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Feller C, Senthilvel E. Sleep-Disordered Breathing in an Infant With Achondroplasia and Foramen Magnum Stenosis. Cureus 2024; 16:e56291. [PMID: 38623108 PMCID: PMC11018364 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a frequently recognized comorbidity in infants and children with achondroplasia due to alterations in craniofacial and upper airway anatomy. Foramen magnum stenosis and cervicomedullary compression can be associated with SDB in this population, requiring prompt evaluation by multidisciplinary teams. Untreated SDB is associated with adverse cardiovascular, metabolic, and behavioral effects in children, necessitating early screening and treatment of underlying causes. Cervicomedullary compression is also associated with increased mortality and sudden infant death in infants with achondroplasia. Management of SDB in children with achondroplasia may involve a combination of neurosurgical intervention, adenotonsillectomy, and/or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We recognize a need for increased physician awareness of the recommended screening guidelines to optimize health outcomes for children with achondroplasia. In this report, we describe a case of a five-month-old infant with achondroplasia and severe SDB diagnosed by polysomnography and was found to have moderate-to-severe foramen magnum stenosis identified by MRI. Subsequently, this infant underwent foramen magnum decompression, which improved the severe SDB and was followed up for five years. Our case illustrates the importance of early screening in infants with achondroplasia for SDB to prevent further sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Feller
- Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
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2
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Tofts LJ, Armstrong JA, Broley S, Carroll T, Ireland PJ, Koo M, Langdon K, McGregor L, McKenzie F, Mehta D, Savarirayan R, Tate T, Wesley A, Zankl A, Jenner M, Eyles M, Pacey V. Australian guidelines for the management of children with achondroplasia. J Paediatr Child Health 2023; 59:229-241. [PMID: 36628540 PMCID: PMC10107108 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Achondroplasia is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia. In addition to altered growth, children and young people with achondroplasia may experience medical complications, develop and function differently to others and require psychosocial support. International, European and American consensus guidelines have been developed for the management of achondroplasia. The Australian focused guidelines presented here are designed to complement those existing guidelines. They aim to provide core care recommendations for families and clinicians, consolidate key resources for the management of children with achondroplasia, facilitate communication between specialist, local teams and families and support delivery of high-quality care regardless of setting and geographical location. The guidelines include a series of consensus statements, developed using a modified Delphi process. These statements are supported by the best available evidence assessed using the National Health and Medicine Research Council's criteria for Level of Evidence and their Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Additionally, age specific guides are presented that focus on the key domains of growth, medical, development, psychosocial and community. The guidelines are intended for use by health professionals and children and young people with achondroplasia and their families living in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise J Tofts
- Department of Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Armstrong
- Department of Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Orthopaedics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie Broley
- Genetic Services of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Theresa Carroll
- Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Penelope J Ireland
- Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Minna Koo
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Langdon
- Kids Rehab WA, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lesley McGregor
- Paediatric and Reproductive Genetics Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Fiona McKenzie
- Genetic Services of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Divyesh Mehta
- Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ravi Savarirayan
- Skeletal Therapies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tracy Tate
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison Wesley
- Kids Rehab, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andreas Zankl
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Clinical Genetics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maree Jenner
- Medical Advisory Board, Short Statured People of Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marta Eyles
- Medical Advisory Board, Short Statured People of Australia, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Verity Pacey
- Department of Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Chong PLH, Garic D, Shen MD, Lundgaard I, Schwichtenberg AJ. Sleep, cerebrospinal fluid, and the glymphatic system: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev 2022; 61:101572. [PMID: 34902819 PMCID: PMC8821419 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Current theories of the glymphatic system (GS) hypothesize that it relies on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation to disseminate growth factors and remove metabolic waste from the brain with increased CSF production and circulation during sleep; thereby, linking sleep disturbance with elements of CSF circulation and GS exchange. However, our growing knowledge of the relations between sleep, CSF, and the GS are plagued by variability in sleep and CSF measures across a wide array of pathologies. Hence, this review aims to summarize the dynamic relationships between sleep, CSF-, and GS-related features in samples of typically developing individuals and those with autoimmune/inflammatory, neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, sleep-related, neurotraumatic, neuropsychiatric, and skull atypicalities. One hundred and ninety articles (total n = 19,129 participants) were identified and reviewed for pathology, CSF circulation and related metrics, GS function, and sleep. Numerous associations were documented between sleep problems and CSF metabolite concentrations (e.g., amyloid-beta, orexin, tau proteins) and increased CSF volumes or pressure. However, these relations were not universal, with marked differences across pathologies. It is clear that elements of CSF circulation/composition and GS exchange represent pathways influenced by sleep; however, carefully designed studies and advances in GS measurement are needed to delineate the nuanced relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D. Garic
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - M. D. Shen
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - I. Lundgaard
- Department of Experimental Medicine Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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4
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Kashanian A, Stadler JA, Danielpour M. Neurosurgical Evaluation and Management of Children with Achondroplasia. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2021; 33:17-23. [PMID: 34801138 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Achondroplasia is the most common of skeletal dysplasias and is caused by a defect in endochondral bone formation. In addition to skeletal deformities, patients with achondroplasia possess significant abnormalities of the axial skeleton, including small skull base with a narrowed foramen magnum and small vertebral bodies with shortened pedicles. Consequently, patients with achondroplasia are at risk of several severe neurologic conditions, such as cervicomedullary compression, spinal stenosis, and hydrocephalus, which frequently require the attention of a neurosurgeon. This article provides an updated review on the neurosurgical evaluation and care of children with Achondroplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Kashanian
- Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Boulevard, 6th Floor #A6600, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA. https://twitter.com/AlonKashanian
| | - James A Stadler
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA. https://twitter.com/stadler_md
| | - Moise Danielpour
- Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Boulevard, 6th Floor #A6600, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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Goyal M, Gupta A, Bhandari A, Faruq M. Achondroplasia: Clinical, Radiological and Molecular Profile from Rare Disease Centre, India. J Pediatr Genet 2021; 12:42-47. [PMID: 36684552 PMCID: PMC9848756 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Achondroplasia is the most common autosomal dominant form of skeletal dysplasia and is caused by heterozygous mutations of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 ( FGFR3 ) gene at region 4p16.3. This study highlights the data of achondroplasia cases, clinical spectrum, and their outcome from small cities and the region around Rajasthan. The data for analysis were collected retrospectively from genetic records of rare disease clinic in Rajasthan. Clinical profile, radiographic features, molecular test results, and outcome were collected. There were 15 cases, including eight males and seven females, in this cohort. All had facial hypoplasia, depressed nasal bridge, prominent forehead, and characteristic radiographic features. A total of 14 cases were sporadic and one case was inherited from the mother. Mutation analysis showed 13 out of 15 cases with the p.Gly380Arg mutation in the FGFR3 gene. Hydrocephalus was developed in three cases, required shunting in two cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Goyal
- Rare disease centre, Department of Pediatrics, SMS medical college, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India,Address for correspondence Manisha Goyal, MBBS DGO, Rare Disease Clinic, 3rd Floor, JK Lon hospital, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, RajasthanIndia
| | - Ashok Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Rare Disease Center, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anu Bhandari
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mohammed Faruq
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and integrative Biology, New Delhi, India
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Identification of clinical and radiographic predictors of central nervous system injury in genetic skeletal disorders. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11402. [PMID: 34059710 PMCID: PMC8166875 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87058-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Some studies report neurological lesions in patients with genetic skeletal disorders (GSDs). However, none of them describe the frequency of neurological lesions in a large sample of patients or investigate the associations between clinical and/or radiological central nervous system (CNS) injury and clinical, anthropometric and imaging parameters. The project was approved by the institution’s ethics committee (CAAE 49433215.5.0000.0022). In this cross-sectional observational analysis study, 272 patients aged four or more years with clinically and radiologically confirmed GSDs were prospectively included. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis in the FGFR3 chondrodysplasias group. All patients underwent blinded and independent clinical, anthropometric and neuroaxis imaging evaluations. Information on the presence of headache, neuropsychomotor development (NPMD), low back pain, joint deformity, ligament laxity and lower limb discrepancy was collected. Imaging abnormalities of the axial skeleton and CNS were investigated by whole spine digital radiography, craniocervical junction CT and brain and spine MRI. The diagnostic criteria for CNS injury were abnormal clinical and/or radiographic examination of the CNS. Brain injury included malacia, encephalopathies and malformation. Spinal cord injury included malacia, hydrosyringomyelia and spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities. CNS injury was diagnosed in more than 25% of GSD patients. Spinal cord injury was found in 21.7% of patients, and brain injury was found in 5.9%. The presence of low back pain, os odontoideum and abnormal NPMD remained independently associated with CNS injury in the multivariable analysis. Early identification of these abnormalities may have some role in preventing compressive CNS injury, which is a priority in GSD patients.
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Kubota T, Adachi M, Kitaoka T, Hasegawa K, Ohata Y, Fujiwara M, Michigami T, Mochizuki H, Ozono K. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Achondroplasia. Clin Pediatr Endocrinol 2020; 29:25-42. [PMID: 32029970 PMCID: PMC6958518 DOI: 10.1297/cpe.29.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Achondroplasia (ACH) is a skeletal dysplasia that presents with limb shortening, short
stature, and characteristic facial configuration. ACH is caused by mutations of the
FGFR3 gene, leading to constantly activated FGFR3 and activation of its
downstream intracellular signaling pathway. This results in the suppression of chondrocyte
differentiation and proliferation, which in turn impairs endochondral ossification and
causes short-limb short stature. ACH also causes characteristic clinical symptoms,
including foramen magnum narrowing, ventricular enlargement, sleep apnea, upper airway
stenosis, otitis media, a narrow thorax, spinal canal stenosis, spinal kyphosis, and
deformities of the lower extremities. Although outside Japan, papers on health supervision
are available, they are based on reports and questionnaire survey results. Considering the
scarcity of high levels of evidence and clinical guidelines for patients with ACH,
clinical practical guidelines have been developed to assist both healthcare professionals
and patients in making appropriate decisions in specific clinical situations. Eleven
clinical questions were established and a systematic literature search was conducted using
PubMed/MEDLINE. Evidence-based recommendations were developed, and the guidelines describe
the recommendations related to the clinical management of ACH. We anticipate that these
clinical practice guidelines for ACH will be useful for healthcare professionals and
patients alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuo Kubota
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Guidelines Development Committee for Achondroplasia
| | - Masanori Adachi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan.,Guidelines Development Committee for Achondroplasia
| | - Taichi Kitaoka
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Guidelines Development Committee for Achondroplasia
| | - Kosei Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacological Sciences, Okayama, Japan.,Guidelines Development Committee for Achondroplasia
| | - Yasuhisa Ohata
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Guidelines Development Committee for Achondroplasia
| | - Makoto Fujiwara
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Guidelines Development Committee for Achondroplasia
| | - Toshimi Michigami
- Department of Bone and Mineral Research, Research Institute, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, Osaka, Japan.,Guidelines Development Committee for Achondroplasia
| | - Hiroshi Mochizuki
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.,Guidelines Development Committee for Achondroplasia
| | - Keiichi Ozono
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.,Guidelines Development Committee for Achondroplasia
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Nadel JL, Wilkinson DA, Garton HJL, Muraszko KM, Maher CO. Screening and surgery for foramen magnum stenosis in children with achondroplasia: a large, national database analysis. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2019; 23:374-380. [PMID: 30554178 DOI: 10.3171/2018.9.peds18410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine the rates of screening and surgery for foramen magnum stenosis in children with achondroplasia in a large, privately insured healthcare network. METHODS Rates of screening and surgery for foramen magnum stenosis in children with achondroplasia were determined using de-identified insurance claims data from a large, privately insured healthcare network of over 58 million beneficiaries across the United States between 2001 and 2014. Cases of achondroplasia and screening and surgery claims were identified using a combination of International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes and Current Procedural Terminology codes. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) practice guidelines were used to determine screening trends. RESULTS The search yielded 3577 children age 19 years or younger with achondroplasia. Of them, 236 met criteria for inclusion in the screening analysis. Among the screening cohort, 41.9% received some form of screening for foramen magnum stenosis, whereas 13.9% of patients were fully and appropriately screened according to the 2005 guidelines from the AAP. The screening rate significantly increased after the issuance of the AAP guidelines. Among all children in the cohort, 25 underwent cervicomedullary decompression for foramen magnum stenosis. The incidence rate of undergoing cervicomedullary decompression was highest in infancy (28 per 1000 patient-years) and decreased with age (5 per 1000 patient-years for all other ages combined). CONCLUSIONS Children with achondroplasia continue to be underscreened for foramen magnum stenosis, although screening rates have improved since the release of the 2005 AAP surveillance guidelines. The incidence of surgery was highest in infants and decreased with age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D Andrew Wilkinson
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Hugh J L Garton
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Karin M Muraszko
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Cormac O Maher
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Abstract
Achondroplasia is the most common of the skeletal dysplasias that result in marked short stature (dwarfism). Although its clinical and radiologic phenotype has been described for more than 50 years, there is still a great deal to be learned about the medical issues that arise secondary to this diagnosis, the manner in which these are best diagnosed and addressed, and whether preventive strategies can ameliorate the problems that can compromise the health and well being of affected individuals. This review provides both an updated discussion of the care needs of those with achondroplasia and an exploration of the limits of evidence that is available regarding care recommendations, controversies that are currently present, and the many areas of ignorance that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Pauli
- Midwest Regional Bone Dysplasia Clinic, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Okano A, Ogiwara H. Long-term follow-up for patients with infantile hydrocephalus treated by choroid plexus coagulation. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2018; 22:638-645. [PMID: 30215586 DOI: 10.3171/2018.6.peds1840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEShunt surgery is the most common treatment for hydrocephalus, but it is associated with several long-term complications. Endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation (CPC) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are alternative surgeries that may avoid the need for shunt surgery. Although the short-term efficacy and safety of CPC have been reported in previous studies, long-term outcome, including not only avoiding shunt placement but also intellectual development, remains to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the long-term outcome of CPC.METHODSThe study population comprised patients who had infantile hydrocephalus treated by endoscopic CPC before the age of 24 months and who were followed until at least 5 years of age. Retrospective review was performed using the medical charts. The authors assessed educational status and the full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) IV as the means to evaluate the intellectual development.RESULTSFourteen patients with infantile hydrocephalus underwent CPC with or without ETV as a primary surgery. There were no intraoperative complications. In 7 patients (50%), hydrocephalus was successfully controlled without shunt placement. Six patients (43%) eventually required shunt placement. In one patient hydrocephalus was controlled by additional ETV. In the shunt-independent group, 4 patients went to age-appropriate school or achieved age-appropriate development according to intelligence quotient (IQ), 1 patient went to specialized school, and 2 patients had disabilities. In the shunt-dependent group, 4 patients went to an age-appropriate school or achieved age-appropriate development by IQ, 1 patient went to specialized school, and 1 patient had disabilities. The mean FSIQ score in 3 patients without shunts was 90 (range 89-91) and the mean FSIQ score in 4 patients with shunts was 80 (range 48-107). There was no significant difference in the rate of normal development between the shunt-independent group and the shunt-dependent group (p = 0.72).CONCLUSIONSThe CPC with or without ETV can be a safe and effective treatment in children with infantile hydrocephalus. Long-term control of hydrocephalus and normal intellectual development can be achieved in successful cases. Further prospective studies should be required to elucidate appropriate indications.
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Abstract
The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) has attracted more attention in pediatric medicine in recent years due to the progress in surgical technologies allowing a direct approach to the CVJ in children. The CVJ is the site of numerous pathologies, most originating in bone anomalies resulting from abnormal CVJ development. Before discussing the surgical approaches to CVJ, three points should be borne in mind: first, that developmental anatomy demonstrates age-dependent mechanisms and the pathophysiology of pediatric CVJ anomalies; second, that CT-based dynamic simulations have improved our knowledge of functional anatomy, enabling us to locate CVJ lesions with greater certainty; and third, understanding the complex structure of the pediatric CVJ also clarifies the surgical anatomy. This review begins with a description of the embryonic developmental process of the CVJ, comprising ossification and resegmentation of the somite. From the clinical perspective, pediatric CVJ lesions can be divided into three categories: developmental bony anomalies with or without instability, stenotic CVJ lesions, and others. After discussing surgery and management based on this classification, the author describes surgical outcomes on his hands, and finally proceeds to address controversial issues specific for pediatric CVJ surgery. The lessons, which the author has gleaned from his experience in pediatric CVJ surgery, are also presented briefly in this review. Recent technological progress has facilitated pediatric surgery of the CVJ. However, it is important to recognize that we are still far from reliably and consistently obtaining satisfactory results. Further progress in this area awaits contributions of the coming generations of pediatric surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhito MOROTA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with achondroplasia often have breathing problems, especially during sleep. The most important treatments are adenotonsillectomy (for treating upper obstruction) and/or neurosurgery (for resolving cervicomedullar junction stenosis). DATA SOURCES We reviewed the scientific literature on polysomnographic investigations which assessed the severity of respiratory disorders during sleep. RESULTS Recent findings have highlighted the importance of clinical investigations in patients with achondroplasia, differentiating between those that look for neurological patterns and those that look for respiratory problems during sleep. In particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and somatosensory evoked potentials are the main tools to evaluate necessary neurosurgery and over myelopathy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The use of polysomnography enables clinicians to identify children with upper airway obstruction and to quantify disease severity; it is not suitable for MRI and/or neurosurgery considerations.
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