Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a well-recognized disorder characterized by postnatal growth deficiency, dysmorphic facial features, skeletal anomalies, and intellectual disability. The syndrome is caused by KMT2D gene mutations or less frequently KDM6A gene mutations or deletions. We report a systematic evaluation of KS patients from Campania region of Italy; data were also compared with literature ones. We collected data of 15 subjects (8 males and 7 females with age range 10–26 years; mean age 16.9 years) with confirmed diagnosis of KS, representing the entire cohort of patients from Campania Region. Each patient performed biochemical testing and instrumental investigation. Neuro-intellectual development, cranio-facial dysmorphisms, and multisystem involvement data were collected retrospectively. For each category, type of defects and frequency of the anomalies were analyzed. Our observation shows that KS patients from Campania region have some particular and previously underscored, neurological and immunological findings. We found high prevalence of EEG’s abnormalities (43%) and MRI brain abnormalities (60%). Microcephaly resulted more common in our series (33%), if compared with major cohorts described in literature. Biochemical features of immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases including thyroid autoimmunity, polyserositis, and vitiligo were observed with high prevalence (54.5%). Low immunoglobulins levels were a frequent finding. Lymphocyte class investigation showed significantly reduced CD8 levels in one patient.Conclusions: These data confirm great heterogeneity of clinical manifestations in KS and suggest to introduce further clinical diagnostic criteria in order to perform a correct and precocious diagnosis. What is Known• Kabuki syndrome is characterized by growth deficiency, dysmorphic facial features, skeletal anomalies, and intellectual disability• Immune dysfunction is a common finding but autoimmune diseases are rarely seen• Neurological features are commonWhat is New• Some particular facial features could help gestalt diagnosis (hypertelorism, broad nasal bridge, micrognathia, tooth agenesis, cutaneous haemangiomas and strabismus)• Higher prevalence of autoimmune disorders than previously reported• Particular neurological features are present in this cohort (EEG and MRI brain abnormalities)
Diagnosis of pediatric intellectual disability (ID) can be difficult because it is due to a vast number of established and novel causes. Here, we described a full-term female infant affected by Kleefstra syndrome-2 presenting with neurodevelopmental disorder, a history of hypotonia and minor face anomalies. A systematic literature review was also performed. The patient was a 6-year-old Caucasian female. In the family history there was no intellectual disability or genetic conditions. Auxological parameters at birth were adequate for gestational age. Clinical evaluation at 6 months revealed hypotonia and, successively, delay in the acquisition of the stages of psychomotor development. Auditory, visual, somatosensory, and motor-evoked potentials were normal. A brain MRI, performed at 9 months, showed minimal gliotic changes in bilateral occipital periventricular white matter. Neuropsychiatric control, performed at 5 years, established a definitive diagnosis of childhood autism and developmental delay. Molecular analysis of the exome revealed a novel KMT2C missense variant: c.9244C > T (p.Pro3082Ser) at a heterozygous state, giving her a diagnosis of Kleefstra syndrome 2. Parents did not show the variant. Literature review (four retrieved eligible studies, 10 patients) showed that all individuals had mild, moderate, or severe ID; language and motor delay; and autism. Short stature, microcephaly, childhood hypotonia and plagiocephaly were also present. Conclusion. Kleefstra syndrome 2 is a difficult diagnosis of a rare condition with a high clinical phenotypic heterogeneity. This study suggests that it must be taken in account in the work-up of an orphan diagnosis of intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder.
The term “humanization” indicates the process by which people try to make something more human and civilized, more in line with what is believed to be the human nature. The humanization of care is an important and not yet a well-defined issue which includes a wide range of aspects related to the approach to the patient and care modalities. In pediatrics, the humanization concept is even vaguer due to the dual involvement of both the child and his/her family and by the existence of multiple proposed models. The present study aims to analyze the main existing humanization models regarding pediatric care, and the tools for assessing its grade. The main Humanization care programs have been elaborated and developed both in America (Brazil, USA) and Europe. The North American and European models specifically concern pediatric care, while the model developed in Brazil is part of a broader program aimed at all age groups. The first emphasis is on the importance of the family in child care, the second emphasis is on the child’s right to be a leader, to be heard and to be able to express its opinion on the program’s own care. Several tools have been created and used to evaluate humanization of care programs and related aspects. None, however, had been mutually compared. The major models of humanization care and the related assessment tools here reviewed highlight the urgent need for a more unifying approach, which may help in realizing health care programs closer to the young patient’s and his/her family needs.
Hypertransaminasemia in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) is reported to be transient. Here, we describe a child with an atypically protracted course of liver tests abnormalities and review the inherent literature. The patient was hospitalized at age 7-months for isolated hypertransaminasemia detected during a classical KD diagnosed 3 months before, and persistent since then. KD clinical evolution had been favorable, with rapid response to acetylsalicylic acid and intravenous immunoglobulins. Liver enzymes however remained persistently elevated with a fluctuating pattern (ALT > AST levels; peak of AST 186 IU/L and ALT 240 IU/L). During follow-up, the main causes of liver dysfunction had to be excluded through appropriate and extensive laboratory investigations. Transaminases values become steadily normal only 7 months after the acute presentation of KD. Conclusions: Our report shows that an atypically protracted courses of KD-related hypertransaminasemia above the previously reported temporal limits should be taken into account during the stepwise diagnostic approach to the patient’s liver dysfunction. Insidious acetylsalycilic acid-hepatotoxicity warrants consideration in the differential diagnosis.