0.0003). Birth weight and length of children delivered by PE women (mean 2863.3 g and 48.3 cm) were significantly lower compared with normal pregnancies (mean 3591.2 g and 51.4 cm, p = 0.0002 and p = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that amniotic fluid concentrations of sTie-2 do not predict development of PE and that further studies on biomarkers as predictors of PE should include other angiogenic biological response modifiers.

Biochemical screening of fetal aneuploidies and neural tube defects by "double-test" in Croatia: a 10 years' experience.

The aim of the study is to investigate the efficiency of the second-trimester biochemical screening, with maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MS-AFP) and free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free beta-hCG), during the ten-year period. The study included 11,292 of pregnant women between the 15th and 18th gestational week, who underwent screening from November 1996 to December 2006. The risk for trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 were calculated by computer software, based on a model which generated the final risk for fetal aneuploidies from the pregnant woman's a priori age risk and the likelihood ratio of the distribution of the biochemical markers, according to the second-trimester gestation. With the cut-off value of the final risk > or = 1:250, the detection rate for trisomy 21 was 75% (21/28). In women less than or equal to 35, the detection was 57.1% (8/14) and 92.9% (13/14) in those over 35 years, respectively. The detection rate of trisomy 18 was 50% (2/4). The results confirmed that the implementation of double-test, as non-invasive screening for fetal aneuploidies, should be accepted as a complementary method of antenatal care.

Hypophosphatasia: phenotypic variability and possible Croatian origin of the c.1402g>A mutation of TNSALP gene.

Hypophosphatasia is a metabolic bone disease characterized by bone and teeth hypomineralization due to defective function of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). The disorder is caused by various mutations in the TNSALP gene localized on short arm of chromosome 1. Infantile hypophosphatasia is a severe form of the disease inherited as an autosomal recessive trait which presents before age of six months and often has fatal outcome. We report a patient with typical clinical course for infantile hypophosphatasia who was homozygous for the c.1402G>A mutation. The same mutation has been previously associated with a more severe perinatal form also in a Croatian family what indicates a possible common ancestral origin and phenotypic variability potential of c.1402G>A mutation of TNSALP gene.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion-deletion polymorphism with preeclampsia.

The aim of this study was to determine if insertion-deletion polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme is a risk factor for the development of preeclampsia. Sixty women with preeclampsia and 50 normotensive pregnant women were included in this study. Preeclampsia was defined as blood pressure >140/90 mmHg in a previously normotensive women with proteinuria >300 mg/L in a 24-hours. Twelve women also had preeclampsia in previous pregnancy. The genotyping of polymorphism in the intron 16 of the angiotensin-converting enzyme was performed by the polymerase chain reaction followed by the agarose electrophoresis. The patients were divided into three groups according to the presence (I) or absence (D) of insertional polymorphism (II, ID, and DD). Genotype distribution and allele frequencies were compared by Mantel-Haenszel chi2 testing. The frequency of DD genotype was not significantly higher in women with preeclampsia (26/60) than in the control group (14/50, p=0.096). The D allele frequency was significantly higher in 17 women with preeclampsias who required delivery before 34 weeks of pregnancy (0.735), than in 43 women in whom obstetric complications took place after 34 weeks of pregnancy (0.56, p=0.036). The D allele frequency was 0.83 in women having recurrent preeclampsia, i.e. significantly higher compared with women, who were for the first time, experienced preeclampsia (0.57, p=0.013). This study showed a significantly positive association between D allele frequency and risk of recurrent preeclampsia and preterm delivery before 34 weeks of pregnancy. The deletion genotype could be an important contributing factor for an early onset and recurrent preeclampsia.

[Prenatal genotyping of the RhD locus by polymerase chain reaction in fetus at risk of hemolytic disease]. / Prenatalna genotipizacija RhD-lokusa s pomocu lancane reakcije polimerazom u fetusa s rizikom od hemoliticke bolesti.

Modern management of Rh alloimmunization includes early diagnosis of fetal RhD genotype, precise assessment of the severity of fetal anemia and the use of minimal number of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The severity of fetal anemia can be assessed by Doppler ultrasound, while fetal RhD genotype is determined from the amniotic cells or fetal DNA extracted from the mother's serum by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Although prenatal RhD genotype diagnostic techniques have been used in developed countries more than 10 years, they have not been available in Croatia until recently. As a consequence of unavailability of these techniques in Croatia there has been inadequate approach to the patient, in whom inappropriate and unnecessary visits, amniocentesis, cordocentesis and laboratory tests were performed. Therefore, we describe the first case of successful prenatal diagnosis of fetal RhD genotype by PCR analysis of DNA extracted from amniotic fluid cells.

Prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: A 13-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to summarize the experience on prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes a retrospective data analysis of 157 prenatally detected cases of Down syndrome, routinely diagnosed among 6448 prenatal investigations performed during a 13-year period (2002-2014) in a single tertiary center. RESULTS: The prevalence of diagnosed Down syndrome cases was 2.4%. Maternal age alone was indication for prenatal diagnosis in 47 cases (45.2%), increased first-/second-trimester biochemical screening test in 34 cases (21.7%), abnormal ultrasound examination in 69 cases (43.9%), positive familial history for chromosomal abnormalities in four cases, and high risk for trisomy 21 revealed by cell-free DNA testing in three cases. Ultrasound anomalies were present in total of 94 fetuses (59.8%). The most common abnormality was cystic hygroma found in 46 cases (29.3%). A regular form of Down syndrome (trisomy 21) was found in 147 cases (93.6%), Robertsonian translocation in six cases (3.8%), and mosaic form in four cases (2.6%). CONCLUSION: In prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome noninvasive screening methods are important for estimation of individual risks, in both, young population of woman and older mothers, while conventional and molecular cytogenetic methods are essential for definite diagnosis and proper genetic counseling.

Prenatal diagnosis of complex phenotype in a 13-week-old fetus with an interstitial multigene deletion 20q13.13.-q13.2 by chromosomal microarray.

We report the first trimester three-dimensional ultrasonographic findings in a 13-week-old fetus with complex phenotype and a de novo 4.7 Mb multigene deletion encompassing chromosome region 20q13.13-q13.2 detected by chromosomal microarray. Fetal sonography detected radial-ray anomalies in the form of bilateral absence of thumbs and the left club hand deformity. The presence of single atrioventricular canal instead of the atrial septal defect typical for Holt-Oram syndrome pointed us to rather suspect the SALL4 related diseases. Central nervous system anomaly in the form of enlarged lateral brain ventricles with choroid plexus shifted backwards was not previously reported as a part of SALL4 related disorders. The pregnancy was terminated at 14 + 3 weeks of pregnancy and the autopsy confirmed ultrasonographic findings. Deleted region included 38 genes, where only SALL4, ADNP and KCNB1 heterozygote pathogenic variants were described to be cause of syndromic forms. Radial ray anomalies are common part of clinical picture of SALL4 related disorders. Despite the lack of prenatally described cases, we hypothesized that maldevelopment of lateral brain ventriculomegaly could be very early sonographic sign of disturbed ADNP expression causing Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome, but in some extent also of KCNB1 related early-onset epileptic encephalopathy. Furthermore, the possible dosage-dependent influence of recessive genes located in this region cannot be also excluded. The use of genome-wide technologies enables the detection of subtle chromosomal imbalances and more precise familial genetic counseling regarding actual and future pregnancies.

Knowledge and use of folic acid in Croatian pregnant women--a need for health care education initiative.

Adequate periconceptional folic acid (FA) intake reduces the risk of neural tube defects. There are still no official FA supplementation guidelines, FA fortification policies or larger studies of awareness regarding FA or number of planned pregnancies in Croatia. This study assesses the knowledge and practice regarding FA supplementation and reports the trends in pregnancy planning in Croatia. A total of 569 pregnant women completed an anonymous questionnaire and about 72% of them were aware of the benefits of FA. Despite 75.53% of planned pregnancies, only 14.41% of all women took FA appropriately. Croatian women get information about FA from the media, health professionals and friends, but 63.77% got this information too late. The present study showed low percentage of appropriate FA intake despite high number of planned pregnancies in Croatia. It emphasizes the need for immediate and continuous public health education initiative about FA intake targeted to the women of childbearing age before their pregnancies have occurred.

Cytogenetic analysis of azoospermic patients: karyotype comparison of peripheral blood lymphocytes and testicular tissue.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare the results of a complete chromosomal, genetic and histological investigation in 13 azoospermic men with the results of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Peripheral blood samples were used for the measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, chromosomal analysis, microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region of the Y chromosome and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation analysis. Testicular tissue was used for histological scoring and cytogenetic evaluation. RESULTS: Peripheral blood cytogenetic analysis revealed a normal male karyotype in all cases. Chromosomal analysis from testicular tissue revealed a mosaicism for the terminal deletion of chromosome 22 with a breakpoint site at 22q13 in one patient with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). Deletions in the AZFa, ATFb, and AZFc regions were not detected. The CFTR mutational analysis showed normal results in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cytogenetic evaluation of testicular tissue should be performed in non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermic patients as well as in patients with multiple failed IVF and recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Congenital juvenile granulosa cell tumor of the testis in a fetus showing full 69,XXY triploidy.

Testicular juvenile granulosa cell tumor (TJGCT) occurs predominantly in infancy and may be associated with sex chromosomal abnormalities. We report a fetus aborted because of cytogenetically confirmed complete XXY triploidy. External genitalia of the fetus were female, with a short and patent vagina. The tumor presented as an abdominal multicystic mass with typical histologic and immunohistological features of JGCT. It was connected with a tubular uterus-like structure. The other gonad was an inguinally localized testis that showed histologically a Sertoli cell adenoma. Malformations typical for triploidy were also present: agenesis of the corpus callosum, stenosis of the pulmonary ostium, and hypoplasia of the lungs and adrenals. To our knowledge this is the first case of TJGCT in a triploid fetus.

Interferon-alpha-like biological activity in human seminal plasma, follicular fluid, embryo culture medium, amniotic fluid and fetal blood.

Interferons (IFNs) are a group of cytokines exhibiting antiviral, antiproliferative and immunoregulatory properties. The principal stimulus for the synthesis of IFNs is the presence of viral double-stranded RNA, although rare examples of constitutive synthesis have also been described. The aim of the present study was to determine IFN-alpha-like biological activity in the seminal plasma, follicular and amniotic fluid, embryo culture medium, and fetal blood obtained from patients without apparent viral or bacterial infections. Interferon-alpha-like biological activity was determined by a standard cytopathic effect inhibition bioassay. The study included two groups of patients. The first group consisted of 30 married couples participating in the programme for assisted reproduction and the second group consisted of 23 patients scheduled for prenatal diagnosis (15 for amniocentesis and eight for cordocentesis). The seminal plasma of infertile men (asthenozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia) contained a high titre of IFN-alpha-like antiviral activity. Asthenozoospermia was diagnosed in men with a normal sperm concentration but less than 50% progressively motile sperm and oligoasthenozoospermia was diagnosed in men with a sperm count less than 1 x 10(6) mL(-1). Despite slightly higher antiviral titres in the seminal plasma obtained from asthenozoospermic patients, no clear association between IFN-alpha-like biological activity and sperm concentration was found. Interferon-alpha-like biological activity was found in all samples of follicular and amniotic fluid and in fetal blood of patients with intrauterine growth retardation and trisomy 18. Antiviral titres from seminal plasma and follicular fluids were significantly higher compared with amniotic fluids and fetal blood. Embryo culture medium did not contain IFN-alpha-like biological activity. Our results demonstrate that IFN-alpha-like activity in biological fluids is relevant for reproduction, even in the absence of infection.