Care pathways in childhood neurodevelopmental disorders: Toward greater awareness of KBG syndrome among pediatricians

Abstract

Introduction: KBG syndrome is an autosomal dominant, polymalformative genetic syndrome that is mainly associated with neurodevelopmental and learning disorders, intellectual disability, behavioral disorders, and epilepsy as well as characteristic dysmorphic features, short stature, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) abnormalities. However, the diagnostic pathway of these individuals is an element that has not been broadly evaluated. The main aim of this study was therefore to characterize the diagnostic pathway for these individuals, by assessing the different healthcare professionals involved and the main referral elements.

Method: This was a multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study. A cohort of 30 individuals with KBG syndrome who were followed up at Poitiers University Hospital and Bordeaux University Hospital we recruited.

Results: Pediatricians were the main healthcare professionals who referred individuals for genetic consultation, and the main reason for referral was an assessment of learning delays or intellectual disability, in association with other abnormalities.

Conclusion: Pediatricians play a crucial role in the diagnostic guidance of individuals with KBG syndrome, and the main reason for referral remains the assessment of a learning delay or intellectual disability. Healthcare professionals must therefore remain attentive to the child's development and the various anomalies associated with it, in particular characteristic dysmorphic features, behavioral disorders, and statural growth.

Keywords: Diagnostic medical pathway; KBG syndrome; Neurodevelopmental disorder.