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Saldaris JM, Ayalde J, Kankanange S, Keeley J, Leonard H, Jacoby P, Marsh ED, Benke TA, Demarest ST, Downs J. Parent-reported outcome measures evaluating communication in individuals with rare neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024. [PMID: 39141588 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.13100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication impairments are a leading concern for parent caregivers of individuals with rare neurodevelopmental disorders (RNDDs). Clinical trials of disease modifying therapies require valid and responsive outcome measures that are relevant to individuals with RNDDs. Identifying and evaluating current psychometric properties for communication measures is a critical step towards the selection and use of appropriate instruments. AIMS This systematic review offers (1) a description of parent-reported communication measures and (2) evidence for their psychometric properties, in RNDDs. METHODS The systematic review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42022334649). MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, PsychINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry were searched from inception to August 2023. Methodological assessment of quality was completed using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. Parent-reported measures used in observational studies and clinical trials were identified. Data on utility, reliability and validity for RNDDs were extracted. MAIN CONTRIBUTION Sixteen parent-reported communication measures were used in RNDD research, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales being most commonly used. Validation data in RNDDs were identified for six of these measures. Limitations related to sample size or the scope of psychometric testing. CONCLUSIONS Many communication measures have been used for RNDDs but there are few data validating their use. Valid and reliable methods of measuring communication in persons with RNDDs is a priority for future high-quality clinical trials. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Communication is a critical domain for families with a child with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder (RNDD). Validated outcome measures are essential for accurate evaluation and interpretation of responses to treatments in clinical trials. What this paper adds to existing knowledge We identified 16 parent-reported communication measures that have been used with RNDDs, but only six measures had validation data for at least one RNDD. High quality evidence is accumulating, with all validation studies in this review published between 2020 to 2023. Modifications of existing measures may be required to assess communication for RNDDs. What are the clinical implications of this work? This systematic review catalogues the available psychometric data for communication measures and indicates an ongoing need for new validation studies to ensure they are fit-for-purpose for upcoming clinical trials in RNDDs. This review will inform the selection of communication measures for clinical trials and research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta M Saldaris
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Centre for Child Health Research, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremiah Ayalde
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Jessica Keeley
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Centre for Child Health Research, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Jacoby
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Child Neurology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tim A Benke
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Neurology and Pharmacology, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Scott T Demarest
- Children's Hospital Colorado, Neurology and Pharmacology, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Centre for Child Health Research, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin University, School of Allied Health, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
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Srivastava S, Koh HY, Smith L, Poduri A. Cerebral Palsy Phenotypes in Genetic Epilepsies. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 157:79-86. [PMID: 38901369 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there are established connections between genetic epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders like intellectual disability, the presence of cerebral palsy (CP) in genetic epilepsies is undercharacterized. We performed a retrospective chart review evaluating the motor phenotype of patients with genetic epilepsies. METHODS Patients were ascertained through a research exome sequencing study to identify genetic causes of epilepsy. We analyzed data from the first 100 individuals with molecular diagnoses. We determined motor phenotype by reviewing medical records for muscle tone and motor function data. We characterized patients according to CP subtypes: spastic diplegic, spastic quadriplegic, spastic hemiplegic, dyskinetic, hypotonic-ataxic. RESULTS Of 100 individuals with genetic epilepsies, 14% had evidence of possible CP, including 5% characterized as hypotonic-ataxic CP, 5% spastic quadriplegic CP, 3% spastic diplegic CP, and 1% hemiplegic CP. Presence of CP did not correlate with seizure onset age (P = 0.63) or seizure control (P = 0.07). CP occurred in 11% (n = 3 of 27) with focal epilepsy, 9% (n = 5 of 54) with generalized epilepsy, and 32% (n = 6 of 19) with combined focal/generalized epilepsy (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective analysis of patients with genetic epilepsies, we identified a substantial portion with CP phenotypes, representing an under-recognized comorbidity. These findings underscore the many neurodevelopmental features associated with neurogenetic conditions, regardless of the feature for which they were ascertained for sequencing. Detailed motor phenotyping is needed to determine the prevalence of CP and its subtypes among genetic epilepsies. These motor phenotypes require clinical management and represent important targeted outcomes in trials for patients with genetic epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Cerebral Palsy and Spasticity Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hyun Yong Koh
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Neurogenetics Program and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lacey Smith
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Neurogenetics Program and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Neurogenetics Program and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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3
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You Y, Wu W, Du Y, Hu J, Li B. Developmental epileptic encephalopathy caused by homozygosity of a c.172+1G>C variant in the WWOX gene. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2500. [PMID: 39101447 PMCID: PMC11298992 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2500] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variations in the WWOX gene have been identified as the leading cause of several central nervous system disorders. However, most previous reports have focused on the description of clinical phenotype, neglecting functional verification. Herein, we presented a case of a patient with developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) caused by WWOX gene variation. CASE PRESENTATION Our patient was a 13-month-old girl with abnormal facial features, including facial hypotonia, arched eyebrows, a broad nose, and a depressed nasal bridge. She also had sparse and yellow hair, a low anterior hairline, and a short neck. Before the age of 8 months, she was suffering from mild seizures. Her developmental delay gradually worsened, and she suffered infantile spasms. After treatment with vigabatrin, seizures subsided. WWOX gene homozygous variation c.172+1G>C was identified using whole exome sequencing. Further minigene assay confirmed that the variation site affected splicing, causing protein truncation and affecting its function. CONCLUSION Clinical phenotype and minigene results suggest that WWOX gene homozygous variation c.172+1G>C can cause severe DEE. We also concluded that vigabatrin can effectively treat seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang You
- Department of ImagingThe Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiP.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of NeurologyHebei Medical University, Hebei Children's HospitalShijiazhuangHebeiP.R. China
| | - Yakun Du
- Department of NeurologyHebei Medical University, Hebei Children's HospitalShijiazhuangHebeiP.R. China
| | - Jintong Hu
- Department of NeurologyHebei Medical University, Hebei Children's HospitalShijiazhuangHebeiP.R. China
| | - Baoguang Li
- Department of NeurologyHebei Medical University, Hebei Children's HospitalShijiazhuangHebeiP.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Pediatric Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders of Hebei ProvinceShijiazhuangP.R. China
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Downs J, Jacoby P, Specchio N, Cross H, Amin S, Bahi-Buisson N, Rajaraman R, Suter B, Devinsky O, Aimetti A, Busse G, Olson HE, Demarest S, Benke TA, Pestana-Knight E. Effects of ganaxolone on non-seizure outcomes in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder: Double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2024; 51:140-146. [PMID: 38959712 PMCID: PMC11283350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Ganaxolone, a neuroactive steroid, reduces the frequency of major motor seizures in children with CDD. This analysis explored the effect of ganaxolone on non-seizure outcomes. Children (2-19 years) with genetically confirmed CDD and ≥ 16 major motor seizures per month were enrolled in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Ganaxolone or placebo was administered three times daily for 17 weeks. Behaviour was measured with the Anxiety, Depression and Mood Scale (ADAMS), daytime sleepiness with the Child Health Sleep Questionnaire, and quality of life with the Quality of Life Inventory-Disability (QI-Disability) scale. Scores were compared using ANOVA, adjusted for age, sex, number of anti-seizure mediations, baseline 28-day major motor seizure frequency, baseline developmental skills, and behaviour, sleep or quality of life scores. 101 children with CDD (39 clinical sites, 8 countries) were randomized. Median (IQR) age was 6 (3-10) years, 79.2 % were female, and 50 received ganaxolone. After 17 weeks of treatment, Manic/Hyperactive scores (mean difference 1.27, 95%CI -2.38,-0.16) and Compulsive Behaviour scores (mean difference 0.58, 95%CI -1.14,-0.01) were lower (improved) in the ganaxolone group compared with the placebo group. Daytime sleepiness scores were similar between groups. The total change in QOL score for children in the ganaxolone group was 2.6 points (95%CI -1.74,7.02) higher (improved) than in the placebo group but without statistical significance. Along with better seizure control, children who received ganaxolone had improved behavioural scores in select domains compared to placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Australia; Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - P Jacoby
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - N Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - H Cross
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Amin
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - N Bahi-Buisson
- Pediatric Neurology, Necker Enfants Malades, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - R Rajaraman
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - B Suter
- Pediatrics & Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, USA
| | - O Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - G Busse
- Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc, USA
| | - H E Olson
- Department of Neurology, Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Demarest
- University of Colorado, Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - T A Benke
- Depts of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, Neurology and Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine/Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - E Pestana-Knight
- Charles Shor Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
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5
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Huang Y, Wang Q, Liu X, Du W, Hao Z, Wang Y. Transcriptional Signatures of a Dynamic Epilepsy Process Reveal Potential Immune Regulation. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3384-3396. [PMID: 37989981 PMCID: PMC11087345 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03786-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a progression of development and advancement over time. However, the molecular features of epilepsy were poorly studied from a dynamic developmental perspective. We intend to investigate the key mechanisms in the process of epilepsy by exploring the roles of stage-specifically expressed genes. By using time-course transcriptomic data of epileptic samples, we first analyzed the molecular features of epilepsy in different stages and divided it into progression and remission stages based on their transcriptomic features. 34 stage-specifically expressed genes were then identified by the Tau index and verified in other epileptic datasets. These genes were then enriched for immune-related biological functions. Furthermore, we found that the level of immune infiltration and mechanisms at different stages were different, which may result from different types of immune cells playing leading roles in distinct stages. Our findings indicated an essential role of immune regulation as the potential mechanism of epilepsy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanruo Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Qihang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China
| | - Zijian Hao
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingwei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, People's Republic of China.
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Roelens R, Peigneur ANF, Voets T, Vriens J. Neurodevelopmental disorders caused by variants in TRPM3. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119709. [PMID: 38522727 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) are a broad and varied group of disorders that affect the brain and are characterized by epilepsy and comorbid intellectual disability (ID). These conditions have a broad spectrum of symptoms and can be caused by various underlying factors, including genetic mutations, infections, and other medical conditions. The exact cause of DEE remains largely unknown in the majority of cases. However, in around 25 % of patients, rare nonsynonymous coding variants in genes encoding ion channels, cell-surface receptors, and other neuronally expressed proteins are identified. This review focuses on a subgroup of DEE patients carrying variations in the gene encoding the Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 3 (TRPM3) ion channel, where recent data indicate that gain-of-function of TRPM3 channel activity underlies a spectrum of dominant neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbe Roelens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Nogueira Freitas Peigneur
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Voets
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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7
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Amin S, Møller RS, Aledo‐Serrano A, Arzimanoglou A, Bager P, Jóźwiak S, Kluger GJ, López‐Cabeza S, Nabbout R, Partridge C, Schubert‐Bast S, Specchio N, Kälviäinen R. Providing quality care for people with CDKL5 deficiency disorder: A European expert panel opinion on the patient journey. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:832-849. [PMID: 38450883 PMCID: PMC11145618 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by variants in the CDKL5 gene. The disorder is characterized by intractable early-onset seizures, severe neurodevelopmental delay, hypotonia, motor disabilities, cerebral (cortical) visual impairment and microcephaly. With no disease-modifying therapies available for CDD, treatment is symptomatic with an initial focus on seizure control. Another unmet need in the management of people with CDD is the lack of evidence to aid standardized care and guideline development. To address this gap, experts in CDD and representatives from patient advocacy groups from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom convened to form an Expert Working Group. The aim was to provide an expert opinion consensus on how to ensure quality care in routine clinical practice within the European setting, including in settings with limited experience or resources for multidisciplinary care of CDD and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. By means of one-to-one interviews around the current treatment landscape in CDD, insights from the Expert Working Group were collated and developed into a Europe-specific patient journey for individuals with CDD, which was later validated by the group. Further discussions followed to gain consensus of opinions on challenges and potential solutions for achieving quality care in this setting. The panel recognized the benefit of early genetic testing, a holistic personalized approach to seizure control (taking into consideration various factors such as concomitant medications and comorbidities), and age- and comorbidity-dependent multidisciplinary care for optimizing patient outcomes and quality of life. However, their insights and experiences also highlighted much disparity in management approaches and resources across different European countries. Development of standardized European recommendations is required to align realistic diagnostic criteria, treatment goals, and management approaches that can be adapted for different settings. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare condition caused by a genetic mutation with a broad range of symptoms apparent from early childhood, including epileptic seizures that do not respond to medication and severe delays in development. Due to the lack of guidance on managing CDD, international experts and patient advocates discussed best practices in the care of people with CDD in Europe. The panel agreed that early testing, a personalized approach to managing seizures, and access to care from different disciplines are beneficial. Development of guidelines to ensure that care is standardized would also be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Amin
- University Hospitals BristolBristolUK
| | - Rikke S. Møller
- The Danish Epilepsy Centre, FiladelfiaDianalundDenmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Angel Aledo‐Serrano
- Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University HospitalVithas Hospital GroupMadridSpain
| | | | | | | | - Gerhard Josef Kluger
- Epilepsy Center for Children and AdolescentsVogtareuthGermany
- Paracelsus Medical University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
| | | | - Rima Nabbout
- Necker‐Enfants Malades HospitalUniversité Paris Cité, Imagine InstituteParisFrance
| | | | - Susanne Schubert‐Bast
- Center of Neurology and NeurosurgeryEpilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine‐MainGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER)Goethe‐UniversityFrankfurt am MainGermany
- University Children's HospitalGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | | | - Reetta Kälviäinen
- University of Eastern Finland and Epilepsy CenterKuopio University HospitalKuopioFinland
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Saracino A, Totaro M, Politano D, DE Giorgis V, Gana S, Papalia G, Pichiecchio A, Plumari M, Rognone E, Varesio C, Orcesi S. PGAP2-Related Hyperphosphatasia-Mental Retardation Syndrome: Report of a Novel Patient, Toward a Broadening of Phenotypic Spectrum and Therapeutic Perspectives. Neuropediatrics 2024; 55:129-134. [PMID: 38365198 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1779613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
PGAP2 gene has been known to be the cause of "hyperphosphatasia, mental retardation syndrome-3" (HPMRS3). To date, 14 pathogenic variants in PGAP2 have been identified as the cause of this syndrome in 24 patients described in single-case reports or small clinical series with pan-ethnic distribution. We aim to present a pediatric PGAP2-mutated case, intending to further expand the clinical phenotype of the syndrome and to report our experience on a therapeutic approach to drug-resistant epilepsy.We present the clinical, neuroradiological, and genetic characterization of a Caucasian pediatric subject with biallelic pathogenic variants in the PGAP2 gene revealed by next generation sequencing analysis.We identified a subject who presented with global developmental delay and visual impairment. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed mild hypoplasia of the inferior cerebellar vermis and corpus callosum and mild white matter reduction. Laboratory investigations detected an increase in alkaline phosphatase. At the age of 13 months, he began to present epileptic focal seizures with impaired awareness, which did not respond to various antiseizure medications. Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed progressive background activity disorganization and multifocal epileptic abnormalities. Treatment with high-dose pyridoxine showed partial benefit, but the persistence of seizures and the lack of EEG amelioration prompted us to introduce ketogenic diet treatment.Our case provides a further phenotypical expansion of HPMRS3 to include developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Due to the limited number of patients reported so far, the full delineation of the clinical spectrum of HPMRS3 and indications for precision medicine would benefit from the description of new cases and their follow-up evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Saracino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Member of ERN-Epicare, Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina Totaro
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Member of ERN-Epicare, Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Politano
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Member of ERN-Epicare, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina DE Giorgis
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Member of ERN-Epicare, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Gana
- Neurogenetics Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Grazia Papalia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Member of ERN-Epicare, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Pichiecchio
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Neuroradiology Department, Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Plumari
- Neurogenetics Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rognone
- Neuroradiology Department, Advanced Imaging and Radiomics Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Costanza Varesio
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Member of ERN-Epicare, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Member of ERN-Epicare, Pavia, Italy
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9
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Lazar SM, Challman TD, Myers SM. Etiologic Evaluation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Clin North Am 2024; 71:179-197. [PMID: 38423715 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is clinically and etiologically heterogeneous. A causal genetic variant can be identified in approximately 20% to 25% of affected individuals with current clinical genetic testing, and all patients with an ASD diagnosis should be offered genetic etiologic evaluation. We suggest that exome sequencing with copy number variant coverage should be the first-line etiologic evaluation for ASD. Neuroimaging, neurophysiologic, metabolic, and other biochemical evaluations can provide insight into the pathophysiology of ASD but should be recommended in the appropriate clinical circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Lazar
- Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics & Autism, Baylor College of Medicine - Texas Children's Hospital, 6701 Fannin Street Suite 1250, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Thomas D Challman
- Geisinger Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 120 Hamm Drive, Suite 2A, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | - Scott M Myers
- Geisinger Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 120 Hamm Drive, Suite 2A, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
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Houdayer C, Phillips AM, Chabbert M, Bourreau J, Maroofian R, Houlden H, Richards K, Saadi NW, Dad'ová E, Van Bogaert P, Rupin M, Keren B, Charles P, Smol T, Riquet A, Pais L, O'Donnell-Luria A, VanNoy GE, Bayat A, Møller RS, Olofsson K, Abou Jamra R, Syrbe S, Dasouki M, Seaver LH, Sullivan JA, Shashi V, Alkuraya FS, Poss AF, Spence JE, Schnur RE, Forster IC, Mckenzie CE, Simons C, Wang M, Snell P, Kothur K, Buckley M, Roscioli T, Elserafy N, Dauriat B, Procaccio V, Henrion D, Lenaers G, Colin E, Verbeek NE, Van Gassen KL, Legendre C, Bonneau D, Reid CA, Howell KB, Ziegler A, Legros C. Mono and biallelic variants in HCN2 cause severe neurodevelopmental disorders. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.19.24303984. [PMID: 38562733 PMCID: PMC10984036 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.24303984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization activated Cyclic Nucleotide (HCN) gated channels are crucial for various neurophysiological functions, including learning and sensory functions, and their dysfunction are responsible for brain disorders, such as epilepsy. To date, HCN2 variants have only been associated with mild epilepsy and recently, one monoallelic missense variant has been linked to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Here, we expand the phenotypic spectrum of HCN2- related disorders by describing twenty-one additional individuals from fifteen unrelated families carrying HCN2 variants. Seventeen individuals had developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID), two had borderline DD/ID, and one had borderline DD. Ten individuals had epilepsy with DD/ID, with median age of onset of 10 months, and one had epilepsy with normal development. Molecular diagnosis identified thirteen different pathogenic HCN2 variants, including eleven missense variants affecting highly conserved amino acids, one frameshift variant, and one in-frame deletion. Seven variants were monoallelic of which five occurred de novo, one was not maternally inherited, one was inherited from a father with mild learning disabilities, and one was of unknown inheritance. The remaining six variants were biallelic, with four homozygous and two compound heterozygous variants. Functional studies using two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings in Xenopus laevis oocytes were performed on three monoallelic variants, p.(Arg324His), p.(Ala363Val), and p.(Met374Leu), and three biallelic variants, p.(Leu377His), p.(Pro493Leu) and p.(Gly587Asp). The p.(Arg324His) variant induced a strong increase of HCN2 conductance, while p.(Ala363Val) and p.(Met374Leu) displayed dominant negative effects, leading to a partial loss of HCN2 channel function. By confocal imaging, we found that the p.(Leu377His), p.(Pro493Leu) and p.(Gly587Asp) pathogenic variants impaired membrane trafficking, resulting in a complete loss of HCN2 elicited currents in Xenopus oocytes. Structural 3D-analysis in depolarized and hyperpolarized states of HCN2 channels, revealed that the pathogenic variants p.(His205Gln), p.(Ser409Leu), p.(Arg324Cys), p.(Asn369Ser) and p.(Gly460Asp) modify molecular interactions altering HCN2 function. Taken together, our data broadens the clinical spectrum associated with HCN2 variants, and disclose that HCN2 is involved in developmental encephalopathy with or without epilepsy.
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Na JH, Lee YM. Therapeutic outcome of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome with mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I deficiency. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1305404. [PMID: 38529040 PMCID: PMC10962681 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1305404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a severe developmental epileptic encephalopathy, has various underlying causes. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I (MRC I) deficiency is an important cause of metabolic disorders such as mitochondrial dysfunction that can compromise brain function, thereby causing intractable epilepsy, including LGS. Thus, it can be expected that the presence or absence of MRC I deficiency may affect the treatment outcome of patients with LGS. Objectives In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate differences in the epilepsy characteristics and treatment outcomes between patients with LGS with and without MRC I deficiency. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 92 patients with LGS. We divided 68 patients with LGS according to the presence (n = 30) or absence (n = 38) of MRC I deficiency and compared their epilepsy characteristics. Results Generalized tonic and drop seizures were significantly worse in patients with LGS and MRC I deficiency than in those without MRC I deficiency group at the 1-year follow-up (p < 0.001) and final follow-up 1 (p < 0.001). Patients with LGS and MRC I deficiency had significantly fewer electroencephalogram (EEG) improvements compared to those without MRC I deficiency at the 1-year follow-up (p = 0.031). Additionally, in the final follow-up period, patients with LGS and MRC I deficiency had significantly less improvement in EEG findings compared to patients without MRC I deficiency (p < 0.001). Conclusion The overall treatment prognosis-in terms of improvement in traumatic generalized tonic seizure, drop seizure, and EEG findings-is worse in patients with LGS and MRC I deficiency than that in patients with LGS but without MRC I deficiency. Additional and targeted treatment is required to treat LGS with MRC I deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Young-Mock Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Schoenen S, Verbeeck J, Koletzko L, Brambilla I, Kuchenbuch M, Dirani M, Zimmermann G, Dette H, Hilgers RD, Molenberghs G, Nabbout R. Istore: a project on innovative statistical methodologies to improve rare diseases clinical trials in limited populations. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:96. [PMID: 38431612 PMCID: PMC10909280 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The conduct of rare disease clinical trials is still hampered by methodological problems. The number of patients suffering from a rare condition is variable, but may be very small and unfortunately statistical problems for small and finite populations have received less consideration. This paper describes the outline of the iSTORE project, its ambitions, and its methodological approaches. METHODS In very small populations, methodological challenges exacerbate. iSTORE's ambition is to develop a comprehensive perspective on natural history course modelling through multiple endpoint methodologies, subgroup similarity identification, and improving level of evidence. RESULTS The methodological approaches cover methods for sound scientific modeling of natural history course data, showing similarity between subgroups, defining, and analyzing multiple endpoints and quantifying the level of evidence in multiple endpoint trials that are often hampered by bias. CONCLUSION Through its expected results, iSTORE will contribute to the rare diseases research field by providing an approach to better inform about and thus being able to plan a clinical trial. The methodological derivations can be synchronized and transferability will be outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Schoenen
- Institute of Medical Statistics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 19, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Johan Verbeeck
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lukas Koletzko
- Institute of Statistics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Isabella Brambilla
- Dravet Italia Onlus - European Patient Advocacy Group (ePAG) EpiCARE, 37100, Verona, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Research Center for Pediatric Epilepsies, University of Verona, Via S. Francesco, 22, 37129, Verona, Italy
| | - Mathieu Kuchenbuch
- Institut des Maladies Gènètiques Imagine-Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 24 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75015, Paris, France
- Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 149 Rue de Sèvre, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Maya Dirani
- Institut des Maladies Gènètiques Imagine-Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 24 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75015, Paris, France
- Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 149 Rue de Sèvre, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Georg Zimmermann
- Team Biostatistics and Big Medical Data, IDA Lab Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Holger Dette
- Institute of Statistics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf-Dieter Hilgers
- Institute of Medical Statistics, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 19, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Geert Molenberghs
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
- I-BioStat, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Institut des Maladies Gènètiques Imagine-Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 24 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75015, Paris, France
- Necker Enfants malades Hospital, 149 Rue de Sèvre, 75015, Paris, France
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Mastrangelo M, Manti F, Ricciardi G, Bove R, Greco C, Tolve M, Pisani F. The burden of epilepsy on long-term outcome of genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: A single tertiary center longitudinal retrospective cohort study. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 152:109670. [PMID: 38335860 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This retrospective cohort analysis highlighted neurodevelopmental outcome predictors of genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients' demographic, clinical and molecular genetics data were collected. All patients underwent clinical, developmental, and neuropsychological assessments. RESULTS We recruited 100 participants (53 males, 47 females) with a mean follow-up lasting 10.46 ± 8.37 years. Age at epilepsy-onset was predictive of poor adaptive and cognitive functions (VABS-II score, r = 0.350, p = 0.001; BRIEF control subscale, r = -0.253; p = 0.031). Duration of epilepsy correlated negatively with IQ (r = -0.234, p = 0.019) and VABS-II score (r = -0.367, p = 0.001). Correlations were found between delayed/lacking EEG maturation/organization and IQ (r = 0.587, p = 0.001), VABS-II score (r = 0.658, p = 0.001), BRIEF-MI and BRIEF-GEC scores (r = -0.375, p = 0.001; r = -0.236, p = 0.033), ASEBA anxiety (r = -0.220, p = 0.047) and ADHD (r = -0.233, p = 0.035) scores. The number of antiseizure medications (ASMs) correlated with IQ (r = -0.414, p = 0.001), VABS-II (r = -0.496, p = 0.001), and BRIEF-MI (r = 0.294, p = 0.012) scores; while age at the beginning of therapy with ASEBA anxiety score (r = 0.272, p = 0.013). The occurrence of status epilepticus was associated with worse adaptive performances. The linear regression analysis model showed that delayed/lacking EEG maturation/organization had a significant influence on the IQ (R2 = 0.252, p < 0.001) and the BRIEF-GEC variability (R2 = 0.042, p = 0.036). The delayed/lacking EEG maturation/organization and the duration of epilepsy also had a significant influence on the VABS-II score (R2 = 0.455, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Age at seizure-onset, EEG maturation/organization, duration of epilepsy, occurrence of status epilepticus, age at the introduction and number of ASMs used are reliable predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with genetic DEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mastrangelo
- Department of Women/Child Health and Urological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto, Rome, Italy.
| | - Filippo Manti
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto, Rome, Italy; Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomina Ricciardi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Bove
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Greco
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Tolve
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico Umberto, Rome, Italy; Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Fasaludeen A, McTague A, Jose M, Banerjee M, Sundaram S, Madhusoodanan UK, Radhakrishnan A, Menon RN. Genetic variant interpretation for the neurologist - A pragmatic approach in the next-generation sequencing era in childhood epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2024; 201:107341. [PMID: 38447235 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107341] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Genetic advances over the past decade have enhanced our understanding of the genetic landscape of childhood epilepsy. However a major challenge for clinicians ha been understanding the rationale and systematic approach towards interpretation of the clinical significance of variant(s) detected in their patients. As the clinical paradigm evolves from gene panels to whole exome or whole genome testing including rapid genome sequencing, the number of patients tested and variants identified per patient will only increase. Each step in the process of variant interpretation has limitations and there is no single criterion which enables the clinician to draw reliable conclusions on a causal relationship between the variant and disease without robust clinical phenotyping. Although many automated online analysis software tools are available, these carry a risk of misinterpretation. This guideline provides a pragmatic, real-world approach to variant interpretation for the child neurologist. The focus will be on ascertaining aspects such as variant frequency, subtype, inheritance pattern, structural and functional consequence with regard to genotype-phenotype correlations, while refraining from mere interpretation of the classification provided in a genetic test report. It will not replace the expert advice of colleagues in clinical genetics, however as genomic investigations become a first-line test for epilepsy, it is vital that neurologists and epileptologists are equipped to navigate this landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfiya Fasaludeen
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Amy McTague
- Developmental Neurosciences, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom; Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manna Jose
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Moinak Banerjee
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Soumya Sundaram
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - U K Madhusoodanan
- Department of Biochemistry, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Ashalatha Radhakrishnan
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Ramshekhar N Menon
- Dept of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
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Palacios-Ceña D, Güeita-Rodríguez J, Gil-Nagel A, Jimenez-Antona C, García-Bravo C, Velarde-García JF, Cuenca-Zaldivar JN, Aledo-Serrano Á. Health care concerns in parents of children with different genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: A qualitative study. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:195-205. [PMID: 37482918 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM To describe the experiences and unmet medical care needs of a group of parents of children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) caused by the SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19, and GNAO1 variants. METHOD A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants were recruited using purposeful sampling. The inclusion criteria consisted of parents of children with DEEs caused by the SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19, or GNAO1 variants, aged between 4 and 10 years old. In total, 21 parents were included. Data were acquired via researcher field notes and in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS Three main themes were identified: (1) managing symptoms: epileptic seizures are experienced with great uncertainty and are accompanied by cognitive, behavioural, and motor symptoms; (2) accepting treatment: the ideal medication regimen is a challenge and the decision to withdraw or start a new therapy falls on the parents; and (3) therapeutic relationship and medical care: behaviours related to the health professional can hinder the therapeutic relationship with the parents. Parents are apprehensive about going to the emergency department. INTERPRETATION Professionals in emergency departments should acquire better knowledge of DEEs, welcome parents, and improve treatment for the children. The results of this study can serve as a starting point for a roadmap of relevant caregiver-reported outcomes in DEEs, to be implemented with new clinical trials and aetiology-targeted therapies. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Epileptic seizures are the symptom that is most experienced and feared by parents. The medication regime has no defined protocol and the decision to withdraw a medication is frequently left to parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domingo Palacios-Ceña
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Javier Güeita-Rodríguez
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Nagel
- Neurology Department, Epilepsy Program, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Jimenez-Antona
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Cristina García-Bravo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | | | - Juan Nicolas Cuenca-Zaldivar
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Research Group of Physiotherapy & Pain, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Aledo-Serrano
- Epilepsy and Neurogenetics Program, Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University Hospital, Vithas Hospital Group, Madrid, Spain
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Palacios-Ceña D, Güeita-Rodríguez J, Gil-Nagel A, Jimenez-Antona C, García-Bravo C, Velarde-García JF, Cuenca-Zaldivar JN, Aledo-Serrano Á. Preocupaciones sobre la atención sanitaria en progenitores de niños con diferentes encefalopatías epilépticas genéticas del desarrollo: Un estudio cualitativo. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:e41-e51. [PMID: 37740612 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
ResumenObjetivoDescribir las experiencias y las necesidades de atención médica de un grupo de progenitores de niños con encefalopatías epilépticas y del desarrollo (EED) causadas por las variantes SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19 y GNAO1.MétodoSe realizó un estudio cualitativo descriptivo. Los participantes fueron reclutados mediante un muestreo intencional. Los criterios de inclusión consistieron en progenitores de niños con EED causadas por las variantes SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19 o GNAO1, con edades comprendidas entre los 4 y los 10 años. En total, se incluyeron 21 progenitores. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante entrevistas en profundidad y notas de campo del investigador. Se realizó un análisis temático.ResultadosSe identificaron tres temas principales: (1) Manejando los síntomas, las crisis epilépticas se viven con gran incertidumbre, y se acompañan de síntomas cognitivos, conductuales y motores que limitan la vida del niño; b) Aceptando el tratamiento, la pauta de la medicación idónea es un reto, la decisión de retirar o comenzar una nueva terapia recae en los progenitores; y c) Relación terapéutica y atención médica, existen comportamientos y acciones del profesional que facilitan o dificultan la relación terapéutica con los progenitores. Acudir al servicio de urgencias es vivido con recelo por los progenitores.InterpretaciónLos profesionales de los servicios de urgencias deben conocer mejor las EED, acoger a los progenitores y mejorar el tratamiento de los niños. Los resultados de este estudio pueden servir como punto de partida para una hoja de ruta de los resultados relevantes reportados por los cuidadores de las EED, a implementar nuevos ensayos clínicos y terapias dirigidas a la etiología.Qué añade este documento
Las crisis epilépticas son el síntomas más experimentado y temido por los progenitores en las EED.
La pauta de la medicación no tiene un protocolo definido y la decisión de retirar una medicación recae en las manos de los progenitores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domingo Palacios-Ceña
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Javier Güeita-Rodríguez
- Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Nagel
- Epilepsy program, Neurology Department, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Jimenez-Antona
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | - Cristina García-Bravo
- Research Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain
| | | | | | - Ángel Aledo-Serrano
- Epilepsy and Neurogenetics program, Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University Hospital, Vithas Hospital Group, Madrid, Spain
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Zhao X, He Z, Li Y, Yang X, Li B. Atypical absence seizures and gene variants: A gene-based review of etiology, electro-clinical features, and associated epilepsy syndrome. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 151:109636. [PMID: 38232560 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Atypical absence seizures are generalized non-convulsive seizures that often occur in children with cognitive impairment. They are common in refractory epilepsy and have been recognized as one of the hallmarks of developmental epileptic encephalopathies. Notably, pathogenic variants associated with AAS, such as GABRG2, GABRG3, SLC6A1, CACNB4, SCN8A, and SYNGAP1, are also linked to developmental epileptic encephalopathies. Atypical absences differ from typical absences in that they are frequently drug-resistant and the prognosis is dependent on the etiology or related epileptic syndromes. To improve clinicians' understanding of atypical absences and provide novel perspectives for clinical treatment, we have reviewed the electro-clinical characteristics, etiologies, treatment, and prognosis of atypical absences, with a focus on the etiology of advancements in gene variants, shedding light on potential avenues for improved clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zimeng He
- Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Baomin Li
- Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Liang Y, Wan L, Yan H, Liu X, Zhang J, Zhu G, Yang G. Synonymous variants in the ATP6AP2 gene may lead to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1320514. [PMID: 38274877 PMCID: PMC10808393 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1320514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To the literature, variants in the ATP6AP2 gene may cause abnormal nervous system development and associated neurological symptoms. Methods We report a patient with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) carrying an ATP6AP2 c.858G > A (p.Ala286=) synonymous variant. In addition, an overview of reported patients with the same variant were collected and summarized to compare our findings. Results The patient started experiencing tonic seizures at 3.5 months of age, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated impaired brain white matter development and reduced left hippocampal volume. Furthermore, electroencephalography showed multifocal interictal epileptiform discharges. Treatment with various anti-seizure medications yielded unsatisfactory results, and the disorder eventually developed into epileptic spasms. An in vitro splicing assay for the ATP6AP2 gene mRNA revealed that the variant caused a deletion in exon 8 and a corresponding protein truncation. A review of previously reported ATP6AP2-related DEE patients found that synonymous variants in the ATP6AP2 gene can cause early DEE onset, progressive changes in early-life MRI, and exon skipping in all ATP6AP2-related DEE patients. Significance We found that synonymous variants in ATP6AP2 may have significant pathogenicity and are highly correlated with DEE. Due to increased isoform production, ATP6AP2 synonymous variants may cause nervous system developmental disorders by competitively reducing the generation of full-length transcripts, resulting in defects in ATP6AP2-related physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wan
- Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Xinting Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pediatrics, First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
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19
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Curatolo P, Scheper M, Emberti Gialloreti L, Specchio N, Aronica E. Is tuberous sclerosis complex-associated autism a preventable and treatable disorder? World J Pediatr 2024; 20:40-53. [PMID: 37878130 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00762-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder caused by inactivating mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes, causing overactivation of the mechanistic (previously referred to as mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in fetal life. The mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in several brain processes leading to TSC-related epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pre-natal or early post-natal diagnosis of TSC is now possible in a growing number of pre-symptomatic infants. DATA SOURCES We searched PubMed for peer-reviewed publications published between January 2010 and April 2023 with the terms "tuberous sclerosis", "autism", or "autism spectrum disorder"," animal models", "preclinical studies", "neurobiology", and "treatment". RESULTS Prospective studies have highlighted that developmental trajectories in TSC infants who were later diagnosed with ASD already show motor, visual and social communication skills in the first year of life delays. Reliable genetic, cellular, electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers can identify pre-symptomatic TSC infants at high risk for having autism and epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Preventing epilepsy or improving therapy for seizures associated with prompt and tailored treatment strategies for autism in a sensitive developmental time window could have the potential to mitigate autistic symptoms in infants with TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirte Scheper
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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DiFrancesco JC, Ragona F, Murano C, Frosio A, Melgari D, Binda A, Calamaio S, Prevostini R, Mauri M, Canafoglia L, Castellotti B, Messina G, Gellera C, Previtali R, Veggiotti P, Milanesi R, Barbuti A, Solazzi R, Freri E, Granata T, Rivolta I. A novel de novo HCN2 loss-of-function variant causing developmental and epileptic encephalopathy treated with a ketogenic diet. Epilepsia 2023; 64:e222-e228. [PMID: 37746765 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Missense variants of hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels cause variable phenotypes, ranging from mild generalized epilepsy to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Although variants of HCN1 are an established cause of DEE, those of HCN2 have been reported in generalized epilepsies. Here we describe the first case of DEE caused by the novel de novo heterozygous missense variant c.1379G>A (p.G460D) of HCN2. Functional characterization in transfected HEK293 cells and neonatal rat cortical neurons revealed that HCN2 p.G460D currents were strongly reduced compared to wild-type, consistent with a dominant negative loss-of-function effect. Immunofluorescence staining showed that mutant channels are retained within the cell and do not reach the membrane. Moreover, mutant HCN2 also affect HCN1 channels, by reducing the Ih current expressed by the HCN1-HCN2 heteromers. Due to the persistence of frequent seizures despite pharmacological polytherapy, the patient was treated with a ketogenic diet, with a significant and long-lasting reduction of episodes. In vitro experiments conducted in a ketogenic environment demonstrated that the clinical improvement observed with this dietary regimen was not mediated by a direct action on HCN2 activity. These results expand the clinical spectrum related to HCN2 channelopathies, further broadening our understanding of the pathogenesis of DEE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Murano
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), Monza, Italy
| | - Anthony Frosio
- IMTC - Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Dario Melgari
- IMTC - Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Anna Binda
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), Monza, Italy
| | - Serena Calamaio
- IMTC - Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Rachele Prevostini
- IMTC - Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, San Donato Milanese, Italy
| | - Mario Mauri
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Canafoglia
- Integrated Diagnostics for Epilepsy, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Castellotti
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Messina
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Gellera
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Previtali
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, V. Buzzi Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Milanesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbuti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Solazzi
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Freri
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rivolta
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMI), Monza, Italy
- IMTC - Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, San Donato Milanese, Italy
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21
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Pestana Knight EM. Recognition of Movement Disorders in Genetic, Developmental, and Epileptic Encephalopathies: More Than Seizures and Neurocognitive Problems. Neurology 2023; 101:815-816. [PMID: 37748885 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
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22
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van der Veen S, Tse GTW, Ferretti A, Garone G, Post B, Specchio N, Fung VSC, Trivisano M, Scheffer IE. Movement Disorders in Patients With Genetic Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Neurology 2023; 101:e1884-e1892. [PMID: 37748886 PMCID: PMC10663013 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Movement disorders (MDs) are underrecognized in the developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). There are now more than 800 genes implicated in causing the DEEs; relatively few of these rare genetic diseases are known to be associated with MDs. We identified patients with genetic DEEs who had MDs, classified the nature of their MDs, and asked whether specific patterns correlated with the underlying mechanism. METHODS We classified the type of MDs associated with specific genetic DEEs in a large international cohort of patients and analyzed whether specific patterns of MDs reflected the underlying biological dysfunction. RESULTS Our cohort comprised 77 patients with a genetic DEE with a median age of 9 (range 1-38) years. Stereotypies (37/77, 48%) and dystonia (34/77, 44%) were the most frequent MDs, followed by chorea (18/77, 23%), myoclonus (14/77, 18%), ataxia (9/77, 12%), tremor (7/77, 9%), and hypokinesia (6/77, 8%). In 47% of patients, a combination of MDs was seen. The MDs were first observed at a median age of 18 months (range day 2-35 years). Dystonia was more likely to be observed in nonambulatory patients, while ataxia was less likely. In 46% of patients, therapy was initiated with medication (34/77, 44%), deep brain stimulation (1/77, 1%), or intrathecal baclofen (1/77, 1%). We found that patients with channelopathies or synaptic vesicle trafficking defects were more likely to experience dystonia; whereas, stereotypies were most frequent in individuals with transcriptional defects. DISCUSSION MDs are often underrecognized in patients with genetic DEEs, but recognition is critical for the management of these complex neurologic diseases. Distinguishing MDs from epileptic seizures is important in tailoring patient treatment. Understanding which MDs occur with different biological mechanisms will inform early diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterre van der Veen
- From the University Medical Center Groningen (S.v.d.V.), the Netherlands; Austin Health (G.T.W.T.), Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (A.F., M.T.); Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (G.G.), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Radboud UMC (B.P.), Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (N.S.), Rome, Italy; Westmead Hospital (V.S.C.F.); and University of Melbourne, Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital (I.E.S.), Australia
| | - Gabrielle T W Tse
- From the University Medical Center Groningen (S.v.d.V.), the Netherlands; Austin Health (G.T.W.T.), Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (A.F., M.T.); Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (G.G.), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Radboud UMC (B.P.), Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (N.S.), Rome, Italy; Westmead Hospital (V.S.C.F.); and University of Melbourne, Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital (I.E.S.), Australia
| | - Alessandro Ferretti
- From the University Medical Center Groningen (S.v.d.V.), the Netherlands; Austin Health (G.T.W.T.), Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (A.F., M.T.); Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (G.G.), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Radboud UMC (B.P.), Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (N.S.), Rome, Italy; Westmead Hospital (V.S.C.F.); and University of Melbourne, Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital (I.E.S.), Australia
| | - Giacomo Garone
- From the University Medical Center Groningen (S.v.d.V.), the Netherlands; Austin Health (G.T.W.T.), Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (A.F., M.T.); Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (G.G.), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Radboud UMC (B.P.), Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (N.S.), Rome, Italy; Westmead Hospital (V.S.C.F.); and University of Melbourne, Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital (I.E.S.), Australia
| | - Bart Post
- From the University Medical Center Groningen (S.v.d.V.), the Netherlands; Austin Health (G.T.W.T.), Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (A.F., M.T.); Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (G.G.), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Radboud UMC (B.P.), Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (N.S.), Rome, Italy; Westmead Hospital (V.S.C.F.); and University of Melbourne, Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital (I.E.S.), Australia
| | - Nicola Specchio
- From the University Medical Center Groningen (S.v.d.V.), the Netherlands; Austin Health (G.T.W.T.), Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (A.F., M.T.); Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (G.G.), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Radboud UMC (B.P.), Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (N.S.), Rome, Italy; Westmead Hospital (V.S.C.F.); and University of Melbourne, Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital (I.E.S.), Australia
| | - Victor S C Fung
- From the University Medical Center Groningen (S.v.d.V.), the Netherlands; Austin Health (G.T.W.T.), Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (A.F., M.T.); Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (G.G.), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Radboud UMC (B.P.), Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (N.S.), Rome, Italy; Westmead Hospital (V.S.C.F.); and University of Melbourne, Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital (I.E.S.), Australia
| | - Marina Trivisano
- From the University Medical Center Groningen (S.v.d.V.), the Netherlands; Austin Health (G.T.W.T.), Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (A.F., M.T.); Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (G.G.), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Radboud UMC (B.P.), Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (N.S.), Rome, Italy; Westmead Hospital (V.S.C.F.); and University of Melbourne, Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital (I.E.S.), Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- From the University Medical Center Groningen (S.v.d.V.), the Netherlands; Austin Health (G.T.W.T.), Melbourne, Australia; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (A.F., M.T.); Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (G.G.), Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy; Radboud UMC (B.P.), Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (N.S.), Rome, Italy; Westmead Hospital (V.S.C.F.); and University of Melbourne, Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital (I.E.S.), Australia.
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23
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de Pedro Baena S, Sariego Jamardo A, Castro P, López González FJ, Sánchez Carpintero R, Cerisola A, Troncoso M, Witting S, Barrios A, Fons C, López Pisón J, Ortigoza‐Escobar JD. Exploring the Spectrum of RHOBTB2 Variants Associated with Developmental Encephalopathy 64: A Case Series and Literature Review. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2023; 10:1671-1679. [PMID: 37982109 PMCID: PMC10654829 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13880] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rho-related BTB domain-containing protein 2 (RHOBTB2) is a protein that interacts with cullin-3, a crucial E3 ubiquitin ligase for mitotic cell division. RHOBTB2 has been linked to early infantile epileptic encephalopathy, autosomal dominant type 64 (OMIM618004), in 34 reported patients. Methods We present a case series of seven patients with RHOBTB2-related disorders (RHOBTB2-RD), including a description of a novel heterozygous variant. We also reviewed previously published cases of RHOBTB2-RD. Results The seven patients had ages ranging from 2 years and 8 months to 26 years, and all had experienced seizures before the age of one (onset, 4-12 months, median, 4 months), including various types of seizures. All patients in this cohort also had a movement disorder (onset, 0.3-14 years, median, 1.5 years). Six of seven had a baseline movement disorder, and one of seven only had paroxysmal dystonia. Stereotypies were noted in four of six, choreodystonia in three of six, and ataxia in one case with multiple movement phenotypes at baseline. Paroxysmal movement disorders were observed in six of seven patients for whom carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine treatment was effective in controlling acute or paroxysmal movement disorders. Four patients had acute encephalopathic episodes at ages 4 (one patient) and 6 (three patients), which improved following treatment with methylprednisolone. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed transient fluid-attenuated inversion recovery abnormalities during these episodes, as well as myelination delay, thin corpus callosum, and brain atrophy. One patient had a novel RHOBTB2 variant (c.359G>A/p.Gly120Glu). Conclusion RHOBTB2-RD is characterized by developmental delay or intellectual disability, early-onset seizures, baseline movement disorders, acute or paroxysmal motor phenomena, acquired microcephaly, and episodes of acute encephalopathy. Early onsets of focal dystonia, acute encephalopathic episodes, episodes of tongue protrusion, or peripheral vasomotor disturbances are important diagnostic clues. Treatment with carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine was found to be effective in controlling acute or paroxysmal movement disorders. Our study highlights the clinical features and treatment response of RHOBTB2-RD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Sariego Jamardo
- Pediatric Neurology DepartmentHospital Universitario Marqués de ValdecillaSantanderSpain
| | - Pedro Castro
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyHospital Gregorio MarañónMadridSpain
| | | | | | - Alfredo Cerisola
- Pediatric Neurology DepartmentInstitut de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Mónica Troncoso
- Centro de Referencia Nacional en Defectos Congénitos y Enfermedades Raras (CRENADECER) del Banco de Previsión Social (BPS), Uruguay; Cátedra de Neuropediatría, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de la RepúblicaMontevideoUruguay
| | - Scarlet Witting
- Centro de Referencia Nacional en Defectos Congénitos y Enfermedades Raras (CRENADECER) del Banco de Previsión Social (BPS), Uruguay; Cátedra de Neuropediatría, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de la RepúblicaMontevideoUruguay
| | - Andrés Barrios
- Centro de Referencia Nacional en Defectos Congénitos y Enfermedades Raras (CRENADECER) del Banco de Previsión Social (BPS), Uruguay; Cátedra de Neuropediatría, Facultad de MedicinaUniversidad de la RepúblicaMontevideoUruguay
| | - Carmen Fons
- Pediatric Neurology DepartmentInstitut de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Javier López Pisón
- Child Neurology ServiceHospital San Borja Arriarán, Universidad de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Juan Darío Ortigoza‐Escobar
- Pediatric Neurology DepartmentHospital Infantil Universitario Miguel ServetZaragozaSpain
- Movement Disorders Unit, Pediatric Neurology DepartmentInstitut de Recerca, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- U‐703 Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER‐ER)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIBarcelonaSpain
- European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN‐RND)BarcelonaSpain
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24
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Robertson EG, Roberts NJ, Le Marne F, Beavis E, Macintosh R, Kelada L, Best S, Goranitis I, Pierce K, Gill D, Sachdev R, Bye A, Palmer EE. "Somewhere to turn to with my questions": A pre-post pilot of an information linker service for caregivers who have a child with a Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2023; 47:94-104. [PMID: 37832466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of a child with a Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) often report challenges accessing relevant and understandable information regarding their child's condition. We developed GenE Compass, an information linker service where caregivers are invited to submit questions and receive high-quality, personalised reports. We conducted a pilot evaluation to determine the feasibility and acceptability of GenE Compass. METHODS We invited eligible caregivers to complete a baseline questionnaire (Q1) prior to receiving three months access to submit an unlimited number of questions to GenE Compass. We then invited caregivers to complete a follow-up questionnaire (Q2) and optional interview. Caregivers also had the opportunity to share report-specific feedback at the time of receiving each report. RESULTS Seventy-two caregivers completed Q1, of which 41 submitted at least one question (range = 1-7). We received a total of 76 questions. The median turnaround time was 12 working days for our information linker (range = 1-28). Thirty-seven caregivers completed Q2, of whom 32 submitted at least one question (87 %). Overall, caregivers were highly satisfied with GenE Compass and their reports, and indicated that they would use it in the future if they had another question. Caregivers' qualitative data from Q1 and interviews highlighted the ongoing need for an information linker service like GenE Compass due to a lack of understandable information and limited resources, and the benefit in reducing burden of constant information searching. CONCLUSION Our study shows that GenE Compass is feasible with the appropriate allocation of resources and highly acceptable to caregivers who have a child with a DEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden G Robertson
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, Australia.
| | - Natalie J Roberts
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, Australia
| | - Fleur Le Marne
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, Australia; Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Erin Beavis
- Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca Macintosh
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, Australia; Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren Kelada
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, Australia; Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, Australia
| | - Stephanie Best
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Dept of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ilias Goranitis
- Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Health Economics Unit, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kristine Pierce
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, Australia; Epilepsy Foundation, Surrey Hills, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deepak Gill
- TY Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia; Kids Neuroscience Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rani Sachdev
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, Australia; Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Ann Bye
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, Australia; Department of Neurology, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth E Palmer
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, Australia; Centre for Clinical Genetics, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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25
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Cao BR, Huang YM, Tian FY, Li JH, Xu CL, Wei Y, Liu JK, Guo QB, Xu HY, Zhan L, Lv RM, Sun YD, Hu XD, Gao ZB, Zhou CY. Prime editing-based gene correction alleviates the hyperexcitable phenotype and seizures of a genetic epilepsy mouse model. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:2342-2345. [PMID: 37402996 PMCID: PMC10618215 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Rong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yi-Ming Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Fu-Yun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China
| | - Jin-Hui Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Chun-Long Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Shanghai Immunocan Biotech Co., LTD, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Ji-Kai Liu
- Shanghai Immunocan Biotech Co., LTD, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Qian-Bei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hai-Yan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Li Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Rui-Min Lv
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yi-di Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Xin-de Hu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Zhao-Bing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
| | - Chang-Yang Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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Specchio N, Nabbout R, Aronica E, Auvin S, Benvenuto A, de Palma L, Feucht M, Jansen F, Kotulska K, Sarnat H, Lagae L, Jozwiak S, Curatolo P. Updated clinical recommendations for the management of tuberous sclerosis complex associated epilepsy. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2023; 47:25-34. [PMID: 37669572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), may experience a variety of seizure types in the first year of life, most often focal seizure sand epileptic spasms. Drug resistance is seen early in many patients, and the management of TSC associated epilepsy remain a major challenge for clinicians. In 2018 clinical recommendations for the management of TSC associated epilepsy were published by a panel of European experts. In the last five years considerable progress has been made in understanding the neurobiology of epileptogenesis and three interventional randomized controlled trials have changed the therapeutic approach for the management of TSC associated epilepsy. Pre-symptomatic treatment with vigabatrin may delay seizure onset, may reduce seizure severity and reduce the risk of epileptic encephalopathy. The efficacy of mTOR inhibition with adjunctive everolimus was documented in patients with TSC associated refractory seizures and cannabidiol could be another therapeutic option. Epilepsy surgery has significantly improved seizure outcome in selected patients and should be considered early in all patients with drug resistant epilepsy. There is a need to identify patients who may have a higher risk of developing epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the recent years significant progress has been made owing to the early identification of risk factors for the development of drug-resistant epilepsy. Better understanding of the mechanism underlying epileptogenesis may improve the management for TSC-related epilepsy. Developmental neurobiology and neuropathology give opportunities for the implementation of concepts related to clinical findings, and an early genetic diagnosis and use of EEG and MRI biomarkers may improve the development of pre-symptomatic and disease-modifying strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Member of the European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, INSERM U1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands
| | - Stephane Auvin
- APHP, Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Centre Epilepsies Rares, Member of the European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France; Université Paris-Cité, INSERM NeuroDiderot, Paris, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | | | - Luca de Palma
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Martha Feucht
- Epilepsy Center, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - Floor Jansen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Kotulska
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Harvey Sarnat
- Department of Paediatrics (Neurology), Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Neuropathology) and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (Owerko Centre), Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sergiusz Jozwiak
- Research Department, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, ERN EPICARE, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
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Ben Said M, Jallouli O, Ben Aissa A, Souissi A, Kamoun F, Fakhfakh F, Masmoudi S, Ben Ayed I, Charfi Triki C. Customized targeted massively parallel sequencing enables the identification of novel pathogenic variants in Tunisian patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Epilepsia Open 2023. [PMID: 37867425 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a high-throughput sequencing panel for the diagnosis of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in Tunisia and to clarify the frequency of disease-causing genes in this region. METHODS We developed a custom panel for next-generation sequencing of the coding sequences of 116 genes in individuals with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy from the Tunisian population. Segregation analyses and in silico studies have been conducted to assess the identified variants' pathogenicity. RESULTS We report 12 pathogenic variants in SCN1A, CHD2, CDKL5, SZT2, KCNT1, GNAO1, PCDH19, MECP2, GRIN2A, and SYNGAP1 in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Five of these variants are novel: "c.149delA, p.(Asn50MetfsTer26)" in CDKL5; "c.3616C > T, p.(Arg1206Ter)" in SZT2; "c.111_113del, p.(Leu39del)" in GNAO1; "c.1435G>C, p.(Asp479His)" in PCDH19; and "c.2143delC, p.(Arg716GlyfsTer10)" in SYNGAP1. Additionally, for four of our patients, the genetic result facilitated the choice of the appropriate treatment. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first report of a custom gene panel to identify genetic variants implicated in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in the Tunisian population as well as the North African region (Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco) with a diagnostic rate of 30%. This high-throughput sequencing panel has considerably improved the rate of positive diagnosis of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in the Tunisian population, which was less than 15% using Sanger sequencing. The benefit of genetic testing in these patients was approved by both physicians and parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem Ben Said
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Jallouli
- Department of Child Neurology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, LR19ES15, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Abir Ben Aissa
- Department of Child Neurology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, LR19ES15, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Amal Souissi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Kamoun
- Department of Child Neurology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, LR19ES15, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Faiza Fakhfakh
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Laboratory, Faculty of Science of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Saber Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ikhlas Ben Ayed
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Chahnez Charfi Triki
- Department of Child Neurology, Hedi Chaker Hospital, LR19ES15, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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Geng G, Hu W, Meng Y, Zhang H, Zhang H, Chen C, Zhang Y, Gao Z, Liu Y, Shi J. Vagus nerve stimulation for treating developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in young children. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1191831. [PMID: 37928141 PMCID: PMC10624125 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1191831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the clinical variables that might predict the outcome of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) after vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy and identify the risk factors for poor long-term outcome. Patients and methods We retrospectively studied 32 consecutive children with drug-resistant DEE who had undergone VNS surgery from April 2019 to July 2021, which were not suitable for corpus callosotomy. In spite of combining valproic acid, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, topiramate, etc. (standard anti-seizure medicine available in China) it has not been possible to effectively reduce seizures in the population we investigate (Cannabidiol and brivaracetam were not available in China). A responder was defined as a frequency reduction decrease > 50%. Seizure freedom was defined as freedom from seizures for at least 6 months. Sex, electroencephalograph (EEG) group, neurodevelopment, time lag, gene mutation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and epilepsy syndrome were analyzed with Fisher's exact test, The age at onset and age at VNS therapy were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test, statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. And used the effect size to correction. Results Among the 32 patients, the median age at VNS implantation was 4.7 years (range: 1-12 years). At the most recent follow-up, five children (15.6%) were seizure-free and 22 (68.8%) were responders. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the responders were significantly associated with mild development delay/intellectual disability (p = 0.044; phi coefficient = 0.357) and a multifocal EEG pattern (p = 0.022; phi coefficient = -0.405). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses demonstrated that a multifocal EEG pattern (p = 0.049) and DEE without epileptic spasm (ES) (p = 0.012) were statistically significant (p = 0.030). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DEE with ES had significant predictive value for poor long-term outcome (p = 0.014, hazard ratio = 5.433, confidence interval = 1.402-21.058). Conclusions Our study suggested that VNS was a generally effective adjunct treatment for DEE. Although the predictive factors for VNS efficacy remain unclear, it should be emphasized that patients with ES are not suitable candidates for epilepsy surgery. Further investigations are needed to validate the present results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifu Geng
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wandong Hu
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yao Meng
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanmei Chen
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanqing Zhang
- Pediatric Health Care Institute, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zaifen Gao
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianguo Shi
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Curatolo P, Trivisano M, Specchio N. Updated Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in TSC. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2023; 47:101086. [PMID: 37919037 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2023.101086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
GENOTYPE/PHENOTYPE CORRELATIONS IN TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS COMPLEX Paolo Curatolo MD, Romina Moavero MD, Denis Roberto, Federica Graziola Seminars in Pediatric Neurology Volume 22, Issue 4, December 2015, Pages 259-273 Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of widespread hamartomatous lesions in various organs, including brain, skin, kidneys, heart, and eyes. Central nervous system is almost invariably involved, with up to 85% of patients presenting with epilepsy, and at least half of patients having intellectual disability or other neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder. TSC is caused by the mutation in one of the 2 genes TSC1, at 9q34, and TSC2, at 16p13.3. They respectively encode for hamartin and tuberin, which form an intracellular complex inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin. Mammalian target of rapamycin overactivation following the genetic defect determines the cell growth and proliferation responsible for TSC-related lesions, as well as the alterations in neuronal excitability and synaptogenesis leading to epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders. A causative mutation for the disorder is identified in about 85% of patients with a clinical diagnosis of TSC. Mosaicism and technology limits likely explain most of the no mutation identified cases. This review confirms that patients with TSC2 mutations considered as a group usually present a more severe phenotype, characterized by higher number of tubers, earlier age at seizure onset and higher prevalence of intellectual disability. However, the clinical phenotype of the disease presents a high variability, thus making the prediction of the phenotype on an individual basis still challenging. The increasing application of new molecular techniques to subjects with TSC has the potential to significantly reduce the rate of patients with no mutation demonstrated and to identify an increasing higher number of mutations. This would hopefully allow a better characterization of higher risk mutations, which might help clinicians to plan individualized surveillance plans. Furthermore, the increasing availability of disease registries to collect clinical and genetics data of patients help to define more valid and clinically oriented genotype or phenotype correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Child Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders, Bambino Gesù, IRCCS Children's Hospital, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Child Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders, Bambino Gesù, IRCCS Children's Hospital, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy.
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Arslan A. Pathogenic variants of human GABRA1 gene associated with epilepsy: A computational approach. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20218. [PMID: 37809401 PMCID: PMC10559982 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Critical for brain development, neurodevelopmental and network disorders, the GABRA1 gene encodes for the α1 subunit, an abundantly and developmentally expressed subunit of heteropentameric gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors (GABAARs) mediating primary inhibition in the brain. Mutations of the GABAAR subunit genes including GABRA1 gene are associated with epilepsy, a group of syndromes, characterized by unprovoked seizures and diagnosed by integrative approach, that involves genetic testing. Despite the diagnostic use of genetic testing, a large fraction of the GABAAR subunit gene variants including the variants of GABRA1 gene is not known in terms of their molecular consequence, a challenge for precision and personalized medicine. Addressing this, one hundred thirty-seven GABRA1 gene variants of unknown clinical significance have been extracted from the ClinVar database and computationally analyzed for pathogenicity. Eight variants (L49H, P59L, W97R, D99G, G152S, V270G, T294R, P305L) are predicted as pathogenic and mapped to the α1 subunit's extracellular domain (ECD), transmembrane domains (TMDs) and extracellular linker. This is followed by the integration with relevant data for cellular pathology and severity of the epilepsy syndromes retrieved from the literature. Our results suggest that the pathogenic variants in the ECD of GABRA1 (L49H, P59L, W97R, D99G, G152S) will probably manifest decreased surface expression and reduced current with mild epilepsy phenotypes while V270G, T294R in the TMDs and P305L in the linker between the second and the third TMDs will likely cause reduced cell current with severe epilepsy phenotypes. The results presented in this study provides insights for clinical genetics and wet lab experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Arslan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Sills GJ. Pharmacological diversity amongst approved and emerging antiseizure medications for the treatment of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231191000. [PMID: 37655228 PMCID: PMC10467199 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231191000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are rare neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by early-onset and often intractable seizures and developmental delay/regression, and include Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Rufinamide, fenfluramine, stiripentol, cannabidiol and ganaxolone are antiseizure medications (ASMs) with diverse mechanisms of action that have been approved for treating specific DEEs. Rufinamide is thought to suppress neuronal hyperexcitability by preventing the functional recycling of voltage-gated sodium channels from the inactivated to resting state. It is licensed for adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with LGS. Fenfluramine increases extracellular serotonin levels and may reduce seizures via activation of specific serotonin receptors and positive modulation of the sigma-1 receptor. Fenfluramine is licensed for adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and LGS. Stiripentol is a positive allosteric modulator of type-A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors. As a broad-spectrum inhibitor of cytochrome P450 enzymes, its antiseizure effects may additionally arise through pharmacokinetic interactions with co-administered ASMs. Stiripentol is licensed for treating seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in patients taking clobazam and/or valproate. The mechanism(s) of action of cannabidiol remains largely unclear although multiple targets have been proposed, including transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, G protein-coupled receptor 55 and equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1. Cannabidiol is licensed as adjunctive treatment in conjunction with clobazam for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and LGS, and as adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. Like stiripentol, ganaxolone is a positive allosteric modulator at GABAA receptors. It has recently been licensed in the USA for the treatment of seizures associated with cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 deficiency disorder. Greater understanding of the causes of DEEs has driven research into the potential use of other novel and repurposed agents. Putative ASMs currently in clinical development for use in DEEs include soticlestat, carisbamate, verapamil, radiprodil, clemizole and lorcaserin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme J. Sills
- School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Room 341, Sir James Black Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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Shimojima Yamamoto K, Yoshimura A, Yamamoto T. Biallelic KCTD3 nonsense variant derived from paternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 1 in a patient with developmental epileptic encephalopathy and distinctive features. Hum Genome Var 2023; 10:22. [PMID: 37550298 PMCID: PMC10406933 DOI: 10.1038/s41439-023-00250-z] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A biallelic nonsense variant of the potassium channel tetramerization domain-containing protein 3 gene (KCTD3) [c.1192C>T; p.R398*] was identified in a patient with developmental epileptic encephalopathy with distinctive features and brain structural abnormalities. The patient showed isodisomy of chromosome 1, where KCTD3 is located, and the father was heterozygous for the same variant. Based on these findings, paternal uniparental disomy was considered to cause the biallelic involvement of KCTD3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Shimojima Yamamoto
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Processing, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Hamamatsu, 433-8558, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Yamamoto
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan.
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van van Hugte EJH, Schubert D, Nadif Kasri N. Excitatory/inhibitory balance in epilepsies and neurodevelopmental disorders: Depolarizing γ-aminobutyric acid as a common mechanism. Epilepsia 2023; 64:1975-1990. [PMID: 37195166 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Although many factors contribute to epileptogenesis, seizure generation is mostly linked to hyperexcitability due to alterations in excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance. The common hypothesis is that reduced inhibition, increased excitation, or both contribute to the etiology of epilepsy. Increasing evidence shows that this view is oversimplistic, and that increased inhibition through depolarizing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) similarly contributes to epileptogenisis. In early development, GABA signaling is depolarizing, inducing outward Cl- currents due to high intracellular Cl- concentrations. During maturation, the mechanisms of GABA action shift from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing, a critical event during brain development. Altered timing of this shift is associated with both neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. Here, we consider the different ways that depolarizing GABA contributes to altered E/I balance and epileptogenesis, and discuss that alterations in depolarizing GABA could be a common denominator underlying seizure generation in neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline J H van van Hugte
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Epileptology, Academic Centre for Epileptology (ACE) Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk Schubert
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Epileptology, Academic Centre for Epileptology (ACE) Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, the Netherlands
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Rissardo JP, Fornari Caprara AL. Cenobamate (YKP3089) and Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Review of the Literature. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1389. [PMID: 37629678 PMCID: PMC10456719 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Cenobamate (CNB), ([(R)-1-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(2H-tetrazol-2-yl)ethyl], is a novel tetrazole alkyl carbamate derivative. In November 2019, the Food and Drug Administration approved Xcopri®, marketed by SK Life Science Inc., (Paramus, NJ, USA) for adult focal seizures. The European Medicines Agency approved Ontozry® by Arvelle Therapeutics Netherlands B.V.(Amsterdam, The Neatherlands) in March 2021. Cenobamate is a medication that could potentially change the perspectives regarding the management and prognosis of refractory epilepsy. In this way, this study aims to review the literature on CNB's pharmacological properties, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety. CNB is a highly effective drug in managing focal onset seizures, with more than twenty percent of individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy achieving seizure freedom. This finding is remarkable in the antiseizure medication literature. The mechanism of action of CNB is still poorly understood, but it is associated with transient and persistent sodium currents and GABAergic neurotransmission. In animal studies, CNB showed sustained efficacy and potency in the 6 Hz test regardless of the stimulus intensity. CNB was revealed to be the most cost-effective drug among different third-generation antiseizure medications. Also, CNB could have neuroprotective effects. However, there are still concerns regarding its potential for abuse and suicidality risk, which future studies should clearly assess, after which protocols should be changed. The major drawback of CNB therapy is the slow and complex titration and maintenance phases preventing the wide use of this new agent in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamir Pitton Rissardo
- Medicine Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil;
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Ye J, Tang S, Miao P, Gong Z, Shu Q, Feng J, Li Y. Clinical analysis and functional characterization of KCNQ2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1205265. [PMID: 37497102 PMCID: PMC10366601 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1205265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) is a condition characterized by severe seizures and a range of developmental impairments. Pathogenic variants in KCNQ2, encoding for potassium channel subunit, cause KCNQ2-related DEE. This study aimed to examine the relationships between genotype and phenotype in KCNQ2-related DEE. Methods In total, 12 patients were enrolled in this study for genetic testing, clinical analysis, and developmental evaluation. Pathogenic variants of KCNQ2 were characterized through a whole-cell electrophysiological recording expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The expression levels of the KCNQ2 subunit and its localization at the plasma membrane were determined using Western blot analysis. Results Seizures were detected in all patients. All DEE patients showed evidence of developmental delay. In total, 11 de novo KCNQ2 variants were identified, including 10 missense variants from DEE patients and one truncating variant from a patient with self-limited neonatal epilepsy (SeLNE). All variants were found to be loss of function through analysis of M-currents using patch-clamp recordings. The functional impact of variants on M-current in heteromericKCNQ2/3 channels may be associated with the severity of developmental disorders in DEE. The variants with dominant-negative effects in heteromeric channels may be responsible for the profound developmental phenotype. Conclusion The mechanism underlying KCNQ2-related DEE involves a reduction of the M-current through dominant-negative effects, and the severity of developmental disorders in DEE may be predicted by the impact of variants on the M-current of heteromericKCNQ2/3 channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ye
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siyang Tang
- Pediatric Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pu Miao
- Pediatric Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhefeng Gong
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- Pediatric Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Feng
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuezhou Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Wirrell EC, Riney K, Specchio N, Zuberi SM. How have the recent updated epilepsy classifications impacted on diagnosis and treatment? Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:969-980. [PMID: 37676056 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2254937] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsies are a diverse group of disorders which differ regarding prognosis for seizure control and associated comorbidities. Accurate classification is critical to choose the highest yield investigations and best therapeutic options and to provide the most accurate prognoses regarding the expected degree of seizure control, possible remission, and risk of associated comorbidities to patients and their families. This article reviews the recent updates in epilepsy classification to illustrate how accurate classification impacts care for persons with epilepsy. AREAS COVERED The authors discuss the ILAE 2017 Classification of the Epilepsies along with the modification of the classification for neonatal seizures and epilepsies. They also discuss the ILAE position papers on Epilepsy syndromes in neonates and infants and children of variable age and the Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies. EXPERT OPINION Accurate epilepsy classification allows selection of the highest yield investigations, choice of optimal therapies, and accurate prognostication of seizures (likelihood of response to antiseizure treatments and likelihood of remission with age), as well as comorbidities (likelihood, type, and severity). As we move into the era of disease modifying therapy, early accurate identification of underlying causes with timely introduction of specific treatments will be crucial to lessen the severity of epilepsy, with improved seizure control and attenuation of associated comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine C Wirrell
- Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kate Riney
- Neurosciences Unit, Queensland Children's Hospital, Australia and Faculty of Medicine, University of St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Clinical and Experimental Neurology, Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network on Rare and Complex Epilepsies (EpiCARE), Rome, Italy
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
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Malar DS, Thitilertdecha P, Ruckvongacheep KS, Brimson S, Tencomnao T, Brimson JM. Targeting Sigma Receptors for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:399-440. [PMID: 37166702 PMCID: PMC10173947 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The sigma-1 receptor is a 223 amino acid-long protein with a recently identified structure. The sigma-2 receptor is a genetically unrelated protein with a similarly shaped binding pocket and acts to influence cellular activities similar to the sigma-1 receptor. Both proteins are highly expressed in neuronal tissues. As such, they have become targets for treating neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Rett syndrome (RS), developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), and motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS). In recent years, there have been many pre-clinical and clinical studies of sigma receptor (1 and 2) ligands for treating neurological disease. Drugs such as blarcamesine, dextromethorphan and pridopidine, which have sigma-1 receptor activity as part of their pharmacological profile, are effective in treating multiple aspects of several neurological diseases. Furthermore, several sigma-2 receptor ligands are under investigation, including CT1812, rivastigmine and SAS0132. This review aims to provide a current and up-to-date analysis of the current clinical and pre-clinical data of drugs with sigma receptor activities for treating neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicson S Malar
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Premrutai Thitilertdecha
- Siriraj Research Group in Immunobiology and Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokphorn S Ruckvongacheep
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirikalaya Brimson
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - James M Brimson
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Research, Innovation and International Affairs, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Room 409, ChulaPat-1 Building, 154 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Brun L, Borloz E, Felix MS, Louis Durand J, Villard L. Ultrasound-induced seizures in a mouse model of KCNQ2-NEO-DEE. Epilepsy Res 2023; 193:107160. [PMID: 37187037 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107160] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE KCNQ2 neonatal developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (NEO-DEE) is characterized by intractable seizures accompanied by an abnormal neurodevelopment. In a mouse model of NEO-DEE carrying the p.(Thr274Met) variant of Kcnq2, spontaneous generalized seizures occur unexpectedly preventing controlled studies and highlighting the necessity for a customized setup to trigger seizures on demand. We aimed to obtain a stable and objective read-out to control the efficacy of new antiepileptic drugs or to test seizure susceptibility. We developed a protocol to trigger ultrasound-induced seizures (UIS) on demand in this model. METHODS We tested the ability of our protocol to induce seizures at four developmental stages in the Kcnq2p.(Thr274Met/+) mouse model. We mapped the activated brain regions using c-fos protein labeling 2 h after seizure induction. RESULTS We show that the UIS have the same phenotypic expression and the same severity as spontaneous generalized seizures (SGS) in the Kcnq2-NEO-DEE mouse model. The developmental period during which mice exhibit SGS corresponds to the period during which Kcnq2p.(Thr274Met/+) mice are the most susceptible to US. C-fos labeling reveals a subset of 6 brain regions activated 2 h after the induction of the seizure. The same regions were identified in the context of seizure induction in other rodent models. CONCLUSION This study provides a non-invasive and easy to use method to induce seizures in a Kcnq2-NEO-DEE mouse model and documents early neuronal activation in specific brain regions. This method can be used to test the efficacy of new antiepileptic approaches for this intractable form of genetic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Brun
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Laurent Villard
- Aix Marseille Univ, Inserm, MMG, Marseille, France; Service de Génétique Médicale, AP-HM, Hôpital de La Timone, Marseille, France.
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Cano-Villagrasa A, Moya-Faz FJ, López-Zamora M. Relationship of epilepsy on the linguistic-cognitive profile of children with ASD: A systematic review of the literature. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1101535. [PMID: 37063523 PMCID: PMC10092355 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1101535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe prevalence of comorbidity between epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the pediatric age increased significantly in recent years. The onset of epilepsy negatively influences the abilities of the user with ASD. Thus, epilepsy will be a disabling factor that will reduce the cognitive-linguistic skills of users with ASD. The main objective of this work is to review the current scientific literature and to compare the relationship of epilepsy on the development of cognitive and linguistic skills of children with ASD.MethodsIn this regard, a systematic search was carried out in the main sources (Medline, PubMed, WOS, ResearchGate and Google Scholar). 481 articles were identified, from which, after meeting the different inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 18 studies of relevance to the objectives of this work were selected.ResultsThe results reflect that, at a global level, epilepsy significantly influences the performance of cognitive- linguistic skills in people with ASD.DiscussionIn conclusion, epilepsy in the ASD population leads to a reduction in cognitive and linguistic abilities, which respond to the different types of epilepsy and their location, significantly impacting the quality of life and basic activities of daily living of the user with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Campus de los Jerónimos, Murcia, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa
| | - Francisco José Moya-Faz
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
- Francisco José Moya-Faz
| | - Miguel López-Zamora
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Miguel López-Zamora
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Chang YT, Hong SY, Lin WD, Lin CH, Lin SS, Tsai FJ, Chou IC. Genetic Testing in Children with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies: A Review of Advances in Epilepsy Genomics. CHILDREN 2023; 10:children10030556. [PMID: 36980114 PMCID: PMC10047509 DOI: 10.3390/children10030556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Advances in disease-related gene discovery have led to tremendous innovations in the field of epilepsy genetics. Identification of genetic mutations that cause epileptic encephalopathies has opened new avenues for the development of targeted therapies. Clinical testing using extensive gene panels, exomes, and genomes is currently accessible and has resulted in higher rates of diagnosis and better comprehension of the disease mechanisms underlying the condition. Children with developmental disabilities have a higher risk of developing epilepsy. As our understanding of the mechanisms underlying encephalopathies and epilepsies improves, there may be greater potential to develop innovative therapies tailored to an individual’s genotype. This article provides an overview of the significant progress in epilepsy genomics in recent years, with a focus on developmental and epileptic encephalopathies in children. The aim of this review is to enhance comprehension of the clinical utilization of genetic testing in this particular patient population. The development of effective and precise therapeutic strategies for epileptic encephalopathies may be facilitated by a comprehensive understanding of their molecular pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Tzu Chang
- School of Post Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan; (Y.-T.C.)
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Syuan-Yu Hong
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Wei-De Lin
- School of Post Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan; (Y.-T.C.)
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Heng Lin
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, College of Medicine, China Medial University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shing Lin
- School of Post Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan; (Y.-T.C.)
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - I-Ching Chou
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-22052121
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Milh M. Before the first seizure: The developmental imprint of infant epilepsy on neurodevelopment. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2023; 179:330-336. [PMID: 36907712 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.01.725] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
In light of the heterogeneity of epilepsy, both from a clinical and from an etiological perspective, it is difficult to establish a link between epilepsy and development that can be generalized to all infantile epilepsies. In general however, early-onset epilepsy has a poor developmental prognosis that is significantly linked to several parameters: age at first seizure, drug resistance, treatment, and etiology. This paper discusses the relationship between visible epilepsy parameters (those that allow the diagnosis of epilepsy) and neurodevelopment in infants, with special focus on Dravet syndrome and KCNQ2-related epilepsy, two common developmental and epileptic encephalopathies; and focal epilepsy caused by focal cortical dysplasia, which often begins during infancy. There are a number of reasons why it is difficult to dissect the relationship between seizures and their causes, and we suggest a conceptual model in which epilepsy is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose severity is determined by how the disease imprints itself on the developmental process rather than by the symptoms or etiology. The precocity of this developmental imprint may explain why treating seizures once they occur can have a very slight beneficial effect on development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Milh
- Service de neurologie pédiatrique, Timone children hospital, Aix-Marseille université, AP-HM, 264, rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
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Smith ML, Risse G, Sziklas V, Banks S, Small D, Frasnelli J, Klein D. Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology, Epilepsy, 2022: Hills We Have Climbed and the Hills Ahead. Cognition and Sensory Systems in Healthy and Diseased Subjects. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 140:109119. [PMID: 36804713 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
This article summarizes selected presentations from a session titled "Cognition and Sensory Systems in Healthy and Diseased Subjects", held to highlight and honor the work of Dr. Marilyn Jones-Gotman. The session was part of a two-day symposium, "Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology, Epilepsy, 2022: Hills We Have Climbed and the Hills Ahead". The session presented research on epilepsy and sensory systems by colleagues and former trainees of Dr. Jones-Gotman. The extended summaries provide an overview of historical and current work in the neuropsychology of epilepsy, neuropsychological and neuroimaging approaches to understanding brain organization, sex differences in brain mechanisms underlying neurological disorders, dietary influences on brain function and cognition, and expertise in olfactory training and language experiences and their implications for brain organization and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lou Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga; Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Gail Risse
- Minnesota Epilepsy Group, Roseville, MN, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Viviane Sziklas
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery; Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Banks
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dana Small
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Johannes Frasnelli
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Denise Klein
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Chen S, Neale BM, Berkovic SF. Shared and distinct ultra-rare genetic risk for diverse epilepsies: A whole-exome sequencing study of 54,423 individuals across multiple genetic ancestries. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.22.23286310. [PMID: 36865150 PMCID: PMC9980234 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.22.23286310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Identifying genetic risk factors for highly heterogeneous disorders like epilepsy remains challenging. Here, we present the largest whole-exome sequencing study of epilepsy to date to investigate rare variants that confer risk for a spectrum of epilepsy syndromes. With an unprecedented sample size of >54,000 human exomes, composed of 20,979 deep-phenotyped patients with epilepsy and 33,444 controls, we replicate previous gene findings at exome-wide significance; using a hypothesis-free approach, we identify potential novel associations. Most discoveries are specific to a particular subtype of epilepsy, highlighting distinct genetic contributions to different epilepsies. Combining evidence from rare single nucleotide/short indel-, copy number-, and common variants, we find convergence of different genetic risk factors at the level of individual genes. Further comparing to other exome-sequencing studies, we implicate shared rare variant risk between epilepsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Our study also demonstrates the value of collaborative sequencing and deep-phenotyping efforts, which will continue to unravel the complex genetic architecture underlying the heterogeneity of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Chen
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin M Neale
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samuel F Berkovic
- Epilepsy Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg 3084, Australia
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Spagnoli C, Fusco C, Pisani F. Pediatric-Onset Epilepsy and Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathies Followed by Early-Onset Parkinsonism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043796. [PMID: 36835207 PMCID: PMC9965035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic early-onset Parkinsonism is unique due to frequent co-occurrence of hyperkinetic movement disorder(s) (MD), or additional neurological of systemic findings, including epilepsy in up to 10-15% of cases. Based on both the classification of Parkinsonism in children proposed by Leuzzi and coworkers and the 2017 ILAE epilepsies classification, we performed a literature review in PubMed. A few discrete presentations can be identified: Parkinsonism as a late manifestation of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DE-EE), with multiple, refractory seizure types and severely abnormal EEG characteristics, with or without preceding hyperkinetic MD; Parkinsonism in the context of syndromic conditions with unspecific reduced seizure threshold in infancy and childhood; neurodegenerative conditions with brain iron accumulation, in which childhood DE-EE is followed by neurodegeneration; and finally, monogenic juvenile Parkinsonism, in which a subset of patients with intellectual disability or developmental delay (ID/DD) develop hypokinetic MD between 10 and 30 years of age, following unspecific, usually well-controlled, childhood epilepsy. This emerging group of genetic conditions leading to epilepsy or DE-EE in childhood followed by juvenile Parkinsonism highlights the need for careful long-term follow-up, especially in the context of ID/DD, in order to readily identify individuals at increased risk of later Parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Spagnoli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0522-296033
| | - Carlo Fusco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Presidio Ospedaliero Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesco Pisani
- Human Neurosciences Department, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Liu T, Jia F, Guo Y, Wang Q, Zhang X, Chang F, Xie Y. Altered intestinal microbiota composition with epilepsy and concomitant diarrhea and potential indicator biomarkers in infants. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1081591. [PMID: 36713168 PMCID: PMC9874329 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1081591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The diversity and dysregulation of intestinal microbiota is related to the pathology of epilepsy. Gut microbiota plays an important role in epilepsy, and regulating intestinal microbiota through exogenous intervention can alleviate symptoms. However, there are no studies about the effects of epilepsy-related diarrhea on gut microbiota. Methods The diversity and dysregulation of intestinal microbiota is related to the pathology of epilepsy. Gut microbiota plays an important role in epilepsy, and regulating intestinal microbiota through exogenous intervention can alleviate symptoms. However, there are no studies about the effects of epilepsy-related diarrhea on gut microbiota. To evaluate changes in gut microbiota structure and composition in patients with epilepsy and associated diarrhea, the structure and composition of the fecal microbiota among patients with epilepsy (EP, 13 cases), epilepsy with diarrhea (ED, 13 cases), and probiotic treatments (PT, 13 cases), and healthy controls (CK, seven cases) were investigated and validated by utilizing high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. Results The results showed that the α-diversity indexes indicated that richness and phylogenetic diversity had no significant differences among groups. However, the variation of β-diversity indicated that the structure and composition of intestinal microbiota were significantly different among the CK, EP, ED, and PT groups (permutational multivariate analysis of variance, p-value = 0.001). Normalized stochasticity ratio and β-nearest taxon index indicated that stochastic mechanisms exerted increasing influence on community differences with epilepsy and associated diarrhea. ED microbiome alterations include increased Proteobacteria and decreased Actinobacteria and Firmicutes at the phylum level. Bifidobacterium was the core microbe in CK, EP, and PT, whereas it decreased significantly in ED. In contrast, Escherichia/Shigella was the core microbe in CK and ED, whereas it increased significantly in ED (Tukey's multiple comparisons test, adjusted p-value <0.05). The association network in CK has higher complexity and aggregation than in the other groups. The EP network indicated high connectivity density within each community and high sparsity among communities. The bacterial community network of the ED had a more compact local interconnection, which was in contrast to that of PT. The top 7 microbial amplicon sequence variant-based markers that were selected by machine learning to distinguish the groups of epilepsy, probiotic treatments, and healthy infants had stronger discrimination ability. In addition, ASVs_1 (Escherichia/Shigella) and ASVs_3 (Bifidobacterium) had the most importance in the recognition. Discussion Our research finally showed that infants with epilepsy, epilepsy with diarrhea, and probiotic treatments exhibit substantial alterations of intestinal microbiota structure and composition, and specific intestinal strains are altered according to different clinical phenotypes and can therefore be used as potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Fengan Jia
- Shaanxi Institute of Microbiology, Xi’an, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaoge Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Fan Chang
- Shaanxi Institute of Microbiology, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Fan Chang,
| | - Yun Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China,Yun Xie,
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Haviland I, Daniels CI, Greene CA, Drew J, Love-Nichols JA, Swanson LC, Smith L, Nie DA, Benke T, Sheidley BR, Zhang B, Poduri A, Olson HE. Genetic Diagnosis Impacts Medical Management for Pediatric Epilepsies. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 138:71-80. [PMID: 36403551 PMCID: PMC10099530 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of the impact of genetic diagnosis on medical management in individuals with previously unexplained epilepsy is lacking in the literature. Our goal was to determine the impact of genetic diagnosis on medical management in a cohort of individuals with early-onset epilepsy. METHODS We performed detailed phenotyping of individuals with epilepsy who underwent clinical genetic testing with an epilepsy panel and/or exome sequencing at Boston Children's Hospital between 2012 and 2019. We assessed the impact of genetic diagnosis on medical management. RESULTS We identified a genetic etiology in 152 of 602 (25%) individuals with infantile- or childhood-onset epilepsy who underwent next-generation sequencing. Diagnosis impacted medical management in at least one category for 72% of patients (110 of 152) and in more than one category in 34%. Treatment was impacted in 45% of individuals, including 36% with impact on antiseizure medication choice, 7% on use of disease-specific vitamin or metabolic treatments, 3% on pathway-driven off-label use of medications, and 10% on discussion of gene-specific clinical trials. Care coordination was impacted in 48% of individuals. Counseling on a change in prognosis was reported in 28% of individuals, and 1% of individuals had a correction of diagnosis. Impact was documented in 13 of 13 individuals with neurotypical development and in 55% of those with epilepsy onset after age two years. CONCLUSION We demonstrated meaningful impact of genetic diagnosis on medical care and prognosis in over 70% of individuals, including those with neurotypical development and age of epilepsy onset after age two years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Haviland
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carolyn I Daniels
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Caitlin A Greene
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jacqueline Drew
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Boston University Clinical Investigation Master's Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jamie A Love-Nichols
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Genetics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lindsay C Swanson
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lacey Smith
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Duyu A Nie
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island; Division of Pediatric Neurology and the Children's Neurodevelopment Center (CNDC), Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Timothy Benke
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, Pharmacology, and Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Beth R Sheidley
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Heather E Olson
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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47
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Fischer FP, Karge RA, Weber YG, Koch H, Wolking S, Voigt A. Drosophila melanogaster as a versatile model organism to study genetic epilepsies: An overview. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1116000. [PMID: 36873106 PMCID: PMC9978166 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1116000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders, affecting more than 45 million people worldwide. Recent advances in genetic techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, have driven genetic discovery and increased our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind many epilepsy syndromes. These insights prompt the development of personalized therapies tailored to the genetic characteristics of an individual patient. However, the surging number of novel genetic variants renders the interpretation of pathogenetic consequences and of potential therapeutic implications ever more challenging. Model organisms can help explore these aspects in vivo. In the last decades, rodent models have significantly contributed to our understanding of genetic epilepsies but their establishment is laborious, expensive, and time-consuming. Additional model organisms to investigate disease variants on a large scale would be desirable. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been used as a model organism in epilepsy research since the discovery of "bang-sensitive" mutants more than half a century ago. These flies respond to mechanical stimulation, such as a brief vortex, with stereotypic seizures and paralysis. Furthermore, the identification of seizure-suppressor mutations allows to pinpoint novel therapeutic targets. Gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, are a convenient way to generate flies carrying disease-associated variants. These flies can be screened for phenotypic and behavioral abnormalities, shifting of seizure thresholds, and response to anti-seizure medications and other substances. Moreover, modification of neuronal activity and seizure induction can be achieved using optogenetic tools. In combination with calcium and fluorescent imaging, functional alterations caused by mutations in epilepsy genes can be traced. Here, we review Drosophila as a versatile model organism to study genetic epilepsies, especially as 81% of human epilepsy genes have an orthologous gene in Drosophila. Furthermore, we discuss newly established analysis techniques that might be used to further unravel the pathophysiological aspects of genetic epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian P Fischer
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robin A Karge
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yvonne G Weber
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Henner Koch
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Wolking
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Aaron Voigt
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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48
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Bi J, Wang W, Zhang M, Zhang B, Liu M, Su G, Chen F, Chen B, Shi T, Zheng Y, Zhao X, Zhao Z, Shi J, Li P, Zhang L, Lu W. KLF4 inhibits early neural differentiation of ESCs by coordinating specific 3D chromatin structure. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12235-12250. [PMID: 36477888 PMCID: PMC9757050 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1118] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) requires precisely orchestrated gene regulation, a process governed in part by changes in 3D chromatin structure. How these changes regulate gene expression in this context remains unclear. In this study, we observed enrichment of the transcription factor KLF4 at some poised or closed enhancers at TSS-linked regions of genes associated with neural differentiation. Combination analysis of ChIP, HiChIP and RNA-seq data indicated that KLF4 loss in ESCs induced changes in 3D chromatin structure, including increased chromatin interaction loops between neural differentiation-associated genes and active enhancers, leading to upregulated expression of neural differentiation-associated genes and therefore early neural differentiation. This study suggests KLF4 inhibits early neural differentiation by regulation of 3D chromatin structure, which is a new mechanism of early neural differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Baoying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Man Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Guangsong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Fuquan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Bohan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Tengfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Yaoqiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Xueyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongfang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Jiandang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 300071 Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Lei Zhang. Tel: +86 22 23503617; Fax: +86 22 23503617;
| | - Wange Lu
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 22 23503617; Fax: +86 22 23503617;
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49
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Khalilov D, Haryanyan G, Salman B, Yucesan E, Ugur Iseri S, Bebek N. Epilepsy or neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with homozygous and pathogenic ELP2 variation in three siblings. Neurocase 2022; 28:488-492. [PMID: 36787709 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2023.2176779] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of early-onset syndromic disorders characterized by varying degree of intellectual disability, autism spectrum, seizures, and developmental delay. Herein, we have clinically and genetically dissected three siblings from Turkey with DEE born to first cousin unaffected parents. We identified a homozygous pathogenic variant in ELP2 (ENST00000358232.11:c.1385G>A; p.(Arg462Gln)). Our results, together with in depth literature review, underlie the importance of codon encoding the arginine at position 462 as a hotspot for ELP2 related neurological phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dovlat Khalilov
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Garen Haryanyan
- Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Baris Salman
- Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emrah Yucesan
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Department of Neurogenetics, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel Ugur Iseri
- Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Genetics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nerses Bebek
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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50
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Liao P, Vajdic CM, Reppermund S, Cvejic RC, Srasuebkul P, Trollor JN. Mortality rate, risk factors, and causes of death in people with epilepsy and intellectual disability. Seizure 2022; 101:75-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
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