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Smeets N, Gheldof A, Dequeker B, Poleur M, Maldonado Slootjes S, Van Parijs V, Deconinck N, Dontaine P, Alonso-Jimenez A, De Bleecker J, De Ridder W, Herdewyn S, Paquay S, Vanlander A, De Waele L, Peirens G, Beysen D, Claeys KG, Dubuisson N, Hansen I, Remiche G, Seneca S, Bissay V, Régal L. Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes in Belgium: Genetic and Clinical Characterization of Pediatric and Adult Patients. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 158:57-65. [PMID: 38964204 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.06.002] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of genetic disorders characterized by impaired neuromuscular transmission. CMS typically present at a young age with fatigable muscle weakness, often with an abnormal response after repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS). Pharmacologic treatment can improve symptoms, depending on the underlying defect. Prevalence is likely underestimated. This study reports on patients with CMS followed in Belgium in 2022. METHODS Data were gathered retrospectively from the medical charts. Only likely pathogenic and pathogenic variants were included in the analysis. RESULTS We identified 37 patients, resulting in an estimated prevalence of 3.19 per 1,000,000. The patients harbored pathogenic variants in CHRNE, RAPSN, DOK7, PREPL, CHRNB1, CHRNG, COLQ, MUSK, CHRND, GFPT1, and GMPPB. CHRNE was the most commonly affected gene. Most patients showed disease onset at birth, during infancy, or during childhood. Symptom onset was at adult age in seven patients, caused by variants in CHRNE, DOK7, MUSK, CHRND, and GMPPB. Severity and distribution of weakness varied, as did the presence of respiratory involvement, feeding problems, and extraneuromuscular manifestations. RNS was performed in 23 patients of whom 18 demonstrated a pathologic decrement. Most treatment responses were predictable based on the genotype. CONCLUSIONS This is the first pooled characterization of patients with CMS in Belgium. We broaden the phenotypical spectrum of pathogenic variants in CHRNE with adult-onset CMS. Systematically documenting larger cohorts of patients with CMS can aid in better clinical characterization and earlier recognition of this rare disease. We emphasize the importance of establishing a molecular genetic diagnosis to tailor treatment choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Smeets
- Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Alexander Gheldof
- Center of Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Dequeker
- Center of Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Margaux Poleur
- University Department of Neurology, Citadelle Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Vinciane Van Parijs
- Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Deconinck
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Queen Fabiola Children's University Hospital, Université Libre De Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline Dontaine
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Queen Fabiola Children's University Hospital, Université Libre De Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alicia Alonso-Jimenez
- Department of Neurology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan De Bleecker
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Willem De Ridder
- Department of Neurology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Herdewyn
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Paquay
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Vanlander
- Department of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth De Waele
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geertrui Peirens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diane Beysen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kristl G Claeys
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Muscle Diseases and Neuropathies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dubuisson
- Department of Neurology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Hansen
- Department of Neurology, University of Liège, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gauthier Remiche
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles - Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Seneca
- Center of Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Véronique Bissay
- NEUR Research Group and Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Régal
- Child Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Kastreva K, Chamova T, Blagoeva S, Bichev S, Mihaylova V, Meyer S, Thompson R, Cherninkova S, Guergueltcheva V, Lochmuller H, Tournev I. Characterization of Clinical Phenotypes in Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome Associated with the c.1327delG Frameshift Mutation in CHRNE Encoding the Acetylcholine Receptor Epsilon Subunit. J Neuromuscul Dis 2024:JND230235. [PMID: 38995797 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-230235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of rare but often treatable inherited disorders of neuromuscular transmission characterized by fatigable skeletal muscle weakness. In this paper we present the largest phenotypic analysis to date of a cohort of patients carrying the pathogenic variant c.1327delG in the CHRNE gene, leading to CHRNE-CMS. Objective This study aims to identify the phenotypic variability in CMS associated with c.1327delG mutation in the CHRNE gene. Methods Disease specific symptoms were assessed using specific standardized tests for autoimmune myasthenia (Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score) as well as patient-reported scales for symptom severity. Evaluated clinical manifestations included ocular symptoms (ophthalmoparesis and ptosis), bulbar weakness, axial muscle weakness, proximal and distal muscle weakness, and respiratory function. Patients were allocated into three groups according to clinical impression of disease severity: mild, moderate, and severe. Results We studied 91 Bulgarian Roma patients, carrying the same causative homozygous CHRNE c.1327delG mutation. Bulbar weakness was present in patients throughout all levels of severity of CHRNE-CMS in this study. However, difficulties in eating and swallowing are more prominent characteristics in the moderate and severe clinical phenotypes. Diplopia and ptosis resulting from fatigue of the extraocular muscles were permanent features regardless of disease severity or age. Levels of axial, proximal and distal muscle weakness were variable between disease groups. The statistical analysis showed significant differences between the patients in the three groups, emphasizing a possible variation in symptom manifestation in the evaluated patient population despite the disease originating from the same genetic mutation. Impairment of respiratory function was more prominent in severely affected patients, which might result from loss of compensatory muscle function in those individuals. Conclusion Results from our study indicate significant phenotypic heterogeneity leading to mild, moderate, or severe clinical manifestation in CHRNE-CMS, despite the genotypic homogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Kastreva
- Department of Neurology, Expert Centre for Hereditary Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Sofia, Bulgaria
- Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Teodora Chamova
- Department of Neurology, Expert Centre for Hereditary Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Sofia, Bulgaria
- Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stanislava Blagoeva
- Department of Neurology, Expert Centre for Hereditary Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stoyan Bichev
- National Genetics Laboratory, University Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology - "Maichin Dom"
| | | | - Stefanie Meyer
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel Thompson
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sylvia Cherninkova
- Department of Neurology, Expert Centre for Hereditary Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Velina Guergueltcheva
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital "SofiaMed", Sofia, Bulgaria
- Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Hanns Lochmuller
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ivailo Tournev
- Department of Neurology, Expert Centre for Hereditary Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Sofia, Bulgaria
- Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology, New Bulgarian University, Sofia, Bulgaria
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3
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Núñez-Carpintero I, Rigau M, Bosio M, O'Connor E, Spendiff S, Azuma Y, Topf A, Thompson R, 't Hoen PAC, Chamova T, Tournev I, Guergueltcheva V, Laurie S, Beltran S, Capella-Gutiérrez S, Cirillo D, Lochmüller H, Valencia A. Rare disease research workflow using multilayer networks elucidates the molecular determinants of severity in Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1227. [PMID: 38418480 PMCID: PMC10902324 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45099-0] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Exploring the molecular basis of disease severity in rare disease scenarios is a challenging task provided the limitations on data availability. Causative genes have been described for Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes (CMS), a group of diverse minority neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders; yet a molecular explanation for the phenotypic severity differences remains unclear. Here, we present a workflow to explore the functional relationships between CMS causal genes and altered genes from each patient, based on multilayer network community detection analysis of complementary biomedical information provided by relevant data sources, namely protein-protein interactions, pathways and metabolomics. Our results show that CMS severity can be ascribed to the personalized impairment of extracellular matrix components and postsynaptic modulators of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering. This work showcases how coupling multilayer network analysis with personalized -omics information provides molecular explanations to the varying severity of rare diseases; paving the way for sorting out similar cases in other rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iker Núñez-Carpintero
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Rigau
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mattia Bosio
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Coordination Unit Spanish National Bioinformatics Institute (INB/ELIXIR-ES), Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emily O'Connor
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sally Spendiff
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yoshiteru Azuma
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Ana Topf
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Thompson
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Peter A C 't Hoen
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Teodora Chamova
- Department of Neurology, Expert Centre for Hereditary Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, Alexandrovska University Hospital, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivailo Tournev
- Department of Neurology, Expert Centre for Hereditary Neurologic and Metabolic Disorders, Alexandrovska University Hospital, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology, New Bulgarian University, Sofia, 1618, Bulgaria
| | - Velina Guergueltcheva
- Clinic of Neurology, University Hospital Sofiamed, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Steven Laurie
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sergi Beltran
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Capella-Gutiérrez
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Coordination Unit Spanish National Bioinformatics Institute (INB/ELIXIR-ES), Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Davide Cirillo
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alfonso Valencia
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Plaça Eusebi Güell, 1-3, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Coordination Unit Spanish National Bioinformatics Institute (INB/ELIXIR-ES), Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
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Wiendl H, Abicht A, Chan A, Della Marina A, Hagenacker T, Hekmat K, Hoffmann S, Hoffmann HS, Jander S, Keller C, Marx A, Melms A, Melzer N, Müller-Felber W, Pawlitzki M, Rückert JC, Schneider-Gold C, Schoser B, Schreiner B, Schroeter M, Schubert B, Sieb JP, Zimprich F, Meisel A. Guideline for the management of myasthenic syndromes. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231213240. [PMID: 38152089 PMCID: PMC10752078 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231213240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG), Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), and congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) represent an etiologically heterogeneous group of (very) rare chronic diseases. MG and LEMS have an autoimmune-mediated etiology, while CMS are genetic disorders. A (strain dependent) muscle weakness due to neuromuscular transmission disorder is a common feature. Generalized MG requires increasingly differentiated therapeutic strategies that consider the enormous therapeutic developments of recent years. To include the newest therapy recommendations, a comprehensive update of the available German-language guideline 'Diagnostics and therapy of myasthenic syndromes' has been published by the German Neurological society with the aid of an interdisciplinary expert panel. This paper is an adapted translation of the updated and partly newly developed treatment guideline. It defines the rapid achievement of complete disease control in myasthenic patients as a central treatment goal. The use of standard therapies, as well as modern immunotherapeutics, is subject to a staged regimen that takes into account autoantibody status and disease activity. With the advent of modern, fast-acting immunomodulators, disease activity assessment has become pivotal and requires evaluation of the clinical course, including severity and required therapies. Applying MG-specific scores and classifications such as Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living, Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis, and Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America allows differentiation between mild/moderate and (highly) active (including refractory) disease. Therapy decisions must consider age, thymic pathology, antibody status, and disease activity. Glucocorticosteroids and the classical immunosuppressants (primarily azathioprine) are the basic immunotherapeutics to treat mild/moderate to (highly) active generalized MG/young MG and ocular MG. Thymectomy is indicated as a treatment for thymoma-associated MG and generalized MG with acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab)-positive status. In (highly) active generalized MG, complement inhibitors (currently eculizumab and ravulizumab) or neonatal Fc receptor modulators (currently efgartigimod) are recommended for AChR-Ab-positive status and rituximab for muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK)-Ab-positive status. Specific treatment for myasthenic crises requires plasmapheresis, immunoadsorption, or IVIG. Specific aspects of ocular, juvenile, and congenital myasthenia are highlighted. The guideline will be further developed based on new study results for other immunomodulators and biomarkers that aid the accurate measurement of disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Angela Abicht
- Friedrich-Baur-Institut an der Neurologischen Klinik und Poliklinik, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew Chan
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adela Della Marina
- Klinik für Kinderheilkunde I, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Sarah Hoffmann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Jander
- Klinik für Neurologie, Marien Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Keller
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Arthur Melms
- Facharztpraxis für Neurologie und Psychiatrie, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nico Melzer
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik im Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Pawlitzki
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Benedikt Schoser
- Friedrich-Baur-Institut an der Neurologischen Klinik und Poliklinik, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Schreiner
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Schroeter
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Uniklinik Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Fritz Zimprich
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, AKH-Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Berlin, Germany
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Mukhtiar K, Raza M, Tejani I, Ali F, Ibrahim S. Diagnostic dilemmas and challenges in the management of myasthenia in infants and toddlers: A case report. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2023; 11:2050313X231211047. [PMID: 38022851 PMCID: PMC10631333 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x231211047] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia in the infancy and toddler age group is rare and often presents a challenge to treating pediatric neurologists. Our report addresses the challenges encountered when distinguishing myasthenia in infants and toddlers from similar illnesses, as well as the differentiation between congenital myasthenia, transient myasthenia, and autoimmune myasthenia. We present four cases of myasthenia between the ages of 10 and 30 months. The diagnosis and management of these cases were challenging due to the variability in clinical presentation. Four cases of myasthenia were diagnosed, with three having autoimmune myasthenia and one having congenital myasthenic syndrome. One patient initially tested negative for acetylcholine receptor antibodies, but later tested positive after 4 months and had a rare facial diplegia finding. The patient with congenital myasthenic syndrome had a novel genetic mutation, DPAGT1 homozygous variants, and also had false positive acetylcholine receptor antibodies. These cases highlight the importance of genetic testing for all infants and toddlers suspected of having myasthenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairunnisa Mukhtiar
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Raza
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Farhan Ali
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shahnaz Ibrahim
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Section of Pediatric Neurology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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6
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Orriëns LB, Eker D, Braakman HMH, Merkus PJFM, Erasmus CE. Recognising symptoms of congenital myasthenic syndromes in children: A guide for paediatricians. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:2434-2439. [PMID: 37551152 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a rare and diverse group of treatable neuromuscular transmission disorders. Diagnosis is often substantially delayed. This study aimed to identify common symptoms of CMS in children and their manifestation to aid diagnosis and early intervention. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study, including 18 children (median age 13 years, range 9 years 5 months-18 years 0 month) with CMS. Data on CMS symptoms and their manifestation were extracted from patients' charts and supplemented with parental telephone interviews. Descriptive analyses were used to identify common symptoms. RESULTS A median diagnostic delay of 4 years and 7 months (interquartile range: 51 months) was observed. Proximal muscle weakness (100%), ptosis (89%), clumsy gait (82%), difficulty eating solid foods (78%) and recurrent respiratory tract infections (72%) were most common in these patients. Symptoms mostly co-occurred and frequently had a fluctuating character, aggravated by infections or fatigue. CONCLUSION Early referral to diagnose CMS is crucial to enable timely initiation of treatment. Heightened attention to a combination of symptoms related to muscle weakness, rather than individual symptoms, should support paediatricians in flagging these neuromuscular disorders. Medical history taking should be tailored to parents' perceptions, asking questions about recognisable symptoms of muscle weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn B Orriëns
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Paediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dilan Eker
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Paediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M H Braakman
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Paediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J F M Merkus
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Paediatric Pulmonology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Corrie E Erasmus
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Paediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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7
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Kaya O, Kirik S. Can Scoliosis Help the Early Diagnosis of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome? Cureus 2023; 15:e45875. [PMID: 37766777 PMCID: PMC10520996 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of hereditary diseases of the neuromuscular junction. CMS are extremely rare diseases that cause hypotonia; however, scoliosis may theoretically be helpful in early diagnosis of CMS. The objective of this study was to emphasize the clinical features of the patients we followed up with the diagnosis of CMS and demonstrate that scoliosis is an important finding in the diagnosis of CMS in the presence of hypotonia/weakness. Materials and methods In this retrospective study, data were retrieved by examining the digital files of the patients who presented to Aydın Maternity and Children's Hospital and Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital Pediatric Neurology Clinics between 2018 and 2023. The diagnosis of CMS was strongly supported by a combination of clinical characteristics, neurophysiological studies, genetic tests, AChR antibodies, and serum creatine kinase measurement. The presence of scoliosis was evaluated by an orthopedics and traumatology specialist. Results Eleven CMS patients with accompanying scoliosis were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 69.4±39.28 months. The age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 42.7±35.19 months. Among the patients, eight were males (72.7%), and three were females (27.2%). Seven patients (63.6%) had COLQ mutations. Electromyography was conducted on eight patients, with one of them showing no pathological findings, while seven exhibited decremental responses. All patients had ptosis, while six (54.5%) had bulbar signs. Ten patients (90.9%) had weakness. Nine patients (81.8%) experienced frequent recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Both the patient with CHAT mutation and RAPSN mutation had arthrogryposis. Conclusion In this study, CMS stands out as an essential consideration in the differential diagnosis, particularly when scoliosis accompanies early-onset muscle weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oğuz Kaya
- Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Elazığ, TUR
| | - Serkan Kirik
- Pediatric Neurology, Fırat University School of Medicine, Elazığ, TUR
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Spendiff S, Dong Y, Maggi L, Rodríguez Cruz PM, Beeson D, Lochmüller H. 260th ENMC International Workshop: Congenital myasthenic syndromes 11-13 March 2022, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. Neuromuscul Disord 2023; 33:111-118. [PMID: 36609117 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Spendiff
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Yin Dong
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Pedro M Rodríguez Cruz
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Human Genetics, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - David Beeson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada; Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany; Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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9
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De Rose DU, Ronci S, Caoci S, Maddaloni C, Diodato D, Catteruccia M, Fattori F, Bosco L, Pro S, Savarese I, Bersani I, Randi F, Trozzi M, Meucci D, Calzolari F, Salvatori G, Solinas A, Dotta A, Campi F. Vocal Cord Paralysis and Feeding Difficulties as Early Diagnostic Clues of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome with Neonatal Onset: A Case Report and Review of Literature. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13050798. [PMID: 37240968 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13050798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, we present a newborn female with congenital vocal cord paralysis who required a tracheostomy in the neonatal period. She also presented with feeding difficulties. She was later diagnosed with a clinical picture of congenital myasthenia, associated with three variants of the MUSK gene: the 27-month follow-up was described. In particular, the c.565C>T variant is novel and has never been described in the literature; it causes the insertion of a premature stop codon (p.Arg189Ter) likely leading to a consequent formation of a truncated nonfunctioning protein. We also systematically collected and summarized information on patients' characteristics of previous cases of congenital myasthenia with neonatal onset reported in the literature to date, and we compared them to our case. The literature reported 155 neonatal cases before our case, from 1980 to March 2022. Of 156 neonates with CMS, nine (5.8%) had vocal cord paralysis, whereas 111 (71.2%) had feeding difficulties. Ocular features were evident in 99 infants (63.5%), whereas facial-bulbar symptoms were found in 115 infants (73.7%). In one hundred sixteen infants (74.4%), limbs were involved. Respiratory problems were displayed by 97 infants (62.2%). The combination of congenital stridor, particularly in the presence of an apparently idiopathic bilateral vocal cord paralysis, and poor coordination between sucking and swallowing may indicate an underlying congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). Therefore, we suggest testing infants with vocal cord paralysis and feeding difficulties for MUSK and related genes to avoid a late diagnosis of CMS and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Ronci
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Caoci
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Maddaloni
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Daria Diodato
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Catteruccia
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Fattori
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bosco
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Pro
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Immacolata Savarese
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Iliana Bersani
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Randi
- Neurosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Trozzi
- Airway Surgery Unit, Pediatric Surgery Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Duino Meucci
- Airway Surgery Unit, Pediatric Surgery Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Calzolari
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Salvatori
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Agostina Solinas
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Sant'Anna Hospital of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Dotta
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Campi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
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10
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Horibe T, Shimomura H, Tokunaga S, Taniguchi N, Lee T, Kimura S, Takeshima Y. A Pediatric Case of COLQ-Related Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome with Marked Fatigue. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050769. [PMID: 37238317 DOI: 10.3390/children10050769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous inherited disorder that is treatable. Although the disease usually develops at birth or during infancy, some patients develop the disease in the second to third decades of life. Collagen-like tail subunit of asymmetric acetylcholinesterase (COLQ)-related CMS is CMS with mutations in the COLQ, which results in end-plate acetylcholinesterase deficiency. Diagnostic delay is common in patients with later-onset CMS due to slow progression and fluctuating symptoms. Understanding CMS with atypical and unusual presentations is important to treat this condition effectively. Here, we report a case of COLQ-related CMS. A 10-year-old girl presented with only marked fatigue, which was provoked by exercise but improved after 30-60 min of rest. While motor nerve conduction velocity was normal, a compound muscle action potential (CMAP) with four peaks was recorded. Repetitive stimulation of the accessory nerve exhibited a decrease in CMAP amplitude. Genetic tests revealed compound heterozygous mutations in COLQ (c.1196-1_1197delinsTG and c.1354C>T). Treatment with salbutamol improved fatigue but not the electrophysiological markers. Thus, significant fatigue is a hallmark of COLQ-related CMS; early diagnosis is essential for ensuring appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Horibe
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University School of Medicine, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
| | - Hideki Shimomura
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University School of Medicine, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
| | - Sachi Tokunaga
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University School of Medicine, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
| | - Naoko Taniguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University School of Medicine, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoko Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University School of Medicine, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
| | - Shigemi Kimura
- Children's Rehabilitation, Sleep and Development Medical Center, Hyogo Prefectural Rehabilitation Central Hospital, Kobe 651-2134, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takeshima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hyogo Medical University School of Medicine, Nishinomiya 663-8501, Japan
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11
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El Kadiri Y, Ratbi I, Sefiani A, Lyahyai J. Novel copy number variation of COLQ gene in a Moroccan patient with congenital myasthenic syndrome: a case report and review of the literature. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:292. [PMID: 35932018 PMCID: PMC9354381 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02822-y] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are rare genetic diseases due to abnormalities of the neuromuscular junction leading to permanent or transient muscle fatigability and weakness. To date, 32 genes were found to be involved in CMSs with autosomal dominant and/or recessive inheritance patterns. CMS with acetylcholinesterase deficiency, in particular, was determined to be due to biallelic mutations of COLQ gene with early-onset clinical signs. Here, we report clinical features and novel molecular findings of COLQ-related CMS in a Moroccan patient with a review of the literature for this rare form. Case presentation In this study, we report the case of a 28-month-old Moroccan female patient with hypotonia, associated to axial muscle weakness, global motor delay, bilateral ptosis, unilateral partial visual field deficiency with normal ocular motility, and fatigable muscle weakness. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous deletion of exon 13 in COLQ gene, NM_005677.4(COLQ):c.(814+1_815-1)_(954+1_955-1) del p.(Gly272Aspfs*11). This finding was subsequently confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in the proband and her parents. In silico analysis of protein-protein interaction network by STRING tool revealed that 12 proteins are highly associated to COLQ with an elevated confidence score. Treatment with Salbutamol resulted in clear benefits and recovery. Conclusions This clinical observation illustrates the important place of next-generation sequencing in the precise molecular diagnosis of heterogeneous forms of CMS, the appropriate management and targeted treatment, and genetic counseling of families, with a better characterization of the mutational profile of this rare disease in the Moroccan population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef El Kadiri
- Research Team in Genomics and Molecular Epidemiology of Genetic Diseases, Genomics Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 10 100 Rabat, Morocco. .,Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Health, BP 769-Agdal, 10 090, Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Ilham Ratbi
- Research Team in Genomics and Molecular Epidemiology of Genetic Diseases, Genomics Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 10 100 Rabat, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Sefiani
- Research Team in Genomics and Molecular Epidemiology of Genetic Diseases, Genomics Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 10 100 Rabat, Morocco.,Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Health, BP 769-Agdal, 10 090, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Jaber Lyahyai
- Research Team in Genomics and Molecular Epidemiology of Genetic Diseases, Genomics Center of Human Pathologies, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, 10 100 Rabat, Morocco
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12
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Saito M, Ogasawara M, Inaba Y, Osawa Y, Nishioka M, Yamauchi S, Atsumi K, Takeuchi S, Imai K, Motobayashi M, Misawa Y, Iida A, Nishino I. Successful treatment of congenital myasthenic syndrome caused by a novel compound heterozygous variant in RAPSN. Brain Dev 2022; 44:50-55. [PMID: 34565654 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2021.09.001] [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: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and caused by mutations in more than 35 different genes. This condition should not be overlooked as a subset of patients with CMS are treatable. However, the diagnosis of CMS is often difficult due to the broad variability in disease severity and course. CASE REPORT A five-year-old boy without remarkable family history was born with marked general muscle hypotonia and weakness, respiratory insufficiency, anomalies, and multiple joint contractures. Congenital myopathy was suspected based upon type 1 fiber predominance on muscle biopsy. However, he was diagnosed with CMS at age 4 years when his ptosis and ophthalmoplegia were found to be improved by edrophonium chloride and repetitive nerve stimulation showed attenuation of compound muscle action potentials. An exome sequencing identified a compound heterozygous missense variant of c.737C > T (p.A246V) and a novel intronic insertion c.1166 + 4_1166 + 5insAAGCCCACCAC in RAPSN. RT-PCR analysis which showed the skipping of exon 7 in a skeletal muscle sample confirmed that the intronic insertion was pathogenic. His myasthenic symptoms were remarkably improved by pyridostigmine. CONCLUSION The patient's diagnosis of CMS was confirmed by exome sequencing, and RT-PCR revealed that the skipping of exon 7 in RAPSN was caused by a novel intronic insertion. The genetic information uncovered in this case should therefore be added to the collection of tools for diagnosing and treating CMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Saito
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Masashi Ogasawara
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan; Medical Genome Center, NCNP, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Inaba
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan; Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Osawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Iida Municipal Hospital, Iida, Japan
| | - Makoto Nishioka
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan; Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Shoko Yamauchi
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Kana Atsumi
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Shihoko Takeuchi
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Ken Imai
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Motobayashi
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan; Life Science Research Center, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | - Yuka Misawa
- Division of Rehabilitation, Nagano Children's Hospital, Azumino, Japan
| | | | - Ichizo Nishino
- Department of Neuromuscular Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan; Medical Genome Center, NCNP, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Fatema K, Rahman M. Fast channel congenital myesthenic syndrome: Reporting two cases with mutation of CHRNE gene and short review. J Pediatr Neurosci 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jpn.jpn_124_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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14
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hypoventilation syndrome in neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) is primarily due to respiratory muscle weakness and results in increased morbidity and mortality. This article highlights current aspects of neuromuscular hypoventilation syndrome, including pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, assessment, respiratory involvement in various NMD, and causal and symptomatic treatments with an emphasis on recent research and advances. RECENT FINDINGS AND SUMMARY New therapeutic agents have been developed within the last years, proving a positive effect on respiratory system. Symptomatic therapies, including mechanical ventilation and cough assistance approaches, are important in NMD and respiratory muscle training may have benefit in strengthening respiratory muscles and should be offered patients with respiratory muscle weakness the same way as physiotherapy. Correct respiratory assessments and their correct interpretation are hallmarks for early diagnosis of hypoventilation syndrome and treatment.
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Inherited Neuromuscular Disorders: Which Role for Serum Biomarkers? Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030398. [PMID: 33801069 PMCID: PMC8004068 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited neuromuscular disorders (INMD) are a heterogeneous group of rare diseases that involve muscles, motor neurons, peripheral nerves or the neuromuscular junction. Several different lab abnormalities have been linked to INMD: sometimes they are typical of the disorder, but they usually appear to be less specific. Sometimes serum biomarkers can point out abnormalities in presymtomatic or otherwise asymptomatic patients (e.g., carriers). More often a biomarker of INMD is evaluated by multiple clinicians other than expert in NMD before the diagnosis, because of the multisystemic involvement in INMD. The authors performed a literature search on biomarkers in inherited neuromuscular disorders to provide a practical approach to the diagnosis and the correct management of INMD. A considerable number of biomarkers have been reported that support the diagnosis of INMD, but the role of an expert clinician is crucial. Hence, the complete knowledge of such abnormalities can accelerate the diagnostic workup supporting the referral to specialists in neuromuscular disorders.
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