Parental-reported neurodevelopmental issues in Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

<bold>Background: </bold>Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a congenital multisystem disorder affecting the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system. Limited data have reported neurodevelopmental (ND) issues in LDS.<bold>Aims: </bold>To determine the extent of ND issues in patients with LDS.<bold>Methods: </bold>A prospective study was performed of LDS patients or their caregivers. The study included data collected via an online survey of age-specific questions. Standard statistical methods were used for baseline and demographic characteristics, as well as group comparisons.<bold>Outcomes: </bold>Data were obtained from 67 patients with LDS (54% female). Median age was 14.9 years. Gene mutations included TGFBR1 (39%), TGFBR2 (40%), SMAD3 (7%), and unknown (14%). Motor delays (30%, 18/61) and hypotonia (63%, 37/60) occurred frequently. Physical (62%, 39/62), occupational (41%, 23/56), and speech therapies (34%, 20/58) were common. Feeding issues were common (41%, 23/56). TGFBR1 mutations were more frequent among those with motor delays and feeding issues.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Patients with LDS and/or their caregivers report at least one ND problem in most cases, and many require therapies. These data suggest ND disorders should be considered to be part of the phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]