Diagnostic delay in neurofibromatosis type 1.
Since 1985 a multidisciplinary team in the Sophia Children's University Hospital in Rotterdam provides diagnostic follow up and genetic counseling services for neurofibromatosis type 1 ( NF1) patients and their families. Parents of 68 affected children as well as 24 affected parents were interviewed. Of the affected children, 50% and 33% of the affected adults were treated for symptoms related to NF1 before a specific diagnosis was made. Although the disease is fully penetrant by the age of 5 years, 35% of the affected children had not been diagnosed by this age. Parents stated a preference for early diagnosis of NF1. Diagnosis of NF1 did not seem to be a reason to refrain from having children. The general attitude towards prenatal diagnosis was positive; however few parents would actually terminate an affected pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Overall delay in diagnosis of NF1 is significant. Knowledge of symptoms should make an early diagnosis possible with beneficial effects for the patient and family members.[1]References
- Diagnostic delay in neurofibromatosis type 1. Cnossen, M.H., Smit, F.J., de Goede-Bolder, A., Frets, P.G., Duivenvoorden, H.J., Niermeijer, M.F. Eur. J. Pediatr. (1997) [Pubmed]
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