X-linked retinitis pigmentosa: re-evaluation of fundus findings and the use of haplotype analysis in clarification of carrier female status.

Abstract

The identification by fundus examination of those females carrying an X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP) gene can reportedly be as high as 87%. In genetic counselling sessions with young females with a 50% risk of being a carrier who wished to know their status, it has not been possible to achieve such a level of success. A review and reanalysis of previous reports indicated that if a tapetal-like reflex was not present in those age 35 years or less, the likelihood of identifying a carrier by fundus examination was small. A family with 7 females with a 50% risk of being a carrier of X-linked RP was evaluated using haplotype analysis in an attempt to identify the X chromosome carrying the RP gene. In the family described, it was possible to establish that a mutation in the RP3 locus most likely causes the disease. This has permitted the determination of the carrier status in each of the females with a high degree of certainty.