Characteristic Clinical Features (characteristic + clinical_feature)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Molecular basis of EEC (ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, clefting) syndrome: five new mutations in the DNA-binding domain of the TP63 gene and genotype,phenotype correlation

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
S.E. Clements
Summary EEC (ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, clefting; OMIM 604292) syndrome is an autosomal dominant developmental disorder. Characteristic clinical features comprise abnormalities in several ectodermal structures including skin, hair, teeth, nails and sweat glands as well as orofacial clefting and limb defects. Pathogenic mutations in the TP63 transcription factor have been identified as the molecular basis of EEC syndrome and to date 34 mutations have been reported. The majority of mutations involve heterozygous missense mutations in the DNA-binding domain of TP63, a region critical for direct interactions with DNA target sequences. In this report, we present an overview of EEC syndrome, discuss the role of TP63 in embryonic development and skin homeostasis, and report five new TP63 gene mutations. We highlight the significant intra- and interfamilial phenotypic variability in affected individuals and outline the emerging paradigm for genotype,phenotype correlation in this inherited ectodermal dysplasia syndrome. [source]


Four New Families with Autosomal Dominant Partial Epilepsy with Auditory Features: Clinical Description and Linkage to Chromosome 10q24

EPILEPSIA, Issue 1 2002
Melodie R. Winawer
Summary: ,Purpose: Autosomal dominant partial epilepsy with auditory features (ADPEAF) is a rare form of nonprogressive lateral temporal lobe epilepsy characterized by partial seizures with auditory disturbances. The gene predisposing to this syndrome was localized to a 10-cM region on chromosome 10q24. We assessed clinical features and linkage evidence in four newly ascertained families with ADPEAF, to refine the clinical phenotype and confirm the genetic localization. Methods: We genotyped 41 individuals at seven microsatellite markers spanning the previously defined 10-cM minimal genetic region. We conducted two-point linkage analysis with the ANALYZE computer package, and multipoint parametric and nonparametric linkage analyses as implemented in GENEHUNTER2. Results: In the four families, the number of individuals with idiopathic epilepsy ranged from three to nine. Epilepsy was focal in all of those with idiopathic epilepsy who could be classified. The proportion with auditory symptoms ranged from 67 to 100%. Other ictal symptoms also were reported; of these, sensory symptoms were most common. Linkage analysis showed a maximum 2-point LOD score of 1.86 at (, = 0.0 for marker D10S603, and a maximum multipoint LOD score of 2.93. Conclusions: These findings provide strong confirmation of linkage of a gene causing ADPEAF to chromosome 10q24. The results suggest that the susceptibility gene has a differential effect on the lateral temporal lobe, thereby producing the characteristic clinical features described here. Molecular studies aimed at the identification of the causative gene are underway. [source]


Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) , A clinical reaction pattern

JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2001
Alexis Sidoroff
Background: A wide range of diseases or reactions can cause pustular eruptions of the skin. In this spectrum there seems to be a subgroup with characteristic clinical features and a typical course which is mostly caused by drugs for which the term acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) has been established. Objective: To describe the clinical features of AGEP. Methods: The authors' experience from a multinational epidemiological study on severe cutaneous adverse reactions and a comprehensive review of the literature were used to provide an overview of the disease and it's possible causes. An algorithm for validating cases which was established for this study is also presented. Results: AGEP typically presents with at least dozens of non follicular sterile pustules occurring on a diffuse, edematous erythema predominalty in the folds and/or on the face. Fever and elevated blood neutrophils are common. Histopathology typically shows spongiform subcorneal and/or intraepidermal pustules, a marked edema of the papillary dermis, and eventually vasculitis, eosinophils and/or focal necrosis of keratinocytes. Onset is acute, most often following drug intake, but viral infections can also trigger the disease. Pustules resolve spontaneously in less than 15 days. Conclusion: The diagnosis AGEP should be considered in cases of acute pustular rashes and detection of the causative drug should be strived for. Knowledge of the clinical features and usual course of this disease can often prevent unnecessary therapeutical measures. [source]


Serum creatine kinase levels in spinobulbar muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

MUSCLE AND NERVE, Issue 1 2009
Nizar Chahin MD
Abstract We compared serum creatine kinase (CK) levels between spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and reviewed available histochemical studies of frozen sections of muscle biopsies. CK levels and the frequency of patients with elevated CK levels were significantly higher in the SBMA group when compared with the ALS group. CK levels occasionally approached values up to 8 times the upper limit of normal in the SBMA group. In addition to the chronic neurogenic changes in the muscle biopsy, all SBMA patients showed one or more myopathic changes. Increased numbers of markedly hypertrophic fibers were consistently seen in all patients. It is not clear whether the elevated CK level is directly related to the increased number of hypertrophic fibers or to other myopathic features. Based on these findings, we recommend genetic testing for SBMA in cases of male patients with motor neuron disease who present with a significantly elevated serum creatine kinase level, even when other characteristic clinical features of SBMA are absent. Muscle Nerve 40: 126,129, 2009 [source]


Clinical manifestations of infants with nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency due to maternal dietary deficiency

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2009
E Zengin
Abstract Aim: In developing countries, nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in infants due to maternal diet without adequate protein of animal origin has some characteristic clinical features. In this study, haematological, neurological and gastrointestinal characteristics of nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency are presented. Methods: Hospital records of 27 infants diagnosed in a paediatric haematology unit between 2000 and 2008 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 10.5 months (3,24 months). All the infants were exclusively breast fed and they presented with severe nonspecific manifestations, such as weakness, failure to thrive, refusal to wean, vomiting, developmental delay, irritability and tremor in addition to megaloblastic anaemia. The diagnosis was confirmed by complete blood counts, blood and marrow smears and serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. The median haemoglobin level was 6.4 g/dL (3.1,10.6) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 96.8 fL (73,112.3). Some patients also had thrombocytopaenia and neutropaenia. All the infants showed clinical and haematological improvement with vitamin B12 administration. Patients with severe anaemia causing heart failure received packed red blood cell transfusions as the initial therapy. Conclusion: Paediatricians must consider nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency due to maternal dietary deficiency in the differential diagnosis of some gastrointestinal, haematological, developmental and neurological disorders of infants with poor socioeconomic status. Delay in diagnosis may cause irreversible neurological damage. [source]