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Schouwstra KJ, Polet SS, Hbrahimgel S, Tadema AS, Burgerhof JGM, Brandsma R, Sival DA. Application of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia in toddlers. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 40:28-33. [PMID: 35931015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In young children with early onset ataxia (EOA), quantitative rating of ataxia by the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) is longitudinally influenced by the physiological age effect on motor coordination. To enable longitudinal quantitative interpretation of ataxia by SARA in children with EOA, the EPNS ataxia working group has previously determined SARA-scores in typically developing children (4-16 years of age). In toddlers, this information is still lacking. We therefore aimed to investigate the feasibility and reliability of SARA-scores in typically developing toddlers. METHODS In 57 typically developing toddlers (2-4 years), we aimed to determine the: 1. feasibility of SARA-scores, 2. age-related pre-requisites to obtain SARA-scores in toddlers over all domains, 3. SARA-score reliability, 4. mathematical age connection of SARA-scores in toddlers and older children. RESULTS In typically developing toddlers, the feasibility of SARA is strongly age-dependent (p < .000). After computing compensations for two age-related, unfeasible and therefore un-assessable kinetic subtasks and after allowing the videotaping of non-kinetic SARA sub-task performances at home, the SARA was fully reliably assessable in all (n = 57) toddlers (ICC = 0.732). From two to 16 years of age, SARA-scores were mathematically represented by one continuous, exponentially decreasing trend line approaching the adult-optimum at 16 years of age. CONCLUSION In toddlers, SARA-scores are reliably assessable, by using two age-compensations and allowing the videotaping of SARA-performances partly at home. In children with EOA, these data enable longitudinal quantification and interpretation of quantitative ataxia-scores by SARA from 2 years of age throughout childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Schouwstra
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - S S Polet
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - S Hbrahimgel
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - A S Tadema
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - J G M Burgerhof
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - R Brandsma
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - D A Sival
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Ayala IN, Aziz S, Argudo JM, Yepez M, Camacho M, Ojeda D, Aguirre AS, Oña S, Andrade AF, Vasudhar A, Moncayo JA, Hassen G, Ortiz JF, Tambo W. Use of Riluzole for the Treatment of Hereditary Ataxias: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:1040. [PMID: 36009103 PMCID: PMC9405857 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12081040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia is a constellation of symptoms that involves a lack of coordination, imbalance, and difficulty walking. Hereditary ataxia occurs when a person is born with defective genes, and this degenerative disorder may progress for several years. There is no effective cure for ataxia, so we need to search for new treatments. Recently, interest in riluzole in the treatment of ataxia has emerged. We conducted this systematic review to analyze the safety and efficacy of riluzole for treating hereditary ataxia in recent clinical trials. We conducted a systematic review using PubMed and Google Scholar as databases in search of this relationship. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) protocols to conduct this study. For inclusion criteria, we included full-text clinical trials on humans written in English and found three clinical trials. We excluded case reports, literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses for this analysis. We aimed to evaluate the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score, the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) score, and the safety of the medication. Two out of the three clinical trials showed statistically significant clinical improvement in the ICARS and SARA scores, while the other trial did not show improvement in the clinical or radiological outcomes. The drug was safe in all clinical trials. Overall, the results of this analysis of riluzole for the treatment of hereditary ataxia are encouraging. Further clinical trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of riluzole on hereditary ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Syed Aziz
- Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Jennifer M. Argudo
- School of Medicine, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador
| | - Mario Yepez
- School of Medicine, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil 090615, Ecuador
| | - Mikaela Camacho
- School of Medicine, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Diego Ojeda
- School of Medicine, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Alex S. Aguirre
- School of Medicine, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Sebastian Oña
- School of Medicine, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Andres F. Andrade
- School of Medicine, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | | | - Juan A. Moncayo
- School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito 17012184, Ecuador
| | - Gashaw Hassen
- Capital Region Medical Center, University of Maryland, Largo, MD 20774, USA
| | - Juan Fernando Ortiz
- Neurology Department, Spectrum Health/Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Willian Tambo
- Feinstein Institute, Northwell Health, New York, NY 11030, USA
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Sival DA, Noort SAMV, Tijssen MAJ, de Koning TJ, Verbeek DS. Developmental neurobiology of cerebellar and Basal Ganglia connections. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 36:123-129. [PMID: 34954622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of mixed phenotypes of Early Onset Ataxia (EOA) with comorbid dystonia has shifted the pathogenetic concept from the cerebellum towards the interconnected cerebellar motor network. This paper on EOA with comorbid dystonia (EOA-dystonia) explores the conceptual relationship between the motor phenotype and the cortico-basal-ganglia-ponto-cerebellar network. METHODS In EOA-dystonia, we reviewed anatomic-, genetic- and biochemical-studies on the comorbidity between ataxia and dystonia. RESULTS In a clinical EOA cohort, the prevalence of dystonia was over 60%. Both human and animal studies converge on the underlying role for the cortico-basal-ganglia-ponto-cerebellar network. Genetic -clinical and -in silico network studies reveal underlying biological pathways for energy production and neural signal transduction. CONCLUSIONS EOA-dystonia phenotypes are attributable to the cortico-basal-ganglia-ponto-cerebellar network, instead of to the cerebellum, alone. The underlying anatomic and pathogenetic pathways have clinical implications for our understanding of the heterogeneous phenotype, neuro-metabolic and genetic testing and potentially also for new treatment strategies, including neuro-modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Sival
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Suus A M van Noort
- Department of Neurology and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marina A J Tijssen
- Department of Neurology and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tom J de Koning
- Department of Neurology and University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dineke S Verbeek
- Genetics University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Bürk K, Sival DA. Scales for the clinical evaluation of cerebellar disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 154:329-339. [PMID: 29903450 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63956-1.00020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Clinical scales represent an important tool not only for the initial grading/scoring of disease and assessment of progression, but also for the quantification of therapeutic effects in clinical trials. There are several scales available for the clinical evaluation of cerebellar symptoms. While some scales have been developed and evaluated for specific cerebellar disorders such as Friedreich ataxia, others reliably capture cerebellar symptoms with no respect to the underlying etiology. Each scale has its strengths and weaknesses. Extensive scales are certainly useful for thorough documentation of specific features of certain phenotypes, but this gain of information is not always essential for the purpose of a study. Therefore, compact and manageable scales like the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) or Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (BARS) are often preferred compared to more complex scales in observational and therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Bürk
- Paracelsus-Elena-Klinik Kassel, and University of Marburg, Germany.
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Lawerman TF, Brandsma R, Verbeek RJ, van der Hoeven JH, Lunsing RJ, Kremer HPH, Sival DA. Construct Validity and Reliability of the SARA Gait and Posture Sub-scale in Early Onset Ataxia. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:605. [PMID: 29326569 PMCID: PMC5733344 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: In children, gait and posture assessment provides a crucial marker for the early characterization, surveillance and treatment evaluation of early onset ataxia (EOA). For reliable data entry of studies targeting at gait and posture improvement, uniform quantitative biomarkers are necessary. Until now, the pediatric test construct of gait and posture scores of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia sub-scale (SARA) is still unclear. In the present study, we aimed to validate the construct validity and reliability of the pediatric (SARAGAIT/POSTURE) sub-scale. Methods: We included 28 EOA patients [15.5 (6-34) years; median (range)]. For inter-observer reliability, we determined the ICC on EOA SARAGAIT/POSTURE sub-scores by three independent pediatric neurologists. For convergent validity, we associated SARAGAIT/POSTURE sub-scores with: (1) Ataxic gait Severity Measurement by Klockgether (ASMK; dynamic balance), (2) Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS; static balance), (3) Gross Motor Function Classification Scale -extended and revised version (GMFCS-E&R), (4) SARA-kinetic scores (SARAKINETIC; kinetic function of the upper and lower limbs), (5) Archimedes Spiral (AS; kinetic function of the upper limbs), and (6) total SARA scores (SARATOTAL; i.e., summed SARAGAIT/POSTURE, SARAKINETIC, and SARASPEECH sub-scores). For discriminant validity, we investigated whether EOA co-morbidity factors (myopathy and myoclonus) could influence SARAGAIT/POSTURE sub-scores. Results: The inter-observer agreement (ICC) on EOA SARAGAIT/POSTURE sub-scores was high (0.97). SARAGAIT/POSTURE was strongly correlated with the other ataxia and functional scales [ASMK (rs = -0.819; p < 0.001); PBS (rs = -0.943; p < 0.001); GMFCS-E&R (rs = -0.862; p < 0.001); SARAKINETIC (rs = 0.726; p < 0.001); AS (rs = 0.609; p = 0.002); and SARATOTAL (rs = 0.935; p < 0.001)]. Comorbid myopathy influenced SARAGAIT/POSTURE scores by concurrent muscle weakness, whereas comorbid myoclonus predominantly influenced SARAKINETIC scores. Conclusion: In young EOA patients, separate SARAGAIT/POSTURE parameters reveal a good inter-observer agreement and convergent validity, implicating the reliability of the scale. In perspective of incomplete discriminant validity, it is advisable to interpret SARAGAIT/POSTURE scores for comorbid muscle weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjitske F Lawerman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rick Brandsma
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Renate J Verbeek
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Johannes H van der Hoeven
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Roelineke J Lunsing
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hubertus P H Kremer
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Lawerman TF, Brandsma R, Burger H, Burgerhof JGM, Sival DA. Age-related reference values for the pediatric Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia: a multicentre study. Dev Med Child Neurol 2017; 59:1077-1082. [PMID: 28815574 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM For reliable assessment of ataxia severity in children, the Childhood Ataxia and Cerebellar Group of the European Pediatric Neurology Society aimed to validate the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) according to age. METHOD Twenty-two pediatric ataxia experts from 15 international institutions scored videotaped SARA performances in 156 typically developing children (4-16y: m/f=1; 12 children per year of age; including nine different nationalities). We determined age-dependency and reliability of pediatric SARA scores by a mixed model. RESULTS In typically developing children, age was the only variable that revealed a relationship with SARA scores (p<0.001). The youngest children revealed the highest scores and the highest variation in scores (<8y; p<0.001). After 11 years of age, pediatric scores approached adult outcomes. The interobserver agreement of total SARA scores was substantial with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.63 (95% confidence interval 0.56-0.69; p<0.001). INTERPRETATION In typically developing European children, both SARA scores and interobserver agreement are age-dependent. For reliable interpretation of pediatric SARA scores, consideration of the underlying test construct appears prudent. These data will hopefully contribute to a correct and uniform interpretation of longitudinal SARA scores from childhood to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjitske F Lawerman
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rick Brandsma
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Huibert Burger
- Department of General Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes G M Burgerhof
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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van Os NJH, Haaxma CA, van der Flier M, Merkus PJFM, van Deuren M, de Groot IJM, Loeffen J, van de Warrenburg BPC, Willemsen MAAP. Ataxia-telangiectasia: recommendations for multidisciplinary treatment. Dev Med Child Neurol 2017; 59:680-689. [PMID: 28318010 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia is a rare, neurodegenerative, and multisystem disease, characterized by cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, progressive respiratory failure, and an increased risk of malignancies. It demands specialized care tailored to the individual patient's needs. Besides the classic ataxia-telangiectasia phenotype, a variant phenotype exists with partly overlapping but some distinctive disease characteristics. This guideline summarizes frequently encountered medical problems in the disease course of patients with classic and variant ataxia-telangiectasia, in the domains of neurology, immunology and infectious diseases, pulmonology, anaesthetic and perioperative risk, oncology, endocrinology, and nutrition. Furthermore, it provides a practical guide with evidence- and expert-based recommendations for the follow-up and treatment of all these different clinical topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke J H van Os
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A Haaxma
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children's Hospital and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J F M Merkus
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Amalia Children's Hospital and Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel van Deuren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Imelda J M de Groot
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Loeffen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michèl A A P Willemsen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Brandsma R, Lawerman TF, Kuiper MJ, Lunsing RJ, Burger H, Sival DA. Reliability and discriminant validity of ataxia rating scales in early onset ataxia. Dev Med Child Neurol 2017; 59:427-432. [PMID: 27767206 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine whether ataxia rating scales are reliable disease biomarkers for early onset ataxia (EOA). METHOD In 40 patients clinically identified with EOA (28 males, 12 females; mean age 15y 3mo [range 5-34y]), we determined interobserver and intraobserver agreement (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) and discriminant validity of ataxia rating scales (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale [ICARS], Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA], and Brief Ataxia Rating Scale [BARS]). Three paediatric neurologists independently scored ICARS, SARA and BARS performances recorded on video, and also phenotyped the primary and secondary movement disorder features. When ataxia was the primary movement disorder feature, we assigned patients to the subgroup 'EOA with core ataxia' (n=26). When ataxia concurred with other prevailing movement disorders (such as dystonia, myoclonus, and chorea), we assigned patients to the subgroup 'EOA with comorbid ataxia' (n=12). RESULTS ICC values were similar in both EOA subgroups of 'core' and 'comorbid' ataxia (0.92-0.99; ICARS, SARA, and BARS). Independent of the phenotype, the severity of the prevailing movement disorder predicted the ataxia rating scale scores (β=0.83-0.88; p<0.05). INTERPRETATION In patients with EOA, the reliability of ataxia rating scales is high. However, the discriminative validity for 'ataxia' is low. For adequate interpretation of ataxia rating scale scores, application in uniform movement disorder phenotypes is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Brandsma
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tjitske F Lawerman
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke J Kuiper
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roelineke J Lunsing
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Huibert Burger
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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