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Tragantzopoulou P, Giannouli V. Understanding the Neuropsychological Implications of Klinefelter Syndrome in Pediatric Populations: Current Perspectives. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:420-431. [PMID: 38921701 PMCID: PMC11206885 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16020036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS), also known as 47,XXY, is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an extra X chromosome. Despite the prevalence of verbal learning disabilities, memory impairments, and executive function deficits in individuals with KS, comprehensive research on the neuropsychological profiles of affected children and adolescents remains limited. Additionally, KS has been associated with comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, systematic investigations into the neuropsychological manifestations of KS in pediatric populations are scarce. Therefore, the primary objectives of this review are to provide an overview of key studies examining the neuropsychological profiles of children and adolescents with KS and to delineate the limitations and implications of existing research findings. By synthesizing available literature, this review aims to bridge the gap in understanding the cognitive and behavioral characteristics of children and adolescents with KS, shedding light on potential avenues for future research and clinical interventions. Ultimately, this review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, parents, and educators involved in the assessment and management of the neuropsychological aspects of Klinefelter syndrome in pediatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vaitsa Giannouli
- School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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2
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Urbanus E, Swaab H, Tartaglia N, van Rijn S. Social Communication in Young Children With Sex Chromosome Trisomy (XXY, XXX, XYY): A Study With Eye Tracking and Heart Rate Measures. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 39:482-497. [PMID: 37987192 PMCID: PMC11110620 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with sex chromosome trisomy (SCT) have an increased risk for suboptimal development. Difficulties with language are frequently reported, start from a very young age, and encompass various domains. This cross-sectional study examined social orientation with eye tracking and physiological arousal responses to gain more knowledge on how children perceive and respond to communicative bids and evaluated the associations between social orientation and language outcomes, concurrently and 1 year later. METHOD In total, 107 children with SCT (33 XXX, 50 XXY, and 24 XYY) and 102 controls (58 girls and 44 boys) aged between 1 and 7 years were included. Assessments took place in the USA and Western Europe. A communicative bids eye tracking paradigm, physiological arousal measures, and receptive and expressive language outcomes were used. RESULTS Compared to controls, children with SCT showed reduced attention to the face and eyes of the on-screen interaction partner and reduced physiological arousal sensitivity in response to direct versus averted gaze. In addition, social orientation to the mouth was related to concurrent receptive and expressive language abilities in 1-year-old children with SCT. CONCLUSIONS Children with SCT may experience difficulties with social communication that extend past the well-recognized risk for early language delays. These difficulties may underlie social-behavioral problems that have been described in the SCT population and are an important target for early monitoring and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Urbanus
- Department of Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna Swaab
- Department of Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Developmental Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sophie van Rijn
- Department of Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Panvino F, Paparella R, Gambuti L, Cerrito A, Menghi M, Micangeli G, Petrella C, Fiore M, Tarani L, Ardizzone I. Klinefelter Syndrome: A Genetic Disorder Leading to Neuroendocrine Modifications and Psychopathological Vulnerabilities in Children-A Literature Review and Case Report. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:509. [PMID: 38790504 PMCID: PMC11119116 DOI: 10.3390/children11050509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS), characterized by an additional X-chromosome in males, manifests in a wide range of neuroendocrine and psychiatric symptoms. Individuals with KS often face increased risks of hormonal dysfunction, leading to depression and anxiety, although extended research during pediatric and adolescent age is still limited. This critical phase, decisive for KS children, is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental and familial factors, which impact brain plasticity. In this report, we reviewed, in a narrative form, the crucial KS psychopathological hallmarks in children. To better describe neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric outcomes in children with KS, we presented the case of an 11-year-old prepubertal child with mosaic KS who was referred to our Center of Developmental Psychopathology due to a decline in his academic performance, excessive daytime fatigue and increased distractibility over the past few months. Family history revealed psychiatric conditions among first- and second-degree relatives, including recently divorced parents and a 15-year-old sister. Early-onset persistent depressive disorder and anxious traits were diagnosed. Timely identification of susceptible children, with thorough examination of familial psychiatric history, environmental influences and neurocognitive profile, alongside targeted interventions, could potentially mitigate lifelong psychopathology-related disabilities in pediatric and adolescent KS cases, including those with mosaic KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Panvino
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisiana Gambuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerrito
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Menghi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ignazio Ardizzone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
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4
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Urbanus E, Swaab H, Tartaglia N, Stumpel C, van Rijn S. Structural and pragmatic language in young children with sex chromosome trisomy (XXX, XXY, XYY): Predictive value for neurobehavioral problems one year later. Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 37:650-675. [PMID: 35477417 PMCID: PMC11033613 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2022.2067078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate pragmatic language abilities in young children with an increased risk for adverse neurobehavioral and neurocognitive outcomes due to an extra X or Y chromosome (sex chromosome trisomy; SCT) and to investigate to what degree early structural and pragmatic language abilities are predictive of neurobehavioral problems one year later. Method: In total, 72 children with SCT and 71 controls aged 3-7 years were included. Language assessments included parent-reported pragmatic language skills and direct assessment of structural language abilities. Parent-reported behavioral outcomes were measured one year after the initial language assessment. Results: Children with SCT demonstrated weaker pragmatic language skills compared to controls. These differences were not driven by karyotype, time of diagnosis, or ascertainment bias and irrespective of the presence of structural language impairment. Odds of having pragmatic difficulties was 23 times higher in the SCT group, with 25% of the children not meeting age-expectations. In addition, language, in particular pragmatic language, was an important predictor for later affective, oppositional defiant, pervasive developmental, attention deficit, and social-emotional problems in young children with SCT. Conclusions: This study is one of the first studies that directly illustrates the relationship between language and behavioral outcomes in children with SCT. Our results stress the importance to closely monitor pragmatic language in addition to structural language in clinical care of children with SCT, as pragmatic language abilities could serve as an early marker for children at risk for developing behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Urbanus
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hanna Swaab
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Extraordinary Kids Clinic, Developmental Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Constance Stumpel
- Department of Clinical Genetics and GRoW-School for oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie van Rijn
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Samango-Sprouse CA, Hamzik MP, Khaksari K, Brooks MR, Sadeghin T, Gropman AL. Novel Neurocognitive Profile in a Minority of Boys with 47,XXY (Klinefelter Syndrome). J Dev Behav Pediatr 2022; 43:e623-e628. [PMID: 35947806 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 47,XXY, also known as Klinefelter syndrome, is the most commonly occurring sex chromosomal variation (1:660). The neurocognitive profile of boys with 47,XXY, in addition to verbal abilities, language skills, and general intelligence, has been explored in this study. METHODS Fifty-five participants with 47,XXY were segregated into groups according to their performance on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC): (1) those with a higher performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) in comparison with their verbal IQ (VIQ) and (2) those with a higher VIQ compared with their PIQ. Two-tailed independent t tests were completed to analyze group differences. RESULTS Our study results demonstrate novel findings that one-third of subjects have higher verbal capabilities than perceptual skills. Those participants who showed the typical presentation of 47,XXY with increased PIQ in comparison with their VIQ excelled on perceptual and visual spatial subtests on the WISC and on nonverbal IQ on the Leiter International Performance Scale-III. In addition, it was found that expressive and receptive vocabulary skills were commensurate in both groups, which has not been reported previously. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify an alternative profile of 47,XXY with increased verbal capabilities in comparison with perceptual skills. In addition, previous research has found that boys with 47,XXY often show increased receptive vocabulary skills in comparison with their expressive vocabulary skills early in life. Therefore, our findings of commensurate expressive and receptive vocabulary skills suggest that age may be an impactful factor in vocabulary development. Further research is necessary to determine individualized treatment options for these patients, focusing on the specific cognitive profile they present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole A Samango-Sprouse
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Florida International University, Miami, FL
- Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD
| | - Mary P Hamzik
- Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD
| | - Kosar Khaksari
- Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD
| | | | - Teresa Sadeghin
- Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD
| | - Andrea L Gropman
- Division of Neurogenetics and Developments Pediatrics, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC; and
- Department of Neurology, George Washington University, Washington, DC
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6
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Zampini L, Lorini A, Silibello G, Zanchi P, Dall’Ara F, Ajmone PF, Monti F, Lalatta F, Costantino MA, Vizziello PG. Language Development in the Second Year of Life: The Case of Children with Sex Chromosome Trisomies Diagnosed before Birth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031831. [PMID: 35162853 PMCID: PMC8834679 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Many individual factors, such as early communicative skills, could play a role in explaining later linguistic outcomes. The detection of predictive variables is fundamental to identifying early the children who need intervention. The present study focuses on children with sex chromosome trisomies (SCTs), genetic conditions with an increased risk of developing language delays or impairments. The aims are to analyse their communicative skills at 18 months of age, and identify significant predictors of their later vocabulary size. Participants were 76 18-month-old children (38 with SCTs, and 38 typically-developing (TD) children). Their communicative skills were assessed during a parent–child play session, and parents filled in a report on their vocabulary development at 18 and 24 months. Children with SCTs showed significantly poorer linguistic skills at 18 months in both preverbal (babbling and gestures) and verbal abilities. A high percentage (nearly 70%) of toddlers with SCTs were late-talking children at 24 months, and those toddlers showed a lower frequency of babbling utterances at 18 months. Early lexical skills, children’s developmental quotient, and being part of the group of toddlers with SCTs were significant predictors of children’s vocabulary size six months later. These variables should be considered when assessing the linguistic competence of a child with SCTs to detect possible early risk factors of future language impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zampini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (P.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandra Lorini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Gaia Silibello
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace, 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.S.); (F.D.); (P.F.A.); (F.M.); (M.A.C.); (P.G.V.)
| | - Paola Zanchi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Francesca Dall’Ara
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace, 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.S.); (F.D.); (P.F.A.); (F.M.); (M.A.C.); (P.G.V.)
| | - Paola Francesca Ajmone
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace, 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.S.); (F.D.); (P.F.A.); (F.M.); (M.A.C.); (P.G.V.)
| | - Federico Monti
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace, 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.S.); (F.D.); (P.F.A.); (F.M.); (M.A.C.); (P.G.V.)
| | - Faustina Lalatta
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via della Commenda, 12, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maria Antonella Costantino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace, 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.S.); (F.D.); (P.F.A.); (F.M.); (M.A.C.); (P.G.V.)
| | - Paola Giovanna Vizziello
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via Pace, 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.S.); (F.D.); (P.F.A.); (F.M.); (M.A.C.); (P.G.V.)
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7
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Urbanus E, Swaab H, Tartaglia N, Boada R, van Rijn S. [Formula: see text]A cross-sectional study of early language abilities in children with sex chromosome trisomy (XXY, XXX, XYY) aged 1-6 years. Child Neuropsychol 2022; 28:171-196. [PMID: 34346838 PMCID: PMC11033700 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2021.1960959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Children with sex chromosome trisomy (SCT) are at increased risk for developing language difficulties. Earlier studies have reported that as many as 70-80% of individuals with SCT show some form of language difficulties. Language develops rapidly in the first years of life; knowledge about language development at an early age is needed. The present study aims to identify the language abilities of young children with SCT across multiple language domains and to identify the percentage of children that, according to clinical guidelines, have language difficulties. Children between the ages of 1-6-years (NSCT = 103, Ncontrols = 102) were included. Nonverbal communication, early vocabulary, semantic, syntax, and phonological skills were assessed. Language difficulties were already present in 1-year-old children with SCT and across the age range in various language domains. Clinical classification showed that, depending on the assessed domain, 14.8-50.0% of the children scored below the 16th percentile. There was no effect of time of diagnosis, ascertainment bias, research site, nor SCT specific karyotype (XXX, XXY, XYY) on language outcomes. Overall, language difficulties can already be present in very young children with SCT within various language domains. These findings appear to be robust within the SCT group. These results highlight the importance of monitoring both receptive and expressive language development already at the earliest stages of nonverbal communication. Finally, as early language skills are the building blocks for later social communication, literacy, and self-expression, studies that investigate the effect of early interventions on later language outcomes are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Urbanus
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna Swaab
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Developmental Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard Boada
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Developmental Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sophie van Rijn
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
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8
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Zampini L, Dall’Ara F, Silibello G, Ajmone PF, Monti F, Rigamonti C, Lalatta F, Costantino MA, Vizziello PG. “Your son has Klinefelter syndrome.” How parents react to a prenatal diagnosis. CHILDRENS HEALTH CARE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/02739615.2021.1903325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Zampini
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Dall’Ara
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Silibello
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Francesca Ajmone
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Monti
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Rigamonti
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Faustina Lalatta
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Antonella Costantino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Giovanna Vizziello
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Plug MB, van Wijngaarden V, de Wilde H, van Binsbergen E, Stegeman I, van den Boogaard MJH, Smit AL. Clinical Characteristics and Genetic Etiology of Children With Developmental Language Disorder. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:651995. [PMID: 34277514 PMCID: PMC8282268 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.651995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Developmental language delay (DLD) is one of the most common disabilities in childhood and can negatively affect a child's communication skills and academic and/or psychosocial development. To date, an increasing number of causative genes have been identified by diagnostic techniques like next generation sequencing. An early genetic diagnosis is important to properly prepare and counsel children and parents for possible future difficulties. Despite this, genetic assessment is usually not part of a standardized diagnostic set in children with developmental language delay. In this study, we aim to assess the diagnostic outcomes of children primarily assessed for speech and language delay who were subsequently referred for genetic etiological assessment. Methods: Medical records of children referred to the department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital for diagnostic work-up for a suspected speech and language delay between June 2011 and December 2018 who were additionally referred to a geneticist were evaluated. Study parameters concerning medical history, behavioral problems, language development, intelligence, and hearing were recorded. Outcomes of genetic analysis were evaluated. Results: A total of 127 patients were diagnosed with a developmental language delay. Genetic analysis was conducted in 119 out of 127 patients with a language delay and eligible for this study. The median time between initial speech and language assessment and the first genetic consultation was 10 months (IQR 5.0-23.0). In 34 out of 127 patients a causative genetic diagnosis was found to explain their DLD. Conclusion: In approximately a quarter of the patients (26.8%) diagnosed with developmental language delay, a causative genetic diagnosis was confirmed. This demonstrates the opportunity to identify an underlying genetic etiology in children with developmental language delay. However, in order to optimize the diagnostic process and clinical care for these children, two important research gaps need to be addressed. First, research should focus on assessing the clinical impact and effect on treatment outcomes of a genetic diagnosis. Secondly, it is important to recognize for which children genetic testing is most beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle B Plug
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Hester de Wilde
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Inge Stegeman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Adriana L Smit
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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10
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Brignell A, Gu C, Holm A, Carrigg B, Sheppard DA, Amor DJ, Morgan AT. Speech and language phenotype in Phelan-McDermid (22q13.3) syndrome. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 29:564-574. [PMID: 33293697 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00761-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication difficulties are a core feature of Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). However, a specific speech and language phenotype has not been delineated, preventing prognostic counselling and development of targeted therapies. We examined speech, language, social and functional communication abilities in 21 individuals with PMS (with SHANK3 involvement), using standardised assessments. Mean age was 9.7 years (SD 4.1) and 57% were female. Deletion size ranged from 41 kb to 8.3 Mb. Nine participants (45%) were non-verbal. Four (19%) had greater verbal ability, speaking in at least 4-5 word sentences, but with speech sound errors. Standard scores for receptive and expressive language were low (typically >3 SD below the mean). Language age equivalency was 13-16 months on average (range 2-53 months). There was a significant association between deletion size and the ability to use phrases. Participants with smaller deletion sizes were more likely to be able to use phrases (odds ratio: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.95, p = 0.040). Adaptive behaviour (life skills) was low in all areas (>2 SD below mean). Scores in communication were markedly lower than for daily living (p = 0.008) and socialisation (p < 0.001). A common linguistic profile was characterised by severe impairment across receptive, expressive and social language domains. Yet data indicated greater communicative intent than appeared to be capitalised by current therapies. Early implementation of augmentative (e.g. computer-assisted) modes of communication, alongside promotion of oral language, is essential to harness this intent, accelerate language development and reduce frustration. Future trials should examine the added benefit of targeted speech motor interventions in those with greater verbal capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Brignell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Conway Gu
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Daisy A Sheppard
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela T Morgan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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Tartaglia N, Howell S, Davis S, Kowal K, Tanda T, Brown M, Boada C, Alston A, Crawford L, Thompson T, van Rijn S, Wilson R, Janusz J, Ross J. Early neurodevelopmental and medical profile in children with sex chromosome trisomies: Background for the prospective eXtraordinarY babies study to identify early risk factors and targets for intervention. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:428-443. [PMID: 32506668 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sex chromosome trisomies (SCT), including Klinefelter syndrome/XXY, Trisomy X, and XYY syndrome, occur in 1 of every 500 births. The past decades of research have resulted in a broadening of known associated medical comorbidities as well as advances in psychological research. This review summarizes what is known about early neurodevelopmental, behavioral, and medical manifestations in young children with SCT. We focus on recent research and unanswered questions related to the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders that commonly present in the first years of life and discuss the medical and endocrine manifestations of SCT at this young age. The increasing rate of prenatal SCT diagnoses provides the opportunity to address gaps in the existing literature in a new birth cohort, leading to development of the eXtraordinarY Babies Study. This study aims to better describe and compare the natural history of SCT conditions, identify predictors of positive and negative outcomes in SCT, evaluate developmental and autism screening measures commonly used in primary care practices for the SCT population, and build a rich data set linked to a bank of biological samples for future study. Results from this study and ongoing international research efforts will inform evidence-based care and improve health and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Tartaglia
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Susan Howell
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Shanlee Davis
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Karen Kowal
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Nemours-Dupont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tanea Tanda
- Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mariah Brown
- Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Cristina Boada
- Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Amanda Alston
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Nemours-Dupont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leah Crawford
- Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Talia Thompson
- Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sophie van Rijn
- Clinical Neurodevelopment Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca Wilson
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jennifer Janusz
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Neurology and Neuropsychology, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Judith Ross
- Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Nemours-Dupont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
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Karipidis II, Hong DS. Specific learning disorders in sex chromosome aneuploidies: Neural circuits of literacy and mathematics. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:518-530. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Iliana I. Karipidis
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesSchool of Medicine, Stanford University Stanford California USA
| | - David S. Hong
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesSchool of Medicine, Stanford University Stanford California USA
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13
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Riggan KA, Close S, Allyse MA. Family experiences and attitudes about receiving the diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy in a child. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:404-413. [PMID: 32181570 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The most common sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) (47, XXY; 47, XYY; 47, XXX) frequently result in a milder phenotype than autosomal aneuploidies. Nevertheless, these conditions are highly variable and more symptomatic phenotypes may require significant clinical involvement, including specialty care. While historically most individuals with mild phenotypes remained undiagnosed during their lifetime, the increasing use of genetic testing in clinical care has increased the prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of SCAs. These genetic tests are frequently ordered by nongenetic providers who are also responsible for delivering the diagnosis. We surveyed parents of children (n = 308) to evaluate their experience of receiving a diagnosis and their support needs. The majority (73.3%) received the diagnosis from a nongenetic medical provider. Following a prenatal diagnosis parents reported experiencing depression, anxiety, and less optimism than those receiving a postnatal diagnosis. Few parents reported receiving materials explaining their child's condition that they found to be up-to-date, accurate, and unbiased. The frequently negative reported experiences of parents at time of diagnosis suggests more educational opportunities should be provided for nongenetic providers in order to become more informed about these conditions and communicate the diagnosis in a way parents experience as supportive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten A Riggan
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sharron Close
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Megan A Allyse
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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