Laboratory Studies
The following laboratory studies may be indicated in patients with Noonan syndrome:
- Bleeding diatheses are common among patients with Noonan syndrome. The most frequent abnormality is factor XI deficiency, but various disorders have been reported in patients with Noonan syndrome. A CBC count with platelet count, coagulation profile, and measurement of factor XI level should be obtained at a minimum.
- If full phenotypic expression is not apparent, karyotyping may be necessary.
- Mutation analysis may confirm the diagnosis. However, the failure to identify a germline mutation in any of the associated genes does not rule out Noonan syndrome. This entity remains a clinical diagnosis.
- Many individuals with Noonan syndrome have reduced insulinlike growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein 3 but these tests are not diagnostic of the syndrome itself.
Other Tests
The following other tests may be indicated in patients with Noonan syndrome:
- Any child suspected of having Noonan syndrome requires a detailed cardiac workup. This includes ECG, echocardiography (ECHO), and consultation with a pediatric cardiologist.
- Assessment of development is necessary to identify any delays and allow for intervention. Full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) ranges from 48-130, with a mean of 86.1 (approximately one standard deviation [SD] below the general population mean). Approximately 25% of patients with Noonan syndrome have mental retardation.
- The incidence of progressive high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss may be as high as 50%. Thus, audiologic evaluation is indicated.
- DNA-based testing of the 4 known causative genes is available on a commercial basis and can be considered for confirmation of diagnosis. Unless a known mutation is present in a family, negative (ie, normal) test findings do not rule out a diagnosis of Noonan syndrome.
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