Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and twinning: case report and brief review of literature

BACKGROUND

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS, OMIM #130,650) is a pediatric overgrowth disorder involving a predisposition to tumor development. Although the clinical management of affected patients is well established, it is less clear how to handle with the cases of siblings of affected patients, since the prevalence of the condition in twins (1:1000) is ten times higher than in singletones (1:10000).

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a premature twin patient who during her follow-up develops a clinical phenotype compatible with BWS, genetically confirmed in blood. However, the methylation alteration characteristic of the condition was also found in the almost phenotypically normal sibling, making it challening her management.

CONCLUSION

Through our case report we highlight how the diagnosis of BWS can be made without any prenatal suspicion and we propose a review of the literature on how to manage siblings of affected patients in twinning situation.

Molecular and Clinical Opposite Findings in 11p15.5 Associated Imprinting Disorders: Characterization of Basic Mechanisms to Improve Clinical Management

Silver-Russell and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndromes (SRS, BWS) are rare congenital human disorders characterized by opposite growth disturbances. With the increasing knowledge on the molecular basis of SRS and BWS, it has become obvious that the disorders mirror opposite alterations at the same genomic loci in 11p15.5. In fact, these changes directly or indirectly affect the expression of IGF2 and CDKN1C and their associated pathways, and thereby, cause growth disturbances as key features of both diseases. The increase of knowledge has become possible with the development and implementation of new and comprehensive assays. Whereas, in the beginning molecular testing was restricted to single chromosomal loci, many tests now address numerous loci in the same run, and the diagnostic implementation of (epi)genome wide assays is only a question of time. These high-throughput approaches will be complemented by the analysis of other omic datasets (e.g., transcriptome, metabolome, proteome), and it can be expected that the integration of these data will massively improve the understanding of the pathobiology of imprinting disorders and their diagnostics. Especially long-read sequencing methods, e.g., nanopore sequencing, allowing direct detection of native DNA modification, will strongly contribute to a better understanding of genomic imprinting in the near future. Thereby, new genomic loci and types of pathogenic variants will be identified, resulting in more precise discrimination into different molecular subgroups. These subgroups serve as the basis for (epi)genotype-phenotype correlations, allowing a more directed prognosis, counseling, and therapy. By deciphering the pathophysiological consequences of SRS and BWS and their molecular disturbances, future therapies will be available targeting the basic cause of the disease and respective pathomechanisms and will complement conventional therapeutic strategies.

MethylCal: Bayesian calibration of methylation levels

Bisulfite amplicon sequencing has become the primary choice for single-base methylation quantification of multiple targets in parallel. The main limitation of this technology is a preferential amplification of an allele and strand in the PCR due to methylation state. This effect, known as 'PCR bias', causes inaccurate estimation of the methylation levels and calibration methods based on standard controls have been proposed to correct for it. Here, we present a Bayesian calibration tool, MethylCal, which can analyse jointly all CpGs within a CpG island (CGI) or a Differentially Methylated Region (DMR), avoiding 'one-at-a-time' CpG calibration. This enables more precise modeling of the methylation levels observed in the standard controls. It also provides accurate predictions of the methylation levels not considered in the controlled experiment, a feature that is paramount in the derivation of the corrected methylation degree. We tested the proposed method on eight independent assays (two CpG islands and six imprinting DMRs) and demonstrated its benefits, including the ability to detect outliers. We also evaluated MethylCal's calibration in two practical cases, a clinical diagnostic test on 18 patients potentially affected by Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, and 17 individuals with celiac disease. The calibration of the methylation levels obtained by MethylCal allows a clearer identification of patients undergoing loss or gain of methylation in borderline cases and could influence further clinical or treatment decisions.

Expert consensus document: Clinical and molecular diagnosis, screening and management of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: an international consensus statement

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), a human genomic imprinting disorder, is characterized by phenotypic variability that might include overgrowth, macroglossia, abdominal wall defects, neonatal hypoglycaemia, lateralized overgrowth and predisposition to embryonal tumours. Delineation of the molecular defects within the imprinted 11p15.5 region can predict familial recurrence risks and the risk (and type) of embryonal tumour. Despite recent advances in knowledge, there is marked heterogeneity in clinical diagnostic criteria and care. As detailed in this Consensus Statement, an international consensus group agreed upon 72 recommendations for the clinical and molecular diagnosis and management of BWS, including comprehensive protocols for the molecular investigation, care and treatment of patients from the prenatal period to adulthood. The consensus recommendations apply to patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp), covering classical BWS without a molecular diagnosis and BWS-related phenotypes with an 11p15.5 molecular anomaly. Although the consensus group recommends a tumour surveillance programme targeted by molecular subgroups, surveillance might differ according to the local health-care system (for example, in the United States), and the results of targeted and universal surveillance should be evaluated prospectively. International collaboration, including a prospective audit of the results of implementing these consensus recommendations, is required to expand the evidence base for the design of optimum care pathways.

Congenital hyperinsulinism in children with paternal 11p uniparental isodisomy and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

BACKGROUND

Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) can have monogenic or syndromic causes. Although HI has long been recognised to be common in children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), the underlying mechanism is not known.

METHODS

We characterised the clinical features of children with both HI and BWS/11p overgrowth spectrum, evaluated the contribution of KATP channel mutations to the molecular pathogenesis of their HI and assessed molecular pathogenesis associated with features of BWS.

RESULTS

We identified 28 children with HI and BWS/11p overgrowth from 1997 to 2014. Mosaic paternal uniparental isodisomy for chromosome 11p (pUPD11p) was noted in 26/28 cases. Most were refractory to diazoxide treatment and half required subtotal pancreatectomies. Patients displayed a wide range of clinical features from classical BWS to only mild hemihypertrophy (11p overgrowth spectrum). Four of the cases had a paternally transmitted KATP mutation and had a much more severe HI course than patients with pUPD11p alone.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that patients with pUPD11p-associated HI have a persistent and severe HI phenotype compared with transient hypoglycaemia of BWS/11p overgrowth patients caused by other aetiologies. Testing for pUPD11p should be considered in all patients with persistent congenital HI, especially for those without an identified HI gene mutation.

Long-term orthodontic and surgical treatment and stability of a patient with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a congenital growth disorder. Children born with BWS develop enlarged organs, including the tongue, a large body, and other signs. A woman with BWS was treated and followed for 30 years. Treatment consisted of tongue reduction, orthopedic and orthodontic treatment, orthognathic surgery, and retention. The patient was first treated when she was 5 years old. Her original orthodontic problems included macroglossia, anterior open bite, anterior crossbite, and a skeletal Class III jaw relationship caused by significant mandibular protrusion. The jaw-base relationships did not improve in the early preadolescent period after phase 1 of orthodontic treatment with a vertical chincap. With the growth spurt accompanying puberty, she developed a severe skeletal Class III jaw relationship and a constricted maxillary arch. Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion was performed at 23 years of age to correct the severe discrepancy between the maxillary and mandibular dental arch widths. Then, at 26 years, a LeFort I osteotomy, a horseshoe osteotomy, a bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy, and genioplasty were performed after presurgical orthodontic treatment with extraction of the mandibular first molars. Both the facial profile and the occlusion were stable after 6 years of retention. This case report discusses the result of long-term observation of a patient with BWS who underwent tongue reduction, early orthodontic treatment, and surgical-orthodontic treatment.

[Case of combination of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome with West syndrome]

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is etiologically connected with genetic/epigenetic growth dysregulation. The supposed localization of this disorder is a short arm of chromosome 11 (11p 15.5). Its prevalence is 1:13 per 700 newborns. West syndrome is an age-dependent epileptic syndrome related to a group of infantile epileptic encephalopathies and characterized by a triad of basic symptoms: series of infantile spasms, psychomotor retardation and severe paroxysmal EEG changes. The incidence of West syndrome is estimated at 1 case per 2,000-4,000 newborns. The article describes a rare clinical case: a combination of BWS with one of the types of infantile epileptic encephalopathies--West syndrome. A detailed analysis of the West syndrome progression in a female patient with BWS is given, the tactics of antiepileptic therapy is analyzed, and its complexity in terms of metabolic disorders caused by the presence of a genetic syndrome in a patient is shown. The results of a long catamnesis are described. The figures are the fragments of native electroencephalograms at the eruptive phase of West syndrome and against the background of a long-term remission. When describing the clinical case in detail, the authors actively discuss the obtained information and available literature data. The article also presents practical guidelines for the early detection of metabolic disorders in patients with infantile epileptic encephalopathies. In addition to anti-epileptic drugs, the authors propose to include a mandatory metabolic correction in the therapy complex for these patients.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a model disorder for the study of imprinting, growth dysregulation, and tumorigenesis. Unique observations in this disorder point to an important embryonic developmental window relevant to the observations of increased monozygotic twinning and an increased rate of epigenetic errors after subfertility/assisted reproduction.

[Clinical guide to the management of patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome]

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is characterized by congenital overgrowth, macroglossia and omphalocele or umbilical hernia. Children with BWS may also have all or some of the following features: asymmetry (hemihypertrophy) of the limbs, torso or face, hypoglycemia, organomegaly, ear pits or creases, and embryonal tumors. The frequency of BWS is approximately 1:14,000 births. We present a guide for the management of children with BWS aimed at helping pediatricians and general practitioners or specialists in the clinical follow-up of these patients. This guide has been structured according to different age groups and is based on published evidence.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a clinically heterogeneous overgrowth syndrome associated with an increased risk for embryonal tumor development. BWS provides an ideal model system to study epigenetic mechanisms. This condition is caused by a variety of genetic or epigenetic alterations within two domains of imprinted growth regulatory genes on human chromosome 11p15. Molecular studies of BWS have provided important data with respect to epigenotype/genotype-phenotype correlations; for example, alterations of Domain 1 are associated with the highest risk for tumor development, specifically Wilms' tumor. Further, the elucidation of the molecular basis for monozygotic twinning in BWS defined a critical period for imprint maintenance during pre-implantation embryonic development. In the future, such molecular studies in BWS will permit enhanced medical management and targeted genetic counseling.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and isolated hemihyperplasia

CONTEXT

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is a complex and heterogeneous overgrowth syndrome with genetic and epigenetic alterations, involving genomic imprinting and cancer predisposition. Isolated hemihyperplasia is of unknown cause, and it may represent a partial or incomplete expression of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

A clinical and molecular review and proposal of the use of an experimental protocol to provide a practical approach for the physician.

DATA SYNTHESIS

This review demonstrates the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in the Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and isolated hemihyperplasia, and the candidate genes. To our knowledge, this is the first Brazilian protocol for research into these disorders. The results have been used at the Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, to elucidate the basis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and isolated hemihyperplasia, and have been applied at the Hospital Universitário of the Faculdade de Medicina.

CONCLUSIONS

Elucidation of the etiological mechanisms and use of a laboratory protocol to detect alterations in these disorders may be useful for guiding the management of such patients and genetic counseling of the families.

Targeted regulation of imprinted genes by synthetic zinc-finger transcription factors

Epigenetic control of transcription is essential for mammalian development and its deregulation causes human disease. For example, loss of proper imprinting control at the IGF2-H19 domain is a hallmark of cancer and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, with no targeted therapeutic approaches available. To address this deficiency, we engineered zinc-finger transcription proteins (ZFPs) that specifically activate or repress the IGF2 and H19 genes in a domain-dependent manner. Importantly, we used these ZFPs successfully to reactivate the transcriptionally silent IGF2 and H19 alleles, thus overriding the natural mechanism of imprinting and validating an entirely novel avenue for 'transcription therapy' of human disease.

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS): a case report and literature review

Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS), also known as the EMG (Exomphalos, Macroglossia, Gigantism) syndrome was recognised independently by Beckwith in 1963 and Wiedemann in 1964 and is now a well established entity having been reported in more than two hundred individuals. It constitutes a wide spectrum of clinicopathologic entity with varied combinations of congenital and time dependent abnormalities that often make diagnosis and management tasking. There is paucity of report in the literature on this entity from the developing world. We present a case recently seen at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria in order to create further awareness and highlight peculiarity of management as may be applicable in a setting as ours.

Severe intrarenal fibrosis, infundibular stenosis, renal cysts, and persistent perilobar nephrogenic rests in a patient with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome 27 years after diffuse nephroblastomatosis and Wilms tumor: natural progression or a consequence of treatment?

A27-year-old woman presented with back and abdominal pain. She was diagnosed in infancy with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and bilateral multifocal perilobar nephrogenic rests that progressed to diffuse nephroblastomatosis with neoplastic nephroblastomatous rests at 14 months of age and subsequently to a right Wilms tumor at 5 years of age. Computed tomography of the abdomen during the current admission showed multiple obstructed calices. Ureteroscopic inspection of the left kidney revealed severe intrarenal scarring with multiple infundibular stenosis, hydrocalices, and nephrocalcinosis. Renal biopsy showed sclerotic glomeruli with calcification and scarring and persistent subcapsular nodular renal blastema. Electrocautery incision and balloon dilatation provided temporary pain relief. After discharge, the patient has had two or three episodes of recurrent pain associated with new areas of infundibular stenoses and renal cysts. Bilateral nephrectomy and renal transplantation is being considered for management of progressive disease and relief of intractable pain. The potential causes of progressive and severe intrarenal fibrosis, infundibular stenosis and nephrocalcinosis, and renal cysts in this patient may include abnormal renal development secondary to Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome itself, radiation or chemotherapy damage, or a combination.

A less-invasive approach with orthodontic treatment in Beckwith-Wiedemann patients

The Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a rare genetic disorder, linked to an alteration on the short arm of chromosome 11 that comprises multiple congenital anomalies. Macroglossia is the predominant finding, with subsequent protrusion of dentoalveolar structures, which results in a protruding mandible, anterior open bite, abnormally obtuse gonial angle and increased mandibular length. A less-invasive treatment with orthopaedic appliances in a patient with early tongue reduction is presented. This work summarizes the oral signs linked to macroglossia, and highlights the influence of macroglossia on mandibular growth structures. In our opinion, glossotomy could be carried out in the paediatric patient as a preventive measure in that it curbs the tongue's influence on skeletal growth and dramatically reduces the duration and extensiveness of subsequent treatment.

Successful airway control with the laryngeal mask in an infant with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and hepatoblastoma for central line catheterization

We present a case of an infant with severe macroglossia, hypoglycaemia and inguinal hernia associated with hepatoblastoma (Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome) in which a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was useful to secure the airway during central line insertion. Carbon dioxide monitoring through LMA proved effective to assess airway patency during positioning for central vein puncture. In this syndrome, where a potentially difficult airway may be encountered, LMA allowed adequate ventilation, avoiding the risk and inconvenience of tracheal intubation.

Prenatal diagnosis and perinatal management of the Beckwith-Wiedeman syndrome: a case and review

In utero diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedeman syndrome was made after sonographic identification of an omphalocele and organomegaly in a term fetus. Although not all possible criteria for diagnosis could be antenatally confirmed, the finding of an anterior wall defect associated with macrosomia and possible macroglossia made it very likely. This enabled us to counsel the patient properly and to prepare adequate neonatal support at delivery.

[Early orthodontic treatment measures in infants with the EMG syndrome]

In 1963 Beckwith and Wiedemann reported a syndrome, which was characterized by umbilical hernia, macroglossia and somatic gigantism. In the literature, early intervention by tongue reduction is recommended in order to prevent both mandibular prognathism and open bite. In this paper seven cases were presented showing that early functional treatment of the stomatognatic system leads to pleasing results, both functionally and aesthetically. Therefore it is suggested, that functional treatment should replace surgical management of macroglossia in the Beckwith-Wiedemann-syndrome.