Decreased bone density and treatment in patients with autosomal recessive cutis laxa

Aim: Due to the occasional association pathological fractures and osteoporosis we evaluated four patients with cutis laxa syndrome for skeletal anomalies.
Patient/Methods: We prospectively evaluated four patients, a male and a female child and a brother-sister sib pair, with dysmorphic features, growth delay, joint anomalies, psychomotor retardation and congenital cutis laxa. The clinical features and the family history were suggestive for autosomal recessive cutis laxa syndrome type II, partially overlapping with geroderma ostedysplastica. Skeletal survey, sequential bone density measurements, endocrine and metabolic investigations were performed including N- and O-linked glycosylation analysis. ATP6V0A2 and FBLN5 mutations were ruled out in all patients.
Results: All children were diagnosed with significantly decreased bone density, especially in the lumbar spine, including spontaneous vertebral and rib fractures in three children. Following 24 months of bisphosphonate treatment a total restitution of bone density was observed in three cases and no relapse was detected in the 2-year follow-up period. A spontaneous improvement was found in one female during puberty.
Conclusion: Bone disease might occur early in the course in autosomal recessive cutis laxa syndrome. We report on a significant clinical improvement and stabilization in our patients following bisphosphonate therapy. We suggest early, systemic evaluation and follow up of bone density in all children presenting with inherited cutis laxa.     

Cutis laxa with frontoparietal cortical malformation: a novel type of congenital disorder of glycosylation.

This report describes a female infant with cutis laxa, short stature, microcephaly, wide anterior fontanel and bifrontal cortical malformation. Isoelectrofocusing of plasma transferrin and apolipoprotein C-III showed abnormal patterns suggesting defective N- and O-glycosylation. Together with recently reported patients, this patient represents a novel type of congenital disorder of glycosylation.     

Congenital cutis laxa syndrome: type II autosomal recessive inheritance

Cutis laxa is a term that refers to markedly loose skin that is not hyperelastic. It is regarded as a genetically heterogeneous group of diseases and is presently divided into five types. We report a male patient with type II autosomal recessive disease. The patient was the third child of first-cousin consanguineous, healthy parents. His two siblings died a few hours after birth. One of the siblings also had similar features and wrinkled skin. Our case had markedly loose and wrinkled skin especially over the dorsum of the hands and feet, and on the face and abdomen, dolichocephaly, hypertelorism, blepharochalasis, long filtrum, pectus excavatus, large fontanelles, prominent low-set ears and umbilical hernia. These findings and skin biopsy were consistent with cutis laxa syndrome. In addition to these findings, consanguinity, atypical facies, large fontanelles and umbilical hernia were typical manifestations of type II autosomal recessive cutis laxa.     

Cutis laxa with delayed development

Two forms of cutis laxa are well delineated. One is a dominant benign disorder in which the greatest impact is on the skin, and the second is an autosomal recessive variety with serious lung involvement and early death. A third form of cutis laxa of intermediate severity, associated with mental and growth retardation, has been described. We report seven patients with this intermediate form. All patients showed marked skin changes early in life and had some degree of mental retardation which ultimately proved less severe than it appeared at presentation.
Previous reports have suggested that this disorder occurs in females and may be an X-linked dominant condition which is lethal in males. The finding of four affected males in this series makes this explanation unlikely. As consanguinity and affected sibs have been reported previously it is probably an autosomal recessive disorder.     

Cutis laxa with delayed development

Two forms of cutis laxa are well delineated. One is a dominant benign disorder in which the greatest impact is on the skin, and the second is an autosomal recessive variety with serious lung involvement and early death. A third form of cutis laxa of intermediate severity, associated with mental and growth retardation, has been described. We report seven patients with this intermediate form. All patients showed marked skin changes early in life and had some degree of mental retardation which ultimately proved less severe than it appeared at presentation. Previous reports have suggested that this disorder occurs in females and may be an X-linked dominant condition which is lethal in males. The finding of four affected males in this series makes this explanation unlikely. As consanguinity and affected sibs have been reported previously it is probably an autosomal recessive disorder.     

De Barsy syndrome—an autosomal recessive,progeroid syndrome

We report two families with seven siblings with de Barsy syndrome. Characteristic features include severe mental retardation, hypermobility with athetoid movements, grimacing, muscular hypotonia, laxity of small joints and brisk deep tendon reflexes, progeroid aspect with cutis laxa, atrophy of skin with hyperpigmentation, isolated depigmentations, reduction of subcutaneous fatty tissue, translucent vein pattern, short stature, frontal bossing in the young child, large prominent ears with dysplastic helices and corneal coulding or cataracts. The syndrome probably has autosomal recessive inheritance.Dedicated to Prof. H.-R. Wiedemann on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

Brain malformations associated to Aldh7a1 gene mutations: Report of a novel homozygous mutation and literature review

Background

The ALDH7A1 gene is known to be responsible for autosomal recessive pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (OMIM 266100). The phenotypic spectrum of ALDH7A1 mutations is very heterogeneous ranging from refractory epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delay, to multisystem neonatal disorder.

Phenotypic and genotypic variability in Alpers syndrome

BackgroundAlpers syndrome is one of the most common phenotypes of mitochondrial disorders in early childhood and has been associated with pathogenic mutations in POLG1.AimsTo investigate the phenotypic–genotypic correlations in Alpers syndrome and to identify potential differences among patients with Alpers syndrome with or without pathogenic POLG1 mutations.MethodsPatients with the phenotype of Alpers syndrome who were referred to our pediatric hospital during 1984–2007 and were diagnosed with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy underwent further biochemical, morphological and genetic investigations.ResultsA total of 19 patients were included in the study, of whom six had pathogenic POLG1 mutations including a novel mutation (c.907 G > A, p.Gly303Arg). Complete mtDNA sequencing in the subgroup without POLG1 mutations showed 5 novel and 5 very rare mtDNA variants considered as rare polymorphisms. Compared to POLG1(?) patients, the POLG1(+) patients more frequently had seizures at onset, which often became refractory. Ataxia and stroke-like episodes were much more common, while microcephaly and spasticity were encountered almost solely in the POLG1(?) group. Hepatic and ophthalmological involvement developed in 79% and 88% of patients, respectively. Most of the patients in both groups had predominant deficiency of complex I. In addition to the major degenerative changes in the cerebral cortex, the basal ganglia, thalamus and white matter were also involved to variable extent.ConclusionAlpers syndrome is a heterogeneous syndrome that should be considered in patients with early-onset progressive cortical encephalopathy regardless of liver involvement. The phenotype is different depending on the presence or absence of POLG1 mutations.     

Cutis laxa, growth retardation and hip dislocation in a Sudanese child.

This case report describes the rare variant of autosomal recessive cutis laxa with bone dystrophy in a Sudanese child. The clinical features include cutis laxa, growth and development retardation, facial dysmorphism, hyperextensible joints, dislocation of the hips and a large umbilical hernia.     

Cutis laxa syndrome. Clinical, histologic and ultrastructural study of a new variant

Cutis laxa (generalized elastolysis) is a rare systemic disorder of connective tissue, whose elastic fibers appear fragmented and disorganized. The present study reports an undescribed form of cutis laxa in an infant male with loose and inelastic skin, osteoporosis, pulmonary emphysema and dislocation of the hip. The clinical features and the inheritance patterns of the various forms of cutis laxa are also discussed.     

Sotos syndrome: a novel nonsense mutation in NSD1 gene, presenting with neonatal cutis laxa

Sotos syndrome is an overgrowth condition characterized by facial gestalt, macrocephaly, excessive height, and different degrees of developmental delay. We report the case of a 20-month-old boy with a confirmatory molecular study, showing a novel nonsense mutation in NSD1 gene, presenting cutis laxa as the main phenotypic trait in the neonatal period. This association has been previously described in 3 patients with a clinical diagnosis of Sotos syndrome, without confirmatory molecular analysis. Our patient was tested for congenital disorders of glycosilation as part of the cutis laxa differential diagnosis. During the postnatal follow-up period the head circumference and height became greater than 97(th) percentile (having been close to the 50(th) in the newborn period). These facts and the progressive development of characteristic phenotypic features of Sotos syndrome during the first months of life gave us the clue for the clinical diagnosis and the molecular investigation.     

TWO FORMS OF CUTIS LAXA PRESENTING IN THE NEWBORN PERIOD

ABSTRACT. Two infants are described with congenital cutis laxa. They represent two distinct disorders. In the first, congenital cutis laxa is associated with a generalized disorder of elastic tissue in which there may be diaphragmatic or other hernias, diverticula of the gastrointestinal or urinary tract and infantile emphysema. The disease is fatal often within the first year. In the second, congenital cutis laxa is associated with widely patent anterior fontanel, a variety of malformations, and retarded growth and development. Recognition of these distinct syndromes in the newborn period and their recessive inheritance permit realistic discussion of the prognosis which is very different from the benign dominant forms of cutis laxa.     

Two forms of cutis laxa presenting in the newborn period.

Two infants are described with congenital cutis laxa. They represent two distinct disorders. In the first, congenital cutis laxa is associated with a generalized disorder of elastic tissue in which there may be diaphragmatic or other hernias, diverticula of the gastrointestinal or urinary tract and infantile emphysema. The disease is fatal often within the first year. In the second, congenital cutis laxa is associated with widely patent anterior fontanel, a variety of malformations, and retarded growth and development. Recognition of these distinct syndromes in the newborn period and their recessive inheritance permit realistic discussion of the prognosis which is very different from the benign dominant forms of cutis laxa.     

Thin genu of the corpus callosum points to mutation in FOXG1 in a child with acquired microcephaly,trigonocephaly, and intellectual developmental disorder: A case report and review of literature

The FOXG1 syndrome is emerging as a relative new entity in paediatric neurology. We report a boy with acquired microcephaly, mental retardation and a thin genu of the corpus callosum. The combination of these findings led to mutation analysis of FOXG1. The patient was found to be heterozygous for a novel mutation in FOXG1, c.506dup (p.Lys170GInfsX285), which occurred de novo. This frameshift mutation disturbs the three functional domains of the FOXG1 gene.Hypo- or agenesis of the anterior corpus callosum in combination with acquired microcephaly and neurologic impairment can be an important clue for identifying patients with a mutation in FOXG1.     

Clinical and molecular features of congenital disorder of glycosylation in patients with type 1 sialotransferrin pattern and diverse ethnic origins

OBJECTIVE: To increase awareness of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), we report the features of patients with a variety of clinical presentations ranging from mild hypotonia and strabismus to severe neurologic impairment. STUDY DESIGN: Nine North American patients with CDG type I and different ethnic origins were studied. RESULTS: All patients had transferrin isoelectric focusing studies with a type 1 sialotransferrin pattern. Molecular analysis showed the previously described R141H, V231M, and T237M PMM2 mutations in four patients as well as 3 rare mutations (DeltaC389, L104V, and IVS1 -1 G-->A) in the PMM2 gene in two Asian patients. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical features of these patients with diverse ethnic backgrounds confirm the variable course of CDG type I. Screening for CDG should be considered in children with relatively mild neurologic impairment, especially if they have suggestive findings such as cerebellar hypoplasia and abnormal fat distribution.     

Novel therapy for pyridoxine dependent epilepsy due to ALDH7A1 genetic defect: l-arginine supplementation alternative to lysine-restricted diet

Background and hypothesisPyridoxine dependent epilepsy (PDE) due to mutations in the ALDH7A1 gene (PDE-ALDH7A1) is caused by α-aminoadipic-semialdehyde-dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency in the lysine pathway resulting in the accumulation of α-aminoadipic acid semialdehyde (α-AASA). Classical presentation is neonatal intractable seizures with a dramatic response to pyridoxine. Pyridoxine therapy does not prevent developmental delays in the majority of the patients. We hypothesized that l-arginine supplementation will decrease accumulation of α-AASA by competitive inhibition of lysine transport into the central nervous system and improve neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive functions in PDE-ALDH7A1.MethodsA 12-year-old male with PDE-ALDH7A1 was treated with l-arginine supplementation as an innovative therapy. Treatment outcome was monitored by cerebral-spinal-fluid (CSF) α-AASA measurements at baseline, 6th and 12th months of therapy. Neuropsychological assessments were performed at baseline and 12th months of therapy.Resultsl-arginine therapy was well tolerated without side effects. CSF α-AASA was decreased 57% at 12th months of therapy. Neuropsychological assessments revealed improvements in general abilities index from 108 to 116 and improvements in verbal and motor functioning at 12th months of therapy.ConclusionThe short-term treatment outcome of this novel l-arginine supplementation therapy for PDE-ALDH7A1 was successful for biochemical and neurocognitive improvements.     

A concurrent occurrence of cutis laxa,Dandy-Walker syndrome and immunodeficiency in a girl

We report on a 17-y-old girl with inherited cutis laxa, immunodeficiency and Dandy-Walker syndrome. Immunodeficiency manifested itself by decreased and fluctuating levels of IgG, IgA and IgM and intermittent leucopenia causing increased susceptibility to respiratory tract infections. Dandy-Walker syndrome (agenesis of the cerebellar vermis with a large posterior fossa cyst communicating with an enlarged 4th ventricle) was shown on a CT scan but with the exception of macrocrania, no typical signs or symptoms were observed at the age of 17. Loose hyperextensible skin with pendulous skinfolds as a manifestation of cutis laxa was observed from birth. Anomalies of the right pulmonary artery, abnormal branching of the left arteria subclavia (arteria lusoria) from the left aortic arch and bicuspidal aortic valve were also present.

Conclusion: The combination of the rare disorders cutis laxa, Dandy-Walker syndrome and immunodeficiency is reported here for the first time.     

Costello syndrome: clinical aspects and tumor risk]

Costello syndrome is a sporadic development anomaly suggesting a genetic determinism. Main features include characteristic facial features, mental retardation, growth retardation, cutis laxa, heart malformation, and peri-orificial papillomata. In previous reported cases, the frequency of tumors is 15%, which argues for a screening protocol. The occurrence of a tumor in a child with growth retardation and cutis laxa must be reminiscent of Costello syndrome. The determinism of this syndrome is still unknown, and the hypothesis of an inactivation of a tumor suppressor gene is to be considered.     

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 1 for the neuropediatrician: Genotype–phenotype correlations and diagnostic guidelines based on new cases and overview of the literature

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 1 (PCH1) is a major cause of non-5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We screened 128 SMN1-negative SMA patients from Bulgaria for a frequent mutation -p.G31A in EXOSC3, and performed a literature review of all genetically verified PCH1 cases.Homozygous p.G31A/EXOSC3 mutation was identified in 14 Roma patients, representing three fourths of all our SMN1-negative Roma SMA cases. The phenotype of the p.G31A/EXOSC3 homozygotes was compared to the clinical presentation of all reported to date genetically verified PCH1 cases. Signs of antenatal onset of disease present at birth were common in all PCH1 sub-types except in the homozygous p.D132A/EXOSC3 patients. The PCH1sub-types with early death (between ages 1 day and 17 months), seen in patients with p.G31A/EXOSC3 or SLC25A46 mutations have a SMA type 1-like clinical presentation but with global developmental delay, visual and hearing impairment, with or without microcephaly, nystagmus and optic atrophy. Mutations with milder presentation (homozygous p.D132A/EXOSC3 or VRK1) may display additionally signs of upper motor neuron impairment, dystonia or ataxia and die at age between 5 and 18 years. Other EXOSC3 mutations and EXOSC8 cases are intermediate - SMA type 1-like presentation, spasticity (mostly in EXOSC8) and death between 3 months and 5 years. There is no correlation between neurological onset and duration of life. We add marble-like skin and congenital laryngeal stridor as features of PCH1. We show that imaging signs of cerebellar and pontine hypoplasia may be missing early in infancy. EMG signs of anterior horn neuronopathy may be missing in PCH1 patients with SLC25A46 mutations. Thus, there is considerable phenotypic variability in PCH1, with some cases being more SMA-like, than PCH-like. Detailed clinical evaluation and ethnicity background may guide genetic testing and subsequent genetic counseling.     

Severe aortopathy due to fibulin-4 deficiency: molecular insights,surgical strategy,and a review of the literature

Mutations in the EFEMP2 (alias FBLN4) gene, which encodes the extracellular matrix protein fibulin-4, lead to severe aortopathy with aneurysm formation and vascular tortuosity. The disease phenotype, termed autosomal recessive cutis laxa type 1B (ARCL 1B), is rare among heritable connective tissue diseases but becomes more likely when noting family consanguinity and loose, inelastic skin in the patient. Our patient presented with an intercurrent illness exacerbating upper airway obstruction due to compression from a large aortic aneurysm. Genetic testing eventually revealed the causative mutation. She was initially treated with an angiotensin II receptor blocker and beta-blocker and eventually underwent total thoracic aortic replacement via a two-stage elephant trunk-type procedure. She recovered well and is currently asymptomatic but will require lifetime follow-up due to residual vascular tortuosity and aneurysm risk. Conclusion: Better understanding of the importance of transforming growth factor beta signaling in the pathophysiology of aortopathies such as ARCL 1B has led to targeted medical therapies. Specific surgical techniques can lead to optimal outcomes in these patients.