Endocrine aspects of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Endocrine manifestations in adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: a retrospective single-center cohort study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Patients with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) frequently display cardiological and psychiatric diseases, but are also at increased risk for endocrine manifestations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the screening, prevalence, and management of hypoparathyroidism and thyroid disease in patients with 22q11DS, to evaluate the metabolic profile, and to compare these results with current literature and guidelines.

DESIGN

We performed a retrospective study of patients with genetically confirmed 22q11DS, followed at the center for human genetics of the University Hospitals Leuven, resulting in a cohort of 75 patients. Medical history, medication, and laboratory results concerning hypoparathyroidism, thyroid dysfunction, and the metabolic profile were collected.

RESULTS

Of the total cohort, 26 patients (35%) had at least one hypocalcaemic episode. During hypocalcaemia, parathyroid hormone (PTH) was measured in only 12 patients with 11 having normal or low PTH, confirming a diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. Recurrent episodes of hypocalcaemia occurred in seventeen patients (23%). Adherence to the guidelines was low, with 13% of patients having a yearly serum calcium evaluation, 12% receiving daily calcium supplements, and 20% receiving non-active vitamin D. Hypothyroidism was present in 31 patients (44%) and hyperthyroidism in 6 patients (8%). Information on body mass index (BMI) was available in 52 patients (69%), of which 38% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).

CONCLUSION

Hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, and obesity are common endocrine manifestations in patients with 22q11DS but are probably underdiagnosed and undertreated, indicating the need for multidisciplinary follow-up including an endocrinologist.

DiGeorge Syndrome Diagnosed at Age 38: Challenges in Low-resource Settings and Implications of a Missed Diagnosis

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22.q11.2 DS) is a genetic syndrome resulting from a microdeletion on chromosome 22. It has a diverse array of manifestations, and most cases are diagnosed early in childhood. We present the case of a 38-year-old female born in a developing country who presented to our clinic to establish care for a history of primary hypothyroidism. She was clinically and biochemically euthyroid on thyroid supplementation. She was also noted to have hypocalcemia in the setting of low PTH, for which the patient was previously prescribed calcitriol. Given a history of cleft palate, abnormal facial features, mild recurrent sinopulmonary infections, and her endocrine history (including short stature with height in the 6th percentile), genetic testing was obtained. She was diagnosed with a heterozygous whole gene deletion of the TBX1 gene. Additional genetic evaluation demonstrated a 2.6-Mb microdeleted segment of the 22a11.2 region encompassing 62 genes. The patient was referred to cardiology for evaluation of cardiac involvement given a history of tachyarrhythmia. This case highlights challenges in diagnosis and the implications of a delayed diagnosis of 22.q11.2 DS.

Primary and secondary defects of the thymus

The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.

Understanding the Variability of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: The Role of Epigenetic Factors

Initially described as a triad of immunodeficiency, congenital heart defects and hypoparathyroidism, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) now encompasses a great amount of abnormalities involving different systems. Approximately 85% of patients share a 3 Mb 22q11.2 region of hemizygous deletion in which 46 protein-coding genes are included. However, the hemizygosity of the genes of this region cannot fully explain the clinical phenotype and the phenotypic variability observed among patients. Additional mutations in genes located outside the deleted region, leading to "dual diagnosis", have been described in 1% of patients. In some cases, the hemizygosity of the 22q11.2 region unmasks autosomal recessive conditions due to additional mutations on the non-deleted allele. Some of the deleted genes play a crucial role in gene expression regulation pathways, involving the whole genome. Typical miRNA expression patterns have been identified in 22q11.2DS, due to an alteration in miRNA biogenesis, affecting the expression of several target genes. Also, a methylation epi-signature in CpG islands differentiating patients from controls has been defined. Herein, we summarize the evidence on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of the clinical manifestations of 22q11.2 DS. The review of the literature confirms the hypothesis that the 22q11.2DS phenotype results from a network of interactions between deleted protein-coding genes and altered epigenetic regulation.

Prevalence of Pseudohypoparathyroidism and Nonsurgical Hypoparathyroidism in Japan in 2017: A Nationwide Survey

BACKGROUND

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) and nonsurgical hypoparathyroidism (NS-HypoPT) are rare diseases with hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and high and low parathyroid hormone levels, respectively. In Japan, over 20 years have passed since the last survey on these diseases. We carried out a nationwide cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of these diseases in 2018.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide mail-based survey targeting hospitals in 2018. From a total of 13,156 departments throughout Japan, including internal medicine, pediatrics, neurology, and psychiatry, 3,501 (27%) departments were selected using a stratified random sampling method. We asked each included department to report the number of patients with PHP and NS-HypoPT in 2017.

RESULTS

The overall survey response rate was 52.0% (1,807 departments). The estimated number of patients with PHP and NS-HypoPT was 1,484 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1,143-1,825) and 2,304 (95% CI, 1,189-3,419), respectively; the prevalence per 100,000 population was 1.2 and 1.8, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we generated estimates of the national prevalence of PHP and NS-HypoPT in Japan during 2017, which were found to be higher than those previously reported.

An Endocrinological Perspective on 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Single-center Experience

Objective

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS) is the most common chromosomal microdeletion disorder. Associated problems in 22q11.2 DS may include cardiac abnormalities, immune dysfunction, facial dysmorphism, with endocrine, genitourinary and gastrointestinal problems, and developmental delay. The aim of this study was to evaluate and present all endocrinological findings of patients with 22q11.2 DS from a single center.

Methods

All participants had confirmed 22q11.2 DS by fluorescence in situ hybridization with hypoparathyroidism. Data were retrieved by retrospective review of patient records.

Results

A total of 17 patients were reviewed. On physical examination, all patients had similar dysmorphic features. The median age at diagnosis was 45 days (1 day-13 years). Most cases (64.7%, 11/17) were diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism incidentally after routine tests. At the time of diagnosis, mean calcium was 7.04±0.80 mg/dL, phosphorus was 6.2±1.1 mg/dL, and median parathyroid hormone (PTH) was 11.5 (3.7-47.6) ng/L. Transient hypoparathyroidism was detected in five cases (29.4%). There was no significant difference between patients with permanent or transient hypoparathyroidism regarding gender, age at diagnosis, calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels. However, vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the transient group (p=0.036). During follow-up, short stature, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus were absent. Thyroid autoantibodies were detected in two patients with normal thyroid function tests. Despite there being no pathological short stature, final stature was shorter than the general population (mean height standard deviation score: -0.94±0.83).

Conclusion

Hypocalcemia may be detected during acute illness in some cases where hypocalcemia appears at later ages. There was no significant difference between permanent and transient hypoparathyroidism cases in terms of PTH level. Recognition of the more specific facial findings is important to trigger investigation of genetic variants, additional anomalies, and for follow-up.

Updated clinical practice recommendations for managing children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

This review aimed to update the clinical practice guidelines for managing children and adolescents with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). The 22q11.2 Society, the international scientific organization studying chromosome 22q11.2 differences and related conditions, recruited expert clinicians worldwide to revise the original 2011 pediatric clinical practice guidelines in a stepwise process: (1) a systematic literature search (1992-2021), (2) study selection and data extraction by clinical experts from 9 different countries, covering 24 subspecialties, and (3) creation of a draft consensus document based on the literature and expert opinion, which was further shaped by survey results from family support organizations regarding perceived needs. Of 2441 22q11.2DS-relevant publications initially identified, 2344 received full-text reviews, including 1545 meeting criteria for potential relevance to clinical care of children and adolescents. Informed by the available literature, recommendations were formulated. Given evidence base limitations, multidisciplinary recommendations represent consensus statements of good practice for this evolving field. These recommendations provide contemporary guidance for evaluation, surveillance, and management of the many 22q11.2DS-associated physical, cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric morbidities while addressing important genetic counseling and psychosocial issues.

Spectrum of Genetic T-Cell Disorders from 22q11.2DS to CHARGE

Improved genetic testing has led to recognition of a diverse group of disorders of inborn errors of immunity that present as primarily T-cell defects. These disorders present with variable degrees of immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, multiple organ system dysfunction, and neurocognitive defects. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, commonly known as DiGeorge syndrome, represents the most common disorder on this spectrum. In most individuals, a 3 Mb deletion of 22q11 results in haploinsufficiency of 90 known genes and clinical complications of varying severity. These include cardiac, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, palatal, genitourinary, and neurocognitive anomalies. Multidisciplinary treatment also includes pediatrics/general practitioners, genetic counseling, surgery, interventional therapy, and psychology/psychiatry. Chromosome 10p deletion, TBX1 mutation, CHD7 mutation, Jacobsen syndrome, and FOXN1 deficiency manifest with similar overlapping clinical presentations and T-cell defects. Recognition of the underlying disorder and pathogenesis is essential for improved outcomes. Diagnosing and treating these heterogenous conditions are a challenge and rapidly improving with new diagnostic tools. Collectively, these disorders are an example of the complex penetrance and severity of genetic disorders, importance of translational diagnostics, and a guide for multidisciplinary treatment.

Endocrine and Growth Disorders in Taiwanese Children With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Endocrine disorders are common in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). This study aimed to elucidate the clinical manifestations of endocrine disorders, including parathyroid, thyroid and growth disorders, in Taiwanese patients with 22q11.2DS.

METHODS

From 1994 to 2020, the medical records of 138 patients with 22q11.2DS diagnosed at a tertiary referral medical center in Taiwan were thoroughly reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Hypocalcemia was detected in 57 of 135 patients (42%); 33 of 104 patients (32%) had hypoparathyroidism, and in 87% of them, hypocalcemia was detected before the age of one. Most patients had precipitating stressors during symptomatic hypocalcemic episodes. Eighteen of 29 patients had overt hypoparathyroidism at the last visit: 11 had persistent hypoparathyroidism and the other seven had recurrent hypoparathyroidism. Four of 84 patients had thyroid disorders, including thyroid developmental anomalies in two, dyshormonogenesis in one and Graves' disease in one. Fifty of 126 patients (40%) had short stature. Age (odds ratio (OR) 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-0.96; P<0.001) and airway anomalies (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.04-7.31; P<0.05) were significant risk factors for short stature in multivariate logistic regression model. Twenty-eight of the 30 patients with airway anomalies were associated with severe congenital heart disease. Adult height standard deviation score (SDS) in 19 patients was significantly lower than target height SDS (-1.15 ± 0.90 vs -0.08 ± 0.65, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in patients with 22q11.2DS. It is prudent to assess parathyroid function at diagnosis and during follow-up, especially in the presence of stress, to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia. Although thyroid disorders are not so common as hypoparathyroidism, screening of thyroid dysfunction is justified in these patients. Patients with 22q11.2DS demonstrate a retarded growth pattern with a tendency of catch-up and regular monitoring of growth is indicated.

Transcriptomic networks implicate neuronal energetic abnormalities in three mouse models harboring autism and schizophrenia-associated mutations

Genetic risk for psychiatric illness is complex, so identification of shared molecular pathways where distinct forms of genetic risk might coincide is of substantial interest. A growing body of genetic and genomic studies suggest that such shared molecular pathways exist across disorders with different clinical presentations, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But how this relates to specific genetic risk factors is unknown. Further, whether some of the molecular changes identified in brain relate to potentially confounding antemortem or postmortem factors are difficult to prove. We analyzed the transcriptome from the cortex and hippocampus of three mouse lines modeling human copy number variants (CNVs) associated with schizophrenia and ASD: Df(h15q13)/+, Df(h22q11)/+, and Df(h1q21)/+ which carry the 15q13.3 deletion, 22q11.2 deletion, and 1q21.1 deletion, respectively. Although we found very little overlap of differential expression at the level of individual genes, gene network analysis identified two cortical and two hippocampal modules of co-expressed genes that were dysregulated across all three mouse models. One cortical module was associated with neuronal energetics and firing rate, and overlapped with changes identified in postmortem human brain from SCZ and ASD patients. These data highlight aspects of convergent gene expression in mouse models harboring major risk alleles, and strengthen the connection between changes in neuronal energetics and neuropsychiatric disorders in humans.

Palatoschisis, Schizophrenia and Hypocalcaemia: Phenotypic Expression of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (DiGeorge Syndrome) in an Adult

22q11.2 deletion syndrome typically presents with congenital cardiac anomalies, immunodeficiencies and hypoparathyroidism. However, clinical findings vary greatly. We present the case of a 56-year-old man, with a history of cleft palate and schizophrenia, who was newly diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome during an episode of hypocalcaemia. The syndrome is caused by developmental abnormalities of the embryonic pharyngeal arch system. Treatment of hypocalcaemia with oral calcium and vitamin D is usually sufficient.

LEARNING POINTS

22q11.2 deletion syndrome typically presents with congenital cardiac anomalies, immunodeficiencies and hypoparathyroidism.The syndrome has a variable phenotypic expression and can therefore remain unrecognised in adult patients with mild symptoms.22q11.2 deletion syndrome should be borne in mind, particularly as regards adult psychiatric patients.

Inborn errors of thymic stromal cell development and function

As the primary site for T cell development, the thymus is responsible for the production and selection of a functional, yet self-tolerant T cell repertoire. This critically depends on thymic stromal cells, derived from the pharyngeal apparatus during embryogenesis. Thymic epithelial cells, mesenchymal and vascular elements together form the unique and highly specialised microenvironment required to support all aspects of thymopoiesis and T cell central tolerance induction. Although rare, inborn errors of thymic stromal cells constitute a clinically important group of conditions because their immunological consequences, which include autoimmune disease and T cell immunodeficiency, can be life-threatening if unrecognised and untreated. In this review, we describe the molecular and environmental aetiologies of the thymic stromal cell defects known to cause disease in humans, placing particular emphasis on those with a propensity to cause thymic hypoplasia or aplasia and consequently severe congenital immunodeficiency. We discuss the principles underpinning their diagnosis and management, including the use of novel tools to aid in their identification and strategies for curative treatment, principally transplantation of allogeneic thymus tissue.

Consequences of 22q11.2 Microdeletion on the Genome, Individual and Population Levels

Chromosomal 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) (ORPHA: 567) caused by microdeletion in chromosome 22 is the most common chromosomal microdeletion disorder in humans. Despite the same change on the genome level, like in the case of monozygotic twins, phenotypes are expressed differently in 22q11.2 deletion individuals. The rest of the genome, as well as epigenome and environmental factors, are not without influence on the variability of phenotypes. The penetrance seems to be more genotype specific than deleted locus specific. The transcript levels of deleted genes are not usually reduced by 50% as assumed due to haploinsufficiency. 22q11.2DS is often an undiagnosed condition, as each patient may have a different set out of 180 possible clinical manifestations. Diverse dysmorphic traits are present in patients from different ethnicities, which makes diagnosis even more difficult. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome serves as an example of a genetic syndrome that is not easy to manage at all stages: diagnosis, consulting and dealing with.

Recent advances in understanding and managing hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder which leads to hypocalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia. Complications include nephrocalcinosis with renal dysfunction, reduced quality of life, and abnormal skeletal properties. Conventional therapy with calcium and vitamin D analogs addresses hypocalcemia but has important limitations. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) therapy is a fundamental advance, although the effects of PTH on long-term complications require additional testing. Continuous PTH therapy is likely to be particularly advantageous for addressing renal, quality of life, and skeletal complications. Overall, much progress has been made, yet more information is needed to improve our understanding and management of hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by hypocalcemia and low or undetectable levels of parathyroid hormone.

METHODS

This review is an evidence-based summary of hypoparathyroidism in terms of relevant pathophysiological, clinical, and therapeutic concepts.

RESULTS

Many clinical manifestations of hypoparathyroidism are due to the lack of the physiological actions of parathyroid hormone on its 2 major target organs: the skeleton and the kidney. The skeleton is inactive, accruing bone without remodeling it. The kidneys lose the calcium-conserving actions of parathyroid hormone and, thus, excrete a greater fraction of calcium. Biochemical manifestations, besides hypocalcemia and low or undetectable levels of parathyroid hormone, include hyperphosphatemia and low levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Calcifications in the kidney, brain, and other soft tissues are common. Removal of, or damage to, the parathyroid glands at the time of anterior neck surgery is, by far, the most likely etiology. Autoimmune destruction of the parathyroid glands and other genetic causes represent most of the other etiologies. Conventional treatment with calcium and active vitamin D can maintain the serum calcium level but high doses may be required, adding to the risk of long-term soft tissue calcifications. The advent of replacement therapy with recombinant human PTH(1-84) represents a major step in the therapeutics of this disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Advances in our knowledge of hypoparathyroidism have led to greater understanding of the disease itself and our approach to it.

Access to Multidisciplinary Care for Patients With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Identifying Breakdowns in the Screening Process

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome affects approximately 1 in 4000 live births and involves cardiac defects, immunodeficiency, and endocrine disruption. The complexity of diagnosis and multifaceted care often leads to fragmented management in the short and long term. With the purpose of developing an effective multidisciplinary program, the authors aimed to identify the deficiencies in current screening and referral processes among the teams required in the care for patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. A retrospective chart review was conducted at our institution between 2001 and 2016. Patients with confirmed 22q11.2 deletion diagnoses between the ages of 0 and 28 were included. A list of 15 relevant specialties that should evaluate patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome was created according to established guidelines. Patient medical and demographic information were collected and analyzed. A total of 270 patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 3.3 years. On average, patients visited 6 of 15 departments (1-14). Only 8.8% of patients visited >10 specialties. The majority were seen by Cardiology, Allergy and Immunology, Genetics, and Speech (57.4-87.8%). A minority were seen by Hematology and Oncology, Sleep Therapy, and Physical Therapy (13.3-16.3%). Only 34.1% encountered plastic surgery. Negative correlation (-0.128; P = 0.035) was demonstrated between patients' age at diagnosis and number of specialty teams encountered. This study highlights the current underutilization of services required to manage patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. While screening guidelines have been established, implementation can be challenging as it requires efficient care coordination between teams. Moving forward, the authors believe that a multidisciplinary clinical approach to streamline patient care is necessary.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Specific Genetic Syndromes in Childhood and Adolescence

Autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) is the most frequent cause of acquired thyroid dysfunction, most commonly presenting either as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' Disease. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by the presence of thyroid-specific autoantibodies, more commonly anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies in the serum and the typical inhomogeneous echostructure of the thyroid on a thyroid ultrasound examination. Hashimoto's thyroiditis can for a long time be accompanied by normal thyroid function and hypothyroidism can only progressively be established. Graves' disease is much less frequent in childhood and adolescence and presents with overt hyperthyroidism. After the onset of puberty, ATD affects females with a higher incidence than males, while during the prepubertal period there is not such a clear preponderance of affected females. ATD can occur either isolated or in the context of other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1D), celiac disease, alopecia areata, vitiligo, etc. Especially at the pediatric age, a higher incidence of ATD is also observed in the context of specific genetic syndromes, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome, or 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Nevertheless, although thyroid dysfunction may also be observed in other genetic syndromes, such as Prader-Willi or Williams syndrome, the thyroid dysfunction in these syndromes is not the result of thyroid autoimmunity. Interestingly, there is emerging evidence supporting a possible link between autoimmunity and RASopathies. In this review article the incidence, as well as the clinical manifestation and accompanied pathologies of ATD in specific genetic syndromes will be presented and regular follow-up for the early identification of the disorder will be proposed.

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is the most common microdeletion syndrome in humans. The effects are protean and highly variable, making a unified approach difficult. Nevertheless, commonalities have been identified and white papers with recommended evaluations and anticipatory guidance have been published. This review will cover the immune system in detail and discuss both the primary features and the secondary features related to thymic hypoplasia. A brief discussion of the other organ system involvement will be provided for context. The immune system, percolating throughout the body can impact the function of other organs through allergy or autoimmune disease affecting organs in deleterious manners. Our work has shown that the primary effect of thymic hypoplasia is to restrict T cell production. Subsequent homeostatic proliferation and perhaps other factors drive a Th2 polarization, most obvious in adulthood. This contributes to atopic risk in this population. Thymic hypoplasia also contributes to low regulatory T cells and this may be part of the overall increased risk of autoimmunity. Collectively, the effects are complex and often age-dependent. Future goals of improving thymic function or augmenting thymic volume may offer a direct intervention to ameliorate infections, atopy, and autoimmunity.

Clinical and immunophenotypic characteristics of patients with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: a single institution's experience

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify the clinical and immunologic features of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome who were followed up in our clinic. Thus, it is aimed to identify the syndrome early, choose the right treatment options according to humoral and cellular immunologic analysis, and enlighten how to follow up these kinds of patients with immunodeficiencies.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively collected data by reviewing the files of 11 patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome who were followed up in our clinic between January 2003 and January 2015. The diagnoses were based on the patients' clinical, genetic, and immunologic features. Demographic features, family history, initial symptoms on admission, physical findings, and results of immunologic studies of the patients. Age of diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical follow-up were evaluated.

Results

The patients' diagnosis age ranged from 1-11 months and the most common symptoms of admission were cardiac murmur and atypical facial appearance, which were detected during a routine physical examination. All patients had cardiac anomalies, and four patients had a history of cardiovascular surgery. Eight patients (72.7%) had a history of severe infection; recurrent lower respiratory tract infections were reported in six patients (54.5%), pulmonary tuberculosis in one patient (9.1%), and moniliasis resistant to treatment was detected in one patient. None of the patients required intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy, and antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to two patients with lymphopenia.

Conclusion

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a multi-systemic disorder that should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. It should be kept in mind for patients with neonatal hypocalcemic tetany or recurrent infections or atypical facial appearance with cardiac anomalies. Early diagnosis should lead to immunologic analysis and enable the choice of treatment. Preventive measures against infection is recommended for the patients with incomplete immunodeficiency, and thymus transplantation is recommended for patients with complete immunodeficiency.

Neurologic challenges in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome often come to medical attention due to signs and symptoms of neurologic dysfunction. It is imperative to understand the expected neurologic development of patients with this diagnosis in order to be alert for the potential neurologic complications, including cortical malformations, tethered cord, epilepsy, and movement disorders. We present an update of brain imaging findings from the CHOP 22q and You Center, a review of the current literature, and our current management practices for neurological issues.

Neuropsychiatric expression and catatonia in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: An overview and case series

Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) are at elevated risk of developing treatable psychiatric and neurological disorders, including anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, seizures, and movement disorders, often beginning in adolescence or early to mid-adulthood. Here, we provide an overview of neuropsychiatric features associated with 22q11.2DS in adulthood. Results of a new case series of 13 individuals with 22q11.2DS and catatonic features together with 5 previously reported cases support a potential association of this serious psychomotor phenotype with the 22q11.2 deletion. As in the general population, catatonic features in 22q11.2DS occurred in individuals with schizophrenia, other psychotic and non-psychotic psychiatric disorders, and neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. We place the results in the context of an updated review of catatonia in other genetic conditions. The complex neuropsychiatric expression and risk profile of 22q11.2DS highlights the need to consider co-morbid factors and provide care tailored to the individual patient. The results reinforce the need for periodic monitoring for the emergence of psychiatric and neurological manifestations including catatonic features. Pending further research, enhanced recognition and informed anticipatory care promise to facilitate the early diagnosis that allows for timely implementation and optimization of effective treatments.

The impact of hypocalcemia on full scale IQ in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Hypocalcemia has been reported in ~50% of patients 22q11.2DS and calcium regulation is known to play a role in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. Because calcium ions play a role in neuronal function and development, we hypothesized that hypocalcemia would be associated with adverse effects on full scale IQ index (FSIQ) in patients with 22q11.2DS. A retrospective chart review cataloguing the presence or absence of hypocalcemia in 1073 subjects with a laboratory confirmed chromosome 22q11.2 deletion evaluated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was conducted. 852/1073 patients had an endocrinology evaluation with laboratory confirmed calcium levels. 466/852 (54.7%) had a diagnosis of hypocalcemia. 265/1073 subjects ranging from 0 to 51 years of age had both calcium levels measured and a neuropsychological evaluation yielding a FSIQ. The mean FSIQ for 146/265 patients with hypocalcemia was 77.09 (SD = 13.56) and the mean FSIQ for 119/265 patients with normocalcemia was 77.27 (SD = 14.25). The distribution of patients with intellectual disability (ID) (FSIQ<69), borderline IQ (FSIQ 70-79), and average IQ (FSIQ>80) between the hypocalcemic and normocalcemic groups was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.2676, p = 0.8748). Neonatal hypocalcemic seizures were not found to be associated with ID. We found no difference in FSIQ between the hypocalcemic and non-hypocalcemic patients with 22q11.2DS. As our findings differ from a previous report in adult subjects, we speculate that this may reflect a potential benefit from early treatment of hypocalcemia and may support early 22q11.2 deletion detection in order to offer prompt diagnosis and subsequent treatment of hypocalcemia.

Association of hypocalcemia with congenital heart disease in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Hypocalcemia is one of the cardinal features of the chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), the most common cause of DiGeorge syndrome. Hypocalcemia and other features of 22q11.2DS including congenital heart disease (CHD) are primarily ascribed to problems with morphogenesis and function of the pharyngeal arch system derivatives including the parathyroid glands, the aortic arch, and the cardiac outflow tract. In light of the aforementioned embryology, we hypothesized that hypocalcemia would be identified more frequently in those patients with 22q11.2DS and CHD. We conducted a retrospective IRB approved chart review on 1,300 subjects with 22q11.2DS evaluated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. χ2 test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of differences in hypocalcemia between the two groups. Eight hundred fifty-two patients had calcium levels available for review. Of these, 466 (54.69%) had a history of hypocalcemia and 550 (64.55%) had CHD. Of those with CHD, 343 (62.36%) had a history of hypocalcemia, and of those without CHD, only 123 (40.73%) had a history of hypocalcemia. Thus, the frequency of diagnosed hypocalcemia was greater in patients with 22q11.2DS and CHD as compared to those without CHD (p < .001). We also analyzed age of onset of hypocalcemia and found that 66.47% of CHD/hypocalcemia group had neonatal/infantile hypocalcemia versus 43.09% in the non-CHD/hypocalcemia group. In our large cohort of patients with 22q11.2DS, the prevalence of diagnosed hypocalcemia is elevated among patients with CHD, in whom it is more likely to be diagnosed during the neonatal/infancy period.

Hypocalcaemia in an adult: the importance of not overlooking the cause

A 58-year-old male patient was admitted at the São Bernardos's Hospital (Setúbal, Portugal) with generalised muscle spasms, dyspnoea, laryngospasm and bronchospasm in the context of severe hypocalcaemia. Despite efforts to correct serum calcium, it remained below average, leading to question the true cause of hypocalcaemia. Low parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, along with facial anomalies, palate defect and cognitive impairment with concomitant psychiatric disorder led to a suspicion of a DiGeorge/velocardiofacial/22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS), which was confirmed through genetic testing. The 22q11.2 DS has a wide phenotypic expression and there are growing reports of diagnosis being made in adulthood. This case report highlights the importance of understanding the cause of refractory hypocalcaemia and alerts medical community to carefully access these patients, for this metabolic disorder may only present in later stages of life.

Parkinson's disease with hypocalcaemia: adult presentation of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

A growing amount of evidence indicates that 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) increases the risk of early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD). Here, we describe a 36-year-old patient with EOPD. The patient presented with 22q11.2DS features, including associated cognitive disabilities, hypocalcaemia and facial dysmorphia that led us to screen for and confirm this deletion. In addition, hypocalcaemia and vitamin D deficiency were the main factors responsible for severe, painful muscle spasms that were non-levodopa (L-Dopa) responsive and remitted after calcium and vitamin D replacement therapy. Many patients with this deletion remain undiagnosed until adulthood due to the absence of 'major' phenotypic hallmarks, which usually present during early childhood. Later onset problems involving various medical subspecialties are increasingly recognised as important components of 22q11.2DS. Therefore, the multisystem nature and associated burden of morbidities demand a high degree of suspicion for this entity from all clinicians regardless of their medical subspecialty.

Impact of intercurrent illness on calcium homeostasis in children with hypoparathyroidism: a case series

BACKGROUND

Hypoparathyroidism is characterised by hypocalcaemia, and standard management is with an active vitamin D analogue and adequate oral calcium intake (dietary and/or supplements). Little is described in the literature about the impact of intercurrent illnesses on calcium homeostasis in children with hypoparathyroidism.

METHODS

We describe three children with hypoparathyroidism in whom intercurrent illnesses led to hypocalcaemia and escalation of treatment with alfacalcidol (1-hydroxycholecalciferol) and calcium supplements.

RESULTS

Three infants managed with standard treatment for hypoparathyroidism (two with homozygous mutations in GCMB2 gene and one with Sanjad-Sakati syndrome) developed symptomatic hypocalcaemia (two infants developed seizures) following respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses. Substantial increases in alfacalcidol doses (up to three times their pre-illness doses) and calcium supplementation were required to achieve acceptable serum calcium concentrations. However, following resolution of illness, these children developed an increase in serum calcium and hypercalciuria, necessitating rapid reduction to pre-illness dosages of alfacalcidol and oral calcium supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Intercurrent illness may precipitate symptomatic hypocalcaemia in children with hypoparathyroidism, necessitating increase in dosages of alfacalcidol and calcium supplements. Close monitoring is required on resolution of the intercurrent illness, with timely reduction of dosages of active analogues of vitamin D and calcium supplements to prevent hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome lowers seizure threshold in adult patients without epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies examining seizures in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) have focused primarily on children and adolescents. In this study we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of seizures and epilepsy in an adult 22q11.2DS population.

METHODS

The medical records of 202 adult patients with 22q11.2DS were retrospectively reviewed for documentation of seizures, electroencephalography (EEG) reports, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Epilepsy status was assigned in accordance with 2010 International League Against Epilepsy Classification.

RESULTS

Of 202 patients, 32 (15.8%) had a documented history of seizure. Of these 32, 23 (71.8%) had acute symptomatic seizures, usually associated with hypocalcemia and/or antipsychotic or antidepressant use. Nine patients (9/32, 28%; 9/202, 4%) met diagnostic criteria for epilepsy. Two patients had genetic generalized epilepsy; two patients had focal seizures of unknown etiology; two had epilepsy due to malformations of cortical development; in two the epilepsy was due to acquired structural changes; and in one patient the epilepsy could not be further classified.

SIGNIFICANCE

Similarly to children, the prevalence of epilepsy and acute symptomatic seizures in adults with 22q11.2DS is higher than in the general population. Hypocalcemia continues to be a risk factor for adults, but differently from kids, the main cause of seizures in adults with 22q11.2DS is exposure to antipsychotics and antidepressants. Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate how 22q11.2 microdeletion leads to an overall decreased seizure threshold.

Growth characteristics and endocrine abnormalities in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) has a wide range of clinical features including endocrine abnormalities. We aimed to characterize growth patterns, hypoparathyroidism, and thyroid dysfunction of individuals with 22q11.2DS. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were obtained from the charts of 48 individuals (males=28, 8.0±6.8 visits/participant) followed at a national 22q11.2DS clinic between 2009 and 2016. Age at diagnosis was 4.3±4.9 years and age at last evaluation 11.2±7.2 years. Median height-SDS was negative at all ages. Height-SDS at last visit was correlated to the midparental height-SDS (r=0.52 P=0.002). Yet, participants did not reach their target height, with a difference of 1.06±1.07 SD (P <0.0001). Height-SDS at last visit of participants with a heart defect was lower compared to participants with a normal heart (-1.5±1.4 vs. -0.6±0.8, P=0.036), with lower height-SDS in the subgroup of participants with severe heart defects (-2.1±1.6, P=0.009). Mean IGF1-SDS was low (-0.99±1.68) but was not correlated with height-SDS. Thirteen patients (27%) had hypoparathyroidism: 10 presented during infancy and 3 during adolescence. Five patients (10.4%, female=4) had thyroid abnormalities. In conclusions, individuals with 22q11.2 DS have a distinct growth pattern consisting of growth restriction at all ages, resulting in final adult height in the low-normal range. Hypoparathyroidism is common and may present during the neonatal period as well as later in life. Thyroid abnormalities may present during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.

Failure to thrive as presentation in a patient with 22q11.2 microdeletion

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities of chromosome 22q11, including deletions and translocations, have been described in association with different birth defects and malformations occurring in many combinations and degrees of severity.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of an 8 month-old infant with no dysmorphic signs who showed progressive postnatal growth failure and no chronic systemic diseases. We found a 22q11.2 microdeletion, inherited from the mother, suggesting the diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome. The patient had an isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency and a significant increase in linear growth during the first and the second year of GH therapy, and a recovery of weight was shown.

CONCLUSIONS

Sometimes, in infants with growth failure a genetic analysis is strongly suggested, since chromosomal abnormalities may be present.

Clinical manifestations and frequency of hypocalcemia in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the evolution of hypocalcemia with age and its associated risk factors in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22qDS) and congenital heart defects.

METHOD

A retrospective review of the medical records of 16 22qDS patients (nine female, seven male; age range, 20.5-43 years) was performed. The frequency of hypocalcemia, as well as the clinical course of the disease and the presence of other phenotypes, were investigated.

RESULTS

Ten of the 16 patients (62.5%) had a history of hypocalcemia. Among the 10 patients, the first onset of hypocalcemia occurred in the following developmental periods: neonatal stage, n = 1; early childhood, n = 3; late childhood, n = 2; adolescence, n = 2; and adulthood, n = 2. Neonatal hypocalcemia was observed in one patient, but it was transient. Two patients had sustained hypocalcemia after cardiac surgery. Hypocalcemia in one patient was transient following cardiac surgery, but it recurred during early adulthood. One patient developed hypocalcemia at 43 years of age. Thymus defect tended to be correlated with history of hypocalcemia (P = 0.09). This condition was often transient (60%) and was triggered by physical stress, such as intracardiac surgery.

CONCLUSION

In 22qDS patients, hypocalcemia was often mild and transient during childhood, but it may recur in adulthood. Routine clinical measurement of serum calcium is recommended, particularly in 22qDS patients with thymic defect or in patients who are under physical stress.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common chromosomal microdeletion disorder, estimated to result mainly from de novo non-homologous meiotic recombination events occurring in approximately 1 in every 1,000 fetuses. The first description in the English language of the constellation of findings now known to be due to this chromosomal difference was made in the 1960s in children with DiGeorge syndrome, who presented with the clinical triad of immunodeficiency, hypoparathyroidism and congenital heart disease. The syndrome is now known to have a heterogeneous presentation that includes multiple additional congenital anomalies and later-onset conditions, such as palatal, gastrointestinal and renal abnormalities, autoimmune disease, variable cognitive delays, behavioural phenotypes and psychiatric illness - all far extending the original description of DiGeorge syndrome. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving paediatrics, general medicine, surgery, psychiatry, psychology, interventional therapies (physical, occupational, speech, language and behavioural) and genetic counselling. Although common, lack of recognition of the condition and/or lack of familiarity with genetic testing methods, together with the wide variability of clinical presentation, delays diagnosis. Early diagnosis, preferably prenatally or neonatally, could improve outcomes, thus stressing the importance of universal screening. Equally important, 22q11.2DS has become a model for understanding rare and frequent congenital anomalies, medical conditions, psychiatric and developmental disorders, and may provide a platform to better understand these disorders while affording opportunities for translational strategies across the lifespan for both patients with 22q11.2DS and those with these associated features in the general population.

Growth hormone deficiency and pituitary malformation in a recurrent Cat-Eye syndrome: a family report

Growth hormone deficiency affects roughly between one in 3000 and one in 4000 children with most instances of growth hormone deficiency being idiopathic. Growth hormone deficiency can also be associated with genetic diseases or chromosome abnormalities. Association of growth hormone deficiency together with hypothalamic-pituitary axis malformation and Cat-Eye syndrome is a very rare condition. We report a family with two brothers presenting with growth delay due to a growth hormone deficiency associated with a polymalformation syndrome. They both displayed pre-auricular pits and tags, imperforate anus and Duane retraction syndrome. Both parents and a third unaffected son displayed normal growth pattern. Cerebral MRI showed a hypothalamic-pituitary axis malformation in the two affected brothers. Cytogenetic studies revealed a type I small supernumerary marker chromosome derived from chromosome 22 resulting in a tetrasomy 22pter-22q11.21 characteristic of the Cat-Eye syndrome. The small supernumerary marker chromosome was present in the two affected sons and the mother in a mosaic state. Patients with short stature due to growth hormone deficiency should be evaluated for chromosomal abnormality. Family study should not be underestimated.

Bone density assessment in a cohort of pediatric patients affected by 22q11DS

OBJECTIVE

Hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia are two of the most frequent clinical characteristics of 22q11-deletion syndrome (22q11DS). The aim of this study was to evaluate bone metabolism and density in a cohort of patients affected by 22q11DS.

METHODS

In 8 pediatric patients (mean age 11.5 years; range 7-16.4) affected by 22q11DS, creatinine, albumin, total and ionized calcium, phosphate, 25(OH) vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide and interleukin 6 were assessed. Furthermore, bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry procedure. 14 healthy children were considered as controls.

RESULTS

Most of the studied subjects were overweight and lacked quality physical activity. 40 % of the subjects had reduced calcium levels in the absence of related clinical symptoms and all patients also had inadequate levels of Vitamin D. The values of L1-L4 BMD were within the reference range in all patients (z score <2). However, after comparing the age-matched indexes of bone mineralization of patients with those of controls, the former had lower bone mineralization indexes than the latter.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients with 22q11DS, an initial and slight bone loss is evident. The incidence of hypocalcemia is underestimated because hypocalcemia is asymptomatic. Several factors contribute to bone impairment in children who still have to achieve bone mass peak. Therefore, we suggest strict monitoring of bone metabolism as well as BMD measurement in patients affected by 22q11DS.

22q11 deletion syndrome: current perspective

Chromosome 22q11 is characterized by the presence of chromosome-specific low-copy repeats or segmental duplications. This region of the chromosome is very unstable and susceptible to mutations. The misalignment of low-copy repeats during nonallelic homologous recombination leads to the deletion of the 22q11.2 region, which results in 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). The 22q11.2 deletion is associated with a wide variety of phenotypes. The term 22q11DS is an umbrella term that is used to encompass all 22q11.2 deletion-associated phenotypes. The haploinsufficiency of genes located at 22q11.2 affects the early morphogenesis of the pharyngeal arches, heart, skeleton, and brain. TBX1 is the most important gene for 22q11DS. This syndrome can ultimately affect many organs or systems; therefore, it has a very wide phenotypic spectrum. An increasing amount of information is available related to the pathogenesis, clinical phenotypes, and management of this syndrome in recent years. This review summarizes the current clinical and genetic status related to 22q11DS.

Movement disorders and other motor abnormalities in adults with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Movement abnormalities are frequently reported in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), but knowledge in this area is scarce in the increasing adult population. We report on five individuals illustrative of movement disorders and other motor abnormalities in adults with 22q11.2DS. In addition to an increased susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders, seizures, and early-onset Parkinson disease, the underlying brain dysfunction associated with 22q11.2DS may give rise to an increased vulnerability to multiple movement abnormalities, including those influenced by medications. Movement abnormalities may also be secondary to treatable endocrine diseases and congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities. We propose that movement abnormalities may be common in adults with 22q11.2DS and discuss the implications and challenges important to clinical practice.

Prevalence of hypocalcaemia and its associated features in 22q11·2 deletion syndrome

BACKGROUND

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a relatively common yet under-recognized genetic syndrome that may present with endocrine features. We aimed to address the factors that contribute to the high prevalence of hypocalcaemia.

METHODS

We investigated hypocalcaemia in a well-characterized sample of 138 adults with 22q11.2DS (65 m, 73 F; mean age 34.2, SD 11.8, years) using laboratory studies and lifelong medical records. Logistic regression modelling was used to identify features associated with lifetime prevalence of hypocalcaemia.

RESULTS

Of the total sample, 111 (80.4%) had a lifetime history of hypocalcaemia. Eleven (84.6%) of 13 subjects with neonatal hypocalcaemia had documented recurrence of hypocalcaemia. Lifetime history of hypocalcaemia was associated with lifetime prevalence of hypoparathyroidism (P < 0.0001) and hypothyroidism (P = 0.04), as statistically independent factors. Hypomagnesaemia was associated with concurrent hypocalcaemic measurements, especially in the presence of concurrent hypoparathyroidism (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that, in addition to the major effect of hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism may play a role in hypocalcaemia in 22q11.2DS and that there is a high recurrence rate of neonatal hypocalcaemia. Hypomagnesaemia may contribute to hypocalcaemia by further suppressing parathyroid hormone (PTH). Although further studies are needed, the findings support regular lifelong follow-up of calcium, magnesium, PTH and TSH levels in patients with 22q11.2DS. At any age, hypocalcaemia with hypoparathyroidism and/or hypothyroidism may suggest a diagnosis of 22q11.2DS.

Noncardiac DiGeorge syndrome diagnosed with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification: A case report

DiGeorge syndrome is not really a rare disease. A microdeletion of chromosome 22q11.2 is found in most patients. Sharing the same genetic cause, a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations such as conotruncal anomaly face syndrome, Cayler cardiofacial syndrome, and velocardiofacial syndrome have been reported. Classic characteristics are cardiac defects, abnormal facial features, thymic hypoplasia, cleft palate, and hypocalcemia. We report a 6-year-old female child presenting with generalized seizure resulting from hypocalcemia. She had no cardiac defects and no hypocalcemia episode in neonatal stage, and had been said to be normal before by her parents until the diagnosis was made. This highlights the importance of extracardiac manifestations in the diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome, and many affected patients may be underestimated with minor facial dysmorphism. As health practitioners, it is our duty to identify the victims undermined in the population, and start thorough investigations and the following rehabilitation as soon as possible. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification is a rapid, reliable, and economical alternative for the diagnosis of 22q11.2 deletion.

Growth charts for 22q11 deletion syndrome

The purpose of this work was to create growth curves specific to the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Growth parameters on 188 patients (86 females, 102 males) followed by a group of three dysmorphologists were collected by retrospective chart review. Growth charts for body mass, length/height, and head circumference were generated using a semi-parametric model with goodness-of-fit tests. The resulting charts show that between 25 and 50% of children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome fall below the 2nd centile for the normal population for all growth parameters. Establishing norms of growth for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome allows the clinician to identify and investigate those children who deviate substantially from the growth profile of this condition.

Growth in Chilean infants with chromosome 22q11 microdeletion syndrome

Chromosome 22q11 microdeletion syndrome has a wide range of clinical manifestations including congenital heart malformations, palatal defects, endocrine abnormalities, immunologic deficits, learning difficulties, and an increased predisposition to psychiatric disease. Short stature and poor weight gain in infancy are common findings and are usually seen in the absence of hormone deficiencies. An increased frequency of obesity has been observed in adolescents and adults. We generated gender-specific growth curves from 0 to 24 months of age, based on 479 length and 475 weight measurements from 138 Chilean patients with 22q11 deletion. Final adult height and weight on 25 individuals were analyzed. The 10th, 50th, and 90th centile-smoothed curves for infants were built using the LMS method and compared with World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. The 50th centile for length in the deleted patients was slightly lower than the 10th centile of WHO standards in boys and girls. The same was observed for weight, although a trend toward a gradual increase near 2 years of age was observed, particularly in boys. Average adult height was 152 cm (ranging from 143 to 162 cm) in females, corresponding to the 10th centiles of WHO standards, and 166 cm for males (160-172 cm), at the 20th centile of WHO standards. A third of the adult females and none of the males had body mass index (BMI) greater than 25. The curves should be useful to monitor growth in infants with 22q11 microdeletion syndrome.

Head and neck manifestations of 22q11.2 deletion syndromes

The allelic loss of 22q11.2 results in various developmental failures of pharyngeal pouch derivatives ("22q11.2 deletion syndromes", 22q.11DS), consequently affecting the anatomy and physiology of head and neck (H&N) organs. The objective of this paper was to describe those manifestations. Two 22q11.2DS patients with H&N manifestations were studied along with a comprehensive review of the English literature, from 1975 to 2010 regarding the associated H&N malformations among 22q11.2DS. A 24-year-old mentally disabled 22q11.2DS male presented with right hemithyroid enlargement, causing significant compressive signs. Sonography revealed a homogeneous 8 × 3 cm lesion, replacing almost the entire thyroid lobe. Fine needle aspiration revealed colloid material and abundant eosinophils. The hemithyroidectomy specimen confirmed follicular adenoma. A 19-year-old mentally disabled 22q11.2DS female underwent CT-angiography due to an upper GI bleeding. The study revealed a vascular malformation in the infratemporal fossa. Reviewing the reported data regarding 22q11.2DS-associated H&N malformations revealed abnormalities and malfunctions of the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus agenesis, cleft palate, carotid artery aberrations, malformations of the larynx and trachea and esophageal dysmotility. 22q11.DS patients may present with H&N anatomical abnormalities, along with hormonal dysfunctions, which require special awareness once treatment is offered, especially when concerning anesthetic and surgical aspects. In addition, hSNF5/INI1, a tumor suppressor gene, detected at location 22q11.2 was described to be "knocked out" in some patients. This may be associated with H&N tumors reported in these patients.

Seizure as a Presenting Manifestation of Idiopathic Hypoparathyroidism

A 31-year-old male presented with generalized new-onset tonic-clonic seizure related to severe hypocalcaemia (serum calcium 1.2 mmol/l) caused by idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (parathyroid hormone concentration 6pg;normal 15-65pg). Computerized tomographic scan showed bilateral, symmetrical, intracranial calcifications involving the basal ganglia and the cerebellum.There are few reports in clinical literature describing new-onset seizure caused by primary hypoparathyroidism in adulthood and hypoparathyroidism needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult-onset seizure.

Newborn screening programs: should 22q11 deletion syndrome be added?

The highly variable 22q11 deletion syndrome has been proposed for addition to newborn screening panels. A literature review investigated the incidence and prevalence, clinical features, and prognosis of 22q11 deletion syndrome and other issues related to newborn screening. Severe complications that could potentially be helped by screening include cardiac defects in 80% (with 20% having no outward signs to aid detection), hypocalcemia that can lead to seizures in 20% (though hypocalcemia is routinely investigated in sick newborns), and severe immune deficiency in <1% (which would be identified by some states' severe combined immunodeficiency screens). Other benefits that do not fit traditional goals of newborn screening include treatment for complications such as failure to thrive and developmental delay or preventing a "diagnostic odyssey." Although universal screening may prove the incidence to be >1:5000, undetected life-threatening effects occur in a minority of 22q11 deletion syndrome patients. Concerns include an untested screening technique, difficulty obtaining results in time for cardiac intervention, the chance of "vulnerable child syndrome" in mild cases, and possibly detecting congenital heart disease more efficiently by other means. Because addition of tests for highly variable conditions such as 22q11 deletion syndrome is likely to set a precedent for other syndromes, reevaluation of newborn screening criteria should be considered.

Thyroid function and morphology in subjects with microdeletion of chromosome 22q11 (del(22)(q11))

INTRODUCTION

Monoallelic microdeletion of chromosome 22q11 (22q11DS) is considered to be the commonest human microdeletion syndrome. Abnormalities of thyroid function are sporadically reported in this syndrome, but very few studies have specifically assessed this issue, and thyroid morphology has not been systematically studied.

DESIGN

To evaluate the prevalence of abnormalities of thyroid function and morphology in a cohort of paediatric and adult patients with 22q11DS.

METHODS

Thirty patients with 22q11DS (median age 9.7, range 1.5-43.9 years) were studied. In all subjects, serum free-T(3), free-T(4), TSH, thyroperoxidase, thyroglobulin, and TSHr auto-antibodies, as well as thyroid ultrasonographic data, were evaluated and compared with age- and sex-matched healthy control groups, for paediatric and adult patients.

RESULTS

Fourteen (46.6%) patients showed thyroid hypoplasia involving the entire gland. In all the patients, the volume of the left lobe of the thyroid was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Among the subjects with thyroid hypoplasia, 10 out of 14 (71%) showed a concomitant heart malformation, a condition that was present in five (31%) of the subjects with a normal thyroid volume (P < 0.05). Seven (23.3%) cases of subclinical hypothyroidism and one (3.3%) case of overt hypothyroidism were identified. Three (10%) patients were positive for thyroid auto-antibodies. Of the patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism, five out of eight (62.5%) patients showed thyroid hypoplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the presence of alterations of thyroid function in 22q11DS, and also suggests a frequent occurrence of abnormalities in thyroid morphology in these subjects. Patients with 22q11DS should be monitored for thyroid function, and thyroid ultrasound screening should be considered, especially in those patients with changes in thyroid function or congenital heart malformations. The possible relationship between developmental abnormalities in the heart and the thyroid gland should be confirmed.

Seizures and EEG findings in an adult patient with DiGeorge syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

This is the first case report to describe the EEG findings in a patient with DiGeorge syndrome who survived into adulthood. The patient developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures when she was 9 years old and these were associated with hypocalcemia. Despite treatment with calcium, seizures persisted and the patient required antiepileptic medications. She was eventually controlled with oxcarbazepine. An MRI of the head was normal. An EEG showed independent spike and wave discharges emanating from the left temporal and right frontal region. The presence of focal findings on EEG, the lack of complete response to calcium therapy, and the need for antiepileptic drug therapy indicate that some of these patients may be inherently predisposed to developing epilepsy.

Parathyroid hormone reserve in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that most patients with 22q11.2 deletion and a history of hypocalcemia have inadequate parathyroid function, manifested by intact parathyroid hormone levels below normal. We aimed to evaluate intact parathyroid hormone levels both during normocalcemia and at hypocalcemia, in this population.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of 103 patients with 22q11.2 deletion born since 1997 and cared for at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Calcium and intact parathyroid hormone drawn simultaneously were recorded, along with clinical presentation at hypocalcemia.

RESULTS

Forty-seven simultaneous Ca/intact parathyroid hormone values were available. Seventy-nine percent of calcium levels and 81% of parathyroid hormone levels were within normal range. There were 19 patients with a history of symptomatic hypocalcemia, for whom any available simultaneous Ca/parathyroid hormone levels, before, during, or after hypocalcemia were analyzed. In this subgroup, 59% of calcium and 76% of parathyroid hormone levels were normal. None had an intact parathyroid hormone of >39.2 pg/mL at hypocalcemia. Seventy-three percent of hypocalcemic events had a precipitating stressor.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoparathyroidism in 22q11.2 deletion is mild, manifesting as a phenomenon of decreased parathyroid hormone reserve. Subjects are normocalcemic most of the time, but are unable to mount elevated intact parathyroid hormone levels, and therefore unable to correct hypocalcemia, in response to stressors.