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Porto C, Perulli M, Arpaia C, Villa M, Arcangeli V, Quintiliani M, Gambardella ML, Brando C, Contaldo I, Veredice C, Zaghi V, Canepa G, Borroni S, Chieffo DPR, Battaglia DI. Survey of rehabilitation approaches and plans for individuals with dravet syndrome (RAPIDS) in Italy: Current practices and strategies to progress. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 157:109888. [PMID: 38991471 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109888] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome, a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, manifests with varying degrees of cognitive and communication impairment, postural and movement disorders (such as ataxia, coordination issues, and crouch gait) and behavioural challenges (including attention deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional/defiant behaviour, and autistic traits). Rehabilitation is a valuable tool for most patients, typically prescribed to address the most pressing issues. However, current practices often fall short in proactively preventing and treating known challenges associated with the syndrome, as indicated by the latest literature, at different life stages. Furthermore, there is a notable lack of evidence regarding treatment types and efficacy specific to people with Dravet Syndrome. Conducted in collaboration with one of the Italian Patient associations, this national survey provides a comprehensive view of the rehabilitation landscape in Dravet Syndrome, as perceived by caregivers. It outlines the types of treatments for 51 patients, based on age and relevant clinical features. The findings reveal a heterogenous rehabilitation approach, only partly tailored to the presence of specific comorbidities, and underline numerous unmet needs. Compared to the past there is indirect evidence that more patients are offered early rehabilitation. Nonetheless, while nowadays speech therapy and neuropsychomotor therapy are nearly universal for children up to the age of 10, some begin physiotherapy and psychotherapy thereafter, with a majority discontinuing treatments. Therefore, families of adolescent and adult patients often face a lack of comprehensive support, predominantly offered when epilepsy is more challenging to control affecting rehabilitation adherence and effectiveness. Finally, a negligible minority is offered treatments such as neurovisual training, augmentative and alternative communication, and occupational therapy. Many of these considerations could apply to other developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with lifelong disability. This survey calls for more data collection on this important topic for more efficient allocation of rehabilitation resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Porto
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Perulli
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Arpaia
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Marianna Villa
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Valentina Arcangeli
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Michela Quintiliani
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Luigia Gambardella
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Carolina Brando
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Contaldo
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Veredice
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Domenica Immacolata Battaglia
- UOC di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
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Hosani SA, Varghese S. Dravet Syndrome: A Rare Form of Epilepsy. Case Rep Med 2024; 2024:6710512. [PMID: 38983583 PMCID: PMC11233182 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6710512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that usually emerges in infancy. It is characterized by diverse seizure patterns, cognitive regression, motor impairments, and behavioral abnormalities. The majority of patients with this condition have mutations involving the voltage-gated sodium channel alpha (I) gene SCN1A. We present a detailed account of a two-year-old child with a history of recurrent seizures since the age of 4 months. Genetic testing was performed which revealed a heterozygous pathogenic variant, confirming the diagnosis. The patient was managed successfully by a multidisciplinary approach involving neurologists, developmental specialists, and physical therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Al Hosani
- Department of Psychiatry Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, P.O. Box 51900, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sona Varghese
- Department of Psychiatry Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, P.O. Box 51900, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Liu H, Fu M, Zhang Y, You Q, Wang L. Small molecules targeting canonical transient receptor potential channels: an update. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103951. [PMID: 38514041 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103951] [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] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels belong to an important class of non-selective cation channels. This channel family consists of multiple members that widely participate in various physiological and pathological processes. Previous studies have uncovered the intricate regulation of these channels, as well as the spatial arrangement of TRPCs and the binding sites for various small molecule compounds. Multiple small molecules have been identified as selective agonists or inhibitors targeting different subtypes of TRPC, including potential preclinical drug candidates. This review covers recent advancements in the understanding of TRPC regulation and structure and the discovery of TRPC small molecules over the past few years, with the aim of facilitating research on TRPCs and small-molecule drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Min Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Maltseva M, Rosenow F, Schubert-Bast S, Flege S, Wolff M, von Spiczak S, Trollmann R, Syrbe S, Ruf S, Polster T, Neubauer BA, Mayer T, Jacobs J, Kurlemann G, Kluger G, Klotz KA, Kieslich M, Kay L, Hornemann F, Bettendorf U, Bertsche A, Bast T, Strzelczyk A. Critical incidents, nocturnal supervision, and caregiver knowledge on SUDEP in patients with Dravet syndrome: A prospective multicenter study in Germany. Epilepsia 2024; 65:115-126. [PMID: 37846648 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17799] [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] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to investigate the monitoring, interventions, and occurrence of critical, potentially life-threatening incidents in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) and caregivers' knowledge about sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). METHODS This multicenter, cross-sectional study of patients with DS and their caregivers in Germany consisted of a questionnaire and prospective diary querying the disease characteristics and demographic data of patients and caregivers. RESULTS Our analysis included 108 questionnaires and 82 diaries. Patients with DS were 49.1% male (n = 53), with a mean age of 13.5 (SD ± 10.0 years) and primary caregivers were 92.6% (n = 100) female, with a mean age of 44.7 (SD ± 10.6 years). Monitoring devices were used regularly by 75.9% (n = 82) of caregivers, and most monitored daily/nightly. Frequently used devices were pulse oximeters (64.6%), baby monitors (64.6%), thermometers (24.1%), and Epi-Care (26.8%). Younger caregiver and patient age and history of status epilepticus were associated with increased use of monitoring, and 81% of monitor users reported having avoided a critical incident with nocturnal monitoring. The need for resuscitation due to cardiac or respiratory arrest was reported by 22 caregivers (20.4%), and most cases (72.7%) were associated with a seizure. Caregivers reported frequently performing interventions at night, including oropharyngeal suction, oxygenation, personal hygiene, and change of body position. Most caregivers were well informed about SUDEP (n = 102; 94%) and monitored for a lateral or supine body position; however, only 39.8% reported receiving resuscitation training, whereas 52.8% (n = 57) knew what to do in case the child's breathing or heart activity failed. SIGNIFICANCE Critical incidents and the need for resuscitation are reported frequently by caregivers and may be related to high mortality and SUDEP rates in DS. Resuscitation training is welcomed by caregivers and should be continuously provided. Oxygen monitoring devices are frequently used and considered useful by caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Maltseva
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Silke Flege
- Dravet Syndrom e.V., Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Markus Wolff
- Center of Pediatric Neurology, Vivantes Hospital Neukoelln, Berlin, Germany
- Swiss Epilepsy Center, Klinik Lengg AG, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah von Spiczak
- Northern German Epilepsy Centre for Children and Adolescents, Kiel-Raisdorf, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Ruf
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tilman Polster
- Department of Epileptology, Bielefeld University, Krankenhaus Mara, Epilepsy Center Bethel, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Bernd A Neubauer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Mayer
- Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Dresden-Radeberg, Germany
| | - Julia Jacobs
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Gerhard Kluger
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
- Research Institute "Rehabilitation, Transition, and Palliation", PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Kerstin A Klotz
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Matthias Kieslich
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lara Kay
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frauke Hornemann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Klinikum Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany
| | | | - Astrid Bertsche
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Bast
- Epilepsy Center Kork, Kehl-Kork, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Strzelczyk A, Lagae L, Wilmshurst JM, Brunklaus A, Striano P, Rosenow F, Schubert‐Bast S. Dravet syndrome: A systematic literature review of the illness burden. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1256-1270. [PMID: 37750463 PMCID: PMC10690674 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We performed a systematic literature review and narrative synthesis according to a pre-registered protocol (Prospero: CRD42022376561) to identify the evidence associated with the burden of illness in Dravet syndrome (DS), a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy with neurocognitive and neurobehavioral impairment. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and APA PsychInfo, Cochrane's database of systematic reviews, and Epistemonikos from inception to June 2022. Non-interventional studies reporting on epidemiology (incidence, prevalence, and mortality), patient and caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQoL), direct and indirect costs and healthcare resource utilization were eligible. Two reviewers independently carried out the screening. Pre-specified data were extracted and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Overall, 49 studies met the inclusion criteria. The incidence varied from 1:15 400-1:40 900, and the prevalence varied from 1.5 per 100 000 to 6.5 per 100 000. Mortality was reported in 3.7%-20.8% of DS patients, most commonly due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and status epilepticus. Patient HRQoL, assessed by caregivers, was lower than in non-DS epilepsy patients; mean scores (0 [worst] to 100/1 [best]) were 62.1 for the Kiddy KINDL/Kid-KINDL, 46.5-54.7 for the PedsQL and 0.42 for the EQ-5D-5L. Caregivers, especially mothers, were severely affected, with impacts on their time, energy, sleep, career, and finances, while siblings were also affected. Symptoms of depression were reported in 47%-70% of caregivers. Mean total direct costs were high across all studies, ranging from $11 048 to $77 914 per patient per year (PPPY), with inpatient admissions being a key cost driver across most studies. Mean costs related to lost productivity were only reported in three publications, ranging from approximately $19 000 to $20 000 PPPY ($17 596 for mothers vs $1564 for fathers). High seizure burden was associated with higher resource utilization, costs and poorer HRQoL. The burden of DS on patients, caregivers, the healthcare system, and society is profound, reflecting the severe nature of the syndrome. Future studies will be able to assess the impact that newly approved therapies have on reducing the burden of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine‐Main, Center of Neurology and NeurosurgeryGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER)Goethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and RegenerationUniversity Hospitals KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Andreas Brunklaus
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research GroupRoyal Hospital for ChildrenGlasgowUK
- School of Health and WellbeingUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS ‘G. Gaslini’ InstituteGenovaItaly
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child HealthUniversity of GenoaGenovaItaly
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine‐Main, Center of Neurology and NeurosurgeryGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER)Goethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Susanne Schubert‐Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine‐Main, Center of Neurology and NeurosurgeryGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER)Goethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- Department of NeuropediatricsGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
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Lersch R, Jannadi R, Grosse L, Wagner M, Schneider MF, von Stülpnagel C, Heinen F, Potschka H, Borggraefe I. Targeted Molecular Strategies for Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Emerging Lessons from Dravet Syndrome. Neuroscientist 2023; 29:732-750. [PMID: 35414300 PMCID: PMC10623613 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221088244] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy mostly caused by heterozygous mutation of the SCN1A gene encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel α subunit Nav1.1. Multiple seizure types, cognitive deterioration, behavioral disturbances, ataxia, and sudden unexpected death associated with epilepsy are a hallmark of the disease. Recently approved antiseizure medications such as fenfluramine and cannabidiol have been shown to reduce seizure burden. However, patients with Dravet syndrome are still medically refractory in the majority of cases, and there is a high demand for new therapies aiming to improve behavioral and cognitive outcome. Drug-repurposing approaches for SCN1A-related Dravet syndrome are currently under investigation (i.e., lorcaserin, clemizole, and ataluren). New therapeutic concepts also arise from the field of precision medicine by upregulating functional SCN1A or by activating Nav1.1. These include antisense nucleotides directed against the nonproductive transcript of SCN1A with the poison exon 20N and against an inhibitory noncoding antisense RNA of SCN1A. Gene therapy approaches such as adeno-associated virus-based upregulation of SCN1A using a transcriptional activator (ETX101) or CRISPR/dCas technologies show promising results in preclinical studies. Although these new treatment concepts still need further clinical research, they offer great potential for precise and disease modifying treatment of Dravet syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lersch
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Rawan Jannadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Grosse
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Matias Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Center for Health and Environment (GmbH), Munich, Germany
| | - Marius Frederik Schneider
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center Munich, Medical Faculty, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Molecular Life Sciences, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Celina von Stülpnagel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Research Institute for Rehabilitation, Transition and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Florian Heinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ingo Borggraefe
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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7
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Schubert-Bast S, Kaur M, Joeres L, Foskett N, Roebling R, Strzelczyk A. Epidemiology of focal onset seizures in children aged >1 month to 4 years in Europe, United States, and Canada: A literature review. Seizure 2023; 112:88-97. [PMID: 37778299 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.09.022] [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] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to report the currently available epidemiology of focal onset seizures in children aged >1 month to 4 years with the help of a literature review. The terms 'seizure*' OR 'epilepsy' combined with pediatric and epidemiology terms were used to search Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science up to November 16, 2021. Due to the scarcity of epidemiology data on focal onset seizures, the incidence and prevalence were estimated using the proportion of focal onset seizures in epilepsy patients from the most recently published articles. The estimated annual incidence per 100,000 children of focal onset seizures in children of 0-4 years of age ranged from 25.1 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 18.9-32.7) in the United Kingdom to 111.8 in the United States. The estimated period prevalence of focal onset seizures in children 0-4 years of age ranged from 0.15 % (99 % CI 0.13-0.18) in Canada to 0.61 % in the United States. Neurodevelopmental outcomes and psychiatric disorders were the most commonly reported comorbidities in children with epilepsy of age 0-4 years. Presence of focal onset seizures in children with different epilepsy syndromes needs to be thoroughly considered in the treatment planning of this population of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), Frankfurt am Main 60528, Germany; Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Department of Neuropediatrics, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Moninder Kaur
- UCB Pharma, 216 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3WE, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Joeres
- UCB Biosciences GmbH, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 10, Monheim 40789, Germany
| | - Nadia Foskett
- UCB Pharma, 216 Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3WE, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Roebling
- UCB Biosciences GmbH, Alfred-Nobel-Str. 10, Monheim 40789, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), Frankfurt am Main 60528, Germany
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8
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Sri Hari A, Banerji R, Liang LP, Fulton RE, Huynh CQ, Fabisiak T, McElroy PB, Roede JR, Patel M. Increasing glutathione levels by a novel posttranslational mechanism inhibits neuronal hyperexcitability. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102895. [PMID: 37769522 PMCID: PMC10539966 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) depletion, and impaired redox homeostasis have been observed in experimental animal models and patients with epilepsy. Pleiotropic strategies that elevate GSH levels via transcriptional regulation have been shown to significantly decrease oxidative stress and seizure frequency, increase seizure threshold, and rescue certain cognitive deficits. Whether elevation of GSH per se alters neuronal hyperexcitability remains unanswered. We previously showed that thiols such as dimercaprol (DMP) elevate GSH via post-translational activation of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), the rate limiting GSH biosynthetic enzyme. Here, we asked if elevation of cellular GSH by DMP altered neuronal hyperexcitability in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with DMP elevated GSH and inhibited a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker (4-aminopyridine, 4AP) induced neuronal hyperexcitability. DMP increased GSH in wildtype (WT) zebrafish larvae and significantly attenuated convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced acute 'seizure-like' swim behavior. DMP treatment increased GSH and inhibited convulsive, spontaneous 'seizure-like' swim behavior in the Dravet Syndrome (DS) zebrafish larvae (scn1Lab). Furthermore, DMP treatment significantly decreased spontaneous electrographic seizures and associated seizure parameters in scn1Lab zebrafish larvae. We investigated the role of the redox-sensitive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway due to the presence of several cysteine-rich proteins and their involvement in regulating neuronal excitability. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with 4AP or l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), an irreversible inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, significantly increased mTOR complex I (mTORC1) activity which was rescued by pre-treatment with DMP. Furthermore, BSO-mediated GSH depletion oxidatively modified the tuberous sclerosis protein complex (TSC) consisting of hamartin (TSC1), tuberin (TSC2), and TBC1 domain family member 7 (TBC1D7) which are critical negative regulators of mTORC1. In summary, our results suggest that DMP-mediated GSH elevation by a novel post-translational mechanism can inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability both in-vitro and in-vivo and a plausible link is the redox sensitive mTORC1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Sri Hari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rajeswari Banerji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Li-Ping Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ruth E Fulton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Christopher Quoc Huynh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Timothy Fabisiak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Pallavi Bhuyan McElroy
- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Greater Philadelphia Area, Horsham, PA, 19044, USA
| | - James R Roede
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Manisha Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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Lattanzi S, Trinka E, Russo E, Del Giovane C, Matricardi S, Meletti S, Striano P, Damavandi PT, Silvestrini M, Brigo F. Pharmacotherapy for Dravet Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Drugs 2023; 83:1409-1424. [PMID: 37695433 PMCID: PMC10582139 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01936-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug-resistant, lifelong seizures. The management of seizures in DS has changed in recent years with the approval of new antiseizure medications (ASMs). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to estimate the comparative efficacy and tolerability of the ASMs for the treatment of seizures associated with DS using a network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS Studies were identified by conducting a systematic search (week 4, January 2023) of the MEDLINE (accessed by PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and US National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry ( http://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov ) databases. Any randomized, controlled, double- or single-blinded, parallel-group study comparing at least one ASM therapy against placebo, another ASM, or a different dose of the same ASM in participants with a diagnosis of DS was identified. The efficacy outcomes were the proportions of participants with ≥ 50% (seizure response) and 100% reduction (seizure freedom) in baseline convulsive seizure frequency during the maintenance period. The tolerability outcomes included the proportions of patients who withdrew from treatment for any reason and who experienced at least one adverse event (AE). Effect sizes were estimated by network meta-analyses within a frequentist framework. RESULTS Eight placebo-controlled trials were included, and the active add-on treatments were stiripentol (n = 2), pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (n = 3), fenfluramine hydrochloride (n = 2), and soticlestat (n = 1). The studies recruited 680 participants, of whom 409 were randomized to active treatments (stiripentol = 33, pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol = 228, fenfluramine hydrochloride = 122, and soticlestat = 26) and 271 to placebo. Pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol was associated with a lower rate of seizure response than fenfluramine hydrochloride (odds ratio [OR] 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07-0.54), and stiripentol was associated with a higher seizure response rate than pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (OR 14.07, 95% CI 2.57-76.87). No statistically significant differences emerged across the different ASMs for the seizure freedom outcome. Stiripentol was associated with a lower probability of drug discontinuation for any reason than pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.04-5.69), and pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol was associated with a lower proportion of participants experiencing any AE than fenfluramine hydrochloride (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.78). Stiripentol had a higher risk of AE occurrence than pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (OR 75.72, 95% CI 3.59-1598.58). The study found high-quality evidence of efficacy and tolerability of the four ASMs in the treatment of convulsive seizures in DS. CONCLUSIONS There exists first-class evidence that documents the efficacy and tolerability of stiripentol, pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol, fenfluramine hydrochloride, and soticlestat for the treatment of seizures associated with DS, and allows discussion about the expected outcomes regarding seizure frequency reduction and tolerability profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Lattanzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Conca 71, 60020, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Christian Doppler Klinik, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
- Public Health, Health Services Research and HTA, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, University Magna Grecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Meletti
- Neurology Unit, OCB Hospital, AOU Modena, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Science, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, "G. Gaslini" Institute, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Payam Tabaee Damavandi
- Department of Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo, School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mauro Silvestrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Conca 71, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Division of Neurology, "Franz Tappeiner" Hospital, Merano, BZ, Italy
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Domaradzki J, Walkowiak D. Caring for Children with Dravet Syndrome: Exploring the Daily Challenges of Family Caregivers. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1410. [PMID: 37628409 PMCID: PMC10453293 DOI: 10.3390/children10081410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
While Polish studies focus on the symptoms, causes and treatment of people suffering from Dravet syndrome (DS), much less is known about the situation of the family caregivers of DS children. This study was designed to explore the experiences, daily challenges and needs related to caring for DS children. An anonymous self-administered online questionnaire was developed. The survey was completed by 75 family caregivers affiliated with the Association for People with Severe Refractory Epilepsy DRAVET.PL on Facebook. Most caregivers felt burdened by their children's reduced mobility (57.3%), mood swings (57.3%), lack of access to rehabilitation and medicine (56%) and healthcare expenses (50.7%). Caregivers also complained of a lack of time to themselves (76%) and work restrictions resulting from caregiving (72%). They consequently reported experiencing fatigue (84%), a deterioration of mental health (60%) and intimacy problems with their spouse/partner (53.4%). An important source of strain was a prolonged diagnostic odyssey and the constant struggle over the healthcare services for DS children. Since DS caregivers' problems and needs are often overlooked, they may be described as the forgotten people in DS. Healthcare professionals should be educated about the challenges related to caring for DS child, psycho-social status and coping resources of DS caregivers, and should focus on identification, monitoring and supporting caregivers' physical and mental well-being and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-356 Poznań, Poland;
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Domaradzki J, Walkowiak D. Emotional experiences of family caregivers of children with Dravet syndrome. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 142:109193. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
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12
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Maltseva M, Schubert-Bast S, Zöllner JP, Bast T, Mayer T, von Spiczak S, Ruf S, Trollmann R, Wolff M, Hornemann F, Klotz KA, Jacobs J, Kurlemann G, Neubauer BA, Polster T, Syrbe S, Bertsche A, Bettendorf U, Kluger G, Flege S, Rosenow F, Kay L, Strzelczyk A. Sleep quality, anxiety, symptoms of depression, and caregiver burden among those caring for patients with Dravet syndrome: a prospective multicenter study in Germany. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:98. [PMID: 37120555 PMCID: PMC10148440 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02697-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study measured sleep quality among caregivers of patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) and assessed the impacts of mental health problems and caregiver burden on sleep quality. METHODS This multicenter, cross-sectional study of patients with DS and their caregivers throughout Germany consisted of a questionnaire and a prospective 4-week diary querying disease characteristics, demographic data, living conditions, nocturnal supervision, and caregivers' work situations. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleeping Quality Index (PSQI). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC) were used to measure anxiety, symptoms of depression, and caregiver burden. RESULTS Our analysis included 108 questionnaires and 82 four-week diaries. Patients with DS were 49.1% male (n = 53), with a mean age of 13.5 ± 10.0 years. Caregivers were 92.6% (n = 100) female, with a mean age of 44.7 ± 10.6 years. The overall mean PSQI score was 8.7 ± 3.5, with 76.9% of participants (n = 83) scoring 6 or higher, indicating abnormal sleep quality. The HADS for anxiety and depression had overall mean scores of 9.3 ± 4.3 and 7.9 ± 3.7, respectively; 61.8% and 50.9% of participants scored above the cutoff value of 8 for anxiety and depression, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed caregiver anxiety levels and patients' sleep disturbances as major factors influencing PSQI scores. The overall mean BSFC score of 41.7 ± 11.7 indicates a moderate burden, with 45.3% of caregivers scoring 42 or higher. CONCLUSIONS Sleep quality is severely affected among caregivers of patients with DS, correlating with anxiety, comorbidities, and patients' sleep disturbances. A holistic therapeutic approach should be implemented for patients with DS and their caregivers, focusing on the sleep quality and mental health of caregivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00016967. Registered 27 May 2019, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00016967.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Maltseva
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Johann Philipp Zöllner
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Bast
- Epilepsy Center Kork, Kehl-Kork, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Thomas Mayer
- Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Dresden-Radeberg, Germany
| | - Sarah von Spiczak
- Northern German Epilepsy Centre for Children and Adolescents, Kiel-Raisdorf, Germany
| | - Susanne Ruf
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Wolff
- Center of Pediatric Neurology, Vivantes Hospital Neukoelln, Berlin, Germany
- Swiss Epilepsy Center, Klinik Lengg AG, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Frauke Hornemann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kerstin A Klotz
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Julia Jacobs
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Bernd A Neubauer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Astrid Bertsche
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Gerhard Kluger
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
- Research Institute "Rehabilitation, Transition, and Palliation", PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lara Kay
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Domaradzki J, Walkowiak D. Emotional experiences of family caregivers of children with Dravet syndrome. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 142:109193. [PMID: 37028149 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the psychosocial implications of Dravet syndrome (DS) are much more serious and far-reaching than in other types of epilepsy, caring for a DS child seriously affects the entire family. This study describes the emotional experiences of family caregivers of DS children and evaluates the way caregiving affects their perceived quality of life. METHODS An anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire was sent to family caregivers of DS children through the online patient advocacy organization the Association for People with Severe Refractory Epilepsy DRAVET.PL. It focussed on the psychosocial impact of caregiving for DS children, the perceived burden of caregiving, caregivers' emotional experiences and feelings related to caregiving, and the impact of DS on the perceived quality of life. RESULTS Caregivers stressed that caring for a DS child is associated with a significant psychosocial and emotional burden that affects the entire family. Although most caregivers reported that it was the child's health problems and behavioral and psychological disorders that were the most challenging aspects of caregiving, they were also burdened by the lack of emotional support. As caregivers were profoundly engaged in caregiving, they experienced a variety of distressing emotions, including feelings of helplessness, anxiety and fear, anticipated grief, depression, and impulsivity. Many caregivers also reported that their children's disease disrupted their relationships with their spouses, family, and healthy children. As caregivers reported experiencing role overload, physical fatigue, and mental exhaustion, they stressed the extent to which caregiving for DS children impaired their quality of life, their social and professional life, and was a source of financial burden. CONCLUSIONS As this study identified specific burden domains affecting DS caregivers' well-being family carers often need special attention, support, and help. To alleviate the humanistic burden of DS carers a bio-psychosocial approach focusing on physical, mental, and psychosocial interventions should include both DS children and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Domaradzki
- Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Dariusz Walkowiak
- Department of Organization and Management in Health Care, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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14
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Patient profile, management, and quality of life associated with Dravet syndrome: a cross-sectional, multicentre study of 80 patients in Spain. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3355. [PMID: 36849632 PMCID: PMC9971205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30273-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the profile of patients diagnosed with Dravet syndrome (DS), their clinical management, and the impact of DS on their quality of life (QoL) and family. Data of 80 patients from 11 centres in Spain was collected. Patients (47.5% female) were 12.7 (9.6) years on average (SD, standard deviation). Despite the first episode occurred when patients were a mean (SD) of 0.4 (0.2) years, DS was not diagnosed until they were 6.9 (10.1) years old. The majority (86.7%) had SCN1A gene mutations and 73.4% had seizures during the last year (mostly generalized motor seizures [47.8%]). The mean (SD) number of status epilepticus episodes was 3.6 (8.0) since diagnosis and 0.1 (0.5) in the last year. On the Health Utilities Index Mark (HUI) multi-attribute scale, the mean global score (SD) was 0.56 (0.24) in HUI2 and 0.32 (0.37) in HUI3. The impact of the disease was severe in most patients (HUI2, 81%; HUI3, 83.5%). In the Care-related QoL (CarerQol) the mean (SD) well-being score was 7.2 (2.1). Most caregivers (90%) were satisfied with their caregiving tasks, although 75% had difficulties combining these tasks with daily activities, 68.8% reported mental health problems and 61.2% physical problems.
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Interim results of adaptive functioning and neurodevelopment in BUTTERFLY - An observational study of children and adolescents with Dravet syndrome. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 137:108955. [PMID: 36332561 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to evaluate adaptive functioning and neurodevelopment study assessments in a prospective study of patients with Dravet syndrome (DS). We present 3-month interim adaptive functioning and neurodevelopment data from the prospective, observational BUTTERFLY study in patients with DS aged 2-18 years. RESULTS BUTTERFLY enrolled thirty-six patients divided 1:1:1 across three age groups (2-7: 8-12: and 13-18 years). Most enrolled patients were female (61.1%), white (94.4%), and non-Latino (83.3%) with a mean (standard deviation; SD) age of 10.8 (5.2) years and a mean (range) age of seizure onset of 0.4 (0.2-1.0) years. Patients used a mean (SD) of 3.5 (1.63) anti-seizure therapies at baseline. Regression analysis of the baseline Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale - third edition (VABS-III) composite score indicated that the gap in adaptive function between patients with DS (n = 33) and neurotypical children widens with age. Similarly, developmental quotients calculated for patients who completed all Bayley Scales of Infant Development - third edition (BSID-III) subtests at baseline (n = 15) highlighted a gap in intellectual functioning between patients with DS and neurotypical children that widens with age. More patients in the two older age groups were able to validly complete the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence - fourth edition (WPPSI-IV) at baseline compared with the youngest age group. There were trends towards higher raw scores, albeit of low magnitude, in the oldest age group compared with the younger age two groups across multiple VABS-III domains and WPPSI-IV subtests. All three measures showed no significant change in the all-patients analyses and demonstrated relatively low intra-patient variability from baseline to Month 3. CONCLUSIONS Three-month interim data from BUTTERFLY demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing the VABS-III, BSID-III, and WPPSI-IV for the assessment of adaptive function and neurodevelopment in future clinical studies of DS. Moreover, many patients with DS appear to gain neurodevelopmental and adaptive function skills over time, although at a slower rate and lower magnitude than that seen in the neurotypical population.
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Du J, Chen X, Zhao Y, Zhao T, Wang D, Chen Z, Wang C, Meng Q, Yao J, Sun H, Liu K, Wu J. Characterization of three naturally occurring lignans, sesamol, sesamolin, and sesamin, as potent inhibitors of human cytochrome P450 46A1: Implications for treating excitatory neurotoxicity. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1046814. [PMID: 36483743 PMCID: PMC9722955 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1046814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
CYP46A1 is a brain-specific enzyme responsible for cholesterol homeostasis. Inhibition of CYP46A1 activity serves as a therapeutic target for excitatory neurotoxicity. Sesame is a common medicine and food resource; its component lignans possess various pharmacological activities. In this study, the inhibitory effects of sesame lignans on CYP46A1 activity were investigated. Inhibition kinetics analyses revealed that sesamin and sesamolin produce mixed partial competitive inhibition of CYP46A1, while sesamol produces non-competitive inhibition. Notably, molecular simulations revealed that the sesame lignans have excellent orientations within the active cavity of CYP46A1. Importantly, the sesame lignans had high permeability coefficients and low efflux ratios. Furthermore, sesamin significantly reduced the levels of 24S-hydroxycholesterol in rat plasma and brain tissues, and down-regulated the protein expressions of CYP46A1, NMDAR2A, NMDAR2B, and HMGCR. Collectively, sesame lignans exhibit significant inhibitory effects on CYP46A1 activity, highlighting their potential therapeutic role in treating excitatory neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Du
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yongshun Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Dalong Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zujia Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiang Meng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jialin Yao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Huijun Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Pharmacokinetics and Transport, Liaoning Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Strzelczyk A, Schubert-Bast S. Psychobehavioural and Cognitive Adverse Events of Anti-Seizure Medications for the Treatment of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:1079-1111. [PMID: 36194365 PMCID: PMC9531646 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00955-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The developmental and epileptic encephalopathies encompass a group of rare syndromes characterised by severe drug-resistant epilepsy with onset in childhood and significant neurodevelopmental comorbidities. The latter include intellectual disability, developmental delay, behavioural problems including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, psychiatric problems including anxiety and depression, speech impairment and sleep problems. Classical examples of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies include Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex. The mainstay of treatment is with multiple anti-seizure medications (ASMs); however, the ASMs themselves can be associated with psychobehavioural adverse events, and effects (negative or positive) on cognition and sleep. We have performed a targeted literature review of ASMs commonly used in the treatment of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies to discuss the latest evidence on their effects on behaviour, mood, cognition, sedation and sleep. The ASMs include valproate (VPA), clobazam, topiramate (TPM), cannabidiol (CBD), fenfluramine (FFA), levetiracetam (LEV), brivaracetam (BRV), zonisamide (ZNS), perampanel (PER), ethosuximide, stiripentol, lamotrigine (LTG), rufinamide, vigabatrin, lacosamide (LCM) and everolimus. Bromide, felbamate and other sodium channel ASMs are discussed briefly. Overall, the current evidence suggest that LEV, PER and to a lesser extent BRV are associated with psychobehavioural adverse events including aggressiveness and irritability; TPM and to a lesser extent ZNS are associated with language impairment and cognitive dulling/memory problems. Patients with a history of behavioural and psychiatric comorbidities may be more at risk of developing psychobehavioural adverse events. Topiramate and ZNS may be associated with negative effects in some aspects of cognition; CBD, FFA, LEV, BRV and LTG may have some positive effects, while the remaining ASMs do not appear to have a detrimental effect. All the ASMs are associated with sedation to a certain extent, which is pronounced during uptitration. Cannabidiol, PER and pregabalin may be associated with improvements in sleep, LTG is associated with insomnia, while VPA, TPM, LEV, ZNS and LCM do not appear to have detrimental effects. There was variability in the extent of evidence for each ASM: for many first-generation and some second-generation ASMs, there is scant documented evidence; however, their extensive use suggests favourable tolerability and safety (e.g. VPA); second-generation and some third-generation ASMs tend to have the most robust evidence documented over several years of use (TPM, LEV, PER, ZNS, BRV), while evidence is still being generated for newer ASMs such as CBD and FFA. Finally, we discuss how a variety of factors can affect mood, behaviour and cognition, and untangling the associations between the effects of the underlying syndrome and those of the ASMs can be challenging. In particular, there is enormous heterogeneity in cognitive, behavioural and developmental impairments that is complex and can change naturally over time; there is a lack of standardised instruments for evaluating these outcomes in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, with a reliance on subjective evaluations by proxy (caregivers); and treatment regimes are complex involving multiple ASMs as well as other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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18
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Lopez JC, Pare JR, Blackmer AB, Orth LE. Treatment-Refractory Dravet Syndrome: Considerations for Novel Medications. J Pediatr Health Care 2022; 36:479-488. [PMID: 35987555 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2022.05.003] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Before 2018, there were no U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for managing seizures in Dravet syndrome (DS). Common agents used in the antiepileptic drug regimens of patients with DS included clobazam, valproic acid, topiramate, and levetiracetam, among others; however, these agents alone rarely provide adequate seizure control. Management of seizures in DS changed in recent years with the approval of cannabidiol and stiripentol in 2018 and fenfluramine in 2020. This continuing education article summarizes available efficacy and safety data involving cannabidiol, stiripentol, and fenfluramine and provides a practical review of dosing strategies, pharmacokinetics, and monitoring interventions relevant to their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Lopez
- Juan Carlos Lopez, PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident, Department of Pharmacy, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Jasmine R Pare
- Jasmine R. Pare, PGY-2 Pharmacy Resident, Department of Pharmacy, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA
| | - Allison B Blackmer
- Allison B. Blackmer, Adjunct Associate Professor of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO
| | - Lucas E Orth
- Lucas E. Orth, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO.
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19
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Vyas K, Luedke H, Ruban-Fell B. Nordic treatment guidelines for rare epileptic conditions: A literature review. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2622. [PMID: 35765698 PMCID: PMC9304844 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The onset of severe, drug-resistant seizures in early childhood is characteristic of the rare epileptic disorders Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), and CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) and is frequently observed in the rare genetic conditions tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and Rett syndrome (RTT). High-quality treatment guidelines are needed for optimal management of these conditions. This review aimed to assess content, availability, and development of treatment guidelines for these disorders in the Nordics region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). METHODS A targeted literature review (TLR) was therefore conducted in November/December 2020 by manually searching online rare disease and guideline databases in addition to relevant health technology assessment and regulatory agency websites to identify pharmacological treatment guidelines for DS, LGS, TSC, RTT, and CDD. Search terms for each disorder were translated to identify country-specific guidelines. Treatment recommendations, geographical focus, and guideline development methodology was extracted into a predetermined extraction grid. RESULTS Most of the 24 eligible guidelines identified (16/24; 66%) were specific to particular countries; Sweden was the most represented (7/24 [29%] guidelines), while no guidelines were identified for Iceland. Guideline development methodologies were heterogeneous, including systematic literature reviews/TLRs and expert consultation; several methodologies did not report details on the evidence sources used (7/24 [29%] guidelines). Treatment recommendation availability was variable across disorders, ranging from 126 treatment recommendations (LGS) to none (RTT, CDD). CONCLUSION Comprehensive, consensus-based treatment guidance developed via international collaboration within the Nordics region is necessary to optimize patient care in these five rare epileptic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishan Vyas
- GW Pharmaceuticals (A Jazz Pharmaceuticals company), London, UK
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20
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1,3-Benzodioxole Derivatives Improve the Anti-Tumor Efficiency of Arsenicals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136930. [PMID: 35805931 PMCID: PMC9266561 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Arsenicals have been widely used in the treatment of cancers such as leukemia and other tumors. However, their side effects limit their clinical application. Stiripentol, a second-line adjunctive treatment for epilepsy with a good safety profile, inhibits microsomal cytochrome-P450-family enzymes to extend the retention time of co-administration. Inspired by the metabolism of stiripentol, the 1,3-benzodioxole responsible for the inhibition and its metabolic derivatives were conjugated with arsenical precursors. The fabricated arsenicals were eliminated much slower in mice and maintained an efficient concentration in the blood for a longer time than that of the arsenical precursors. They also performed better in anti-proliferation by inhibiting the thioredoxin system to induce oxidative stress, and concomitantly to initiate apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. The fabricated arsenicals reversed the hemogram of tumor-bearing mice to normal and eliminated the tumor without causing damage to any organs, exhibiting a good design strategy and pre-clinical application for leukemia and other tumors.
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21
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Strzelczyk A, Kurlemann G, Bast T, Bettendorf U, Kluger G, Mayer T, Neubauer BA, Polster T, von Spiczak S, Trollmann R, Wolff M, Toward T, Gruenert J, Gibson E, Pritchard C, Carroll J, Rosenow F, Schubert-Bast S. Exploring the relationships between composite scores of disease severity, seizure-freedom and quality of life in Dravet syndrome. Neurol Res Pract 2022; 4:22. [PMID: 35659154 PMCID: PMC9169336 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-022-00186-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Dravet syndrome (DS), a rare epileptic and developmental encephalopathy, the effectiveness of a new treatment is predominantly measured in terms of seizure frequency. However, this may not fully capture the impact of a treatment on the broader aspects of the syndrome and patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Using a previously published survey which collected data from DS patients and their carers on the broader manifestations of their syndrome, their HRQoL, and their experience of seizures, this study created composite measures of symptom severity to offer new perspectives on the multifaceted aspects of this rare condition. METHODS Survey responses on the severity of physical and psychosocial symptoms were combined with independent assessments of disability and care need, to generate three composite symptom scores assessing the manifestations of DS (physical, psychosocial and care requirements). Variation in HRQoL was investigated in multiple regression analyses to assess the strength of association between each of these composite measures and three forms of seizure measures (seizure frequency, days with no seizures and longest interval without seizures), as experienced over a 4- and 12-week period. RESULTS Composite scores were calculated for a cohort of 75 primarily paediatric patients who were enrolled in the study. Strong associations were found between each of the three composite symptom scores and each of the three seizure measures, with the regression coefficient on symptom score highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) in all nine comparisons. Separate regressions using predictors of HRQoL (Kiddy KINDL and Kid KINDL) as the dependent variable were inconclusive, identifying only behavioural/attention problems and status epilepticus as significant predictors of HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS These results allow the development of a composite score that may be useful in developing a clinical understanding of the severity of DS for an individual patient and establishing their treatment goals. Where measurement of long-term sequalae of disease is not feasible, such as clinical trials, correlation of the composite score with experience of seizures and seizure-free periods may allow a better contextualisation of the results of short-term assessments. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00011894. Registered 16 March 2017, http://www.drks.de/ DRKS00011894.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg (Lahn), Germany.
| | - Gerhard Kurlemann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Bast
- Epilepsy Center Kork, Kehl-Kork, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | | | - Gerhard Kluger
- Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Schön Klinik Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
- Research Institute "Rehabilitation, Transition, and Palliation", PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Mayer
- Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Radeberg, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bernd A Neubauer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Sarah von Spiczak
- Northern German Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Raisdorf, Kiel, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Wolff
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Vivantes Klinikum Neukölln, Berlin, Germany
| | - Toby Toward
- Zogenix International Limited, Maidenhead, United Kingdom
| | - Jens Gruenert
- Zogenix International Limited, Maidenhead, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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22
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited data on the utility, yield, and cost efficiency of genetic testing in adults with epilepsy. We aimed to describe the yield and utility of genetic panels in our adult epilepsy clinic. METHODS We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study of all patients followed by an epileptologist at a Canadian tertiary care centre's epilepsy clinic between January 2016 and August 2021 for whom a genetic panel was ordered. A panel was generally ordered when the etiology was unknown or in the presence of a malformation of cortical development. We determined the yield of panel positivity and of confirmed genetic diagnoses. We also estimated the proportion of these diagnoses that were clinically actionable. RESULTS In total, 164 panels were ordered in 164 patients. Most had refractory epilepsy (80%), and few had comorbid intellectual disability (10%) or a positive family history of epilepsy (11%). The yield of panel positivity was 11%. Panel results were uncertain 49% of the time and negative 40% of the time. Genetic diagnoses were confirmed in 7 (4.3%) patients. These genetic conditions involved the following genes: SCARB2, DEPDC5, PCDH19, LGI1, SCN1A, MT-TL1, and CHRNA7. Of the seven genetic diagnoses, 5 (71%) were evaluated to be clinically actionable. CONCLUSION We report a lower diagnostic yield for genetic panels in adults with epilepsy than what has so far been reported. Although the field of the genetics of epilepsy is a fast-moving one and more data is required, our findings suggest that guidelines for genetic testing in adults are warranted.
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Nishi T, Metcalf CS, Fujimoto S, Hasegawa S, Miyamoto M, Sunahara E, Watanabe S, Kondo S, White HS. Anticonvulsive properties of soticlestat, a novel cholesterol 24-hydroxylase inhibitor. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1580-1590. [PMID: 35316533 PMCID: PMC9311151 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective The formation of 24S‐hydroxycholesterol is a brain‐specific mechanism of cholesterol catabolism catalyzed by cholesterol 24‐hydroxylase (CYP46A1, also known as CH24H). CH24H has been implicated in various biological mechanisms, whereas pharmacological lowering of 24S‐hydroxycholesterol has not been fully studied. Soticlestat is a novel small‐molecule inhibitor of CH24H. Its therapeutic potential was previously identified in a mouse model with an epileptic phenotype. In the present study, the anticonvulsive property of soticlestat was characterized in rodent models of epilepsy that have long been used to identify antiseizure medications. Methods The anticonvulsive property of soticlestat was investigated in maximal electroshock seizures (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) acute seizures, 6‐Hz psychomotor seizures, audiogenic seizures, amygdala kindling, PTZ kindling, and corneal kindling models. Soticlestat was characterized in a PTZ kindling model under steady‐state pharmacokinetics to relate its anticonvulsive effects to pharmacodynamics. Results Among models of acutely evoked seizures, whereas anticonvulsive effects of soticlestat were identified in Frings mice, a genetic model of audiogenic seizures, it was found ineffective in MES, acute PTZ seizures, and 6‐Hz seizures. The protective effects of soticlestat against audiogenic seizures increased with repetitive dosing. Soticlestat was also tested in models of progressive seizure severity. Soticlestat treatment delayed kindling acquisition, whereas fully kindled animals were not protected. Importantly, soticlestat suppressed the progression of seizure severity in correlation with 24S‐hydroxycholesterol lowering in the brain, suggesting that 24S‐hydroxycholesterol can be aggressively reduced to produce more potent effects on seizure development in kindling acquisition. Significance The data collectively suggest that soticlestat can ameliorate seizure symptoms through a mechanism distinct from conventional antiseizure medications. With its novel mechanism of action, soticlestat could constitute a novel class of antiseizure medications for treatment of intractable epilepsy disorders such as developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Nishi
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Cameron S Metcalf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Shinji Fujimoto
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shigeo Hasegawa
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Maki Miyamoto
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Eiji Sunahara
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sayuri Watanabe
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kondo
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - H Steve White
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Schubert-Bast S, Kay L, Simon A, Wyatt G, Holland R, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Epidemiology, healthcare resource use, and mortality in patients with probable Dravet syndrome: A population-based study on German health insurance data. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 126:108442. [PMID: 34864381 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ten-year retrospective study to assess burden of illness in patients with probable Dravet syndrome (DS) identified from German healthcare data. METHODS In the absence of an International Classification of Diseases code, patients with probable DS were identified using a selection algorithm considering diagnoses and drug prescriptions. Primary analyses were prevalence and demographics; secondary analyses included healthcare costs, annual hospitalization rate (AHR) and length of stay (LOS), medication use, and mortality. RESULTS In the final study year, 64 patients with probable DS (mean [range] age: 33.2 [3-82] years; male: 48%) were identified. Prevalence: 4.7 per 100,000 people. During the study, 160 patients with probable DS were identified and followed up for 1,261 patient-years. Mean cost of healthcare was €11,048 per patient-year (PPY), mostly attributable to inpatient care (47%), medication (26%), and services and devices (19%). Annual healthcare costs were significantly greater for those with prescribed rescue medication (15% of patient-years) vs. without (€16,123 vs. €10,125 PPY, p < 0.001). Mean (standard deviation [SD]) AHR and LOS were 1.1 (1.7) and 17.5 (33.5) days PPY. AHR was significantly greater in patients with prescribed rescue medication vs. without (1.6 [2.0] vs. 1.0 [1.6] PPY, p < 0.001). Mean (SD) number of antiseizure medications prescribed was 2.6 (1.2) PPY and 5.0 (2.5) over the entire observable time for each patient. Mortality rate was significantly higher for probable DS vs. matched controls (11.88% [19 events] vs. 1.19% [172 events], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Probable DS is associated with substantial healthcare costs in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital and Frankfurt and Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Lara Kay
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital and Frankfurt and Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | | | - Geoffrey Wyatt
- Market Access and Health Economics and Outcomes Research, GW Pharma Ltd, London, UK.
| | - Rowena Holland
- Market Access and Health Economics and Outcomes Research, GW Pharma Ltd, London, UK.
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital and Frankfurt and Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital and Frankfurt and Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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25
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Strzelczyk A, Schubert-Bast S. A Practical Guide to the Treatment of Dravet Syndrome with Anti-Seizure Medication. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:217-237. [PMID: 35156171 PMCID: PMC8927048 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00898-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterised by refractory seizures and cognitive dysfunction. The treatment is challenging, not least because the seizures are highly drug resistant, requiring multiple anti-seizure medications (ASMs), while some ASMs can exacerbate seizures. Initial treatments include the broad-spectrum ASMs valproate (VPA), and clobazam (CLB) in some regions; however, they are generally insufficient to control seizures. With this in mind, three adjunct ASMs have been approved specifically for the treatment of seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome: stiripentol (STP) in 2007 in the European Union and 2018 in the USA, cannabidiol (CBD) in 2018/2019 (in combination with CLB in the European Union) and fenfluramine (FFA) in 2020. These "add-on" therapies (mostly to VPA/CLB) are used as escalation therapies, with the choice dependent on availability in different countries, patient characteristics and caregiver preferences. Topiramate is also frequently used, with evidence of efficacy in Dravet syndrome, and there is anecdotal evidence of efficacy with bromide, which is frequently used in Germany and Japan. With a growing treatment landscape for Dravet syndrome, there can be practical challenges for clinicians, particularly with issues associated with polypharmacy. This practical guide provides an overview of these main ASMs including their indications/contraindications, mechanism of action, efficacy, safety and tolerability profile, dosage requirements, and laboratory and clinical parameters to be evaluated. Standard laboratory and clinical parameters include blood counts, liver function tests, serum concentrations of ASMs, monitoring the growth of children, as well as weight loss and acceleration of behavioural problems. Regular cardiac monitoring is also important with FFA as it has previously been associated with cases of cardiac valve disease when used in adults at high doses (up to 120 mg/day) in combination with phentermine as a therapy for obesity. Importantly, no signs of heart valve disease have been documented to date at the low doses used in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. In addition, potential drug-drug interactions and their consequences are a key consideration in everyday practice. Interactions that potentially require dosage adjustments to alleviate adverse events include the following: STP + CLB resulting in increased plasma concentrations of CLB and its active metabolite norclobazam may increase somnolence, and an interaction with STP and VPA may increase gastrointestinal adverse events. Cannabidiol has a bi-directional interaction with CLB producing an increase in plasma concentrations of 7-OH-CBD and norclobazam resulting in the potential for increased somnolence and sedation. In addition, CBD is associated with elevations of liver transaminases particularly in patients taking concomitant VPA. The interaction between FFA and STP requires a dose reduction of FFA. Furthermore, concomitant administration of VPA with topiramate has been associated with encephalopathy and/or hyperammonaemia. Finally, we briefly describe other ASMs used in Dravet syndrome, and current key clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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26
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Rare Neurological Diseases: an Overreview of Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Pharmacoeconomic Considerations in the Treating. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2021-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Rare diseases (RD) are serious chronic diseases affecting small number of people compared to the general population. There are between 6000 and 8000 RDs, which affect about 400 million people worldwide. Drugs used for causal treatment of RDs are called orphan drugs. RDs bear great clinical and economic burden for patients, their families, healthcare systems and society overall. There are at least two reasons for the high cost of treatment of RDs. First, there is no causal therapy for majority of RDs, so exacerbations, complications, and hospitalizations in those patients are common. The second reason is high price of available orphan drugs, which are not cost-effective when traditional pharmacoeconomic evaluation is employed. The pharmacoeconomic aspect of the treatment of RDs is especially important in the field of neurology, since at least one fifth of all RDs is composed of neurological conditions. The aim of this paper was to provide a concise overview of the pathophysiological, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of some of the most important and common rare neurological diseases, with special reference to their impact on society and economy.
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Riva A, Golda A, Balagura G, Amadori E, Vari MS, Piccolo G, Iacomino M, Lattanzi S, Salpietro V, Minetti C, Striano P. New Trends and Most Promising Therapeutic Strategies for Epilepsy Treatment. Front Neurol 2021; 12:753753. [PMID: 34950099 PMCID: PMC8690245 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.753753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite the wide availability of novel anti-seizure medications (ASMs), 30% of patients with epilepsy retain persistent seizures with a significant burden in comorbidity and an increased risk of premature death. This review aims to discuss the therapeutic strategies, both pharmacological and non-, which are currently in the pipeline. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were screened for experimental and clinical studies, meta-analysis, and structured reviews published between January 2018 and September 2021. The terms “epilepsy,” “treatment” or “therapy,” and “novel” were used to filter the results. Conclusions: The common feature linking all the novel therapeutic approaches is the spasmodic rush toward precision medicine, aiming at holistically evaluating patients, and treating them accordingly as a whole. Toward this goal, different forms of intervention may be embraced, starting from the choice of the most suitable drug according to the type of epilepsy of an individual or expected adverse effects, to the outstanding field of gene therapy. Moreover, innovative insights come from in-vitro and in-vivo studies on the role of inflammation and stem cells in the brain. Further studies on both efficacy and safety are needed, with the challenge to mature evidence into reliable assets, ameliorating the symptoms of patients, and answering the challenges of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Golda
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Vari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Piccolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Iacomino
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Minetti
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Preclinical characterization of [ 18F]T-008, a novel PET imaging radioligand for cholesterol 24-hydroxylase. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2021; 49:1148-1156. [PMID: 34651220 PMCID: PMC8921165 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-021-05565-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CH24H) is a brain-specific enzyme that plays a major role in brain cholesterol homeostasis by converting cholesterol into 24S-hydroxycholesterol. The selective CH24H inhibitor soticlestat (TAK-935) is being pursued as a drug for treatment of seizures in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Herein, we describe the successful discovery and the preclinical validation of the novel radiolabeled CH24H ligand (3-[18F]fluoroazetidin-1-yl){1-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrimidin-5-yl]piperidin-4-yl}methanone ([18F]T-008) and its tritiated analog, [3H]T-008. METHODS In vitro autoradiography (ARG) studies in the CH24H wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mouse brain sections were conducted using [3H]T-008. PET imaging was conducted in two adult rhesus macaques using [18F]T-008. Each macaque received two test-retest baseline scans and a series of two blocking doses of soticlestat administered prior to [18F]T-008 to determine the CH24H enzyme occupancy. PET data were analyzed with Logan graphical analysis using plasma input. A Lassen plot was applied to estimate CH24H enzyme occupancy by soticlestat. RESULTS In ARG studies, binding of [3H]T-008 was specific to CH24H in the mouse brain sections, which was not observed in CH24H KO or in wild-type mice after pretreatment with soticlestat. In rhesus PET studies, the rank order of [18F]T-008 uptake was striatum > cortical regions > cerebellum, which was consistent with CH24H distribution in the brain. Pre-blocking with soticlestat reduced the maximum uptake and increased the washout in all brain regions in a dose-dependent manner. Calculated global occupancy values for soticlestat at a dose of 0.89 mg/kg were 97-98%, indicating maximum occupancy. CONCLUSION The preclinical in vitro and in vivo evaluation of labeled T-008 demonstrates that [18F]T-008 is suitable for imaging CH24H in the brain and warrants further studies in humans.
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Pejčić A, Janković SM, Đešević M, Gojak R, Lukić S, Marković N, Milosavljević M. Novel and emerging therapeutics for genetic epilepsies. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:1283-1301. [PMID: 34633254 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1992275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disease-specific treatments are available only for a minority of patients with genetic epilepsies, while the rest are treated with anticonvulsants, which are ineffective in almost one-third of patients. AREAS COVERED Recently approved and the most effective emerging therapeutics under development for the treatment of genetic epilepsies are overviewed after systematic search and analysis of relevant literature. EXPERT OPINION New and emerging drugs for genetic epilepsies exploit one of the two approaches: inhibiting hyperactive brain foci through blocking excitatory or augmenting inhibitory neurotransmission, or correcting the underlying genetic defect. The first is limited by insufficient selectivity of available compounds, and the second by imperfection of currently used vectors of genetic material, unselective and transient transgene expression. Besides, the treatment may come too late, after structural abnormalities and epilepsy deterioration takes place. However, with recent improvements, we can expect to see soon gradual decline in the number of patients with therapy-resistant genetic epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pejčić
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | | | - Miralem Đešević
- Private Policlinic Center Eurofar Sarajevo, Cardiology Department, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Refet Gojak
- Infectious diseases Clinic, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Snežana Lukić
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nenad Marković
- University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Koike T, Yoshikawa M, Ando HK, Farnaby W, Nishi T, Watanabe E, Yano J, Miyamoto M, Kondo S, Ishii T, Kuroita T. Discovery of Soticlestat, a Potent and Selective Inhibitor for Cholesterol 24-Hydroxylase (CH24H). J Med Chem 2021; 64:12228-12244. [PMID: 34387987 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholesterol 24-hydroxylase (CH24H, CYP46A1), a brain-specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) family enzyme, plays a role in the homeostasis of brain cholesterol by converting cholesterol to 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24HC). Despite a wide range of potential of CH24H as a drug target, no potent and selective inhibitors have been identified. Here, we report on the structure-based drug design (SBDD) of novel 4-arylpyridine derivatives based on the X-ray co-crystal structure of hit derivative 1b. Optimization of 4-arylpyridine derivatives led us to identify 3v ((4-benzyl-4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)(2,4'-bipyridin-3-yl)methanone, IC50 = 7.4 nM) as a highly potent, selective, and brain-penetrant CH24H inhibitor. Following oral administration to mice, 3v resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of 24HC levels in the brain (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg). Compound 3v (soticlestat, also known as TAK-935) is currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome as a novel drug class for epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Koike
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Masato Yoshikawa
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Haruhi Kamisaki Ando
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - William Farnaby
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiya Nishi
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Etsurou Watanabe
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Jason Yano
- Takeda California Inc., 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Maki Miyamoto
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kondo
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Ishii
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Takanobu Kuroita
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., 26-1 Muraoka-Higashi, 2-Chome, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
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Strzelczyk A, Pringsheim M, Mayer T, Polster T, Klotz KA, Muhle H, Alber M, Trollmann R, Spors H, Kluger G, Kurlemann G, Schubert-Bast S. Efficacy, tolerability, and retention of fenfluramine for the treatment of seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome: Compassionate use program in Germany. Epilepsia 2021; 62:2518-2527. [PMID: 34378197 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare but severe drug-resistant epilepsy. Before the approval of fenfluramine (FFA) for the treatment of seizures in DS, patients in Germany could receive treatment under a compassionate use program (CUP). METHODS We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, observational study to describe the efficacy, tolerability, and retention of FFA within the CUP. Patients received add-on therapy with oral FFA gradually titrated to a target dose between .13 and .7 mg/kg/day. RESULTS Overall, 78 patients with DS (median age = 8.0 years, range = 2.1-46.0; 53% female, median concomitant antiseizure medications [ASMs] = 3) were treated with FFA for a median duration of 255.5 days (range = 31-572). Responder rates (a ≥50% reduction; n = 78) and seizure-freedom rates at 3 months were 68% and 14% for total seizures, respectively, and 67% and 23% for generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Responder rates were consistent at 6 and 12 months (n = 66 and n = 43, respectively). Median seizure days per month significantly decreased from 10.0 (range = .5-30) to 3.0 (range = 0-30) in the 3-month period before and after FFA treatment (p < .001). Significantly fewer patients reported at least one episode of status epilepticus (28% vs. 14% patients before and after FFA initiation, p = .005). During FFA treatment, 35 (45%) patients were able to discontinue a concomitant ASM. At the last follow-up date, 66 (85%) patients remained on treatment with FFA. The most common adverse events were somnolence (36%), decreased appetite (22%), and ataxia (8%). Forty-eight (62%) patients were reported as having a meaningful global clinical improvement. SIGNIFICANCE In a large cohort of patients, FFA demonstrated efficacy across a range of outcomes including clinically significant reductions in convulsive seizures, and was well tolerated, providing valuable information for real-world practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Milka Pringsheim
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schön Clinic Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Thomas Mayer
- Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Dresden-Radeberg, Germany
| | - Tilman Polster
- Department of Epileptology, Bethel Epilepsy Center, Mara Hospital, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kerstin A Klotz
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Center for Pediatrics, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Berta Ottenstein Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hiltrud Muhle
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Alber
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hartwig Spors
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Kluger
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schön Clinic Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany.,Research Institute, Rehabilitation, Transition, and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Schubert-Bast S, Strzelczyk A. Review of the treatment options for epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex: towards precision medicine. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:17562864211031100. [PMID: 34349839 PMCID: PMC8290505 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211031100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which encode proteins that antagonise the mammalian isoform of the target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) - a key mediator of cell growth and metabolism. TSC is characterised by the development of benign tumours in multiple organs, together with neurological manifestations including epilepsy and TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND). Epilepsy occurs frequently and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, the management is challenging due to the intractable nature of the seizures. Preventative epilepsy treatment is a key aim, especially as patients with epilepsy may be at a higher risk of developing severe cognitive and behavioural impairment. Vigabatrin given preventatively reduces the risk and severity of epilepsy although the benefits for TAND are inconclusive. These promising results could pave the way for evaluating other treatments in a preventative capacity, especially those that may address the underlying pathophysiology of TSC, including everolimus, cannabidiol and the ketogenic diet (KD). Everolimus is an mTOR inhibitor approved for the adjunctive treatment of refractory TSC-associated seizures that has demonstrated significant reductions in seizure frequency compared with placebo, improvements that were sustained after 2 years of treatment. Highly purified cannabidiol, recently approved in the US as Epidiolex® for TSC-associated seizures in patients ⩾1 years of age, and the KD, may also participate in the regulation of the mTOR pathway. This review focusses on the pivotal clinical evidence surrounding these potential targeted therapies that may form the foundation of precision medicine for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as other current treatments including anti-seizure drugs, vagus nerve stimulation and surgery. New future therapies are also discussed, together with the potential for preventative treatment with targeted therapies. Due to advances in understanding the molecular genetics and pathophysiology, TSC represents a prototypic clinical syndrome for studying epileptogenesis and the impact of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, Frankfurt am Main, 60528, Germany
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Matuszewska A, Nowak B, Nikodem A, Merwid-Ląd A, Wiatrak B, Tomkalski T, Jędrzejuk D, Szeląg E, Sozański T, Danielewski M, Jawień P, Ceremuga I, Szandruk-Bender M, Bolanowski M, Filipiak J, Szeląg A. Antiepileptic Stiripentol May Influence Bones. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7162. [PMID: 34281215 PMCID: PMC8269345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone structure abnormalities are increasingly observed in patients chronically treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The majority of the available data concern older conventional AEDs, while the amount of information regarding newer AEDs, including stiripentol, is limited. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of stiripentol on bones. For 24 weeks, male Wistar rats, received 0.9% sodium chloride (control group) or stiripentol (200 mg/kg/day) (STP group). In the 16th week of the study, we detected lower serum PINP levels in the STP group compared to the control group. In the 24th week, a statistically significant lower 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 level, higher inorganic phosphate level and higher neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels in serum were found in the STP group compared to the control. Micro X-ray computed tomography of the tibias demonstrated lower bone volume fraction, lower trabecular thickness, higher trabecular pattern factor and a higher structure model index in the stiripentol group. Considering the results of this experiment on rats which suggests that long-term administration of stiripentol may impair the cancellous bone microarchitecture, further prospective human studies seem to be justified. However, monitoring plasma vitamin D, calcium, inorganic phosphate and kidney function in patients on long-term stiripentol therapy may be suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Matuszewska
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland; (B.N.); (A.M.-L.); (B.W.); (T.S.); (M.D.); (P.J.); (M.S.-B.); (A.S.)
| | - Beata Nowak
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland; (B.N.); (A.M.-L.); (B.W.); (T.S.); (M.D.); (P.J.); (M.S.-B.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Nikodem
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, ul. Ignacego Łukasiewicza 7/9, 50-371 Wrocław, Poland; (A.N.); (J.F.)
| | - Anna Merwid-Ląd
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland; (B.N.); (A.M.-L.); (B.W.); (T.S.); (M.D.); (P.J.); (M.S.-B.); (A.S.)
| | - Benita Wiatrak
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland; (B.N.); (A.M.-L.); (B.W.); (T.S.); (M.D.); (P.J.); (M.S.-B.); (A.S.)
| | - Tomasz Tomkalski
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Tadeusz Marciniak Lower Silesia Specialist Hospital—Centre for Medical Emergency, ul. Gen. Augusta Emila Fieldorfa 2, 54-049 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Diana Jędrzejuk
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Isotope Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, wyb. Ludwika Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland; (D.J.); (M.B.)
| | - Ewa Szeląg
- Department of Maxillofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics Institute, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, ul. Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Sozański
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland; (B.N.); (A.M.-L.); (B.W.); (T.S.); (M.D.); (P.J.); (M.S.-B.); (A.S.)
| | - Maciej Danielewski
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland; (B.N.); (A.M.-L.); (B.W.); (T.S.); (M.D.); (P.J.); (M.S.-B.); (A.S.)
| | - Paulina Jawień
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland; (B.N.); (A.M.-L.); (B.W.); (T.S.); (M.D.); (P.J.); (M.S.-B.); (A.S.)
| | - Ireneusz Ceremuga
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Tytusa Chałubińskiego 10, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Marta Szandruk-Bender
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland; (B.N.); (A.M.-L.); (B.W.); (T.S.); (M.D.); (P.J.); (M.S.-B.); (A.S.)
| | - Marek Bolanowski
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Isotope Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, wyb. Ludwika Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland; (D.J.); (M.B.)
| | - Jarosław Filipiak
- Department of Mechanics, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, ul. Ignacego Łukasiewicza 7/9, 50-371 Wrocław, Poland; (A.N.); (J.F.)
| | - Adam Szeląg
- Department of Pharmacology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Jana Mikulicza-Radeckiego 2, 50-345 Wrocław, Poland; (B.N.); (A.M.-L.); (B.W.); (T.S.); (M.D.); (P.J.); (M.S.-B.); (A.S.)
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Shcheglovitov A, Peterson RT. Screening Platforms for Genetic Epilepsies-Zebrafish, iPSC-Derived Neurons, and Organoids. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1478-1489. [PMID: 34595731 PMCID: PMC8608971 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in molecular and cellular engineering, such as human cell reprogramming, genome editing, and patient-specific organoids, have provided unprecedented opportunities for investigating human disorders in both animals and human-based models at an improved pace and precision. This progress will inevitably lead to the development of innovative drug-screening platforms and new patient-specific therapeutics. In this review, we discuss recent advances that have been made using zebrafish and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons and organoids for modeling genetic epilepsies. We also provide our prospective on how these models can potentially be combined to build new screening platforms for antiseizure and antiepileptogenic drug discovery that harness the robustness and tractability of zebrafish models as well as the patient-specific genetics and biology of iPSC-derived neurons and organoids.
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Strzelczyk A, Grau J, Bast T, Bertsche A, Bettendorf U, Hahn A, Hartmann H, Hertzberg C, Hornemann F, Immisch I, Jacobs J, Klotz KA, Kluger G, Knake S, Knuf M, Kurlemann G, Marquard K, Mayer T, Meyer S, Muhle H, Müller-Schlüter K, von Podewils F, Rosenow F, Ruf S, Sauter M, Schäfer H, Schlump JU, Schubert-Bast S, Syrbe S, Thiels C, Trollmann R, Wiemer-Kruel A, Wilken B, Zukunft B, Zöllner JP. Prescription patterns of antiseizure drugs in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated epilepsy: a multicenter cohort study from Germany and review of the literature. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:749-760. [PMID: 33792454 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1911643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Seizures are a primary and early disease manifestation of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). We aimed to describe the age-stratified patterns of antiseizure drug (ASD) treatments among children, adolescents, and adults with TSC in Germany. Additionally, we reviewed real-world and clinical study evidence regarding ASD utilization in patients with TSC. METHODS We evaluated the pattern of routine ASD use and everolimus prescriptions based on a 2019 multicenter survey of 268 individuals with TSC-associated epilepsy. We contextualized the results with a structured review of real-world and clinical study evidence. RESULTS TSC-associated epilepsy treatment comprises a wide variety of ASDs. In this German sample, the majority of patients were treated with polytherapy, and lamotrigine (34.7%), valproate (32.8%), oxcarbazepine (28.7%), vigabatrin (19.0%), and levetiracetam (17.9%) were identified as the most-commonly used ASDs. In addition, everolimus was used by 32.5% of patients. In adherence to current TSC guidelines, the disease-modifying ASD vigabatrin was widely used in children (58% below the age of 5 years), whereas treatment in adults did not necessarily reflect guideline preference for (partial) GABAergic ASDs. CONCLUSIONS The selection of ASDs for patients with TSC-associated epilepsy follows well-evaluated recommendations, including the guidelines regarding vigabatrin use in children. Several characteristics, such as the comparatively high frequency of valproate use and polytherapy, reflect the severity of TSC-associated epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Janina Grau
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Bast
- Epilepsy Center Kork, Clinic for Children and Adolescents, Kehl-Kork, Germany
| | - Astrid Bertsche
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Hans Hartmann
- Clinic for Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Frauke Hornemann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ilka Immisch
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Julia Jacobs
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Center for Pediatrics, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg i.Br., Germany.,Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kerstin A Klotz
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Center for Pediatrics, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg i.Br., Germany.,Berta-Ottenstein-Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg i.Br., Germany
| | - Gerhard Kluger
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schön Klinikum Vogtareuth, Germany.,Research Institute, Rehabilitation, Transition and Palliation, PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Knuf
- Department of Pediatrics, Helios Dr. Horst Schmidt Kliniken Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, University Medicine Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Marquard
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Psychosomatics and Pain Management, Klinikum of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Mayer
- Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Dresden-Radeberg, Germany
| | - Sascha Meyer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children´s Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hiltrud Muhle
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Karen Müller-Schlüter
- Epilepsy Center for Children, University Hospital Neuruppin, Brandenburg Medical School, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Departmental of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Ruf
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Sauter
- Klinikum Kempten, Klinikverbund Allgäu, Kempten/Allgäu, Germany
| | - Hannah Schäfer
- Division of Nephrology, Medizinische Klinik Und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der LMU München - Innenstadt, München, Germany.,Department of Nephrology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan-Ulrich Schlump
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Thiels
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Social Pediatrics, St. Josef-Hospital, University Hospital of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Bernd Wilken
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Klinikum Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Bianca Zukunft
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johann Philipp Zöllner
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Strzelczyk A, Schmitt FC. Syndromspezifische Therapien, Impfung gegen Corona und Epileptologie in der DDR. ZEITSCHRIFT FÜR EPILEPTOLOGIE 2021. [PMCID: PMC8063575 DOI: 10.1007/s10309-021-00411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Strzelczyk A, Lagae L, Kurlemann G, Flege S, Bast T, Polster T, Pringsheim M, von Spiczak S, Hipp P, Schubert-Bast S. Klinische Charakteristika und Lebensqualität beim Dravet-Syndrom: Ergebnisse der deutschen Kohorte des „Dravet syndrome caregiver survey“ (DISCUSS). Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-021-01153-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Das Dravet-Syndrom (DS) ist ein seltenes, in der frühen Kindheit beginnendes, therapierefraktäres Epilepsiesyndrom, das mit einer hohen Morbidität und Mortalität verbunden ist.
Fragestellung
Ziele der Querschnittsstudie „Dravet syndrome caregiver survey“ (DISCUSS) sind die Identifizierung und Beschreibung der Faktoren, die einen Einfluss auf die Krankheitslast von Patienten mit DS und ihre Betreuer haben können. Die Ergebnisse der deutschen Kohorte werden vorgestellt.
Material und Methoden
Die Datenerhebung erfolgte durch eine anonyme Befragung von Eltern. Die Ergebnisse wurden für die verschiedenen Altersgruppen statistisch ausgewertet.
Ergebnisse
Der Fragebogen wurde von 68 Eltern der DS-Patienten mit einem durchschnittlichen Alter von 10 Jahren (Median: 9, Spanne: 1–26) ausgefüllt. Nur 3 Patienten (4,4 %) waren in den letzten 3 Monaten anfallsfrei. Insgesamt hatten 97 % der Patienten, die älter als 5 Jahre waren (n = 45), mindestens eine Komorbidität. Die zum Befragungszeitpunkt am häufigsten eingenommenen Antiepileptika waren Valproat, Kaliumbromid, Stiripentol, Clobazam und Topiramat. In der Vergangenheit wurden Natriumkanalblocker, Phenobarbital und Levetiracetam eingesetzt, aktuell fanden diese Antiepileptika nur selten Verwendung. Die Lebensqualität der Patienten war niedriger als die der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Die Erkrankung eines Familienmitglieds mit DS beeinflusst Eltern und Geschwister in hohem Maße.
Diskussion
Trotz individueller Kombinationstherapien sind die meisten Patienten mit DS nicht anfallsfrei. Insgesamt hat sich der Einsatz von beim DS wenig wirksamer Medikamente und der kontraindizierten Natriumkanalblocker zugunsten von wirksameren Medikamenten verschoben. Neue Therapie- und Versorgungskonzepte sind notwendig, um die Versorgung der Patienten mit DS zu verbessern und Eltern und Geschwister zu entlasten.
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Canonical transient receptor potential channels and their modulators: biology, pharmacology and therapeutic potentials. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:354-377. [PMID: 33763843 PMCID: PMC7989688 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Canonical transient receptor potential channels (TRPCs) are nonselective, high calcium permeability cationic channels. The TRPCs family includes TRPC1, TRPC2, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6, and TRPC7. These channels are widely expressed in the cardiovascular and nervous systems and exist in many other human tissues and cell types, playing several crucial roles in the human physiological and pathological processes. Hence, the emergence of TRPCs modulators can help investigate these channels’ applications in health and disease. It is worth noting that the TRPCs subfamilies have structural and functional similarities, which presents a significant difficulty in screening and discovering of TRPCs modulators. In the past few years, only a limited number of selective modulators of TRPCs were detected; thus, additional research on more potent and more selective TRPCs modulators is needed. The present review focuses on the striking desired therapeutic effects of TRPCs modulators, which provides intel on the structural modification of TRPCs modulators and further pharmacological research. Importantly, TRPCs modulators can significantly facilitate future studies of TRPCs and TRPCs related diseases.
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Schoonjans AS, Ceulemans B. A critical evaluation of fenfluramine hydrochloride for the treatment of Dravet syndrome. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 22:351-364. [PMID: 33455486 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1877540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Fenfluramine recently demonstrated to be a highly efficacious and safe treatment option for DS patients. Fenfluramine has been recently approved by the FDA and EMA and is marketed as Fintepla®.Areas covered: DS and the need for additional anticonvulsive treatment options is discussed. The results of three placebo-controlled phase III studies (1 with and 2 without stiripentol) and 2 open label (extension) studies are reviewed. All studies demonstrate a consistent and impressive seizure reduction, confirming the results of two smaller investigator-initiated trials. The mechanism of action of fenfluramine is discussed. Finally, the place of fenfluramine in the future treatment of DS is outlined.Expert opinion: Fenfluramine has a potent anticonvulsive effect in DS. Although not yet fully elucidated, the anticonvulsive mechanism of fenfluramine seems to be mainly serotonergic. Fenfluramine is generally well tolerated. A dose reduction is necessary in combination with stiripentol. Considering new competitors, efficacy seems lower for cannabidiol and is comparable with stiripentol. Preclinical studies indicate a disease specific action and possible disease modification in DS. The latter would support the use of fenfluramine above its anticonvulsive effect and needs to be further elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Sofie Schoonjans
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Berten Ceulemans
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Verrotti A, Striano P. Novel therapeutic options for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:1191-1194. [PMID: 33297778 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1862651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRRCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Università Degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
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Abstract
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a childhood-onset severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), is an entity that encompasses a heterogenous group of aetiologies, with no single genetic cause. It is characterised by multiple seizure types, an abnormal EEG with generalised slow spike and wave discharges and cognitive impairment, associated with high morbidity and profound effects on the quality of life of patients and their families. Drug-refractory seizures are a hallmark and treatment is further complicated by its multiple morbidities, which evolve over the patient's lifetime. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current and future options for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS. Six treatments are specifically indicated as adjunct therapies for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS in the US: lamotrigine, clobazam, rufinamide, topiramate, felbamate and most recently cannabidiol. These therapies have demonstrated reductions in drop seizures in 15%-68% of patients across trials, with responder rates (≥ 50% reduction in drop seizures) of 37%-78%. Valproate is still the preferred first-line treatment, generally in combination with lamotrigine or clobazam. Other treatments frequently used off-label include the broad spectrum anti-epileptic drugs (AED) levetiracetam, zonisamide and perampanel, while recent evidence from observational studies has indicated that a newer AED, the levetiracetam analogue brivaracetam, may be effective and well tolerated in LGS patients. Other treatments in clinical development include fenfluramine in late phase III, perampanel, soticlestat-OV953/TAK-953, carisbamate and ganaxolone. Non-pharmacologic interventions include the ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation and surgical interventions; these are also expanding, with the potential for less invasive techniques for corpus callosotomy that have promise for reducing complications. However, despite these advancements, patients continue to experience a significant burden. Because LGS is not a single entity, tailoring of treatment is needed as opposed to a 'one size fits all' approach. Further research is needed into the underlying aetiologies and pathophysiology of LGS, together with advancements in treatments that encompass the spectrum of seizures associated with this complex syndrome.
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Miziak B, Czuczwar S. Advances in the design and discovery of novel small molecule drugs for the treatment of Dravet Syndrome. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:579-593. [PMID: 33275464 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1857722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Dravet syndrome (severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy) begins in the first year of life characterized by generalized or unilateral clonic seizures that are frequently triggered by high fever. A subsequent worsening stage occurs (in years 1-4 of life) and seizure activity is accompanied by disturbed psychomotor development. The third stage of the disease, known as the 'stabilization phase,' is associated with seizures and intellectual impairment. Of note, a mutation in the voltage-gated sodium-channel gene α 1 subunit (SCN1A) has been found in around 85% of patients with Dravet syndrome.Areas covered: The authors review the current treatment strategies as well as potential drugs in the initial stages of clinical evaluation. The authors also review drugs with protective activity in mice models of Dravet syndrome.Expert opinion: Experimental data and results from initial clinical studies have brought attention to several drugs with various mechanisms of action including: ataluren (a suppressant of premature stop codons; under clinical evaluation), EPX-100, EPX-200, fenfluramine (serotonin modulators), soticlestat (an 24-hydroxylase cholesterol enzyme inhibitor), SPN-817 (an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase), verapamil (a voltage-dependent calcium channel inhibitor) and STK-001 (an antisense oligonucleotide). The latter is scheduled for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Miziak
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Stanisław Czuczwar
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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