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Romano A, Guglielmino V, Bisogni G, Di Paolantonio A, Truini A, Minnella AM, Sciarrone MA, Vitali F, Maceroni M, Galosi E, Sabatelli M, Luigetti M. Early detection of nerve involvement in presymptomatic TTR mutation carriers: exploring potential markers of disease onset. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1675-1684. [PMID: 37938457 PMCID: PMC10942905 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07177-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a heterogeneous, progressive, multisystemic disease with a life-threatening course if left untreated. Given the current availability of effective therapies, close follow-up of presymptomatic TTR mutation carriers is essential to recognize disease onset at the earliest sign. In addition to routine techniques, in recent years several novel tools have been proposed, although a consensus on their use has not been reached yet. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate possible markers of neuropathic disease onset intended to discriminate clinically asymptomatic carriers from early symptomatic patients, thus allowing timely treatment initiation. METHODS Thirty-eight presymptomatic carriers were enrolled. Clinical and electrophysiological findings at first evaluation and follow-up were collected. All carriers underwent an extensive clinical and instrumental evaluation according to the standard clinical practice. One or more non-routine investigations, whose use in this field is not yet validated (henceforth "unconventional"), were additionally assessed in a subgroup of individuals. RESULTS Based on the exclusive use of routine investigations, it was possible to define disease onset in 4/38 carriers during the follow-up. Employing additionally one or more "unconventional" tests, abnormal findings, indicative of a possible "conversion" to symptomatic disease, were detected in further 12 cases. More than half of our study cohort showed findings suggestive of small nerve fiber (SF) involvement at either invasive or non-invasive tests. CONCLUSIONS A close, multidisciplinary monitoring of presymptomatic TTR mutation carriers is fundamental, and diagnostic workup should include both routine and "unconventional" tests. Assessment of SF involvement is important also in non-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Romano
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Guglielmino
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Bisogni
- Centro Clinico NeMO Adulti, Fondazione Serena Onlus-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Maria Minnella
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC Oftalmologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Vitali
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Maceroni
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC Oftalmologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Sabatelli
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro Clinico NeMO Adulti, Fondazione Serena Onlus-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Tozza S, Luigetti M, Antonini G, Mazzeo A, Severi D, Di Paolantonio A, Leonardi L, Russo M, Romano A, Forcina F, Gentile L, Nolano M, Mattia C, Manganelli F. Neuropathic pain experience in symptomatic and presymptomatic subjects carrying a transthyretin gene mutation. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1109782. [PMID: 36846120 PMCID: PMC9944934 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1109782] [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] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pain is a common symptom of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv), however, its occurrence in late-onset ATTRv has not been investigated thoroughly. Our aim was to describe the pain experience and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in symptomatic patients and presymptomatic carriers harboring a transthyretin (TTR) gene mutation with a late-onset phenotype. Materials and methods Study participants (aged ≥18 years) were consecutively recruited from four Italian centers. Clinical disability was assessed using the Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP) stage and Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS). The Norfolk questionnaire evaluated QoL and the Compound Autonomic Dysfunction Test assessed autonomic involvement. Neuropathic pain was screened using the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire, and pain intensity and its impact on daily activity were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory severity and interference subscores. Data on the type of TTR mutation, presence of cardiomyopathy, treatment, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were collected. Results Overall, 102 subjects with TTR mutations (mean age ± SD 63.6 ± 13.5 years) were recruited, including 78 symptomatic patients (68.1 ± 10.9 years) and 24 presymptomatic carriers (49 ± 10.3 years). Pain was reported by 75.5% of all subjects, but was more frequent in symptomatic patients than in presymptomatic carriers (85.9 vs. 41.6%, respectively). Pain exhibited neuropathic features (DN4≥4) in 69.2% of symptomatic patients and in 8.3% of presymptomatic carriers. Subjects with neuropathic pain were older (p = 0.015) had worse FAP stage (p < 0.001), higher NIS scores (p < 0.001), greater autonomic involvement (p = 0.003), and a lower QoL (p < 0.001) than those without neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was associated with higher pain severity (p < 0.001) and had a significant negative impact on daily activities (p < 0.001) Neuropathic pain was not associated with gender, mutation type, TTR therapy, or BMI. Conclusion Approximately 70% of late-onset ATTRv patients complained of neuropathic pain (DN4≥4) that worsened as peripheral neuropathy progressed and increasingly interfered with daily activities and QoL. Notably, 8% of presymptomatic carriers complained of neuropathic pain. These results suggest that assessment of neuropathic pain may be useful to monitor disease progression and identify early manifestations of ATTRv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tozza
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurologia, Rome, Italy,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Mazzeo
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniele Severi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Paolantonio
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy,U.O. Neurologia, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Leonardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Russo
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Romano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC Neurologia, Rome, Italy,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Forcina
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Gentile
- Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Nolano
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy,Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Consalvo Mattia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy,Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Unit, ICOT-Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy,*Correspondence: Fiore Manganelli ✉
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Maceroni M, Falsini B, Luigetti M, Romano A, Guglielmino V, Fasciani R, Placidi G, D’Agostino E, Sasso P, Rizzo S, Minnella AM. Ocular Morpho-Functional Evaluation in ATTRv Pre-Symptomatic Carriers: A Case Series. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030359. [PMID: 36766465 PMCID: PMC9914588 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030359] [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] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate ocular findings in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) pre-symptomatic carriers. Fourteen ATTRv pre-symptomatic carriers, who are patients with positive genetic testing but without signs or symptoms of the disease, were retrospectively evaluated. Retinal morphology was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography. Retinal function was evaluated using cone b-wave and photopic negative response (PhNR). Pupillometry and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) were performed. ATTRv pre-symptomatic carriers presented a significantly reduced central macular thickness (CMT) (p = 0.01) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness (p = 0.01) in comparison to normal controls. No differences were found when analyzing sub-foveal choroidal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex. In comparison to healthy controls, pre-symptomatic carriers presented an attenuated superficial retinal vascular network and a significantly augmented PhNR amplitude (p = 0.01). However, PhNR implicit times, B-wave amplitude and B-wave peak time did not show significant differences in comparison to controls. No differences were found for pupillometric values. All the examined eyes presented alterations in the IVCM. Preclinical ocular structural and functional abnormalities can be found in ATTRv pre-symptomatic carriers. Thus, an extensive ophthalmological evaluation should be included at the baseline visit and during follow-up. Considering the availability of new drugs potentially able to prevent or delay disease progression, the identification of new disease biomarkers appears to be particularly promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Maceroni
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0630154928
| | - Benedetto Falsini
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Luigetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Romano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Guglielmino
- Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Fasciani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Placidi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena D’Agostino
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Sasso
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Stanislao Rizzo
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Maria Minnella
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00135 Rome, Italy
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Tozza S, Severi D, Palumbo G, Provitera V, Ruggiero L, Dubbioso R, Iodice R, Nolano M, Manganelli F. Quantitative Sensory Testing in Late-Onset ATTRv Presymptomatic Subjects: A Single Center Experience. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2877. [PMID: 36359398 PMCID: PMC9687694 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) presymptomatic subjects undergo multidisciplinary evaluation to detect, as early as possible, a subclinical involvement of multisystem disease. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) that investigates and discriminates the function of C, Aδ and Aβ fibers is included as an instrumental test to monitor nerve fiber function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of QST in the context of the multidisciplinary evaluation in late onset carriers. Methods Four-teen presymptomatic (namely carriers) were enrolled. Subjects underwent thermal [cold and warm detection threshold (CDT, WDT), cold and heat pain (CP and HP)] and tactile QST in four body sites: foot dorsum, distal lateral leg, distal thigh, hand dorsum. Results Overall, presymptomatic subject showed a significant difference in all thermal QST findings compared to the control group. All subjects had at least one altered thermal QST finding; the sites more frequently altered were foot and leg, whilst the thermal modalities which were more frequently abnormal were CDT, WDT and CP. Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of performing thermal QST in subjects carrying TTR mutation, given the high frequency of abnormal findings. Notably, performing both innocuous and painful stimulation in foot and/or leg increases the chance of detecting nerve fiber dysfunction. Moreover, the investigation of the hand may provide useful information in monitoring disease progression before the Predicted Age of Disease Onset (PADO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tozza
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniele Severi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Palumbo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Lucia Ruggiero
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Iodice
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Nolano
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Neurology Department, Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odonstomatology, University “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
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