<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Introduction. Developmental delay and dysmorphic features affect 1 - 3 % of paediatric population. In the last few years molecular cytogenetic high resolution techniques (comparative genomic hybridization arrays and single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays) have been proven to be a first-tier choice for clinical diagnostics of developmental delay and dysmorphic features. Methods and results. In the present article we describe the clinical advantages of molecular cytogenetic approach (comparative genomic hybridization arrays and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays) in the diagnostic procedure of two children with developmental delay, dysmorphic features and additional morphological phenotypes. Additionally, we demonstrate the necessity of fluorescent in situ hybridization utilisation to identify the localisation and underlying mechanism of detected chromosomal rearrangement. Conclusions. Two types of chromosomal abnormalities were identified and confirmed using different molecular genetic approaches. Comparative genomic hybridization arrays and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays are hereby presented as important methods to identify chromosomal imbalances in patients with developmental delay and dysmorphic features. We emphasize the importance of molecular genetic testing in patients’ parents for the demonstration of the origin and clinical importance of the aberrations prior determined in the patients. The results obtained using molecular cytogenetic high resolution techniques methods are the cornerstone for proper genetic counselling to the affected families.</abstract>

Introduction. Developmental delay and dysmorphic features affect 1 - 3 % of paediatric population. In the last few years molecular cytogenetic high resolution techniques (comparative genomic hybridization arrays and single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays) have been proven to be a first-tier choice for clinical diagnostics of developmental delay and dysmorphic features. Methods and results. In the present article we describe the clinical advantages of molecular cytogenetic approach (comparative genomic hybridization arrays and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays) in the diagnostic procedure of two children with developmental delay, dysmorphic features and additional morphological phenotypes. Additionally, we demonstrate the necessity of fluorescent in situ hybridization utilisation to identify the localisation and underlying mechanism of detected chromosomal rearrangement. Conclusions. Two types of chromosomal abnormalities were identified and confirmed using different molecular genetic approaches. Comparative genomic hybridization arrays and single nucleotide polymorphism arrays are hereby presented as important methods to identify chromosomal imbalances in patients with developmental delay and dysmorphic features. We emphasize the importance of molecular genetic testing in patients’ parents for the demonstration of the origin and clinical importance of the aberrations prior determined in the patients. The results obtained using molecular cytogenetic high resolution techniques methods are the cornerstone for proper genetic counselling to the affected families.

Clinical and Molecular Cytogenetic Characterisation of Children with Developmental Delay and Dysmorphic Features / Klinična in Molekularna Citogenetska Obravnava Otrok Z Razvojnim Zaostankom in Displastičnimi Znaki

University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Bohoriceva 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Clinical Institute of Medical Genetics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Slajmerjeva

Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, via dell’Istria, 65/1, 34137 Trieste, Italy

University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children’s Hospital, Unit for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, Vrazov trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenian Journal of Public Health

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Introduction. Developmental delay and dysmorphic features affect 1 - 3 % of paediatric population. In the last few years molecular cytogenetic high resolution...

Clinical and Molecular Cytogenetic Characterisation of Children with Developmental Delay and Dysmorphic Features / Klinična in Molekularna Citogenetska Obravnava Otrok Z Razvojnim Zaostankom in Displastičnimi Znaki

Published Online: Mar 13, 2015

Page range: 69 - 73

Received: Nov 12, 2014

Accepted: Dec 01, 2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/sjph-2015-0010

© National Institute of Public Health, Slovenia

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.