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Umapathi KK, Godsey V, Chang HT, Kohli U. Brugada syndrome in infants (<12 months): A case report and literature review. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2023. [PMID: 37795979 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14835] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
While Brugada syndrome (BrS) is well described in adults and older children, presentation of BrS within the first 12 months of life is rare and therefore poorly characterized. We report a 7-year-old male with a malignant BrS phenotype with onset at 8 months of age, leading to multiple ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) related cardiac arrests and ultimately his death. The report is supplemented by a comprehensive review of existing literature on infantile-onset BrS and unique features in this population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Kishore Umapathi
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, West Virginia, USA
| | - Veronica Godsey
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine and West Virginia University Children's Heart Center, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Hsieh Ting Chang
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine and West Virginia University Children's Heart Center, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Utkarsh Kohli
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine and West Virginia University Children's Heart Center, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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2
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Kon FC, Scheimberg I, Haini M, Cohen MC. Cardiovascular-related death in infancy and childhood: a clinicopathological study of two referral institutions in England. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00630-5. [PMID: 37233944 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To review post-mortem findings among deaths presenting as sudden and/or unexpected deaths in two centers in the UK during a 16-year period in order to identify those related to cardiovascular conditions. The post-mortem databases of two tertiary referral institutions were searched, and all reports were reviewed. Histological features and results of ancillary investigations were noted. All cases of sudden and/or unexpected cardiac deaths (SCD) between 2003 and 2018 were identified. The study was PRISMA compliant and approved by clinical governance. 68/1129 cases of SCD (6.0%) were identified in one center and 83/753 cases (11%) in the other. These 151 cases constituted the study cohort. The mean annual incidence of SCD was 0.3 per 100,000 persons/annum. The three most prevalent groups of cardiac pathology were cardiac malformations (51/151; 33.8%), cardiomyopathies (32/151; 21.2%), and myocarditis (31/151; 20.5%). Mean age at death was 3.4 years. Prematurity was predominantly associated with deaths related to cardiac malformations (p < 0.001). Symptoms had been present for a mean of 3.8, 3.0, and 3.5 days before death for myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac malformations/complications post-surgery. This retrospective comparative study represents the largest autopsy series of SCD in infants and children in the UK. Some entities are very infrequent. Several diseases could have been identified earlier in life allowing for the possibility of intervention. Limitation includes the retrospective nature of the study and that, as arrhythmogenic gene mutations are not yet routinely performed in unexplained deaths, the incidence of SCD in infants and children is most likely underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Chuen Kon
- Department of Pathology, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS F.T., University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Irene Scheimberg
- Department of Pathology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS T., Tower Hamlets, London, UK
| | - Mohammad Haini
- Department of Pathology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS T., Tower Hamlets, London, UK
| | - Marta C Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS F.T., University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK.
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK.
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3
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Sessa F, Esposito M, Messina G, Di Mizio G, Di Nunno N, Salerno M. Sudden Death in Adults: A Practical Flow Chart for Pathologist Guidance. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:870. [PMID: 34356248 PMCID: PMC8307931 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9070870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The medico-legal term "sudden death (SD)" refers to those deaths that are not preceded by significant symptoms. SD in apparently healthy individuals (newborn through to adults) represents a challenge for medical examiners, law enforcement officers, and society as a whole. This review aims to introduce a useful flowchart that should be applied in all cases of SD. Particularly, this flowchart mixes the data obtained through an up-to-date literature review and a revision of the latest version of guidelines for autopsy investigation of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in order to support medico-legal investigation. In light of this review, following the suggested flowchart step-by-step, the forensic pathologist will be able to apply all the indications of the scientific community to real cases. Moreover, it will be possible to answer all questions relative to SD, such as: death may be attributable to cardiac disease or to other causes, the nature of the cardiac disease (defining whether the mechanism was arrhythmic or mechanical), whether the condition causing SD may be inherited (with subsequent genetic counseling), the assumption of toxic or illicit drugs, traumas, and other unnatural causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Giulio Di Mizio
- Forensic Medicine, Department of Law, Economy and Sociology, Campus “S. Venuta”, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Nunzio Di Nunno
- Department of History, Society and Studies on Humanity, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Monica Salerno
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy; (M.E.); (M.S.)
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Wei J, Ni X, Dai Y, Chen X, Ding S, Bao J, Xing L. Identification of genes associated with sudden cardiac death: a network- and pathway-based approach. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:3610-3627. [PMID: 34277054 PMCID: PMC8264674 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-21-361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for a large proportion of the total deaths across different age groups. Although numerous candidate genes related to SCD have been identified by genetic association studies and genome wide association studies (GWAS), the molecular mechanisms underlying SCD are still unclear, and the biological functions and interactions of these genes remain obscure. To clarify this issue, we performed a comprehensive and systematic analysis of SCD-related genes by a network and pathway-based approach. Methods By screening the publications deposited in the PubMed and Gene-Cloud Biotechnology Information (GCBI) databases, we collected the genes genetically associated with SCD, which were referred to as the SCD-related gene set (SCDgset). To analyze the biological processes and biochemical pathways of the SCD-related genes, functional analysis was performed. To explore interlinks and interactions of the enriched pathways, pathway crosstalk analysis was implemented. To construct SCD-specific molecular networks, Markov cluster algorithm and Steiner minimal tree algorithm were employed. Results We collected 257 genes that were reported to be associated with SCD and summarized them in the SCDgset. Most of the biological processes and biochemical pathways were related to heart diseases, while some of the biological functions may be noncardiac causes of SCD. The enriched pathways could be roughly grouped into two modules. One module was related to calcium signaling pathway and the other was related to MAPK pathway. Moreover, two different SCD-specific molecular networks were inferred, and 23 novel genes potentially associated with SCD were also identified. Conclusions In summary, by means of a network and pathway-based methodology, we explored the pathogenetic mechanism underlying SCD. Our results provide valuable information in understanding the pathogenesis of SCD and include novel biomarkers for diagnosing potential patients with heart diseases; these may help in reducing the corresponding risks and even aid in preventing SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhuan Wei
- Basic Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuejun Ni
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yanfei Dai
- Radiology Department, Branch of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Sujun Ding
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jingyin Bao
- Basic Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lingyan Xing
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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5
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Johannsen EB, Baughn LB, Sharma N, Zjacic N, Pirooznia M, Elhaik E. The Genetics of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome-Towards a Gene Reference Resource. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:216. [PMID: 33540853 PMCID: PMC7913088 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of an infant under one year of age that remains unexplained after a thorough investigation. Despite SIDS remaining a diagnosis of exclusion with an unexplained etiology, it is widely accepted that SIDS can be caused by environmental and/or biological factors, with multiple underlying candidate genes. However, the lack of biomarkers raises questions as to why genetic studies on SIDS to date are unable to provide a clearer understanding of the disease etiology. We sought to improve the identification of SIDS-associated genes by reviewing the SIDS genetic literature and objectively categorizing and scoring the reported genes based on the strength of evidence (from C1 (high) to C5 (low)). This was followed by analyses of function, associations between genes, the enrichment of gene ontology (GO) terms, and pathways and gender difference in tissue gene expression. We constructed a curated database for SIDS gene candidates consisting of 109 genes, 14 of which received a category 4 (C4) and 95 genes received the lowest category of C5. That none of the genes was classified into the higher categories indicates the low level of supporting evidence. We found that genes of both scoring categories show distinct networks and are highly diverse in function and involved in many GO terms and pathways, in agreement with the perception of SIDS as a heterogeneous syndrome. Genes of both scoring categories are part of the cardiac system, muscle, and ion channels, whereas immune-related functions showed enrichment for C4 genes. A limited association was found with neural development. Overall, inconsistent reports and missing metadata contribute to the ambiguity of genetic studies. Considering those parameters could help improve the identification of at-risk SIDS genes. However, the field is still far from offering a full-pledged genetic test to identify at-risk infants and is still hampered with methodological challenges and misunderstandings of the vulnerabilities of vital biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda B. Baughn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.B.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Neeraj Sharma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (L.B.B.); (N.S.)
| | - Nicolina Zjacic
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK;
| | - Mehdi Pirooznia
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Eran Elhaik
- Department of Biology, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden;
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6
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Li X, Li Z, Wang DWW, Wang DW, Wang Y. A Novel Gain-of-Function KCND3 Variant Associated with Brugada Syndrome. Cardiology 2020; 145:623-632. [PMID: 32818936 DOI: 10.1159/000508033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a known cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) characterized by abnormal electrocardiograms and fatal arrhythmias. The variants in KCND3 encoding the KV4.3 potassium-channel (the α-subunit of the Ito) have seldom been reported in BrS. This study aimed to identify novel KCND3 variants associated with BrS and elucidate BrS pathogenesis. High-depth targeted sequencing was performed and the electrophysiological properties of the variants were detected by whole-cell patch-clamp methods in a cultured-cell expressing system. The transcriptional levels of KV4.3 in different genotypes were studied by real-time PCR. Western blot was used to assess channel protein expression. A novel KCND3heterozygous variant, c.1292G>A (Arg431His, R431H), was found in the proband. Whole-cell patch-clamp results revealed a gain-of-function phenotype in the variant, with peak Ito current density increased and faster recovery from inactivation. The expression of mutant Kv4.3 membrane protein increased and the cytoplasmic protein decreased, demonstrating that the membrane/cytoplasm ratio was significantly different. In conclusion, a novel KCND3 heterozygous variant was associated with BrS. The increased Ito current explained the critical role of KCND3 in the pathogenesis of BrS. Genetic screening for KCND3 could be useful for understanding the pathogenesis of BrS and providing effective risk stratification in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqing Li
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zongzhe Li
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dao Wen Wen Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dao Wu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, the Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine and Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Departments of Internal Medicine and Genetic Diagnosis Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China,
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7
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Kon FC, Vázquez RZ, Lang A, Cohen MC. Hippocampal abnormalities and seizures: a 16-year single center review of sudden unexpected death in childhood, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and SIDS. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2020; 16:423-434. [PMID: 32712908 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00268-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDC) is the unexplained death of children aged between 1 and 18 years old. Hippocampal abnormalities have previously been described in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and it is possible that SUDC shares similar pathogenic mechanisms with SUDEP. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of hippocampal abnormalities, history of seizures and demographic features in our caseload of SUDC, SUDEP and SIDS cases. A review of post-mortem reports from 2003 to 2018 was carried out to identify cases of SUDC, SUDEP and SIDS. Histological evidence of hippocampal abnormalities, patient demographics (age, gender), sleeping position, and past medical history (history of seizures and illness 72 hours prior to death) were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the three groups. 48 SUDC, 18 SUDEP and 358 SIDS cases were identified. Hippocampal abnormalities associated with temporal lobe epilepsy were found in 44.4% of SUDC cases. 5/15 SUDC cases with a history of seizures demonstrated hippocampal abnormalities. SUDC cases were also more likely to be found prone compared to SIDS cases. In comparison with SIDS, both SUDC and SUDEP cases were more likely to demonstrate hippocampal abnormalities (SUDC: (OR = 9.4, 95% CI: 3.1-29.1, p < 0.001; SUDEP: OR = 35.4, 95% CI: 8.3-151.5, p < 0.001). We found a potential link between hippocampal abnormalities and epileptic seizures in SUDC. A concerted effort should be directed towards consistent sampling and standardized description of the hippocampus and clinical correlation with a history of seizures/epilepsy in postmortem reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Chuen Kon
- Histopathology Department, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS FT, Sheffield, UK.,Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Andrew Lang
- Histopathology Department, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS FT, Sheffield, UK
| | - Marta C Cohen
- Histopathology Department, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS FT, Sheffield, UK. .,Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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8
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Popa-Fotea NM, Cojocaru C, Scafa-Udriste A, Micheu MM, Dorobantu M. The Multifaced Perspectives of Genetic Testing in Pediatric Cardiomyopathies and Channelopathies. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2111. [PMID: 32635562 PMCID: PMC7408669 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric inherited cardiomyopathies (CMPs) and channelopathies (CNPs) remain important causes of death in this population, therefore, there is a need for prompt diagnosis and tailored treatment. Conventional evaluation fails to establish the diagnosis of pediatric CMPs and CNPs in a significant proportion, prompting further, more complex testing to make a diagnosis that could influence the implementation of lifesaving strategies. Genetic testing in CMPs and CNPs may help unveil the underlying cause, but needs to be carried out with caution given the lack of uniform recommendations in guidelines about the precise time to start the genetic evaluation or the type of targeted testing or whole-genome sequencing. A very diverse etiology and the scarce number of randomized studies of pediatric CMPs and CNPs make genetic testing of these maladies far more particular than their adult counterpart. The genetic diagnosis is even more puzzling if the psychological impact point of view is taken into account. This review aims to put together different perspectives, state-of-the art recommendations-synthetizing the major indications from European and American guidelines-and psychosocial outlooks to construct a comprehensive genetic assessment of pediatric CMPs and CNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta-Monica Popa-Fotea
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Floreasca Street 8, 014461 Bucharest, Romania; (N.-M.P.-F.); (C.C.); (A.S.-U.); (M.D.)
- Department 4—Cardiothoracic Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Eroii Sanitari Bvd. 8, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cosmin Cojocaru
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Floreasca Street 8, 014461 Bucharest, Romania; (N.-M.P.-F.); (C.C.); (A.S.-U.); (M.D.)
| | - Alexandru Scafa-Udriste
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Floreasca Street 8, 014461 Bucharest, Romania; (N.-M.P.-F.); (C.C.); (A.S.-U.); (M.D.)
- Department 4—Cardiothoracic Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Eroii Sanitari Bvd. 8, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna Mihaela Micheu
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Floreasca Street 8, 014461 Bucharest, Romania; (N.-M.P.-F.); (C.C.); (A.S.-U.); (M.D.)
| | - Maria Dorobantu
- Department of Cardiology, Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, Floreasca Street 8, 014461 Bucharest, Romania; (N.-M.P.-F.); (C.C.); (A.S.-U.); (M.D.)
- Department 4—Cardiothoracic Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Eroii Sanitari Bvd. 8, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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Rizzo S, De Gaspari M, Carturan E, Paradiso B, Favretto D, Thiene G, Basso C. A standardized postmortem protocol to assess the real burden of sudden infant death syndrome. Virchows Arch 2020; 477:177-183. [PMID: 31975036 PMCID: PMC7371652 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02747-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is a major cause of death in infants < 1 year of age. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a SUID still unexplained after post-mortem examination. In 2014, a protocol of post-mortem investigation was introduced to assess both the prevalence and the etiopathogenesis of SUID. Our aim was to compare SUID data before and after the application of a standardized autopsy protocol of investigation. In the time interval 2004-2018, SUID cases occurring in the Veneto Region, North-East Italy, were referred to our Core Lab. Since 2014, a complete autopsy was performed, including gross and histological study with toxicologic and molecular analysis carried out at the referral center. A total of 36 SUIDs (22 M, mean age 95.5 ± 80 days), 17 before (group A) and 19 after (group B) 2014, were collected. In group A, only 1 (6%) resulted as explained SUID, due to lymphocytic myocarditis and 16 (94%) were SIDS. In group B, 8 were SIDS (42%) and 11 (58%) explained SUID cases (p < 0.01), consisting of interstitial pneumonia and bronchiolitis in 9 and lymphocytic myocarditis in 2 cases. Molecular analysis was positive for viruses in 8 of them (73%). In conclusion, since the application of a standardized protocol of post-mortem investigation, inflammatory, mostly infective, cardio-pulmonary diseases have been identified as the most common cause of SUID, with SIDS falling from 94 to 42% of SUID. Efforts must be made to implement a uniform autopsy protocol to provide reliable epidemiological data on SIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Rizzo
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua Medical School, Via A. Gabelli, 61 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Monica De Gaspari
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua Medical School, Via A. Gabelli, 61 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Carturan
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua Medical School, Via A. Gabelli, 61 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Beatrice Paradiso
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua Medical School, Via A. Gabelli, 61 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Donata Favretto
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua Medical School, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaetano Thiene
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua Medical School, Via A. Gabelli, 61 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Basso
- Cardiovascular Pathology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua Medical School, Via A. Gabelli, 61 35121, Padova, Italy.
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10
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Gavotto A, Ousselin A, Pidoux O, Cathala P, Costes-Martineau V, Rivière B, Pasquié JL, Amedro P, Rambaud C, Cambonie G. Respiratory syncytial virus-associated mortality in a healthy 3-year-old child: a case report. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:462. [PMID: 31771554 PMCID: PMC6880595 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1847-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most frequently identified pathogen in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection. Fatal cases have mainly been reported during the first 6 months of life or in the presence of comorbidity. Case presentation A 47-month-old girl was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit following sudden cardiopulmonary arrest occurring at home. The electrocardiogram showed cardiac asystole, which was refractory to prolonged resuscitation efforts. Postmortem analyses detected RSV by polymerase chain reaction in an abundant, exudative pericardial effusion. Histopathological examination was consistent with viral myoepicarditis, including an inflammatory process affecting cardiac nerves and ganglia. Molecular analysis of sudden unexplained death genes identified a heterozygous mutation in myosin light chain 2, which was also found in two other healthy members of the family. Additional expert interpretation of the cardiac histology confirmed the absence of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Conclusions RSV-related sudden death in a normally developing child of this age is exceptional. This case highlights the risk of extrapulmonary manifestations associated with this infection, particularly arrhythmia induced by inflammatory phenomena affecting the cardiac autonomic nervous system. The role of the mutation in this context is uncertain, and it is therefore necessary to continue to assess how this pathogenic variant contributes to unexpected sudden death in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gavotto
- Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology Department, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Center, Montpellier, France.,CNRS UMR 9214, INSERM U1046, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - A Ousselin
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Pediatric Intensive Care, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Center, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - O Pidoux
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Pediatric Intensive Care, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Center, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - P Cathala
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Lapeyronie Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Center, Montpellier, France
| | - V Costes-Martineau
- Department of Pathology, Lapeyronie Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Center, Montpellier, France
| | - B Rivière
- Department of Pathology, Lapeyronie Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Center, Montpellier, France
| | - J L Pasquié
- Department of Cardiology, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Center, Montpellier, France
| | - P Amedro
- Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology Department, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Center, Montpellier, France.,CNRS UMR 9214, INSERM U1046, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - C Rambaud
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches University Hospital, Garches, France
| | - G Cambonie
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Pediatric Intensive Care, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Center, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier Cedex 5, France.
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11
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Matthews E, Blair P, Sisodiya S, Jones S, Sebire N, Behr E, Fleming P. National registry for sudden unexpected deaths of infants and children in England: why do we need one and do families want one? Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:989-993. [PMID: 31005897 PMCID: PMC6889686 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-316542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The sudden and unexpected death of an infant or child is devastating. An inability to explain why an infant or child died is difficult to accept for both families and professionals. No reliable national dataset exists to estimate precisely how many infants and children die unexpectedly each year in England. This lack of accurate epidemiological data belies the scale of this public health problem. Detailed controlled observational studies of infant deaths identifying risk factors and providing evidence-based advice for parents has seen a dramatic reduction in incidence over the last 30 years by almost 80% but greater knowledge is needed if future deaths of infants and older children are to be prevented and families optimally supported. We propose that a national registry of sudden unexpected deaths in infancy and childhood would accurately determine incidence, identify unknown risk factors and highlight good care practices, ensuring these can be standardised nationally. For such a project to be successful, however, parents must be at the heart of it. We held a consultation day between families, professionals and supporting charities (The Lullaby Trust, Child Bereavement UK, SUDC UK and CRY) to seek opinion on the desire for a registry and how best to ensure families are engaged. Here, we summarise our rationale for a registry and the feedback we received from attendees regarding their views of the proposal and the practical aspects of administering it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Matthews
- Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Blair
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, University of Bristol School of Social and Community Medicine, Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sanjay Sisodiya
- Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, London, UK
| | | | - Neil Sebire
- Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital For Children NHS Trust, London, London, UK
| | - Elijah Behr
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, St George’s University, London, UK
| | - Peter Fleming
- Child and Adolescent Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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12
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Santori M, Gil R, Blanco-Verea A, Riuró H, Díaz-Castro Ó, López-Abel B, Brugada R, Carracedo Á, Pérez GJ, Scornik FS, Brion M. Sudden infant death as the most severe phenotype caused by genetic modulation in a family with atrial fibrillation. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 43:102159. [PMID: 31522018 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the functional impact of two combined KCNH2 variants involved in atrial fibrillation, syncope and sudden infant death syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS Genetic testing of a 4-month old SIDS victim identified a rare missense heterozygous in KCNH2 variant (V483I) and a missense homozygous polymorphism (K897T) which is often described as a genetic modifier. Electrophysiological characterisation of heterologous HERG channels representing two different KCNH2 genotypes within the family, showed significant differences in both voltage and time dependence of activation and inactivation with a global gain-of-function effect of mutant versus wild type channels and, also, differences between both types of recombinant channels. CONCLUSIONS The rare variant V483I in combination with K897T produces a gain-of-function effect that represents a pathological substrate for atrial fibrillation, syncope and sudden infant death syndrome events in this family. Ascertaining the genotype-phenotype correlation of genetic variants is imperative for the correct assessment of genetic testing and counselling. TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE According to the current guidelines for clinical interpretation of sequence variants, functional studies are an essential tool for the ascertainment of variant pathogenicity. They are especially relevant in the context of sudden infant death syndrome and sudden cardiac death, where individuals cannot be clinically evaluated. The patch-clamp technique is a gold-standard for analysis of the biophysical mechanisms of ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Santori
- Xenética Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Rocío Gil
- Xenética Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alejandro Blanco-Verea
- Xenética Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Helena Riuró
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona, Spain; Department of Medical Sciences, Medical School, Universitat de Girona, Spain
| | - Óscar Díaz-Castro
- Servizo de Cardioloxía, Hospital de Pontevedra, Servizo Galego de Saúde, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Bernardo López-Abel
- Xenética Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Servizo de Pediatría, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ramón Brugada
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona, Spain; Department of Medical Sciences, Medical School, Universitat de Girona, Spain; Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
| | - Ángel Carracedo
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Guillermo J Pérez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical School, Universitat de Girona, Spain; Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
| | - Fabiana S Scornik
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical School, Universitat de Girona, Spain; Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
| | - María Brion
- Xenética Cardiovascular, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Spain
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13
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Baruteau AE, Kyndt F, Behr ER, Vink AS, Lachaud M, Joong A, Schott JJ, Horie M, Denjoy I, Crotti L, Shimizu W, Bos JM, Stephenson EA, Wong L, Abrams DJ, Davis AM, Winbo A, Dubin AM, Sanatani S, Liberman L, Kaski JP, Rudic B, Kwok SY, Rieubland C, Tfelt-Hansen J, Van Hare GF, Guyomarc’h-Delasalle B, Blom NA, Wijeyeratne YD, Gourraud JB, Le Marec H, Ozawa J, Fressart V, Lupoglazoff JM, Dagradi F, Spazzolini C, Aiba T, Tester DJ, Zahavich LA, Beauséjour-Ladouceur V, Jadhav M, Skinner JR, Franciosi S, Krahn AD, Abdelsayed M, Ruben PC, Yung TC, Ackerman MJ, Wilde AA, Schwartz PJ, Probst V. SCN5A mutations in 442 neonates and children: genotype–phenotype correlation and identification of higher-risk subgroups. Eur Heart J 2018; 39:2879-2887. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alban-Elouen Baruteau
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK
- Department of Congenital Cardiology, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- M3C CHU de Nantes, Fédération des Cardiopathies Congénitales, Nantes, F-44000, France
- L’institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Florence Kyndt
- L’institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Elijah R Behr
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Arja S Vink
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Centre, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Lachaud
- L’institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Anna Joong
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Minoru Horie
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Sciences, Otsu, Japan
| | - Isabelle Denjoy
- AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat, Service de Cardiologie, Université Denis Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Lia Crotti
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Wataru Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Johan M Bos
- Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Stephenson
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Labbatt Family, Heart Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Leonie Wong
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Dominic J Abrams
- Inherited Cardiac Arrhythmia Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew M Davis
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Annika Winbo
- Greenlane Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Services, Starship Childrens Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Congenital Cardiology, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Anne M Dubin
- Division of Pediatric Electrophysiology, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Shubhayan Sanatani
- Divisions of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Leonardo Liberman
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan Pablo Kaski
- Department of Cardiology, Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Boris Rudic
- Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, 1st Department of Medicine, Mannheim, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sit Yee Kwok
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Claudine Rieubland
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - George F Van Hare
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Nico A Blom
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yanushi D Wijeyeratne
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Hervé Le Marec
- L’institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Junichi Ozawa
- Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Sciences, Otsu, Japan
| | - Véronique Fressart
- AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié Salpétrière, Service de Biologie Moléculaire, Paris, France
| | | | - Federica Dagradi
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Carla Spazzolini
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Takeshi Aiba
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - David J Tester
- Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Laura A Zahavich
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Labbatt Family, Heart Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Mangesh Jadhav
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan R Skinner
- Greenlane Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Services, Starship Childrens Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics, Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sonia Franciosi
- Divisions of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew D Krahn
- Divisions of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mena Abdelsayed
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Peter C Ruben
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Tak-Cheung Yung
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Arthur A Wilde
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Centre, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Princess Al-Jawhara Al-Brahim Centre of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Peter J Schwartz
- Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Vincent Probst
- L’institut du thorax, INSERM, CNRS, UNIV Nantes, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
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14
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Chatterjee NA. Cardiac Ion Channelopathies and Stillbirth. CIRCULATION-GENOMIC AND PRECISION MEDICINE 2018; 11:e002046. [PMID: 29874186 DOI: 10.1161/circgen.117.002046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Neal A Chatterjee
- From the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
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15
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Rodrigues P, Joshi A, Williams H, Westwood M, Petersen SE, Zemrak F, Schilling RJ, Kirkby C, Wragg A, Manisty C, Mohiddin S. Diagnosis and Prognosis in Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors Without Coronary Artery Disease: Utility of a Clinical Approach Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2017; 10:e006709. [PMID: 29237609 DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.117.006709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining the pathogenesis of sudden cardiac arrest or periarrest without significant coronary artery disease is crucial for management and prognosis. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can detect morphological, functional, or tissue abnormalities, and we sought to evaluate the role of CMR in determining sudden cardiac arrest pathogenesis and prognosis in survivors. METHODS AND RESULTS We retrospectively reviewed cardiac investigations and clinical outcomes in consecutive survivors of potentially fatal arrhythmias without coronary artery disease admitted to our institutions from 2008 to 2014. After coronary angiography and echocardiography, all underwent CMR and, when indicated, electrophysiology studies. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), comprising significant nonfatal ventricular arrhythmia or death, was the primary outcome. Of 164 included subjects (65% men; mean age 48 [18-80] years), CMR contributed to the diagnosis in 80 (49%) and was decisive in 50 cases (30%). Dilated cardiomyopathy (n=27), myocarditis or sarcoidosis (n=22), occult myocardial infarction (n=13), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n=9) were most frequent. Arrhythmic causes were found in 14% while no cause was identified in 36%. MACE occurred in 31% of subjects during a median follow-up of 32 months. MACE associated with presence of a CMR diagnosis, extent of late gadolinium enhancement, and left and right ventricular ejection fractions. Right ventricular ejection fraction was an independent predictor of MACE. CONCLUSIONS CMR identified a likely pathogenesis for sudden cardiac arrest in nearly half of survivors in whom coronary artery disease had been excluded. One in 3 subjects had MACE; risk doubled in those with a CMR diagnosis and some CMR parameters-late gadolinium enhancement, left ventricular ejection fraction, and especially right ventricular ejection fraction-associated with prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rodrigues
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.).
| | - Abhishek Joshi
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.)
| | - Howell Williams
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.)
| | - Mark Westwood
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.)
| | - Steffen E Petersen
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.)
| | - Filip Zemrak
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.)
| | - Richard J Schilling
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.)
| | - Claire Kirkby
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.)
| | - Andrew Wragg
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.)
| | - Charlotte Manisty
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.)
| | - Saidi Mohiddin
- From the St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Heart Centre, London, United Kingdom (P.R., A.J., H.W., M.W., S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., C.K., A.W., C.M., S.M.); Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Portugal (P.R.); Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, United Kingdom (C.M.); and William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (S.E.P., F.Z., R.J.S., S.M.).
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16
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Cunningham KS. The Promise of Molecular Autopsy in Forensic Pathology Practice. Acad Forensic Pathol 2017; 7:551-566. [PMID: 31240006 DOI: 10.23907/2017.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Molecular autopsy is changing the practice of forensic pathology. Under some circumstances, one must contemplate the involvement of genetic factors to help explain why someone has died unexpectedly. Such considerations most commonly occur when a young person dies by natural means. However, there are deaths that occur by nonnatural means that the forensic pathologist will be asked to investigate, which could involve natural disease that has a significant genetic underpinning. Elucidation of genetic mutations may not only further an understanding of the pathophysiology at hand, but also speak to underlying susceptibilities in an individual who dies that may not have been recognized. In addition, one may occasionally identify pathological findings that are confused for trauma that may actually be better explained by an underlying disease process. Using molecular medicine as a tool to explore such possibilities can improve the quality of death investigations and provide a new lens to probe challenging and contentious forensic cases that have proved resistant to traditional methods.
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17
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Baruteau AE, Tester DJ, Kapplinger JD, Ackerman MJ, Behr ER. Sudden infant death syndrome and inherited cardiac conditions. Nat Rev Cardiol 2017; 14:715-726. [PMID: 28880023 DOI: 10.1038/nrcardio.2017.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of post-neonatal infant mortality in developed countries, characterized by the death of infants for no obvious reason and without prior warning. The complex interaction of multiple factors in the pathogenesis of SIDS is illustrated by the 'triple risk hypothesis', which proposed that SIDS results from a convergence of three overlapping risk factors: a critical developmental period, an exogenous stressor, and underlying genetic and/or nongenetic vulnerability in the infant. Rare variants in genes associated with inherited arrhythmia syndromes and cardiomyopathies have been proposed as the substrate for an infant's critical vulnerability in a small subset of SIDS cases. Given the potential risk of inherited cardiac disease, current guidelines recommend post-mortem genetic testing (molecular autopsy) and cardiological investigation of the surviving family, complemented by targeted genetic testing if appropriate. In this Review, we highlight the latest developments in understanding the spectrum and prevalence of cardiac-mediated SIDS, and discuss the clinical implications of SIDS in the surviving family and the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban-Elouen Baruteau
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK.,Department of Congenital Cardiology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - David J Tester
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.,Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Division of Heart Rhythm Services, and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Jamie D Kapplinger
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Windland Smith Rice Sudden Death Genomics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.,Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Division of Heart Rhythm Services, and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Elijah R Behr
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
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19
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Christensen ED, Berger J, Alashari MM, Coon H, Robison C, Ho HT, Adams DR, Gahl WA, Smith KR, Opitz JM, Johnson DR. Sudden infant death "syndrome"-Insights and future directions from a Utah population database analysis. Am J Med Genet A 2016; 173:177-182. [PMID: 27792857 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
"Sudden Infant Death syndrome" (SIDS) represents the commonest category of infant death after the first month of life. As genome scale sequencing greatly facilitates the identification of new candidate disease variants, the challenges of ascribing causation to these variants persists. In order to determine the extent to which SIDS occurs in related individuals and their pedigree structure we undertook an analysis of SIDS using the Utah Population Database, recording, for example, evidence of enrichment for genetic causation following the back-to-sleep recommendations of 1992 and 1994. Our evaluation of the pre- and post back-to-sleep incidence of SIDS in Utah showed a decrease in SIDS incidence on the order of eightfold following back-to-sleep. An odds ratio of 4.2 for SIDS recurrence among sibs was identified from 1968 to 2013 which was similar to the odds ratio of 4.84 for death due to other or unknown cause among sibs of SIDS cases for the same time period. Combining first through thid degree relatives yielded an odds ratio of SIDS recurrence of 9.29 in the post-back-to-sleep (1995-2013) subset of SIDS cases where similar calculations of first-third degree relatives for the entire time period of 1968-2013 showed an odds ratio of 2.95. Expanded multigenertional pedigrees showing enrichment for SIDS were also identified. Based on these findings we hypothesize that post back-to-sleep SIDS, especially recurrences within a family, are potentially enriched for genetic causes due to the impact of safe sleeping guidelines in mitigating environmental risk factors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Christensen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Office of the Medical Examiner, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Justin Berger
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Mouied M Alashari
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Hilary Coon
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Cynthia Robison
- Office of Vital Records and Statistics, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Hsu-Tso Ho
- National Human Genome Research Institute, Undiagnosed Disease Program, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David R Adams
- National Human Genome Research Institute, Undiagnosed Disease Program, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Willian A Gahl
- National Human Genome Research Institute, Undiagnosed Disease Program, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ken R Smith
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - John M Opitz
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Pediatrics (Medical Genetics), School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Dennis R Johnson
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,National Human Genome Research Institute, Undiagnosed Disease Program, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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20
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Takahashi K, Ishikawa T, Makita N, Takefuta K, Nabeshima T, Nakayashiro M. A novel de novo calmodulin mutation in a 6-year-old boy who experienced an aborted cardiac arrest. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2016; 3:69-72. [PMID: 28491771 PMCID: PMC5420028 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Takahashi
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Okinawa Nanbu and Children's Medical Center, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Taisuke Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Naomasa Makita
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Takefuta
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Okinawa Nanbu and Children's Medical Center, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Taisuke Nabeshima
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Okinawa Nanbu and Children's Medical Center, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Mami Nakayashiro
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Okinawa Nanbu and Children's Medical Center, Okinawa, Japan
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21
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Methner DNR, Scherer SE, Welch K, Walkiewicz M, Eng CM, Belmont JW, Powell MC, Korchina V, Doddapaneni HV, Muzny DM, Gibbs RA, Wolf DA, Sanchez LA, Kahn R. Postmortem genetic screening for the identification, verification, and reporting of genetic variants contributing to the sudden death of the young. Genome Res 2016; 26:1170-7. [PMID: 27435932 PMCID: PMC5052040 DOI: 10.1101/gr.195800.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Each year in the United States, thousands of cases of sudden and unexpected deaths of infants, children, and young adults are assigned an undetermined cause of death after postmortem investigation and autopsy. Heritable genetic variants have been suggested as the cause of up to a third of sudden death (SD) cases. Elucidation of the genetic variants involved in SD cases is important to not only help establish cause and manner of death of these individuals, but to also aid in determining whether familial genetic testing should be considered. Previously, these types of postmortem screenings have not been a feasible option for most county medical examiners' and coroners' offices. We sequenced full exons of 64 genes associated with SD in the largest known cohort (351) of infant and young SD decedents using massively parallel sequencing at <$600 per sample. Genetic variants were assessed through literature review and clinical evaluation by a multidisciplinary consortium of experts. Thirteen individuals (3.7%), eight infants (2.8% of those <1 yr of age) and five children/young adults (7.0% of those >1 yr of age), were found to have a reportable genetic variant contributing to SD. These percentages represent an estimate lower than those previously reported. Overall yields and results likely vary between studies due to differences in evaluation techniques and reporting. Additionally, we recommend ongoing assessment of data, including nonreported novel variants, as technology and literature continually advance. This study demonstrates a strategy to implement molecular autopsies in medicolegal investigations of young SD decedents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven E Scherer
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Katherine Welch
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Magdalena Walkiewicz
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Christine M Eng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - John W Belmont
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Mark C Powell
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Viktoriya Korchina
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | | | - Donna M Muzny
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Richard A Gibbs
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Dwayne A Wolf
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Luis A Sanchez
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Roger Kahn
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
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22
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Announcement: Sudden Death in the Young Case Registry. MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2016; 65:330. [PMID: 27031082 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6512a6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 3,500 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in the United States. Less is known about the incidence in children because epidemiologic studies of these deaths in children are rare. The increased mortality risk in children with undetected heart conditions or epilepsy highlights the need for expanded surveillance to identify sudden unexpected death associated with these conditions.
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23
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The role of genetic testing in unexplained sudden death. Transl Res 2016; 168:59-73. [PMID: 26143861 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Most sudden deaths are because of a cardiac etiology and are termed sudden cardiac death (SCD). In younger individuals coronary artery disease is less prevalent and cardiac genetic disorders are more common. If sudden death is unexplained despite an appropriate autopsy and toxicologic assessment the term sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) may be used. This is an umbrella term and common underlying etiologies are primary arrhythmia syndromes with a familial basis such as Brugada syndrome, long QT syndrome, and subtle forms of cardiomyopathy. The first clinical presentation of these conditions is often SCD, which makes identification, screening, and risk stratification crucial to avert further deaths. This review will focus on genetic testing in the context of family screening. It will address the role of the "molecular autopsy" alongside current postmortem practices in the evaluation of SADS deaths. We describe the current data underlying genetic testing in these conditions, explore the potential for next-generation sequencing, and discuss the inherent diagnostic problems in determination of pathogenicity.
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24
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Santori M, Blanco-Verea A, Gil R, Cortis J, Becker K, Schneider PM, Carracedo A, Brion M. Broad-based molecular autopsy: a potential tool to investigate the involvement of subtle cardiac conditions in sudden unexpected death in infancy and early childhood. Arch Dis Child 2015; 100:952-6. [PMID: 26272908 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sudden unexplained death in children is a tragic and traumatic event, often worsened when the cause of death cannot be determined. This work aimed to investigate the presence of putative pathogenic genetic variants in a broad spectrum of cardiomyopathy, channelopathy and aortic disease associated genes that may have increased these children's vulnerability to sudden cardiac death. DESIGN We performed molecular autopsy of 41 cases of sudden unexplained death in infants and children through massive parallel sequencing of up to 86 sudden cardiac death-related genes. Multiple in silico analyses were conducted together with a thorough review of the literature in order to prioritise the putative pathogenic variants. RESULTS A total of 63 variants in 35 cases were validated. The largest proportion of these variants is located within cardiomyopathy genes although this would have been more expected of channelopathy gene variants. Subtle microscopic features of heart tissue may indicate the presence of an early onset cardiomyopathy as a predisposing condition to sudden unexpected death in some individuals. CONCLUSIONS Next-generation sequencing technologies reveal the existence of a wide spectrum of rare and novel genetic variants in sarcomere genes, compared with that of cardiac ion channels, in sudden unexplained death in infants and children. Our findings encourage further investigation of the role of early onset inherited cardiomyopathies and other diseases involving myocardial dysfunction in these deaths. Early detection of variants in these individuals could help to unmask subtle forms of disease within their relatives, who would eventually benefit from better counselling about their genetic history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Santori
- Xenética de Enfermidades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, Red de Investigación Cardiovascular (RIC), Santiago De Compostela, Spain Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alejandro Blanco-Verea
- Xenética de Enfermidades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, Red de Investigación Cardiovascular (RIC), Santiago De Compostela, Spain Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rocio Gil
- Xenética de Enfermidades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, Red de Investigación Cardiovascular (RIC), Santiago De Compostela, Spain Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Judith Cortis
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katrin Becker
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter M Schneider
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Angel Carracedo
- Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maria Brion
- Xenética de Enfermidades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, Red de Investigación Cardiovascular (RIC), Santiago De Compostela, Spain Grupo de Medicina Xenómica, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica, SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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25
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Wong LCH, Behr ER. Author's reply: To PMID 24585884. Europace 2015; 17:1739-40. [PMID: 26056186 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euv094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie C H Wong
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Elijah R Behr
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
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26
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Wilders R. A note on the prevalence of cardiac ion channelopathies in the sudden infant death syndrome. Europace 2015; 17:1739. [PMID: 26056187 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euv081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Wilders
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Physiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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27
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Galland BC, Elder DE. Sudden unexpected death in infancy: biological mechanisms. Paediatr Respir Rev 2014; 15:287-92. [PMID: 25301029 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) covers both explained and unexplained deaths. Unexplained cases or SIDS are likely to have multiple neural mechanisms contributing to the final event. The evidence ranges from subtle physiological signs related to autonomic control, to findings at autopsy of altered neurotransmitter systems, including the serotonergic system, a network that has an extensive homeostatic role in cardio-respiratory and thermoregulatory control. Processes may be altered by the vulnerability of the infant due to age, poor motor ability, or a genetic predisposition. The fatal event may occur in response to an environmental stress. A single final physiological route to death seems unlikely. An understanding of the reasons for explained SUDI also reminds us that a thorough investigation is required after each death occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara C Galland
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Dawn E Elder
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
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28
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Hernandez-Madrid A, Hocini M, Chen J, Potpara T, Pison L, Blomstrom-Lundqvist C. How are arrhythmias managed in the paediatric population in Europe? Results of the European Heart Rhythm survey. Europace 2014; 16:1852-6. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euu313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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29
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Hertz CL, Ferrero-Miliani L, Frank-Hansen R, Morling N, Bundgaard H. A comparison of genetic findings in sudden cardiac death victims and cardiac patients: the importance of phenotypic classification. Europace 2014; 17:350-7. [PMID: 25345827 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euu210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is responsible for a large proportion of non-traumatic, sudden and unexpected deaths in young individuals. Sudden cardiac death is a known manifestation of several inherited cardiac diseases. In post-mortem examinations, about two-thirds of the SCD cases show structural abnormalities at autopsy. The remaining cases stay unexplained after thorough investigations and are referred to as sudden unexplained deaths. A routine forensic investigation of the SCD victims in combination with genetic testing makes it possible to establish a likely diagnosis in some of the deaths previously characterized as unexplained. Additionally, a genetic diagnose in a SCD victim with a structural disease may not only add to the differential diagnosis, but also be of importance for pre-symptomatic family screening. In the case of SCD, the optimal establishment of the cause of death and management of the family call for standardized post-mortem procedures, genetic screening, and family screening. Studies of genetic testing in patients with primary arrhythmia disorders or cardiomyopathies and of victims of SCD presumed to be due to primary arrhythmia disorders or cardiomyopathies, were systematically identified and reviewed. The frequencies of disease-causing mutation were on average between 16 and 48% in the cardiac patient studies, compared with ∼10% in the post-mortem studies. The frequency of pathogenic mutations in heart genes in cardiac patients is up to four-fold higher than that in SCD victims in a forensic setting. Still, genetic investigation of SCD victims is important for the diagnosis and the possible investigation of relatives at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin L Hertz
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 11 Frederik V's Vej, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura Ferrero-Miliani
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 11 Frederik V's Vej, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rune Frank-Hansen
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 11 Frederik V's Vej, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Morling
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 11 Frederik V's Vej, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henning Bundgaard
- Rigshospitalets Unit for Inherited Heart Diseases, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
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30
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Mellor G, Raju H, de Noronha SV, Papadakis M, Sharma S, Behr ER, Sheppard MN. Clinical characteristics and circumstances of death in the sudden arrhythmic death syndrome. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2014; 7:1078-83. [PMID: 25262685 DOI: 10.1161/circep.114.001854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a devastating event in the young. Referral to a specialist cardiac pathologist is recommended. Age, sex, and circumstances of death may reflect underlying diagnoses. We aim to describe the demographics of victims and circumstances surrounding sudden cardiac death with a normal heart (ie, sudden arrhythmic death syndrome). METHODS AND RESULTS There were 2156 cases of sudden cardiac death from across the United Kingdom referred to a tertiary cardiac pathology service from 1994 to 2010. We analyzed 967 consecutive cases (61% male; median age 29 years) with a normal heart at postmortem. Information from referring coroners' reports was used to ascertain clinical information. Familial evaluation was performed in 5% of cases. Information from these cases was used to determine the likely accuracy of coronial reports. Deaths during sleep or at rest were more common than deaths during exercise or with emotional stress: 82% versus 16%. Death with exercise/stress was more common in males (relative risk, 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-3.47; P<0.001) and those under 18 years of age: males, relative risk, 2.41 (95% confidence interval, 1.69-3.13; P<0.001) and females, relative risk, 2.91 (95% confidence interval, 1.80-4.01; P<0.001)). Prior syncope (4.1%), documented arrhythmia (3.4%), and family history of sudden death (4.2%) were uncommon. Epilepsy had been diagnosed in 6.6%. CONCLUSIONS Death caused by sudden arrhythmic death syndrome is more common at rest or during sleep. Death with exercise/stress is more common in males and those aged below 18 years. Up to 90% of SADS victims have no preceding symptoms or recognized risk factors for sudden death. Epilepsy may be considered a risk factor for SADS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Mellor
- From the Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre (G.M., H.R., S.V.d.N., M.P., S.S., E.R.B., M.N.S.), and Cardiovascular Pathology Department (S.V.d.N., M.N.S.), St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hariharan Raju
- From the Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre (G.M., H.R., S.V.d.N., M.P., S.S., E.R.B., M.N.S.), and Cardiovascular Pathology Department (S.V.d.N., M.N.S.), St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofia V de Noronha
- From the Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre (G.M., H.R., S.V.d.N., M.P., S.S., E.R.B., M.N.S.), and Cardiovascular Pathology Department (S.V.d.N., M.N.S.), St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Papadakis
- From the Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre (G.M., H.R., S.V.d.N., M.P., S.S., E.R.B., M.N.S.), and Cardiovascular Pathology Department (S.V.d.N., M.N.S.), St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- From the Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre (G.M., H.R., S.V.d.N., M.P., S.S., E.R.B., M.N.S.), and Cardiovascular Pathology Department (S.V.d.N., M.N.S.), St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elijah R Behr
- From the Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre (G.M., H.R., S.V.d.N., M.P., S.S., E.R.B., M.N.S.), and Cardiovascular Pathology Department (S.V.d.N., M.N.S.), St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary N Sheppard
- From the Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre (G.M., H.R., S.V.d.N., M.P., S.S., E.R.B., M.N.S.), and Cardiovascular Pathology Department (S.V.d.N., M.N.S.), St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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