title: Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata and cardiac pathology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is an autosomal recessive peroxisomal disorder characterised by rhizomelia, contractures, congenital cataracts, facial dysmorphia, severe psychomotor defects and growth retardation. Biochemically, the levels of plasmalogens (major constituents of cellular membranes) are low due to a genetic defect in their biosynthesis. Cardiac muscle contains high concentrations of plasmalogens. Recently cardiac dysfunction was found in a mouse model for RCDP with undetectable plasmalogen levels in all tissues including the heart. This suggests the importance of plasmalogens in normal cardiac development and function. Congenital heart disease (CHD), however, has not been recognised as a major characteristic of RCDP.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to determine the prevalence of CHD found in RCDP patients as well as to describe genetic, biochemical and cardiac correlations.
  
  
  METHODS
  We included 23 patients with genetically proven RCDP. The genetic, biochemical and physical data were evaluated. Echocardiograms were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cardiac data were available for 18 patients. 12 (52%) had CHD. All twelve had type 1 RCDP and 11 (92%) had the PEX 7:c.875T>A mutation, of whom seven were homozygous (58%). Plasmalogen levels were significantly lower in the patients with CHD. Cardiac lesions included: septal defects (80% atrial), patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary artery hypoplasia, tetralogy of Fallot and mitral valve prolapse (mostly older patients).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The CHD prevalence among RCDP patients was at least 52%, significantly higher than among the normal population. Plasmalogen levels were significantly lower in patients with CHD. Routine cardiac evaluation should be included in the clinical management of RCDP patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre, PO Box 2260, Amsterdam 1100 DD, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Irene C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Huffnagel
authors.forename: Sally-Ann B
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Clur
authors.forename: Annemieke M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bams-Mengerink
authors.forename: Nico A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Blom
authors.forename: Ronald J A
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Wanders
authors.forename: Hans R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Waterham
authors.forename: Bwee Tien
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Poll-The
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018902:Chondrodysplasia Punctata, Rhizomelic / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology*; D010955:Plasmalogens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015995:Prevalence
chemical_list: D010955:Plasmalogens
keywords: Cardiac function and development; Congenital heart disease; Genotype-phenotype correlations; Plasmalogens; Rhizomelic chondrodysyplasia punctata