Macular dystrophies associated with Stargardt-like phenotypes / Distrofias maculares associadas a fenótipos Stargardt-like

ABSTRACT Purpose: Stargardt-like phenotype has been described as associated with pathogenic variants besides the ABCA4 gene. This study aimed to describe four cases with retinal appearance of Stargardt disease phenotypes and unexpected molecular findings. Methods: This report reviewed medical records of four patients with macular dystrophy and clinical features of Stargardt disease. Ophthalmic examination, fundus imaging, and next-generation sequencing were performed to evaluate pathogenic variants related to the phenotypes. Results: Patients presented macular atrophy and pigmentary changes suggesting Stargardt disease. The phenotypes of the two patients were associated with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern genes (RIMS1 and CRX) and in the other two patients were associated with recessive dominant inheritance pattern genes (CRB1 and RDH12) with variants predicted to be pathogenic. Conclusion: Macular dystrophies may have phenotypic similarities to Stargardt-like phenotype associated with other genes besides the classic ones.

RESUMO Objetivo: Fenótipos Stargardt-like já foram asso-ciados a variantes patogênicas no gene ABCA4. O propósito desse estudo é descrever quatro pacientes com achados retinianos semelhantes a doença de Stargardt com resultados moleculares diferentes do esperado. Métodos: Esse relato fez a revisão de prontuários médicos de quatro pacientes com distrofia macular e achados clínicos sugestivos de doença de Stargardt. Foram realizados avaliação oftalmológica, exames de imagens e testes usando next generation sequencing para avaliar variantes patogênicas associadas aos fenótipos dos pacientes. Resultados: Os pacientes apresentavam atrofia macular e alterações pigmentares sugerindo achados clínicos de doença de Stargardt. Dois pacientes foram associados a genes com herança autossômica dominante (RIMS1 e CRX) e dois pacientes foram associados a genes com herança autossômica recessiva (CRB1 e RDH12) com variantes preditoras de serem patogênicas. Conclusão: Distrofias maculares podem ter similaridades fenotípicas com fenótipo de Stargardt-like associados a outros genes além dos classicamente já descritos.

El difícil camino al diagnóstico del paciente con atrofia muscular espinal / The difficult path to diagnosis of the patient with spinal muscular atrophy

Introducción. Con las nuevas terapias, el diagnóstico temprano de la atrofia muscular espinal (AME) es esencial. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los distintos componentes que influyen en el retraso diagnóstico. Población y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes con un diagnóstico molecular de AME tipo I, II y III. Se estudiaron varios parámetros, como la edad al momento de la aparición del primer signo, qué signo fue y el intervalo entre este y el diagnóstico confirmado. Neurólogos especialistas realizaron entrevistas que se complementaron con la revisión de historias clínicas cuando fue necesario. Resultados. Se entrevistaron 112 pacientes. AME I n = 40, AME II n = 48, AME III n = 24. La mediana de edad en meses al momento del reporte del primer signo fue AME I: 1,5 (R 0-7), AME II: 9 (R 2-20), AME III: 18 (R 8-180). Los primeros signos fueron reconocidos por los padres en el 75 % al 85 % de las veces en todos los subtipos. La mediana del tiempo transcurrido entre el primer signo y la primera consulta médica fue menor a un mes en los tres tipos. La mediana de tiempo transcurrido en meses entre el primer signo y el diagnóstico molecular confirmado fue en AME I: 2 (R 0-11), en AME II: 10 (3-46) y en AME III: 31,5 (R 4-288). Conclusiones. Existe un significativo retraso en el diagnóstico de la AME relacionado fundamentalmente a la falta de sospecha clínica. La demora es menor en AME I y mayor en AME III. Otros factores incluyen deficiencias en el sistema de salud.

Introduction. News treatments, make early diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) critical. The objective of this study is to analyze the different factors that influence delay in diagnosis. Population and methods. Patients with a molecular diagnosis of types I, II, and III SMA were included. Several parameters were studied, such as age at onset of first sign, what sign it was, and the time from recognition of first sign to confirmed diagnosis. Neurologists specialized in SMA conducted interviews, supported by the review of medical records when deemed necessary. Results. A total of 112 patients were interviewed. SMA I n = 40, SMA II n = 48, SMA III n = 24. The median age in months at the time of reporting the first sign was SMA I: 1.5 (R: 0­7), SMA II: 9 (R: 2­20), SMA III: 18 (R: 8­180). In all subtypes, first signs were identified by parents from 75% to 85% of the times. The median time from first sign to first medical consultation was less than a month in all 3 types. The median time in months, from first sign to confirmed molecular diagnosis in SMA I was: 2 (R: 0­11), in SMA II: 10 (R: 3­46), in SMA III: 31.5 (R: 4­288). Conclusions. There is a significant delay in SMA diagnosis mainly related to the absence of clinical suspicion. The delay is shorter in SMA I and longer in SMA III. Other factors include deficiencies in the health care system.

Therapeutics in paediatric genetic diseases: Current and future landscape

There are more than 7,000 paediatric genetic diseases (PGDs) but less than 5% have treatment options. Treatment strategies targeting different levels of the biological process of the disease have led to optimal health outcomes in a subset of patients with PGDs, where treatment is available. In the past 3 decades, there has been rapid advancement in the development of novel therapies, including gene therapy, for many PGDs. The therapeutic success of treatment relies heavily on knowledge of the genetic basis and the disease mechanism. Specifically, gene therapy has been shown to be effective in various clinical trials, and indeed, these trials have led to regulatory approvals, paving the way for gene therapies for other types of PGDs. In this review, we provide an overview of the treatment strategies and focus on some of the recent advancements in therapeutics for PGDs.

Joubert syndrome: a case report of neonatal presentation and early diagnosis / Síndrome de Joubert: reporte de caso de presentación neonatal y diagnóstico temprano

Abstract Background: Joubert syndrome is a rare genetic condition with a prevalence of 1:80,000-1:100,000. In most cases, it shows an autosomal autosomal recessive hereditary pattern, although X-linked and autosomal dominant cases have been described. The distinctive characteristic of this syndrome is the malformation at cerebral and cerebellar levels, known as the "molar tooth sign," hypotonia, and delayed neurodevelopment. Case report: We describe the case of a newborn with transient tachypnea. However, during hospital stay, he showed other clinical signs not corresponding to the admission diagnosis, such as bradycardia, apneas, hypotonia, and alteration in swallowing mechanics. To rule out etiologies of central origin, we conducted a magnetic resonance of the brain and identified the "molar tooth sign," where the pathognomonic sign of Joubert syndrome. Conclusions: Rare genetic diseases may manifest as early as the neonatal period with non-specific signs. The early diagnosis of Joubert syndrome is reflected in better pediatric follow-up, which impacts its prognosis and the possibility of improving the patient's quality of life with a multidisciplinary management and genetic counseling.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Joubert es una rara condición genética con una prevalencia de 1:80,000 a 1:100,000. En la mayoría de los casos se presenta con un patrón de herencia autosómica recesiva, aunque se han reporatdo casos ligados al cromosoma X y autosómicos dominantes. La característica distintiva de este síndrome es la malformación a nivel cerebral y del cerebelo conocido como el "signo del molar", hipotonía y retraso en el neurodesarrollo. Caso clínico: Se describe el caso de un recién nacido con taquipnea transitoria del recién nacido; sin embargo, durante su estancia manifestó otros signos que no correspondían con el diagnóstico de ingreso, como bradicardia, apneas, hipotonía y alteración en la mecánica de la deglución. Para descartar etiologías de origen central, se realizó una resonancia magnética cerebral en la que se detectó el "signo del molar", patognomónico del síndrome de Joubert. Conclusiones: Las enfermedades genéticas raras pueden manifestarse desde el periodo neonatal con signos muy inespecíficos. El diagnóstico precoz del Síndrome de Joubert permite un mejor seguimiento pediátrico que impacta en su pronóstico y en la posibilidad de mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente con un manejo multidisciplinario, así como brindar asesoramiento genético.

Supervivencia en pacientes con fibrosis quística

Introducción: La fibrosis quística ha dejado de ser una enfermedad pediátrica para ser una enfermedad crónica del adulto. Existen múltiples factores que condicionan la supervivencia de estos enfermos. Objetivo: Determinar la sobrevida de pacientes pediátricos con fibrosis quística hospitalizados en un centro especializado. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de cohorte cuyo universo lo conformaron 27 pacientes incluidos en el Registro Provincial de Fibrosis Quística de Granma, 2003-2018. Se analizaron variables: edad actual y sexo, variante genética, presencia de gérmenes, formas clínicas, y supervivencia a partir del diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se utilizó el método de Kaplan-Meier y Log-Rank Test, para un nivel de significación de 95 %. Resultados: El 40,7 % de los pacientes declaró tener actualmente más de 15 años, predominó el sexo masculino (63 %), y la mutación F508del en su variante genética heterocigótica (44,4 %). El promedio de supervivencia resultó en 21,4 años, no existieron diferencias significativas según sexo, formas clínicas y tipos de gérmenes. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con fibrosis quística en Granma, Cuba mostraron un promedio de supervivencia de 21,4 años, inferior a lo documentado en países desarrollados. El Estado cubano garantiza recursos para la atención de estos pacientes, a pesar de las dificultades económicas del país.

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis is no longer a pediatric disease but a chronic adult disease. There are multiple factors that condition the survival of these patients. Objective: To determine the survival of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis hospitalized in a specialized center. Methods: Retrospective cohort study whose universe consisted of 27 patients included in the Granma provincial cystic fibrosis registry, 2003-2018. Variables were analyzed: current age and gender, genetic variant, presence of germs, clinical forms and survival after diagnosis and treatment. The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank Test were used, for a significance level of 95%. Results: 40.7% of patients are currently over 15 years of age, male sex predominates (63%) and the F508del mutation in its heterozygous genetic variant (44.4%). The average survival is 21.4 years, there were no significant differences according to gender, clinical forms and types of germs. Conclusions: The average survival rate of patients with cystic fibrosis in Granma, Cuba, is 21.4 years, lower than that documented in developed countries. The Cuban State guarantees resources for the care of these patients, despite the country's economic difficulties.

Patient care in cystic fibrosis centers: a real-world analysis in Brazil / Assistência ao paciente em centros de fibrose cística: análise do mundo real no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the characteristics of cystic fibrosis (CF) care centers (CFCCs) in Brazil. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to the coordinators of all 51 registered CFCCs between May and September of 2021. Results: The response rate was 100%. Southeastern Brazil is the region where most of the CFCCs in the country are located (21 centers; 41%), followed by the southern and northeastern regions (11 centers each; 21.5%), the central-western region (6; 12%), and the northern region (2; 4%). A total of 4,371 patients with CF were cared for in Brazil during the study period, ranging from 7 to 240 patients per center (mean, 86 patients/center; median, 75 patients/center); 2,197 patients (50%) were cared for in centers in the southeastern region of the country, particularly in the state of São Paulo (33%), the remaining patients being treated in southern Brazil (1,014 patients, 23%), northeastern Brazil (665 patients, 15%), central-western Brazil (354 patients, 8%), and northern Brazil (141 patients, 4%). Overall, 47 centers (92%) reported having an incomplete multidisciplinary team; 4 (8%) lacked essential team members; 6 (12%) lacked a physical therapist; 5 (10%) lacked a dietitian; 17 (33%) lacked outpatient nursing care; 13 (25%) lacked outpatient social work services; 14 (27%) lacked a psychologist; and 32 (63%) lacked a clinical pharmacist. Seven CFCCs (14%) in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil reported that the quality of newborn screening for CF was poor. All centers reported having difficulties in accessing CF medications. Conclusions: Brazilian CFCCs experience multiple problems, including inadequate staffing, infrastructure, testing, and medication supply. There is an urgent need to regulate the implementation of CF referral centers and an appropriate network structure for the diagnosis and follow-up of CF patients using optimal treatment recommendations.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as características dos centros de tratamento de fibrose cística (CTFC) no Brasil. Métodos: Entre maio e setembro de 2021, um questionário foi enviado aos coordenadores de todos os 51 CTFC registrados. Resultados: A taxa de resposta foi de 100%. O Sudeste do Brasil é a região onde está a maioria dos CTFC do país (21 centros; 41%), seguida pelas regiões Sul e Nordeste (11 centros cada; 21,5%), Centro-Oeste (6; 12%) e Norte (2; 4%). No total, 4.371 pacientes com fibrose cística (FC) foram atendidos no Brasil durante o período do estudo, variando de 7 a 240 pacientes por centro (média de 86 pacientes/centro; mediana de 75 pacientes/centro); 2.197 pacientes (50%) foram atendidos em centros da região Sudeste, particularmente no estado de São Paulo (33%), e os demais receberam atendimento nas regiões Sul (1.014 pacientes, 23%), Nordeste (665 pacientes, 15%), Centro-Oeste (354 pacientes, 8%) e Norte (141 pacientes, 4%). Do total de CTFC, 47 (92%) relataram que a equipe multidisciplinar estava incompleta; em 4 centros (8%), as equipes multidisciplinares careciam de membros essenciais; 6 centros (12%) careciam de fisioterapeuta; 5 (10%) careciam de dietista; 17 (33%) careciam de cuidados ambulatoriais de enfermagem; 13 (25%) careciam de serviços ambulatoriais de assistência social; 14 (27%) careciam de psicólogo e 32 (63%) careciam de farmacêutico clínico. Sete CTFC (14%) nas regiões Norte e Nordeste relataram que a qualidade da triagem neonatal de FC era ruim. Todos os centros relataram dificuldades de acesso a medicamentos para FC. Conclusões: Os CTFC brasileiros enfrentam múltiplos problemas: pessoal inadequado, infraestrutura inadequada, testes inadequados e fornecimento inadequado de medicamentos. Há uma necessidade urgente de regulamentar a implantação de centros de referência em FC e de uma rede adequada para o diagnóstico e acompanhamento de pacientes com FC com base nas recomendações para o tratamento ideal da doença.

Advances in genetics and prevention of monogenic global developmental delay and intellectual disability / 中华围产医学杂志

Global developmental delay/intellectual disability (GDD/ID) is an enormous group of neurodevelopmental disorders with diverse clinical and genetic heterogeneity. The estimated prevalence of GDD/ID was 1%-3%, affecting about 150 million people. GDD/ID is one of the leading causes of disability in children worldwide. The causes of GDD/ID are complex, comprising genetic and environmental factors. It is often co-morbid with a variety of psychiatric behavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Owing to the improvement of genetic technology, monogenic GDD/ID has been one of the hot-spot research in genomic era, and the relevant preventive measures deserve extensive attention. In this review, we summarized the advances in genetics and prevention of monogenic GDD/ID.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of adrenomyeloneuropathy / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To summarize and analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of Chinese patients with adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN).Methods:Clinical data were collected and analyzed retrospectively on AMN patients who were diagnosed by genetic testing in Shanghai Sixth People′s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from May 2008 to August 2022. Clinical characteristics of AMN patients with different types of gene mutations were compared. Loe score was used to evaluate the severity of white matter demyelinating, and the serum levels of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in patients with or without white matter demyelinating were compared. The motor function of the AMN patients was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and the association between EDSS scores and the course of disease was analyzed.Results:A total of 23 male patients with onset age of (29.52±9.91) years were included in this study. The first symptom of all patients was abnormal lower extremities, of which 17 patients showed stiffness and weakness in their lower limbs (73.9%, 17/23), and 6 patients showed numbness and pain in both lower limbs (26.1%, 6/23). The occurrence of symptoms was not related to the type of gene mutation. White matter demyelination occurred in 33.3% (7/21) of patients over a disease duration of (7.67±4.46) years. There was no statistically significant difference in serum VLCFA level between the white-matter demyelination group and the non-demyelination group. The EDSS score was positively correlated with the disease duration ( r=0.57, P=0.006). Sixteen ABCD1 gene mutations were found in this study, among which c.5_19delinsTCTCCAGG (p.P2Lfs *12) was reported for the first time. Four probands belonging to different families carried the c.1415_1416del (p.Q472Rfs *83) variant. Conclusions:Lower limb movement disorders and sensory dysfunction are the prominent clinical manifestations in AMN patients, with deterioration of motor function associated with the course of disease. AMN may be converted to cerebral type and VLCFA concentration is not associated with the phenotypic changes. The c.1415_1416del (p.Q472Rfs *83) mutation is a hot spot mutation of the disease.

Curry-Jones syndrome: the first case reported in China / 中华皮肤科杂志

A 3-year-6-month-old boy presented with multiple asymptomatic banded white macules at birth, which expanded in proportion to his body, and deformity of his right thumb with slight dyskinesia. The patient showed difficulty in communication and concentration compared with children of the same age. The family history was unremarkable. The child had clear consciousness, passable spirits, and poor language ability. Physical examination revealed a special face and slight macrodactyly of the right thumb joints, and the heart, lung, and abdominal examination was otherwise normal. Skin examination showed multiple banded or confluent irregular white macules of varying sizes and slightly elevated plaques distributed along the Blaschko′s lines on the right chest, the flexor aspect of the right upper limb, the median line of the lower abdomen, and the right lower limbs, and banded brown macules on the palmar side of the right hand and radial aspect of the right thumb. Histopathological findings of the while macule on the lower limb were consistent with basaloid follicular hamartoma. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed agenesis of the corpus callosum. Whole-exome sequencing of the lesional tissue showed a mutation c.1234C>T (p.L412F) in the SMO gene, which was not found in his parents. A diagnosis of Curry-Jones syndrome was made based on the skin lesions, and pathological and genetic findings. The mutation c.1234C>T (p.L412F) in the SMO gene may contribute to the disease. The patient continued functional exercises to improve the mobility of his right thumb, and underwent a close follow-up.

Síndrome de Progeria Hutchinson-Gilford

El Síndrome de Progeria de Hutchinson- Gilford es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por el envejecimiento prematuro en niños, debido a una mutación en el gen de Lámina tipo A involucrado en la mitosis celular. En el presente trabajo, con el objetivo de dar difusión al conocimiento de esta enfermedad, se señalan los procesos involucrados en su desarrollo, así como los avances científicos y el alcance de nuevas ventanas terapéuticas. La revisión se realizó consultando artículos en español e inglés empleando los motores de búsqueda Pubmed y Google Académico. La actualización del personal de salud sobre las enfermedades genéticas congénitas es de vital importancia para mejorar su detección, atención y manejo.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is a disease characterized by premature aging in children, due to a mutation in the Lamina type A, gene involved in cellular mitosis. In the present work, with the aim of spreading the knowledge of this disease, the processes involved in its development, the scientific advances, and the scope of new therapeutic treatments were summarized. The review was carried out by consulting articles in Spanish and English using the Pubmed and Google Academic search engines. The updating of health personnel on congenital genetic diseases is of vital importance to improve their detection, care and management.

A Síndrome de Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria é uma doença caracterizada pelo envelhecimento prematuro em crianças, devido a uma mutação no gene lamina tipo A envolvido na mitose celular. No presente trabalho, como objetivo de divulgar o conhecimento desta doença, são indicados os processos envolvidos no seu desenvolvimento, bem como os avanços científicos e o âmbito de novas janelas terapêuticas. A análise foi realizada através da consulta de artigos em espanhol e inglês utilizando os motores de busca pubmed e Google Scholar. A atualização do pessoal de saúde sobre doenças genéticas congénitas é de importância vital para melhorar a sua deteção, cuidados e gestão.

Nueva mutación en el gen KMT2B como causa de distonía generalizada de inicio temprano: reporte de caso / Early-onset generalized dystonia caused by a new mutation in the KMT2B gene: Case report

La distonía por mutación en el gen KMT2B es un subtipo recientemente descrito del inicio focal de la enfermedad en los miembros inferiores que, posteriormente, evoluciona a una forma generalizada con compromiso cervical y orofaríngeo, disartria, trastorno secundario de la deglución y discapacidad intelectual. Se describe el caso de una escolar de 10 años de edad, sin antecedentes de consanguinidad ni historia familiar de enfermedad neurológica, que presentó alteración de la marcha y distonía de inicio focal, de curso progresivo a una forma generalizada que afectó sus músculos orofaciales y bulbares con alteración significativa del lenguaje y la deglución. Los estudios metabólicos y sistémicos, incluidas las neuroimágenes, no evidenciaron anormalidades. Se hizo una secuenciación genómica completa y se identificó una nueva variante, probablemente patogénica heterocigota, en el gen KMT2B, la c.1205delC, p.(Pro402Hisfs*5), que causa desplazamiento en el marco de lectura. Este hallazgo explica el fenotipo de la paciente y la distonía de inicio temprano autosómica dominante. Se reporta una nueva mutación heterocigota del gen KMT2B como causa de distonía generalizada de inicio temprano, no reportada en la literatura especializada hasta el momento. El diagnóstico de esta afección tiene implicaciones en el tratamiento y el pronóstico de los pacientes, porque las estrategias terapéuticas tempranas pueden prevenir su rápido deterioro y un curso más grave de la enfermedad.

Introduction: KMT2B-related dystonia is a recently described subtype of focal-onset dystonia in the lower limbs, evolving into a generalized form with cervical, oropharyngeal involvement, dysarthria, swallowing disorder and intellectual disability. Clinical case: We describe the case of a 10-year-old female patient, without a history of consanguinity or neurological disease. She manifested abnormal gait and dystonia with focal onset and progressive course with evolution into generalized dystonia, affecting orofacial and bulbar muscles, significant alteration of language and swallowing. Metabolic and systemic studies, including neuroimaging, were found to be normal. A complete genomic sequencing study was performed identifying a new, probably pathogenic, heterozygous variant in the KMT2B gene, c.1205delC, p. (Pro402Hisfs*5), causing displacement in the reading frame, a finding that explains the patient's phenotype and it is associated to autosomal dominant childhood-onset dystonia-28. Conclusion: We report a new heterozygous mutation in the KMT2B gene as a cause of generalized early-onset dystonia not reported in the literature until the date. The diagnosis of this pathology has implications for the treatment and prognosis of patients, given that therapeutic strategies implemented early can prevent the fast deterioration and severe course of this disease.

Síndrome de Marfan. Presentación de un caso / Marfan syndrome. A case report

RESUMEN El síndrome de Marfan es una enfermedad genética autosómica dominante del tejido conectivo, caracterizada por una combinación variable de manifestaciones cardiovasculares, músculo-esqueléticas y oftalmológicas. A pesar del descubrimiento de las mutaciones causales, su diagnóstico resulta complejo, al exhibir una gran diversidad en su presentación clínica y carecer de características patognomónicas. El diagnóstico actual de síndrome de Marfan se basa en una serie de criterios clínicos y genéticos denominados Criterios Gante revisados. Se describe el caso de una paciente de 44 años de edad, con antecedentes de luxación del cristalino, miopía y escoliosis, sin antecedentes patológicos familiares y que cumplió con los criterios diagnósticos actuales. Se sugiere la pesquisa etiológica de afecciones como luxación del cristalino y escoliosis, por parte de las especialidades correspondientes, como traducción orgánica de una enfermedad sistémica como el síndrome de Marfan.

ABSTRACT Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disease of connective tissue, characterized by a variable combination of cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and ophthalmologic manifestations. Despite the discovery of the causal mutations, its diagnosis is complex, as it exhibits great diversity in its clinical presentation and lacks pathognomonic characteristics. The current diagnosis of Marfan syndrome is based on a series of clinical and genetic criteria called the revised Ghent Criteria. The case of a 44-years-old female patient with a history of lens dislocation, myopia and scoliosis, with no family pathological history and who met current diagnostic criteria is described. The etiological investigation of conditions such as lens dislocation and scoliosis is suggested, by the corresponding specialties, as an organic translation of a systemic disease such as Marfan syndrome.

Ética de la edición genética en seres humanos

Propósito/Contexto. Este artículo analiza aspectos éticos de la edición genética en seres humanos. Metodología/Enfoque. Se describe el desarrollo de las principales aplicaciones de la tecnología genética en prevención, diagnóstico y terapéutica de enfermedades genéticas en las últimas décadas, culminando con la edición genética. Resultados/Hallazgos. Se definen los principales aspectos éticos que presenta la edición genética somática y germinal en seres humanos, incluyendo cuestiones de seguridad, especificidad, precisión y certeza. Se critica la edición genética germinal y el concepto de "mejoramiento" humano por vulnerar la autonomía individual, generar cambios genéticos heredables en la progenie y aceptar la falacia del reduccionismo genético de que los rasgos de las personas dependen exclusivamente de la constitución genética, independiente del ambiente. Discusión/Conclusiones/Contribuciones. La edición genética somática puede ser ética si se siguen las normas éticas de la investigación biomédica. Por el contrario, la edición genética germinal no es pertinente ni necesaria para el tratamiento de enfermedades genéticas y presenta graves conflictos éticos, por lo cual, previo a su aplicación es necesario un consenso social por discusiones democráticas, amplias y profundas entre todos los actores sociales involucrados, seguido de mecanismos de gobernanza con regulación robusta por parte del estado, que impidan la vulneración de derechos humanos fundamentales.

Purpose/Context. This article discusses ethical aspects of gene editing in humans. Methodology/Approach. The main applications of genetic technology in the prevention, diagnosis and therapeutics of genetic diseases in recent decades, are described, culminating with genetic editing. Results/Findings. The main ethical aspects of somatic and germline gene editing in humans are discussed, including issues of safety, specificity, precision and certainty. Germline genetic editing and human "enhancement" are criticized for violating individual autonomy, for generating heritable genetic changes in the progeny and for accepting the fallacy of genetic reductionism that people's traits depend exclusively on genetic makeup, independent of the environment. Discussion/Conclusions/Contributions. Somatic gene editing can be ethical if the ethical standards of biomedical research are followed. However, germline genetic editing is not relevant nor necessary for the treatment of genetic diseases and, furthermore, it presents serious ethical conflicts. Therefore, prior to its application, a social consensus is necessary, obtained by democratic, broad and profound discussions among all the social players involved, followed by governance mechanisms with robust regulation by the state, which prevent the violation of fundamental human rights.

Finalidade/Contexto. Este artigo discute aspectos éticos da edição de genes em humanos. Metodologia/Aproximação. Descreve o desenvolvimento das principais aplicações da tecnologia genética na prevenção, diagnóstico e terapia de doenças genéticas nas últimas décadas, culminando com a edição de genes. Resultados/Descobertas. São definidos os principais aspectos éticos da edição de genes somáticos e da linha germinal no ser humano, incluindo questões de segurança, especificidade, precisão e exactidão. A edição genética da Germline e o conceito de "melhoramento" humano são criticados por violarem a autonomia individual, gerando alterações genéticas hereditárias nos descendentes e aceitando a falácia do reducionismo genético de que as características das pessoas dependem exclusivamente da sua constituição genética, independente do ambiente. Discussão/Conclusões/Contribuições. A edição somática de genes pode ser ética se os padrões éticos da investigação biomédica forem seguidos. Pelo contrário, a edição genética na linha germinal não é relevante nem necessária para o tratamento de doenças genéticas e apresenta graves conflitos éticos. Por conseguinte, antes da sua aplicação, é necessário um consenso social através de discussões democráticas, amplas e profundas entre todos os actores sociais envolvidos, seguidas de mecanismos de governação com regulação robusta por parte do Estado, que impeçam a violação dos direitos humanos fundamentais.

Síndrome de Marfan, una enfermedad genética con complicaciones cardiovasculares

RESUMEN El síndrome de Marfan es un trastorno de herencia autosómica dominante causado por una alteración genética en el cromosoma 15; afecta a múltiples órganos y sistemas del tejido conjuntivo, fundamentalmente cardiovascular. Tiene la misma probabilidad de aparecer en ambos sexos, y puede ser hereditario o resultado de una mutación genética espontánea. Las complicaciones más peligrosas son las que afectan al corazón y a los vasos sanguíneos. El diagnóstico es clínico y depende de la combinación de varios criterios, lo que permite evaluar la progresión de las lesiones cardiovasculares, a la vez que determina el momento oportuno para una opción quirúrgica. El síndrome requiere de una atención multidisciplinaria para lograr una reducción de la morbimortalidad. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente del sexo masculino que cumplió con los criterios diagnósticos de la enfermedad. El mismo tuvo alteraciones sistémicas y complicaciones que rápidamente evolucionaron de forma desfavorable, falleciendo a pesar de los cuidados médicos.

ABSTRACT Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant inheritance disorder caused by a genetic alteration on chromosome 15; it affects multiple organs and systems of connective tissue, mainly cardiovascular. It is equally likely to appear in both sexes and it can be hereditary or the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. The most dangerous complications are those that affect the heart and blood vessels. The diagnosis is clinical and depends on the combination of several criteria, which allows to evaluate the progression of cardiovascular lesions, while determining the opportune moment for a surgical option. The syndrome requires multidisciplinary care to achieve a reduction in morbidity and mortality. The clinical case of a male patient who meet the diagnostic criteria for the disease is presented. He had systemic alterations and complications that rapidly evolved unfavorably and, despite medical care, he died.

Congenital anomalies in Santa Catarina: case distribution and trends in 2010-2018 / Anomalias congênitas em Santa Catarina: distribuição e tendências no período de 2010-2018

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the distribution of cases of congenital anomalies in the state of Santa Catarina by health macro-region, to determine the frequency according to maternal and neonatal variables, to estimate the related mortality, and the trends in the period 2010-2018. Methods: An ecological time-series study with secondary data on congenital anomalies and the sociodemographic and health variables of mothers and newborns living in Santa Catarina, from 2010 to 2018. For temporal trend analysis, generalized linear regression was performed using the Prais-Winsten method with robust variance. Results: The average prevalence of congenital anomalies in the period was 8.9 cases per 1,000 live births, being 9.4 cases by 1,000 live births in 2010 and, in 2018, 8.2/1,000. The trend remained stable in the analyzed period. The major malformations were musculoskeletal, hip, and foot malformations, with a proportion ≥30%. There was a higher prevalence of congenital anomalies in low birthweight, preterm, male livebirths with Apgar≤7, born by cesarean section, mothers of older age (≥40 years), and less educated (less than eight years of study). Infant mortality due to congenital malformations was 2.6 deaths/1,000 live births, representing about 25.8% of the total infant deaths in the period. Conclusions: The frequency of congenital anomalies and the mortality with anomalies was stable in the studied period in Santa Catarina. The presence of anomalies was associated with low birth weight, prematurity, and low Apgar score. The highest proportion of congenital anomalies was in the musculoskeletal system.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a distribuição dos casos de anomalias congênitas no estado de Santa Catarina por macrorregião de saúde, determinar a frequência segundo fatores da mãe e do produto da gestação e estimar a mortalidade relacionada e a tendência no período de 2010-2018. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de série temporal, com dados secundários sobre anomalias congênitas e variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde de mães e recém-nascidos residentes em Santa Catarina, no período de 2010 a 2018. Para análise de tendência temporal, foi utilizada a regressão linear generalizada pelo método de Prais-Winsten com variância robusta. Resultados: A prevalência média de anomalias congênitas no período foi de 8,9 casos a cada 1.000 nascidos vivos, sendo 9,4 casos a cada 1.000 em 2010 e 8,2 a cada 1.000 em 2018. A tendência manteve-se estável no período analisado. As principais malformações foram as osteomusculares, de quadril e de pés, com proporção ≥30%. Verificou-se prevalência maior de anomalias congênitas nas crianças de baixo peso, prematuras, de sexo masculino e Apgar≤7 e nos nascidos de cesariana, de mães de maior idade (≥40 anos) e menor escolaridade (menos de oito anos de estudo). A mortalidade infantil por malformações congênitas foi de 2,6 óbitos/1.000 nascidos vivos, representando 25,8% do total de óbitos infantis no período. Conclusões: Houve estabilidade na frequência e na mortalidade associada às anomalias congênitas em Santa Catarina de 2010 a 2018. A ocorrência dessas condições foi associada aos nascidos de baixo peso, pré-termo e baixo escore de Apgar. A maior proporção de anomalias congênitas foi do sistema osteomuscular.

How to write a high-quality case report on the prenatal diagnosis of monogenic diseases / 中华围产医学杂志

With the development of gene detection technology, more and more rare diseases can be diagnosed prenatally, and a growing number of related case reports have been submitted. This article aims to provide guidance for clinicians who are considering writing a case report on the prenatal diagnosis of monogenic diseases from the following aspects: the option of genetic testing methods for prenatal diagnosis, essential components of the report, the importance of phenotype, and discussion of the related case.

Rational application of gene testing in the diagnosis of myopathy / 中华神经科杂志

With the development and popularity of genetic testing, more and more clinicians are over-relying on genetic testing for the diagnosis of hereditary myopathy, a rare disease, leading to misdiagnosis for patients and causing a huge economic burden to the society and family. It is essential for clinicians to further understand the limitations of gene testing and attach more attention to the clinical characteristics, which might be suggestive for the clinical diagnosis of hereditary myopathy. During the process of accurate diagnosis, gene testing should be selected based on the clinical manifestations, promoting its rational application in the diagnosis of hereditary myopathy.

Analysis on clinical and genetic characteristics of children with ATP-sensitive potassium channel congenital hyperinsulinism / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics and genetic characteristics of children with ATP sensitive potassium passage (K ATP-HI). Methods:Forty-five children with genetically confirmed K ATP-HI and their families admitted to Beijing Children′s Hospital of Capital Medical University between February 2002 and December 2018 were selected as the study subjects. A detailed retrospective analysis of the patient's clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment process, disease-causing gene carrying status and later follow-up data was performed. ABCC8/KCNJ11 gene was sequenced by second-generation sequencing technology. Results:Among 45 children with K ATP-HI, 34 cases (75.6%) were neonatal onset, the first symptoms of 21 cases (46.7%) were convulsions. 39 cases had been treated with diazoxide, including 12 cases (30.8%) with good efficacy, 16 cases (41%) with poor efficacy and 11 cases with uncertain efficacy. Octreotide was further applied in 18 patients with uncertain or ineffective efficacy after diazoxide treatment, and 13 cases (72.2%) were effective, 3 cases were ineffective, and 2 cases were uncertain. 10 CHI patients who were ineffective to drug treatment or had clearly focal lesions confirmed by 18F-dopa positron emission by computed tomography ( 18F-DOPA PET) scans had undergone surgical treatment, 8 of which underwent partial pancreatectomy and blood glucose returned to normal after the operation; the other 2 cases underwent subtotal pancreatectomy and both had secondary diabetes after operation. Among 45 children with K ATP-HI, 1 case carried both ABCC8 and KCNJ11 mutations, 10 cases carried ABCC8 compound heterozygous mutations, and the remaining 34 cases carried ABCC8/KCNJ11 single genetic mutation. Among them, 21 cases had paternal inheritance, and 3 cases had maternal inheritance, 6 cases were identified with de novo mutations. Conclusions:Diazoxide treatment was ineffective for most K ATP-HI children, but octreotide had a higher effective rate. Partial pancreatectomy for focal type patients had a higher cure rate, and there was a risk of secondary diabetes after subproximal pancreatectomy, so it was very important to clarify the histological type of children before surgery. ABCC8 gene mutations and KCNJ11 gene mutations were the main pathogenic genes of K ATP-HI. Among patients carrying mutations in single ABCC8 or KCNJ11 gene mutation, K ATP-HI inherited by paternity were the majority. Some K ATP-HI children can relieve the hypoglycemia symptoms by themselves.

Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of 23 newborns with hypotonia as the main manifestation / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the role of neonatal panel detection based on next generation sequencing (NGS) combined with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) in the etiological differentiation of neonatal hypotonia.Methods:The clinical characteristics and gene test results of newborns with hypotonia as the main clinical manifestation treated at the Department of Neonatology of Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital from March 2017 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 23 children with hypotonia and feeding difficulties diagnosed by gene tests were included. 17 cases (73.9%) had obvious abnormal appearance, and 11 cases (47.8%) had congenital heart disease (atrial septal defect and/or patent ductus arteriosus). Among the 23 infants, 21 were detected by panel gene, 10 by methylation specific MLPA (MS-MLPA) and 4 by MLPA (SMN1 / SMN2). 14 cases of Prader-Willi syndrome, 4 cases of spinal muscular atrophy, 3 cases of congenital myopathy and 2 cases of Schaaf-Yang syndrome were diagnosed. 11 cases died (47.8%), 9 cases had growth retardation (39.1%), 2 cases had normal growth and development (8.7%), and 1 case survived without detailed information (4.3%). Newborns with unknown etiology and low muscle tone are often complicated with abnormal appearance and congenital heart disease. Neonatal panel combined with MLPA is helpful for accurate diagnosis.Conclusions:The detection of neonatal panel combined with MLPA is cheap, and can provide accurate diagnosis for most newborns with unexplained hypotonia in a short diagnosis cycle, which is conducive to the early formulation of clinical decision-making, and guide the treatment, follow-up and genetic consultation of children.