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Published on: June 15, 2011
Stüve-Wiedemann syndrome with a novel mutation in a Saudi infant
Jubara Alallah1,2,3, Loujen Omar Alamoudi2,3, Reham Mohmmed Makki2,3
1Neonatology Section, Paediatric Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City-WR, Ministry Of National Guard, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
A novel mutation in the LIFR gene was identified in a Saudi infant with severe skeletal dysplasia and failure to thrive. This finding advances understanding of rare genetic disorders affecting bone development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Skeletal Dysplasia
Background:
- Skeletal dysplasias are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders characterized by abnormal bone and cartilage development.
- Consanguinity increases the risk of autosomal recessive genetic conditions.
Observation:
- A Saudi infant presented with severe skeletal dysplasia, including short stature, limb bowing, joint contractures, failure to thrive, and respiratory distress.
- Clinical features suggested a severe genetic syndrome impacting skeletal and organ development.
Findings:
- Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous mutation in the Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor (LIFR) gene.
- This mutation is strongly associated with the observed severe phenotype.
Implications:
- Identifies a new genetic cause for severe skeletal dysplasia and associated complications.
- Highlights the role of LIFR in skeletal development and function.
- Provides a basis for genetic counseling and potential future therapeutic strategies for affected families.
Abstract:
A full-term male infant born from consanguineous Saudi parents, with one other live child, is suspected to have skeletal dysplasia on a fetal anomaly scan. Clinical findings at birth included short stature, bowed long bone affecting the lower limbs more than the upper limbs, severe joint contractures with restricted movement, failure to thrive, hypertonia, and camptodactyly of the index fingers. During infancy, the baby is noted to have sucking and swallowing difficulties necessitated nasogastric tube feeding, and recurrent respiratory distress episodes with frequent admissions due to respiratory failure required intensive care admission and mechanical ventilation. The skeletal survey demonstrated dysplasia of long bones and spine. To investigate a suspect genetic syndrome, a whole-exome sequencing test was performed, which identified a novel homozygous mutation in the LIFR gene.
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