Cornelia de Lange syndrome: Parental preferences regarding the provision of medical information

Attitudes about the use of internet support groups and the impact among parents of children with Cornelia de Lange syndrome

There is an abundance of information in the literature on patient experiences with Internet support groups (ISGs). However, studies exploring these experiences in a rare disease population are scarce, even though these families are often at a disadvantage for resources, reliable information, and support. The aim of the current study was to explore the experiences with ISGs for parents of children with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS), a rare genetic diagnosis, in order to better understand the impact on emotional support and their child's medical care. Focus groups were conducted to inform the design of a large-scale internet survey. The survey asked parents closed- and open-ended questions regarding experiences with ISGs, with a focus on the psychosocial, medical, and logistical aspects. The survey found that 141/170 (82.6%) respondents have visited an Internet-based support group to find support or information about their child's CdLS diagnosis. The majority of respondents (71.7%) reported that ISGs have been helpful in finding emotional support, with the most common areas impacted as a result of ISG participation being behavior toward their children and family dynamic. Regarding medical care, most respondents (63.9%) reported that ISGs have been helpful in finding medical information and support, with the most commonly impacted areas of their child's care including day-to-day management, diet, therapy interventions, and healthcare providers. These findings provide a greater understanding of the role of Internet networking in healthcare and may inform future approaches to medical care and psychosocial support for rare, complex genetic diagnoses. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cornelia De Lange syndrome: a case report of a Brazilian boy

Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, delayed growth and psychomotor skills, behavioral problems, malformation of the upper limbs, and impairment on the quality of life of affected subjects. This article reports a case of a child with the syndrome, emphasizing the orofacial manifestations. Knowledge on the etiopathological aspects and characteristic features of this condition is essential so that professionals can provide health care and help improve the quality of life of affected individuals and their families.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome: clinical review, diagnostic and scoring systems, and anticipatory guidance

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS), also known as Brachmann-de Lange syndrome, is a well-described multiple malformation syndrome typically involving proportionate small stature, developmental delay, specific facial features, major malformations (particularly the cardiac, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal systems), and behavioral abnormalities. There is a broad spectrum of clinical involvement, with increasing recognition of a much milder phenotype than previously recognized. Significant progress has been made in recent years in the clinical and molecular delineation of CdLS, necessitating a revision of the diagnostic criteria, more inclusive of the milder cases. In addition, a scoring system of severity has been found to correlate with specific brain changes. Thus, a clinical overview and recommendations for anticipatory guidance are timely in aiding caretakers and professionals to individualize care decisions and maximize developmental potential for individuals with CdLS. These guidelines are derived from consensus based on collective experience of over 500 patients with CdLS, observations of the natural history in children, adolescents, and adults, a review of the literature, and contacts with national support organizations in North America and Europe.