Regional and bilateral MRI and gene signatures in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy: implications for clinical trial design and mechanisms of disease progression.

Identifying the aberrant expression of DUX4 in skeletal muscle as the cause of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) has led to rational therapeutic development and clinical trials. Several studies support the use of MRI characteristics and the expression of DUX4-regulated genes in muscle biopsies as biomarkers of FSHD disease activity and progression. We performed lower-extremity MRI and muscle biopsies in the mid-portion of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscles bilaterally in FSHD subjects and validated our prior reports of the strong association between MRI characteristics and expression of genes regulated by DUX4 and other gene categories associated with FSHD disease activity. We further show that measurements of normalized fat content in the entire TA muscle strongly predict molecular signatures in the mid-portion of the TA, indicating that regional biopsies can accurately measure progression in the whole muscle and providing a strong basis for inclusion of MRI and molecular biomarkers in clinical trial design. An unanticipated finding was the strong correlations of molecular signatures in the bilateral comparisons, including markers of B-cells and other immune cell populations, suggesting that a systemic immune cell infiltration of skeletal muscle might have a role in disease progression.

Autosomal dominant in cis D4Z4 repeat array duplication alleles in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy.

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) has a unique genetic aetiology resulting in partial chromatin relaxation of the D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat array on 4qter. This D4Z4 chromatin relaxation facilitates inappropriate expression of the transcription factor DUX4 in skeletal muscle. DUX4 is encoded by a retrogene that is embedded within the distal region of the D4Z4 repeat array. In the European population, the D4Z4 repeat array is usually organized in a single array that ranges between 8 and 100 units. D4Z4 chromatin relaxation and DUX4 derepression in FSHD is most often caused by repeat array contraction to 1-10 units (FSHD1) or by a digenic mechanism requiring pathogenic variants in a D4Z4 chromatin repressor like SMCHD1, combined with a repeat array between 8 and 20 units (FSHD2). With a prevalence of 1.5% in the European population, in cis duplications of the D4Z4 repeat array, where two adjacent D4Z4 arrays are interrupted by a spacer sequence, are relatively common but their relationship to FSHD is not well understood. In cis duplication alleles were shown to be pathogenic in FSHD2 patients; however, there is inconsistent evidence for the necessity of an SMCHD1 mutation for disease development. To explore the pathogenic nature of these alleles we compared in cis duplication alleles in FSHD patients with or without pathogenic SMCHD1 variant. For both groups we showed duplication-allele-specific DUX4 expression. We studied these alleles in detail using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis-based Southern blotting and molecular combing, emphasizing the challenges in the characterization of these rearrangements. Nanopore sequencing was instrumental to study the composition and methylation of the duplicated D4Z4 repeat arrays and to identify the breakpoints and the spacer sequence between the arrays. By comparing the composition of the D4Z4 repeat array of in cis duplication alleles in both groups, we found that specific combinations of proximal and distal repeat array sizes determine their pathogenicity. Supported by our algorithm to predict pathogenicity, diagnostic laboratories should now be furnished to accurately interpret these in cis D4Z4 repeat array duplications, alleles that can easily be missed in routine settings.

Elevated plasma complement components in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy.

Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) have led to several therapeutic approaches entering clinical trials and an increased need to develop biomarkers of disease activity and progression. Multiple prior studies have shown early elevation of RNAs encoding components of the complement pathways and relatively widespread activated complement complexes by immunodetection in FSHD muscle. The current study tested plasma from two independent cohorts of FSHD and control subjects and found elevated complement components in both FSHD cohorts. Combining subjects from both cohorts identified complement factors that best distinguished FSHD and controls. Within the FSHD group, a subset of subjects showed elevation in multiple complement components. Together these findings suggest the need for future studies to determine whether measurements of complement activation can be used as a non-invasive measurement of FSHD disease activity, progression and/or response to therapies. In addition, with the ongoing expansion of complement therapeutic approaches, consideration for precision-based targeting of this pathway is appropriate.

Temporal course of cognitive and behavioural changes in motor neuron diseases.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive and behavioural dysfunction may occur in people with motor neuron disease (MND), with some studies suggesting an association with the C9ORF72 repeat expansion. Their onset and progression, however, is poorly understood. We explored how cognition and behaviour change over time, and whether demographic, clinical and genetic factors impact these changes. METHODS: Participants with MND were recruited through the Phenotype-Genotype-Biomarker study. Every 3-6 months, the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS) was used to assess amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) specific (executive functioning, verbal fluency, language) and ALS non-specific (memory, visuospatial) functions. Informants reported on behaviour symptoms via semi-structured interview. RESULTS: Participants with neuropsychological data at ≥3 visits were included (n=237, mean age=59, 60% male), of which 18 (8%) were C9ORF72 positive. Baseline cognitive impairment was apparent in 18 (8%), typically in ALS specific domains, and associated with lower education, but not C9ORF72 status. Cognition, on average, remained stable over time, with two exceptions: (1) C9ORF72 carriers declined in all ECAS domains, (2) 8%-9% of participants with baseline cognitive impairment further declined, primarily in the ALS non-specific domain, which was associated with less education. Behavioural symptoms were uncommon. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, cognitive dysfunction was less common than previously reported and remained stable over time for most. However, cognition declines longitudinally in a small subset, which is not entirely related to C9ORF72 status. Our findings raise questions about the timing of cognitive impairment in MND, and whether it arises during early clinically manifest disease or even prior to motor manifestations.

A longitudinal study of disease progression in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: In preparation for clinical trials, it is important to better understand how disease burden changes over time in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and to assess the capability of select metrics to detect these changes. This study aims to evaluate FSHD disease progression over 1 year and to examine the sensitivity of several outcome measures in detecting changes during this interval. METHODS: We conducted a 12-month prospective observational study of 41 participants with FSHD. Participants were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months with serial strength testing (manual muscle testing or MMT and maximum voluntary isometric contraction testing or MVICT), functional testing (FSHD-Composite Outcome Measure or FSHD-COM, FSHD Clinical Severity Score or CSS, and FSHD Evaluation Score or FES), sleep and fatigue assessments, lean body mass measurements, respiratory testing, and the FSHD-Health Index patient-reported outcome. Changes in these outcome measures were assessed over the 12-month period. Associations between changes in outcome measures and both age and sex were also examined. RESULTS: In a 12-month period, FSHD participant function remained largely stable with a mild worsening of strength, measured by MMT and standardized MVICT scores, and a mild loss in lean body mass. DISCUSSION: The abilities and disease burden of adults with FSHD are largely static over a 12-month period with participants demonstrating a mild average reduction in some measures of strength. Selection of patients, outcome measures, and trial duration should be carefully considered during the design and implementation of future clinical studies involving FSHD patients.

Outcomes after intervention for enteral nutrition in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in multidisciplinary clinics.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are susceptible to malnutrition, with appropriate management of nutritional interventions an active area of investigation. We sought to determine the impact of gastrostomy tube placement in ALS patients, exploring the correlation between forced vital capacity (FVC), malnutrition, and perioperative complications. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of clinically diagnosed ALS patients treated at two multidisciplinary clinics (University of Kansas, University of Nebraska) from January 2009 to September 2020 who were referred for gastrostomy. Data collected included demographics, disease characteristics, and key gastrostomy related dates/outcomes. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-nine patients were included with a median age of 65 years and median of 589 days from symptom onset to gastrostomy (interquartile range, 404-943). The population was predominantly Non-Hispanic White with bulbar-onset ALS. 30-day mortality was 4% and 30-day morbidity was 13%. Weight loss, body mass index, and predicted FVC at placement showed no increased 30-day morbidity or mortality association. Bulbar-onset ALS patients exhibited higher overall mortality postplacement than limb onset (odds ratio: 1.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-3.33). There was a 5% incidence of symptoms suggestive of refeeding syndrome. DISCUSSION: Rates of major/minor complications and 30-day mortality related to gastrostomy placement in our population were similar compared with prior studies in ALS. The lack of difference in outcomes based on FVC at procedure may suggest this is not predictive of outcome, or perhaps, high-quality perioperative respiratory management. Alternative reasons may account for the increased morbidity and mortality of gastrostomy placement in the ALS population.

Longitudinal course of neurofilament light chain levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-insights from a completed randomized controlled trial with rasagiline.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rasagiline might be disease modifying in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim was to evaluate the effect of rasagiline 2 mg/day on neurofilament light chain (NfL), a prognostic biomarker in ALS. METHODS: In 65 patients with ALS randomized in a 3:1 ratio to rasagiline 2 mg/day (n = 48) or placebo (n = 17) in a completed randomized controlled multicentre trial, NfL levels in plasma were measured at baseline, month 6 and month 12. Longitudinal changes in NfL levels were evaluated regarding treatment and clinical parameters. RESULTS: Baseline NfL levels did not differ between the study arms and correlated with disease progression rates both pre-baseline (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) and during the study (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). NfL measured at months 6 and 12 did not change significantly from baseline in both arms, with a median individual NfL change of +1.4 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR] -5.6, 14.2) across all follow-up time points. However, a significant difference in NfL change at month 12 was observed between patients with high and low NfL baseline levels treated with rasagiline (high [n = 13], -6.9 pg/mL, IQR -20.4, 6.0; low [n = 18], +5.9 pg/mL, IQR -1.4, 19.7; p = 0.025). Additionally, generally higher longitudinal NfL variability was observed in patients with high baseline levels, whereas disease progression rates and disease duration at baseline had no impact on the longitudinal NfL course. CONCLUSION: Post hoc NfL measurements in completed clinical trials are helpful in interpreting NfL data from ongoing and future interventional trials and could provide hypothesis-generating complementary insights. Further studies are warranted to ultimately differentiate NfL response to treatment from other factors.

Defining clinical endpoints in limb girdle muscular dystrophy: a GRASP-LGMD study.

BACKGROUND: The Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies (LGMDs) are characterized by progressive weakness of the shoulder and hip girdle muscles as a result of over 30 different genetic mutations. This study is designed to develop clinical outcome assessments across the group of disorders. METHODS/DESIGN: The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the utility of a set of outcome measures on a wide range of LGMD phenotypes and ability levels to determine if it would be possible to use similar outcomes between individuals with different phenotypes. We will perform a multi-center, 12-month study of 188 LGMD patients within the established Genetic Resolution and Assessments Solving Phenotypes in LGMD (GRASP-LGMD) Research Consortium, which is comprised of 11 sites in the United States and 2 sites in Europe. Enrolled patients will be clinically affected and have mutations in CAPN3 (LGMDR1), ANO5 (LGMDR12), DYSF (LGMDR2), DNAJB6 (LGMDD1), SGCA (LGMDR3), SGCB (LGMDR4), SGCD (LGMDR6), or SGCG (LGMDR5, or FKRP-related (LGMDR9). DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the largest consortium organized to prospectively validate clinical outcome assessments (COAs) in LGMD at its completion. These assessments will help clinical trial readiness by identifying reliable, valid, and responsive outcome measures as well as providing data driven clinical trial decision making for future clinical trials on therapeutic agents for LGMD. The results of this study will permit more efficient clinical trial design. All relevant data will be made available for investigators or companies involved in LGMD therapeutic development upon conclusion of this study as applicable. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03981289; Date of registration: 6/10/2019.

Phase 2 trial in acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis of transition from intravenous to subcutaneous immunoglobulin: The MGSCIg study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Data on maintenance therapy with subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) in myasthenia gravis (MG) are limited. We report on transitioning acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive (Ab+) MG patients on stable intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) regimens as part of routine clinical care to SCIg 1:1.2. METHODS: This multicenter North American open-label prospective investigator-initiated study had two components: the IVIg Stabilization Period (ISP) enrolling patients already on IVIg as part of routine clinical care (Weeks -10 to -1), followed by transition of stable MG subjects to SCIg in the Experimental Treatment Period (ETP; Weeks 0 to 12). We hypothesized that >65% of patients entering the ETP would have a stable Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score from Week 0 to Week 12. Secondary outcome measures included other efficacy measures, safety, tolerability, IgG levels, and treatment satisfaction. RESULTS: We recruited 23 patients in the ISP, and 22 entered the ETP. A total of 12 subjects (54.5%) were female, and 18 (81.8%) were White, with mean age 51.4 ± 17 years. We obtained Week 12 ETP QMG data on 19 of 22; one subject withdrew from ETP owing to clinical deterioration, and two subjects withdrew due to dislike of needles. On primary analysis, 19 of 22 participants (86.4%, 95% confidence interval = 0.72-1.00) were treatment successes using last observation carried forward (p = 0.018). Secondary efficacy measures supported MG stability. SCIg was safe and well tolerated, and IgG levels were stable. Treatment satisfaction was comparable between ISP and ETP. CONCLUSIONS: MG patients on IVIg as part of their routine clinical care remained stable on monthly IVIg dosage, and most maintained similar disease stability on SCIg.

Longitudinal measures of RNA expression and disease activity in FSHD muscle biopsies.

Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) have led to the discovery of candidate therapeutics, and it is important to identify markers of disease activity to inform clinical trial design. For drugs that inhibit DUX4 expression, measuring DUX4 or DUX4-target gene expression might be an interim measure of drug activity; however, only a subset of FHSD muscle biopsies shows evidence of DUX4 expression. Our prior study showed that MRI T2-STIR-positive muscles had a higher probability of showing DUX4 expression than muscles with normal MRI characteristics. In the current study, we performed a 1-year follow-up assessment of the same muscle with repeat MRI and muscle biopsy. There was little change in MRI characteristics over the 1-year period and, similar to the initial evaluation, MRI T2-STIR-postive muscles had a higher expression of DUX4-regulated genes, as well as genes associated with inflammation, extracellular matrix and cell cycle. Compared to the initial evaluation, overall the level of expression in these gene categories remained stable over the 1-year period; however, there was some variability for each individual muscle biopsied. The pooled data from both the initial and 1-year follow-up evaluations identified several FSHD subgroups based on gene expression, as well as a set of genes-composed of DUX4-target genes, inflammatory and immune genes and cell cycle control genes-that distinguished all of the FSHD samples from the controls. These candidate markers of disease activity need to be replicated in independent datasets and, if validated, may provide useful measures of disease progression and response to therapy.

Demographics, clinical characteristics, and prognostic factors of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Midwest.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The Midwest has the highest regional prevalence of self-reported amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States, but with limited epidemiological studies. We aimed to explore the characteristics of patients with ALS in the Midwest. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of participants with ALS deceased between January, 2010, and September, 2020, registered with the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter. Demographics and clinical variables included gender, race/ethnicity, military status, site of onset, interventions (gastrostomy, non-invasive ventilation, tracheostomy), and visits to ALS Association-registered clinics. Disease characteristics were compared to the National ALS Registry, and survival analysis was performed followed by sample augmentation with historical data to estimate survival with hypothetical censoring. RESULTS: The database included 1447 participants with a mean age at diagnosis of 65.7 ± 11.9 y (>60 y at diagnosis: 72%). The median survival from symptom onset was 28.0 mo (95% confidence limit: 26.3, 29.7); sample augmentation increased this to 41.0 mo (38.5, 43.5). Bulbar onset disease and older age at diagnosis were associated with shorter survival. Participants not followed in ALS-Association registered clinics were more frequently male, had familial onset and tracheostomy. Veterans (N = 298) were older at diagnosis but had similar survival after adjustment for age. DISCUSSIONS: Our cohort had an older age at onset and more frequent bulbar onset than the National ALS Registry, perhaps reflecting ascertainment biases in each registry. Prospective cohort studies with more clinical and functional data are needed to better characterize ALS in Midwest, veterans, and non-clinic populations, and to optimize care.

Self-reported reduced sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) causes weakness and secondary associations, such as respiratory complications and pain, that can be linked to abnormal sleep patterns. Limited studies have focused on sleep in FSHD. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of, and clinical features associated with, self-reported lowered sleep quality (SQ) and excessive daytime sleepiness (DS) in a large group of participants with FSHD. METHODS: We conducted a prospective survey of individuals with self-reported FSHD enrolled in the FSHD Society Registry. The survey consisted of demographic and clinical characteristics, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Descriptive statistics were evaluated, and associations between clinical characteristics and SQ and DS were explored using one-way analysis of variance tests. Small effect size was identified as 0.01 ≥ η2 > 0.06, medium was 0.06 ≥ η2 > 0.14, and large was 0.14 ≥ η2 . RESULTS: Six hundred ninety individuals responded to the survey, equally distributed between men and women, and spanning the age range from under 12 to 74 years of age or older. Sixty-six percent of the respondents showed reduced SQ (PSQI > 5) (n = 392; 95% confidence interval [CI], 62.4-70.0), and 15% showed excessive DS (>10) (n = 89; 95% CI, 12.2-17.9). There was a significant association between SQ and DS. Nocturnal pain had a large significant effect on lowering SQ (P < .001, η2  = 0.192). Factors including age and gender had minor effects on SQ. DISCUSSION: Physicians should monitor sleep quality of patients with FSHD as a routine part of care, with special attention to potentially modifiable factors. Future research should address the physiological effects of pain in sleep.

Non-dystrophic myotonia: 2-year clinical and patient reported outcomes.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Consistency of differences between non-dystrophic myotonias over time measured by standardized clinical/patient-reported outcomes is lacking. Evaluation of longitudinal data could establish clinically relevant endpoints for future research. METHODS: Data from prospective observational study of 95 definite/clinically suspected non-dystrophic myotonia participants (six sites in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada) between March 2006 and March 2009 were analyzed. Outcomes included: standardized symptom interview/exam, Short Form-36, Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life (INQoL), electrophysiological short/prolonged exercise tests, manual muscle testing, quantitative grip strength, modified get-up-and-go test. Patterns were assigned as described by Fournier et al. Comparisons were restricted to confirmed sodium channelopathies (SCN4A, baseline, year 1, year 2: n = 34, 19, 13), chloride channelopathies (CLCN1, n = 32, 26, 18), and myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2, n = 9, 6, 2). RESULTS: Muscle stiffness was the most frequent symptom over time (54.7%-64.7%). Eyelid myotonia and paradoxical handgrip/eyelid myotonia were more frequent in SCN4A. Grip strength and combined manual muscle testing remained stable. Modified get-up-and-go showed less warm up in SCN4A but remained stable. Median post short exercise decrement was stable, except for SCN4A (baseline to year 2 decrement difference 16.6% [Q1, Q3: 9.5, 39.2]). Fournier patterns type 2 (CLCN1) and 1 (SCN4A) were most specific; 40.4% of participants had a change in pattern over time. INQoL showed higher impact for SCN4A and DM2 with scores stable over time. DISCUSSION: Symptom frequency and clinical outcome assessments were stable with defined variability in myotonia measures supporting trial designs like cross over or combined n-of-1 as important for rare disorders.

Open-label pilot study of ranolazine for cramps in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Neuronal hyperexcitability (manifested by cramps) plays a pathological role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and drugs affecting it may help symptomatic management and slow disease progression. We aimed to determine safety and tolerability of two doses of ranolazine in patients with ALS and evaluate for preliminary evidence of drug-target engagement by assessing muscle cramp characteristics. METHODS: We performed an open-label dose-ascending study of ranolazine in 14 individuals with ALS in two sequential cohorts: 500 mg (cohort 1) and 1000 mg (cohort 2) orally twice daily. Each had a 2-week run-in period, 4-week drug administration, and 6-week safety follow-up. Primary outcome was safety and tolerability. Exploratory measures included cramp frequency and severity, fasciculation frequency, cramp potential duration, ALS Functional Rating Scale---Revised score, and forced vital capacity. RESULTS: Six and eight participants were enrolled in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. There were no serious adverse events. Two subjects in cohort 2 discontinued the drug due to constipation. The most frequent drug-related adverse event was gastrointestinal (40%). Cramp frequency decreased by 54.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39%-70.8%) and severity decreased by 46.3% (95% CI, 29.5-63.3%), which appeared to be dose-dependent, with decreased awakening due to cramps. Other outcomes showed no change. DISCUSSION: Ranolazine was well tolerated in ALS up to 2000 mg/day, with gastrointestinal side effects being the most frequent. Ranolazine reduced cramp frequency and severity, supporting its investigation for muscle cramps in a future placebo-controlled trial.

Quantitative muscle analysis in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy using whole-body fat-referenced MRI: Protocol development, multicenter feasibility, and repeatability.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Functional performance tests are the gold standard to assess disease progression and treatment effects in neuromuscular disorders. These tests can be confounded by motivation, pain, fatigue, and learning effects, increasing variability and decreasing sensitivity to disease progression, limiting efficacy assessment in clinical trials with small sample sizes. We aimed to develop and validate a quantitative and objective method to measure skeletal muscle volume and fat content based on whole-body fat-referenced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for use in multisite clinical trials. METHODS: Subjects aged 18 to 65 years, genetically confirmed facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1 (FSHD1), clinical severity 2 to 4 (Ricci's scale, range 0-5), were enrolled at six sites and imaged twice 4-12 weeks apart with T1-weighted two-point Dixon MRI covering the torso and upper and lower extremities. Thirty-six muscles were volumetrically segmented using semi-automatic multi-atlas-based segmentation. Muscle fat fraction (MFF), muscle fat infiltration (MFI), and lean muscle volume (LMV) were quantified for each muscle using fat-referenced quantification. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (mean age ± SD, 49.4 years ±13.02; 12 men) were enrolled. Within-patient SD ranged from 1.00% to 3.51% for MFF and 0.40% to 1.48% for MFI in individual muscles. For LMV, coefficients of variation ranged from 2.7% to 11.7%. For the composite score average of all muscles, observed SDs were 0.70% and 0.32% for MFF and MFI, respectively; composite LMV coefficient of variation was 2.0%. DISCUSSION: We developed and validated a method for measuring skeletal muscle volume and fat content for use in multisite clinical trials of neuromuscular disorders.

Brief assessment of cognitive function in myotonic dystrophy: Multicenter longitudinal study using computer-assisted evaluation.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is known to affect cognitive function, but the best methods to assess central nervous system involvement in multicenter studies have not been determined. In this study our primary aim was to evaluate the potential of computerized cognitive tests to assess cognition in DM1. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, observational study of 113 adults with DM1 at six sites. Psychomotor speed, attention, working memory, and executive functioning were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months using computerized cognitive tests. Results were compared with assessments of muscle function and patient reported outcomes (PROs), including the Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI) and the 5-dimension EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. RESULTS: Based on intraclass correlation coefficients, computerized cognitive tests had moderate to good reliability for psychomotor speed (0.76), attention (0.82), working memory speed (0.79), working memory accuracy (0.65), and executive functioning (0.87). Performance at baseline was lowest for working memory accuracy (P < .0001). Executive function performance improved from baseline to 3 months (P < .0001), without further changes over 1 year. There was a moderate correlation between poorer executive function and larger CTG repeat size (r = -0.433). There were some weak associations between PROs and cognitive performance. DISCUSSION: Computerized tests of cognition are feasible in multicenter studies of DM1. Poor performance was exhibited in working memory, which may be a useful variable in clinical trials. Learning effects may have contributed to the improvement in executive functioning. The relationship between PROs and cognitive impairment in DM1 requires further study.

Randomized phase 2 study of ACE-083, a muscle-promoting agent, in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a slowly progressive muscular dystrophy without approved therapies. In this study we evaluated whether locally acting ACE-083 could safely increase muscle volume and improve functional outcomes in adults with FSHD. METHODS: Participants were at least 18 years old and had FSHD1/FSHD2. Part 1 was open label, ascending dose, assessing safety and tolerability (primary objective). Part 2 was randomized, double-blind for 6 months, evaluating ACE-083240 mg/muscle vs placebo injected bilaterally every 3 weeks in the biceps brachii (BB) or tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, followed by 6 months of open label. Magnetic resonance imaging measures included total muscle volume (TMV; primary objective), fat fraction (FF), and contractile muscle volume (CMV). Functional measures included 6-minute walk test, 10-meter walk/run, and 4-stair climb (TA group), and performance of upper limb midlevel/elbow score (BB group). Strength, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and safety were also evaluated. RESULTS: Parts 1 and 2 enrolled 37 and 58 participants, respectively. Among 55 participants evaluable in Part 2, the least-squares mean (90% confidence interval, analysis of covariance) treatment difference for TMV was 16.4% (9.8%-23.0%) in the BB group (P < .0001) and 9.5% (3.2%-15.9%) in the TA group (P = .01). CMV increased significantly in the BB and TA groups and FF decreased in the TA group. There were no consistent improvements in functional or PRO measures in either group. The most common adverse events were mild or moderate injection-site reactions. DISCUSSION: Significant increases in TMV with ACE-083 vs placebo did not result in consistent functional or PRO improvements with up to 12 months of treatment.

Predictors of functional outcomes in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most prevalent muscular dystrophies characterized by considerable variability in severity, rates of progression and functional outcomes. Few studies follow FSHD cohorts long enough to understand predictors of disease progression and functional outcomes, creating gaps in our understanding, which impacts clinical care and the design of clinical trials. Efforts to identify molecularly targeted therapies create a need to better understand disease characteristics with predictive value to help refine clinical trial strategies and understand trial outcomes. Here we analysed a prospective cohort from a large, longitudinally followed registry of patients with FSHD in the USA to determine predictors of outcomes such as need for wheelchair use. This study analysed de-identified data from 578 individuals with confirmed FSHD type 1 enrolled in the United States National Registry for FSHD Patients and Family members. Data were collected from January 2002 to September 2019 and included an average of 9 years (range 0-18) of follow-up surveys. Data were analysed using descriptive epidemiological techniques, and risk of wheelchair use was determined using Cox proportional hazards models. Supervised machine learning analysis was completed using Random Forest modelling and included all 189 unique features collected from registry questionnaires. A separate medications-only model was created that included 359 unique medications reported by participants. Here we show that smaller allele sizes were predictive of earlier age at onset, diagnosis and likelihood of wheelchair use. Additionally, we show that females were more likely overall to progress to wheelchair use and at a faster rate as compared to males, independent of genetics. Use of machine learning models that included all reported clinical features showed that the effect of allele size on progression to wheelchair use is small compared to disease duration, which may be important to consider in trial design. Medical comorbidities and medication use add to the risk for need for wheelchair dependence, raising the possibility for better medical management impacting outcomes in FSHD. The findings in this study will require further validation in additional, larger datasets but could have implications for clinical care, and inclusion criteria for future clinical trials in FSHD.

Long-term efficacy and safety of dichlorphenamide for treatment of primary periodic paralysis.

INTRODUCTION/AIM: Long-term efficacy and safety of dichlorphenamide (DCP) were characterized in patients with primary periodic paralysis (PPP). METHODS: Patients with PPP in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study were randomly assigned to receive DCP 50 mg twice daily or placebo for 9 weeks, followed by a 52-week open-label DCP treatment phase (DCP/DCP and placebo/DCP populations). Efficacy (attack rate, severity-weighted attack rate) and safety were assessed in patients completing the study (61 weeks). In this post hoc analysis, efficacy and safety data were pooled from hyperkalemic and hypokalemic substudies. RESULTS: Sixty-three adults (age, 19-76 years) completed the double-blind phase; 47 (74.6%) of these patients completed 61 weeks. There were median decreases in weekly attack and severity-weighted attack rates from baseline to week 61 (DCP/DCP [n = 25], -1.00 [P < .0001]; placebo/DCP [n = 20], -0.63 [P = .01] and DCP/DCP, -2.25 [P < .0001]; placebo/DCP, -1.69 [P = .01]). Relatively smaller median decreases in weekly attack and severity-weighted attack rates occurred from weeks 9 to 61 among patients receiving DCP continuously (n = 26; -0.14 [P = .1] and -0.24 [P = .09]) than among those switching from placebo to DCP after 9 weeks (n = 16; -1.04 [P = .049] and -2.72 [P = .08]). Common adverse events (AEs) were paresthesia and cognition-related events, which typically first occurred within 1 month of blinded treatment initiation and in rare cases led to treatment discontinuation. Dose reductions were frequently associated with common AE resolution. DISCUSSION: One-year open-label DCP treatment after a 9-week randomized, controlled study confirmed long-term DCP remains safe and effective for chronic use. Tolerability issues (paresthesia, cognition-related AEs) were manageable in most patients.

A patient-focused survey to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and social guidelines on people with muscular dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: In this study, we examined the social and health impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and social guidelines on people with muscular dystrophies. METHODS: A prospective de-identified electronic survey was distributed to adults with self-reported facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), myotonic dystrophy (DM), and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) enrolled in national registries or with patient advocacy groups. The COVID-19 Impact Survey was developed by muscular dystrophy experts in association with patient collaborators and advocacy groups. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure perceived stress. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 774: 56% FSHD; 35% DM, and 9% LGMD) were mostly women and middle-aged (range 19-87 y). Rates of COVID-19 infections were low (<1%), compliance with local social distancing guidelines and policies high (98%). Major challenges reported during the pandemic included: obtaining treatment (40%), managing stress (37%), social distancing (36%), and obtaining essentials (34%). The majority reported a slight worsening in their disease state. Respondents reported moderate stress levels (stress score = 15.4; range = 0-35), with higher stress levels reported by women and those under age 30 y. Three-quarters of participants who participated in telemedicine visits were satisfied with the encounters; however, most reported a preference for in-person visits. DISCUSSION: People with muscular dystrophy reported moderate stress and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions such as exercise and stress-coping strategies, including strategies specific to women or individuals <30 y, may be important. Further investigation is needed into the role of telemedicine in the care of individuals with muscular dystrophy.