Use of nutritional devices in Cornelia de Lange syndrome: Data from a large Italian cohort

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a genetic condition characterized by intellectual disability, peculiar facial dysmorphisms, multiorgan malformations, and growth problems. Majority cases of CdLS are caused by mutations in genes of Cohesin pathway. Although feeding problems are a well-known feature, no specific data have been published about the use of nutritional devices. We analyzed use, type, time of introduction, and duration of nutritional devices in 73 CdLS patients. In total, 29/73 (40%) used a device; nasogastric tube (NGT) in 28/73 (38%) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in 7/73 (10%). NGT was placed during the first days/weeks of life. 19/28 (68%) maintained it for less than 3 months, 7/28 (25%) for a period between 3 and 12 months, while 2/28 (7%) for more than 1 year. PEG was placed within the first year in 4/7 (57%) and removed in two patients after 4 years These data have been matched with a wide number of genetic and clinical variables. Presence of upper limb malformations is positively correlated with the need of a device. From the opposite side, the use of a device positively correlates with a more severe prognosis as regard growth, intellectual development and disease severity. Our data show that nutritional devices are frequently used by CdLS patients, also if the majority of them (93.1%) succeed with time in achieving a normal oral nutrition. Finally, the need, the type of device used and the duration of NGT or/plus PEG can be considered a further sign of worse prognosis of the disease itself

Adolescents and adults affected by Cornelia de Lange syndrome: a report of 73 Italian patients

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic condition related to mutation of various cohesion complex related genes. Its natural history is quite well characterized as regard pediatric age. Relatively little information is available regarding the evolution of the disease in young-adult age. In medical literature, only one specific study has been published on this topic. We report on our experience on 73 Italian CdLS patients (40 males and 33 females) with and age range from 15 to 49 years. Our results confirm the previous study indicating that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the main medical problem of these patients in childhood and young-adult age. Other medical features that should be considered in the medical follow-up are tendency to overweight/frank obesity, constipation, discrepancy of limbs\u2019 length, epilepsy, hearing, and visual problems. Behavioral problems are particularly frequent as well. For this reason, every source of hidden pain should be actively searched for in evaluating a patient showing such a disorder. Finally, recommendations for medical follow-up in adult age are discussed