GeneticsMetro NY/NJ Pediatric Board Review Course

Joy M. Samanich, M.D.Robert W. Marion, M.D.

Albert Einstein Col of Med/Children’s Hosp at Montefiore

Question 1:In the NICU, you’ve just examined a newborn with hypotonia and dysmorphic features that included epicanthal folds, upward slanting of the palpebral fissures, flat nasal bridge with anteverted nares and midface hypoplasia. Among the following, the medical complication that is MOST likely to present in the newborn period in this infant is:

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0% 0% 0%0%0%

1. atlantoaxial instability2. hypothyroidism3. leukemia4. obstructive bowel disease5. seizures

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Question 1: Preferred Response: D

The baby has features of Down syndrome. He should be observed for: Obstructive gi tract abnormalities (~10%)

including duodenal atresia, annular pancreas, anal atresia, and TEF.

Cardiac anomalies (~40%) including ECCD. ALL INFANTS WITH DS SHOULD HAVE ECHO-CARDIOGRAM BEFORE DISCHARGE FROM THE NURSERY!

Polycythemia and leukemoid reaction (which can look like leukemia but is self-limited); ALL INFANTS WITH DS SHOULD HAVE A CBC!

Congenital hypothyroidism (~1%)

Question 1: Preferred Response: D (GI obstruction)

Atlantoaxial instability, which can lead to compression of the cord, occurs in ~10%, but is not a problem in the newborn period. Neck films (lateral in neutral, flexion and extension) should be performed after age 3.

Pts with DS have a higher incidence of leukemia, which approaches 1% (but is also not a problem in the NB).

Seizures occur in a small number of patients with DS .

All patients with DS display cognitive impairment, (most with IQs in the mod MR range). Early intervention to maximize development in early childhood is recommended.

HE SHOULD ALSO HAVE CHROMOSOME TESTING:

Question 2:

You tell the infant’s parents of your concern that their baby has Down syndrome. After the initial shock, the mother asks about her risk of having another child with a chromosomal abnormality.The statement that you are MOST likely to include in your discussion is that her risk:

A. can be estimated by determination of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein in all future pregnanciesB. cannot be estimated until her infant's chromosome complement has been determinedC. is increased for Down syndrome, but not for any other chromosomal abnormalityD. is no greater than that of other women her ageE. is not increased until she reaches the age of 35

Question 2: Preferred Response: B

Following the clinical diagnosis of Down syndrome, it’s essential to obtain a karyotype, which will provide information about parental risks in future pregnancies. In DS:

95% are due to trisomy 21 (46,XY,+21 or 46,XX+21)

3% are due to unbalanced Robertsonian translocations involving an acrocentric chromosome (13, 14,15, 21, or 22) ; ie: 46, XY, -14. t (14q21q)

2% are due to mosaicism

If the condition is caused by trisomy, the recurrence risk for any trisomy is 1%

Question 2: Preferred Response: B

If the condition is due to an unbalanced translocation, it is necessary to do a karyotype on the parents. In these cases:

2/3 are de novo (both parents have normal karyotypes). RR is ~1%

1/3 result from unbalanced segregation of a balanced Robertsonian translocation in one of the parents.

If mother is the translocation carrier (45,XX,-14,-21, t(14q21q), RR=10-15%

If father is the translocation carrier (45,XY,-1`4,-21,t(14q21q), RR=2-5%.

If the balanced translocation involves one chromosome 21 attached to the other (ie. 45,XY, -21,-21, t(21q21q), all progeny will have Down syndrome!

Once a balanced translocation is found, other family members should be tested

Question 3:As long as you’re already in the nursery, you’re asked to see 3 infants born with cleft lip and/or palate. The first has a left CL+P; exam is otherwise normal. You tell his parents that this is apparently an isolated birth defect.During counseling about their risk for having another similarly affected child, the statement that you are MOST likely to include is thatA. because the defect is isolated, their risk is no greater than that of any other coupleB. Isolated cleft lip and palate is a multifactorial trait that has a 4% risk of recurrenceC. the recurrence risk can be estimated only after a chromosome analysis has been obtainedD. the risk is increased for future females, but not malesE. the risk would be increased only if one of the parents had cleft lip and palate

Question 3: Preferred Response: B Isolated CL+/-P is inherited as a multifactorial

(MF) trait, caused by the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Disorders showing MF inheritance occur more commonly in individuals in a particular family than in the general population, but at a lower rate than would be expected for single gene traits. RR for MF traits have been derived by analysis of many families that express the trait. For CL+/-P, RR for a family in which neither parent is affected and only one child is affected is 2-5%.

MF inheritance is seen in many common birth defects (CHD, CDH, NTDs, pyloric stenosis, hypospadias, etc). In general, the RR for all of these disorders is between 2 and 5%.

MF inheritance is also the cause of most disease of childhood and adulthood, ie. asthma, DM, hypertension, cancer, alcoholism, coronary artery disease, etc.

Question 3: Preferred Response: B RR of MF traits is altered by a # of factors,

including the number of family members who are affected. The RR for subsequent sib of a child who has clubfoot is 3%. However, if one parent also had clubfoot, RR is 10-15%.

To provide accurate information about RR, a careful exam should be done to identify additional anomalies. The possibility that the most obvious defect is part of a genetic syndrome, which may carry a higher risk, must be considered .

In general, chromosome analysis should be obtained in pts with two or more major abnormalities (eg, clefting, congenital heart disease) or one major anomaly and two or three minor defects (eg, epicanthal folds, simian line). Accordingly, chromosome analysis would not be indicated for an infant with an isolated cleft lip and palate.

Question 4 The next baby you see in the nursery, a boy, has bilateral CL+P. Further exam reveals scalp defect in the parietooccipital region, microphthalmia, cryptorchidism, a cardiac murmur and polydactyly. Of the following, the MOST likely underlying condition is:A. holoprosencephaly sequenceB. retinoic acid embryopathyC. trisomy 13D. trisomy 18E. valproate embryopathy

Question 4: Preferred Response: CAs noted in the last question, CL+/-P can occur

in isolation or as part of a multiple malformation syndrome. Syndromes (groups of malformations caused by a single identifiable etiology) can occur due to a chromosomal abnormality, a single gene mutation, or as the result of exposure to a teratogen. In the present patient, the pattern of findings is most consistent with trisomy 13.

Trisomy 13 (47,XX or Y,+13) occurs in 1 in 5-10,000 liveborns. Most affected infants die in the newborn period; 5% survive to 6 months.

It is associated with advanced maternal age. Associated features include holoprosencephaly, severe MR; microcephaly; microphthalmia; coloboma; CL+/-P; ear anomalies; distinctive scalp defects in the occipital area; CHD; postaxial polydactyly and cryptorchidism in males.

Question 4: Preferred Response: C Peripheral blood karyotype should be

performed to document dx and help provide genetic counseling about future risks. In particular, it’s important to determine if the child has a translocation inherited from one parent which would increase the RR (see previous case).

Fetal valproate syndrome results in CHD, NTDs and unusual facial features (narrow bifrontal diameter, high forehead and epicanthi) as well as limb defects.

Retinoic acid embryopathy results in facial asymmetry, microtia or anotia, & CHD.

Trisomy 18 is characterized by growth deficiency, prominent occiput, low-set ears, micrognathia, clenched hand, and structural defects of the heart and kidney. Microphthalmia and clefting are not prominent features.

Question 5: The next baby you visit in the nursery has a CP and retro-gnathia, but no other anomalies. Of the following, the MOST serious complication that may occur in the first 72 hours of this child's life is:A. acute otitis media requiring antibiotic treatmentB. congestive heart failureC. difficulties with breastfeedingD. upper airway obstruction with oxygen desaturationE. worsening airway obstruction when placed in the prone position

Question 5: Preferred Response: D The Pierre-Robin malformation sequence

(PRMS) is characterized by: (1) micrognathia, (2) glossoptosis; and (3) a U-shaped cleft of the palate. The initial event in the sequence is failure of mandibular growth in the 1st tri-mester. This results in displacement of the tongue & failure of the palatal shelves to close, causing the U-shaped cleft.

PRMS may occur in isolation or as part of a syndrome. Associated ones include Stickler, 22q11 deletion and CHARGE syndromes.

In infants, the glossoptosis may occlude the airway, especially when they are supine. Obstructive apnea with desaturation is by far the most serious complication that may develop within the first days of life. Such obstruction may be severe enough to cause ischemic encephalopathy.

Question 5: Preferred Response: D

Feeding difficulties are common in children with PRMS. Posterior displacement of the tongue and the cleft may contribute to a poor suck. In most cases, though, oral feeding, including breastfeeding, is successful. Although OM is quite common among children who have cleft palate, it typically does not cause problems in early infancy.

PRMS is a medical emergency in the newborn! The infant should be placed in the prone position, which allows the tongue to fall forward, relieving the obstruction. But this is only a temporary measure: definitive treatment is essential to assure that the airway remains open. Placement of a nasopharyngeal tube should occur, followed by surgical management.

Question 6: As long as you’re already in the nursery, the resident asks you to see a newborn who has some unusual features. Born by C/S because of breech presentation, the baby has a deformed cranium, torticollis, facial asymmetry, a dislocated right hip, and bilateral clubfeet. Findings on the remainder of the physical examination are normal. Of the following, the MOST likely cause of this infant's abnormalities isA. a chromosomal abnormalityB. a malformation syndromeC. an underlying CNS defectD. exposure to a teratogen in uteroE. intrauterine compression

Question 6: Preferred Response: E

Malformations are defined as abnormalities of form or function that are caused by alterations in the tissue primordia that forms a structure; as such, malformations occur in the first trimester, can range from mild to severe, and usually require surgical correction. They occur in ~3% of newborns.

Deformations result from abnormal external forces acting on normally formed tissue. Unlike malformations, deformations develop after the first trimester, are frequently mild, and usually improve spontaneously once the external force has been removed. One to 2% of neonates have one or more deformations.

Question 6: Preferred Response: E The infant described has multiple features

suggestive of a deformation sequence due to intrauterine compression. The most important factor contributing to deformation is the restriction of fetal movement, which can be caused by mechanical forces, malformations, or functional abnormalities. However, mechanical causes are the most common etiology. Frequently, more than one deformation is present because the mechanical force exerts an adverse effect on multiple body parts. 1/3 of all deformations occur in infants who present in the breech position.

A chromosomal abnormality or teratogen exposure associated with the multiple defects described for this infant would be expected to cause malformations of internal organ systems as well as external findings

Question 7:You’re in Spina Bifida Clinic. Your first patient is an infant recently D/C’d from the NICU after having her myelomeningocele closed and a VP shunt placed. She has typical problems of an infant with an L2 lesion: hydrocephalus, dislocated hips, club feet and paraplegia. Her parents are concerned about recurrence in future pregnancies. Of the following, the statement you are MOST likely to make is that their RR

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0% 0% 0%0%0%

1. depends on the family's ethnic background

2. depends on the location of the defect along the neural axis

3. is increased only if the defect is part of a genetic syndrome

4. is the same as that for any other couple

5. will be reduced if the mother takes periconceptional folate supplementation

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Question 7: Preferred Response: E NTDs result from failure of the neural tube to close

prior to the 27th postconceptional day. Closure proceeds from mid-cervical area caudally and rostrally. Anterior closure defects result in anencephaly; posterior defects result in meningocele or myelomeningocele..

Before 1990, NTDs occurred in 1 in 1,000 births. Etiology is hetero- geneous, including chromosome anomalies (trisomy 18), single gene defects (Meckel-Gruber), and teratogenic exposures (Valproic acid).

Isolated NTDs exhibit MF inheritance. RR is 2-4%; such couples should be offered prenatal monitoring in future pregnancies.

Isolated NTDs are more common in individuals from the British Isles and less common in Asians; in NA, births of infants with NTDs cluster in the late fall and early winter. This has led to the discovery that periconceptual folic acid supplementation can decrease the risk of having a child with NTD by 70%. This diminution in risk exists for both women who have had a previous affected child as well as those who have not had an affected child.

Question 7: Preferred Response: It has been hypothesized that FA prevents

NTDs by stimulating certain enzymes (eg, methionine synthetase) that otherwise are present in reduced levels in susceptible women. It’s recommended that all women take folic acid: women who have had a previously affected child are given a dose of 4 mg/day; all others receive 0.4 mg/day.

RR in families in which there is a child who has an NTD does not depend significantly upon the ethnic group. The location of the defect along the neural axis also does not influence RR. If the NTD is part of a syndrome, the specific RR for the syndrome should be discussed.

Question 8:While in Spina Bifida Clinic, you are visited by a 42 y.o. primigravida who is in her 16th week of pregnancy. She is concerned about the possibility of her child having myelomeningocele. Of the following, the MOST useful diagnostic evaluation isA. amniocentesisB. chorionic villus samplingC. cordocentesisD. fetal ultrasonographyE. maternal alpha-fetoprotein screening

Question 8: Preferred Response: D Fetal sonography performed between 12

and 24 weeks of pregnancy is most useful for detection of structural anomalies such as NTDs. Its sensitivity and specificity can be substantially improved if performed by an experienced sonographer. It’s noninvasive, safe, & accurate in experienced hands. Advantages of early fetal sonography include improved dx of multiple gestation and accurate dating of the pregnancy.

Although levels of AFP in amniotic fluid are increased in the fetus who has open NTDs, this test has limited sensitivity & specificity for the dx of a myelomeningocele. Early amnio (between 12 & 14 weeks) is most useful for detecting fetal chromosomal abnormalities (ie trisomy 21) & genetic defects .

Question 8: Preferred Response: D CVS, which entails biopsy of the placenta

between 8 and 11 weeks, is not useful for diagnosing NTDs. It’s most helpful for detecting cytogenetic abnormalities, but it is an invasive procedure and has risks.

Cordocentesis (aspiration of fetal blood by direct puncture of the umbilical cord under sonographic guidance) is not useful for the diagnosis of NTDs. It can aid in diagnosing conditions such as coagulation disorders, blood cell abnormalities, and congenital infections such as toxoplasmosis. This invasive procedure has a great many risks.

We’ll discuss maternal serum AFP screening in the next question:

Question 9: At the end of Spina Bifida Clinic, you are talking to a group of residents about NTDs. You explain that when the fetus has an open NTD, elevated levels of maternal serum alphafetoprotein (MSAFP) can be seen during the 16th-18th weeks of pregnancy. Of the following, your discussion is MOST likely to include the statement that:A. chromosomal disorders can also cause high levels of MSAFPB. further tests are required to confirm the diagnosis of an NTDC. levels of AFP in maternal serum and amniotic fluid have similar specificityD. the majority of birth defects cause elevated levels of MSAFPE. the presence of multiple fetuses will not affect the interpretation of MSAFP levels

Question 9: Preferred Response: B AFP, the fetal equivalent of albumin, is produced

only during fetal life; thereafter, AFP is found only in the serum of pregnant women and adults with liver disease (hepatoma).

Since the 1960s, an association between NTDs & elevated levels of AF-AFP has been noted. The defect in the fetal skin causes AFP to pass between the fetal circulation and the amniotic fluid. Elevated AF-AFP levels also occur in fetuses with omphalocele, gastroschisis, bladder exstrophy, cystic hygroma, as well as in multiple gestations, impending fetal death, etc.

Since 1970s, the association between these defects and elevated levels of MSAFP was also noted. Measuring MSAFP between the 16th and 22nd week of gestation has become a standard screening test throughout the world.

As noted above, an elevated MSAFP level is not pathognomonic for exposed neural tissue. It is not, however, elevated with most birth defects. And trisomy 13, 18 and 21 are all associated with an MSAFP level that is less than expected.

Question 9: Preferred Response: B

A positive MSAFP requires confirmatory testing, including sonogram (to verify dates and identify defects) and amniocentesis (for chromosome analysis or acetylcholinesterase activity).

The concentration of AFP in the maternal serum is an order of magnitude lower than that in the amniotic fluid; thus, it is more difficult to measure.

The development and refinement of obstetric sono-graphy has led some authorities to question whether this might be an adequate screening tool for NTDs. However, ultrasonography will fail to detect some flat or low myelomeningoceles.

Question 10: In genetics clinic, you’re seeing a 5 y.o. girl who hasmultiple café au lait spots and axillary freckling. Slitlamp ophthalmic exam reveals the presence of Lisch nodules,confirming the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis. Of the following, the MOST appropriate statement about the potential for the development of tumors in this child is that:

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0% 0% 0%0%0%0%

1. acoustic neuromas are common and annual screening with MRI is indicated

2. all patients with neurofibromatosis eventually develop plexiform neurofibromas

3. annual urinary catecholamine screening for the presence of pheochromocytoma is indicated

4. cutaneous neurofibromas usually do not appear until preadolescence

5. the overall lifetime risk for the development of a malignancy is 50%

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Question 10: Preferred Response: D

This child has features of NF-1. The diagnosis of NF-1 is made on the basis of having two of the following 7 criteria: Café au lait spots: 6 or more of >0.5 cm

in diameter for prepubertal children or >1.5 cm post pubertally

Axillary and/or inguinal freckles Neurofibromas: 2 or more, or 1

plexiform Optic glioma Lisch nodules Skeletal abnormalities, including

scoliosis, pseudarthrosis, sphenoid wing dysplasia

Family history of a 1st degree relative with NF-1, diagnosed using these criteria.

Question 10: Preferred Response: D NF-1 is an autosomal dominant disorder and

one of the most common single-gene defects. The gene, NF-1, which is on chromosome

17, produces neurofibronin, an inhibitor of nerve growth factor.

The gene is huge, one of the largest in the human genome; there are no “common mutations.” As such, molecular diagnosis depends on sequencing the entire gene, a strategy that is not practical.

In about half of cases, the condition occurs as a spontaneous mutation.

Question 10: (continued) Other tumors that occur in pts with NF-1

include: plexiform NFs (usually evident in the first 2 yrs of life). These tumors, in ~5%, can undergo sarcomatous change and frequently present a surgical challenge because of their extensive vascular supply. CNS tumors, including optic gliomas, occur in 2-3% of affected individuals. Overall, the lifetime risk for the development of a malignancy in patients who have NF-1 is ~5% (NOT 50%!).

Acoustic neuromas are a prominent feature of NF-2. They are bilateral in ~ 85% of patients and unilateral in ~6%. In NF-2, cutaneous findings are not as prominent.

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor in NF-1 (<1% of patients), but it is common in patients who have von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Question 11: The next patient in clinic is the mother of a 13-mo-old boy recently diagnosed with factor VIII deficiency hemophilia. The woman is in the 1st trimester of her 2nd pregnancy, and is interested in knowing if prenatal diagnosis is available. Of the following, the statement about prenatal diagnosis that you are MOST likely to include in your discussion is that:

A. factors VIII and IX deficiency hemophilia can be dx’d prenatally in over 95% of familiesB. factors VIII and IX deficiency hemophilia can be dx’d prenatally only in 20% of familiesC. neither type of hemophilia can be dx’d prenatallyD. only factor IX deficiency hemophilia can be dx’d prenatallyE. only factor VIII def. hemophilia can be dx’d prenatally

Question 11: Preferred Response: A

Molecular technology allows us to prenatally diagnose mutations leading to Factor XIII and Factor IX hemophilia in > 95% of families. The genes for both diseases are located near the terminus of Xq.

Hemophilia occurs in ~1 in 5,000 individuals in the general population, with 80-85% of patients having factor VIII deficiency hemophilia (hemophilia A) and 10-15% having factor IX deficiency (hemophilia B). Neither disorder has apparent racial or ethnic predilection.

Question 11: Preferred Response: A The factor VIII gene is much larger, more complex,

and has a strong predisposition to spontaneous mutation: ~1/3 of affected individuals have no family

history and appear to represent new mutations. More than 200 different mutations have been

identified, with the most common being a gene inversion in the tip of Xq, which accounts for ~45% of cases of severe hemophilia A and always is associated with the severe form of the disease.

Other mutations account for the remaining cases of severe disease and most cases of moderate or mild disease.

The factor IX gene is considerably smaller and less complex. >400 mutations have been identified. Because the gene is smaller, DNA sequencing can be employed to identify mutations and can be used for carrier detection and prenatal dx. There is a very low rate of spontaneous mutation, so the family history almost always is positive.

It’s lunch time in Clinic. Time for some quickies:

Of the following, the findings that are MOST suggestive of the dx of Prader-Willi syndrome are:

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0% 0% 0%0%0%

1. gigantism and visceromegaly

2. hyperactivity and ataxic movements

3. hypocalcemia and a congenital heart defect

4. MR and macroorchidism

5. obesity and small hands and feet 10

The answer is E A describes Beckwith Wiedemann

syndrome B describes Angelman syndrome C describes diGeorge (aka

velocardiofacial, Shprintzen, or 22q11.2 deletion syndrome)

D describes Fragile X syndrome Children with PWS have a characteristic

history: Hypotonia in infancy, with poor sucking and

FTT Improvement in muscle tone by age 1 year Development of a voracious, insatiable

appetite Development of obesity and related problems

PWS results from deficiency of the gene product of the SNRPN gene. SNRPN (15q11) is only expressed in the chromosome 15 inherited from the father. Thus, PWS results when a copy of paternal chromosome 15 is missing. This can be caused by: Deletion of pat 15q11.2 (seen in

60-70%): Use FISH to diagnose Maternal uniparental disomy of

chromosome 15 (yielding two copies of maternal chromosome 15 and no copies of paternal chromosome 15) (seen in 20%)

Another quickie:All of the following are associated with Williams syndrome EXCEPT

A. “Cocktail party” personalityB. HypercalcemiaC. Supravalvular aortic stenosisD. Short philtrumE. Mental retardation

The answer is D WS is a contiguous gene

syndrome caused by deletion of 7q11.2 (use FISH or array CGH to make diagnosis)

Occurs in 1 in 5,000 births

Features include all those listed in question except for short philtrum (which is seen in fetal alcohol syndrome).

Heart disease occurs in 80%, with SVAS in 67%

A third quickie:

Noonan syndrome is characterized by each of the following EXCEPT

A. Autosomal recessive inheritanceB. Short statureC. Pulmonic stenosisD. Webbed neckE. Low set ears

The answer is A Noonan syndrome is caused by a

mutation in the PTPN11 gene on chromosome 12.

Occurs in 1 in 10,000 births Features include all those listed in

question except for AR inheritance 50% also have Factor 11 deficiency

causing prolonged PTT.

Yet another:

A child is born with esophageal atresia. Other associated abnormalities might include all of the following EXCEPT

A. Cardiac defect such as VSDB. Absence of the left radiusC. Renal malformationsD. HemivertebraE. Cataracts

The answer is E Esophageal atresia, occurring alone or as part

of a TEF, can be isolated or part of a syndrome or association. The most common association is VACTERL.

Association: a group of malformations that occur more commonly together than would be expected by chance, but for which no etiology can be identified.

Features of VACTERL include: Vertebral anomalies Anal anomalies (imperforate, stenotic, etc) Cardiac anomalies (VSD, ASD most

common) Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula Renal anomalies Limb anomalies (specifically radial ray

defects)

Last one:Which of the following is typical of Ehlers Danlos syndrome?

A. Osteoporosis B. Hypotrichosis C. Large head and short

extremities D. Joint laxity E. Progressive neurologic and

ophthalmologic problems

The answer is D Osteoporosis is seen in osteogenesis

imperfecta. Hypotrichosis occurs in anhidrotic

ectodermal dysplasia. Large head and short extremities

describes achondroplasia. Ehlers Danlos is a disorder of collagen

that leads to: Joint laxity Spontaneous joint dislocation Hyperelastic skin Poor scar formation (“cigarette

paper” scars) Easy bruisability

Okay, really last one:For which of the following disorders would you use PCR testing for trinucleotide repeats to make the diagnosis?

A. Crouzon syndromeB. Fragile X syndromeC. Cri-du-chat syndromeD. MELAS syndromeE. Down syndrome

Preferred Response: B Crouzon syndrome is a craniosynostosis syndrome,

usually diagnosed clinically. This is a single gene disorder, with autosomal dominant inheritance, and DNA testing is available for mutations in FGFR-2.

Fragile X syndrome is a trinucleotide repeat disorder, with an excess number of CGG repeats leading to symptoms including intellectual disability and characteristic facial features.

Cri-du-chat syndrome is a continuous gene disorder, diagnosed by FISH or array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).

MELAS syndrome is a mitochondrial disorder, diagnosed by testing of specific mitochondrial DNA genes.

Down syndrome is an aneuploidy syndrome diagnosed by karyotype or FISH, also detectable by array CGH.

OKAY, LUNCH IS OVER

TIME TO GO TO METABOLIC CLINIC:

1st Patient in Metabolic Clinic: The parents of a 2 y.o. boy with Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) (hexosaminidase A deficiency) ask you about the availability of prenatal testing during their next pregnancy. Of the following, the MOST appropriate statement to include in your counseling is that:A. prenatal dx should be considered only after testing each parent to determine carrier statusB. testing can be performed on chorionic villus cells obtained as early as 10 weeks of pregnancyC. testing is possible only if the parents' mutations in the hexosaminidase gene are knownD. the results of prenatal diagnostic testing for TSD are considered investigationalE. their risk of having another similarly affected child is no greater than that of any other couple

Preferred Response: B TSD, an AR inherited inborn error of metabolism,

results from absence of HexA, a lysosomal enzyme. Parents of an affected child are obligate carriers and together, have a RR of 25% for subsequent pregnancies.

HexA activity can be measured in fetal cells obtained by CVS, performed as early as 10 weeks gestation, or via amnio (14-16 weeks).

Carrier frequency for TSD is highest in Ashkenazi Jews and French Canadians, although the mutation can occur in any ethnic group. Among Ashkenazim, the carrier frequency is ~1 in 25.

Screening programs to identify carriers have been conducted since the 1970s. These programs, relying on the measurement of hex activity in serum or isolated leukocytes, have virtually eradicated the disease among this population. In the past 10 years most infants dx’d with TSD have been non-Jewish or have had one Jewish and one non-Jewish parent. Thus, screening of couples in whom one member is Ashkenazi Jewish is recommended.

Preferred Response: B The deficiency of HexA activity results in

accumulation of GM2 gangliosides in the CNS, liver, and spleen. Following a 6 to 9 month period of normal development, affected infants present with hypotonia, apathy, developmental delay, and an exaggerated startle response. Exam reveals a cherry red spot in the maculae, which represents lipid accumulation in the ganglion cells (cherry red spots are also seen in Type I GM1 gangliosidosis and Niemann-Pick disease). Macrocephaly is common after age 1. The disease progresses rapidly, with death occurring by 5 years.

The genes encoding HexA has been mapped, and specific mutations have been identified, including several that are common among Ashkenazim.

Next Pt. in Metab Clinic:You’re seeing a 3 y.o. with Hunter syndrome (MPS-2) for F/U. His parents tell you the boy’s newborn brother has just been dx’d with this same disorder, and they’ve heard that bone marrow transplant-ation can “cure” the baby of his condition. Of the following, the statement you are MOST likely to include in a discussion of transplantation for Hunter syndrome and other inborn errors of metabolism is thatA. family members who are carriers of the disorder cannot be donorsB. infections are less common than in patients who have a hematologic disorderC. it is contraindicated in disorders that include adverse neurologic symptomsD. it never has been successful in the treatment of enzyme deficiency disordersE. successful transplantation may halt disease progression for some disorders

Preferred Response: E Organ & bone marrow transplantation

(BMT) may halt progression of some metabolic disorders. Because more effective immunosuppressants have been developed & there are no other effective treatment strategies, BMT has been used increasingly. Each case must be considered individually and parents must be provided with detailed info about associated morbidity and mortality to permit them to make an informed decision.

Sometimes, BMT is undertaken to provide a source of enzyme that’s not produced in sufficient quantities. For example, it’s been used successfully in pts with ADA deficiency. Sometimes, organ tx replaces an organ that’s been damaged by the disease process (ie liver tx. in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, and renal tx in cystinosis).

Preferred Response: E BMT in pts with inherited metabolic disorders

carries the same risks as when performed for other indications. Risks include: infection; graft-versus-host disease; and rejection. Identifying a histocompatible donor frequently requires that a donor from within the family be considered. Because most inherited metabolic disorders are transmitted as AR traits, the parents of affected children are obligate carriers, and unaffected siblings have 2/3 chance of being carriers.

Carriers are acceptable donors. Because BMT is associated with high rates of

morbidity and mortality, selection of appropriate candidates is important. In particular, there has been controversy over whether patients with metabolic disorders that include neurologic symptoms should be candidates. Recent studies with Hurler patients (MPS-IH) indicate that BMT can be beneficial despite the presence of adverse neurologic symptoms. Particularly when the diagnosis is made early and the transplantation is carried out shortly thereafter, improved neurologic function and increased survival have been reported.

Next Pt. in Metab Clinic:You are called down to the ED to see a previously healthy 2 y.o. boy who was brought to the ED by his mother, who reported that he has had a cold and fever for the past 2 days. He has been taking only small amounts of juice and no solid foods. When she tried to arouse him after his nap today, he was lethargic and unresponsive. Results of laboratory studies include a glucose concentration of 40 mg/dL, an ammonia level of 200 mcg/dL, and an arterial blood pH of 7.4.At this time, the MOST important study to obtain is

1 2 3 4 5

0% 0% 0%0%0%

1. plasma acylcarnitine profile2. plasma insulin levels3. serum acetylsalicylic acid

concentration4. urine and stool porphyrins5. urine organic acids 10

Preferred Response: A This clinical presentation is typical of one of the fatty

acid oxidation defects, AR traits that represent defects in mitochondrial beta-oxidation of fatty acids (MBOFA) and include defects in plasma membrane carnitine transport; carnitine palmityl transferase I and II deficiency (CPTI, CPTII); and long-chain, medium-chain, and short-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiencies.

Of these, MCAD (medium-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency) is most common. Pts usually presents by age 2 with lethargy after fasting, typically associated with a URI or AGE. Lab findings during illness include hypoketotic hypoglycemia and hyperammonemia. Definitive dx requires that the plasma acylcarnitine profile be determined. Because dx is complex, consultation with a biochemical geneticist is recommended.

MBOFA includes > 20 steps and requires metabolism of carnitine for the transport of LCFA into mitochondria. Because MBOFA for the production of energy is only required during periods of fasting, clinical manifestations do not become apparent unless substantial fasting has occurred. Thus, there can be great heterogeneity in clinical course.

Preferred Response: A Between episodes of illness, affected pts are

normal. Unfortunately, the 1st episode may result in death and is frequently mis-dx’d as Reye syndrome or SIDS. Correct dx is essential for both proper Rx and genetic counseling. Treatment includes avoidance of fasting, carnitine supplementation, and dextrose during acute episodes.

Molecular diagnosis of MCAD is available; > 90% of mutant alleles are accounted for by a single point mutation in the MCAD gene.

Wrong answers: An organic acidemia should be suspected in pts presenting

with hypoglycemia and hyperammonemia in the presence of metabolic acidosis.

Plasma insulin levels should be obtained in a child suspected of having hyperinsulinemia, which may cause hypoglycemia but usually is not associated with hyperammonemia.

Urine and stool porphyrin analysis is useful in the diagnosis of the porphyrias,

Acetylsalicylic acid poisoning usually presents with hyperventilation and dehydration, but hyperammonemia is not typical.

GENETICS CLINIC IS OVER.

NOW COMES MILLER TIME!