1
|
Kuhn K, Lederman HM, McGrath-Morrow SA. Ataxia-telangiectasia clinical trial landscape and the obstacles to overcome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:693-704. [PMID: 37622329 PMCID: PMC10530584 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2249399] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a life-limiting autosomal recessive disease characterized by cerebellar degeneration, ocular telangiectasias, and sinopulmonary disease. Since there is no cure for A-T, the standard of care is primarily supportive. AREAS COVERED We review clinical trials available in PubMed from 1990 to 2023 focused on lessening A-T disease burden. These approaches include genetic interventions, such as antisense oligonucleotides, designed to ameliorate disease progression in patients with select mutations. These approaches also include pharmacologic treatments that target oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial exhaustion, to attenuate neurological progression in A-T. Finally, we discuss the use of biological immunotherapies for the treatment of malignancies and granulomatous disease, along with other supportive therapies being used for the treatment of pulmonary disease and metabolic syndrome. EXPERT OPINION Barriers to successful genetic and pharmacologic interventions in A-T include the need for personalized treatment approaches based on patient-specific ATM mutations and phenotypes, lack of an animal model for the neurologic phenotype, and extreme rarity of disease making large-scale randomized trials difficult to perform. Ongoing efforts are needed to diagnose patients earlier, discover more effective therapies, and include more individuals in clinical trials, with the goal to lessen disease burden and to find a cure for patients with A-T.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Kuhn
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States of America
| | - Howard M. Lederman
- Johns Hopkins University Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology and School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Sharon A. McGrath-Morrow
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Petley E, Yule A, Alexander S, Ojha S, Whitehouse WP. The natural history of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T): A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264177. [PMID: 35290391 PMCID: PMC9049793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ataxia-telangiectasia is an autosomal recessive, multi-system, and life-shortening disease caused by mutations in the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated gene. Although widely reported, there are no studies that give a comprehensive picture of this intriguing condition. OBJECTIVES Understand the natural history of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), as reported in scientific literature. SEARCH METHODS 107 search terms were identified and divided into 17 searches. Each search was performed in PubMed, Ovid SP (MEDLINE) 1946-present, OVID EMBASE 1980 -present, Web of Science core collection, Elsevier Scopus, and Cochrane Library. SELECTION CRITERIA All human studies that report any aspect of A-T. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Search results were de-duplicated, data extracted (including author, publication year, country of origin, study design, population, participant characteristics, and clinical features). Quality of case-control and cohort studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa tool. Findings are reported descriptively and where possible data collated to report median (interquartile range, range) of outcomes of interest. MAIN RESULTS 1314 cases reported 2134 presenting symptoms. The most common presenting symptom was abnormal gait (1160 cases; 188 studies) followed by recurrent infections in classical ataxia-telangiectasia and movement disorders in variant ataxia-telangiectasia. 687 cases reported 752 causes of death among which malignancy was the most frequently reported cause. Median (IQR, range) age of death (n = 294) was 14 years 0 months (10 years 0 months to 23 years 3 months, 1 year 3 months to 76 years 0 months). CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the multi-system involvement in A-T, confirms that neurological symptoms are the most frequent presenting features in classical A-T but variants have diverse manifestations. We found that most individuals with A-T have life limited to teenage or early adulthood. Predominance of case reports, and case series demonstrate the lack of robust evidence to determine the natural history of A-T. We recommend population-based studies to fill this evidence gap.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Petley
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United
Kingdom
| | - Alexander Yule
- United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lincoln, United
Kingdom
| | - Shaun Alexander
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United
Kingdom
| | - Shalini Ojha
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United
Kingdom
- Children’s Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, NHS
Foundation Trust, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - William P. Whitehouse
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United
Kingdom
- Nottingham Children’s Hospital, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust,
Nottingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amirifar P, Ranjouri MR, Yazdani R, Abolhassani H, Aghamohammadi A. Ataxia-telangiectasia: A review of clinical features and molecular pathology. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2019; 30:277-288. [PMID: 30685876 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive primary immunodeficiency (PID) disease that is caused by mutations in ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene encoding a serine/threonine protein kinase. A-T patients represent a broad range of clinical manifestations including progressive cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, variable immunodeficiency, radiosensitivity, susceptibility to malignancies, and increased metabolic diseases. This congenital disorder has phenotypic heterogeneity, and the severity of symptoms varies in different patients based on severity of mutations and disease progression. The principal role of nuclear ATM is the coordination of cellular signaling pathways in response to DNA double-strand breaks, oxidative stress, and cell cycle checkpoint. The pathogenesis of A-T is not limited to the role of ATM in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway, and it has other functions mainly in the hematopoietic cells and neurons. ATM adjusts the functions of organelles such as mitochondria and peroxisomes and also regulates angiogenesis and glucose metabolisms. However, ATM has other functions in the cells (especially cell viability) that need further investigations. In this review, we described functions of ATM in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and also its association with some disorder formation such as neurologic, immunologic, vascular, pulmonary, metabolic, and dermatologic complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Amirifar
- Medical Genetics Department, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Ranjouri
- Molecular Medicine and Genetics Department, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Yazdani
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran
- University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Abolhassani
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran
- University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Asghar Aghamohammadi
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran
- University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van Os NJH, Haaxma CA, van der Flier M, Merkus PJFM, van Deuren M, de Groot IJM, Loeffen J, van de Warrenburg BPC, Willemsen MAAP. Ataxia-telangiectasia: recommendations for multidisciplinary treatment. Dev Med Child Neurol 2017; 59:680-689. [PMID: 28318010 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia is a rare, neurodegenerative, and multisystem disease, characterized by cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, progressive respiratory failure, and an increased risk of malignancies. It demands specialized care tailored to the individual patient's needs. Besides the classic ataxia-telangiectasia phenotype, a variant phenotype exists with partly overlapping but some distinctive disease characteristics. This guideline summarizes frequently encountered medical problems in the disease course of patients with classic and variant ataxia-telangiectasia, in the domains of neurology, immunology and infectious diseases, pulmonology, anaesthetic and perioperative risk, oncology, endocrinology, and nutrition. Furthermore, it provides a practical guide with evidence- and expert-based recommendations for the follow-up and treatment of all these different clinical topics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nienke J H van Os
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A Haaxma
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children's Hospital and Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J F M Merkus
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Amalia Children's Hospital and Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel van Deuren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Imelda J M de Groot
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Loeffen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart P C van de Warrenburg
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michèl A A P Willemsen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rothblum-Oviatt C, Wright J, Lefton-Greif MA, McGrath-Morrow SA, Crawford TO, Lederman HM. Ataxia telangiectasia: a review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:159. [PMID: 27884168 PMCID: PMC5123280 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 355] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DEFINITION OF THE DISEASE Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is an autosomal recessive disorder primarily characterized by cerebellar degeneration, telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, cancer susceptibility and radiation sensitivity. A-T is often referred to as a genome instability or DNA damage response syndrome. EPIDEMIOLOGY The world-wide prevalence of A-T is estimated to be between 1 in 40,000 and 1 in 100,000 live births. CLINICAL DESCRIPTION A-T is a complex disorder with substantial variability in the severity of features between affected individuals, and at different ages. Neurological symptoms most often first appear in early childhood when children begin to sit or walk. They have immunological abnormalities including immunoglobulin and antibody deficiencies and lymphopenia. People with A-T have an increased predisposition for cancers, particularly of lymphoid origin. Pulmonary disease and problems with feeding, swallowing and nutrition are common, and there also may be dermatological and endocrine manifestations. ETIOLOGY A-T is caused by mutations in the ATM (Ataxia Telangiectasia, Mutated) gene which encodes a protein of the same name. The primary role of the ATM protein is coordination of cellular signaling pathways in response to DNA double strand breaks, oxidative stress and other genotoxic stress. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis of A-T is usually suspected by the combination of neurologic clinical features (ataxia, abnormal control of eye movement, and postural instability) with one or more of the following which may vary in their appearance: telangiectasia, frequent sinopulmonary infections and specific laboratory abnormalities (e.g. IgA deficiency, lymphopenia especially affecting T lymphocytes and increased alpha-fetoprotein levels). Because certain neurological features may arise later, a diagnosis of A-T should be carefully considered for any ataxic child with an otherwise elusive diagnosis. A diagnosis of A-T can be confirmed by the finding of an absence or deficiency of the ATM protein or its kinase activity in cultured cell lines, and/or identification of the pathological mutations in the ATM gene. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS There are several other neurologic and rare disorders that physicians must consider when diagnosing A-T and that can be confused with A-T. Differentiation of these various disorders is often possible with clinical features and selected laboratory tests, including gene sequencing. ANTENATAL DIAGNOSIS Antenatal diagnosis can be performed if the pathological ATM mutations in that family have been identified in an affected child. In the absence of identifying mutations, antenatal diagnosis can be made by haplotype analysis if an unambiguous diagnosis of the affected child has been made through clinical and laboratory findings and/or ATM protein analysis. GENETIC COUNSELING Genetic counseling can help family members of a patient with A-T understand when genetic testing for A-T is feasible, and how the test results should be interpreted. MANAGEMENT AND PROGNOSIS Treatment of the neurologic problems associated with A-T is symptomatic and supportive, as there are no treatments known to slow or stop the neurodegeneration. However, other manifestations of A-T, e.g. immunodeficiency, pulmonary disease, failure to thrive and diabetes can be treated effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Wright
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Maureen A. Lefton-Greif
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Sharon A. McGrath-Morrow
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Thomas O. Crawford
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Howard M. Lederman
- The Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Center, Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine and Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bhatt JM, Bush A, van Gerven M, Nissenkorn A, Renke M, Yarlett L, Taylor M, Tonia T, Warris A, Zielen S, Zinna S, Merkus PJFM. ERS statement on the multidisciplinary respiratory management of ataxia telangiectasia. Eur Respir Rev 2015; 24:565-81. [PMID: 26621971 PMCID: PMC9487625 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0066-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare, progressive, multisystem disease that has a large number of complex and diverse manifestations which vary with age. Patients with A-T die prematurely with the leading causes of death being respiratory diseases and cancer. Respiratory manifestations include immune dysfunction leading to recurrent upper and lower respiratory infections; aspiration resulting from dysfunctional swallowing due to neurodegenerative deficits; inefficient cough; and interstitial lung disease/pulmonary fibrosis. Malnutrition is a significant comorbidity. The increased radiosensitivity and increased risk of cancer should be borne in mind when requesting radiological investigations. Aggressive proactive monitoring and treatment of these various aspects of lung disease under multidisciplinary expertise in the experience of national multidisciplinary clinics internationally forms the basis of this statement on the management of lung disease in A-T. Neurological management is outwith the scope of this document.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh M Bhatt
- Nottingham Children's Hospital, UK Paediatric National Clinic, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew Bush
- Imperial College and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Marjo van Gerven
- Dept of Paediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Amalia Children's Hospital Radboud, University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andreea Nissenkorn
- Rare Diseases Service and Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lilly Safra Pediatric Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michael Renke
- Dept of Allergology, Pneumology and Cystic Fibrosis, Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Theodor-Stern Kai, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | | | - Malcolm Taylor
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Thomy Tonia
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adilia Warris
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen and the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Stefan Zielen
- Dept of Allergology, Pneumology and Cystic Fibrosis, Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Theodor-Stern Kai, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Shairbanu Zinna
- Nottingham Children's Hospital, UK Paediatric National Clinic, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Peter J F M Merkus
- Dept of Paediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Amalia Children's Hospital Radboud, University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bhatt JM, Bush A, van Gerven M, Nissenkorn A, Renke M, Yarlett L, Taylor M, Tonia T, Warris A, Zielen S, Zinna S, Merkus PJFM. Ataxia telangiectasia: why should the ERS care? Eur Respir J 2015; 46:1557-60. [PMID: 26621885 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01456-2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jayesh M Bhatt
- Nottingham Children's Hospital, UK Paediatric National Clinic, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew Bush
- Imperial College and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Marjo van Gerven
- Dept of Paediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andreea Nissenkorn
- Rare Diseases Service and Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lilly Safra Pediatric Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Ha Shomer, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michael Renke
- Dept of Allergology, Pneumology and Cystic Fibrosis, Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Theodor-Stern Kai, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | | | - Malcolm Taylor
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Thomy Tonia
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adilia Warris
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen and the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Stefan Zielen
- Dept of Allergology, Pneumology and Cystic Fibrosis, Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Theodor-Stern Kai, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Shairbanu Zinna
- Nottingham Children's Hospital, UK Paediatric National Clinic, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Peter J F M Merkus
- Dept of Paediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sandlund JT, Hudson MM, Kennedy W, Onciu M, Kastan MB. Pilot study of modified LMB-based therapy for children with ataxia-telangiectasia and advanced stage high grade mature B-cell malignancies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:360-2. [PMID: 23900766 PMCID: PMC4254821 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Children with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) and cancer have a poorer prognosis due in part to increased treatment-related toxicity. We piloted a curative intent approach in five children with A-T who presented with advanced stage (III, n = 2; IV, n = 3) B-NHL (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, n = 4; Burkitt leukemia, n = 1) using a modified LMB-based protocol. Two achieved sustained CCR (one, CCR at 6 years; one, pulmonary death after 3 years in CCR). Two died from toxicity during induction and 1 failed induction with progressive disease. Novel therapeutic approaches which overcome drug resistance and are less toxic are needed for children with A-T and B-NHL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. T. Sandlund
- Department of Oncology St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memphis, TN
| | - M. M. Hudson
- Department of Oncology St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memphis, TN
| | - W. Kennedy
- Department of Oncology St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memphis, TN
| | - M. Onciu
- Department of Pathology St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memphis, TN
| | - M. B. Kastan
- Department of Oncology St Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memphis, TN
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pediatric leukemia predisposition syndromes: clues to understanding leukemogenesis. Cancer Genet 2011; 204:227-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2011.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
10
|
McGrath-Morrow SA, Gower WA, Rothblum-Oviatt C, Brody AS, Langston C, Fan LL, Lefton-Greif MA, Crawford TO, Troche M, Sandlund JT, Auwaerter PG, Easley B, Loughlin GM, Carroll JL, Lederman HM. Evaluation and management of pulmonary disease in ataxia-telangiectasia. Pediatr Pulmonol 2010; 45:847-59. [PMID: 20583220 PMCID: PMC4151879 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.21277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ATM gene, resulting in faulty repair of breakages in double-stranded DNA. The clinical phenotype is complex and is characterized by neurologic abnormalities, immunodeficiencies, susceptibility to malignancies, recurrent sinopulmonary infections, and cutaneous abnormalities. Lung disease is common in patients with A-T and often progresses with age and neurological decline. Diseases of the respiratory system cause significant morbidity and are a frequent cause of death in the A-T population. Lung disease in this population is thought to exhibit features of one or more of the following phenotypes: recurrent sinopulmonary infections with bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, and lung disease associated with neurological abnormalities. Here, we review available evidence and present expert opinion on the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of lung disease in A-T, as discussed in a recent multidisciplinary workshop. Although more data are emerging on this unique population, many recommendations are made based on similarities to other more well-studied diseases. Gaps in current knowledge and areas for future research in the field of pulmonary disease in A-T are also outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon A McGrath-Morrow
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary, Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-2533, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
McGrath-Morrow S, Lefton-Greif M, Rosquist K, Crawford T, Kelly A, Zeitlin P, Carson KA, Lederman HM. Pulmonary function in adolescents with ataxia telangiectasia. Pediatr Pulmonol 2008; 43:59-66. [PMID: 18041755 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.20738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary complications are common in adolescents with ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), however objective measurements of lung function may be difficult to obtain because of underlying bulbar weakness, tremors, and difficulty coordinating voluntary respiratory maneuvers. To increase the reliability of pulmonary testing, minor adjustments were made to stabilize the head and to minimize leaks in the system. Fifteen A-T adolescents completed lung volume measurements by helium dilution. To assess for reproducibility of spirometry testing, 10 A-T adolescents performed spirometry on three separate occasions. RESULTS Total lung capacity (TLC) was normal or just mildly decreased in 12/15 adolescents tested. TLC correlated positively with functional residual capacity (FRC), a measurement independent of patient effort (R2=0.71). The majority of individuals had residual volumes (RV) greater than 120% predicted (10/15) and slow vital capacities (VC) less than 70% predicted (9/15). By spirometry, force vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) values were reproducible in the 10 individuals who underwent testing on three separate occasions (R=0.97 and 0.96 respectively). Seven of the 10 adolescents had FEV1/FVC ratios>90%. CONCLUSION Lung volume measurements from A-T adolescents revealed near normal TLC values with increased RV and decreased VC values. These findings indicate a decreased ability to expire to residual volume rather then a restrictive defect. Spirometry was also found to be reproducible in A-T adolescents suggesting that spirometry testing may be useful for tracking changes in pulmonary function over time in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon McGrath-Morrow
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-2533, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|