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Eyre M, Thomas T, Ferrarin E, Khamis S, Zuberi SM, Sie A, Newlove-Delgado T, Morton M, Molteni E, Dale RC, Lim M, Nosadini M. Treatments and Outcomes Among Patients with Sydenham Chorea: A Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e246792. [PMID: 38625703 PMCID: PMC11022117 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.6792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Sydenham chorea is the most common acquired chorea of childhood worldwide; however, treatment is limited by a lack of high-quality evidence. Objectives To evaluate historical changes in the clinical characteristics of Sydenham chorea and identify clinical and treatment factors at disease onset associated with chorea duration, relapsing disease course, and functional outcome. Data Sources The systematic search for this meta-analysis was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and LILACS databases and registers of clinical trials from inception to November 1, 2022 (search terms: [Sydenham OR Sydenham's OR rheumatic OR minor] AND chorea). Study Selection Published articles that included patients with a final diagnosis of Sydenham chorea (in selected languages). Data Extraction and Synthesis This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Individual patient data on clinical characteristics, treatments, chorea duration, relapse, and final outcome were extracted. Data from patients in the modern era (1945 through 2022) were entered into multivariable models and stratified by corticosteroid duration for survival analysis of chorea duration. Main Outcomes and Measures The planned study outcomes were chorea duration at onset, monophasic course (absence of relapse after ≥24 months), and functional outcome (poor: modified Rankin Scale score 2-6 or persisting chorea, psychiatric, or behavioral symptoms at final follow-up after ≥6 months; good: modified Rankin Scale score 0-1 and no chorea, psychiatric, or behavioral symptoms at final follow-up). Results In total, 1479 patients were included (from 307 articles), 1325 since 1945 (median [IQR] age at onset, 10 [8-13] years; 875 of 1272 female [68.8%]). Immunotherapy was associated with shorter chorea duration (hazard ratio for chorea resolution, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.05-2.19]; P = .03). The median chorea duration in patients receiving 1 or more months of corticosteroids was 1.2 months (95% CI, 1.2-2.0) vs 2.8 months (95% CI, 2.0-3.0) for patients receiving none (P = .004). Treatment factors associated with monophasic disease course were antibiotics (odds ratio [OR] for relapse, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.09-0.85]; P = .02), corticosteroids (OR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.15-0.67]; P = .003), and sodium valproate (OR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.15-0.71]; P = .004). Patients receiving at least 1 month of corticosteroids had significantly lower odds of relapsing course (OR, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.04-0.25]; P < .001). No treatment factor was associated with good functional outcome. Conclusions and Relevance In this meta-analysis of treatments and outcomes in patients with Sydenham chorea, immunotherapy, in particular corticosteroid treatment, was associated with faster resolution of chorea. Antibiotics, corticosteroids and sodium valproate were associated with a monophasic disease course. This synthesis of retrospective data should support the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines for patients with Sydenham chorea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eyre
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Children’s Neurosciences, Evelina London Children’s Hospital at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terrence Thomas
- Department of Paediatrics, Neurology Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Sonia Khamis
- Children’s Neurosciences, Evelina London Children’s Hospital at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sameer M. Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Sie
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- NHS Lanarkshire, Bothwell, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin Newlove-Delgado
- Children and Young People’s Mental Health (ChYMe) Research Collaboration, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Morton
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Erika Molteni
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, United Kingdom
| | - Russell C. Dale
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ming Lim
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, United Kingdom
- Children’s Neurosciences, Evelina London Children’s Hospital at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Margherita Nosadini
- Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Neuroimmunology Group, Paediatric Research Institute “Città della Speranza,” Padova, Italy
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Frattini D, Iodice A, Spagnoli C, Rizzi S, Cesaroni CA, Cappella M, Fusco C. Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy, case reports: what to do and when? Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:157. [PMID: 38012680 PMCID: PMC10683099 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS) and recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy (RPON) are rare diseases reported within the "Painful lesions of the cranial nerves" section of the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3rd edition (ICHD-3). In case of a first painful attack, differential diagnosis could be challenging and many pitfalls are due to the rarity of the disorders and the lack of information about correct medical management in youngsters. CASE PRESENTATION Our main purpose was to report a new case of THS and a new case of RPON describing management and diagnostic investigation at the time of the first episode. In both cases of THS (13 years old) and RPON (14 years old) a unilateral periorbital headache associated with acute onset of ipsilateral third cranial nerve paresis, scarcely responding to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), was present at the beginning of the first attack. Brain MRI with "time-of-flight" (TOF) angiography and the need to administer steroids (after 72 h from onset) in order to stop pain were the most important handles allowing us to adopt the correct management both in THS or RPON since onset and to face recurrences in RPON by avoiding useless therapy during follow-up. CONCLUSION Unilateral periorbital headache associated with third-fourth or sixth cranial nerve paresis should ideally be investigated with a full work-up, comprehensive of brain MRI with TOF angiography since the first attack. In cases with negative brain MRI spontaneous resolution should be considered and watchful waiting might be advisable before starting steroid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Frattini
- Child Neurology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova Hospital - IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Iodice
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, S. Chiara Hospital, APSS, Largo Medaglie d'oro 9, Trento, 38122, Italy
| | - Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova Hospital - IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Susanna Rizzi
- Child Neurology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova Hospital - IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Carlo Alberto Cesaroni
- Child Neurology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova Hospital - IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Michela Cappella
- Pediatric Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova Hospital - IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
| | - Carlo Fusco
- Child Neurology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova Hospital - IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy
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Soller T, Roberts KV, Middleton BF, Ralph AP. Sydenham chorea in the top end of Australia's Northern Territory: A 20-year retrospective case series. J Paediatr Child Health 2023; 59:1210-1216. [PMID: 37589435 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM Sydenham chorea is an immune-mediated neuropsychiatric condition, and a major criterion for diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Children in remote Northern Australia experience disproportionately high rates of ARF, yet studies looking at the epidemiology, clinical presentation and management of Sydenham chorea are limited in this population. METHODS We conducted a retrospective case series from January 2002 to April 2022 of all paediatric patients aged ≤18 years admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital with Sydenham chorea. Cases were identified using the hospital's clinical coding system (ICD10). Medical records were reviewed and data on demographics, clinical presentation, investigation results, treatment and outcome were extracted, deidentified and analysed. RESULTS One hundred ten presentations of Sydenham chorea occurred between 2002 and 2022, 109 (99%) of these were in First Nations children, with 85% residing in very remote locations. Most commonly, chorea presented as a generalised movement disorder affecting all four limbs (49%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms were reported in 33 (30%), and there was evidence of rheumatic heart disease on echocardiogram in 86 (78%) at presentation. All patients received benzathine penicillin, but there was significant variation in management of chorea, ranging from supportive management, to symptomatic management with anticonvulsants, to immunomodulatory medications including corticosteroids. CONCLUSION This case series highlights the significant burden of Sydenham chorea among First Nations children living in Northern Australia and demonstrates wide variation in treatment approaches. High-quality clinical trials are required to determine the best treatment for this disabling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasmyn Soller
- Paediatric Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Kathryn V Roberts
- Paediatric Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Bianca F Middleton
- Paediatric Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, John Mathews Building Royal Darwin Hospital Campus, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Anna P Ralph
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, John Mathews Building Royal Darwin Hospital Campus, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Bovenzi R, Conti M, Schirinzi T. Pharmacotherapy for Sydenham's chorea: where are we and where do we need to be? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1317-1329. [PMID: 37204415 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2216380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sydenham's chorea (SC) is the most common cause of acquired chorea in children. The existing literature describes it as a benign, self-remitting condition. However, recent evidence discloses the persistence of long-course neuropsychiatric and cognitive complications in adulthood, which imposes to redefine the concept of 'benignity' of such condition. In addition, therapies are mostly empirical and non-evidence based. AREAS COVERED Here, we conducted an electronic exploration of the PubMed database and selected 165 relevant studies directly correlated to SC treatment. Critical data from selected articles were synthesized to provide an update on pharmacotherapy in SC, which basically consists of three pillars: antibiotic, symptomatic and immunomodulant treatments. Moreover, since SC mostly affects females with recurrences occurring in pregnancy (chorea gravidarum), we focused on the management in pregnancy. EXPERT OPINION SC is still a major burden in developing countries. The first therapeutic strategy should be the primary prevention of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection. Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis should be performed in every SC patient as the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend. Symptomatic or immunomodulant treatments are administered according to clinical judgment. However, a greater effort to understand SC physiopathology is needed, together with larger trials, to outline appropriate therapeutic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bovenzi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Conti
- Neurology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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Orsini A, Foiadelli T, Sica A, Santangelo A, Carli N, Bonuccelli A, Consolini R, D’Elios S, Loddo N, Verrotti A, Di Cara G, Marra C, Califano M, Fetta A, Fabi M, Bergamoni S, Vignoli A, Battini R, Mosca M, Baldini C, Assanta N, Marchese P, Simonini G, Marrani E, Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Savasta S, Santangelo G, Pedrinelli V, Massimetti G, Dell’Osso L, Peroni D, Cordelli DM, Corsi M, Carmassi C. Psychopathological Impact in Patients with History of Rheumatic Fever with or without Sydenham's Chorea: A Multicenter Prospective Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10586. [PMID: 36078300 PMCID: PMC9517806 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sydenham's chorea (SC) is a post-streptococcal autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, and it is a major criterium for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). SC typically improves in 12-15 weeks, but patients can be affected for years by persistence and recurrencies of both neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. We enrolled 48 patients with a previous diagnosis of ARF, with or without SC, in a national multicenter prospective study, to evaluate the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms several years after SC's onset. Our population was divided in a SC group (n = 21), consisting of patients who had SC, and a nSC group (n = 27), consisting of patients who had ARF without SC. Both groups were evaluated by the administration of 8 different neuropsychiatric tests. The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) showed significantly (p = 0.021) higher alterations in the SC group than in the nSC group. Furthermore, 60.4% (n = 29) of the overall population experienced neuropsychiatric symptoms other than choreic movements at diagnosis and this finding was significantly more common (p = 0.00) in SC patients (95.2%) than in nSC patients (33.3%). The other neuropsychiatric tests also produced significant results, indicating that SC can exert a strong psychopathological impact on patients even years after its onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Thomas Foiadelli
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Attilio Sica
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Santangelo
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Niccolò Carli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Consolini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sofia D’Elios
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicolò Loddo
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Marra
- Child Neurology Unit, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Califano
- Child Neurology Unit, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Fetta
- Child Neurology Unit, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Child Neurology Unit, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Bergamoni
- Childhood and Adolescence Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST GOM Niguarda, 20121 Milan, Italy
| | - Aglaia Vignoli
- Childhood and Adolescence Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST GOM Niguarda, 20121 Milan, Italy
- Health Sciences Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20121 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Baldini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Heart Hospital, G. Monasterio Tuscan Foundation, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Pietro Marchese
- Heart Hospital, G. Monasterio Tuscan Foundation, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Simonini
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Meyer Children Hospital, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Edoardo Marrani
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Meyer Children Hospital, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Santangelo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, ISMEP—P.O. Cristina—ARNAS Civico, Via dei Benedettini 1, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Martina Corsi
- Occupational Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
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Depietri G, Carli N, Sica A, Oliviero D, Costagliola G, Striano P, Bonuccelli A, Frisone F, Peroni D, Consolini R, Foiadelli T, Orsini A. Therapeutic aspects of Sydenham's Chorea: an update. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 92:e2021414. [PMID: 35441610 PMCID: PMC9179053 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92is4.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sydenham’s Chorea (SC) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder associated with neuropsychiatric manifestations. It is believed to be caused by the autoimmune response following a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis, and it is one of the major diagnostic criteria for Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) diagnosis. Despite having been known and studied for centuries, there are still no standardized therapies or official guidelines for SC treatment, so that it is necessarily left to physicians’ clinical experience. Antibiotic treatment, symptomatic therapies, and immunomodulatory treatment are the three pillars upon which SC patients’ management is currently based, but they still lack a solid scientific basis. The aim of this writing is precisely to review the state of the art of SC’s treatment, with an overview of the advances made in the last 5 years. However, since the therapeutic uncertainties are a mere reflection of the severe gap of knowledge that concerns SC’s pathogenesis and manifestations, the importance of high-quality research studies based on homogenized methodologies, instruments, and measured outcomes will also be stressed. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Depietri
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa.
| | - Niccolo Carli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa.
| | - Attilio Sica
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa.
| | - Domenico Oliviero
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa.
| | - Giorgio Costagliola
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Dinogmi, Giannina Gaslini's. Istitute, University of Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Flavia Frisone
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Diego Peroni
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Rita Consolini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Thomas Foiadelli
- Pediatric Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia.
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Orsini A, Foiadelli T, Magistrali M, Carli N, Bagnasco I, Dassi P, Verrotti A, Marcotulli D, Canavese C, Nicita F, Capuano A, Marra C, Fetta A, Nosadini M, Sartori S, Papa A, Viri M, Greco F, Pavone P, Simonini G, Matricardi S, Siquilini S, Marchese F, De Grandis E, Brunenghi BM, Malattia C, Bassanese F, Bergonzini P, Bonuccelli A, Consolini R, Marseglia GL, Peroni D, Striano P, Cordelli D, Savasta S. A nationwide study on Sydenham's chorea: Clinical features, treatment and prognostic factors. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 36:1-6. [PMID: 34768201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sydenham's Chorea (SC) is a neuropsychiatric disorder and a major manifestation of acute rheumatic fever. The erroneous assumption that SC is a benign and self-limiting disease, has led to a lack of high-quality scientific evidence of the therapeutical and prognostic features of SC. STUDY DESIGN We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients <18-years old with SC in 17 Italian pediatric centers. Recorded data included clinical, instrumental and laboratory parameters. Prognostic risk factors including treatment regimens were assessed with univariate and multivariate sub-analysis. RESULTS We included 171 patients with SC. 66% had generalized chorea, and 34% hemichorea. 81% had carditis (subclinical in 65%). Additional neurological symptoms were reported in 60% of the patients, mainly dysarthria and dysgraphia. 51% had neuropsychiatric symptoms at onset, which persisted after 12 months in 10%. Among psychiatric manifestations, the most common was anxiety disorder/depression (77%). Neurological remission was reached by 93% of the patients at 6 months; 9% relapsed. Patients were treated as follows: 11% penicillin alone, 37% immunomodulatory therapy, 16% symptomatic drugs (i.e. anti-seizure medication, dopamine antagonists) and 37% both symptomatic and immunomodulatory treatment. Neurological outcome did not differ between groups. Patients receiving symptomatic drugs had a higher risk of relapse on multivariate analysis (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS Treatment of SC was largely heterogeneous. Based on our results, immunomodulatory therapy did not show higher efficacy at medium term, although it was associated to a slightly lower risk of relapse compared to symptomatic therapy. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess specific risk factors and best treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Thomas Foiadelli
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Mariasole Magistrali
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Niccolò Carli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Bagnasco
- U.O Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Ospedale Martini-Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Patrizia Dassi
- U.O Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Ospedale Martini-Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Marcotulli
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carlotta Canavese
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicita
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Capuano
- Movement Disorders Clinic- Neurology Unit- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Marra
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Fetta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Nosadini
- Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy; Neuroimmunology Group, Paediatric Research Institute Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Sartori
- Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy; Neuroimmunology Group, Paediatric Research Institute Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Amanda Papa
- Infantile Neuropsychiatry Department Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viri
- Infantile Neuropsychiatry Department Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Filippo Greco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriele Simonini
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Anna Meyer Children University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Children's Hospital "G. Salesi", Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sabrina Siquilini
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Children's Hospital "G. Salesi", Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Marchese
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa De Grandis
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Children's Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Bernadette Marrè Brunenghi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Children's Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Clara Malattia
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Children's Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Bassanese
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bergonzini
- Pediatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Consolini
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Children's Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Duccio Cordelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Savasta
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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8
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Teixeira AL, Vasconcelos LP, Nunes MDCP, Singer H. Sydenham's chorea: from pathophysiology to therapeutics. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:913-922. [PMID: 34353207 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1965883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sydenham's chorea is an autoimmune chorea emerging after a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection, i.e. a rheumatic chorea with or without the presence of carditis or arthritis. The disorder, defined by the presence of chorea, is also associated with cognitive and behavioral symptoms, including emotional lability, anxiety, depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The authors review the pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and available evidence on therapeutic strategies, the latter including the secondary prevention of GABHS infections, reduction of chorea, and immune modulation. Sydenham's chorea has been regarded as a model for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders, however, the field is marked by conflicting results and controversies. Regarding therapeutics, there are limited high-quality interventional studies and the selection of treatment strategy often relies on the clinician's experience. A serial treatment algorithm is presented based upon the severity of clinical presentation and response to symptomatic pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio L Teixeira
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Graduation Program, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Institute of Education and Research, Santa Casa Bh, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Neuropsychiatry Program, Ut Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - Luiz P Vasconcelos
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Graduation Program, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira Nunes
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Graduation Program, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Harvey Singer
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine and Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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9
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Evaluation of clinical findings and treatment options of Sydenham chorea patients. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.804833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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10
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Hawkes MA, Ameriso SF. Neurologic complications of rheumatic fever. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 177:23-31. [PMID: 33632442 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819814-8.00002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sydenham chorea, also known as St. Vitus dance, is a major clinical criterion for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever. Clinically, it results in a combination of movement disorders and complex neuropsychiatric symptoms. Cardiac damage due to rheumatic fever may also predispose to neurologic complications later in life. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is associated with heart remodeling, cardiac arrhythmias, and ischemic stroke. Furthermore, chronically damaged heart valves are predisposed to infection. Septic brain embolism, a known complication of infective endocarditis, may result in brain ischemia, hemorrhage, and spread of the infection to the brain.
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11
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Vasconcelos LPB, Vasconcelos MC, Nunes MDCP, Teixeira AL. Sydenham’s chorea: an update on pathophysiology, clinical features and management. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2019.1684259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Paulo Bastos Vasconcelos
- Postgraduate Course of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelle Cristina Vasconcelos
- Postgraduate Course of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria Do Carmo Pereira Nunes
- Postgraduate Course of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Antonio Lucio Teixeira
- Postgraduate Course of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Neuropsychiatry Program, UT Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
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