Open Access

Novel ETHE1 mutation in a carrier couple having prior offspring affected with ethylmalonic encephalopathy: Genetic analysis, clinical management and reproductive outcome

  • Authors:
    • David J. Walsh
    • Eric S. Sills
    • Deborah M. Lambert
    • Nils Gregersen
    • Fergal D. Malone
    • Anthony P.H. Walsh
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: March 1, 2010     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr_00000243
  • Pages: 223-226
Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

Ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE) is an autosomally recessive inherited disorder with a relentlessly progressive decline in neurological function, usually fatal by the age of ten. It is characterised by generalised hypotonia, psychomotor regression, spastic tetraparesis, dystonia, seizures and, eventually, global neurological failure. Approximately 50 reports have been published worldwide describing this devastating disease, most involving patients of Mediterranean or Arab origin. The fundamental defect in EE likely involves the impairment of a mitochondrial sulphur dioxygenase coded by the ETHE1 gene responsible for the catabolism of sulphide, which subsequently accumulates to toxic levels. A diagnosis of EE should initiate careful genetic evaluation and counselling, particularly if the parents intend to have additional offspring. The present report describes the diagnosis of EE in a reproductive endocrinology context, where both members of a non-consanguineous couple were confirmed to be carriers of an identical A↷G mutation. This previously unknown mutation at nucleotide position c.494 resulted in an amino acid substitution, p.Asp165Gly. Although consideration was given to in vitro fertilisation, embryo biopsy and single gene pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, the couple decided to first utilise a less aggressive therapeutic approach with donor sperm insemination. Pregnancy with a low risk of EE was indeed achieved; however, the infant was affected with a different anomaly (hypoplastic left heart). As this case demonstrates, prior to the initiation of fertility therapy, genetic analysis may be used to provide a confirmatory diagnosis when EE is suspected.

Related Articles

Journal Cover

March-April 2010
Volume 3 Issue 2

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Walsh DJ, Sills ES, Lambert DM, Gregersen N, Malone FD and Walsh AP: Novel ETHE1 mutation in a carrier couple having prior offspring affected with ethylmalonic encephalopathy: Genetic analysis, clinical management and reproductive outcome . Mol Med Rep 3: 223-226, 2010
APA
Walsh, D.J., Sills, E.S., Lambert, D.M., Gregersen, N., Malone, F.D., & Walsh, A.P. (2010). Novel ETHE1 mutation in a carrier couple having prior offspring affected with ethylmalonic encephalopathy: Genetic analysis, clinical management and reproductive outcome . Molecular Medicine Reports, 3, 223-226. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr_00000243
MLA
Walsh, D. J., Sills, E. S., Lambert, D. M., Gregersen, N., Malone, F. D., Walsh, A. P."Novel ETHE1 mutation in a carrier couple having prior offspring affected with ethylmalonic encephalopathy: Genetic analysis, clinical management and reproductive outcome ". Molecular Medicine Reports 3.2 (2010): 223-226.
Chicago
Walsh, D. J., Sills, E. S., Lambert, D. M., Gregersen, N., Malone, F. D., Walsh, A. P."Novel ETHE1 mutation in a carrier couple having prior offspring affected with ethylmalonic encephalopathy: Genetic analysis, clinical management and reproductive outcome ". Molecular Medicine Reports 3, no. 2 (2010): 223-226. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr_00000243