CDKN1C-Related Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome: First Patient from India

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS; MIM# 130650) is a well-characterized pediatric overgrowth disorder. In approximately 5% of the cases, it is caused by pathogenic variants in the CDKN1C (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C). CDKN1C gene encodes for a protein p57 (KIP2) that acts as an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) that are expressed in the G and S-phase of the cell cycle, thus regulating cellular proliferation. Variants in CDKN1C gene lead to loss of inhibitory function of CDK and thus impair the inhibition of growth, resulting in BWS phenotype.

We describe here a 2.5-year-old boy with a maternally inherited variant c.182G > T, p.Trp61Cys in the CDKN1C gene causing BWS. The natural history of the disorder is described along with the gradual change in the facial features. An insight into the genotype–phenotype correlation and disorders to be considered in the differential diagnosis is provided. We describe a common overgrowth syndrome with its rare genetic mechanism and highlight the salient features that help in making a diagnosis and managing patients.

Reversal of Clinical Phenotype of Sotos Syndrome Due to Microduplication of NSD1 Gene

Sotos syndrome is caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants or deletions in the long arm of chromosome 5 encompassing NSD1. The cardinal features of this condition are overgrowth, macrocephaly, and intellectual disability. Conversely, duplications leading to an extra copy of NSD1 result in a reverse phenotype that is observed in duplication/microduplication of the 5q region. An 11-y-old boy was referred to the genetics clinic in view of global developmental delay and general tonic-clonic seizures. Whole-exome sequencing revealed the presence of likely pathogenic copy number variation, a contiguous duplication of size ~4.11 Mb spanning genomic location chr5: g.(?_171773956)_(175880045_?)dup. After validation by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and phenotypic correlation, a diagnosis of reverse Sotos syndrome was confirmed. As far as the authors know, this is the first patient report of reverse Sotos syndrome from India. It highlights the peculiar presentation of this disorder as well as discusses the increasing potential of exome sequencing to screen for copy number variations (CNVs).

Clinical and radiological predictors of outcome in tubercular meningitis: A prospective study of 209 patients

OBJECTIVES

The predictors of poor outcome in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remain to be delineated. We determined role of various clinical, radiological and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters in prediction of outcome in TBM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Current study was a prospective observational study including 209 patients of TBM. All patients underwent detailed evaluation including Gadolinium enhanced Magnetic resonance imaging (GdMRI) of brain as well as tests to detect evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere in body. They also underwent GdMRI at three and nine month follow up. All patients received treatment as per standard guidelines.

RESULTS

Mean age was 30.4±13.8years. 139 (66.5%) patients had definite TBM while 70 (34.5%) had highly probable TBM. 53 (25.4%) patients died. On univariate analysis, longer duration of illness, altered sensorium, stage III TBM, hydrocephalus and exudates correlated with poor outcome. On multivariate analysis presence of hydrocephalus (p=0.003; OR=3.2; 95% CI=1.5-6.7) and stage III TBM (p<0.0001; OR=8.7; 95% CI=3.7-20.2) correlated with higher risk of mortality. In addition, there was significant positive association between presence of hydrocephalus (p=0.05; OR=2.2; 95% CI=0.97-5.1), stage III TBM (p<0.0001; OR=28; 95% CI=4.9-158) and presence of altered sensorium (p=0.05; OR=22; 95% CI=0.99-4.8) with either death or survival with severe disability.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to prognosticate TBM using a combination of clinical and radiological. The duration of illness (65.9±92days) before diagnosis of TBM continues to be unacceptably long and this stresses on need to educate primary care physicians about TBM. Future studies where intensity and duration of treatment is guided by these cues may help in sorting out some of the most difficult questions in TBM, namely duration of antitubercular therapy as well as dose and duration of steroid therapy etc.