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Specchio N, Wirrell EC, Scheffer IE, Nabbout R, Riney K, Samia P, Guerreiro M, Gwer S, Zuberi SM, Wilmshurst JM, Yozawitz E, Pressler R, Hirsch E, Wiebe S, Cross HJ, Perucca E, Moshé SL, Tinuper P, Auvin S. International League Against Epilepsy classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in childhood: Position paper by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1398-1442. [PMID: 35503717 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The 2017 International League Against Epilepsy classification has defined a three-tier system with epilepsy syndrome identification at the third level. Although a syndrome cannot be determined in all children with epilepsy, identification of a specific syndrome provides guidance on management and prognosis. In this paper, we describe the childhood onset epilepsy syndromes, most of which have both mandatory seizure type(s) and interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) features. Based on the 2017 Classification of Seizures and Epilepsies, some syndrome names have been updated using terms directly describing the seizure semiology. Epilepsy syndromes beginning in childhood have been divided into three categories: (1) self-limited focal epilepsies, comprising four syndromes: self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures, childhood occipital visual epilepsy, and photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy; (2) generalized epilepsies, comprising three syndromes: childhood absence epilepsy, epilepsy with myoclonic absence, and epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia; and (3) developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathies, comprising five syndromes: epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation in sleep, hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome, and febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. We define each, highlighting the mandatory seizure(s), EEG features, phenotypic variations, and findings from key investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Full Member of EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Elaine C Wirrell
- Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital, Florey Institute, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Sick Children Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, member of EpiCARE, Imagine Institute, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Mixed Unit of Research 1163, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kate Riney
- Neurosciences Unit, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pauline Samia
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Sam Gwer
- School of Medicine, Kenyatta University, and Afya Research Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children and Institute of Health & Wellbeing, member of EpiCARE, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elissa Yozawitz
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology of the Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ronit Pressler
- Programme of Developmental Neurosciences, University College London National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Edouard Hirsch
- Neurology Epilepsy Units "Francis Rohmer", INSERM 1258, FMTS, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sam Wiebe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Helen J Cross
- Programme of Developmental Neurosciences, University College London National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, and Young Epilepsy Lingfield, London, UK
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, and Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Institute of Neurological Sciences, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Robert Debré Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, NeuroDiderot, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Department Medico-Universitaire Innovation Robert-Debré, Pediatric Neurology, University of Paris, Paris, France
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Hinokuma N, Nakashima M, Asai H, Nakamura K, Akaboshi S, Fukuoka M, Togawa M, Oana S, Ohno K, Kasai M, Ogawa C, Yamamoto K, Okumiya K, Chong PF, Kira R, Uchino S, Fukuyama T, Shinagawa T, Miyata Y, Abe Y, Hojo A, Kobayashi K, Maegaki Y, Ishikawa N, Ikeda H, Amamoto M, Mizuguchi T, Iwama K, Itai T, Miyatake S, Saitsu H, Matsumoto N, Kato M. Clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with Doose syndrome. Epilepsia Open 2020; 5:442-450. [PMID: 32913952 PMCID: PMC7469791 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the genetic background and genotype-phenotype correlations for epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, also known as myoclonic-astatic epilepsy (MAE) or Doose syndrome. METHODS We collected clinical information and blood samples from 29 patients with MAE. We performed whole-exome sequencing for all except one MAE case in whom custom capture sequencing identified a variant. RESULTS We newly identified four variants: SLC6A1 and HNRNPU missense variants and microdeletions at 2q24.2 involving SCN1A and Xp22.31 involving STS. Febrile seizures preceded epileptic or afebrile seizures in four patients, of which two patients had gene variants. Myoclonic-atonic seizures occurred at onset in four patients, of which two had variants, and during the course of disease in three patients. Variants were more commonly identified in patients with a developmental delay or intellectual disability (DD/ID), but genetic status was not associated with the severity of DD/ID. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autistic spectrum disorder were less frequently observed in patients with variants than in those with unknown etiology. SIGNIFICANCE MAE patients had genetic heterogeneity, and HNRNPU and STS emerged as possible candidate causative genes. Febrile seizures prior to epileptic seizures and myoclonic-atonic seizure at onset indicate a genetic predisposition to MAE. Comorbid conditions were not related to genetic predisposition to MAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nodoka Hinokuma
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Mitsuko Nakashima
- Department of BiochemistryHamamatsu University School of MedicineHamamatsuJapan
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Hideyuki Asai
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kazuyuki Nakamura
- Department of PediatricsYamagata University Faculty of MedicineYamagataJapan
| | | | - Masataka Fukuoka
- Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological DisordersShizuokaJapan
| | - Masami Togawa
- Department of PediatricsTottori Prefectural Central HospitalTottoriJapan
| | - Shingo Oana
- Department of PediatricsTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Koyo Ohno
- Division of Child NeurologyInstitute of Neurological SciencesFaculty of MedicineTottori UniversityYonagoJapan
| | - Mariko Kasai
- Department of Developmental Medical Sciences Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Chikako Ogawa
- Department of PediatricsNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineAichiJapan
| | - Kazuna Yamamoto
- Department of PediatricsTeikyo University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kiyohito Okumiya
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthKurume University School of MedicineFukuokaJapan
| | - Pin Fee Chong
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyFukuoka Children's HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Ryutaro Kira
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyFukuoka Children's HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Shumpei Uchino
- Department of NeuropediatricsTokyo Metropolitan Neurological HospitalTokyoJapan
- Department of PediatricsThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tetsuhiro Fukuyama
- Department of PediatricsShinshu University School of MedicineMatsumotoJapan
| | | | - Yohane Miyata
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University Faculty of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yuichi Abe
- Department of PediatricsSaitama Medical UniversityMoroyamaJapan
- Division of NeurologyNational Center for Child Health and DevelopmentTokyoJapan
| | - Akira Hojo
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kozue Kobayashi
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Maegaki
- Division of Child NeurologyInstitute of Neurological SciencesFaculty of MedicineTottori UniversityYonagoJapan
| | | | - Hiroko Ikeda
- Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological DisordersShizuokaJapan
| | - Masano Amamoto
- Kitakyushu City Yahata Hospital Pediatric Emergency/Children’s Medical CenterFukuokaJapan
| | - Takeshi Mizuguchi
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Kazuhiro Iwama
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Itai
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Satoko Miyatake
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- Department of BiochemistryHamamatsu University School of MedicineHamamatsuJapan
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Mitsuhiro Kato
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Department of PediatricsYamagata University Faculty of MedicineYamagataJapan
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Tang S, Addis L, Smith A, Topp SD, Pendziwiat M, Mei D, Parker A, Agrawal S, Hughes E, Lascelles K, Williams RE, Fallon P, Robinson R, Cross HJ, Hedderly T, Eltze C, Kerr T, Desurkar A, Hussain N, Kinali M, Bagnasco I, Vassallo G, Whitehouse W, Goyal S, Absoud M, Møller RS, Helbig I, Weber YG, Marini C, Guerrini R, Simpson MA, Pal DK. Phenotypic and genetic spectrum of epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures. Epilepsia 2020; 61:995-1007. [PMID: 32469098 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the extent of neurodevelopmental impairments and identify the genetic etiologies in a large cohort of patients with epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures (MAE). METHODS We deeply phenotyped MAE patients for epilepsy features, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using standardized neuropsychological instruments. We performed exome analysis (whole exome sequencing) filtered on epilepsy and neuropsychiatric gene sets to identify genetic etiologies. RESULTS We analyzed 101 patients with MAE (70% male). The median age of seizure onset was 34 months (range = 6-72 months). The main seizure types were myoclonic atonic or atonic in 100%, generalized tonic-clonic in 72%, myoclonic in 69%, absence in 60%, and tonic seizures in 19% of patients. We observed intellectual disability in 62% of patients, with extremely low adaptive behavioral scores in 69%. In addition, 24% exhibited symptoms of autism and 37% exhibited attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms. We discovered pathogenic variants in 12 (14%) of 85 patients, including five previously published patients. These were pathogenic genetic variants in SYNGAP1 (n = 3), KIAA2022 (n = 2), and SLC6A1 (n = 2), as well as KCNA2, SCN2A, STX1B, KCNB1, and MECP2 (n = 1 each). We also identified three new candidate genes, ASH1L, CHD4, and SMARCA2 in one patient each. SIGNIFICANCE MAE is associated with significant neurodevelopmental impairment. MAE is genetically heterogeneous, and we identified a pathogenic genetic etiology in 14% of this cohort by exome analysis. These findings suggest that MAE is a manifestation of several etiologies rather than a discrete syndromic entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Tang
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Addis
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Eli Lilly and Company, Erl Wood, Surrey, UK
| | - Anna Smith
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Simon D Topp
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Manuela Pendziwiat
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics, Schleswig-Holstein University Clinics, Kiel, Germany
| | - Davide Mei
- Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Shakti Agrawal
- Birmingham Children's Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Elaine Hughes
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Penny Fallon
- St George's National Health Service Health Care Trust, London, UK
| | - Robert Robinson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
| | - Helen J Cross
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
- Clinical Neurosciences, UCL - Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Christin Eltze
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
| | - Tim Kerr
- St George's National Health Service Health Care Trust, London, UK
| | - Archana Desurkar
- Sheffield Children's National Health Service Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nahin Hussain
- University Hospital of Leicester National Health Service Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Maria Kinali
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Irene Bagnasco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Martini Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Sushma Goyal
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ingo Helbig
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics, Schleswig-Holstein University Clinics, Kiel, Germany
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yvonne G Weber
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carla Marini
- Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michael A Simpson
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deb K Pal
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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Breuillard D, Jambaqué I, Laschet J, Nabbout R. Usefulness of preschool and school versions of the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functions in the evaluation of the daily life executive function in myoclonic-atonic epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 99:106482. [PMID: 31461681 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Executive functions (EF) are high-order cognitive skills that have a major influence on quality of life, social skills, and school achievement. We aimed to screen EF daily life abilities in young patients with myoclonic-atonic epilepsy (MAE) using an ecological questionnaire and to correlate EF to epilepsy characteristics. METHODS Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functions - Preschool (BRIEF-P) and BRIEF - for school-aged patients - parental questionnaires were proposed to patients with MAE and typically developing children (TDC) including Inhibit, Shift, Emotional control, Working memory (WM), Plan/Organize, Initiate, Organization of materials, and Monitor subscales. We included prospectively 12 patients with MAE and 44 TDC aged 3 to 5 years and seven patients with MAE and 21 TDC aged 6-7 years. We performed in addition for all patients an intellectual efficiency evaluation using WPPSI-IV (Wechsler intelligence scale for preschool children version IV) and collected demographics, age at onset of epilepsy, epilepsy duration, response to treatment, number and type of treatments including AEDs (antiepileptic drugs), and ketogenic diet. RESULTS Four out of 12 patients for BRIEF-P and 6/7 patients for BRIEF had pathological scores for at least one domain. Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functions' questionnaires showed higher pathological scores for WM, Plan/Organize, Initiate, Monitor, and Metacognition Index in patients with MAE compared to TDC suggesting higher problems reported by parents. Working memory scores were higher in the group with MAE than TDC for both BRIEF-P and BRIEF. Response to treatment is a predictor of multiple BRIEF-P domains. Epilepsy duration predicts Shift and WM domains while age at onset predicts WM domain on BRIEF in this syndrome. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to assess prospectively EF in young patients with MAE. We show everyday deficits in EF reported by parents. Metacognition and more specifically WM, appear to be a core deficit. Early evaluation of EF using both questionnaires and standardized tools is necessary for early detection of EF deficit and initiating tailored rehabilitation. Given the normal development before seizure onset and the absence of cerebral lesion in MAE, these results are in favor of the impact of epilepsy on EF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Breuillard
- Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, APHP, Paris Descartes University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France; Memory, Brain and Cognition (MC2Lab, EA 7536), Paris Descartes University, Paris, France; France Institute of Psychology, Paris Descartes University, Boulogne Billancourt, France.
| | - Isabelle Jambaqué
- Memory, Brain and Cognition (MC2Lab, EA 7536), Paris Descartes University, Paris, France; France Institute of Psychology, Paris Descartes University, Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Jacques Laschet
- INSERM U1129 "Child Epilepsies & Brain Plasticity", University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CEA, Gif sur Yvette, France; University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CEA, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Memory, Brain and Cognition (MC2Lab, EA 7536), Paris Descartes University, Paris, France; France Institute of Psychology, Paris Descartes University, Boulogne Billancourt, France; Inserm UMR 1163, Paris, France
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Dissecting the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of early childhood-onset generalized epilepsies. Seizure 2019; 71:222-228. [PMID: 31401500 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2019.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the genetic and clinical aspects of epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (MAE) and early onset absence epilepsy (EOAE) have been investigated thoroughly, other early childhood-onset generalized epilepsies that share clinical features with MAE and EOAE have not been characterized. In this study, we aimed to delineate the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of early childhood-onset generalized epilepsies, including MAE and EOAE. METHODS We recruited 61 patients diagnosed with MAE, EOAE, genetic epilepsy with febrile seizure plus (GEFS+) and unclassified generalized epilepsies that shared seizure onset age and seizure types. Genetic causes were investigated through targeted gene panel testing, whole exome sequencing, chromosomal microarray, and single-gene Sanger sequencing. RESULTS We classified 11 patients with MAE, 20 with EOAE, 9 with GEFS + spectrum. Epilepsy syndrome was not specified in the remaining 21 patients. The clinical features were comparable across groups. Nevertheless, patients with EOAE tended to show better developmental and seizure outcomes. A total of 23 pathogenic sequences and copy number variants from 12 genes were identified (23/61, 37.7%). Genetic etiologies were confirmed in 36.4% (4/11) of the MAE group, 45% (9/20) of the EOAE group, 22.2% (2/9) of the GEFS + spectrum, and 38.1% (8/21) of the unclassified group. The most frequently identified genes with pathogenic variants were SLC6A1 (7 patients), SLC2A1 (4 patients), and SYNGAP1 (4 patients). CONCLUSION Early childhood-onset generalized epilepsy appeared to be characterized by an overlapping genetic and phenotypic spectrum. SLC6A1 and SLC2A1 appeared to be important genetic causes of early childhood-onset generalized epilepsy.
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Angione K, Eschbach K, Smith G, Joshi C, Demarest S. Genetic testing in a cohort of patients with potential epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures. Epilepsy Res 2019; 150:70-77. [PMID: 30660939 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (EMAS) accounts for 1-2% of all childhood-onset epilepsies. EMAS has been shown to have an underlying genetic component, however the genetics of this disorder is not yet well understood. The purpose of this study was to review genetic testing results for a cohort of EMAS patients. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 77 patients evaluated at Children's Hospital Colorado with a potential diagnosis of EMAS. Genetic testing and biochemical testing was reviewed. Family history data was also collected. Seventy-seven percent of the cohort had at least one genetic test performed, and a molecular diagnosis was reached for six patients. Thirty-seven patients had a microarray, six of which identified a copy number variant. Only one was felt to contribute to the phenotype (2p16.3 deletion including NRXN1). Fifty-one patients had an epilepsy panel, two of which were positive (likely pathogenic variant in SCN1A, pathogenic variant in GABRG2). Of the six patients who had whole exome sequencing, two were negative, three were positive or likely positive, and one had multiple variants not felt to explain the phenotype. While EMAS is widely accepted to have a strong genetic component, the diagnostic yield of genetic testing remains low. This may be because several genes now thought to be associated with EMAS are not included on the more commonly ordered epilepsy panels, or have only recently been added to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Angione
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States.
| | - Krista Eschbach
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States
| | - Garnett Smith
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States
| | - Charuta Joshi
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States
| | - Scott Demarest
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States
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Palmer S, Towne MC, Pearl PL, Pelletier RC, Genetti CA, Shi J, Beggs AH, Agrawal PB, Brownstein CA. SLC6A1 Mutation and Ketogenic Diet in Epilepsy With Myoclonic-Atonic Seizures. Pediatr Neurol 2016; 64:77-79. [PMID: 27600546 PMCID: PMC5223550 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, also known as myoclonic-astatic epilepsy or Doose syndrome, has been recently linked to variants in the SLC6A1 gene. Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures is often refractory to antiepileptic drugs, and the ketogenic diet is known for treating medically intractable seizures, although the mechanism of action is largely unknown. We report a novel SLC6A1 variant in a patient with epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, analyze its effects, and suggest a mechanism of action for the ketogenic diet. METHODS We describe a ten-year-old girl with epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures and a de novo SLC6A1 mutation who responded well to the ketogenic diet. She carried a c.491G>A mutation predicted to cause p.Cys164Tyr amino acid change, which was identified using whole exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. High-resolution structural modeling was used to analyze the likely effects of the mutation. RESULTS The SLC6A1 gene encodes a transporter that removes gamma-aminobutyric acid from the synaptic cleft. Mutations in SLC6A1 are known to disrupt the gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter protein 1, affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid levels and causing seizures. The p.Cys164Tyr variant found in our study has not been previously reported, expanding on the variants linked to epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures. CONCLUSION A 10-year-old girl with a novel SLC6A1 mutation and epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures had an excellent clinical response to the ketogenic diet. An effect of the diet on gamma-aminobutyric acid reuptake mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter protein 1 is suggested. A personalized approach to epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures patients carrying SLC6A1 mutation and a relationship between epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures due to SLC6A1 mutations, GABAergic drugs, and the ketogenic diet warrants further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Palmer
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meghan C. Towne
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Phillip L. Pearl
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Renee C. Pelletier
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Casie A. Genetti
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jiahai Shi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Alan H. Beggs
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pankaj B. Agrawal
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine A. Brownstein
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,Communications should be addressed to: Dr. Brownstein; Division of Genetics and Genomics; The Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research; Boston Children’s Hospital; 3 Blackfan Circle; CLSB 15031; Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
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Carvill G, McMahon J, Schneider A, Zemel M, Myers C, Saykally J, Nguyen J, Robbiano A, Zara F, Specchio N, Mecarelli O, Smith R, Leventer R, Møller R, Nikanorova M, Dimova P, Jordanova A, Petrou S, Helbig I, Striano P, Weckhuysen S, Berkovic S, Scheffer I, Mefford H, Mefford HC. Mutations in the GABA Transporter SLC6A1 Cause Epilepsy with Myoclonic-Atonic Seizures. Am J Hum Genet 2015; 96:808-15. [PMID: 25865495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
GAT-1, encoded by SLC6A1, is one of the major gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporters in the brain and is responsible for re-uptake of GABA from the synapse. In this study, targeted resequencing of 644 individuals with epileptic encephalopathies led to the identification of six SLC6A1 mutations in seven individuals, all of whom have epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (MAE). We describe two truncations and four missense alterations, all of which most likely lead to loss of function of GAT-1 and thus reduced GABA re-uptake from the synapse. These individuals share many of the electrophysiological properties of Gat1-deficient mice, including spontaneous spike-wave discharges. Overall, pathogenic mutations occurred in 6/160 individuals with MAE, accounting for ~4% of unsolved MAE cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Heather C Mefford
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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9
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Caraballo RH, Chamorro N, Darra F, Fortini S, Arroyo H. Epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures: an electroclinical study of 69 patients. Pediatr Neurol 2013; 48:355-62. [PMID: 23583052 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2012.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures is characterized by myoclonic-atonic, absence, tonic-clonic, and eventually tonic seizures, appearing in previously normal children at ages 18-60 months. We analyzed the electroclinical features, treatment, and outcome of 69 patients with myoclonic-atonic seizures; these patients were followed between 1990 and 2012 at the Juan P. Garrahan Pediatric Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. No structural or metabolic etiology was identified. Based on the electroclinical features and evolution, two groups could be distinguished. The first group of 39 patients with myoclonic and myoclonic-atonic seizures with or without generalized tonic-clonic seizures and absences associated with generalized spike- and polyspike-and-wave paroxysms had excellent prognoses. The second group of 30 patients had myoclonic jerks and myoclonic-atonic seizures associated with other seizure types including tonic seizures; some had myoclonic status epilepticus and cognitive deterioration. The interictal EEG showed frequent generalized spike- and polyspike-and-wave paroxysms. In 16 patients, the seizures remitted within 3.6 years. The two groups were distinguished in retrospect, when enough time had elapsed to evaluate cognitive deterioration and different seizure types. In conclusion, epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures is an epileptic syndrome with a broad clinical spectrum and variable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto H Caraballo
- Servicio de Neurologia, Hospital de Pediatría Prof Dr Juan P Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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10
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Kaminska A, Oguni H. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and epilepsy with myoclonic-astatic seizures. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2013; 111:641-52. [PMID: 23622212 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52891-9.00067-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Among nonsymptomatic epilepsies exhibiting several types of generalized seizures in children two syndromes were progressively identified: epilepsy with myoclonic-astatic seizures (MAE) and nonsymptomatic Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Various approaches based on etiology, electroclinical semiology, and mathematical analysis have progressively helped to distinguish these two conditions. Both conditions preferentially affect boys. The course is stereotyped in MAE, characterized by progressive worsening of epilepsy, usual pharmacoresistance at onset and tonic-clonic seizures, myoclonus and frequent episodes of myoclonic status epilepticus. EEG shows 3Hz spike wave bursts characteristic of idiopathic generalized epilepsy together with slowing of the tracing. In LGS, major seizures are mainly atypical absences and tonic seizures with 0.5-2Hz slow spike-waves and eventually focal anomalies. Prognosis in both syndromes ranges from recovery without sequelae to pharmacoresistant epilepsy that has improved over the past 2 decades with the new generation antiepileptic compounds. Iatrogenic factors may contribute to the poor prognosis, mainly in MAE. Pathophysiology remains speculative for both syndromes: although both share factors of brain maturation, MAE is probably mainly related to genetic predisposition whereas LGS results from some unidentified cortical brain malformation. In unfavorable cases, there may therefore be a continuum between both syndromes. They need to be distinguished from other epilepsy syndromes and inborn errors of metabolism that begin in the same age range: atypical idiopathic benign epilepsy, frontal lobe epilepsy with secondary bisynchrony, ring chromosome 20, ceroid lipofuscinosis, and nonsymptomatic late-onset spasms.
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11
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Epileptic encephalopathies in adults and childhood. EPILEPSY RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2012; 2012:205131. [PMID: 23056934 PMCID: PMC3465907 DOI: 10.1155/2012/205131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Epileptic encephalopathies are motor-mental retardations or cognitive disorders secondary to epileptic seizures or epileptiform activities. Encephalopaties due to brain damage, medications, or systemic diseases are generally not in the scope of this definition, but they may rarely accompany the condition. Appropriate differential diagnosis of epileptic seizures as well as subclinical electroencephalographic discharges are crucial for management of seizures and epileptiform discharges and relative regression of cognitive deterioration in long-term followup. Proper antiepileptic drug, hormonal treatment, or i.v. immunoglobulin choice play major role in prognosis. In this paper, we evaluated the current treatment approaches by reviewing clinical electrophysiological characteristics of epileptic encephalopathies.
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12
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13
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Bergqvist AC. Myoclonic astatic epilepsy and the use of the ketogenic diet. Epilepsy Res 2012; 100:258-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2011.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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Trivisano M, Specchio N, Cappelletti S, Di Ciommo V, Claps D, Specchio LM, Vigevano F, Fusco L. Myoclonic astatic epilepsy: An age-dependent epileptic syndrome with favorable seizure outcome but variable cognitive evolution. Epilepsy Res 2011; 97:133-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2011.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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15
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Polymorphisms of the SCN1A gene in children and adolescents with primary headache and idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy: is there a linkage? J Headache Pain 2011; 12:435-41. [PMID: 21713554 PMCID: PMC3139068 DOI: 10.1007/s10194-011-0359-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the polymorphisms of the SCN1A gene in a series of children and adolescents with primary headache and idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy compared to controls. Five non-synonymous exonic polymorphisms (1748A > T, 2656T > C, 3199A > G, 5771G > A, 5864T > C) of the SCN1A gene were selected and their genotyping was performed, by high resolution melting (HRM), in 49 cases and 100 controls. We found that among the five polymorphisms, only 3199A > G was a true polymorphism. We did not find a statistically significant difference between distribution of 3199A > G genotypes between cases and controls. We excluded the role of the SCN1A gene in the pathogenesis of comorbidity between headache (especially migraine) and epilepsy. The SCN1A gene is a major gene in different epilepsies and epilepsy syndromes; the HRM could be the new methodology, more rapid and efficacious, for molecular analysis of the SCN1A gene.
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Parisi P, Spalice A, Nicita F, Papetti L, Ursitti F, Verrotti A, Iannetti P, Villa MP. "Epileptic encephalopathy" of infancy and childhood: electro-clinical pictures and recent understandings. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 8:409-21. [PMID: 21629447 PMCID: PMC3080596 DOI: 10.2174/157015910793358196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing interest in the diagnosis of cognitive impairment among children with epilepsy. It is well known that status of seizures control has to be carefully investigated because it can be sufficient "per se" to cause progressive mental deterioration conditions. Subclinical electroencephalographic discharges may have subtle effects on cognition, learning and sleep patterns, even in the absence of clinical or sub-clinical seizures. In this respect, electroencephalographic monitoring (long-term and nocturnal recording) and in particular an all night video-polysomnography (V-NPSG) record can be crucial to detect the presence of unrecognized seizures and/or an inter-ictal nocturnal EEG discharge increasing. Epileptic encephalopathies (EE) are a group of conditions in which the higher cognitive functions are deteriorate as a consequence of epileptic activity, which, in fact, consists of frequent seizures and/or florid and prolonged interictal paroxysmal discharges, focal or generalized. AEDs represent the first line in opposing the burden of both, the poor seizures control and the poor interictal discharges control, in the cognitive deterioration of EE affected children. Thus, to improve the long-term cognitive/behavioural prognosis in these refractory epileptic children, it should be taken into account both a good seizures control and a strict sleep control, choosing carefully antiepileptic drugs which are able to control not only seizures clinically recognizable but even the EEG discharges onset and its increasing and spreading during sleep. Here, we review the efficacy and safety of the newer AEDs that, to date, are used in the treatment of EE in infancy and childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Parisi
- Child Neurology, Headache Paediatric Center, Paediatric Sleep Centre, II Faculty of Medicine, “Sapienza University” c/o Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Spalice
- Child Neurology, Paediatric Department, I Faculty of Medicine, “Sapienza University” c/o Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicita
- Child Neurology, Paediatric Department, I Faculty of Medicine, “Sapienza University” c/o Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Papetti
- Child Neurology, Paediatric Department, I Faculty of Medicine, “Sapienza University” c/o Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Ursitti
- Child Neurology, Paediatric Department, I Faculty of Medicine, “Sapienza University” c/o Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Child Neurology, Pediatric Department, University of Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Iannetti
- Child Neurology, Paediatric Department, I Faculty of Medicine, “Sapienza University” c/o Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Villa
- Child Neurology, Headache Paediatric Center, Paediatric Sleep Centre, II Faculty of Medicine, “Sapienza University” c/o Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
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17
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Abstract
Doose syndrome, otherwise traditionally known as myoclonic-astatic epilepsy, was first described as a unique epilepsy syndrome by Dr Hermann Doose in 1970. In 1989, the International League Against Epilepsy classified it formally as a symptomatic generalized epilepsy, and 20 years later it was renamed 'epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures'. In this review, we discuss the components of this unique disorder including its incidence, clinical features, and electroencephalographic findings. Recent evidence has suggested possible genetic links to the GEFS+ (generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus) family, and, additionally, some children with structural brain lesions can mimic the Doose syndrome phenotype. Treatment strategies such as corticosteroids, ethosuximide, and valproate have been described as only partially effective, but newer anticonvulsants, such as levetiracetam and zonisamide, may provide additional seizure control. The most effective treatment reported to date appears to be the ketogenic diet. Prognosis is quite varied in this disorder; however, many children can have a remarkably normal neurodevelopmental outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Kelley
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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18
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article is to review new epilepsy syndromes, acquire a new understanding of older ones and emphasize the impact of this concept on basic research regarding aetiology and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS In addition to those included in the classification of the International League Against Epilepsy, new epilepsy syndromes comprise febrile seizures plus, benign familial neonatal-infantile seizures (BFNIS), benign infantile focal epilepsy with midline spikes and waves during sleep (BFIS), malignant migrating partial seizures in infancy, devastating epilepsy in school age children and late onset cryptogenic spasms. Genetics played a central role in identifying some new entities (BFNIS, BFIS with choreoathetosis), to delineate older syndromes (Dravet syndrome and myoclonic astatic epilepsy) and determine their mechanisms (infantile spasms, pyridoxine dependent seizures, neonatal encephalopathy with suppression bursts). SUMMARY A significant number of children, mainly infants, do not fit in any of the described epilepsy syndromes. Still many patients with infantile epilepsy require the identification of cause or recognition of an epilepsy syndrome.
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Kilaru S, Bergqvist AGC. Current Treatment of Myoclonic Astatic Epilepsy: Clinical Experience at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Epilepsia 2007; 48:1703-1707. [PMID: 17651420 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2007.01186.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Myoclonic astatic epilepsy (MAE) is a generalized epilepsy of early childhood. Little is known about the use of newer antiepileptic treatments (AET) in MAE. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics, treatment, and outcome of a contemporary MAE cohort exposed to the new generation AET. METHODS Charts of subjects with MAE treated between 1998 and 2005 were reviewed. RESULTS Twenty-three subjects (19 boys), with a median (range) follow-up of 38 (2- 86) months were identified. Thirty-nine percent had a family history of epilepsy, and 39% had family history of febrile seizures. Age at seizure onset was a median of 36 (12-24) months. Initial EEG was normal in 30%. When seizures ceased, EEG background and epileptiform abnormalities persisted in 17 and 58%, respectively. On average, each subject was exposed to five AET. The most frequently used AET was valproate (83%). Seizure freedom occurred spontaneously in three subjects, with ethosuximide and levetiracetam in one each, valproate and lamotrigine in two each, topiramate in three and the ketogenic diet (KD) in five subjects. By 36 months after seizure onset, 67% achieved seizure freedom. At the last visit, 43% were developmentally normal, 52% had mild, and 5% had moderate cognitive disabilities. Time to seizure freedom did not correlate with cognitive outcome. CONCLUSIONS The new generation of AET may offer significant benefit to children with MAE. The KD was the most effective AET in this series, and perhaps should be considered earlier in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudha Kilaru
- Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - A G Christina Bergqvist
- Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
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20
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Fieberkrämpfe und Epilepsie. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-007-1510-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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21
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Harkin LA, McMahon JM, Iona X, Dibbens L, Pelekanos JT, Zuberi SM, Sadleir LG, Andermann E, Gill D, Farrell K, Connolly M, Stanley T, Harbord M, Andermann F, Wang J, Batish SD, Jones JG, Seltzer WK, Gardner A, Sutherland G, Berkovic SF, Mulley JC, Scheffer IE. The spectrum of SCN1A-related infantile epileptic encephalopathies. Brain 2007; 130:843-52. [PMID: 17347258 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awm002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI or Dravet syndrome) and the related syndrome SMEI-borderland (SMEB) with mutations in the sodium channel alpha 1 subunit gene SCN1A is well established. To explore the phenotypic variability associated with SCN1A mutations, 188 patients with a range of epileptic encephalopathies were examined for SCN1A sequence variations by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and sequencing. All patients had seizure onset within the first 2 years of life. A higher proportion of mutations were identified in patients with SMEI (52/66; 79%) compared to patients with SMEB (25/36; 69%). By studying a broader spectrum of infantile epileptic encephalopathies, we identified mutations in other syndromes including cryptogenic generalized epilepsy (24%) and cryptogenic focal epilepsy (22%). Within the latter group, a distinctive subgroup designated as severe infantile multifocal epilepsy had SCN1A mutations in three of five cases. This phenotype is characterized by early onset multifocal seizures and later cognitive decline. Knowledge of an expanded spectrum of epileptic encephalopathies associated with SCN1A mutations allows earlier diagnostic confirmation for children with these devastating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Harkin
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia
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22
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Mulley JC, Scheffer IE, Petrou S, Dibbens LM, Berkovic SF, Harkin LA. SCN1A mutations and epilepsy. Hum Mutat 2006; 25:535-42. [PMID: 15880351 DOI: 10.1002/humu.20178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
SCN1A is part of the SCN1A-SCN2A-SCN3A gene cluster on chromosome 2q24 that encodes for alpha pore forming subunits of sodium channels. The 26 exons of SCN1A are spread over 100 kb of genomic DNA. Genetic defects in the coding sequence lead to generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) and a range of childhood epileptic encephalopathies of varied severity (e.g., SMEI). All published mutations are collated. More than 100 novel mutations are spread throughout the gene with the more debilitating usually de novo. Some clustering of mutations is observed in the C-terminus and the loops between segments 5 and 6 of the first three domains of the protein. Functional studies so far show no consistent relationship between changes to channel properties and clinical phenotype. Of all the known epilepsy genes SCN1A is currently the most clinically relevant, with the largest number of epilepsy related mutations so far characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Mulley
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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23
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Audenaert D, Van Broeckhoven C, De Jonghe P. Genes and loci involved in febrile seizures and related epilepsy syndromes. Hum Mutat 2006; 27:391-401. [PMID: 16550559 DOI: 10.1002/humu.20279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a paroxysmal disorder with a cumulative incidence of about 3%. About 13% of patients with epilepsy have a history of febrile seizures (FS). Generalized epilepsy with FS plus (GEFS+) is a familial epilepsy syndrome in which patients can have classic FS, FS that persist beyond the age of 5 years (i.e., FS+), and/or epilepsy. Both genetic and environmental factors have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of FS and GEFS+. During the past 10 years, molecular genetic studies have contributed a great deal to the identification of genetic factors involved in FS and GEFS+. In this study we aimed to provide a comprehensive review of currently known genes for FS and GEFS+, and the methods and approaches used to identify them. We also discuss the knowledge we currently have and hypotheses regarding the effect of the mutations on their respective protein functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Audenaert
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Neurogenetics Group, Flanders Interuniversity Institute for Biotechnology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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24
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Scheffer IE, Harkin LA, Dibbens LM, Mulley JC, Berkovic SF. Neonatal Epilepsy Syndromes and Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus (GEFS+). Epilepsia 2005; 46 Suppl 10:41-7. [PMID: 16359471 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2005.00358.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
MESH Headings
- Child, Preschool
- Epilepsies, Myoclonic/genetics
- Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal/diagnosis
- Epilepsy, Benign Neonatal/genetics
- Epilepsy, Generalized/diagnosis
- Epilepsy, Generalized/genetics
- Female
- Genetic Heterogeneity
- Humans
- Infant
- KCNQ2 Potassium Channel/genetics
- KCNQ3 Potassium Channel/genetics
- Male
- Mutation
- NAV1.1 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Phenotype
- Receptors, GABA-A/genetics
- Receptors, GABA-B/genetics
- Seizures, Febrile/diagnosis
- Seizures, Febrile/genetics
- Sodium Channels/genetics
- Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel beta-1 Subunit
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid E Scheffer
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria.
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25
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Ito M, Ohmori I, Nakahori T, Ouchida M, Ohtsuka Y. Mutation screen of GABRA1, GABRB2 and GABRG2 genes in Japanese patients with absence seizures. Neurosci Lett 2005; 383:220-4. [PMID: 15955415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2005] [Revised: 02/25/2005] [Accepted: 04/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Absence seizures are classified into typical and atypical absences according to clinical and EEG characteristics. Although missense mutations in the GABA(A) receptor gamma2 subunits (GABRG2) gene have recently been detected in two families with typical absence seizures, no study has been carried out to clarify the relationship between atypical absence and GABA(A) receptors. We performed mutation analysis of all the coding exons of GABA(A) receptor alpha1, beta2 and gamma2 subunit (GABRA1, GABRB2 and GABRG2) genes by direct sequencing to clarify whether there was common molecular biological mechanism underlying both typical and atypical absences. We recruited 52 unrelated Japanese patients, thirty-eight with typical absences and 14 with atypical absences. They consisted of 38 with childhood absence epilepsy, three with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two with epilepsy with myoclonic-astatic seizures and nine with epilepsy with continuous spike-waves during slow wave sleep. All of the subjects were idiopathic or cryptogenic cases without any organic brain lesions or underlying diseases. We detected five polymorphisms (T156C in GABRA1, C1194T in GABRB2, and C315T, T588C and C1230T in GABRG2), and they are silent mutations. In conclusion, mutations in GABRA1, GABRB2 and GABRG2 do not seem to be a major genetic cause of epilepsy with typical and atypical absences in Japanese subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minako Ito
- Department of Child Neurology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Science. 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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