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Kaufmann WE, Percy AK, Neul JL, Downs J, Leonard H, Nues P, Sharma GD, Bartolotta TE, Townend GS, Curfs LMG, Mariotti O, Buda C, O'Leary HM, Oberman LM, Vogel-Farley V, Barnes KV, Missling CU. Burden of illness in Rett syndrome: initial evaluation of a disorder-specific caregiver survey. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:296. [PMID: 39138481 PMCID: PMC11323357 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03313-8] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder associated with multiple neurologic impairments. Previous studies have shown challenges to the quality of life of individuals with RTT and their caregivers. However, instruments applied to quantify disease burden have not adequately captured the impact of these impairments on affected individuals and their families. Consequently, an international collaboration of stakeholders aimed at evaluating Burden of Illness (BOI) in RTT was organized. METHODS Based on literature reviews and qualitative interviews with parents of children and adults with RTT, a caregiver questionnaire was constructed to evaluate 22 problems (inclusive of core characteristics, functional impairments, and comorbidities) often experienced with RTT, rated mainly with a 5-level Likert scale. The questionnaire was administered anonymously online to an international sample of 756 caregivers (predominantly parents) of girls and women with RTT. Descriptive statistics were used to identify problems of high frequency and impact on affected individuals and caregivers. Chi-square tests characterized the relationship between problem severity and impact responses, while nonparametric ANOVAs of raw and z-score adjusted scores identified agreement between severity and impact on individual and caregiver. Secondary inferential tests were used to determine the roles of age, clinical type, and country of residence on BOI in RTT. RESULTS There was variability in reported frequency of problems, with the most prevalent, severe and impactful being those related to the core features of RTT (i.e., communication and fine and gross motor impairments). Chi-square analyses demonstrated interdependence between severity and impact responses, while ANOVAs showed that many problems had disproportionately greater impact than severity, either on affected individuals (e.g., hand stereotypies) or their caregivers (e.g., sleep difficulties, seizures, pain, and behavioral abnormalities). With certain exceptions (e.g., breath-holding, seizures), age, clinical type, or country of residence did not influence these BOI profiles. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that core features and related impairments are particularly impactful in RTT. However, problems with mild severity can also have disproportionate impact on affected individuals and, particularly, on their caregivers. Future analyses will examine the role of factors such as treatment outcomes, healthcare services, and healthcare provider's perspectives, in these BOI profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter E Kaufmann
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp, New York, NY, USA.
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Alan K Percy
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Paige Nues
- International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF), Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Claude Buda
- Rett Syndrome Association of Australia (RSAA), Grovedale, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Lindsay M Oberman
- National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Kay C, Leonard H, Smith J, Wong K, Downs J. Genotype and sleep independently predict mental health in Rett syndrome: an observational study. J Med Genet 2023; 60:951-959. [PMID: 37055168 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108905] [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: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome is a genetically caused neurodevelopmental disorder associated with severe impairments and complex comorbidities. This study examined predictors of anxiety and depression in Rett syndrome, including genotype. METHODS The International Rett Syndrome Database, InterRett, was the data source for this observational study. Associations between genotype, functional abilities, comorbidities, anxiety and depression were estimated with univariate and multivariate regression models. An additional regression model for anxiety included use of an anxiety medication as a predictor variable. RESULTS The sample included 210 individuals aged 6-51 years of whom 54 (25.7%) were on psychotropic medication for anxiety or depression. Individuals with the p.Arg294* variant had the highest anxiety scores, as did those with insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, irrespective of anxiety medication use. Individuals with the p.Arg306Cys variant had the lowest depression scores, as did those with insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSION Findings indicated that genotype and sleep have implications for mental health in Rett syndrome, suggesting that anticipatory guidance and proactive management of poor sleep could improve mental health. More research is needed to understand the effects of psychometric medications, which cannot be inferred from this cross-sectional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cayla Kay
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy Smith
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kingsley Wong
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Healt, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Downs J, Blackmore AM, Wong K, Buckley N, Lotan M, Elefant C, Leonard H, Stahlhut M. Can telehealth increase physical activity in individuals with Rett syndrome? A multicentre randomized controlled trial. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023; 65:489-497. [PMID: 36284370 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effects of a physical activity programme on sedentary behaviour and physical activity in ambulant individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT). METHOD In this multicentre randomized waitlist-controlled trial, we recruited 43 ambulatory individuals with RTT in Australia and Denmark. Adequate baseline data were obtained from 38 participants (mean age 20 years, range 6-41, SD 10 years 6 months, one male). All completed the trial. Participants received 12 weeks of usual care (n = 19) or a goal-based, telehealth-supported programme in which activities occurred in their familiar environments (n = 19). Sedentary time and daily steps were assessed at baseline, post-test, and 12-week follow-up. The data analyst was blinded to group allocation. RESULTS Sedentary time decreased in the intervention group by 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] -6.0 to 0.6) and increased in the control group by 1.3% (95% CI -4.8 to 7.4). Intervention and control groups increased the number of their steps per day by 264.7 (95% CI -72.2 to 601.5) and 104.8 (95% CI -178.1 to 387.7) respectively. No significant differences were found on any outcomes at post-test. There were three minor adverse events. INTERPRETATION A goal-based telehealth intervention seemed to produce small improvements in physical activity for individuals with RTT. Families require more support to increase these individuals' extremely low physical activity levels. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS A telehealth-supported intervention may produce small changes in physical activity in Rett syndrome (RTT). Increasing physical activity in individuals with RTT is challenging for caregivers. Families require substantial out-of-home support to increase their children's activity levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - A Marie Blackmore
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kingsley Wong
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas Buckley
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Meir Lotan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Rett Syndrome National Clinic, Sheba Hospital, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Cochavit Elefant
- School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michelle Stahlhut
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Rett Syndrome, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Buckley N, Stahlhut M, Elefant C, Leonard H, Lotan M, Downs J. Parent and therapist perspectives on "uptime" activities and participation in Rett syndrome. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 44:7420-7427. [PMID: 34689665 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1992026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with a disability may spend more time sitting and lying ("downtime") and less time standing and walking ("uptime"). Caregivers and therapists supporting individuals with Rett syndrome were surveyed, aiming to gather insights on how to support participation in "uptime" activities. METHOD An anonymous online survey including open ended questions about the enablers and barriers to "uptime" was administered to parent/caregivers and therapists/health professionals in an international sample. Responses were coded to the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) framework identifying barriers, enablers, and strategies for increasing uptime activities. RESULTS Parents (N = 115) and therapists (N = 49) completed the survey. Barriers and enablers to "uptime" were identified for all ICF domains and additional data coded to enabling access to the physical environment. Strategies to promote "uptime" activities and participation particularly related to the individual's physical capacity and personal factors as well as social and physical environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS Findings can inform the design of interventions aiming to increase "uptime" in individuals with Rett syndrome. Strategies should create individualised support by considering how to build fitness using activities that are motivating, at the same time creating opportunities for social interactions within a range of environments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION"Uptime" participation comprised a dynamic interaction of "doing" the standing or walking activity, with a sense of self-engagement with the activities and interaction with others.Strategies to promote "uptime" participation should consider how to create support for person-related attributes, including building physical capacity for a greater volume of "uptime" in activities that are enjoyable and motivating.Strategies to promote "uptime participation should also include creating a supportive environment, comprising opportunities for social interaction within a range of environments".
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Buckley
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Michelle Stahlhut
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Center for Rett Syndrome, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Meir Lotan
- Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Israeli Rett syndrome National evaluation team
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Leoncini S, Signorini C, Boasiako L, Scandurra V, Hayek J, Ciccoli L, Rossi M, Canitano R, De Felice C. Breathing Abnormalities During Sleep and Wakefulness in Rett Syndrome: Clinical Relevance and Paradoxical Relationship With Circulating Pro-oxidant Markers. Front Neurol 2022; 13:833239. [PMID: 35422749 PMCID: PMC9001904 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.833239] [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] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundBreathing abnormalities are common in Rett syndrome (RTT), a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder almost exclusively affecting females. RTT is linked to mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene. Our aim was to assess the clinical relevance of apneas during sleep-wakefulness cycle in a population with RTT and the possible impact of apneas on circulating oxidative stress markers.MethodsFemale patients with a clinical diagnosis of typical RTT (n = 66), MECP2 gene mutation, and apneas were enrolled (mean age: 12.5 years). Baseline clinical severity, arterial blood gas analysis, and red blood cell count were assessed. Breathing was monitored during the wakefulness and sleep states (average recording time: 13 ± 0.5 h) with a portable polygraphic screening device. According to prevalence of breath holdings, the population was categorized into the wakefulness apnea (WA) and sleep apnea (SA) groups, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was calculated. The impact of respiratory events on oxidative stress was assessed by plasma and intra-erythrocyte non-protein-bound iron (P-NPBI and IE-NPBI, respectively), and plasma F2-isoprostane (F2-IsoP) assays.ResultsSignificant prevalence of obstructive apneas with values of AHI > 15 was present in 69.7% of the population with RTT. The group with SA showed significantly increased AHI values > 15 (p = 0.0032), total breath holding episodes (p = 0.007), and average SpO2 (p = 0.0001) as well as lower nadir SpO2 (p = 0.0004) compared with the patients with WAs. The subgroups of patients with WA and SA showed no significant differences in arterial blood gas analysis variables (p > 0.089). Decreased mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) (p = 0.038) was observed in the group with WAs. P-NPBI levels were significantly higher in the group with WA than in that with SAs (p = 0.0001). Stepwise multiple linear regression models showed WA being related to nadir SpO2, average SpO2, and P-NPBI (adjusted R2 = 0.613, multiple correlation coefficient = 0.795 p < 0.0001), and P-NPBI being related to average SpO2, blood PaCO2, red blood cell mean corpuscular volume (MCV), age, and topiramate treatment (adjusted R2 = 0.551, multiple correlation coefficient = 0.765, p < 0.0001).ConclusionOur findings indicate that the impact of apneas in RTT is uneven according to the sleep-wakefulness cycle, and that plasma redox active iron represents a potential novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Leoncini
- Rett Syndrome Trial Center, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Signorini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lidia Boasiako
- Rett Syndrome Trial Center, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Scandurra
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Joussef Hayek
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Ciccoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marcello Rossi
- Respiratory Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation Unit, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Roberto Canitano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudio De Felice
- Rett Syndrome Trial Center, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
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Improving clinical trial readiness to accelerate development of new therapeutics for Rett syndrome. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:108. [PMID: 35246185 PMCID: PMC8894842 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02240-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome is associated with severe functional impairments and many comorbidities, each in urgent need of treatments. Mutations in the MECP2 gene were identified as causing Rett syndrome in 1999. Over the past 20 years there has been an abundance of preclinical research with some studies leading to human clinical trials. Despite this, few viable therapeutic options have emerged from this investment of effort. Reasons for this lack of success as they relate both to preclinical research and the clinical trial landscape are discussed. Considering what needs to be done to promote further success in the field, we take a positive and constructive approach and introduce the concept of clinical trial readiness and its necessary ingredients for Rett syndrome. These include: listening to the needs of families; support from advocacy groups; optimising use of existing clinic infrastructures and available natural history data; and, finally, the validation of existing outcome measures and/or the development and validation of new measures. We conclude by reiterating the need for a collaborative and coordinated approach amongst the many different stakeholder groups and the need to engage in new types of trial design which could be much more efficient, less costly and much less burdensome on families.
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Singh J, Lanzarini E, Nardocci N, Santosh P. Movement disorders in patients with Rett syndrome: A systematic review of evidence and associated clinical considerations. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 75:369-393. [PMID: 34472659 PMCID: PMC9298304 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM This systematic review identified and thematically appraised clinical evidence of movement disorders in patients with Rett syndrome (RTT). METHOD Using PRISMA criteria, six electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2021. A thematic analysis was then undertaken on the extracted data to identify potential themes. RESULTS Following the thematic analysis, six themes emerged: (i) clinical features of abnormal movement behaviors; (ii) mutational profile and its impact on movement disorders; (iii) symptoms and stressors that impact on movement disorders; (iv) possible underlying neurobiological mechanisms; (v) quality of life and movement disorders; and (vi) treatment of movement disorders. Current guidelines for managing movement disorders in general were then reviewed to provide possible treatment recommendations for RTT. CONCLUSION Our study offers an enriched data set for clinical investigations and treatment of fine and gross motor issues in RTT. A detailed understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships of movement disorders allows for more robust genetic counseling for families but can also assist healthcare professionals in terms of monitoring disease progression in RTT. The synthesis also showed that environmental enrichment would be beneficial for improving some aspects of movement disorders. The cerebellum, basal ganglia, alongside dysregulation of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical loop, are likely anatomical targets. A review of treatments for movement disorders also helped to provide recommendations for treating and managing movement disorders in patients with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Evamaria Lanzarini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
| | - Nardo Nardocci
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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