Clinical and epidemiological findings in neurofibromatosis type 1 and tuberous sclerosis complex in a series of pediatric patients

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic entity with an incidence of 1 in 2,500 to 3,500 births. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) has an incidence between 1 in 6,000 to 10,000 births. Both neurocutaneous entities present an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, variable expressivity and their morbidity and mortality is associated with multisystemic complications. The aim of this study was to present the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of a series of pediatric patients diagnosed with NF1 and TSC, who were treated in the Medical Genetics Unit of the Universidad of Los Andes. Methods: This work corresponds to a series of cases of patients under 16 years of age served in a period of 11 years, who met the diagnostic criteria of NF1 and CET according to the consensus for each entity. Results: We studied 89 patients, 73 with NF1 and 16 with TSC. 58 (79.45%) of the patients presented two criteria for NF1, with cafe-au-lait macules being the most frequent and present in all cases. 10 (62.50%) of the patients presented two major criteria for TSC; hypochromic macules were equally present in all cases. Conclusions: This study shows the clinical presentation of the two most frequent neurocutaneous entities. Diagnostic criteria are discussed in order to perform them at younger ages and to provide an interdisciplinary medical evaluation, treatment and timely family genetic counseling.