A pigmentary skin defect is a new finding in Marshall-Smith syndrome.

Marshall-Smith Syndrome (OMIM 602535) was described initially by Marshall in two infants with a syndrome characterized by accelerated skeletal maturation, failure to thrive, and dysmorphic facial features. We report a new patient with clinical features of Marshall-Smith syndrome with additional findings such as hyperpigmented lines on trunk and the four extremities. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[Genetic markers in essential hypertension]. / Marcadores genéticos en hipertensión esencial.

Essential hypertension (HTA) is a multifactorial disease and in Chile, its prevalence is 33.7%. There is a genetic predisposition to develop hypertension, whose magnitude is approximately 30 to 50%. At present, some factors are known to increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, but widely accepted biomarkers for screening are missing. The first studies that looked for candidate genes have focused on the renin-angiotensin--aldosterone, aducina, adrenoreceptors beta, G protein subunits, G protein signaling regulators, kinases associated with G proteins and Rho kinases. Studies of DNA sequencing search for polymorphisms and variants through single nucleotide polymorphisms, have been used to seek partnerships with complex or multifactorial diseases, like HTA. Examples of these are: components of collagen proteins, genes related to cell myocardial proteins belonging to cytochrome P450 and growth factors, among others. It is still unlikely to count in a near future with a universal marker. Most probably, a series of markers that confer susceptibility to a specific individual will have to be used in prevention programs or personalized therapy.

Genetic services in Chile.

Demographic changes in Chile have positioned congenital malformations as a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. At the same time, medical genetics has become increasingly important in relation to the diagnosis and management of individuals with birth defects and hereditary conditions as well as in the study of pathological pregnancies and reproductive problems. In addition, recent advances in genomic research are expanding the relevance of medical genetics to medicine as a whole. This article reviews the clinical genetic resources currently available in Chile; the teaching of genetics in undergraduate, graduate, and continued medical education; some relevant interventions that have taken place in our country, e.g. the expansion of the newborn screening program and the initiation of a folic acid fortification program, and recent efforts to enhance population access to clinical genetics services.

Beare-Stevenson syndrome: Two South American patients with FGFR2 analysis.

We report two patients with Beare-Stevenson syndrome. This syndrome presents craniosynostosis with or without clover-leaf skull, craniofacial anomalies, cutis gyrata, acanthosis nigricans, prominent umbilical stump, furrowed palms and soles, genital and anal anomalies. Both female newborn patients presented at birth with craniofacial anomalies, variable cutis gyrata in forehead and preauricular regions, prominent umbilical stump and anogenital anomalies. Furrowed palms and soles were also observed. The radiologic examination showed a cloverleaf-form craniosynostosis. Chromosomes were normal. They were born with respiratory distress and were connected to mechanical ventilation for ventilatory support. Both of them died in 50 days after birth due to secondary complications. The molecular analysis of these patients identified the mutation Tyr375Cys in the FGFR2 gene.