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Novel mutations in SLC6A5 with benign course in hyperekplexia
Hormos Salimi Dafsari1,2, Amit Kawalia3, Rosanne Sprute1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne 50931, Germany.
Genetic diagnosis of rare infant disorders is crucial. Novel variants in the SLC6A5 gene were identified in an infant with hyperekplexia, preventing misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Infants with severe apnea, stridor, and cyanosis are often misdiagnosed with seizures.
- Delayed genetic diagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment for conditions like hyperekplexia.
Observation:
- A patient presented with neonatal hypertonia and life-threatening apnea without epileptiform EEG patterns.
- Trio whole-exome sequencing revealed novel compound heterozygous variants in the SLC6A5 gene.
Findings:
- The identified SLC6A5 variants (c.1429T > C and c.1430delC) contribute to hyperekplexia.
- SLC6A5 encodes the glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2), essential for inhibitory neurotransmission.
Implications:
- Accurate genetic diagnosis of SLC6A5 mutations can prevent unnecessary pharmacotherapy for hyperekplexia.
- Rapid next-generation sequencing is vital for diagnosing infantile apneic attacks with hyperekplexia.
- Maternal soothing was observed to halt hyperekplexia episodes in this patient.
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