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Giorgi S, Auvin S, Schoonjans AS, Turón E, Sánchez-Miranda I, Gil-Nagel A, Lagae L, Aibar JÁ. A tool for Dravet syndrome-associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities evaluation (DANCE). Epilepsy Behav 2024; 158:109958. [PMID: 39067307 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109958] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in infancy, which is primarily caused by pathogenic variants in the SCN1A gene. DS is characterized by prolonged and frequent drug-resistant seizures, as well as developmental delays and behavioral problems. The identification of these comorbidities is based on clinical interview and relies on healthcare professionals (HCPs) experience. METHODS We assembled a group of expert HCPs and caregivers to create a screening checklist for assessing DS-Associated Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities (DANC). The checklist includes questions related to cognitive and psychiatric domains, motor skills, and the impact of DS on families' daily lives. We administered the checklist to 24 caregivers of DS patients from Belgium, France, and Spain. After piloting, we obtained feedback from expert HCPs and caregivers to refine the checklist. RESULTS DS patients showed a wide array of neuropsychiatric symptoms related to DS. The most common cognitive domains reported were attention difficulties and multitasking problems (18/24 caregivers), and impulsivity (17/24), while the most common psychiatric symptoms were temper tantrums (14/24), mood swings (13/24) and autism spectrum disorder (12/24). Balance and coordination problem have been reported in almost all patients with a statement of only 4/23 with complete mobility. Most patients were dependent on others for self-care and eating, and presented sleeping disturbances. Caregivers reported high levels of stress in the family unit, both between siblings and parents. Results show that the main concerns of parents were the behavior and the cognition of the person with DS. The quantitative feedback results showed good-to-very good scores on usefulness, ease of completion, clarity and comprehensiveness of the checklist. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study suggests that the DANCE checklist could be a useful screening tool in daily practice for neuropsychiatric comorbidities facilitating their diagnosis and treatment, and empowering both caregivers and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM NeuroDiderot, Paris, France; APHP, Robert Debré University Hospital, Pediatric Neurology Department, CRMR epilepsies rares, EpiCare member, Paris, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | | | - Eulalia Turón
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
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Malmberg C, Värendh M, Berling P, Charokopou M, Eklund E. Cost Effectiveness of Adding Fenfluramine to Standard of Care for Patients with Dravet Syndrome in Sweden. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2024; 22:543-554. [PMID: 38758509 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-024-00886-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated, in a Swedish setting, the cost effectiveness of fenfluramine (FFA) as an add-on to standard of care (SoC) for reducing seizure frequency in Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental epileptic encephalopathy. METHODS Cost effectiveness of FFA+SoC compared with SoC only was evaluated using a patient-level simulation model with a lifetime horizon. Patient characteristics and treatment effects, including convulsive seizures, seizure-free days and mortality, were derived from FFA clinical trials. Resource use and costs included cost of drug acquisition, routine care and monitoring, as well as ongoing and emergency resources. Quality of life (QoL) estimates for patients and their caregivers were derived from clinical trial data. Robustness was evaluated by one-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis and scenario analyses. RESULTS Lifetime cost of FFA+SoC was ~3 million SEK per patient compared with ~1.5 million SEK for SoC only. FFA+SoC generated 15% more QALYs than SoC only (21.2 vs 18.5 over a lifetime), resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of ~540,000 SEK. Moreover, FFA+SoC had a higher probability of being cost effective than SoC only from a willingness-to-pay threshold of 710,000 SEK. Results remained generally consistent across scenario analyses, with only few exceptions (exclusions of carer utility or FFA effect on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). CONCLUSION Due to better seizure control, FFA is a clinically meaningful add-on therapy and was estimated to be a cost-effective addition to current SoC for patients with this rare disease in Sweden at a willingness-to-pay threshold of 1,000,000 SEK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Malmberg
- The Swedish Institute for Health Economics (IHE), Lund, Sweden.
| | - Magnus Värendh
- The Swedish Institute for Health Economics (IHE), Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Erik Eklund
- Clinical Sciences, Pediatric Neurology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Guo Y, Liu C, Qi F, Chen C, Gao Z, Zhang H. Split intein converting peptide protein interaction into electrochemically assisted metal ion catalytic signal in the prenatal screening of pediatric epilepsy. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 160:108754. [PMID: 38889537 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108754] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a rare form of epilepsy starting from infancy that can plaque the affected individuals all though his/her life with repeated seizures, and this condition is currently without a complete cure. So prenatal screening of molecular markers of this condition is urgently needed to help couples conceiving new lives to steer clear of this potential danger. And such an assay should ideally be of low cost and could be completed in a point-of-care fashion. This work reports an attempt to construct such an assay using simple peptides in the place of conventional biosensing macro-molecules such as antibodies and enzymes. Specifically, a marker protein of this syndrome can bring the two pieces of a self-splitting peptide "intein" together, which in turn facilitate the formation of metal ion coordination site, recruiting cupric ion to generate catalytically amplified signal readout. Using this method, disease marker protein Nav of this syndrome can be quantitatively detected directly in amniotic fluid samples, and samples associated with potential risk factors such as family history of this syndrome shows statistically evident decrease of this marker protein. These results may promise future application of the proposed method in clinical practice to reduce the social burden of Dravet syndrome by reducing its actual incident rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Guo
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 23976 Jingshi Road, 250022, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Neonatology department, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 23976 Jingshi Road, 250022, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Qi
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 23976 Jingshi Road, 250022, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanmei Chen
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 23976 Jingshi Road, 250022, Jinan, China
| | - Zaifen Gao
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 23976 Jingshi Road, 250022, Jinan, China.
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Epilepsy Center, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, No. 23976 Jingshi Road, 250022, Jinan, China.
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Karandienė J, Endzinienė M, Liaušienė K, Jurkevičienė G. The Assessment of the Efficacy, Safety, and Challenges of Ketogenic Diet Therapy in Children with Epilepsy: The First Experience of a Single Center. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:919. [PMID: 38929536 PMCID: PMC11205304 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060919] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) has been used as a non-pharmacological treatment for childhood refractory epilepsy. Its efficacy and safety have been described in numerous studies and reviews. However, there have been fewer studies evaluating the challenges experienced by patients and their family members when starting KDT. When implementing a new treatment method, challenges arise for both the healthcare professionals and patients, making it important to summarize the initial results and compare them with the experiences of other centers. To analyze and evaluate the efficacy and safety of KDT in children with epilepsy, as well as to consider the challenges faced by their parents/caregivers. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients' data (N = 30) and an analysis of the completed questionnaires of the parents/caregivers (N = 22) occurred. Results: In the study group, 66.7% of the patients had a >50% decrease in seizure frequency, and 2/3 of them had a >90% decrease in seizure frequency or were seizure-free, which enabled reducing the anti-seizure medications in 36.4% of the patients, as well as reducing the hospital visits. Cognitive improvement and better alertness were subjectively reported by 59.1% of the parents/caregivers. No dangerous long-term adverse effects of KDT have been observed in the study group. The patients with generalized epilepsy experienced significantly more adverse events. Most of the adverse effects of KDT were related to the digestive system, but usually they were temporary and controllable. The challenges of the parents/caregivers were mostly related to social life issues and financial difficulties; the medical-related challenges were minimal. Conclusions: KDT is an effective and safe treatment option for children with drug-resistant epilepsy, and the challenges faced by families are resolvable. In order to ensure effective KDT, a multidisciplinary team is required. This would ensure smooth and comprehensive care and the timely resolution of emerging problems. The cooperation of the families undergoing KDT is also important, enabling them to share their experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurgita Karandienė
- Neurology Department, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Milda Endzinienė
- Neurology Department, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
- Neurology Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | | | - Giedrė Jurkevičienė
- Neurology Department, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50162 Kaunas, Lithuania;
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Di Berardino C, Mainardi M, Brusco S, Benvenuto E, Broccoli V, Colasante G. Temporal manipulation of the Scn1a gene reveals its essential role in adult brain function. Brain 2024; 147:1216-1230. [PMID: 37812819 PMCID: PMC10994529 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad350] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a severe epileptic encephalopathy, characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy, severe cognitive and behavioural deficits, with increased risk of sudden unexpected death (SUDEP). It is caused by haploinsufficiency of SCN1A gene encoding for the α-subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1. Therapeutic approaches aiming to upregulate the healthy copy of SCN1A gene to restore its normal expression levels are being developed. However, whether Scn1a gene function is required only during a specific developmental time-window or, alternatively, if its physiological expression is necessary in adulthood is untested up to now. We induced Scn1a gene haploinsufficiency at two ages spanning postnatal brain development (P30 and P60) and compared the phenotypes of those mice to Scn1a perinatally induced mice (P2), recapitulating all deficits of Dravet mice. Induction of heterozygous Nav1.1 mutation at P30 and P60 elicited susceptibility to the development of both spontaneous and hyperthermia-induced seizures and SUDEP rates comparable to P2-induced mice, with symptom onset accompanied by the characteristic GABAergic interneuron dysfunction. Finally, delayed Scn1a haploinsufficiency induction provoked hyperactivity, anxiety and social attitude impairment at levels comparable to age matched P2-induced mice, while it was associated with a better cognitive performance, with P60-induced mice behaving like the control group. Our data show that maintenance of physiological levels of Nav1.1 during brain development is not sufficient to prevent Dravet symptoms and that long-lasting restoration of Scn1a gene expression would be required to grant optimal clinical benefit in patients with Dravet syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Di Berardino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Mainardi
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Brusco
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Benvenuto
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Gene and Cell Therapy PhD Program, Vita- Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Soto Jansson J, Bjurulf B, Dellenmark Blom M, Hallböök T, Reilly C. Diagnosis, epilepsy treatment and supports for neurodevelopment in children with Dravet Syndrome: Caregiver reported experiences and needs. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 151:109603. [PMID: 38168600 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109603] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dravet syndrome is a rare infantile onset epilepsy syndrome encompassing treatment resistant epilepsy and neurodevelopmental difficulties. There is limited data regarding caregiver experiences of diagnosis, treatment and supports for the associated neurodevelopmental problems. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of 36/48 children (75% of total population in Sweden) with Dravet syndrome. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Regarding the diagnostic experience, themes were: Delays in diagnostic process, genetic testing not optimal, communication of Dravet syndrome diagnosis and support and information soon after diagnosis. Caregivers felt that delays in diagnosis and testing could have been avoided whilst experiences of communication of diagnosis and support after diagnosis varied. In terms of treatment for seizures, the themes were: Satisfied with treatment, emergency treatment, treatment with antiseizure medications, strategies to control seizures via temperature regulation/avoidance of infections and use of equipment and aids. Caregivers were in the main accepting that seizures in Dravet syndrome are very difficult to treat and that seizure freedom is often an unachievable goal. Many felt frustrated that they were expected to take responsibility with respect to choice of medication. They often employed strategies (e.g., avoidance of physical activity) to reduce seizures or their impact. In terms of supports for neurodevelopmental problems, the themes were: Struggled to access support, lack of integrated healthcare and satisfaction with school. Many caregivers felt that accessing necessary supports for their children and developmental and behavioural needs was a struggle and that the provision of support often lacked integration e.g., lack of collaboration between child's disability service and school. Caregivers also expressed a desire that there would be better knowledge of Dravet syndrome in emergency departments and schools, that care would be better integrated and that there would be more supports for assessment and interventions regarding the associated neurodevelopmental problems. CONCLUSION The responses of caregivers of children with Dravet syndrome highlight the need for supports from diagnosis for both epilepsy and neurodevelopmental problems. Good examples of provision were identified but parents often felt they lacked support and support often came from providers who lacked knowledge of the syndrome. Collaboration between medical, disability and school services was often lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefin Soto Jansson
- Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Member of the ERN EpiCARE, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Björn Bjurulf
- Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Member of the ERN EpiCARE, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden; Dept. of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michaela Dellenmark Blom
- Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Member of the ERN EpiCARE, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden; Dept. of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tove Hallböök
- Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Member of the ERN EpiCARE, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden; Dept. of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Colin Reilly
- Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Member of the ERN EpiCARE, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden; Dept. of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Caraballo R, Guzman A, Beltrán L, Espeche A. Cerebral hemiatrophy and hemiparesis following hemiclonic status epilepticus in Dravet syndrome. Epileptic Disord 2024; 26:121-125. [PMID: 37815756 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20170] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is currently considered as an developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and, recently, mandatory, alert, and exclusionary criteria have been proposed. Here, we describe three patients with Dravet syndrome with the typical early presentation including febrile and afebrile alternating hemiclonic seizures due to loss-of-function SCN1A variants. Subsequently, they developed episodes of febrile focal status epilepticus (SE) associated with hemiparesis and cerebral hemiatrophy with posterior focal seizures, as a consequence of Dravet syndrome. This sequence of events has been previously published in patients with Dravet syndrome and does not contradict the recent classification by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). The ILAE guidance identifies "Focal neurological findings" as alert criteria and "MRI showing a causal focal lesion" as exclusionary criteria for making an initial diagnosis of Dravet syndrome at presentation. Our three patients would correspond to a severe phenotype, similar to the well-known presentation of generalized atrophy following prolonged status epilepticus. Common genetic findings in cases of diffuse and unilateral brain involvement may help explain these clinical presentations. Further genotype-phenotype studies may provide additional insights into this electroclinical behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Caraballo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Pediatría Juan P Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel Guzman
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Materno Infantil de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Lucas Beltrán
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Pediatría Avelino Castelán, Resistencia, Argentina
| | - Alberto Espeche
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Materno Infantil de Salta, Salta, Argentina
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Lo Barco T, Garcelon N, Neuraz A, Nabbout R. Natural history of rare diseases using natural language processing of narrative unstructured electronic health records: The example of Dravet syndrome. Epilepsia 2024; 65:350-361. [PMID: 38065926 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The increasing implementation of electronic health records allows the use of advanced text-mining methods for establishing new patient phenotypes and stratification, and for revealing outcome correlations. In this study, we aimed to explore the electronic narrative clinical reports of a cohort of patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) longitudinally followed at our center, to identify the capacity of this methodology to retrace natural history of DS during the early years. METHODS We used a document-based clinical data warehouse employing natural language processing to recognize the phenotype concepts in the narrative medical reports. We included patients with DS who have a medical report produced before the age of 2 years and a follow-up after the age of 3 years ("DS cohort," 56 individuals). We selected two control populations, a "general control cohort" (275 individuals) and a "neurological control cohort" (281 individuals), with similar characteristics in terms of gender, number of reports, and age at last report. To find concepts specifically associated with DS, we performed a phenome-wide association study using Cox regression, comparing the reports of the three cohorts. We then performed a qualitative analysis of the surviving concepts based on their median age at first appearance. RESULTS A total of 76 concepts were prevalent in the reports of children with DS. Concepts appearing during the first 2 years were mostly related with the epilepsy features at the onset of DS (convulsive and prolonged seizures triggered by fever, often requiring in-hospital care). Subsequently, concepts related to new types of seizures and to drug resistance appeared. A series of non-seizure-related concepts emerged after the age of 2-3 years, referring to the nonseizure comorbidities classically associated with DS. SIGNIFICANCE The extraction of clinical terms by narrative reports of children with DS allows outlining the known natural history of this rare disease in early childhood. This original model of "longitudinal phenotyping" could be applied to other rare and very rare conditions with poor natural history description.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Lo Barco
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Garcelon
- Data Science Platform, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Neuraz
- Data Science Platform, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Translational Research for Neurological Disorders, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Horiuchi K, Kudo A, Nakamura S, Yamada K, Inoue T, Fujii S, Oshima Y. Switching from zonisamide to perampanel improved the frequency of seizures caused by hyperthermia in Dravet syndrome: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2024; 18:3. [PMID: 38167335 PMCID: PMC10763148 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dravet syndrome is a severe epilepsy disorder characterized by drug-resistant seizures and cognitive dysfunction, often caused by SCN1A gene mutations. It leads to neurodevelopmental delays and motor, behavioral, and cognitive impairments, with a high mortality rate. Treatment options include sodium valproate, clobazam, and newer agents such as cannabidiol and fenfluramine. Zonisamide, which is used in some cases, can cause hyperthermia and oligohydrosis. Herein, we present a case of a patient with Dravet syndrome whose seizures were controlled by treating infections and switching from zonisamide to perampanel. CASE PRESENTATION A 24-year-old Japanese man with Dravet syndrome presented to our department with aspiration pneumonia. The patient had been treated with valproate, sodium bromide, and zonisamide for a long time. His seizures were triggered by hyperthermia. The patient was experiencing a sustained pattern of hyperthermia caused by infection, zonisamide, and persistent convulsions, which caused a vicious cycle of further seizures. In this case, the control of infection and switching from zonisamide to perampanel improved seizure frequency. CONCLUSION Dravet syndrome usually begins with generalized clonic seizures in its infancy because of fever and progresses to various seizure types, often triggered by fever or seizure-induced heat due to mutations in the SCN1A gene that increases neuronal excitability. Seizures usually diminish with age, but the heat sensitivity remains. In this case, seizures were increased by repeated infections, and hyperthermia was induced by zonisamide, resulting in status epilepticus. Perampanel, an aminomethylphosphonic acid receptor antagonist, decreased seizures but caused psychiatric symptoms. It was effective in suppressing seizures of Dravet syndrome in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Horiuchi
- Department of Neurology, Hakodate Municipal Hospital, 1-10-1, Minato-Cho, Hakodate, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Kudo
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita15, Nishi7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Nakamura
- Department of Neurology, Hakodate Municipal Hospital, 1-10-1, Minato-Cho, Hakodate, Japan
| | - Kazuki Yamada
- Department of Neurology, Hakodate Municipal Hospital, 1-10-1, Minato-Cho, Hakodate, Japan
| | - Takashi Inoue
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita15, Nishi7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shintaro Fujii
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita15, Nishi7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yuki Oshima
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita15, Nishi7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
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Ho SY, Chen IC, Tsai CW, Chang KC, Lin CJ, Chern Y, Liou HH. Anticonvulsant effect of equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 inhibitor in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Hippocampus 2024; 34:7-13. [PMID: 37933097 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23584] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
There are limited therapeutic options for patients with Dravet syndrome (DS). The equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 (ENT1) mediate both the influx and efflux of adenosine across the cell membrane exerted beneficial effects in the treatment of epilepsy. This study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of the ENT1 inhibitor in an animal model of DS (Scn1aE1099X/+ mice). J7 (5 mg/kg) treatment was efficacious in elevating seizure threshold in Scn1aE1099X/+ mice after hyperthermia exposure. Moreover, the J7 treatment significantly reduced the frequency of spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs, ~35% reduction) without affecting the amplitude in dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. Pretreatment with the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) antagonist, DPCPX, abolished the J7 effects on sEPSCs. These observations suggest that the J7 shows an anticonvulsant effect in hyperthermia-induced seizures in Scn1aE1099X/+ mice. This effect possibly acts on presynaptic A1R-mediated signaling modulation in granule cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Yin Ho
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Chun Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Wen Tsai
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chieh Chang
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliu, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jung Lin
- School of Pharmacy, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yijuang Chern
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Huei Liou
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Douliu, Taiwan
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11
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Lersch R, Jannadi R, Grosse L, Wagner M, Schneider MF, von Stülpnagel C, Heinen F, Potschka H, Borggraefe I. Targeted Molecular Strategies for Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Emerging Lessons from Dravet Syndrome. Neuroscientist 2023; 29:732-750. [PMID: 35414300 PMCID: PMC10623613 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221088244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy mostly caused by heterozygous mutation of the SCN1A gene encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel α subunit Nav1.1. Multiple seizure types, cognitive deterioration, behavioral disturbances, ataxia, and sudden unexpected death associated with epilepsy are a hallmark of the disease. Recently approved antiseizure medications such as fenfluramine and cannabidiol have been shown to reduce seizure burden. However, patients with Dravet syndrome are still medically refractory in the majority of cases, and there is a high demand for new therapies aiming to improve behavioral and cognitive outcome. Drug-repurposing approaches for SCN1A-related Dravet syndrome are currently under investigation (i.e., lorcaserin, clemizole, and ataluren). New therapeutic concepts also arise from the field of precision medicine by upregulating functional SCN1A or by activating Nav1.1. These include antisense nucleotides directed against the nonproductive transcript of SCN1A with the poison exon 20N and against an inhibitory noncoding antisense RNA of SCN1A. Gene therapy approaches such as adeno-associated virus-based upregulation of SCN1A using a transcriptional activator (ETX101) or CRISPR/dCas technologies show promising results in preclinical studies. Although these new treatment concepts still need further clinical research, they offer great potential for precise and disease modifying treatment of Dravet syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lersch
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Rawan Jannadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Leonie Grosse
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Matias Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Center for Health and Environment (GmbH), Munich, Germany
| | - Marius Frederik Schneider
- Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center Munich, Medical Faculty, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Molecular Life Sciences, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Celina von Stülpnagel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Research Institute for Rehabilitation, Transition and Palliation, Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Florian Heinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ingo Borggraefe
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Medicine and Social Pediatrics, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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12
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Zhou Q, Du Z, Qu K, Shen Y, Jiang Y, Zhu H, Zhang X. Adverse events of epidiolex: A real-world drug safety surveillance study based on the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 90:103828. [PMID: 37949044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved drug with cannabis extract, treats Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Using data from the FAERS database between 2018 and 2023, this study analyzed 13,275 Epidiolex-related adverse events. Through computational methods (ROR, PRR, BCPNN, EBGM), we found that real-world adverse reactions largely align with those in Epidiolex's drug leaflet. However, Seizure cluster, Blood ketone body decrease, Cortical visual impairment, Hyperactive pharyngeal reflex, and Poverty of speech emerged as potential new side effects not previously listed, warranting further attention for drug safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhou
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China
| | - Zhiqiang Du
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China
| | - Kankan Qu
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China
| | - Yuan Shen
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China.
| | - Haohao Zhu
- Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China.
| | - Xiuhong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
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13
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Gao C, Pielas M, Jiao F, Mei D, Wang X, Kotulska K, Jozwiak S. Epilepsy in Dravet Syndrome—Current and Future Therapeutic Opportunities. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072532. [PMID: 37048615 PMCID: PMC10094968 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a developmental epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug-resistant seizures and other clinical features, including intellectual disability and behavioral, sleep, and gait problems. The pathogenesis is strongly connected to voltage-gated sodium channel dysfunction. The current consensus of seizure management in DS consists of a combination of conventional and recently approved drugs such as stiripentol, cannabidiol, and fenfluramine. Despite promising results in randomized clinical trials and extension studies, the prognosis of the developmental outcomes of patients with DS remains unfavorable. The article summarizes recent changes in the therapeutic approach to DS and discusses ongoing clinical research directions. Serotonergic agents under investigation show promising results and may replace less DS-specific medicines. The use of antisense nucleotides and gene therapy is focused not only on symptom relief but primarily addresses the underlying cause of the syndrome. Novel compounds, after expected safe and successful implementation in clinical practice, will open a new era for patients with DS. The main goal of causative treatment is to modify the natural course of the disease and provide the best neurodevelopmental outcome with minimum neurological deficit.
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Grinalds MS, Yoder C, Krauss Z, Chen AM, Rhoney DH. Scoping review of rational polytherapy in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Pharmacotherapy 2023; 43:53-84. [PMID: 36484111 PMCID: PMC10107532 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2748] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is a paucity of literature regarding the optimal selection of combination antiseizure medications (ASMs) for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate current evidence related to "rational polytherapy" among adults with DRE. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-SCr) guidelines, PubMed, ProQuest, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were searched using DRE- and polytherapy-related keywords. The exclusion criteria applied included: non-English; non-human studies; non-research studies; participants less than 18 years; status epilepticus; ASM monotherapy; and certain ASMs. In Covidence, two researchers independently reviewed articles for inclusion at each phase, with a third resolving conflicts. Data were extracted, with quality appraisal using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Of the 6477 studies imported for screening, 33 studies were included. Clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes were reported by 26, 12, and one study, respectively. Common efficacy-related clinical outcomes included ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency (n = 14), seizure freedom (n = 14), and percent reduction in seizure frequency (n = 8). Common humanistic outcomes included quality of life (n = 4), medication adherence (n = 2), sleep-related outcomes (n = 2), and physician and patient global assessments (n = 2). The economic study reported quality-adjusted life years. The median MMAT score was 80 (range: 60-100). Two studies referenced the standard definition of DRE, whereas five studies did not specifically define DRE. Gaps in the literature include limited generalizability, minimal reports in pregnancy, and lack of optimal ASM combinations, among others. Strengths of the evidence include addressing a variety of outcomes. Inconsistent definitions of DRE, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity among studies limit the ability to draw meaningful conclusions. Optimal combinations of ASMs for rational polytherapy for DRE is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKenzie S Grinalds
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Cedarville University School of Pharmacy, Cedarville, Ohio, USA.,Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Caleb Yoder
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Cedarville University School of Pharmacy, Cedarville, Ohio, USA
| | - Zach Krauss
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Cedarville University School of Pharmacy, Cedarville, Ohio, USA
| | - Aleda M Chen
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Cedarville University School of Pharmacy, Cedarville, Ohio, USA
| | - Denise H Rhoney
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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15
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Interim results of adaptive functioning and neurodevelopment in BUTTERFLY - An observational study of children and adolescents with Dravet syndrome. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 137:108955. [PMID: 36332561 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to evaluate adaptive functioning and neurodevelopment study assessments in a prospective study of patients with Dravet syndrome (DS). We present 3-month interim adaptive functioning and neurodevelopment data from the prospective, observational BUTTERFLY study in patients with DS aged 2-18 years. RESULTS BUTTERFLY enrolled thirty-six patients divided 1:1:1 across three age groups (2-7: 8-12: and 13-18 years). Most enrolled patients were female (61.1%), white (94.4%), and non-Latino (83.3%) with a mean (standard deviation; SD) age of 10.8 (5.2) years and a mean (range) age of seizure onset of 0.4 (0.2-1.0) years. Patients used a mean (SD) of 3.5 (1.63) anti-seizure therapies at baseline. Regression analysis of the baseline Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale - third edition (VABS-III) composite score indicated that the gap in adaptive function between patients with DS (n = 33) and neurotypical children widens with age. Similarly, developmental quotients calculated for patients who completed all Bayley Scales of Infant Development - third edition (BSID-III) subtests at baseline (n = 15) highlighted a gap in intellectual functioning between patients with DS and neurotypical children that widens with age. More patients in the two older age groups were able to validly complete the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence - fourth edition (WPPSI-IV) at baseline compared with the youngest age group. There were trends towards higher raw scores, albeit of low magnitude, in the oldest age group compared with the younger age two groups across multiple VABS-III domains and WPPSI-IV subtests. All three measures showed no significant change in the all-patients analyses and demonstrated relatively low intra-patient variability from baseline to Month 3. CONCLUSIONS Three-month interim data from BUTTERFLY demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing the VABS-III, BSID-III, and WPPSI-IV for the assessment of adaptive function and neurodevelopment in future clinical studies of DS. Moreover, many patients with DS appear to gain neurodevelopmental and adaptive function skills over time, although at a slower rate and lower magnitude than that seen in the neurotypical population.
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16
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Zographos GA, Russ‐Hall SJ, Scheffer IE. Does long-term phenytoin have a place in Dravet syndrome? Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:2036-2040. [PMID: 36314457 PMCID: PMC9735367 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51684] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-seizure medications that block sodium channels are generally considered contraindicated in Dravet syndrome. There is, however, considerable debate about the sodium-channel blocker phenytoin, which is often used for status epilepticus, a frequent feature of Dravet syndrome. We describe four patients with Dravet syndrome in whom long-term phenytoin therapy reduced seizure frequency and duration. In two patients, phenytoin produced prolonged periods without status epilepticus for the first time. Attempting to wean phenytoin in all patients after 1 to 20 years of use resulted in seizure exacerbation. Reintroducing phenytoin improved seizure control, suggesting phenytoin is beneficial in some patients with Dravet syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A. Zographos
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of MedicineUniversity of Melbourne, Austin HealthMelbourneAustralia
| | - Sophie J. Russ‐Hall
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of MedicineUniversity of Melbourne, Austin HealthMelbourneAustralia
| | - Ingrid E. Scheffer
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of MedicineUniversity of Melbourne, Austin HealthMelbourneAustralia,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthMelbourneAustralia,Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of PaediatricsUniversity of Melbourne, Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneAustralia
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17
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Riva A, D'Onofrio G, Amadori E, Tripodi D, Balagura G, Iurilli V, Vari MS, Verrotti A, Striano P. Current and promising therapeutic options for Dravet syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1727-1736. [PMID: 36124778 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2127089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy carrying high-level psychobehavioral burdens. Although the disease has been known for almost 4 decades, and despite significant progress in the understanding of its physiopathology and natural course, the pharmacological treatment leaves patients and caregivers with significant unmet needs. This review provides a summary of the current and promising therapeutic options for DS. AREAS COVERED PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened using 'Dravet Syndrome' OR 'DS,' AND 'pharmacotherapy,' AND 'treatments.' Randomized clinical trials, structured reviews, and meta-analyses were selected for in-human application of well-known anti-seizure medications; while in-vivo experiments on models of DS were selected to evaluate the potential of new therapeutic strategies. EXPERT OPINION The search for new pharmacological treatment options is led by the need for care and defeat of the natural course of the disease, an aspect still largely neglected by the available therapeutic strategies. Yet, the last 6 years have led to a climate of increased interest and availability of clinical trials. Particularly, gene therapy could hopefully prevent DS evolution by directly relieving the specific genetic defect, although the possibility of off-target editing, and the uneasy administration route have still largely prevented its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Domenico Tripodi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit (VU), de Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Maria Stella Vari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Balestrini S, Doccini V, Boncristiano A, Lenge M, De Masi S, Guerrini R. Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Treatment with Stiripentol in Children and Adults with Drug-Resistant Epilepsies: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 196 Patients. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2022; 9:451-461. [PMID: 35680739 PMCID: PMC9392664 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-022-00305-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stiripentol is an antiseizure medication with multiple potential mechanisms of action, indicated as adjunctive therapy in people with Dravet syndrome, whose seizures are not adequately controlled with clobazam and valproate. However, there are scattered data on its efficacy in other epilepsy aetiologies and types. We previously reported our single-centre experience on the efficacy of adjunctive stiripentol treatment in a cohort of 132 patients with different types of refractory epilepsies. OBJECTIVE We aimed to expand our analysis to a larger cohort of 196 patients with a long-term follow-up. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated long-term efficacy, tolerability and predictors of treatment response in 196 patients with a long-term follow-up (range 0.5-232.8 months). RESULTS After an initial median follow-up of 3 months after stiripentol introduction, we observed a responder rate of 53% including seizure freedom in 9%. At subsequent follow-ups at 12 and 24 months, responder rates were 29% and 22%, respectively. Aetiology was associated with sustained response over time, with Dravet syndrome being the aetiology with the highest responder rate (64%) at 48 months compared with syndromes with other genetic causes (13%) or unknown aetiology (38%). A higher responder rate over time was also observed in patients with generalised (44%) and combined focal and generalised epilepsies (28%) than in patients with focal epilepsies (20%). The highest relapse free-survival was observed when stiripentol was initiated at the youngest age (0-4 years) or in adulthood. The retention rate (i.e. proportion of patients who continued stiripentol with no change in either pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapy) was 53% at 12 months and 33% at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS Based on our findings, we suggest that stiripentol is an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option not only in Dravet syndrome but also in other epilepsy syndromes with or without an established genetic aetiology. Response duration was influenced by age at stiripentol initiation across different aetiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Balestrini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital-University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Buckinghamshire, UK
| | - Viola Doccini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital-University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boncristiano
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital-University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lenge
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital-University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Masi
- Clinical Trial Office, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Neuroscience Department, Meyer Children's Hospital-University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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Specchio N, Pietrafusa N, Perucca E, Cross JH. New paradigms for the treatment of pediatric monogenic epilepsies: Progressing toward precision medicine. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 131:107961. [PMID: 33867301 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the availability of 28 antiseizure medications (ASMs), one-third of people with epilepsy fail to achieve sustained freedom from seizures. Clinical outcome is even poorer for children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), many of which are due to single-gene mutations. Discovery of causative genes, however, has paved the way to understanding the molecular mechanism underlying these epilepsies, and to the rational application, or development, of precision treatments aimed at correcting the specific functional defects or their consequences. This article provides an overview of current progress toward precision medicine (PM) in the management of monogenic pediatric epilepsies, by focusing on four different scenarios, namely (a) rational selection of ASMs targeting specifically the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms; (b) development of targeted therapies based on novel molecules; (c) use of dietary treatments or food constituents aimed at correcting specific metabolic defects; and (d) repurposing of medications originally approved for other indications. This article is part of the Special Issue "Severe Infantile Epilepsies".
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Pietrafusa
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - J Helen Cross
- UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
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Owen Pickrell W, Guelfucci F, Martin M, Holland R, Chin RF. Prevalence and healthcare resource utilization of patients with Dravet syndrome: retrospective linkage cohort study. Seizure 2022; 99:159-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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21
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The effectiveness of intravenous benzodiazepine for status epilepticus in Dravet syndrome. Brain Dev 2022; 44:319-328. [PMID: 35120772 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2022.01.004] [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: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate choice and efficacy of intravenous antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for status epilepticus (SE) in Dravet syndrome and to find predictable clinical features demonstrating the effectiveness of benzodiazepine (BZD) for SE. METHODS We retrospectively investigated the medical records in patients with Dravet syndrome and evaluated the effectiveness rate of intravenous AEDs and the rate of adverse effects. To find the clinical features of BZD-effective SE, we divided the SE episodes into the following two groups: BZD effective group and BZD non-effective group. The choice of treatment was dependent on physicians' discretion according to the protocol for SE in our institution. RESULTS Sixty-eight SE episodes in 10 patients were assessed. The median age at SE was 31 months. Of 68 episodes, 42 episodes (61.8%) were in the BZD effective group and 26 (38.2%) in the BZD non-effective group. There were no significant differences in clinical features. In the BZD non-effective group, the effective rates of continuous midazolam, phenobarbital, phenytoin/fosphenytoin were 9/9 episodes (100%), 14/17 (82.4%), and 2/5 (40.0%), respectively. Adverse effects were identified in 19/68 episodes (27.9%), including 11/42 episodes in the BZD effective group and 8/26 in the BZD non-effective group, which was no statistical difference between the two groups. Respiratory suppression was found in all 19 episodes and the incidence of endotracheal intubation in the BZD non-effective group (15.4%) was higher than that in the BZD effective group (2.4%) (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION BZD may be used as first choice, and phenobarbital prior to continuous midazolam as second choice for SE with Dravet syndrome. There might be no predictable clinical features showing that BZD will be effective.
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22
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Ding J, Wang L, Li W, Wang Y, Jiang S, Xiao L, Zhu C, Hao X, Zhao J, Kong X, Wang Z, Lu G, Wang F, Sun T. Up to What Extent Does Dravet Syndrome Benefit From Neurostimulation Techniques? Front Neurol 2022; 13:843975. [PMID: 35493838 PMCID: PMC9044920 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.843975] [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: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dravet syndrome (DS) is a refractory developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (EE) with a variety of comorbidities, including cognitive impairment, autism-like behavior, speech dysfunction, and ataxia, which can seriously affect the quality of life of patients and impose a great burden on society and their families. Currently, the pharmacological therapy is patient dependent and may work or not. Neuromodulation techniques, including vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and chronic subthreshold cortical stimulation (CSCS), have become common adjuvant therapies for neurological diseases, but their efficacy in the treatment of DS is unknown. Methods We searched Web of Science, PubMed, and SpringerLink for all published cases related to the neuromodulation techniques of DS until January 15, 2022. The systematic review was supplemented with relevant articles from the references. The results reported by each study were summarized narratively. Results The Web of science, PubMed and SpringerLink search yielded 258 items. A total of 16 studies published between 2016 and 2021 met the final inclusion criteria. Overall, 16 articles (109 cases) were included in this study, among which fifteen (107 patients) were involved VNS, and one (2 patients) was involved DBS. After VNS implantation, seizures were reduced to ≥50% in 60 cases (56%), seizure free were found in 8 cases (7.5%). Only two DS patients received DBS treatment, and the initial outcomes of DBS implantation were unsatisfactory. The seizures significantly improved over time for both DBS patients after the addition of antiepileptic drugs. Conclusion More than half of the DS patients benefited from VNS, and VNS may be effective in the treatment of DS. However, it is important to note that VNS does not guarantee improvement of seizures, and there is a risk of infection and subsequent device failure. Although DBS is a safe and effective strategy for the treatment of refractory epilepsy, the role of DBS in DS needs further study, as the sample size was small. Thus far, there is no strong evidence for the role of DBS in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangwei Ding
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Shucai Jiang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lifei Xiao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Changliang Zhu
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hao
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiali Zhao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xuerui Kong
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ziqin Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Guangyuan Lu
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Guangyuan Lu
| | - Feng Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Tao Sun
| | - Tao Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Disease, The Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Feng Wang
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23
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Chronic partial TrkB activation reduces seizures and mortality in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2022726119. [PMID: 35165147 PMCID: PMC8851461 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022726119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe childhood epileptic encephalopathy characterized by intractable seizures and comorbidities, including a high rate of premature mortality. DS is mainly caused by loss-of-function mutations of the Scn1a gene encoding sodium channel Nav1.1 that is predominantly expressed in inhibitory parvalbumin-containing (PV) interneurons. Decreased Nav1.1 impairs PV cell function, causing DS phenotypes. Effective pharmacological therapy targeting defective PV interneurons is currently not available. This study demonstrated that early treatment with a partial TrkB receptor agonist, LM22A-4, increased Nav1.1 expression, improved PV interneuron function, and reduced seizure occurrence and mortality rate in DS mice, suggesting a potential therapy for DS. Dravet syndrome (DS) is one of the most severe childhood epilepsies, characterized by intractable seizures and comorbidities including cognitive and social dysfunction and high premature mortality. DS is mainly caused by loss-of-function mutations in the Scn1a gene encoding Nav1.1 that is predominantly expressed in inhibitory parvalbumin-containing (PV) interneurons. Decreased Nav1.1 impairs PV cell function, contributing to DS phenotypes. Effective pharmacological therapy that targets defective PV interneurons is not available. The known role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the development and maintenance of interneurons, together with our previous results showing improved PV interneuronal function and antiepileptogenic effects of a TrkB receptor agonist in a posttraumatic epilepsy model, led to the hypothesis that early treatment with a TrkB receptor agonist might prevent or reduce seizure activity in DS mice. To test this hypothesis, we treated DS mice with LM22A-4 (LM), a partial agonist at the BDNF TrkB receptor, for 7 d starting at postnatal day 13 (P13), before the onset of spontaneous seizures. Results from immunohistochemistry, Western blot, whole-cell patch-clamp recording, and in vivo seizure monitoring showed that LM treatment increased the number of perisomatic PV interneuronal synapses around cortical pyramidal cells in layer V, upregulated Nav1.1 in PV neurons, increased inhibitory synaptic transmission, and decreased seizures and the mortality rate in DS mice. The results suggest that early treatment with a partial TrkB receptor agonist may be a promising therapeutic approach to enhance PV interneuron function and reduce epileptogenesis and premature death in DS.
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24
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Wengert ER, Wagley PK, Strohm SM, Reza N, Wenker IC, Gaykema RP, Christiansen A, Liau G, Patel MK. Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output (TANGO) of Scn1a rescues parvalbumin interneuron excitability and reduces seizures in a mouse model of Dravet Syndrome. Brain Res 2022; 1775:147743. [PMID: 34843701 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy typically caused by loss-of-function de novo mutations in the SCN1A gene which encodes the voltage-gated sodium channel isoform NaV1.1. Decreased NaV1.1 expression results in impaired excitability of inhibitory interneurons and seizure onset. To date, there are no clinically available treatments for DS that directly address the core mechanism of disease; reduced NaV1.1 expression levels in interneurons. Recently, Targeted Augmentation of Nuclear Gene Output (TANGO) of SCN1A by the antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) STK-001, was shown to increase Scn1a mRNA levels, increase NaV1.1 protein expression, reduce seizures, and improve survival in the Scn1a+/- mouse model of DS. However, it remains unknown whether STK-001 treatment rescues the reduced intrinsic excitability of parvalbumin-positive (PV) inhibitory interneurons associated with DS. In this study, we demonstrate that STK-001 treatment reduces seizures, prolongs survival, and rescues PV interneuron excitability in Scn1a+/- mice to levels observed in WT littermates. Together, these results support the notion that TANGO-mediated augmentation of NaV1.1 levels directly targets and rescues one of the core disease mechanisms of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Wengert
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Pravin K Wagley
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Samantha M Strohm
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Nuha Reza
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ian C Wenker
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ronald P Gaykema
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | | | - Gene Liau
- Stoke Therapeutics, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Manoj K Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States.
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25
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Cardenal-Muñoz E, Auvin S, Villanueva V, Cross JH, Zuberi SM, Lagae L, Aibar JÁ. Guidance on Dravet syndrome from infant to adult care: Road map for treatment planning in Europe. Epilepsia Open 2021; 7:11-26. [PMID: 34882995 PMCID: PMC8886070 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe, rare, and complex developmental and epileptic encephalopathy affecting 1 in 16 000 live births and characterized by a drug‐resistant epilepsy, cognitive, psychomotor, and language impairment, and behavioral disorders. Evidence suggests that optimal treatment of seizures in DS may improve outcomes, even though neurodevelopmental impairments are the likely result of both the underlying genetic variant and the epilepsy. We present an updated guideline for DS diagnosis and treatment, taking into consideration care of the adult patient and nonpharmaceutical therapeutic options for this disease. This up‐to‐date guideline, which is based on an extensive review of the literature and culminates with a new treatment algorithm for DS, is a European consensus developed through a survey involving 29 European clinical experts in DS. This guideline will serve professionals in their clinical practice and, as a consequence, will benefit DS patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cardenal-Muñoz
- Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain, Member of the EpiCARE ePAG Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- APHP. Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France.,INSERM NeuroDiderot, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Vicente Villanueva
- Refractory Epilepsy Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Valencia, Spain
| | - J Helen Cross
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, London, UK
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Leuven, Belgium
| | - José Ángel Aibar
- Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain, Member of the EpiCARE ePAG Group, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Jancovski N, Baldwin T, Orford M, Li M, Jones GD, Burbano LE, Rutherford T, Reid C, Heales S, Eaton S, Petrou S. Protective effects of medium chain triglyceride diet in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Epilepsia 2021; 62:3131-3142. [PMID: 34713469 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with early childhood onset. Patients with DS do not respond well to antiepileptic drugs and have only a few treatment options available. Here, we evaluated the effect of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) diet therapy in a mouse model of DS. METHODS Scn1aR1407X/+ DS mice were given diets supplemented with MCTs with varying ratios of decanoic (C10) and octanoic (C8) acid or a control diet for 4 weeks. Video monitoring was performed to evaluate spontaneous convulsive seizure frequency. Susceptibility to hyperthermia-induced seizures was also examined. Medium chain fatty acids, and mitochondrial and antioxidant markers were assessed in brain homogenate. RESULTS Dietary intervention with MCTs significantly prolonged survival and reduced convulsive seizure frequency during the critical period of highest seizure occurrence in the Scn1aR1407X/+ DS mice. Moreover, MCT diet therapy showed protective effects against hyperthermia-induced seizures. We demonstrated that coadministration of C10/C8 was effective at reducing both seizures and mortality, whereas C10 alone only reduced mortality, suggesting that the ratio of C10 to C8 in the MCT is an important factor for efficacy. When C10 and C8 are supplemented at an 80:20 ratio in the diet, C10 accumulates in the brain in high enough concentrations to enhance brain energy metabolism by both stimulating mitochondrial enrichment and increasing its antioxidant status. SIGNIFICANCE The results from this study indicate that MCT diet therapy may provide therapeutic benefits in DS. Future clinical studies would elucidate whether these positive effects are mirrored in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Jancovski
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tomas Baldwin
- Developmental Biology and Cancer University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Michael Orford
- Developmental Biology and Cancer University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Melody Li
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gabriel Davis Jones
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisseth Estefania Burbano
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Christopher Reid
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon Heales
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Chemical Pathology, University College London Metabolism, Great Ormond Street for Children Hospital, Chemical Pathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.,Neurometabolic Unit, National Hospital, London, UK
| | - Simon Eaton
- Developmental Biology and Cancer University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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27
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Abstract
Epilepsy can now be diagnosed even in the presence of one unprovoked seizure or if the diagnosis of an epilepsy syndrome can be made. Epilepsy syndromes represent a specific set of seizure types and electroencephalographic and imaging features that tend to have age-dependent features, triggers, and prognosis. Epilepsy syndromes are the third and final level of epilepsy diagnosis, after classification of seizure and epilepsy types. Some epilepsy syndromes are self-limiting and pharmacoresponsive and others are pharmacoresistant and associated with poor developmental outcomes (epileptic and developmental encephalopathy). Features and management of 7 common age-dependent pediatric epilepsy syndromes are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshat Katyayan
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701, Fannin Street, Suite 1250, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701, Fannin Street, Suite 1250, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Gloria Diaz-Medina
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701, Fannin Street, Suite 1250, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6701, Fannin Street, Suite 1250, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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28
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Pernici CD, Mensah JA, Dahle EJ, Johnson KJ, Handy L, Buxton L, Smith MD, West PJ, Metcalf CS, Wilcox KS. Development of an antiseizure drug screening platform for Dravet syndrome at the NINDS contract site for the Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1665-1676. [PMID: 34002394 PMCID: PMC8360068 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare but catastrophic genetic epilepsy, with 80% of patients carrying a mutation in the SCN1A gene. Currently, no antiseizure drug (ASD) exists that adequately controls seizures. In the clinic, individuals with DS often present first with a febrile seizure and, subsequently, generalized tonic-clonic seizures that can continue throughout life. To facilitate the development of ASDs for DS, the contract site of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) has evaluated a mouse model of DS using the conditional knock-in Scn1aA1783V/WT mouse. METHODS Survival rates and temperature thresholds for Scn1aA1783V/WT were determined. Prototype ASDs were administered via intraperitoneal injections at the time-to-peak effect, which was previously determined, prior to the induction of hyperthermia-induced seizures. ASDs were considered effective if they significantly increased the temperature at which Scn1aA1783V/WT mice had seizures. RESULTS Approximately 50% of Scn1aA1783V/WT survive to adulthood and all have hyperthermia-induced seizures. The results suggest that hyperthermia-induced seizures in this model of DS are highly refractory to a battery of ASDs. Exceptions were clobazam, tiagabine, levetiracetam, and the combination of clobazam and valproic acid with add-on stiripentol, which elevated seizure thresholds. SIGNIFICANCE Overall, the data demonstrate that the proposed model for DS is suitable for screening novel compounds for the ability to block hyperthermia-induced seizures and that heterozygous mice can be evaluated repeatedly over the course of several weeks, allowing for higher throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea D. Pernici
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Jeffrey A. Mensah
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - E. Jill Dahle
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Kristina J. Johnson
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Laura Handy
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Lauren Buxton
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Misty D. Smith
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Peter J. West
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Cameron S. Metcalf
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Karen S. Wilcox
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
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29
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Xu YX, Zhong JM. [Early identification and diagnosis of epilepsy related to fever sensitivity]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2021; 23:749-754. [PMID: 34266536 PMCID: PMC8292662 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2105007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Febrile seizures are the most common nervous system disease in childhood, and most children have a good prognosis. However, some epilepsy cases are easily induced by fever and are characterized by "fever sensitivity", and it is difficult to differentiate such cases from febrile seizures. Epilepsy related to fever sensitivity includes hereditary epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, Dravet syndrome, and PCDH19 gene-related epilepsy. This article mainly describes the clinical manifestations of these three types of epilepsy and summarizes their clinical features in the early stage of disease onset, so as to achieve early identification, early diagnosis, and early intervention to improve prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jian-Min Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang 330006, China
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30
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Isom LL, Knupp KG. Dravet Syndrome: Novel Approaches for the Most Common Genetic Epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1524-1534. [PMID: 34378168 PMCID: PMC8608987 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01095-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy that is mainly associated with variants in SCN1A. While drug-resistant epilepsy is the most notable feature of this syndrome, numerous symptoms are present that have significant impact on patients' quality of life. In spite of novel, third-generation anti-seizure treatment options becoming available over the last several years, seizure freedom is often not attained and non-seizure symptoms remain. Precision medicine now offers realistic hope for seizure freedom in DS patients, with several approaches demonstrating preclinical success. Therapeutic approaches such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-delivered gene modulation have expanded the potential treatment options for DS, with some of these approaches now transitioning to clinical trials. Several of these treatments may risk the exacerbation of gain-of-function variants and may not be reversible, therefore emphasizing the need for functional testing of new pathogenic variants. The current absence of treatments that address the overall disease, in addition to seizures, exposes the urgent need for reliable, valid measures of the entire complement of symptoms as outcome measures to truly know the impact of treatments on DS. Additionally, with so many treatment options on the horizon, there will be a need to understand how to select appropriate patients for each treatment, whether treatments are complementary or adverse to each other, and long-term risks of the treatment. Nevertheless, precision therapeutics hold tremendous potential to provide long-lasting seizure freedom and even complete cures for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori L Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Neurology, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5632, USA.
| | - Kelly G Knupp
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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31
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Fattorusso A, Matricardi S, Mencaroni E, Dell'Isola GB, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. The Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy: An Overview on Existent and New Emerging Therapies. Front Neurol 2021; 12:674483. [PMID: 34239494 PMCID: PMC8258148 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.674483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological chronic disorders, with an estimated prevalence of 0. 5 - 1%. Currently, treatment options for epilepsy are predominantly based on the administration of symptomatic therapy. Most patients are able to achieve seizure freedom by the first two appropriate drug trials. Thus, patients who cannot reach a satisfactory response after that are defined as pharmacoresistant. However, despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications (ASMs), about one-third of epilepsies remain drug-resistant. The heterogeneity of seizures and epilepsies, the coexistence of comorbidities, and the broad spectrum of efficacy, safety, and tolerability related to the ASMs, make the management of these patients actually challenging. In this review, we analyze the most relevant clinical and pathogenetic issues related to drug-resistant epilepsy, and then we discuss the current evidence about the use of available ASMs and the alternative non-pharmacological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Fattorusso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pediatric Clinic, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Children's Hospital “G. Salesi”, Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mencaroni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pediatric Clinic, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pediatric Clinic, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS “G. Gaslini” Institute, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pediatric Clinic, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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32
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Efficacy of Fenfluramine and Norfenfluramine Enantiomers and Various Antiepileptic Drugs in a Zebrafish Model of Dravet Syndrome. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:2249-2261. [PMID: 34041623 PMCID: PMC8302504 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare genetic encephalopathy that is characterized by severe seizures and highly resistant to commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In 2020, FDA has approved fenfluramine (FFA) for treatment of seizures associated with DS. However, the clinically used FFA is a racemic mixture (i.e. (±)-FFA), that is substantially metabolized to norfenfluramine (norFFA), and it is presently not known whether the efficacy of FFA is due to a single enantiomer of FFA, or to both, and whether the norFFA enantiomers also contribute significantly. In this study, the antiepileptic activity of enantiomers of FFA (i.e. (+)-FFA and (−)-FFA) and norFFA (i.e. (+)-norFFA and (−)-norFFA) was explored using the zebrafish scn1Lab−/− mutant model of DS. To validate the experimental conditions used, we assessed the activity of various AEDs typically used in the fight against DS, including combination therapy. Overall, our results are highly consistent with the treatment algorithm proposed by the updated current practice in the clinical management of DS. Our results show that (+)-FFA, (−)-FFA and (+)-norFFA displayed significant antiepileptic effects in the preclinical model, and thus can be considered as compounds actively contributing to the clinical efficacy of FFA. In case of (−)-norFFA, the results were less conclusive. We also investigated the uptake kinetics of the enantiomers of FFA and norFFA in larval zebrafish heads. The data show that the total uptake of each compound increased in a time-dependent fashion. A somewhat similar uptake was observed for the (+)-norFFA and (−)-norFFA, implying that the levo/dextrotation of the structure did not dramatically affect the uptake. Significantly, when comparing (+)-FFA with the less lipophilic (+)-norFFA, the data clearly show that the nor-metabolite of FFA is taken up less than the parent compound.
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33
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Dravet Syndrome-The Polish Family's Perspective Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091903. [PMID: 33924914 PMCID: PMC8125154 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the paper is to study the prevalence of Dravet Syndrome (DS) in the Polish population and indicate different factors other than seizures reducing the quality of life in such patients. Method: A survey was conducted among caregivers of patients with DS by the members of the Polish support group of the Association for People with Severe Refractory Epilepsy DRAVET.PL. It included their experience of the diagnosis, seizures, and treatment-related adverse effects. The caregivers also completed the PedsQL survey, which showed the most important problems. The survey received 55 responses from caregivers of patients with DS (aged 2–25 years). Results: Prior to the diagnosis of DS, 85% of patients presented with status epilepticus lasting more than 30 min, and the frequency of seizures (mostly tonic-clonic or hemiconvulsions) ranged from 2 per week to hundreds per day. After the diagnosis of DS, patients remained on polytherapy (drugs recommended in DS). Before diagnosis, some of them had been on sodium channel blockers. Most patients experienced many adverse effects, including aggression and loss of appetite. The frequency of adverse effects was related to the number of drugs used in this therapy, which had an impact on the results of the PedsQL form, particularly in terms of the physical and social spheres. Intensive care unit stays due to severe status epilepticus also had an influence on the results of the PedsQL form. Conclusions: Families must be counseled on non-pharmacologic strategies to reduce seizure risk, including avoidance of triggers that commonly induce seizures (including hyperthermia, flashing lights and patterns, sleep abnormalities). In addition to addressing seizures, holistic care for a patient with Dravet syndrome must involve a multidisciplinary team that includes specialists in physical, occupational and speech therapy, neuropsychology, social work.
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Schoonjans AS, Ceulemans B. A critical evaluation of fenfluramine hydrochloride for the treatment of Dravet syndrome. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 22:351-364. [PMID: 33455486 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1877540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Fenfluramine recently demonstrated to be a highly efficacious and safe treatment option for DS patients. Fenfluramine has been recently approved by the FDA and EMA and is marketed as Fintepla®.Areas covered: DS and the need for additional anticonvulsive treatment options is discussed. The results of three placebo-controlled phase III studies (1 with and 2 without stiripentol) and 2 open label (extension) studies are reviewed. All studies demonstrate a consistent and impressive seizure reduction, confirming the results of two smaller investigator-initiated trials. The mechanism of action of fenfluramine is discussed. Finally, the place of fenfluramine in the future treatment of DS is outlined.Expert opinion: Fenfluramine has a potent anticonvulsive effect in DS. Although not yet fully elucidated, the anticonvulsive mechanism of fenfluramine seems to be mainly serotonergic. Fenfluramine is generally well tolerated. A dose reduction is necessary in combination with stiripentol. Considering new competitors, efficacy seems lower for cannabidiol and is comparable with stiripentol. Preclinical studies indicate a disease specific action and possible disease modification in DS. The latter would support the use of fenfluramine above its anticonvulsive effect and needs to be further elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Sofie Schoonjans
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Berten Ceulemans
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Selvarajah A, Zulfiqar-Ali Q, Marques P, Rong M, Andrade DM. A systematic review of adults with Dravet syndrome. Seizure 2021; 87:39-45. [PMID: 33677403 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a rare and severe infantile-onset epileptic encephalopathy. DS research focuses mainly on children. We did a systematic review, completed on January 18th, 2021, examining the number of clinical DS studies. We show that there are 208 studies on children exclusively, 28 studies on adults exclusively, and 116 studies involving adults and children combined. This 7:1 ratio of children to adult studies exclusively shows the dearth of research that addresses long-term natural history of DS into adulthood. Through this systematic review, we examine the most up-to-date information in DS adults as it pertains to seizures, electroencephalogram, imaging, treatment, motor abnormalities, cognitive and social behavior outcomes, cardiac abnormalities, sleep disturbances, diagnosis in adults, and mortality. Overall, the frequency of seizures increases in the first decade of life and then myoclonic, atypical absences and focal seizures with impaired awareness tend to decrease in frequency or even disappear in adulthood. Adults tend to have a notable reduction in status epilepticus, especially after 30 years of age. Parkinsonian features were seen in patients as young as 19 years old and are more severe in older patients, suggesting a progression of the parkinsonian symptoms. In adulthood, patients continue to present with behavior problems, associated with a lower health-related quality of life. The leading reported cause of death in DS adults is Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Further studies in older adults are needed to understand the long-term outcomes of patients with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunan Selvarajah
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Adult Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Neurology, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Quratulain Zulfiqar-Ali
- Adult Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Neurology, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paula Marques
- Adult Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Neurology, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marlene Rong
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Adult Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Neurology, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Danielle M Andrade
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Adult Epilepsy Genetics Program, Division of Neurology, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Krembil Neurosciences Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Boon P, Ferrao Santos S, Jansen AC, Lagae L, Legros B, Weckhuysen S. Recommendations for the treatment of epilepsy in adult and pediatric patients in Belgium: 2020 update. Acta Neurol Belg 2021; 121:241-257. [PMID: 33048338 PMCID: PMC7937601 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-020-01488-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
To guide health care professionals in Belgium in selecting the appropriate antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) for their epilepsy patients, a group of Belgian epilepsy experts developed recommendations for AED treatment in adults and children (initial recommendations in 2008, updated in 2012). As new drugs have become available, others have been withdrawn, new indications have been approved and recommendations for pregnant women have changed, a new update was pertinent. A group of Belgian epilepsy experts (partly overlapping with the group in charge of the 2008/2012 recommendations) evaluated the most recent international guidelines and relevant literature for their applicability to the Belgian situation (registration status, reimbursement, clinical practice) and updated the recommendations for initial monotherapy in adults and children and add-on treatment in adults. Recommendations for add-on treatment in children were also included (not covered in the 2008/2012 publications). Like the 2008/2012 publications, the current update also covers other important aspects related to the management of epilepsy, including the importance of early referral in drug-resistant epilepsy, pharmacokinetic properties and tolerability of AEDs, comorbidities, specific considerations in elderly and pregnant patients, generic substitution and the rapidly evolving field of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Boon
- Reference Center for Refractory Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | - Anna C Jansen
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Reference Center for Refractory Epilepsy, Pediatric Neurology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Legros
- Department of Neurology, Reference Center for the Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- VIB-Center for Molecular Neurology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Löscher W, Klein P. The Pharmacology and Clinical Efficacy of Antiseizure Medications: From Bromide Salts to Cenobamate and Beyond. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:935-963. [PMID: 34145528 PMCID: PMC8408078 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00827-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common and disabling chronic neurological disorders. Antiseizure medications (ASMs), previously referred to as anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drugs, are the mainstay of symptomatic epilepsy treatment. Epilepsy is a multifaceted complex disease and so is its treatment. Currently, about 30 ASMs are available for epilepsy therapy. Furthermore, several ASMs are approved therapies in nonepileptic conditions, including neuropathic pain, migraine, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Because of this wide spectrum of therapeutic activity, ASMs are among the most often prescribed centrally active agents. Most ASMs act by modulation of voltage-gated ion channels; by enhancement of gamma aminobutyric acid-mediated inhibition; through interactions with elements of the synaptic release machinery; by blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors; or by combinations of these mechanisms. Because of differences in their mechanisms of action, most ASMs do not suppress all types of seizures, so appropriate treatment choices are important. The goal of epilepsy therapy is the complete elimination of seizures; however, this is not achievable in about one-third of patients. Both in vivo and in vitro models of seizures and epilepsy are used to discover ASMs that are more effective in patients with continued drug-resistant seizures. Furthermore, therapies that are specific to epilepsy etiology are being developed. Currently, ~ 30 new compounds with diverse antiseizure mechanisms are in the preclinical or clinical drug development pipeline. Moreover, therapies with potential antiepileptogenic or disease-modifying effects are in preclinical and clinical development. Overall, the world of epilepsy therapy development is changing and evolving in many exciting and important ways. However, while new epilepsy therapies are developed, knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, antiseizure efficacy and spectrum, and adverse effect profiles of currently used ASMs is an essential component of treating epilepsy successfully and maintaining a high quality of life for every patient, particularly those receiving polypharmacy for drug-resistant seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany. .,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Pavel Klein
- grid.429576.bMid-Atlantic Epilepsy and Sleep Center, Bethesda, MD USA
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Molecular diagnosis of epileptic encephalopathy of the first year of life applying a customized gene panel in a group of Argentinean patients. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 111:107322. [PMID: 32702657 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to perform a molecular characterization of 17 Argentinean pediatric patients with diagnosis of having epileptic encephalopathies (EEs) of the first year of life without known etiology, applying next-generation sequencing (NGS). METHODS We included 17 patients with EE with age of onset under 12 months without known etiology after ruling out structural abnormalities, metabolic disorders, and large chromosomal abnormalities. They presented with the following clinical phenotypes: Dravet syndrome (DS; n: 7), epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS; n: 3), West syndrome (WS; n: 2), and undetermined epileptic encephalopathy (UEE; n: 5). Neurologic examinations, seizure semiology, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and standard electroencephalography (EEG) or video-EEG studies were performed in all cases. Using a custom amplicon strategy, we designed an NGS panel to study 47 genes associated with EEs. RESULTS Pathogenic variants were detected in 8 cases (47%), including seven novel pathogenic variants and one previously reported as being pathogenic. The pathogenic variants were identified in 6 patients with DS (SCN1A gene), one with EIMFS (SCN2A gene), and one with UEE (SLC2A1 gene). Nonrelevant variants were identified in the patients with WS. CONCLUSION We demonstrated the feasibility of an NGS-gene panel approach for the analysis of patients with EE in our setting. A genetic diagnosis was achieved in nearly 50% of patients, 87% of them presenting with nonpreviously reported variants. The early identification of the underlying causative genetic alteration will be a valuable tool for providing prognostic information and genetic counselling and also to improve therapeutic decisions in Argentinean patients.
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Specchio N, Pietrafusa N, Doccini V, Trivisano M, Darra F, Ragona F, Cossu A, Spolverato S, Battaglia D, Quintiliani M, Luigia Gambardella M, Rosati A, Mei D, Granata T, Dalla Bernardina B, Vigevano F, Guerrini R. Efficacy and safety of Fenfluramine hydrochloride for the treatment of seizures in Dravet syndrome: A real‐world study. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2405-2414. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Nicola Pietrafusa
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Viola Doccini
- Neuroscience Department A. Meyer Children's Hospital–University of Florence Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Florence Italy
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Francesca Darra
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Full Member of the European Reference Network EpiCare Milan Italy
| | - Alberto Cossu
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Silvia Spolverato
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Domenica Battaglia
- Pediatric Neurology Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Child Health Area A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy
| | - Michela Quintiliani
- Pediatric Neurology Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Child Health Area A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy
| | - Maria Luigia Gambardella
- Pediatric Neurology Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health Child Health Area A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation IRCCS Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome Italy
| | - Anna Rosati
- Neuroscience Department A. Meyer Children's Hospital–University of Florence Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Florence Italy
| | - Davide Mei
- Neuroscience Department A. Meyer Children's Hospital–University of Florence Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Florence Italy
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Full Member of the European Reference Network EpiCare Milan Italy
| | - Bernardo Dalla Bernardina
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Department of Neuroscience Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE Rome Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Surgical Sciences Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics University of Verona Verona Italy
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Therapeutic Use of the Ketogenic Diet in Refractory Epilepsy: What We Know and What Still Needs to Be Learned. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092616. [PMID: 32867258 PMCID: PMC7551948 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketogenic diet (KD) has been used to treat epilepsy for 100 years. It is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and sufficient-protein-for-growth diet that mimics the metabolic changes occurring during starvation. Except for classic KD, its modified counterparts, including modified Atkins diet and low-glycemic-index treatment, have gained grounds to increase palatability and adherence. Strong evidence exists that the KD offers protection against seizures in difficult-to-treat epilepsy and possesses long-lasting anti-epileptic activity, improving long-term disease outcome. The KD can also provide symptomatic and disease-modifying activity in a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases. In an era of highly available new anti-seizure medications (ASMs), the challenge of refractory epilepsy has still not been solved. This metabolic therapy is increasingly considered due to unique mechanisms and turns out to be a powerful tool in the hands of a skillful team. Despite decades of extensive research to explain the mechanism of its efficacy, the precise mechanism of action is to date still largely unknown. The key feature of this successful diet is the fact that energy is derived largely from fat but not from carbohydrates. Consequently, fundamental change occurs regarding the method of energy production that causes alterations in numerous biochemical pathways, thus restoring energetic and metabolic homeostasis of the brain. There are barriers during the use of this special and individualized therapy in many clinical settings worldwide. The aim of this review is to revisit the current state of the art of therapeutic application of KD in refractory epilepsy.
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Strzelczyk A, Schubert-Bast S. Therapeutic advances in Dravet syndrome: a targeted literature review. Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:1065-1079. [PMID: 32799683 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1801423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dravet syndrome (DS), a prototypic developmental and genetic epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), is characterized by an early onset of treatment-refractory seizures, together with impairments in motor control, behavior, and cognition. Even with multiple conventional anti-epileptic drugs, seizures remain poorly controlled, and there has been a considerable unmet need for effective and tolerable treatments. AREAS COVERED This targeted literature review aims to highlight recent changes to the therapeutic landscape for DS by summarizing the most up-to-date, evidence-based research, including pivotal data from the clinical development of stiripentol, cannabidiol, and fenfluramine, which are important milestones for DS treatment, together with the latest findings of other pharmacotherapies in development. In phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials stiripentol, cannabidiol, and fenfluramine have shown clinically relevant reductions in convulsive seizure frequency, and are generally well tolerated. Stiripentol was associated with responder rates (greater than 50% reduction in convulsive seizure frequency) of 67%-71%, when added to valproic acid and clobazam; cannabidiol was associated with responder rates of 43%-49% (48%-63% in conjunction with clobazam), and fenfluramine of 54%-68% across studies. Therapies in development include soticlestat, ataluren, verapamil, and clemizole, with strategies to treat the underlying cause of DS, including gene therapy and antisense oligonucleotides beginning to emerge from preclinical studies. EXPERT OPINION Despite the challenges of drug development in rare diseases, this is an exciting time for the treatment of DS, with the promise of new efficacious and well-tolerated therapies, which may pave the way for treatment advances in other DEEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Jansson JS, Hallböök T, Reilly C. Intellectual functioning and behavior in Dravet syndrome: A systematic review. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 108:107079. [PMID: 32334365 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dravet syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with onset in the first year of life. At onset, the child displays normal development, but during the second year of life, stagnation/slowing of neurodevelopment is seen. In addition to difficulties with intellectual development, many children display behavioral problems including autistic features, and difficulties with attention and hyperactivity. AIM The aim of the present study was to systematically review studies that have focused on the prevalence of cognitive/developmental quotients (DQs) consistent with intellectual disability (ID), deficits in adaptive behavior, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and behavioral difficulties. A secondary aim was to consider possible factors associated with intellectual and behavioral outcomes in individuals with DS. METHOD A systematic review using PubMed and Scopus following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted on the 24th of September 2019. Study quality was rated by two researchers using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Quality assessment tools. RESULT Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of ID was 86% (range across studies: 50%-100%). The pooled prevalence for ASD was 31%. The mean level of adaptive behavior was more than 2 standard deviations (SDs) below average. The prevalence of behavioral difficulties on standardized instruments ranged between 37% and 100%. The only factor consistently associated with lower cognitive scores was age with older children having significantly lower cognitive scores than younger children. For behavioral difficulties, the most consistent association was with low health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with better HRQoL associated with fewer behavioral difficulties. Study quality was almost universally poor or fair - 15/29 studies were rated 'poor', 13/29 studies were 'fair', and 1 was 'good'. DISCUSSION The prevalence of cognitive scores consistent with ID is very high in DS. Many patients also have significant deficits in adaptive behavior highlighting that the majority of patients with DS will meet criteria for ID. The prevalence of ASD would also appear to be higher than the general population but studies show a wide range. Behavioral difficulties are common, but most studies have not used instruments adapted to patients with low intelligence quotient/DQ (IQ/DQ). No study used standardized instruments to assess ADHD. Few studies have used comprehensive statistical methods to evaluate possible factors associated with worse cognitive and behavioral outcome. CONCLUSION It should be routine to screen for cognitive and behavioral difficulties for all patients with DS. There is a need for more robust studies regarding intellectual and behavioral disorders in patients with DS. These should be large population-based or multinational studies that employ standardized instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Soto Jansson
- Dept. of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tove Hallböök
- Dept. of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Colin Reilly
- Dept. of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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D'Adamo MC, Liantonio A, Conte E, Pessia M, Imbrici P. Ion Channels Involvement in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Neuroscience 2020; 440:337-359. [PMID: 32473276 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inherited and sporadic mutations in genes encoding for brain ion channels, affecting membrane expression or biophysical properties, have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by epilepsy, cognitive and behavioral deficits with significant phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. Over the years, the screening of a growing number of patients and the functional characterization of newly identified mutations in ion channels genes allowed to recognize new phenotypes and to widen the clinical spectrum of known diseases. Furthermore, advancements in understanding disease pathogenesis at atomic level or using patient-derived iPSCs and animal models have been pivotal to orient therapeutic intervention and to put the basis for the development of novel pharmacological options for drug-resistant disorders. In this review we will discuss major improvements and critical issues concerning neurodevelopmental disorders caused by dysfunctions in brain sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride and ligand-gated ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina D'Adamo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Malta
| | | | - Elena Conte
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Italy
| | - Mauro Pessia
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Malta; Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Italy.
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Armeno M, Caraballo R. The evolving indications of KD therapy. Epilepsy Res 2020; 163:106340. [PMID: 32330835 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the rapid increase of clinical and basic-science knowledge on ketogenic diet therapies over the past years, it has not always been easy to determine the adequate indications of this treatment. Over the nearly 100 years of use, from being a last resource in the therapeutic algorithm, the diet has become one of the four main treatments for patients with difficult-to-control epilepsy together with antiepileptic drugs, surgery, and vagus nerve stimulation. The use of the diet has also changed. The current paper will briefly discuss the history of the diet together with a review of the literature regarding its most important indications and how they have evolved. The concept of the importance of defining the type of seizure, type of syndrome, and etiology in the selection of patients and timing of diet initiation has been gaining importance. This paper explores how the indications of the diet changed together with the shifting focus of epilepsy teams towards its use in different types of epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes and according to etiologies and as an alternative option in refractory and superrefractory status epilepticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Armeno
- Department of Nutrition, Hospital de Pediatria Juan P Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881, C1245 CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Roberto Caraballo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital de Pediatria Juan P Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881, C1245 CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Abstract
Investigators for the FAiRE DS Study Group assessed the efficacy and safety of Fenfluramine for treating seizures in patients less than 18 y.o. with Dravet Syndrome in an international double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 119 patients (mean age 9.0 y, 54% male) were enrolled in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Garcia Pierce
- Division of Neurology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL.,Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Divakar S Mithal
- Division of Neurology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL.,Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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Chen B, Kessi M, Chen S, Xiong J, Wu L, Deng X, Yang L, He F, Yin F, Peng J. The Recommendations for the Management of Chinese Children With Epilepsy During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:495. [PMID: 32984209 PMCID: PMC7477110 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the most severe public health problem facing the world currently. Social distancing and avoidance of unnecessary movements are preventive strategies that are being advocated to prevent the spread of the causative virus [severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV2]. It is known that epileptic children need long term treatments (antiepileptic drugs and/or immunosuppressive agents) as well as close follow up due to the nature of the disease. In addition, it is clear that epilepsy can concur with other chronic illnesses which can lower body immunity. As a result, epileptic children have high risk of acquiring this novel disease due to weak/immature immune system. Of concern, the management of children with epilepsy has become more challenging during this outbreak due to the prevention measures that are being taken. Although children with controlled seizures can be managed at home, it is challenging for pediatricians when it comes to cases with uncontrolled seizures/severe cases. To this end, we provide recommendations for the management of epileptic children at home, outpatient and inpatient settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Shimeng Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Liwen Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolu Deng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
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