Assessing the quality and value of metabolic chart data for capturing core outcomes for pediatric medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Generating rigorous evidence to inform care for rare diseases requires reliable, sustainable, and longitudinal measurement of priority outcomes. Having developed a core outcome set for pediatric medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, we aimed to assess the feasibility of prospective measurement of these core outcomes during routine metabolic clinic visits. METHODS: We used existing cohort data abstracted from charts of 124 children diagnosed with MCAD deficiency who participated in a Canadian study which collected data from birth to a maximum of 11 years of age to investigate the frequency of clinic visits and quality of metabolic chart data for selected outcomes. We recorded all opportunities to collect outcomes from the medical chart as a function of visit rate to the metabolic clinic, by treatment centre and by child age. We applied a data quality framework to evaluate data based on completeness, conformance, and plausibility for four core MCAD outcomes: emergency department use, fasting time, metabolic decompensation, and death. RESULTS: The frequency of metabolic clinic visits decreased with increasing age, from a rate of 2.8 visits per child per year (95% confidence interval, 2.3-3.3) among infants 2 to 6 months, to 1.0 visit per child per year (95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.2) among those ≥ 5 years of age. Rates of emergency department visits followed anticipated trends by child age. Supplemental findings suggested that some emergency visits occur outside of the metabolic care treatment centre but are not captured. Recommended fasting times were updated relatively infrequently in patients' metabolic charts. Episodes of metabolic decompensation were identifiable but required an operational definition based on acute manifestations most commonly recorded in the metabolic chart. Deaths occurred rarely in these patients and quality of mortality data was not evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunities to record core outcomes at the metabolic clinic occur at least annually for children with MCAD deficiency. Methods to comprehensively capture emergency care received at outside institutions are needed. To reduce substantial heterogeneous recording of core outcome across treatment centres, improved documentation standards are required for recording of recommended fasting times and a consensus definition for metabolic decompensations needs to be developed and implemented.

Diagnostic yield of clinical exome sequencing in adulthood in medical genetics clinics.

Clinical exome sequencing (ES) is the most comprehensive genomic test to identify underlying genetic diseases in Canada. We performed this retrospective cohort study to investigate the diagnostic yield of clinical ES in adulthood. Inclusion criteria were: (1) Adult patients ≥18 years old; (2) Patients underwent clinical ES between January 1 and December 31, 2021; (3) Patients were seen in the Department of Medical Genetics. We reviewed patient charts. We applied American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology variant classification guidelines for interpretation of variants. Non-parametric Fisher's exact statistical test was used. Seventy-seven patients underwent clinical ES. Fourteen different genetic diseases were confirmed in 15 patients: FBXO11, MYH7, MED13L, NSD2, ANKRD11 (n = 2), SHANK3, RHOBTB2, CDKL5, TRIO, TCF4, SCN1, SMAD3, POGZ, and EIF2B3 diseases. The diagnostic yield of clinical ES was 19.5%. Patients with a genetic diagnosis had a significantly higher frequency of neurodevelopmental disorders than those with no genetic diagnosis (p = 0.00339). The diagnostic yield of clinical ES was the highest in patients with seizures (35.7%), and with progressive neurodegenerative diseases (33.3%). Clinical ES is a helpful genomic test to provide genetic diagnoses to the patients who are referred to medical genetic clinics due to suspected genetic diseases in adulthood to end their diagnostic odyssey. Targeted next generation sequencing panels for specific phenotypes may decrease the cost of genomic test in adulthood.

Natural history of epilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria provides new insights into pathophysiology: A retrospective international study.

OBJECTIVE: Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is integral to the urea cycle, which enables nitrogen wasting and biosynthesis of arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide. Inherited ASL deficiency causes argininosuccinic aciduria, the second most common urea cycle defect and an inherited model of systemic nitric oxide deficiency. Patients present with developmental delay, epilepsy, and movement disorder. Here we aim to characterize epilepsy, a common and neurodebilitating comorbidity in argininosuccinic aciduria. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in seven tertiary metabolic centers in the UK, Italy, and Canada from 2020 to 2022, to assess the phenotype of epilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria and correlate it with clinical, biochemical, radiological, and electroencephalographic data. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients, 1-31 years of age, were included. Twenty-two patients (60%) presented with epilepsy. The median age at epilepsy onset was 24 months. Generalized tonic-clonic and focal seizures were most common in early-onset patients, whereas atypical absences were predominant in late-onset patients. Seventeen patients (77%) required antiseizure medications and six (27%) had pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy presented with a severe neurodebilitating disease with higher rates of speech delay (p = .04) and autism spectrum disorders (p = .01) and more frequent arginine supplementation (p = .01) compared to patients without epilepsy. Neonatal seizures were not associated with a higher risk of developing epilepsy. Biomarkers of ureagenesis did not differ between epileptic and non-epileptic patients. Epilepsy onset in early infancy (p = .05) and electroencephalographic background asymmetry (p = .0007) were significant predictors of partially controlled or refractory epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE: Epilepsy in argininosuccinic aciduria is frequent, polymorphic, and associated with more frequent neurodevelopmental comorbidities. We identified prognostic factors for pharmacoresistance in epilepsy. This study does not support defective ureagenesis as prominent in the pathophysiology of epilepsy but suggests a role of central dopamine deficiency. A role of arginine in epileptogenesis was not supported and warrants further studies to assess the potential arginine neurotoxicity in argininosuccinic aciduria.

Development of the global inflammatory bowel disease visualization of epidemiology studies in the 21st century (GIVES-21).

BACKGROUND: There is a rapid increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in newly industrialized countries, yet epidemiological data is incomplete. We herein report the methodology adopted to study the incidence of IBD in newly industrialized countries and to evaluate the effect of environmental factors including diet on IBD development. METHODS: Global IBD Visualization of Epidemiology Studies in the 21st Century (GIVES-21) is a population-based cohort of newly diagnosed persons with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to be followed prospectively for 12 months. New cases were ascertained from multiple sources and were entered into a secured online system. Cases were confirmed using standard diagnostic criteria. In addition, endoscopy, pathology and pharmacy records from each local site were searched to ensure completeness of case capture. Validated environmental and dietary questionnaires were used to determine exposure in incident cases prior to diagnosis. RESULTS: Through November 2022, 106 hospitals from 24 regions (16 Asia; 6 Latin America; 2 Africa) have joined the GIVES-21 Consortium. To date, over 290 incident cases have been reported. All patients have demographic data, clinical disease characteristics, and disease course data including healthcare utilization, medication history and environmental and dietary exposures data collected. We have established a comprehensive platform and infrastructure required to examine disease incidence, risk factors and disease course of IBD in the real-world setting. CONCLUSIONS: The GIVES-21 consortium offers a unique opportunity to investigate the epidemiology of IBD and explores new clinical research questions on the association between environmental and dietary factors and IBD development in newly industrialized countries.

Nitrate-Stimulated Release of Naturally Occurring Sedimentary Uranium.

Groundwater uranium (U) concentrations have been measured above the U.S. EPA maximum contaminant level (30 µg/L) in many U.S. aquifers, including in areas not associated with anthropogenic contamination by milling or mining. In addition to carbonate, nitrate has been correlated to uranium groundwater concentrations in two major U.S. aquifers. However, to date, direct evidence that nitrate mobilizes naturally occurring U from aquifer sediments has not been presented. Here, we demonstrate that the influx of high-nitrate porewater through High Plains alluvial aquifer silt sediments bearing naturally occurring U(IV) can stimulate a nitrate-reducing microbial community capable of catalyzing the oxidation and mobilization of U into the porewater. Microbial reduction of nitrate yielded nitrite, a reactive intermediate, which was further demonstrated to abiotically mobilize U from the reduced alluvial aquifer sediments. These results indicate that microbial activity, specifically nitrate reduction to nitrite, is one mechanism driving U mobilization from aquifer sediments in addition to previously described bicarbonate-driven desorption from mineral surfaces, such as Fe(III) oxides.

Consensus statement on the current pharmacological prevention and management of heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: This consensus statement of Australian clinicians provides new recommendations for the pharmacological management of heart failure based on studies reported since the publication of the 2018 Australian heart failure guidelines. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: ▪Use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to prevent hospitalisation for heart failure in type 2 diabetes mellitus can be extended to patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, albuminuric chronic kidney disease, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. ▪New evidence supports the use of a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (finerenone) to prevent heart failure in type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with albuminuric chronic kidney disease. ▪In addition to renin angiotensin system inhibitors (angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor preferred), beta blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, an SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin or empagliflozin) is recommended in all patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 40%) (HFrEF). Lower quality evidence supports these therapies in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced LVEF (41-49%) (HFmrEF). ▪A soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator (vericiguat), selective cardiac myosin activator (omecamtiv mecarbil) and, if iron deficient, intravenous iron (ferric carboxymaltose) provide additional benefits in persistent HFrEF. ▪An SGLT2 inhibitor (empagliflozin) should be considered in patients with heart failure with preserved LVEF (≥ 50%) (HFpEF). Key changes in management from this statement: This document broadens the scope of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor use in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF. SGLT2 inhibitor use expands to become a cornerstone therapy in HFrEF, with increasing evidence to support its use in HFmrEF and HFpEF.

Electrochemical Beacon Method to Quantify 10 Attomolar Nucleic Acids with a Semilog Dynamic Range of 7 Orders of Magnitude.

Change in the dynamics of single-stranded DNA or RNA probes tethered to an Au electrode on immunospecific binding to the analyte is a versatile approach to quantify a variety of molecules, such as heavy metal ions, pesticides, proteins, and nucleic acids (NAs). A widely studied approach is the electrochemical beacon method where the redox of a dye attached to the probe decreases as its proximity to the underlying electrode changes on binding. The limit of quantification (LOQ) defined by the semilog dependence of the signal on target concentration is in the picomolar range. Here, a method was studied where, by differential reflectivity, multiple reactions were measured on a monolith electrode. An alternative contrast mechanism was discovered, which led to an approach to enhance the LOQ to 10 aM and increase the dynamic range to 7 orders of magnitude using similar probes and binding conditions. Quantitative analysis on sequences with the G-C fraction ranging from 37 to 72% was performed. The approach will allow for the development of a label-free, enzyme-free microarray to detect biomolecules including NAs and proteins on a single electrode at quantification from 10 aM to 0.1 nM with high specificity.

Upgrading the evidence for the use of ambroxol in Gaucher disease and GBA related Parkinson: Investigator initiated registry based on real life data.

Ambroxol hydrochloride is an oral mucolytic drug available over-the-counter for many years as cough medicine. In 2009 it was identified as a pharmacological chaperone for mutant glucocerebrosidase, albeit in a several-fold higher dose. Unfortunately, there have been no pharma-driven clinical trials to establish its use. Thus, real-world observational data are needed on the safety and efficacy of ambroxol for patients with Gaucher disease (GD) and GBA-Parkinson disease (GBA-PD). Clinicians treating patients with ambroxol for GD and GBA-PD were approached to collaborate in an investigator-initiated registry. Anonymized data were collected, including demographics, GD type, GD-specific therapy (when applicable), adverse events (AEs), and, when available, efficacy data. We report the data of the first 41 patients (25 females) at a median (range) age 17 (1.5-74) from 13 centers; 11 with GD type 1(four diagnosed with PD), 27 with neuronopathic GD (nGD), and three GBA mutation carriers with PD. The median (range) treatment period and maximum dose of ambroxol were 19 (1-76) months and 435 (75-1485) mg/day, respectively. One patient with type 2 GD died of her disease. No other severe AEs were reported. Twelve patients experienced AE, including minor bowel discomfort, cough, allergic reaction, mild proteinuria, dizziness and disease progression. Clinical benefits were reported in 25 patients, including stable or improved neurological status, increased physical activity, and reduced fatigue. Until the approval of specific therapies for nGD and disease-modification for GBA-PD, these preliminary data may be encouraging to physicians and patients who consider an off-label use of ambroxol.

Rapid progression and mortality of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency presenting in infants.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to enhance understanding of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LALD) in infancy. METHODS: Investigators reviewed medical records of infants with LALD and summarized data for the overall population and for patients with and without early growth failure (GF). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were conducted for the overall population and for treated and untreated patients. RESULTS: Records for 35 patients, 26 with early GF, were analyzed. Prominent symptom manifestations included vomiting, diarrhea, and steatorrhea. Median age at death was 3.7 months; estimated probability of survival past age 12 months was 0.114 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.009-0.220). Among patients with early GF, median age at death was 3.5 months; estimated probability of survival past age 12 months was 0.038 (95% CI: 0.000-0.112). Treated patients (hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), n = 9; HSCT and liver transplant, n = 1) in the overall population and the early GF subset survived longer than untreated patients, but survival was still poor (median age at death, 8.6 months). CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm and expand earlier insights on the progression and course of LALD presenting in infancy. Despite variations in the nature, onset, and severity of clinical manifestations, and treatment attempts, clinical outcome was poor.Genet Med 18 5, 452-458.

Adaptation and Validation of a Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for University Grab-and-Go Establishments.

PURPOSE: To adapt and validate a survey instrument to assess the nutrition environment of grab-and-go establishments at a university campus. METHODS: A version of the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for grab-and-go establishments (NEMS-GG) was adapted from existing NEMS instruments and tested for reliability and validity through a cross-sectional assessment of the grab-and-go establishments at the University of Toronto. Product availability, price, and presence of nutrition information were evaluated. Cohen's kappa coefficient and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were assessed for inter-rater reliability, and construct validity was assessed using the known-groups comparison method (via store scores). RESULTS: Fifteen grab-and-go establishments were assessed. Inter-rater reliability was high with an almost perfect agreement for availability (mean κ = 0.995) and store scores (ICC = 0.999). The tool demonstrated good face and construct validity. About half of the venues carried fruit and vegetables (46.7% and 53.3%, respectively). Regular and healthier entrée items were generally the same price. Healthier grains were cheaper than regular options. Six establishments displayed nutrition information. Establishments operated by the university's Food Services consistently scored the highest across all food premise types for nutrition signage, availability, and cost of healthier options. CONCLUSIONS: Health promotion strategies are needed to address availability and variety of healthier grab-and-go options in university settings.

MPV17 encodes an inner mitochondrial membrane protein and is mutated in infantile hepatic mitochondrial DNA depletion.

The mitochondrial (mt) DNA depletion syndromes (MDDS) are genetic disorders characterized by a severe, tissue-specific decrease of mtDNA copy number, leading to organ failure. There are two main clinical presentations: myopathic (OMIM 609560) and hepatocerebral (OMIM 251880). Known mutant genes, including TK2, SUCLA2, DGUOK and POLG, account for only a fraction of MDDS cases. We found a new locus for hepatocerebral MDDS on chromosome 2p21-23 and prioritized the genes on this locus using a new integrative genomics strategy. One of the top-scoring candidates was the human ortholog of the mouse kidney disease gene Mpv17. We found disease-segregating mutations in three families with hepatocerebral MDDS and demonstrated that, contrary to the alleged peroxisomal localization of the MPV17 gene product, MPV17 is a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, and its absence or malfunction causes oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) failure and mtDNA depletion, not only in affected individuals but also in Mpv17-/- mice.

Clinical and biochemical phenotypes, genotypes, and long-term outcomes of individuals with galactosemia type I from a single metabolic genetics center in Alberta.

Background: Galactosemia type I is an autosomal recessive disorder of galactose metabolism due to galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency, encoded by GALT. To investigate the phenotypes, genotypes and long-term outcomes of galactosemia, we performed a retrospective cohort study in our center. Methods: All individuals with galactosemia type I were included. We divided individuals into two groups to compare the outcomes of those treated symptomatically (SymX) and asymptomatically (AsymX). We reviewed electronic patient charts for clinical features, biochemical investigations, molecular genetic investigations, treatments, and outcomes. Results: There were 25 individuals including classic (n = 17), clinical variant (n = 4), and biochemical variant (Duarte) galactosemia (n = 4). Twelve individuals were diagnosed symptomatically (SymX), and 9 individuals were diagnosed asymptomatically (AsymX). We did not include individuals with biochemical variant (Duarte) galactosemia into any of these groups. At the time of the diagnosis, conjugated hyperbilirubinemia was present in 83.3% of SymX group, whereas only 22% of AsymX group. SymX group had hepatomegaly (25%), failure to thrive (33.3%), cataract (16.7%) and sepsis (25%), whereas none of the individuals in the AsymX group had these clinical features. Fourteen variants in GALT were identified including pathogenic/likely pathogenic (n = 12), and likely benign/benign (n = 2) variants. The vast majority of individuals with classic and clinical variant galactosemia were treated with a galactose-lactose-free diet for life (n = 20/21). Intellectual disability was present in 54.5% of the SymX group, and in 37.5% of the AsymX group as a long-term outcome. Tremors were present 50% of the SymX group, and in 22% of the AsymX group as a long-term outcome. Although, intellectual disability and tremors seem to be less common in the AsymX group, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. Primary ovarian insufficiency was present 50% of the SymX group, whereas in 20% of the AsymX group in post-pubertal females. We report a novel hypomorphic GALT variant (p.Ala303Ser) in one individual with clinical variant galactosemia. We also report an individual with clinical variant galactosemia with normal urine galactitol levels on a normal diet. Conclusion: It seems that newborn screening and early administration of a galactose-lactose-free diet decreases the long-term galactosemia-associated complications but does not prevent them completely. It may be that not all individuals with clinical variant galactosemia may need a galactose-lactose-free diet. It is timely to find new therapeutic strategies that can reduce the frequency of late-onset complications in galactosemia.

Review of clinical trials and guidelines for children and youth with mucopolysaccharidosis: outcome selection and measurement.

BACKGROUND: To inform the development of a core outcome set (COS) for children and youth with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), we aimed to identify all outcomes and associated outcome measurement instruments that are reported in recent clinical trials and recommended as measurements in clinical management guidelines. METHODS: To identify English-language clinical trials and guidelines pertaining to MPS published between 2011 and mid-2021, we applied a comprehensive peer-reviewed search strategy to relevant databases and registers on May 16, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened retrieved citations and then full-text articles to determine eligibility for inclusion. From articles meeting inclusion criteria, we extracted details of the study design, population, intervention, and comparator, along with verbatim outcomes and associated outcome measurement instruments. Outcomes were organized into domains within five a priori core areas: life impact, pathophysiological manifestations, growth and development, resource use, and death. We conducted descriptive analyses at the study level, grouping articles arising from the same study. RESULTS: From 2593 unique citations, 73 articles from 61 unique studies were included in the review, pertaining to all MPS subtypes except for exceptionally rare subtypes. Eighty-four unique outcomes were reported across the studies, 33 (39%) of which were reported by three or fewer studies. Most outcomes (55; 65%) were in the pathophysiological manifestations core area, followed by life impact (17; 20%) and growth and development (10; 12%); one outcome each pertained to resource use and death. The most frequently reported outcomes were general adverse events (45; 74%), immune-related adverse events (39; 64%), and urinary glycosaminoglycans (38; 62%). Substantial variability existed in the reporting of outcome measurement instruments. Some differences in outcome reporting were observed by MPS subtype and publication year. DISCUSSION: Outcomes reported in clinical trials and guidelines for MPS in children and youth vary considerably and largely focus on pathophysiological manifestations. A COS is needed to standardize the selection and measurement of meaningful outcomes across future studies. We will present the outcomes identified in this review to knowledge users as part of a consensus process to select the most critical outcomes for inclusion in the COS. Trial Registration The protocol for this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021267531) and in the COMET Database.

Pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis associated with pulmonary hypertension and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

A neonate with pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis, pulmonary hypertension, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is described. The fatal outcome for this patient contrasts with the reported favorable prognosis associated with isolated pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis. To the authors' knowledge, the association of pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has not been reported previously. The authors have broadened the phenotype of pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis and demonstrate the diagnostic value of lung biopsy in cases of unexplained neonatal pulmonary hypertension.

First report of type 2 diabetes mellitus in an adult with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A lyase deficiency.

Summary: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) lyase deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism resulting in a lack of ketogenesis and leucine catabolism. Hallmarks of decompensation include hypoglycemia without ketosis (or hypoketosis), metabolic acidosis, and hyperammonemia. Management includes avoiding fasting and restricting dietary protein and fat. Conversely, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires carbohydrate restriction and/or anti-hyperglycemic agents; thus, managing these co-existing disorders is challenging. A 36-year-old male with HMG-CoA lyase deficiency and T2DM (Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): 7.9%) presented with confusion and shock. Blood work revealed metabolic acidosis, hyperammonemia, hyperglycemia, and hypoketosis. The patient was diagnosed with hyperosmolar non-ketotic hyperglycemia and hyperammonemia secondary to HMG-CoA lyase metabolic decompensation requiring intensive care unit admission. Hyperammonemia management was challenging because alternative calories with i.v. dextrose (due to hyperglycemia) and i.v. lipids (due to HMG-CoA lyase deficiency) could not be provided as usual. The patient was started on hemodialysis and i.v. insulin with marked improvement. Once stabilized, metformin and insulin were initiated. T2DM impaired cellular glucose uptake and produced a state similar to hypoglycemia, despite the patient being profoundly hyperglycemic, which led to metabolic decompensation of HMG-CoA lyase deficiency. Managing T2DM and HMG-CoA lyase deficiency warrants special considerations due to the potential for metabolic decompensation with both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Learning points: In a patient with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) lyase deficiency and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), management principles include avoiding hypoglycemia to prevent metabolic decompensation, providing insulin for proper glucose utilization, and moderation of carbohydrate intake to prevent consequences of chronic hyperglycemia. The development of insulin resistance in the form of T2DM in HMG-CoA lyase deficiency likely triggered a state similar to hypoglycemia, leading to cellular energy deficiency and subsequently metabolic decompensation. It is important to avoid hypoglycemia in patients with HMG-CoA lyase deficiency and T2DM, as the risk of metabolic decompensation is increased due to the lack of ketogenesis in HMG-CoA lyase deficiency. Selection of antidiabetic agents in this patient population requires careful consideration, and agents that have a higher risk of hypoglycemia should be avoided.

NPS MedicineWise application in supporting medication adherence in chronic heart failure: an acceptability and feasibility pilot study.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is an increasing global concern. Despite evidence-based pharmacotherapy, associated morbidity and mortality remain high. This study aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and value of the NPS MedicineWise dose reminder app in a tiered, pharmacist-led intervention to address medication non-adherence in patients with HF. Methods: This prospective, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial recruited 55 patients with HF between September 2019 and October 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control arms. Intervention participants used the app which prompted medication administration at each dosing interval. Control participants received standard care and remained blinded to the app throughout the study. Treatment non-adherence prompted a tiered, pharmacist-led intervention. Comparison of the Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale (SEAMS) at baseline and 6-months measured the app's value in supporting medication adherence. Secondary outcome measures included self-reported medication knowledge, health-related quality of life, psychological wellbeing, and signs and symptoms of HF. Data were analysed using standard statistical tests with significance set at α 0.05. Results: Approximately half of respondents reported managing HF and medications better by using the MedicineWise app (Tier 1). Most respondents expressed satisfaction with the in-app messages (Tier 2) and pharmacists' phone calls (Tier 3). The intervention participants demonstrated a significant improvement in the SEAMS between baseline and 6-months follow-up. Discussion: It is feasible and potentially of value to use the MedicineWise app with a tiered, pharmacist-led intervention to support medication adherence in patients with HF. Our findings provide clinicians with "real-world" information on the practicality and potential value of using mobile health to support treatment adherence in patients with HF. Trial registration number: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Clinical trial registration number: ACTRN12619000289112p (http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12619000289112p.aspx).

Longitudinal observations of serum heparin cofactor II-thrombin complex in treated Mucopolysaccharidosis I and II patients.

Monitoring of therapeutic response in mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) patients is problematic as most biomarkers are specific for either disease complications or specific organ system involvement. Recent studies have indicated that serum heparin-cofactor II-thrombin complex (HCII-T) may serve as an important biomarker in the group of MPSs where dermatan sulphate is stored. This complex forms when blood coagulates in the presence of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) where the ultimate amount of HCII-T that forms reflects the concentration of circulating GAGs. We have studied serum HCII-T levels in 9 MPS I and 11 MPS II treated patients and have compared values to studies of urinary GAGs. In severe MPS I patients treated with either transplantation or enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), serum HCII-T levels never reach the range of normal despite normalization of uGAGs in some patients. Some attenuated MPS I patients have normalization of HCII-T but require a protracted exposure time relative to the drop in urinary GAGs. Treated MPS II patients show a clear correlation of serum HCII-T levels with the presence of antibodies to Idursulfase, with antibody positive patients showing an early drop in HCII-T levels with eventual increases in levels often to levels above those seen at baseline. This is contrasted by a robust and persistent drop in uGAGs. Antibody negative MPS II patients show a drop in HCII-T levels on treatment but levels never normalize despite normalization of uGAGs. This study highlights the utility and biologic relevance of serum HCII-T levels in monitoring therapy in these disorders.

Outcomes of mitochondrial long chain fatty acid oxidation and carnitine defects from a single center metabolic genetics clinic.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation and carnitine metabolism defects are a group of inherited metabolic diseases. We performed a retrospective cohort study to report on the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation and carnitine metabolism defects as well as their treatment outcomes. METHODS: All patients with mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation and carnitine metabolism defects were included. We divided patients into two groups to compare outcomes of those treated symptomatically (SymX) and asymptomatically (AsymX). We reviewed patient charts for clinical features, biochemical investigations, molecular genetic investigations, cardiac assessments, neuroimaging, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS: There were 38 patients including VLCAD (n = 5), LCHAD (n = 4), CACT (n = 3), MAD (n = 1), CPT-I (n = 13), CPT-II (n = 3) deficiencies and CTD (n = 9). Fourteen patients were diagnosed symptomatically (SymX), and 24 patients were diagnosed asymptomatically (AsymX). Twenty-eight variants in seven genes were identified in 36 patients (pathogenic/likely pathogenic n = 25; variant of unknown significance n = 3). Four of those variants were novel. All patients with LCHAD deficiency had the common variant (p.Glu474Gln) in HADHA and their phenotype was similar to the patients reported in the literature for this genotype. Only one patient with VLCAD deficiency had the common p.Val283Ala in ACADVL. The different genotypes in the SymX and AsymX groups for VLCAD deficiency presented with similar phenotypes. Eight patients were treated with carnitine supplementation [CTD (n = 6), CPT-II (n = 1), and MAD (n = 1) deficiencies]. Thirteen patients were treated with a long-chain fat restricted diet and MCT supplementation. A statistically significant association was found between rhabdomyolysis, and hypoglycemia in the SymX group compared to the AsymX group. A higher number of hospital admissions, longer duration of hospital admissions and higher CK levels were observed in the SymX group, even though the symptomatic group was only 37% of the study cohort. CONCLUSION: Seven different mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation and carnitine metabolism defects were present in our study cohort. In our clinic, the prevalence of mitochondrial long-chain fatty acid oxidation and carnitine defects was 4.75%.

Anti-TNF therapy for inflammatory bowel disease in patients with neurodegenerative Niemann-Pick disease Type C.

Background:  Blockade of tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) is effective in patients with Crohn's Disease but has been associated with infection risk and neurological complications such as demyelination. Niemann-Pick disease Type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal storage disorder presenting in childhood with neurological deterioration, liver damage and respiratory infections. Some NPC1 patients develop severe Crohn's disease. Our objective was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of anti-TNF in NPC1 patients with Crohn's disease. Methods: Retrospective data on phenotype and therapy response were collected in 2019-2020 for the time period 2014 to 2020 from patients in the UK, France, Germany and Canada with genetically confirmed NPC1 defects and intestinal inflammation. We investigated TNF secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated with NPC1 inhibitor in response to bacterial stimuli . Results: NPC1 inhibitor treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) show significantly increased TNF production after lipopolysaccharide or bacterial challenge providing a rationale for anti-TNF therapy. We identified 4 NPC1 patients with Crohn's disease (CD)-like intestinal inflammation treated using anti-TNF therapy (mean age of onset 8.1 years, mean treatment length 27.75 months, overall treatment period 9.25 patient years). Anti-TNF therapy was associated with reduced gastrointestinal symptoms with no apparent adverse neurological events. Therapy improved intestinal inflammation in 4 patients. Conclusions: Anti-TNF therapy appears safe in patients with NPC1 and is an effective treatment strategy for the management of intestinal inflammation in these patients.

Families' healthcare experiences for children with inherited metabolic diseases: protocol for a mixed methods cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Children with inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) often have complex and intensive healthcare needs and their families face challenges in receiving high-quality, family centred health services. Improvement in care requires complex interventions involving multiple components and stakeholders, customised to specific care contexts. This study aims to comprehensively understand the healthcare experiences of children with IMDs and their families across Canada. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A two-stage explanatory sequential mixed methods design will be used. Stage 1: quantitative data on healthcare networks and encounter experiences will be collected from 100 parent/guardians through a care map, 2 baseline questionnaires and 17 weekly diaries over 5-7 months. Care networks will be analysed using social network analysis. Relationships between demographic or clinical variables and ratings of healthcare experiences across a range of family centred care dimensions will be analysed using generalised linear regression. Other quantitative data related to family experiences and healthcare experiences will be summarised descriptively. Ongoing analysis of quantitative data and purposive, maximum variation sampling will inform sample selection for stage 2: a subset of stage 1 participants will participate in one-on-one videoconference interviews to elaborate on the quantitative data regarding care networks and healthcare experiences. Interview data will be analysed thematically. Qualitative and quantitative data will be merged during analysis to arrive at an enhanced understanding of care experiences. Quantitative and qualitative data will be combined and presented narratively using a weaving approach (jointly on a theme-by-theme basis) and visually in a side-by-side joint display. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol and procedures were approved by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's Research Ethics Board, the University of Ottawa Research Ethics Board and the research ethics boards of each participating study centre. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.