What syndrome is this? Apert syndrome

Apert syndrome: craniofacial challenges and clinical implications

Apert syndrome is a rare acro-cephalo-syndactyly syndrome characterised by craniosynostosis, severe syndactyly of hands and feet, and dysmorphic facial features. It demonstrates autosomal dominant inheritance assigned to mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene, as a result of which signals are not received to produce necessary fibrous material necessary for normal cranial sutures. Deformities are generally cosmetic but can affect various functions such as hearing, visual abnormalities, swallowing, writing, etc, so a multidisciplinary approach is needed for their management.Presently described is a case of a male in his late adolescence who was medically diagnosed with Apert syndrome at birth. Physical appearance and dental examination of the patient included acrocephaly, prominent forehead, ocular hypertelorism, proptosis, short and broad nose, pseudo-prognathism, dental crowding and ectopia, maxillary hypoplasia, low hairline, webbed neck, pectus excavatum and severe bilateral syndactyly of hands and feet.

Unraveling the Complexity of Apert Syndrome: Genetics, Clinical Insights, and Future Frontiers

Apert syndrome (AS), also known as type I acrocephalosyndactyly, is a rare congenital condition characterized by craniosynostosis resulting from missense mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. This comprehensive review delves into AS, covering its clinical manifestations, genetics, diagnosis, medical management, psychosocial considerations, and future research directions. AS presents with distinct features, including a brachycephalic skull, midface hypoplasia, and limb anomalies such as syndactyly. It follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with mutations in the FGFR2 gene. Prenatal diagnosis is possible through advanced imaging techniques and molecular testing. The multidisciplinary approach to AS management involves surgical interventions, orthodontics, and psychological support. Although no curative treatment exists, early interventions can significantly improve function and aesthetics. The quality of life for AS patients is influenced by psychosocial factors, necessitating comprehensive support for both patients and their families. Future research directions include gene therapy, understanding cellular responses to FGFR2 mutations, and addressing genetic heterogeneity. Collaborative efforts are vital to advancing knowledge about AS and its genetic underpinnings. Overall, this review serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers, contributing to a deeper understanding of AS and facilitating advancements in diagnosis and treatment.

Apert Syndrome: An Insight Into Dentofacial Features

Apert syndrome is a developmental malformation characterised by craniosynostosis (premature fusion of cranial sutures), midface hypoplasia, and syndactyly of hands and feet. Early synostosis of the coronal suture, cranial base, as well as agenesis of the sagittal suture, result in characteristic appearance and dental features like maxillary transverse and sagittal hypoplasia with concomitant dental crowding, a pseudo-cleft palate, and skeletal and dental anterior open bite. In this report, we discuss a case of Apert syndrome, with special emphasis on craniofacial characteristics, a multidisciplinary approach to its treatment, and the dentist’s role in management.

Apert syndrome: Be aware of the 'dodgy' hip!

Apert syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterised by craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia and syndactyly of hands and feet. Here we present a case of a 44-year-old woman, with a genetic diagnosis of Apert syndrome from birth, who presented with symptomatic left-sided hip osteoarthritis secondary to femoral abnormalities. She proceeded to have a total hip replacement. This case report describes the rare occurrence to identify a possible association between Apert syndrome and hip abnormalities.

Genetic architecture of acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a ubiquitary skin disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit resulting from bacterial colonization of hair follicles by Propionibacterium acnes, androgen-induced increased sebum production, altered keratinization and inflammation. Here, we review our current understanding of the genetic architecture of this intriguing disease. We analysed genomewide association studies (GWAS) and candidate genes studies for acne vulgaris. Moreover, we included GWAS studies for the associated disease polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Overall, the available data revealed sixteen genetic loci flagged by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), none of which has been confirmed yet by independent studies. Moreover, a GWAS for PCOS identified 21 susceptible loci. The genetic architecture is complex which has been revealed by GWAS. Further and larger studies in different populations are required to confirm or disprove results from candidate gene studies as well to identify signals that may overlap between different populations. Finally, studies on rare genetic variants in acne and associated diseases like PCOS may deepen our understanding of its pathogenesis.

Apert syndrome: A case report and review of the literature

Apert syndrome is the rare acrocephalosyndactyly syndrome type 1, characterized by craniosynostosis, severe syndactyly of hands and feet, and dysmorphic facial features. It demonstrates autosomal dominant inheritance assigned to mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene. Presently described is case of a 19-year-old female patient diagnosed on physical examination with Apert syndrome based on acrocephaly, prominent forehead, ocular hypertelorism, proptosis, short and broad nose, pseudoprognathism, dental crowding and ectopia, maxillar hypoplasia, low hairline, webbed neck, pectus excavatum, and severe, bilateral syndactyly of hands and feet. The multiple phenotypic signs of Apert syndrome make multidisciplinary team, including dentist, neurosurgeon, plastic surgeon, physiatrist, ophthalmologist, perinatalogist and geneticist, essential for successful management.

Effects of multisensory yoga on behavior in a male child with Apert and Asperger syndrome

This case focused on a 7-year-old boy with Apert and Asperger's syndrome who attended 8, 45 min multisensory yoga sessions, twice a week, during 4-week camp. Results from the pre- and post-tests on Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Social Skills Assessment showed improvements in the total score changes from 19 to 7 for disruptive behaviors. Sparks Target Behavior Checklist scores changed from eight to one showing progression in ability to stay on task. Yoga Pose Rating Scale displayed the transformation in total scores from 80 = emerging to 115 = consistency in pose performance. The field notes revealed the positive development in expressive emotions, social engagement, and decline in looking around. Outside class parent and school behavioral specialist reported the improved ability to self-regulate stress using lion's breath and super brain. These findings indicate an improvement in behaviors that influenced the physical performance, emotional expression, and social interaction after yoga training for this child.

[Apert syndrome in a 60-year old Congolese: about one observation]

Le syndrome d'Apert est une rare acrocéphalosyndactylie caractérisée par une dysmorphie crânio-faciale avec une crâniosténose, une syndactylie aux mains et aux pieds et d'autres malformations cérébrales. La coexistence de plusieurs malformations avec un important lot de préjudices esthétiques constitue la gravité de ce syndrome. Une prise en charge précoce et multidisciplinaire s'avère important. Les auteurs rapportent une observation rare d'un syndrome d'apert chez un patient congolais âgé de 60 ans qui n'a jamais bénéficié d'une prise en charge. Ainsi, cette observation décrit les aspects cliniques et évolutifs de cette affection.

Apert's Syndrome

Apert's syndrome (acrocephalosyndactyly) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, midfacial malforma-tion and symmetrical syndactyly of hands and feet. Craniofacial deformities include cone-shaped calvarium, fat forehead, prop-tosis, hypertelorism and short nose with a bulbous tip. Intraoral findings include high arched palate with pseudocleft, maxillary transverse and sagittal hypoplasia with concomitant dental crowding, skeletal and dental anterior open bite and several retained primary teeth. We report one such case of 14-year-old boy having all the classical features of Apert's syndrome with particular emphasis on brief review of genetic features. How to cite this article: Kumar GR, Jyothsna M, Ahmed SB, Lakshmi KRS. Apert's Syndrome. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2014;7(1):69-72.

Acne and systemic disease

Acne is the most common disease of the skin. It affects 85% of teenagers, 42.5% of men, and 50.9% of women between the ages of 20 and 30 years.96,97 The role of hormones, particularly as a trigger of sebum production and sebaceous growth and differentiation, is well known. Excess production of hormones, specifically androgens, GH, IGF-1, insulin, CRH, and glucocorticoids, is associated with increased rates of acne development. Acne may be a feature in many endocrine disorders, including polycystic ovary disease, Cushing syndrome, CAH, androgen-secreting tumors, and acromegaly. Other nonendocrine diseases associated with acne include Apert syndrome, SAPHO syndrome, Behçet syndrome and PAPA syndrome. Acne medicamentosa is the development of acne vulgaris or an acneiform eruption with the use of certain medications. These medications include testosterone, progesterone,steroids, lithium, phenytoin, isoniazid, vitamins B2, B6, and B12, halogens, and epidermal growth factor inhibitors. Management of acne medicamentosa includes standard acne therapy. Discontinuation of the offending drug may be necessary in recalcitrant cases. Basic therapeutic interventions for acne include topical therapy, systemic antibiotics,hormonal agents, isotretinoin, and physical treatments. Generally, the severity of acne lesions determines the type of acne regimen necessary. The emergence of drug-resistant P acnes and adverse side effects are current limitations to effective acne management.

Role of FGFR2-signaling in the pathogenesis of acne

It is the purpose of this review to extend our understanding of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor-2b-signaling network in the pathogenesis of acne. A new concept of the role of FGFR2b-signaling in dermal-epithelial interaction for skin appendage formation, pilosebaceous follicle homeostasis, comedogenesis, sebaceous gland proliferation and lipogenesis is presented. The FGFR2-gain-of-function mutations in Apert syndrome and unilateral acneiform nevus are most helpful model diseases pointing the way to androgen-dependent dermalepithelial FGFR2-signaling in acne. Androgen-mediated upregulation of FGFR2b-signaling in acne-prone skin appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. In organotypic skin cultures, keratinocyte-derived interleukin-1alpha stimulated fibroblasts to secrete FGF7 which stimulated FGFR2b-mediated keratinocyte proliferation. Postnatal deletion of FGFR2b in mice resulted in severe sebaceous gland atrophy. The importance of FGFR2b in sebaceous gland physiology is further supported by the mode of action of anti-acne agents which have been proposed to attenuate FGFR2b-signaling. Downregulation of FGFR2b-signaling by isotretinoin explains its therapeutic effect in acne. Downregulation of FGFR2b-signaling during the first trimester of pregnancy disturbs branched morphogenesis and explains retinoid embryotoxicity. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), the mediator of growth hormone during puberty, intracts with androgen-dependent FGFR2b-signaling and links androgen- and FGF-mediated signal transduction important in sebaceous gland homeostasis. The search for a follicular defect in the dermalepithelial regulation of growth factor-signaling in acne-prone skin appears to be a most promising approach to clarify the pathogenesis of acne.