Chromosomal Deletion in 7q31.2-31.32 Involving Ca2+-Dependent Activator Protein for Secretion Gene in a Patient with Cerebellar Ataxia: a Case Report

We present a 33-year-old male patient with cerebellar ataxia. He was first considered to have a psychiatric conversion disorder but finally found to have chromosomal deletion in 7q31.2-31.32 involving Ca2⁺-dependent activator protein for secretion (CADPS) gene. When a targeted gene sequencing using next-generation sequencing panel and chromosomal microarray analysis were performed, an 8.6 Mb deletion within chromosome 7q31.2-31.32 was discovered. Deletion of CADPS gene in the 7q31.2-31.32 was suggested as the causative factor of cerebellar ataxia. Functional levels evaluated by Berg balance scale and modified Barthel index were improved via comprehensive rehabilitation including balance training and a dopamine agonist medication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of chromosomal deletion in 7q31.2-31.32 including CADPS gene detected in patients with cerebellar ataxia.

[Live Vaccine in Children with DiGeorge/22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

Children with DiGeorge syndrome/chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome might have a variable degree of immunodeficiency, which may limit the use of live vaccines. The aim of this study was to review the adverse effects of live vaccines and possible relation with immune status in patients with DiGeorge Syndrome/partial 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study with analysis of the clinical records of children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome phenotype, followed in a Primary Immunodeficiency center. Data were collected on: demographic characteristics; medical and vaccination history with live vaccines; T-CD4+ lymphocyte counts and lymphocyte proliferative responses to antigens and mitogens; adverse reactions; vaccine failure.

RESULTS

Twenty three children with DiGeorge syndrome/22q11.2 deletion syndrome were included, 65.2% male, with average age at diagnosis of 11.3 months. Eighteen children (78%) received bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine: all with evidence of thymic activity; three presented moderate T-CD4+ lymphopenia and abnormal lymphocyte proliferative responses; one had abnormal lymphocyte proliferative responses for mitogens, four for purified protein derivative and one for tetanus toxoid. Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine was administered to 15 children, three of them with moderate immunosuppression and abnormal lymphocyte proliferative responses. Live attenuated polio vaccine was administered to 4 children without immunosuppression and the rotavirus vaccine to three children, one with moderate immunosuppression. No significant adverse reactions were reported.

DISCUSSION

These data are in line with the findings of other international studies.

CONCLUSION

In our sample, live vaccines were well-tolerated, even in children with moderate T-CD4+ lymphopenia and abnormal lymphocyte proliferative responses to antigens/mitogens.