Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common causes of preventable mental retardation. It is associated with other births defects like cardiac malformations. Descriptions in Sub Saharan Africa are rare, ...Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common causes of preventable mental retardation. It is associated with other births defects like cardiac malformations. Descriptions in Sub Saharan Africa are rare, justifying the present report. Case Report: We reported the cases of 3 female patients, diagnosed with hypothyroidism, presenting in addition pulmonary stenosis. The diagnosis was late in all the patients and we noticed clinical improvement under levothyroxine. Conclusion: Association congenital hypothyroidism and cardiac defect is not rare. Our patients are female with no history of consanguinity, presenting congenital hypothyroidism with a gland in situ associated with pulmonary stenosis. Systematic screening of other births defects is thus recommended in affected patients.展开更多
Objective: To study the clinical therapy and prognosis in children with transient congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Methods: Fifty-seven children with CH diagnosed after neonatal screening were treated with low-dosa...Objective: To study the clinical therapy and prognosis in children with transient congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Methods: Fifty-seven children with CH diagnosed after neonatal screening were treated with low-dosage levothyroxine (L-T4). Follow-up evaluation included the determination of TT3, TT4 and TSH serum levels and the assessment of thyroid gland morphology, bone age, growth development and development quotients (DQ). A full check-up was performed at age 2, when the affected children first discontinued the L-T4 treatment for 1 month, and one year later. Development quotients were compared with a control group of 29 healthy peers. Results: The initial L-T4 dosage administered was 3.21-5.81μg/(kg·d) with an average of (16.25±3.87)μg/d. Mean duration of therapy was (28.09±9.56) months. No significant difference was found between study group and control group in the DQ test (average score (106.58±14.40) vs (102.4±8.6), P〉0.05) and 96.49% of the CH children achieved a test score above 85. Bone age, 99mTc scans and ultrasonographic findings were all normal, and evaluation of physical development was normal too, as were the serum levels of TT3, TT4 and TSH after one year of follow-up. Conclusion: AL-T4 dosage of 3.21-5.81μg/(kg·d) was found sufficient for the treatment of transient CH. The treated children showed satisfactory overall mental and physical development at age 2. So it is possible for CH children to stop taking medicine if their laboratory findings and physical development are all normal after regular treatment and 2-3 years of follow-up.展开更多
Radiation exposure has been linked to increased risk of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) for decades. CH is a relatively uncommon condition, occurring in about 1 of 2000 US births. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) leve...Radiation exposure has been linked to increased risk of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) for decades. CH is a relatively uncommon condition, occurring in about 1 of 2000 US births. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels for each child born in California permitted an analysis of combined confirmed and borderline CH cases. Borderline/confirmed CH cases are more than seven times greater than just confirmed cases. Airborne levels of gross beta nuclear radiation in the US were elevated in the period starting several days after the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, especially in west coast states like California. The borderline/confirmed CH rate for newborns during the last 9.5 months in 2011 (exposed to Fukushima in utero) vs. births during other periods in 2011 and 2012 (not exposed) was significantly elevated, suggesting that adverse health effects to the newborn thyroid were not restricted to just a small number of confirmed CH cases. The sensitivity of the fetus to radiation exposure, plus the presence of thyroid-seeking radioiodine, suggest further analysis of Fukushima’s potential to cause adverse health effects in newborns is needed.展开更多
Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality causing mental handicap in humans. Children with DS have significant medical problems and developmental delay which are further impaired by h...Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality causing mental handicap in humans. Children with DS have significant medical problems and developmental delay which are further impaired by hypothyroidism. Those clinical features are potentially improved by using thyroxine replacement therapy. Objectives: To examine the evidence of effectiveness (motor & mental development) and safety of thyroxine supplementation in the treatment of SH and CH in children with DS. Methods: Several medical data bases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Clinical Trials Gov, Essential Evidence and Google) were searched until 20 October, 2011, for randomized control trials (RCTs) that had examined thyroxine’s effectiveness and safety in the treatment of SH or CH in children with DS. Results: There were two high quality RCTs that examined thyroxine in the treatment of CH in children with DS, and no RCTs were found to have examined the effectiveness of thyroxine for SH in children with DS. Conclusion: The RCT which met our inclusion criteria provides the reliable evidence in recommending thyroxine for the treatment of CH in children with DS which is similar to the guidelines for general population. The absence of RCTs examining the treatment of SH in Children with DS indicates the need to conduct such trials.展开更多
BACKGROUND Congenital hepatic fibrosis(CHF)is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by variable degrees of periportal fibrosis and malformation of bile ducts.CHF is generally accompanied by a variety of co...BACKGROUND Congenital hepatic fibrosis(CHF)is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by variable degrees of periportal fibrosis and malformation of bile ducts.CHF is generally accompanied by a variety of conditions or syndromes with other organ involvement.CASE SUMMARY We report a 5-year-4-month-old Chinese boy with congenital hypothyroidism(CH)diagnosed with CHF.The patient was diagnosed with CH by a newborn screening test and has since been taking levothyroxine.He has developed normally without neurocognitive deficits.Abnormal liver function was observed in the patient at the age of 4 years and 11 mo,and elevated levels of liver function indices were persistent for 5 mo.Radiological imaging indicated hepatosplenomegaly without narrowing of the portal vein but dilated splenic vein.A liver biopsy confirmed the pathological features of CHF.Genetic testing revealed two novel homozygous mutations,namely,c.2141-3T>C variant in PKHD1 related to CHF and c.2921G>A(p.R974H)in DUOX2 related to CH.The patient was treated with compound glycyrrhizin tablet,ursodeoxycholic acid,and levothyroxine after diagnosis.The patient achieved a favorable clinical outcome during a follow-up period of over 2 years.CONCLUSION Herein,we report the first case of a Chinese boy with comorbidity of CHF and CH,carrying both PKHD1 gene and DUOX2 gene novel mutations.Liver biopsy and genetic testing should be considered for the diagnosis of coexistent liver disease in CH patients with unexplained abnormal liver function.展开更多
Background: Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and coronary heart disease, are often accompanied by thyroid and mental diseases, the harm of which poses great threats to patients’ health. Objective: To exp...Background: Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and coronary heart disease, are often accompanied by thyroid and mental diseases, the harm of which poses great threats to patients’ health. Objective: To explore the correlation between free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and hypertension in depression patients with hypothyroidism and its clinical guiding value. Methods: A total of 548 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism in Wuxue First People’s Hospital of Hubei Province from January 2018 to September 2022 were enrolled. According to whether complicated with depression, they were divided into hypothyroidism without depression group (group A) and hypothyroidism with depression group (group B). The gender, age, comorbidities (such as depression, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, acute myocardial infarction), FT3, FT4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were recorded. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze hypertensive patients with hypothyroidism. Multivariate binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of hypertension in patients with hypothyroidism. Results: The TSH level, the number of hypertension, coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia in group B were statistically significantly higher than those in group A (P 3 level in group B was statistically significantly lower than that in group A (P s = 0.092), coronary heart disease (rs = 0.000), hyperlipidemia (rs = 0.000), diabetes (rs = 0.000), and age (rs = 0.000), and negatively correlated with FT3 (rs = 0.000) (P 3 and FT4 were the influencing factors of hypertension. The risk of hypertension in patients with coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia significantly increased by 3.425 and 1.761 times (P 3, the risk of hypertension increased (P 4, the risk of hypertension significantly increased (P 3 and FT4 are the influencing factors of hypertension. The lower the FT3 level, the higher the FT4 level, the higher the risk of hypertension. FT3 and FT4 may be potential biomarkers of depression in hypertensive patients. Thyroid function assessment is recommended in patients with hypertension.展开更多
AIM:To analyze the changes in scientific output relating to Leber congenital amaurosis(LCA)and forecast the study trends in this field.METHODS:All of the publications in the field of LCA from 2002 to 2022 were collect...AIM:To analyze the changes in scientific output relating to Leber congenital amaurosis(LCA)and forecast the study trends in this field.METHODS:All of the publications in the field of LCA from 2002 to 2022 were collected from Web of Science(WOS)database.We analyzed the quantity(number of publications),quality(citation and H-index)and development trends(relative research interest,RRI)of published LCA research over the last two decades.Moreover,VOSviewer software was applied to define the co-occurrence network of keywords in this field.RESULTS:A total of 2158 publications were ultimately examined.We found that the focus on LCA kept rising and peaked in 2015 and 2018,which is consistent with the development trend of gene therapy.The USA has contributed most to this field with 1162 publications,56674 citations and the highest H-index value(116).The keywords analysis was divided into five clusters to show the hotspots in the field of LCA,namely mechanism-related,genotype-related,local phenotype-related,system phenotype-related,and therapy-related.We also identified gene therapy and antiretinal degeneration therapy as a major focus in recent years.CONCLUSION:Our study illustrates historical research process and future development trends in LCA field.This may help to guide the orientation for further clinical diagnosis,treatment and scientific research.展开更多
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is not a common congenital vascular abnormality. A trio of capillary malformation, venous varicosities, and bony or soft-tissue hypertrophy define this syndrome. Significant morbiditie...Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is not a common congenital vascular abnormality. A trio of capillary malformation, venous varicosities, and bony or soft-tissue hypertrophy define this syndrome. Significant morbidities associated with this illness include bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, and embolic consequences. Angiokeratoma circumscriptum naeviforme (ACN) is indeed a congenital variant of angiokeratoma that appears as a hyperkeratotic plaque on the lower extremity. Bilateral congenital anorchia (BCA) is the total lack of testicular tissue in a male with a normal phenotype and karyotype. KTS has been linked to ACN. Here we presented an 8-year-old male child who came with a swollen left thigh and the right side of his face with overlying blackish nodules on his left thigh and scrotum. The patient was diagnosed as KTS with angiokeratoma circumscriptum naeviforme and bilateral congenital anorchia based on his history, imaging studies and the typical clinical features of the disease.展开更多
Social determinants of health(SDOH)affect quality of life.We investigated SDOH impacts on self-perceived resilience among people with adult congenital heart disease(ACHD).Secondary analysis of data from two com-plemen...Social determinants of health(SDOH)affect quality of life.We investigated SDOH impacts on self-perceived resilience among people with adult congenital heart disease(ACHD).Secondary analysis of data from two com-plementary studies:a survey study conducted May 2021–June 2022 and a qualitative study conducted June 2020–August 2021.Resilience was assessed through CD-RISC10 score(range 0–40,higher scores reflect greater self-perceived resilience)and interview responses.Sociodemographic and SDOH(education,employment,living situa-tion,monetary stability,financial dependency,area deprivation index)data were collected by healthcare record review and self-report.We used linear regression with robust standard errors to analyze survey data and performed a thematic analysis of interview data.Survey participants(N=127)mean age was 42±14 years;51%were female,87%white.ACHD was moderate(75%)or complex(25%);41%functional class C or D.Resilience(mean 30±7)varied by monetary stability:compared to people with difficulty paying bills,resilience was 15.0 points higher(95%CI:6.9–23.1,p<0.001)for people reporting having enough money and 14.2 points higher(95%CI:5.9–22.4,p=0.001)for those reporting just enough money.Interview participants’(N=25)mean age was 32 years(range 22–44);52%were female,72%white.ACHD was moderate(56%)or complex(44%);76%functional class C or D.Participants discussed factors affecting resilience aligned with each of the major SDOH,prominently,economic stability and healthcare access and quality.Financial stability may be important for supporting self-perceived resi-lience in ACHD.This knowledge can inform the development of resilience interventions for this population.展开更多
Background:Much has been written about the loss to follow-up in the transition between pediatric and adult Congenital Heart Disease(CHD)care centers.Much less is understood about the loss to follow-up(LTF)after a succ...Background:Much has been written about the loss to follow-up in the transition between pediatric and adult Congenital Heart Disease(CHD)care centers.Much less is understood about the loss to follow-up(LTF)after a successful transition.This is critical too,as patients lost to specialised care are more likely to experience mor-bidity and premature mortality.Aims:To understand the prevalence and reasons for loss to follow-up(LTF)at a large Australian Adult Congenital Heart Disease(ACHD)centre.Methods:Patients with moderate or highly complex CHD and gaps in care of>3 years(defined as LTF)were identified from a comprehensive ACHD data-base.Structured telephone interviews examined current care and barriers to clinic attendance.Results:Overall,407(22%)of ACHD patients(n=1842)were LTF.The mean age at LTF was 31(SD 11.5)years and 54%were male;311(76%)were uncontactable.Compared to adults seen regularly,lost patients were younger,with a greater socio-economic disadvantage,and had less complex CHD(p<0.05 for all).We interviewed 59 patients(14%).The top 3 responses for care absences were“feeling well”(61%),losing track of time(36%),and not needing fol-low-up care(25%).Conclusions:A large proportion of the ACHD population becomes lost to specialised cardiac care,even after a successful transition.This Australian study reports younger age,moderate complexity defects,and socio-economic disadvantage as predictive of loss to follow-up.This study highlights the need for novel approaches to patient-centered service delivery even beyond the age of transition and resources to maintain patient engagement within the ACHD service.展开更多
Objective:To explore the correlation between epicardial fat thickness(EFT),aortic velocity propagation(AVP),and abdominal aortic intima-media thickness(AA-IMT)in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism(SH).Additional...Objective:To explore the correlation between epicardial fat thickness(EFT),aortic velocity propagation(AVP),and abdominal aortic intima-media thickness(AA-IMT)in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism(SH).Additionally,to compare these indicators between SH patients and healthy individuals,providing a new theoretical basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.Method:Clinical data from 50 SH patients(23 males and 27 females)and 50 healthy outpatient examinees(22 males and 28 females)were analyzed.The participants were selected from January 2022 to December 2023 at Loudi Central Hospital.EFT,AVP,and AA-IMT were measured,and their correlations were analyzed.Results:SH patients had significantly higher EFT and AA-IMT levels than the control group,while their AVP was significantly lower,with these differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between EFT and AVP(P<0.001),a significant positive correlation between EFT and AAO-IMT(P<0.001),and a significant negative correlation between AVP and AAO-IMT(P<0.001).Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified increased EFT,decreased AVP,and increased AAO-IMT as independent risk factors for SH patients.Conclusion:In SH patients,EFT and AAO-IMT are elevated,whereas AVP is reduced.EFT and AVP are significantly correlated with AAO-IMT.EFT and AAO-IMT can serve as reliable indicators for evaluating subclinical atherosclerosis in SH patients,providing a diagnostic basis for clinical practice.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the effect of lens surgery on health-related quality of life(HRQoL)of preschool children with congenital ectopia lentis(CEL).METHODS:A prospective self-controlled study was conducted in Zhongshan Ophth...AIM:To evaluate the effect of lens surgery on health-related quality of life(HRQoL)of preschool children with congenital ectopia lentis(CEL).METHODS:A prospective self-controlled study was conducted in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center.Children aged from 5 to 7y whom were diagnosed with CEL and underwent phacoemulsification with scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and their parents were enrolled in this study.All of them completed the child and proxy(parental)PedsQL™4.0 before and after the surgery.Their preoperative scores were compared to their postoperative ones.Subgroup analyses were performed based on gender and preoperative bilateral presenting visual acuity of the children.RESULTS:Thirty-two children with CEL successfully underwent surgery without any complications,among whom 8 had monocular surgery and 24 had binocular surgery.Preoperative and postoperative questionnaires were completed by 32 child-parent pairs.Surgical intervention could significantly improve the vision of affected children(P<0.001).The medians of physical,psychosocial and total health scores self-reported by the children were 68.75(62.50,81.25),65.00(60.00,80.00)and 67.39(60.87,78.26)preoperatively and were 93.75(87.50,100.00),90.00(83.33,96.67)and 89.13(85.32,95.65)postoperatively.The preoperative scores of the affected children were significantly lower in all scales than age-matched healthy children(P<0.001).All the postoperative scores were significantly higher than the preoperative scores in affected children and their parents(P<0.001).In the physical functioning evaluation,the preoperative score reported by parents of girls was higher than parents of boys(P=0.041),and the postoperative score of girls was higher than that of boys(P=0.036).CONCLUSION:CEL is associated with significantly worse quality of life in preschool children.Surgical intervention can significantly improve the HRQoL in affected children from both personal and family perspective.展开更多
Background: Congenital heart disease is a public health issue due to its incidence and mortality rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term mortality of children with congenital heart disease admitte...Background: Congenital heart disease is a public health issue due to its incidence and mortality rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term mortality of children with congenital heart disease admitted to the Departmental University Hospital of Borgou/Alibori (CHUD-B/A) from 2011 to 2022. Methods: This descriptive longitudinal study with analytical aims covered 11 years (April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2022). It consisted of a review of the records of children under 15 years of age with echocardiographically confirmed congenital heart disease. This was followed by an interview with the parents to assess the children’s current condition. Data were entered using Kobocollect software and analyzed using R Studio 4.2.2. software. Results: A total of 143 complete files were retained. The median age at diagnosis was 14 months (IIQ: Q1 = 4;Q3 = 60) with a range of 2 days and 175 months, and the sex-ratio (M/F) was 0.96. Left-to-right shunts were the most frequent cardiopathy group (62.9%). Only 35 children (24.5%) benefited from restorative treatment. The mortality rate was 31.5%. Median survival under the maximum bias assumption was 114 months and 216 months under the assumption of minimum bias. Survival was significantly better in children with right-to-left shunts (p = 0.0049) under the assumption of minimum bias. The death risk factors were: age at diagnosis less than 12 months (aHR = 7.58;95% CI = 3.36 - 17.24;p Conclusion: The long-term mortality of congenital heart disease is high and favoured by the absence of restorative treatment. Local correction of congenital heart disease and medical follow-up will help to reduce this mortality.展开更多
●AIM:To establish a classification for congenital cataracts that can facilitate individualized treatment and help identify individuals with a high likelihood of different visual outcomes.●METHODS:Consecutive patient...●AIM:To establish a classification for congenital cataracts that can facilitate individualized treatment and help identify individuals with a high likelihood of different visual outcomes.●METHODS:Consecutive patients diagnosed with congenital cataracts and undergoing surgery between January 2005 and November 2021 were recruited.Data on visual outcomes and the phenotypic characteristics of ocular biometry and the anterior and posterior segments were extracted from the patients’medical records.A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed.The main outcome measure was the identification of distinct clusters of eyes with congenital cataracts.●RESULTS:A total of 164 children(299 eyes)were divided into two clusters based on their ocular features.Cluster 1(96 eyes)had a shorter axial length(mean±SD,19.44±1.68 mm),a low prevalence of macular abnormalities(1.04%),and no retinal abnormalities or posterior cataracts.Cluster 2(203 eyes)had a greater axial length(mean±SD,20.42±2.10 mm)and a higher prevalence of macular abnormalities(8.37%),retinal abnormalities(98.52%),and posterior cataracts(4.93%).Compared with the eyes in Cluster 2(57.14%),those in Cluster 1(71.88%)had a 2.2 times higher chance of good best-corrected visual acuity[<0.7 logMAR;OR(95%CI),2.20(1.25–3.81);P=0.006].●CONCLUSION:This retrospective study categorizes congenital cataracts into two distinct clusters,each associated with a different likelihood of visual outcomes.This innovative classification may enable the personalization and prioritization of early interventions for patients who may gain the greatest benefit,thereby making strides toward precision medicine in the field of congenital cataracts.展开更多
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is transmitted by contact with animals carrying the parasite, or by eating contaminated food such as undercooked meat or raw fruit and vegetabl...Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is transmitted by contact with animals carrying the parasite, or by eating contaminated food such as undercooked meat or raw fruit and vegetables. Toxoplasmosis is often benign, but can be serious in pregnant women. In order to assess the prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 464 women aged between 16 and 42 were surveyed in 3 health facilities, including one public hospital (Blanche Gomez) and two private medical centers (OCH medical and ultrasound practice and Luiz laboratory). A total of 1868 samples were taken and analyzed using the ELFA method on mini vidas, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for fluorescence detection. The results showed that out of 1392 samples obtained from 464 pregnant women, 693 samples from 231 pregnant women were positive, i.e. a frequency of 49.78%. Analysis of the immunological profile showed 48.70% IgG and 1.07% IgG associated with IgM. The different frequencies varied from one health facility to another: 53.96% at Blanche Gomez Hospital, 53.76% at Luiz Laboratory and 31% at OCH. Seroprevalence by age group showed 57.14% in pregnant women aged 16 to 25, 52.77% in pregnant women aged 26 to 35 and 21.62% in pregnant women aged 36 to 42. A frequency of 52.65% was observed in pregnant women in contact with soil and 49.78% in pregnant women consuming vegetables, while 66.66% of women in contact with cats were positive for toxoplasmosis. IgG avidity assays showed a frequency of 74% for high avidity and 3.75% for low avidity. This study enabled us to diagnose 9 cases of seroconversion, including 6 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis. Among the 6 cases, 4 children showed toxoplasmosis with sub-clinical signs of IgG persistence at one year of age, including one with thrombocytopenia associated with jaundice and 2 others with hepatomegaly associated with hypertransaminase and hyperbilirubinemia. The maternal-fetal transmission rate was 66.66%, with an incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis of 1.29 per 464 births.In conclusion, the results of this study show the impact of toxoplasmosis on public health, and demonstrate the importance of quarterly pregnancy monitoring and compliance with hygienic and dietary measures, which are very important for prevention, early detection and management of contaminated pregnant women during prenatal monitoring, thereby reducing the consequences for newborns.展开更多
Background:Patients with congenital heart disease(CHD)will transition to lifelong adult congenital cardiac care.However,their structural heart disease is challenging to convey via two-dimensional drawings.This study u...Background:Patients with congenital heart disease(CHD)will transition to lifelong adult congenital cardiac care.However,their structural heart disease is challenging to convey via two-dimensional drawings.This study utilized a tele-educational environment,with personalized three-dimensional(3D)modeling and health Details(3D+Details=“4D”),to improve actual and perceived knowledge,both important components of transition readiness in CHD patients.Methods:Participants aged≥13 years with a history of CHD and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)studies were eligible.Cardiac MRI datasets were then used to segment and create 3D heart models(using Mimics,Materialize Inc.).Participantsfirst completed the MyHeart Questionnaire,a validated survey of actual knowledge.A tele-educational session was then scheduled,during which participants were shown a 3D model of a normal heart,followed by their personal 3D heart model and specific health details.Participants then repeated the actual knowledge survey,in addition to questionnaires assessing perceived knowledge pre-and post-session,as well as a satisfaction survey.Results:Twenty-two patients were included.Actual knowledge increased from 75%±15%to 89%±20%(p=0.00043)and perceived knowledge increased infive of seven questions.Actual knowledge correlated with perceived knowledge(r=0.608,p<0.0001).Ninety-one percent of participants ranked the 3D model as“very satisfactory”and ninety-five percent ranked the educational session as“very help-ful”or“extremely helpful.”Conclusions:The use of“4D”tele-education increased both actual and perceived knowledge and may help improve transition readiness in CHD patients.展开更多
AIM:To identify genetic defects in a Chinese family with congenital posterior polar cataracts and assess the pathogenicity.METHODS:A four-generation Chinese family affected with autosomal dominant congenital cataract ...AIM:To identify genetic defects in a Chinese family with congenital posterior polar cataracts and assess the pathogenicity.METHODS:A four-generation Chinese family affected with autosomal dominant congenital cataract was recruited.Nineteen individuals took part in this study including 5 affected and 14 unaffected individuals.Sanger sequencing targeted hot-spot regions of 27 congenital cataract-causing genes for variant discovery.The pathogenicity of the variant was evaluated by the guidelines of American College of Medical Genetics and InterVar software.Confocal microscopy was applied to detect the subcellular localization of fluorescence-labeled ephrin type-A receptor 2(EPHA2).Co-immunoprecipitation assay was implemented to estimate the interaction between EphA2 and other lens membrane proteins.The mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting assay,respectively.The cell migration was analyzed by wound healing assay.Zebrafish model was generated by ectopic expression of human EPHA2/p.R957P mutant to demonstrate whether the mutant could cause lens opacity in vivo.RESULTS:A novel missense and pathogenic variant c.2870G>C was identified in the sterile alpha motif(SAM)domain of EPHA2.Functional studies demonstrated the variant’s impact:reduced EPHA2 protein expression,altered subcellular localization,and disrupted interactions with other lens membrane proteins.This mutant notably enhanced human lens epithelial cell migration,and induced a central cloudy region and roughness in zebrafish lenses with ectopic expression of human EPHA2/p.R957P mutant under differential interference contrast(DIC)optics.CONCLUSION:Novel pathogenic c.2870G>C variant of EPHA2 in a Chinese congenital cataract family contributes to disease pathogenesis.展开更多
Rhabdoid tumors (RTs) are a well-defined entity in the kidney or central nervous system of infants or children. However, soft-tissue involvement is uncommon. It’s an exceptional neonatal tumor of soft tissue. The ima...Rhabdoid tumors (RTs) are a well-defined entity in the kidney or central nervous system of infants or children. However, soft-tissue involvement is uncommon. It’s an exceptional neonatal tumor of soft tissue. The imaging characteristics of this tumor are not specific. Biopsy allows diagnosis;the histomorphological characteristics of rhabdoid tumors, their immunoreactivity to epithelial markers and vimentin, and the INI-1 loss are important tools for diagnosis. RT tumors are aggressive and have a rapidly fatal clinical course in most cases. Despite multidisciplinary therapy, the survival rate is very low. We report a rare case occurring in a male neonate who presents at birth with a voluminous right axillary mass. A CT scan showed a well-limited tumor mass with lobulated contours. An ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed on day 8, showing the morphology and immunoprofile of RT. The mass showed rapid growth. The child was admitted for respiratory distress at 3 weeks. A thoraco-abdominal CT showed an increase in the size of the mass with the appearance of multiple lymph nodes and pleural, hepatic, and renal metastases. The child died two days later.展开更多
●AIM:To identify disease-causative mutations in families with congenital cataract.●METHODS:Two Chinese families with autosomaldominant congenital cataract(ADCC)were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinat...●AIM:To identify disease-causative mutations in families with congenital cataract.●METHODS:Two Chinese families with autosomaldominant congenital cataract(ADCC)were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinations.Gene panel next-generation sequencing of common pathogenic genes of congenital cataract was performed in the proband of each family.Sanger sequencing was used to valid the candidate gene mutations and sequence the other family members for co-segregation analysis.The effect of sequence changes on protein structure and function was predicted through bioinformatics analysis.Major intrinsic protein(MIP)-wildtype and MIP-G29R plasmids were constructed and microinjected into zebrafish single-cell stage embryos.Zebrafish embryonic lens phenotypes were screened using confocal microscopy.●RESULTS:A novel heterozygous mutation(c.85G>A;p.G29R)in the MIP gene was identified in the proband of one family.A known heterozygous mutation(c.97C>T;p.R33C;rs864309693)in MIP was found in the proband of another family.In-silico prediction indicated that the novel mutation might affect the MIP protein function.Zebrafish embryonic lens was uniformly transparent in both wild-type PCS2+MIP and mutant PCS2+MIP.●CONCLUSION:Two missense mutations in the MIP gene in Chinese cataract families are identified,and one of which is novel.These findings expand the genetic spectrum of MIP mutations associated with cataracts.The functional studies suggest that the novel MIP mutation might not be a gain-of-function but a loss-of-function mutation.展开更多
Congenital melanocytic nevi(CMN) are common skin tumors. Large and specially located nevi cannot be completely removed by surgery, posing the risks of both cosmetic deformities and potential malignancy.Nonsurgical tre...Congenital melanocytic nevi(CMN) are common skin tumors. Large and specially located nevi cannot be completely removed by surgery, posing the risks of both cosmetic deformities and potential malignancy.Nonsurgical treatments, such as laser therapy and physical dermabrasion, can overcome the limitations of surgery;however, the high rate of repigmentation remains an unresolved global challenge. We conducted a self-controlled observational study of a patient with a nevus on the chest. Two areas of the lesion were treated with an Er:YAG laser and 5% imiquimod cream was applied to one of these areas. After nearly 7-months of follow-up, we observed a significant difference in color between the two areas, suggesting that topical imiquimod may inhibit repigmentation and significantly enhance the effectiveness of laser treatment.展开更多
文摘Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism is the most common causes of preventable mental retardation. It is associated with other births defects like cardiac malformations. Descriptions in Sub Saharan Africa are rare, justifying the present report. Case Report: We reported the cases of 3 female patients, diagnosed with hypothyroidism, presenting in addition pulmonary stenosis. The diagnosis was late in all the patients and we noticed clinical improvement under levothyroxine. Conclusion: Association congenital hypothyroidism and cardiac defect is not rare. Our patients are female with no history of consanguinity, presenting congenital hypothyroidism with a gland in situ associated with pulmonary stenosis. Systematic screening of other births defects is thus recommended in affected patients.
文摘Objective: To study the clinical therapy and prognosis in children with transient congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Methods: Fifty-seven children with CH diagnosed after neonatal screening were treated with low-dosage levothyroxine (L-T4). Follow-up evaluation included the determination of TT3, TT4 and TSH serum levels and the assessment of thyroid gland morphology, bone age, growth development and development quotients (DQ). A full check-up was performed at age 2, when the affected children first discontinued the L-T4 treatment for 1 month, and one year later. Development quotients were compared with a control group of 29 healthy peers. Results: The initial L-T4 dosage administered was 3.21-5.81μg/(kg·d) with an average of (16.25±3.87)μg/d. Mean duration of therapy was (28.09±9.56) months. No significant difference was found between study group and control group in the DQ test (average score (106.58±14.40) vs (102.4±8.6), P〉0.05) and 96.49% of the CH children achieved a test score above 85. Bone age, 99mTc scans and ultrasonographic findings were all normal, and evaluation of physical development was normal too, as were the serum levels of TT3, TT4 and TSH after one year of follow-up. Conclusion: AL-T4 dosage of 3.21-5.81μg/(kg·d) was found sufficient for the treatment of transient CH. The treated children showed satisfactory overall mental and physical development at age 2. So it is possible for CH children to stop taking medicine if their laboratory findings and physical development are all normal after regular treatment and 2-3 years of follow-up.
文摘Radiation exposure has been linked to increased risk of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) for decades. CH is a relatively uncommon condition, occurring in about 1 of 2000 US births. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels for each child born in California permitted an analysis of combined confirmed and borderline CH cases. Borderline/confirmed CH cases are more than seven times greater than just confirmed cases. Airborne levels of gross beta nuclear radiation in the US were elevated in the period starting several days after the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, especially in west coast states like California. The borderline/confirmed CH rate for newborns during the last 9.5 months in 2011 (exposed to Fukushima in utero) vs. births during other periods in 2011 and 2012 (not exposed) was significantly elevated, suggesting that adverse health effects to the newborn thyroid were not restricted to just a small number of confirmed CH cases. The sensitivity of the fetus to radiation exposure, plus the presence of thyroid-seeking radioiodine, suggest further analysis of Fukushima’s potential to cause adverse health effects in newborns is needed.
文摘Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality causing mental handicap in humans. Children with DS have significant medical problems and developmental delay which are further impaired by hypothyroidism. Those clinical features are potentially improved by using thyroxine replacement therapy. Objectives: To examine the evidence of effectiveness (motor & mental development) and safety of thyroxine supplementation in the treatment of SH and CH in children with DS. Methods: Several medical data bases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, Clinical Trials Gov, Essential Evidence and Google) were searched until 20 October, 2011, for randomized control trials (RCTs) that had examined thyroxine’s effectiveness and safety in the treatment of SH or CH in children with DS. Results: There were two high quality RCTs that examined thyroxine in the treatment of CH in children with DS, and no RCTs were found to have examined the effectiveness of thyroxine for SH in children with DS. Conclusion: The RCT which met our inclusion criteria provides the reliable evidence in recommending thyroxine for the treatment of CH in children with DS which is similar to the guidelines for general population. The absence of RCTs examining the treatment of SH in Children with DS indicates the need to conduct such trials.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81870373Shanghai Hospital Development Center New Frontier Technology Joint Research Project,No.SHDC12017115and 2019 Shanghai“Innovative Action Plan of Science and Technology”Animal Research Project Guide,No.19140904301.
文摘BACKGROUND Congenital hepatic fibrosis(CHF)is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by variable degrees of periportal fibrosis and malformation of bile ducts.CHF is generally accompanied by a variety of conditions or syndromes with other organ involvement.CASE SUMMARY We report a 5-year-4-month-old Chinese boy with congenital hypothyroidism(CH)diagnosed with CHF.The patient was diagnosed with CH by a newborn screening test and has since been taking levothyroxine.He has developed normally without neurocognitive deficits.Abnormal liver function was observed in the patient at the age of 4 years and 11 mo,and elevated levels of liver function indices were persistent for 5 mo.Radiological imaging indicated hepatosplenomegaly without narrowing of the portal vein but dilated splenic vein.A liver biopsy confirmed the pathological features of CHF.Genetic testing revealed two novel homozygous mutations,namely,c.2141-3T>C variant in PKHD1 related to CHF and c.2921G>A(p.R974H)in DUOX2 related to CH.The patient was treated with compound glycyrrhizin tablet,ursodeoxycholic acid,and levothyroxine after diagnosis.The patient achieved a favorable clinical outcome during a follow-up period of over 2 years.CONCLUSION Herein,we report the first case of a Chinese boy with comorbidity of CHF and CH,carrying both PKHD1 gene and DUOX2 gene novel mutations.Liver biopsy and genetic testing should be considered for the diagnosis of coexistent liver disease in CH patients with unexplained abnormal liver function.
文摘Background: Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and coronary heart disease, are often accompanied by thyroid and mental diseases, the harm of which poses great threats to patients’ health. Objective: To explore the correlation between free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and hypertension in depression patients with hypothyroidism and its clinical guiding value. Methods: A total of 548 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism in Wuxue First People’s Hospital of Hubei Province from January 2018 to September 2022 were enrolled. According to whether complicated with depression, they were divided into hypothyroidism without depression group (group A) and hypothyroidism with depression group (group B). The gender, age, comorbidities (such as depression, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, acute myocardial infarction), FT3, FT4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were recorded. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze hypertensive patients with hypothyroidism. Multivariate binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of hypertension in patients with hypothyroidism. Results: The TSH level, the number of hypertension, coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia in group B were statistically significantly higher than those in group A (P 3 level in group B was statistically significantly lower than that in group A (P s = 0.092), coronary heart disease (rs = 0.000), hyperlipidemia (rs = 0.000), diabetes (rs = 0.000), and age (rs = 0.000), and negatively correlated with FT3 (rs = 0.000) (P 3 and FT4 were the influencing factors of hypertension. The risk of hypertension in patients with coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia significantly increased by 3.425 and 1.761 times (P 3, the risk of hypertension increased (P 4, the risk of hypertension significantly increased (P 3 and FT4 are the influencing factors of hypertension. The lower the FT3 level, the higher the FT4 level, the higher the risk of hypertension. FT3 and FT4 may be potential biomarkers of depression in hypertensive patients. Thyroid function assessment is recommended in patients with hypertension.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.82171076,No.82101159)Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (No.20Z11900400)+2 种基金Shanghai Hospital Development Center (No.SHDC2020CR2040B,No.SHDC2020CR5014)Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Translational Medicine (No.TM202115PT)Shanghai Sailing Program (No.22YF1435500).
文摘AIM:To analyze the changes in scientific output relating to Leber congenital amaurosis(LCA)and forecast the study trends in this field.METHODS:All of the publications in the field of LCA from 2002 to 2022 were collected from Web of Science(WOS)database.We analyzed the quantity(number of publications),quality(citation and H-index)and development trends(relative research interest,RRI)of published LCA research over the last two decades.Moreover,VOSviewer software was applied to define the co-occurrence network of keywords in this field.RESULTS:A total of 2158 publications were ultimately examined.We found that the focus on LCA kept rising and peaked in 2015 and 2018,which is consistent with the development trend of gene therapy.The USA has contributed most to this field with 1162 publications,56674 citations and the highest H-index value(116).The keywords analysis was divided into five clusters to show the hotspots in the field of LCA,namely mechanism-related,genotype-related,local phenotype-related,system phenotype-related,and therapy-related.We also identified gene therapy and antiretinal degeneration therapy as a major focus in recent years.CONCLUSION:Our study illustrates historical research process and future development trends in LCA field.This may help to guide the orientation for further clinical diagnosis,treatment and scientific research.
文摘Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is not a common congenital vascular abnormality. A trio of capillary malformation, venous varicosities, and bony or soft-tissue hypertrophy define this syndrome. Significant morbidities associated with this illness include bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, and embolic consequences. Angiokeratoma circumscriptum naeviforme (ACN) is indeed a congenital variant of angiokeratoma that appears as a hyperkeratotic plaque on the lower extremity. Bilateral congenital anorchia (BCA) is the total lack of testicular tissue in a male with a normal phenotype and karyotype. KTS has been linked to ACN. Here we presented an 8-year-old male child who came with a swollen left thigh and the right side of his face with overlying blackish nodules on his left thigh and scrotum. The patient was diagnosed as KTS with angiokeratoma circumscriptum naeviforme and bilateral congenital anorchia based on his history, imaging studies and the typical clinical features of the disease.
基金This study is supported by K23HL15180(NIH/NHLBI,Steiner)a grant from the American College of Cardiology Foundation.
文摘Social determinants of health(SDOH)affect quality of life.We investigated SDOH impacts on self-perceived resilience among people with adult congenital heart disease(ACHD).Secondary analysis of data from two com-plementary studies:a survey study conducted May 2021–June 2022 and a qualitative study conducted June 2020–August 2021.Resilience was assessed through CD-RISC10 score(range 0–40,higher scores reflect greater self-perceived resilience)and interview responses.Sociodemographic and SDOH(education,employment,living situa-tion,monetary stability,financial dependency,area deprivation index)data were collected by healthcare record review and self-report.We used linear regression with robust standard errors to analyze survey data and performed a thematic analysis of interview data.Survey participants(N=127)mean age was 42±14 years;51%were female,87%white.ACHD was moderate(75%)or complex(25%);41%functional class C or D.Resilience(mean 30±7)varied by monetary stability:compared to people with difficulty paying bills,resilience was 15.0 points higher(95%CI:6.9–23.1,p<0.001)for people reporting having enough money and 14.2 points higher(95%CI:5.9–22.4,p=0.001)for those reporting just enough money.Interview participants’(N=25)mean age was 32 years(range 22–44);52%were female,72%white.ACHD was moderate(56%)or complex(44%);76%functional class C or D.Participants discussed factors affecting resilience aligned with each of the major SDOH,prominently,economic stability and healthcare access and quality.Financial stability may be important for supporting self-perceived resi-lience in ACHD.This knowledge can inform the development of resilience interventions for this population.
文摘Background:Much has been written about the loss to follow-up in the transition between pediatric and adult Congenital Heart Disease(CHD)care centers.Much less is understood about the loss to follow-up(LTF)after a successful transition.This is critical too,as patients lost to specialised care are more likely to experience mor-bidity and premature mortality.Aims:To understand the prevalence and reasons for loss to follow-up(LTF)at a large Australian Adult Congenital Heart Disease(ACHD)centre.Methods:Patients with moderate or highly complex CHD and gaps in care of>3 years(defined as LTF)were identified from a comprehensive ACHD data-base.Structured telephone interviews examined current care and barriers to clinic attendance.Results:Overall,407(22%)of ACHD patients(n=1842)were LTF.The mean age at LTF was 31(SD 11.5)years and 54%were male;311(76%)were uncontactable.Compared to adults seen regularly,lost patients were younger,with a greater socio-economic disadvantage,and had less complex CHD(p<0.05 for all).We interviewed 59 patients(14%).The top 3 responses for care absences were“feeling well”(61%),losing track of time(36%),and not needing fol-low-up care(25%).Conclusions:A large proportion of the ACHD population becomes lost to specialised cardiac care,even after a successful transition.This Australian study reports younger age,moderate complexity defects,and socio-economic disadvantage as predictive of loss to follow-up.This study highlights the need for novel approaches to patient-centered service delivery even beyond the age of transition and resources to maintain patient engagement within the ACHD service.
基金Innovation Project of Loudi Science and Technology Bureau(Project No.Lou Caijiaozhi(2022)No.2)。
文摘Objective:To explore the correlation between epicardial fat thickness(EFT),aortic velocity propagation(AVP),and abdominal aortic intima-media thickness(AA-IMT)in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism(SH).Additionally,to compare these indicators between SH patients and healthy individuals,providing a new theoretical basis for the clinical prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.Method:Clinical data from 50 SH patients(23 males and 27 females)and 50 healthy outpatient examinees(22 males and 28 females)were analyzed.The participants were selected from January 2022 to December 2023 at Loudi Central Hospital.EFT,AVP,and AA-IMT were measured,and their correlations were analyzed.Results:SH patients had significantly higher EFT and AA-IMT levels than the control group,while their AVP was significantly lower,with these differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between EFT and AVP(P<0.001),a significant positive correlation between EFT and AAO-IMT(P<0.001),and a significant negative correlation between AVP and AAO-IMT(P<0.001).Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified increased EFT,decreased AVP,and increased AAO-IMT as independent risk factors for SH patients.Conclusion:In SH patients,EFT and AAO-IMT are elevated,whereas AVP is reduced.EFT and AVP are significantly correlated with AAO-IMT.EFT and AAO-IMT can serve as reliable indicators for evaluating subclinical atherosclerosis in SH patients,providing a diagnostic basis for clinical practice.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81873673)the Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2021A1515011673).
文摘AIM:To evaluate the effect of lens surgery on health-related quality of life(HRQoL)of preschool children with congenital ectopia lentis(CEL).METHODS:A prospective self-controlled study was conducted in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center.Children aged from 5 to 7y whom were diagnosed with CEL and underwent phacoemulsification with scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and their parents were enrolled in this study.All of them completed the child and proxy(parental)PedsQL™4.0 before and after the surgery.Their preoperative scores were compared to their postoperative ones.Subgroup analyses were performed based on gender and preoperative bilateral presenting visual acuity of the children.RESULTS:Thirty-two children with CEL successfully underwent surgery without any complications,among whom 8 had monocular surgery and 24 had binocular surgery.Preoperative and postoperative questionnaires were completed by 32 child-parent pairs.Surgical intervention could significantly improve the vision of affected children(P<0.001).The medians of physical,psychosocial and total health scores self-reported by the children were 68.75(62.50,81.25),65.00(60.00,80.00)and 67.39(60.87,78.26)preoperatively and were 93.75(87.50,100.00),90.00(83.33,96.67)and 89.13(85.32,95.65)postoperatively.The preoperative scores of the affected children were significantly lower in all scales than age-matched healthy children(P<0.001).All the postoperative scores were significantly higher than the preoperative scores in affected children and their parents(P<0.001).In the physical functioning evaluation,the preoperative score reported by parents of girls was higher than parents of boys(P=0.041),and the postoperative score of girls was higher than that of boys(P=0.036).CONCLUSION:CEL is associated with significantly worse quality of life in preschool children.Surgical intervention can significantly improve the HRQoL in affected children from both personal and family perspective.
文摘Background: Congenital heart disease is a public health issue due to its incidence and mortality rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term mortality of children with congenital heart disease admitted to the Departmental University Hospital of Borgou/Alibori (CHUD-B/A) from 2011 to 2022. Methods: This descriptive longitudinal study with analytical aims covered 11 years (April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2022). It consisted of a review of the records of children under 15 years of age with echocardiographically confirmed congenital heart disease. This was followed by an interview with the parents to assess the children’s current condition. Data were entered using Kobocollect software and analyzed using R Studio 4.2.2. software. Results: A total of 143 complete files were retained. The median age at diagnosis was 14 months (IIQ: Q1 = 4;Q3 = 60) with a range of 2 days and 175 months, and the sex-ratio (M/F) was 0.96. Left-to-right shunts were the most frequent cardiopathy group (62.9%). Only 35 children (24.5%) benefited from restorative treatment. The mortality rate was 31.5%. Median survival under the maximum bias assumption was 114 months and 216 months under the assumption of minimum bias. Survival was significantly better in children with right-to-left shunts (p = 0.0049) under the assumption of minimum bias. The death risk factors were: age at diagnosis less than 12 months (aHR = 7.58;95% CI = 3.36 - 17.24;p Conclusion: The long-term mortality of congenital heart disease is high and favoured by the absence of restorative treatment. Local correction of congenital heart disease and medical follow-up will help to reduce this mortality.
基金Supported by the Municipal Government and School(Hospital)Joint Funding Programme of Guangzhou(No.2023A03J0174,No.2023A03J0188)the State Key Laboratories’Youth Program of China(No.83000-32030003).
文摘●AIM:To establish a classification for congenital cataracts that can facilitate individualized treatment and help identify individuals with a high likelihood of different visual outcomes.●METHODS:Consecutive patients diagnosed with congenital cataracts and undergoing surgery between January 2005 and November 2021 were recruited.Data on visual outcomes and the phenotypic characteristics of ocular biometry and the anterior and posterior segments were extracted from the patients’medical records.A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed.The main outcome measure was the identification of distinct clusters of eyes with congenital cataracts.●RESULTS:A total of 164 children(299 eyes)were divided into two clusters based on their ocular features.Cluster 1(96 eyes)had a shorter axial length(mean±SD,19.44±1.68 mm),a low prevalence of macular abnormalities(1.04%),and no retinal abnormalities or posterior cataracts.Cluster 2(203 eyes)had a greater axial length(mean±SD,20.42±2.10 mm)and a higher prevalence of macular abnormalities(8.37%),retinal abnormalities(98.52%),and posterior cataracts(4.93%).Compared with the eyes in Cluster 2(57.14%),those in Cluster 1(71.88%)had a 2.2 times higher chance of good best-corrected visual acuity[<0.7 logMAR;OR(95%CI),2.20(1.25–3.81);P=0.006].●CONCLUSION:This retrospective study categorizes congenital cataracts into two distinct clusters,each associated with a different likelihood of visual outcomes.This innovative classification may enable the personalization and prioritization of early interventions for patients who may gain the greatest benefit,thereby making strides toward precision medicine in the field of congenital cataracts.
文摘Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is transmitted by contact with animals carrying the parasite, or by eating contaminated food such as undercooked meat or raw fruit and vegetables. Toxoplasmosis is often benign, but can be serious in pregnant women. In order to assess the prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, 464 women aged between 16 and 42 were surveyed in 3 health facilities, including one public hospital (Blanche Gomez) and two private medical centers (OCH medical and ultrasound practice and Luiz laboratory). A total of 1868 samples were taken and analyzed using the ELFA method on mini vidas, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for fluorescence detection. The results showed that out of 1392 samples obtained from 464 pregnant women, 693 samples from 231 pregnant women were positive, i.e. a frequency of 49.78%. Analysis of the immunological profile showed 48.70% IgG and 1.07% IgG associated with IgM. The different frequencies varied from one health facility to another: 53.96% at Blanche Gomez Hospital, 53.76% at Luiz Laboratory and 31% at OCH. Seroprevalence by age group showed 57.14% in pregnant women aged 16 to 25, 52.77% in pregnant women aged 26 to 35 and 21.62% in pregnant women aged 36 to 42. A frequency of 52.65% was observed in pregnant women in contact with soil and 49.78% in pregnant women consuming vegetables, while 66.66% of women in contact with cats were positive for toxoplasmosis. IgG avidity assays showed a frequency of 74% for high avidity and 3.75% for low avidity. This study enabled us to diagnose 9 cases of seroconversion, including 6 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis. Among the 6 cases, 4 children showed toxoplasmosis with sub-clinical signs of IgG persistence at one year of age, including one with thrombocytopenia associated with jaundice and 2 others with hepatomegaly associated with hypertransaminase and hyperbilirubinemia. The maternal-fetal transmission rate was 66.66%, with an incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis of 1.29 per 464 births.In conclusion, the results of this study show the impact of toxoplasmosis on public health, and demonstrate the importance of quarterly pregnancy monitoring and compliance with hygienic and dietary measures, which are very important for prevention, early detection and management of contaminated pregnant women during prenatal monitoring, thereby reducing the consequences for newborns.
文摘Background:Patients with congenital heart disease(CHD)will transition to lifelong adult congenital cardiac care.However,their structural heart disease is challenging to convey via two-dimensional drawings.This study utilized a tele-educational environment,with personalized three-dimensional(3D)modeling and health Details(3D+Details=“4D”),to improve actual and perceived knowledge,both important components of transition readiness in CHD patients.Methods:Participants aged≥13 years with a history of CHD and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)studies were eligible.Cardiac MRI datasets were then used to segment and create 3D heart models(using Mimics,Materialize Inc.).Participantsfirst completed the MyHeart Questionnaire,a validated survey of actual knowledge.A tele-educational session was then scheduled,during which participants were shown a 3D model of a normal heart,followed by their personal 3D heart model and specific health details.Participants then repeated the actual knowledge survey,in addition to questionnaires assessing perceived knowledge pre-and post-session,as well as a satisfaction survey.Results:Twenty-two patients were included.Actual knowledge increased from 75%±15%to 89%±20%(p=0.00043)and perceived knowledge increased infive of seven questions.Actual knowledge correlated with perceived knowledge(r=0.608,p<0.0001).Ninety-one percent of participants ranked the 3D model as“very satisfactory”and ninety-five percent ranked the educational session as“very help-ful”or“extremely helpful.”Conclusions:The use of“4D”tele-education increased both actual and perceived knowledge and may help improve transition readiness in CHD patients.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(No.2021J01229)National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2016YFC1000307).
文摘AIM:To identify genetic defects in a Chinese family with congenital posterior polar cataracts and assess the pathogenicity.METHODS:A four-generation Chinese family affected with autosomal dominant congenital cataract was recruited.Nineteen individuals took part in this study including 5 affected and 14 unaffected individuals.Sanger sequencing targeted hot-spot regions of 27 congenital cataract-causing genes for variant discovery.The pathogenicity of the variant was evaluated by the guidelines of American College of Medical Genetics and InterVar software.Confocal microscopy was applied to detect the subcellular localization of fluorescence-labeled ephrin type-A receptor 2(EPHA2).Co-immunoprecipitation assay was implemented to estimate the interaction between EphA2 and other lens membrane proteins.The mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting assay,respectively.The cell migration was analyzed by wound healing assay.Zebrafish model was generated by ectopic expression of human EPHA2/p.R957P mutant to demonstrate whether the mutant could cause lens opacity in vivo.RESULTS:A novel missense and pathogenic variant c.2870G>C was identified in the sterile alpha motif(SAM)domain of EPHA2.Functional studies demonstrated the variant’s impact:reduced EPHA2 protein expression,altered subcellular localization,and disrupted interactions with other lens membrane proteins.This mutant notably enhanced human lens epithelial cell migration,and induced a central cloudy region and roughness in zebrafish lenses with ectopic expression of human EPHA2/p.R957P mutant under differential interference contrast(DIC)optics.CONCLUSION:Novel pathogenic c.2870G>C variant of EPHA2 in a Chinese congenital cataract family contributes to disease pathogenesis.
文摘Rhabdoid tumors (RTs) are a well-defined entity in the kidney or central nervous system of infants or children. However, soft-tissue involvement is uncommon. It’s an exceptional neonatal tumor of soft tissue. The imaging characteristics of this tumor are not specific. Biopsy allows diagnosis;the histomorphological characteristics of rhabdoid tumors, their immunoreactivity to epithelial markers and vimentin, and the INI-1 loss are important tools for diagnosis. RT tumors are aggressive and have a rapidly fatal clinical course in most cases. Despite multidisciplinary therapy, the survival rate is very low. We report a rare case occurring in a male neonate who presents at birth with a voluminous right axillary mass. A CT scan showed a well-limited tumor mass with lobulated contours. An ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed on day 8, showing the morphology and immunoprofile of RT. The mass showed rapid growth. The child was admitted for respiratory distress at 3 weeks. A thoraco-abdominal CT showed an increase in the size of the mass with the appearance of multiple lymph nodes and pleural, hepatic, and renal metastases. The child died two days later.
基金Supported by the Science,Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality(No.GJHZ20220913142618036,No.JCYJ20210324113610029).
文摘●AIM:To identify disease-causative mutations in families with congenital cataract.●METHODS:Two Chinese families with autosomaldominant congenital cataract(ADCC)were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinations.Gene panel next-generation sequencing of common pathogenic genes of congenital cataract was performed in the proband of each family.Sanger sequencing was used to valid the candidate gene mutations and sequence the other family members for co-segregation analysis.The effect of sequence changes on protein structure and function was predicted through bioinformatics analysis.Major intrinsic protein(MIP)-wildtype and MIP-G29R plasmids were constructed and microinjected into zebrafish single-cell stage embryos.Zebrafish embryonic lens phenotypes were screened using confocal microscopy.●RESULTS:A novel heterozygous mutation(c.85G>A;p.G29R)in the MIP gene was identified in the proband of one family.A known heterozygous mutation(c.97C>T;p.R33C;rs864309693)in MIP was found in the proband of another family.In-silico prediction indicated that the novel mutation might affect the MIP protein function.Zebrafish embryonic lens was uniformly transparent in both wild-type PCS2+MIP and mutant PCS2+MIP.●CONCLUSION:Two missense mutations in the MIP gene in Chinese cataract families are identified,and one of which is novel.These findings expand the genetic spectrum of MIP mutations associated with cataracts.The functional studies suggest that the novel MIP mutation might not be a gain-of-function but a loss-of-function mutation.
基金supported by Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty (grant no. shslczdzk00901)Clinical Research Project of Multi-Disciplinary Team, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
文摘Congenital melanocytic nevi(CMN) are common skin tumors. Large and specially located nevi cannot be completely removed by surgery, posing the risks of both cosmetic deformities and potential malignancy.Nonsurgical treatments, such as laser therapy and physical dermabrasion, can overcome the limitations of surgery;however, the high rate of repigmentation remains an unresolved global challenge. We conducted a self-controlled observational study of a patient with a nevus on the chest. Two areas of the lesion were treated with an Er:YAG laser and 5% imiquimod cream was applied to one of these areas. After nearly 7-months of follow-up, we observed a significant difference in color between the two areas, suggesting that topical imiquimod may inhibit repigmentation and significantly enhance the effectiveness of laser treatment.