Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity symptoms in early-treated phenylketonuria patients

 ObjectivesTo assess the presence of symptoms consistent with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD) in all patients with early-treated phenylketonuria (PKU) in the State ofSanta Catarina in southernBrazil.Materials & MethodsAll of the patients diagnosed with PKU by newborn-screening tests, with ages varying from 6 to 18 years and who started treatment before 60 days of life and presented phenylalanine levels consistently below 6 mg/dL throughout treatment, were included. The subjects were invited to complete a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic, gestational and clinical data. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the revision of the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Questionnaire.Results: A total of 34 patients were evaluated, who were 53% male and 94% white and had an average age of 12 years, and 15% were born premature. According to the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Questionnaire, 13 patients (38%) met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, with 2 patients having the inattentive type, 6 patients having the hyperactive or impulsive type and 1 patient having the oppositional defiant disorder type.Conclusion:Although the patients with PKU were regularly treated from birth, there was a high prevalence of symptoms consistent with ADHD. A pathophysiological interface that involves the dopamine metabolic pathway may exist between the two conditions

Initial clinical presentation in cases of inborn errors of metabolism in a reference children's hospital : still a diagnostic challenge

Objetivo: Avaliar a apresentação clínica inicial dos casos com diagnóstico confirmado de erros inatos do metabolismo (EIM) em um serviço de referência em atendimento pediátrico. Métodos: Estudo clínico, observacional, com delineamento transversal e de coleta retrospectiva em consulta ambulatorial de 2009 a 2013. Critério de inclusão: paciente encaminhado para investigação de EIM. Critério de exclusão: diagnóstico prévio de EIM. Variáveis analisadas: dados de identificação; situação atual da investigação diagnóstica; história familiar; apresentação clínica inicial; alterações laboratoriais. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva Resultados: Incluídos 144 pacientes, sendo 62,5% do sexo masculino. A mediana de idade foi de 2,6 anos e a média de 4,3 ± 4,7 anos. Doze pacientes (8,3%) tiveram o diagnóstico confirmado (três com aminoacidopatias, três com acidemias orgânicas, dois com distúrbios do ciclo da ureia e quatro com doenças de depósito lisossômico). Déficit cognitivo e convulsões foram os sinais e sintomas iniciais; seguidos de retardo de crescimento, atraso do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, convulsões e hepatomegalia. As principais alterações laboratoriais encontradas foram hiperamonemia e acidose metabólica. Conclusões: O diagnóstico dos EIM ainda traz desafios à prática pediátrica. Neste estudo foram identificados os seguintes fatores: dificuldade de acesso aos exames laboratoriais específicos, reduzido número de especialistas e pouca difusão do conhecimento nas faculdades da área da saúde. O diagnóstico precoce dos EIM tem impacto fundamental no tratamento e prevenção das sequelas, devendo ser considerado já nas hipóteses diagnósticas iniciais.Objective: To assess the initial clinical presentation of confirmed cases of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) at a reference facility for pediatric care. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study with data collection of outpatients, from January 2009 to December 2013. Inclusion criterion: referral to IEM investigation. Exclusion criterion: prior diagnosis of IEM. Analyzed variables: identification data; status of diagnostic investigation; family history of IEM; initial clinical presentation, laboratory abnormalities related to the hypothesis of IEM. Descriptive statistical methods were used in the data analysis. Results: We included 144 patients in the study, of which 62.5% were male. The mean and median ages were, respectively, 4.3 ± 4.7 years and 2.6 years. Twelve patients (8.3%) had a confirmed diagnosis of IEM (three with aminoacidopathies, three with organic acidemias, two with urea cycle disorders and four with lysosomal storage diseases). Cognitive impairment and seizures were the initial signs and symptoms, followed by growth retardation, neuropsychomotor developmental delay, seizures and hepatomegaly. The main laboratory abnormalities in the diagnosis were hyperammonemia and metabolic acidosis. Conclusions: The diagnosis of IEM still creates challenges to the pediatric practice. In this study, we identified the following factors: difficulty to access specific laboratory tests, reduced number of experts and poor dissemination of knowledge among healthcare schools. The early diagnosis of IEM majorly impacts the treatment and prevention of sequelae and should be considered in the initial diagnostic hypotheses

Neuroradiological Findings of an Adolescent with Early Treated Phenylketonuria: Is Phenylalanine Restriction Enough?

Phenylketonuria is caused by mutations in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase gene, that can result in abnormal concentrations of phenylalanine on blood, resulting in metabolites that can cause brain damage. The treatment is based on dietary restriction of phenylalanine, and noncompliance with treatment may result in damage of the brain function. Brain abnormalities can be seen on magnetic resonance imaging of these individuals. Studies indicate that the appearance of abnormalities in white matter reflects high levels of phenylalanine on the blood. This case will show the clinical and neuroradiological aspects of a teenager with constant control of phenylalanine levels. Despite the continuous monitoring and early treatment, the magnetic resonance imaging identified impressive abnormalities in the white matter. This leads us to one question: is the restriction of phenylalanine sufficient to prevent changes in the white matter in patients with phenylketonuria

Initial clinical presentation in cases of inborn errors of metabolism in a reference children's hospital : still a diagnostic challenge

Objetivo: Avaliar a apresentação clínica inicial dos casos com diagnóstico confirmado de erros inatos do metabolismo (EIM) em um serviço de referência em atendimento pediátrico. Métodos: Estudo clínico, observacional, com delineamento transversal e de coleta retrospectiva em consulta ambulatorial de 2009 a 2013. Critério de inclusão: paciente encaminhado para investigação de EIM. Critério de exclusão: diagnóstico prévio de EIM. Variáveis analisadas: dados de identificação; situação atual da investigação diagnóstica; história familiar; apresentação clínica inicial; alterações laboratoriais. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva Resultados: Incluídos 144 pacientes, sendo 62,5% do sexo masculino. A mediana de idade foi de 2,6 anos e a média de 4,3 ± 4,7 anos. Doze pacientes (8,3%) tiveram o diagnóstico confirmado (três com aminoacidopatias, três com acidemias orgânicas, dois com distúrbios do ciclo da ureia e quatro com doenças de depósito lisossômico). Déficit cognitivo e convulsões foram os sinais e sintomas iniciais; seguidos de retardo de crescimento, atraso do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, convulsões e hepatomegalia. As principais alterações laboratoriais encontradas foram hiperamonemia e acidose metabólica. Conclusões: O diagnóstico dos EIM ainda traz desafios à prática pediátrica. Neste estudo foram identificados os seguintes fatores: dificuldade de acesso aos exames laboratoriais específicos, reduzido número de especialistas e pouca difusão do conhecimento nas faculdades da área da saúde. O diagnóstico precoce dos EIM tem impacto fundamental no tratamento e prevenção das sequelas, devendo ser considerado já nas hipóteses diagnósticas iniciais.Objective: To assess the initial clinical presentation of confirmed cases of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) at a reference facility for pediatric care. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study with data collection of outpatients, from January 2009 to December 2013. Inclusion criterion: referral to IEM investigation. Exclusion criterion: prior diagnosis of IEM. Analyzed variables: identification data; status of diagnostic investigation; family history of IEM; initial clinical presentation, laboratory abnormalities related to the hypothesis of IEM. Descriptive statistical methods were used in the data analysis. Results: We included 144 patients in the study, of which 62.5% were male. The mean and median ages were, respectively, 4.3 ± 4.7 years and 2.6 years. Twelve patients (8.3%) had a confirmed diagnosis of IEM (three with aminoacidopathies, three with organic acidemias, two with urea cycle disorders and four with lysosomal storage diseases). Cognitive impairment and seizures were the initial signs and symptoms, followed by growth retardation, neuropsychomotor developmental delay, seizures and hepatomegaly. The main laboratory abnormalities in the diagnosis were hyperammonemia and metabolic acidosis. Conclusions: The diagnosis of IEM still creates challenges to the pediatric practice. In this study, we identified the following factors: difficulty to access specific laboratory tests, reduced number of experts and poor dissemination of knowledge among healthcare schools. The early diagnosis of IEM majorly impacts the treatment and prevention of sequelae and should be considered in the initial diagnostic hypotheses

APRESENTAÇÃO CLÍNICA INICIAL DOS CASOS DE ERROS INATOS DO METABOLISMO DE UM HOSPITAL PEDIÁTRICO DE REFERÊNCIA: AINDA UM DESAFIO DIAGNÓSTICO

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a apresentação clínica inicial dos casos com diagnóstico confirmado de erros inatos do metabolismo (EIM) em um serviço de referência em atendimento pediátrico. Métodos: Estudo clínico, observacional, com delineamento transversal e de coleta retrospectiva em consulta ambulatorial de 2009 a 2013. Critério de inclusão: paciente encaminhado para investigação de EIM. Critério de exclusão: diagnóstico prévio de EIM. Variáveis analisadas: dados de identificação; situação atual da investigação diagnóstica; história familiar; apresentação clínica inicial; alterações laboratoriais. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva Resultados: Incluídos 144 pacientes, sendo 62,5% do sexo masculino. A mediana de idade foi de 2,6 anos e a média de 4,3 ± 4,7 anos. Doze pacientes (8,3%) tiveram o diagnóstico confirmado (três com aminoacidopatias, três com acidemias orgânicas, dois com distúrbios do ciclo da ureia e quatro com doenças de depósito lisossômico). Déficit cognitivo e convulsões foram os sinais e sintomas iniciais; seguidos de retardo de crescimento, atraso do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, convulsões e hepatomegalia. As principais alterações laboratoriais encontradas foram hiperamonemia e acidose metabólica. Conclusões: O diagnóstico dos EIM ainda traz desafios à prática pediátrica. Neste estudo foram identificados os seguintes fatores: dificuldade de acesso aos exames laboratoriais específicos, reduzido número de especialistas e pouca difusão do conhecimento nas faculdades da área da saúde. O diagnóstico precoce dos EIM tem impacto fundamental no tratamento e prevenção das sequelas, devendo ser considerado já nas hipóteses diagnósticas iniciais

Long contiguous stretches of homozygosity detected by chromosomal microarrays (CMA) in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders in the South of Brazil

Abstract Background Currently, chromosomal microarrays (CMA) are recommended as first-tier test in the investigation of developmental disorders to examine copy number variations. The modern platforms also include probes for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that detect homozygous regions in the genome, such as long contiguous stretches of homozygosity (LCSH) also named runs of homozygosity (ROH). LCHS are chromosomal segments resulting from complete or segmental chromosomal homozygosity, which may be indicative of uniparental disomy (UPD), consanguinity, as well as replicative DNA repair events, however also are common findings in normal populations. Knowing common LCSH of a population, which probably represent ancestral haplotypes of low-recombination regions in the genome, facilitates the interpretation of LCSH found in patients, allowing to prioritize those with possible clinical significance. However, population records of ancestral haplotype derived LCSH by SNP arrays are still scarce, particularly for countries such as Brazil where even for the clinic, microarrays that include SNPs are difficult to request due to their high cost. Methods In this study, we evaluate the frequencies and implications of LCSH detected by Affymetrix CytoScan® HD or 750 K platforms in 430 patients with neurodevelopmental disorders in southern Brazil. LCSH were analyzed in the context of pathogenic significance and also explored to identify ancestral haplotype derived LCSH. The criteria for considering a region as LCSH was homozygosis ≥3 Mbp on an autosome. Results In 95% of the patients, at least one LCSH was detected, a total of 1478 LCSH in 407 patients. In 2.6%, the findings were suggestive of UPD. For about 8.5% LCSH suggest offspring from first to fifth grade, more likely to have a clinical impact. Considering recurrent LCSH found at a frequency of 5% or more, we outline 11 regions as potentially representing ancestral haplotypes in our population. The region most involved with homozygosity was 16p11.2p11.1 (49%), followed by 1q21.2q21.3 (21%), 11p11.2p11.12 (19%), 3p21.31p21.2 (16%), 15q15 1q33p32.3 (12%), 2q11.1q12.1 (9%), 1p33p32.3 (6%), 20q11.21q11.23 (6%), 10q22.1q23.31 (5%), 6p22.2p22 (5%), and 7q11.22q11.23 (5%). Conclusions In this work, we show the importance and usefulness of interpreting LCSH in the results of CMA wich incorporate SNPs

Biotinidase deficiency : clinical and genetic studies of 38 Brazilian patients

Background: Biotinidase deficiency (BD) is an inborn error of metabolism in which some genetic variants correlate with the level of enzyme activity. Biotinidase activity, however, may be artifactually low due to enzyme lability, premature birth, and jaundice; this hinders both phenotypic classification and the decision to implement therapy. This study sought to characterize the clinical and genetic profile of a sample of Brazilian patients exhibiting reduced biotinidase activity. Methods: This observational, multicenter study used a convenience sampling strategy, with sequencing of exons 2, 3, and 4 of the BTD gene. Results: The sample comprised 38 individuals with biochemical phenotypes defined a priori on the basis of biotinidase activity in serum/plasma (2 with profound deficiency, 9 with partial deficiency, 15 heterozygous, 1 borderline between partial deficiency and heterozygosity, 2 borderline between heterozygous and normal) or dried blood spot sample (n = 9, all with unspecified deficiency). Most patients were from Southern Brazil (n = 29/38) and were identified by neonatal screening (n = 33/38). Parental consanguinity was reported in two cases. The most commonly found genetic variants were c.1330G > C (p.D444H), c.755A > G (p.D252G), and c.[511G > A;1330G > C] (p.[A171T;D444H]), with allele frequencies of 50%, 9.4%, and 5.4% respectively. Three novel pathogenic variants were identified (c.119 T > C or p.L40P, c.479G > A or p.C160Y, and c.664G > A or p.D222N). Twenty-nine patients had two pathogenic variants detected (with cis/trans status ascertained in 26/29), six had only one variant, and three had no pathogenic variants detected. Genotyping confirmed the original phenotypic classification based on enzyme activity in 16/26 cases. Three polymorphic variants were identified in control individuals, of which two were nonpathogenic (c.1171C > T or p.P391S and c.1413 T > C or p.C471C, with a frequency of 1.5% and 5.5% respectively) and one pathogenic (c.1330G > C, frequency 4%). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that partial BD is the most common form of BD in Brazil, and expand current knowledge on the allelic heterogeneity of this condition