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Scientific Reports Apr 2022This meta-analysis aims to compare Apert syndrome (AS) patients with non-AS populations (not clinically or genetically diagnosed) on craniofacial cephalometric... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis aims to compare Apert syndrome (AS) patients with non-AS populations (not clinically or genetically diagnosed) on craniofacial cephalometric characteristics (CCC) to combine publicly available scientific information while also improving the validity of primary study findings. A comprehensive search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science, an article published between 1st January 2000 to October 17th, 2021. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to carry out this systematic review. We used the PECO system to classify people with AS based on whether or not they had distinctive CCC compared to the non-AS population. Following are some examples of how PECO has been used: People with AS are labeled P; clinical or genetic diagnosis of AS is labeled E; individuals without AS are labeled C; CCC of AS are labeled O. Using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality-Assessment-Scale, independent reviewers assessed the articles' methodological quality and extracted data. 13 studies were included in the systematic review. 8 out of 13 studies were score 7-8 in NOS scale, which indicated that most of the studies were medium to high qualities. Six case-control studies were analyzed for meta-analysis. Due to the wide range of variability in CCC, we were only able to include data from at least three previous studies. There was a statistically significant difference in N-S-PP (I: 76.56%; P = 0.014; CI 1.27 to - 0.28) and Greater wing angle (I: 79.07%; P = 0.008; CI 3.07-1.17) between AS and control subjects. Cleft palate, anterior open bite, crowding in the upper jaw, and hypodontia occurred more frequently among AS patients. Significant shortening of the mandibular width, height and length is the most reported feature in AS patients. CT scans can help patients with AS decide whether to pursue orthodontic treatment alone or to have their mouth surgically expanded. The role of well-informed orthodontic and maxillofacial practitioners is critical in preventing and rehabilitating oral health issues.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Cephalometry; Cleft Palate; Humans; Research Report
PubMed: 35383244
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09764-y -
Bone Reports Jun 2022Faciocraniosynostoses (FCS) are malformations affecting the development of the bones of the skull and face, due to the premature closure of one or more craniofacial...
OBJECTIVE
Faciocraniosynostoses (FCS) are malformations affecting the development of the bones of the skull and face, due to the premature closure of one or more craniofacial sutures, mostly secondary to activating () 1-3 mutations. Gain-of-function mutations are also responsible for various conditions referred to as osteochondrodysplasia (OCD), characterized by structural and functional abnormalities of growth plate cartilages. We hypothesized that patients with -related faciocraniosynostoses may present extra-cranial growth anomalies.
STUDY DESIGN
We retrospectively collected height and weight data from a cohort of 70 patients. Included patients were admitted for -related FCS between 2000 and 2021 at the Craniofacial Unit of Necker - Enfants Malades University Hospital in Paris, France.
RESULTS
We showed that -related faciocraniosynostoses had significantly reduced heights and weights relative to controls, and that two specific time periods (1-3 years and > 8 years of age) were associated with lower height and weight values. Four patients had received growth hormone treatment but remained below normal values for growth in height and weight.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with -related faciocraniosynostoses have clinically significant extra-cranial anomalies which are not currently investigated and managed in usual protocols; these patients could benefit from a systematic pre-pubertal endocrine assessment. More generally, our results extend the scope of extracranial anomalies in -related faciocraniosynostoses and support the hypothesis that all conditions with activating mutations affect both membranous ossification and long bones.
PubMed: 35372644
DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2022.101524 -
BMJ Case Reports Mar 2022The management of patients with Apert syndrome (AS) is complex and reflects the multisystem disease as a result of premature fusion of cranial vault, cranial base and...
The management of patients with Apert syndrome (AS) is complex and reflects the multisystem disease as a result of premature fusion of cranial vault, cranial base and midface sutures as well as extremity anomalies characterised by syndactyly. Early cranial sutural fusion results in craniocerebral disproportion which can lead to crisis surgical intervention due to raised intracranial pressure, ophthalmic and compromised airway concerns. Childhood inventions are often determined by psychosocial concerns and adult surgical interventions are often determined by cosmetic concerns. Treatments are provided by many different specialists within multidisciplinary teams (MDT). The treatment pathway extends from birth well into adulthood and is often associated with a heavy burden of care. Due to the extensive nature of the interaction with these patients MDT members have opportunities to provide enhanced patient-centred care and support.This case report provides an overview of the current knowledge of the aetiology of AS, illustrates the pathway of surgical and non-surgical management of AS and provides a long-term review of the dentofacial treatment outcomes.By having a better understanding of the impact of AS and treatment provided, MDT members can not only provide improved clinical treatment but also offer improved patient experiences for those with craniofacial anomalies, in particular, an increased awareness of the psychosocial challenges they endure.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Adult; Child; Cranial Sutures; Craniofacial Abnormalities; Face; Humans; Skull Base
PubMed: 35236672
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-245224 -
Molecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine Apr 2022Craniosynostosis is the result of the early fusion of cranial sutures. Syndromic craniosynostosis includes but not limited by Crouzon syndrome and Pfeiffer syndrome....
OBJECTIVE
Craniosynostosis is the result of the early fusion of cranial sutures. Syndromic craniosynostosis includes but not limited by Crouzon syndrome and Pfeiffer syndrome. Considerable phenotypic overlap exists among these syndromes and mutations in FGFR2 may cause different syndromes. This study aims to investigate the explanation of the phenotypic variability via clinical and genetic evaluation for eight patients in a large pedigree.
METHODS
For each patient, comprehensive physical examination, cranial plain CT scan with three-dimensional CT reconstruction (3D-CT), and eye examinations were conducted. Whole exome sequencing was applied for genetic diagnosis of the proband. Variants were analyzed and interpreted following the ACMG/AMP guidelines. Sanger sequencing was performed to reveal genotypes of all the family members.
RESULTS
A pathogenic variant in the FGFR2 gene, c.833G > T (p.C278F), was identified and proved to be co-segregate with the disease. Some symptoms of head, hearing, vision, mouth, teeth expressed differently by affected individuals. Nonetheless, all the eight patients manifested core symptoms of Crouzon syndrome without abnormality in the limbs, which could exclude diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome.
CONCLUSION
We have established clinical and genetic diagnosis of Crouzon syndrome for eight patients in a five-generation Chinese family. Variability of clinical features among these familial patients was slighter than that in previously reported sporadic cases.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Biological Variation, Population; Craniofacial Dysostosis; Craniosynostoses; Humans; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; Syndrome
PubMed: 35235708
DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1901 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2022The aim of this study was to describe the ophthalmic abnormalities and their prevalence in craniosynostosis prior to craniofacial surgery. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to describe the ophthalmic abnormalities and their prevalence in craniosynostosis prior to craniofacial surgery.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted on Medline OVID, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Web of Science Core Collection. Inclusion criteria were English papers, children aged <18 years with non-syndromic and syndromic craniosynostosis, case reports, case series, and case-control studies. A system of domains was established consisting of an anatomic and functional ophthalmic domain. A meta-analysis of single proportions was carried out using random effects model and pooled mean proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.
RESULTS
Thirty-two papers analyzing 2027 patients were included. Strabismus was the most common anomaly in non-syndromic craniosynostosis: Horizontal strabismus was highest prevalent in unicoronal craniosynostosis (UCS) 19% (95% CI 9-32), followed by vertical strabismus 17% (95% CI 5-33). In syndromic craniosynostosis, horizontal strabismus was most prevalent in Crouzon syndrome 52% (95 CI 26-76), followed by Apert syndrome 50% (95% CI 42-58). Vertical strabismus was most prevalent in Saethre-Chotzen 60% followed by Muenke's syndrome 36%. Furthermore, astigmatism was the second most reported outcome in non-syndromic craniosynostosis and highest prevalent in UCS 35% (95% CI 21-51). In syndromic craniosynostosis, astigmatism was most frequently seen in Crouzon syndrome 43% (95% CI 22-65), followed by Apert syndrome 34% (95% CI 14-58). Moreover, in syndromic craniosynostosis, 5-40% had a decrease in visual acuity (VA) ≤ 0.3 LogMAR in the better eye and 11-65% had a VA ≤ 0.3 LogMAR in at least one eye.
DISCUSSION
This review demonstrates the high prevalence of ocular anomalies in non-syndromic and syndromic craniosynostosis. A multidisciplinary and systematic approach is needed for the screening and optimal treatment of these conditions in a timely manner.
PubMed: 35207332
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041060 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2022Clinical diagnosis of craniofacial anomalies requires expert knowledge. Recent studies have shown that artificial intelligence (AI) based facial analysis can match the...
Clinical diagnosis of craniofacial anomalies requires expert knowledge. Recent studies have shown that artificial intelligence (AI) based facial analysis can match the diagnostic capabilities of expert clinicians in syndrome identification. In general, these systems use 2D images and analyse texture and colour. They are powerful tools for photographic analysis but are not suitable for use with medical imaging modalities such as ultrasound, MRI or CT, and are unable to take shape information into consideration when making a diagnostic prediction. 3D morphable models (3DMMs), and their recently proposed successors, mesh autoencoders, analyse surface topography rather than texture enabling analysis from photography and all common medical imaging modalities and present an alternative to image-based analysis. We present a craniofacial analysis framework for syndrome identification using Convolutional Mesh Autoencoders (CMAs). The models were trained using 3D photographs of the general population (LSFM and LYHM), computed tomography data (CT) scans from healthy infants and patients with 3 genetically distinct craniofacial syndromes (Muenke, Crouzon, Apert). Machine diagnosis outperformed expert clinical diagnosis with an accuracy of 99.98%, sensitivity of 99.95% and specificity of 100%. The diagnostic precision of this technique supports its potential inclusion in clinical decision support systems. Its reliance on 3D topography characterisation make it suitable for AI assisted diagnosis in medical imaging as well as photographic analysis in the clinical setting.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Computer Simulation; Craniosynostoses; Face; Head; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Infant; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35140239
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02411-y -
Journal of Cellular Physiology Apr 2022The fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling pathway plays important roles in the development and growth of the skeleton. Apert syndrome caused by...
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling pathway plays important roles in the development and growth of the skeleton. Apert syndrome caused by gain-of-function mutations of FGFR2 results in aberrant phenotypes of the skull, midface, and limbs. Although short limbs are representative features in patients with Apert syndrome, the causative mechanism for this limb defect has not been elucidated. Here we quantitatively confirmed decreases in the bone length, bone mineral density, and bone thickness in the Apert syndrome model of gene knock-in Fgfr2 (EIIA-Fgfr2 ) mice. Interestingly, despite these bone defects, histological analysis showed that the endochondral ossification process in the mutant mice was similar to that in wild-type mice. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining revealed that trabecular bone loss in mutant mice was associated with excessive osteoclast activity despite accelerated osteogenic differentiation. We investigated the osteoblast-osteoclast interaction and found that the increase in osteoclast activity was due to an increase in the Rankl level of osteoblasts in mutant mice and not enhanced osteoclastogenesis driven by the activation of FGFR2 signaling in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Consistently, Col1a1-Fgfr2 mice, which had osteoblast-specific expression of Fgfr2 S252W, showed significant bone loss with a reduction of the bone length and excessive activity of osteoclasts was observed in the mutant mice. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that the imbalance in osteoblast and osteoclast coupling by abnormally increased Rankl expression in Fgfr2 mutant osteoblasts is a major causative mechanism for bone loss and short long bones in Fgfr2 mice.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Animals; Cell Differentiation; Gene Knock-In Techniques; Humans; Mice; Osteoblasts; Osteoclasts; Osteogenesis; RANK Ligand; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; Skull
PubMed: 35048384
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30682 -
Journal of Clinical and Translational... Dec 2021Cardiovascular complications of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2), have been... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular complications of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2), have been documented both in the acute phase and in convalescence. One such complication is the formation of the left ventricular (LV) thrombus. There is a lack of clarity regarding the incidence, risk factors, and management of this complication.
AIM
The aim of the study is to identify the clinical presentation, risk factors and outcome of COVID-19 patients with left ventricular thrombus (LVT).
METHODS
A literature search was conducted to identify all case reports of COVID-19 with LVT in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
RESULTS
Among the 65 patients identified, 60 had LVT, either at admission, or during the acute phase of the illness. Six patients with mild symptoms during the acute phase of viral illness had only the COVID-19 antibody test positivity at the time LV thrombus was detected. Few of the patients (23.1%) had no comorbidities. The mean age of the patients was 52.8 years, and the youngest patient was 4 years old. This suggests that LVT formation can occur in young COVID-19 patients with no co-morbid conditions. Most of the patients (69.2%) had more than one site of thrombosis. A mortality rate of 23.1% was observed in our review, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was diagnosed in 33.3% of those who died.
CONCLUSIONS
A high degree of suspicion for LVT must be maintained in patients with known cardiac disease and those with new-onset arterial or venous thromboembolism, and such patients may benefit from a screening echocardiography at admission.
RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS
The patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease must take added precautions to prevent acquiring COVID-19 infection as there is a higher risk of developing LV thrombus. In patients who develop LVT in COVID-19, mortality rate is higher.
PubMed: 34988332
DOI: No ID Found -
Indian Dermatology Online Journal 2021
PubMed: 34934753
DOI: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_686_20 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2021Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare genetic condition that includes anomalies of the head, hands, and feet. It was originally described by Rudolf Pfeiffer in 1964. As a result...
Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare genetic condition that includes anomalies of the head, hands, and feet. It was originally described by Rudolf Pfeiffer in 1964. As a result of varied clinical presentations, there is a low threshold for missing the diagnosis. Three (3) cases were found by the authors in the medical literature from the African continent, all of which lacked molecular studies. The main dysmorphic features we observed in our patient were; macrocephaly with widely gaped sagittal sutures, proptosis with ocular hypertelorism, ankylosed elbows, wide sandal gap and medially deviated broad great toes. In this case, sequence analysis using Illumina technology and deletion/duplication testing of 65 genes for variants associated with craniosynostosis syndromes was performed at Invitae Medical Genetic laboratory. A diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome type 3 with FGFR2 c.1052C>G (p.Ser351Cys) variant was made. In conclusion, this case will aid health care providers especially in areas of low accessibility to molecular studies to promptly identify, appropriately manage the condition as well as counselling the parents to offset the risk of abandonment of neonates with dysmorphic features.
Topics: Acrocephalosyndactylia; Africa, Western; Craniosynostoses; Humans; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 34909104
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.136.31395