Peds genetics Flashcards
What are some causes of mutations
Multi-factorial Spontaneous Genetic (chromosomes, gene mutations) Environmental (XR, UV, radiation, chemicals) Epigenetics
What is epigenetics
The study of changes caused by gene expression rather than gene mutation
Gene expression is altered by cell type, disease states, and physiologic stimuli (like stress)
What are the types of gene mutations (change in nucleotide sequence)
Silent: the last letter changes, so nothing is seen (TTC-TTT)
Nonsense: first letter changes= STOP! (TTC-ATC)
Missense: middle letter changes= new AA made
What does he want us to know about chromosome mutations
You can have changes in the big part of a chromosome, not just the small parts
Ex: deletion, duplication, inversion, substitution, and translocation
What happens in enzyme mutations
Either the enzyme has a problem (phenylalanine hydroxylase doesn’t convert Phe to Tyr)
Or the enzyme cofactor does (tetrahydrobiopterin doesn’t convert to phenylalanine hydroxylase= no Phe to Tyr)
What are the inheritance patterns
Autosomal dominant: 50% offspring will be affected and show, 50% will be unaffected
Autosomal Recessive: 25% will have d/o, 25% will be normal and not carry, 50% will be carriers
What are reasons an individual who inherits AD disease might not show for it
Penetrance
Expressivity
In order for AR pattern to manifest physically, you need
two mutant alleles
There is increased risk in small populations and cosanguinity (if both are carriers, 1:4 WILL have it)
What are types of genetic testing
Fetal interventions (amniocentesis)
Newborn screen
Chromosome testing (karyotype, FISH, CGH)
Genetic referral or developmental clinc referral for specific gene/enzyme testing
What are indications for prenatal screening tests
FHx
Maternal causes (smoking, EtOH, SM, SLE)
Teratogenic exposure
AMA (birth child at 35+ y/o)
What prenatal screening tests can you do
Maternal Serum Screen (second trimester, 15-20 wks)
Fetal US
Amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling
What are you screening for in fetal tests
Neural tube defects
chromosomal trisomies
cardiac defects
(and more)
What is polyhydramnios and what can it cause
Too much amniotic fluid (>2L)
Duodenal atresia, Gastroschisis, Omphalocele
What is oligohydramnios and what can it cause
Too little amniotic fluid
Renal problems, horse shoe kidney
What do you test in maternal serum samples
AFP
hCG
Unconjugated estriol
Inhibin A
What can AFP levels tell you
Increased: ancephaly, spina bifida, abd wall defects
Decreased: trisomy 21 or 18
What are some neural tube defects
Spina bifida (tuft of hair on lower back) Myelomeningocele (actual spinal cord in the meningocele on the lower back)
How can you prevent neural tube defects
Mom takes folic acid!!
What can fetal US reveal
Nuchal thickness, a sign of trisomy 21
Intracardiac echogenic focus (non-specific cardiac markers)
What is trisomy 21
A chromosomal mutation with 3 chromosomes at 21
How do Trisomy 21 individuals present
Hypotonia
Facies
Simian crease
Hypoplasia of 5th digit (pinky is short)
Sandal toes (big toe and index are far apart)
Trisomy 21 facies include
flat midface and nasal bridge small ears epicanthial folds brushfield eye spots up-slanting palpebral fissures
Other manifestations of trisomy 21 are
cardiac defects: AV canal, VSD
GI: duodenal atresia/stenosis, Hirschsprung dz
Endo: Hypothyroid
MSK: atlantoaxial instability
Mental retardation, cataracts, glaucoma, hearing impaired
What test is done to diagnose trisomy 21
Karyotype; will see 3 chromosomes on 21