Inclusion of joint laxity, recurrent patellar dislocation, and short distal ulnae as a feature of Van Den Ende-Gupta syndrome: a case report

Background

Van Den Ende-Gupta Syndrome (VDEGS) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive syndrome with less than 20 reported families (approximately 40 patients) in the worldwide literature.

Case presentation

We have assessed one consanguineous Saudi family with typical features of VDEGS. Two siblings were affected with almost identical features; including blepharophimosis, arachnodactyly, flexion contractures of the elbows, camptodactyly, slender ribs, hooked lateral clavicular ends, and bilateral radial head dislocations. Both patients had several unusual features; including joint laxity, flat feet, recurrent patellar dislocations, and bilateral short distal ulnae. Full sequencing of SCARF2 revealed a homozygous mutation c.773G > A (p. Cys258Tyr) in both affected children. The parents (both with no abnormalities) were heterozygous for the same mutation.

Conclusion

Joint laxity, recurrent patellar dislocations, and short distal ulnae should be included as part of the clinical spectrum of VDEGS.

Long-term outcome of genital reconstruction of Middle Eastern women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Objectives:

There is a paucity of data on the long-term outcome of genital reconstruction of female children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) as they become adult women. We report on the surgical outcome general condition and marriage status.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of women 20 years or older with CAH who had genital reconstruction. We interviewed married patients utilizing the female sexual function index (FSFI-6) questionnaire and compared them to age-matched controls.

Results:

We identified 43 women with CAH with a median age of 24.2 ± 3.9 years and a median follow-up of 23.4 ± 4.6 years. Salt wasting and the severity of virilization affected most patients, parents were commonly cousins, children were reared as boys for a protracted period and surgical reconstruction was usually complex. Only five women had married. Compared with single women, married women had significantly more frequent normal menses, emergency hospital admissions and number of repeated reconstructive surgery. There was no significant difference in FSFI score between patients and controls. Four women conceived and three gave birth to one healthy child. There was no significant difference in the number of children between patients and controls.

Conclusions:

CAH has a significant impact on adult women in our region. Most of the patients remain single. Few women get married and these are able to lead a nearly normal sexual life and give birth to healthy children.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in type 1 diabetic Saudi children. A comparison with conventional insulin therapy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy in type 1 diabetic Saudi children in comparison with conventional insulin (CI) therapy.

METHODS

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion was initiated in 14 Saudi children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) through insulin pump therapy between October 2002 and June 2004. All children were followed at the Diabetes Clinic, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The patients were initially on CI therapy, which is usually defined as 2 or fewer insulin injections per day before shifting them to CSII. The patients were trained on carbohydrates counting and started on continuously basal insulin infusion aside from the meal and high blood glucose correction insulin boluses.

RESULTS

The patients included in the study had T1DM for a mean duration of 6 years. The age of the children ranged from 4-18 years. They were followed on insulin pump therapy for a mean duration of 10 months. There was a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c, mean blood glucose level, total insulin requirement, frequency of hypoglycemic episodes and frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) events during CSII therapy.

CONCLUSION

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion improved the glycemic control in diabetic Saudi children with decreased frequency of hypoglycemic episodes and DKA events. Long follow-up studies are needed to confirm these results.

The syndrome of septo-optic dysplasia in Saudi children

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical, ophthalmological, endocrinological and radiological features of 10 Saudi children with the syndrome of septo-optic dysplasia and hypothalamic hypopituitarism.

METHODS

All patients underwent complete ophthalmological and endocrinological evaluation at the Pediatric Endocrine Clinics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from October 1999 through to May 2004. The hormonal evaluation included growth hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, gonadotropin and anti diuretic hormone testing, and the neuroradiological assessment included brain magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomogram scanning, or both.

RESULTS

The current age of patients ranged from 18- months to 5-years. The mean age of initial presentation for endocrine evaluation was 14-months. Hormonal studies indicated that all children had multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (2 or more of the pituitary hormones were deficient). Ten children had growth hormone deficiency, 8 had thyroid stimulating hormone deficiency, 8 had adrenocorticotrophic hormone deficiency, 2 children were suspected to have gonadotropin deficiency and central diabetes insipidus was present in one patient. Pendular nystagmus and impaired vision were common initial signs. All children had bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia. Neuroradiologic findings were variable. Eight children had absent septum pellucidum, 3 had pituitary gland hypoplasia, 2 had pituitary stalk dysplasia (pituitary stalk was either attenuated or not visualized), 2 had absent corpus callosum and one had absent posterior pituitary high intensity signal. All patients were replaced with appropriate hormonal replacement therapy. Two male children had micropenis which responded to testosterone therapy.

CONCLUSION

The syndrome of septo-optic dysplasia is commonly associated with hypothalamic hypopituitarism including anterior and posterior pituitary hormonal deficiencies. Early diagnosis of this syndrome is critical as the hormonal deficiencies can be life threatening.

Prevalence and characteristics of celiac disease in type I diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of celiac disease in young patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with type I diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Serum gliadin immunoglobulin (Ig) A and reticulin IgA antibody determination was performed in 123 patients with type I diabetes mellitus attending the pediatric diabetic clinic at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 1995 and 1996.

RESULTS

Elevated serum gliadin and reticulin IgA antibodies were found in the sera of 10 (8.1%) of the 123 diabetic children; none had gastrointestinal symptoms. Six of the 10 subjects had jejunal biopsy, which showed total villus atrophy. Four subjects did not undergo jejunal biopsy. The gender ratio of the biopsy positive is 5 male:1 female. All subjects with IgA positive were put on gluten free diet and normalized in a few months.

CONCLUSION

The maximum prevalence of celiac disease in our population was 8.1% based on immunological marker and the minimum was 4.9% based on antibodies and biopsy results.

Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy in 38 children

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical, biochemical, radiological and electrophysiological features of 38 Saudi children with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy that have been followed since 1983.

METHODS

Data from 38 patients followed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1983 through to 2002 was retrospectively analyzed. Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy was diagnosed on the basis of high intravenous glucose requirement, high insulin to glucose ratio, negative urinary ketones and normal tandem mass spectrometry. The patients were assessed radiologically by brain magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or both and electrophysiologically by brain stem auditory evoked potential, visual evoked response and electroencephalogram. The patients who failed medical therapy had subtotal pancreatectomy.

RESULTS

The patients were severely hypoglycemic and intolerant to fast. Hypoglycemic convulsion was the most commonly presenting complaint. Eighteen patients were developmentally delayed and 14 of them had brain atrophy. All patients, except nine, did not respond to medical treatment and had surgery. Four pancreatectomized patients developed diabetes and 2 had malabsorption. One patient was treated medically during childhood and developed diabetes and weight gain during adolescence.

CONCLUSION

Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy is a relatively common and serious disease among Saudi children. Early medical intervention is necessary to avoid neurological damage in our patients who are severely hypoglycemic and medical therapy unresponsive. Surgically and probably medically treated patients are at high risk of developing diabetes that could be the natural outcome of this disease.

Diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis in 2 Saudi siblings

Diabetes mellitus and cystic fibrosis (CF) have been reported before in the literature, but they have never been reported in the same patient in the Middle East. We present the first reported case of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and CF in 2 siblings of the same family. Both siblings were diagnosed early in life with IDDM, and their diabetes was well controlled on insulin. Cystic fibrosis was diagnosed in the first case one year after IDDM was diagnosed due to history of chronic cough and in the 2nd case by family screening. Both had severe failure to thrive, recurrent chest infections and gastro-esophageal reflux. With treatment both showed clinical improvement, but continued to have moderate lung disease radiologically and by pulmonary function test.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. The Saudi experience

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical, biochemical, neuroradiological, and neurophysiological findings of patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

METHODS

Retrospective study evaluating the data of 10 X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients diagnosed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

The common presenting symptoms were deterioration in school performance, vision and hearing, behavioral changes, and seizures. Eight patients survived 1-4 years and one patient 12 years after the initial presentation, while one patient expired. Six patients had the childhood form, 3 had the adolescent form and one had the adrenomyeloneuropathy form. Six are in an advanced stage of the disease and 3 have mild to moderate spasticity. All except 2 manifested moderate to severe dementia with variable degrees of visual loss. Decreased hearing and features of adrenal insufficiency were seen in 7 patients. Very long chain fatty acids were significantly increased in seven and mildly elevated in 2 patients, however the C26 to C22 ratio was increased in all. The characteristic high-signal intensity of parieto-occipital white matter on brain magnetic resonance imaging T2-weighted images was observed in all patients. Two patients had functional study of the brain, which showed hypometabolic activity in gray and white matter of the occipital lobes. Various neurophysiological abnormalities were detected. The response to different treatment modalities was not promising.

CONCLUSION

The disease is more common than had been previously recognized due to phenotypic variability and a wide spectrum of presentations. This report describes various aspects of this disorder and emphasizes the importance of early identification and treatment of asymptomatic but biochemically affected individuals, since all current therapeutic approaches are disappointing if overt neurological abnormalities have been already developed.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. The Saudi experience

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical, biochemical, neuroradiological, and neurophysiological findings of patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

METHODS

Retrospective study evaluating the data of 10 X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy patients diagnosed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

The common presenting symptoms were deterioration in school performance, vision and hearing, behavioral changes, and seizures. Eight patients survived 1-4 years and one patient 12 years after the initial presentation, while one patient expired. Six patients had the childhood form, 3 had the adolescent form and one had the adrenomyeloneuropathy form. Six are in an advanced stage of the disease and 3 have mild to moderate spasticity. All except 2 manifested moderate to severe dementia with variable degrees of visual loss. Decreased hearing and features of adrenal insufficiency were seen in 7 patients. Very long chain fatty acids were significantly increased in seven and mildly elevated in 2 patients, however the C26 to C22 ratio was increased in all. The characteristic high-signal intensity of parieto-occipital white matter on brain magnetic resonance imaging T2-weighted images was observed in all patients. Two patients had functional study of the brain, which showed hypometabolic activity in gray and white matter of the occipital lobes. Various neurophysiological abnormalities were detected. The response to different treatment modalities was not promising.

CONCLUSION

The disease is more common than had been previously recognized due to phenotypic variability and a wide spectrum of presentations. This report describes various aspects of this disorder and emphasizes the importance of early identification and treatment of asymptomatic but biochemically affected individuals, since all current therapeutic approaches are disappointing if overt neurological abnormalities have been already developed.

Fanconi's syndrome with hepatorenal glycogenosis associated with phosphorylase b kinase deficiency

OBJECTIVE

To describe two patients with Fanconi's nephropathy secondary to glycogen storage disease and speculate on the possible etiology.

DESIGN

Convenience sample.

SETTING

Tertiary care, referral center.

PATIENTS

Two related children referred for failure to thrive, rickets, and hepatomegaly.

INTERVENTION

Dietary and therapeutic measures for rickets and renal tubular acidosis.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

The main laboratory findings were fasting hypoglycemia and massive glucosuria, with evidence of multiple renal tubular dysfunction characteristic of the Fanconi syndrome. Liver and kidney biopsy specimens were consistent with glycogen storage disease. Enzymatic assay of liver homogenates revealed marked deficiency of phosphorylase b kinase in one patient and absent activity in the other.

CONCLUSION

Phosphorylase b kinase deficiency may be causally related to hepatorenal glycogenosis with the Fanconi syndrome. More patients with this syndrome need to be studied before a definitive causal role is implicated.

Clinical and serologic responses of Saudi children to Hemophilus influenzae type B capsular polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine

Sixty-eight Saudi children, 17 to 19 months of age, were enrolled in a study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of Hemophilus influenzae type B capsular polysaccharide diphtheria toxoid (PRP-D) conjugate vaccine. Adverse reactions to the vaccine were determined through a questionnaire administered to the parents. Local and systemic reactions to the vaccine were mild and resolved within 24 to 48 hours. PRP antibody levels were measured prior to and one to two months following immunization. PRP antibody levels in the pre-immunization sera of 77% of subjects were below the level associated with immediate protection (>/=0.15 microg/ml), and 88% were below the level associated with long-term protection (>/=1 microg/ml) from Hemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) disease. After one dose of PRP-D vaccine, 100% of recipients achieved antibody levels of >/=0.15 microg/ml, and 85% achieved levels of >/=1 microg/ml. The geometric mean level of antibody after immunization (5.66 microg/ml) was significantly higher than that before immunization (0.098 microg/ml). All subjects had a twofold or greater increase in antibody level in response to the vaccine. We conclude that PRP-D is a safe and highly immunogenic vaccine in this age group of Saudi children.

Genetic linkage studies of X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets in a Saudi Arabian family

OBJECTIVE, PATIENTS AND DESIGN: X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets (HYP) is the most common inherited form of rickets and the gene causing this disorder has been localized to Xp22.3-p21.3 by linkage studies of affected families of Northern European origin. In addition, the locus order Xpter-(DXS207-DXS43,DXS197)-HYP-DXS41-X cen has been established and the flanking markers are useful for the presymptomatic diagnosis of HYP. However, a recent study indicates locus heterogeneity and this may hinder the use of the flanking markers for presymptomatic diagnosis in additional families and in particular those from different populations. We have therefore investigated one Saudi-Arabian family (13 affected and six unaffected members) with hypophosphataemic rickets for linkage to these and other X-linked markers. A total of 17 cloned human X chromosome sequences identifying restriction fragment length polymorphisms were used to localize the mutant gene causing this disorder in the Saudi Arabian family.

RESULTS

Nine (four from Xp and five from Xq) of the 17 X-linked DNA probes proved informative and linkage was established between HYP and the DSX41 locus, peak LOD score = 4.22 (recombination fraction, theta = 0.00). A positive peak LOD score of 2.32 (theta = 0.05) was also obtained between HYP and the DXS207 locus. Thus, the HYP gene in this Saudi Arabian family is linked to two of the four flanking markers which demonstrated linkage in families of Northern European origin.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets gene in a Saudi Arabian family is located in the Xp22.3-p21.3, a region where this gene has previously been mapped by linkage studies of families of Northern European origin. Our studies have not demonstrated locus heterogeneity, so the flanking markers for HYP previously established in the families of Northern-European origin will be useful in the genetic counselling and presymptomatic diagnosis of this disorder in the Saudi Arabian family.

A new syndrome of congenital hypoparathyroidism, severe growth failure, and dysmorphic features

Twelve infants (six boys, six girls) with severe hypocalcaemic tetany or convulsions were seen over a three year period. Nine patients were symptomatic in the newborn period. Their hypocalcaemia was associated with hyperphosphataemia and very low concentrations of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone. None of the babies suffered from congenital cardiac disease. Cell mediated immunity, measured in five patients, was normal. There were no chromosomal abnormalities but all patients shared several dysmorphic features including deep set eyes, microcephaly, thin lips, beaked nose tip, external ear anomalies, micrognathia, and depressed nasal bridge. Mental retardation of varying degree was found in all patients. All had severe intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation. Four patients have died. The remaining eight patients are on treatments with vitamin D and calcium supplements with no change in their growth pattern. We believe that this association of congenital hypoparathyroidism with severe growth failure and dysmorphism represents a new syndrome.

Concurrence of Robinow syndrome and Crigler-Najar syndrome in two offspring of first cousins

Robinow syndrome and Crigler-Najar syndrome were encountered in 2 Saudi offspring of first cousins. Both died at age 4 months. The parents lost 2 previous children at age 2 months with progressive jaundice but without fetal facial characteristics.

Leber's congenital amaurosis associated with familial juvenile nephronophthisis and cone-shaped epiphyses of the hands (the Saldino-Mainzer syndrome)

Three affected children (a 13-year-old girl and her 7- and 8-year-old brothers) in a sibship of eight had findings consistent with the Saldino-Mainzer syndrome (skeletal dysplasia associated with Leber's congenital amaurosis, familial juvenile nephronophthisis, and cone-shaped epiphyses of the hands). Two also had pigmented midline nevi. Although tapetoretinal degeneration and familial juvenile nephronophthisis are associated in the inherited Senior-Loken syndrome, the rare association of these abnormalities with cone-shaped epiphyses of the hands suggested an autosomal recessive syndrome with variable expression remarkably similar to the Saldino-Mainzer syndrome, which may or may not be distinct from the Senior-Loken syndrome. The association of tapetoretinal degeneration with skeletal dysplasia may indicate asymptomatic renal or hepatic disease.

A syndrome of hypogonadism, alopecia, diabetes mellitus, mental retardation, deafness, and ECG abnormalities

A distinct and previously undescribed syndrome has been observed in six Saudi Arabian patients from two highly inbred families. The parents were normal, indicating an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. All the patients have a distinctive facial appearance, hypogonadism, sparse or absent hair, diabetes mellitus, mental retardation, mild deafness, and variable S-T and T wave abnormalities on the electrocardiograph.

Scimitar syndrome

Three patients with the scimitar syndrome represented an incidence at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre of one per cent of patients who underwent cardiac catheterization. In one of the patients the anomalous pulmonary venous return and the pulmonary hypoplasia was on the left. The syndrome is usually benign. Its recognition may save the patient from unnecessary additional diagnostic procedures.

Organic aciduria in neonatal multiple carboxylase deficiency

A Samoan patient and a Saudi-Arabian patient were found to have abnormalities in the pattern of organic acid metabolites characteristic of 3-methylcrotonylglycinuria, propionic acidaemia and lactic acidosis. Both patients died early in life. The metabolic pattern is diagnostic of multiple carboxylase deficiency and an enzymatic diagnosis was made in a subsequent affected sibling of the first patient. Deficiency of the three carboxylases suggests a primary defect in the metabolism of biotin which is required for their activity. The importance of the recognition of the clinical picture is highlighted by the fact that this lethal disease is readily treated with biotin. These patients have prominent skin lesions which can serve as alerting signs for the diagnosis.

Johanson-Blizzard syndrome in a large inbred kindred with three involved members

An infant with aplastic alae nasi, imperforate anus, focal aplasia cutis over the fontanels, microcephaly, and mental retardation is presented as an example of the Johanson-Blizzard syndrome. The infant failed to thrive and had evidence of malabsorption. He died at 4 months of age. The occurrence of extensive consanguinity in his family and the occurrence of two other members of the kindred with a similar syndrome indicate that this disorder is transmitted by an autosomal recessive gene.