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Lodi G, Cannarozzo G, Fusco I, Zingoni T, Campione E, Sannino M. Effective Technique Using Combined CO 2 Laser and Pulsed Dye Laser for Facial Angiofibromas Management in Tuberous Sclerosis. Case Rep Dermatol Med 2024; 2024:9775613. [PMID: 39314917 PMCID: PMC11419839 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9775613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Facial angiofibromas (FAs) are a dermatological characteristic which are typically linked to tuberous sclerosis (TS). Aim We discuss our experience, highlighting a rare occurrence of multiple FAs in a young patient, successfully treated with ablative CO2 laser combined with PDL therapy. Methods A 23-year-old male patient affected by TS who presents multiple erythematous and colored papules/nodules located on the face, mainly concentrated around nose, perinasal area, cheeks, and chin area, was treated with a combination of ablative CO2 laser and a pulsed dye laser. The patient underwent 3 sessions of combined treatment with CO2 and pulsed dye laser. The intralesional dye laser treatment was administered immediately after the CO2 laser session. The time interval between the combined laser treatments was approximately two months. Results After 4 months from the last laser treatment session, most of the facial erythematous and protruding lesions had improved. Following these procedures, the patient did not experience complications or severe adverse reaction. Conclusion The combined use of the CO2 and dye laser has been proved to be a safe and effective treatment for multiple FAs in the young patient affected by tuberous sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lodi
- Unit of Dermatology - University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elena Campione
- Lasers in Dermatology UnitUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Sannino
- Lasers in Dermatology UnitUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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LoPresti M, Igarashi A, Sonohara Y, Bowditch S. The emotional burden of caring for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex-associated epilepsy: A qualitative study in Japan. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 158:109932. [PMID: 39029305 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109932] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (DS) are rare, childhood-onset conditions associated with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy and developmental issues, including motor and cognitive impairment. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disease commonly associated with epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders. This cross-sectional, interview-based study examined the qualitative impact of caring for patients with LGS, DS, and TSC-associated epilepsy on caregivers in Japan, from the perspective of both caregivers and physicians. METHODS The survey included a pre-interview worksheet to describe caregivers' emotional journeys, followed by a ≤ 60-minute one-on-one interview. Eligible participants were Japanese caregivers of patients with LGS, DS, or TSC treated for epilepsy symptoms, and Japan-residing pediatricians or neurologists treating ≥ 3 patients with LGS, DS, and/or TSC. Interview question responses were subjected to content analysis to identify the most common response tendencies and themes. RESULTS Twenty-six caregivers responded (mean [standard deviation (SD)] age, 45.9 [9.5] years; age range 29-68; 92 % female), caring for patients with LGS (n = 5), DS (n = 10), and TSC (n = 11); patient mean (SD) age, 13.6 (10.0) years; age range 2-44; 27 % adults; 50 % female. Nineteen physicians, treating patients with LGS (n = 9), DS (n = 7), and TSC (n = 10), participated. Caregivers and physicians generally aligned on the factors affecting caregivers' emotional states / quality of life (QoL). The most frequently reported caregiver emotions at the time of diagnosis were shock and discouragement, anxiety for the future, and relief at receiving a diagnosis. Negative emotions throughout disease progression up until the time of survey were mainly caused by worsening of seizures, burden of constant caregiving / lack of free time, and patient's developmental issues. Positive emotions were linked to effective treatment / reduced seizures; more free time owing to the use of facilities, services, or other caregiving support; and developmental progress. Physicians acknowledged that caregivers required consultation services to support their emotional needs. In terms of unmet needs, caregiver and physician responses were aligned on the insufficient availability of services/facilities, the lack of effective treatments, and the uncertainties of adult patient care. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers of patients with LGS, DS, or TSC-associated epilepsy in Japan reported a high degree of emotional burden related to frequent seizures, developmental issues, and constant caregiving. The burden of suboptimal treatment effectiveness, limited access to support services, and uncertainties in long-term care emphasize important unmet treatment needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael LoPresti
- Value & Access Department, INTAGE Healthcare Inc., Ochanomizu Sola City 13F Kanda Surugadai 4-6 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan.
| | - Ataru Igarashi
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan; Department of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yaoki Sonohara
- Value & Access Department, INTAGE Healthcare Inc., Ochanomizu Sola City 13F Kanda Surugadai 4-6 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan.
| | - Sally Bowditch
- Department of Patient Access and Value, Jazz Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd., Spires House, 5700 John Smith Drive, Oxford Business Park, South, Oxford OX4 2RW, UK.
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O'Riordan MM, Behan C, O'Leary F, Hudson N, Doherty CP, Cahill MT, Campbell M. Multimodal Analysis of the Retinal Manifestations of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A Case Series. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024:1-7. [PMID: 39037361 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20240523-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE We used a multi-modal imaging approach including fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) to assess the retinal lesions in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and evaluate their correlation with intracranial tuber burden on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PATIENTS AND METHODS Participants with TSC underwent bilateral fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), infrared (IR) imaging, and FFA. Participants' most recent MRI brain scans were analyzed to determine intracranial tuber load. RESULTS Nine participants were included. OCT identified all retinal astrocytic hamartoma (RAH) lesions, IR identified 75%, fundus photography identified 63%, and FFA detected just 57%. On FFA, 20% of flat-type hamartomas and all multi-nodular and transitional types were hyperfluorescent. There were significant positive correlations between the quantities of intracranial tubers and all TSC-retinal lesions (r = 0.8, P < 0.01) and all RAH lesions (r = 0.8, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS A multimodal imaging-based approach with fundal photography, IR imaging, and OCT should be used to assess the retina in TSC as it may indicate the intracranial tuber burden. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].
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Burke C, Crossan C, Tyas E, Hemstock M, Lee D, Bowditch S. A Cost-Utility Analysis of Add-On Cannabidiol Versus Usual Care Alone for the Treatment of Seizures Associated with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in England and Wales. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2024; 8:611-626. [PMID: 38441854 PMCID: PMC11252107 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-024-00474-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of plant-derived highly purified cannabidiol (Epidyolex® in the UK; 100 mg/mL oral solution) as an add-on treatment to usual care for the management of treatment-refractory seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in patients aged ≥ 2 years. METHODS A cohort-based model was developed using a National Health Service perspective and lifetime horizon. Health states were based on weekly seizure frequency and seizure-free days, utilizing patient-level data from the GWPCARE6 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02544763). Two independent regression models were applied to individual patient-level data to predict seizure-free days and seizure frequency. Healthcare resource utilization data were sourced from a Delphi panel, and patient and caregiver health-related quality of life values were elicited using vignettes valued by the general public. Outcomes relating to TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders were modeled with costs and quality-adjusted life-years sourced from published literature. RESULTS In the base case, compared with usual care alone, 12 mg/kg/day cannabidiol was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £23,797. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence disease severity modifier reduced the ICER to £19,831. Probabilities of cost effectiveness at willingness-to-pay thresholds of £20,000 and £30,000 were 30% and 52%, respectively, for the base case and 39% and 66%, respectively, for the disease severity modifier. Results were robust to sensitivity and scenario analyses. CONCLUSIONS At 12 mg/kg/day and an ICER threshold of £20,000-£30,000, we provide evidence for the cost effectiveness of add-on cannabidiol treatment for patients with TSC-associated seizures aged ≥ 2 years who are refractory to current treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Burke
- Lumanity, Inc., Great Suffolk Yard, 121-131 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 1PP, UK.
| | - Catriona Crossan
- Lumanity, Inc., Great Suffolk Yard, 121-131 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 1PP, UK
| | - Emma Tyas
- Lumanity, Inc., Great Suffolk Yard, 121-131 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 1PP, UK
| | - Matthew Hemstock
- Lumanity, Inc., Great Suffolk Yard, 121-131 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 1PP, UK
| | - Dawn Lee
- Lumanity, Inc., Great Suffolk Yard, 121-131 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 1PP, UK
| | - Sally Bowditch
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 1 Cavendish Place, Marylebone, London, W1G 0QF, UK
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Goedken AM, Ismail WW, Barrett LDG, Harshman LA. Kidney transplantation in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14765. [PMID: 38778713 PMCID: PMC11125526 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a disorder of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway associated with the development of multisystem tumors, including renal angiomyolipoma (AML). These renal tumors are benign by nature but locally invasive and carry a risk for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). The frequency of subsequent renal transplantation in this population is largely uncharacterized, although single-center data suggests that 5%-15% of adult TSC patients are kidney transplant recipients. METHODS This retrospective cohort study utilized United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data. We included candidates waitlisted between 1987 and 2020 for a first kidney transplant with TSC-associated kidney failure. We utilized descriptive statistics to characterize the frequency of first-time kidney transplant waitlisting and transplantation among persons with TSC and the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model to evaluate characteristics associated with progression from waitlist. RESULTS We identified 200 TSC-associated kidney failure patients within the waitlist cohort. Of these, 12 were pediatric patients. Two-thirds (N = 134) of waitlisted persons were female. One hundred forty patients received a transplant with a median waitlist time of 2 years. Younger age at waitlisting was associated with a greater probability of progressing to transplant (HR 0.98 [95% CI: 0.96-0.99]). 91.8% of kidney transplant recipients survived 1-year post-transplant with a functioning allograft. CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients with TSC who are waitlisted for a kidney transplant progress onto transplantation with excellent 1-year post transplant patient and allograft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber M. Goedken
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, IA
| | - Wesam W. Ismail
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, IA
| | - Lucas DG Barrett
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine; Iowa City, IA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine; Iowa City, IA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA
| | - Lyndsay A. Harshman
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine; Iowa City, IA
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Mekahli D, Müller RU, Marlais M, Wlodkowski T, Haeberle S, de Argumedo ML, Bergmann C, Breysem L, Fladrowski C, Henske EP, Janssens P, Jouret F, Kingswood JC, Lattouf JB, Lilien M, Maleux G, Rozenberg M, Siemer S, Devuyst O, Schaefer F, Kwiatkowski DJ, Rouvière O, Bissler J. Clinical practice recommendations for kidney involvement in tuberous sclerosis complex: a consensus statement by the ERKNet Working Group for Autosomal Dominant Structural Kidney Disorders and the ERA Genes & Kidney Working Group. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:402-420. [PMID: 38443710 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-024-00818-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the presence of proliferative lesions throughout the body. Management of TSC is challenging because patients have a multifaceted systemic illness with prominent neurological and developmental impact as well as potentially severe kidney, heart and lung phenotypes; however, every organ system can be involved. Adequate care for patients with TSC requires a coordinated effort involving a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and support staff. This clinical practice recommendation was developed by nephrologists, urologists, paediatric radiologists, interventional radiologists, geneticists, pathologists, and patient and family group representatives, with a focus on TSC-associated kidney manifestations. Careful monitoring of kidney function and assessment of kidney structural lesions by imaging enable early interventions that can preserve kidney function through targeted approaches. Here, we summarize the current evidence and present recommendations for the multidisciplinary management of kidney involvement in TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djalila Mekahli
- PKD Research Group, Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Roman-Ulrich Müller
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matko Marlais
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tanja Wlodkowski
- Division of Paediatric Nephrology, Center for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Haeberle
- Division of Paediatric Nephrology, Center for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marta López de Argumedo
- Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment, (OSTEBA), Basque Government, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Carsten Bergmann
- Department of Medicine IV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Medizinische Genetik Mainz, Limbach Genetics, Mainz, Germany
| | - Luc Breysem
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carla Fladrowski
- Associazione Sclerosi Tuberosa ASP, Rome, Italy
- European Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Association (ETSC), Oestrich-Winkel, Germany
| | - Elizabeth P Henske
- Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Janssens
- Department of Nephrology and Arterial Hypertension, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - François Jouret
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Liège Hospital, Liège, Belgium
- Interdisciplinary Group of Applied Genoproteomics, Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - John Christopher Kingswood
- Cardiology Clinical Academic Group, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Centre, St Georges University of London, London, UK
| | - Jean-Baptiste Lattouf
- Department of Surgery-Urology, CHUM-Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc Lilien
- Department of Paediatric Nephrology, Wilhelmina Children´s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Maleux
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Micaela Rozenberg
- European Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Association (ETSC), Oestrich-Winkel, Germany
- Associação de Esclerose Tuberosa em Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stefan Siemer
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Olivier Devuyst
- Department of Physiology, Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Rare Diseases, Saint-Luc Academic Hospital, UC Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Franz Schaefer
- Division of Paediatric Nephrology, Center for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David J Kwiatkowski
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olivier Rouvière
- Department of Radiology, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France, Faculté de médecine Lyon Est, Lyon, France
| | - John Bissler
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Children's Foundation Research Institute (CFRI), Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Paediatric Medicine Department, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Lappe L, Hertzberg C, Knake S, Knuf M, von Podewils F, Willems LM, Kovac S, Zöllner JP, Sauter M, Kurlemann G, Mayer T, Bertsche A, Marquard K, Meyer S, Schäfer H, Thiels C, Zukunft B, Schubert-Bast S, Reese JP, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. A multicenter, matched case-control analysis comparing burden of illness among patients with tuberous sclerosis complex related epilepsy, generalized idiopathic epilepsy, and focal epilepsy in Germany. Neurol Res Pract 2024; 6:29. [PMID: 38812055 PMCID: PMC11138101 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-024-00323-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depending on the underlying etiology and epilepsy type, the burden of disease for patients with seizures can vary significantly. This analysis aimed to compare direct and indirect costs and quality of life (QoL) among adults with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) related with epilepsy, idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), and focal epilepsy (FE) in Germany. METHODS Questionnaire responses from 92 patients with TSC and epilepsy were matched by age and gender, with responses from 92 patients with IGE and 92 patients with FE collected in independent studies. Comparisons were made across the main QoL components, direct costs (patient visits, medication usage, medical equipment, diagnostic procedures, ancillary treatments, and transport costs), indirect costs (employment, reduced working hours, missed days), and care level costs. RESULTS Across all three cohorts, mean total direct costs (TSC: €7602 [median €2620]; IGE: €1919 [median €446], P < 0.001; FE: €2598 [median €892], P < 0.001) and mean total indirect costs due to lost productivity over 3 months (TSC: €7185 [median €11,925]; IGE: €3599 [median €0], P < 0.001; FE: €5082 [median €2981], P = 0.03) were highest among patients with TSC. The proportion of patients with TSC who were unemployed (60%) was significantly larger than the proportions of patients with IGE (23%, P < 0.001) or FE (34%, P = P < 0.001) who were unemployed. Index scores for the EuroQuol Scale with 5 dimensions and 3 levels were significantly lower for patients with TSC (time-trade-off [TTO]: 0.705, visual analog scale [VAS]: 0.577) than for patients with IGE (TTO: 0.897, VAS: 0.813; P < 0.001) or FE (TTO: 0.879, VAS: 0.769; P < 0.001). Revised Epilepsy Stigma Scale scores were also significantly higher for patients with TSC (3.97) than for patients with IGE (1.48, P < 0.001) or FE (2.45, P < 0.001). Overall Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 items scores was significantly lower among patients with TSC (57.7) and FE (57.6) than among patients with IGE (66.6, P = 0.004 in both comparisons). Significant differences between patients with TSC and IGE were also determined for Neurological Disorder Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (TSC: 13.1; IGE: 11.2, P = 0.009) and Liverpool Adverse Events Profile scores (TSC: 42.7; IGE: 37.5, P = 0.017) with higher score and worse results for TSC patients in both questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to compare patients with TSC, IGE, and FE in Germany and underlines the excessive QoL burden and both direct and indirect cost burdens experienced by patients with TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Lappe
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Knake
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Knuf
- Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum Worms, Worms, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medicine Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Felix von Podewils
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Laurent M Willems
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Johann Philipp Zöllner
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matthias Sauter
- Klinikum Kempten, Klinikverbund Allgäu, Kempten/Allgäu, Germany
| | | | | | - Astrid Bertsche
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Klaus Marquard
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Psychosomatics and Pain Management, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sascha Meyer
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Franz-Lust Klinik für Kinder und Jugendliche, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hannah Schäfer
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Charlotte Thiels
- Division of Nephrology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der LMU München - Innenstadt, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Pediatric Epileptology, University Hospital of Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Bianca Zukunft
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jens-Peter Reese
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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LoPresti M, Igarashi A, Sonohara Y, Bowditch S. A quantitative cross-sectional study of the burden of caring for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex-associated epilepsy in Japan. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 154:109741. [PMID: 38555725 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109741] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated epilepsy are rare conditions associated with severe childhood-onset epilepsy. Caregivers play a critical role in the patients' care and may experience significant psychosocial and socioeconomic burden. This cross-sectional study determined the burden of caring for patients with these rare epilepsy conditions in Japan. METHODS A quantitative online survey was used to assess patients' and caregivers' characteristics and the caregivers' emotional state, among others. Several validated questionnaires were used: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; 0-21 score) assessed the caregivers' emotional wellbeing, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Family Impact Module (PedsQL FIM; 0-100 score) assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the caregivers and their families, and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment General Health (WPAI:GH; 0-100 % score) questionnaire assessed work productivity. RESULTS A total of 36 caregivers responded (median [interquartile range (IQR)] age 43.5 [39.5, 48.3] years; 33/36 [92 %] female; 13/36 [36 %] working part-time and 13/36 [36 %] not working). Participants cared for 7/36 (19 %), 19/36 (53 %), and 10/36 (28 %) patients with LGS, DS, and TSC, respectively (median [IQR] age, 11.0 [6.8, 16.3] years; age at first seizure, 0 [0, 0] years). Patients received a median (IQR) of 4 (3, 5) treatment drug types. Patients experienced median (IQR) 3.0 (0, 21.0) epileptic seizures in the previous week; 28/36 (78 %) had severe intellectual disabilities, and 34/36 (94 %) had developmental delays. Caregivers reported stress (17/36 [47 %]), sleep problems (13/36 [36 %]), and anxiety (12/36 [33 %]). They spent a median (IQR) of 50.0 (17.5, 70.0) hours caregiving in the previous week, with 3.0 (1.0, 11.0) hours of seizure-specific care. Caregivers reported that their lives would be easier with a median (IQR) of 1.5 (0, 5.0) hours fewer per week caring for patients during/following seizures. Median HADS scores were 9.5 ('suspected anxiety diagnosis') and 7.5 ('no depression') for caregivers, and PedsQL FIM Total median score was 60.1, indicating HRQoL impairment for the caregiver and their family. WPAI:GH scores for paid workers indicated important work impairment. Higher caregiving hours (≥ 21 h vs. < 21 h in the previous week) resulted in higher caregiver burden as indicated by the HADS Total score (p = 0.0062) and PedsQL FIM Total score (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS Caregivers of patients with LGS, DS, or TSC in Japan experience a significant time burden, reduced HRQoL, and high level of work/activity impairment. Caregivers provide round-the-clock care to patients and rely on family and specialized caring services to help manage the increased caregiving time, which tends to be associated with greater emotional burden and HRQoL impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael LoPresti
- Value & Access Department, INTAGE Healthcare Inc., Ochanomizu Sola City 13F, Kanda Surugadai 4-6, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan.
| | - Ataru Igarashi
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, 22-2 Seto, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0027, Japan; Department of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yaoki Sonohara
- Value & Access Department, INTAGE Healthcare Inc., Ochanomizu Sola City 13F, Kanda Surugadai 4-6, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan.
| | - Sally Bowditch
- Department of Patient Access and Value, Jazz Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, Spires House, John Smith Drive, Oxford OX4 2RW, UK.
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9
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Mao KY, Cao YC, Tang ZX, Zhu SY. Tuberous sclerosis with the involvement of multiple organs: A case report. Asian J Surg 2024; 47:2277-2278. [PMID: 38378433 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.01.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Yun Mao
- First Clinical Medical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Chao Cao
- First Clinical Medical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Xian Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
| | - Shen-Yu Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.
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10
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Man A, Di Scipio M, Grewal S, Suk Y, Trinari E, Ejaz R, Whitney R. The Genetics of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Related mTORopathies: Current Understanding and Future Directions. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:332. [PMID: 38540392 PMCID: PMC10970281 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030332] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway serves as a master regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Upregulation of the mTOR pathway has been shown to cause malformations of cortical development, medically refractory epilepsies, and neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively described as mTORopathies. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) serves as the prototypical mTORopathy. Characterized by the development of benign tumors in multiple organs, pathogenic variants in TSC1 or TSC2 disrupt the TSC protein complex, a negative regulator of the mTOR pathway. Variants in critical domains of the TSC complex, especially in the catalytic TSC2 subunit, correlate with increased disease severity. Variants in less crucial exons and non-coding regions, as well as those undetectable with conventional testing, may lead to milder phenotypes. Despite the assumption of complete penetrance, expressivity varies within families, and certain variants delay disease onset with milder neurological effects. Understanding these genotype-phenotype correlations is crucial for effective clinical management. Notably, 15% of patients have no mutation identified by conventional genetic testing, with the majority of cases postulated to be caused by somatic TSC1/TSC2 variants which present complex diagnostic challenges. Advancements in genetic testing, prenatal screening, and precision medicine hold promise for changing the diagnostic and treatment paradigm for TSC and related mTORopathies. Herein, we explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms of TSC and other mTORopathies, emphasizing contemporary genetic methods in understanding and diagnosing the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Man
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Matteo Di Scipio
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Shan Grewal
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Yujin Suk
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Elisabetta Trinari
- Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Resham Ejaz
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
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11
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Amin S, Ruban-Fell B, Newell I, Evans J, Vyas K, Nortvedt C, Chin RF. Treatment guidelines for rare, early-onset conditions associated with epileptic seizures: a literature review on Rett syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:89. [PMID: 38409029 PMCID: PMC10895812 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02994-x] [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: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are two rare disorders presenting with a range of different epileptic seizures. Seizure management requires careful therapy selection, thereby necessitating development of high-quality treatment guidelines. This targeted literature review (TLR) aimed to characterise country-specific and international treatment guidelines available for pharmacological management of seizures in RTT and TSC. METHODS A TLR was performed between 25-Jan and 11-Mar 2021. Manual searches of online rare disease and guideline databases, and websites of national heath technology assessment bodies were conducted for the following countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, UK, and US as defined by pre-specified eligibility criteria. Search terms were developed for each condition and translated into local languages where appropriate. Eligible publications were defined as guidelines/guidance reporting pharmacological management of seizures in patients with RTT and TSC. Guideline development methodology, geographical focus, author information and treatment recommendations were extracted from guidelines. An author map was generated using R version 3.5.1 to visualise extent of collaboration between authors. RESULTS 24 total guidelines were included, of which three and six contained only recommendations for RTT and TSC, respectively (some provided recommendations for ≥ 1 condition). Guideline development processes were poorly described (50% [12 guidelines] had unclear/absent literature review methodologies); reported methodologies were variable, including systematic literature reviews (SLRs)/TLRs and varying levels of expert consultation. Most (83% [20/24]) were country-specific, with guideline authors predominantly publishing in contained national groups; four guidelines were classified as 'International,' linking author groups in the US, UK, Italy and France. High levels of heterogeneity were observed in the availability of treatment recommendations across indications, with 13 and 67 recommendations found for RTT and TSC, respectively. For RTT, all treatment recommendations were positive and sodium valproate had the highest number of positive recommendations (Khwaja, Sahin (2011) Curr Opin Pediatr 23(6):633-9). All TSC treatments (21 medications) received either exclusively negative (National Organization for Rare Disorders (2019)) or positive (Chu-Shore et al. (2010) Epilepsia 51(7):1236-41) recommendations; vigabatrin received the highest number of positive recommendations (Kaur, Christodoulou (2019)). CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the need for the development of international high-quality and comprehensive consensus-based guidance for the management of seizures with pharmacological therapy in RTT and TSC. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Amin
- Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Research and Education Centre, Upper Maudlin St, Bristol, BS2 8AE, UK.
| | | | | | - J Evans
- Costello Medical, Cambridge, UK
| | - K Vyas
- GW Pharmaceuticals, London, UK
| | | | - R F Chin
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
- Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
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12
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Yanus GA, Kuligina ES, Imyanitov EN. Hereditary Renal Cancer Syndromes. Med Sci (Basel) 2024; 12:12. [PMID: 38390862 PMCID: PMC10885096 DOI: 10.3390/medsci12010012] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Familial kidney tumors represent a rare variety of hereditary cancer syndromes, although systematic gene sequencing studies revealed that as many as 5% of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) are associated with germline pathogenic variants (PVs). Most instances of RCC predisposition are attributed to the loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes, which drive the malignant progression via somatic inactivation of the remaining allele. These syndromes almost always have extrarenal manifestations, for example, von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, fumarate hydratase tumor predisposition syndrome (FHTPS), Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, tuberous sclerosis (TS), etc. In contrast to the above conditions, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma syndrome (HPRCC) is caused by activating mutations in the MET oncogene and affects only the kidneys. Recent years have been characterized by remarkable progress in the development of targeted therapies for hereditary RCCs. The HIF2aplha inhibitor belzutifan demonstrated high clinical efficacy towards VHL-associated RCCs. mTOR downregulation provides significant benefits to patients with tuberous sclerosis. MET inhibitors hold promise for the treatment of HPRCC. Systematic gene sequencing studies have the potential to identify novel RCC-predisposing genes, especially when applied to yet unstudied populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigory A. Yanus
- Department of Medical Genetics, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 197758 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina Sh. Kuligina
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 197758 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Evgeny N. Imyanitov
- Department of Medical Genetics, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 197758 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Kurchatov Complex for Medical Primatology, National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 354376 Sochi, Russia
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13
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Tzadok M, Gur-Pollack R, Florh H, Michaeli Y, Gilboa T, Lezinger M, Heyman E, Chernuha V, Gudis I, Nissenkorn A, Lerman-Sagie T, Ben Zeev B, Uliel-Sibony S. Real-Life Experience With Purified Cannabidiol Treatment for Refractory Epilepsy: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 150:91-96. [PMID: 37995414 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.10.012] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) affects the development and quality of life of children and young adults. We analyzed the effectiveness and safety of purified CBD in this population. METHODS A retrospective analysis of medical records of 139 children and young adults (54.7% female, median age 12.0 years) with DRE treated with purified CBD from 2018 to 2022 at five medical centers in Israel. RESULTS The most common diagnosis was Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (37.4%) followed by Dravet syndrome (16.5%) and tuberous sclerosis complex (16.5%). Median purified CBD dose was 12.5 mg/kg (range 2.5 to 20.0), and median treatment duration was 9.0 months (range 0.5 to 48.0). Most patients (92.2%) had a reduced seizure frequency following treatment initiation; 41.1% had >50% reduction. Fifty-three patients (38.1%) had positive effects: improved alertness (31.7%), improved speech (10.1%), and achievement of new developmental milestones (2.2%). A multivariate linear model assessing predictive factors for seizure reduction demonstrated that patients previously treated with CBD oils, especially those with >50% seizure reduction on prior treatment, were also more likely to have a reduced seizure frequency while they were treated with purified CBD (P = 0.01, P < 0.0001). Development, diagnosis, age, purified CBD dose (0 to 10 mg/kg/day vs 10 to 20 mg/kg/day), and concomitant treatment with clobazam, valproic acid, or everolimus did not affect seizure reduction by purified CBD. The most common adverse events were irritability (20.9%) and drowsiness (12.9%). CONCLUSION Purified CBD is well-tolerated and effective in reducing seizure frequency in children and young adults with DRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Tzadok
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | | | - Hadar Florh
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology and Development Center, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), Be'er Ya'akov, Israel
| | - Yael Michaeli
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Tal Gilboa
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mirit Lezinger
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology and Development Center, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), Be'er Ya'akov, Israel
| | - Eli Heyman
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology and Development Center, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), Be'er Ya'akov, Israel
| | - Veronika Chernuha
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Institute, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Irina Gudis
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Andreea Nissenkorn
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Tally Lerman-Sagie
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Bruria Ben Zeev
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shimrit Uliel-Sibony
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology Institute, Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
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14
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Strzelczyk A, Lagae L, Wilmshurst JM, Brunklaus A, Striano P, Rosenow F, Schubert‐Bast S. Dravet syndrome: A systematic literature review of the illness burden. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1256-1270. [PMID: 37750463 PMCID: PMC10690674 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We performed a systematic literature review and narrative synthesis according to a pre-registered protocol (Prospero: CRD42022376561) to identify the evidence associated with the burden of illness in Dravet syndrome (DS), a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy with neurocognitive and neurobehavioral impairment. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and APA PsychInfo, Cochrane's database of systematic reviews, and Epistemonikos from inception to June 2022. Non-interventional studies reporting on epidemiology (incidence, prevalence, and mortality), patient and caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQoL), direct and indirect costs and healthcare resource utilization were eligible. Two reviewers independently carried out the screening. Pre-specified data were extracted and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Overall, 49 studies met the inclusion criteria. The incidence varied from 1:15 400-1:40 900, and the prevalence varied from 1.5 per 100 000 to 6.5 per 100 000. Mortality was reported in 3.7%-20.8% of DS patients, most commonly due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and status epilepticus. Patient HRQoL, assessed by caregivers, was lower than in non-DS epilepsy patients; mean scores (0 [worst] to 100/1 [best]) were 62.1 for the Kiddy KINDL/Kid-KINDL, 46.5-54.7 for the PedsQL and 0.42 for the EQ-5D-5L. Caregivers, especially mothers, were severely affected, with impacts on their time, energy, sleep, career, and finances, while siblings were also affected. Symptoms of depression were reported in 47%-70% of caregivers. Mean total direct costs were high across all studies, ranging from $11 048 to $77 914 per patient per year (PPPY), with inpatient admissions being a key cost driver across most studies. Mean costs related to lost productivity were only reported in three publications, ranging from approximately $19 000 to $20 000 PPPY ($17 596 for mothers vs $1564 for fathers). High seizure burden was associated with higher resource utilization, costs and poorer HRQoL. The burden of DS on patients, caregivers, the healthcare system, and society is profound, reflecting the severe nature of the syndrome. Future studies will be able to assess the impact that newly approved therapies have on reducing the burden of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine‐Main, Center of Neurology and NeurosurgeryGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER)Goethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and RegenerationUniversity Hospitals KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Andreas Brunklaus
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research GroupRoyal Hospital for ChildrenGlasgowUK
- School of Health and WellbeingUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS ‘G. Gaslini’ InstituteGenovaItaly
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child HealthUniversity of GenoaGenovaItaly
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine‐Main, Center of Neurology and NeurosurgeryGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER)Goethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Susanne Schubert‐Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine‐Main, Center of Neurology and NeurosurgeryGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER)Goethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- Department of NeuropediatricsGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
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15
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Salcedo-Perez-Juana M, Palacios-Ceña D, San-Martín-Gómez A, Aledo-Serrano Á, Florencio LL. Quality of life, socioeconomic and psychological concerns in parents of children with tuberous sclerosis complex, STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 encephalopathies: a mixed method study. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1285377. [PMID: 38027293 PMCID: PMC10665567 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1285377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs) occur in childhood and are associated with severe epileptic seizures and neurological impairment. The aim of this study was to combine quantitative and qualitative methodologies to comprehensively describe factors related to quality of life, impact on the family and psychosocial factors in parents of children with TSC, STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 variants. Methods A convergent parallel mixed design including parents of children with DEE. In the cross-sectional study, 20 parents (10STXBP1, five SYNGAP1, five TSC) were given questionnaires on quality of life, impact on the family and psychological factors. In the descriptive qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 parents (nine STXBP1, five TSC, four SYNGAP1) using a semi-structured questionnaire. A thematic analysis was carried out. The results of the two studies were combined by showing similarities and differences through tables, figures, accounts, and joint displays. Results In terms of quality of life, the integrated results were consistent in highlighting the importance of family interaction, although in the qualitative section the influence of the relationship between the children's siblings, the relationship with health professionals and the difficulties in obtaining public aid were highlighted. In terms of impact, the integrated results show that the illness has a significant impact on the family; the financial burden is highlighted, and the experience of the illness is discussed in depth. Finally, the psychological aspects, symptoms such as anxiety, stress and strain, were consistent. Most of the participants reported sleep disturbance, as identified in the questionnaire, although not mentioned in the interviews. Conclusions The combined results of the mixed method provide an in-depth analysis of the impact of DEEs on parents of children with STXBP1, SYNGAP1 and TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Salcedo-Perez-Juana
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Domingo Palacios-Ceña
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana San-Martín-Gómez
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science (Hum&QRinHS), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Aledo-Serrano
- Epilepsyand Neurogenetics Programme, Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University Hospital, Vithas Hospital Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidiane Lima Florencio
- Research Group of Manual Therapy, Dry Needling and Therapeutic Exercise (GITM-URJC), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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Mammadova D, Vecko J, Hofmann M, Schüssler SC, Deiters L, Canda A, Wieland AK, Gollwitzer S, Hamer H, Trollmann R. A single-center observational study on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with tuberous sclerosis complex. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:349. [PMID: 37946245 PMCID: PMC10637019 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02959-0] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. More than 90% of patients with TSC develop neurological and/or neuropsychiatric manifestations. The aim of the present study was to determine the developmental and cognitive long-term outcomes of pediatric TSC patients. METHODS This cross-sectional, monocenter study included pediatric TSC patients who received multidisciplinary long-term care with a last visit between 2005 and 2019. Neurological manifestations and cognitive development (BSID, K-ABC) were analyzed in relation to age and type of mutation. RESULTS Thirty-five patients aged 13.5 ± 7.8 years were included in the study. Diagnosis was confirmed genetically in 65.7% of patients (TSC1, 26.1%; TSC2, 65.2%; NMI, 8.7%). Mean age at diagnosis was 1.3 ± 3.5 years; 74.3% of the patients had been diagnosed within the first year of life due to seizures (62.9%) or/and cardiac rhabdomyomas (28.6%). The most common TSC manifestations included structural brain lesions (cortical tubers, 91.4%; subependymal nodules, 82.9%), epilepsy (85.7%), and cardiac rhabdomyomas (62.9%). Mean age at seizure onset was 1.5 ± 2.3 years, with onset in 80.0% of patients within the first two years of life. Infantile spasms, which were the first seizure type in 23.3% of the patients, developed earlier (0.6 ± 0.4 years) than focal seizures (1.8 ± 2.5 years). Refractory epilepsy was present in 21 (70.0%) patients, mild or severe intellectual impairment in 66.6%, and autism spectrum disorders in 11.4%. Severe cognitive impairment (33.3%) was significantly associated with epilepsy type and age at seizure onset (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results emphasized the phenotypic variability of pediatric-onset TSC and the high rate of neurological and neuropsychiatric morbidity. Early-onset refractory epilepsy was associated with impaired cognitive development. Children of all ages with TSC require multidisciplinary long-term care and individual early-intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mammadova
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Vecko
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Hofmann
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - S C Schüssler
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - L Deiters
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Canda
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - A K Wieland
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
- Center of Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Gollwitzer
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Center of Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - H Hamer
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Center of Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Loschgestr. 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- Center of Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
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17
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Barabrah AM, Dukmak ON, Toukan AR, Dabbas FM, Emar M, Rajai A. Bilateral renal angiomyolipoma with left renal artery aneurysm in tuberous sclerosis: case report and literature review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:5113-5116. [PMID: 37811090 PMCID: PMC10553073 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and importance Tuberous sclerosis disorder (TSD) is a rare genetic disease that causes abnormal growths or tumors in various organs of the body. They are usually benign and asymptomatic. However, severe, rapidly growing tuberous sclerosis can be fatal. Renal angiomyolipomas are commonly associated with TSD, which can be further worsened by the presence of aneurysms and put the patient at risk for life-threatening hemorrhage. Case presentation A 29-year-old female presented to the emergency room complaining of right flank pain with an unknown past medical history of tuberous sclerosis. The patient was suspected to have TSD as she fulfilled one of the major features of TSD required to establish a possible diagnosis. On computed tomography scan imaging, bilateral fat-density nodules were revealed in both kidneys. The largest is 7 cm in the left kidney, located at the upper pole, and was associated with a bleeding aneurysm measuring 4 cm in diameter. While the other fatty nodule was recorded at 6 cm in the right kidney at the lower pole. Clinical discussion After evaluation, the patient was planned for diagnostic catheterization of the left kidney, through which selective angiography of the left kidney was done, and eventually, selective embolization of the branch supplying the left angiomyolipoma was performed. Conclusion The authors finally conclude that thorough investigations, including systemic manifestations, must be taken into consideration when suspecting tuberous sclerosis, and a conservative approach must always be prioritized before taking any decision toward invasive approaches.
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18
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Roebuck DJ, Chippington S, Berry BD, Gibson C. Core needle biopsy and embolization of fat-poor renal tumors in children with tuberous sclerosis complex. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:614-618. [PMID: 36795318 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00692-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Roebuck
- Department of Medical Imaging, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, 6009, Australia.
- Division of Paediatrics, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009, Australia.
| | - Samantha Chippington
- Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Bligh D Berry
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Murdoch, 6150, Australia
| | - Craig Gibson
- Department of Medical Imaging, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, 6009, Australia
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19
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Skrobanski H, Vyas K, Bowditch S, Hubig L, Dziadulewicz E, Fish L, Takhar P, Lo SH. Shared decision-making and the caregiver experience in tuberous sclerosis complex: results from a UK survey. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:78. [PMID: 37041611 PMCID: PMC10088777 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02677-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic condition commonly accompanied by neurological and neuropsychological disorders, resulting in a high burden of illness for individuals and a substantial impact on their caregivers. Due to the diversity and complexity of clinical manifestations, patients with TSC need aligned multidisciplinary healthcare services starting in childhood through to adulthood. However, patients and caregivers are sometimes dissatisfied with the care provided, for which one of the most common reasons is a lack of involvement in clinical decision-making. Shared decision-making, whereby clinicians make clinical management decisions together with patients and their caregivers, is advocated for in the management of epilepsy, but evidence of its benefit in managing TSC is currently lacking. In this cross-sectional, UK-based analysis we used an online survey to capture the experiences of primary caregivers for individuals with TSC, including the impact on work productivity, clinical shared decision-making, satisfaction with care, and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. RESULTS In total, 73 eligible caregivers provided consent (analysis set), with 14 completing the survey partially and 59 completing the full survey. Many caregivers (72%) reported receiving recommendations about new treatments from their doctor and discussing the treatment together, with a high proportion (89%) preferring that treatment was initiated at a low dose. Most caregivers (69%) were satisfied or extremely satisfied with pediatric TSC healthcare services, but only 25% were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the transition to adult TSC healthcare services. Several (n = 30) caregivers specified the impact of caring on their work productivity and career in optional open-ended survey responses. Finally, 80% of caregivers indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic had a "large" or "very large" impact on their caring activities, negatively affecting the emotional wellbeing and behavior of individuals with TSC, and caregivers' ability to work and arrange medical appointments. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers largely feel involved in treatment decisions, and the majority were satisfied with healthcare services for children with TSC. However, many highlighted the need for an improved transition from pediatric to adult healthcare services. The survey also showed that COVID-19 has considerably affected caregivers and individuals with TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lena Hubig
- Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, UK
| | | | - Louise Fish
- Tuberous Sclerosis Association, London, UK
- Genetic Alliance UK, London, UK
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20
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Seelische Notlage und später Schwangerschaftsabbruch. Ethik Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00481-023-00757-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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21
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Skrobanski H, Vyas K, Bowditch S, Hubig L, Dziadulewicz E, Fish L, Takhar P, Lo SH. The Burden of Caring for Individuals with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Who Experience Epileptic Seizures: A Descriptive UK Survey. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2023; 7:299-312. [PMID: 36757566 PMCID: PMC10043106 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-023-00387-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem genetic condition characterised by benign tumours; prevalent manifestations include epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders. This study examined the burden of TSC for primary caregivers and families, exploring the impact of characteristics such as seizures. METHODS Primary caregivers of individuals with TSC in the United Kingdom participated in an online survey, comprising the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Family Impact Module, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and TSC-specific items. Responses were analysed using descriptive and regression analysis statistics (closed-ended) or qualitative content analysis (open-ended). RESULTS Seventy-three participants partially completed and 59 fully completed the survey; 95% were female, and 90% were parents of an individual with TSC. A median (range) of 2 (1-11) household members were carers. Primary caregivers spent a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 104.3 (51.7) hours caring in the previous week, reporting high mean (SD) HADS scores of 11.2 (4.8) (anxiety) and 7.9 (4.4) (depression) and considerable family burden. Increased seizure frequency increased hours spent caring by primary caregivers (p = 0.01) and was associated with a decreased mean (SD) family functioning score of 46.2 (23.0) and parent health-related quality of life (HRQL) score of 45.4 (20.3) (both p = 0.03). Multivariable models predicted intellectual disability increased hours spent caring by primary caregivers (p = 0.01-0.04), and neuropsychiatric comorbidities decreased family functioning (p = 0.02) and caregiver HRQL (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION These findings highlight the role of epileptic seizures and neuropsychiatric disorders in the considerable burden of TSC on primary caregivers and families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kishan Vyas
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 1 Cavendish Place, London, W1G 0QF, UK
| | - Sally Bowditch
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 1 Cavendish Place, London, W1G 0QF, UK.
| | - Lena Hubig
- Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, London, UK
| | | | - Louise Fish
- Genetic Alliance UK, London, UK
- Tuberous Sclerosis Association, London, UK
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22
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Strzelczyk A, Zuberi SM, Striano P, Rosenow F, Schubert-Bast S. The burden of illness in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: a systematic literature review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:42. [PMID: 36859290 PMCID: PMC9979426 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02626-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy with multiple seizure types starting in childhood, a typical slow spike-wave pattern on electroencephalogram, and cognitive dysfunction. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review according to the PRISMA guidelines to identify, synthesize and appraise the burden of illness in LGS (including "probable" LGS). Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase and APA PsychInfo, Cochrane's database of systematic reviews, and Epistemonikos. The outcomes were epidemiology (incidence, prevalence or mortality), direct and indirect costs, healthcare resource utilization, and patient and caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RESULTS The search identified 22 publications evaluating the epidemiology (n = 10), direct costs and resource (n = 10) and/or HRQoL (n = 5). No studies reporting on indirect costs were identified. With no specific ICD code for LGS in many regions, several studies had to rely upon indirect methods to identify their patient populations (e.g., algorithms to search insurance claims databases to identify "probable" LGS). There was heterogeneity between studies in how LGS was defined, the size of the populations, ages of the patients and length of the follow-up period. The prevalence varied from 4.2 to 60.8 per 100,000 people across studies for probable LGS and 2.9-28 per 100,000 for a confirmed/narrow definition of LGS. LGS was associated with high mortality rates compared to the general population and epilepsy population. Healthcare resource utilization and direct costs were substantial across all studies. Mean annual direct costs per person varied from $24,048 to $80,545 across studies, and home-based care and inpatient care were significant cost drivers. Studies showed that the HRQoL of patients and caregivers was adversely affected, although only a few studies were identified. In addition, studies suggested that seizure events were associated with higher costs and worse HRQoL. The risk of bias was low or moderate in most studies. CONCLUSIONS LGS is associated with a significant burden of illness featuring resistant seizures associated with higher costs and worse HRQoL. More research is needed, especially in evaluating indirect costs and caregiver burden, where there is a notable lack of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital and Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS 'G. Gaslini' Institute, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital and Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528, 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, University Hospital and Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16 (Haus 95), 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital and Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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23
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Prelevic V, Juric I, Bevc S, Marcun-Varda N, Aleckovic-Halilovic M, Mesic E, Bilic H, Grujicic M, Zabic I, Josipovic J, Vujicic B, Marinaki S, Simic-Ogrizovic S, Milinkovic M, Azasevac T, Idrizi A, Arnol M, Radunovic D, Antunovic T, Jukic NB. Association of multiple retinal nodular hamartomas and "confetti" skin lesions with end-stage renal disease in patients with tuberous sclerosis. Int Urol Nephrol 2023; 55:477-482. [PMID: 36030358 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-022-03352-9] [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: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The main purpose of this study is to explore characteristics of patients with chronic kidney disease in tuberous sclerosis (TSC) and to underline differences in clinical characteristics between end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and patients in earlier stages of chronic kidney disease. METHODS This multicentric, retrospective study included data for 48 patients from seven South-Eastern European countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia) in the period from February to August 2020. Researchers collected data from local and national nephrological and neurological registries and offered clinical and laboratory results from medical histories in follow-up periods. RESULTS This study enrolled 48 patients with a median age of 32.3 years (range, 18-46 years), and predominant female gender (60.45%). The percentage of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis of the total number of patients was 66.90%, with end-stage renal disease development in 39.6%. The most prevalent renal lesions leading to chronic kidney disease were angiomyolipomas (AMLs) in 76.6%, while multiple renal cysts were present in 42.6% of patients. Nephrectomy was performed in 43% of patients, while the mTOR inhibitors were used in 18 patients (37.5%). The majority of patients had cutaneous manifestations of tuberous sclerosis-83.30% had hypomelanotic cutaneous lesions, and 68.80% had angiofibromas. Multiple retinal nodular hamartomas and "confetti" skin lesions were more frequent in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than in patients with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (p-0.033 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION Our study has also shown that retinal hamartomas and "confetti" skin lesions are more frequent in end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) patients than in other chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Usage of mTOR inhibitors can also reduce the number of complications and associated with tuberous sclerosis, such as dermatological manifestations and retinal hamartoma, which are more common in the terminal stage of chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Prelevic
- Department of Nephrology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Ljubljanska bb, 81000, Podgorica, Montenegro.
| | - Ivana Juric
- Department of Nephrology, Arterial Hypertension, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sebastijan Bevc
- Department of Nephrology and Clinic for pediatrics, University Medical Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Natasa Marcun-Varda
- Department of Nephrology and Clinic for pediatrics, University Medical Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Mirna Aleckovic-Halilovic
- Department of Nephrology and Hemodialysis, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Enisa Mesic
- Department of Nephrology and Hemodialysis, University Clinical Center Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Hrvoje Bilic
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Milorad Grujicic
- Department of Nephrology with Plasmapheresis, University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska, Republic of Srpska, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Igor Zabic
- Department of Nephrology, General Hospital Koprivnica, Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Josipa Josipovic
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Clinical Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bozidar Vujicic
- Department of Nephrology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Smaragdi Marinaki
- Department of Nephrology, Laiko University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Tijana Azasevac
- Clinic of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Clinical Center Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Alma Idrizi
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Center Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Miha Arnol
- Department of Nephrology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danilo Radunovic
- Department of Nephrology, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Ljubljanska bb, 81000, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Tanja Antunovic
- Center for Laboratory Diagnostic, Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Nikolina Basic- Jukic
- Department of Nephrology, Arterial Hypertension, Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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24
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Singh A, Hadjinicolaou A, Peters JM, Salussolia CL. Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Treatment, Maintenance, and Future Directions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:733-748. [PMID: 37041855 PMCID: PMC10083014 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s347327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurogenetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, skin, and central nervous system. The neurologic manifestations have the highest morbidity and mortality, in particular in children. Clinically, patients with TSC often present with new-onset seizures within the first year of life. TSC-associated epilepsy is often difficult to treat and refractory to multiple antiseizure medications. Refractory TSC-associated epilepsy is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental comorbidities, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention hyperactivity disorder. An increasing body of research suggests that early, effective treatment of TSC-associated epilepsy during critical neurodevelopmental periods can potentially improve cognitive outcomes. Therefore, it is important to treat TSC-associated epilepsy aggressively, whether it be with pharmacological therapy, surgical intervention, and/or neuromodulation. This review discusses current and future pharmacological treatments for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as the importance of early surgical evaluation for refractory epilepsy in children with TSC and consideration of neuromodulatory interventions in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Singh
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aristides Hadjinicolaou
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jurriaan M Peters
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine L Salussolia
- Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Correspondence: Catherine L Salussolia, 3 Blackfan Circle, Center for Life Sciences 14060, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, Tel +617-355-7970, Email
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25
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Praticò AD, Falsaperla R, Comella M, Belfiore G, Polizzi A, Ruggieri M. Case report: A gain-of-function of hamartin may lead to a distinct "inverse TSC1-hamartin" phenotype characterized by reduced cell growth. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1101026. [PMID: 37063680 PMCID: PMC10098112 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1101026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations of TSC1 and TSC2 genes cause classical Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a neurocutaneous disorder characterized by a tendency to develop hamartias, hamartomas, and other tumors. We herein report on a girl, now aged 5 years, who presented a previously unreported, distinct clinical phenotype consisting of primary microcephaly (head circumference = 40 cm, -5.6 standard deviations), brain anomalies including hypoplasia of the corpus callosum (with a residual draft of the genu), simplified parieto-temporal gyral pattern, colpocephaly with ectasia of the temporal ventricular horns, intellectual disability, and a general pattern of reduced growth (with weight and height < 3rd centiles). No classical features of TSC were recorded; the girl harbored a novel missense variant in TSC1 (c.611G > A). We hypothesize that her clinical phenotype could be related to a "gain-of-function" of the TSC1 protein product hamartin, causing an increase in the effects of the protein on inhibition of its intracellular targets (i.e., mTORC or RAC1 pathways), resulting in a distinct "inverse TSC1-hamartin" phenotype characterized by reduced growth of cells instead of the more classical predisposition to increased cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D. Praticò
- Unit of Clinical Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: Andrea D. Praticò Martino Ruggieri
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- Units of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care and Paediatrics and Paediatric Emergency, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Policlinico”, Catania, Italy
| | - Mattia Comella
- Unit of Clinical Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Belfiore
- Unit of Paediatric Radiology, Department of Radiodiagnostics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Policlinico”, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Polizzi
- Chair of Paediatrics, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Unit of Clinical Paediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: Andrea D. Praticò Martino Ruggieri
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26
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Li J, Liu F, Liu X, Hu Y, Liu Z, Shen Y, Wan J. Heterozygous germline FLCN mutation in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome with bilateral renal hybrid oncocytic/chromophobe tumor and unilateral renal chromophobe cell carcinoma: a case report. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 149:2319-2325. [PMID: 36258004 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04417-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant tumor syndrome caused by Folliculin (FLCN) gene mutation. The clinical manifestations are diverse, and the renal tumor is the most serious. CASE PRESENTATION We report the case of a 51-year-old female with multiple space-occupying lesions in both kidneys, as well as bilateral renal cysts and multiple lung cysts. The resected tumors were finally diagnosed as bilateral renal hybrid oncocytic/chromophobe tumor (HOCT) and unilateral chromophobe cell carcinoma. A history of pneumothorax surgery 4 years ago was convinced. All of these strongly suggested the possibility of BHD syndrome. Gene test confirmed a heterozygous germline FLCN nonsense mutation (c.1429C > T, p.Arg477Ter). The patient is still doing well after 20 months of follow-up (cut-off date July 2022). CONCLUSION This is a case of BHD syndrome presented with bilateral renal tumor, renal cysts, and multiple lung cysts, and confirmed by gene testing. Patients with any combination of one or more of the manifestations should remain alert to the BHD syndrome. Our report will help to deepen the understanding of the clinicopathological features and molecular changes of BHD syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Pathology, The Eighth Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, 430010, China
| | - Xuguang Liu
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yaqi Shen
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jie Wan
- Institute of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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27
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Characterization and management of facial angiofibroma related to tuberous sclerosis complex in the United States: retrospective analysis of the natural history database. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:355. [PMID: 36104799 PMCID: PMC9476292 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02496-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Facial angiofibroma is the most predominant cutaneous manifestation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder impacting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Facial angiofibroma can bleed spontaneously, impair eyesight, and cause aesthetic disfiguration causing psychological and social stress. To date, there is little or no evidence on the demographics, and other TSC features associated with facial angiofibroma or the use of mTOR inhibitor for the management of facial angiofibroma. This is a retrospective study of TSC Alliance’s Natural History Database aimed to characterize facial angiofibroma and to evaluate features associated with a higher risk of facial angiofibroma or the use of topical mTOR inhibitors for the management of facial angiofibroma. Data in the NHD was obtained from 18 clinical sites in the US since 2006. Results Of the 2240 patients, 2088 patients were enrolled in the US and data from 2057 patients were included in this analysis. The mean (median) age of overall TSC patients was 22.4 (19.0) years. A total of 69 patients were ≤ 5 years of age. Facial angiofibroma was noted in 1329 (64.6%) patients with TSC. Patients with facial angiofibroma were older on average (Mean: 25.9 [median, 23.0] vs. 16.0 [12.4 years] years, p < 0.0001). In patients with vs. without facial angiofibroma, TSC2 mutation (38.9% vs. 34.8%) was more common than TSC1 mutation (12.3% vs. 18.1%), and the incidence rate of most of the other TSC-related manifestations was significantly higher in patients with facial angiofibroma. Majority of patients had focal seizures (72.8% vs. 60.7%), followed by angiomyolipoma (63.7% vs. 21.8%) and renal cysts (59.4% vs. 33.5%). The age groups, 11–17 (odds ratio [OR], 2.53) and 18–45 years (5.98), TSC2 mutation (1.31), focal seizures (1.50), ADHD (1.47) angiomyolipoma (2.79), and renal cysts (2.63) were significantly associated with a higher risk of facial angiofibroma based on multivariate logistic regression. Abrasive or laser therapy was used by 17.1% and 2.6% patients, respectively. Topical mTOR inhibitor use was noted for 329 (24.8%) patients with facial angiofibroma. Overall systemic mTOR inhibitor use was observed in 399 (30.0%) patients for management of one or more TSC manifestations. Use of systemic mTOR inhibitor for facial angiofibroma was noted for 163 (12.3%) patients, among whom only 9 (0.7%) patients used exclusively for the management of facial angiofibroma. Of the patients with facial angiofibroma, 44.6% did not receive any treatment. Significantly higher use of topical mTOR inhibitor was associated with the 11–17 years age group (OR, 1.67), anxiety (1.57), angiomyolipoma (1.51), and renal cysts (1.33). Conclusions The presence of TSC2 mutations and most other TSC-related manifestations was significantly higher in patients with facial angiofibroma. About one-fourth of patients with facial angiofibroma used a topical mTOR inhibitor and use of systemic mTOR inhibitor for the management of facial angiofibroma or for the other manifestations was noted for 30.0%. About 44.6% of patients did not receive any treatment for the management of facial angiofibroma.
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Advances in the genetics and neuropathology of tuberous sclerosis complex: edging closer to targeted therapy. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:843-856. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00213-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Agarwal S, Decavel-Bueff E, Wang YH, Qin H, Santos RD, Evans MJ, Sriram R. Defining the Magnetic Resonance Features of Renal Lesions and Their Response to Everolimus in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Front Oncol 2022; 12:851192. [PMID: 35814396 PMCID: PMC9260108 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.851192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an inherited genetic disorder characterized by mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 class of tumor suppressers which impact several organs including the kidney. The renal manifestations are usually in the form of angiomyolipoma (AML, in 80% of the cases) and cystadenomas. mTOR inhibitors such as rapamycin and everolimus have shown efficacy in reducing the renal tumor burden. Early treatment prevents the progression of AML; however, the tumors regrow upon cessation of therapy implying a lifelong need for monitoring and management of this morbid disease. There is a critical need for development of imaging strategies to monitor response to therapy and progression of disease which will also facilitate development of newer targeted therapy. In this study we evaluated the potential of multiparametric 1H magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to monitor tumor response to therapy in a preclinical model of TSC, the transgenic mouse A/J Tsc2+/-. We found 2-dimensional T2-weighted sequence with 0.5 mm slice thickness to be optimal for detecting renal lesions as small as 0.016 mm3. Baseline characterization of lesions with MRI to assess physiological parameters such as cellularity and perfusion is critical for distinguishing between cystic and solid lesions. Everolimus treatment for three weeks maintained tumor growth at 36% from baseline, while control tumors displayed steady growth and were 70% larger than baseline at the end of therapy. Apparent diffusion coefficient, T1 values and normalized T2 intensity changes were also indictive of response to treatment. Our results indicate that standardization and implementation of improved MR imaging protocols will significantly enhance the utility of mpMRI in determining the severity and composition of renal lesions for better treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhangi Agarwal
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Emilie Decavel-Bueff
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yung-Hua Wang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hecong Qin
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Romelyn Delos Santos
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Michael J. Evans
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Renuka Sriram
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Renuka Sriram,
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Robinson J, Uzun O, Loh NR, Harris IR, Woolley TE, Harwood AJ, Gardner JF, Syed YA. The association of neurodevelopmental abnormalities, congenital heart and renal defects in a tuberous sclerosis complex patient cohort. BMC Med 2022; 20:123. [PMID: 35440050 PMCID: PMC9019964 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multi-system genetic disorder characterised by the presence of benign tumours throughout multiple organs including the brain, kidneys, heart, liver, eyes, lungs and skin, in addition to neurological and neuropsychiatric complications. Intracardiac tumour (rhabdomyoma), neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and kidney disorders (KD) are common manifestations of TSC and have been linked with TSC1 and TSC2 loss-of-function mutations independently, but the dynamic relationship between these organ manifestations remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to characterise the nature of the relationship specifically between these three organs' manifestations in TSC1 and TSC2 mutation patients. METHODS Clinical data gathered from TSC patients across South Wales registered with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAV UHB) between 1990 and 2020 were analysed retrospectively to evaluate abnormalities in the heart, brain and kidney development. TSC-related abnormalities such as tumour prevalence, location and size were analysed for each organ in addition to neuropsychiatric involvement and were compared between TSC1 and TSC2 mutant genotypes. Lastly, statistical co-occurrence between organ manifestations co-morbidity was quantified, and trajectories of disease progression throughout organs were modelled. RESULTS This study found a significantly greater mutational frequency at the TSC2 locus in the cohort in comparison to TSC1. An equal proportion of male and female patients were observed in this group and by meta-analysis of previous studies. No significant difference in characterisation of heart involvement was observed between TSC1 and TSC2 patients. Brain involvement was seen with increased severity in TSC2 patients, characterised by a greater prevalence of cortical tubers and communication disorders. Renal pathology was further enhanced in TSC2 patients, marked by increased bilateral angiomyolipoma prevalence. Furthermore, co-occurrence of NDDs and KDs was the most positively correlated out of investigated manifestations, regardless of genotype. Analysis of disease trajectories revealed a more diverse clinical outcome for TSC2 patients: however, a chronological association of rhabdomyoma, NDD and KD was most frequently observed for TSC1 patients. CONCLUSIONS This study marks the first empirical investigation of the co-morbidity between congenital heart defects (CHD), NDDs, and KDs in TSC1 and TSC2 patients. This remains a unique first step towards the characterisation of the dynamic role between genetics, heart function, brain function and kidney function during the early development in the context of TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Robinson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.,School of Bioscience, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Orhan Uzun
- University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Ne Ron Loh
- University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.,Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, BA1 3NG, UK
| | - Isabelle Rose Harris
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.,School of Bioscience, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Thomas E Woolley
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4AG, UK
| | - Adrian J Harwood
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.,School of Bioscience, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | | | - Yasir Ahmed Syed
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK. .,School of Bioscience, The Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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Questionnaire-based assessment of sleep disorders in an adult population of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Sleep Med 2022; 92:81-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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32
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Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC): Renal and Extrarenal Imaging. Acad Radiol 2022; 29:439-449. [PMID: 33487538 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2020.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multiorgan syndrome manifesting with several benign and malignant tumors. Complications arising from renal abnormalities are a leading cause of death in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Renal cell carcinoma is relatively uncommon, occurring in 2%-4% of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex syndrome, but nonetheless can significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. Extrarenal manifestations of tuberous sclerosis complex, including within the chest, abdomen and central nervous system, aid in diagnosis. Pathogenesis and management are also discussed, including the importance of the types of renal masses found in these patients.
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Kútna V, O'Leary VB, Hoschl C, Ovsepian SV. Cerebellar demyelination and neurodegeneration associated with mTORC1 hyperactivity may contribute to the developmental onset of autism-like neurobehavioral phenotype in a rat model. Autism Res 2022; 15:791-805. [PMID: 35178882 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum hosts more than half of all neurons of the human brain, with their organized activity playing a key role in coordinating motor functions. Cerebellar activity has also been implicated in the control of speech, communication, and social behavior, which are compromised in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Despite major research advances, there is a shortage of mechanistic data relating cellular and molecular changes in the cerebellum to autistic behavior. We studied the impact of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 haploinsufficiency (Tsc2+/-) with downstream mTORC1 hyperactivity on cerebellar morphology and cellular organization in 1, 9, and 18 m.o. Eker rats, to determine possible structural correlates of an autism-like behavioural phenotype in this model. We report a greater developmental expansion of the cerebellar vermis, owing to enlarged white matter and thickened molecular layer. Histochemical and immunofluorescence data suggest age-related demyelination of central tract of the vermis, as evident from reduced level of myelin-basic protein in the arbora vitae. We also observed a higher number of astrocytes in Tsc2+/- rats of older age while the number of Purkinje cells (PCs) in these animals was lower than in wild-type controls. Unlike astrocytes and PCs, Bergmann glia remained unaltered at all ages in both genotypes, while the number of microglia was higher in Tsc2+/- rats of older age. The convergent evidence for a variety of age-dependent cellular changes in the cerebellum of rats associated with mTORC1 hyperactivity, thus, predicts an array of functional impairments, which may contribute to the developmental onset of an autism-like behavioral phenotype in this model. LAY SUMMARY: This study elucidates the impact of constitutive mTORC1 hyperactivity on cerebellar morphology and cellular organization in a rat model of autism and epilepsy. It describes age-dependent degeneration of Purkinje neurons, with demyelination of central tract as well as activation of microglia, and discusses the implications of these changes for neuro-behavioral phenotypes. The described changes provide new indications for the putative mechanisms underlying cerebellar impairments with their age-related onset, which may contribute to the pathobiology of autism, epilepsy, and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Kútna
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Valerie Bríd O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
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Vanclooster S, Bissell S, van Eeghen AM, Chambers N, De Waele L, Byars AW, Capal JK, Cukier S, Davis P, Flinn J, Gardner-Lubbe S, Gipson T, Heunis TM, Hook D, Kingswood JC, Krueger DA, Kumm AJ, Sahin M, Schoeters E, Smith C, Srivastava S, Takei M, Waltereit R, Jansen AC, de Vries PJ. The research landscape of tuberous sclerosis complex-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND)-a comprehensive scoping review. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:13. [PMID: 35151277 PMCID: PMC8853020 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09423-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) is an umbrella term for the behavioural, psychiatric, intellectual, academic, neuropsychological and psychosocial manifestations of TSC. Although TAND affects 90% of individuals with TSC during their lifetime, these manifestations are relatively under-assessed, under-treated and under-researched. We performed a comprehensive scoping review of all TAND research to date (a) to describe the existing TAND research landscape and (b) to identify knowledge gaps to guide future TAND research. METHODS The study was conducted in accordance with stages outlined within the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework. Ten research questions relating to study characteristics, research design and research content of TAND levels and clusters were examined. RESULTS Of the 2841 returned searches, 230 articles published between 1987 and 2020 were included (animal studies = 30, case studies = 47, cohort studies = 153), with more than half published since the term TAND was coined in 2012 (118/230; 51%). Cohort studies largely involved children and/or adolescents (63%) as opposed to older adults (16%). Studies were represented across 341 individual research sites from 45 countries, the majority from the USA (89/341; 26%) and the UK (50/341; 15%). Only 48 research sites (14%) were within low-middle income countries (LMICs). Animal studies and case studies were of relatively high/high quality, but cohort studies showed significant variability. Of the 153 cohort studies, only 16 (10%) included interventions. None of these were non-pharmacological, and only 13 employed remote methodologies (e.g. telephone interviews, online surveys). Of all TAND clusters, the autism spectrum disorder-like cluster was the most widely researched (138/230; 60%) and the scholastic cluster the least (53/200; 27%). CONCLUSIONS Despite the recent increase in TAND research, studies that represent participants across the lifespan, LMIC research sites and non-pharmacological interventions were identified as future priorities. The quality of cohort studies requires improvement, to which the use of standardised direct behavioural assessments may contribute. In human studies, the academic level in particular warrants further investigation. Remote technologies could help to address many of the TAND knowledge gaps identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Vanclooster
- Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stacey Bissell
- Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Agnies M van Eeghen
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,TAND Expert Centre, 's Heeren Loo, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Nola Chambers
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Autism Research in Africa (CARA), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liesbeth De Waele
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna W Byars
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center/University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jamie K Capal
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sebastián Cukier
- Argentine Program for Children, Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (PANAACEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter Davis
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School & Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Tanjala Gipson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA.,Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Tosca-Marie Heunis
- Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dena Hook
- TSC Alliance, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - J Christopher Kingswood
- St. George's University of London, London, UK.,The Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, UK
| | - Darcy A Krueger
- TSC Clinic Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Aubrey J Kumm
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Autism Research in Africa (CARA), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Shoba Srivastava
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Autism Research in Africa (CARA), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance India, Mumbai, India
| | - Megumi Takei
- Japanese Society of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robert Waltereit
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anna C Jansen
- Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology Unit, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Petrus J de Vries
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Autism Research in Africa (CARA), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Liu L, Yu C, Yan G. Identification of a novel heterozygous TSC2 splicing variant in a patient with Tuberous sclerosis complex: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28666. [PMID: 35060563 PMCID: PMC8772658 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by facial angiofibromas, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and the development of hamartomas in several organs, including the heart, kidneys, brain, and lungs. Mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2 result in dysregulated mTOR activation, leading to the occurrence of TSC. PATIENT CONCERNS A 44-year-old man was hospitalized for acute lumbago and hematuria. DIAGNOSIS The patient presented with facial angiofibromas, epilepsy, fibrous plaques, periungual fibroma, renal angiomyolipomas (AML), pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), liver hamartomas, and osteosclerosis. A diagnosis of TSC was made based on clinical manifestations. INTERVENTIONS Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to screen for potential variants, which were verified using Sanger sequencing. The final variant was analyzed using a minigene assay. OUTCOMES A potentially pathogenic novel TSC2 variant (NM_000548.4, c.336_336 + 15delGGTAAGGCCCAGGGCG) was identified using NGS and confirmed using Sanger sequencing. The in vitro minigene assay showed that the variant c.336_336 + 15delGGTAAGGCCCAGGGCG caused erroneous integration of a 74 bp sequence into intron 4. This novel variant was not found in his unaffected parents or 100 unrelated healthy controls. LESSONS We identified a novel heterozygous TSC2 variant, c.336_336 + 15delGGTAAGGCCCAGGGCG, in a patient with classical TSC and demonstrated that this variant leads to aberrant splicing using a minigene assay. Our results extend the understanding of the mutational spectrum of TSC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linli Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunshui Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaowu Yan
- Department of Radiography, Suining Central Hospital, Suining, People's Republic of China
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Nabavi Nouri M, Zak M, Jain P, Whitney R. Epilepsy Management in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Existing and Evolving Therapies and Future Considerations. Pediatr Neurol 2022; 126:11-19. [PMID: 34740132 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant condition that affects multiple body systems. Disruption of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway results in abnormal cell growth, proliferation, protein synthesis, and cell differentiation and migration in TSC. In the central nervous system, mTOR disruption is also believed to influence neuronal excitability and promote epileptogenesis. Epilepsy is the most common neurological manifestation of TSC and affects 80% to 90% of individuals with high rates of treatment resistance (up to 75%). The onset of epilepsy in the majority of individuals with TSC occurs before the age of two years, which is a critical time in neurodevelopment. Both medically refractory epilepsy and early-onset epilepsy are associated with intellectual disability in TSC, while seizure control and remission are associated with lower rates of cognitive impairment. Our current knowledge of the treatment of epilepsy in TSC has expanded immensely over the last decade. Several new therapies such as preemptive vigabatrin therapy in infants, cannabidiol, and mTOR inhibitors have emerged in recent years for the treatment of epilepsy in TSC. This review will provide clinicians with a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies available for the treatment of epilepsy related to TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Nabavi Nouri
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Zak
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Puneet Jain
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robyn Whitney
- Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Heunis TM, Bissell S, Byars AW, Capal JK, Chambers N, Cukier S, Davis PE, De Waele L, Flinn J, Gardner-Lubbe S, Gipson T, Kingswood JC, Krueger DA, Kumm AJ, Sahin M, Schoeters E, Smith C, Srivastava S, Takei M, Vanclooster S, van Eeghen AM, Waltereit R, Jansen AC, de Vries PJ. Empowering Families Through Technology: A Mobile-Health Project to Reduce the TAND Identification and Treatment Gap (TANDem). Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:834628. [PMID: 35295772 PMCID: PMC8919327 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.834628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multi-system genetic disorder with various TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND) that significantly impact the mental health and wellbeing of individuals with TSC and their caregivers. TAND represents the number one concern to families worldwide, yet is highly under-identified and under-treated. The clinician-administered TAND-Checklist (Lifetime version, TAND-L) has improved identification of TAND in clinical settings. However, many individuals with TSC and their caregivers still have difficulty accessing suitable support for diagnosis and evidence-informed interventions. The TANDem study is a community-based participatory research project with a broad range of TSC stakeholders aimed at reducing the TAND identification and treatment gap. OBJECTIVES Participatory research identified three priority next steps: 1) development and validation of a self-report, quantified version of the TAND Checklist (TAND-SQ) and building the TAND-SQ into a smartphone application, 2) generation of consensus clinical recommendations for the identification and treatment of TAND, to be incorporated as a TAND toolkit on the app, and 3) establishment of a global TAND consortium through networking, capacity-building and public engagement activities. METHODS TANDem is a four-year project, and includes 24 consortium members from 10 countries representing all World Health Organization regions. Collaborators represent five stakeholder groups (family representatives, technology experts, clinical experts, non-profit organisations and researchers). Here we outline the project study protocol in detail, describing the scientific rationale, the project aims and objectives, the methods involved in participant recruitment, multi-site and multi-phase data collection, data analysis, ethical considerations including informed consent, data protection, privacy and confidentiality considerations related to the European Union General Data Protection Regulation and the USA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The expected outcomes and potential impact on the TSC community, implementation and dissemination of results, as well as future scale-up and scale-out plans are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS The TANDem project has the potential to transform the global TSC community by empowering families living with TSC through an easily accessible digital solution to allow them to document their own TAND needs linked to an evidence-informed toolkit to enhance personalised healthcare, and by providing healthcare professionals with consensus clinical recommendations to prevent, identify and manage TAND manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosca-Marie Heunis
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stacey Bissell
- Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anna W Byars
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center/University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jamie K Capal
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nola Chambers
- Centre for Autism Research in Africa (CARA), Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sebastián Cukier
- Argentine Program for Children, Adolescents and Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders (PANAACEA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter E Davis
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Liesbeth De Waele
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Sugnet Gardner-Lubbe
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Tanjala Gipson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - J Christopher Kingswood
- Department of Clinical Genetics, St George's University Hospitals, London, United Kingdom.,Sussex Renal Unit, The Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Darcy A Krueger
- TSC Clinic Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Clinical Pediatrics and Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Aubrey J Kumm
- Centre for Autism Research in Africa (CARA), Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Megumi Takei
- Japanese Society of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Family Network, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Stephanie Vanclooster
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agnies M van Eeghen
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,TAND Expert Centre, 's Heeren Loo, Hoofddorp, Netherlands
| | - Robert Waltereit
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anna C Jansen
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Petrus J de Vries
- Centre for Autism Research in Africa (CARA), Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Lo SH, Marshall J, Skrobanski H, Lloyd A. Patient and Caregiver Health State Utilities in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2022; 6:105-121. [PMID: 34524653 PMCID: PMC8441242 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-021-00296-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem disorder often associated with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Cost-effectiveness analysis for new antiseizure medications typically requires health state utilities (HSUs) that reflect the burden of a given condition. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate HSUs, with a focus on valuing the impact of seizure type and seizure frequency on health-related quality of life (HRQL) for patients with TSC and their caregivers. METHODS A targeted literature review and qualitative research with healthcare professionals and caregivers informed the development of health state vignettes describing the experience of living with TSC or caring for a child with TSC. Vignettes were evaluated in interviews with the UK general population using the time trade-off (TTO) method. RESULTS Sixteen vignettes were developed describing patient HRQL (n = 8) and caregiver HRQL (n = 8). Two hundred interviews were conducted via online video calls due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Two hundred participants evaluated the patient (n = 100) and caregiver (n = 100) health state vignettes. Estimated utility scores varied consistently according to seizure type and seizure frequency. Patient TTO utility scores ranged between -0.234 (highest seizure frequency and multiple seizure types) and 0.725 (seizure-free state). Caregiver TTO utility scores ranged from 0.221 to 0.905. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the substantial burden of living with TSC and caring for a child with TSC. Patient and caregiver burden was greater for generalised versus focal seizures. The burden was greatest for a combination of both seizure types and worsened with increasing seizure frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Hing Lo
- Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, 16 Upper Woburn Place, Bloomsbury, London, WC1H 0BS, UK.
| | - Jade Marshall
- GW Pharma Ltd, 1 Cavendish Place, Marylebone, London, W1G 0QF, UK
| | - Hanna Skrobanski
- Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, 16 Upper Woburn Place, Bloomsbury, London, WC1H 0BS, UK
| | - Andrew Lloyd
- Acaster Lloyd Consulting Ltd, 16 Upper Woburn Place, Bloomsbury, London, WC1H 0BS, UK
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Rare Neurological Diseases: an Overreview of Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Pharmacoeconomic Considerations in the Treating. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2021-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Rare diseases (RD) are serious chronic diseases affecting small number of people compared to the general population. There are between 6000 and 8000 RDs, which affect about 400 million people worldwide. Drugs used for causal treatment of RDs are called orphan drugs. RDs bear great clinical and economic burden for patients, their families, healthcare systems and society overall. There are at least two reasons for the high cost of treatment of RDs. First, there is no causal therapy for majority of RDs, so exacerbations, complications, and hospitalizations in those patients are common. The second reason is high price of available orphan drugs, which are not cost-effective when traditional pharmacoeconomic evaluation is employed. The pharmacoeconomic aspect of the treatment of RDs is especially important in the field of neurology, since at least one fifth of all RDs is composed of neurological conditions. The aim of this paper was to provide a concise overview of the pathophysiological, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of some of the most important and common rare neurological diseases, with special reference to their impact on society and economy.
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Shlomovitz O, Ben-Zeev B, Pleniceanu O, Greenberger S, Lahav E, Mini S, Tzadok M. An Israeli tuberous sclerosis cohort: the efficacy of different anti-epileptic strategies. Childs Nerv Syst 2021; 37:3827-3833. [PMID: 34491422 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05348-9] [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: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to describe the experience of a large single-center cohort for the clinical, radiological, and genetic characteristics, as well as to determine the efficacy of different anti-epileptic strategies in children and adults with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). METHODS We carried out a historical cohort study on 91 TSC patients treated in a single center between 2008 and 2018. RESULTS Our cohort comprised 46 males and 45 females, with a median age of 15.6 years at the last follow-up. Mean follow-up time was 2.5 ± 0.75-5.5 years (range 0-9.5 years). Of those tested, a disease-causing mutation was identified in 90% of patients, 53% in TSC2, and 37% in TSC1. Epilepsy prevalence was similar among TSC1 and TSC2 mutated patients. The most common radiological finding were cortical tubers in 95% of patients, while subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) were detected in 36% of patients. Notably, infantile spasms (IS) were diagnosed in 29%, with SEGA representing the only finding significantly different in prevalence between those with and without IS (62% vs. 28%, respectively, p = 0.009). Lastly, we did not find any difference in efficacy between three anti-epileptic treatments: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), CBD-based products, and the ketogenic diet, all showing approximately 30%-40% response rates. SIGNIFICANCE Altogether, we provide a comprehensive description of our experience in treating TSC, which could serve to expand current knowledge of the disease and its treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Shlomovitz
- Department of Pediatrics B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Bruria Ben-Zeev
- Pediatric Neurology Units, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Oren Pleniceanu
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shoshana Greenberger
- Dermatology Department, Pediatric Dermatology Service, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Einat Lahav
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Sharon Mini
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Institute of Nephrology and Hypertension, Sheba medical center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Michal Tzadok
- Pediatric Neurology Units, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Jawaid B, Qureshi AH, Ahmed N, Yaqoob N. Bilateral renal angiomyolipomas in tuberous sclerosis. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF UROLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s12301-021-00161-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by benign hamartomas in multiple organs of the body. Renal angiomyolipomas (AML) are commonly associated with TSC. They are mostly asymptomatic. But large and rapidly growing AMLs with the presence of an aneurysm cause symptoms and pose a life-threatening risk for hemorrhage.
Case presentation
Our patient is a 25-year-old female who presented to us as an undiagnosed case of tuberous sclerosis having a large abdominal mass. She fulfilled the clinical criteria required for the diagnosis of TSC. The CT scan revealed an 18 × 13 × 33 cm fat-containing lesion in the right kidney with an adjacent aneurysm measuring around 16 cm in diameter. Due to the large size of the AML and associated aneurysm, surgical exploration was mandated. On the contralateral kidney, multiple contrast-enhancing soft-tissue densities were present that appeared suspicious on radiology. So a percutaneous biopsy of those lesions was done. Fortunately, it had the same histopathology as an Angiomyolipoma. Nephrectomy of the right-sided kidney with AML has been done. The left-sided lesions that are less than 2 cm and asymptomatic are kept on close surveillance. Any change in size will prompt therapy with mTOR inhibitors.
Conclusion
When dealing with bilateral renal AML, it is important to adopt a conservative approach. When intervention is indicated, the least invasive strategy should be sought and enacted. Radical surgery should be the last resort.
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Lim SS, Abdul Muien MZ, Aeria SD, Ng CY, Teh YG. Missed tuberous sclerosis complex with multi-system complications in a single patient. Radiol Case Rep 2021; 17:27-31. [PMID: 34765054 PMCID: PMC8569439 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by widespread clinical manifestations. Early diagnosis is usually possible when typical TSC related skin lesions and neurologic presentations are detected in young patients. Undiagnosed TSC patients are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality as disease progression will inevitably lead to complications. While case reports of single complications in pediatric patients have been documented, to the best of our knowledge, multi-system complications of TSC in adults have yet to be reported in the literature. We present a case of tuberous sclerosis diagnosed in adulthood with complications involving the central nervous, renal and respiratory systems. This case highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the management of TSC as well as the role of imaging in both diagnosis and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Syi Lim
- Department of Radiology, Sabah Women & Children's Hospital, 88400 Kota, Kinabalu
| | | | - Shaun Darren Aeria
- Department of Radiology, Sabah Women & Children's Hospital, 88400 Kota, Kinabalu
| | - Chiak Yot Ng
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota, Kinabalu
| | - Yong Guang Teh
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Kota, Kinabalu
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Willems LM, Schubert-Bast S, Grau J, Hertzberg C, Kurlemann G, Wiemer-Kruel A, Bast T, Bertsche A, Bettendorf U, Fiedler B, Hahn A, Hartmann H, Hornemann F, Immisch I, Jacobs J, Kieslich M, Klein KM, Klotz KA, Kluger G, Knuf M, Mayer T, Marquard K, Meyer S, Muhle H, Müller-Schlüter K, Noda AH, Ruf S, Sauter M, Schlump JU, Syrbe S, Thiels C, Trollmann R, Wilken B, Zöllner JP, Rosenow F, Strzelczyk A. Health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with tuberous sclerosis complex and their caregivers: A multicentre cohort study from Germany. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 35:111-122. [PMID: 34673401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and quality of life (QOL) and depressive symptoms among caregivers. METHODS Adequate metrics were used to assess HRQOL in children and adolescents with TSC (4-18 years, KINDLR) as well as QOL (EQ-5D) and symptoms of depression (BDI-II) among caregivers. Predictors for reduced HRQOL and depressive symptoms were identified by variance analysis, ordinal regression, and bivariate correlation. RESULTS The mean HRQOL score was 67.9 ± 12.7, and significantly lower values were associated with increasing age, attending special needs education, TSC-associated psychiatric symptoms, and drug-related adverse events. The mean QOL of caregivers was 85.4 ± 15.7, and caregiver's sex, TSC mutation locus, familial TSC clustering, special needs education, degree of disability, care dependency, presence of TSC-associated psychiatric symptoms, and TSC severity were significant predictors of lower QOL. Depressive symptoms were identified in 45.7% of caregivers, associated with female sex of the caregiver, familial TSC clustering, special needs education, and presence of TSC-associated psychiatric symptoms of the child. Multivariate regression analysis revealed adolescence and drug-related adverse events as significant predictors for lower HRQOL in TSC children, and TSC2 variants predicted lower QOL and depressive symptoms in caregivers. CONCLUSION Compared with other chronic diseases, such as headache, diabetes or obesity, children with TSC have significantly lower HRQOL, which further decreases during adolescence. A decreased HRQOL of patients correlates with a lower QOL and increased symptoms of depression of their caregivers. These results may improve the comprehensive therapy and care of children and adolescents with TSC and their families and caregivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION DRKS, DRKS00016045. Registered 01 March 2019, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00016045.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent M Willems
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Janina Grau
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Bast
- Epilepsy Center Kork, Clinic for Children and Adolescents, Kehl-Kork, Germany
| | - Astrid Bertsche
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Fiedler
- Department of General Pediatrics, Division of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Hans Hartmann
- Clinic for Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frauke Hornemann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Leipzig University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ilka Immisch
- Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Julia Jacobs
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Center for Pediatrics, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg i.Br., Germany; Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthias Kieslich
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Karl Martin Klein
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Medical Genetics and Community Health Sciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kerstin A Klotz
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Center for Pediatrics, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg i.Br., Germany; Berta-Ottenstein-Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg i.Br., Germany
| | - Gerhard Kluger
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Neurorehabilitation, Epilepsy Center for Children and Adolescents, Schön Clinic Vogtareuth, Germany; Research Institute, Rehabilitation, Transition and Palliation, PMU Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Markus Knuf
- Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum Worms, Worms, Germany; Department of Pediatrics, University Medicine Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Mayer
- Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Dresden-Radeberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Marquard
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Psychosomatics and Pain management, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sascha Meyer
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hiltrud Muhle
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Karen Müller-Schlüter
- Epilepsy Center for Children, University Hospital Neuruppin, Brandenburg Medical School, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Anna H Noda
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Ruf
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Sauter
- Klinikum Kempten, Klinikverbund Allgäu, Kempten/Allgäu, Germany
| | - Jan-Ulrich Schlump
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany
| | - Steffen Syrbe
- Division of Pediatric Epileptology, Centre for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Thiels
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Social Pediatrics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wilken
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Klinikum Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Johann Philipp Zöllner
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Epilepsy Center Hessen and Department of Neurology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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Henske EP, Cornejo KM, Wu CL. Renal Cell Carcinoma in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1585. [PMID: 34680979 PMCID: PMC8535193 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder in which renal manifestations are prominent. There are three major renal lesions in TSC: angiomyolipomas, cysts, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Major recent advances have revolutionized our understanding of TSC-associated RCC, including two series that together include more than 100 TSC-RCC cases, demonstrating a mean age at onset of about 36 years, tumors in children as young as 7, and a striking 2:1 female predominance. These series also provide the first detailed understanding of the pathologic features of these distinctive tumors, which include chromophobe-like features and eosinophilia, with some of the tumors unclassified. This pathologic heterogeneity is distinctive and reminiscent of the pathologic heterogeneity in Birt-Hogg-Dube-associated RCC, which also includes chromophobe-like tumors. Additional advances include the identification of sporadic counterpart tumors that carry somatic TSC1/TSC2/mTOR mutations. These include unclassified eosinophilic tumors, eosinophilic solid cystic RCC (ESC-RCC), and RCC with leiomyomatous stroma (RCCLMS). A variety of epithelial renal neoplasms have been identified both in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and in the nonsyndromic setting associated with somatic mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes. Interestingly, whether tumors are related to a germline or somatic TSC1/2 mutation, these tumors often display similar morphologic and immunophenotypic features. Finally, recent work has identified molecular links between TSC and BHD-associated tumors, involving the TFEB/TFE3 transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth P. Henske
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kristine M. Cornejo
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (K.M.C.); (C.-L.W.)
| | - Chin-Lee Wu
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (K.M.C.); (C.-L.W.)
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Epilepsy associated with tuberous sclerosis complex in childhood: Long-term outcome in children after epilepsy surgery and children non-eligible for epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 122:108210. [PMID: 34311180 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Drug-resistant epilepsy is one of the major disease burdens in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Epilepsy surgery has been shown to be effective in TSC, but making a decision for surgery is often more complex than in other surgically amenable epilepsy syndromes and not all patients with TSC are eligible. We investigated long-term outcomes (after ≥one year; median, 6.4 years) with a special interest in general developmental level, health-related quality of life, parental concerns due to epilepsy, impact on family, and social adaptation in children who underwent epilepsy surgery and in children who were not eligible for surgery. METHODS Eighty-five children (median age at intervention: 3.3 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 1.8-6.3 years) with TSC-related epilepsy had a presurgical investigation, and 34 of this group underwent epilepsy surgery. At follow-up (median age: 11.5 years, IQR: 7.8-15.5 years), we assessed seizure outcome, health-related quality of life, social adaptation, parental concerns due to epilepsy, and general developmental level based on established questionnaires and a standardized interview. Generalized linear models were performed for statistical evaluation. RESULTS At follow-up, 53% (18/34) of the operated patients were seizure free for ≥12 months and 30% (15/50) of the patients non-eligible for epilepsy surgery (p = 0.037). In the surgical group, developmental level was significantly higher in seizure-free patients, in comparison to non-seizure-free patients (p = 0.004); this was also observed in the non-surgical group, but less marked (p = 0.089). Furthermore, developmental level was significantly (p ≤ 0.001) related to quality of life, social adaptation, impact on family, and parental concerns. In both cohorts, parental concerns were less pronounced if children became seizure free (p < 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively). SIGNIFICANCE In children with TSC-related epilepsy, quality of life, social adaptation, and impact on family were related to general developmental level, which in turn was significantly related to seizure freedom. Consequent epilepsy management aiming at seizure freedom, including presurgical evaluation and, if indicated, epilepsy surgery in a center specifically experienced with TSC-related epilepsy, is a worthwhile effort to improve quality of life in patients with TSC and their families.
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Peng JH, Tu HP, Hong CH. A population-based study to estimate survival and standardized mortality of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in Taiwan. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:335. [PMID: 34344419 PMCID: PMC8330058 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disease with systemic manifestations, which can cause significant mortality and morbidity. Population-based epidemiological studies on TSC mortality and survival remain scarce, though several recent studies provide evidence that TSC survival rates are high and disease prognosis is fair for most patients. This study aims to estimate the life expectancy and mortality statistics in Taiwanese TSC patients, investigate prognosis and associations of TSC mortality based on demographic variables, and compare these results to past literature, especially for Asian patients. METHODS Taiwanese National Health Insurance (NHI) insurees can obtain Catastrophic Illness Certificates (CIC) for certain eligible diseases to waive copayments after diagnosis by two independent physicians. CIC holders for TSC during 1997-2010 were identified from the NHI Research Database. Queries on enrollment (CIC acquisition) age, endpoint (end of query period or death) age, sex, and comorbidities were obtained. Patients were separated into cohorts (endpoint age, sex, and age of diagnosis), and analyzed accordingly. RESULTS 471 patients (232 male, 239 female) were identified, of which 14 died. Compared to literature, patients showed similar demographics (age range, diagnosis age, sex distribution); similar manifestations and prevalence (epilepsy, intellectual disability, renal disease); lower disease prevalence (1 in 63,290); lower mortality (0.21% per year); and near-identical standardized mortality ratio (4.99). A cumulative mortality of 4.08% was found over 14 years, though mortality plateaued at 7 years post-enrollment, suggesting a good overall survival rate; comparable with previous studies in Asian patients. Enrollment age was a significant prognostic factor, with late-enrollment (age > 18) patients at higher risk for all-cause mortality (Hazard ratio = 6.54). Average remaining lifetime was significantly lower than the general population, and decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS This study reports a population-based disease database, highlights the importance of diagnosis age in prognosis prediction, and suggests the role of renal manifestations in mortality. Furthermore, it corroborates recent TSC studies in the Asian population in terms of survival. Overall, physician vigilance, early diagnosis, and careful monitoring are beneficial for disease outcome and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Hui Peng
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, 112 Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, 833 Taiwan
| | - Hung-Pin Tu
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, 807 Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hui Hong
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, 112 Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, 813 Taiwan
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Rebaine Y, Nasser M, Girerd B, Leroux C, Cottin V. Tuberous sclerosis complex for the pulmonologist. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/161/200348. [PMID: 34348978 PMCID: PMC9488995 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0348-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem genetic disorder affecting almost all organs with no sex predominance. TSC has an autosomal-dominant inheritance and is caused by a heterozygous mutation in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene leading to hyperactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). TSC is associated with several pulmonary manifestations including lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia (MMPH) and chylous effusions. LAM is a multisystem disorder characterised by cystic destruction of lung parenchyma, and may occur in either the setting of TSC (TSC-LAM) or sporadically (S-LAM). LAM occurs in 30–40% of adult females with TSC at childbearing age and is considered a nonmalignant metastatic neoplasm of unknown origin. TSC-LAM is generally milder and, unlike S-LAM, may occur in males. It manifests as multiple, bilateral, diffuse and thin-walled cysts with normal intervening lung parenchyma on chest computed tomography. LAM is complicated by spontaneous pneumothoraces in up to 70% of patients, with a high recurrence rate. mTOR inhibitors are the treatment of choice for LAM with moderately impaired lung function or chylous effusion. MMPH, manifesting as multiple solid and ground-glass nodules on high-resolution computed tomography, is usually harmless with no need for treatment. Tuberous sclerosis complex is associated with diverse pulmonary manifestations including LAM, multiple micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia and chylous effusions. LAM occurs in 30–40% of adult females with tuberous sclerosis complex.https://bit.ly/3iLqZ08
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rebaine
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, National Reference Coordinating Centre for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Division of Pulmonology, Dept of Medicine, Hôpital Charles-LeMoyne, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Both authors contributed equally
| | - Mouhamad Nasser
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, National Reference Coordinating Centre for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Both authors contributed equally
| | - Barbara Girerd
- Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,AP-HP, Centre de Référence de l'Hypertension Pulmonaire, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Caroline Leroux
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INRAE, UMR754, Member of ERN-LUNG, RespiFil, OrphaLung, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Cottin
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, National Reference Coordinating Centre for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France .,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INRAE, UMR754, Member of ERN-LUNG, RespiFil, OrphaLung, Lyon, France
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Parthasarathy S, Mahalingam R, Melchiorre J, Harowitz J, Devinsky O. Mortality in tuberous sclerosis complex. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:108032. [PMID: 34087679 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We studied mortality in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) by analyzing data from the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance Natural History Database of 2233 patients from 18 United States TSC centers. Among 31 decedents with data; mean age of death was 29 years. Cause of death could be determined in 26 cases: 11 definitely related to TSC, 14 possibly related to TSC, and 1 unrelated to TSC. Causes of death included SUDEP in 11 (35.5%; Definite (5), Probable (4), Possible (2)), respiratory conditions in 6 (23.1%; lymphangiomyelomatosis in one), tumors in 3 (11.5%), suicide in 2 (7.7%), cardiopulmonary in 2 (7.7%), shunt malfunction in one, and drowning in one. For SUDEP cases, mean age of epilepsy onset was 7 months and 10/11 were treated with multiple anti-seizure medications (ASMs) at death; 7 had intractable epilepsy and 3 were controlled with ASMs. Patients with TSC and their families should be counseled about ASM adherence and lifestyle factors, and the potential role of nocturnal supervision or seizure detection devices to prevent SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jackie Melchiorre
- Saint Barnabas Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, United States
| | - Jenna Harowitz
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, United States
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Saint Barnabas Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, United States; Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, United States.
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Schubert-Bast S, Strzelczyk A. Review of the treatment options for epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex: towards precision medicine. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:17562864211031100. [PMID: 34349839 PMCID: PMC8290505 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211031100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which encode proteins that antagonise the mammalian isoform of the target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) - a key mediator of cell growth and metabolism. TSC is characterised by the development of benign tumours in multiple organs, together with neurological manifestations including epilepsy and TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND). Epilepsy occurs frequently and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, the management is challenging due to the intractable nature of the seizures. Preventative epilepsy treatment is a key aim, especially as patients with epilepsy may be at a higher risk of developing severe cognitive and behavioural impairment. Vigabatrin given preventatively reduces the risk and severity of epilepsy although the benefits for TAND are inconclusive. These promising results could pave the way for evaluating other treatments in a preventative capacity, especially those that may address the underlying pathophysiology of TSC, including everolimus, cannabidiol and the ketogenic diet (KD). Everolimus is an mTOR inhibitor approved for the adjunctive treatment of refractory TSC-associated seizures that has demonstrated significant reductions in seizure frequency compared with placebo, improvements that were sustained after 2 years of treatment. Highly purified cannabidiol, recently approved in the US as Epidiolex® for TSC-associated seizures in patients ⩾1 years of age, and the KD, may also participate in the regulation of the mTOR pathway. This review focusses on the pivotal clinical evidence surrounding these potential targeted therapies that may form the foundation of precision medicine for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as other current treatments including anti-seizure drugs, vagus nerve stimulation and surgery. New future therapies are also discussed, together with the potential for preventative treatment with targeted therapies. Due to advances in understanding the molecular genetics and pathophysiology, TSC represents a prototypic clinical syndrome for studying epileptogenesis and the impact of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Schleusenweg 2-16, Frankfurt am Main, 60528, Germany
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Bassetti D, Luhmann HJ, Kirischuk S. Effects of Mutations in TSC Genes on Neurodevelopment and Synaptic Transmission. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7273. [PMID: 34298906 PMCID: PMC8305053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 genes are linked to alterations in neuronal function which ultimately lead to the development of a complex neurological phenotype. Here we review current research on the effects that reduction in TSC1 or TSC2 can produce on the developing neural network. A crucial feature of the disease pathophysiology appears to be an early deviation from typical neurodevelopment, in the form of structural abnormalities. Epileptic seizures are one of the primary early manifestation of the disease in the CNS, followed by intellectual deficits and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Research using mouse models suggests that morphological brain alterations might arise from the interaction of different cellular types, and hyperexcitability in the early postnatal period might be transient. Moreover, the increased excitation-to-inhibition ratio might represent a transient compensatory adjustment to stabilize the developing network rather than a primary factor for the development of ASD symptoms. The inhomogeneous results suggest region-specificity as well as an evolving picture of functional alterations along development. Furthermore, ASD symptoms and epilepsy might originate from different but potentially overlapping mechanisms, which can explain recent observations obtained in patients. Potential treatment is determined not only by the type of medicament, but also by the time point of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Bassetti
- Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (H.J.L.); (S.K.)
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