Clinical and genetic analysis of three children with Menkes disease due to variants of ATP7A gene / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of three children with Menkes disease.@*METHODS@#Three children who had presented at the Children's Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from January 2020 to July 2022 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the children were reviewed. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the children, their parents and sister of child 1. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing, copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), and bioinformatic analysis.@*RESULTS@#Child 1 was a 1-year-and-4-month male, and children 2 and 3 were monozygotic twin males aged 1-year-and-10-month. The clinical manifestations of the three children have included developmental delay and seizures. WES showed that child 1 has harbored a c.3294+1G>A variant of the ATP7A gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that his parents and sister did not carry the same variant, suggesting that it was de novo. Children 2 and 3 had carried a c.77266650_77267178del copy number variation. CNV-seq results showed that their mother has carried the same variant. By searching the HGMD, OMIM and ClinVar databases, the c.3294+1G>A was known to be pathogenic. No carrier frequency has been recorded in the 1000 Genomes, ESP, ExAC and gnomAD databases. Based on the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants: A Joint Consensus Recommendation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the ATP7A gene c.3294+1G>A variant was predicted to be pathogenic. The c.77266650_77267178del variant has involved exons 8 to 9 of the ATP7A gene. ClinGen online system score for it was 1.8, which was also considered to be pathogenic.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.3294+1G>A and c.77266650_ 77267178del variants of the ATP7A gene probably underlay the Menkes disease in the three children. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of Menkes disease and provided a basis for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Pedigree study and analysis of ATP7A gene variants in three children with Menkes disease / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for three children with Menkes disease.@*METHODS@#The patients were subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect potential variants of the ATP7A gene. Suspected variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of their family members and 200 healthy individuals. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was also carried out to detect potential deletions in their family members and 20 healthy individuals.@*RESULTS@#Variants of the ATP7A gene were detected in all of the three families, including a novel c.1465A>T nonsense variant in family 1, a novel c.3039_3043del frame-shifting variant in family 2, and deletion of exons 3 to 23 in family 3, which was reported previously. Based on the standards and guidelines of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the c.1465A>T and c.3039_3043del variants of ATP7A gene were predicted to be likely pathogenic (PVS1+PM2).@*CONCLUSION@#Variants of the ATP7A gene may underlay the Menkes disease in the three children. Above findings have facilitated clinical diagnosis and enriched the spectrum of genetic variants of Menkes disease.

Intervenção da fisioterapia na síndrome de Menkes: relato de caso / Intervention of physiotherapy in Menkes syndrome: case report

Objetivo: Descrever a intervenção da fisioterapia motora e respiratória no caso de uma criança com Síndrome de Menkes. Método: Relato de caso, com base em registros retrospectivos, no qual são apresentados dados referentes ao acompanhamento fisioterapêutico de uma criança com o diagnóstico de Síndrome de Menkes. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do prontuário, entrevista com familiares e informações dos profissionais envolvidos. O referido paciente foi encaminhado para assistência fisioterapêutica aos 5 meses de vida, devido ao quadro de pneumonia com presença de atelectasia, associado as manifestações típicas da Síndrome, sendo então acompanhado por um período de 04 meses. Foram realizados 76 atendimentos, de um total de 91 agendamentos, os quais incluíram fisioterapia motora e respiratória, sendo aplicados métodos, técnicas, manuseios e posturas, para estimulação do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, e realizadas técnicas e recursos fisioterapêuticos para desobstrução e reexpansão pulmonar. Resultados: A cada sessão, a criança apresentou evidente melhora imediata no padrão e tipo respiratório, na frequência respiratória, na ausculta pulmonar e nos sinais de desconforto respiratório. Além disso, a estimulação motora e manutenção do quadro músculo esquelético, impediram agravos e deformidades. Segundo relato da mãe, a criança mostrava-se menos agitada após as sessões, com melhora no padrão e conforto respiratório, o que impactou de forma positiva na sua qualidade de vida. Conclusão: A fisioterapia motora e respiratória se apresentam como terapêuticas favoráveis para condição de saúde geral de pacientes com Síndrome de Menkes e novos estudos devem ser conduzidos no sentido de elucidar essa intervenção, com amostras maiores.

Objective: To describe the intervention of motor and respiratory physiotherapy in the case of a child with Menkes Syndrome. Method: Case report based on retrospective registers in which data are presented regarding the physical therapy accompaniment of a child with the diagnosis of Menkes Syndrome. The data were obtained based on the records of the child's chart, interview with relatives and information of the professionals involved. The patient was referred for physiotherapeutic assistance at 5 months of age, due to the presence of atelectasis pneumonia associated with the typical manifestations of Menkes' Syndrome, followed by a period of 4 months. A total of 76 appointments were performed, including motor and respiratory physiotherapy, and methods, techniques and manipulations were used to stimulate neuropsychomotor development, as well as techniques and physiotherapeutic resources were used to clear and reexpans the lungs. Results: At each session, the child showed evident immediate improvement in respiratory pattern and type, respiratory rate, pulmonary auscultation, and signs of respiratory discomfort. In addition, the motor stimulation and maintenance of the skeletal muscle of the child, prevented injuries and deformities. According to the mother's report, the child was less agitated after the sessions, with improved breathing pattern and comfort, which positively impacted his quality of life. Conclusion: Motor and respiratory physiotherapy are presented as favorable therapies for the general health condition of patients with Menkes-Syndrome, and further studies should be conducted to elucidate this intervention in a bigger sample.

Genetic analysis of a male infant with Menkes disease / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To carry out genetic testing for a male infant suspected for Menkes disease.@*METHODS@#Genomic DNA of the proband and his parents were extracted and subjected to family trio whole exome sequencing (WES). Microduplication and microdeletion of the ATP7A gene were detected by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Suspected variants were subjected to bioinformatic analysis and verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#The proband was found to harbor a de novo c.1870 -13T>G variation of the ATP7A gene, which may alter a splice site and affect its protein product.@*CONCLUSION@#The patient was diagnosed with Menkes disease due to the c.1870 -13T>G variant of the ATP7A gene. Whole exome sequencing of family trios is a powerful tool for the diagnosis of diseases with strong phenotypic heterogeneity.

Síntesis y uso de histidinato de cobre en niños con enfermedad de Menkes en México / Synthesis and use of copper histidinate in children with Menkes disease in Mexico

Resumen La enfermedad de Menkes es una patología neurodegenerativa y letal debida a mutaciones génicas de la enzima ATP-7A trasportadora de cobre; se manifiesta por síntomas neurológicos y alteraciones del tejido conectivo de severidad variable. El uso subcutáneo oportuno de histidinato de cobre (Cu-His) es determinante en la calidad de vida. Se reportan las primeras experiencias en México en la síntesis y uso seguro de Cu-His en tres casos en los que corroboramos hipocupremia e hipoceruloplasminemia. Bajo asesoramiento del Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canadá, elaboramos una solución de 500 µg/mL. En los tres casos aplicamos 250 µg de Cu-His, sin efectos indeseables relevantes durante 30 días y observamos las siguientes determinaciones séricas de cobre (Cu en µg/L) y ceruloplasmina (Cp en mg/dL): caso 1, Cu días 0 y 30, 8 y 504 µg/L; Cp días 0 y 30, 4 y 10.75 mg/dL; caso 2, Cu días 0 y 30, < 50 y 502, µg/L; Cp días 0 y 30, 2 y 15 mg/dL; caso 3, Cu días 0 y 30, 3 y 84.2 µg/L; Cp días 0 y 30, 4 y 10.7 mg/dL. En México es posible la síntesis segura de Cu-His y tratar la enfermedad de Menkes, la cual debe ser intencionalmente buscada.

Abstract Menkes disease is a neurodegenerative and lethal pathology caused by gene mutations of the copper-transporting ATP-7A enzyme; it manifests itself by neurological symptoms and connective tissue changes of varying severity. Timely subcutaneous use of copper histidinate (Cu-His) is determinant for quality of life. We report the first experiences in Mexico on Cu-His synthesis and its safe use in 3 cases where hypocupremia and hypoceruloplasminemia were corroborated. With advice of the Hospital for Sick Children of Toronto Canada, we prepared a 500 µg/mL solution. In all three cases were 250 µg of Cu-His applied without relevant undesirable effects for 30 days. Serum copper (Cu, expressed in µg/L) and ceruloplasmin (Cp, in mg/dL) were determined: case 1, Cu days 0 and 30, 8 and 504 µg/L; Cp days 0 and 30, 4 and 10.75 mg/dL; case 2, Cu days 0 and 30, <50 and 502 µg/L; Cp days 0 and 30, 2 and 15 mg/dL; case 3, Cu days 0 and 30, 3 and 84.2 µg/L; Cp days 0 and 30, 4 and 10.7 mg/dL. In Mexico, it is possible to safely synthesize Cu-His and treat MD, which must be intentionally sought.

Urological Problems in Patients with Menkes Disease

BACKGROUND: Menkes disease (MD) is a rare X-linked hereditary multisystemic disorder that is caused by dysfunction of copper metabolism. Patients with MD typically present with progressive neurodegeneration, some connective tissue abnormalities, and characteristic “kinky” hair. In addition, various types of urological complications are frequent in MD because of underlying connective tissue abnormalities. In this study, we studied the clinical features and outcomes of MD, focusing on urological complications. METHODS: A total of 14 unrelated Korean pediatric patients (13 boys and 1 girl) with MD were recruited, and their phenotypes and genotypes were analyzed by retrospective review of their medical records. RESULTS: All the patients had early-onset neurological deficit, including developmental delay, seizures, and hypotonia. The girl patient showed normal serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels as well as milder symptoms. Mutational analysis of the ATP7A gene revealed 11 different mutations in 12 patients. Bladder diverticula was the most frequent urological complication: 8 (57.1%) in the 14 patients or 8 (72.7%) in the 11 patients who underwent urological evaluation. Urological imaging studies were performed essentially for the evaluation of accompanying urinary tract infections. Four patients had stage II chronic kidney disease at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Urologic problems occurred frequently in MD, with bladder diverticula being the most common. Therefore, urological imaging studies and appropriate management of urological complications, which may prevent or reduce the development of urinary tract infections and renal parenchymal damage, are required in all patients with MD.

Clinical Findings of Menkes Disease and the Treatment of Epilepsy / 대한소아신경학회지

Menkes disease (also known as kinky hair disease) is an X-linked recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by diverse mutations in a copper-transport gene, ATP7A. Affected patients are characterized by kinky hair, hypotonia, and generalized myoclonic seizures. Here, we report a case of Menkes disease in which the patient presented with progressive hypotonia and intractable seizures. A 4-month-old male infant visited our pediatric clinic for focal seizures with blinking eyes. He was generally hypotonic and suffered from malnutrition. The focal seizures became more frequent, and the patient became intractable to anti-seizure medications. An electroencephalogram (EEG) indicated diffuse cerebral dysfunction with focal seizure, and a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed tortuous and ectatic intracranial arteries, as well as several ischemic lesions. A genetic analysis was performed, and a c.2473_2474del (p.Leu825fsX1) of the ATP7A gene was detected.

Analysis of clinical features and genetic mutations in a Chinese family affected with Menkes disease / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To delineate the clinical features and potential mutation of the ATP7A gene in a family affected with Menkes disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of a patient and his family members were analyzed. Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assays were performed to detect the mutation of the ATP7A gene.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patient was admitted at the age of 5 months due to severe epilepsy and marked delayed psychomotor development. Significantly light complexion, pudgy cheeks and sparse fuzzy wooly hair were noted. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging and angiography revealed cortical atrophy, leukoencephalopathy and circuitous of intracranial vessels. The plasma ceruloplasmin was decreased. MLPA has identified a deletion spanning exons 8 to 12 of the ATP7A gene. His mother was found to be a heterozygous carrier of the same mutation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The clinical features and a novel mutation of the ATP7A gene of the family have been delineated.</p>

A Case of Menkes Disease First Manifested as Severe Vesicoureteral Reflux Caused by a Novel Mutation in ATP7A Gene

Menkes disease is a rare, neurodegenerative, copper metabolism disorder characterized by mutations in ATP7A gene. Clinical symptoms include epilepsy, growth delay, reduced muscle strength, skin hyperextension, hair deformation and urologic abnormalities. However, since these clinical symptoms occur 2–3 months after birth, early diagnosis of Menkes disease is very difficult for clinicians. We report here the case of a patient who initially presented urinary tract infection followed by neurologic symptoms of Menkes disease; he was accurately diagnosed via ATP7A genetic analysis and found to harbor a novel mutation. Although neurological symptoms are the primary diagnostic feature of Menkes disease, clinicians should take into account urinary abnormalities as well, which may be an important clue to the early diagnosis of these patients.

Menkes disease: importance of diagnosis with molecular analysis in the neonatal period / Doença de Menkes: importância do diagnóstico com análise molecular no período neonatal

Summary Menkes disease is a congenital disorder caused by changes in copper metabolism derived from mutations in the ATP7A gene. It is characterized by physical and neurological alterations. In the neonatal period, these alterations can be nonspecific, which makes early diagnosis a challenge. Diagnosis can be suspected when there are low levels of ceruloplasmin and serum copper. Molecular analysis confirms the diagnosis. Treatment is parenteral administration of copper histidine. We report a familial case with molecular confirmation. The proband had clinical and biochemical suspicious. Treatment with copper histidine was indicated, but initiated at the age of 2 months and 27 days only. He did not present improvements and died at 6 months. The mother became pregnant again, a male fetus was identified and copper histidine was manufactured during pregnancy. He was born healthy, biochemical markers were reduced and treatment was indicated. Molecular analysis was performed confirming mutation in both the mother and the proband, while the other son did not have mutation, so treatment was discontinued. We support the clinical relevance of molecular confirmation for the correct diagnosis and genetic counseling, once clinical findings in the neonatal period are nonspecific and early treatment with parenteral copper histidine must be indicated.

Resumo A doença de Menkes é causada por uma alteração genética no metabolismo do cobre, por mutações no gene ATP7A. Caracteriza-se por alterações neurológicas e no exame físico. No período neonatal, essas alterações podem ser inespecíficas, o que torna o diagnóstico precoce um desafio. O diagnóstico pode ser suspeitado quando há baixos níveis séricos de cobre e ceruloplasmina. A análise molecular confirma o diagnóstico, e o tratamento deve ser feito com histidina de cobre. Nós relatamos um caso familial de doença de Menkes. O probando apresentava quadro clínico e alterações bioquímicas compatíveis com a doença de Menkes, em consulta com 1 mês de vida. O tratamento foi indicado, mas apenas iniciado com 2 meses e 27 dias. Ele não apresentou melhora clínica e veio a óbito com 6 meses. A mãe teve uma nova gestação, foi identificado um feto do sexo masculino e foi solicitada a manipulação da histidina de cobre ainda durante a gestação. O bebê nasceu saudável, os marcadores bioquímicos estavam diminuídos e o tratamento com histidina de cobre foi indicado. Realizamos a análise molecular, que confirmou mutação no gene ATP7A na mãe e no probando; porém, o outro filho não apresentava mutação e o tratamento foi interrompido. Nós defendemos a importância clínica da confirmação molecular para o correto diagnóstico e o aconselhamento genético da doença de Menkes, uma vez que os achados clínicos e as alterações bioquímicas no período neonatal são inespecíficos, e o tratamento com histidina de cobre parenteral deve ser rapidamente instituído.

Clinical and ATP7A gene analysis of three infants with Menkes disease and prenatal diagnosis for a fetus at risk / 中国当代儿科杂志

Menkes disease is a rare X-linked recessive disorder characterized by multi-systemic disorder of copper deficiency caused by ATP7A gene mutation. In this study, the clinical and laboratory features of three patients with Menkes disease were analyzed. Prenatal diagnosis had been performed for a fetus of a family. Three patients were admitted at the age of 8-9 months due to severe epilepsies and marked delayed psychomotor development. Significantly light complexion, pudgy cheeks and sparse fuzzy wooly hair were observed. On their cranial MR imaging, cortical atrophy, leukoencephalopathy, basal ganglia damage and tormesity of the intracranial vessels were found. Their plasma ceruloplasmin decreased to 70.2, 73.5 and 81 mg/L, significantly lower than normal range (210-530 mg/L). c.3914A>G (p. D1305G) was detected on ATP7A gene of case 1 and 2. A novel mutation, c.3265G>T (p.G1089X) was found in case 3. Both of them were firstly found in Chinese patients of Menkes disease. The mother of case 1 was tested at 20 weeks of pregnancy. Karyotype and ATP7A gene studies of the amniocytes were performed for the prenatal diagnosis of her fetus. Normal male karyotypes without c.3914A>G mutation on ATP7A gene was showed. Postnatal genetic analysis and normal development confirmed the prenatal diagnosis.

A case of Menkes disease caused by novel mutation in the ATP7A gene with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Menkes disease is caused by mutations in the ATP7A gene that lead to intracellular copper transport defects and characterized by brownish twisted (kinky) hair accompanied by growth retardation and intellectual disability. Reduced nitric oxide (NO) production contributes to infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) because NO plays an important role in smooth muscle relaxation. Here we describe a case of Menkes disease and IHPS in a 72-day-old male patient with severe persistent vomiting and convulsions with a novel ATP7A mutation.

Reporte de caso clínico: enfermedad de Menkes / Clinical case report: Menkes disease

La enfermedad de pelo ensortijado de Menkes es una patología congénita hereditaria, de pobre pronóstico, causada por una mutación de gen ATP7A localizado en el cromosoma X que codifica para las enzimas dependientes de cobre. Esta patología clínicamente está caracterizada por temprano retardo en el crecimiento, cabello frágil y ensortijado, degeneración arterial, cerebral y cerebelosa, lo que se explica por la disminución de la actividad de las cuproenzimas. Los severos daños neurológicos comienzan dentro del primero o segundo mes de vida y progresan rápidamente hasta la descerebración y muerte. El paciente objeto de estudio presentó desde los dos meses de edad crisis convulsivas focalizadas, que no ceden al tratamiento con anticonvulsivantes y que obligó a varias hospitalizaciones por su rápido y progresivo deterioro neurológico. La presencia además de un cabello acerado,frágil, escaso y despigmentado al igual que su piel, mejillas regordetas, frente olímpica, severa hipotonía muscular y el antecedente materno de cinco abortos, un hermano y dos tíos fallecidos tempranamente con convulsiones, permitió el diagnóstico clínico, que luego se corroboró con estudios complementarios.

Menkes disease is a congenital hereditary disease of poor prognosis caused by a mutation of the ATP7A gene located on the chromosome X, which codes for copper-dependent enzymes. This condition is clinically characterized by an early growth retardation, fragile and kinky hair, arterial degeneration and cerebral and cerebellar degeneration, which can be explained by the decreasedactivity of cuproenzimas. The severe neurological damages begin within the first or second month of life and progress rapidly to decerebration and death. The patient under study presented focal convulsive crises at the age of two months, which did not improve when treated with anticonvulsants and forced several hospitalizations because of the rapid and progressive neurologicaldeterioration. The additional presence of steely, brittle, sparse and depigmented hair as well as skin, chubby cheeks, an Olympic forehead, a severe muscular hypotonia and a maternal history of five abortions, one brother and two uncles who died early with convultions, allowed the predominant clinical diagnosis, which was then confirmed with further studies

Hair Abnormality and Cutis Laxa in Menkes Disease / 대한피부과학회지

Menkes disease, so called kinky-hair syndrome, is a rare fatal X-linked recessive disorder, which is caused by a mutation in the ATP7A gene encoding the copper transporting ATPase. Dysfunction of copper-dependent enzymes results in various clinical features, including skin and hair hypopigmentation, progressive neurologic degeneration, bone and connective tissue alterations with soft doughy skin and joint laxity, and vascular abnormalities, including aneurysms and bladder diverticula. Patients have the characteristic hair, which is kinky, colorless or steel-colored, and brittle with cutis laxa. Early diagnosis and treatments are perquisites for improving the clinical outcomes. Herein, we describe a rare case of Menkes disease accompanied by hair abnormality and cutis laxa in a 35-days-old boy.

Hair Abnormality and Cutis Laxa in Menkes Disease / 대한피부과학회지

Menkes disease, so called kinky-hair syndrome, is a rare fatal X-linked recessive disorder, which is caused by a mutation in the ATP7A gene encoding the copper transporting ATPase. Dysfunction of copper-dependent enzymes results in various clinical features, including skin and hair hypopigmentation, progressive neurologic degeneration, bone and connective tissue alterations with soft doughy skin and joint laxity, and vascular abnormalities, including aneurysms and bladder diverticula. Patients have the characteristic hair, which is kinky, colorless or steel-colored, and brittle with cutis laxa. Early diagnosis and treatments are perquisites for improving the clinical outcomes. Herein, we describe a rare case of Menkes disease accompanied by hair abnormality and cutis laxa in a 35-days-old boy.

Menkes disease mimicking non-accidental injury in a Filipino child

We report an 11-month-old male who presented with recurrent seizures, subdural bleed, skull fracture, lightly pigmented hair, and fair lax skin. Copper and ceruloplasmin levels were low and gross deletion of ATP7A gene was found confirming the diagnosis of Menkes disease. The presence of subdural bleed and skull fracture prompted a referral to the Child Protection Unit to rule out child abuse.

Identification of a Novel Mutation in the ATP7A Gene in a Korean Patient with Menkes Disease

Menkes disease is an infantile-onset X-linked recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by diverse mutations in a copper-transport gene, ATP7A. Affected patients are characterized by progressive hypotonia, seizures, failure to thrive and death in early childhood. Here, we report a case of Menkes disease presented by intractable seizures and infantile spasms. A 3-month-old male infant had visited our pediatric clinic for lethargy, floppy muscle tone, poor oral intake and partial seizures. His hair was kinky, brown colored and fragile. Partial seizures became more frequent, generalized and intractable to antiseizure medications. An EEG showed frequent posteriorly dominant generalized spikes that were consistent with a generalized seizure. From a genetic analysis, a c.2743C>T (p.Gln915X) mutation was detected and diagnosed as Menkes disease. The mutation is a novel one that has not been previously reported as a cause of Menkes disease.

Doença de Menkes: relato de caso / Menkes' Disease: case report

Relata-se um caso clássico de doença de Menkes, uma doença neurodegenerativa acompanhada de manifestações sistêmicas, dentre elas aspecto típico do cabelo. O diagnóstico se confirma pelos níveis baixos de ceruloplasmina e cobre no sangue. Os autores trazem uma revisão atualizada, não sistemática, da literatura.

A classical case of Menkes? disease is discussed, a neurodegenerative disease accompanied by systemic manifestations, including a typicalaspect of the hair. The diagnosis is confirmed by low serum levels of ceruloplasmin and copper. The authors bring forth an updated nonsystematic revision of the literature.