THE PREVALENCE OF FRAGILE X SYNDROME IN INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: GENETIC INSIGHTS AND DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES OTİZM SPEKTRUM BOZUKLUĞU OLAN BİREYLERDE FRAGİLE X SENDROMU PREVALANSI: GENETİK BULGULAR VE TANISAL ZORLUKLAR


Kalay İ., Doğan Ç., Cavit L. A., Bakir A., Ağaoğlu B. N.

Istanbul Tip Fakultesi Dergisi, cilt.88, sa.3, ss.236-242, 2025 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 88 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.26650/iuitfd.1636301
  • Dergi Adı: Istanbul Tip Fakultesi Dergisi
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.236-242
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: autism spectrum disorder, FMR1 gene, Fragile X Syndrome, fragment analysis
  • Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by delayed speech development, dysmorphic features, and impaired cognitive development. FXS, which results from CGG repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene, is one of the most commonly identified genetic cause of autism. Accurate diagnosis of FXS is crucial for effective management and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of FXS in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study involving 50 patients. Comprehensive fragment analysis of the FMR1 gene was performed, with repeat sequences classified according to the stringent guidelines established by American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), Clinical Molecular Genetics Society (CMGS) ve European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG). Results: FXS was identified in three individuals (6%) within the study cohort. This finding aligns with previous reports indicating prevalence rates between 2% and 8% among ASD populations, thereby confirming the significance of our results. Conclusion: The overlapping symptoms of FXS and idiopathic autism present diagnostic challenges, highlighting the importance of identifying FXS to implement targeted therapies. Family history is critical in identifying at-risk individuals, as FXS can lead to varied manifestations in family members, including ataxia and early menopause. Although this study provides valuable insights, the limited sample size underscores the need for larger-scale research. Advanced genetic investigations and comprehensive panels could further aid in identifying additional causes of autism.