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Brief Report: Regression Timing and Associated Features in MECP2 Duplication Syndrome

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, timing, and associated features of developmental regression in MECP2 duplication syndrome. We also examined whether duplication size was associated with regression. Comprehensive psychological evaluations were used to assess 17 boys with MECP2 duplication syndrome. Information about regression was gathered via parent report. Eight of 17 boys exhibited regression in language skills, while seven of 17 exhibited regression in other skill areas. Regression in “other skill” areas coincided with seizure onset and with a prior autism diagnosis in six of seven participants. Regression was not associated with duplication size. Questions remain as to why some boys regress, and future work is necessary to understand the underlying mechanism(s) that causes regression.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this project has been provided by a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Hobbs Discovery Grant (to SUP), by 5P30HD015052-30 (to Elisabeth Dykens PI), and by NINDS grant 5K08NS062711 (to M.B.R.). We also wish to thank the individuals and families who so graciously participated in this study as part of the first conference on MECP2 duplication syndrome.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA

    S. U. Peters & R. J. Hundley

  2. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, PMB 74; 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN, 37203-5721, USA

    S. U. Peters, R. J. Hundley & A. K. Wilson

  3. Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    C. M. B. Carvalho & J. R. Lupski

  4. Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    M. B. Ramocki

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  1. S. U. Peters
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  2. R. J. Hundley
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  3. A. K. Wilson
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  4. C. M. B. Carvalho
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  5. J. R. Lupski
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  6. M. B. Ramocki
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Correspondence to S. U. Peters.

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Peters, S.U., Hundley, R.J., Wilson, A.K. et al. Brief Report: Regression Timing and Associated Features in MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 43, 2484–2490 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1796-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1796-9

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