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Contains fulltext : 229292.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) PURPOSE: We assessed the associations between population-based polygenic risk scores (PRS) for breast (BC) or epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) with cancer risks for BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers. METHODS: Retrospective cohort data on 18,935 BRCA1 and 12,339 BRCA2 female pathogenic variant carriers of European ancestry were available. Three versions of a 313 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) BC PRS were evaluated based on whether they predict overall, estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, or ER-positive BC, and two PRS for overall or high-grade serous EOC. Associations were validated in a prospective cohort. RESULTS: The ER-negative PRS showed the strongest association with BC risk for BRCA1 carriers (hazard ratio [HR] per standard deviation = 1.29 [95% CI 1.25-1.33], P = 3×10(-72)). For BRCA2, the strongest association was with overall BC PRS (HR = 1.31 [95% CI 1.27-1.36], P = 7×10(-50)). HR estimates decreased significantly with age and there was evidence for differences in associations by predicted variant effects on protein expression. The HR estimates were smaller than general population estimates. The high-grade serous PRS yielded the strongest associations with EOC risk for BRCA1 (HR = 1.32 [95% CI 1.25-1.40], P = 3×10(-22)) and BRCA2 (HR = 1.44 [95% CI 1.30-1.60], P = 4×10(-12)) carriers. The associations in the prospective cohort were similar. CONCLUSION: Population-based PRS are strongly associated with BC and EOC risks for BRCA1/2 carriers and predict substantial absolute risk differences for women at PRS distribution extremes.

Contains fulltext : 237895.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers has been shown to decrease with longer duration of oral contraceptive use. Although the effects of using oral contraceptives in the general population are well established (approximately 50% risk reduction in ovarian cancer), the estimated risk reduction in mutation carriers is much less precise because of potential bias and small sample sizes. In addition, only a few studies on oral contraceptive use have examined the associations of duration of use, time since last use, starting age, and calendar year of start with risk of ovarian cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate in more detail the associations of various characteristics of oral contraceptive use and risk of ovarian cancer, to provide healthcare providers and carriers with better risk estimates. STUDY DESIGN: In this international retrospective study, ovarian cancer risk associations were assessed using oral contraceptives data on 3989 BRCA1 and 2445 BRCA2 mutation carriers. Age-dependent-weighted Cox regression analyses were stratified by study and birth cohort and included breast cancer diagnosis as a covariate. To minimize survival bias, analyses were left truncated at 5 years before baseline questionnaire. Separate analyses were conducted for each aspect of oral contraceptive use and in a multivariate analysis, including all these aspects. In addition, the analysis of duration of oral contraceptive use was stratified by recency of use. RESULTS: Oral contraceptives were less often used by mutation carriers who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer (ever use: 58.6% for BRCA1 and 53.5% BRCA2) than by unaffected carriers (ever use: 88.9% for BRCA1 and 80.7% for BRCA2). The median duration of use was 7 years for both BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers who developed ovarian cancer and 9 and 8 years for unaffected BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers with ovarian cancer, respectively. For BRCA1 mutation carriers, univariate analyses have shown that both a longer duration of oral contraceptive use and more recent oral contraceptive use were associated with a reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer. However, in multivariate analyses, including duration of use, age at first use, and time since last use, duration of oral contraceptive use proved to be the prominent protective factor (compared with 10 years [hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.73]; P(trend)=.008). The inverse association between duration of use and ovarian cancer risk persisted for more than 15 years (duration of ≥10 years; BRCA1 15 years since last use [hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.59]). Univariate results for BRCA2 mutation carriers were similar but were inconclusive because of limited sample size. CONCLUSION: For BRCA1 mutation carriers, longer duration of oral contraceptive use is associated with a greater reduction in ovarian cancer risk, and the protection is long term.

The effect of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) on breast cancer risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers is uncertain. Retrospective analyses have suggested a protective effect but may be substantially biased. Prospective studies have had limited power, particularly for BRCA2 mutation carriers. Further, previous studies have not considered the effect of RRSO in the context of natural menopause.A multi-centre prospective cohort of 2272 BRCA1 and 1605 BRCA2 mutation carriers was followed for a mean of 5.4 and 4.9 years, respectively; 426 women developed incident breast cancer. RRSO was modelled as a time-dependent covariate in Cox regression, and its effect assessed in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.There was no association between RRSO and breast cancer for BRCA1 (HR = 1.23; 95% CI 0.94-1.61) or BRCA2 (HR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.62-1.24) mutation carriers. For BRCA2 mutation carriers, HRs were 0.68 (95% CI 0.40-1.15) and 1.07 (95% CI 0.69-1.64) for RRSO carried out before or after age 45 years, respectively. The HR for BRCA2 mutation carriers decreased with increasing time since RRSO (HR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.26-0.99 for 5 years or longer after RRSO). Estimates for premenopausal women were similar.We found no evidence that RRSO reduces breast cancer risk for BRCA1 mutation carriers. A potentially beneficial effect for BRCA2 mutation carriers was observed, particularly after 5 years following RRSO. These results may inform counselling and management of carriers with respect to RRSO.

Contains fulltext : 245045.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: There is an underuse of genetic testing in breast cancer patients with a lower level of education, limited health literacy or a migrant background. We aimed to study the effect of a health literacy training program for surgical oncologists and specialized nurses on disparities in referral to genetic testing. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter study in a quasi-experimental pre-post (intervention) design. The intervention consisted of an online module and a group training for surgical oncologists and specialized nurses in three regions in the Netherlands. Six months pre- and 12 months post intervention, clinical geneticists completed a checklist with socio-demographic characteristics including the level of health literacy of each referred patient. We conducted univariate and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the effect of the training program on disparities in referral to genetic testing. RESULTS: In total, 3179 checklists were completed, of which 1695 were from hospital referrals. No significant differences were found in educational level, level of health literacy and migrant background of patients referred for genetic testing by healthcare professionals working in trained hospitals before (n = 795) and after (n = 409) the intervention. The mean age of patients referred by healthcare professionals from trained hospitals was significantly lower after the intervention (52.0 vs. 49.8, P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that the health literacy training program did not decrease disparities in referral to genetic testing. Future research in a more controlled design is needed to better understand how socio-demographic factors influence referral to breast cancer genetic testing and what other factors might contribute.

Background BRCA1/2 mutation carriers are recommended to undergo risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) at 35 to 45 years of age. RRSO substantially decreases ovarian cancer risk, but at the cost of immediate menopause. Knowledge about the potential adverse effects of premenopausal RRSO, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive dysfunction, and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL), is limited. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the long-term health effects of premenopausal RRSO on cardiovascular disease, bone health, cognitive functioning, urological complaints, sexual functioning, and HRQoL in women with high familial risk of breast or ovarian cancer. Methods We will conduct a multicenter cross-sectional study with prospective follow-up, nested in a nationwide cohort of women at high familial risk of breast or ovarian cancer. A total of 500 women who have undergone RRSO before 45 years of age, with a follow-up period of at least 10 years, will be compared with 250 women (frequency matched on current age) who have not undergone RRSO or who have undergone RRSO at over 55 years of age. Participants will complete an online questionnaire on lifestyle, medical history, cardiovascular risk factors, osteoporosis, cognitive function, urological complaints, and HRQoL. A full cardiovascular assessment and assessment of bone mineral density will be performed. Blood samples will be obtained for marker analysis. Cognitive functioning will be assessed objectively with an online neuropsychological test battery. Results This study was approved by the institutional review board in July 2018. In February 2019, we included our first participant. As of November 2020, we had enrolled 364 participants in our study. Conclusions Knowledge from this study will contribute to counseling women with a high familial risk of breast/ovarian cancer about the long-term health effects of premenopausal RRSO. The results can also be used to offer health recommendations after RRSO. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03835793; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03835793. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/24414

Background 22q11.2 Deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is common in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) or pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA/VSD) and is associated with worse outcomes in children. Whether this impaired prognosis is also translated into adulthood is unknown, as data in adult patients are limited. We aimed to compare long-term outcomes in adults with TOF or PA/VSD both with and without 22q11.2DS. Methods This study prospectively followed a nationwide multicenter cohort of TOF or PA/VSD patients with genetically confirmed presence or absence of 22q11.2DS, from inclusion in the Dutch national CONCOR registry for adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) onward. Outcome measures included all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, need for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR), ventricular arrhythmias (VA), pacemaker implantation, and ICD implantation. Results In total, 479 patients were included (277 (58%) male, median age 28 [IQR; 21–37] years, 62 (13%) with PA/VSD, 34 (7%) with 22q11.2DS). During a median follow-up of 11 [IQR; 6–13] years, 52 (11%) patients died (8 with 22q11.2DS and 44 without 22q11.2DS). Patients with 22q11.2DS had significant decreased survival after 12 years (76% [95% CI; 62–93]) compared to patients without 22q11.2DS (89% [95% CI; 86–92], p = 0.008). 22q11.2DS was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and cardiac-mortality, independent of age, sex, and PA/VSD. No association was found between 22q11.2DS and late complications i.e. PVR, VA, pacemaker, or ICD implantation. Conclusions Adults with TOF or PA/VSD with 22q11.2DS have a significantly worse survival than adults without this deletion. In patients with TOF or PA/VSD, genetic analysis for the presence of 22q11.2DS is important for risk stratification and genetic counseling.

BACKGROUND: The effect of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) on breast cancer risk for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers is rarely examined. As carriers may increasingly undergo IVF as part of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), we examined the impact of ovarian stimulation for IVF on breast cancer risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.METHODS: The study population consisted of 1550 BRCA1 and 964 BRCA2 mutation carriers, derived from the nationwide HEBON study and the nationwide PGD registry. Questionnaires, clinical records and linkages with the Netherlands Cancer Registry were used to collect data on IVF exposure, risk-reducing surgeries and cancer diagnosis, respectively. Time-dependent Cox regression analyses were conducted, stratified for birth cohort and adjusted for subfertility.RESULTS: Of the 2514 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, 3% (n = 76) were exposed to ovarian stimulation for IVF. In total, 938 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers (37.3%) were diagnosed with breast cancer. IVF exposure was not associated with risk of breast cancer (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.46-1.36). Similar results were found for the subgroups of subfertile women (n = 232; HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.39-1.37) and BRCA1 mutation carriers (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.60-2.09). In addition, age at and recency of first IVF treatment were not associated with breast cancer risk.CONCLUSION: No evidence was found for an association between ovarian stimulation for IVF and breast cancer risk in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

Aims: Congenital heart defects (CHD) affect almost 1% of all live born children and the number of adults with CHD is increasing. In families where CHD has occurred previously, estimates of recurrence risk, and the type of recurring malformation are important for counselling and clinical decision-making, but the recurrence patterns in families are poorly understood. We aimed to determine recurrence patterns, by investigating the co-occurrences of CHD in 1163 families with known malformations, comprising 3080 individuals with clinically confirmed diagnosis.Methods and results: We calculated rates of concordance and discordance for 41 specific types of malformations, observing a high variability in the rates of concordance and discordance. By calculating odds ratios for each of 1640 pairs of discordant lesions observed between affected family members, we were able to identify 178 pairs of malformations that co-occurred significantly more or less often than expected in families. The data show that distinct groups of cardiac malformations co-occur in families, suggesting influence from underlying developmental mechanisms. Analysis of human and mouse susceptibility genes showed that they were shared in 19% and 20% of pairs of co-occurring discordant malformations, respectively, but none of malformations that rarely co-occur, suggesting that a significant proportion of co-occurring lesions in families is caused by overlapping susceptibility genes.Conclusion: Familial CHD follow specific patterns of recurrence, suggesting a strong influence from genetically regulated developmental mechanisms. Co-occurrence of malformations in families is caused by shared susceptibility genes.

Background In healthy BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (BRRM) strongly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer (BC); however, no clear survival benefit of BRRM over BC surveillance has been reported yet. Methods In this Dutch multicenter cohort study, we used multivariable Cox models with BRRM as a time-dependent covariable to estimate the associations between BRRM and the overall and BC-specific mortality rates, separately for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Results During a mean follow-up of 10.3 years, 722 out of 1712 BRCA1 (42%) and 406 out of 1145 BRCA2 (35%) mutation carriers underwent BRRM. For BRCA1 mutation carriers, we observed 52 deaths (20 from BC) in the surveillance group, and 10 deaths (one from BC) after BRRM. The hazard ratios were 0.40 (95% CI 0.20–0.90) for overall mortality and 0.06 (95% CI 0.01–0.46) for BC-specific mortality. BC-specific survival at age 65 was 93% for surveillance and 99.7% for BRRM. For BRCA2 mutation carriers, we observed 29 deaths (7 from BC) in the surveillance group, and 4 deaths (no BC) after BRRM. The hazard ratio for overall mortality was 0.45 (95% CI 0.15–1.36). BC-specific survival at age 65 was 98% for surveillance and 100% for BRRM. Conclusion BRRM was associated with lower mortality than surveillance for BRCA1 mutation carriers, but for BRCA2 mutation carriers, BRRM may lead to similar BC-specific survival as surveillance. Our findings support a more individualized counseling based on BRCA mutation type. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10549-019-05345-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

This observational study aimed to investigate whether the reported association between family history (FH) of breast cancer (BC) or ovarian cancer (OC) and OC risks in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers can be explained by mutation position on the gene. In total, 3310 female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers participating in a nationwide prospective cohort (Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in the Netherlands) were included. FH was classified according to cancer occurrence in first-degree relatives (BC only, OC only, both, neither) and mutations were classified according to their position on the gene (OC cluster region (OCCR), BC cluster region, neither). The main outcome was OC occurrence. Cox proportional-hazard models were applied to investigate the association between FH and OC risks before and after adjusting for mutation position. Of all women included, 202 were diagnosed with OC. A BC-only FH tended to be associated with lower OC risks when compared with a FH without BC/OC (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.52-1.17; HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.33-1.07 for BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively) while an OC-only FH tended to be associated with higher risks (HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 0.90-2.77; HR: 1.75, 95% CI: 0.70-4.37 for BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively). After adjusting for mutation position, association between FH and OC risks was slightly smaller in magnitude (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.55-1.30; HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.34-1.21 for BC-only FH in BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively; HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.80-2.68; HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.44-4.02 for OC-only FH in BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively), indicating that mutation position explains only part of the association. Considering the magnitude of the observed trend, we do not believe FH should be used to change counseling regarding OC prevention.

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence and characteristics of breast cancer in transgender people in the Netherlands compared with the general Dutch population.DesignRetrospective, nationwide cohort study.SettingSpecialised tertiary gender clinic in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.Participants2260 adult trans women (male sex assigned at birth, female gender identity) and 1229 adult trans men (female sex assigned at birth, male gender identity) who received gender affirming hormone treatment.Main outcome measuresIncidence and characteristics (eg, histology, hormone receptor status) of breast cancer in transgender people.ResultsThe total person time in this cohort was 33 991 years for trans women and 14 883 years for trans men. In the 2260 trans women in the cohort, 15 cases of invasive breast cancer were identified (median duration of hormone treatment 18 years, range 7-37 years). This was 46-fold higher than in cisgender men (standardised incidence ratio 46.7, 95% confidence interval 27.2 to 75.4) but lower than in cisgender women (0.3, 0.2 to 0.4). Most tumours were of ductal origin and oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive, and 8.3% were human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) positive. In 1229 trans men, four cases of invasive breast cancer were identified (median duration of hormone treatment 15 years, range 2-17 years). This was lower than expected compared with cisgender women (standardised incidence ratio 0.2, 95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.5).ConclusionsThis study showed an increased risk of breast cancer in trans women compared with cisgender men, and a lower risk in trans men compared with cisgender women. In trans women, the risk of breast cancer increased during a relatively short duration of hormone treatment and the characteristics of the breast cancer resembled a more female pattern. These results suggest that breast cancer screening guidelines for cisgender people are sufficient for transgender people using hormone treatment.

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a relatively common genetic cardiomyopathy, characterized by prominent trabeculations with deep intertrabecular recesses in mainly the left ventricle. Although LVNC often occurs in an isolated entity, it may also be present in various types of congenital heart disease (CHD). The most prevalent CHD in LVNC is Ebstein anomaly, which is a rare form of CHD characterized by apical displacement and partial fusion of the septal and posterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve with the ventricular septum. Several reports of sporadic as well as familial cases of Ebstein anomaly associated with LVNC have been reported. Recent studies identified mutations in the MYH7 gene, encoding the sarcomeric β-myosin heavy chain protein, in patients harboring this specific phenotype. Here, we will review the association between Ebstein anomaly, LVNC and mutations in MYH7, which seems to represent a subtype of Ebstein anomaly with autosomal dominant inheritance and variable penetrance.

With recent advances in medical and surgical management, most patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive to reproductive age. Current guidelines recommend counseling about inheritance and transmission of CHD to offspring. We evaluated whether adult CHD patients recalled having received information about the inheritance of their CHD, patients' knowledge about inheritance and their concerns in this regard. A questionnaire was sent to 486 non-syndromic CHD patients aged 20-45 years. We received 332 useful questionnaires (response rate 68%). One-third (33%) of patients recalled receiving information about inheritance of CHD from their cardiologist, and 13% had consulted a clinical geneticist. Eight percent of patients who were considering having children estimated the recurrence risk for their own offspring to be 1% or lower, whereas one-fourth (25%) estimated it to be higher than 10%. According to our classification, 44% estimated the recurrence risk in a correct range of magnitude. Additional information about inheritance of CHD was desired by 41% of patients. Forty-two percent of patients considering having children reported concerns about transmitting CHD to offspring. We conclude that a substantial proportion of adult CHD patients lacks knowledge and desires more information about inheritance, indicating a need for better patient education. Current guidelines and/or their implementation do not seem to meet the needs of these patients. A dedicated program of counseling for adults with CHD has to be developed to optimize knowledge and satisfaction with information provision and to reduce or manage concerns regarding inheritance of CHD.

Background Three quarters of patients with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) have congenital heart disease (CHD), typically conotruncal heart defects. Although it is currently common practice to test all children with typical CHD for 22q11.2DS, many adult patients have not been tested in the past and therefore 22q11.2DS might be under-recognised in adults. Objectives To determine the prevalence of 22q11.2DS in adults with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and pulmonary atresia (PA)/ventricular septal defect (VSD) and to assess the level of recognition of the syndrome in adult patients. Methods Patients were identified from CONCOR, a nationwide registry for adult patients with CHD. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of TOF or PA/VSD and the availability of DNA. Patients with syndromes other than 22q11.2DS were excluded. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was used to detect 22q11.2 microdeletions. Results 479 patients with TOF and 79 patients with PA/VSD (56% male, median age 34.7 years) were included and analysed. Twenty patients were already known to have 22q11.2DS. A 22q11.2 microdeletion was detected in a further 24 patients. Thirty-one patients with TOF (6.5%) had 22q11.2DS, whereas 13 patients with PA/VSD had 22q11.2DS (16.5%). Of all 22q11.2 microdeletions, 54% (24/44) were unknown before this study. Conclusion This study shows that although the prevalence of 22q11.2DS in adults with TOF and PA/VSD is substantial, it is unrecognised in more than half of patients. As the syndrome has important clinical and reproductive implications, a diagnostic test should be considered in all adult patients with TOF and PA/VSD.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac defect causing serious morbidity including valvular dysfunction and thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) in around 30% of BAV patients. Cardiological screening of first-degree relatives is advised in recent guidelines given the observed familial clustering of BAV. However, guidelines regarding screening of family members and DNA testing are not unequivocal. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the literature on echocardiographic screening in first-degree relatives of BAV patients and to propose a model for family screening. In addition, we provide a flowchart for DNA testing. We performed a PubMed search and included studies providing data on echocardiographic screening in asymptomatic relatives of BAV patients. Nine studies were included. In 5.8-47.4% of the families BAV was shown to be familial. Of the screened first-degree relatives 1.8-11% was found to be affected with BAV. Results regarding a potential risk of TAA in first-degree relatives with a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) were conflicting. The reported familial clustering of BAV underlines the importance of cardiological screening in relatives. After reviewing the available family history, patient characteristics and the results of cardiological screening in relatives, follow-up in relatives with a TAV and/or DNA testing may be advised in a subset of families. In this study we propose a model for the clinical and genetic work-up in BAV families, based on the most extensive literature review on family screening performed until now.

Objective: To present normal spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) values and investigate the influence of posture, sex, age, pubertal stage, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity level on BRS in (pre)adolescents. BRS is a sensitive measure of both sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiovascular regulation that may help detect early subclinical autonomic dysfunction. Design: A cross-sectional cohort study in a large sample of 10-13-year-old Dutch (pre)adolescents from the general population. Methods: Short-term spontaneous BRS was determined non-invasively by Portapres in both the supine and standing position. BRS was calculated by power spectral analysis using the discrete Fourier method (frequency band 0.07-0.14 Hz). Univariate statistical methods and multiple regression analyses were applied. Results: BRS in a standing position was lower than in a supine position (9.0 ± 4.9 versus 15.3 ± 9.1 ms/mmHg; t = 27.8, P < 0.001). Girls had lower BRS values than boys in both postures (supine 14.3 ± 8.7 versus 16.4 ± 9.4 ms/ mmHg, β = 0.12, P < 0.001; standing 8.4 ± 4.4 versus 9.5 ± 5.4 ms/mmHg, β = 0.08, P = 0.012), independent of age, pubertal stage, BMI, and physical activity. Lower limits (P2.5) for normal BRS values in supine and standing positions were for girls 3.6 and 2.2 ms/mmHg and for boys 3.9 and 2.5 ms/mmHg, respectively. BRS declined with age in the standing position (β = -0.13, P < 0.001). In obese (pre)adolescents, BMI was negatively associated with BRS during standing (Kendall's τ = -0.26, P = 0.010). Conclusion: The BRS of (pre)adolescents was negatively related to female sex, age, and obesity. A reduced BRS in obese (pre)adolescents might be a candidate predictor of future cardiovascular health, and therefore warrants further exploration.

Introduction: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is common in Turner syndrome (TS). In adult TS, 82-95% of BAVs have fusion of the right and left coronary leaflets. Data in fetal stages are scarce. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into aortic valve morphology and associated cardiovascular abnormalities in a fetal TS cohort with adverse outcome early in development. Material and Methods: We studied post-mortem heart specimens of 36 TS fetuses and 1 TS newborn. Results: BAV was present in 28 (76%) hearts. BAVs showed fusion of the right and left coronary leaflet (type 1 BAV) in 61%, and fusion of the right coronary and non-coronary leaflet (type 2 BAV) in 39%. There were no significant differences in occurrence of additional cardiovascular abnormalities between type 1 and type 2 BAV. However, all type 2 BAV hearts showed ascending aorta hypoplasia and tubular hypoplasia of the B segment, as opposed to only 55 and 64% of type 1 BAV hearts, respectively. Discussion: The proportion of type 2 BAV seems higher in TS fetuses than in adults. Fetal type 2 BAV hearts all had severe aortic pathology, possibly contributing to a worse prognosis of type 2 than type 1 BAV in TS.

For adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), knowledge about the origin and inheritance of their CHD is important. Clinical geneticists may play a significant role in their care. We explored the diagnostic yield of clinical genetic consultation of adult CHD patients, patients' motivations for the consultation, implications for reproductive decisions, patients' evaluation of the impact of provided information, and satisfaction with counseling. Chart review was performed on all adult patients referred for CHD to our clinical genetics department between 2000 and 2011 (n=90). Additionally, a questionnaire was sent to those patients referred between 2005 and 2011 (n=64), of which 46 useful questionnaires were returned (72% response). Of patients without an etiological diagnosis at referral (n=83), 17 (20%) were eventually diagnosed with syndromic CHD, 6 (7%) with nonsyndromic monogenetic CHD and 45 (54%) with nonsyndromic multifactorial CHD. The diagnosis remained undetermined in 15 (18%) patients. Half of patients who returned the questionnaire had purposefully postponed having children until after genetic consultation and 13% had changed their mind about having children or not after the consultation. Counseling was valued positively. In this study, we showed the added value of clinical genetic consultation in the care for adult CHD patients: it improves diagnostics by establishing an etiological diagnosis and associated recurrence risk in a substantial proportion of patients and leads to more informed reproductive decisions. With new genetic testing technologies an etiological diagnosis may be established in an increasing number of patients in the near future.

Background— Association between the C677T polymorphism of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR ) gene and congenital heart disease (CHD) is contentious. Methods and Results— We compared genotypes between CHD cases and controls and between mothers of CHD cases and controls. We placed our results in context by conducting meta-analyses of previously published studies. Among 5814 cases with primary genotype data and 10 056 controls, there was no evidence of association between MTHFR C677T genotype and CHD risk (odds ratio [OR], 0.96 [95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.07]). A random-effects meta-analysis of all studies (involving 7697 cases and 13 125 controls) suggested the presence of association (OR, 1.25 [95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.51]; P =0.022) but with substantial heterogeneity among contributing studies (I 2 =64.4%) and evidence of publication bias. Meta-analysis of large studies only (defined by a variance of the log OR 2 =0). Moreover, meta-analysis of 1781 mothers of CHD cases (829 of whom were genotyped in this study) and 19 861 controls revealed no evidence of association between maternal C677T genotype and risk of CHD in offspring (OR, 1.13 [95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.47]). There was no significant association between MTHFR genotype and CHD risk in large studies from regions with different levels of dietary folate. Conclusions— The MTHFR C677T polymorphism, which directly influences plasma folate levels, is not associated with CHD risk. Publication biases appear to substantially contaminate the literature with regard to this genetic association.

Background— Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital heart malformation characterized by adherence of the septal and posterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve to the underlying myocardium. An association between Ebstein anomaly with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) and mutations in MYH7 encoding β-myosin heavy chain has been shown; in this report, we have screened for MYH7 mutations in a cohort of probands with Ebstein anomaly in a large population-based study. Methods and Results— Mutational analysis in a cohort of 141 unrelated probands with Ebstein anomaly was performed by next-generation sequencing and direct DNA sequencing of MYH7 . Heterozygous mutations were identified in 8 of 141 samples (6%). Seven distinct mutations were found; 5 were novel and 2 were known to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All mutations except for 1 3-bp deletion were missense mutations; 1 was a de novo change. Mutation-positive probands and family members showed various congenital heart malformations as well as LVNC. Among 8 mutation-positive probands, 6 had LVNC, whereas among 133 mutation-negative probands, none had LVNC. The frequency of MYH7 mutations was significantly different between probands with and without LVNC accompanying Ebstein anomaly ( P MYH7 mutation in the pedigrees of 3 of the probands, 1 of which also included another individual with Ebstein anomaly. Conclusions— Ebstein anomaly is a congenital heart malformation that is associated with mutations in MYH7 . MYH7 mutations are predominantly found in Ebstein anomaly associated with LVNC and may warrant genetic testing and family evaluation in this subset of patients.

We performed a systematic literature review of recommended 'major' and 'possible' clinical risk markers for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We searched the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases for articles published between 1971 and 2007. We included English language reports on HCM patients containing follow-up data on the endpoint (sudden) cardiac death using survival analysis. Analysis was undertaken using the quality of reporting of meta-analyses (QUORUM) statement checklist. The quality was checked using a quality assessment form from the Cochrane Collaboration. Thirty studies met inclusion criteria and passed quality assessment. The use of the six major risk factors (previous cardiac arrest or sustained ventricular tachycardia, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, extreme left ventricular hypertrophy, unexplained syncope, abnormal blood pressure response, and family history of sudden death) in risk stratification for SCD as recommended by international guidelines was supported by the literature. In addition, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction seems associated with a higher risk of SCD. Our systematic review provides sound evidence for the use of the six major risk factors for SCD in the risk stratification of HCM patients. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction could be included in the overall risk profile of patients with a marked left ventricular outflow gradient under basal conditions.

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality among liveborn infants and is the most frequent chromosomal cause of intellectual disability (Frid, Drott, Lundell, Rasmussen, & Anneren, 1999). It is a multisystem disorder, characterized by various congenital defects, organic disorders, dysmorphic features, and other health-related problems (Roizen & Patterson, 2003). The heart is affected frequently and the association between Down syndrome and congenital heart disease was already recognized by Garrod in 1894 (Richards, 1965). Although a critical region on chromosome 21 as well as several candidate genes has been proposed, the genetic basis and pathogenesis of congenital heart defects in Down syndrome remain largely unknown. Cardiovascular disorders related to Down syndrome are numerous. Here, we review prenatal screening, intrauterine interventions, and management of congenital heart defects in early childhood. Moreover, we discuss cardiovascular manifestations in adulthood, in particular pulmonary arterial hypertension and cardiac surgery in adults with Down syndrome.

Data on the prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHD) in neuroblastoma patients are inconsistent. If CHD are more common in neuroblastoma patients than in the general population, cardiac screening might be warranted. In this study we used echocardiography to determine the prevalence of CHD in a single centre cohort of surviving neuroblastoma patients. In addition, we performed a systematic review of the literature. Echocardiography was performed in 119 of 133 patients (89.5%). Only two patients (1.7%) had CHD. The prevalence of CHD was not significantly different from a previously published control group of 192 leukaemia patients examined by echocardiography (P=0.49). Literature search revealed 17 studies, showing prevalence rates of CHD in neuroblastoma patients ranging from 0 to 20%. Prevalence was less than 3.6% in the majority of studies. Most studies lacked information on validity. We conclude that current evidence does not support standard cardiac screening in all patients with neuroblastoma.

Background Ebstein9s anomaly is a rare congenital heart malformation characterised by adherence of the septal and posterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve to the underlying myocardium. As there have been reports of abnormal left ventricular morphology and function in patients with Ebstein9s anomaly we hypothesised that mutations in the β-myosin heavy chain (MYH7) may be associated with Ebstein9s anomaly. Methods MYH7 mutation analysis was undertaken in 141 unrelated affected individuals with Ebstein9s anomaly using next-generation sequencing on the 454 platform. 64 probands had no associated cardiac anomalies. The most common associated cardiac malformation were atrial septal defect (48 probands) and left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) (7 probands). Where mutations were discovered, family studies were undertaken and the segregation of the mutation with disease was investigated. Results Heterozygous mutations were identified in eight of the probands including six of the seven with LVNC. Two patients had the same mutation; of the seven distinct mutations, five were novel (four missense changes and an in-frame deletion) and two have been previously reported in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Family studies revealed additional members with LVNC for three of the probands, one of whom also had a relative with Ebstein9s anomaly. In these three pedigrees the mutation segregated with disease. Conclusions Mutations in MYH7 occur relatively frequently in Ebstein9s anomaly accompanied by LVNC. This study is another example of mutations in a sarcomere protein causing congenital heart malformation.

We thank Digilio et al for their interest in our paper, showing that 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is underrecognised in adults with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and with pulmonary atresia (PA)/ventricular septal defect (VSD).1 Digilio et al disagree with our recommendation to consider genetic testing for the syndrome in all adults with TOF and PA/VSD. Rather they propose to reserve this for patients with associated ‘classic’ or ‘subtle’ extracardiac anomalies and to …