Genetics Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the key features of Patau syndrome (trisomy 13).

A

Dysmorphic features, structural abnormalities affecting multiple body systems, and characteristic “rocker bottom feet.”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe the key features of Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18).

A

Dysmorphic features, severe learning disability, and “rocker bottom feet.”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the key dysmorphic features of Down’s syndrome?

A

Hypotonia (reduced muscle tone), brachycephaly (small head with flat back), short neck, short stature, flattened face and nose, prominent epicanthic folds, upward sloping palpebral fissures, and a single palmar crease.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are common complications associated with Down’s syndrome?

A

Learning disability, recurrent otitis media, deafness, visual problems (myopia, strabismus, cataracts), hypothyroidism, cardiac defects (ASD, VSD, patent ductus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot), atlantoaxial instability, leukaemia, and dementia in adulthood.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What type of hearing loss is commonly seen in Down’s syndrome?

A

Conductive hearing loss due to Eustachian tube abnormalities (glue ear).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the purpose of antenatal screening for Down’s syndrome?

A

To determine which women should undergo more invasive testing to give a definitive diagnosis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the most accurate first-line screening test for Down’s syndrome?

A

The combined test, performed between 11 and 14 weeks gestation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What measurements are taken in the combined test for Down’s syndrome?

A

Ultrasound: Nuchal translucency (thickness of the back of the fetus’s neck).

Maternal blood tests: Beta-HCG (higher result indicates risk), PAPPA (lower result indicates risk).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What blood markers are assessed in the triple test for Down’s syndrome? How is the quadruple test different from the triple test?

A

Done between week 14-20

Beta-HCG (higher indicates risk), alpha-fetoprotein (lower indicates risk), and serum oestriol (lower indicates risk).

Quadruple test includes an additional blood test for inhibin-A (higher result indicates risk).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What tests are offered when the screening risk of Down’s syndrome is higher than 1 in 150?

A

Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for definitive diagnosis.

CVS is done before 15 weeks, amniocentesis is done later in pregnancy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What routine follow-up investigations are important for children with Down’s syndrome?

A

Regular thyroid checks (every 2 years), echocardiograms, regular audiometry (hearing tests), and regular eye checks.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the genetic cause of Klinefelter syndrome?

A

Klinefelter syndrome is caused by an additional X chromosome, making the individual’s karyotype 47 XXY.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the physical features of Klinefelter syndrome? What are some cognitive or emotional features of Klinefelter syndrome?

A

Physical: Taller height, wider hips, gynaecomastia, weaker muscles, small testicles, and reduced libido.

Cog/Emotional: Shyness, subtle learning difficulties (especially in speech and language), and infertility.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the genetic cause of Turner syndrome?

A

Turner syndrome is caused by a missing X chromosome, leading to a 45 XO karyotype.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the three classic features of Turner syndrome to remember for exams?
What are some other physical features of Turner syndrome?

A

Short stature, webbed neck, and widely spaced nipples.

High arching palate, downward sloping eyes with ptosis, broad chest, cubitus valgus, and underdeveloped ovaries.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are some common associated conditions with Turner syndrome?

A

Recurrent otitis media, recurrent urinary tract infections, coarctation of the aorta, hypothyroidism, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

17
Q

What is the genetic inheritance pattern for most cases of Noonan syndrome?

A

Noonan syndrome is primarily inherited in an autosomal dominant way.

18
Q

What are some key facial features of Noonan syndrome?
What are some additional physical features of Noonan syndrome?

A

Broad forehead, downward sloping eyes with ptosis, hypertelorism (wide-set eyes), prominent nasolabial folds, and low-set ears.

Short stature, webbed neck, and widely spaced nipples.

19
Q

What types of congenital heart disease are commonly associated with Noonan syndrome?

A

Pulmonary valve stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and atrial septal defect (ASD).

20
Q

How does Noonan syndrome affect male fertility?

A

Cryptorchidism (undescended testes) can lead to infertility in men.

21
Q

What are some additional conditions associated with Noonan syndrome?

A

Learning disability, bleeding disorders, lymphoedema, and increased risk of leukaemia and neuroblastoma.

22
Q

What is the inheritance pattern of Marfan syndrome?

A

Autosomal dominant.

23
Q

What protein is affected in Marfan syndrome, and what is its role?

A

Fibrillin, a key component of connective tissue.

24
Q

What are some of the physical characteristics of Marfan syndrome?

A

Tall stature, long neck, long limbs, long fingers (arachnodactyly), high arch palate, hypermobility, pectus carinatum or pectus excavatum, and downward sloping palpebral fissures.

25
Q

What are complications associated with Marfan syndrome?

A

Eye: Lens dislocation.

Cardiac: Mitral valve prolapse (with regurgitation), aortic valve prolapse (with regurgitation), and aortic aneurysms.

Other: Joint dislocations, scoliosis, pneumothorax, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and hypermobile joints.

26
Q

What gene is mutated in Fragile X syndrome, and where is it located? What protein does the gene code for, and what is its function?

A

FMR1 gene, located on the X chromosome.
The FMR1 gene codes for the fragile X mental retardation protein, which is involved in cognitive development in the brain.

27
Q

What is usually the first sign of Fragile X syndrome?

A

Delay in speech and language development.

28
Q

What are the physical features of Fragile X syndrome?

What neurological and behavioral conditions are associated with Fragile X syndrome?

A

Long, narrow face, large ears, large testicles (after puberty), and hypermobile joints (especially in the hands).

Intellectual disability, ADHD, autism, and seizures.

29
Q

What is the genetic cause of Prader-Willi Syndrome?

A

Loss of functional genes on the proximal arm of chromosome 15 inherited from the father. This can occur due to a deletion or when both copies of chromosome 15 are inherited from the mother (maternal uniparental disomy).

30
Q

What is the hallmark feature of Prader-Willi Syndrome?

What are the infantile features of Prader-Willi Syndrome?

What are some other physical features of Prader-Willi Syndrome?

What are some developmental and psychological features of Prader-Willi Syndrome?

What are the skin characteristics associated with Prader-Willi Syndrome?

A

Hallmark: Constant insatiable hunger that leads to obesity.

Infantile: Poor muscle tone (hypotonia) and feeding difficulties in infancy.

Physical: Narrow forehead, almond-shaped eyes, strabismus, thin upper lip, and downturned mouth.

Developmental/psychological: Mild to moderate learning disabilities, hypogonadism, and mental health problems (especially anxiety).

Skin: Fair, soft skin that is prone to bruising.

31
Q

What is the genetic cause of Angelman Syndrome?

A

Loss of function of the UBE3A gene, specifically the maternal copy. This can be due to a deletion on chromosome 15, a specific mutation, or two paternal copies of chromosome 15 with no maternal contribution.

32
Q

What unique behavioural traits are associated with Angelman Syndrome?

A

Happy demeanour, inappropriate laughter, fascination with water, and hand flapping.

33
Q

What are the characteristic facial and physical features of Angelman Syndrome?

A

Microcephaly, wide mouth with widely spaced teeth, and fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes.

34
Q

What are the distinctive facial features of Williams Syndrome?

A

Broad forehead, starburst eyes (a star-like pattern on the iris), flattened nasal bridge, long philtrum, wide mouth with widely spaced teeth, and a small chin.

35
Q

What personality traits are commonly associated with Williams Syndrome?

A

Very sociable and trusting personality.
“Cocktail party personality”

36
Q

What conditions might individuals with Williams Syndrome experience?

A

Cardiac: Supravalvular aortic stenosis (narrowing just above the aortic valve).

ADHD, hypertension, and hypercalcaemia.