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Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Non-invasive prenatal testing was first discovered in 1988; it was primarily thought to be able to detect common aneuploidies, such as Patau syndrome (T13), Edward... (Review)
Review
Non-invasive prenatal testing was first discovered in 1988; it was primarily thought to be able to detect common aneuploidies, such as Patau syndrome (T13), Edward Syndrome (T18), and Down syndrome (T21). It comprises a simple technique involving the analysis of cell-free foetal DNA (cffDNA) obtained through maternal serum, using advances in next-generation sequencing. NIPT has shown promise as a simple and low-risk screening test, leading various governments and private organizations worldwide to dedicate significant resources towards its integration into national healthcare initiatives as well as the formation of consortia and research studies aimed at standardizing its implementation. This article aims to review the reliability of NIPT while discussing the current challenges prevalent among different communities worldwide.
PubMed: 37568933
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13152570 -
Chromosome Research : An International... Aug 2023Mistakes in chromosome segregation leading to aneuploidy are the primary cause of miscarriages in humans. Excluding sex chromosomes, viable aneuploidies in humans... (Review)
Review
Mistakes in chromosome segregation leading to aneuploidy are the primary cause of miscarriages in humans. Excluding sex chromosomes, viable aneuploidies in humans include trisomies of chromosomes 21, 18, or 13, which cause Down, Edwards, or Patau syndromes, respectively. While individuals with trisomy 18 or 13 die soon after birth, people with Down syndrome live to adulthood but have intellectual disabilities and are prone to multiple diseases. At the cellular level, mistakes in the segregation of a single chromosome leading to a cell losing a chromosome are lethal. In contrast, the cell that gains a chromosome can survive. Several studies support the hypothesis that gaining an extra copy of a chromosome causes gene-specific phenotypes and phenotypes independent of the identity of the genes encoded within that chromosome. The latter, referred to as aneuploidy-associated phenotypes, are the focus of this review. Among the conserved aneuploidy-associated phenotypes observed in yeast and human cells are lower viability, increased gene expression, increased protein synthesis and turnover, abnormal nuclear morphology, and altered metabolism. Notably, abnormal nuclear morphology of aneuploid cells is associated with increased metabolic demand for de novo synthesis of sphingolipids. These findings reveal important insights into the possible pathological role of aneuploidy in Down syndrome. Despite the adverse effects on cell physiology, aneuploidy is a hallmark of cancer cells. Understanding how aneuploidy affects cell physiology can reveal insights into the selective pressure that aneuploid cancer cells must overcome to support unlimited proliferation.
Topics: Humans; Down Syndrome; Sex Chromosomes; Aneuploidy; Trisomy; Chromosome Segregation
PubMed: 37620607
DOI: 10.1007/s10577-023-09732-w -
Clinica Chimica Acta; International... Jan 2024This review article delves into the rapidly advancing domain of prenatal diagnostics, with a primary focus on the detection and management of chromosomal abnormalities... (Review)
Review
This review article delves into the rapidly advancing domain of prenatal diagnostics, with a primary focus on the detection and management of chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 13 ("Patau syndrome)", "trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)", and "trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)". The objective of the study is to examine the utilization and effectiveness of novel computational methodologies, such as "machine learning (ML)", "deep learning (DL)", and data analysis, in enhancing the detection rates and accuracy of these prenatal conditions. The contribution of the article lies in its comprehensive examination of advancements in "Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)", prenatal screening, genomics, and medical imaging. It highlights the potential of these techniques for prenatal diagnosis and the contributions of ML and DL to these advancements. It highlights the application of ensemble models and transfer learning to improving model performance, especially with limited datasets. This also delves into optimal feature selection and fusion of high-dimensional features, underscoring the need for future research in these areas. The review finds that ML and DL have substantially improved the detection and management of prenatal conditions, despite limitations such as small sample sizes and issues related to model generalizability. It recognizes the promising results achieved through the use of ensemble models and transfer learning in prenatal diagnostics. The review also notes the increased importance of feature selection and high-dimensional feature fusion in the development and training of predictive models. The findings underline the crucial role of AI and machine learning techniques in early detection and improved therapeutic strategies in prenatal diagnostics, highlighting a pressing need for further research in this area.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Chromosome Disorders; Artificial Intelligence; Down Syndrome; Prenatal Diagnosis; Chromosome Aberrations; Trisomy 18 Syndrome; Trisomy 13 Syndrome; Chromosomes; Trisomy
PubMed: 38007058
DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117669 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023Trisomy is the presence of one extra copy of an entire chromosome or its part in a cell nucleus. In humans, autosomal trisomies are associated with severe developmental...
Trisomy is the presence of one extra copy of an entire chromosome or its part in a cell nucleus. In humans, autosomal trisomies are associated with severe developmental abnormalities leading to embryonic lethality, miscarriage or pronounced deviations of various organs and systems at birth. Trisomies are characterized by alterations in gene expression level, not exclusively on the trisomic chromosome, but throughout the genome. Here, we applied the high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technique (Hi-C) to study chromatin 3D structure in human chorion cells carrying either additional chromosome 13 (Patau syndrome) or chromosome 16 and in cultured fibroblasts with extra chromosome 18 (Edwards syndrome). The presence of extra chromosomes results in systematic changes of contact frequencies between small and large chromosomes. Analyzing the behavior of individual chromosomes, we found that a limited number of chromosomes change their contact patterns stochastically in trisomic cells and that it could be associated with lamina-associated domains (LAD) and gene content. For trisomy 13 and 18, but not for trisomy 16, the proportion of compacted loci on a chromosome is correlated with LAD content. We also found that regions of the genome that become more compact in trisomic cells are enriched in housekeeping genes, indicating a possible decrease in chromatin accessibility and transcription level of these genes. These results provide a framework for understanding the mechanisms of pan-genome transcription dysregulation in trisomies in the context of chromatin spatial organization.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Trisomy; Cell Nucleus; Chromatin; Genetic Testing; Trisomy 13 Syndrome
PubMed: 38003233
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216044 -
Revista Paulista de Pediatria : Orgao... 2023To describe the newborn population with Patau (T13) and Edwards Syndrome (T18) with congenital heart diseases that stayed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a...
OBJECTIVE
To describe the newborn population with Patau (T13) and Edwards Syndrome (T18) with congenital heart diseases that stayed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a quaternary care hospital complex, regarding surgical and non-surgical medical procedures, palliative care, and outcomes.
METHODS
Descriptive case series conducted from January/2014 to December/2018 through analysis of records of patients with positive karyotype for T13 or T18 who stayed in the ICU of a quaternary hospital. Descriptive statistics analysis was applied.
RESULTS
33 records of eligible patients were identified: 27 with T18 (82%), and 6 T13 (18%); 64% female and 36% male. Eight were preterm infants with gestational age between 30-36 weeks (24%), and only 4 among the 33 infants had a birth weight >2500 g (12%). Four patients underwent heart surgery and one of them died. Intrahospital mortality was 83% for T13, and 59% for T18. The majority had other malformations and underwent other surgical procedures. Palliative care was offered to 54% of the patients. The median hospitalization time for T18 and T13 was 29 days (range: 2-304) and 25 days (13-58), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with T13 and T18 have high morbidity and mortality, and long hospital and ICU stays. Multicentric studies are needed to allow the analysis of important aspects for creating protocols that, seeking therapeutic proportionality, may bring better quality of life for patients and their families.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Male; Infant, Newborn; Female; Trisomy 18 Syndrome; Chromosome Disorders; Trisomy 13 Syndrome; Palliative Care; Quality of Life; Infant, Premature; Hospitals; Trisomy; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38088680
DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/2024/42/2023053 -
Current Opinion in Pediatrics Oct 2023To review the incidence of congenital heart disease in the trisomies, highlight the history of cardiac surgery in trisomy 21 comparing it to the increase in cardiac... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To review the incidence of congenital heart disease in the trisomies, highlight the history of cardiac surgery in trisomy 21 comparing it to the increase in cardiac surgery in trisomies 13 and 18, discuss ethical issues specific to trisomies 13 and 18, and suggest a pathway of shared decision-making in the management of congenital heart disease in trisomy 13 and 18, specifically congenital heart surgery.
RECENT FINDINGS
Congenital heart disease is prevalent in the trisomies and the management of these defects, especially surgical intervention, has changed. In the late 20th century, survival after cardiac surgery in trisomy 21 vastly improved, significantly decreasing morbidity and mortality secondary to pulmonary hypertension. Similarly, procedures and surgeries have been performed with increasing frequency in trisomy 13 and 18 patients and concomitantly, survival in this patient population is increasing. Yet across the United States, the willingness to perform cardiac surgery in trisomy 13 and 18 is variable, and there is ethical controversy about the correct action to take. To address this concern, a shared decision-making approach with an informed parent(s) is advised.
SUMMARY
As the care and management of congenital heart disease changed in trisomy 21, so too it has with trisomy 13 and 18. Physicians and parents should develop goal-directed treatment plans balancing the risk versus benefit and consider cardiac surgical repair if feasible and beneficial.
Topics: Humans; United States; Trisomy 13 Syndrome; Trisomy; Down Syndrome; Heart Defects, Congenital; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Trisomy 18 Syndrome
PubMed: 37551160
DOI: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000001278 -
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Aug 2023Patients with Trisomy 13(T13) and 18(T18) have many comorbidities that may require surgical intervention. However, surgical care and outcomes are not well described,...
BACKGROUND
Patients with Trisomy 13(T13) and 18(T18) have many comorbidities that may require surgical intervention. However, surgical care and outcomes are not well described, making patient selection and family counseling difficult. Here the surgical history and outcomes of T13/ T18 patients are explored.
METHODS
A retrospective review of patients with T13 or T18 born between 1990 and 2020 and cared for at a tertiary children's hospital (Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis IN) was conducted, excluding those with insufficient records. Primary outcomes of interest were rates of mortality overall and after surgery. Factors that could predict mortality outcomes were also assessed.
RESULTS
One-hundred-seventeen patients were included, with 65% T18 and 35% T13. More than half of patients(65%) had four or more comorbidities. Most deaths occurred by three months at median 42.0 days. Variants of classic trisomies (mosaicism, translocation, partial duplication; p = 0.001), higher birth weight(p = 0.002), and higher gestational age(p = 0.01) were associated with lower overall mortality, while cardiac(p = 0.002) disease was associated with higher mortality. Over half(n = 64) underwent surgery at median age 65 days at time of first procedure. The most common surgical procedures were general surgical. Median survival times were longer in surgical rather than nonsurgical patients(p<0.001). Variant trisomy genetics(p = 0.002) was associated with lower mortality after surgery, while general surgical comorbidities(p = 0.02), particularly tracheoesophageal fistula/esophageal atresia(p = 0.02), were associated with increased mortality after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
Trisomy 13 and 18 patients have vast surgical needs. Variant trisomy was associated with lower mortality after surgery while general surgical comorbidities were associated with increased mortality after surgery. Those who survived to undergo surgery survived longer overall.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III.
Topics: Child; Humans; Infant; Trisomy 13 Syndrome; Chromosome Disorders; Trisomy; Trisomy 18 Syndrome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36402594
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.10.010 -
Cureus Dec 2023The pathophysiology of Patau's syndrome involves the triplication of chromosomes, leading to multiple comorbidities. An omphalocele is characterized by a protrusion of...
The pathophysiology of Patau's syndrome involves the triplication of chromosomes, leading to multiple comorbidities. An omphalocele is characterized by a protrusion of abdominal contents from the base of the umbilical cord through the peritoneum. An omphalomesenteric duct remnant occurs when there is a failure of duct closure that results in a diverticulum extending from the fetal midgut to the yolk sac. While congenital defects rarely occur simultaneously in patients with Patau's syndrome, this case report describes a newborn with Patau syndrome who presented with both an omphalocele and an omphalomesenteric duct remnant. The newborn exhibited various congenital abnormalities such as coloboma, microphthalmia, broad nasal bridge, cleft lip, cleft palate, low-set ears, systolic murmur, omphalocele, intestinal umbilical fistula (omphalomesenteric continuous vitelointestinal duct remnant), polydactyly, rocker-bottom feet, left-sided clubbed foot, and ruptured myelomeningocele. Imaging revealed additional complications such as a large patent ductus arteriosus, hypoplastic distal arch, markedly dilated right atrium and left ventricle, and cerebellar hypoplasia. Chromosomal analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Patau's syndrome. Given the untreatable medical condition, the patient was placed under "Do Not Resuscitate," and palliative care was initiated. The simultaneous appearance of an omphalocele and an omphalomesenteric continuous vitelointestinal duct is rare, and surgical intervention is the standard of care if the patient is deemed suitable for surgery. However, in cases where surgery is not feasible, palliative care is initiated. Regardless of the outcome, genetic counseling is essential and should include a discussion on paternal autonomy, understanding the disorder, suggesting alternative management methods, and making crucial decisions concerning future family care and planning.
PubMed: 38125687
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50793 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2024Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) are conotruncal defects resulting from disturbances of the second heart field and the neural crest,... (Review)
Review
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) are conotruncal defects resulting from disturbances of the second heart field and the neural crest, which can occur as isolated malformations or as part of multiorgan syndromes. Their etiology is multifactorial and characterized by overlapping genetic causes. In this chapter, we present the different genetic alterations underlying the two diseases, which range from chromosomal abnormalities like aneuploidies and structural mutations to rare single nucleotide variations affecting distinct genes. For example, mutations in the cardiac transcription factors NKX2-5, GATA4, and HAND2 have been identified in isolated TOF cases, while mutations of TBX5 and 22q11 deletion, leading to haploinsufficiency of TBX1, cause Holt-Oram and DiGeorge syndrome, respectively. Moreover, genes involved in signaling pathways, laterality determination, and epigenetic mechanisms have also been found mutated in TOF and/or DORV patients. Finally, genome-wide association studies identified common single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the risk for TOF.
Topics: Humans; Tetralogy of Fallot; Double Outlet Right Ventricle; Mutation; Genome-Wide Association Study; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 38884738
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_36