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Abstract Background Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients present a high risk of developing skin cancer and other complications at an early age. This disease is characterized by mutations in the genes related to the DNA repair system. Objectives To describe the clinical and molecular findings in a cohort of 32 Brazilian individuals who received a clinical diagnosis of XP. Methods Twenty‐seven families were screened for germline variants in eight XP‐related genes. Results All patients ( N = 32) were diagnosed with bi‐allelic germline pathogenic or potentially pathogenic variants, including nine variants previously undescribed. The c.2251‐1G>C XPC pathogenic variant, reported as the founder mutation in Comorian and Pakistani patients, was observed in 15 cases in homozygous or compound heterozygous. Seven homozygous patients for POLH/XPV variants developed their symptoms by an average age of 7.7 years. ERCC2 / XPD , DDB2 / XPE and ERCC5 / XPG variants were found in a few patients. Aside from melanoma and non‐melanoma skin tumours, a set of patients developed skin sebaceous carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, angiosarcoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma and serous ovarian carcinoma. Conclusions We reported a high frequency of XPC variants in 32 XP Brazilian patients. Nine new variants in XP‐related genes, unexpected non‐skin cancer lesions and an anticipation of the clinical manifestation in POLH/XPV cases were also described.

INTRODUCTION The cerebral cortex underlies our complex cognitive capabilities. Variations in human cortical surface area and thickness are associated with neurological, psychological, and behavioral traits and can be measured in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Studies in model organisms have identified genes that influence cortical structure, but little is known about common genetic variants that affect human cortical structure. RATIONALE To identify genetic variants associated with human cortical structure at both global and regional levels, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of brain MRI data from 51,665 individuals across 60 cohorts. We analyzed the surface area and average thickness of the whole cortex and 34 cortical regions with known functional specializations. RESULTS We identified 369 nominally genome-wide significant loci ( P < 5 × 10 −8 ) associated with cortical structure in a discovery sample of 33,992 participants of European ancestry. Of the 360 loci for which replication data were available, 241 loci influencing surface area and 66 influencing thickness remained significant after replication, with 237 loci passing multiple testing correction ( P < 8.3 × 10 −10 ; 187 influencing surface area and 50 influencing thickness). Common genetic variants explained 34% (SE = 3%) of the variation in total surface area and 26% (SE = 2%) in average thickness; surface area and thickness showed a negative genetic correlation ( r G = −0.32, SE = 0.05, P = 6.5 × 10 −12 ), which suggests that genetic influences have opposing effects on surface area and thickness. Bioinformatic analyses showed that total surface area is influenced by genetic variants that alter gene regulatory activity in neural progenitor cells during fetal development. By contrast, average thickness is influenced by active regulatory elements in adult brain samples, which may reflect processes that occur after mid-fetal development, such as myelination, branching, or pruning. When considered together, these results support the radial unit hypothesis that different developmental mechanisms promote surface area expansion and increases in thickness. To identify specific genetic influences on individual cortical regions, we controlled for global measures (total surface area or average thickness) in the regional analyses. After multiple testing correction, we identified 175 loci that influence regional surface area and 46 that influence regional thickness. Loci that affect regional surface area cluster near genes involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, which is known to influence areal identity. We observed significant positive genetic correlations and evidence of bidirectional causation of total surface area with both general cognitive functioning and educational attainment. We found additional positive genetic correlations between total surface area and Parkinson’s disease but did not find evidence of causation. Negative genetic correlations were evident between total surface area and insomnia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depressive symptoms, major depressive disorder, and neuroticism. CONCLUSION This large-scale collaborative work enhances our understanding of the genetic architecture of the human cerebral cortex and its regional patterning. The highly polygenic architecture of the cortex suggests that distinct genes are involved in the development of specific cortical areas. Moreover, we find evidence that brain structure is a key phenotype along the causal pathway that leads from genetic variation to differences in general cognitive function. Identifying genetic influences on human cortical structure. ( A ) Measurement of cortical surface area and thickness from MRI. ( B ) Genomic locations of common genetic variants that influence global and regional cortical structure. ( C ) Our results support the radial unit hypothesis that the expansion of cortical surface area is driven by proliferating neural progenitor cells. ( D ) Cortical surface area shows genetic correlation with psychiatric and cognitive traits. Error bars indicate SE. IMAGE CREDITS: (A) K. COURTNEY; (C) M. R. GLASS

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is caused by the deficiency of α-l-iduronidase, leading to the storage of dermatan and heparan sulfate. There is a broad phenotypical spectrum with the presence or absence of neurological impairment. The classical form is known as Hurler syndrome, the intermediate form as Hurler–Scheie, and the most attenuated form is known as Scheie syndrome. Phenotype seems to be largely influenced by genotype. Patients usually develop several somatic symptoms such as abdominal hernias, extensive dermal melanocytosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis odontoid dysplasia, arthropathy, coxa valga and genu valgum, coarse facial features, respiratory and cardiac impairment. The diagnosis is based on the quantification of α-l-iduronidase coupled with glycosaminoglycan analysis and gene sequencing. Guidelines for treatment recommend hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for young Hurler patients (usually at less than 30 months of age). Intravenous enzyme replacement is approved and is the standard of care for attenuated—Hurler–Scheie and Scheie—forms (without cognitive impairment) and for the late-diagnosed severe—Hurler—cases. Intrathecal enzyme replacement therapy is under evaluation, but it seems to be safe and effective. Other therapeutic approaches such as gene therapy, gene editing, stop codon read through, and therapy with small molecules are under development. Newborn screening is now allowing the early identification of MPS I patients, who can then be treated within their first days of life, potentially leading to a dramatic change in the disease’s progression. Supportive care is very important to improve quality of life and might include several surgeries throughout the life course.

8095 Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable and invariably relapses after initial therapy. There is no uniform approach to management of relapsed MM and is dictated by type of initial therapy and the response seen, and availability of new drugs. The outcomes associated with current approaches have not been systematically examined. Methods: We enrolled 383 patients (pts) with myeloma who had a documented relapse between Jan 2007 and June 2010, including 220 from Europe, 106 from Asia, and 31 from South America and 26 from North America. Time Zero (T0) was defined as date of treatment after first relapse. Results: Across the study, 61% were male and 49% were over 65 years at T0. ISS stage distribution at diagnosis included 26, 40 and 33% of patients in stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Among regimens used at first relapse; bortezomib (Btz) containing regimens were most common (54%), followed by lenalidomide (Len, 25%) and cyclophosphamide (21%). The overall response rate (>=PR) to first therapy after relapse was 58% including 14% with a CR. There was a progressive decrease in the response rates with successive regimen; 45%, 30% and 15% for regimens 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Len use was considerably lower in the Asian cohort, while Btz use was comparable across the regions. The median PFS from T0 was 13 mos and OS was 35 mos, for the entire cohort. The PFS to first salvage regimen was similar across the regions, while OS was shorter for the Asian and South American cohorts. In a univariate analysis, ISS stage 3, presence of cytogenetic abnormalities, history of plasma cell leukemia or extramedullary disease (EMD), bone marrow PC% > 33% and presence of renal insufficiency were all associated with a shorter PFS as well as shorter OS (P<=0.01). In a multivariate model, ISS stage 3 and presence of EMD were most associated with short OS. Conclusions: Median PFS for current second line regimens, typically containing Btz or Len appear to be 1 yr with an OS from first relapse of about 3 yrs. The OS from first relapse is nearly double that seen in a cohort of patients in first relapse prior to introduction of new drugs. Clear-cut regional differences can be seen in terms of patterns of drug use and likely reflect drug availability and healthcare costs.

Abstract Introduction: Although it is known that children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are at greater risk for certain complications, the frequency of these complications and predisposing risk factors are poorly defined. In particular, nephrotic syndrome has long been considered a hypercoagulable state. Risk for development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is known to be increased in the setting of an active infection. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection and VTE among a cohort of hospitalized children with NS, and the association of these complications on outcomes. Methods: Records of hospitalized children with NS admitted to any of 17 participating pediatric hospitals across North America from 2010-2012 were included. Data including demographics, clinical pattern of NS, renal biopsy results, number of hospitalizations, nephrotoxic medication usage, infection and VTE history were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence of infection and VTE. Wilcoxon rank sum was used to perform comparisons between groups. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine predictors of VTE development. Results: Seven-hundred thirty hospitalizations occurred among 370 children. One-hundred forty-eight children (40%) had at least 1 infection with a total of 211 infectious episodes; 11 (3%) had VTE. Those with infection were more likely to have VTE (p = 0.0457). Infections associated with VTE were C. difficile (1 subject), methicillin sensitive S. Aureus (2), Streptococcus pneumoniae (1), and unknown (3). There were no differences between those with and without infection regarding gender or ethnicity. Those with infection were younger at NS diagnosis (3.0 vs. 4.0 years; p = 0.008), and steroid resistant NS was more highly associated with infection than all other clinical diagnoses (steroid-sensitive NS, steroid-dependent NS, other) (p = 0.003). The most common types of infections encountered included peritonitis (23%), pneumonia (22%), and bacteremia (16%). Bacterial pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae 41%, Escherichia coli 16%, Clostridium difficile 10%) were most commonly identified. Children with VTE, infection, or both, also required significantly more days in hospital. The median hospital stay for those without infection was 5 days vs. 10 in those with infection (p< 0.0001). Similarly, median hospital days for those without VTE were 6 days as compared to 22 in those with VTE (p < 0.0001). Of those with infection, 13% had an ICU stay compared with 3.3% of those without. Those with VTE also had a median of 4 days in the intensive care unit as compared to 0 days in those without VTE (p < 0.0001). In a logistic regression analysis, only the number of ICU days was predictive of the presence of VTE (OR 1.074, 95% CI 1.013 - 1.138). Conclusions: Children with NS who are hospitalized have high rates of infection. While the rate of VTE was not high in this cohort, presence of VTE was associated with infection. Both infection and VTE were associated with longer hospitalizations and intensive care unit stays. Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most commonly identified bacterial pathogen in children with nephrotic syndrome, though methicillin sensitive S. Aureus was identified in 2 of 11 patients with VTE. Further studies are needed to identify potentially modifiable risk factors that could minimize these complications in this already high risk population. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract Background: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) is a rare, progressive, and fatal disease caused by the buildup of transthyretin-derived amyloid protein in major organs, predominantly affecting the peripheral nerves and heart. Inotersen, a second-generation antisense oligonucleotide targeting TTR mRNA, has shown efficacy and safety in patients with hATTR in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study, NEURO-TTR (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01737398; Benson NEJM 2018). Patients with hATTR amyloidosis who completed the NEURO-TTR study were eligible to receive inotersen for up to 5 years in a phase 3 open-label extension study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02175004). Methods: In NEURO-TTR, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive inotersen (300-mg weekly subcutaneous doses) or placebo. In the open-label extension, patients continued inotersen (inotersen-inotersen) or switched from placebo to inotersen (placebo-inotersen). Evaluations included modified Neuropathy Impairment Score +7 neurophysiologic tests composite score (mNIS+7; higher scores indicate worse neuropathy), Norfolk Quality of Life-Diabetic Neuropathy questionnaire total score (Norfolk QoL-DN; higher scores indicate worse QoL), and adverse events (AEs). Cardiomyopathy (CM) was defined by a diagnosis of hATTR-CM at trial entry or by an interventricular wall thickness of 13 mm or more on transthoracic echocardiography at baseline, as ascertained by a central reader, or no known history of persistent hypertension (systolic blood pressure, ≥150 mm Hg) within 12 months before screening. Results : In the placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 NEURO-TTR study, 112/172 patients were randomized and received inotersen. At baseline, patients were predominantly white (91.9%) males (68.6%) with a mean age of 59.2 years. A total of 67.4% had stage I (ambulatory) and 32.6% had stage II (ambulatory with assistance) disease. Inotersen-treated patients who had stage II disease had a longer duration of disease from diagnosis (40.9 vs 24.8 months, respectively) and from onset (72.6 vs 63.2 months, respectively) of hATTR polyneuropathy symptoms compared with placebo-treated patients who had stage II disease, indicating more advanced disease. A higher proportion of inotersen-treated patients had CM at baseline (67% vs 55%, respectively), and more severe CM, measured by higher NT-proBNP levels and longer duration of disease from hATTR-CM symptom onset, compared with placebo-treated patients. In the phase 3 open-label extension study as of Sept 15, 2017, 134 of 135 patients enrolled received ≥1 dose of inotersen. The mean age was 60.4 years and most patients were male (69.4%). Extended dosing with inotersen up to 27 months continued to improve mNIS+7 and Norfolk QoL-DN in the open-label extension compared to placebo-treated patients at week 66 in the double-blind NEURO-TTR study; mean changes from open-label extension baseline to open-label extension week 52 in the inotersen-inotersen group were 5.1 points for mNIS+7 (vs 25.5 for placebo-treated patients in the double-blind NEURO-TTR study) and 3.9 points for Norfolk QoL-DN (vs 10.7 for placebo-treated patients in the double-blind NEURO-TTR study). Initiation of inotersen in placebo-treated patients (placebo-inotersen) resulted in improvement in mNIS+7 and Norfolk QoL-DN by week 26. Few patients discontinued treatment because of AEs (inotersen-inotersen, 9%; placebo-inotersen, 4%). The rate of treatment-related serious AEs was low in both treatment groups (2% each). There was no evidence of increased risk for grade 4 thrombocytopenia or severe renal events with increased duration of exposure. We will present 2-year follow-up results from the open-label extension study. Conclusions: Results of the open-label extension show continued benefit, measured by mNIS+7 and Norfolk QoL-DN, and confirmed that earlier initiation of treatment is important for optimal clinical outcomes. No new safety concerns were identified. Results from the longer-term follow-up for the open-label extension will further elucidate how inotersen may benefit patients with hATTR amyloidosis. Disclosures Brannagan: Alnylam: Honoraria, Other: Investigator, Speakers Bureau; Ionis: Other: Investigator. Wang:Ionis: Other: Investigator, Speakers Bureau. Coelho:Prothena: Consultancy, Honoraria; Ionis: Consultancy, Other: Investigator; Alnylam: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Investigator; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Investigator. Waddington Cruz:Ionis: Honoraria; Genzyme/Sanofi: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Polydefkis:Pfizer: Honoraria; Alnylam: Honoraria. Dyck:Ionis: Consultancy; Alnylam: Consultancy. Plante-Bordeneuve:Alnylam: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Other: reimbursement for travel and meeting; Ionis: Other: reimbursement for travel and meeting. Berk:Ionis: Honoraria, Other: Investigator; Alnylam: Honoraria, Other: Investigator; Pfizer: Other: Investigator. Barroso:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Thaos registry, Speakers Bureau; Alnylam: Honoraria, Other: Investigator. Conceição:Alnylam: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Hughes:Ionis: Employment. Kwoh:Ionis: Employment. Jung:Ionis: Employment. Guthrie:Akcea: Employment. Pollock:Akcea: Employment. Benson:Ionis: Other: Investigator, Research Funding. Gertz:janssen: Consultancy; Teva: Consultancy; spectrum: Consultancy, Honoraria; Alnylam: Honoraria; Ionis: Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy; annexon: Consultancy; Prothena: Honoraria; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Apellis: Consultancy; celgene: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Medscape: Consultancy; Physicians Education Resource: Consultancy.