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Orsini A, Santangelo A, Costagliola G, Scacciati M, Massart F, Operto FF, D'Elios S, Consolini R, De Benedetti F, Maggio MC, Miniaci A, Ferretti A, Cordelli DM, Battini R, Bonuccelli A, Savasta S, Parisi P, Fazzi E, Ruggieri M, Striano P, Peroni DG, Foiadelli T. Management, treatment, and clinical approach of Sydenham's chorea in children: Italian survey on expert-based experience. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2024; 52:103-108. [PMID: 39226700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2024.08.002] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Sydenham's chorea (SC), an autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system, is a pivotal diagnostic criterion for acute rheumatic fever. Primarily prevalent in childhood, especially in developing countries, SC manifests with involuntary movements and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Predominantly occurring between ages 5 and 15, with a female bias, SC may recur, particularly during pregnancy or estrogen use. The autoimmune response affecting the basal ganglia, notably against dopamine, underlies the pathophysiology. Clinical management necessitates an integrated approach, potentially involving immunomodulatory therapies. To address discrepancies in SC management, a survey was conducted across Italy, targeting specialists in neurology, pediatrics, child neuropsychiatry, and rheumatology. Of the 51 responding physicians, consensus favored hospitalization for suspected SC, with broad support for laboratory tests and brain MRI. Treatment preferences showed agreement on oral prednisone and IVIG, while opinions varied on duration and plasmapheresis. Haloperidol emerged as the preferred symptomatic therapy. Post-SC penicillin prophylaxis and steroid therapy gained strong support, although opinions differed on duration. Follow-up recommendations included neuropsychological and cardiological assessments. Despite offering valuable insights, broader and more studies are needed in order to guide treatment decisions in this well-known yet challenging complication of acute rheumatic fever, which continues to warrant scientific attention and concerted clinical efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, AOUP Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Santangelo
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, AOUP Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | | | | | - Francesco Massart
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Department, AOUP Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Sofia D'Elios
- Pediatric Department, AOUP Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Consolini
- Pediatric Department, AOUP Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Cristina Maggio
- University Department PROMISE "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Angela Miniaci
- Clinica Pediatrica, Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ferretti
- UOC di Pediatria, Facoltà di Medicina e Psicologia, Dipartimento NESMOS, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sant'Andrea, Rome, Italy
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- Unitá Operativa Complessa (UOC) Neuropsichiatria dell'età Pediatrica, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, (Pisa), Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, AOUP Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Savasta
- Pediatric Clinic and Rare Diseases, "Microcitemico Hospital", Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- UOC di Pediatria, Facoltà di Medicina e Psicologia, Dipartimento NESMOS, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sant'Andrea, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Fazzi
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Brescia Civil Hospital, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Unit of Rare Diseases of the Nervous System in Childhood, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Thomas Foiadelli
- Clinica Pediatrica, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Özgün N, Akdeniz O. Effectiveness of Valproic Acid in the Treatment of Sydenham's Chorea and a Literature Review. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024; 63:798-804. [PMID: 37594080 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231194411] [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] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
There is still no evidence-based guideline and consensus on the treatment Sydenham's Chorea (SC). The first-line medication preference of specialists depends on personal experience and is variable. In this study, we evaluate the treatment results of pediatric patients who were treated with valproic acid (VPA). The medical records of 17 patients diagnosed with SC were reviewed retrospectively. The mean time to clinical improvement was found as approximately 5 days, the mean duration of remission as 13.60 ± 3.94 weeks and the mean duration of medication use was found as 17.96 ± 3.81 weeks. No side effects were observed in any of the patients and relapse occurred in 2 patients. A positive correlation was found between the initial C-reactive protein (CRP) level and the duration of medication use. Until evidence-based guidelines are established, VPA can be used as an effective, safe, and inexpensive first-line treatment option, especially in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nezir Özgün
- Division of Child Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin, Turkey
| | - Osman Akdeniz
- Faculty of Medicine, Fırat University, Elazıg, Turkey
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Eyre M, Thomas T, Ferrarin E, Khamis S, Zuberi SM, Sie A, Newlove-Delgado T, Morton M, Molteni E, Dale RC, Lim M, Nosadini M. Treatments and Outcomes Among Patients with Sydenham Chorea: A Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e246792. [PMID: 38625703 PMCID: PMC11022117 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.6792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Sydenham chorea is the most common acquired chorea of childhood worldwide; however, treatment is limited by a lack of high-quality evidence. Objectives To evaluate historical changes in the clinical characteristics of Sydenham chorea and identify clinical and treatment factors at disease onset associated with chorea duration, relapsing disease course, and functional outcome. Data Sources The systematic search for this meta-analysis was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and LILACS databases and registers of clinical trials from inception to November 1, 2022 (search terms: [Sydenham OR Sydenham's OR rheumatic OR minor] AND chorea). Study Selection Published articles that included patients with a final diagnosis of Sydenham chorea (in selected languages). Data Extraction and Synthesis This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Individual patient data on clinical characteristics, treatments, chorea duration, relapse, and final outcome were extracted. Data from patients in the modern era (1945 through 2022) were entered into multivariable models and stratified by corticosteroid duration for survival analysis of chorea duration. Main Outcomes and Measures The planned study outcomes were chorea duration at onset, monophasic course (absence of relapse after ≥24 months), and functional outcome (poor: modified Rankin Scale score 2-6 or persisting chorea, psychiatric, or behavioral symptoms at final follow-up after ≥6 months; good: modified Rankin Scale score 0-1 and no chorea, psychiatric, or behavioral symptoms at final follow-up). Results In total, 1479 patients were included (from 307 articles), 1325 since 1945 (median [IQR] age at onset, 10 [8-13] years; 875 of 1272 female [68.8%]). Immunotherapy was associated with shorter chorea duration (hazard ratio for chorea resolution, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.05-2.19]; P = .03). The median chorea duration in patients receiving 1 or more months of corticosteroids was 1.2 months (95% CI, 1.2-2.0) vs 2.8 months (95% CI, 2.0-3.0) for patients receiving none (P = .004). Treatment factors associated with monophasic disease course were antibiotics (odds ratio [OR] for relapse, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.09-0.85]; P = .02), corticosteroids (OR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.15-0.67]; P = .003), and sodium valproate (OR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.15-0.71]; P = .004). Patients receiving at least 1 month of corticosteroids had significantly lower odds of relapsing course (OR, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.04-0.25]; P < .001). No treatment factor was associated with good functional outcome. Conclusions and Relevance In this meta-analysis of treatments and outcomes in patients with Sydenham chorea, immunotherapy, in particular corticosteroid treatment, was associated with faster resolution of chorea. Antibiotics, corticosteroids and sodium valproate were associated with a monophasic disease course. This synthesis of retrospective data should support the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines for patients with Sydenham chorea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eyre
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Children’s Neurosciences, Evelina London Children’s Hospital at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terrence Thomas
- Department of Paediatrics, Neurology Service, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Sonia Khamis
- Children’s Neurosciences, Evelina London Children’s Hospital at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sameer M. Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Sie
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- NHS Lanarkshire, Bothwell, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin Newlove-Delgado
- Children and Young People’s Mental Health (ChYMe) Research Collaboration, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Morton
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Erika Molteni
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, United Kingdom
| | - Russell C. Dale
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Ming Lim
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, United Kingdom
- Children’s Neurosciences, Evelina London Children’s Hospital at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Margherita Nosadini
- Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Neuroimmunology Group, Paediatric Research Institute “Città della Speranza,” Padova, Italy
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Karthikeyan G, Watkins D, Bukhman G, Cunningham MW, Haller J, Masterson M, Mensah GA, Mocumbi A, Muhamed B, Okello E, Sotoodehnia N, Machipisa T, Ralph A, Wyber R, Beaton A. Research priorities for the secondary prevention and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute workshop report. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012468. [PMID: 37914183 PMCID: PMC10618973 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012468] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Secondary prevention of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) involves continuous antimicrobial prophylaxis among affected individuals and is recognised as a cornerstone of public health programmes that address these conditions. However, several important scientific issues around the secondary prevention paradigm remain unresolved. This report details research priorities for secondary prevention that were developed as part of a workshop convened by the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in November 2021. These span basic, translational, clinical and population science research disciplines and are built on four pillars. First, we need a better understanding of RHD epidemiology to guide programmes, policies, and clinical and public health practice. Second, we need better strategies to find and diagnose people affected by ARF and RHD. Third, we urgently need better tools to manage acute RF and slow the progression of RHD. Fourth, new and existing technologies for these conditions need to be better integrated into healthcare systems. We intend for this document to be a reference point for research organisations and research sponsors interested in contributing to the growing scientific community focused on RHD prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Watkins
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gene Bukhman
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - John Haller
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Masterson
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - George A Mensah
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ana Mocumbi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Division, Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Marracuene, Mozambique
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Babu Muhamed
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emmy Okello
- Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute Ltd, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nona Sotoodehnia
- Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tafadzwa Machipisa
- Cape Heart Institute (CHI), Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
- Clinical Research Laboratory & Biobank-Genetic & Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory (CRLB-GMEL), Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Ralph
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Rosemary Wyber
- END RHD Program, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Andrea Beaton
- Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Cardiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Giménez-Roldán S, Palmer VS, Spencer PS. Lathyrism in Spain: Lessons from 68 publications following the 1936-39 Civil War. JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY OF THE NEUROSCIENCES 2023; 32:423-455. [PMID: 37272829 DOI: 10.1080/0964704x.2023.2195442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
After the end of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), an estimated 1,000 patients presented with lathyrism due to their excessive and prolonged consumption of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) against the backdrop of poverty, drought, and famine. Based on 68 scientific communications between 1941 and 1962 by qualified medical professionals, the disease emerged in different geographical locations involving selective populations: (1) farmers from extensive areas of central Spain, traditionally producers and consumers of grasspea; (2) immigrants in the industrial belt of Catalonia and in the Basque Country, areas with little or no production of grasspea, which was imported from producing areas; (3) workers in Galicia, an area where the legume is neither produced nor consumed, who were seasonally displaced to high-production areas of grasspea in Castille; and (4) inmates of overcrowded postwar Spanish prisons. Original reports included failed attempts by Carlos Jiménez Díaz (1898-1967) to induce experimental lathyrism, the neuropathology of lathyrism in early stages of the disease in two patients, as reported by Carlos Oliveras de la Riva (1914-2007), and the special susceptibility of children to develop a severe form of lathyrism after relatively brief periods of consumption of the neurotoxic seed of L. sativus. In the Spanish Basque Country, L. cicera L. (aizkol) was cultivated exclusively as animal fodder. Patients who were forced to feed on this plant developed unusual manifestations of lathyrism, such as axial myoclonus and severe neuropsychiatric disorders, unknown in other regions of the country and previously unreported. The postwar epidemic of lathyrism in Spain represents the most extensively studied outbreak of this self-limiting but crippling upper motor neuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerie S Palmer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Peter S Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Tariq S, Niaz F, Waseem S, Shaikh TG, Ahmed SH, Irfan M, Nashwan AJ, Ullah I. Managing and treating Sydenham chorea: A systematic review. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3035. [PMID: 37150977 PMCID: PMC10275551 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3035] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sydenham's chorea (SC), prevalent in developing countries and occasionally affecting developed ones, poses a clinical challenge due to the lack of systematic guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Resulting from Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus infection, SC presents various symptoms. This review aims to collect and evaluate available data on SC management to propose a cohesive treatment plan. METHODS We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov for literature on SC management from inception until 24th July 2022. Studies were screened by titles and abstracts. Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool (RoB-1) assessed Randomized Controlled Trials, while the Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool evaluated nonrandomized studies. RESULTS The review includes 11 articles assessing 579 patients. Excluding one study with 229 patients, of the remaining 550 patients, 338 (61.5%) were females. Treatments used were dopamine antagonists in 118 patients, antiepileptics in 198, corticosteroids in 134, IVIG in 7, and PE in 8 patients. Dopamine antagonists, particularly haloperidol, were the primary treatment choice, while valproic acid (VPA) was favored among antiepileptics. Prednisolone, a corticosteroid, showed promising results with weight gain as the only side-effect. Our review emphasizes the importance of immunomodulators in SC, contrasting previous literature. CONCLUSION Despite limitations, dopamine antagonists can serve as first-line agents in SC management, followed by antiepileptics. The role of immunomodulators warrants further investigation for conclusive recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiuddin Tariq
- Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | - Faizan Niaz
- Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | - Summaiyya Waseem
- Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | - Taha Gul Shaikh
- Dow Medical CollegeDow University of Health SciencesKarachiPakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Irfan
- Department of Internal MedicineWellstar Health System Spalding Hospital GriffinGeorgiaUSA
| | | | - Irfan Ullah
- Kabir Medical CollegeGandhara UniversityPeshawar Khyber PakhtunkhkwaPakistan
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Bovenzi R, Conti M, Schirinzi T. Pharmacotherapy for Sydenham's chorea: where are we and where do we need to be? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:1317-1329. [PMID: 37204415 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2216380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sydenham's chorea (SC) is the most common cause of acquired chorea in children. The existing literature describes it as a benign, self-remitting condition. However, recent evidence discloses the persistence of long-course neuropsychiatric and cognitive complications in adulthood, which imposes to redefine the concept of 'benignity' of such condition. In addition, therapies are mostly empirical and non-evidence based. AREAS COVERED Here, we conducted an electronic exploration of the PubMed database and selected 165 relevant studies directly correlated to SC treatment. Critical data from selected articles were synthesized to provide an update on pharmacotherapy in SC, which basically consists of three pillars: antibiotic, symptomatic and immunomodulant treatments. Moreover, since SC mostly affects females with recurrences occurring in pregnancy (chorea gravidarum), we focused on the management in pregnancy. EXPERT OPINION SC is still a major burden in developing countries. The first therapeutic strategy should be the primary prevention of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection. Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis should be performed in every SC patient as the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend. Symptomatic or immunomodulant treatments are administered according to clinical judgment. However, a greater effort to understand SC physiopathology is needed, together with larger trials, to outline appropriate therapeutic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bovenzi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Conti
- Neurology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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Depietri G, Carli N, Sica A, Oliviero D, Costagliola G, Striano P, Bonuccelli A, Frisone F, Peroni D, Consolini R, Foiadelli T, Orsini A. Therapeutic aspects of Sydenham's Chorea: an update. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 92:e2021414. [PMID: 35441610 PMCID: PMC9179053 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v92is4.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sydenham’s Chorea (SC) is a hyperkinetic movement disorder associated with neuropsychiatric manifestations. It is believed to be caused by the autoimmune response following a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis, and it is one of the major diagnostic criteria for Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) diagnosis. Despite having been known and studied for centuries, there are still no standardized therapies or official guidelines for SC treatment, so that it is necessarily left to physicians’ clinical experience. Antibiotic treatment, symptomatic therapies, and immunomodulatory treatment are the three pillars upon which SC patients’ management is currently based, but they still lack a solid scientific basis. The aim of this writing is precisely to review the state of the art of SC’s treatment, with an overview of the advances made in the last 5 years. However, since the therapeutic uncertainties are a mere reflection of the severe gap of knowledge that concerns SC’s pathogenesis and manifestations, the importance of high-quality research studies based on homogenized methodologies, instruments, and measured outcomes will also be stressed. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Depietri
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa.
| | - Niccolo Carli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa.
| | - Attilio Sica
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa.
| | - Domenico Oliviero
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa.
| | - Giorgio Costagliola
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Dinogmi, Giannina Gaslini's. Istitute, University of Genoa, Italy.
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Flavia Frisone
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Diego Peroni
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Rita Consolini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Thomas Foiadelli
- Pediatric Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia.
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Italy.
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Teixeira AL, Vasconcelos LP, Nunes MDCP, Singer H. Sydenham's chorea: from pathophysiology to therapeutics. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:913-922. [PMID: 34353207 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1965883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sydenham's chorea is an autoimmune chorea emerging after a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection, i.e. a rheumatic chorea with or without the presence of carditis or arthritis. The disorder, defined by the presence of chorea, is also associated with cognitive and behavioral symptoms, including emotional lability, anxiety, depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The authors review the pathophysiology, clinical characteristics, and available evidence on therapeutic strategies, the latter including the secondary prevention of GABHS infections, reduction of chorea, and immune modulation. Sydenham's chorea has been regarded as a model for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders, however, the field is marked by conflicting results and controversies. Regarding therapeutics, there are limited high-quality interventional studies and the selection of treatment strategy often relies on the clinician's experience. A serial treatment algorithm is presented based upon the severity of clinical presentation and response to symptomatic pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio L Teixeira
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Graduation Program, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Institute of Education and Research, Santa Casa Bh, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Neuropsychiatry Program, Ut Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - Luiz P Vasconcelos
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Graduation Program, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira Nunes
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Graduation Program, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Harvey Singer
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine and Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Evaluation of clinical findings and treatment options of Sydenham chorea patients. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.804833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Direk M, Epcacan S, Epcacan Z, Yildirim DD, Okuyaz C. Efficacy of levetiracetam in the treatment of Sydenham chorea. Pediatr Int 2020; 62:1264-1268. [PMID: 32445412 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To study the effect of levetiracetam in treating Sydenham chorea. METHODS We retrospectively collected the data of 140 patients diagnosed with Sydenham chorea in the pediatric neurology and pediatric cardiology outpatient clinics of Van Training and Research Hospital between January 2010 and December 2018. RESULTS There were 140 patients, 102 (70%) of whom were girls, with mean age of onset 11.8 ± 2.7 years. Symptomatic treatment was initiated in all patients at the time of diagnosis; this medication was changed during follow up in 15 patients. The most frequently prescribed drugs were haloperidol and sodium (Na) valproate, and the most frequently discontinued one was haloperidol, due to side effects. The second-choice drug was most often levetiracetam. Clinical response often began within the first 2 weeks, with Na valproate (P = 0.002), within 4 weeks with carbamazepine (P = 0.037) but 1-6 months with haloperidol (P = 0.018) and levetiracetam (P = 0.008). Time to full remission was similar with Na valproate, carbamazepine, haloperidol, and levetiracetam (P = 0.276). Our study indicated that levetiracetam was as effective as the other commonly used drugs in the symptomatic treatment of Sydenham chorea. CONCLUSION Levetiracetam might be an option in the treatment of Sydenham chorea because of its acceptable effect and safety profile. This observation needs further support with evidence obtained through controlled and blinded trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Direk
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Serdar Epcacan
- Department of Pediatrics, Van Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Van, Turkey
| | - Zerrin Epcacan
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Van Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Van, Turkey
| | | | - Cetin Okuyaz
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
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Osman C, Jennings R, El-Ghariani K, Pinto A. Plasma exchange in neurological disease. Pract Neurol 2019; 20:92-99. [PMID: 31300488 DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2019-002336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Plasma exchange is a highly efficient technique to remove circulating autoantibodies and other humoral factors rapidly from the vascular compartment. It was the first effective acute treatment for peripheral disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis before intravenous immunoglobulin became available. The recent recognition of rapidly progressive severe antibody-mediated central nervous system disorders, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor encephalitis, has renewed interest in using plasma exchange for their acute treatment also. In this review we explain the principles and technical aspects of plasma exchange, review its current indications, and discuss the implications for its provision in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinar Osman
- Neurosciences, Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Khaled El-Ghariani
- Therapeutics and Tissue Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ashwin Pinto
- Neurosciences, Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton, UK
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13
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Risavi BL, Iszkula E, Yost B. Sydenham's Chorea. J Emerg Med 2019; 56:e119-e121. [PMID: 31003820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sydenham's chorea is the most common acquired movement disorder of adolescence. This clinical manifestation of acute rheumatic fever has a clear and documented relationship with Group A streptococcal infections. The symptoms are involuntary choreiform movements that can affect the face and all extremities. The pathophysiology remains unclear. CASE REPORT A 12-year-old female was brought to the emergency department with a 2-week history of involuntary muscle spasms of her right arm and leg. Her parents reported intermittent slurred speech and difficulty grasping utensils. Physical examination revealed an awake, alert, age-appropriate female with normal cranial nerves. Patient was found to have choreoathetoid movements on the right extremities with dystonia of right leg with ambulation. Neurology consultation, computed tomography of the head, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not show any acute pathology. Echocardiogram did show mild tricuspid regurgitation, suggestive of rheumatic fever. Anti-streptolysin O titer was markedly elevated, along with DNAse-B antibodies. The patient had marked improvement of movement disorder at just over 1 week later. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Sydenham's chorea is a rare but important movement disorder often related to Group A streptococcus and rheumatic fever. The incidence of rheumatic fever has been decreasing in North America but continues to be much more prevalent in developing countries as well as immigrant populations. This diagnosis is rare and can occasionally be misdiagnosed as a "fidgety" child or as a psychiatric manifestation. Sydenham's chorea is important to diagnose because acute treatment and prophylactic antibiotics can help improve symptoms and minimize cardiac damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Risavi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UPMC Hamot, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Erie, Pennsylvania
| | - Erik Iszkula
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UPMC Hamot, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Erie, Pennsylvania
| | - Bryan Yost
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UPMC Hamot, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Erie, Pennsylvania
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14
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Mohammad SS, Dale RC. Principles and approaches to the treatment of immune-mediated movement disorders. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2018; 22:292-300. [PMID: 29289523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Immune mediated movement disorders include movement disorders in the context of autoimmune encephalitis such as anti-NMDAR encephalitis, post-infectious autoimmune movement disorders such as Sydenham chorea, paraneoplastic autoimmune movement disorders such as opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome, and infection triggered conditions such as paediatric acute neuropsychiatric syndrome. This review focuses on the approach to treatment of immune mediated movement disorders, which requires an understanding of the immunopathogenesis, whether the disease is destructive or 'altering', and the natural history of disease. Factors that can influence outcome include the severity of disease, the delay before starting therapy, use of multimodal therapy and whether the course is monophasic or relapsing. Although the four main conditions listed above have different pathophysiological processes, there are general themes that broadly apply including: early diagnosis and treatment is better, minimise the severity of disease, escalate treatment if the patient is not responding to initial treatments, and minimise relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekeeb S Mohammad
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Australia; TY Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Russell C Dale
- The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre Westmead, University of Sydney, Australia.
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Dean SL, Singer HS. Treatment of Sydenham's Chorea: A Review of the Current Evidence. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 7:456. [PMID: 28589057 PMCID: PMC5459984 DOI: 10.7916/d8w95gj2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Sydenham’s chorea (SC), the neurologic manifestation of rheumatic fever, remains the most prevalent form of chorea in children. Suggested treatments of chorea in SC include prophylactic penicillin, symptomatic (antipsychotic and anticonvulsant) medications, and immunomodulatory therapy (steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and plasma exchange). In this manuscript, we undertook a systematic review of the published literature to examine the data supporting these therapeutic recommendations. Methods A search of PubMed, Embase, Psychinfo, and clinicaltrials.gov was conducted for publications pertaining to the treatment of SC/rheumatic chorea from 1956 to 2016. Results Penicillin prophylaxis appears to reduce the likelihood of further cardiac complications and the recurrence rate of chorea. Data on symptomatic therapy for chorea are limited to individual case reports or series and rare comparison studies. The efficacy of steroid use is supported by a single placebo-controlled study and several case series. Information on other immunomodulatory therapies such as IVIG and plasmapheresis are limited to a small number of reports and a single comparison study. Discussion Treatment decisions in SC are currently based on the treating physician’s clinical experience, the desire to avoid side effects, and the existence of only limited scientific evidence. Based on a review of the available literature, chorea often improves with symptomatic therapy and immunotherapy tends to be reserved for those who fail to respond. Steroids are beneficial; however, data using IVIG and plasmapheresis are very limited. Larger, well-controlled studies, using standardized assessment scales, are required if therapeutic decisions for SC are to be based on meaningful information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Dean
- Department of Child Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harvey S Singer
- Department of Child Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Utility of Plasmapheresis in Autoimmune-Mediated Encephalopathy in Children: Potentials and Challenges. Neurol Res Int 2016; 2016:7685807. [PMID: 27239341 PMCID: PMC4864542 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7685807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune-mediated encephalopathy in children continues to constitute a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in pediatric population. Utility and usefulness in this clinical setting of plasmapheresis have seldom been evaluated in current pediatric literature. Children with immune-mediated encephalopathies represent a uniquely different group among patients presenting to intensive care units or neurological services worldwide. Arriving at a final diagnosis is not an easy task for treating physicians. It is very crucial to consider early use of first-line immunotherapy modalities, save those children's lives and improve outcomes. Plasmapheresis is an emerging, potentially beneficial first-line therapy in such patients. However, indications, value, logistics, and procedural difficulties are often faced. This study is mainly meant to review the current knowledge in regard to the clinical value of plasmapheresis in children with immune-mediated encephalopathy.
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