The diagnostic workup of children with the radiologically isolated syndrome differs by age and by sex

BACKGROUND

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and spinal MRIs are often obtained in children with the radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) for diagnosis and prognosis. Factors affecting the frequency and timing of these tests are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether age or sex were associated with (1) having CSF or spinal MRI obtained or (2) the timing of these tests.

METHODS

We analyzed children (≤ 18 y) with RIS enrolled in an international longitudinal study. Index scans met 2010/2017 multiple sclerosis (MS) MRI criteria for dissemination in space (DIS). We used Fisher's exact test and multivariable logistic regression (covariates = age, sex, MRI date, MRI indication, 2005 MRI DIS criteria met, and race).

RESULTS

We included 103 children with RIS (67% girls, median age = 14.9 y). Children ≥ 12 y were more likely than children < 12 y to have CSF obtained (58% vs. 21%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.9, p = 0.03). Pre-2017, girls were more likely than boys to have CSF obtained (n = 70, 79% vs. 52%, AOR = 4.6, p = 0.01), but not more recently (n = 30, 75% vs. 80%, AOR = 0.2, p = 0.1; p = 0.004 for interaction). Spinal MRIs were obtained sooner in children ≥ 12 y (median 11d vs. 159d, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Younger children with RIS may be at continued risk for misdiagnosis and misclassification of MS risk. Consensus guidelines are needed.

Multiple Sclerosis and Family Planning: A Survey Study of the Patient Experience

Background and Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly affects women in their childbearing years, necessitating discussion between patients and their MS treatment team around the issues of family planning, pregnancy, and postpartum experiences. This study assessed the impact of a diagnosis of MS on women's reproductive decision-making and on their perception of counseling received surrounding pregnancy. It also sought to evaluate trends in pregnancy and postpartum experiences and determine whether experiences differed by race, ethnicity, and zip code.

Methods

Women with an MS diagnosis seen at the University of Virginia MS Clinic or at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) MS Clinic were invited to participate in a survey study. MS disease and pregnancy history, and, when appropriate, reasons for pregnancy avoidance were collected. Respondents who had >1 pregnancy following MS diagnosis were asked to evaluate the counseling they received from medical professionals and to share their pregnancy experiences including complications during pregnancy, delivery outcomes, and postpartum experience including breastfeeding.

Results

Of the 280 respondents, 76.6% were currently receiving MS specialty care. Most of them (79.3%) had not been pregnant following MS diagnosis. Of them, 20.1% indicated that this decision was driven by MS-related concerns: MS worsening with pregnancy (47%); ability to care for child secondary to MS (35%); passing MS onto child (19%); stopping disease-modifying therapies to attempt pregnancy (14%); lack of knowledge about options for pregnancy and MS (9%). Women with a more recent estimated decade of pregnancy were more likely to report neurologist counseling regarding MS and pregnancy (pregnancy before 2000: 40%, 2000-2010: 64.7%, 2010- present: 83.3%; χ2 0.020). Breastfeeding initiation was reported in 71.4% of postdiagnosis pregnancies (median duration 6 months, interquartile range 1.75-11).

Discussion

Over the past few decades, women with MS have received a wide range of evolving guidance surrounding family planning, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Survey data suggest improvements in MS/pregnancy counseling and medical management in recent years, which may be driven by an increase in research in the field. There remains an important need and opportunity to improve counseling of women with MS who are considering pregnancy.

Progression risk stratification with six-minute walk gait speed trajectory in multiple sclerosis

Background

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) disease progression has notable heterogeneity among patients and over time. There is no available single method to predict the risk of progression, which represents a significant and unmet need in MS.

Methods

MS and healthy control (HC) participants were recruited for a 2-year observational study. A latent-variable growth mixture model (GMM) was applied to cluster baseline 6-min walk gait speed trajectories (6MWGST). MS patients within different 6 MWGST clusters were identified and stratified. The group membership of these MS patients was compared against 2-year confirmed-disease progression (CDP). Clinical and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures were compared between HC and MS subgroups over 2 years.

Results

62 MS and 41 HC participants completed the 2-year study. Within the MS cohort, 90% were relapsing MS. Two distinct patterns of baseline 6 MWGST emerged, with one cluster displaying a faster gait speed and a typical "U" shape, and the other showing a slower gait speed and a "flattened" 6 MWGST curve. We stratified MS participants in each cluster as low- and high-risk progressors (LRP and HRP, respectively). When compared against 2-year CDP, our 6 MWGST approach had 71% accuracy and 60% positive predictive value. Compared to the LRP group, those MS participants stratified as HRP (15 out of 62 MS participants), were on average 3.8 years older, had longer MS disease duration and poorer baseline performance on clinical outcomes and PROs scores. Over the subsequent 2 years, only the HRP subgroup showed a significant worsened performance on 6 MW, clinical measures and PROs from baseline.

Conclusion

Baseline 6 MWGST was useful for stratifying MS participants with high or low risks for progression over the subsequent 2 years. Findings represent the first reported single measure to predict MS disease progression with important potential applications in both clinical trials and care in MS.

Pediatric status epilepticus management by Emergency Medical Services (the pSERG cohort)

PURPOSE

Delayed treatment in status epilepticus (SE) is independently associated with increased treatment resistance, morbidity, and mortality. We describe the prehospital management pathway and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) timeliness in children who developed refractory convulsive status epilepticus (RCSE).

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter study in the United States using prospectively collected observational data from June 2011 to March 2020. We selected pediatric patients (one month-21 years) with RCSE initiated outside the hospital and transported to the hospital by EMS.

RESULTS

We included 91 patients with a median (percentile25-percentile75) age of 3.0 (1.5-7.3) years. The median time from seizure onset to hospital arrival was 45 (30-67) minutes, with a median time cared for by EMS of 24 (15-36) minutes. Considering treatment by caregivers and EMS before hospital arrival, 20 (22%) patients did not receive any anti-seizure medications (ASM) and 71 (78%) received one to five doses of benzodiazepines (BZD), without non-BZD ASM. We provided the prehospital treatment flow path of these patients through caregivers and EMS including relevant time points. Patients with a history of SE were more likely to receive the first BZD in the prehospital setting compared to patients without a history of SE (adjusted HR 3.25, 95% CI 1.72-6.12, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this multicenter study of pediatric RCSE, prehospital treatment may be streamlined further. Patients with a history of SE were more likely to receive prehospital rescue medication.

Interim guidelines for the assessment and treatment of pain in children with multiple sclerosis

Introduction

Pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) is common, but literature on pain in children with MS remains scarce. Pain has physical, psychological, and social implications in MS, and both comprehensive assessment and interdisciplinary management approaches are needed. We sought to develop an interdisciplinary interim guideline for the assessment and management of pain in children with MS.

Methods and materials

We convened a modified Delphi panel composed of 13 experts in pediatric and adult MS neurology, physiotherapy, pain, patient lived-experience, advanced practice nursing, psychology, physiatry, and MS research. A survey was sent to panelists for anonymous completion. The panel discussed survey themes extracted by the panel chair. The process was repeated twice.

Results

Thirteen assessment and treatment recommendations were produced regarding pain in children with MS.

Discussion

Future studies will assess implementation of these pain assessment and treatment guidelines in the clinical setting.

Ketogenic diet in relapsing multiple sclerosis: Patient perceptions, post-trial diet adherence & outcomes

BACKGROUND

Ketogenic diets (KDs) are safe and tolerable in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). While many patient-reported and clinical benefits are noted, the sustainability of these diets outside of a clinical trial is unknown.

AIMS

Evaluate patient perceptions of the KD following intervention, determine the degree of adherence to KDs post-trial, and examine what factors increase the likelihood of KD continuation following the structured diet intervention trial.

METHODS

Sixty-five subjects with relapsing MS previously enrolled into a 6-month prospective, intention-to-treat KD intervention. Following the 6-month trial, subjects were asked to return for a 3-month post-study follow-up, at which time patient reported outcomes, dietary recall, clinical outcome measures, and laboratory values were repeated. In addition, subjects completed a survey to evaluate sustained and attenuated benefits following completion of the intervention phase of the trial.

RESULTS

Fifty-two subjects (81%) returned for the 3-month post-KD intervention visit. Twenty-one percent reported continued adherence to a strict KD and an additional 37% reported adhering to a liberalized, less restrictive form of the KD. Those subjects with greater reductions in body mass index (BMI) and fatigue at 6-months on-diet were more likely to continue on KD following trial completion. Using intention-to-treat analysis, patient-reported and clinical outcomes at 3-months post-trial remained significantly improved from baseline (pre-KD), though the degree of improvement was slightly attenuated relative to outcomes at 6-months on KD. Regardless of diet type following the KD intervention, dietary patterns shifted toward greater protein and polyunsaturated fats and less carbohydrate/added sugar consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Following the 6-month KD intervention study, the majority of subjects elected to continue on KD, though many pursued a more liberal limit for carbohydrate restriction. Those who experienced a greater reduction in BMI or fatigue were more likely to continue with strict KD. The 6-month KD intervention induced persistent changes to dietary habits in the months following study completion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registered on Clinicaltrials.gov under registration number NCT03718247, posted on Oct 24, 2018. First patient enrollment date: Nov 1, 2018. Link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03718247?term=NCT03718247&draw=2&rank=1.

MRI Features and Their Association With Outcomes in Children With Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

OBJECTIVES

How brain MRI lesions associate with outcomes in pediatric anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (pNMDARE) is unknown. In this study, we correlate T2-hyperintense MRI brain lesions with clinical outcomes in pNMDARE.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study from 11 institutions. Children younger than 18 years with pNMDARE were included. One-year outcomes were assessed by the modified Rankin Score (mRS) with good (mRS ≤2) and poor (mRS ≥3) outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 175 pNMDARE subjects were included, with 1-year mRS available in 142/175 (81%) and 60/175 (34%) had abnormal brain MRIs. The most common T2-hyperintense lesion locations were frontal, temporal, and parietal. MRI features that predicted poor 1-year outcomes included abnormal MRI, particularly T2 lesions in the frontal and occipital lobes. After adjusting for treatment within 4 weeks of onset, improvement within 4 weeks, and intensive care unit admission, MRI features were no longer associated with poor outcomes, but after multiple imputation for missing data, T2 frontal and occipital lesions associated with poor outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Abnormal frontal and occipital lesions on MRI may associate with 1-year mRS in pNMDARE. MRI of the brain may be a helpful prognostication tool that should be examined in future studies.

Early Clinical Variables Associated With Refractory Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Children

OBJECTIVE

Determine patient-specific factors known proximate to the presentation to emergency care associated with the development of refractory convulsive status epilepticus (RSE) in children.

METHODS

An observational case-control study was conducted comparing pediatric patients (1 month - 21 years) with convulsive SE whose seizures stopped after benzodiazepines (BZD) and a single second-line antiseizure medication (ASM) (responsive established status epilepticus; rESE) with patients requiring more than a BZD and a single second-line ASM to stop their seizures (RSE). These sub-populations were obtained from the pediatric Status Epilepticus Research Group (pSERG) study cohort. We explored clinical variables that could be acquired early after presentation to emergency medical services with univariate analysis of the raw data. Variables with p<0.1 were retained for univariable and multivariable regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to age and sex- matched data to obtain variables associated with RSE.

RESULTS

We compared data from a total of 595 episodes of pediatric SE. Univariate analysis demonstrated no differences in time to the first BZD (RSE 16 min (IQR 5-45); rESE 18 min (IQR 6-44), p=0.068). Time to second-line ASM was shorter in RSE patients (RSE 65 min; rESE 70 min; p=0.021). Both univariable and multivariable regression analysis revealed a family history of seizures (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.20 -0.70, p = 0.0022) or a prescription for rectal diazepam (OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.078 - 0.53, p = 0.0012) were associated with decreased odds of RSE.

CONCLUSIONS

Time to initial BZD or second-line ASM was not associated with progression to RSE in our cohort of patients with rESE. A family history of seizures and a prescription for rectal diazepam were associated with a decreased likelihood of progression to RSE. Early attainment of these variables may help care for pediatric rESE in a more patient-tailored manner. COE: This study provides class II evidence that patient and clinical factors may predict RSE in children with convulsive seizures.

Serum neurofilament light chain in relapsing multiple sclerosis patients on a ketogenic diet

BACKGROUND

Ketogenic diets have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties which make these diets an attractive complimentary treatment approach for patients living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ketogenic diets on neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker of neuroaxonal injury.

METHODS

Thirty-nine subjects with relapsing MS completed a 6-month ketogenic diet intervention. NfL levels were assayed at both baseline (pre-diet) and 6-months on-diet. In addition, ketogenic diet study participants were compared to a cohort (n = 31) of historical, untreated MS controls.

RESULTS

Baseline (pre-diet) mean NfL was 5.45 pg/ml (95% CI 4.59 - 6.31). After 6 months on ketogenic diet, mean NfL was not significantly changed (5.49 pg/ml; 95% CI 4.82 - 6.19). Compared to untreated MS controls (mean 15.17 pg/ml), NfL levels for the ketogenic diet cohort were relatively low. MS subjects with higher levels of ketosis (as measured by serum beta-hydroxybutyrate) exhibited greater reductions in NfL between baseline and 6-months on ketogenic diet.

CONCLUSIONS

Ketogenic diets do not worsen biomarkers of neurodegeneration in relapsing MS patients, with stable, low levels of NfL observed throughout the diet intervention. Subjects with greater biomarkers of ketosis experienced a higher degree of improvement in serum NfL.

CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER

NCT03718247 - "Utilization of the Ketogenic Diet in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting MS" https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03718247.

Socioeconomic, Clinical, and Laboratory Parameters Differentiating Pediatric Patients With MOG Antibody-Associated Disease and Multiple Sclerosis

Studies indicate differences in the clinical phenotypes and neuroimaging of children with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) compared to multiple sclerosis; however, there are limited data assessing the socioeconomic and paraclinical differences between these distinct disorders. This retrospective study identified patients aged <18 years at time of diagnosis with MOGAD or multiple sclerosis. Demographics, birth history, socioeconomic factors (insurance type, median income, parental education level), and paraclinical features (clinical manifestations, laboratory evaluation) were recorded for eligible participants. Seventy-eight patients (28 MOGAD, 50 multiple sclerosis) met inclusion criteria. Mothers of MOGAD children were more likely to have attended college compared to the mothers of children with multiple sclerosis (80% vs 49%; P = .02). Though MOGAD patients had greater rates of day care attendance (81% vs 57%), lower rates of birth complications (7% vs 21%), and higher rates of being breastfed (65% vs 46%), these findings did not meet predefined statistical significance. Clinically, children with MOGAD exhibited a lower body mass index percentile at presentation (58th ± 27th percentile vs 83rd ± 20th percentile; P = .0001) and were younger (7.6 ± 4.1 vs 14.8 ± 1.6 years; P < .0001) and more likely to exhibit an infectious prodrome (57% vs 10%; P < .0001). MOGAD patients were less likely to have evidence of remote Epstein-Barr virus infection (29% vs 100%; P < .0001) and less likely to have ≥3 unique oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (5% vs 87%; P < .001). Compared with multiple sclerosis, children with MOGAD exhibit lower body mass index percentiles at presentation, are more likely to have mothers with higher education levels, and are less likely to have had prior Epstein-Barr virus infection. Our data confirm that MOGAD patients are younger, more likely to exhibit infectious prodrome, and are less likely to exhibit intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal bands. These features provide new insights into the differentiating pathobiology of MOGAD and may be helpful in differentiating these children from multiple sclerosis early in the diagnostic evaluation.

Six-Minute Walk as a Measure of Walking Capacity and Endurance in Patients With Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Despite low levels of disability, youth with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) engage in less physical activity compared with peers. The contribution of walking capacity, endurance, behavior, and MS comorbidities remains relatively undefined and may provide valuable insights into the limitations toward physical activity in youth with MS. The primary objective of this study was to investigate differences in walking capacity, endurance, and real-world behaviors of daily activity between youth with POMS and controls.

METHODS

Youth diagnosed with MS prior to 18 years and aged 21 years or younger were recruited in addition to healthy controls. Participants completed questionnaires to quantify fatigue, depression, and physical activity levels and the timed 2- and 6-minute walk (6MW) as an assessment of walking capacity and endurance. Participants completed questionnaires to quantify fatigue, depression, and physical activity levels. Participants also completed the timed 2- and 6-minute walk (6MW) as an assessment of walking capacity and endurance and were sent home with a waist-worn accelerometer to assess real-world walking behavior.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients with POMS and 85 control participants were enrolled. The POMS cohort had a mean age of 16.9 ± 2.7 years, with a mean disease duration of 2.8 ± 2.6 years. A greater proportion of the POMS cohort was overweight/obese compared with controls (75% vs 33%). Participants with MS walked a significantly shorter distance in 6 minutes compared with controls (1,848 feet vs 2,134 feet, p < 0.0001) and, unlike controls, were unable to accelerate to their peak speed at the end of the 6MW. Body mass index category and MS disease significantly affected 6MW performance. Using continuous accelerometry, participants with MS spent less time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared with controls (20.4 vs 35.4 min/d, p = 0.0003). The POMS cohort reported significantly higher levels of depression and fatigue but self-reported similar levels of daily physical activity as controls.

DISCUSSION

Youth with POMS exhibit slower 6MW performance and less daily engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, suggesting limitations in functional walking capacity, endurance, and daily activity behavior. Limitations in walking endurance and capacity are most prominent in those youth who are overweight/obese and living with MS.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class III evidence that, compared with healthy controls, patients with POMS walk shorter distances on the 6MW test, are less able to accelerate to peak speed at the end of the test, and are less physically active.

Pediatric Acquired Demyelinating Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and prognosis of the most common monophasic and relapsing acquired demyelinating disorders presenting in childhood.

RECENT FINDINGS

Our understanding of neuroimmune disorders of the central nervous system is rapidly expanding. Several clinical and paraclinical factors help to inform the diagnosis and ultimately the suspicion for a monophasic versus relapsing course, including the age of the patient (prepubertal versus postpubertal), presence or absence of clinical encephalopathy, identification of serum autoantibodies (eg, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein [MOG] and aquaporin-4), presence of intrathecally unique oligoclonal bands, and location/extent of radiologic abnormalities. Collaborative international research efforts have facilitated understanding of the safety and efficacy of currently available immunotherapies in children with acquired demyelinating disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis.

SUMMARY

Although many of the demyelinating disorders presented in this article can affect children and adults across the age spectrum, the clinical and radiologic phenotypes, treatment considerations, and long-term prognoses are often distinct in children.

Phase II study of ketogenic diets in relapsing multiple sclerosis: safety, tolerability and potential clinical benefits

BACKGROUND

Dietary changes impact human physiology and immune function and have potential as therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVE

Assess the tolerability of a ketogenic diet (KD) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) and define the impact on laboratory and clinical outcome metrics.

METHODS

Sixty-five subjects with relapsing MS enrolled into a 6-month prospective, intention-to-treat KD intervention. Adherence was monitored with daily urine ketone testing. At baseline, fatigue, depression and quality of life (QoL) scores were obtained in addition to fasting adipokines and MS-related clinical outcome metrics. Baseline metrics were repeated at 3 and/or 6 months on-diet.

RESULTS

Eighty-three percent of participants adhered to the KD for the study duration. Subjects exhibited significant reductions in fat mass and showed a nearly 50% decline in self-reported fatigue and depression scores. MS QoL physical health (67±16 vs 79±12, p<0.001) and mental health (71±17 vs 82±11, p<0.001) composite scores increased on-diet. Significant improvements were noted in Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (2.3±0.9 vs 1.9±1.1, p<0.001), 6-minute walk (1631±302 vs 1733±330 ft, p<0.001) and Nine-Hole Peg Test (21.5±3.6 vs 20.3±3.7 s, p<0.001). Serum leptin was lower (25.5±15.7 vs 14.0±11.7 ng/mL, p<0.001) and adiponectin was higher (11.4±7.8 vs 13.5±8.4 µg/mL, p=0.002) on the KD.

CONCLUSION

KDs are safe and tolerable over a 6-month study period and yield improvements in body composition, fatigue, depression, QoL, neurological disability and adipose-related inflammation in persons living with relapsing MS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under registration number NCT03718247, posted on 24 October 2018. First patient enrolment date: 1 November 2018. Link: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03718247?term=NCT03718247&draw=2&rank=1.

Body size perceptions & diet modification in youth with multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Investigate the perceptions of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients regarding their body size and assess the feasibility of recruitment for a study of diet modification in this unique population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed a cohort of 43 consecutive youth with MS. The survey queried participant demographics, clinical disease characteristics, body size perception, and opinions of diet modification RESULTS: : While over three quarters of surveyed participants were overweight/obese, 58% of these participants did not self-identify as such. A single participant was attempting a diet at the time of survey, but 88% of participants indicated interest in pursuing diet modification. BMI category did not impact an individual's willingness to pursue diet intervention; however, obese participants were more willing to participate in diet intervention for longer durations.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of MS youth have an elevated BMI, yet the majority have the self-perception that they are not overweight or obese. Regardless of BMI, most youth with MS have an interest in pursuing diet modification in attempts to benefit their disease course.

Benzodiazepine administration patterns before escalation to second-line medications in pediatric refractory convulsive status epilepticus

Objective

This study was undertaken to evaluate benzodiazepine (BZD) administration patterns before transitioning to non‐BZD antiseizure medication (ASM) in pediatric patients with refractory convulsive status epilepticus (rSE).

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study in the United States and Canada used prospectively collected observational data from children admitted with rSE between 2011 and 2020. Outcome variables were the number of BZDs given before the first non‐BZD ASM, and the number of BZDs administered after 30 and 45 min from seizure onset and before escalating to non‐BZD ASM.

Results

We included 293 patients with a median (interquartile range) age of 3.8 (1.3–9.3) years. Thirty‐six percent received more than two BZDs before escalating, and the later the treatment initiation was after seizure onset, the less likely patients were to receive multiple BZD doses before transitioning (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = .998, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .997–.999 per minute, p = .01). Patients received BZDs beyond 30 and 45 min in 57.3% and 44.0% of cases, respectively. Patients with out‐of‐hospital seizure onset were more likely to receive more doses of BZDs beyond 30 min (IRR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.73–3.46, p < .0001) and beyond 45 min (IRR = 3.75, 95% CI = 2.40–6.03, p < .0001) compared to patients with in‐hospital seizure onset. Intermittent SE was a risk factor for more BZDs administered beyond 45 min compared to continuous SE (IRR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01–2.06, p = .04). Forty‐seven percent of patients (n = 94) with out‐of‐hospital onset did not receive treatment before hospital arrival. Among patients with out‐of‐hospital onset who received at least two BZDs before hospital arrival (n = 54), 48.1% received additional BZDs at hospital arrival.

Significance

Failure to escalate from BZDs to non‐BZD ASMs occurs mainly in out‐of‐hospital rSE onset. Delays in the implementation of medical guidelines may be reduced by initiating treatment before hospital arrival and facilitating a transition to non‐BZD ASMs after two BZD doses during handoffs between prehospital and in‐hospital settings.

Time to Treatment in Pediatric Convulsive Refractory Status Epilepticus: The Weekend Effect

BACKGROUND

Time to treatment in pediatric refractory status epilepticus is delayed. We aimed to evaluate the influence of weekends and holidays on time to treatment of this pediatric emergency.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected observational data of pediatric patients with refractory status epilepticus.

RESULTS

We included 329 patients (56% males) with a median (p25 to p75) age of 3.8 (1.3 to 9) years. The median (p25 to p75) time to first BZD on weekdays and weekends/holidays was 20 (6.8 to 48.3) minutes versus 11 (5 to 35) minutes, P = 0.01; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95 to 1.55), P = 0.12. The time to first non-BZD ASM was longer on weekdays than on weekends/holidays (68 [42.8 to 153.5] minutes versus 59 [27 to 120] minutes, P = 0.006; adjusted HR = 1.38 [95% CI: 1.08 to 1.76], P = 0.009). However, this difference was mainly driven by status epilepticus with in-hospital onset: among 108 patients, the time to first non-BZD ASM was longer during weekdays than during weekends/holidays (55.5 [28.8 to 103.5] minutes versus 28 [15.8 to 66.3] minutes, P = 0.003; adjusted HR = 1.65 [95% CI: 1.08 to 2.51], P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The time to first non-BZD ASM in pediatric refractory status epilepticus is shorter on weekends/holidays than on weekdays, mainly driven by in-hospital onset status epilepticus. Data on what might be causing this difference may help tailor policies to improve medication application timing.

First-line medication dosing in pediatric refractory status epilepticus

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with low benzodiazepine (BZD) dosing in patients with refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and to assess the impact of BZD treatment variability on seizure cessation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study with prospectively collected data of children with convulsive RSE admitted between June 2011 and January 2019. We analyzed the initial and total BZD dose within 10 minutes of treatment initiation. We used logistic regression modeling to evaluate predictors of low BZD dosing and multivariate Cox regression analysis to assess the impact of low BZD dosing on time to seizure cessation.

RESULTS

We included 289 patients (55.7% male) with a median age of 4.3 (1.3-9.5) years. BZDs were the initial medication in 278 (96.2%). Of those, 161 patients (57.9%) received a low initial dose. Low initial BZD doses occurred in both out-of-hospital (57 of 106; 53.8%) and in-hospital (104 of 172; 60.5%) settings. One hundred three patients (37.1%) received low total BZD dose. Male sex (odds ratio [OR] 2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-3.49; p = 0.012), older age (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.05-1.17; p < 0.001), no prior diagnosis of epilepsy (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.23-3.69; p = 0.008), and delayed BZD treatment (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.24-3.94; p = 0.007) were associated with low total BZD dose. Patients who received low total BZD dosing were less likely to achieve seizure cessation (hazard ratio 0.7, 95% CI 0.57-0.95).

CONCLUSION

BZD doses were lower than recommended in both out-of-hospital and in-hospital settings. Factors associated with low total BZD dose included male sex, older age, no prior epilepsy diagnosis, and delayed BZD treatment. Low total BZD dosing was associated with decreased likelihood of Seizure cessation.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class III evidence that patients with RSE who present with male sex, older age, no prior diagnosis of epilepsy, and delayed BZD treatment are more likely to receive low total BZD doses. This study provides Class III evidence that in pediatric RSE low total BZD dose decreases the likelihood of seizure cessation.

Multiple Sclerosis in Children: Current and Emerging Concepts

Multiple sclerosis is being increasingly recognized and diagnosed in children. In the past several years, advances have been made in diagnosing multiple sclerosis in children, identifying new genetic and environmental risk factors, delineating underlying immunobiology, characterizing imaging findings, and implementing new treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss these advances. Future research into the determinants of multiple sclerosis in children and into new treatment options will be aided by continued international collaboration.

Body mass index trajectories in pediatric multiple sclerosis

AIM

To characterize growth trajectories of children who develop multiple sclerosis compared to typically developing, regional peers and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) normative values.

METHOD

This case-control study collected weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) in 40 consecutive pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (28 females, 12 males), in addition to 120 typically developing peers (84 females, 36 males), identified and matched for year of birth, sex, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. BMI values were converted to z-scores based on CDC reference values and were compared with respect to age between our two cohorts and by years relative to multiple sclerosis onset for cases.

RESULTS

Median age for the clinical onset of multiple sclerosis was 15 years. BMI z-scores are significantly higher for patients with multiple sclerosis compared to typically developing, demographically-matched peers and CDC standards. These significant differences in BMI are noted from 4 years of age and onward. Height trajectories were similar among case and control individuals and CDC normative values.

INTERPRETATION

BMI in pediatric multiple sclerosis is markedly higher, beginning in early childhood, years before the clinical-onset of the disease.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Children with multiple sclerosis are significantly more overweight than typically developing peers at the time of diagnosis. Body mass index trajectories are significantly higher years before the clinical manifestation(s) of multiple sclerosis.

Association of Time to Treatment With Short-term Outcomes for Pediatric Patients With Refractory Convulsive Status Epilepticus

Importance

Treatment delay for seizures can lead to longer seizure duration. Whether treatment delay is associated with major adverse outcomes, such as death, remains unknown.

Objective

To evaluate whether untimely first-line benzodiazepine treatment is associated with unfavorable short-term outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study included 218 pediatric patients admitted between June 1, 2011, and July 7, 2016, into the 11 tertiary hospitals in the United States within the Pediatric Status Epilepticus Research Group. Patients, ranging in age from 1 month to 21 years, with refractory convulsive status epilepticus (RCSE) that did not stop after the administration of at least 2 antiseizure medications were included. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: those who received the first-line benzodiazepine treatment in less than 10 minutes and those who received it 10 or more minutes after seizure onset (untimely). Data were collected and analyzed from June 1, 2011, to July 7, 2016.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was death during the related hospital admission. The secondary outcome was the need for continuous infusion for seizure termination. Multivariate analysis of mortality controlled for structural cause, febrile RCSE, age, and previous neurological history (including previous RCSE events). Use of continuous infusions was additionally adjusted for generalized RCSE, continuous RCSE, and 5 or more administrations of antiseizure medication.

Results

A total of 218 patients were included, among whom 116 (53.2%) were male and the median (interquartile range) age was 4.0 (1.2-9.6) years. The RCSE started in the prehospital setting for 139 patients (63.8%). Seventy-four patients (33.9%) received their first-line benzodiazepine treatment in less than 10 minutes, and 144 (66.1%) received untimely first-line benzodiazepine treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that patients who received untimely first-line benzodiazepine treatment had higher odds of death (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 11.0; 95% CI, 1.43 to ∞; P = .02), had greater odds of receiving continuous infusion (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.01-3.36; P = .047), had longer convulsive seizure duration (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.38-4.88; P = .003), and had more frequent hypotension (AOR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.16-4.63; P = .02). In addition, the timing of the first-line benzodiazepine treatment was correlated with the timing of the second-line (95% CI, 0.64-0.95; P < .001) and third-line antiseizure medications (95% CI, 0.25-0.78; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

Among pediatric patients with RCSE, an untimely first-line benzodiazepine treatment is independently associated with a higher frequency of death, use of continuous infusions, longer convulsion duration, and more frequent hypotension. Results of this study raise the question as to whether poor outcomes could, in part, be prevented by earlier administration of treatment.

LGI1 and CASPR2 neurological autoimmunity in children

The clinical phenotype of leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) and contactin-associated proteinlike 2 (CASPR2) autoimmunity is well defined in adults. Data for children are limited (<10 cases). Among 13,319 pediatric patients serologically tested for autoimmune neurological disorders (2010-2017), 264 were seropositive for voltage-gated potassium channel-complex-IgG (radioimmunoprecipitation). Only 13 (4.9%) were positive by transfected cell-binding assay for LGI1-IgG (n = 7), CASPR2-IgG (n = 3), or both (n = 3). This is significantly less than in adults. Encephalopathy, seizures, and peripheral nerve hyperexcitability were common, as was coexisting autoimmunity. No faciobrachial dystonic seizures or cancers were identified. Functional neurologic disorders were frequently the initial diagnosis, and immunotherapy appeared beneficial. Ann Neurol 2018;84:473-480.

The onset of pediatric refractory status epilepticus is not distributed uniformly during the day

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether the onset of pediatric refractory status epilepticus (rSE) is related to time of day.

METHOD

We analyzed the time of day for the onset of rSE in this prospective observational study performed from June 2011 to May 2019 in pediatric patients (1 month to 21 years of age). We evaluated the temporal distribution of pediatric rSE utilizing a cosinor analysis. We calculated the midline estimating statistic of rhythm (MESOR) and amplitude. MESOR is the estimated mean number of rSE episodes per hour if they were evenly distributed. Amplitude is the difference between MESOR and maximum rSE episodes/hour, or between MESOR and minimum rSE episodes/hour. We also evaluated the temporal distribution of time to treatment.

RESULTS

We analyzed 368 patients (58% males) with a median (p₂₅ - p₇₅) age of 4.2 (1.3-9.7) years. The MESOR was 15.3 (95% CI: 13.9-16.8) and the amplitude was 3.2 (95% CI: 1.1-5.3), p = 0.0024, demonstrating that the distribution is not uniform, but better described as varying throughout the day with a peak in the morning (11am-12 pm) and trough at night (11 pm-12 am). The duration from rSE onset to application of the first non-benzodiazepine antiseizure medication peaked during the early morning (2am-3 am) with a minimum during the afternoon (2 pm-3 pm) (p = 0.0179).

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of rSE onset is not uniform during the day. rSE onset shows a 24-h distribution with a peak in the mid-morning (11am-12 pm) and a trough at night (11 pm-12am).

The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite and Symbol Digit Modalities Test as outcome measures in pediatric multiple sclerosis

Background

There is an increasing number of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials occurring; however, data validating outcome metrics that accurately capture functional disability within pediatric cohorts are limited.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the MS Functional Composite (MSFC) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) to distinguish functional disability in pediatric MS patients.

Methods

A total of 20 pediatric MS patients and 40 age and sex-matched controls completed the SDMT and MSFC components: a timed 25-foot walk (T25FW); 9-hole peg test (9HPT); and paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT). Z scores for MS patients were created for each test based on control means. MS patients underwent Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) examination.

Results

Pediatric MS patients exhibited low levels of disability on EDSS, median [range]: 1.5 [1.0–3.0]. Compared with controls, MS patients performed significantly lower on SDMT (p = 0.0002) and all MSFC components: T25FW (p = 0.001), 9HPT (p = 0.01), and PASAT (p = 0.004). SDMT and MSFC performance were not correlated with EDSS.

Conclusions

Despite low levels of neurologic disability as measured by EDSS, pediatric patients with MS exhibit impaired performance in leg function, upper limb fine motor function, and auditory/visuospatial processing speeds, supporting the value of the MSFC and SDMT in this population. Longitudinal studies are needed to further validate their utility.

Pilot study of a ketogenic diet in relapsing-remitting MS

Objective

To assess the safety and tolerability of a modified Atkins diet (KD^MAD), a type of ketogenic diet (KD), in subjects with relapsing MS while exploring potential benefits of KDs in MS.

Methods

Twenty subjects with relapsing MS enrolled into a 6-month, single-arm, open-label study of the KD^MAD. Adherence to KD^MAD was objectively monitored by daily urine ketone testing. Fatigue and depression scores and fasting adipokines were obtained at baseline and on diet. Brain MRI was obtained at baseline and 6 months. Intention to treat was used for primary data analysis, and a per-protocol approach was used for secondary analysis.

Results

No subject experienced worsening disease on diet. Nineteen subjects (95%) adhered to KD^MAD for 3 months and 15 (75%) adhered for 6 months. Anthropometric improvements were noted on KD^MAD, with reductions in body mass index and total fat mass (p < 0.0001). Fatigue (p = 0.002) and depression scores (p = 0.003) were improved. Serologic leptin was significantly lower at 3 months (p < 0.0001) on diet.

Conclusions

KD^MAD is safe, feasible to study, and well tolerated in subjects with relapsing MS. KD^MAD improves fatigue and depression while also promoting weight loss and reducing serologic proinflammatory adipokines.

Classification of evidence

The study is rated Class IV because of the absence of a non-KD control group.

Oligoclonal bands increase the specificity of MRI criteria to predict multiple sclerosis in children with radiologically isolated syndrome

Background

Steps towards the development of diagnostic criteria are needed for children with the radiologically isolated syndrome to identify children at risk of clinical demyelination.

Objectives

To evaluate the 2005 and 2016 MAGNIMS magnetic resonance imaging criteria for dissemination in space for multiple sclerosis, both alone and with oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid added, as predictors of a first clinical event consistent with central nervous system demyelination in children with radiologically isolated syndrome.

Methods

We analysed an international historical cohort of 61 children with radiologically isolated syndrome (≤18 years), defined using the 2010 magnetic resonance imaging dissemination in space criteria (Ped-RIS) who were followed longitudinally (mean 4.2 ± 4.7 years). All index scans also met the 2017 magnetic resonance imaging dissemination in space criteria.

Results

Diagnostic indices (95% confidence intervals) for the 2005 dissemination in space criteria, with and without oligoclonal bands, were: sensitivity 66.7% (38.4–88.2%) versus 72.7% (49.8–89.3%); specificity 83.3% (58.6–96.4%) versus 53.9% (37.2–69.9%). For the 2016 MAGNIMS dissemination in space criteria diagnostic indices were: sensitivity 76.5% (50.1–93.2%) versus 100% (84.6–100%); specificity 72.7% (49.8–89.3%) versus 25.6% (13.0–42.1%).

Conclusions

Oligoclonal bands increased the specificity of magnetic resonance imaging criteria in children with Ped-RIS. Clinicians should consider testing cerebrospinal fluid to improve diagnostic certainty. There is rationale to include cerebrospinal fluid analysis for biomarkers including oligoclonal bands in planned prospective studies to develop optimal diagnostic criteria for radiologically isolated syndrome in children.

Extreme delta brush and distinctive imaging in a pediatric patient with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy

Autoimmune encephalitis has been increasingly recognized within the pediatric population, and the number of implicated autoantibodies continues to grow. The identification of characteristic clinical and paraclinical features helps direct the evaluation and increases the likelihood of making a definitive diagnosis of a specific antibody-mediated encephalitis. The finding of extreme delta brush on electroencephalogram (EEG) has been suggested to serve as a clinical clue to the diagnosis of anti-NMDA-R encephalitis. Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is a recently described antibody-mediated meningoencephalomyelitis, reported almost exclusively in adult patients. We report a case of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy in a pediatric patient with extreme delta brush pattern on EEG, negative anti-NMDA-R antibodies, and distinctive MRI findings. The findings reported herein should prompt clinicians to consider the diagnosis of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy in patients with suspected autoimmune encephalitis.

Hospital Emergency Treatment of Convulsive Status Epilepticus: Comparison of Pathways From Ten Pediatric Research Centers

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate and compare the status epilepticus treatment pathways used by pediatric status epilepticus research group (pSERG) hospitals in the United States and the American Epilepsy Society (AES) status epilepticus guideline.

METHODS

We undertook a descriptive analysis of recommended timing, dosing, and medication choices in 10 pSERG hospitals' status epilepticus treatment pathways.

RESULTS

One pathway matched the timeline in the AES guideline; nine pathways described more rapid timings. All pathways matched the guideline's stabilization phase in timing and five suggested that first-line benzodiazepine (BZD) be administered within this period. For second-line therapy timing (initiation of a non-BZD antiepileptic drug within 20 to 40 minutes), one pathway matched the guideline; nine initiated the antiepileptic drug earlier (median 10 [range five to 15] minutes). Third-line therapy timings matched the AES guideline (40 minutes) in two pathways; eight suggested earlier timing (median 20 [range 15 to 30] minutes). The first-line BZD recommended in all hospitals was intravenous lorazepam; alternatives included intramuscular midazolam or rectal diazepam. In second-line therapy, nine pathways recommended fosphenytoin. For third-line therapy, eight pathways recommended additional boluses of second-line medications; most commonly phenobarbital. Two pathways suggested escalation to third-line medication; most commonly midazolam. We found variance in dosing for the following medications: midazolam as first-line therapy, fosphenytoin, and levetiracetam as second-line therapy, and phenobarbital as third-line therapy medications.

CONCLUSIONS

The pSERG hospitals status epilepticus pathways are consistent with the AES status epilepticus guideline in regard to the choice of medications, but generally recommend more rapid escalation in therapy than the guideline.

Efficacy and safety of ketogenic diet for treatment of pediatric convulsive refractory status epilepticus

PURPOSE

To describe the efficacy and safety of ketogenic diet (KD) for convulsive refractory status epilepticus (RSE).

METHODS

RSE patients treated with KD at the 6/11 participating institutions of the pediatric Status Epilepticus Research Group from January-2011 to December-2016 were included. Patients receiving KD prior to the index RSE episode were excluded. RSE was defined as failure of ≥2 anti-seizure medications, including at least one non-benzodiazepine drug. Ketosis was defined as serum beta-hydroxybutyrate levels >20 mg/dl (1.9 mmol/l). Outcomes included proportion of patients with electrographic (EEG) seizure resolution within 7 days of starting KD, defined as absence of seizures and ≥50% suppression below 10 μV on longitudinal bipolar montage (suppression-burst ratio ≥50%); time to start KD after onset of RSE; time to achieve ketosis after starting KD; and the proportion of patients weaned off continuous infusions 2 weeks after KD initiation. Treatment-emergent adverse effects (TEAEs) were also recorded.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients received KD for treatment of RSE (median age 4.7 years, interquartile range [IQR] 5.6). KD was started via enteral route in 11/14 (78.6%) patients. KD was initiated a median of 13 days (IQR 12.5) after the onset of RSE, at 4:1 ratio in 8/14 (57.1%) patients. Ketosis was achieved within a median of 2 days (IQR 2.0) after starting KD. EEG seizure resolution was achieved within 7 days of starting KD in 10/14 (71.4%) patients. Also, 11/14 (78.6%) patients were weaned off their continuous infusions within 2 weeks of starting KD. TEAEs, potentially attributable to KD, occurred in 3/14 (21.4%) patients, including gastro-intestinal paresis and hypertriglyceridemia. Three month outcomes were available for 12/14 (85.7%) patients, with 4 patients being seizure-free, and 3 others with decreased seizure frequency compared to pre-RSE baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

This series suggests efficacy and safety of KD for treatment of pediatric RSE.

Factors associated with treatment delays in pediatric refractory convulsive status epilepticus

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with treatment delays in pediatric patients with convulsive refractory status epilepticus (rSE).

METHODS

This prospective, observational study was performed from June 2011 to March 2017 on pediatric patients (1 month to 21 years of age) with rSE. We evaluated potential factors associated with increased treatment delays in a Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

We studied 219 patients (53% males) with a median (25th-75th percentiles [p₂₅-p₇₅]) age of 3.9 (1.2-9.5) years in whom rSE started out of hospital (141 [64.4%]) or in hospital (78 [35.6%]). The median (p₂₅-p₇₅) time from seizure onset to treatment was 16 (5-45) minutes to first benzodiazepine (BZD), 63 (33-146) minutes to first non-BZD antiepileptic drug (AED), and 170 (107-539) minutes to first continuous infusion. Factors associated with more delays to administration of the first BZD were intermittent rSE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.09; p = 0.0467) and out-of-hospital rSE onset (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.11-2.04; p = 0.0467). Factors associated with more delays to administration of the first non-BZD AED were intermittent rSE (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.32-2.4; p = 0.001) and out-of-hospital rSE onset (HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.67-3.02; p < 0.0001). None of the studied factors were associated with a delayed administration of continuous infusion.

CONCLUSION

Intermittent rSE and out-of-hospital rSE onset are independently associated with longer delays to administration of the first BZD and the first non-BZD AED in pediatric rSE. These factors identify potential targets for intervention to reduce time to treatment.

A Case of KCNQ2-Associated Movement Disorder Triggered by Fever

The differential diagnosis of fever-induced movement disorders in childhood is broad. Whole exome sequencing has yielded new insights into those cases with a suspected genetic basis. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with a history of neonatal seizures who presented with near-continuous hyperkinetic movements of his limbs during a febrile illness. Initial diagnostic testing did not explain his abnormalities; however, given the suspicion for a channelopathy, whole exome sequencing was performed and it demonstrated a de novo pathogenic heterozygous variant in KCNQ2. There is an expanding phenotypic spectrum of heterozygous alterations in KCNQ2; however, this report provides the first description of a pathogenic KCNQ2 variant fever-induced hyperkinetic movement disorder in childhood. We also review the literature of cases previously published with the same pathogenic variant.

Breastfeeding During Infancy Is Associated With a Lower Future Risk of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) is influenced by environment and genetics. Infant breastfeeding appears protective against some childhood autoimmune disorders, but its impact on risk of MS in childhood is unknown. The objective of this study is to analyze the association of breastfeeding in infancy on future risk of pediatric-onset MS.

BASIC PROCEDURES

Biological mothers of 36 consecutive pediatric-onset MS patients completed a questionnaire on history of breastfeeding and various birth and demographic factors. The control group consisted of 72 otherwise healthy patients with a diagnosis of migraine and normal brain magnetic resonance imaging obtained less than 12 months before enrollment. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to reduce selection bias and balance the covariates between breastfed and non-breastfed children.

MAIN FINDINGS

Demographics (with the exception of body mass index) and birth factors were not significantly different between groups. Whereas 36% of cases were breastfed, 71% of controls were breastfed (P = 0.001). The median duration of breastfeeding was 0 weeks (range: 0 to 40 weeks) for cases and 16 weeks (range: 0 to 216 weeks) for controls. Lack of infant breastfeeding was associated with future diagnosis of pediatric-onset MS (odds ratio = 4.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.68 to 11.71; P = 0.003). This association remained significant after correcting for covariates, such as body mass index and age at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that absence of infant breastfeeding has an association with an increased risk of pediatric-onset MS diagnosis.

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: Genes, Environment, and a Comprehensive Therapeutic Approach

BACKGROUND

Pediatric multiple sclerosis is an increasingly recognized and studied disorder that accounts for 3% to 10% of all patients with multiple sclerosis. The risk for pediatric multiple sclerosis is thought to reflect a complex interplay between environmental and genetic risk factors.

MAIN FINDINGS

Environmental exposures, including sunlight (ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D levels), infections (Epstein-Barr virus), passive smoking, and obesity, have been identified as potential risk factors in youth. Genetic predisposition contributes to the risk of multiple sclerosis, and the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6 makes the single largest contribution to susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. With the use of large-scale genome-wide association studies, other non-major histocompatibility complex alleles have been identified as independent risk factors for the disease. The bridge between environment and genes likely lies in the study of epigenetic processes, which are environmentally-influenced mechanisms through which gene expression may be modified.

CONCLUSIONS

This article will review these topics to provide a framework for discussion of a comprehensive approach to counseling and ultimately treating the pediatric patient with multiple sclerosis.

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis: A Gray Distinction

BACKGROUND

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated, inflammatory acquired demyelinating syndrome predominantly affecting the white matter of the central nervous system.

METHODS

We describe a three-year-old boy whose clinical presentation was suspicious for ADEM but whose initial imaging abnormalities were confined to the deep gray matter (without evidence of white matter involvement). His clinical course was fluctuating and repeat imaging one week after presentation demonstrated interval development of characteristic white matter lesions.

RESULTS

Treatment with adjunctive intravenous immunoglobulin and high-dose corticosteroids resulted in significant clinical improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated deep gray matter involvement can precede the appearance of white matter abnormalities of ADEM, suggesting that repeat imaging is indicated in individuals whose findings are clinically suspicious for ADEM but who lack characteristic imaging findings.

Approach to the Management of Pediatric-Onset Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (Anti-NMDA) Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Series

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a treatable cause of autoimmune encephalitis. It remains unclear if the natural history of this disease is altered by choice of acute therapy or the employment of chronic immunotherapy. Chart review was undertaken for pediatric patients diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Data obtained included patient demographics, disease manifestations, treatment course, and clinical outcomes. Ten patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis were identified. All patients were treated with immunotherapy in the acute period, and all patients experienced good recovery. Neurologic relapse did not occur in any patient. All patients received varied forms of chronic immunosuppression to prevent relapses. Complications of chronic immunotherapy occurred in 50% of patients. The benefits of chronic immunotherapy and the duration of use should be carefully weighed against the risks. Complications from immunotherapy are not uncommon and can be serious. Clinical trials assessing the benefit of long-term immunotherapy in this population are needed.

Antibody-Mediated Autoimmune Encephalitis in Childhood

BACKGROUND

The differential diagnosis of encephalitis in childhood is vast, and evaluation for an etiology is often unrevealing. Encephalitis by way of autoimmunity has long been suspected, as in cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; however, researchers have only recently reported evidence of antibody-mediated immune dysregulation resulting in clinical encephalitis.

MAIN FINDINGS

These pathologic autoantibodies, aimed at specific neuronal targets, can result in a broad spectrum of symptoms including psychosis, catatonia, behavioral changes, memory loss, autonomic dysregulation, seizures, and abnormal movements. Autoimmune encephalitis in childhood is often quite different from adult-onset autoimmune encephalitis in clinical presentation, frequency of tumor association, and ultimate prognosis. As many of the autoimmune encephalitides are sensitive to immunotherapy, prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment are paramount.

CONCLUSIONS

Here we review the currently recognized antibody-mediated encephalitides of childhood and will provide a framework for diagnosis and treatment considerations.

The e-MSWS-12: improving the multiple sclerosis walking scale using item response theory

BACKGROUND

The Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) is the predominant patient-reported measure of multiple sclerosis (MS) -elated walking ability, yet it had not been analyzed using item response theory (IRT), the emerging standard for patient-reported outcome (PRO) validation. This study aims to reduce MSWS-12 measurement error and facilitate computerized adaptive testing by creating an IRT model of the MSWS-12 and distributing it online.

METHODS

MSWS-12 responses from 284 subjects with MS were collected by mail and used to fit and compare several IRT models. Following model selection and assessment, subpopulations based on age and sex were tested for differential item functioning (DIF).

RESULTS

Model comparison favored a one-dimensional graded response model (GRM). This model met fit criteria and explained 87 % of response variance. The performance of each MSWS-12 item was characterized using category response curves (CRCs) and item information. IRT-based MSWS-12 scores correlated with traditional MSWS-12 scores (r = 0.99) and timed 25-foot walk (T25FW) speed (r =  -0.70). Item 2 showed DIF based on age (χ ² = 19.02, df = 5, p < 0.01), and Item 11 showed DIF based on sex (χ ² = 13.76, df = 5, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

MSWS-12 measurement error depends on walking ability, but could be lowered by improving or replacing items with low information or DIF. The e-MSWS-12 includes IRT-based scoring, error checking, and an estimated T25FW derived from MSWS-12 responses. It is available at https://ms-irt.shinyapps.io/e-MSWS-12 .

Acute Flaccid Paralysis Associated with Novel Enterovirus C105

An outbreak of acute flaccid paralysis among children in the United States during summer 2014 was tentatively associated with enterovirus D68 infection. This syndrome in a child in fall 2014 was associated with enterovirus C105 infection. The presence of this virus strain in North America may pose a diagnostic challenge.

Therapeutic Approach to the Management of Pediatric Demyelinating Disease: Multiple Sclerosis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis

Acquired pediatric demyelinating diseases manifest acutely with optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or with various other acute deficits in focal or polyfocal areas of the central nervous system. Patients may experience a monophasic illness (as in the case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) or one that may manifest as a chronic, relapsing disease [e.g., multiple sclerosis (MS)]. The diagnosis of pediatric MS and other demyelinating disorders of childhood has been facilitated by consensus statements regarding diagnostic definitions. Treatment of pediatric MS has been modeled after data obtained from clinical trials in adult-onset MS. There are now an increasing number of new therapeutic agents for MS, and many will be formally studied for use in pediatric patients. There are important efficacy and safety concerns regarding the use of these therapies in children and young adults. This review will discuss acute management as well as chronic immunotherapies in acquired pediatric demyelination.

Late-onset nonketotic hyperglycinemia with a heterozygous novel point mutation of the GLDC gene

BACKGROUND

Atypical nonketotic hyperglycinemia is characterized by heterogeneous phenotypes that often include nonspecific behavioral problems, cognitive deficits, and developmental delays.

PATIENT

We describe a girl with late-onset nonketotic hyperglycinemia presenting at 5 years of age with hypotonia, chorea, ataxia, and alterations in consciousness in the setting of febrile illness.

RESULTS

Serum amino acid analysis was mildly elevated; however, urine amino acid analysis was instrumental in demonstrating marked hyperglycinuria. Mutation testing showed a heterozygous novel sequence change/point mutation in the glycine decarboxylase gene.

CONCLUSIONS

This patient illustrates the importance of obtaining urine amino acids in individuals whose clinical manifestations are suspicious for any form of nonketotic hyperglycinemia, because this testing may provide more prominent evidence of elevations in glycine. She also illustrates the potential for a heterozygous mutation to result in manifestations of an atypical form of nonketotic hyperglycinemia.

White matter changes in an untreated, newly diagnosed case of classical homocystinuria

The authors report the case of a 4-year-old boy who developed progressive unilateral weakness and developmental delays prior to his diagnosis of classical homocystinuria. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated diffuse white matter changes, raising the concern for a secondary diagnosis causing leukoencephalopathy, since classical homocystinuria is not typically associated with these changes. Other inborn errors of the transsulfuration pathway have been reported as causing these changes. Once begun on therapy for his homocystinuria, his neurologic deficits resolved and his delays rapidly improved. Repeat MRI performed one year after instating therapy showed resolution of his white matter abnormalities. This case illustrates the need to consider homocystinuria and other amino acidopathies in the differential diagnosis of childhood white matter diseases and lends weight to the hypothesis that hypermethioninemia may induce white matter changes.