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Bouw N, Swaab H, Tartaglia N, Wilson RL, Van der Velde K, van Rijn S. Early symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 1-8 year old children with sex chromosome trisomies (XXX, XXY, XYY), and the predictive value of joint attention. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2323-2334. [PMID: 36107256 PMCID: PMC10576671 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to investigate the impact of Sex Chromosome Trisomy (SCT; XXX, XXY, XYY) on the early appearance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms, and the predictive value of Joint Attention for symptoms of ASD. SCTs are specific genetic conditions that may serve as naturalistic 'at risk' models of neurodevelopment, as they are associated with increased risk for neurobehavioral vulnerabilities. A group of 82 children with SCT (aged 1-8 years) was included at baseline of this longitudinal study. Joint Attention was measured at baseline with structured behavior observations according to the Early Social Communication Scales. ASD symptoms were assessed with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers questionnaire and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised in a 1-year follow-up. Recruitment and assessment took place in the Netherlands and in the United States. The results demonstrate that ASD symptoms were substantially higher in children with SCT compared to the general population, with 22% of our cohort at clinical risk for ASD, especially in the domain of social interaction and communication. Second, a predictive value of Joint Attention was found for ASD symptoms at 1-year follow-up. In this cohort, no differences were found between karyotype-subtypes. In conclusion, from a very early age, SCT can be associated with an increased risk for vulnerabilities in adaptive social functioning. These findings show a neurodevelopmental impact of the extra X or Y chromosome on social adaptive development associated with risk for ASD already from early childhood onward. These findings advocate for close monitoring and early (preventive) support, aimed to optimize social development of young children with SCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Bouw
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, PO Box 9500, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna Swaab
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, PO Box 9500, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rebecca L Wilson
- Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Sophie van Rijn
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Leiden University, PO Box 9500, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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van Rijn S, Kuiper K, Bouw N, Urbanus E, Swaab H. Neurocognitive and behavioral development in young children (1-7 years) with sex chromosome trisomy. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:e220494. [PMID: 36880404 PMCID: PMC10160554 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Investigating sex chromosome trisomies (SCTs) may help in understanding neurodevelopmental pathways underlying the risk for neurobehavioral problems and psychopathology. Knowledge about the neurobehavioral phenotype is needed to improve clinical care and early intervention for children with SCT. This is especially relevant considering the increasing number of early diagnosed children with the recent introduction of noninvasive prenatal screening. The TRIXY Early Childhood Study is a longitudinal study designed to identify early neurodevelopmental risks in children with SCT, aged 1-7 years. This review summarizes the results from the TRIXY Early Childhood Study, focusing on early behavioral symptoms in areas of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and communication disorders, and underlying neurocognitive mechanisms in domains of language, emotion regulation, executive functioning, and social cognition. Behavioral symptoms were assessed through structured behavior observation and parental questionnaires. Neurocognition was measured using performance tests, eyetracking, and psychophysiological measures of arousal. In total, 209 children aged 1-7 years were included: 107 children with SCT (33 XXX, 50 XXY, and 24 XYY) and 102 age-matched population controls. Study outcomes showed early behavioral symptoms in young children with SCT, and neurocognitive vulnerabilities, already from an early age onward. Neurobehavioral and neurocognitive difficulties tended to become more pronounced with increasing age and were rather robust, independent of specific karyotype, pre/postnatal diagnosis, or ascertainment strategy. A more longitudinal perspective on neurodevelopmental 'at-risk' pathways is warranted, also including studies assessing the effectiveness of targeted early interventions. Neurocognitive markers that signal differences in neurodevelopment may prove to be helpful in this. Focusing on early development of language, social cognition, emotion regulation, and executive functioning may help in uncovering early essential mechanisms of (later) neurobehavioral outcome, allowing for more targeted support and early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie van Rijn
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
- TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Sandifortdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kimberly Kuiper
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
- TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Sandifortdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Bouw
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
- TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Sandifortdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Dr. Molewaterplein, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien Urbanus
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
- TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Sandifortdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical, Neuro, and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanna Swaab
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
- TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Sandifortdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Gravholt CH, Ferlin A, Gromoll J, Juul A, Raznahan A, van Rijn S, Rogol AD, Skakkebæk A, Tartaglia N, Swaab H. New developments and future trajectories in supernumerary sex chromosome abnormalities: a summary of the 2022 3rd International Workshop on Klinefelter Syndrome, Trisomy X, and XYY. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:e220500. [PMID: 36598290 PMCID: PMC9986408 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The 3rd International Workshop on Klinefelter Syndrome, Trisomy X, and 47,XYY syndrome was held in Leiden, the Netherlands, on September 12-14, 2022. Here, we review new data presented at the workshop and discuss scientific and clinical trajectories. We focus on shortcomings in knowledge and therefore point out future areas for research. We focus on the genetics and genomics of supernumerary sex chromosome syndromes with new data being presented. Most knowledge centre specifically on Klinefelter syndrome, where aspects on testosterone deficiency and the relation to bone, muscle and fat were discussed, as was infertility and the treatment thereof. Both trisomy X and 47,XYY syndrome are frequently affected by infertility. Transitioning of males with Klinefelter syndrome was addressed, as this seemingly simple process in practise is often difficult. It is now realized that neurocognitive changes are pervasive in all supernumerary sex chromosome syndromes, which were extensively discussed. New intervention projects were also described, and exciting new data concerning these were presented. Advocacy organizations were present, describing the enormous burden carried by parents when having to explain their child's specific syndrome to most professionals whenever in contact with health care and education systems. It was also pointed out that most countries do not have health care systems that diagnose patients with supernumerary sex chromosome syndromes, thus pinpointing a clear deficiency in the current genetic testing and care models. At the end of the workshop, a roadmap towards the development of new international clinical care guidelines for Klinefelter syndrome was decided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus H Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Joerg Gromoll
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Münster, Germany
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Armin Raznahan
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sophie van Rijn
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands and TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alan D Rogol
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anne Skakkebæk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Hanna Swaab
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands and TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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Kuiper KC, Swaab H, Tartaglia N, van Buggenhout G, Wouters C, van Rijn S. The developmental impact of sex chromosome trisomies on emerging executive functions in young children: Evidence from neurocognitive tests and daily life skills. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12811. [PMID: 35584398 PMCID: PMC9744538 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sex chromosomal trisomies (SCT) are associated with impairments in executive functions in school-aged children, adolescents, and adults. However, knowledge on preschool development of executive functions is limited but greatly needed to guide early intervention. The current study examined emerging executive functions in young children with SCT. Participants were 72 SCT children and 70 population-based controls, aged 3-7 years, who completed a neurocognitive assessment of both global executive function (MEFS) and verbal executive function skills (NEPSY Word Generation). Caregivers completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire to capture real-world behavioral manifestations of impairments in executive functions. Results showed that impairments were significantly more prevalent in SCT than in controls and already present from 3 years, specifically verbal executive functions and working memory. Broader more pronounced impairments were found in older children with SCT. Age was significantly related to executive functions, but specific domains showed different relations with age. For example, deficits in planning and organizing remained evident with older age in SCT whereas it declined with age in controls. Impairments in executive functions were present across different levels of intelligence. Already at an early age, impairments across executive functions should be considered part of the neurodevelopmental profile of SCT, which appear more prominent at later age. Future studies should investigate developmental pathways of executive functions in SCT, given its relevance in cognitive, social, and emotional development. Executive functions should be screened and monitored in children with SCT and could be an important target of preventive intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly C. Kuiper
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental SciencesLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and CognitionLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Hanna Swaab
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental SciencesLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and CognitionLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Developmental PediatricsChildren's Hospital ColoradoAuroraColoradoUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Griet van Buggenhout
- Center for Human GeneticsUniversity Hospital GasthuisbergLeuvenBelgium
- Department of Human GeneticsKU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| | - Caroline Wouters
- Center for Human GeneticsUniversity Hospital GasthuisbergLeuvenBelgium
| | - Sophie van Rijn
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental SciencesLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and CognitionLeidenThe Netherlands
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