Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are epidemically explosive clinical entities, but their pathogenesis is still unclear and a definitive cure does not yet exist. Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare genetically determined cau...Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are epidemically explosive clinical entities, but their pathogenesis is still unclear and a definitive cure does not yet exist. Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare genetically determined cause of autism linked to mutations in the X-linked MeCP2 gene or, more rarely, in CDKL5 or FOXG1. A wide phenotypical heterogeneity is a known feature of the disease. Although several studies have focused on the molecular genetics and possible protein changes at different levels, to date very little attention has been paid to fatty acids in this disease, which could be considered as a natural paradigm for the ASDs. To this regard, a quite enigmatic feature of the disease is the evidence in the affected patients of an extensive peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic acid, AA, docosaexahenoic acid, DHA, adrenic acid, AdA and, to a lesser extent, eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA), in contrast with amelioration of the redox changes and phenotypical severity following the supplementation of some of those same fatty acids (DHA + EPA). Therefore, fatty acids may represent a kind of Janus Bifrons in the particular context of RTT. Here, we propose a rational explanation for this apparent “fatty acid paradox” in RTT. A better understanding of this paradox could also be of help to get a better insight into the complex mechanism of action for polyunsaturated fatty acids in health and disease.展开更多
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder often co-exists with primary Sjogreffs syndrome. We compared the clinical features of 16 neuro- myelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with （n = 6） or without primary Sjogr...Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder often co-exists with primary Sjogreffs syndrome. We compared the clinical features of 16 neuro- myelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with （n = 6） or without primary Sjogreffs syndrome （n = 10）. All patients underwent extensive clinical, laboratory, and MRI evaluations. There were no statistical differences in demographics or first neurological involvement at onset between neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with and without primary Sjogren＇s syndrome. The laboratory findings of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal banding, serum C-reactive protein, antinudear autoantibody, anti-Sjogren＇s-syndrome-related antigen A an- tibodies, anti-Sjogren＇s-syndrome-related antigen B antibodies, and anti-Sm antibodies were significantly higher in patients with primary Sjogren＇s syndrome than those without. Anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies were detectable in 67% （4/6） of patients with primary Sjogren＇s syndrome and in 60% （6/10） of patients without primary Sj6gren＇s syndrome. More brain abnormalities were observed in patients without primary Sj6gren＇s syndrome than in those with primary Sj6gren＇s syndrome. Segments lesions （〉 3 centrum） were noted in 50% （5/10） of patients without primary Sj6gren＇s syndrome and in 67% （4/6） of patients with primary Sjogren＇s syndrome. These findings indicate that the clinical characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with and without primary Sjogren＇s syndrome are similar. However, neu- romyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients without primary Sjogreffs syndrome have a high frequency of brain abnormalities.展开更多
Purpose: To alert the medical community that whole exome sequencing can find accessory gene changes in well-known syndromes that alter preventive health care and management. Meaning: A collagen type VI gene change add...Purpose: To alert the medical community that whole exome sequencing can find accessory gene changes in well-known syndromes that alter preventive health care and management. Meaning: A collagen type VI gene change adds muscle weakness, hypermobility, and dysautonomia concerns to usual management considerations for Down syndrome. Methods: Commercial whole exome sequencing combined with clinical interpretation of DNA sequence change added new considerations to patient management and parental counsel. Results: An 11-year-old child with the trisomy 21 form of Down syndrome who was evaluated for extraordinary joint laxity had a heterozygous collagen type VI aspartic to glutamic acid (COL6A3 c.6360 C>G p.Asp2120Glu) gene change found by whole exome sequencing. The DNA variant was qualified as having strong relevance to the enhanced hypermobility due to prior association of collagen 6 gene changes with myopathy. Conclusions: Dual diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was not assigned because the patient lacked criteria like bruising, unusual scars, or selected dysautonomia symptoms. The concept of a hypermobility spectrum offers advantages for management of its constituent conditions if clinically guided ascertainment and DNA diagnostics are employed.展开更多
BACKGROUND Differential diagnosis,comorbidities and overlaps with other psychiatric disorders are common among adults with autism spectrum disorder(ASD),but clinical assessments often omit screening for personality di...BACKGROUND Differential diagnosis,comorbidities and overlaps with other psychiatric disorders are common among adults with autism spectrum disorder(ASD),but clinical assessments often omit screening for personality disorders(PD),which are especially common in individuals with high-functioning ASD where there is less need for support.AIM To summarize the research findings on PD in adults with ASD and without intellectual disability,focusing on comorbidity and differential diagnosis.METHODS PubMed searches were performed using the key words“Asperger’s Syndrome”,“Autism”,“Personality”,“Personality disorder”and“comorbidity”in order to identify relevant articles published in English.Grey literature was identified through searching Google Scholar.The literature reviews and reference sections of selected papers were also examined for additional potential studies.The search was restricted to studies published up to April 2020.This review is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method.RESULTS The search found 22 studies carried out on ASD adults without intellectual disability that met the inclusion criteria:16 evaluated personality profiles or PD in ASD(comorbidity),five compared ASD and PD(differential diagnosis)and one performed both tasks.There were significant differences in the methodological Cluster A and cluster C PD are the most frequent co-occurring PD,but overlapping features should be considered.Data on differential diagnosis were only found with cluster A and cluster B PD.CONCLUSION ASD in high-functioning adults is associated with a distinct personality profile even if variability exists.Further studies are needed to explore the complex relationship between ASD and PD.展开更多
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders(NMOSD)is a demyelinating disease mainly involving the optic nerve and spinal cord.It has recurrent and aggravating attacks and high disability rate.Most patients have a stepwise...Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders(NMOSD)is a demyelinating disease mainly involving the optic nerve and spinal cord.It has recurrent and aggravating attacks and high disability rate.Most patients have a stepwise progression,resulting in complete blindness or paraplegia.NMOSD lesions contain not only the optic nerve and spinal cord,but also other neurological and non-neurological symptoms,which has clinical heterogeneity.The discovery of aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G(AQP4-IgG)attributed it to autoimmune ion-channel disease,and rituximab(RTX)has achieved good clinical efficacy in the treatment of NMOSD.Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(MOG)antibodies have been found in some AQP4-IgG-negative NMOSD patients,which have different clinical and immunological features,posing new challenges to the diagnosis and treatment of NMOSD,which may require re-design and testing of new immune-targeted drugs.展开更多
BACKGROUND Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder(NMOSD)is a demyelinating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.It typically manifests as optic neuritis or extensive longitudinal myelitis,with or...BACKGROUND Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder(NMOSD)is a demyelinating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.It typically manifests as optic neuritis or extensive longitudinal myelitis,with or without the presence of anti-aquaporin protein 4 autoantibodies(immunoglobulin G).CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 45-year-old woman with a history of Sjogren's syndrome who was diagnosed with NMOSD accompanied by spinal cord injury and left calf intermuscular vein thrombosis.The patient received hormone shock and gamma globulin therapy in the acute phase and standard rehabilitation treatment during convalescence.Upon discharge,the patient was able to control urination and defecation,stand independently,and walk short distances with the aid of a walker.CONCLUSION This case suggests that pharmacotherapy and standard rehabilitation treatment can improve the prognosis of NMSOD patients.展开更多
AIM:To identify a hypothesis on:Supine sleep,sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) reduction and association with increasing autism incidence.METHODS:Literature was searched for autism spectrum disorder incidence time tr...AIM:To identify a hypothesis on:Supine sleep,sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) reduction and association with increasing autism incidence.METHODS:Literature was searched for autism spectrum disorder incidence time trends,with correlation of change-points matching supine sleep campaigns.A mechanistic model expanding the hypothesis was constructed based on further review of epidemiological and other literature on autism.RESULTS:In five countries(Denmark,United Kingdom,Australia,Israel,United States) with published time trends of autism,change-points coinciding with supine sleep campaigns were identified.The model proposes that supine sleep does not directly cause autism,but increases the likelihood of expression of a subset of autistic criteria in individuals with genetic susceptibility,thereby specifically increasing the incidence of autism without intellectual disability.CONCLUSION:Supine sleep is likely a physiological stressor,that does reduce SIDS,but at the cost of impact on emotional and social development in the population,a portion of which will be susceptible to,and consequently express autism.A re-evaluation of all benefits and harms of supine sleep is warranted.If the SIDS mechanism proposed and autism model presented can be verified,the research agenda may be better directed,in order to further decrease SIDS,and reduce autism incidence.展开更多
Neuroimmune disorders,such as multiple sclerosis,neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,myasthenia gravis,and Guillain–Barrésyndrome,are characterized by the dysfunction of both the immune system and the nervous...Neuroimmune disorders,such as multiple sclerosis,neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,myasthenia gravis,and Guillain–Barrésyndrome,are characterized by the dysfunction of both the immune system and the nervous system.Increasing evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles and autophagy are closely associated with the pathogenesis of these disorders.In this review,we summarize the current understanding of the interactions between extracellular vesicles and autophagy in neuroimmune disorders and discuss their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.Here we highlight the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these disorders,and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.展开更多
The evolution of a local fragmented model of services for children with autism in Hong Kong emerged gradually over the past three decades with lack of government funding or support. This had been due to increasing num...The evolution of a local fragmented model of services for children with autism in Hong Kong emerged gradually over the past three decades with lack of government funding or support. This had been due to increasing number of children with autism being detected and referred for earlier assessment. With increasing pressure from parents due to long waiting time for assessment and training services and the increasing polarization by mass media there had been a gradual increasing public awareness over the past five years. Though still highly fragmented in the availability of services, there is a growing "business model" available in the community due to increasing need and lack of public funding for support. There is a lack of strategic planning for medical diagnostic and management issues in Hong Kong. Our University of Hong Kong based Autism Research Program was pioneered in 1985 based on the increasing load of autism cases referred for assessment for other developmental problems and diagnosed as Autism in the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital. As the first author has been the staff of the University of Hong Kong, this program flourished as a research based program. The benefits of early identification and intervention of autism spectrum disorder(ASD) had been increasingly recognized, and with the increased public awareness and increasing trend of earlier diagnosis, there has been a continuously high demand from parents for earlier assessment and training for children suspected to have ASD. This model had not received extra funding for this integrated program for research, teaching and training in autism. We had to apply for various donations and grants to support the development of this pioneer program. The research output and organization of forums for public education and awareness are reviewed. The latter part of the paper reports the summary of clinical profile of autism cases(N=1441) assessed from 1985 to 2010 June under the University of Hong Kong. As the waiting time for initial developmental assessment for any children in Hong Kong is 12?24 months, we also report our preliminary experience with a newly launched triaging service provision for children suspected to be ASD since 2009, including multi-disciplinary assessment and parallel interim training in our university affiliated child assessment centre in Hong(N=89).展开更多
目的:总结1例由ADNP基因变异所致的Helsmoortel-Van der Aa综合征(HVDAS)的临床表现及遗传学特点,并进行国内外相关文献复习。方法:对2020年8月于中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院儿科神经专科确诊的1例HVDAS患儿的临床表现、生化检查及基因检测...目的:总结1例由ADNP基因变异所致的Helsmoortel-Van der Aa综合征(HVDAS)的临床表现及遗传学特点,并进行国内外相关文献复习。方法:对2020年8月于中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院儿科神经专科确诊的1例HVDAS患儿的临床表现、生化检查及基因检测等临床资料进行回顾性分析。同时检索国内外数据库中有关ADNP基因变异所致的HVDAS患儿的文献。结果:本例患儿,男,5岁10个月,因“运动、语言发育迟缓5年余,社交障碍2年余”入院。患儿表现为智力障碍、孤独症谱系、发育迟缓、特殊面容、睾丸鞘膜积液、隐睾及睾丸微石症等。基因检测发现该患儿携带一个ADNP杂合致病突变,即ADNP(NM_015339.3)Exon3:c.56_57del TG:p.(Val19fs)基因突变,父母均未发现该基因突变。文献检索到102例患儿(包含本例患儿),平均年龄6.3岁,男女比例为3:2。相关文献报道所有患儿都有轻到重度智力障碍、严重的语言和运动发育迟缓。孤独症谱系障碍、特征性的面部外观也很常见。结论:HVDAS是一种罕见常染色体显性的神经发育障碍性疾病,临床上对于发育迟缓、孤独症谱系障碍、特殊面容的患儿,应考虑到HVDAS的可能性,应及早进行基因检测,基因检测发现ADNP基因变异可明确诊断。展开更多
文摘Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are epidemically explosive clinical entities, but their pathogenesis is still unclear and a definitive cure does not yet exist. Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare genetically determined cause of autism linked to mutations in the X-linked MeCP2 gene or, more rarely, in CDKL5 or FOXG1. A wide phenotypical heterogeneity is a known feature of the disease. Although several studies have focused on the molecular genetics and possible protein changes at different levels, to date very little attention has been paid to fatty acids in this disease, which could be considered as a natural paradigm for the ASDs. To this regard, a quite enigmatic feature of the disease is the evidence in the affected patients of an extensive peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic acid, AA, docosaexahenoic acid, DHA, adrenic acid, AdA and, to a lesser extent, eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA), in contrast with amelioration of the redox changes and phenotypical severity following the supplementation of some of those same fatty acids (DHA + EPA). Therefore, fatty acids may represent a kind of Janus Bifrons in the particular context of RTT. Here, we propose a rational explanation for this apparent “fatty acid paradox” in RTT. A better understanding of this paradox could also be of help to get a better insight into the complex mechanism of action for polyunsaturated fatty acids in health and disease.
文摘Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder often co-exists with primary Sjogreffs syndrome. We compared the clinical features of 16 neuro- myelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with （n = 6） or without primary Sjogreffs syndrome （n = 10）. All patients underwent extensive clinical, laboratory, and MRI evaluations. There were no statistical differences in demographics or first neurological involvement at onset between neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with and without primary Sjogren＇s syndrome. The laboratory findings of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal banding, serum C-reactive protein, antinudear autoantibody, anti-Sjogren＇s-syndrome-related antigen A an- tibodies, anti-Sjogren＇s-syndrome-related antigen B antibodies, and anti-Sm antibodies were significantly higher in patients with primary Sjogren＇s syndrome than those without. Anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies were detectable in 67% （4/6） of patients with primary Sjogren＇s syndrome and in 60% （6/10） of patients without primary Sj6gren＇s syndrome. More brain abnormalities were observed in patients without primary Sj6gren＇s syndrome than in those with primary Sj6gren＇s syndrome. Segments lesions （〉 3 centrum） were noted in 50% （5/10） of patients without primary Sj6gren＇s syndrome and in 67% （4/6） of patients with primary Sjogren＇s syndrome. These findings indicate that the clinical characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients with and without primary Sjogren＇s syndrome are similar. However, neu- romyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients without primary Sjogreffs syndrome have a high frequency of brain abnormalities.
文摘Purpose: To alert the medical community that whole exome sequencing can find accessory gene changes in well-known syndromes that alter preventive health care and management. Meaning: A collagen type VI gene change adds muscle weakness, hypermobility, and dysautonomia concerns to usual management considerations for Down syndrome. Methods: Commercial whole exome sequencing combined with clinical interpretation of DNA sequence change added new considerations to patient management and parental counsel. Results: An 11-year-old child with the trisomy 21 form of Down syndrome who was evaluated for extraordinary joint laxity had a heterozygous collagen type VI aspartic to glutamic acid (COL6A3 c.6360 C>G p.Asp2120Glu) gene change found by whole exome sequencing. The DNA variant was qualified as having strong relevance to the enhanced hypermobility due to prior association of collagen 6 gene changes with myopathy. Conclusions: Dual diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was not assigned because the patient lacked criteria like bruising, unusual scars, or selected dysautonomia symptoms. The concept of a hypermobility spectrum offers advantages for management of its constituent conditions if clinically guided ascertainment and DNA diagnostics are employed.
文摘BACKGROUND Differential diagnosis,comorbidities and overlaps with other psychiatric disorders are common among adults with autism spectrum disorder(ASD),but clinical assessments often omit screening for personality disorders(PD),which are especially common in individuals with high-functioning ASD where there is less need for support.AIM To summarize the research findings on PD in adults with ASD and without intellectual disability,focusing on comorbidity and differential diagnosis.METHODS PubMed searches were performed using the key words“Asperger’s Syndrome”,“Autism”,“Personality”,“Personality disorder”and“comorbidity”in order to identify relevant articles published in English.Grey literature was identified through searching Google Scholar.The literature reviews and reference sections of selected papers were also examined for additional potential studies.The search was restricted to studies published up to April 2020.This review is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method.RESULTS The search found 22 studies carried out on ASD adults without intellectual disability that met the inclusion criteria:16 evaluated personality profiles or PD in ASD(comorbidity),five compared ASD and PD(differential diagnosis)and one performed both tasks.There were significant differences in the methodological Cluster A and cluster C PD are the most frequent co-occurring PD,but overlapping features should be considered.Data on differential diagnosis were only found with cluster A and cluster B PD.CONCLUSION ASD in high-functioning adults is associated with a distinct personality profile even if variability exists.Further studies are needed to explore the complex relationship between ASD and PD.
文摘Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders(NMOSD)is a demyelinating disease mainly involving the optic nerve and spinal cord.It has recurrent and aggravating attacks and high disability rate.Most patients have a stepwise progression,resulting in complete blindness or paraplegia.NMOSD lesions contain not only the optic nerve and spinal cord,but also other neurological and non-neurological symptoms,which has clinical heterogeneity.The discovery of aquaporin-4-immunoglobulin G(AQP4-IgG)attributed it to autoimmune ion-channel disease,and rituximab(RTX)has achieved good clinical efficacy in the treatment of NMOSD.Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(MOG)antibodies have been found in some AQP4-IgG-negative NMOSD patients,which have different clinical and immunological features,posing new challenges to the diagnosis and treatment of NMOSD,which may require re-design and testing of new immune-targeted drugs.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China（81201043,81171267,61102020,81261120410,81361120403） Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation（12ZR1448400）+1 种基金 National Key Clinical Disciplines at Shanghai Mental Health Center（Office of Medical Affairs,Ministry of Health,2011-873OMA-MH,2011-873）
文摘BACKGROUND Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder(NMOSD)is a demyelinating autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.It typically manifests as optic neuritis or extensive longitudinal myelitis,with or without the presence of anti-aquaporin protein 4 autoantibodies(immunoglobulin G).CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 45-year-old woman with a history of Sjogren's syndrome who was diagnosed with NMOSD accompanied by spinal cord injury and left calf intermuscular vein thrombosis.The patient received hormone shock and gamma globulin therapy in the acute phase and standard rehabilitation treatment during convalescence.Upon discharge,the patient was able to control urination and defecation,stand independently,and walk short distances with the aid of a walker.CONCLUSION This case suggests that pharmacotherapy and standard rehabilitation treatment can improve the prognosis of NMSOD patients.
文摘AIM:To identify a hypothesis on:Supine sleep,sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS) reduction and association with increasing autism incidence.METHODS:Literature was searched for autism spectrum disorder incidence time trends,with correlation of change-points matching supine sleep campaigns.A mechanistic model expanding the hypothesis was constructed based on further review of epidemiological and other literature on autism.RESULTS:In five countries(Denmark,United Kingdom,Australia,Israel,United States) with published time trends of autism,change-points coinciding with supine sleep campaigns were identified.The model proposes that supine sleep does not directly cause autism,but increases the likelihood of expression of a subset of autistic criteria in individuals with genetic susceptibility,thereby specifically increasing the incidence of autism without intellectual disability.CONCLUSION:Supine sleep is likely a physiological stressor,that does reduce SIDS,but at the cost of impact on emotional and social development in the population,a portion of which will be susceptible to,and consequently express autism.A re-evaluation of all benefits and harms of supine sleep is warranted.If the SIDS mechanism proposed and autism model presented can be verified,the research agenda may be better directed,in order to further decrease SIDS,and reduce autism incidence.
文摘目的关于阿斯伯格综合征(Asperger's syndrome,AS)和高功能孤独症(high functioning autism,HFA)之间的差异的争论已经持续了数十年,本研究拟采用静息态功能磁共振成像图论的方法来探索这两种疾病在脑功能上的差异。材料与方法使用美国孤独症脑成像交换数据库Ⅰ(Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange,ABIDEI)的影像数据,其中包括AS患者(n=55)和HFA患者(n=53)的静息态功能磁共振成像数据。对两组影像数据进行处理,并计算出两组的脑网络图论参数。使用两样本t检验比较两组间的脑网络图论参数,并进行事后检验(Bonferroni校正)。使用偏相关分析分别探索两组中有显著差异的图论指标与临床数据的相关性。结果AS组和HFA组在右颞上回的节点效率(P=0.016)、右额中回的节点聚类系数(P=0.044)等多个脑区的多个图论指标分别存在显著差异。这些脑区涉及社会、共情、语言和认知功能。此外,AS组患者在双侧脑岛的节点局部效率(nodal local efficiency,NLE)与孤独症诊断观察量表评分呈负相关(左脑岛:r=-0.366,P=0.033;右脑岛:r=-0.412,P=0.016)。结论本研究结果可能为不同类型孤独症谱系障碍的脑功能机制提供新的思路和见解,从而有助于揭示孤独症不同亚型诊断和治疗的特异性。
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Project of Stem Cell and Translational Research by the Ministry of Science and Technology(2020YFA0113100)Innovative Research Team of High-Level Local Universities in Shanghai(SHSMU-ZDCX20211901)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82071341)the Key Projects of Basic Research of Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission(20JC1412000).
文摘Neuroimmune disorders,such as multiple sclerosis,neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,myasthenia gravis,and Guillain–Barrésyndrome,are characterized by the dysfunction of both the immune system and the nervous system.Increasing evidence suggests that extracellular vesicles and autophagy are closely associated with the pathogenesis of these disorders.In this review,we summarize the current understanding of the interactions between extracellular vesicles and autophagy in neuroimmune disorders and discuss their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.Here we highlight the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these disorders,and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
文摘The evolution of a local fragmented model of services for children with autism in Hong Kong emerged gradually over the past three decades with lack of government funding or support. This had been due to increasing number of children with autism being detected and referred for earlier assessment. With increasing pressure from parents due to long waiting time for assessment and training services and the increasing polarization by mass media there had been a gradual increasing public awareness over the past five years. Though still highly fragmented in the availability of services, there is a growing "business model" available in the community due to increasing need and lack of public funding for support. There is a lack of strategic planning for medical diagnostic and management issues in Hong Kong. Our University of Hong Kong based Autism Research Program was pioneered in 1985 based on the increasing load of autism cases referred for assessment for other developmental problems and diagnosed as Autism in the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital. As the first author has been the staff of the University of Hong Kong, this program flourished as a research based program. The benefits of early identification and intervention of autism spectrum disorder(ASD) had been increasingly recognized, and with the increased public awareness and increasing trend of earlier diagnosis, there has been a continuously high demand from parents for earlier assessment and training for children suspected to have ASD. This model had not received extra funding for this integrated program for research, teaching and training in autism. We had to apply for various donations and grants to support the development of this pioneer program. The research output and organization of forums for public education and awareness are reviewed. The latter part of the paper reports the summary of clinical profile of autism cases(N=1441) assessed from 1985 to 2010 June under the University of Hong Kong. As the waiting time for initial developmental assessment for any children in Hong Kong is 12?24 months, we also report our preliminary experience with a newly launched triaging service provision for children suspected to be ASD since 2009, including multi-disciplinary assessment and parallel interim training in our university affiliated child assessment centre in Hong(N=89).
文摘目的:总结1例由ADNP基因变异所致的Helsmoortel-Van der Aa综合征(HVDAS)的临床表现及遗传学特点,并进行国内外相关文献复习。方法:对2020年8月于中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院儿科神经专科确诊的1例HVDAS患儿的临床表现、生化检查及基因检测等临床资料进行回顾性分析。同时检索国内外数据库中有关ADNP基因变异所致的HVDAS患儿的文献。结果:本例患儿,男,5岁10个月,因“运动、语言发育迟缓5年余,社交障碍2年余”入院。患儿表现为智力障碍、孤独症谱系、发育迟缓、特殊面容、睾丸鞘膜积液、隐睾及睾丸微石症等。基因检测发现该患儿携带一个ADNP杂合致病突变,即ADNP(NM_015339.3)Exon3:c.56_57del TG:p.(Val19fs)基因突变,父母均未发现该基因突变。文献检索到102例患儿(包含本例患儿),平均年龄6.3岁,男女比例为3:2。相关文献报道所有患儿都有轻到重度智力障碍、严重的语言和运动发育迟缓。孤独症谱系障碍、特征性的面部外观也很常见。结论:HVDAS是一种罕见常染色体显性的神经发育障碍性疾病,临床上对于发育迟缓、孤独症谱系障碍、特殊面容的患儿,应考虑到HVDAS的可能性,应及早进行基因检测,基因检测发现ADNP基因变异可明确诊断。
