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L'Erario M, Roperto RM, Rosati A. Sevoflurane as bridge therapy for plasma exchange and Anakinra in febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. Epilepsia Open 2021; 6:788-792. [PMID: 34596364 PMCID: PMC8633474 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a devastating immune inflammatory–mediated epileptic encephalopathy. Herein, we discuss a previously healthy 8‐year‐old boy with FIRES in whom high dosages of conventional and nonconventional anesthetics were ineffective in treating SE, as were ketogenic diet, intravenous corticosteroids, and immunoglobulins. After 29 days of prolonged SRSE, the patient was successfully treated with sevoflurane paired with plasma exchange, for a total of five days, thus obtaining a stable EEG suppression burst pattern with no adverse events. Anakinra at the dosage of 100 mg b.i.d. was started seven days after sevoflurane and plasma exchange had been discontinued and was effective in ensuring non‐recurrence of SE. Sevoflurane as bridge therapy for immunosuppressive treatment could be considered an early, safe, and effective option in treating convulsive SE in which an autoimmune‐inflammatory etiology can reasonably be hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Maria Roperto
- Nephrology Department, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Rosati
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Conte G, Menéndez-Méndez A, Bauer S, El-Naggar H, Alves M, Nicke A, Delanty N, Rosenow F, Henshall DC, Engel T. Circulating P2X7 Receptor Signaling Components as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092444. [PMID: 34572093 PMCID: PMC8467140 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating molecules have potential as biomarkers to support the diagnosis of epilepsy and to assist with differential diagnosis, for example, in conditions resembling epilepsy, such as in psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an important regulator of inflammation and mounting evidence supports its activation in the brain during epilepsy. Whether the P2X7R or P2X7R-dependent signaling molecules can be used as biomarkers of epilepsy has not been reported. P2X7R levels were analyzed by quantitative ELISA using plasma samples from controls and patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) or PNES. Moreover, blood cell P2X7R expression and P2X7R-dependent cytokine signature was measured following status epilepticus in P2X7R-EGFP reporter, wildtype, and P2X7R-knockout mice. P2X7R plasma levels were higher in TLE patients when compared with controls and patients with PNES. Plasma levels of the broad inflammatory marker protein C-Reactive protein (CRP) were similar between the three groups. Using P2X7R-EGFP reporter mice, we identified monocytes as the main blood cell type expressing P2X7R after experimentally evoked seizures. Finally, cytokine array analysis in P2X7R-deficient mice identified KC/GRO as a potential P2X7R-dependent plasma biomarker following status epilepticus and during epilepsy. Our data suggest that P2X7R signaling components may be a promising subclass of circulating biomarkers to support the diagnosis of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Conte
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.C.); (A.M.-M.); (M.A.); (D.C.H.)
| | - Aida Menéndez-Méndez
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.C.); (A.M.-M.); (M.A.); (D.C.H.)
| | - Sebastian Bauer
- Epilepsy Center Hessen, Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstr, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (S.B.); (F.R.)
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt, University Hospital Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hany El-Naggar
- Neurological Services, Beaumont Hospital, D09 V2N0 Dublin, Ireland; (H.E.-N.); (N.D.)
| | - Mariana Alves
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.C.); (A.M.-M.); (M.A.); (D.C.H.)
| | - Annette Nicke
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Norman Delanty
- Neurological Services, Beaumont Hospital, D09 V2N0 Dublin, Ireland; (H.E.-N.); (N.D.)
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Hessen, Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstr, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (S.B.); (F.R.)
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt, University Hospital Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David C. Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.C.); (A.M.-M.); (M.A.); (D.C.H.)
- FutureNeuro, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tobias Engel
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.C.); (A.M.-M.); (M.A.); (D.C.H.)
- FutureNeuro, Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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Dramatic Course of Paediatric Cryptogenic Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome with Unusual Chronic Phase Presentation-A Case Report with Literature Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081030. [PMID: 34439649 PMCID: PMC8392460 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES) is a catastrophic, extremely rare epileptic encephalopathy. It strikes previously healthy school-aged children and is usually cryptogenic. Its dramatic onset with refractory status epilepticus is always preceded by a nonspecific febrile illness. The seizure activity in FIRES may last for several weeks with little to no response to antiepileptic treatment, usually resulting in the usage of anaesthetics. This acute phase is followed by a chronic, refractory epilepsy and cognitive deficit, that persist for the rest of the patient’s life. Still to this day no definite cause has been described. In this study we review the current finding in FIRES and describe a case of a 4-year-old patient with a dramatic course of the acute phase in FIRES and unusual presentation of the chronic phase, which is dominated by extrapyramidal symptoms such as dystonia. This case highlights that the clinical presentation of FIRES may differ from those frequently described in literature.
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Gillinder L, McCombe P, Powell T, Hartel G, Gillis D, Rojas IL, Radford K. Cytokines as a marker of central nervous system autoantibody associated epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2021; 176:106708. [PMID: 34271300 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoantibodies to central nervous system (CNS) antigens are increasingly identified in patients with epilepsy. Alterations in cytokines and chemokines have also been demonstrated in epilepsy, but this has not been explored in subjects with autoantibodies. If antibody positive and antibody negative subjects show a difference in immune activation, as measured by cytokine levels, this could improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology. We aimed to evaluate serum and CSF cytokines and chemokines in patients with and without autoantibody positivity to identify any differences between the two groups. METHODS We studied participants who had undergone serum and CSF testing for CNS autoantibodies, as part of their clinical evaluation. Cases were classified as antibody positive or antibody negative for comparison. Stored CSF and sera were analysed for cytokine and chemokine concentrations. RESULTS 25 participants underwent testing. 8 were antibody positive, 17 were antibody negative. Significant elevations in the mean concentration of IL-13 and RANTES in CSF were found in the antibody positive cases and significant elevation of CSF VEGF was found in the antibody negative cases. Significant elevations in the mean concentrations of serum TNFβ, INFγ, bNGF, IL-8, and IL-12 were seen in the antibody negative group, and there was poor correlation between the majority of serum and CSF concentrations. SIGNIFICANCE Measurement of cytokines and chemokines such as IL-13 and RANTES could be useful in diagnosis of autoimmune associated epilepsy. Such markers might also guide targeted immunotherapy to improve seizure control and provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology of epilepsy associated with CNS autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gillinder
- Mater Advanced Epilepsy Unit, Mater Centre of Neurosciences, Brisbane, Australia; Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Pamela McCombe
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tamara Powell
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Department of Statistics, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Ingrid Leal Rojas
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kristen Radford
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Shin YW. Understanding new-onset refractory status epilepticus from an immunological point of view. ENCEPHALITIS 2021; 1:61-67. [PMID: 37469848 PMCID: PMC10295883 DOI: 10.47936/encephalitis.2021.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
New-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is unexpected onset of refractory status epilepticus in individuals with no preexisting relevant neurologic condition. The etiologies remain largely cryptogenic; treatment is challenging after failure to control seizures despite use of multiple antiepileptic drugs and anesthetic agents. Frequent fever and other infectious prodromes, elevated proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine levels, and limbic or multifocal brain lesions indicate active inflammation in NORSE. Among identified causes, autoimmune encephalitis is the most common and accounts for more than one-third of all known NORSE cases, followed by infection-related etiologies. Although more evidence is needed, anti-cytokine therapies with tocilizumab and anakinra along with other immunotherapeutic agents used in autoimmune encephalitis can aid in alleviating or hindering the inflammatory cascade and controlling seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Won Shin
- Center for Hospital Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Towards a Treatment for Neuroinflammation in Epilepsy: Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist, Anakinra, as a Potential Treatment in Intractable Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126282. [PMID: 34208064 PMCID: PMC8230637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES) is a unique catastrophic epilepsy syndrome, and the development of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is inevitable. Recently, anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), has been increasingly used to treat DRE due to its potent anticonvulsant activity. We here summarized its effects in 38 patients (32 patients with FIRES and six with DRE). Of the 22 patients with FIRES, 16 (73%) had at least short-term seizure control 1 week after starting anakinra, while the remaining six suspected anakinra-refractory cases were male and had poor prognoses. Due to the small sample size, an explanation for anakinra refractoriness was not evident. In all DRE patients, seizures disappeared or improved, and cognitive function improved in five of the six patients following treatment. Patients showed no serious side effects, although drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, cytopenia, and infections were observed. Thus, anakinra has led to a marked improvement in some cases, and functional deficiency of IL-1RA was indicated, supporting a direct mechanism for its therapeutic effect. This review first discusses the effectiveness of anakinra for intractable epileptic syndromes. Anakinra could become a new tool for intractable epilepsy treatment. However, it does not currently have a solid evidence base.
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Abstract
AbstractHuman herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) is a ubiquitous and most common pathogen that affects humans. Human herpes virus 6B (HHV-6B) is a wide spread human herpesvirus that infects most people when they are children, establishes latent infections in the central nervous system (CNS), especially in the hippocampus and amygdala, and induces neurologic diseases. HHV-6 can establish a latent infection and be reactivated by various stimuli. Recently, viral genomic DNA of HHV-6B has been detected in surgically removed brain tissues of intractable epilepsy patients, suggesting the involvement of HHV-6B in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) has been shown to be closely related with HHV-6B. TLE patients with HHV-6B in their brains suffer from reiterative attacks of febrile seizures and hippocampal sclerosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the contribution of this virus to the development of TLE remains unknown. The direct damage and immune activation caused by the virus are involved in the process of neuron damage, abnormal neural circuit formation and glial cell proliferation. In addition, some cytokines like interleukin-17A (IL-17A), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κb), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phospholipase A2 are up-regulated and involved in the pathological process of TLE. More studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying the link between HHV-6B and epilepsy, and identify biomarkers to recognize different patient groups for anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory therapies.
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58
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Yan J, Kuzhiumparambil U, Bandodkar A, Bandodkar S, Dale RC, Fu S. Cerebrospinal fluid metabolites in tryptophan-kynurenine and nitric oxide pathways: biomarkers for acute neuroinflammation. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:552-559. [PMID: 33336374 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolite features in acute neuroinflammatory diseases and identify potential biomarkers to diagnose and monitor neuroinflammation. METHOD A cohort of 14 patients (five females, nine males; mean [median] age 7y 9mo [9y], range 6mo-13y) with acute encephalitis (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis n=6, unknown suspected viral encephalitis n=3, enteroviral encephalitis n=2, seronegative autoimmune encephalitis n=2, herpes simplex encephalitis n=1) and age-matched non-inflammatory neurological disease controls (n=14) were investigated using an untargeted metabolomics approach. CSF metabolites were analyzed with liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry, followed by subsequent multivariate and univariate statistical methods. RESULTS A total of 35 metabolites could be discriminated statistically between the groups using supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and analysis of variance. The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway contributed nine key metabolites. There was a statistical increase of kynurenine, quinolinic acid, and anthranilic acid in patients with encephalitis, whereas tryptophan, 3-hydroxyanthrnailic acid, and kynurenic acid were decreased. The nitric oxide pathway contributed four metabolites, with elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine and argininosuccinic acid, and decreased arginine and citrulline in patients with encephalitis. An increase in the CSF kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (p<0.001), anthranilic acid/3-hydroxyanthranilic acid ratio (p<0.001), asymmetric dimethylarginine/arginine ratio (p<0.001), and neopterin (p<0.001) strongly predicted neuroinflammation. INTERPRETATION The combination of alterations in the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, nitric oxide pathway, and neopterin represent a useful potential panel for neuroinflammation and holds potential for clinical translation practice. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS The kynurenine/tryptophan and anthranilic acid/3-hydroxyanthranilic acid ratios hold great potential as biomarkers of neuroinflammation. Elevation of the asymmetric dimethylarginine/arginine ratio in acute brain inflammation shows dysregulation of the nitric oxide pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingya Yan
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Ashvin Bandodkar
- Clinical School, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sushil Bandodkar
- Clinical School, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Russell C Dale
- Clinical School, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Singh S, Singh TG, Rehni AK, Sharma V, Singh M, Kaur R. Reviving mitochondrial bioenergetics: A relevant approach in epilepsy. Mitochondrion 2021; 58:213-226. [PMID: 33775871 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epileptogenesis is most commonly associated with neurodegeneration and a bioenergetic defect attributing to the fact that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key precursor for neuronal death. Mitochondria are the essential organelle of neuronal cells necessary for certain neurophysiological processes like neuronal action potential activity and synaptic transmission. The mitochondrial dysfunction disrupts calcium homeostasis leading to inhibitory interneuron dysfunction and increasing the excitatory postsynaptic potential. In epilepsy, the prolonged repetitive neuronal activity increases the excessive demand for energy and acidosis in the brain further increasing the intracellular calcium causing neuronal death. Similarly, the mitochondrial damage also leads to the decline of energy by dysfunction of the electron transport chain and abnormal production of the ROS triggering the apoptotic neuronal death. Thus, the elevated level of cytosolic calcium causes the mitochondria DNA damage coinciding with mtROS and releasing the cytochrome c binding to Apaf protein further initiating the apoptosis resulting in epileptic encephalopathies. The various genetic and mRNA studies of epilepsy have explored the various pathogenic mutations of genes affecting the mitochondria functioning further initiating the neuronal excitotoxicity. Based on the results of previous studies, the recent therapeutic approaches are targeting basic mitochondrial processes, such as energy metabolism or free-radical generation, or specific interactions of disease-related proteins with mitochondria and hold great promise to attenuate epileptogenesis. Therefore, the current review emphasizes the emerging insights to uncover the relation between mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS generation contributing to mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shareen Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | | | - Ashish Kumar Rehni
- Cerebral Vascular Disease Research Laboratories, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Program, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India; Govt. College of Pharmacy, Rohru, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171207, India
| | - Manjinder Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
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Wienholt L, Kane A, Adelstein S, Richardson A, Kothur K, Brilot F, Dale RC. Cerebrospinal fluid free light chain quantitation is a specific biomarker for inflammatory neurological disorders in a paediatric patient cohort. Pathology 2021; 53:753-758. [PMID: 33745701 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is routinely used in the diagnostic work-up of a range of inflammatory, infective, and congenital neurological conditions. Many diagnostic tests used in this analysis have poor sensitivity; as such, we investigated the utility of CSF free light chain (FLC) analysis as an adjunct to currently used assays in a paediatric population with neurological disorders. Kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) FLC levels were quantitated in blinded CSF samples by two nephelometric platforms. Results were correlated to clinical diagnoses and classified according to inflammatory/infective or non-inflammatory pathogenesis. FLC results were also compared to currently used CSF diagnostic tests including oligoclonal bands (OCB), CSF IgG and albumin levels, and differential cell count. Of 70 samples analysed, 29 (41%) had an inflammatory or infective diagnosis and 41 (59%) presented with a range of non-inflammatory aetiologies. Thirteen patients had elevated κFLC or λFLC as detected on the IMMAGE 800, defined as greater than the detection limit of the assay (0.600 mg/L for CSF κFLC, and 0.490 mg/L for CSF λFLC), and of these 12 (92%) had an inflammatory disease (sensitivity 41.4%, specificity 97.6%). On the BN II using optimal cut-offs of 0.27 mg/L and 0.12 mg/L for CSF κFLC and λFLC respectively, 24 (34%) patients had elevated results, of which 21 (88%) had an inflammatory disease (sensitivity 72.4%, specificity 92.7%). Analysis of FLC correlated better with diagnostic classification of the diseases than OCB, cell counts and CSF IgG levels. The results of this study support the use of CSF FLC analysis in the diagnosis of paediatric neuroinflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Wienholt
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Alisa Kane
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Adelstein
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander Richardson
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Kavitha Kothur
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Fabienne Brilot
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Brain Autoimmunity Lab, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Russell C Dale
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Brain Autoimmunity Lab, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia; T.Y. Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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Ogwang R, Muhanguzi D, Mwikali K, Anguzu R, Kubofcik J, Nutman TB, Taylor M, Newton CR, Vincent A, Conroy AL, Marsh K, Idro R. Systemic and cerebrospinal fluid immune and complement activation in Ugandan children and adolescents with long-standing nodding syndrome: A case-control study. Epilepsia Open 2021; 6:297-309. [PMID: 34033255 PMCID: PMC8166803 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nodding syndrome is a poorly understood epileptic encephalopathy characterized by a unique seizure type-head nodding-and associated with Onchocerca volvulus infection. We hypothesized that altered immune activation in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of children with nodding syndrome may yield insights into the pathophysiology and progression of this seizure disorder. METHOD We conducted a case-control study of 154 children (8 years or older) with long-standing nodding syndrome and 154 healthy age-matched community controls in 3 districts of northern Uganda affected by nodding syndrome. Control CSF samples were obtained from Ugandan children in remission from hematological malignancy during routine follow-up. Markers of immune activation and inflammation (cytokines and chemokines) and complement activation (C5a) were measured in plasma and CSF using ELISA or Multiplex Luminex assays. O volvulus infection was assessed by serology for anti-OV-16 IgG levels. RESULTS The mean (SD) age of the population was 15.1 (SD: 1.9) years, and the mean duration of nodding syndrome from diagnosis to enrollment was 8.3 (SD: 2.7) years. The majority with nodding syndrome had been exposed to O volvulus (147/154 (95.4%)) compared with community children (86/154 (55.8%)), with an OR of 17.04 (95% CI: 7.33, 45.58), P < .001. C5a was elevated in CSF of children with nodding syndrome compared to controls (P < .0001). The levels of other CSF markers tested were comparable between cases and controls after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Children with nodding syndrome had lower plasma levels of IL-10, APRIL, CCL5 (RANTES), CCL2, CXCL13, and MMP-9 compared with community controls (P < .05 for all; multiple comparisons). Plasma CRP was elevated in children with nodding syndrome compared to community children and correlated with disease severity. SIGNIFICANCE Nodding syndrome is associated with exposure to O. volvulus. Compared to controls, children with long-standing symptoms of nodding syndrome show evidence of complement activation in CSF and altered immune activation in plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney Ogwang
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience (CTN), Kitgum Site, Uganda.,KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Dennis Muhanguzi
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kioko Mwikali
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Ronald Anguzu
- Centre of Tropical Neuroscience (CTN), Kitgum Site, Uganda.,Division of Epidemiology, Institute of Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, WI, USA
| | - Joe Kubofcik
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark Taylor
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charles R Newton
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Coast, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease & Global Health, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Idro
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Neuroscience (CTN), Kitgum Site, Uganda.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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62
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Horino A, Kuki I, Inoue T, Nukui M, Okazaki S, Kawawaki H, Togawa M, Amo K, Ishikawa J, Ujiro A, Shiomi M, Sakuma H. Intrathecal dexamethasone therapy for febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:645-655. [PMID: 33547757 PMCID: PMC7951105 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increasing reports suggest a role for immunological mechanisms in febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). The objective of this study was to elucidate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal dexamethasone therapy (IT-DEX). METHODS We assessed six pediatric patients with FIRES who were administered add-on IT-DEX in the acute (n = 5) and chronic (n = 1) phases. We evaluated clinical courses and prognosis. We measured cytokines/chemokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from FIRES patients at several points, including pre- and post-IT-DEX, and compared them with control patients with chronic epilepsy (n = 12, for cytokines/chemokines) or with noninflammatory neurological disease (NIND, n = 13, for neopterin). RESULTS Anesthesia was weaned after a median of 5.5 days from IT-DEX initiation (n = 6). There was a positive correlation between the duration from the disease onset to the introduction of IT-DEX and the length of ICU stay and the duration of mechanical ventilation. No patient experienced severe adverse events. Seizure spreading and background activities on electroencephalography were improved after IT-DEX in all patients. The levels of CXCL10, CXCL9, IFN-γ, and neopterin at pre-IT-DEX were significantly elevated compared to levels in epilepsy controls, and CXCL10 and neopterin were significantly decreased post-IT-DEX, but were still higher compared to patients with chronic epilepsy. IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β were significantly elevated before IT-DEX compared to epilepsy controls, though there was no significant decrease post-treatment. INTERPRETATION IT-DEX represents a therapeutic option for patients with FIRES that could shorten the duration of the critical stage of the disease. The effect of IT-DEX on FIRES might include cytokine-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Horino
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyChildren's Medical CenterOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
- Department of Brain and NeuroscienceTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical ScienceTokyoJapan
| | - Ichiro Kuki
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyChildren's Medical CenterOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Takeshi Inoue
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyChildren's Medical CenterOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Megumi Nukui
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyChildren's Medical CenterOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Shin Okazaki
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyChildren's Medical CenterOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Hisashi Kawawaki
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyChildren's Medical CenterOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Masao Togawa
- Department of Pediatric Emergency MedicineChildren's Medical CenterOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Kiyoko Amo
- Department of Pediatric Emergency MedicineChildren's Medical CenterOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Junichi Ishikawa
- Department of Pediatric Emergency MedicineChildren's Medical CenterOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Atsushi Ujiro
- Department of Intensive Care MedicineOsaka City General HospitalOsakaJapan
| | | | - Hiroshi Sakuma
- Department of Brain and NeuroscienceTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical ScienceTokyoJapan
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63
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Wang S, Guan Y, Li T. The Potential Therapeutic Role of the HMGB1-TLR Pathway in Epilepsy. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:171-182. [PMID: 32729417 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121999200729150443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological disorders, affecting over 70 million people worldwide. For the treatment of epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and surgeries are widely used. However, drug resistance and adverse effects indicate the need to develop targeted AEDs based on further exploration of the epileptogenic mechanism. Currently, many efforts have been made to elucidate the neuroinflammation theory in epileptogenesis, which may show potential in the treatment of epilepsy. In this respect, an important target protein, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), has received increased attention and has been developed rapidly. HMGB1 is expressed in various eukaryotic cells and localized in the cell nucleus. When HMGB1 is released by injuries or diseases, it participates in inflammation. Recent studies suggest that HMGB1 via Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways can trigger inflammatory responses and play an important role in epilepsy. In addition, studies of HMGB1 have shown its potential in the treatment of epilepsy. Herein, the authors analyzed the experimental and clinical evidence of the HMGB1-TLR pathway in epilepsy to summarize the theory of epileptogenesis and provide insights into antiepileptic therapy in this novel field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, SanBo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Yuguang Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, SanBo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Tianfu Li
- Department of Neurology, SanBo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, China
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64
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Tan THL, Perucca P, O'Brien TJ, Kwan P, Monif M. Inflammation, ictogenesis, and epileptogenesis: An exploration through human disease. Epilepsia 2020; 62:303-324. [PMID: 33316111 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is seen historically as a disease of aberrant neuronal signaling manifesting as seizures. With the discovery of numerous auto-antibodies and the subsequent growth in understanding of autoimmune encephalitis, there has been an increasing emphasis on the contribution of the innate and adaptive immune system to ictogenesis and epileptogenesis. Pathogenic antibodies, complement activation, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and microglial activation are seen, to various degrees, in different seizure-associated neuroinflammatory and autoimmune conditions. These aberrant immune responses are thought to cause disruptions in neuronal signaling, generation of acute symptomatic seizures, and, in some cases, the development of long-term autoimmune epilepsy. Although early treatment with immunomodulatory therapies improves outcomes in autoimmune encephalitides and autoimmune epilepsies, patient identification and treatment selection are not always clear-cut. This review examines the role of the different components of the immune system in various forms of seizure disorders including autoimmune encephalitis, autoimmune epilepsy, Rasmussen encephalitis, febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES), and new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE). In particular, the pathophysiology and unique cytokine profiles seen in these disorders and their links with diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decision-making are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracie Huey-Lin Tan
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Piero Perucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mastura Monif
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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65
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Specchio N, Pietrafusa N. New-onset refractory status epilepticus and febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2020; 62:897-905. [PMID: 32372459 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
New-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) and febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) are relatively rare clinical presentations. They are characterized by de novo onset of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) without clearly identifiable acute or active cause (structural, toxic, or metabolic). We reviewed the literature using PubMed reports published between 2003 and 2019 and summarized the clinical, neurophysiological, imaging, and treatment findings. Focal motor seizures, which tend to evolve into status epilepticus, characterize the typical presentation. Disease course is biphasic: acute phase followed by chronic phase with refractory epilepsy and neurological impairment. Aetiology is unknown, but immune-inflammatory-mediated epileptic encephalopathy is suspected. Electroencephalograms show variety in discharges (sporadic or periodic, focal, generalized, or more frequently bilateral), sometimes with a multifocal pattern. About 70% of adult NORSE have abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); in paediatric series of FIRES, 61.2% of patients have a normal brain MRI at the beginning and only 18.5% during the chronic phase. No specific therapy for FIRES and NORSE currently exists; high doses of barbiturates and ketogenic diet can be used with some effectiveness. Recently, anakinra and tocilizumab, targeting interleukin pathways, have emerged as potential specific therapies. Mortality rate is around 12% in children and even higher in adults (16-27%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy.,European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Pietrafusa
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Rome, Italy
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66
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30 years of second-generation antiseizure medications: impact and future perspectives. Lancet Neurol 2020; 19:544-556. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(20)30035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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67
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Sakuma H, Horino A, Kuki I. Neurocritical care and target immunotherapy for febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. Biomed J 2020; 43:205-210. [PMID: 32330681 PMCID: PMC7424090 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is an intractable neurological disease characterized by an unexplained refractory status epilepticus triggered by febrile infection. A Consensus definition of FIRES was proposed in 2018, and its clinical features and prognosis are gradually being clarified. However, the development of effective treatments has been hindered as the etiology of this rare disease is as yet unelucidated. The basic approach to the management of FIRES, like other forms of epilepsy, is based on the control of seizures, however seizures are extremely intractable and require intravenous administration of large doses of anticonvulsants, mainly barbiturates. This treatment strategy produces various complications including respiratory depression and drug hypersensitivity syndrome, which make it more difficult to control seizures. Consequently, it is crucial to predict these events and to formulate a planned treatment strategy. As well, it is important to grow out of conventional treatment strategies that rely on only anticonvulsants, and alternative therapies are gradually being developed. One such example is the adoption of a ketogenic diet which may lead to reduced convulsions as well as improve intellectual prognosis. Further, overproduction of inflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system has been shown to be strongly related to the pathology of FIRES which has led to attempts at immunomodulation therapy including anti-cytokine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Sakuma
- Department of Brain Development and Neural Regeneration, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Asako Horino
- Department of Brain Development and Neural Regeneration, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kuki
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Osaka City General Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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68
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Tocilizumab in pediatric refractory status epilepticus and acute epilepsy: Experience in two patients. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 340:577142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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69
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Traynelis SF, Dlugos D, Henshall D, Mefford HC, Rogawski MA, Staley KJ, Dacks PA, Whittemore V, Poduri A. Epilepsy Benchmarks Area III: Improved Treatment Options for Controlling Seizures and Epilepsy-Related Conditions Without Side Effects. Epilepsy Curr 2020; 20:23S-30S. [PMID: 31965829 PMCID: PMC7031805 DOI: 10.1177/1535759719895279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The goals of Epilepsy Benchmark Area III involve identifying areas that are ripe for progress in terms of controlling seizures and patient symptoms in light of the most recent advances in both basic and clinical research. These goals were developed with an emphasis on potential new therapeutic strategies that will reduce seizure burden and improve quality of life for patients with epilepsy. In particular, we continue to support the proposition that a better understanding of how seizures are initiated, propagated, and terminated in different forms of epilepsy is central to enabling new approaches to treatment, including pharmacological as well as surgical and device-oriented approaches. The stubbornly high rate of treatment-resistant epilepsy—one-third of patients—emphasizes the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological, procedural, device linked, and genetic. The development of new approaches can be advanced by better animal models of seizure initiation that represent salient features of human epilepsy, as well as humanized models such as induced pluripotent stem cells and organoids. The rapid advances in genetic understanding of a subset of epilepsies provide a path to new and direct patient-relevant cellular and animal models, which could catalyze conceptualization of new treatments that may be broadly applicable across multiple forms of epilepsies beyond those arising from variation in a single gene. Remarkable advances in machine learning algorithms and miniaturization of devices and increases in computational power together provide an enhanced opportunity to detect and mitigate seizures in real time via devices that interrupt electrical activity directly or administer effective pharmaceuticals. Each of these potential areas for advance will be discussed in turn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dennis Dlugos
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Heather C Mefford
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael A Rogawski
- Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kevin J Staley
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Vicky Whittemore
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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