Genome-wide analysis for micro-aberrations in familial exstrophy of the bladder using array-based comparative genomic hybridization

OBJECTIVE: Exstrophy of the bladder (EB) is part of the bladder-exstrophy-epispadias complex (BEEC). Because familial occurrence of BEEC is rare, exogenous factors are thought to play a major role in the etiology of most BEEC cases. We aimed to investigate a possible genetic basis of BEEC in a consanguineous kindred of Moroccan origin with three members showing the same phenotypic expression of BEEC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The three affected males (two cousins and their maternal uncle) all presenting with nonsyndromic classic EB, were born in Morocco or The Netherlands. One Moroccan patient had an open bladder surface for 22 years due to late surgical reconstruction, avoided upright posture …