Intraoperative Presentation of Malignant Hyperthermia (Confirmed by RYR1 Gene Mutation, c.7522C>T; p.R2508C) Leads to Diagnosis of King-Denborough Syndrome in a Child With Hypotonia and Dysmorphic Features: A Case Report.

We present the novel case report of a child with hypotonia and dysmorphic features who developed malignant hyperthermia (MH) intraoperatively. Neurology workup revealed the presence of a known causative ryanodine receptor (RYR1) mutation for MH, c.7522C>T; p.R2508C. Furthermore, the neurology workup diagnosed the child with King-Denborough syndrome (KDS). This particular mutation has never been documented in a patient with KDS. Atypical presentation of MH is more likely in patients with RYR1-related myopathy. A high index of suspicion for MH in children with myopathy is important. The MH hotline was helpful in the management of this patient when it was called after the initial dose of dantrolene. A neurology consult was essential for the diagnosis of KDS and future care.

Tourette Syndrome: a general pediatrician's 35-year experience at a single center with follow-up in adulthood.

A retrospective analysis of a 35-year single-center experience with pediatric tics and Tourette syndrome was conducted. 482 charts from 1972 to 2007 were reviewed. Follow-up surveys were mailed to last known address and 83 patients responded (17%). Response rate was affected by long interval from last visit; contact information was often incorrect as it was the address of the patient as a child. Males constituted 84%. Mean tic onset was 6.6 years. At first visit, 83% had multiple motor tics and >50% had comorbidities. 44% required only 1 visit and 90% less than 12 visits. Follow-up showed positive clinical and social outcomes in 73/83 survey responses. Of those indicating a poor outcome, mean educational level was lower and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities were significantly higher. Access to knowledgeable caregivers was a problem for adult patients. A shortage of specialists may in part be addressed by interested general pediatricians.

Rapid onset of hippocampal atrophy in febrile-infection related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES).

Febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) is a catastrophic and usually refractory epilepsy syndrome that occurs after a febrile illness in previously normal children. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is unknown, and the diagnosis is typically made by exclusion after an exhaustive negative workup for central nervous system infections and autoimmune or metabolic disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging of patients with this condition has previously shown hippocampal abnormalities, typically found several months or longer after initial seizures. We report a previously healthy 5-year-old child who developed hippocampal atrophy by day 37 of his illness. The development of early hippocampal atrophy in this epileptic encephalopathy may provide insight into pathogenesis and highlights the need for aggressive and effective interventions early in the disease process.

The ketogenic diet for the treatment of pediatric status epilepticus.

BACKGROUND: Refractory status epilepticus carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality for children. Traditional treatment of status epilepticus consists of multiple anticonvulsant drugs and, if needed, induction of a medical coma. The ketogenic diet has been used for intractable epilepsy for many years. The purpose of this article is to report a case series of five patients with refractory status epilepticus successfully managed with the ketogenic diet. METHODS: A summary of pediatric patients with refractory status epilepticus treated with diet was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Ketogenic diet therapy should be considered as a treatment option in pediatric patients with refractory status epilepticus.