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Siow SF, Yeow D, Rudaks LI, Jia F, Wali G, Sue CM, Kumar KR. Outcome Measures and Biomarkers for Clinical Trials in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: A Scoping Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1756. [PMID: 37761896 PMCID: PMC10530989 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is characterized by progressive lower limb spasticity. There is no disease-modifying treatment currently available. Therefore, standardized, validated outcome measures to facilitate clinical trials are urgently needed. We performed a scoping review of outcome measures and biomarkers for HSP to provide recommendations for future studies and identify areas for further research. We searched Embase, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Central Cochrane database. Seventy studies met the inclusion criteria, and eighty-three outcome measures were identified. The Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS) was the most widely used (27 studies), followed by the modified Ashworth Scale (18 studies) and magnetic resonance imaging (17 studies). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were infrequently used to assess treatment outcomes (28% of interventional studies). Diffusion tensor imaging, gait analysis and neurofilament light chain levels were the most promising biomarkers in terms of being able to differentiate patients from controls and correlate with clinical disease severity. Overall, we found variability and inconsistencies in use of outcome measures with a paucity of longitudinal data. We highlight the need for (1) a standardized set of core outcome measures, (2) validation of existing biomarkers, and (3) inclusion of PROMs in HSP clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue-Faye Siow
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia (C.M.S.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards 2065, Australia
| | - Dennis Yeow
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia (C.M.S.)
- Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Randwick 2031, Australia
- Rare Disease Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
- Translational Neurogenomics Group, Molecular Medicine Laboratory and Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, Concord 2139, Australia
- Neurodegenerative Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick 2031, Australia
| | - Laura I. Rudaks
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia (C.M.S.)
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards 2065, Australia
- Rare Disease Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
- Translational Neurogenomics Group, Molecular Medicine Laboratory and Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, Concord 2139, Australia
| | - Fangzhi Jia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia (C.M.S.)
| | - Gautam Wali
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia (C.M.S.)
- Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Randwick 2031, Australia
| | - Carolyn M. Sue
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia (C.M.S.)
- Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Randwick 2031, Australia
- Neurodegenerative Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
| | - Kishore R. Kumar
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia (C.M.S.)
- Rare Disease Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
- Translational Neurogenomics Group, Molecular Medicine Laboratory and Department of Neurology, Concord Hospital, Concord 2139, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
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2
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Jin P, Wang Y, Nian N, Wang GQ, Fu XM. Hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG 48) with deafness and azoospermia: A case report. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1156100. [PMID: 37077568 PMCID: PMC10106626 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1156100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are inherited neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive paraplegia and spasticity in the lower limbs. SPG48 represents a rare genotype characterized by mutations in AP5Z1, a gene playing a role in intracellular membrane trafficking. This study describes a case of a 53-year-old male patient with SPG48 presenting spastic paraplegia, infertility, hearing impairment, cognitive abnormalities and peripheral neuropathy. The Sanger sequencing revealed a homozygous deletion in the chr 7:4785904-4786677 region causing a premature stop codon in exon 10. The patient's brother was heterozygous for the mutation. The brain magnetic resonance imaging found a mild brain atrophy and white matter lesions. In the analysis of the auditory thresholds, we found a significant hearing decrease in both ears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Jin
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Na Nian
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Gong-Qiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Fu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Neurology, Anhui University of Chinese, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Ming Fu
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3
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Turski GN, Turski CA, Grobe-Einsler M, Kobeleva X, Turski JS, Holz FG, Finger RP, Klockgether T. Retinal ganglion cell and microvascular density loss in hereditary spastic paraplegia. Restor Neurol Neurosci 2023; 41:229-239. [PMID: 38217556 PMCID: PMC10894562 DOI: 10.3233/rnn-231380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Background Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is characterized by progressive degeneration of distal axons in the long corticospinal tracts. Loss of retinal cells and microvascular networks has neither been suspected nor investigated. We concurrently examined the retinal microvasculature and retinal layer morphology in patients with HSP to assess whether retinal features may portray disease and its progression. Methods Fifteen patients with HSP and 30 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional case-control study. Disease severity was assessed with the Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS). Severity of ataxia was determined by the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Retinal microvasculature was measured by means of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and morphology of retinal layers using structural OCT. Mixed-effects models were applied for data analysis. Results HSP patients showed significantly reduced vessel density of the superficial vascular plexus (SVP), reduced ganglion cell layer (GCL) volume, reduced inner plexiform layer (IPL) volume and reduced temporal-inferior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness versus healthy controls. GCL volume reduction correlated significantly with the worsening of visual acuity and higher SARA scores. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that, in HSP both cells and vascular networks of the retina are compromised. Assessment of the retinal GCL, IPL and SVP may aid in diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression as well as provide novel structural outcome measures for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle N. Turski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Christopher A. Turski
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Marcus Grobe-Einsler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Xenia Kobeleva
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Frank G. Holz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Klockgether
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Mulkerrin G, França MC, Lope J, Tan EL, Bede P. Neuroimaging in hereditary spastic paraplegias: from qualitative cues to precision biomarkers. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:745-760. [PMID: 36042576 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2118048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) include a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of conditions. Novel imaging modalities have been increasingly applied to HSP cohorts which helps to quantitatively evaluate the integrity of specific anatomical structures and develop monitoring markers for both clinical care and future clinical trials. AREAS COVERED : Advances in HSP imaging are systematically reviewed with a focus on cohort sizes, imaging modalities, study design, clinical correlates, methodological approaches, and key findings. EXPERT OPINION : A wide range of imaging techniques have been recently applied to HSP cohorts. Common shortcomings of existing studies include the evaluation of genetically unconfirmed or admixed cohorts, limited sample sizes, unimodal imaging approaches, lack of postmortem validation, and a limited clinical battery, often exclusively focusing on motor aspects of the condition. A number of innovative methodological approaches have also be identified, such as robust longitudinal study designs, the implementation of multimodal imaging protocols, complementary cognitive assessments, and the comparison of HSP cohorts to MND cohorts. Collaborative multicentre initiatives may overcome sample limitations, and comprehensive clinical profiling with motor, extrapyramidal, cerebellar, and neuropsychological assessments would permit systematic clinico-radiological correlations. Academic achievements in HSP imaging have the potential to be developed into viable clinical applications to expedite the diagnosis and monitor disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcondes C França
- Department of Neurology, The State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jasmin Lope
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ee Ling Tan
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Bede
- Department of Neurology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Computational Neuroimaging Group, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Wilson D, Hallett M, Anderson T. An Eye on Movement Disorders. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2021; 8:1168-1180. [PMID: 34765682 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Eye disorders spanning a range of ocular tissue are common in patients with movement disorders. Highlighting these ocular manifestations will benefit patients and may even aid in diagnosis. In this educational review we outline the anatomy and function of the ocular tissues with a focus on the tissues most affected in movement disorders. We review the movement disorders associated with ocular pathology and where possible explore the underlying cellular basis thought to be driving the pathology and provide a brief overview of ophthalmic investigations available to the neurologist. This review does not cover intracranial primary visual pathways, higher visual function, or the ocular motor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Wilson
- Department of Neurology Christchurch Hospital Christchurch New Zealand.,New Zealand Brain Research Institute Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Mark Hallett
- Human Motor Control Section, NINDS, NIH Bethesda Maryland USA
| | - Tim Anderson
- Department of Neurology Christchurch Hospital Christchurch New Zealand.,New Zealand Brain Research Institute Christchurch New Zealand.,Department of Medicine Otago University Dunedin New Zealand
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Barsottini O. Lighthouse in the open sea of spastic ataxia. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 91:184-185. [PMID: 34756306 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Barsottini
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.
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Lin CW, Huang CW, Luo AC, Chou YT, Huang YS, Chen PL, Chen TC. Genetic Spectrum and Characteristics of Hereditary Optic Neuropathy in Taiwan. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091378. [PMID: 34573359 PMCID: PMC8467776 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary optic neuropathy (HON) is a group of genetically heterogeneous diseases that cause optic nerve atrophy and lead to substantial visual impairment. HON may present with optic nerve atrophy only or in association with various systemic abnormalities. Although a genetic survey is indispensable for diagnosing HON, conventional sequencing techniques could render its diagnosis challenging. In this study, we attempted to explore the genetic background of patients with HON in Taiwan through capture-based next-generation sequencing targeting 52 HON-related genes. In total, 57 patients from 48 families were recruited, with 6 patients diagnosed as having Leber hereditary optic neuropathy through initial screening for three common variants (m.3460G>A, m.11778G>A, m.14484T>C). Disease-causing genotypes were identified in 14 (33.3%) probands, and OPA1 variants were the most prevalent cause of autosomal HON. Exposure to medications such as ethambutol could trigger an attack of autosomal dominant optic atrophy. WFS1 variants were identified in three probands with variable clinical features in our cohort. Hearing impairment could occur in patients with OPA1 or WFS1 variants. This is the first comprehensive study investigating the genetic characteristics of HON in Taiwan, especially for autosomal HON. Our results could provide useful information for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling in this field.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- DNA Mutational Analysis/statistics & numerical data
- Female
- GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics
- Genetic Counseling
- Genetic Testing/statistics & numerical data
- Humans
- Male
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Middle Aged
- Mutation
- Optic Atrophy, Autosomal Dominant/diagnosis
- Optic Atrophy, Autosomal Dominant/epidemiology
- Optic Atrophy, Autosomal Dominant/genetics
- Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/diagnosis
- Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/epidemiology
- Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber/genetics
- Taiwan/epidemiology
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Wen Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-W.H.); (Y.-S.H.)
| | - Ching-Wen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-W.H.); (Y.-S.H.)
| | - Allen Chilun Luo
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (A.C.L.); (Y.-T.C.)
| | - Yuh-Tsyr Chou
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (A.C.L.); (Y.-T.C.)
| | - Yu-Shu Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-W.H.); (Y.-S.H.)
| | - Pei-Lung Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (A.C.L.); (Y.-T.C.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (P.-L.C.); (T.-C.C.); Tel.: +886-2-23123456 (ext. 71942) (P.-L.C.); +886-2-23123456 (ext. 63783) (T.-C.C.); Fax: +886-2-23934420 (T.-C.C.)
| | - Ta-Ching Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (C.-W.H.); (Y.-S.H.)
- Correspondence: (P.-L.C.); (T.-C.C.); Tel.: +886-2-23123456 (ext. 71942) (P.-L.C.); +886-2-23123456 (ext. 63783) (T.-C.C.); Fax: +886-2-23934420 (T.-C.C.)
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8
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Salles PA. Challenges in the approach and reporting of atypical manifestations of membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN): An editorial. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 89:195-196. [PMID: 34303618 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe A Salles
- Movement Disorders Section, Center for Neurological Restoration, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Centro de Trastornos Del Movimiento CETRAM, Santiago, Chile.
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Rezende Filho FM, Bremner F, Pedroso JL, de Andrade JBC, Marianelli BF, Lourenço CM, Marques-Júnior W, França MC, Kok F, Sallum JMF, Parkinson MH, Barsottini OG, Giunti P. Retinal Architecture in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS): Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Biomarkers. Mov Disord 2021; 36:2027-2035. [PMID: 33893680 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) causes unique retinal abnormalities, which have not been systematically investigated. OBJECTIVE To deeply phenotype the retina in ARSACS in order to better understand its pathogenesis and identify potential biomarkers. METHODS We evaluated 29 patients with ARSACS, 66 with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), 38 with autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia (ATX), 22 with hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG), 21 cases of papilledema, and 20 healthy controls (total n = 196 subjects). Participants underwent visual acuity assessment, intraocular pressure measurement, fundoscopy, and macular and peripapillary optical coherence tomography (OCT). Macular layers thicknesses in ARSACS were compared with those of age-matched healthy controls. Ophthalmologists analyzed the scans for abnormal signs in the different patient groups. Linear regression analysis was conducted to look for associations between retinal changes and age, age at onset, disease duration, and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) scores in ARSACS. RESULTS Only patients with ARSACS exhibited peripapillary retinal striations (82%) on fundoscopy, and their OCT scans revealed foveal hypoplasia (100%), sawtooth appearance (89%), papillomacular fold (86%), and macular microcysts (18%). Average peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) was thicker in ARSACS than in SCA, ATX, SPG, and controls; a cut-off of 121 μm was 100% accurate in diagnosing ARSACS. All macular layers were thicker in ARSACS when compared to healthy controls. RNFL thickness in the inferior sector of the macula positively correlated with SARA scores. CONCLUSIONS Retinal abnormalities are highly specific for ARSACS, and suggest retinal hyperplasia due to abnormal retinal development. OCT may provide potential biomarkers for future clinical trials. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávio Moura Rezende Filho
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fion Bremner
- Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - José Luiz Pedroso
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Brainer Clares de Andrade
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wilson Marques-Júnior
- Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcondes C França
- Department of Neurology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernando Kok
- Mendelics Genomic Analysis, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana M F Sallum
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael H Parkinson
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Ataxia Centre, UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Orlando G Barsottini
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paola Giunti
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Ataxia Centre, UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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10
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Marianelli BF, Filho FMR, Salles MV, de Andrade JBC, Pedroso JL, Sallum JMF, Barsottini OGP. A Proposal for Classification of Retinal Degeneration in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7. THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 20:384-391. [PMID: 33196954 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01215-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to propose a classification system for the spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 retinal degeneration (SCA7-RD). Twenty patients with molecularly confirmed SCA7 underwent slit lamp examination, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (Spectralis®). Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) and International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) were applied, and age, sex, age at symptom onset, and number of CAG expansions were recorded. After analyzing the ophthalmological findings in each participant, a panel of retinal disease experts created a qualitative classification system for SCA7-RD comprising four stages. We assessed the correlations of retinal degeneration severity with SARA and ICARS scores, number of CAG repeats in ATXN7 allele, and age at symptom onset. We graded retinal degeneration as stage 1 in nine participants, as stage 2 in five, and as stage 3 in six. No differences in age and visual symptoms duration were found between groups. SARA and ICARS scores correlated with the severity of SCA7-RD on the classification system (p = 0.024 and p = 0.014, respectively). After adjusting for disease duration, retinal disease stage association with SARA and ICARS scores remained significant (ANCOVA, p < 0.05). The classification system for SCA7-RD was able to characterize different disease stages representing the landmarks in the cone-rod dystrophy natural history. Neurodegeneration appears to occur in parallel in the cerebellum and in the visual pathway. We conclude that retinal degeneration in SCA7 is a potential biomarker of the neurological phenotype severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Ferraço Marianelli
- Division of Retina and Vitreous, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,, Vitória, Brazil.
| | - Flávio Moura Rezende Filho
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Vallim Salles
- Division of Retina and Vitreous, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Brainer Clares de Andrade
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Pedroso
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Maria Ferraz Sallum
- Division of Retina and Vitreous, Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Orlando Graziani P Barsottini
- Division of General Neurology and Ataxia Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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