Mutational Screening and Prenatal Diagnosis in Cornelia de Lange syndrome

Phenotypic variability and the lack of a diagnostic marker have complicated the rapid diagnosis and genetic counseling for Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS). The clinical features of CdLS are striking and easily recognizable by characteristic facial dysmorphism, upper-extremity malformations, hirsutism, cardiac defects, growth and cognitive retardation, and gastrointestinal abnormalities with severe mental retardation. The molecular diagnosis is essential for predicting prognosis and genetic counseling in the affected family, especially while planning the next pregnancy. We report here from India six cases of CdLS and how precise mutational screening in two cases helped in prenatal diagnosis and proved significant in prevention of recurrence in the affected family.