[The CHARGE syndrome]
Claus Klingenberg1, Wenche Helene Andersen
1Barne- og ungdomsklinikken Universitetssykehuset Nord-Norge 9038 Tromsø og Barneavdelingen Institutt for klinisk medisin Universitetet i Tromsø. claus.klingenberg@unn.no
Insights
CHARGE syndrome, a rare congenital condition, presents with multiple malformations including Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia choanae, Retarded growth, Genital anomalies, and Ear anomalies. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- CHARGE syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by multiple anomalies.
- The acronym CHARGE represents key features: Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia choanae, Retarded growth and development, Genital anomalies, and Ear anomalies/deafness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated overview of CHARGE syndrome.
- Focus on clinical presentation, genetic factors, and behavioral aspects.
- Offer recommendations for multidisciplinary management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PubMed-indexed articles.
- Inclusion of authors' clinical experience with CHARGE syndrome patients.
Main Results:
- Estimated incidence of CHARGE syndrome is 1 in 10,000 births.
- CHD7 gene mutations identified in approximately 60% of cases.
- Key malformations include the 3C-triad (Coloboma, Choanal atresia, semicircular Canal anomalies), cardiovascular, and respiratory defects.
- Cranial nerve dysfunctions are common, leading to sensory impairments (vision, hearing) and facial palsy.
- Intellectual impairment varies, with some patients exhibiting distinct behavioral profiles and cognitive issues.
Conclusions:
- CHARGE syndrome necessitates coordinated, multidisciplinary medical follow-up.
- Combined sensory loss in CHARGE syndrome patients may benefit from specialized rehabilitation programs.
- Early identification and management are vital for improving outcomes in individuals with CHARGE syndrome.
Background:
CHARGE syndrome is a rare congenital condition with multiple malformations. The acronym CHARGE summarizes six cardinal features: Coloboma, Heart defect, Atresia choanae, Retarded growth and development, Genital anomalies and Ear anomalies/deafness. Our aim is to present an update on clinical presentation, genetics and behavioural aspects in the CHARGE syndrome. Furthermore, we give recommendations regarding multidisciplinary management.
Material And Method:
The article is based on selected references retrieved from PubMed and the authors' own experience in following this patient group.
Results And Interpretation:
The CHARGE syndrome has an estimated incidence of 1 : 10 000. About 60 % of the patients have mutations in a recently characterized gene ( CHD7: ). C: oloboma, C: hoanal atresia and abnormal semicircular C:anals (3C-triad) are the most specific malformations. Serious cardiovascular and respiratory tract malformations also occur frequently and may be life-threatening, especially in the first year of life. Multiple cranial nerve dysfunctions affect sense of smell, swallowing, facial palsy and sensorineural hearing loss. CHARGE syndrome is recognized as one of the most common causes of dual sensory impairment (vision and hearing). Mental retardation is common, but a substantial group of patients only have limited intellectual impairment. Some patients have a distinct behavioural profile and specific cognitive problems. Coordinated multidisciplinary medical follow-up is needed. The combined sensory loss may render the rehabilitation offered for deaf and blind useful for these patients.
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