New Mutations Associated with Rasopathies in a Central European Population and Genotype-Phenotype Correlations.

We performed the genetic analysis of Rasopathy syndromes in patients from Central European by direct sequencing followed by next generation sequencing of genes associated with Rasopathies. All 51 patients harboured the typical features of Rasopathy syndromes. Thirty-five mutations were identified in the examined patients (22 in PTPN11, two in SOS1, one in RIT1, one in SHOC2, two in HRAS, three in BRAF, two in MAP2K1 and two in the NF1 gene). Two of them (p.Gly392Glu in the BRAF gene and p.Gln164Lys in the MAP2K1 gene) were novel with a potentially pathogenic effect on the structure of these proteins. Statistically significant differences in the presence of pulmonary stenosis (63.64% vs. 23.81%, P = 0.013897) and cryptorchidism (76.47% vs. 30%, P = 0.040224) were identified as the result of comparison of the prevalence of phenotypic features in patients with the phenotype of Noonan syndrome and mutation in the PTPN11 gene, with the prevalence of the same features in patients without PTPN11 mutation. Cryptorchidism as a statistically significant feature in our patients with PTPN11 mutation was not reported as significant in other European countries (Germany, Italy and Greece). The majority of mutations were clustered in exons 3 (45.45%), 8 (22.73%), and 13 (22.73%) of the PTPN11 gene.

Late onset of familial neurogenic diabetes insipidus in monozygotic twins.

OBJECTIVE: Autosomal dominant familial diabetes insipidus (FNDI) is a rare disease characterized by polydipsia and polyuria due to deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin (AVP). We report the first Slovak family with the disease. Noteworthy is the concordantly belated debut of the disease symptoms in two monozygotic twin proband girls in the age of 17 years. Because of inconclusive results of water deprivation test consistent with partial diabetes insipidus (DI), missing "bright spot" of posterior pituitary gland in T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and family occurrence of polyuria and polydipsia on anamnestic evaluation. METHODS: Molecular genetic testing of the AVP gene was proceeded, because of the inconclusive results of water deprivation test consistent with partial diabetes insipidus, missing "bright spot" of posterior pituitary gland in T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and family occurrence of polyuria and polydipsia on anamnestic evaluation. RESULTS: Genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous g.279G>A substitution that predicts a p.Ala19Thr substitution in the signal peptide of the AVP prohormone. The wide intrafamiliar variations (3 to 17 years) in disease onset together with the concordantly delayed debut of polyuria in two monozygotic twin girls suggest that individual differences in genetic influences family environmental factors may modify the penetrance of the mutation of the AVP gene. CONCLUSIONS: The present paper supports the notion that molecular genetic evaluation should be performed in all patients with familial occurrence of DI regardless of the clinical results.

Rasopathies - dysmorphic syndromes with short stature and risk of malignancy.

OBJECTIVES: The term ´Rasopathies´ represents a group of five neurodevelopmental syndromes (Noonan, LEOPARD, Costello, Cardio-facio-cutaneous, and Neurofibromatose-Noonan syndrome) caused by germline mutation in genes encoding proteins involved in RAS/MAPK (rat sarcoma/mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway. The RAS/MAPK signaling pathway participates in regulation of cell determination, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and senescence and dysregulation of this pathway can lead to the risk of tumorigenesis. In this review, we aim to summarize the current clinical and molecular genetic knowledge on Rasopathies with special attention for the risk of cancer. We propose also clinical and therapeutic approach for patients with malignancy. METHODS: We are reviewing the clinical and molecular basis of Rasopathies based on recent studies, clinical examination, and molecular diagnostics (mutation analysis of causal genes for Rasopathies) in Slovak pediatric patients. RESULTS: Some clinical features, such as short stature, a specific facial dysmorphology and cardiac abnormalities are common to all of Rasopathy syndromes. However, there are unique signs by which the syndromes can differ from each other, especially multiple lentigo in LEOPARD syndrome, increased risk of malignancy in Costello syndrome, dry hyperkeratotic skin in patients with cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome, and neurofibromas and cafe-au-lait spots in neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome. CONCLUSION: Despite the overlapping clinical features, Rasopathy syndromes exhibit unique fenotypical features and the precise molecular diagnostics may lead to confirmation of each syndrome. The molecular diagnostics may allow the detection of pathogenic mutation associated with tumorigenesis.

Problems of metabolic syndrome diagnostics in children.

OBJECTIVE: Increasing prevalence of exogenous obesity in children appears possibly related to changes in their lipid and carbohydrate metabolism resulting from insulin resistance which, together with obesity and arterial hypertension, are among the components of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the age related incidence of obesity complications and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children according to the latest criteria. METHODS: A total of 98 obese children were divided in two age groups (5 to 10 and 10 to 16 years). In all patients the BMI was calculated, standard deviation score of BMI (SDS BMI) was estimated according to the data by anthropometric surveys Slovakia and obesity was defined as SDS BMI >2 which is equal to 97th percentile for the appropriate age and gender. Blood pressure >95th percentile for the appropriate gender, age and body was classified as hypertension. Fasting glycemia, total and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were determined in serum and oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Insulin resistance was classified according to HOMA index. RESULTS: Among 21 children less than 10 years of age lower HOMA values and no impaired glucose tolerance appeared, but hypercholesterolemia was found in 8 cases (38.1 %). Among 77 patients aged 10 to 16 years increased frequency of cases was found with insulin resistance (37.7 %), increased triglycerides (53.3 %), decreased HDL cholesterol (54.4 %) and impaired glucose tolerance (7.8 %). In this group 32.5 % of children showed metabolic syndrome based on modified IDF criteria, while such prevalence rose to 39.0 % if borderline criteria for blood pressure were used. CONCLUSION: The treatment of referred pathological states requires lifestyle changes and follow up at the specialized clinic.

[Role of an interdisciplinary approach in the healing of long bone fractures in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta]. / Moznost interdisciplinárneho ovplyvnenia hojenia zlomenín dlhých kostí u osteogenesis imperfecta.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to analyze a group of patients who had undergone multilevel osteotomy of long bones and medication therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The group included 14 OI patients (nine girls and five boys) operated on in the years 1996 to 2006, who ranged in age from 3 to 17 years (average, 8.2 years). Due to residual deformation following a fracture of or because of treatment for acute trauma to long bones of the lower extremities, the patients underwent multilevel osteotomy with the use of osteosynthesis (Prevot's rod, six patients; Kirschner's wire, three patients; Küntcher's nail, three patients; Rush's nail, one patient; condylar plate, one patient). A special working and rehabilitation program played an important role in the therapeutic protocol. Four patients treated after 2003 received Pamidronate. RESULTS: Sufficient correction of axil deformity of the legs and equal leg length resulting in gait improvement were achieved in 11 patients. In one patient, osteosynthesis with a condylar plate failed and it was necessary to apply intramedullary elastic fixation. In one patient, tibia vara developed following Küntcher's nail osteosynthesis. In one patient, disunion of bone from osteosynthetic material, with a subsequent supracondylar fracture under the Küntcher's nail, was recorded. Pamidronate administered in pre- and post-operative periods to the four patients treated after 2003 reduced the need for their immobilization from 6 to 3 weeks, which permitted early rehabilitation and, in one patient, first standing and walking at the age of 12 years. DISCUSSION: The treatment of long bone fractures in OI patients is based on the assumptions that bone healing is not affected and that long immobilization leads to deterioration of osteopenia and to a risk of further fractures. For these reasons, surgical procedures using intramedullary fixation have recently been preferred. Pamidronate administration alleviates pain, improves muscle tonus, reduces the period of immobilization and enhances bone density. CONCLUSIONS: The multidisciplinary, rational approach, which involves early surgical intramedullary fixation of fractures with subsequent rehabilitation and Pamidronate administration, is considered to provide a more effective therapy with better results and therefore better quality of life in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Mutational spectrum of steroid 21-hydroxylase and the genotype-phenotype association in Middle European patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the mutational spectrum of steroid 21-hydroxylase (CYP21) and the genotype- phenotype correlation in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) registered in the Middle European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology CAH database, and to design a reliable and rational approach for CYP21 mutation detection in Middle European populations. DESIGN AND METHODS: Molecular analysis of the CYP21 gene was performed in 432 CAH patients and 298 family members. Low-resolution genotyping was performed to detect the eight most common point mutations. High-resolution genotyping, including Southern blotting and sequencing was performed to detect CYP21 gene deletions, conversions, point mutations or other sequence changes. RESULTS: CYP21 gene deletion and In2 and Ile172Asn mutation accounted for 72.7% of the affected alleles in the whole study group. A good genotype-phenotype correlation was observed, with the exception of Ile172Asn and Pro30Leu mutations. In 37% of patients low resolution genotyping could not identify the causative mutation or distinguish homozygosity from hemizygosity. Using high-resolution genotyping, the causative mutations could be identified in 341 out of 348 analyzed patients. A novel mutation Gln315Stop was found in one simple virilising CAH (SV-CAH) patient from Austria. In the remaining seven patients polymorphisms were identified as the leading sequence alteration. The presence of elevated basal and ACTH-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone, premature pubarche, advanced bone age and clitoral hypertrophy directly implicated Asn493Ser polymorphism in the manifestation of nonclassical- (NC) and even SV-CAH. CONCLUSIONS: By genotyping for the most common point mutations, CYP21 gene deletion/conversion and the 8 bp deletion in exon 3, it should be possible to identify the mutation in 94-99% of the diseased alleles in any investigated Middle European population. In patients with a mild form of the disease and no detectable mutation CYP21 gene polymorphisms should be considered as a plausible disease-causing mutation.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: lessons from a multinational study.

A study group of paediatric endocrinologists was established in Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia in order to investigate various aspects in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Five hundred and ninety-eight patients with CAH who were diagnosed between 1969 and 1998 were included in order to analyze the following questions. Epidemiological data: There were significantly fewer males (43%) than females (57%), and the percentage of males did not increase during the observation period. Salt wasters (SW) totalled 64.7%, whereas 35.3% had simple virilizing (SV) CAH. Diagnosis was established significantly later in boys than in girls (median of 26 vs. 13 days for SW, p < 0.0001; 1,817 vs. 1,010 days for SV, p < 0.03). Mortality in the general population was significantly lower than in CAH siblings (1.8% vs. 7.0%, p < 0.0001) or in SW children (2.2% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.0001). According to our calculation with the present clinical diagnostic criteria in Central Europe, from 40 expected CAH patients/year, 2-2.5 SW, and one female and four male SV patients will not be diagnosed. Auxological data: Growth data from 341 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Percentiles were constructed in a longitudinal/cross-sectional study and pubertal growth was described in a longitudinal analysis. Growth of SW patients was impaired in early childhood (0-3 years), but followed a normal course until puberty. In contrast, SV children had a normal growth pattern during early childhood, but were above the standard thereafter. The pubertal growth spurt was of normal magnitude in boys and girls, but started too early. Final height was reduced compared with both standard and target heights. There was no correlation between final height and age of starting treatment or the year of birth. Bone age was accelerated in both CAH types, but more so in SV patients. Molecular genetics: Three hundred and fifty-six patients were investigated for 11-14 of the most frequent mutations by direct allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or PCR followed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide, single strand chain polymorphism and restriction fragment length polymorphism. In the group as a whole, we most frequently found the Intron 2 splice mutation (30.8%) or a deletion/conversion (28.5%). The Intron 2 mutation was most frequent in the Hungarian population, whereas deletions/conversions were found more frequently in Slovenians. The other mutations had a similar distribution to those seen in other populations. Genotype-phenotype correlation confirms previous reports.

Growth patterns and final height in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Results of a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal growth and bone age (BA) development are the most important clinical parameters for monitoring adequate glucocorticoid replacement in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze the growth pattern of patients treated for CAH of the salt wasting (SW) and simple virilizing (SV) clinical forms; to evaluate final height as compared to reference data and individual target height; to evaluate the course of BA development. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A large database of 598 patients with CAH was created in 5 Central European countries and growth data of 341 treated patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were of Caucasian origin. Centiles were constructed in a cross-sectional manner and an additional longitudinal analysis was performed in order to evaluate the pubertal growth spurt by applying particular statistical methods (Preece-Baines model). RESULTS: The growth of SW CAH patients was impaired in infancy and early childhood (0-3 years of age), but followed normal patterns in childhood until puberty. In contrast, children with SV CAH had normal patterns of growth in infancy and early childhood and were considerably taller than healthy references during childhood. In the longitudinal study, peak height velocity in both boys and girls was normal, but it occurred at an earlier age than in the standard population. The final height of patients with CAH was reduced in comparison to both the reference and the individual target height. No correlations were found between final height and age at the start of the therapy in SV patients or between final height and year of birth. BA was advanced in both types of CAH, but more accelerated in SV patients. CONCLUSION: Characteristic growth patterns for treated SV and SW CAH children were identified, with a normal pubertal growth spurt and reduced final height being observed.

Lessons from 30 years of clinical diagnosis and treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in five middle European countries.

Despite the fact that congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common inborn endocrine disorders, some patients are not identified, or may even die, in an acute salt-losing crisis. In a retrospective study covering the last 30 yr, we examined the time elapsing before diagnosis of CAH patients, in 5 Middle European countries, and the mortality rate in diagnosed patients and their siblings during childhood; we also attempted to estimate how many patients are not diagnosed clinically each year. Basic and follow-up clinical data and the family histories of 484 patients with classical forms of CAH diagnosed between 1969 and 1998 were collected and recorded in 5 Middle European countries. The sex-ratio, time elapsing before diagnosis, and mortality among siblings and patients were calculated, and the number of undiagnosed patients was estimated. We found significantly fewer genetic males (43.0%) than females (57.0%) among 484 classic CAH patients, and the percentage of diagnosed boys did not increase with time; 64.7% of them suffered from the salt-wasting (SW) form, and 35.3% from the simple virilizing (SV) form, of the disease. The diagnosis of CAH was established significantly later in males than in females in both forms [SW: 26 vs. 13 days (median), P < 0.0001; SV: 5.0 vs. 2.8 yr, P = 0.03]. Infant mortality in the general population was significantly lower than in either siblings (1.8% vs. 7.0%; P < 0.0001) or in SW (2.29% vs. 11.3%; P < 0.0001). According to our calculations, by our current praxis of clinical ascertainment, 2-2.5 SW and up to 5 SV stay undiagnosed, out of 40 expected CAH patients per year in the countries investigated. Both clinical detection and treatment of CAH patients, at least in males, were insufficient in the five Middle European countries examined during the last 30 yr. Neonatal mass screening and/or greater awareness of the medical community are discussed as ways of improving the efficacy of CAH management. Our experience may be applicable to other countries with similar health care systems.

PCR based diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase gene defects in Slovak patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse 21-hydroxylase gene for 8 most common mutations in patients with salt-wasting type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. METHODS: Allele specific PCR performed on 8 salt-wasting CAH patients and their 23 healthy relatives. RESULTS: Two patients were homozygous for 8 bp deletion in exon 3, while 6 patients were homozygous for intron 2 splice mutation. Mutant allele for splice mutation was found also in both parents of patients with this type of mutation. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results show that only two mutations, 8 bp deletion in exon 3 and splice mutation in intron 2, were present in this group of Slovak patients with salt-wasting type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

[Surgical correction of genital virilization in girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia]. / Chirurgická úprava virilizovaného genitálu u dievcat s kongenitálnou adrenálnou hyperpláziou.

Based on an analysis of 10 patients after a feminizing operation of a virilized genital in female pseudohermaphroditism caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia on account of 21-hydroxylase deficiency the authors emphasize in conjunction with multidisciplinary collaboration the necessity of early modification and surgical repair with adjustment of the external genital before the age of two years. An excellent anatomical and cosmetic result of reconstruction with clitoroplasty emphasizes the importance of preserving the clitoris and erectile tissue to ensure adequate social, psychic and sexual development of the patient.