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Schouwstra KJ, Polet SS, Hbrahimgel S, Tadema AS, Burgerhof JGM, Brandsma R, Sival DA. Application of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia in toddlers. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 40:28-33. [PMID: 35931015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In young children with early onset ataxia (EOA), quantitative rating of ataxia by the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) is longitudinally influenced by the physiological age effect on motor coordination. To enable longitudinal quantitative interpretation of ataxia by SARA in children with EOA, the EPNS ataxia working group has previously determined SARA-scores in typically developing children (4-16 years of age). In toddlers, this information is still lacking. We therefore aimed to investigate the feasibility and reliability of SARA-scores in typically developing toddlers. METHODS In 57 typically developing toddlers (2-4 years), we aimed to determine the: 1. feasibility of SARA-scores, 2. age-related pre-requisites to obtain SARA-scores in toddlers over all domains, 3. SARA-score reliability, 4. mathematical age connection of SARA-scores in toddlers and older children. RESULTS In typically developing toddlers, the feasibility of SARA is strongly age-dependent (p < .000). After computing compensations for two age-related, unfeasible and therefore un-assessable kinetic subtasks and after allowing the videotaping of non-kinetic SARA sub-task performances at home, the SARA was fully reliably assessable in all (n = 57) toddlers (ICC = 0.732). From two to 16 years of age, SARA-scores were mathematically represented by one continuous, exponentially decreasing trend line approaching the adult-optimum at 16 years of age. CONCLUSION In toddlers, SARA-scores are reliably assessable, by using two age-compensations and allowing the videotaping of SARA-performances partly at home. In children with EOA, these data enable longitudinal quantification and interpretation of quantitative ataxia-scores by SARA from 2 years of age throughout childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Schouwstra
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - S S Polet
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - S Hbrahimgel
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - A S Tadema
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - J G M Burgerhof
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - R Brandsma
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - D A Sival
- Department of Paediatric Neurology University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Vogelaar FA, Brandsma R, Maurits NM, Sival DA. Applicability of quantitative oculomotor and SARA assessment in children. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 35:56-60. [PMID: 34610562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In clinical practice, eye movements can provide an early diagnostic marker for early onset ataxia (EOA). However, quantitative oculomotor assessment is not included in the most frequently used and age-validated ataxia rating scale in children, the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). We aimed to investigate the applicability of semi-quantitative eye movement assessment by the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARSOCM) and Ocular Motion Score (OMS7-10) complementary to SARA measurements in children. METHODS In 52 typically developing children (aged 4-16 years; n = 4 per year of age), three independent assessors scored saccadic eye movements and ocular pursuit according to the ICARSOCM and matching parameters from the OMS7-10. For ICARSOCM, we determined 1) construct validity for coordinated eye movements by correlation with OMS7-10, ICARSEYE-HAND-COORDINATION and SARA subscale scores, 2) agreement percentage and inter-rater agreement (Fleiss Kappa) and 3) age-dependency. RESULTS Spearman's rank correlations of ICARSOCM with OMS7-10 and ICARS- and SARA subscales were moderate to fair (all p < .001). Inter-rater agreement of ICARS-OCM was 80.8%; (Fleiss Kappa: 0.411). ICARSOCM scores revealed a similar exponentially decreasing association with age as the other SARA (sub)scores, reaching a plateau at 10 years of age. INTERPRETATION ICARSOCM has a valid construct for the measurement of coordinated eye movement performance and is reliably assessable in children. ICARSOCM reveals a similar age-dependent relationship as the other ataxia subscales, reflecting the physiological maturation of the cerebellum. In children, these data may implicate that ICARSOCM can reliably contribute to coordination assessment, complementary to the SARA subscales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francien A Vogelaar
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rick Brandsma
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatric Neurology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Natasha M Maurits
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Sival
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Paediatric Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Early Onset Ataxia with Comorbid Dystonia: Clinical, Anatomical and Biological Pathway Analysis Expose Shared Pathophysiology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10120997. [PMID: 33255407 PMCID: PMC7760948 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10120997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In degenerative adult onset ataxia (AOA), dystonic comorbidity is attributed to one disease continuum. However, in early adult onset ataxia (EOA), the prevalence and pathogenesis of dystonic comorbidity (EOAD+), are still unclear. In 80 EOA-patients, we determined the EOAD+-prevalence in association with MRI-abnormalities. Subsequently, we explored underlying biological pathways by genetic network and functional enrichment analysis. We checked pathway-outcomes in specific EOAD+-genotypes by comparing results with non-specifically (in-silico-determined) shared genes in up-to-date EOA, AOA and dystonia gene panels (that could concurrently cause ataxia and dystonia). In the majority (65%) of EOA-patients, mild EOAD+-features concurred with extra-cerebellar MRI abnormalities (at pons and/or basal-ganglia and/or thalamus (p = 0.001)). Genetic network and functional enrichment analysis in EOAD+-genotypes indicated an association with organelle- and cellular-component organization (important for energy production and signal transduction). In non-specifically, in-silico-determined shared EOA, AOA and dystonia genes, pathways were enriched for Krebs-cycle and fatty acid/lipid-metabolic processes. In frequently occurring EOAD+-phenotypes, clinical, anatomical and biological pathway analyses reveal shared pathophysiology between ataxia and dystonia, associated with cellular energy metabolism and network signal transduction. Insight in the underlying pathophysiology of heterogeneous EOAD+-phenotype-genotype relationships supports the rationale for testing with complete, up-to-date movement disorder gene lists, instead of single EOA gene-panels.
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Lawerman TF, Brandsma R, Maurits NM, Martinez‐Manzanera O, Verschuuren‐Bemelmans CC, Lunsing RJ, Brouwer OF, Kremer HPH, Sival DA. Paediatric motor phenotypes in early-onset ataxia, developmental coordination disorder, and central hypotonia. Dev Med Child Neurol 2020; 62:75-82. [PMID: 31529709 PMCID: PMC6916203 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the accuracy of phenotypic early-onset ataxia (EOA) recognition among developmental conditions, including developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and hypotonia of central nervous system origin, and the effect of scientifically validated EOA features on changing phenotypic consensus. METHOD We included 32 children (4-17y) diagnosed with EOA (n=11), DCD (n=10), and central hypotonia (n=11). Three paediatric neurologists independently assessed videotaped motor behaviour phenotypically and quantitatively (using the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA]). We determined: (1) phenotypic interobserver agreement and phenotypic homogeneity (percentage of phenotypes with full consensus by all three observers according to the underlying diagnosis); (2) SARA (sub)score profiles; and (3) the effect of three scientifically validated EOA features on phenotypic consensus. RESULTS Phenotypic homogeneity occurred in 8 out of 11, 2 out of 10, and 1 out of 11 patients with EOA, DCD, and central hypotonia respectively. Homogeneous phenotypic discrimination of EOA from DCD and central hypotonia occurred in 16 out of 21 and 22 out of 22 patients respectively. Inhomogeneously discriminated EOA and DCD phenotypes (5 out of 21) revealed overlapping SARA scores with different SARA subscore profiles. After phenotypic reassessment with scientifically validated EOA features, phenotypic homogeneity changed from 16 to 18 patients. INTERPRETATION In contrast to complete distinction between EOA and central hypotonia, the paediatric motor phenotype did not reliably distinguish between EOA and DCD. Reassessment with scientifically validated EOA features could contribute to a higher phenotypic consensus. Early-onset ataxia (EOA) and central hypotonia motor phenotypes were reliably distinguished. EOA and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) motor phenotypes were not reliably distinguished. The EOA and DCD phenotypes have different profiles of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjitske F Lawerman
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Rick Brandsma
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Natalia M Maurits
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Octavio Martinez‐Manzanera
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | | | - Roelineke J Lunsing
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Oebo F Brouwer
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Hubertus PH Kremer
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Center GroningenUniversity of GroningenGroningenthe Netherlands
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Brandsma R, Verschuuren-Bemelmans CC, Amrom D, Barisic N, Baxter P, Bertini E, Blumkin L, Brankovic-Sreckovic V, Brouwer OF, Bürk K, Catsman-Berrevoets CE, Craiu D, de Coo IFM, Gburek J, Kennedy C, de Koning TJ, Kremer HPH, Kumar R, Macaya A, Micalizzi A, Mirabelli-Badenier M, Nemeth A, Nuovo S, Poll-The B, Lerman-Sagie T, Steinlin M, Synofzik M, Tijssen MAJ, Vasco G, Willemsen MAAP, Zanni G, Valente EM, Boltshauser E, Sival DA. A clinical diagnostic algorithm for early onset cerebellar ataxia. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2019; 23:692-706. [PMID: 31481303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Early onset cerebellar Ataxia (EOAc) comprises a large group of rare heterogeneous disorders. Determination of the underlying etiology can be difficult given the broad differential diagnosis and the complexity of the genotype-phenotype relationships. This may change the diagnostic work-up into a time-consuming, costly and not always rewarding task. In this overview, the Childhood Ataxia and Cerebellar Group of the European Pediatric Neurology Society (CACG-EPNS) presents a diagnostic algorithm for EOAc patients. In seven consecutive steps, the algorithm leads the clinician through the diagnostic process, including EOA identification, application of the Inventory of Non-Ataxic Signs (INAS), consideration of the family history, neuro-imaging, laboratory investigations, genetic testing by array CGH and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). In children with EOAc, this algorithm is intended to contribute to the diagnostic process and to allow uniform data entry in EOAc databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Brandsma
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - C C Verschuuren-Bemelmans
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - D Amrom
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Neurology Unit, Kannerklinik Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - N Barisic
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Medical Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb Medical School, Croatia
| | - P Baxter
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Sheffield Children's Hospital, UK
| | - E Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesu' Children's Research Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - L Blumkin
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - V Brankovic-Sreckovic
- Clinic for Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - O F Brouwer
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - K Bürk
- Paracelsus-Elena-Klinik Kassel, University of Marburg, Germany
| | - C E Catsman-Berrevoets
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Erasmus University Hospital/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - D Craiu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine Bucharest, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Pediatric Neurology II Discipline, Alexandru Obregia Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I F M de Coo
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - J Gburek
- Centre for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - C Kennedy
- Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK
| | - T J de Koning
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Paediatric Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - H P H Kremer
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - R Kumar
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - A Macaya
- Grup de Recerca en Neurologia Pediàtrica, Institut de Recerca Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Secció de Neurologia Pediàtrica, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, 08002, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Micalizzi
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mirabelli-Badenier
- DINOGMI Department-University of Genoa/Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, G. Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - A Nemeth
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - S Nuovo
- Neurogenetics Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - B Poll-The
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - T Lerman-Sagie
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - M Steinlin
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, University Children's Hospital Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - M A J Tijssen
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - G Vasco
- Division of Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesu' Children's Research Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M A A P Willemsen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center/Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - G Zanni
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesu' Children's Research Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - E M Valente
- Neurogenetics Unit, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - E Boltshauser
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - D A Sival
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Bürk K, Sival DA. Scales for the clinical evaluation of cerebellar disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 154:329-339. [PMID: 29903450 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63956-1.00020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Clinical scales represent an important tool not only for the initial grading/scoring of disease and assessment of progression, but also for the quantification of therapeutic effects in clinical trials. There are several scales available for the clinical evaluation of cerebellar symptoms. While some scales have been developed and evaluated for specific cerebellar disorders such as Friedreich ataxia, others reliably capture cerebellar symptoms with no respect to the underlying etiology. Each scale has its strengths and weaknesses. Extensive scales are certainly useful for thorough documentation of specific features of certain phenotypes, but this gain of information is not always essential for the purpose of a study. Therefore, compact and manageable scales like the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) or Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (BARS) are often preferred compared to more complex scales in observational and therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Bürk
- Paracelsus-Elena-Klinik Kassel, and University of Marburg, Germany.
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Lawerman TF, Brandsma R, Verbeek RJ, van der Hoeven JH, Lunsing RJ, Kremer HPH, Sival DA. Construct Validity and Reliability of the SARA Gait and Posture Sub-scale in Early Onset Ataxia. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:605. [PMID: 29326569 PMCID: PMC5733344 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: In children, gait and posture assessment provides a crucial marker for the early characterization, surveillance and treatment evaluation of early onset ataxia (EOA). For reliable data entry of studies targeting at gait and posture improvement, uniform quantitative biomarkers are necessary. Until now, the pediatric test construct of gait and posture scores of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia sub-scale (SARA) is still unclear. In the present study, we aimed to validate the construct validity and reliability of the pediatric (SARAGAIT/POSTURE) sub-scale. Methods: We included 28 EOA patients [15.5 (6-34) years; median (range)]. For inter-observer reliability, we determined the ICC on EOA SARAGAIT/POSTURE sub-scores by three independent pediatric neurologists. For convergent validity, we associated SARAGAIT/POSTURE sub-scores with: (1) Ataxic gait Severity Measurement by Klockgether (ASMK; dynamic balance), (2) Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS; static balance), (3) Gross Motor Function Classification Scale -extended and revised version (GMFCS-E&R), (4) SARA-kinetic scores (SARAKINETIC; kinetic function of the upper and lower limbs), (5) Archimedes Spiral (AS; kinetic function of the upper limbs), and (6) total SARA scores (SARATOTAL; i.e., summed SARAGAIT/POSTURE, SARAKINETIC, and SARASPEECH sub-scores). For discriminant validity, we investigated whether EOA co-morbidity factors (myopathy and myoclonus) could influence SARAGAIT/POSTURE sub-scores. Results: The inter-observer agreement (ICC) on EOA SARAGAIT/POSTURE sub-scores was high (0.97). SARAGAIT/POSTURE was strongly correlated with the other ataxia and functional scales [ASMK (rs = -0.819; p < 0.001); PBS (rs = -0.943; p < 0.001); GMFCS-E&R (rs = -0.862; p < 0.001); SARAKINETIC (rs = 0.726; p < 0.001); AS (rs = 0.609; p = 0.002); and SARATOTAL (rs = 0.935; p < 0.001)]. Comorbid myopathy influenced SARAGAIT/POSTURE scores by concurrent muscle weakness, whereas comorbid myoclonus predominantly influenced SARAKINETIC scores. Conclusion: In young EOA patients, separate SARAGAIT/POSTURE parameters reveal a good inter-observer agreement and convergent validity, implicating the reliability of the scale. In perspective of incomplete discriminant validity, it is advisable to interpret SARAGAIT/POSTURE scores for comorbid muscle weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjitske F Lawerman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rick Brandsma
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Renate J Verbeek
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Johannes H van der Hoeven
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Roelineke J Lunsing
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hubertus P H Kremer
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Brandsma R, Lawerman TF, Kuiper MJ, Lunsing RJ, Burger H, Sival DA. Reliability and discriminant validity of ataxia rating scales in early onset ataxia. Dev Med Child Neurol 2017; 59:427-432. [PMID: 27767206 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine whether ataxia rating scales are reliable disease biomarkers for early onset ataxia (EOA). METHOD In 40 patients clinically identified with EOA (28 males, 12 females; mean age 15y 3mo [range 5-34y]), we determined interobserver and intraobserver agreement (interclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) and discriminant validity of ataxia rating scales (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale [ICARS], Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA], and Brief Ataxia Rating Scale [BARS]). Three paediatric neurologists independently scored ICARS, SARA and BARS performances recorded on video, and also phenotyped the primary and secondary movement disorder features. When ataxia was the primary movement disorder feature, we assigned patients to the subgroup 'EOA with core ataxia' (n=26). When ataxia concurred with other prevailing movement disorders (such as dystonia, myoclonus, and chorea), we assigned patients to the subgroup 'EOA with comorbid ataxia' (n=12). RESULTS ICC values were similar in both EOA subgroups of 'core' and 'comorbid' ataxia (0.92-0.99; ICARS, SARA, and BARS). Independent of the phenotype, the severity of the prevailing movement disorder predicted the ataxia rating scale scores (β=0.83-0.88; p<0.05). INTERPRETATION In patients with EOA, the reliability of ataxia rating scales is high. However, the discriminative validity for 'ataxia' is low. For adequate interpretation of ataxia rating scale scores, application in uniform movement disorder phenotypes is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Brandsma
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tjitske F Lawerman
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke J Kuiper
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roelineke J Lunsing
- Department of Neurology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Huibert Burger
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Sival
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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