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European Journal of Human Genetics :... Oct 2023Biallelic pathogenic variants in ALDH1A3 are responsible for approximately 11% of recessively inherited cases of severe developmental eye anomalies. Some individuals can...
Biallelic pathogenic variants in ALDH1A3 are responsible for approximately 11% of recessively inherited cases of severe developmental eye anomalies. Some individuals can display variable neurodevelopmental features, but the relationship to the ALDH1A3 variants remains unclear. Here, we describe seven unrelated families with biallelic pathogenic ALDH1A3 variants: four compound heterozygous and three homozygous. All affected individuals had bilateral anophthalmia/microphthalmia (A/M), three with additional intellectual or developmental delay, one with autism and seizures and three with facial dysmorphic features. This study confirms that individuals with biallelic pathogenic ALDH1A3 variants consistently manifest A/M, but additionally display neurodevelopmental features with significant intra- and interfamilial variability. Furthermore, we describe the first case with cataract and highlight the importance of screening ALDH1A3 variants in nonconsanguineous families with A/M.
Topics: Humans; Microphthalmos; Anophthalmos; Mutation; Aldehyde Oxidoreductases; Eye Abnormalities; Phenotype
PubMed: 36997679
DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01342-8 -
European Journal of Medical Genetics Feb 2024Infants with anophthalmia and microphthalmia (an/microphthalmia) have often other associated congenital anomalies. The reported frequency and the types of these...
Infants with anophthalmia and microphthalmia (an/microphthalmia) have often other associated congenital anomalies. The reported frequency and the types of these associated anomalies vary between different studies. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the frequency and the types of associated anomalies among cases with an/microphthalmia in a geographically well defined population of northeastern France of 387,067 consecutive pregnancies from 1979 to 2007. Of the 98 infants with an/microphthalmia born during this period (prevalence at birth of 2.53 per 10,000), 88.8 % had associated anomalies. Cases with associated anomalies were divided into recognizable conditions (25 (25.5%) cases with chromosomal and 17 (17.3%) cases with non chromosomal conditions), and non recognizable conditions (45-45.9%- cases with multiple congenital anomalies -MCA). Trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 were the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities. Amniotic bands sequence, oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, CHARGE syndrome and VACTERL association were most often present in recognizable non chromosomal conditions. Anomalies in the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and central nervous systems were the most common other anomalies in cases with MCA and non recognizable conditions. However, given the limitation of the limited numbers of cases there should be urging caution in interpreting these results. In conclusion the frequency of associated anomalies in infants with anophthalmia and microphthalmia emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation of these cases. Routine screening for other anomalies especially musculoskeletal, cardiac and central nervous systems anomalies may need to be considered in infants with anophthalmia and microphthalmia, and referral of these cases for genetic counselling seems warranty.
Topics: Infant; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Anophthalmos; Microphthalmos; Heart Defects, Congenital; Limb Deformities, Congenital; CHARGE Syndrome; Prevalence
PubMed: 38110175
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104892 -
The British Journal of Ophthalmology Nov 2023Microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma (MAC) are clinically and genetically heterogenous rare developmental eye conditions, which contribute to a significant...
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Microphthalmia, anophthalmia and coloboma (MAC) are clinically and genetically heterogenous rare developmental eye conditions, which contribute to a significant proportion of childhood blindness worldwide. Clear understanding of MAC aetiology and comorbidities is essential to providing patients with appropriate care. However, current management is unstandardised and molecular diagnostic rates remain low, particularly in those with unilateral presentation. To further understanding of clinical and genetic management of patients with MAC, we charted their real-world experience to ascertain optimal management pathways and yield from molecular analysis.
METHODS
A prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with MAC referred to the ocular genetics service at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 2017-2020.
RESULTS
Clinical analysis of 50 MAC patients (15 microphthalmia; 2 anophthalmia; 11 coloboma; and 22 mixed) from 44 unrelated families found 44% had additional ocular features (complex) and 34% had systemic involvement, most frequently intellectual/developmental delay (8/17). Molecular analysis of 39 families using targeted gene panels, whole genome sequencing and microarray comparative genomic hybridisation identified genetic causes in, 28% including novel variants in six known MAC genes (, , , , and ), and a molecular diagnostic rate of 33% for both bilateral and unilateral cohorts. New phenotypic associations were found for (bilateral sensorineural hearing loss) and (unilateral microphthalmia).
CONCLUSION
This study highlights the importance of thorough clinical and molecular phenotyping of MAC patients to provide appropriate multidisciplinary care. Routine genetic testing for both unilateral and bilateral cases in the clinic may increase diagnostic rates in the future, helping elucidate genotype-phenotype correlations and informing genetic counselling.
Topics: Humans; Anophthalmos; Microphthalmos; Coloboma; Prospective Studies; Eye Abnormalities; Eye Proteins; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
PubMed: 36192130
DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321991 -
Contact Lens & Anterior Eye : the... Jun 2024To assess which signs and eye prosthesis care habits are related to subjective discomfort in patients with dry anophthalmic socket syndrome (DASS), using standardized...
PURPOSE
To assess which signs and eye prosthesis care habits are related to subjective discomfort in patients with dry anophthalmic socket syndrome (DASS), using standardized tools from daily practice.
METHODS
62 anophthalmic sockets were compared with their healthy fellow eye using the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) score. The correlations between SPEED questionnaire and the prosthesis care, discharge characteristics score, conjunctival inflammation score, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) scores and Schirmer I test were studied.
RESULT
The anophthalmic sockets group achieved a higher SPEED test score (p < 0.01), discharge score (p < 0.01), conjunctival inflammation score (p < 0.01), MGD scores (p < 0.01) and lower Schirmer I test (p < 0.01) compared with their fellow, healthy eye. Patients with a prosthesis replacement of one year or less, those with a current fit time of one year or less and those with a cleaning frequency above one month reported better SPEED, (p < 0.01), conjunctiva inflammation (p < 0.01) and MGD scores (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
Most anophthalmic patients suffer mild to severe DASS, which seems related to discharge, conjunctival inflammation and MGD. Moreover, certain practices related to the care of the prosthesis such as replacing with a frequency lower than yearly, current fitting time inferior to one year and a removing and cleaning regime above one month, were related to a lower discomfort sensation, conjunctival inflammation and MGD. Clinicians should consider the DASS when facing patients with anophthalmic socket and discomfort symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Eye, Artificial; Middle Aged; Dry Eye Syndromes; Adult; Anophthalmos; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Orbital Implants; Aged, 80 and over; Young Adult
PubMed: 38521700
DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2024.102149 -
Genes Aug 2023Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are among the most severe congenital developmental eye disorders. Despite the advancements in genome screening technologies, more...
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (A/M) are among the most severe congenital developmental eye disorders. Despite the advancements in genome screening technologies, more than half of A/M patients do not receive a molecular diagnosis. We included seven consanguineous families affected with A/M from Pakistani cohort and an unknown molecular basis. Single gene testing of was performed, followed by genome sequencing for unsolved probands in order to establish a genetic diagnosis for these families. All seven families were provided with a genetic diagnosis. The identified variants were all homozygous, classified as (likely) pathogenic and present in an A/M-associated gene. Targeted sequencing revealed two previously reported pathogenic variants in four families. In the remaining families, genome sequencing revealed a known pathogenic variant, a novel 13bp deletion in , and one novel deep intronic splice variant in . An in vitro splice assay was performed for the splice variant which revealed a severe splicing defect. Our study confirmed the utility of genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool for A/M-affected individuals. Furthermore, the identification of a novel deep intronic pathogenic variant in highlights the role of non-coding variants in A/M-disorders and the value of genome sequencing for the identification of this type of variants.
Topics: Humans; Anophthalmos; Microphthalmos; Chromosome Mapping; Genetic Testing; Eye Abnormalities
PubMed: 37628625
DOI: 10.3390/genes14081573 -
BMC Oral Health Dec 2023This study aims to assess the influence of using 3D-printed acrylic resin versus conventional Poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) for fabricating ocular prostheses on the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
This study aims to assess the influence of using 3D-printed acrylic resin versus conventional Poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) for fabricating ocular prostheses on the biofilm and microbial flora of anophthalmic socket.
METHODS
A randomized controlled trial was designed as a parallel group study. Participants were allocated randomly into two groups: the control group, which received conventionally fabricated ocular prostheses (CG, n = 11), and the test group, which received digitally 3D-printed ocular prostheses (DG, n = 11). Microbiological analysis was conducted before prosthesis insertion and three months after using the ocular prosthesis. Swab samples were inoculated on blood agar, MacConkey's agar, and Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) for isolating Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal organisms, respectively. Subsequently, the plates were incubated at 37 degrees Celsius for 48 h. Additionally, a validated questionnaire was used for subjective clinical evaluation, including parameters such as comfort level, socket discharge, lacrimation, and frequency of lubrication for each ocular prosthesis patient in both groups.
RESULTS
Test group (DG, n = 11) exhibited a positive, though statistically insignificant, difference (p > 0.001) in microbial growth when compared to the control group (CG, n = 11). A statistically significant difference was observed in comfort levels between the two groups, with more comfort level within group II (test group) patients. While parameters such as discharge amount, discharge location, lacrimation and lubrication frequency displayed statistically insignificant differences between the two groups, all parameters showed improved results after three months of prosthesis use.
CONCLUSIONS
The choice of ocular prosthesis fabrication technique did not yield a statistically significant difference in anophthalmic flora. However, the 3D-printed acrylic resin, as an artificial eye material, displayed potential advantages in reducing the colonization of opportunistic pathogens. All subjective clinical evaluation parameters exhibited enhanced outcomes after three months of prosthesis use, emphasizing the need for an adaptation period during which patients complains are alleviated. In comparison with PMMA, 3D-printed acrylic resin showcased a certain degree of anti-colonization ability against pathogenic bacteria, along with a significant level of patient comfort, suggesting its potential as a promising material for ocular prostheses.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This parallel double-blinded RCT has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with identification number: NCT05584865, 18/10/2022.
Topics: Humans; Eye, Artificial; Polymethyl Methacrylate; Agar; Anophthalmos; Acrylic Resins; Printing, Three-Dimensional
PubMed: 38110937
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03746-w -
Graefe's Archive For Clinical and... Sep 2023
Topics: Humans; Anophthalmos; Eye Enucleation; Orbital Implants; Orbit
PubMed: 37103625
DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06074-5 -
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual... Mar 2024A molecular diagnosis is only made in a subset of individuals with nonisolated microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC). This may be due to underutilization of...
PURPOSE
A molecular diagnosis is only made in a subset of individuals with nonisolated microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC). This may be due to underutilization of clinical (whole) exome sequencing (cES) and an incomplete understanding of the genes that cause MAC. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of cES in cases of nonisolated MAC and to identify new MAC phenotypic expansions.
METHODS
We determined the efficacy of cES in 189 individuals with nonisolated MAC. We then used cES data, a validated machine learning algorithm, and previously published expression data, case reports, and animal models to determine which candidate genes were most likely to contribute to the development of MAC.
RESULTS
We found the efficacy of cES in nonisolated MAC to be between 32.3% (61/189) and 48.1% (91/189). Most genes affected in our cohort were not among genes currently screened in clinically available ophthalmologic gene panels. A subset of the genes implicated in our cohort had not been clearly associated with MAC. Our analyses revealed sufficient evidence to support low-penetrance MAC phenotypic expansions involving nine of these human disease genes.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that cES is an effective means of identifying a molecular diagnosis in individuals with nonisolated MAC and may identify putatively damaging variants that would be missed if only a clinically available ophthalmologic gene panel was obtained. Our data also suggest that deleterious variants in BRCA2, BRIP1, KAT6A, KAT6B, NSF, RAC1, SMARCA4, SMC1A, and TUBA1A can contribute to the development of MAC.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Anophthalmos; Coloboma; Exome Sequencing; Microphthalmos; Algorithms; DNA Helicases; Nuclear Proteins; Transcription Factors; Histone Acetyltransferases
PubMed: 38502138
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.25 -
BMC Ophthalmology Apr 2024Limited studies have reported surgical outcomes that are defined by strict criteria following grade 2 or 3 socket reconstruction using an oral mucosal graft (OMG). We...
BACKGROUND
Limited studies have reported surgical outcomes that are defined by strict criteria following grade 2 or 3 socket reconstruction using an oral mucosal graft (OMG). We aimed to determine factors influencing surgical outcomes of anophthalmic socket reconstruction using OMG in patients with grade 2 or 3 socket contractures.
METHODS
Thirty-seven patients who underwent socket reconstruction with autologous OMG between January 2007 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The successful outcome was defined as an eye prosthesis wearing without experiencing displacement and the absence of any re-operations or additional surgeries following socket reconstruction. Factors affecting surgical outcomes were identified using multivariate analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 15 male and 22 female patients (mean age: 40.2 ± 17.2 years) were included. The median duration of socket contracture was 21.5 years. Grade 2 and 3 socket contractures, based on Tawfik's classification, were reported in 20 and 17 patients, respectively. Twenty-eight and eight patients underwent socket reconstruction using OMG alone and OMG combined with a hard palate graft, respectively. The success rates of grades 2 and 3 socket contracture reconstruction were 80.0% and 52.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only grade 3 contractures were predictive of worse outcomes. At the final visit (mean follow-up: 6.3 years), 34 patients (91.9%) could wear their eye prostheses.
CONCLUSIONS
Socket reconstruction using autologous OMG can provide acceptable results in grade 2 and 3 contractures; however, satisfactory results were more significantly reported in grade 2 than in grade 3 contractures.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Orbital Implants; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Anophthalmos; Eye, Artificial; Contracture; Orbit
PubMed: 38575898
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03301-3