Genetic Diagnosis of Chromosomal Congenital Anomalies in Albanian Pediatric Patients by Array CGH

AIM: The aim of our study was to identify chromosomal imbalances by whole-genome microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) in DNA samples of children in which karyotype results cannot be obtained. The present paper describes the first Albanian experience of an array CGH application. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cohort included seven children with developmental delay or intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism and congenital anomalies according to clinical criteria, suggestive of chromosomal anomalies. The age range was from newborn to five years old. The cytogenetic analysis determined by a standard method of G-banding according to the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN 2005) was performed for all our patients, while array CGH was performed on genomic DNA isolated from the blood of 7 cases. RESULTS: Among the seven patients analysed with array CGH, three patients resulted in duplication and one deletion, one patient with a microdeletion and three patients with duplication. Array CGH facilitated the recognition of submicroscopic deletions and duplications as risk factors for genetic diagnosis in all our patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series with congenital chromosomal anomalies confirms the high diagnostic value of the method, as suggested by previous studies. The technique must be available also in less developed countries, to significantly improve the genetic diagnosis of paediatric patients with developmental delay or intellectual disability, congenital anomalies and dysmorphic features. The identification of chromosomal abnormalities in these patients and the genetic counselling will provide family members with an explanation for their child’s developmental disability or birth defect, allowing better information about recurrence risks, and permit the anticipation of certain medical problems that require intervention.