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Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease
Published on: April 4, 2018
A Novel SLC9A3R1 Mutation as a Rare Cause of Infantile Hypercalcemia
Padala Ravi Kumar1, Ankeet Biswas1, Deepak K Dash1
1Department of Endocrinology, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, IND.
Insights
A rare infant hypercalcemia case was diagnosed via genetic testing as hypophosphatemic nephrolithiasis/osteoporosis-2 (NPHLOP2). Early diagnosis and treatment led to significant symptom improvement and normal calcium levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Infant hypercalcemia is rare but serious, presenting with elevated serum calcium.
- Symptoms include poor feeding, lethargy, irritability, and failure to thrive.
Abstract:
Hypercalcemia in infants is a rare but potentially serious condition characterized by elevated serum calcium levels. We report a case of a two-month-old female presenting with poor feeding, lethargy, irritability, and failure to thrive, and she was found to have hypercalcemia. On examination, she had a weight of 3.1 kg (-3.94 SDS) with normal facial features. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated serum calcium, low phosphate, suppressed parathyroid hormone (PTH), and high 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. Renal ultrasonography revealed bilateral medullary nephrocalcinosis. Clinical exome sequencing identified a heterozygous missense variant in the SLC9A3R1 gene, leading to a diagnosis of hypophosphatemic nephrolithiasis/osteoporosis-2 (NPHLOP2). She was initially managed with calcium restricted diet, intravenous fluid rehydration, and administration of zoledronic acid. On follow-up at one month, the patient showed significant symptomatic improvement with normalization of serum calcium levels along with weight gain. This case highlights the role of genetic testing to identify rare genetic causes of hypercalcemia during infancy. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of NPHLOP2 can significantly improve an individual's outcomes and quality of life.

