Mental retardation, seizures and language delay caused by new SETD1B mutations: Three case reports

Abstract

BACKGROUND The SETD1B gene is instrumental in human intelligence and nerve development. Mutations in the SETD1B gene have been linked in recent studies to neurodevelopmental disorders, seizures, and language delay. CASE SUMMARY This study aimed to analyze the clinical manifestations and treatment of three patients suffering from mental retardation, epilepsy, and language delay resulting from a new mutation in the SETD1B gene. Three individuals with these symptoms were selected, and their clinical symptoms, gene test results, and treatment were analyzed. This article discusses the impact of the SETD1B gene mutation on patients and outlines the treatment approach. Among the three patients (two females and one male, aged 8, 4, and 1, respectively), all exhibited psychomotor retardation, attention deficit, and hyperactivity disorder, and two had epilepsy. Antiepileptic treatment with sodium tripolyvalproate halted the seizures in the affected child, although mental development remained somewhat delayed. Whole exome sequencing revealed new mutations in the SETD1B gene for all patients, specifically with c.5473C>T (p.Arg1825trp), c.4120C>T (p.Gln1374*, 593), c.14_15insC (p.His5Hisfs*33). CONCLUSION Possessing the SETD1B gene mutation may cause mental retardation accompanied by seizures and language delay. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, interventions such as drug therapy, rehabilitation training, and family support can assist patients in managing their symptoms and enhancing their quality of life. Furthermore, genetic testing supplies healthcare providers with more precise diagnostic and therapeutic guidance, informs families about genetic disease risks, and contributes to understanding disease pathogenesis and drug research and development.