Common mutation in the PHKA2 gene with variable phenotype in patients with liver phosphorylase b kinase deficiency.

We found that the missense mutation p.Pro1205Leu in the PHKA2 gene is a common cause of hepatic phosphorylase-kinase deficiency in Dutch patients, suggesting a founder-effect. Most patients presented with isolated growth delay and diarrhea, prior to the occurrence of hepatomegaly, delaying diagnosis. Tetraglucoside excretion correlated with disease severity and was used to follow compliance. The clinical presentation and therapeutic requirements in the same mutation carriers were variable, and PhK deficiency necessitated tube-feeding in some children.

Nijmegen paediatric CDG rating scale: a novel tool to assess disease progression.

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a group of clinically heterogeneous inborn errors of metabolism. At present, treatment is available for only one CDG, but potential treatments for the other CDG are on the horizon. It will be vitally important in clinical trials of such agents to have a clear understanding of both the natural history of CDG and the corresponding burden of disability suffered by patients. To date, no multicentre studies have attempted to document the natural history of CDG. This is in part due to the lack of a reliable assessment tool to score CDG's diverse clinical spectrum. Based on our earlier experience evaluating disease progression in disorders of oxidative phosphorylation, we developed a practical and semi-quantitative rating scale for children with CDG. The Nijmegen Paediatric CDG Rating Scale (NPCRS) has been validated in 12 children, offering a tool to objectively monitor disease progression. We undertook a successful trial of the NPCRS with a collaboration of nine experienced physicians, using video records of physical and neurological examination of patients. The use of NPCRS can facilitate both longitudinal and natural history studies that will be essential for future interventions.