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.

Role of serostatus in pediatric neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A nationwide multicentric study

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are immune-mediated inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) mostly presenting as optic neuritis and acute myelitis. NMOSD can be associated with seropositivity for aquaporin 4 antibody (AQP4 IgG), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG IgG), or can be seronegative for both. In this study, we retrospectively examined our seropositive and seronegative pediatric NMOSD patients.

METHOD

Data were collected from all participating centres nationwide. Patients diagnosed with NMOSD were divided into three subgroups according to serology: AQP4 IgG NMOSD, MOG IgG NMOSD, and double seronegative (DN) NMOSD. Patients with at least six months of follow-up were compared statistically.

RESULTS

The study included 45 patients, 29 female and 16 male (ratio:1.8), mean age 15.16 ± 4.93 (range 5.5-27) years. Age at onset, clinical manifestations, and cerebrospinal fluid findings were similar between AQP4 IgG NMOSD (n = 17), MOG IgG NMOSD (n = 10), and DN NMOSD (n = 18) groups. A polyphasic course was more frequent in the AQP4 IgG and MOG IgG NMOSD groups than DN NMOSD (p = 0.007). The annualized relapse rate and rate of disability were similar between groups. Most common types of disability were related to optic pathway and spinal cord involvement. Rituximab in AQP4 IgG NMOSD, intravenous immunoglobulin in MOG IgG NMOSD, and azathioprine in DN NMOSD were usually preferred for maintenance treatment.

CONCLUSION

In our series with a considerable number of double seronegatives, the three major serological groups of NMOSD were indistinguishable based on clinical and laboratory findings at initial presentation. Their outcome is similar in terms of disability, but seropositive patients should be more closely followed-up for relapses.

Shared Biological Pathways and Processes in Patients with Intellectual Disability: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

 Although the underlying genetic causes of intellectual disability (ID) continue to be rapidly identified, the biological pathways and processes that could be targets for a potential molecular therapy are not yet known. This study aimed to identify ID-related shared pathways and processes utilizing enrichment analyses.

METHOD

 In this multicenter study, causative genes of patients with ID were used as input for Disease Ontology (DO), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

 Genetic test results of 720 patients from 27 centers were obtained. Patients with chromosomal deletion/duplication, non-ID genes, novel genes, and results with changes in more than one gene were excluded. A total of 558 patients with 341 different causative genes were included in the study. Pathway-based enrichment analysis of the ID-related genes via ClusterProfiler revealed 18 shared pathways, with lysine degradation and nicotine addiction being the most common. The most common of the 25 overrepresented DO terms was ID. The most frequently overrepresented GO biological process, cellular component, and molecular function terms were regulation of membrane potential, ion channel complex, and voltage-gated ion channel activity/voltage-gated channel activity, respectively.

CONCLUSION

 Lysine degradation, nicotine addiction, and thyroid hormone signaling pathways are well-suited to be research areas for the discovery of new targeted therapies in ID patients.

Evaluation of Acute Ataxia in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Etiologies and Red Flags

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate patients with acute ataxia and to determine the warning clinical factors in the early prediction of neurological emergencies.

METHOD

Patients with a history of balance and gait coordination disorder and clinically diagnosed as acute ataxia in pediatric emergency department were included in the study. As a result of final diagnosis, the characteristics of patients with and without clinically urgent neurological pathology (CUNP) were compared. CUNP was defined as any nervous system disorder requiring early diagnosis and prompt medical or surgical treatment and/or intensive care unit admission to prevent disabling or life-threatening evolution.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients with a median age of 5 years were included in the study (37 [42%] patients with CUNP and 51 [58%] without CUNP). In the CUNP group, the median age of patients and symptom duration were significantly higher (P < 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). The most common etiologies were acute post/parainfectious cerebellar ataxias (n = 40 [45.4%]), acute cerebellitis (n = 9 [10.2%]), and Guillain-Barré syndrome (n = 8 [9%]). Hyporeflexia/areflexia and dysmetria were associated with a higher risk of CUNP. Headache, loss of consciousness, and visual dysfunction were the findings appearing exclusively in patients with CUNP.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common etiologies in acute ataxia are benign and transient, whereas life-threatening conditions may occur rarely and may require urgent intervention. Older age; prolonged symptom duration; focal neurological deficits such as hemiparesis, hyporeflexia, and visual impairment; and nonspecific findings such as loss of consciousness and headache are the most striking "red flags" of a potential neurological emergency and should alert clinicians to CUNP.

Nitrogen removal performance of intermittently aerated membrane bioreactor treating black water

The study investigated the effect of intermittent aeration on the nitrogen removal performance of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) treating black water. A pilot-scale MBR with an effective volume of 630 L operating as a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with intermittent aeration was used in the experiments. Substrate feeding was limited to the initial non-aerated phase. The MBR unit was sustained at a steady state at a sludge age of 60 d with a biomass concentration of around 10,000 mg/L for 3 months. The treated black water could be characterized with an average COD of 950 mg/L and total nitrogen of 172 mg/L, corresponding to a low COD/N ratio of 5.5. The selected MBR scheme was quite effective, reducing COD down to 26 mg/L, providing effective nitrification and yielding a total oxidized nitrogen concentration under 10 mg N/L. The nitrogen removal performance was substantially better than the level predicted by process stoichiometry, due to multiple anoxic configuration inducing additional nitrogen removal. Dissolved oxygen profiles associated with the cyclic operation of the system suggested that the incremental nitrogen removal could be attributed to simultaneous nitrification-denitrification, a commonly observed mechanism in MBR systems sustained at high biomass concentrations.

Combined Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Transaxillary First Rib Resection and Transcervical Scalenectomy

Many different procedures have been developed to treat thoracic outlet compression syndrome (TOCS), a condition in which neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet region are compressed. Currently, transaxillary first rib resection and transcervical anterior and middle scalenectomy are the most popular and standard procedures. In the early 1980s, some surgeons started to perform both procedures, starting with the scalenectomy and following with a transaxillary first rib resection. We have found that performing these procedures in the reverse order, starting with the first rib resection and following immediately with a transcervical anterior and middle scalenectomy accomplishes total decompression of the thoracic outlet area with much better improvement of symptoms and much lower recurrence rate.

Scapulothoracic stabilisation for winging of the scapula using strips of autogenous fascia lata

We have used a modified technique in five patients to correct winging of the scapula caused by injury to the brachial plexus or the long thoracic nerve during transaxillary resection of the first rib. The procedure stabilises the scapulothoracic articulation by using strips of autogenous fascia lata wrapped around the 4th, 6th and 7th ribs at least two, and preferably three, times. The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 38 years (26 to 47) and the mean follow-up six years and four months (three years and three months to 11 years). Satisfactory stability was achieved in all patients with considerable improvement in shoulder function. There were no complications.

Scapulothoracic stabilisation for winging of the scapula using strips of autogenous fascia lata

We have used a modified technique in five patients to correct winging of the scapula caused by injury to the brachial plexus or the long thoracic nerve during transaxillary resection of the first rib. The procedure stabilises the scapulothoracic articulation by using strips of autogenous fascia lata wrapped around the 4th, 6th and 7th ribs at least two, and preferably three, times.

The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 38 years (26 to 47) and the mean follow-up six years and four months (three years and three months to 11 years). Satisfactory stability was achieved in all patients with considerable improvement in shoulder function. There were no complications.

Thoracic outlet compression syndrome caused by a schwannoma of the C7 nerve root

This is the first report of a schwannoma originating from the C7 nerve root causing thoracic outlet compression syndrome. The patient was a 30-year-old woman with a 3-year history of numbness on the radial side of the left hand, left arm tiredness, nocturnal pain in the left forearm and pain in the left elbow, shoulder and neck. Conservative treatment and previous operations, including carpal tunnel release and first rib resection, provided no relief. A left scalenectomy was performed. During the removal of the anterior scalene muscle, a mass approximately 3 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter was noted under the anterior scalene muscle involving the C7 nerve root. The tumour was encapsulated and covered with attenuated and stretched nerve fascicles. It was completely excised without disturbing the nerve fascicles. The clinical impression was schwannoma, which was confirmed on pathological examination.

Thoracic outlet compression syndrome

This article is concerned with thoracic outlet compression syndrome (TOCS), one of the most controversial subjects in medicine. It may also be the most underrated, overlooked, misdiagnosed, and probably the most important and difficult to manage peripheral nerve compression in the upper extremity. Contents of the chapter include the historical aspect, anatomy, etiology and incidence, pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnosis, conservative and surgical treatment, other conditions associated with TOCS, and results of TOCS surgical treatment.

Long-term results of denervation of the wrist joint for chronic wrist pain

The results have been evaluated of 29 patients who had wrist denervation for chronic wrist pain between 1979 and 1987. Follow-up ranged from 22 to 86 months (mean 51 months). 17 patients had denervation without a concurrent procedure. Of these, 12% became pain-free and 71% had pain with all activities or had additional surgery; 24% said they were satisfied with their treatment. The results were worse in those who had partial denervation than those who had total denervation. 12 patients had denervation performed concurrently with another pain-relieving procedure. Denervation alone was not reliable in resolving chronic wrist pain.

Perichondrial resurfacing arthroplasty in the hand

A retrospective study of 36 perichondrial resurfacing arthroplasties, 16 metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints, and 20 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints with a minimum follow-up of 3 years was conducted to further define indication and contraindication of this procedure. The overall results for MP joints were 56% good, 25% fair, and 19% revision, and for PIP joints, 55% good, 15% fair, and 30% revision. All arthroplasties for healed pyarthrosis failed. Concomitant tendon repair was a cofactor in the high failure rate. Patient age had a direct influence on the outcome of the arthroplasty. In MP joint arthroplasties, 100% of patients in their 20s had good results and 75% in their 30s had good results. In PIP joint arthroplasties, 75% of patients in their teens and 66% in their 20s had good results. Good results were not recorded in MP or PIP joints for patients older than 40 years of age. Perichondrial resurfacing arthroplasty should be considered contraindicated in the treatment of arthropathies resulting from healed pyarthrosis, systemic diseases with joint involvement, concomitant tendon reconstruction, and age over 40 years. The procedure is indicated and can be utilized in the treatment of traumatic arthritis of the MP and PIP joints of the hand in young individuals.

The "antenna" procedure for the "hook-nail" deformity

The hook-nail deformity is a relatively common problem after fingertip amputations. It is usually ignored but can be quite disabling. This deformity can be corrected by a carefully planned operation. Most of the curved nail plate is removed, the pulp is reflected from the distal phalanx out to a normal contour, and then the full thickness of the nail bed is elevated off the distal phalanx and splinted by multiple small Kirschner pins in a straight position. The defect created is covered with a cross finger flap.

Reconstruction of severe transmetacarpal mutilating hand injuries by combined second and third toe transfer

This paper reports on nine instances of combined second and third toe-to-hand transfers in eight patients for severe transmetacarpal mutilating hand injuries. In four cases, the transfer included an innervated flap from the fibular side of the great toe to provide sensibility to a previously constructed osteoplastic thumb. Prehensile function was significantly improved by providing chuck or tripod pinch as well as improved pulp-to-pulp and lateral pinch. At a mean follow-up of 20.3 months, there was only one failure.

The cross thumb to index finger pedicle

By careful technique the dorsum of the thumb can be used as a donor area to cover exposed bone of index fingertip amputations and, in certain cases, avulsions of the nailbed. In this procedure an oblique, radially based flap from the dorsum of the proximal phalanx is used.

The abdominohypogastric flap--an axial pattern flap for forearm coverage

The abdominohypogastric flap, an axial pattern flap supplied by the anterior perforating branches of the deep inferior epigastric artery and the branches of the superficial inferior epigastric artery, has been used successfully to resurface defects on the forearm in two patients. The Doppler is employed to determine the presence and the course of the superficial inferior epigastric artery in order to include branches of this artery within the base of the flap.

Primary flexor tendon repair followed by immediate controlled mobilization

A study was made of the results of immediate repair and controlled mobilization in 156 severed flexor tendons in 68 patients occuring over an 18-month period. Eight patients with 16 tendon injuries could not be followed. Results were obtained from examinations done 6 weeks to 18 months (mean, 5.3 months) after repair. Thirty-one of the 60 patients were less than 20 years old, and 44 of the 60 were less than 30 years old. Seventy-nine (56%) of the injuries occurred in the area known as "no man's land"; 28 patients with repair of tendons in this area were rated by our standards as "excellent" or "good"--75% of patients as compared to 84.4% for the results of repair in other areas. In one fourth of the cases of severance of both tendons, because of local conditions in the wound, the superficialis was excised, but in all others it was repaired.

Arthritis of the trapezial articulations treated by prosthetic replacement

This paper reviews experience with thirty-six trapezial replacements over a period of six years. The indications for replacement are given, the group of patients analysed and the technique outlined, with particular attention given to tendinous reinforcement of the capsular repair. The results with regard to pain, dislocation and other complications are recorded. The causes of dislocation and its prevention are discussed.

Replantation of digits and hands: analysis of surgical techniques and functional results in 71 patients with 86 replantations

Defining replantation as the restoration of a completely amputated part as opposed to simply restoring circulation to an incompletely severed part, the results of replantation of 86 completely amputated parts in 71 patients performed from January, 1970, to December, 1975, were studied. Twenty-eight, or 32.5 percent, were the result of sharp severances of the part; localized crushing accounted for 56, or 65.1 percent. Two were classified as degloving injuries. Twelve amputations were transmetacarpal, six were at the metacarpophalangeal joints, 14 through the proximal phalanx, 15 at the proximal interphalangeal joint, 21 in the middle phalanx, 13 at the distal interphalangeal joint, and five through the distal phalanx. The technique consisted of bone shortening and fixation and repair of all tendons and nerves if possible. Veins are repaired first, at least two for each artery, and heparinized saline and lidocaine are used locally. Irrigation of the vessels is not done, but an intravenous bolus of 3,000 U. of heparin is given when the anastomoses are completed. Aspirin and low molecular weight dextran are given for 3 to 7 days. For the more distal replantation, heparin may be used. Antibiotics are given. In the total series of 86 completely amputated hand units, 52 were unsuccessful, primarly due to vascular thrombosis and usually on the venous side. In the year 1975 a success rate of 69.2 percent was achieved, whereas in the last 50 replantations, done between Jan. 1, 1976, and Oct. 15, 1976, the success rate was 90 percent. Results improved with more experience in the technique and with more careful selection of patients.

Microvascular procedures in reconstructive surgery

The application of microvascular technics to problems in reconstructive surgery has enabled the surgeon to revascularize ischemic digits, replant amputated digits, and to transfer directly composite tissue from one area of the body to another for reconstructive purposes. The success of these procedures is directly dependent upon the ability to perform and maintain patent microvascular anastomoses. Representative cases are reported including the revascularization of an incompletely amputated digit, the replantation of an amputated thumb, the direct transfer of a toe to replace a missing thumb, and the transfer of a groin flap to cover a lower extremity defect. The principles of preoperative management, operative technics, and postoperative care are reviewed.