The Importance of Down Syndrome Phenocopies in the Newborns in Tertiary Obstetric Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2013.007Keywords:
dysmorphia, phenocopy, minor anomaly, newborn, Down syndrome.Abstract
Background: A phenotype is the composite of the observable characteristics, and in some cases it is not representative for identification of recognized genetic structure.
Aim: The aims of the study were to present the incidence and clinical features of dismorphia in newborn children, and to investigate the prevalence of phenocopies among them.
Material and Methods: Newborns born at the University Clinic for Gynecology & Obstetrics, having at least 3 minor anomalies (mm) specific for Down syndrome were investigated. Patients’ histories, observation, cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood samples were analysed.
Results: Among 17835 liveborns during 5 years’ period, 128 were detected having at least 3 mm, calculated incidence of dysmorphia 0.83% (1:139). Cytogenetic analysis was not performed in 3.1% (4/128) due to immediate death or transfers elsewhere, 30.5% (39/128) were confirmed Down syndrome. Cytogenetic analysis showed trisomy 21 in 97.4%; Robertsonian translocation had one newborn (2.6%); normal cytogenetic structure had 66.4% (85/128) of the newborns.
Conclusons: Other studies didn’t highlight the proportion of phenocopies of Down syndrome in unselected population of newborns, mainly investigating sick children, disabled, or older-aged. As more the critical role of phenocopy emerges, the more the initial difficulty in detecting gene-gene interactions is amplified. Neglecting the possible presence of phenocopies in complex traits, heavily affects the analysis of their genetic data.Downloads
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