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Yang YL, Lee HF, Chi CS, Tsai CR, Wu PY, Liu SN. Cerebellar atrophy in genetic epileptic encephalopathies: A cohort study and a systematic review. Seizure 2024; 120:41-48. [PMID: 38897163 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.06.013] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze cerebellar atrophy in genetic epileptic encephalopathies (EEs). METHODS This research included a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 2016 to December 2023 and a systematic review on cerebellar atrophy in genetic EEs. Pediatric individuals who were diagnosed with EEs based on electroclinical features, carried causative gene variants, and exhibited cerebellar atrophy were recruited. Electroclinical features, neuroimaging findings, and causative variants of eligible individuals were analyzed. RESULTS The cohort study showed 10 of 67 pediatric individuals (10/67; 15 %) who were diagnosed with genetic EEs had cerebellar atrophy; and 6 of the 10 individuals (6/10; 60 %) exhibited cerebellar signs. Diagnostic delay between the detection of cerebellar atrophy and the identification of genetic diagnosis existed in 6 individuals (6/10; 60 %) and the median duration was 4.4 years. A total of 32 genes, including 31 genes from the literature review and a newly identified SCN2A gene in this cohort, were reported associated with cerebellar atrophy in genetic EEs. Twenty-six genes (26/32; 81 %) accounted for cerebellar atrophy associated with other brain anomalies and 6 genes (6/32; 19 %) caused isolated cerebellar atrophy. Twenty-five genes (25/32; 78 %) showed late-onset cerebellar atrophy identified after the age of 1 year old. CONCLUSION Cerebellar atrophy is not uncommon in genetic EEs and may serve as an indicator for molecular diagnosis in clinical practice. To shorten the diagnostic delay, follow-up neuroimaging study is crucial because of high rate of clinico-radiological dissociation and late-onset cerebellar atrophy in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Lun Yang
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 1650, Taiwan Boulevard Sec. 4, Taichung 407, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Fen Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 1650, Taiwan Boulevard Sec. 4, Taichung 407, Taiwan; Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, 145, Xingda Rd., Taichung 402, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Shiang Chi
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 1650, Taiwan Boulevard Sec. 4, Taichung 407, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ren Tsai
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 1650, Taiwan Boulevard Sec. 4, Taichung 407, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yu Wu
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 1650, Taiwan Boulevard Sec. 4, Taichung 407, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ning Liu
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, 1650, Taiwan Boulevard Sec. 4, Taichung 407, Taiwan
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Amin S, Møller RS, Aledo‐Serrano A, Arzimanoglou A, Bager P, Jóźwiak S, Kluger GJ, López‐Cabeza S, Nabbout R, Partridge C, Schubert‐Bast S, Specchio N, Kälviäinen R. Providing quality care for people with CDKL5 deficiency disorder: A European expert panel opinion on the patient journey. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:832-849. [PMID: 38450883 PMCID: PMC11145618 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12914] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by variants in the CDKL5 gene. The disorder is characterized by intractable early-onset seizures, severe neurodevelopmental delay, hypotonia, motor disabilities, cerebral (cortical) visual impairment and microcephaly. With no disease-modifying therapies available for CDD, treatment is symptomatic with an initial focus on seizure control. Another unmet need in the management of people with CDD is the lack of evidence to aid standardized care and guideline development. To address this gap, experts in CDD and representatives from patient advocacy groups from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom convened to form an Expert Working Group. The aim was to provide an expert opinion consensus on how to ensure quality care in routine clinical practice within the European setting, including in settings with limited experience or resources for multidisciplinary care of CDD and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. By means of one-to-one interviews around the current treatment landscape in CDD, insights from the Expert Working Group were collated and developed into a Europe-specific patient journey for individuals with CDD, which was later validated by the group. Further discussions followed to gain consensus of opinions on challenges and potential solutions for achieving quality care in this setting. The panel recognized the benefit of early genetic testing, a holistic personalized approach to seizure control (taking into consideration various factors such as concomitant medications and comorbidities), and age- and comorbidity-dependent multidisciplinary care for optimizing patient outcomes and quality of life. However, their insights and experiences also highlighted much disparity in management approaches and resources across different European countries. Development of standardized European recommendations is required to align realistic diagnostic criteria, treatment goals, and management approaches that can be adapted for different settings. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare condition caused by a genetic mutation with a broad range of symptoms apparent from early childhood, including epileptic seizures that do not respond to medication and severe delays in development. Due to the lack of guidance on managing CDD, international experts and patient advocates discussed best practices in the care of people with CDD in Europe. The panel agreed that early testing, a personalized approach to managing seizures, and access to care from different disciplines are beneficial. Development of guidelines to ensure that care is standardized would also be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Amin
- University Hospitals BristolBristolUK
| | - Rikke S. Møller
- The Danish Epilepsy Centre, FiladelfiaDianalundDenmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Angel Aledo‐Serrano
- Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University HospitalVithas Hospital GroupMadridSpain
| | | | | | | | - Gerhard Josef Kluger
- Epilepsy Center for Children and AdolescentsVogtareuthGermany
- Paracelsus Medical University SalzburgSalzburgAustria
| | | | - Rima Nabbout
- Necker‐Enfants Malades HospitalUniversité Paris Cité, Imagine InstituteParisFrance
| | | | - Susanne Schubert‐Bast
- Center of Neurology and NeurosurgeryEpilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine‐MainGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
- LOEWE Center for Personalized and Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER)Goethe‐UniversityFrankfurt am MainGermany
- University Children's HospitalGoethe‐University and University Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurt am MainGermany
| | | | - Reetta Kälviäinen
- University of Eastern Finland and Epilepsy CenterKuopio University HospitalKuopioFinland
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Makio T, Simmen T. Not So Rare: Diseases Based on Mutant Proteins Controlling Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Contact (MERC) Tethering. CONTACT (THOUSAND OAKS (VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.)) 2024; 7:25152564241261228. [PMID: 39070058 PMCID: PMC11273598 DOI: 10.1177/25152564241261228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contacts (MERCs), also called endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria contact sites (ERMCS), are the membrane domains, where these two organelles exchange lipids, Ca2+ ions, and reactive oxygen species. This crosstalk is a major determinant of cell metabolism, since it allows the ER to control mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and the Krebs cycle, while conversely, it allows the mitochondria to provide sufficient ATP to control ER proteostasis. MERC metabolic signaling is under the control of tethers and a multitude of regulatory proteins. Many of these proteins have recently been discovered to give rise to rare diseases if their genes are mutated. Surprisingly, these diseases share important hallmarks and cause neurological defects, sometimes paired with, or replaced by skeletal muscle deficiency. Typical symptoms include developmental delay, intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism and ophthalmologic defects. Seizures, epilepsy, deafness, ataxia, or peripheral neuropathy can also occur upon mutation of a MERC protein. Given that most MERC tethers and regulatory proteins have secondary functions, some MERC protein-based diseases do not fit into this categorization. Typically, however, the proteins affected in those diseases have dominant functions unrelated to their roles in MERCs tethering or their regulation. We are discussing avenues to pharmacologically target genetic diseases leading to MERC defects, based on our novel insight that MERC defects lead to common characteristics in rare diseases. These shared characteristics of MERCs disorders raise the hope that they may allow for similar treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Makio
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Thomas Simmen
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Furley K, Mehra C, Goin-Kochel RP, Fahey MC, Hunter MF, Williams K, Absoud M. Developmental regression in children: Current and future directions. Cortex 2023; 169:5-17. [PMID: 37839389 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.09.001] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Developmental regression describes when a child loses previously established skills, such as the ability to speak words and is most recognised in neurodevelopmental conditions including Autism; Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathies, such as Landau Kleffner syndrome, and genetic conditions such as Rett syndrome and Phelan McDermid syndrome. Although studies have reported developmental regression for over 100 years, there remain significant knowledge gaps within and between conditions that feature developmental regression. The certainty of evidence from earlier work has been limited by condition-specific studies, retrospective methodology, and inconsistency in the definitions and measures used for classification. Given prior limitations in the field, there is a paucity of knowledge about neurocognitive mechanisms, trajectories and outcomes for children with developmental regression, and their families. Here we provide a comprehensive overview, synthesise key definitions, clinical measures, and aetiological clues associated with developmental regression and discuss impacts on caregiver physical and mental health to clarify challenges and highlight future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Furley
- Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Chirag Mehra
- Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK; Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Robin P Goin-Kochel
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, United States; Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics & Autism, Texas Children's Hospital, United States
| | - Michael C Fahey
- Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew F Hunter
- Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Absoud
- Children's Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK; Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK.
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