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Biomedical subjects

F A Beemer

Publications and source records attributed to F A Beemer.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

[A newborn infant with the xxxxy-syndrome].

In a three weeks old infant with dysmorphic features a 49, XXXXY karyotype was demonstrated from chromosome preparations of lymphocytes. In the literature only a few newborn infants have been described with this syndrome. The most frequent symptoms of the syndrome in older patients are mental retardation, dysmorphic signs, hypogonadism and skeletal malformations. In our patient we found a low birth weight, a peculiar facies, in addition to a patent ductus arteriosus, a scoliosis and normal external genitals. The most typical skeletal malformations may develop at a more advanced age.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Mild variant of argininosuccinic aciduria.

A 7 and one half-year-old boy with a massive excretion of argininosuccinic acid is described. He exhibited only moderate mental retardation, cerebellar ataxia and both abnormal hair and skin. Argininosuccinate lyase activity in the erythrocytes of his parents and his sister was in the range expected for heterozygotes. The patient was put on a low protein diet with arginine supplementation and improved clinically and biochemically on this regime. The variability of the phenotypic expression of argininosuccinate lyase deficiency is stressed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Inborn errors of molybdenum metabolism: combined deficiencies of sulfite oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase in a patient lacking the molybdenum cofactor.

A patient suffering from a combined deficiency of sulfite oxidase (sulfite dehydrogenase; sulfite:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase, EC 1.8.2.1) and xanthine dehydrogenase (xanthine:NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.1.37) is described. The patient displays severe neurological abnormalities, dislocated ocular lenses, and mental retardation. Urinary excretion of sulfite, thiosulfate, S-sulfocysteine, taurine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine is increased in this individual, while sulfate and urate levels are drastically reduced. The metabolic defect responsible for loss of both enzyme activities appears to be at the level of the molybdenum cofactor common to the two enzymes. Immunological examination of a biopsy sample of liver tissue revealed the presence of the xanthine dehydrogenase protein in near normal amounts. Sulfite oxidase apoprotein was not detected by a variety of immunological techniques. The plasma molybdenum concentration was normal; however, hepatic content of molybdenum and the storage pool of active molybdenum cofactor present in normal livers were below the limits of detection. Fibroblasts cultured from this patient failed to express sulfite oxidase protein or activity, whereas those from the parents and healthy brother of the patient expressed normal levels of this enzyme.

Child, Preschool↗

The Langer-Giedion-syndrome (tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome, type II).

A 15-year-old girl with the Langer-Giedion-syndrome (tricho-rhinophalangeal syndrome, type II) is presented. The features are multiple exostoses, sparse, fine hair and an abnormal face and hands. X-ray examination reveals exostoses and abnormal epiphyses. In this case intelligence is normal; there is severe sensorineural deafness (60--80 dB hearing loss). The genetic aspects of the syndrome are discussed.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Simultaneous occurrence of xanthine oxidase and sulfite oxidase deficiency. A molybdenum dependent inborn error of metabolism?

In a 3-week old female child with clinical features including neurologic abnormalities and lens dislocation, xanthinuria co-existed with increased excretion of sulfur compounds (sulfite, S-sulfocysteine, taurine and thio-sulfate). Low xanthine oxidase and absent sulfite oxidase activities were found on liver biopsy. No abnormality was detected in either parent. Both the above enzymes are molybdenum-flavoproteins. Normal serum molybdenum concentration seemed to rule out dietary deficiency or impaired absorption. A defect in the incorporation of the metal into flavoproteins is postulated in this case.

Animals↗

Combined deficiency of xanthine oxidase and sulphite oxidase: a defect of molybdenum metabolism or transport?

A child is described who presented in the neonatal period with feeding difficulties, severe neurological abnormalities, lens dislocation of the eyes and dysmorphic symptoms of the head. Routine laboratory investigations revealed a decreased serum urate and a positive sulphite reaction of the urine. Subsequent chromatographic examinations showed xanthinuria and increased excretion of S-sulphocysteine and taurine to be present. In addition, high thiosulphate and low sulphate excretions in the urine were observed. Xanthine oxidase deficiency was demonstrated in a jejunal biopsy specimen, whereas the excretion of sulphur containing substances was considered to be characteristic of sulphite oxidase deficiency. This new combination of defects may be the result of malfunctioning of both enzymes, possibly caused by alterations in the essential molybdenum containing active centre of the enzymes, which they share in common.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Hereditary congenital hypopigmented and hyperpigmented macules.

Congenital hypomelanotic and hypermelanotic macules traced in three generations of a family suggested autosomal dominant inheritance. Some affected membbers also showed retarded growth and mental deficiency. Light microscopic findings of "splitdopa" preparations of lesional and normal skin were comparable, except that background staining of keratinocytes in dark macules was higher than in control skin. In light macules it was lower. Ultrastructurally, hypomelanotic skin showed small melanosomes (0.3 mu) that occurred in keratinocytes in melanosome complexes. Hypermelanotic skin revealed large melanosomes (0.6 mu) that were singly distributed in keratinocytes. Melanosome size in normal skin averaged 0.4 mu; distribution pattern was mixed. Melanin granules inside keratinocytes were fully melanized. Hyperpigmented, normal and hypopigmented skin of one person had histological features of black oriental and white skin. This clinical picture could well represent a new neurocutaneous syndrome different from tuberous sclerosis.

Adolescent↗

Rapid enzymic micromethod for the quantitative determination of L(+)alanine in blood and urine.

A micromethod for the quantitative determination of L-alanine in blood and urine is described. No interference of D-alanine, D-cysteine, L-proline, L-glutamine, L-valine, L-histidine or glycine in concentrations up to 5 mmol/l was found. Using this method fasting blood levels of L-alanine in children were determined. Defects in gluconeogenesis can be easily established by measuring with this method the in vivo L-alanine metabolism in an oral, or intravenous L-alanine loading test.

Alanine↗

Cerebral gigantism (Sotos syndrome) in two patients with fra(X) chromosomes.

Two boys were studied who had a large size at birth and/or overgrowth, unusual length, large head circumference and minor anomalies, mainly facial. Their mental development appeared mildly retarded. A clinical diagnosis of cerebral gigantism (Sotos syndrome) was made. However, subsequent chromosome studies (medium 199, with 5% fetal calf serum) showed fra(X) (q27) in 4 and 6% of cells, respectively. These observations give evidence for genetic heterogeneity in cerebral gigantism. Fra(X) studies are recommended in all cases of cerebral gigantism (Sotos syndrome).

Adolescent↗

Failure to detect fetal obstructive uropathy by second trimester ultrasound.

The prenatal diagnosis, management and outcome of an hereditary obstructive uropathy is presented. Serial ultrasonic assessment of the fetal urinary tract was carried out from the early second trimester onward. Slight bilateral hydronephrosis as a first sign of obstructive uropathy was only established as late as 30 weeks of gestation. On the basis of weekly ultrasound scans, a conservative approach was adopted. In view of fetal maturity, labour was induced at 36 weeks resulting in the vaginal delivery of a male infant with moderate bilateral hydronephrosis. Neonatally, anuria developed due to bilateral obstruction of the ureters as a result of increasing bladder wall hypertrophy due to urethral valves. A bilateral uretero-cutaneostomy was carried out. The infant so far develops normally, and renal function is normal for age. Women at risk for fetal obstructive uropathy should have ultrasonic monitoring throughout pregnancy.

Female↗

Prenatal and early postnatal treatment in 3-phosphoglycerate-dehydrogenase deficiency.

3-phosphoglycerate-dehydrogenase (3-PGDH) deficiency is an L-serine biosynthesis disorder, characterised by congenital microcephaly, severe psychomotor retardation, and intractable seizures. We report prenatal diagnosis of an affected fetus by DNA mutation analysis. Ultrasound assessment showed a reduction in fetal head circumference from the 75th percentile at 20 weeks' gestation to the 29th percentile at 26 weeks. L-serine was then given to the mother, which resulted in an enlarged fetal head circumference to the 76th percentile at 31 weeks. At birth, the girl's head circumference was normal, and at 48 months' follow-up, her psychomotor development has been unremarkable. 3-PGDH deficiency is an inborn metabolic error that can be successfully treated antenatally.

Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors↗