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Nabar S, Fernandez J, Prakash V, Safder S. Gastrointestinal manifestations seen in pediatric patients diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:583-591. [PMID: 38504414 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12099] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects the fibers involved in cutaneous and visceral pain and temperature sensation and are a crucial part of the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic dysfunction secondary to SFN and autoimmune receptor antibodies is being increasingly recognized, and gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations include constipation, early satiety, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Enteric nervous system involvement may be a possible explanation of abnormal GI motility patterns seen in these patients. METHODS Children suspected to have SFN based on symptoms underwent skin biopsy at the Child Neurology clinic at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, which was processed at Therapath™ Neuropathology. SFN was diagnosed using epidermal nerve fiber density values that were below 5th percentile from the left distal leg (calf) as reported per Therapath™ laboratory. RESULTS Twenty-six patients were diagnosed with SFN. Retrospective chart review was performed, including demographic data, clinical characteristics, and evaluation. A majority of patients were white adolescent females. Autonomic dysfunction, including orthostasis and temperature dysregulation were seen in 61.5% of patients (p = 0.124). Somatosensory symptoms, including pain or numbness were seen in 85% of patients (p < 0.001). GI symptoms were present in 85% of patients (p < 0.001) with constipation being the most common symptom seen in 50% of patients. This correlated with the motility testing results. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric patients with SFN commonly have GI symptoms, which may be the main presenting symptom. It is important to recognize and look for symptoms of small fiber neuropathy in children with refractory GI symptoms that may explain multisystemic complaints often seen in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Nabar
- Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jenelle Fernandez
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Vikram Prakash
- Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children Neurology, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Shaista Safder
- Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
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Villagrán-García M, Farina A, Campetella L, Arzalluz-Luque J, Honnorat J. Autonomic nervous system involvement in autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:107-116. [PMID: 38142198 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
In autoimmune neurological diseases, the autonomic nervous system can be the primary target of autoimmunity (e.g. autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy), or, more frequently, be damaged together with other areas of the nervous system (e.g. Guillain-Barré syndrome). Patients with autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) often develop dysautonomia; however, the frequency and spectrum of autonomic signs and symptoms remain ill defined except for those scenarios in which dysautonomia is a core feature of the disease. Such is the case of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, Morvan syndrome or anti-NMDAR encephalitis; in the latter, patients with dysautonomia have been reported to carry a more severe disease and to retain higher disability than those without autonomic dysfunction. Likewise, the presence of autonomic involvement indicates a higher risk of death due to neurological cause in patients with anti-Hu PNS. However, in anti-Hu and other PNS, as well as in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitors' toxicities, the characterization of autonomic involvement is frequently overshadowed by the severity of other neurological symptoms and signs. When evaluated with tests specific for autonomic function, patients with autoimmune encephalitis or PNS usually show a more widespread autonomic involvement than clinically suggested, which may reflect a potential gap of care when it comes to diagnosing dysautonomia. This review aims to revise the autonomic involvement in patients with autoimmune encephalitis and PNS, using for that purpose an antibody-based approach. We also discuss and provide general recommendations for the evaluation and management of dysautonomia in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Villagrán-García
- French Reference Centre on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, hôpital neurologique, Bron, France; Inserm U1314, MeLiS-UCBL-CNRS UMR 5284, University Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - A Farina
- French Reference Centre on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, hôpital neurologique, Bron, France; Inserm U1314, MeLiS-UCBL-CNRS UMR 5284, University Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Campetella
- French Reference Centre on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, hôpital neurologique, Bron, France; Inserm U1314, MeLiS-UCBL-CNRS UMR 5284, University Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - J Arzalluz-Luque
- French Reference Centre on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, hôpital neurologique, Bron, France; Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla, Spain
| | - J Honnorat
- French Reference Centre on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, hôpital neurologique, Bron, France; Inserm U1314, MeLiS-UCBL-CNRS UMR 5284, University Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
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Carmona-Torre F, Mínguez-Olaondo A, López-Bravo A, Tijero B, Grozeva V, Walcker M, Azkune-Galparsoro H, López de Munain A, Alcaide AB, Quiroga J, Del Pozo JL, Gómez-Esteban JC. Dysautonomia in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review on Clinical Course, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies. Front Neurol 2022; 13:886609. [PMID: 35720084 PMCID: PMC9198643 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.886609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization sounded the COVID-19 pandemic alarm. While efforts in the first few months focused on reducing the mortality of infected patients, there is increasing data on the effects of long-term infection (Post-COVID-19 condition). Among the different symptoms described after acute infection, those derived from autonomic dysfunction are especially frequent and limiting. Objective To conduct a narrative review synthesizing current evidence of the signs and symptoms of dysautonomia in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, together with a compilation of available treatment guidelines. Results Autonomic dysfunction associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs at different temporal stages. Some of the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms include direct tissue damage, immune dysregulation, hormonal disturbances, elevated cytokine levels, and persistent low-grade infection. Acute autonomic dysfunction has a direct impact on the mortality risk, given its repercussions on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. Iatrogenic autonomic dysfunction is a side effect caused by the drugs used and/or admission to the intensive care unit. Finally, late dysautonomia occurs in 2.5% of patients with Post-COVID-19 condition. While orthostatic hypotension and neurally-mediated syncope should be considered, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) appears to be the most common autonomic phenotype among these patients. A review of diagnostic and treatment guidelines focused on each type of dysautonomic condition was done. Conclusion Symptoms deriving from autonomic dysfunction involvement are common in those affected by COVID-19. These symptoms have a great impact on the quality of life both in the short and medium to long term. A better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of Post-COVID manifestations that affect the autonomic nervous system, and targeted therapeutic management could help reduce the sequelae of COVID-19, especially if we act in the earliest phases of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Carmona-Torre
- Infectious Disease Service, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,COVID-19 Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Immune and Infectious Inflammatory Diseases Research, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ane Mínguez-Olaondo
- Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain.,ATHENEA Neuroclinics, Policlínica Gipuzkoa Grupo Quironsalud, Donostia, Spain.,Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba López-Bravo
- Neurology Department, Hospital Reina Sofía de Tudela-OSASUNBIDEA, Tudela, Spain.,Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS-A), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Beatriz Tijero
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Neurodegenerative Diseases Group Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Neurology Department, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Michaela Walcker
- ATHENEA Neuroclinics, Policlínica Gipuzkoa Grupo Quironsalud, Donostia, Spain
| | - Harkaitz Azkune-Galparsoro
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Infectious Disease Department, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain.,ATHENEA Neuroclinics, Policlínica Gipuzkoa Grupo Quironsalud, Donostia, Spain.,Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana Belen Alcaide
- COVID-19 Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Pulmonary Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jorge Quiroga
- COVID-19 Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Immune and Infectious Inflammatory Diseases Research, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.,Internal Medicine Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Del Pozo
- Infectious Disease Service, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,COVID-19 Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Immune and Infectious Inflammatory Diseases Research, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Gómez-Esteban
- ATHENEA Neuroclinics, Policlínica Gipuzkoa Grupo Quironsalud, Donostia, Spain.,Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Neurodegenerative Diseases Group Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Neurology Department, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Kornum DS, Terkelsen AJ, Bertoli D, Klinge MW, Høyer KL, Kufaishi HHA, Borghammer P, Drewes AM, Brock C, Krogh K. Assessment of Gastrointestinal Autonomic Dysfunction: Present and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071392. [PMID: 33807256 PMCID: PMC8037288 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system delicately regulates the function of several target organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, nerve lesions or other nerve pathologies may cause autonomic dysfunction (AD). Some of the most common causes of AD are diabetes mellitus and α-synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease. Widespread dysmotility throughout the gastrointestinal tract is a common finding in AD, but no commercially available method exists for direct verification of enteric dysfunction. Thus, assessing segmental enteric physiological function is recommended to aid diagnostics and guide treatment. Several established assessment methods exist, but disadvantages such as lack of standardization, exposure to radiation, advanced data interpretation, or high cost, limit their utility. Emerging methods, including high-resolution colonic manometry, 3D-transit, advanced imaging methods, analysis of gut biopsies, and microbiota, may all assist in the evaluation of gastroenteropathy related to AD. This review provides an overview of established and emerging assessment methods of physiological function within the gut and assessment methods of autonomic neuropathy outside the gut, especially in regards to clinical performance, strengths, and limitations for each method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte S. Kornum
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (M.W.K.); (K.L.H.); (K.K.)
- Steno Diabetes Centre Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, DK8200 Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| | - Astrid J. Terkelsen
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Davide Bertoli
- Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, DK9100 Aalborg, Denmark; (D.B.); (A.M.D.); (C.B.)
| | - Mette W. Klinge
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (M.W.K.); (K.L.H.); (K.K.)
| | - Katrine L. Høyer
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (M.W.K.); (K.L.H.); (K.K.)
- Steno Diabetes Centre Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, DK8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Huda H. A. Kufaishi
- Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, DK2820 Gentofte, Denmark;
| | - Per Borghammer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET-Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, DK8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Asbjørn M. Drewes
- Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, DK9100 Aalborg, Denmark; (D.B.); (A.M.D.); (C.B.)
- Steno Diabetes Centre North Jutland, Aalborg University Hospital, DK9100 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Christina Brock
- Mech-Sense, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, DK9100 Aalborg, Denmark; (D.B.); (A.M.D.); (C.B.)
- Steno Diabetes Centre North Jutland, Aalborg University Hospital, DK9100 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Klaus Krogh
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (M.W.K.); (K.L.H.); (K.K.)
- Steno Diabetes Centre Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, DK8200 Aarhus, Denmark
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