A ten-year observation of somatic development of a first group of Polish children with Silver-Russell syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

Silver-Russell syndrome is heterogeneous both clinically and genetically. The best known genetic aberrations existing in this syndrome are an 11p15 epimutation, present in 20-60% patients, and a maternal uniparental chromosome 7 disomy (7-15%) (upd(7)mat). Children with SRS suffer from physical growth impairments - intrauterine and after birth.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The study group consisted of 38 children aged 2 to 17 (x=8.9 ± 4.0 years). These children had undergone a genetic analysis in search for the 11p15 epimutation and the upd(7)mat. Somatic growth was also analysed in terms of birth parameters and postnatal BMI, weight and height. The aforementioned parameters were compared in a subgroup of children with the genetic aberrations and with a control group of children born with IUGR.

RESULTS

In the study group a mean weight SD on birth was -3.41 ± 1.22, the birth height was -1.25 ± 2.08 SD and a head circumference of -3.56 ± 1.93 SD. No significant differences were noted between the SRS study group and the control group in reference to weight and head circumference (p>0.05). Such difference was, however, seen in birth height. Children with 11p15 epimutation had significantly lower weight and height at birth, but a significantly larger head circumference than children without this genetic aberration. When analysing further development of children with SRS, a significantly smaller height SD, body mass and BMI was observed, compared with children from the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with SRS present impaired somatic development compared to children with IUGR, and these with a genetic aberration develop worse.