Epidemiology and natural history of POLG disease in Norway: a nationwide cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and natural history of POLG disease in the Norwegian population. METHODS: A national, population-based, retrospective study using demographic, clinical, and genetic data of patients with genetically confirmed POLG disease. The patients were diagnosed between 2002 and 2022, and were included into the Norwegian POLG Patient Registry. Patients were stratified according to age at disease onset (early <12 years, juvenile to adult 12-40 years, late ≥40 years) and resident region. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were included. The point prevalence of POLG disease was 1:149,253. Birth prevalence was 1:48,780. Median age at clinical onset was 16 years (range: 2 months to 70 years). Onset occurred early in 35% (32 out of 91), juvenile-adult in 55% (50 out of 91) and late in 10% (9 out of 91). A distinct seasonal pattern in disease onset was observed, with 57% (52 out of 91) presenting between May and August. Forty-five patients (49%) had acute exacerbations that required intensive care, and this affected 72% of those in the early-onset group. The mortality rate was 54% (49 out of 91), with a median time from disease onset to death of 3 years (range: 1 month to 36 years). INTERPRETATION: We provide the point prevalence and birth prevalence of POLG disease in the first nationwide study in which epidemiological and clinical data were integrated. Seasonal variations in clinical onset may offer valuable insights into disease mechanisms and modifying factors. The findings from this study are crucial for quantifying the disease burden, and contribute to evidence-based healthcare planning.

Status epilepticus in POLG disease: a large multinational study.

We aimed to provide a detailed phenotypic description of status epilepticus (SE) in a large cohort of patients with POLG disease and identify prognostic biomarkers to improve the management of this life-threatening condition. In a multinational, retrospective study with data on patients with POLG disease from seven European countries, we identified those who had SE. The age of SE onset, accompanying clinical, laboratory, imaging and genetic findings were analysed. One hundred and ninety-five patients with genetically confirmed POLG disease were recruited, of whom 67% (130/194) had epilepsy. SE was identified in 77% (97/126), with a median age of SE onset of 7 years. SE was the presenting symptom of the disease in 43% (40/93) of those with SE, while 57% (53/93) developed SE during the disease course. Convulsive SE was reported in 97% (91/94) followed by epilepsia partialis continua in 67% (56/84). Liver impairment 78% (74/95), ataxia 69% (60/87), stroke-like episodes 57% (50/88), were the major comorbidities. In the majority (66%; 57/86) with SE this became refractory or super-refractory. The presence of seizures was associated with significantly higher mortality compared to those without (P ≤ 0.001). The median time from SE debut to death was 5 months. SE is a major clinical feature of POLG disease in early and juvenile to adult-onset disease and can be the presenting feature or arise as part of a multisystem disease. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with the majority of patients with SE going on to develop refractory or super-refractory SE.

Refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus in children and adolescents: A population-based study.

PURPOSE: Refractory (RSE) and super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) are serious medical emergencies whose long-term outcomes depend on the timeliness of their management. Population-based clinical and epidemiological data on these conditions are sparse. We aimed to provide a detailed description of the epidemiology and clinical course of RSE and SRSE in children and adolescents and identify potential prognostic biomarkers. METHODS: In this retrospective population-based study, patients aged one month to 18 years who fulfilled the RSE/SRSE diagnostic criteria and were admitted to the intensive care unit of Haukeland University Hospital from 2012 to 2021 were considered eligible. Detailed clinical and laboratory findings along with information on management and outcomes were systematically analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-three patients with 52 episodes of RSE/SRSE were identified. The incidence rate was 3.13 per 100,000 per year. The median time from SE onset to the administration of the first rescue drug was 13 min, and from the first rescue drug to second- and third-line treatments, 83 and 66 min, respectively. All patients were alive at discharge. CONCLUSION: Delays in treatment were observed in various stages of the clinical course of RSE/SRSE. Improvement measures targeting the prompt administration of recuse mediation and subsequent treatment escalation are needed.

Management of seizures in patients with primary mitochondrial diseases: consensus statement from the InterERNs Mitochondrial Working Group.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Primary mitochondrial diseases (PMDs) are common inborn errors of energy metabolism, with an estimated prevalence of one in 4300. These disorders typically affect tissues with high energy requirements, including heart, muscle and brain. Epilepsy may be the presenting feature of PMD, can be difficult to treat and often represents a poor prognostic feature. The aim of this study was to develop guidelines and consensus recommendations on safe medication use and seizure management in mitochondrial epilepsy. METHODS: A panel of 24 experts in mitochondrial medicine, pharmacology and epilepsy management of adults and/or children and two patient representatives from seven countries was established. Experts were members of five different European Reference Networks, known as the Mito InterERN Working Group. A Delphi technique was used to allow the panellists to consider draft recommendations on safe medication use and seizure management in mitochondrial epilepsy, using two rounds with predetermined levels of agreement. RESULTS: A high level of consensus was reached regarding the safety of 14 out of all 25 drugs reviewed, resulting in endorsement of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for seizure management, with some modifications. Exceptions including valproic acid in POLG disease, vigabatrin in patients with γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase deficiency and topiramate in patients at risk for renal tubular acidosis were highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: These consensus recommendations describe our intent to improve seizure control and reduce the risk of drug-related adverse events in individuals living with PMD-related epilepsy.

Phenotypic spectrum and clinical course of single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion disease in the paediatric population: a multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions (LMD) are a common genetic cause of mitochondrial disease and give rise to a wide range of clinical features. Lack of longitudinal data means the natural history remains unclear. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical spectrum in a large cohort of patients with paediatric disease onset. METHODS: A retrospective multicentre study was performed in patients with clinical onset <16 years of age, diagnosed and followed in seven European mitochondrial disease centres. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were included. The average age at disease onset and at last examination was 10 and 31 years, respectively. The median time from disease onset to death was 11.5 years. Pearson syndrome was present in 21%, Kearns-Sayre syndrome spectrum disorder in 50% and progressive external ophthalmoplegia in 29% of patients. Haematological abnormalities were the hallmark of the disease in preschool children, while the most common presentations in older patients were ptosis and external ophthalmoplegia. Skeletal muscle involvement was found in 65% and exercise intolerance in 25% of the patients. Central nervous system involvement was frequent, with variable presence of ataxia (40%), cognitive involvement (36%) and stroke-like episodes (9%). Other common features were pigmentary retinopathy (46%), short stature (42%), hearing impairment (39%), cardiac disease (39%), diabetes mellitus (25%) and renal disease (19%). CONCLUSION: Our study provides new insights into the phenotypic spectrum of childhood-onset, LMD-associated syndromes. We found a wider spectrum of more prevalent multisystem involvement compared with previous studies, most likely related to a longer time of follow-up.

Mitochondrial disease caused by the m.3243A>G mutation / Mitokondriesykdom forårsaket av m.3243A>G-mutasjonen.

Mitochondrial disease is among the most commonly occurring metabolic disorders and is relevant for many medical specialties. This clinical review article discusses one of the most common mutations causing mitochondrial disease, namely m.3243A>G. The mutation can lead to diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, cardiac and muscle involvement, encephalopathy and epilepsy, gastric and intestinal problems and visual impairment, frequently in combination. Better knowledge of mitochondrial disease caused by the m.3243A>G mutation would improve both the diagnosis and treatment of patients who may suffer from a serious and life-threatening disease.

Renal Phenotype in Mitochondrial Diseases: A Multicenter Study.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate associations between renal and extrarenal manifestations of mitochondrial diseases and their natural history as well as predictors of renal disease severity and overall disease outcome. The secondary aim was to generate a protocol of presymptomatic assessment and monitoring of renal function in patients with a defined mitochondrial disease. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed by the Mitochondrial Clinical and Research Network (MCRN). Patients of any age with renal manifestations associated with a genetically verified mitochondrial disease were included from 8 expert European centers specializing in mitochondrial diseases: Gothenburg, Oulu, Copenhagen, Bergen, Helsinki, Stockholm, Rotterdam, and Barcelona. Results: Of the 36 patients included, two-thirds had mitochondrial DNA-associated disease. Renal manifestations were the first sign of mitochondrial disease in 19%, and renal involvement was first identified by laboratory tests in 57% of patients. Acute kidney injury occurred in 19% of patients and was the first sign of renal disease in the majority of these. The most common renal manifestation was chronic kidney disease (75% with stage 2 or greater), followed by tubulopathy (44.4%), the latter seen mostly among patients with single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions. Acute kidney injury and tubulopathy correlated with worse survival outcome. The most common findings on renal imaging were increased echogenicity and renal dysplasia/hypoplasia. Renal histology revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, nephrocalcinosis, and nephronophthisis. Conclusion: Acute kidney injury is a distinct renal phenotype in patients with mitochondrial disease. Our results highlight the importance to recognize renal disease as a sign of an underlying mitochondrial disease. Acute kidney injury and tubulopathy are 2 distinct indicators of poor survival in patients with mitochondrial diseases.

Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of BCS1L-related mitochondrial disease.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the full phenotypic spectrum of BCS1L-related disease, provide better understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlations and identify reliable prognostic disease markers. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multinational cohort study of previously unpublished patients followed in 15 centres from 10 countries. Patients with confirmed biallelic pathogenic BCS1L variants were considered eligible. Clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging and genetic data were analysed. Patients were stratified into different groups based on the age of disease onset, whether homozygous or compound heterozygous for the c.232A>G (p.Ser78Gly) variant, and those with other pathogenic BCS1L variants. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included. We found that growth failure, lactic acidosis, tubulopathy, hepatopathy and early death were more frequent in those with disease onset within the first month of life. In those with onset after 1 month, neurological features including movement disorders and seizures were more frequent. Novel phenotypes, particularly involving movement disorder, were identified in this group. The presence of the c.232A>G (p.Ser78Gly) variant was associated with significantly worse survival and exclusively found in those with disease onset within the first month of life, whilst other pathogenic BCS1L variants were more frequent in those with later symptom onset. INTERPRETATION: The phenotypic spectrum of BCS1L-related disease comprises a continuum of clinical features rather than a set of separate syndromic clinical identities. Age of onset defines BCS1L-related disease clinically and early presentation is associated with poor prognosis. Genotype correlates with phenotype in the presence of the c.232A>G (p.Ser78Gly) variant.

A characteristic occipital epileptiform EEG pattern in ADCK3-related mitochondrial disease.

OBJECTIVE: ADCK3-related disease is a mitochondrial disorder associated with an abnormality of coenzyme Q10 metabolism. Ataxia and epilepsy are common, and the phenotype overlaps with other mitochondrial encephalopathies, particularly POLG-related disease. CoQ10 supplementation may be beneficial. We have noted a remarkable epileptiform pattern in ADCK3-related encephalopathy, and since EEG studies in this rare condition are limited, we wished to assess the evolution of EEG characteristics in patients with this disorder. METHODS: All EEG recordings of the four known patients from Mid-Norway were systematically reviewed. EEG graphoelements were classified according to the standardized computer-based organized reporting of EEG (SCORE) and international glossary terms. The evolution of EEG features was assessed. A total of 96 recordings spanning over 15-32 years were available, with a mean of 24 per patient (range: 17-28). Altogether, 50 digital recordings were reviewed, including four long-term and 46 selected paper segments. RESULTS: In three patients, EEG showed prominent bilateral asynchronous and synchronous epileptiform discharges in occipital and posterior-temporal regions. This intense activity included multiple epileptiform graphoelements, which occurred continuously, nearly continuously or in prolonged runs. The findings remained stable over many years. SIGNIFICANCE: Although the number of patients is small, we suggest that interictal EEG findings of continuous/nearly continuous bi-occipital spike-waves may serve as a biomarker for this potentially treatable condition. This peculiar EEG pattern might help to differentiate ADCK3-related disease from the more common POLG-related disease, which is usually characterized by lateralized or focal slowing with more sporadic epileptiform elements of similar topography.

Serum biomarkers in primary mitochondrial disorders.

The aim of this study was to explore the utility of the serum biomarkers neurofilament light chain, fibroblast growth factor 21 and growth and differentiation factor 15 in diagnosing primary mitochondrial disorders. We measured serum neurofilament light chain, fibroblast growth factor 21 and growth and differentiation factor 15 in 26 patients with a genetically proven mitochondrial disease. Fibroblast growth factor 21 and growth and differentiation factor 15 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and neurofilament light chain with the Simoa assay. Neurofilament light chain was highest in patients with multi-systemic involvement that included the central nervous system such as those with the m.3242A>G mutation. Mean neurofilament light chain was also highest in patients with epilepsy versus those without [49.74 pg/ml versus 19.7 pg/ml (P = 0.015)], whereas fibroblast growth factor 21 and growth and differentiation factor 15 levels were highest in patients with prominent myopathy, such as those with single-mitochondrial DNA deletion. Our results suggest that the combination of neurofilament light chain, fibroblast growth factor 21 and growth and differentiation factor 15 is useful in the diagnostic evaluation of mitochondrial disease. Growth and differentiation factor 15 and fibroblast growth factor 21 identify those with muscle involvement, whereas neurofilament light chain is a clear marker for central nervous system involvement independent of underlying mitochondrial pathology. Levels of neurofilament light chain appear to correlate with the degree of ongoing damage suggesting, therefore, that monitoring neurofilament light chain levels may provide prognostic information and a way of monitoring disease activity.

Diagnostic value of serum biomarkers FGF21 and GDF15 compared to muscle sample in mitochondrial disease.

The aim of this study was to compare the value of serum biomarkers, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), with histological analysis of muscle in the diagnosis of mitochondrial disease. We collected 194 serum samples from patients with a suspected or known mitochondrial disease. Biomarkers were analyzed blinded using enzyme-labeled immunosorbent assay. Clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Only 39% of patients with genetically verified mitochondrial disease had mitochondrial pathology in their muscle histology. In contrast, biomarkers were elevated in 62% of patients with genetically verified mitochondrial disease. Those with both biomarkers elevated had a muscle manifesting disorder and a defect affecting mitochondrial DNA expression. If at least one of the biomarkers was induced and the patient had a myopathic disease, a mitochondrial DNA expression disease was the cause with 94% probability. Among patients with biomarker analysis and muscle biopsy taken <12 months apart, a mitochondrial disorder would have been identified in 70% with analysis of FGF21 and GDF15 compared to 50% of patients whom could have been identified with muscle biopsy alone. Muscle findings were nondiagnostic in 72% (children) and 45% (adults). Induction of FGF21 and GDF15 suggest a mitochondrial etiology as an underlying cause of a muscle manifesting disease. Normal biomarker values do not, however, rule out a mitochondrial disorder, especially if the disease does not manifest in muscle. We suggest that FGF21 and GDF15 together should be first-line diagnostic investigations in mitochondrial disease complementing muscle biopsy.

Mental health and health related quality of life in mitochondrial POLG disease.

We aimed to assess the impact of POLG disease on mental health and quality of life in 15 patients using the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) and Short-Form 36 Health Survey (RAND-36). We found increased scores in all nine subscales of SCL-90-R, particularly phobic anxiety, depression and somatization. Further, patients reported considerably lower scores in all RAND-36 domains. This study revealed a global decline in mental health and poor quality of life in patients with POLG disease and highlights the need for increased awareness and systematic assessment in order to improve their quality of life and mental health.

The impact of gender, puberty, and pregnancy in patients with POLG disease.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of gender, puberty, and pregnancy on the expression of POLG disease, one of the most common mitochondrial diseases known. METHODS: Clinical, laboratory, and genetic data were collected retrospectively from 155 patients with genetically confirmed POLG disease recruited from seven European countries. We used the available data to study the impact of gender, puberty, and pregnancy on disease onset and deterioration. RESULTS: We found that disease onset early in life was common in both sexes but there was also a second peak in females around the time of puberty. Further, pregnancy had a negative impact with 10 of 14 women (71%) experiencing disease onset or deterioration during pregnancy. INTERPRETATION: Gender clearly influences the expression of POLG disease. While onset very early in life was common in both males and females, puberty in females appeared associated both with disease onset and increased disease activity. Further, both disease onset and deterioration, including seizure aggravation and status epilepticus, appeared to be associated with pregnancy. Thus, whereas disease activity appears maximal early in life with no subsequent peaks in males, both menarche and pregnancy appear associated with disease onset or worsening in females. This suggests that hormonal changes may be a modulating factor.

Simplifying the clinical classification of polymerase gamma (POLG) disease based on age of onset; studies using a cohort of 155 cases.

BACKGROUND: Variants in POLG are one of the most common causes of inherited mitochondrial disease. Phenotypic classification of POLG disease has evolved haphazardly making it complicated and difficult to implement in everyday clinical practise. The aim of our study was to simplify the classification and facilitate better clinical recognition. METHODS: A multinational, retrospective study using data from 155 patients with POLG variants recruited from seven European countries. RESULTS: We describe the spectrum of clinical features associated with POLG variants in the largest known cohort of patients. While clinical features clearly form a continuum, stratifying patients simply according to age of onset-onset prior to age 12 years; onset between 12 and 40 years and onset after the age of 40 years, permitted us to identify clear phenotypic and prognostic differences. Prior to 12 years of age, liver involvement (87%), seizures (84%), and feeding difficulties (84%) were the major features. For those with onset between 12 and 40 years, ataxia (90%), peripheral neuropathy (84%), and seizures (71%) predominated, while for those with onset over 40 years, ptosis (95%), progressive external ophthalmoplegia (89%), and ataxia (58%) were the major clinical features. The earlier the onset the worse the prognosis. Patients with epilepsy and those with compound heterozygous variants carried significantly worse prognosis. CONCLUSION: Based on our data, we propose a simplified POLG disease classification, which can be used to guide diagnostic investigations and predict disease course.

Polymerase gamma-related mitochondrial disorder. / Polymerase gamma-relatert mitokondriesykdom.

DNA Polymerase gamma (POLG) is an enzyme that replicates and repairs mitochondrial DNA. Mutations in the gene that codes for the catalytic subunit of the enzyme, the POLG gene, are one of the most common causes of mitochondrial disease. POLG-related disorders can have overlapping phenotypes and affect a number of organ systems, and first onset may occur at any age. The disease group can serve as a paradigm for understanding mitochondrial diseases in general.

Correction: The clinical spectrum and natural history of early-onset diseases due to DNA polymerase gamma mutations.

Since the online publication of the article, the authors have noted errors with Table 2; this has now been corrected in both the HTML and the PDF.

Elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein in POLG-related epilepsy: Diagnostic and prognostic implications.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is common in individuals with mutations in POLG, the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma. Early recognition and aggressive seizure management are crucial for patient survival. Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is implicated in various neurological disorders including epilepsy. The aim of this study was to assess whether POLG-related disease is associated with BBB dysfunction and what clinical implications this has for patients. METHODS: Our retrospective study used data from 83 patients with pathogenic POLG mutations from 4 countries--Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. We used the presence of raised cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and a raised CSF/serum ratio of albumin (Q-alb) to evaluate the integrity of the blood-CSF barrier. RESULTS: Raised CSF protein was found in 70% of patients (n = 58/83) and appeared to be associated with the most severe phenotypes. In those in whom it was measured, the Q-alb ratio was markedly elevated (n = 18). The majority of those with epilepsy (n = 50/66, 76%) had raised CSF protein, and this preceded seizure debut in 75% (n = 15/20). The median survival time from symptom onset for those with raised CSF protein was decreased (13 months) compared to those with normal CSF protein (32 months). SIGNIFICANCE: Our results indicate that there is disruption of the BBB in POLG-related disease, as evidenced by a raised CSF protein and Q-alb ratio. We also find that raised CSF protein is a common finding in patients with POLG disease. Our data suggest that the presence of BBB dysfunction predicts a poorer outcome, and elevated CSF protein may therefore be an additional biomarker both for early diagnosis and to identify those at high risk of developing epilepsy.

Progressive deafness-dystonia due to SERAC1 mutations: A study of 67 cases.

OBJECTIVE: 3-Methylglutaconic aciduria, dystonia-deafness, hepatopathy, encephalopathy, Leigh-like syndrome (MEGDHEL) syndrome is caused by biallelic variants in SERAC1. METHODS: This multicenter study addressed the course of disease for each organ system. Metabolic, neuroradiological, and genetic findings are reported. RESULTS: Sixty-seven individuals (39 previously unreported) from 59 families were included (age range = 5 days-33.4 years, median age = 9 years). A total of 41 different SERAC1 variants were identified, including 20 that have not been reported before. With the exception of 2 families with a milder phenotype, all affected individuals showed a strikingly homogeneous phenotype and time course. Severe, reversible neonatal liver dysfunction and hypoglycemia were seen in >40% of all cases. Starting at a median age of 6 months, muscular hypotonia (91%) was seen, followed by progressive spasticity (82%, median onset = 15 months) and dystonia (82%, 18 months). The majority of affected individuals never learned to walk (68%). Seventy-nine percent suffered hearing loss, 58% never learned to speak, and nearly all had significant intellectual disability (88%). Magnetic resonance imaging features were accordingly homogenous, with bilateral basal ganglia involvement (98%); the characteristic "putaminal eye" was seen in 53%. The urinary marker 3-methylglutaconic aciduria was present in virtually all patients (98%). Supportive treatment focused on spasticity and drooling, and was effective in the individuals treated; hearing aids or cochlear implants did not improve communication skills. INTERPRETATION: MEGDHEL syndrome is a progressive deafness-dystonia syndrome with frequent and reversible neonatal liver involvement and a strikingly homogenous course of disease. Ann Neurol 2017;82:1004-1015.