Congenital myasthenic syndromes: a retrospective natural history study of respiratory outcomes in a single centre

Respiratory problems are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital myasthenic syndromes, a rare heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders caused by genetic defects impacting the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction. Recurrent, life-threatening episodic apnoea in early infancy and childhood and progressive respiratory failure requiring ventilation are features of certain genotypes of congenital myasthenic syndromes. Robb et al. published empirical guidance on respiratory management of the congenital myasthenic syndromes, but other than this workshop report, there are little published longitudinal natural history data on respiratory outcomes of these disorders. We report a retrospective, single-centre study on respiratory outcomes in a cohort of 40 well characterized genetically confirmed cases of congenital myasthenic syndromes, including 10 distinct subtypes (DOK7, COLQ, RAPSN, CHAT, CHRNA1, CHRNG, COL13A1, CHRNE, CHRNE fast channel syndrome and CHRNA1 slow channel syndrome), with many followed up over 20 years in our centre. A quantitative and longitudinal analysis of key spirometry and sleep study parameters, as well as a description of historical hospital admissions for respiratory decompensation, provides a snapshot of the respiratory trajectory of congenital myasthenic syndrome patients based on genotype.

Long-term Natural History of Pediatric Dominant and Recessive RYR1-Related Myopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

RYR1-related myopathies are the most common congenital myopathies, but long-term natural history data are still scarce. We aim to describe the natural history of dominant and recessive RYR1-related myopathies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional and longitudinal retrospective data analysis of pediatric cases with RYR1-related myopathies seen between 1992-2019 in 2 large UK centers. Patients were identified, and data were collected from individual medical records.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were included in the study, 63 in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies and 6 in the cross-sectional analysis only. Onset ranged from birth to 7 years. Twenty-nine patients had an autosomal dominant RYR1-related myopathy, 31 recessive, 6 de novo dominant, and 3 uncertain inheritance. Median age at the first and last appointment was 4.0 and 10.8 years, respectively. Fifteen% of patients older than 2 years never walked (5 recessive, 4 de novo dominant, and 1 dominant patient) and 7% lost ambulation during follow-up. Scoliosis and spinal rigidity were present in 30% and 17% of patients, respectively. Respiratory involvement was observed in 22% of patients, and 12% needed ventilatory support from a median age of 7 years. Feeding difficulties were present in 30% of patients, and 57% of those needed gastrostomy or tube feeding. There were no anesthetic-induced malignant hyperthermia episodes reported in this cohort. We observed a higher prevalence of prenatal/neonatal features in recessive patients, in particular hypotonia and respiratory difficulties. Clinical presentation, respiratory outcomes, and feeding outcomes were consistently more severe at presentation and in the recessive group. Conversely, longitudinal analysis suggested a less progressive course for motor and respiratory function in recessive patients. Annual change in forced vital capacity was -0.2%/year in recessive vs -1.4%/year in dominant patients.

DISCUSSION

This clinical study provides long-term data on disease progression in RYR1-related myopathies that may inform management and provide essential milestones for future therapeutic interventions.

Cardiac Manifestations of Myotonic Dystrophy in a Pediatric Cohort

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most prevalent inherited neuromuscular dystrophy in adults. It is a multisystem disease with cardiac manifestations. Whilst these are well-defined in adults, there are scarce published data in the pediatric population. This study aimed to investigate the yield and progression of cardiac disease in pediatric DM1 patients, focusing on congenital DM1 (cDM1).

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of all pediatric DM1 patients referred to our center (December 2000-November 2020) was conducted. Patients were classified into DM1 forms according to age of symptom onset and disease severity. Patients underwent clinical and cardiac evaluation with 12-lead ECG, transthoracic echocardiography and 24-h ECG Holter monitoring.

RESULTS

67 DM1 pediatric patients were included: 56 (83.6%) cDM1 and 11 (16.4%) non-cDM1. Median follow-up time of cDM1 patients was 8.0 [3.25-11.0] years. 49 (87.5%) cDM1 patients had baseline 12-lead ECG and 44 (78.6%) had a follow-up 12-lead-ECG, with a median follow-up time from diagnosis to baseline ECG of 2.8 [1.0-8.5] years and to follow-up ECG of 10.9 [5.7-14.2] years. Overall, 43 (87.8%) presented ECG abnormalities, most commonly in the form of asymptomatic conduction disease (n = 23, 46.9%), of which 21 (42.9%) had first degree atrioventricular block (1^st AVB). There was an increase of prevalence from baseline to follow-up ECG in low QRS voltage (16.7%), poor R wave progression (13.9%), abnormal repolarisation (11.9%) and 1^st AVB (7.6%). one patient (1.8%) underwent pacemaker implantation for syncope in the context of progressive conduction disease. No patients developed left ventricular systolic dysfunction. 4 (7.1%) cDM1 patients died during follow up, including three who died suddenly with no clear cause of death.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to analyse the prevalence and progression of ECG abnormalities in cDM1 pediatric patients. The high prevalence of abnormal findings, progressive changes and number of potentially associated events (1 pacemaker implantation and 3 unexplained sudden deaths) stresses the importance of systematic and continued cardiac evaluation of these patients.

Genotype-related respiratory progression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy-A multicenter international study

INTRODUCTION/AIMS

Mutations amenable to skipping of specific exons have been associated with different motor progression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Less is known about their association with long-term respiratory function. In this study we investigated the features of respiratory progression in four DMD genotypes relevant in ongoing exon-skipping therapeutic strategies.

METHODS

This was a retrospective longitudinal study including DMD children followed by the UK NorthStar Network and international AFM Network centers (May 2003 to October 2020). We included boys amenable to skip exons 44, 45, 51, or 53, who were older than 5 years of age and ambulant at first recorded visit. Subjects who were corticosteroid-naive or enrolled in interventional clinical trials were excluded. The progression of respiratory function (absolute forced vital capacity [FVC] and calculated as percent predicted [FVC%]) was compared across the four subgroups (skip44, skip45, skip51, skip53).

RESULTS

We included 142 boys in the study. Mean (standard deviation) age at first visit was 8.6 (2.5) years. Median follow-up was 3 (range, 0.3-8.3) years. In skip45 and skip51, FVC% declined linearly from the first recorded visit. From the age of 9 years, FVC% declined linearly in all genotypes. Skip44 had the slowest (2.7%/year) and skip51 the fastest (5.9%/year) annual FVC% decline. The absolute FVC increased progressively in skip44, skip45, and skip51. In skip53, FVC started declining from 14 years of age.

DISCUSSION

The progression of respiratory dysfunction follows different patterns for specific genotype categories. This information is valuable for prognosis and for the evaluation of exon-skipping therapies.

The clinical spectrum of the congenital myasthenic syndrome resulting from COL13A1 mutations

Next generation sequencing techniques were recently used to show mutations in COL13A1 cause synaptic basal lamina-associated congenital myasthenic syndrome type 19. Animal studies showed COL13A1, a synaptic extracellular-matrix protein, is involved in the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular synapse that appears independent of the Agrin-LRP4-MuSK-DOK7 acetylcholine receptor clustering pathway. Here, we report the phenotypic spectrum of 16 patients from 11 kinships harbouring homozygous or heteroallelic mutations in COL13A1. Clinical presentation was mostly at birth with hypotonia and breathing and feeding difficulties often requiring ventilation and artificial feeding. Respiratory crisis related to recurrent apnoeas, sometimes triggered by chest infections, were common early in life but resolved over time. The predominant pattern of muscle weakness included bilateral ptosis (non-fatigable in adulthood), myopathic facies and marked axial weakness, especially of neck flexion, while limb muscles were less involved. Other features included facial dysmorphism, skeletal abnormalities and mild learning difficulties. All patients tested had results consistent with abnormal neuromuscular transmission. Muscle biopsies were within normal limits or showed non-specific changes. Muscle MRI and serum creatine kinase levels were normal. In keeping with COL13A1 mutations affecting both synaptic structure and presynaptic function, treatment with 3,4-diaminopyridine and salbutamol resulted in motor and respiratory function improvement. In non-treated cases, disease severity and muscle strength improved gradually over time and several adults recovered normal muscle strength in the limbs. In summary, patients with COL13A1 mutations present mostly with severe early-onset myasthenic syndrome with feeding and breathing difficulties. Axial weakness is greater than limb weakness. Disease course improves gradually over time, which could be consistent with the less prominent role of COL13A1 once the neuromuscular junction is mature. This report emphasizes the role of collagens at the human muscle endplate and should facilitate the recognition of this disorder, which can benefit from pharmacological treatment.

Paediatric myasthenia gravis: Prognostic factors for drug free remission

Our aim was to identify clinical outcomes, serological features and possible prognostic indicators of paediatric myasthenia gravis (MG). We collected 74 MG patients with disease onset before the age of 16 years (73% pre-pubertal onset defined as ≤10 years), seen regularly at two UK specialist centres, over a period of 11 years. The cohort was multi-ethnic, with a high number of non-Caucasians (52%). Ocular presentation was seen in 38 (51%) and only 8 (21%) of these generalised. Fifty-two (70%) patients had antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) measured by radioimmunoprecipitation, 10 (14%) had antibodies only to clustered AChRs detected by a cell based assay, 3 (4%) had muscle-specific kinase and one (1%) low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 antibody. Only 8 (11%) had no detectable antibodies. Seventeen patients attained drug free remission (Kaplan Meyer survival curve estimates 25% by 7 years). Several factors were associated with a higher likelihood of free remission: onset age ≤10 years, Asian and Caucasian races, lack of AChR antibodies on RIA, and normal repetitive nerve stimulation at diagnosis. However, in a multifactorial regression analysis, the antibody status was the only significant predictor for drug free remission, with 60% of patients with antibodies only to clustered AChR achieving this outcome. Complete drug free remission is not uncommon in paediatric MG and several factors appear to influence this outcome with antibody status being the most important. These factors can be easily evaluated at diagnosis, and may help to determine whose patients are likely to require more intensive treatments.

Congenital muscular dystrophies in the UK population: Clinical and molecular spectrum of a large cohort diagnosed over a 12-year period

Congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous conditions; some fatal in the first few years of life and with central nervous system involvement, whereas others present a milder course. We provide a comprehensive report of the relative frequency and clinical and genetic spectrum of CMD in the UK. Genetic analysis of CMD genes in the UK is centralised in London and Newcastle. Between 2001 and 2013, a genetically confirmed diagnosis of CMD was obtained for 249 unrelated individuals referred to these services. The most common CMD subtype was laminin-α2 related CMD (also known as MDC1A, 37.4%), followed by dystroglycanopathies (26.5%), Ullrich-CMD (15.7%), SEPN1 (11.65%) and LMNA (8.8%) gene related CMDs. The most common dystroglycanopathy phenotype was muscle-eye-brain-like disease. Fifteen patients carried mutations in the recently discovered ISPD, GMPPB and B3GALNT2 genes. Pathogenic allelic mutations in one of the CMD genes were also found in 169 unrelated patients with milder phenotypes, such as limb girdle muscular dystrophy and Bethlem myopathy. In all, we identified 362 mutations, 160 of which were novel. Our results provide one of the most comprehensive reports on genetics and clinical features of CMD subtypes and should help diagnosis and counselling of families with this group of conditions.

Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome Type 19 Is Caused by Mutations in COL13A1, Encoding the Atypical Non-fibrillar Collagen Type XIII α1 Chain

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) consists of a tripartite synapse with a presynaptic nerve terminal, Schwann cells that ensheathe the terminal bouton, and a highly specialized postsynaptic membrane. Synaptic structural integrity is crucial for efficient signal transmission. Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders that result from impaired neuromuscular transmission, caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins that are involved in synaptic transmission and in forming and maintaining the structural integrity of NMJs. To identify further causes of CMSs, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in families without an identified mutation in known CMS-associated genes. In two families affected by a previously undefined CMS, we identified homozygous loss-of-function mutations in COL13A1, which encodes the alpha chain of an atypical non-fibrillar collagen with a single transmembrane domain. COL13A1 localized to the human muscle motor endplate. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, modeling of the COL13A1 c.1171delG (p.Leu392Sfs^∗71) frameshift mutation in the C2C12 cell line reduced acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering during myotube differentiation. This highlights the crucial role of collagen XIII in the formation and maintenance of the NMJ. Our results therefore delineate a myasthenic disorder that is caused by loss-of-function mutations in COL13A1, encoding a protein involved in organization of the NMJ, and emphasize the importance of appropriate symptomatic treatment for these individuals.

Novel mutations expand the clinical spectrum of DYNC1H1-associated spinal muscular atrophy

OBJECTIVE

To expand the clinical phenotype of autosomal dominant congenital spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance (SMA-LED) due to mutations in the dynein, cytoplasmic 1, heavy chain 1 (DYNC1H1) gene.

METHODS

Patients with a phenotype suggestive of a motor, non-length-dependent neuronopathy predominantly affecting the lower limbs were identified at participating neuromuscular centers and referred for targeted sequencing of DYNC1H1.

RESULTS

We report a cohort of 30 cases of SMA-LED from 16 families, carrying mutations in the tail and motor domains of DYNC1H1, including 10 novel mutations. These patients are characterized by congenital or childhood-onset lower limb wasting and weakness frequently associated with cognitive impairment. The clinical severity is variable, ranging from generalized arthrogryposis and inability to ambulate to exclusive and mild lower limb weakness. In many individuals with cognitive impairment (9/30 had cognitive impairment) who underwent brain MRI, there was an underlying structural malformation resulting in polymicrogyric appearance. The lower limb muscle MRI shows a distinctive pattern suggestive of denervation characterized by sparing and relative hypertrophy of the adductor longus and semitendinosus muscles at the thigh level, and diffuse involvement with relative sparing of the anterior-medial muscles at the calf level. Proximal muscle histopathology did not always show classic neurogenic features.

CONCLUSION

Our report expands the clinical spectrum of DYNC1H1-related SMA-LED to include generalized arthrogryposis. In addition, we report that the neurogenic peripheral pathology and the CNS neuronal migration defects are often associated, reinforcing the importance of DYNC1H1 in both central and peripheral neuronal functions.

Fetal acetylcholine receptor inactivation syndrome: A myopathy due to maternal antibodies

Background:

Transient neonatal myasthenia gravis (TNMG) affects a proportion of infants born to mothers with myasthenia gravis (MG). Symptoms usually resolve completely within the first few months of life, but persistent myopathic features have been reported in a few isolated cases.

Methods:

Here we report 8 patients from 4 families born to mothers with clinically manifest MG or mothers who were asymptomatic but had elevated acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody levels.

Results:

Clinical features in affected infants ranged from a mild predominantly facial and bulbar myopathy to arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Additional clinical findings included hearing impairment, pyloric stenosis, and mild CNS involvement. In all cases, antibodies against the AChR were markedly elevated, although not always specific for the fetal AChR γ subunit. There was a correlation between maternal symptoms; the timing, intensity, and frequency of maternal treatment; and neonatal outcome.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that persistent myopathic features following TNMG may be more common than currently recognized. Fetal AChR inactivation syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infants presenting with unexplained myopathic features, in particular marked dysarthria and velopharyngeal incompetence. Correct diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion if the mother is asymptomatic but is crucial considering the high recurrence risk for future pregnancies and the potentially treatable nature of this condition. Infants with a history of TNMG should be followed up for subtle myopathic signs and associated complications.

Congenital myasthenic syndrome caused by mutations in DPAGT

Congenital myasthenic syndromes with prominent limb girdle involvement are an important differential diagnosis for congenital myopathies because of the therapeutic considerations. We present a case where accurate diagnosis was delayed for many years. Fluctuations of weakness were misinterpreted as effects of alternative treatments. Weakness was generalised, most prominently in the arms. Fatigability was more prominent in less affected muscles revealed by a positive Simpson test. Stimulation single fibre electromyography confirmed the suspected neuromuscular transmission defect. The marked response to pyridostigmine and cognitive impairment pointed to a myasthenic syndrome due to impaired glycosylation. Two mutations in trans were found in DPAGT1, the gene coding for dolichyl-phosphate N-acetylglucosaminephosphotransferase, one novel, the other previously reported in a rare form of congenital disorder of glycosylation. Gene expression studies revealed that both mutations reduce DPAGT1 expression. Phenotypic features not previously described for DPAGT1 CMS included restricted ocular abduction and long finger flexor contractures.

Myasthenia in pregnancy: best practice guidelines from a U.K. multispecialty working group

A national U.K. workshop to discuss practical clinical management issues related to pregnancy in women with myasthenia gravis was held in May 2011. The purpose was to develop recommendations to guide general neurologists and obstetricians and facilitate best practice before, during and after pregnancy. The main conclusions were (1) planning should be instituted well in advance of any potential pregnancy to allow time for myasthenic status and drug optimisation; (2) multidisciplinary liaison through the involvement of relevant specialists should occur throughout pregnancy, during delivery and in the neonatal period; (3) provided that their myasthenia is under good control before pregnancy, the majority of women can be reassured that it will remain stable throughout pregnancy and the postpartum months; (4) spontaneous vaginal delivery should be the aim and actively encouraged; (5) those with severe myasthenic weakness need careful, multidisciplinary management with prompt access to specialist advice and facilities; (6) newborn babies born to myasthenic mothers are at risk of transient myasthenic weakness, even if the mother's myasthenia is well-controlled, and should have rapid access to neonatal high-dependency support.

Long-term benefits and adverse effects of intermittent versus daily glucocorticoids in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the current use of glucocorticoids (GCs) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the UK, and compare the benefits and the adverse events of daily versus intermittent prednisolone regimens.

DESIGN

A prospective longitudinal observational study across 17 neuromuscular centres in the UK of 360 boys aged 3-15 years with confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy who were treated with daily or intermittent (10 days on/10 days off) prednisolone for a mean duration of treatment of 4 years.

RESULTS

The median loss of ambulation was 12 years in intermittent and 14.5 years in daily treatment; the HR for intermittent treatment was 1.57 (95% CI 0.87 to 2.82). A fitted multilevel model comparing the intermittent and daily regiments for the NorthStar Ambulatory Assessment demonstrated a divergence after 7 years of age, with boys on an intermittent regimen declining faster (p<0.001). Moderate to severe side effects were more commonly reported and observed in the daily regimen, including Cushingoid features, adverse behavioural events and hypertension. Body mass index mean z score was higher in the daily regimen (1.99, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.19) than in the intermittent regimen (1.51, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.75). Height restriction was more severe in the daily regimen (mean z score -1.77, 95% CI -1.79 to -2.19) than in the intermittent regimen (mean z score -0.70, 95% CI -0.90 to -0.49).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides a framework for providing information to patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families when introducing GC therapy. The study also highlights the importance of collecting longitudinal natural history data on patients treated according to standardised protocols, and clearly identifies the benefits and the side-effect profile of two treatment regimens, which will help with informed choices and implementation of targeted surveillance.

Salbutamol benefits children with congenital myasthenic syndrome due to DOK7 mutations

Congenital myasthenic syndromes due to DOK7 mutations cause fatigable limb girdle weakness. Treatment with ephedrine improves muscle strength. Salbutamol, a β(2)-adrenergic receptor agonist with fewer side effects and more readily available, has been effective in adult and anecdotal childhood cases. This study reports the effects of salbutamol on motor function in childhood DOK7 congenital myasthenic syndrome. Nine children (age range 5.9-15.1years) were treated with oral salbutamol, 2-4mg TDS. The effect on timed tests of motor function, pre- and up to 28months post-treatment, was audited retrospectively. All 9 reported functional benefit within 1month, with progressive improvement to a plateau at 12-18months. Within the first month, all 3 non-ambulant children resumed walking with assistance. Although improvements were seen in some timed tests (timed 10m, arm raise time, 6min walk time) this did not fully reflect the observed functional benefits in daily living activities. No major side effects were reported. We conclude that oral salbutamol treatment significantly improves strength in children with DOK7 congenital myasthenic syndrome and is well tolerated. Outcome measures need to be refined further, both to accurately reflect functional abilities in children and to document progress and treatment response.

The spectrum of mutations that underlie the neuromuscular junction synaptopathy in DOK7 congenital myasthenic syndrome

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of inherited diseases that affect synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction and result in fatiguable muscle weakness. A subgroup of CMS patients have a recessively inherited limb-girdle pattern of weakness caused by mutations in DOK7. DOK7 encodes DOK7, an adaptor protein that is expressed in the skeletal muscle and heart and that is essential for the development and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction. We have screened the DOK7 gene for mutations by polymerase chain reaction amplification and bi-directional sequencing of exonic and promoter regions and performed acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering assays and used exon trapping to determine the pathogenicity of detected variants. Approximately 18% of genetically diagnosed CMSs in the UK have mutations in DOK7, with mutations in this gene identified in more than 60 kinships to date. Thirty-four different pathogenic mutations were identified as well as 27 variants likely to be non-pathogenic. An exon 7 frameshift duplication c.1124_1127dupTGCC is commonly found in at least one allele. We analyse the effect of the common frameshift c.1124_1127dupTGCC and show that 10/11 suspected missense mutations have a deleterious effect on AChR clustering. We identify for the first time homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations that are localized 5' to exon 7. In addition, three silent variants in the N-terminal half of DOK7 are predicted to alter the splicing of the DOK7 RNA transcript. The DOK7 gene is highly polymorphic, and within these many variants, we define a spectrum of mutations that can underlie DOK7 CMS that will inform in managing this disorder.

Clinical and genetic findings in a large cohort of patients with ryanodine receptor 1 gene-associated myopathies

Ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) mutations are a common cause of congenital myopathies associated with both dominant and recessive inheritance. Histopathological findings frequently feature central cores or multi-minicores, more rarely, type 1 predominance/uniformity, fiber-type disproportion, increased internal nucleation, and fatty and connective tissue. We describe 71 families, 35 associated with dominant RYR1 mutations and 36 with recessive inheritance. Five of the dominant mutations and 35 of the 55 recessive mutations have not been previously reported. Dominant mutations, typically missense, were frequently located in recognized mutational hotspot regions, while recessive mutations were distributed throughout the entire coding sequence. Recessive mutations included nonsense and splice mutations expected to result in reduced RyR1 protein. There was wide clinical variability. As a group, dominant mutations were associated with milder phenotypes; patients with recessive inheritance had earlier onset, more weakness, and functional limitations. Extraocular and bulbar muscle involvement was almost exclusively observed in the recessive group. In conclusion, our study reports a large number of novel RYR1 mutations and indicates that recessive variants are at least as frequent as the dominant ones. Assigning pathogenicity to novel mutations is often difficult, and interpretation of genetic results in the context of clinical, histological, and muscle magnetic resonance imaging findings is essential.

Clinical features in a series of fast channel congenital myasthenia syndrome

Fast channel congenital myasthenic syndromes are rare, but frequently result in severe weakness. We report a case of 12 fast channel patients to highlight clinical features and management difficulties. Patients were diagnosed through genetic screening and identification of mutations shown to cause fast channel syndrome. Data was obtained from clinical notes, history, examination and follow up. Patterns of muscle weakness involved limb, trunk, bulbar, respiratory, facial and extraocular muscles. Patients responded to treatment with anticholinesterase medication and 3,4-diaminopyridine. Fast channel syndrome contrasted with AChR deficiency in the occurrence of severe respiratory crises in infancy and childhood. The death of two children even when on treatment and the family histories of sibling deaths re-inforces the need for accurate genetic diagnosis, optimised pharmacological treatment and additional supportive measures to manage acute respiratory crises. Referral to a specialist paediatric respiratory centre and regular resuscitation training for parents are recommended.

SEPN1-related myopathies: clinical course in a large cohort of patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical course and genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with selenoprotein-related myopathy (SEPN1-RM) due to selenoprotein N1 gene (SEPN1) mutations for a retrospective cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Forty-one patients aged 1-60 years were included. Clinical data including scoliosis, respiratory function, and growth measurements were collected by case note review.

RESULTS

Mean age at onset was 2.7 years, ranging from birth to the second decade of life. All but 2 remained independently ambulant: one lost ambulation at age 5 years and another in his late 50s. The mean age of starting nocturnal noninvasive ventilation (NIV) was 13.9 years. One child required full-time NIV at the age of 1 year while in 2 cases NIV was started at 33 years. Two patients died from respiratory failure at the age of 10 and 22 years, respectively. The mean age at scoliosis onset was 10 years, in most cases preceded by rigidity of the spine. Fourteen patients had successful spinal surgery (mean age 13.9 years). Twenty-one were underweight; however, overt feeding difficulties were not a feature.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the largest population affected by SEPN1-RM reported so far. Our findings show that the spectrum of severity is wider than previously reported. Respiratory insufficiency generally develops by 14 years but may occur as early as in infancy or not until the fourth decade. Motor abilities remain essentially static over time even in patients with early presentation. Most adult patients remain ambulant and fully employed.

The use of rituximab in myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

AIM

To assess the treatment effects of rituximab in a population of patients with myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

METHODS

Data on all treated patients in the UK were collected from referring physicians, with full case ascertainment and follow-up.

RESULTS

Since 2004, 10 patients with generalised myasthenia gravis (three of whom were positive for muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies) and two patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) were treated with rituximab. Using the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation America postintervention status, three patients (25%) achieved remission, and a further five (42%) improved clinically over an 18-month period. Only one patient developed worsening symptoms. The probability of achieving remission was unrelated to the duration of neurological symptoms prior to treatment. All LEMS and MuSK antibody patients improved following rituximab treatment.

CONCLUSION

In a relatively large, unselected group of patients with myasthenia gravis and LEMS, rituximab treatment resulted in a significant clinical improvement in two-thirds of cases. As a selective, B cell targeted therapy, rituximab should be considered as a treatment option for patients with either myasthenia gravis or LEMS for whom standard immunosuppressive treatments have been unsuccessful.

Ephedrine treatment in congenital myasthenic syndrome due to mutations in DOK7

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the postsynaptic adaptor protein Dok-7 underlie congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) with a characteristic limb girdle pattern of muscle weakness. Patients usually do not respond to or worsen with the standard CMS treatments: cholinesterase inhibitors and 3,4-diaminopyridine. However, anecdotal reports suggest they may improve with ephedrine.

METHODS

This was an open prospective follow-up study to determine muscle strength in response to ephedrine in Dok-7 CMS. Patients were first evaluated as inpatients for suitability for a trial of treatment with ephedrine. The response was assessed at 2 and 6 to 8 months follow-up clinic visits using a quantitative myasthenia gravis (severity) score (QMG) and mobility measures.

RESULTS

Ten out of 12 of the cohort with DOK7 mutations tolerated ephedrine. We noted a progressive response to treatment over the 6 to 8 months assessment period with a significant improvement at the final QMG score (p = 0.009). Mobility scores also improved (p = 0.0006). Improvements in the subcomponents of the QMG score that measured proximal muscle function (those muscle groups most severely affected) were most marked, and in some cases were dramatic. All patients reported enhanced activities of daily living at 6-8 months.

CONCLUSION

Ephedrine appears to be an effective treatment for Dok-7 CMS. It is well-tolerated by most patients and improvement in strength can be profound. Determining the long-term response and the most effective dosing regimen will require further research.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class IV evidence that ephedrine given at doses between 15 and 90 mg/day improves muscle strength in patients with documented mutations in DOK7.

TUBA1A mutations cause wide spectrum lissencephaly (smooth brain) and suggest that multiple neuronal migration pathways converge on alpha tubulins

We previously showed that mutations in LIS1 and DCX account for approximately 85% of patients with the classic form of lissencephaly (LIS). Some rare forms of LIS are associated with a disproportionately small cerebellum, referred to as lissencephaly with cerebellar hypoplasia (LCH). Tubulin alpha1A (TUBA1A), encoding a critical structural subunit of microtubules, has recently been implicated in LIS. Here, we screen the largest cohort of unexplained LIS patients examined to date to determine: (i) the frequency of TUBA1A mutations in patients with lissencephaly, (ii) the spectrum of phenotypes associated with TUBA1A mutations and (iii) the functional consequences of different TUBA1A mutations on microtubule function. We identified novel and recurrent TUBA1A mutations in approximately 1% of children with classic LIS and in approximately 30% of children with LCH, making this the first major gene associated with the rare LCH phenotype. We also unexpectedly found a TUBA1A mutation in one child with agenesis of the corpus callosum and cerebellar hypoplasia without LIS. Thus, our data demonstrate a wider spectrum of phenotypes than previously reported and allow us to propose new recommendations for clinical testing. We also provide cellular and structural data suggesting that LIS-associated mutations of TUBA1A operate via diverse mechanisms that include disruption of binding sites for microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs).

Perinatal dyskinesia as a presenting feature in Prader Willi syndrome

Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder. Infants present with hypotonia and feeding difficulties, usually without respiratory symptoms, but with distinctive facial features. Early neonatal diagnosis can however be difficult in children with only subtle distinctive appearances or with atypical clinical signs, leading to a significant delay in the diagnosis. To highlight the diagnostic difficulties we reviewed our experience of infants with PWS referred to our tertiary centre. We describe 14 patients, 10 of whom presented in the neonatal period. All had axial hypotonia, and poor feeding. Twelve had a paucity of movement, 11 had distinctive features and 10 had a reduced level of alertness in the neonatal period. In addition to these typical features, four patients had prominent limb dyskinesia, which has only been reported once before in infants with PWS. We draw attention to this relatively common but poorly acknowledged sign that can be seen at presentation of PWS.

Cardiac effects when using trial-derived monitoring protocols for adjuvant trastuzumab: Results from a retrospective multicenter UK audit

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Background: Guidelines for cardiac scanning in adjuvant Trastuzumab (T) trials were developed due to clinical concerns regarding cardiotoxicity, and these same guidelines are now used in clinical practice. This was a retrospective audit to assess adherence to these guidelines and characterise the nature and timescale of problems experienced with adjuvant T in clinical practice. Methods: A retrospective review of MUGA/ECHO results was conducted in patients who received adjuvant T for breast cancer. Data was compiled from five UK cancer centres: Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, The Royal Free hospital and Newcastle. Results: A total of 424 patients received at least one dose of adjuvant T between September 2005 and January 2008, using a HERA trial schedule. There were 262 with detailed information regarding treatment delays/withdrawals for cardiac reasons. 12% (32/262 pts) were withdrawn from adjuvant trastuzumab treatment for cardiac reasons, with another 11% (29/262 pts) experiencing at least 1 delay in treatment. Analysis of cardiac scan results for the remaining 162 pts suggested a total cardiac delay/withdrawal percentage of 14.4% (61/424 pts). There was no age effect with 15% (50/338) of <65 year olds experiencing cardiac delays/withdrawals compared to 18% (9/50) of ≥65 year olds. Preherceptin cardiac scan results did appear to be predictive of subsequent problems, with 29% (38/132 pts) who had an ejection fraction (EF) of 40–59% experiencing cardiac delays/withdrawals compared to 10% (19/183 pts) with an EF of 60–69% and 4% (4/98 pts) with an EF ≥ 70%. Pretreatment with Doxorubicin was associated with an approximate doubling of cardiac problems (6/20 pts; 30%) compared to pretreatment with Epirubicin containing chemotherapy regimens. No temporal relationship existed between timing of cardiac delays/withdrawals and stage of T treatment. Conclusions: Significant numbers of patients are experiencing delays/withdrawals during adjuvant T treatment. In routine practice the withdrawal rates are more than twice those reported in the HERA trial population. There is a clear role for a re-assessment of the trial-derived cardiac management guidelines, which should be prospectively audited.

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Muscular dystrophies due to defective glycosylation of dystroglycan

Muscular dystrophies are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. Until recently most of the proteins associated with muscular dystrophies were believed to be proteins of the sarcolemma associated with reinforcing the plasma membrane or in facilitating its re-sealing following injury. In the last few years a novel and frequent pathogenic mechanism has been identified that involves the abnormal glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan (ADG). This peripheral membrane protein undergoes complex and crucial glycosylation steps that enable it to interact with LG domain containing extracellular matrix proteins such as laminins, agrin and perlecan. Mutations in six genes (POMT1, POMT2, POMGnT1, fukutin, FKRP and LARGE) have been identified in patients with reduced glycosylation of ADG. While initially a clear correlation between gene defect and phenotype was observed for each of these 6 genes (for example, Walker Warburg syndrome was associated with mutations in POMT1 and POMT2, Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy associated with fukutin mutations, and Muscle Eye Brain disease associated with POMGnT1 mutations), we have recently demonstrated that allelic mutations in each of these 6 genes can result in a much wider spectrum of clinical conditions. Thus, the crucial aspect in determining the phenotypic severity is not which gene is primarily mutated, but how severely the mutation affects the glycosylation of ADG. Systematic mutation analysis of these 6 glycosyltransferases in patients with a dystroglycan glycosylation disorder identifies mutations in approximately 65% suggesting that more genes have yet to be identified.

Refining genotype phenotype correlations in muscular dystrophies with defective glycosylation of dystroglycan

Muscular dystrophies with reduced glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan (alpha-DG), commonly referred to as dystroglycanopathies, are a heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive conditions which include a wide spectrum of clinical severity. Reported phenotypes range from severe congenital onset Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS) with severe structural brain and eye involvement, to relatively mild adult onset limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). Specific clinical syndromes were originally described in association with mutations in any one of six demonstrated or putative glycosyltransferases. Work performed on patients with mutations in the FKRP gene has identified that the spectrum of phenotypes due to mutations in this gene is much wider than originally assumed. To further define the mutation frequency and phenotypes associated with mutations in the other five genes, we studied a large cohort of patients with evidence of a dystroglycanopathy. Exclusion of mutations in FKRP was a prerequisite for participation in this study. Ninety-two probands were screened for mutations in POMT1, POMT2, POMGnT1, fukutin and LARGE. Homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations were detected in a total of 31 probands (34 individuals from 31 families); 37 different mutations were identified, of which 32 were novel. Mutations in POMT2 were the most prevalent in our cohort with nine cases, followed by POMT1 with eight cases, POMGnT1 with seven cases, fukutin with six cases and LARGE with only a single case. All patients with POMT1 and POMT2 mutations had evidence of either structural or functional central nervous system involvement including four patients with mental retardation and a LGMD phenotype. In contrast mutations in fukutin and POMGnT1 were detected in four patients with LGMD and no evidence of brain involvement. The majority of patients (six out of nine) with mutations in POMT2 had a Muscle-Eye-Brain (MEB)-like condition. In addition we identified a mutation in the gene LARGE in a patient with WWS. Our data expands the clinical phenotypes associated with POMT1, POMT2, POMGnT1, fukutin and LARGE mutations. Mutations in these five glycosyltransferase genes were detected in 34% of patients indicating that, after the exclusion of FKRP, the majority of patients with a dystroglycanopathy harbour mutations in novel genes.