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Trujillano L, Ayerza-Casas A, Puisac B, Latorre-Pellicer A, Arnedo M, Lucia-Campos C, Gil-Salvador M, Parenti I, Kaiser FJ, Ramos FJ, Trujillano J, Pié J. Assessment of Quality of Life Using the Kidslife Scale in Individuals With Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. Cureus 2024; 16:e57378. [PMID: 38694681 PMCID: PMC11061870 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare polymalformative genetic disorder with multisystemic involvement. Despite numerous clinical and molecular studies, the specific evaluation of the quality of life (QoL) and its relationship with syndrome-specific risk factors has not been explored. METHODS The QoL of 33 individuals diagnosed with CdLS, aged between 4 and 21 years, was assessed using the Kidslife questionnaire. Specifically, the influence of 14 risk factors on overall QoL and 8 of its domains was analyzed. RESULTS The study revealed below-median QoL (45.3 percentile), with the most affected domains being physical well-being, personal development, and self-determination. When classifying patients based on their QoL and affected domains, variants in the NIPBL gene, clinical scores ≥11, and severe behavioral and communication issues were found to be the main risk factors. CONCLUSIONS We emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to CdLS that encompasses clinical, molecular, psychosocial, and emotional aspects. The "Kidslife questionnaire" proved to be a useful tool for evaluating QoL, risk factors, and the effectiveness of implemented strategies. In this study, we underscore the importance of implementing corrective measures to improve the clinical score. Furthermore, we highlight the necessity of applying specific therapies for behavioral problems after ruling out underlying causes such as pain or gastroesophageal reflux and implementing measures that facilitate communication and promote social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trujillano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, ESP
- Medicine Genetics Group, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, ESP
| | - Ariadna Ayerza-Casas
- Unit of Paediatric Cardiology, Service of Paediatrics, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, ESP
- Unit of Clinical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERER-GCV02 and IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, ESP
| | - Beatriz Puisac
- Unit of Clinical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERER-GCV02 and IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, ESP
| | - Ana Latorre-Pellicer
- Unit of Clinical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERER-GCV02 and IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, ESP
| | - María Arnedo
- Unit of Clinical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERER-GCV02 and IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, ESP
| | - Cristina Lucia-Campos
- Unit of Clinical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERER-GCV02 and IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, ESP
| | - Marta Gil-Salvador
- Unit of Clinical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERER-GCV02 and IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, ESP
| | - Ilaria Parenti
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, DEU
| | - Frank J Kaiser
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, DEU
- Essen Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital Essen, Essen, DEU
| | - Feliciano J Ramos
- Unit of Clinical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, Service of Paediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, ESP
- Unit of Clinical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERER-GCV02 and IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, ESP
| | - Javier Trujillano
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Universitario Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Lleida, Spain; Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, ESP
| | - Juan Pié
- Unit of Clinical Genetics and Functional Genomics, Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Zaragoza, CIBERER-GCV02 and IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, ESP
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Crawford H, Oliver C, Groves L, Bradley L, Smith K, Hogan A, Renshaw D, Waite J, Roberts J. Behavioural and physiological indicators of anxiety reflect shared and distinct profiles across individuals with neurogenetic syndromes. Psychiatry Res 2023; 326:115278. [PMID: 37285621 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety is heightened in individuals with intellectual disability, particularly in those with specific neurogenetic syndromes. Assessment of anxiety for these individuals is hampered by a lack of appropriate measures that cater for communication impairment, differences in presentation, and overlapping features with co-occurring conditions. Here, we adopt a multi-method approach to identify fine-grained behavioural and physiological (via salivary cortisol) responses to anxiety presses in people with fragile X (FXS; n = 27; Mage = 20.11 years; range 6.32 - 47.04 years) and Cornelia de Lange syndromes (CdLS; n = 27; Mage = 18.42 years; range 4.28 - 41.08 years), two neurogenetic groups at high risk for anxiety, compared to neurotypical children (NT; n = 21; Mage = 5.97 years; range 4.34 - 7.30 years). Results indicate that physical avoidance of feared stimuli and proximity seeking to a familiar adult are prominent behavioural indicators of anxiety/stress in FXS and CdLS. Heightened pervasive physiological arousal was identified in these groups via salivary cortisol. An association between autistic characteristics and anxiety was evident in the FXS group but not in the CdLS group pointing to syndrome-specific nuances in the association between anxiety and autism. This study furthers understanding of the behavioural and physiological presentation of anxiety in individuals with intellectual disability and progresses theoretical developments regarding the development and maintenance of anxiety at the intersection of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Crawford
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, United Kingdom.
| | - Chris Oliver
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Groves
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Bradley
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Kayla Smith
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail Hogan
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
| | - Derek Renshaw
- Research Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Waite
- School of Psychology, Aston University, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Roberts
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States
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Jenner L, Richards C, Howard R, Moss J. Heterogeneity of Autism Characteristics in Genetic Syndromes: Key Considerations for Assessment and Support. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2023; 10:132-146. [PMID: 37193200 PMCID: PMC10169182 DOI: 10.1007/s40474-023-00276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Elevated prevalence of autism characteristics is reported in genetic syndromes associated with intellectual disability. This review summarises recent evidence on the behavioural heterogeneity of autism in the following syndromes: Fragile X, Cornelia de Lange, Williams, Prader-Willi, Angelman, Down, Smith-Magenis, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Key considerations for assessment and support are discussed. Recent Findings The profile and developmental trajectory of autism-related behaviour in these syndromes indicate some degree of syndrome specificity which may interact with broader behavioural phenotypes (e.g. hypersociability), intellectual disability, and mental health (e.g. anxiety). Genetic subtype and co-occurring epilepsy within syndromes contribute to increased significance of autism characteristics. Autism-related strengths and challenges are likely to be overlooked or misunderstood using existing screening/diagnostic tools and criteria, which lack sensitivity and specificity within these populations. Summary Autism characteristics are highly heterogeneous across genetic syndromes and often distinguishable from non-syndromic autism. Autism diagnostic assessment practices in this population should be tailored to specific syndromes. Service provisions must begin to prioritise needs-led support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jenner
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, England
| | | | - Rachel Howard
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, England
| | - Joanna Moss
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, England
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Groves L, Moss J, Oliver C, Royston R, Waite J, Crawford H. Divergent presentation of anxiety in high-risk groups within the intellectual disability population. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:54. [PMID: 36199025 PMCID: PMC9535841 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09462-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety symptomatology is common in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Symptomatology includes both traditional Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) anxiety disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related anxiety traits. Some genetic disorders such as Cornelia de Lange (CdLS) and fragile X syndromes (FXS) are at very high risk of anxiety and afford the opportunity to examine prevalence, profiles and associated person characteristics. However, prevalence and associated characteristics of anxiety in these high-risk groups remain poorly described and understood. The aim of the current study was to examine the prevalence and profile of DSM-5 and ASD-related anxiety symptomatology in individuals with CdLS and FXS and associated behavioural and cognitive characteristics. Methods Questionnaires and interviews assessing DSM-5 and ASD-related anxiety were conducted with caregivers of individuals with CdLS (n = 49) and FXS (n = 36). Results DSM-5 anxiety symptomatology was present in both groups with high co-morbidity across anxiety diagnoses. ASD-related anxiety was also prevalent with specific difficulties related to intolerance of uncertainty identified in both groups. Symptomatology was persistent over the lifespan for both groups. Anxiety type was partially associated with repetitive behaviour but not measures of overall ASD phenomenology in CdLS. Conclusions DSM-5 and ASD-related anxiety are common in these high-risk syndromes associated with ID. Prospective syndrome specific presentations and associations, which may implicate specific underlying mechanisms, are discussed. Clinicians should be aware of the risk and difficulties involved in assessment of anxiety in individuals with ID, including atypical types, to ensure these individuals do not “miss” diagnoses and support in general clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Groves
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Joanna Moss
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Chris Oliver
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rachel Royston
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Jane Waite
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Hayley Crawford
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Giani L, Michelini G, Ajmone PF, Scaini S, Selicorni A, Vizziello P, Costantino A. Age-related hallmarks of psychopathology in Cornelia de Lange and Rubinstein-Taybi syndromes. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 126:104235. [PMID: 35468572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM There is mounting evidence highlighting that Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) and Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome's (RSTS) behavioral phenotypes are not stable over individual developmental trajectories and that several psychiatric disorders might arise with age. Our study aims to examine the specific hallmarks of psychopathology and behavioral phenotypes in four different age ranges: infancy and toddlerhood, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence, in both genetic syndromes. METHOD The sample included 44 patients with CdLS (48% boys, age = 6.67 ± 4.36) and 31 with RSTS (48% boys, age = 6.89 ± 4.58) recruited through follow-ups. Cognitive, behavioral, and autism assessments were carried out with Griffith's scales or the Leiter-R, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Child Autism Rating Scales 2. Multiple ANOVA 2 × 4 were run to outline behavioral phenotypic age-related syndromic markers and ANCOVA to value the weight of IQ and ASD-related traits on the psychopathological outcome. RESULTS Findings showed that anxiety is a crucial phenotypic hallmark, independent of IQ but associated with autistic traits, that increases from infancy to adolescence in both CdLS and RSTS. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Being aware of the developmental challenges that growing children are called to face is essential for drawing up proper standards of assessment turning into target age-related interventions, ensuring these patients personalized healthcare and improvement in life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Giani
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Michelini
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Francesca Ajmone
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service (UONPIA), Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, Milan, Italy.
| | - Simona Scaini
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paola Vizziello
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service (UONPIA), Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Costantino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service (UONPIA), Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, Milan, Italy
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The natural history of adults with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome: a families-reported experience. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:841-847. [PMID: 35388185 PMCID: PMC9259744 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The existing knowledge about morbidity in adults with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) is limited and detailed data on their natural history and response to management are needed for optimal care in later life. We formed an international, multidisciplinary working group that developed an accessible questionnaire including key issues about adults with RTS and disseminated this to all known RTS support groups via social media. We report the observations from a cohort of 87 adult individuals of whom 43 had a molecularly confirmed diagnosis. The adult natural history of RTS is defined by prevalent behavioural/psychiatric problems (83%), gastrointestinal problems (73%) that are represented mainly by constipation; and sleep problems (62%) that manifest in a consistent pattern of sleep apnoea, difficulty staying asleep and an increased need for sleep. Furthermore, over than half of the RTS individuals (65%) had skin and adnexa-related problems. Half of the individuals receive multidisciplinary follow-up and required surgery at least once, and most frequently more than once, during adulthood. Our data confirm that adults with RTS enjoy both social and occupational possibilities, show a variegated experience of everyday life but experience a significant morbidity and ongoing medical issues which do not appear to be as coordinated and multidisciplinary managed as in paediatric patients. We highlight the need for optimal care in a multidisciplinary setting including the pivotal role of specialists for adult care.
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Giani L, Michelini G, Nobile M, Ajmone PF, Vizziello PG, Scaini S. Behavioral markers of social anxiety in Cornelia de Lange Syndrome: A brief systematic review. J Affect Disord 2022; 299:636-643. [PMID: 34953928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that social impairments in Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) differ from those observed in idiopathic autism as they are characterized mainly by social anxiety. However, the knowledge of the fundamental features of social anxiety symptoms in this target population is limited. This brief systematic review aims to investigate the relationship between social anxiety and CdLS through multiple cross-sectional comparisons. METHODS PRISMA-P guidelines were followed, and the literature research was conducted in Pubmed, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect using "Cornelia de Lange Syndrome" or "CdLS" and "social anxiety" as search terms. RESULTS Six articles met the eligibility criteria. Results show that heightened levels of social anxiety in CdLS individuals occur before and after the social engagement and are mediated by both the nature of the social demand and the familiarity of the examiner they interact with. LIMITATIONS The interpretation of results is limited by the wide heterogeneity of patients' age and sample size across the reviewed studies, and by the absence of a unique observational procedure to detect behaviors indicative of social anxiety in syndromic individuals. CONCLUSIONS These findings have considerable clinical implications for intervention planning which might be generalized to all people with intellectual disability linked to a genetic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Giani
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Michelini
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Nobile
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Paola Francesca Ajmone
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service (UONPIA), Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Giovanna Vizziello
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service (UONPIA), Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Scaini
- Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy.
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