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In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of whole genome sequencing (WGS) as a first‐tier diagnostic test for infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units in the Brazilian healthcare system. The cohort presented here results from a joint collaboration between private and public hospitals in Brazil considering the initiative of a clinical laboratory to provide timely diagnosis for critically ill infants. We performed trio (proband and parents) WGS in 21 infants suspected of a genetic disease with an urgent need for diagnosis to guide medical care. Overall, the primary indication for genetic testing was dysmorphic syndromes (n = 14, 67%) followed by inborn errors of metabolism (n = 6, 29%) and skeletal dysplasias (n = 1, 5%). The diagnostic yield in our cohort was 57% (12/21) based on cases that received a definitive or likely definitive diagnostic result from WGS analysis. A total of 16 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and 10 variants of unknown significance were detected, and in most cases inherited from an unaffected parent. In addition, the reported variants were of different types, but mainly missense (58%) and associated with autosomal diseases (19/26); only three were associated with X‐linked diseases, detected in hemizygosity in the proband an inherited from an unaffected mother. Notably, we identified 10 novel variants, absent from public genomic databases, in our cohort. Considering the entire diagnostic process, the average turnaround time from enrollment to medical report in our study was 53 days. Our findings demonstrate the remarkable utility of WGS as a diagnostic tool, elevating the potential of transformative impact since it outperforms conventional genetic tests. Here, we address the main challenges associated with implementing WGS in the medical care system in Brazil, as well as discuss the potential benefits and limitations of WGS as a diagnostic tool in the neonatal care setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The affective expression of sexual behaviour in individuals with Williams syndrome can lead to risky behaviours, especially if parents do not have information on how to provide sex education or support from specialised professionals. Method: The Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities was used to identify parental beliefs, attitudes and concerns about the sexuality and sex education of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The sample comprised 35 parents of individuals with Williams syndrome (mean age 12.8 years (SD = 4.5), 57.1% male). Results: Parents believe in the possibility of marriage and sexual relationships for individuals with intellectual disability when they are older and agree with sexual reproduction in adulthood. Parents consider that sex education, in addition to parental guidance, should be provided by professionals. Conclusions: This data highlights the need for parents to have clear guidelines on interventions in respect of the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SUZ12 gene encodes a subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that is essential for development by silencing the expression of multiple genes. Germline heterozygous variants in SUZ12 have been found in Imagawa–Matsumoto syndrome (IMMAS) characterized by overgrowth and multiple dysmorphic features. Similarly, both EZH2 and EED also encode a subunit of PRC2 each and their pathogenic variants cause Weaver syndrome and Cohen–Gibson syndrome, respectively. Clinical manifestations of these syndromes significantly overlap, although their different prevalence rates have recently been noted: generalized overgrowth, intellectual disability, scoliosis, and excessive loose skin appear to be less prevalent in IMMAS than in the other two syndromes. We could not determine any apparent genotype–phenotype correlation in IMMAS. The phenotype of neurofibromatosis type 1 arising from NF1 deletion was also shown to be modified by the deletion of SUZ12, 560 kb away. This review deepens our understanding of the clinical and genetic characteristics of IMMAS together with other overgrowth syndromes related to PRC2. We also report on a novel IMMAS patient carrying a splicing variant (c.1023+1G>C) in SUZ12. This patient had a milder phenotype than other previously reported IMMAS cases, with no macrocephaly or overgrowth phenotypes, highlighting the clinical variation in IMMAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare low‐bone mass skeletal Mendelian disorder characterized by bone fragility leading to bone fractures, with deformities and stunted growth in the more severe phenotypes. Other common, nonskeletal findings include blue sclerae and dentinogenesis imperfecta. It is caused mainly by quantitative or structural defects in type I collagen, although dysregulation of different signaling pathways that play a role in bone morphogenesis has been described to be associated with a small fraction of individuals with OI. Recently, a homozygous variant in the translation start site of CCDC134, showing increased activation of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, has been reported in three families of Moroccan origin with a severe, deforming form of OI. We report on a 9‐year‐old Brazilian boy, harboring the same homozygous variant in CCDC134, also presenting severe bone involvement. This report contributes to the phenotypic delineation of this novel autosomal recessive form of OI, which presents with high prevalence of nonunion fractures considered rare events in OI in general. In addition, it expands the phenotype to include base skull anomalies, potentially leading to serious complications, as seen in severe forms of OI. A poor response to bisphosphonate therapy was observed in these individuals. As the variant in CCDC134 leads to dysregulation of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, drugs targeted to this pathway could be an alternative to achieve a better management of these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by deficiency of the enzyme N‐acetyl‐alpha‐d‐glucosaminidase (NAGLU), caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the NAGLU gene, which leads to storage of heparan sulfate and a series of clinical consequences which hallmark is neurodegeneration. In this study clinical, epidemiological, and biochemical data were obtained from MPS IIIB patients diagnosed from 2004–2019 by the MPS Brazil Network ("Rede MPS Brasil"), which was created with the goal to provide an easily accessible and comprehensive investigation of all MPS types. One hundred and ten MPS IIIB patients were diagnosed during this period. Mean age at diagnosis was 10.9 years. Patients were from all over Brazil, with a few from abroad, with a possible cluster of MPS IIIB identified in Ecuador. All patients had increased urinary levels of glycosaminoglycans and low NAGLU activity in blood. Main clinical symptoms reported at diagnosis were coarse facies and neurocognitive regression. The most common variant was p.Leu496Pro (30% of alleles). MPS IIIB seems to be relatively frequent in Brazil, but patients are diagnosed later than in other countries, and reasons for that probably include the limited awareness about the disease by health professionals and the difficulties to access diagnostic tests, factors that the MPS Brazil Network is trying to mitigate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare, microdeletion syndrome characterized by facial dysmorphisms, intellectual disability, a friendly personality, cardiovascular and other abnormalities. Cardiovascular defects (CVD) are among the most prevalent characteristics in WBS, being supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) the most frequent, followed by peripheral pulmonary stenosis (PPS). A comprehensive retrospective review of medical records of 127 patients with molecular diagnosis of WBS, in a period of 20 years, was done to evaluate the incidence, the natural history of cardiovascular disease, and the need for surgical intervention, including heart transplantation (HT). A total of 94/127 patients presented with CVD. Of these 94 patients, 50% presented with SVAS and 22.3% needed heart surgery and/or cardiac catheterization including one that required HT due to severe SVAS‐related heart failure at 19 years of age. The patient died in the postoperative period due to infectious complications. Cardiovascular problems are the major cause of sudden death in patients with WBS, who have a significantly higher mortality risk associated with surgical interventions. There is a higher risk for anesthesia‐related adverse events and for major adverse cardiac events following surgery. End‐stage heart failure due to myocardial ischemia has been described in WBS patients and it is important to consider that HT can become their only viable option. To our knowledge, the case mentioned here is the first HT reported in an adolescent with WBS. HT can be a viable therapeutic option in WBS patients with adequate evaluation, planning, and a multidisciplinary team to provide the required perioperative care and follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sotos syndrome is characterized by overgrowth starting before birth through childhood with intellectual disability and craniofacial anomalies. The majority of patients are large for gestational age with developmental delay or intellectual disability. The majority of cases are caused by pathogenic variants in NSD1. The most consistent physical features in this disorder are facial dysmorphisms including prominent forehead, downslanted palpebral fissures, prognathism with a pointed chin, and a long and narrow face. We present a follow‐up to a cohort of 11 individuals found to harbor heterozygous, pathogenic, or likely pathogenic variants in NSD1. We analyzed the facial dysmorphisms and the condition using retrospective over 20 years. Among these patients, followed in our medical genetics outpatient clinic for variable periods of time, all had a phenotype compatible with the characteristic Sotos syndrome facial features, which evolved with time and became superimposed with natural aging modifications. We present here a long‐term follow‐up of facial features of Brazilian patients with molecularly confirmed Sotos syndrome. In this largest Brazilian cohort of molecularly confirmed patients with Sotos syndrome to date, we provide a careful description of the facial phenotype, which becomes less pronounced with aging and possibly more difficult to recognize in adults. These results may have broad clinical implications for diagnosis and add to the global clinical delineation of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital limb deficiency (CLD), one of the most common congenital anomalies, is characterized by hypoplasia/aplasia of one or more limb bones and can be isolated or syndromic. The etiology in CLD is heterogeneous, including environmental and genetic factors. A fraction remains with no etiological factor identified. We report the study of 44 Brazilian individuals presenting isolated or syndromic CLD, mainly with longitudinal defects. Genetic investigation included particularly next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and/or chromosomal microarray. The overall diagnostic yield was 45.7%, ranging from 60.9% in the syndromic to 16.7% in the non‐syndromic group. In TAR syndrome, a common variant in 3´UTR of RBM8A, in trans with 1q21.1 microdeletion, was detected, corroborating the importance of this recently reported variant in individuals of African ancestry. NGS established a diagnosis in three individuals in syndromes recently reported or still under delineation (an acrofacial dysostosis, Coats plus and Verheij syndromes), suggesting a broader phenotypic spectrum in these disorders. Although a low rate of molecular detection in non‐syndromic forms was observed, it is still possible that variants in non‐coding regions and small CNVs, not detected by the techniques applied in this study, could play a role in the etiology of CLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a Mendelian phenotype, member of a group of disorders sharing neurocardiofaciocutaneous involvement, known as RASopathies, caused by germline variants in genes coding for components of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. Recently, a novel gene of the RAS family (MRAS) was reported to be associated with NS in five children, all of them presenting, among the cardinal features of NS, the same cardiac finding, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We report on a 2‐month‐old infant boy also presenting this cardiac anomaly that evolved to a fatal outcome after a surgical myectomy. In addition, a thick walled left ventricle apical aneurysm, rarely described in NS, was also disclosed. Next‐generation sequencing revealed a missense, previously reported variant in MRAS (p.Thr68Ile). This report reinforces the high frequency of HCM among individuals harboring MRAS variants, contrasting to the 20% overall prevalence of this cardiac anomaly in NS. Thus, these preliminary data suggest that variants in MRAS per se are high risk factors for the development of an early, severe HCM, mostly of them with left ventricle outflow tract obstruction, with poor prognosis. Because of the severity of the cardiac involvement, other clinical findings could not be addressed in detail. Therefore, long‐term follow‐up of these individuals and further descriptions are required to fully understand the complete phenotypic spectrum of NS associated with MRAS germline variants, including if these individuals present an increased risk for cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebellofaciodental syndrome is characterized by facial dysmorphisms, intellectual disability, cerebellar hypoplasia, and dental anomalies. It is an autosomal‐recessive condition described in 2015 caused by pathogenic variants in BRF1. Here, we report a Brazilian patient who faced a diagnostic challenge beginning at 11 months of age. Fortunately, whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed, detecting the BRF1 variants NM_001519.3:c.1649delG:p.(Gly550Alafs*36) and c.421C>T:p.(Arg141Cys) in compound heterozygosity, thus finally achieving a diagnosis of cerebellofaciodental syndrome. The patient is currently 25 years old and is the oldest patient yet reported. The clinical report and a review of published cases are presented. Atlanto‐occipital fusion, a reduced foramen magnum and basilar invagination leading to compression of the medulla‐spinal cord transition are skeletal findings not reported in previous cases. The description of syndromes with dental findings shows that such anomalies can be an important clue to relevant differential diagnoses. The cooperation of groups from different international centers made possible the resolution of this and other cases and is one of the strategies to bring medical advances to developing countries, where many patients with rare diseases are difficult to diagnose definitively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rasopathies are a group of rare disorders characterized by neurocardiofaciocutaneous involvement, and caused by mutations in several genes of the RAS/MAPK pathway. In the present study, we characterized growth parameters, body composition, and nutritional aspects of children and adults (n = 62) affected by these disorders, mainly Noonan syndrome, using an indirect method-anthropometry-and a 24-hr recall questionnaire. The growth parameters in our cohort showed short stature, especially in individuals with RAF1 and SHOC2 mutations, lower obesity rates compared to the control population, and BMI scores highest in individuals with BRAF mutations and lowest in individuals with SHOC2. Body composition showed a compromise in the upper arm muscle circumference, with a statistically significant difference in the z-score of triceps skinfold ( P = 0.0204) and upper arm fat area ( P = 0.0388) between BRAF and SHOC2 groups and in the z-score of triceps skinfold between RAF1 and SHOC2 ( P = 0.0218). The pattern of macronutrient consumption was similar to the control population. Our study is the first to address body composition in RASopathy individuals and the data indicate a compromise not only in adipose tissue, but also in muscle mass. Studies using different techniques, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or imaging studies, which give a more precise delineation of fat and non-fat mass, are required to confirm our results, ultimately causing an impact on management strategies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is caused by a hemizygous contiguous gene microdeletion of 1.55-1.84Mb at 7q11.23 region. Approximately, 28 genes have been shown to contribute to classical phenotype of SWB with presence of dysmorphic facial features, supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), intellectual disability, and overfriendliness. With the use of Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization and other molecular cytogenetic techniques, is possible define with more accuracy partial or atypical deletion and refine the genotype-phenotype correlation. Here, we report on a rare genomic structural rearrangement in a boy with atypical deletion in 7q11.23 and XYY syndrome with characteristic clinical signs, but not sufficient for the diagnosis of WBS. Cytogenetic analysis of G-banding showed a karyotype 47, XYY. Analysis of DNA with the technique of MLPA (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification) using kits a combination of kits (P064, P036, P070, and P029) identified an atypical deletion on 7q11.23. In addition, high resolution SNP Oligonucleotide Microarray Analysis (SNP-array) confirmed the alterations found by MLPA and revealed others pathogenic CNVs, in the chromosomes 7 and X. The present report demonstrates an association not yet described in literature, between Williams-Beuren syndrome and 47, XYY. The identification of atypical deletion in 7q11.23 concomitant to additional pathogenic CNVs in others genomic regions allows a better comprehension of clinical consequences of atypical genomic rearrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GLO:8DU/01sep21:cge14013-toc-0001.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): . gl DExH-Box Helicase 30 ( I DHX30 i ) (NM 138615.3) mutations cause autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder with severe motor impairment and absent language (OMIM #617804). Further accumulation of patients and longitudinal follow-up are needed to understand the full spectrum of the I DHX30 i -related phenotype. De novo missense mutations in DHX30 impair global translation and cause a neurodevelopmental disorder. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on a study which examined the prevalence of Fabry's disease (FD) in patients presenting with angiokeratoma diagnosed by histopathological study. Topics discussed include the enzymatic activity of alpha-galactosidase A, dermatological manifestation of FD and the frequency of FD in cases of hemodialysis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cryptogenic stroke. The importance of an early diagnosis of FD is cited.

We report here on six patients with a ring chromosome 22 and the range of cytogenetic and phenotypic features presented by them. Genomic analysis was carried out using classical and molecular cytogenetics, MLPA (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification) and genome-wide SNP-array analysis. The ring was found in all patients, but Patient 6 displayed constitutional mosaicism with a normal cell line. Five patients had deletions in the ring chromosome 22, and in four of them the breakpoints-unique for each patient-could be identified by genome-wide SNP-array analysis. One patient presented with a 22q11.2 deletion concomitant with the deletion caused by the ring formation. Common phenotypic features included autism, speech delay and seizures, as previously reported for individuals with r(22) and/or 22q13.3 deletions. Investigation of the genes within the deletions revealed multiple genes related to development of the central nervous system, psychomotor delay, severe language impairment, hypotonia, and autistic symptoms. There was no clear correlation between the severity of clinical features and the size of the deleted segment. This study underscores the variability in ring structure and clinical presentation of the r(22) and adds information to the limited literature on this rare disorder. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine 6-sulfatase. Studies usually focus on skeletal abnormalities and their consequences. This study explores the neurological manifestations in a cohort of mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA patients, with a detailed focus on brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. We performed a cross-sectional study involving nine patients with a biochemical confirmation of mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA. The protocol consists of a comprehensive clinical examination and brain and spinal cord MRI analysis for all subjects. The mean age was 16.4 years (±5.7) and the mean onset of symptoms was 11.5 months (±6.3). Overall, cognition was spared in all but one patient and motor weakness was a constant finding in all patients. Deep sensation impairment was found in six patients. The brain MRIs showed non-specific white matter changes in two patients. Other abnormalities such as clival hypoplasia, basilar invagination, and arachnoid cists appeared in seven of the nine patients. Eight patients presented spinal cord compression, and in three of them, two spinal levels were compromised. Odontoid hypoplasia and degenerative features in the neuroaxis were present in all patients. Our experience with mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA patients supports the evidence of central nervous system involvement. We emphasize the importance of regular clinical assessments with complete MRI studies, as an attempt to detect the early signs of spinal cord compression. This evaluation may be especially important before surgical interventions, as occult lesions may become symptomatic and promote postoperative unfavorable outcomes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Brazilian case arising from a homozygous canonical splice site SLC35A3 variant leading to an in-frame deletion However, to the best of our knowledge, only five pathogenic biallelic I SLC35A3 i variants in three families have been reported to date.1-3 The patients showed variable clinical severities from mild to profound (including neonatal death), but the genotype-phenotype correlation remains unclear. Given the limited number of affected individuals with biallelic I SLC35A3 i variants, more cases are needed to establish the genotype-phenotype correlation in I SLC35A3 i -related conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Obesity is a major threat to public health worldwide, and there is now mounting evidence favoring a role for the central nervous system (CNS) in weight control. A causal relationship has been recognized in both monogenic (e.g., BDNF, TRKB, and SIM1 deficiencies) and syndromic forms of obesity [e.g., Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)]. Syndromic obesity arising from chromosomal abnormalities, that typically also affect learning and development, are often associated with congenital malformations and behavioral characteristics. We report on nine unrelated patients with a diagnosis of learning disability and/or developmental delay (DD) in addition to obesity that were found to have copy number variants (CNVs) by single nucleotide polymorphism array-based analysis. Each patient also had a distinct and complex phenotype, and most had hypotonia and other neuroendocrine issues, such as hyperphagia and hypogonadism. Molecular and clinical characterization of these patients enabled us to determine with confidence that the CNVs we observed were pathogenic or likely to be pathogenic. Overall, the CNVs reported here encompassed a candidate gene or region (e.g., SIM1) that has been reported in patients associating obesity and DD and/or intellectual disability (ID) and novel candidate genes and regions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis and infantile systemic hyalinosis are rare autosomal recessive disorders of infancy and early childhood that are histologically characterized by deposition of hyaline material. The main clinical features are papulo-nodular skin lesions, gingival hypertrophy, joint contractures, and bone abnormalities. However, infantile systemic hyalinosis has a more severe clinical presentation, including visceral involvement and premature death. Very recently, genetic studies identified mutations in the same gene in patients with both conditions, strongly suggesting that they belong to the same disease spectrum. We report two new nonrelated patients who met the criteria for the diagnosis of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis/infantile systemic hyalinosis. Clinical, histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural findings are presented, as well as an extensive review of the literature. Recent information regarding pathogenesis and treatment is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a Brazilian family affected by Char syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder in which the facial characteristics are striking. Description of the facial characteristics of the family; Association between patent ductus arteriosus and ventricular septal defect; Relation of the autosomal dominant disorder disease with Noonan syndrome; Rate of recurrence risk for the offspring of an affected parent.

Several Mendelian disorders follow an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Epidemiological information on many inherited disorders may be useful to guide health policies for rare diseases, but it is often inadequate, particularly in developing countries. We aimed to calculate the carrier frequencies of rare autosomal recessive Mendelian diseases in a cohort of Brazilian patients using whole exome sequencing (WES). We reviewed the molecular findings of WES from 320 symptomatic patients who had carrier status for recessive diseases. Using the Hardy-Weinberg equation, we estimated recessive disease frequencies (q 2 ) considering the respective carrier frequencies (2pq) observed in our study. We calculated the sensitivity of carrier screening tests based on lists of genes from five different clinical laboratories that offer them in Brazil. A total of 425 occurrences of 351 rare variants were reported in 278 different genes from 230 patients (71.9%). Almost half (48.8%) were carriers of at least one heterozygous pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant for rare metabolic disorders, while 25.9% of epilepsy, 18.1% of intellectual disabilities, 15.6% of skeletal disorders, 10.9% immune disorders, and 9.1% of hearing loss. We estimated that an average of 67% of the variants would not have been detected by carrier screening panels. The combined frequencies of autosomal recessive diseases were estimated to be 26.39/10,000 (or ~0.26%). This study shows the potential research utility of WES to determine carrier status, which may be a possible strategy to evaluate the clinical and social burden of recessive diseases at the population level and guide the optimization of carrier screening panels., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Rare diseases comprise a diverse group of conditions, most of which involve genetic causes. We describe the variable spectrum of findings and clinical impacts of exome sequencing (ES) in a cohort of 500 patients with rare diseases. In total, 164 primary findings were reported in 158 patients, representing an overall diagnostic yield of 31.6%. Most of the findings (61.6%) corresponded to autosomal dominant conditions, followed by autosomal recessive (25.6%) and X-linked (12.8%) conditions. These patients harbored 195 variants, among which 43.6% are novel in the literature. The rate of molecular diagnosis was considerably higher for prenatal samples (67%; 4/6), younger children (44%; 24/55), consanguinity (50%; 3/6), gastrointestinal/liver disease (44%; 16/36) and syndromic/malformative conditions (41%; 72/175). For 15.6% of the cohort patients, we observed a direct potential for the redirection of care with targeted therapy, tumor screening, medication adjustment and monitoring for disease-specific complications. Secondary findings were reported in 37 patients (7.4%). Based on cost-effectiveness studies in the literature, we speculate that the reports of secondary findings may influence an increase of 123.2 years in the life expectancy for our cohort, or 0.246 years/cohort patient. ES is a powerful method to identify the molecular bases of monogenic disorders and redirect clinical care., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)