Oral dyspraxia in self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: a comparative study with a control group / Dispraxia oral em epilepsia autolimitada com espículas centrotemporais: um estudo comparativo com grupo controle

ABSTRACT Background: self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, previously considered benign focal childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes show clinical signs of involvement of Rolandic areas, mainly lower area, which may affect the planning and execution of motor sequences. Objective: This study aimed to evaluated oral praxis in children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and compare to the age-matched control group. Methods: This was a descriptive study with 74 children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, with the classical forms according to International League Against Epilepsy, and between 4 and 15 years of age, selected from the child neurology outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, and 239 age-matched and educational level-matched (convenience sampling) control children. All children were submitted to the battery of oral volitional movements, which consisted of 44 tests for oral movement (tongue, lip, cheek, jaw, and palate) and 34 phonemes and consonant cluster tasks, with simple and sequenced oral movements. Results: The mean age and standard deviation (SD) of children with epilepsy was 9.08 years (SD 2.55) and of controls 9.61 years (SD 3.12). The results showed significant differences between the groups with a poorer performance of children with epilepsy compared to children without epilepsy in simple and particularly in sequenced movements. Conclusion: These findings can be attributed to the genetically determined immaturity of cortical structures related to motor planning in children with self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Epilepsia autolimitada com descarga centrotemporal, previamente designada por epilepsia benigna focal infantil com espículas centrotemporais, mostra sinais clínicos de envolvimento de áreas rolândicas, principalmente área inferior, que podem afetar o planejamento e a execução de sequências motoras. Objetivo: Este estudo visou avaliar a práxis oral em crianças com epilepsia autolimitada com espículas centrotemporais e comparar com o grupo de controle de mesma idade e grau de escolaridade. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo descritivo, com 74 crianças com epilepsia autolimitada com espículas centrotemporais selecionadas no ambulatório de neurologia infantil do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil, e 239 crianças do grupo controle da mesma faixa etária e grau de escolaridade. Todas as crianças foram submetidas à bateria de tarefas de movimento oral volitivo, que inclui movimentos orais simples e sequenciados. Resultados: A idade média das crianças com epilepsia era de 9,08 anos (desvio padrão - DP 2,55) e dos controles 9,61 anos (DP 3,12). Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas entre os grupos, com desempenho mais fraco das crianças com epilepsia em comparação ao das crianças saudáveis, em movimentos simples e particularmente em movimentos sequenciados. Conclusão: Esses resultados podem ser atribuídos à imaturidade geneticamente determinada das estruturas corticais relacionadas com o planejamento motor em crianças com epilepsia autolimitada com espículas centrotemporais.

Research advances in multimodal magnetic resonance for cognitive impairment in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes / 中国当代儿科杂志

Cognitive impairment in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECT) has complex etiologies and is closely associated abnormal neural networks. Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging of brain structure and function is a powerful tool for studying abnormal neural networks of cognitive impairment in epilepsy and can explore the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment in epilepsy at the level of brain structure and function by analyzing the imaging features of brain structure and function. This article reviews the research advances in multimodal magnetic resonance for cognitive impairment in children with BECT.

Language-Related White-Matter-Tract Deficits in Children with Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is one of the most common pediatric epilepsies, and it generally has a good prognosis. However, recent research has indicated that the epileptic activity of BECTS can cause cognitive defects such as language, visuospatial, and auditory verbal memory deficits. This study assessed language-delivery deficits in BECTS patients using diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI). METHODS: T1-weighted MRI, DTI, and language tests were conducted in 16 BECTS patients and 16 age-matched controls. DTI data were analyzed using the TRActs Constrained by Underlying Anatomy tool in FreeSurfer 5.3, and 18 major white-matter tracts were extracted, which included 4 language-related tracts: the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus-parietal terminations, superior longitudinal fasciculus-temporal terminations, and uncinate fasciculus (UNC). Language tests included the Korean version of the Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Test, Test of Problem-Solving Abilities (TOPS), and the mean length of utterance in words. RESULTS: The BECTS group exhibited decreased mean fractional anisotropy and increased mean radial diffusivity, with significant differences in both the superior longitudinal fasciculus and the left UNC (p<0.05), which are the language-related white-matter tracts in the dual-loop model. The TOPS language test scores were significantly lower in the BECTS group than in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that BECTS patients can exhibit language deficits. Seizure activities of BECTS could alter DTI scalar values in the language-related white-matter tracts.

A propósito de la denominada epilepsia benigna con puntas centrotemporales (rolándicas) / Apropos the so-called benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (rolandic)

La epilepsia benigna con puntas centrotemporales o rolándicas se caracteriza por crisis parciales motoras en la infancia y un electroencefalograma en que observan descargas de puntas en las regiones centrotemporales medias. Ha sido reconocida como benigna, debido a la ausencia de déficits neurológicos evidentes; sin embargo, en los últimos años en la literatura médica internacional han aparecido varias publicaciones que cuestionan su evolución favorable. El objetivo de este trabajo es actualizar algunos criterios que no concuerdan con el buen pronóstico referido inicialmente. Representa una etapa fundamental en la historia de la epilepsia, debido a que es la primera vez que se describió una epilepsia focal o parcial en la que se presumía que no existía una lesión cortical subyacente. La evolución de esta forma de epilepsia puede mostrar elementos que niegan su benignidad. Se recomienda en un futuro efectuar en nuestro servicio un estudio que confirme los criterios expuestos en la literatura médica internacional(AU)

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, aka benign rolandic epilepsy, is characterized by partial motor crisis in childhood and electroencephalography showing point discharges in medial centrotemporal regions. The condition has been recognized as benign due to the absence of evident neurological deficits. However, in recent years several publications have appeared in international medical literature in which its favorable evolution is questioned. The objective of the present study is to update some criteria differing from the good prognosis initially stated. It constitutes a fundamental stage in the history of epilepsy, since for the first time a case of focal or partial epilepsy was being described in which presumably there did not exist an underlying cortical lesion. The evolution of this form of epilepsy may display features denying its benignity. It is recommended that in the future a study be conducted in our service confirming the criteria expounded in international medical literature(AU)

Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Language Abilities in Benign Epilepsy of Childhood with Centrotemporal Spikes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study is to assess the responsiveness of electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities and their effects on language ability after initiating different types of antiepileptic therapy in children with newly diagnosed benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS). METHODS: The records of patients newly diagnosed with BECTS (n=120; 69 males) were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were randomly treated with lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, or topiramate monotherapy, and underwent at least two EEG and standardized language tests. Effects were compared using Pearson’s chi-square tests and paired t-tests. RESULTS: The recurrence rates for seizures in the lamotrigine, topiramate, and oxcarbazepine groups were 19.4%, 21.7%, and 11.4%, respectively, while complete or partial recovery (as indicated by EEG) occurred in 32%, 39%, and 16% of the patients. Patients in the lamotrigine group showed significant improvements in all parameters assessed by the Test of Language Problem Solving Abilities, except for ‘determining cause.’ Patients in the oxcarbazepine group also showed improvements, except for ‘making inferences’ (p < 0.05). Most linguistic index scores were worse in the topiramate group except for Mean Length of Utterance in Words. Patients in the lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine groups showed significant improvements in the receptive language test (p < 0.05). EEG improvements were not related to language ability. CONCLUSIONS: The improvements in language and problem-solving performance in children with BECTS were greater for lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine than for topiramate. However, EEG remission did not imply that language function would be improved after the treatments.

Functional Investigation of a GRIN2A Variant Associated with Rolandic Epilepsy / 神经科学通报·英文版

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), a subtype of glutamate-gated ion channels, play a central role in epileptogenesis. Recent studies have identified an increasing number of GRIN2A (a gene encoding the NMDAR GluN2A subunit) mutations in patients with epilepsy. Phenotypes of GRIN2A mutations include epilepsy-aphasia disorders and other epileptic encephalopathies, which pose challenges in clinical treatment. Here we identified a heterozygous GRIN2A mutation (c.1341T>A, p.N447K) from a boy with Rolandic epilepsy by whole-exome sequencing. The patient became seizure-free with a combination of valproate and lamotrigine. Functional investigation was carried out using recombinant NMDARs containing a GluN2A-N447K mutant that is located in the ligand-binding domain of the GluN2A subunit. Whole-cell current recordings in HEK 293T cells revealed that the N447K mutation increased the NMDAR current density by ~1.2-fold, enhanced the glutamate potency by 2-fold, and reduced the sensitivity to Mg inhibition. These results indicated that N447K is a gain-of-function mutation. Interestingly, alternative substitutions by alanine and glutamic acid at the same residue (N447A and N447E) did not change NMDAR function, suggesting a residual dependence of this mutation in altering NMDAR function. Taken together, this study identified human GluN2A N447K as a novel mutation associated with epilepsy and validated its functional consequences in vitro. Identification of this mutation is also helpful for advancing our understanding of the role of NMDARs in epilepsy and provides new insights for precision therapeutics in epilepsy.

Caracterización de pacientes con Epilepsia Rolándica e identificación de factores de riesgo de evolución atípica / Characterization of Patients with Rolandic Epilepsy and Recognition of Risk Factors for an Atypical Course

La Epilepsia Rolándica (ER) o Epilepsia con espigas centrotemporales, es la epilepsia idiopática más frecuente, focal autolimitada, de buena evolución. Debuta entre los 3 a 13 años, con crisis estereotipadas durante el sueño, al inicio o al despertar, focales motoras y somatosensoriales. El electroencefalograma (EEG) muestra una base normal con actividad epileptiforme interictal centrotemporal, con espigas con escaso desarrollo de onda lenta, uni o bilaterales. Se describe en los últimos años una forma atípica de ER (ERA), asociando otros tipos de crisis, que responden peor a tratamiento, manteniendo crisis, con complicaciones neuropsicológicas asociadas y deterioro del EEG, observándose en algunos casos, actividad, continua o casi continua en sueño. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar a los pacientes con ER que se controlan en Red Salud UC-Christus y describir la presencia de posibles factores de riesgo asociados a la evolución atípica de la ER. 16 pacientes con ER típica y otros 6 con ERA, ambos grupos edad promedio 6 años al debut presentación, de predominio sexo masculino, la mayoría con buen rendimiento escolar y examen neurológico normal. En ER, crisis de predominio focales y base de EEG 62% normal. EEG entre ocasional y muy frecuentes descargas epileptiformes. En ERA, solo un 33% base normal, y predominio crisis generalizadas. Mayoría evoluciona con descargas EEG contínuas o casi continuas en sueño No-REM. Hubo peor respuesta a FAEs en ERA. Concluimos que este estudio es concordante con lo descrito en la literatura actual para pacientes con ER y ERA, por lo que recomendamos considerar la presencia de posibles factores indicadores, iniciales o durante la evolución, de formas atípicas de ER.

Abstract: Rolandic Epilepsy (ER) or epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, is a focal and selflimited epilepsy and it is the most frequent and well-recognized idiopathic epilepsy. It is characterized by an age of presentation between 3 and 13 years, with stereotyped seizures during sleep, at the beginning or on awakening, which can be focal, motor and sensory. The electroencephalogram shows a normal base with interictal epileptiform activity, centrotemporal spikes with poor slow wave development, which can be unilateral o bilateral. In recent years, an atypical presentation of Rolandic Epilepsy (ERA) has been described, with presence of other types of seizures, with poor response to treatment, continued seizures and associated neuropsychological complications and deterioration of the electroencephalogram, in some cases with continuous or almost continuous activity during sleep. Our work aims to characterize the patients that are controlled in the Red Salud UC-Christus and to describe the presence of possible risk factors associated with the atypical evolution of Rolandic Epilepsy. We studied 16 patients with typical ER and other 6 with ERA, both groups with an age average of 6 years at time of debut presentation, more frequent in males, most with good school performance and normal neurological examination. In ER there were focal prevalence seizures and 62% had an EEG with a normal base. The EEG showed occasional to very frequent epileptiform discharges. In ERA, only 33% of the EEG had a normal base, and it most frequently showed generalized seizure. Most of the patients followed up with continuous or nearly continuous discharges in the EEG during REM sleep. There was worse response to FAEs in ERA. We conclude that this study is consistent with that described in the current literature for patients with ER and ERA, we recommend physicians to consider the presence of possible initial of belated indicators of atypical forms of ER.

Caracterización de la epilepsia benigna de la infancia con puntas centrotemporales. Estudio de corte transversal realizado en niños atendidos en dos laboratorios de referencia de la ciudad Medellín (2011-2016) / Characterization of childhood benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. Cross-sectional study done in children seen in reference laboratories in the city of Medellin (2011-2016)

Introducción: La epilepsia benigna de la infancia con puntas centro-temporales es el síndrome epiléptico focal más común en pediatría. No hay datos sistematizados en Colombia sobre esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, electroencefalográficas y familiares de este síndrome. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, con análisis exploratorio. Se incluyeron pacientes <18 años que consultaron a 2 laboratorios de electroencefalografía (EEG) en Medellín, Colombia, de 2011 a 2016, que cumplieron criterios diagnósticos de epilepsia rolándica, con EEG que mostraba puntas centro-temporales con máxima negatividad en los electrodos centro-temporales (C3, C4 y T3,T4), con activación en sueño. Se calcularon las frecuencias y proporciones para variables cualitativas y promedios y desviaciones estándar (DE) para las cuantitativas. En el análisis exploratorio se utilizaron las pruebas de chi cuadrado, test exacto de Fisher y test Shapiro ­Wilk. Resultados: Se incluyeron 44 pacientes, 46% mujeres, 54% hombres. La edad promedio de inicio de la epilepsia fue 6,6 años (DE: 2,3). Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes de esta epilepsia fueron: Sialorrea 27% y sonidos faríngeos 27%. Las crisis se presentaron durante el sueño en 43%, no muy diferente del porcentaje en vigilia, 46%. El 76% había presentado máximo 4 crisis. No hubo diferencias respecto a la lateralidad de la actividad epileptiforme en el EEG. La fase del sueño en la que más se presentó la actividad epileptiforme fue N2. En el 57%, la actividad se presentaba en salvas. Solo el 20% presentó actividad extra centro-temporal. El 32% de los pacientes tenía antecedente familiar de epilepsia. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron bajo rendimiento escolar 34%, trastorno del lenguaje 25% y TDAH 23%. El 61% de los pacientes recibía tratamiento farmacológico y el medicamento más usado fue la carbamazepina en 25%. En el análisis exploratorio se encontró que la frecuencia de los complejos POL era más baja: 3,3 Hz, en los pacientes con trastorno del lenguaje que en los pacientes sin esta comorbilidad: 3,6 Hz, (p=0.02). Conclusión: Aunque el tamaño de la muestra de este estudio no es grande, tiene el valor de ser la primera descripción clínica, electroencefalográfica y familiar de la epilepsia rolándica en Colombia. Las características clínicas son similares a lo descrito en otras series, pero con mayor proporción de generalización de las crisis. La frecuencia en Hz de los complejos POL estuvo por encima de lo previamente informado. El antecedente familiar de epilepsia fue 3 veces más alto en los pacientes de este estudio, lo que podría sugerir que existen factores genéticos y/o ambientales comunes entre este síndrome y otros tipos de epilepsia en nuestra población. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron bajo rendimiento escolar, TDAH y trastorno del lenguaje, los cuales se deben buscar activamente en estos pacientes. La frecuencia en Hz de los complejos POL podría ser un marcador de pronóstico respecto al lenguaje en pacientes con epilepsia rolándica.

Introduction: Benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (BECTS) is the most frequent focal epileptic syndrome in childhood. There are no systematic data about it at Colombia. Our objective was to describe the clinical, electroencephalographic and familiar characteristics of this syndrome. Materials and methods: Retrospective, descriptive, cross- sectional study, with exploratory analysis. Patients admitted were children under 18 years of age, who had attended one of two selected electroencephalography laboratories at Medellín, Colombia, from 2011 to 2016, and filled diagnostic criteria for rolandic epilepsy, EEG with centro-temporal spikes, maximal electronegativity at C3, C4 and T3, T4 electrodes, and activation during sleep. Frequencies and proportions were calculated for qualitative variables, averages and standard deviation for quantitative variables. Chi square, Fisher test and Shapiro-Wilk test were used for exploratory analysis. Results: 44 patients were included, 46% women and 54% men. Average age when epilepsy started was 6.6 years old (SD: 2.3). Most frequent symptoms were: Hypersalivation and oropharyngeal sounds with 27% each. Seizures presented during sleep in 43% with a similar proportion during awake. 76% had presented 4 seizures top. There were no differences in the side of epileptiform activity in EEG. N2 was the sleep phase with more epileptiform activity. In 57% of cases the epileptiform activity presented in clusters. Only 20% had extra centrotemporal activity. There was familiar history of epilepsy in 32%. The most frequent comorbidities were poor school performance: 34%, speech disorder: 25% and ADHD: 23%. 61% of patients were on treatment, and the most frequent medication was carbamazepine: 25%. The exploratory analysis showed that the frequency of spike and slow wave complexes were slower: 3.3 Hz, in patients with speech disorder than in patients without it: 3.6 Hz (p=0.02). Conclusion: This is the first clinical, electroencephalographic and familiar description of rolandic epilepsy in our country. Clinical presentation was similar to other reports, but our patients had more generalization of seizures. The frequency of spike and slow wave complexes (Hz) were in general above of previous reports. Family history of epilepsy was three times higher in patients of this study, suggesting that there are some common genetic and environmental factors between this syndrome and other types of epilepsy in our population. The most frequent comorbidities were poor school performance, speech disorder, and ADHD. This should be carefully evaluated in patients with this syndrome. The frequency of spike and slow wave complexes (Hz) could be a marker of speech prognosis in patients with rolandic epilepsy.

Long-term Clinical Course and Electroencephalographic Analysis in Children with Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes / 대한소아신경학회지

PURPOSE: Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is one of the most common and benign focal epilepsy syndromes during childhood. In this study, we analyzed the clinical features and electroencephalogram (EEG) of BECT patients to determine if there were any predictive factors for seizures or abnormal EEG findings lasting longer than the average. METHODS: We studied 49 patients who were diagnosed with BECTS at the Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Hospital and were 18 years of age or older at the time of the study. Differences in clinical course according to EEG features, treatment duration, abnormal EEG duration, seizure development period, and time to achieving the first normal EEG were analyzed. RESULTS: Average onset age was 8.3±1.9 years and follow-up duration was 4.2±2.4 years. The average seizure-free age was 9.5±2.0 years, and abnormal EEG-free age was 11.6±2.1 years. Younger-onset patients had a longer duration of medication (P=0.04). Patients who needed shorter time to achieving the first normal EEG had a shorter seizure development period (P=0.02). Patients who did not show typical EEG findings consistent with BECTS had a significantly longer duration of medication (P<0.01) and seizure development period (P=0.02), and abnormal EEG duration (P= 0.01). The ratio of abnormal findings in the first three EEGs was significantly correlated with the seizure development period, abnormal EEG duration, and duration of medication (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Although BECTS is known to take a benign course, the actual clinical course varied from patient to patient, and these variations may be predicted by analyzing clinical factors or EEGs.

Cognitive profile of children with newly onset benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes before treatment:a study of computerized cognitive testing in epilepsy / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (BECTs) is a common idiopathic partial epileptic syndrome in childhood, which often affect the pre-school and school-age children and a considerable proportion have comorbidity including lower academic achievement and cognitive impairment. Few studies involved the psychocognitive assessment in such a drug-treatable epileptic syndrome especially in the newly diagnosed and medications-naive group. This study aimed to investigate the cognitive characteristics of children with newly onset BECTs before treatment.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Forty-one outpatients with newly diagnosed BECTs who visited the Clinic during the periods from October 2012 to May 2014 before the medications against epilepsy and 41 healthy controls recruited from regular school in Beijing during the period from July 2013 to March 2014, who matched in age and gender underwent battery testing by computerized cognitive testing in epilepsy (CCTE). The BECTs group included 41 children, 20 boys and 21 girls, mean age (8.2 ± 1.7) years, the age of onset of epilepsy 4.5-11.5 years (the age of onset <8 years in 25 cases, ≥ 8 years in 16 cases). The cognitive characteristics and associated factors were analyzed. The primary data including correct answer numbers and reaction times were analyzed by independent sample t-test between the two groups of children with BECTs and healthy controls based on SPSS 18.0 statistical software.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Raw data of 9 tasks' scores collected from BECTs and healthy control children were continuous variables in accordance with normal distribution. BECTs children performed significantly worse than controls in choice reaction time ((618+158) vs. (524+254) ms), three-dimensional mental rotation (11 ± 10 vs. 18 ± 12) and visual tracing (10 ± 6 vs.15 ± 6), t=2.01, 3.03 and 3.47, P<0.05, <0.01 and <0.001, respectively.While other 6 tasks showed no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05 for all comparisons). BECTs boys performed significantly worse than girls on simple substraction tasks compared with standard nine score ((4.7 ± 1.5) vs. (5.6 ± 1.2), t=-2.24, P<0.05). Other 8 tasks showed no significant difference between boys and girls (P>0.05 for all comparisons). Other 9 tasks showed no significant differences between the two groups of BECTs children whose age of onset was before 8 years and those who started seizure ≥ 8 years (P all >0.05). The standard nine scores of simple substraction from the three BECTs groups of dominance sides of spikes and waves during NREM showed significant difference (P<0.05). BECTs children with bilateral discharges performed significantly worse than the other two groups dominantly right or left discharges (4.7 ± 1.2 vs. 6.0 ± 1.2 vs. 4.9 ± 1.4, P all <0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups with right and left side dominance discharges (P>0.05). Other 8 tasks showed no significant differences among the three groups (P>0.05 for all comparisons).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Although EEG discharges index below 50% during NREM period, while newly diagnosed BECTs children before treatment with medications against epilepsy performed poorer on tasks of choice reaction time, three-dimensional mental rotation, and visual tracing. The two factors of male and bilateral discharges during NREM period correlate with dysfunction of simple subtraction, the mechanism needs further study and the cognitive function of epilepsy children should be evaluated and followed up, in order to provide psychologic baseline data for persistent cognitive disturbance.</p>

Rolandic epilepsy and dyslexia / Epilepsia rolândica e dislexia

Objective Although benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is an idiopathic, age-related epilepsy syndrome with favorable outcome, recent studies have shown impairment in specific neuropsychological tests. The objective of this study was to analyze the comorbidity between dyslexia and BECTS. Method Thirty-one patients with clinical and electroencephalographic diagnosis of BECTS (group A) and 31 paired children (group B) underwent a language and neuropsychological assessment performed with several standardized protocols. Our findings were categorized as: a) dyslexia; b) other difficulties; c) without difficulties. Our results were compared and statistically analyzed. Results Our data showed that dyslexia occurred in 19.4% and other difficulties in 74.2% of our patients. This was highly significant when compared with the control group (p<0.001). Phonological awareness, writing, reading, arithmetic, and memory tests showed a statistically significant difference when comparing both groups. Conclusion Our findings show significant evidence of the occurrence of dyslexia in patients with BECTS. .

Objetivo Apesar da epilepsia benigna da infância com espículas centrotemporais (EBICT) ser uma síndrome epiléptica considerada idiopática, idade-relacionada e de evolução favorável, estudos recentes têm mostrado que essas crianças apresentam prejuízo em testes neuropsicológicos específicos. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a comorbidade entre EBICT e dislexia. Método Trinta e um pacientes com diagnóstico clínico e eletrencefalográfico de EBICT (grupo A) e 31 crianças pareadas (grupo B) foram submetidos à avaliação neuropsicológica e de linguagem com vários protocolos estandardizados. Nossos achados foram categorizados em: a) dislexia; b) outras dificuldades; c) sem dificuldades. Nossos resultados foram comparados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados Os dados mostraram que dislexia ocorreu em 19,4% e outras dificuldades em 74,2% dos nossos pacientes. Esses números foram altamente significativos quando comparados com o grupo controle (p<0,001). Consciência fonológica, leitura, escrita, aritmética e testes de memória mostraram diferença estatisticamente significante quando foram comparados os dois grupos. Conclusão Nossos dados mostraram que há evidência da ocorrência de dislexia em pacientes com EBICT. .

Efficacy of levetiracetam combined with short-term clonazepam in treatment of electrical status epilepticus during sleep in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) combined with short-term clonazepam (CZP) in the treatment of electrical status epilepticus during sleep (ESES) in children with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECCT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifteen children (9 boys and 6 girls) diagnosed with BECCT with ESES, who had continuous spike-and-wave accounting for over 85% of the non-rapid eye movement sleep as monitored by 24-hours ambulatory EEG or 3-hours video EEG, were enrolled. The clinical manifestations and EEG characteristics of patients were retrospectively analyzed. These children received two months of CZP treatment in addition to oral LEV [20-40 mg/(kg·d)]. All patients were followed up for 6-18 months.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 15 children were orally given LEV in the early stage, but showed no improvement when reexamined by EEG or had seizures during treatment. Then, they received LEV in combination with short-term CZP. Re-examinations at 1 and 6 months after treatment showed that 14 cases had significantly reduced discharge (only little discharge in the Rolandic area) or no discharge, as well as completely controlled seizure; one case had recurrent ESES and two epileptic seizures during follow-up. The recurrent case received the combination therapy again, and re-examinations 1 and 6 months later revealed normal EEG; no seizure occurred in the 8 months of follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LEV combined with short-term CZP is effective and has few side effects in treating ESES syndrome among children with BECCT.</p>

Estudo prospectivo das funções cognitivas em epilepsia idiopática da infância através da ressonância magnética funcional / Study of cognitive function in idiopathic epilepsy of childhood by functional magnetic resonance imaging

Introdução: Uma importante aplicação da técnica de Ressonância Magnética funcional é em pesquisa clínica, acerca das funções cognitivas de pacientes, como por exemplo atenção, memória, linguagem, dentre outras. Pacientes com Epilepsia Idiopática da Infância podem apresentar déficits cognitivos e não possuem alterações estruturais detectáveis o que facilita a aplicação de técnicas computacionais de registro e normalização em estudos de neuroimagem o que possibilita a geração de imagens de um grupo de indivíduos e suas diversas possibilidades de inferências estatísticas. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever as funções cognitivas em pacientes com Epilespia Rolândica (ER) e Epilepsia de Ausência (EA) através da RMf. Métodos: 57 indíviduos, 23 pacientes com ER ((média= 10,7 anos), 20 pacientes com EA (média= 9,9 anos) e 14 controles saudáveis (média=10 anos) foram submetidos ao vídeo-EEg, testes neuropsicológicos para avaliação das funções cognitivas (QI, funções executivas, dentre outras) e um paradigma de atenção Stoptask Gonogo e um paradigma Resting State (RS). Os dados foram analisados e foram gerados mapas limirializados de ativação da função BOLD. Resultados: As principais áreas ativas em pacientes e controles no paradigma Stoptask foram: hemisférios cerebelares bilateral, córtex orbito frontal bilateral, giros fusiformes, ínsula bilateral, córtex dorso latero pré-frontal, giro do Cíngulo anterior direito e esquerdo, bordas dos sulcos intraparietais, giros frontais superiores, eye-field.(p < 0,01). No paradigma RS as áreas encontradas foram: Córtex medial prefrontal, giro angular, giro supramarginal, giro do cíngulo posterior, giro frontal superior, sulco intraparietal, área motora suplementar, córtex prefrontal lateral (p < 0,05). OS mapas comparativos de grupos mostraram diferenças em ativaçao entre pacientes e controles. Discussão: Nossos mapas de ativação da resposta BOLD são semelhantes aos encontrados por outros autores na...

Introduction: An important application of functional MRI is in clinical research about the cognitive functions of patients, such as attention, memory, language, among others. Patients with Idiopathic Epilepsy of Childhood may show cognitive deficits and have no detectable structural changes which facilitates the application of computational techniques and standardization of registration in neuroimaging studies, which enables to obtain a group map of individuals and their various possibilities for statistical inferences. This study aimed to describe the cognitive functions in patients with Rolandic Epilepsy (RE) and absence epilepsy (AE) by fMRI. Methods: 57 individuals, 23 patients with RE (mean = 10.7 years), 20 patients with AE (mean = 9.9 years) and 14 healthy controls (mean = 10 years) underwent video-EEG, neuropsychological tests for assessment of cognitive function (IQ, executive functions, amongothers) theu also perform an attention paradigm Stoptask Gonogo and the Resting State (RS). Data were analyzed and maps were generated for BOLD activation function. Results: The main areas active in patients and controls in the paradigm Stoptask were bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, bilateral frontal orbital cortex, fusiform gyrus, bilateral insula, dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus right and left edges of the intraparietal sulcus, superior frontal gyrus, eye -field. (p < 0.01). In the RS paradigm areas observed were: medial prefrontal cortex, angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, intraparietal sulcus, supplementary motor area, lateral prefrontal cortex (p < 0.05). there were no statistically significant differences between group means (p < 0,01)Discussion: Our activation maps of BOLD response are similar to those found by other authors in the literature both in Stoptask paradigm as in the RS. The diferences between groups may be due cognitive deficts in patients group. Conclusions:...

Epilepsia benigna atípica de la infancia con paroxismos centrotemporales: presentación de un caso / Atypical benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal paroxysms: case report

La epilepsia benigna atípica de la infancia con paroxismos centrotemporales es una forma poco frecuente de epilepsia en la que se combinan crisis focales similares a las observadas en la epilepsia benigna de la infancia con paroxismos centrotemporales y crisis generalizadas que además presenta un patrón electroencefalográfico característico de punta-onda continua durante el sueño NREM. Se discute la importancia de la correlación electroclínica en el correcto diagnóstico de la entidad en cuestión así como en su adecuado manejo y evaluación pronóstica.

Atypical benign childhood epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes is a rare form of epilepsy that combine partial seizures similar to those seen in benign partial epilepsy of childhood with centro-temporal paroxysms and generalized seizures, also presenting a characteristic EEG pattern of continuous spike-wave during NREM sleep. We discuss the importance of electro-clinical correlation in the correct diagnosis of the disease as well as proper treatment and prognostic assessment.

Aspectos clínicos e eletrencefalográficos das epilepsias rolândicas / Clinical and electroencephalographics aspects of rolandic epilepsy

A Epilepsia focal benigna da infância com paroxismos centro-temporais (EBICT), ou epilepsia rolândica (ER), é a forma mais frequente de epilepsia idiopática da infância. Os objetivos deste estudo foram aprofundar o exame neurológico através da detecção de sinais menores e avaliar criteriosamente as anormalidades neurofisiológicas de pacientes com ER. Para atingirmos o primeiro objetivo aplicamos o QNST II e WISC III em um grupo de pacientes com ER que foram comparados a um grupo-controle composto por crianças normais. Para atingirmos o segundo objetivo, analisamos os EEGs de um grupo de pacientes com ER que foram comparados a um grupo de pacientes com epilepsia sintomática e descargas na área rolândica. A primeira parte do estudo incluiu 40 sujeitos durante o período de Março de 2007 a Dezembro de 2009. As crianças eram de ambos os gêneros e faixa etária de 9 a 15 anos (média de idade de 12 anos) e foram subdivididos em dois grupos: G1 (Grupo 1) - 20 pacientes com ER (8 meninas), 85% controladas; G2 (Grupo 2) - 20 sujeitos do grupo controle (10 meninas), sem queixas neurológicas e pareados por idade e sexo. Os resultados demostraram que entre os grupos quanto ao QI de execução e total houve com melhor desempenho das crianças com epilepsia rolândica (p = 0,001 e p = 0,004, respectivamente). Houve proporcionalidade entre dados obtidos do QNST II e o WISC III pela análise de correlação de Spearmann, tanto diante do QI total (p=0,015), QI execução (p=0.045) como do QI verbal (p=0.031).

The benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), or rolandic epilepsy (RE), is the most frequent form of idiopathic epilepsy of childhood. The aims of this study were to deep the neurological examination by searching for soft signs and to evaluate carefully the neurophysiological abnormalities of patients with RE. To achieve the first aim we applied the QNST II and WISC III in a group of patients with RE that were compared to a control group composed of normal children. To achieve the second aim we analyzed the EEGs of a group of patients with RE that were compared to a group of patients with symptomatic epilepsy and discharges in rolandic area. The first part of the study included 40 subjects during the period of March 2007 to December 2009. Children of both genders and aging from 9-15 years were included and divided into two groups: G1 (Group 1) - 20 patients with RE, 85% were controlled; G2 (Group 2) - 20 subjects in the control group without any neurological complaint, and matched with G1 by age and sex. Results showed that a significant difference between the groups against the run and total IQ with better performance in children with rolandic epilepsy. There was correlation between the data obtained QNST II with WISC III (total IQ, verbal and executive), both compared to the total IQ (p = 0.015), executive IQ (p = 0.045) and verbal IQ (p = 0.031).

Clinical and neuropsychological correlation in patients with rolandic epilepsy / Correlação entre achados clínicos e neuropsicológicos em pacientes com epilepsia rolândica

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the presence of neurological soft signs (NSS) and to correlate them with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC III) in patients with rolandic epilepsy (RE). METHODS: Forty children and adolescents aged between 9 and 15 years were studied. They were divided into two groups: G1 - patients with RE (n=20) - and G2 - healthy controls without epilepsy (n=20). They were assessed with the Quick Neurological Screening Test (QNST II) - clinical trial to search for NSS -, and the WISC III - neuropsychological test. RESULTS: No statistical difference between groups was found in WISC III and QNST II. However, children with poorer motor skills had worse performance in the QNST II and also in the execution intelligence quotient - IQ (p=0.001) and in total IQ (p=0.004), thus showing a positive correlation between them. CONCLUSIONS: The QNST II is a good screening tool for the neurologist to detect abnormalities in fine motor skills.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a presença de sinais neurológicos menores (SNM) e correlacioná-los com o Escala de Inteligência de Wechsler para Crianças (WISC III) em pacientes com epilepsia rolândica (ER). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 40 crianças ou adolescentes entre 9 e 15 anos, divididos em dois grupos: G1 - pacientes com ER (n=20); G2 - controles saudáveis sem epilepsia (n=20). Foram avaliados por meio do QNST II - teste clínico que pesquisa SNM - e do WISC III - teste neuropsicológico. RESULTADOS: Não foi encontrada nenhuma diferença estatística entre os grupos no WISC III e QNST II. Entretanto, crianças com habilidades motoras pobres tiveram pior desempenho no QNST II, assim como no quociente de inteligência (QI) de execução (p=0,001) e no QI total (p=0,004), mostrando, portanto, correlação positiva entre os dois instrumentos. CONCLUSÕES: O QNST II é uma boa ferramenta de rastreamento para o neurologista detectar anormalidades nas habilidades motoras finas.

Low-dose, Once-a-day Treatment of Topiramate in Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes / 대한소아신경학회지

PURPOSE: Benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is known to have a good prognosis, and is easily controlled with antiepileptic drugs. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of low-dose topiramate (TPM), once at night time in children with BECTS, and compare with that of oxcarbazepine (OXC). METHODS: OXC was used as a first drug in 58 patients with BECTS at the department of pediatrics, Chonnam National University hospital from Jan. 2003 to Nov. 2010. Their medical records were reviewed, focusing on the onset age of seizure, the dosage of drugs, response to treatment and other clinical features. Since Aug. 2008 through Apr. 2011, some newly diagnosed patients with BECTS were given a low-dose (25mg) of TPM, once at nighttime. The efficacy was reviewed in 14 children, who had been followed up in the outpatient clinic for longer than twelve months. RESULTS: Forty five out of 58 (77.6%) patients were well controlled with OXC. Thirteen out of 58 (22.4%), seizures recurred, on whom TPM (n=9) or lamotrigine (n=4) was added. Nine (64.3%) of the 14 patients who were started with low dose TPM became seizure-free for at least 12 months. However, Two out of 14, the dose of TPM had to be increased up to 100 mg/day and 75 mg/day, respectively. In three, seizure was controlled with OXC. CONCLUSION: A single low-dose TPM would be as effective as the conventional OXC without any adverse effects in children with BECTS.

Gitelman Syndrome with Normal Serum Magnesium

Gitelman syndrome is an autosomal recessive renal tubular disorder characterized by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, and it is distinguished from Batter syndrome by hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria. This disorder is caused by mutation in SLC12A3 gene which encodes thiazide-sensitive Na(+)-Cl(-)cotransporter (NCCT) which is expressed in the apical membrane of cells, lining distal convoluted tubule. A 8-year old boy who presented with Rolandic epilepsy, and horseshoe kidney accidentally showed clinical features of metabolic alkalosis, hypokalemia, hypocalciuria without hypomagnesemia. So we identified a heterozygote mutation and an abnormal splicing in the SLC12A3 gene, encoding NCCT. The mutation was detected in the exon 15 and 22 of SLC12A3 gene.

Cognitive and other neuropsychological profiles in children with newly diagnosed benign rolandic epilepsy / 소아과

PURPOSE: Although benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE) is a benign condition, it may be associated with a spectrum of behavioral, psychiatric, and cognitive disorders. This study aimed to assess the cognitive and other neuropsychological profiles of children with BRE. METHODS: In total, 23 children with BRE were consecutively recruited. All children underwent sleep electroencephalography (EEG) and were assessed on a battery of comprehensive neuropsychological tests including the Korean versions of the Wechsler intelligence scale for children III, frontal executive neuropsychological test, rey complex figure test, Wisconsin card sorting test, attention deficit diagnostic scale, and child behavior checklist scale. RESULTS: The study subjects included 13 boys and 10 girls aged 9.0+/-1.6 years. Our subjects showed an average monthly seizure frequency of 0.9+/-0.7, and a majority of them had focal seizures (70%). The spike index (frequency/min) was 4.1+/-5.3 (right) and 13.1+/-15.9 (left). Of the 23 subjects, 9 showed frequent spikes (>10/min) on the EEG. The subjects had normal cognitive and frontal executive functions, memory, and other neuropsychological sub-domain scores, even though 8 children (35%) showed some evidence of learning difficulties, attention deficits, and aggressive behavior. CONCLUSION: Our data have limited predictive value; however, these data demonstrate that although BRE appears to be benign at the onset, children with BRE might develop cognitive, behavioral, and other psychiatric disorders during the active phase of epilepsy, and these problems may even outlast the BRE. Therefore, we recommend scrupulous follow-up for children with BRE.