Optic neuritis in Turkish children and adolescents: A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Various etiologies may underlie optic neuritis, including autoantibody-mediated disorders described in the last decade. We re-examined demographic, clinical, laboratory features and prognostic factors in pediatric patients with autoimmune optic neuritis according to current knowledge.

METHODS

Cases of pediatric ON from 27 centers in Türkiye diagnosed between 2009 and 2022 were included for retrospective evaluation.

RESULTS

The study included 279 patients, 174 females and 105 males, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.65. The average age at onset was 12.8 ± 3.4 years, and mean follow-up, 2.1 years (range: 1-12.1 years). Patients <10 years old were grouped as "prepubertal" and those ≥10 years old as "others". The diagnoses made at the end of follow-up were multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis (n = 90, 32.3 %), single isolated optic neuritis (n = 86, 31 %), clinically isolated syndrome (n = 41, 14.7 %), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis (n = 22, 7.9 %), and relapsing isolated optic neuritis (n = 18, 6.5 %). Predominant diagnoses were myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated optic neuritis in the prepubertal group and multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis in the older group. Recurrences were observed in 67 (24 %) patients, including 28 with multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis, 18 with relapsing isolated optic neuritis, 11 with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis, 8 with aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis, and 2 with chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy. Recurrences were more common among female patients. Findings supporting the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis included age of onset ≥ 10 years (OR=1.24, p = 0.027), the presence of cranial MRI lesions (OR=26.92, p<0.001), and oligoclonal bands (OR=9.7, p = 0.001). Treatment in the acute phase consisted of intravenous pulse methylprednisolone (n = 46, 16.5 %), pulse methylprednisolone with an oral taper (n = 212, 76 %), and combinations of pulse methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, or intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 21, 7.5 %). Outcome at 12 months was satisfactory, with 247 out of 279 patients (88.5 %) demonstrating complete recovery. Thirty-two patients exhibited incomplete recovery and further combination treatments were applied. Specifically, patients with relapsing isolated optic neuritis and aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis displayed a less favorable prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest optic neuritis is frequently bilateral in prepubertal and unilateral in peri‑ or postpubertal patients. Age of onset 10 or older, presence of oligoclonal bands, and brain MRI findings reliably predict the development of multiple sclerosis. The risk of developing multiple sclerosis increases mostly during the second and third years of follow-up. Relapsing isolated optic neuritis remains a separate group where the pathogenesis and outcome remain unclear. Investigation of predisposing and diagnostic biomarkers and long follow-up could help to define this group.

A multicenter study of radiologically isolated syndrome in children and adolescents: Can we predict the course?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate clinical characteristics, imaging features and etiological profile of Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS) along with clinical and radiological follow-up.

METHODS

Demographic, clinical and radiological data of patients younger than 18 years fulfilling the criteria for RIS were retrospectively analyzed. RIS was defined by the detection of lesions meeting the revised 2010 McDonald Criteria for dissemination in space on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the absence of any symptoms of demyelinating disease or an alternative cause for the MRI findings.

RESULTS

There were total 69 patients (38 girls, 31 boys). The median age at index MRI was 15.7 years, and median follow-up time was 28 months. The most common reason for neuroimaging was headache (60.9%). A first clinical event occurred with median 11 months in 14/69 (20%) of cases. Those with oligoclonal bands (OCB) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and follow-up longer than 3 years were more likely to experience a clinical event (p<0.05): 25% of those with OCB manifested clinical symptoms within the first year and 33.3% within the first two years compared to 6.3% and 9.4%, respectively in those without OCB. Radiological evolution was not associated with any variables: age, sex, reason for neuroimaging, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, elevated IgG index, OCB positivity, total number and localization of lesions, presence of gadolinium enhancement, achievement of 2005 criteria for DIS and duration of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents with RIS and CSF OCB should be followed-up for at least 3 years in order to detect any clinical symptoms suggestive of a demyelinating event. Because disease-modifying treatments are not approved in RIS and no consensus report justifies their use especially in pediatric RIS, close follow-up of OCB-positive patients is needed for early recognition of any clinical event and timely initiation of specific treatment.

Successful treatment of acute myocardial injury of Duchenne muscular dystrophy with steroids: a case report

BACKGROUND

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked muscular disease which is caused by the absence of dystrophin. Troponin elevation with acute chest pain may indicate acute myocardial injury in these patients. We report a case of DMD that presented with ACP and troponin elevation, who was diagnosed with acute myocardial injury, and successfully treated with corticosteroids.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 9-year-old with DMD was admitted to the emergency department with the complaint of acute chest pain. His electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed inferior ST elevation and serum troponin T was elevated. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated inferolateral and anterolateral hypokinesia with depressed left ventricular function. An ECG-gated coronary computed tomography angiography ruled out acute coronary syndrome. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed mid-wall to sub-epicardial late gadolinium enhancement at the basal to the mid inferior lateral wall of the left ventricle and corresponding hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging, consistent with acute myocarditis. A diagnosis of acute myocardial injury associated with DMD was made. He was treated with anticongestive therapy and 2 mg/kg/day of oral methylprednisolone. Chest pain resolved the next day, and ST-segment elevation returned to normal on the third day. Troponin T decreased in the sixth hour of oral methylprednisolone treatment. TTE on the fifth day revealed improved left ventricular function.

CONCLUSION

Despite advances in contemporary cardiopulmonary therapies, cardiomyopathy remains the leading cause of death in patients with DMD. Acute chest pain attacks with elevated troponin in patients with DMD without coronary artery disease may indicate acute myocardial injury. Recognition and appropriate treatment of acute myocardial injury episodes in DMD patients may delay the development of cardiomyopathy.

Cerebral atrophy in 21 hypotonic infants with severe vitamin B12 deficiency

AIM

Nutritional B12 deficiency is a treatable cause of neurodevelopmental delay in infants. We report 21 infants with developmental regression and brain atrophy as revealed using cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), secondary to severe vitamin B12 deficiency.

METHODS

Twenty-one infants aged 4-24 months with B12 deficiencies who were admitted to our clinic between May 2013 and May 2018 were included in the study. MRI, bone marrow aspiration and the Denver-II Developmental Screening Test were performed in all infants.

RESULTS

The mean age of the infants was 12.3 months, and the mean B12 level was 70.15 ± 32.15 ng/L. Hypotonia and neurodevelopmental retardation, and anaemia were present in all patients. Their bone marrow examinations were compatible with megaloblastic anaemia. Twelve patients had microcephaly, seven had tremor and one patient died of severe sepsis. Almost all patients were fed with breast milk and their mothers were also malnourished. Nine (42.9%) of the patients were Turkish and 12 (57.1%) were Syrian. All patients had abnormal Denver-II Developmental Screening Test scores. Most patients had severe cortical atrophy, cerebral effusion, thinning of the corpus callosum and delayed myelinisation in cranial MRI. Treatment with B12 resulted in dramatic improvement in general activity and appetite within 72 h. Tremors resolved in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Neurological findings and developmental delay related to nutritional B12 deficiency can be prevented without sequelae if diagnosed early. Screening and treating of mothers for this deficiency will contribute to the health of both the mother and their feeding infant.

Homocysteine, Pyridoxine, Folate and Vitamin B12 Levels in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

BACKGROUND

In our study, we aimed to evaluate the serum homocysteine levels, pyridoxine, folate and vitamin B12 levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This study included 30 newly diagnosed drug-naive children with ADHD (23 males and 7 female, mean age 9.3±1.8 years) and 30 sex-and age matched healthy controls. The diagnosis of ADHD was made according to DSM-V criteria. Children and adolescents were administered the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children, Present and Lifetime Version, the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised, Long Form, the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Revised (WISC-R) for all participants. Homocysteine, pyridoxine, folate and vitamin B12 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Homocysteine, pyridoxine, folate and vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in children with ADHD compared with their controls (p<0.05). A positive significant correlation was observed between the all WISC-R scores and vitamin B12 level in patients (r=0.408, p=0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in this study showed that reduced homocysteine, pyridoxine, folate and vitamin B12 levels could be a risk factor in the etiology of ADHD.

The Levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin D Receptor, Homocysteine and Complex B Vitamin in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Objective

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental syndrome with an increasingly prevalent etiology, yet not fully understood. It has been thought that vitamin D, complex B vitamin levels and homocysteine are associated with environmental factors and are important in ASD. The aim of this study was to examine serum vitamin D, vitamin D receptor (VDR), homocysteine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate levels in ASD.

Methods

In this study, serum vitamin D and VDR, homocysteine, vitamins B6, B12 and folate levels were determined in 60 patients with ASD (aged 3 to 12 years) and in 45 age-gender matched healthy controls. In addition, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, which are associated with vitamin D metabolism, were measured from serum in both groups. ASD severity was evaluted by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).

Results

Serum vitamin D and VDR were substantially reduced in patients with ASD in comparision to control group. However, homocysteine level was significantly higher and vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folate were also reduced in patients with ASD. Total CARS score showed a positive association with homocysteine and a negative correlation with vitamins D,B6, B12, folate and VDR.

Conclusion

This comprehensive study, which examines many parameters has shown that low serum levels of vitamins D, B6, B12, folate and VDR as well as high homocysteine are important in the etiopathogenesis of ASD. However, further studies are required to define the precise mechanism(s) of these parameters and their contributions to the etiology and treatment of ASD.

Evaluation of two non-myasthenic patients with ptosis

Decreased height of the eyelid or the narrowing of the lid is called ptosis. Ptosis has several causes. Malignancy-related conditions such as Horner's syndrome, which causes unilateral ptosis in the pediatric age group, and patients with malignancy receiving chemotherapeutic treatment, are often secondary to these drugs and ptosis is a clue of underlying diseases. Underlying pathologies can lead to different clinical conditions such as cognitive impairment from coma, the presence of ptosis should be cautionary. In this study, we present two patients with malignancy who were admitted with ptosis. The first patient was diagnosed as having neuroblastoma and treated with neuroblastoma-directed chemotherapeutics. The second patient was diagnosed as having acute lymphoblastic leukemia and developed vincristine-induced ptosis and recovered on treatment with pyridoxine and pyridostigmine. In conclusion, non-myasthenic ptosis may develop due to involvement of the central nervous system during malignancy or neurotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, patients who present with ptosis should be evaluated for the etiologic diagnosis.

A novel homozygous HOXB1 mutation in a Turkish family with hereditary congenital facial paresis

Hereditary congenital facial paresis (HCFP) is characterized by isolated dysfunction of the facial nerve (CN VII) due to congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders. HCFP has genetic heterogeneity and HOXB1 is the first identified gene. We report the clinical, radiologic and molecular investigations of three patients admitted for HCFP in a large consanguineous Turkish family. High-throughput sequencing and Sanger sequencing of all patients revealed a novel homozygous mutation p.Arg230Trp (c.688C>T) within the HOXB1 gene. The report of the mutation brings the total number of HOXB1 mutations identified in HCFP to four. The results of this study emphasize that in individuals with congenital facial palsy accompanied by hearing loss and dysmorphic facial features, HOXB1 mutation causing HCFP should be kept in mind.

A compound heterozygous EARS2 mutation associated with mild leukoencephalopathy with thalamus and brainstem involvement and high lactate (LTBL)

Mitochondrial glutamyl-tRNA synthetase is a major component of protein biosynthesis that loads tRNAs with cognate amino acids. Mutations in the gene encoding this enzyme have been associated with a variety of disorders related to oxidative phosphorylation. Here, we present a case of leukoencephalopathy with thalamus and brainstem involvement and high lactate (LTBL) presenting a biphasic clinical course characterized by delayed psychomotor development and seizure. High-throughput sequencing revealed a novel compound heterozygous mutation in mitochondrial glutamyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (EARS2), which appears to be causative of disease symptoms.

Novel mutation in SUCLA2 identified on sequencing analysis

Succinate-CoA ligase, ADP-forming, beta subunit (SUCLA2)-related mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome is caused by mutations affecting the ADP-using isoform of the beta subunit in succinyl-CoA synthase, which is involved in the Krebs cycle. The SUCLA2 protein is found mostly in heart, skeletal muscle, and brain tissues. SUCLA2 mutations result in a mitochondrial disorder that manifests as deafness, lesions in the basal ganglia, and encephalomyopathy accompanied by dystonia. Such mutations are generally associated with mildly increased plasma methylmalonic acid, increased plasma lactate, elevated plasma carnitine esters, and the presence of methylmalonic acid in urine. In this case report, we describe a new mutation in a patient with a succinyl-CoA synthase deficiency caused by an SUCLA2 defect.

Intracranial saccular aneurysm in a child with only persistent headache

Headache is one of the common symptoms of intracranial aneursym. A 5-year-old child lately presented to our pediatric emergency department with persistent headache. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 7×8 mm rounded lesion with slowly heterogeneous low signal in T2 sequence consistent with a partial occluded aneurysm, in the right medial frontal lobe that close to anterior cerebral artery. Intracranial aneurysms are rare in children and they are noncommon without complications as our case.

A RETT SYNDROME CASE WITH NOVEL NON-IDENTICAL MUTATION IN MECP2 GENE

The Rett syndrome (RTT; OMIM #312750) is a rare genetic disease observed predominantly among girls that affects neurological development. The incidence of this disorder is approximately 1 in 10,000 female births. Diagnosis of the RTT is based on specific clinical criteria and the identification of a mutation in the methyl-CpG-binding protein (MECP), which mainly occurs on exons 3 and 4 of the gene. Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) are observed in nearly 95% of RTT cases. RTT is associated with considerable genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Recently, it has been observed that mutations in the genes Netrin G1 and cyclin-dependent kinase like 5 (CDKL5) also lead to clinical pictures resembling RTT. In this case report, we describe a 4-years-old female patient who met all the relevant criteria for the diagnosis of RTT. Sequence analyses performed on the patient identified a de novo, heterozygous c.489G>A mutation at exon 4 of the MECP2 gene.

Association between the corrected QT interval and carotid artery intima-media thickness in obese children

OBJECTIVE

Sudden death has been reported in asymptomatic obese adults and the mechanism is unclear. In recent years, obesity has shown a dramatic increase in children and this enhances the risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is repolarization abnormality and any potential risk factor such as increase in intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery for corrected QT (QTc) prolongation among obese children.

METHODS

A total of 60 obese children, 30 of which had features of metabolic syndrome (MS), and 23 age-matched controls were included in the study. QTc interval was calculated at rest. The IMT of both common carotid arteries (CCA) was measured. The relationship between QTc, IMT of right and left CCA and insulin sensitivity indices were evaluated in the study group.

RESULTS

The QTc interval of the children with simple exogenous obesity (SEO) were longer than in the controls (p=0.024). The IMT of both carotid arteries of the obese girls and boys with and without MS were higher than the controls (p=<0.001). The QTc was significantly affected by the parameters pertaining to the right carotid artery IMT, to chronologic age and HDL-C.

CONCLUSION

Since obesity may cause subclinical atherosclerotic disease regardless of sex, obese children must be followed closely for early cardiovascular problems.

An unusual cause of acute renal failure in a newborn: hydrometrocolpos

Here we report on an unusual cause of acute renal failure in a newborn: hydrometrocolpos due to imperforate hymen. Hymenotomy resolved all of the laboratory and clinical abnormalities of the patient and the baby was sent home healthy.