Genetic Disorders Flashcards
3 causes of disease
- Genetic
- E.g. Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease
- Purely environmental
- E.g. mercury poisoning
- Combination
- E.g. Diabetes mellitus type II, HTN
3 types of purely genetic disease
- Monogenic: Mendelian inheritance, a single gene is involved
- Polygenic: complex inheritance pattern, many genes are involved
Cytogenic: involves large scale changes in chromosomes
human somatic cells
- 23 pairs of different chromosomes in nuclei (22 autosomes, 1 pair of sex chromosomes)
Members of each pair of autosomes are homologs (1 derived from mother, 1 from father)
genetics terms
gene, locus, allele, homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, phenotype
- Gene: length of DNA that codes for a specific protein
- Locus: specific location of a gene on a chromosome
- Allele: different DNA sequence for a particular gene
- Homozygous: same alleles
- Heterozygous: different alleles
- Genotype: refers to a person’s individual alleles and precise genetic makeup
- Phenotype: physical or physiological manifestation of genotype
genetics terms:
cytogenics, karyotype, FISH, Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization
- Cytogenics: study of chromosomes and their abnormalities
-
Karyotype: chromosomes are displayed according to their length
- Usually obtained from the lymphocytes in the blood (46XX, 46XY)
- FISH: uses chemically tagged chromosome specific DNA probe to label a chromosome and visualize it under a fluorescent microscope
-
Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization: compares the child’s DNA with a control DNA to identify microdeletions or microduplications
- Revolutionized cytogenetic testing
- High diagnostic yield of genomic abnormalities
- This technique is replacing FISH for subtelomere imbalances
4 categories of genetic disorders
- Chromosomal
- Single gene
- Multifactorial
- Mitochondrial
chromosomal disorders
- Altered structure or number
- Types
- Deletions
- Inversions
- Duplications
- Translocations
- Incidence
- 10-15% of human conceptions
- 1/160 live births
- Leading cause of miscarriage
- Generally are not hereditary
characteristics of chromosomal disorders
- Most are associated with developmental delay and cognitive impairment
- Large number of genes are involved with CNS development
- Characteristic craniofacial features
- Delayed growth, congenital malformations
characteristics of chromosomal disorders
- Most are associated with developmental delay and cognitive impairment
- Large number of genes are involved with CNS development
- Characteristic craniofacial features
- Delayed growth, congenital malformations
Chromosomal Disorders: Alterations in Number
- Polyploidy: complete extra set (all are lethal)
-
Aneuploidy: absence (monosomy) or duplication (trisomy) of a chromosome in a cell
- Usually only one chromosome is affected
-
Autosomal monosomy
- Rarely survive
-
Mosaicism: most are due to a full trisomy conception followed by loss of extra chromosomes in some cells during mitosis in the embryo
- Milder clinical manifestation
common trisomies
- Down Syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards Syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau Syndrome (trisomy 13)
- *Nearly all are associated with advanced maternal age
Chromosomal Disorders: Alterations in Structure
- Deletion: caused by a chromosome break
- Translocation: interchange of genetic material between nonhomologous chromosomes
-
Reciprocal translocation: two breaks in different chromosomes with an equal exchange of genetic material
- Carriers are usually normal but not offspring
single gene disorders
- Types
- Autosomal dominant
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Neurofibromatosis
- Autosomal recessive
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hurler Syndrome
- PKU
- SMA
- Sex linked
- Hemophilia A
- Fragile X
- Lesch-Nyhan
- Rett
- Autosomal dominant
Monogenic diseases of enzyme proteins
- Genetic mutations in the genes that code for enzymes are the culprit behind enzyme deficiency
- Enzyme deficiency leads to accumulation of precursors and likely disease
- “Metabolic disorders”
- Amino acid metabolism
- Carbohydrate metabolism
- Lysosomal storage
- Urea cycle disorders
polygenic disease
- For many common diseases, genetic susceptibility genes are implicated as opposed to single gene inheritance
- Genetic patterns in these disorders are difficult to study because of the many factors involved
- Traits in which variation is thought to be caused by the combined effects of multiple genes are polygenic traits
- When environmental factors are also believed to cause variation in that trait, the term multifactorial is used
multifactorial disorders
- Autism: a severe neurodevelopmental disorder in which 15 susceptibility loci have been identified that each make an additive contribution to the phenotype
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: an autoimmune disorder involving immune destruction of the beta cells
- Many loci implicated in this disease, with at least 12-20 minor susceptibility loci and one major locus discerned in humans
core competencies for health care professionals
- Need to know how and when to make a referral
- *PTs practice as independent and skilled practitioners
- Need to identify S&S and take appropriate family history
- Understand the disease etiology and pathogenesis, prognostic indicators, treatment ramifications, neurological outcomes, and lifespan issues
- Appreciate one’s limitations in genetics and expertise and identify the need for continuing education
- Understand the psychosocial and ethical implications of genetic service
- Know when and how to make a referral
Genetic Diseases: When to Make a Referral
- History of dysmorphology
- Brain malformations
- Epilepsy
- Abnormal CT
- EEG
- Abnormal tone
- Weakness
- Motor control
- Discoordination
- Delayed development
- Sensory disturbances
psychosocial aspects
- Early genetic testing is important for family planning
- Preimplantation genetic testing
- Respect for the family’s decision regardless of the outcome of genetic testing
3 forms of down syndrome
- Trisomy 21
- Most common form
- Translocation
- The extra chromosome 21 is attached to another chromosome (usually 14, 21, or 22)
- Mosaicism
- Least frequent form
- Some cells have 47 chromosomes and some have 46
- Parents may be a carrier and at increased risk
general phenotypic features of down syndrome
Hypoplasia is a common element in many of the phenotypic features of individuals with Down Syndrome
other features of down syndrome
- Craniofacial
- MSK/epicanthal folds
- Eyes/vision and ears/hearing
- Cardiovascular
- Gastrointestinal
- Neurological
- Immunologic
Craniofacial features of down syndrome
- Inner epicanthal folds
- Upward slanting palpebral fissures
- Flat facial profile
- Aplasia/hypoplasia of frontal sinuses
- Anomalous ears
- Low nasal bridge
- Shortened palate
- Maxillary and dental hypoplasia
- Irregular tooth placement
MSK features of down syndrome
- Diastasis recti
- Hypoplasia of the middle phalanx of the 5th with clinodactyly
- Joint hypermobility
- Hypoplastic pelvis with shallow acetabular angle
- Atlantoaxial instability with risk of SC compression
- Wide gap between toes 1-2
- Simian creases
- Linear growth deficits
- Greatest between 6-24 months
- Mostly due to leg length reduction
- Delayed skeletal maturation rate
- 1/3 overweight by age 3
eyes/vision features of down syndrome
- Iris speckling (Brushfield’s spots)
- Myopia
- Nystagmus
- Strabismus
- Tear duct blockage
- Conductive hearing loss
- Sensorineural or mixed hearing loss
- As many as 78%
Cardiovascular features of down syndrome
- Congenital heart disease is the most common problem
- 40% have malformations
- Ventricular septal defect
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Tetralogy of Fallot
GI features of down syndrome
- Duodenal stenosis/atresia
- Imperforate anus
- Hirschprung’s Disease
Neurologic features of down syndrome
- Mild microcephaly
- Hypotonia
- Intellectual deficits
- Developmental delay
- Early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Small cerebellum and brainstem
- Reduced number of neurons and dendritic spines
- Increased latency of response
- Delayed dissolution of primitive reflexes
- Plantar, palmar, moro, automatic stepping
- Delayed emergence of reactive responses
Immunologic features of down syndrome
- Leukemia
- Chronic rhinitis and conjunctivitis
- Fluid in the middle ear
aging considerations for down syndrome
- Life expectancy has been increasing
- Current life expectancy is 55 years
- Compared to 9 years in 1929
- Changes in body function and structure secondary to aging have the potential to lead to activity restrictions
thyroid dysfunction and down syndrome
- Adults are at risk for developing both hyper and hypothyroidism as they age
- Hypothyroidism more common (40% of pts with DS)
- Untreated hypothyroidism can mimic cognitive decline (may be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s Disease
- Other S&S
- Decreased energy
- Decreased motivation
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Bradycardia
- Dry skin
- Other S&S
cardiovascular disorders and aging with down syndrome
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Occur with aging
- Mitral prolapse for 46-57%
- Can lead to increased risk of
- Endocarditis
- CVA
- Heart failure
- Can occur even without prior abnormal cardiac findings
- Early S&S
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Weight gain
- Dyspnea with physical activity
- Bilateral crackles that do not clear with a cough
- A third heart sound
cardiovascular capacity with aging and down syndrome
- Lower cardiovascular capacity than peers who are mentally challenged without DS
- Lower mean peak oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, and HR during exercise testing
- Secondary to
- Lower lean body muscle mass
- Lower muscle strength
- Thyroid disorders
- Hypotonia
- Higher incidence of obesity
- Impaired sympathetic response to exercise
msk disorders with down syndrome and aging
- Premature aging may lead to early experience of MSK disorders generally associated with elderly populations
- Mid cervical arthritis
- Hip dysplasia with dislocation
- Foot pronation
- Osteoporosis
down syndrome, aging and cog concerns
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Almost all adults with DS over age 40 demonstrate neuropathology consistent with AD
- Caused by an over expression of the gene for amyloid precursor protein 🡪 increased accumulation of beta amyloid
- Almost all adults with DS over age 40 demonstrate neuropathology consistent with AD
- Depression
- Mental illness occurs in approximately 30% of adults with DS
other frequent conditions with down syndrome and aging
- Middle ear infections
- Conductive hearing loss increased with age
- Increased risk for visual impairment
- Cataracts
- Blepharitis
- Keratoconus
- Excessive myopia
- Skin disorders
- Atopic dermatitis
- Fungal infections
- Sleep apnea
3 defining characteristics of turner’s syndrome
- Sexual infantilism
- Congenital webbed neck
- Cubitus valgus
other characteristics of turner’s syndrome
- Dorsal edema of hands/feet
- Hypertolerorism
- Epicanthal folds
- Ptosis of the upper eyelids
- Elongated ears
- Shortening of the hand bones
- Skeletal abnormalities
- Hip dislocation
- Pes planus
- Pes equinovarus
- Dislocated patella
- Deformity of medial tibial condyles
- scoliosis
etiology of marfan syndrome
- Gene that codes for fibrillin protein (an elastic protein in CT) is FBN1 located on chromosome 15
- Mutation of this gene leads to disruption in connective tissue of the skeleton, eyes, and CV system
- Mutations are point or frameshift
features of marfan syndrome
- Skeletal
- Long limbs, fingers, and toes
- Hyperextensible joints
- Deformed chest
- Eyes
- Dislocated lenses due to lax suspensory ligaments in the eye
- Cardiovascular
- Aortic dilation with valve regurgitation and aneurysm (dissecting)
etiology and characteristics of cri du chat
- Partial deletion disorder (46, XY deletion of 5p)
- Characteristics
- Cat like cry as infants
- Low birth weight
- Hypotonia
- Feeding difficulties with failure to thrive
- Microcephaly
- Micrognathia
- Clumsiness
- Hyperactivity
- Moderate to severe cognitive impairments
prader willi etiology
- Differential activation of genes depending on the parent from whom they are inherited
- Deletion of 3-4mb of chromosome 15
- Inherited from the father
prader willi characteristics
- Fetal
- Decreased activity
- Infancy
- Failure to thrive
- Respiratory and feeding difficulties
- Severe hypotonia
- By 2 y/o
- Excessive eating may start
- Obesity becomes a concern
- Tone improves with walking typically achieved by age 2
- Behavioral issues
- Temper tantrums
- Stubbornness
- Obsessive compulsiveness
- Cognition ranges from low normal to severely impaired
etiology of angelman’s syndrome
- Differential activation of genes depending on the parent from whom they are inherited
- Deletion of 3-4mb of chromosome 15
- Inherited from the mother
characteristics of angelman’s syndrome
- “Happy Puppet Syndrome”
- Puppet like gait
- Subtle dysmorphic facial features
- Frequent and inappropriate laughter
- Ataxia
- Seizure disorder
- Sleep disorder
- Love water
etiology and characteristics of williams syndrome
- Etiology
- Disturbance in the elastin gene
- Characteristics
- Cardiovascular disease
- Elfin like face
- Wide mouth with full lips
- ADHD
- Learning disorder
- Mild cognitive impairments
- Decreased visuospatial skills
- Early joint laxity with later compensations
- Sensory defensiveness
- Musically talented
incidence and etiology of fragile x syndrome
- Incidence
- Leading hereditary cause of developmental learning disorders
- 1/2000 boys will be affected
- 1/4000 girls will be affected
- Leading hereditary cause of developmental learning disorders
- Etiology
- Expansion of a CGG repeat in FMR1 gene leads to gene inactivation
characteristics of fragile x syndrome
- Normal structure
- Broad forehead
- Elongated face
- Large prominent ears
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Highly arched palate
- Hyperextensible joints
- Hand calluses (from self abuse)
- Pectus excavatum (indentation of the chest)
- Mitral valve prolapse (benign heart condition)
- Enlarged testicles
- Hypotonia
- Soft, fleshy skin
- Flat feet
- Seizures (in about 10%)
incidence of rett syndrome
Occurs almost exclusively in females (males tend not to survive
disease course of rett syndrome
- Progressive
- Typical prenatal and perinatal period with normal development up to 6-18 months
- May see mild hypotonia, placid personality, and a weak suck/cry during this time
- Head circumference normal at birth
- Decelerates anywhere from 3-48 months
What occurs during the short period in which development stagnates followed by rapid regression in motor, language, and psychosocial functions of rett syndrome
- Loss of purposeful hand motions (replaced with characteristics hand wringing)
- Gait and truncal ataxia
- Tremors
- Apraxia
- Autistic like behavior
- Bruxism
- Breathing irregularities (hyperventilation or episodic apnea)
- GERD
- Impaired bowel mobility
- LE vasomotor changes
disease course of rett syndrome
- Fits of screaming/crying common by 18-24 months
- Severely impaired language skills and cognition, seizures
- After a rapid deterioration, the disease becomes somewhat stable
- Dystonia results in hand and foot deformities and kyphoscoliosis
- Osteoporosis occurs early
etiology and characteristics of neurofibromatosis
- NF1 (neurofibromatosis type I) gene is a player in signal transduction
- The NF1 is considered a tumor suppression gene
- A point mutation in this gene leads to loss of cell differentiation and uncontrolled growth
- Characteristics
- Café au lait spots
- Fibromas
- Lisch nodules in the eye