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Capal JK, Williams ME, Pearson DA, Kissinger R, Horn PS, Murray D, Currans K, Kent B, Bebin M, Northrup H, Wu JY, Sahin M, Krueger DA. Profile of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Results from a Longitudinal, Prospective, Multisite Study. Ann Neurol 2021; 90:874-886. [PMID: 34668231 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is highly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objectives of the study were to characterize autistic features in young children with TSC. METHODS Participants included 138 children followed from ages 3 to 36 months with TSC from the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Autism Center of Excellence Research Network (TACERN), a multicenter, prospective observational study aimed at understanding the underlying mechanisms of ASD in TSC. Developmental and autism-specific assessments were administered, and a clinical diagnosis of ASD was determined for all participants at 36 months. Further analyses were performed on 117 participants with valid autism assessments based on nonverbal mental age greater than 15 months. RESULTS Prevalence of clinical diagnosis of ASD at 36 months was 25%. Nearly all autistic behaviors on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) were more prevalent in children diagnosed with ASD; however, autism-specific behaviors were also observed in children without ASD. Overall quality of social overtures, facial expressions, and abnormal repetitive interests and behaviors were characteristics most likely to distinguish children with ASD from those without an ASD diagnosis. Participants meeting ADOS-2 criteria but not a clinical ASD diagnosis exhibited intermediate developmental and ADOS-2 scores compared to individuals with and without ASD. INTERPRETATION ASD is highly prevalent in TSC, and many additional individuals with TSC exhibit a broad range of subthreshold autistic behaviors. Our findings reveal a broader autism phenotype that can be identified in young children with TSC, which provides opportunity for early targeted treatments. ANN NEUROL 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie K Capal
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Marian E Williams
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Deborah A Pearson
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Robin Kissinger
- Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Paul S Horn
- Department of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Donna Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Autism Speaks Inc, Boston, MA
| | - Kristn Currans
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Bridget Kent
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Martina Bebin
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Hope Northrup
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Joyce Y Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Darcy A Krueger
- Department of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
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Gipson TT, Poretti A. Implementing a Multidisciplinary Approach to Treating Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A Case Report. Child Neurol Open 2017; 4:2329048X17725609. [PMID: 28856172 PMCID: PMC5570115 DOI: 10.1177/2329048x17725609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Tuberous sclerosis complex is expressed throughout the body, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations that can be challenging to manage. Results: The authors report a patient who presented at age 3.5 years with several suspected seizures and was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex following the discovery of numerous bilateral cortical tubers and subependymal nodules on magnetic resonance imaging. Interdisciplinary, comprehensive care was recommended; this included ongoing surveillance to monitor for the development of tuberous sclerosis complex–associated conditions. Approximately 2 years later, the patient began exhibiting aggressive and self-injurious behavior, and a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma was discovered. After everolimus was initiated, he demonstrated less aggression, had ceased self-injurious behavior, and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma growth stabilized. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care in tuberous sclerosis complex, which ensures the early detection and appropriate treatment of clinical manifestations that may arise during the course of the patient’s life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanjala T Gipson
- Tuberous Sclerosis Center of Excellence, Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Poretti
- Section of Pediatric Neuroradiology, Division of Pediatric Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Deceased March 20, 2017
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Gipson TT, Johnston MV. New insights into the pathogenesis and prevention of tuberous sclerosis-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND). F1000Res 2017; 6. [PMID: 28663780 PMCID: PMC5473405 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.11110.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multi-system disorder resulting from mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 genes leading to hyperactivation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. TSC is commonly associated with autism (61%), intellectual disability (45%), and behavioral, psychiatric, intellectual, academic, neuropsychological, and psychosocial difficulties that are collectively referred to as TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND). More than 90% of children with TSC have epilepsy, including infantile spasms, and early onset of seizures, especially infantile spasms, is associated with greater impairment in intellectual development compared with individuals with TSC without seizures. Development of the mTOR inhibitors everolimus and sirolimus has led to considerable progress in the treatment of renal angiomyolipomata, pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas in the brain. However, similar therapeutic progress is needed in the treatment of TAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanjala T Gipson
- Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, LeBonheur Children's Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Michael V Johnston
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief, descriptive overview of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) research with particular reference to studies on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Design/methodology/approach
– A search of electronic databases was carried out to identify English language articles on TSC. The literature was explored in more detail with a focus on neurodevelopmental disorders associated with TSC such as ASD.
Findings
– The review included 3,679 references. The earliest articles identified were published in the early twentieth century. Since then research on TSC has advanced rapidly and is being carried out worldwide. Just 62 studies have focused on ASD in TSC, although the number of publications is increasing over time.
Research limitations/implications
– More research on ASD in TSC is needed to benefit those affected by TSC and the broader ASD scientific community.
Practical implications
– Practitioners working with children and adults with ASD should be aware of the wider health issues experienced by those with genetic conditions such as TSC. Similarly, clinicians working with those who have TSC should be aware of the high prevalence of ASD in the group and implications for the way they work with their patients.
Originality/value
– This is the first paper to map and characterise the scientific literature on TSC. There remains a focus on the biomedical aspects of TSC with fewer studies on psychosocial/educational or family impacts. The review concludes with recommended research questions for the future.
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Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe the impact of having a child with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Design/methodology/approach
– The author explains the process her family has been through on their TSC journey.
Findings
– Several themes emerge from the author’s story: a lack of awareness about relatively common conditions such as epilepsy; a dearth of accessible information provided to families; delays in identification/assessment and a lack of follow up on parents’ concerns; the wide range in the quality of advice provided from one professional/service to another; the extent to which parents have to advocate for their children and the importance of social support.
Originality/value
– Few journal articles explore the impact of complex health conditions on families from their perspective and in their own words. This thought provoking viewpoint piece provides a powerful insight into the reality of having a child with TSC.
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Kang SK, Kadam SD. Neonatal Seizures: Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. Front Pediatr 2015; 3:101. [PMID: 26636052 PMCID: PMC4655485 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2015.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal period is the most vulnerable time for the occurrence of seizures, and neonatal seizures often pose a clinical challenge both for their acute management and frequency of associated long-term co-morbidities. Etiologies of neonatal seizures are known to play a primary role in the anti-epileptic drug responsiveness and the long-term sequelae. Recent studies have suggested that burden of acute recurrent seizures in neonates may also impact chronic outcomes independent of the etiology. However, not many studies, either clinical or pre-clinical, have addressed the long-term outcomes of neonatal seizures in an etiology-specific manner. In this review, we briefly review the available clinical and pre-clinical research for long-term outcomes following neonatal seizures. As the most frequent cause of acquired neonatal seizures, we focus on the studies evaluating long-term effects of HIE-seizures with the goal to evaluate (1) what parameters evaluated during acute stages of neonatal seizures can reliably be used to predict long-term outcomes? and (2) what available clinical and pre-clinical data are available help determine importance of etiology vs. seizure burdens in long-term sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Kyu Kang
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Shilpa D Kadam
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Hugo Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger , Baltimore, MD , USA ; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, MD , USA
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