Eosinophilic esophagitis in individuals with sex chromosome aneuploidies: Clinical presentations and management implications

Mol Genet Genomic Med. 2021 Dec;9(12):e1833. doi: 10.1002/mgg3.1833. Epub 2021 Nov 5.

Abstract

Background: Supernumerary sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA) are common genetic conditions characterized by additional X or Y chromosome, affecting ~1/500 individuals, with the most frequent karyotypes of 47,XXY (Klinefelter syndrome), 47,XXX (Trisomy X), and 47,XYY (Jacob syndrome). Although there is considerable phenotypic variation among these diagnoses, these conditions are characterized by the presence of overlapping physical, medical, developmental, and psychological features. Our interdisciplinary clinic's experience anecdotally supports previous published findings of atopic conditions, feeding difficulties, and gastroesophageal reflux to be more prevalent in SCAs (Bardsley et al., Journal of Pediatrics, 2013, 163, 1085; Samango-Sprouse et al., The Application of Clinical Genetics, 2019, 12, 191; Tartaglia et al., Acta Paediatrica, 2008, 100, 851). Furthermore, we observed that many of these patients have also been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an association not currently reported in the literature.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all 667 patients with SCA seen at a large tertiary care center to investigate the prevalence and presenting features of EoE.

Results: Four percent of children with SCAs had a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of EoE, which represents an odds ratio of 32 (95% CI 6-185) when compared to the prevalence rates reported in the general population.

Conclusion: Routine screening for EoE symptoms may be warranted for individuals with SCA and atopic conditions.

Keywords: Klinefelter; eosinophilic esophagitis; sex chromosome aneuploidies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aneuploidy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / diagnosis*
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / epidemiology
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis / genetics*
  • Genetic Association Studies* / methods
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genetic Testing
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Klinefelter Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Klinefelter Syndrome / genetics
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sex Chromosomes*
  • Young Adult