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1.
Dev Med Child Neurol ; 64(4): 518-522, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34601721

ABSTRACT

Oropharyngeal dysphagia can cause chronic aspiration leading to significant respiratory symptoms. When dysphagia is diagnosed, an underlying cause is sought. We present a case series of 15 children diagnosed aged 6 months to 5 years (mean 2y 5mo; 11 males, four females) over a 6-year period, who were found to have an isolated bulbar palsy on genioglossus electromyography, with no accompanying neurological or neurodevelopmental disorder. Eight children had dysphagia but a normal EMG. In those with isolated bulbar palsy, management included thickened fluids (n=13), cooled boiled water (n=1), and nasogastric tube feeding (n=1). Follow-up over 1 to 8 years (mean 5y) showed complete resolution in six children, improvement in four children, and no improvement in five children (including two requiring fluids via a gastrostomy). Eight children no longer had any respiratory symptoms. Isolated bulbar palsy is under-recognized and has not been reported previously as a cause of significant dysphagia in children.


Subject(s)
Bulbar Palsy, Progressive , Deglutition Disorders , Bulbar Palsy, Progressive/complications , Bulbar Palsy, Progressive/therapy , Child , Deglutition Disorders/diagnosis , Deglutition Disorders/etiology , Deglutition Disorders/therapy , Electromyography/adverse effects , Female , Gastrostomy , Humans , Male
2.
Muscle Nerve ; 61(5): 557-566, 2020 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31743456

ABSTRACT

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is a prominent form of newborn morbidity with a potentially disabling persistence. Neurosurgical intervention is indicated in select NBPP patients. Early prognostic assessment would facilitate rational selection of those infants for surgery. We conducted a systematic literature review to determine the prognostic value of early electrodiagnosis (EDx) in NBPP. We included 16 observational studies with a total sample size of 747 children. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were rated. Wide variation was found in EDx techniques, outcome algorithms, and decisionmaking. Nevertheless, the most methodologically sound studies support the use of EDx, at standardized time-frames, as a key prognostic modality for complementing clinical judgment and neuroimaging. An accurate knowledge of the underlying anatomy of the nerve injury helps to counsel families and to guide reconstructive strategy.


Subject(s)
Birth Injuries/diagnosis , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/diagnosis , Electromyography/methods , Neural Conduction/physiology , Action Potentials/physiology , Birth Injuries/physiopathology , Birth Injuries/surgery , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/physiopathology , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/surgery , Early Diagnosis , Electrodiagnosis/methods , Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory/physiology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Neurosurgical Procedures , Patient Selection , Prognosis , Plastic Surgery Procedures
3.
J Peripher Nerv Syst ; 25(3): 303-307, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32412171

ABSTRACT

Peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) related neuropathies account for over 50% of inherited peripheral neuropathies. A gene copy variation results in CMT1A (duplication) and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP; single deletion). Point mutations comprise both phenotypes. The underlying pathological mechanisms are incompletely understood and biallelic mutations of PMP22 are very rare. We describe a 9-year-old girl who presented before the age of 1 year with severe locomotor delay. She now requires support for standing and walking in view of her severe sensory ataxia. Strikingly, her muscle power and bulk are close to normal in all segments. Nerve conduction studies showed sensory-motor velocities below 5 m/s. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous sequence change in the PMP22 gene causing the loss of termination codon (c.483A > G; p.[*161Trpext*10]), extending the protein by 9 amino acids. Both heterozygous parents have neurophysiological abnormalities consistent with HNPP, consistent with this being a loss-of-function mutation. PMP22-deficient human models are rare but important to decipher the physiological function of the PMP22 protein in vivo. The predominance of large fiber sensory involvement in this and other rare similar cases suggests a pivotal role played by PMP22 in the embryogenesis of dorsal root ganglia in humans.


Subject(s)
Ataxia/genetics , Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease/genetics , Myelin Proteins/genetics , Age of Onset , Ataxia/etiology , Ataxia/physiopathology , Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease/complications , Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease/physiopathology , Child , Female , Humans , Severity of Illness Index
4.
Dev Med Child Neurol ; 61(11): 1344-1347, 2019 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30724344

ABSTRACT

Acquired neuromyotonia is a form of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. In adults, pathogenic antibodies that target the extracellular domains of leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) and contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2) have been reported. We describe three paediatric patients with acquired neuromyotonia and CASPR2 and LGI1 serum antibodies. They all presented with acute-onset myokymia and pain in the lower limbs; one patient also had muscle weakness. Electromyography was suggestive of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. Two patients improved without immunotherapy; one treated patient remained immunotherapy-dependent. Although not fatal, acquired paediatric neuromyotonia can be disabling. It is amenable to symptomatic treatment or may undergo spontaneous recovery. More severe cases may require rational immunotherapy. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: The symptoms of neuromyotonia may resolve spontaneously or may require sodium channel blockers. Patients with debilitating symptoms who are refractory to symptomatic therapy may require immunotherapy.


NEUROMIOTONÍA ADQUIRIDA EN NIÑOS CON ANTICUERPOS CASPR2 Y LGI1: La neuromiotonía adquirida es una forma de hiperexcitabilidad de los nervios periféricos. En algunos adultos, se han notificado anticuerpos patógenos que se dirigen a los dominios extracelulares de la proteína 1 inactivada por glioma rico en leucina (LGI1) y la proteína 2 asociada a contactina (CASPR2). Describimos tres pacientes pediátricos con neuromiotonía adquirida y anticuerpos séricos CASPR2 y LGI1. Todos presentaban mioquimia de inicio agudo y dolor en las extremidades inferiores; un paciente también tenía debilidad muscular. La electromiografía sugirió hiperexcitabilidad del nervio periférico. Dos pacientes mejoraron sin inmunoterapia; un paciente tratado permaneció dependiente de la inmunoterapia. Aunque no es fatal, la neuromiotonía pediátrica adquirida puede ser incapacitante. Es susceptible de tratamiento sintomático o puede sufrir una recuperación espontánea. Los casos más graves pueden requerir inmunoterapia racional.


NEUROMIOTONIA ADQUIRIDA EM CRIANÇAS COM ANTICORPOS PRCAS2 E GIL1: A neuromiotonia adquirida é uma forma de hiperexcitabilidade nervosa periférica. Em alguns adultos, anticorpos patogênicos que visam os domínios extracelulares da proteína glioma-inativada rica em leucina1 (GIL1) e da proteína contactina-associada 2 (PRCAS2) foram reportados. Descrevemos três pacientes pediátricos com neuromiotonia adquirida e anticorpos séricos PRCAS2 e GIL1 CASPR2. Todos apresentaram miocimia de início agudo e dor nos membros inferiores; um paciente também teve fraqueza muscular. A eletromiografia foi sugestiva de hiperexcitabilidade nervosa periférica. Dois pacientes melhoraram sem imunoterapia; um paciente tratado permaneceu imunoterapia-dependente. Embora não seja fatal, a neuromiotomia pediátrica aguda pode ser incapacitante. É responsiva a tratamento sintomático e pode apresentar recuperação espontânea. Casos mais severaos podem requerer imunoterapia racional.


Subject(s)
Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/immunology , Isaacs Syndrome/diagnosis , Isaacs Syndrome/immunology , Membrane Proteins/immunology , Nerve Tissue Proteins/immunology , Adolescent , Antibodies/immunology , Child, Preschool , Humans , Immunotherapy , Isaacs Syndrome/therapy , Male , Treatment Outcome
5.
Ann Neurol ; 81(4): 597-603, 2017 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28253535

ABSTRACT

We report 2 families with undiagnosed recessive presynaptic congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). Whole exome or genome sequencing identified segregating homozygous variants in VAMP1: c.51_64delAGGTGGGGGTCCCC in a Kuwaiti family and c.146G>C in an Israeli family. VAMP1 is crucial for vesicle fusion at presynaptic neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Electrodiagnostic examination showed severely low compound muscle action potentials and presynaptic impairment. We assessed the effect of the nonsense mutation on mRNA levels and evaluated the NMJ transmission in VAMP1lew/lew mice, observing neurophysiological features of presynaptic impairment, similar to the patients. Taken together, our findings highlight VAMP1 homozygous mutations as a cause of presynaptic CMS. Ann Neurol 2017;81:597-603.


Subject(s)
Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/genetics , Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/physiopathology , Neuromuscular Junction/physiopathology , Vesicle-Associated Membrane Protein 1/genetics , Animals , Child, Preschool , Codon, Nonsense , Consanguinity , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Homozygote , Humans , Israel , Kuwait , Male , Mice , Mice, Transgenic , Pedigree
6.
Int J Mol Sci ; 19(2)2018 Feb 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29470437

ABSTRACT

The function of the neuromuscular junction in children is amenable to electrophysiological testing. Of the two tests available, repetitive nerve stimulation is uncomfortable and has a reduced sensitivity compared with single-fibre methodology. The latter is the method of choice, recording the variability in neuromuscular transmission as a value called jitter. It can be performed by voluntary activation of the muscle being examined, which is not suitable in children, or by stimulation techniques. A modification of these techniques, called Stimulated Potential Analysis with Concentric needle Electrodes (SPACE), is well tolerated and can be performed while the child is awake. It has a high sensitivity (84%) for the diagnosis of neuromuscular transmission disorders, the majority of which are myasthenic syndromes, and a moderate specificity (70%). The latter can be improved by the exclusion of neurogenic causes and the determination of the degree of jitter abnormality. Minor jitter abnormalities, under 115% of the upper limit of normal, are usually caused by myopathies with an associated neuromuscular transmission disorder, whereas levels higher than this value are usually associated with one of the myasthenic conditions.


Subject(s)
Neuromuscular Junction/abnormalities , Neuropsychological Tests , Child , Electric Stimulation , Electromyography , Humans
7.
Muscle Nerve ; 56(5): 841-847, 2017 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28480963

ABSTRACT

A screening test is required to diagnose disorders of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) in children. This Review describes the development of stimulation potential analysis with concentric needle electrodes (SPACE). This nomenclature was chosen to distinguish the technique from single-fiber methodology because of the difficulties in identifying single-fiber potentials in most studies, particularly those with the most severe abnormalities of the NMJ. Performed on orbicularis oculi in children with proven or probable disorders of the NMJ, it demonstrated a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 71%, negative predictive value of 95%, and positive predictive value of 36%. It is well tolerated and within the capability of any clinical neurophysiologist. When combined with a full electrodiagnostic examination, SPACE provides invaluable information about children with NMJ disorders, whose diagnosis often is difficult. Muscle Nerve 56: 841-847, 2017.


Subject(s)
Electric Stimulation , Electromyography/methods , Evoked Potentials, Motor/physiology , Neuromuscular Junction/physiology , Child , Humans
8.
Muscle Nerve ; 55(1): 51-54, 2017 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27184476

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in very young infants is a challenging one. In young infants, stimulated single-fiber electromyography (StimSFEMG) is the most appropriate technique, but it has serious limitations due to the absence of reference values in this subpopulation. Here we present our efforts to derive a reference range of jitter in a patient cohort of infants <3 years of age using the extrapolated norms, or e-norms, technique. METHODS: The e-norms method was used to calculate jitter mean consecutive difference (MCD) descriptive statistics for children <3 years of age. RESULTS: The e-norms derived jitter upper MCD limit was 45 µs in children <1 year, 33 µs in those <2 years, and 26 in those <3 years of age. CONCLUSION: In the absence of jitter reference values for the very young, the e-norms method can be used as an alternative to derive these values from laboratory cohorts. Muscle Nerve 55: 51-54, 2017.


Subject(s)
Muscle Contraction/physiology , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/physiology , Myasthenia Gravis/diagnosis , Age Factors , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Electromyography , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Reference Values
9.
Brain ; 139(Pt 3): 674-91, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26700687

ABSTRACT

Congenital myopathies are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of muscle disorders characterized by congenital or early-onset hypotonia and muscle weakness, and specific pathological features on muscle biopsy. The phenotype ranges from foetal akinesia resulting in in utero or neonatal mortality, to milder disorders that are not life-limiting. Over the past decade, more than 20 new congenital myopathy genes have been identified. Most encode proteins involved in muscle contraction; however, mutations in ion channel-encoding genes are increasingly being recognized as a cause of this group of disorders. SCN4A encodes the α-subunit of the skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav1.4). This channel is essential for the generation and propagation of the muscle action potential crucial to muscle contraction. Dominant SCN4A gain-of-function mutations are a well-established cause of myotonia and periodic paralysis. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified homozygous or compound heterozygous SCN4A mutations in a cohort of 11 individuals from six unrelated kindreds with congenital myopathy. Affected members developed in utero- or neonatal-onset muscle weakness of variable severity. In seven cases, severe muscle weakness resulted in death during the third trimester or shortly after birth. The remaining four cases had marked congenital or neonatal-onset hypotonia and weakness associated with mild-to-moderate facial and neck weakness, significant neonatal-onset respiratory and swallowing difficulties and childhood-onset spinal deformities. All four surviving cohort members experienced clinical improvement in the first decade of life. Muscle biopsies showed myopathic features including fibre size variability, presence of fibrofatty tissue of varying severity, without specific structural abnormalities. Electrophysiology suggested a myopathic process, without myotonia. In vitro functional assessment in HEK293 cells of the impact of the identified SCN4A mutations showed loss-of-function of the mutant Nav1.4 channels. All, apart from one, of the mutations either caused fully non-functional channels, or resulted in a reduced channel activity. Each of the affected cases carried at least one full loss-of-function mutation. In five out of six families, a second loss-of-function mutation was present on the trans allele. These functional results provide convincing evidence for the pathogenicity of the identified mutations and suggest that different degrees of loss-of-function in mutant Nav1.4 channels are associated with attenuation of the skeletal muscle action potential amplitude to a level insufficient to support normal muscle function. The results demonstrate that recessive loss-of-function SCN4A mutations should be considered in patients with a congenital myopathy.


Subject(s)
Hypokinesia/diagnosis , Hypokinesia/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/diagnosis , Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/genetics , NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pedigree , Severity of Illness Index , Xenopus laevis
10.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry ; 87(8): 802-9, 2016 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27147698

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) due to mutations in GMPPB has recently been reported confirming the importance of glycosylation for the integrity of neuromuscular transmission. METHODS: Review of case notes of patients with mutations in GMPPB to identify the associated clinical, neurophysiological, pathological and laboratory features. In addition, serum creatine kinase (CK) levels within the Oxford CMS cohort were retrospectively analysed to assess its usefulness in the differential diagnosis of this new entity. RESULTS: All patients had prominent limb-girdle weakness with minimal or absent craniobulbar manifestations. Presentation was delayed beyond infancy with proximal muscle weakness and most patients recall poor performance in sports during childhood. Neurophysiology showed abnormal neuromuscular transmission only in the affected muscles and myopathic changes. Muscle biopsy showed dystrophic features and reduced α-dystroglycan glycosylation. In addition, myopathic changes were present on muscle MRI. CK was significantly increased in serum compared to other CMS subtypes. Patients were responsive to pyridostigimine alone or combined with 3,4-diaminopyridine and/or salbutamol. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GMPPB-CMS have phenotypic features aligned with CMS subtypes harbouring mutations within the early stages of the glycosylation pathway. Additional features shared with the dystroglycanopathies include myopathic features, raised CK levels and variable mild cognitive delay. This syndrome underlines that CMS can occur in the absence of classic myasthenic manifestations such as ptosis and ophthalmoplegia or facial weakness, and links myasthenic disorders with dystroglycanopathies. This report should facilitate the recognition of this disorder, which is likely to be underdiagnosed and can benefit from symptomatic treatment.


Subject(s)
Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/diagnosis , Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/genetics , Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cognitive Dysfunction/complications , Creatine Kinase/blood , Dystroglycans/metabolism , Female , Glycosylation , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation , Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/metabolism , Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/physiopathology , Young Adult
11.
Muscle Nerve ; 54(2): 317-9, 2016 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27159824

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to compare the effect of different low-frequency filters on jitter parameters when stimulating the orbicularis oculi. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were studied. Jitter was expressed as the mean consecutive difference (MCD). The low filter settings compared were 1, 2, and 3 kHz. RESULTS: No significant difference in mean MCD or outliers was found with the different filter settings. No significant difference in mean MCD was seen when the number of potentials analyzed was reduced. CONCLUSION: Different low-frequency settings do not influence the mean MCD when using a peak detection system. Muscle Nerve 54: 317-319, 2016.


Subject(s)
Blinking/physiology , Eyelids/innervation , Muscle Contraction/physiology , Oculomotor Muscles/physiology , Adult , Biophysics , Electric Stimulation , Electromyography , Female , Healthy Volunteers , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Needles , Young Adult
12.
Muscle Nerve ; 54(3): 422-6, 2016 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26852012

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Electrodiagnostic examination is perceived as a painful examination. An accurate assessment of its discomfort would be valuable to children, their parents, and clinicians. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of pediatric patients seen over 3 months at 1 center. Pain was scored for both nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography (EMG) on validated scales, depending on the child's age and in comparison with venipuncture. RESULTS: In 100 cases the pain recorded fell within the moderate range on the scoring systems used. Sixty-six percent of patients described the pain to be equivalent or less than that with venipuncture. EMG of > 1 muscle or a proximal muscle produced more pain in patients <4 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: When discussing the test with patients, the physician should reassure the patient and parents regarding the degree of pain that may be encountered, which is not materially different from venipuncture. Muscle Nerve 54: 422-426, 2016.


Subject(s)
Electromyography/adverse effects , Pain Perception/physiology , Pain/etiology , Pain/physiopathology , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Electrodes/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Neural Conduction , Pain Measurement , Prospective Studies
13.
Brain ; 138(Pt 9): 2493-504, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26133662

ABSTRACT

Congenital myasthenic syndromes are inherited disorders that arise from impaired signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction. Mutations in at least 20 genes are known to lead to the onset of these conditions. Four of these, ALG2, ALG14, DPAGT1 and GFPT1, are involved in glycosylation. Here we identify a fifth glycosylation gene, GMPPB, where mutations cause congenital myasthenic syndrome. First, we identified recessive mutations in seven cases from five kinships defined as congenital myasthenic syndrome using decrement of compound muscle action potentials on repetitive nerve stimulation on electromyography. The mutations were present through the length of the GMPPB, and segregation, in silico analysis, exon trapping, cell transfection followed by western blots and immunostaining were used to determine pathogenicity. GMPPB congenital myasthenic syndrome cases show clinical features characteristic of congenital myasthenic syndrome subtypes that are due to defective glycosylation, with variable weakness of proximal limb muscle groups while facial and eye muscles are largely spared. However, patients with GMPPB congenital myasthenic syndrome had more prominent myopathic features that were detectable on muscle biopsies, electromyography, muscle magnetic resonance imaging, and through elevated serum creatine kinase levels. Mutations in GMPPB have recently been reported to lead to the onset of muscular dystrophy dystroglycanopathy. Analysis of four additional GMPPB-associated muscular dystrophy dystroglycanopathy cases by electromyography found that a defective neuromuscular junction component is not always present. Thus, we find mutations in GMPPB can lead to a wide spectrum of clinical features where deficit in neuromuscular transmission is the major component in a subset of cases. Clinical recognition of GMPPB-associated congenital myasthenic syndrome may be complicated by the presence of myopathic features, but correct diagnosis is important because affected individuals can respond to appropriate treatments.


Subject(s)
Dystroglycans/metabolism , Mutation/genetics , Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/genetics , Neuromuscular Junction/physiopathology , Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , DNA Mutational Analysis , Family Health , Female , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Muscle, Skeletal/pathology , Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital/pathology , Neuromuscular Junction/pathology , Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism , Transfection , Young Adult
14.
Radiology ; 274(3): 897-905, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25271855

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To estimate the risk of nerve injuries and assess outcomes after sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VMs) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for most VMs, but all sclerotherapy agents are associated with the risk of complications. Neuropathy is considered a rare but potentially serious complication of venous sclerotherapy. The institutional review board waived ethical approval for this retrospective review, in which 647 sclerotherapy procedures were performed in 204 patients (104 female and 100 male patients; mean age, 9 years 6 months [range, 6 months to 17 years 11 months]) as treatment for symptomatic VMs. Technical and clinical success of the treatment was evaluated. Complications were reviewed with a particular focus on nerve injury. Informed consent, specifying the risk of neuropathy, as well as pain, swelling, infection, risks of anesthesia, skin injury, nonresolution or worsening of symptoms, and possible need for further or multiple procedures, was obtained for all patients. Standard sclerotherapy techniques were used. Technical details of all procedures were recorded prospectively. Follow-up included immediate postprocedural assessment and outpatient clinic review. All nerve injuries were recorded. Patients were monitored and treated according to clinical need. Confidence intervals were calculated by using the Wilson method, without correction for continuity. RESULTS: Treatment was technically successful in 197 of 204 patients (96.6%), and clinical success was achieved in 174 of 204 (85.3%). Thirty-seven of the 647 procedures (5.7%) resulted in a complication, including 11 cases of excessive swelling, nine cases of skin injury, two patients with infection, and two with pain. Motor and/or sensory nerve injuries occurred after seven procedures (1.1%). Five of the seven children had undergone at least one previous sclerotherapy procedure. Neuropathy resolved spontaneously in four patients and partially recovered in three, of whom two underwent surgery. Surgery included debridement of necrotic tissue, carpal tunnel decompression, and external neurolysis. CONCLUSION: Nerve injury is an unusual but not rare complication of STS sclerotherapy. A degree of recovery, which may be complete, can be expected in most patients.


Subject(s)
Arteriovenous Malformations/therapy , Nervous System Diseases/chemically induced , Sclerosing Solutions/adverse effects , Sclerotherapy , Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate/adverse effects , Veins/abnormalities , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Nervous System Diseases/epidemiology , Nervous System Diseases/therapy , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment
15.
Am J Med Genet A ; 167(6): 1300-4, 2015 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25846562

ABSTRACT

Goldberg-Shprintzen megacolon syndrome (GOSHS) (OMIM 609460) is characterized by a combination of learning difficulties, characteristic dysmorphic features and Hirschsprung's disease. Variable clinical features include iris coloboma, congenital heart defects and central nervous system abnormalities, in particular polymicrogyria. GOSHS has been attributed to recessive mutations in KIAA1279, encoding kinesin family member (KIF)-binding protein (KBP) with a crucial role in neuronal microtubule dynamics. Here we report on a 7-year-old girl with GOSHS as a result of a homozygous deletion of exons 5 and 6 of the KIAA1279 gene. She had been referred with the suspicion of an underlying neuromuscular disorder before the genetic diagnosis was established, prompted by the findings of motor developmental delay, hypotonia, ptosis and absent reflexes. Neurophysiological studies revealed unequivocal evidence of a peripheral axonal sensory motor neuropathy. We hypothesize that an axonal sensory motor neuropathy may be part of the phenotypical spectrum of KIAA1279-related GOSHS, probably reflecting the effects of reduced KBP protein expression on peripheral neuronal function.


Subject(s)
Base Sequence , Craniofacial Abnormalities/genetics , Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy/genetics , Hirschsprung Disease/genetics , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Sequence Deletion , Child , Craniofacial Abnormalities/metabolism , Craniofacial Abnormalities/pathology , Exons , Female , Gene Expression , Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy/metabolism , Hereditary Sensory and Motor Neuropathy/pathology , Hirschsprung Disease/metabolism , Hirschsprung Disease/pathology , Humans , Molecular Sequence Data , Nerve Tissue Proteins/deficiency , Sensory Receptor Cells/metabolism , Sensory Receptor Cells/pathology
17.
Brain ; 137(Pt 5): 1350-60, 2014 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24645144

ABSTRACT

The first described patients with pyridox(am)ine 5'-phosphate oxidase deficiency all had neonatal onset seizures that did not respond to treatment with pyridoxine but responded to treatment with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. Our data suggest, however, that the clinical spectrum of pyridox(am)ine 5'-phosphate oxidase deficiency is much broader than has been reported in the literature. Sequencing of the PNPO gene was undertaken for a cohort of 82 individuals who had shown a reduction in frequency and severity of seizures in response to pyridoxine or pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. Novel sequence changes were studied using a new cell-free expression system and a mass spectrometry-based assay for pyridoxamine phosphate oxidase. Three groups of patients with PNPO mutations that had reduced enzyme activity were identified: (i) patients with neonatal onset seizures responding to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (n = 6); (ii) a patient with infantile spasms (onset 5 months) responsive to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (n = 1); and (iii) patients with seizures starting under 3 months of age responding to pyridoxine (n = 8). Data suggest that certain genotypes (R225H/C and D33V) are more likely to result in seizures that to respond to treatment with pyridoxine. Other mutations seem to be associated with infertility, miscarriage and prematurity. However, the situation is clearly complex with the same combination of mutations being seen in patients who responded and did not respond to pyridoxine. It is possible that pyridoxine responsiveness in PNPO deficiency is affected by prematurity and age at the time of the therapeutic trial. Other additional factors that are likely to influence treatment response and outcome include riboflavin status and how well the foetus has been supplied with vitamin B6 by the mother. For some patients there was a worsening of symptoms on changing from pyridoxine to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. Many of the mutations in PNPO affected residues involved in binding flavin mononucleotide or pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and many of them showed residual enzyme activity. One sequence change (R116Q), predicted to affect flavin mononucleotide binding and binding of the two PNPO dimers, and with high residual activity was found in Groups (ii) and (iii). This sequence change has been reported in the 1000 Genomes project suggesting it could be a polymorphism but alternatively it could be a common mutation, perhaps responsible for the susceptibility locus for genetic generalized epilepsy on 17q21.32 (close to rs72823592). We believe the reduction in PNPO activity and B6-responsive epilepsy in the patients reported here indicates that it contributes to the pathogenesis of epilepsy.


Subject(s)
Environment , Epilepsy/genetics , Mutation/genetics , Pyridoxaminephosphate Oxidase/genetics , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Child , Child, Preschool , Electroencephalography , Epilepsy/therapy , Female , HeLa Cells , Humans , Infant , Male , Mutagenesis, Site-Directed/methods , Pyridoxal Phosphate/therapeutic use , Pyridoxaminephosphate Oxidase/metabolism , Transfection , Young Adult
18.
Curr Opin Pediatr ; 25(6): 676-81, 2013 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24136299

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: It is easy to forget the contribution of electromyography (EMG) to the investigation of paediatric peripheral neuromuscular disease, and this review highlights its continued importance. RECENT FINDINGS: The discovery that Brown-Vialetto-van Leare disease, when associated with disorder of riboflavin metabolism, may be treatable has raised awareness of the importance of EMG for its early detection. Unexpected discovery of motor neuronopathy, which may be useful for the definition of the phenotype of several conditions, now has an added significance. The investigation of disorders of peripheral nerve cannot proceed without nerve conduction studies but particular interest has been shown in its role in the management of obstetric brachial plexus palsy, with investigation within 1 month now recommended. The key role of neurophysiology in identifying abnormalities of the neuromuscular junction, and therefore leading investigators to a diagnosis of myasthenia, is once again highlighted. EMG in muscle disease continues to have a role, particularly when identifying myotonia. SUMMARY: Paediatric EMG, while a daunting technical challenge to some practitioners, remains a valuable investigative tool for the specialists in paediatric neuromuscular disorders and will continue to deliver important diagnostic information, often as quickly and accurately as other more recent innovations.


Subject(s)
Electromyography , Neuromuscular Diseases/diagnosis , Neuromuscular Diseases/physiopathology , Neuromuscular Junction/physiopathology , Pain/physiopathology , Adolescent , Attitude of Health Personnel , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/diagnosis , Brachial Plexus Neuropathies/physiopathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Deglutition Disorders/etiology , Deglutition Disorders/physiopathology , Early Diagnosis , Electromyography/adverse effects , Electromyography/methods , Electromyography/trends , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Myasthenia Gravis/diagnosis , Myasthenia Gravis/physiopathology , Neural Conduction , Neuromuscular Diseases/complications , Pain/etiology , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Predictive Value of Tests , Pregnancy
19.
Muscle Nerve ; 55(1): 140, 2017 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27389934
20.
J Inherit Metab Dis ; 35(3): 459-67, 2012 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22086604

ABSTRACT

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 6 (PCH6) (MIM #611523) is a recently described disorder caused by mutations in RARS2 (MIM *611524), the gene encoding mitochondrial arginyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetase, a protein essential for translation of all mitochondrially synthesised proteins. This case confirms that progressive cerebellar and cerebral atrophy with microcephaly and complex epilepsy are characteristic features of PCH6. Additional features of PCH subtypes 2 and 4, including severe dystonia, optic atrophy and thinning of the corpus callosum, are demonstrated. Congenital lactic acidosis can be present, but respiratory chain dysfunction may be mild or absent, suggesting that disordered mitochondrial messenger RNA (mRNA) translation may not be the only mechanism of impairment or that a secondary mechanism exists to allow some translation. We report two novel mutations and expand the phenotypic spectrum of this likely underdiagnosed PCH variant, where recognition of the characteristic neuroradiological phenotype could potentially expedite genetic diagnosis and limit invasive investigations.


Subject(s)
Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases/genetics , Arginine-tRNA Ligase/genetics , Mitochondria/metabolism , Mutation , Olivopontocerebellar Atrophies/genetics , Acidosis, Lactic/genetics , Atrophy/pathology , Brain/pathology , Brain Diseases/genetics , Child, Preschool , Electron Transport , Female , Humans , Phenotype , Protein Biosynthesis , RNA, Messenger/metabolism
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