Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 96
Filter
2.
Neurology ; 102(2): e207945, 2024 01 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38165337

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Heterozygous variants in RAR-related orphan receptor B (RORB) have recently been associated with susceptibility to idiopathic generalized epilepsy. However, few reports have been published so far describing pathogenic variants of this gene in patients with epilepsy and intellectual disability (ID). In this study, we aimed to delineate the epilepsy phenotype associated with RORB pathogenic variants and to provide arguments in favor of the pathogenicity of variants. METHODS: Through an international collaboration, we analyzed seizure characteristics, EEG data, and genotypes of a cohort of patients with heterozygous variants in RORB. To gain insight into disease mechanisms, we performed ex vivo cortical electroporation in mouse embryos of 5 selected variants, 2 truncating and 3 missense, and evaluated on expression and quantified changes in axonal morphology. RESULTS: We identified 35 patients (17 male, median age 10 years, range 2.5-23 years) carrying 32 different heterozygous variants in RORB, including 28 single-nucleotide variants or small insertions/deletions (12 missense, 12 frameshift or nonsense, 2 splice-site variants, and 2 in-frame deletions), and 4 microdeletions; de novo in 18 patients and inherited in 10. Seizures were reported in 31/35 (89%) patients, with a median age at onset of 3 years (range 4 months-12 years). Absence seizures occurred in 25 patients with epilepsy (81%). Nineteen patients experienced a single seizure type: absences, myoclonic absences, or absences with eyelid myoclonia and focal seizures. Nine patients had absence seizures combined with other generalized seizure types. One patient had presented with absences associated with photosensitive occipital seizures. Three other patients had generalized tonic-clonic seizures without absences. ID of variable degree was observed in 85% of the patients. Expression studies in cultured neurons showed shorter axons for the 5 tested variants, both truncating and missense variants, supporting an impaired protein function. DISCUSSION: In most patients, the phenotype of the RORB-related disorder associates absence seizures with mild-to-moderate ID. In silico and in vitro evaluation of the variants in our cohort, including axonal morphogenetic experiments in cultured neurons, supports their pathogenicity, showing a hypomorphic effect.


Subject(s)
Epilepsy, Absence , Epilepsy, Generalized , Intellectual Disability , Humans , Male , Animals , Mice , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Infant , Seizures , Phenotype , Epilepsy, Absence/genetics , Epilepsy, Generalized/genetics , Genotype , Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 2
3.
Cells ; 12(20)2023 10 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37887313

ABSTRACT

De novo mutations in GNAO1, the gene encoding the major neuronal G protein Gαo, cause a spectrum of pediatric encephalopathies with seizures, motor dysfunction, and developmental delay. Of the >80 distinct missense pathogenic variants, many appear to uniformly destabilize the guanine nucleotide handling of the mutant protein, speeding up GTP uptake and deactivating GTP hydrolysis. Zinc supplementation emerges as a promising treatment option for this disease, as Zn2+ ions reactivate the GTP hydrolysis on the mutant Gαo and restore cellular interactions for some of the mutants studied earlier. The molecular etiology of GNAO1 encephalopathies needs further elucidation as a prerequisite for the development of efficient therapeutic approaches. In this work, we combine clinical and medical genetics analysis of a novel GNAO1 mutation with an in-depth molecular dissection of the resultant protein variant. We identify two unrelated patients from Norway and France with a previously unknown mutation in GNAO1, c.509C>G that results in the production of the Pro170Arg mutant Gαo, leading to severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Molecular investigations of Pro170Arg identify this mutant as a unique representative of the pathogenic variants. Its 100-fold-accelerated GTP uptake is not accompanied by a loss in GTP hydrolysis; Zn2+ ions induce a previously unseen effect on the mutant, forcing it to lose the bound GTP. Our work combining clinical and molecular analyses discovers a novel, biochemically distinct pathogenic missense variant of GNAO1 laying the ground for personalized treatment development.


Subject(s)
Brain Diseases , Humans , Child , Mutation/genetics , GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Ions/metabolism , Guanosine Triphosphate , GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go/genetics , GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go/metabolism
4.
Epilepsia Open ; 8(4): 1484-1490, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37712338

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: According to the WHO, more than 50 million people have epilepsy. Among them, nearly 80% of patients with epilepsy live in developing countries and 75% of them do not have access to treatment. The ketogenic diet (KD) has been shown as an effective alternative for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Although it has been studied in Asia, no such studies have been conducted in Vietnam. The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility and tolerability of KD in children with refractory epilepsies in Vietnam. METHODS: Children with drug-resistant epilepsy followed at Children's Hospital, Vietnam treated by KD were included in a prospective study from June 2019 to October 2021. Side-effects, retention rate, number, and duration of seizures were recorded after 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of KD. Patients were considered as respondents when a 50% seizure frequency was reached. Tolerance and acceptability of the KD were closely monitored. RESULTS: Forty-six children were included but KD was contraindicated for one patient. Due to the COVID pandemic, we had to rely on internet exchanges to stay in touch with families. Meals had to be adapted to Vietnamese culinary habits. The retention rate decreased from 82.2% at 1 month to 40% at 12 months of follow-up. The incidence of side effects was 44.4% and occurred mainly during the first month. Fifteen patients out of 45 were considered as responders after 12 months. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study was the first attempt to introduce KD in Vietnam. It demonstrated that this diet was feasible and well tolerated. The KD diet resulted in significant improvement for 30% of our patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. This percentage is lower than in some studies but warrants the use of KD as a valuable alternative in a country where many patients lack access to recent treatments.


Subject(s)
Diet, Ketogenic , Drug Resistant Epilepsy , Epilepsy , Humans , Child , Diet, Ketogenic/adverse effects , Diet, Ketogenic/methods , Vietnam , Prospective Studies , Feasibility Studies , Treatment Outcome , Seizures/drug therapy
6.
Clin Neurophysiol Pract ; 7: 245-251, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36062078

ABSTRACT

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the diagnostic utility of electric source imaging (ESI) in the presurgical evaluation of children with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and to compare it with other imaging techniques. Methods: Twenty patients with epilepsy onset before 18 years, surgically treated focal epilepsy with a minimal follow-up of 2 years, and histologically proven FCD were retrospectively selected. All patients underwent MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), and 16 patients also had ictal single-photon emission computed tomography (iSPECT). ESI, using EEG with 64 electrodes or more (HD-ESI), was performed in all 20 patients. We determined sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of ESI, and compared its yield to that of other imaging techniques. Results: Twelve patients were seizure-free post-operatively (60%). Among all patients, highest localization accuracy (80%) was obtained with ESI, followed by PET and iSPECT (75%). When results from ESI and SPECT were concordant 100% of patients achieved Engel I outcome. If ESI and PET showed concordant localization, 90% of patients achieved postoperative seizure freedom. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that HD-ESI allows accurate localization of the epileptogenic zone in patients with FCD. Significance: In combination with other imaging modalities, ESI helps with planning a more accurate surgery and therefore, the chances of postoperative seizure control are higher. Since it is based on EEG recordings, it does not require sedation, which is particularly interesting in pediatric patients. ESI represents an important imaging tool in focal epilepsies due to cortical dysplasia, which might be difficult to detect on standard imaging.

7.
Curr Opin Pediatr ; 34(6): 538-543, 2022 12 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36081356

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the latest publications in genetic epilepsies, with an eye on publications that have had a translational impact. This review is both timely and relevant as translational discoveries in genetic epilepsies are becoming so frequent that it is difficult for the general pediatrician and even the general child neurologist to keep up. RECENT FINDINGS: We divide these publications from 2021 and 2022 into three categories: diagnostic testing, genotype-phenotype correlation, and therapies. We also summarize ongoing and upcoming clinical trials. SUMMARY: Two meta-analyses and systematic reviews suggest that exome and genome sequencing offer higher diagnostic yield than gene panels. Genotype-phenotype correlation studies continue to increase our knowledge of the clinical evolution of genetic epilepsy syndromes, particularly with regards to sudden death, auditory dysfunction, neonatal presentation, and magnetoencephalographic manifestations. Pyridoxine supplementation may be helpful in seizure management for various genetic epilepsies. There has been interest in using the neurosteroid ganaxolone for various genetic epilepsy syndromes, with clear efficacy in certain trials. Triheptanoin for epilepsy secondary to glucose transporter 1 ( GLUT1 ) deficiency syndrome is not clearly effective but further studies will be needed.


Subject(s)
Carbohydrate Metabolism, Inborn Errors , Epilepsy , Epileptic Syndromes , Humans , Genetic Association Studies
8.
Neurology ; 99(3): e221-e233, 2022 07 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35851549

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pathogenic STXBP1 variants cause a severe early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (STXBP1-DEE). We aimed to investigate the natural history of STXBP1-DEE in adults focusing on seizure evolution, the presence of movement disorders, and the level of functional (in)dependence. METHODS: In this observational study, patients with a minimum age of 18 years carrying a (likely) pathogenic STXBP1 variant were recruited through medical genetics departments and epilepsy centers. Treating clinicians completed clinical questionnaires and performed semistructured video examinations while performing tasks from the (modified) Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale when possible. RESULTS: Thirty adult patients were included for summary statistics, with video recordings available for 19 patients. The median age at last follow-up was 24 years (range 18-58 years). All patients had epilepsy, with a median onset age of 3.5 months. At last follow-up, 80% of adults had treatment-resistant seizures despite long periods of seizure freedom in 37%. Tonic-clonic, focal, and tonic seizures were most frequent in adults. Epileptic spasms, an unusual feature beyond infancy, were present in 3 adults. All individuals had developmental impairment. Periods of regression were present in 59% and did not always correlate with flare-ups in seizure activity. Eighty-seven percent had severe or profound intellectual disability, 42% had autistic features, and 65% had significant behavioral problems. Video examinations showed gait disorders in all 12 patients able to walk, including postural abnormalities with external rotation of the feet, broad-based gait, and asymmetric posture/dystonia. Tremor, present in 56%, was predominantly of the intention/action type. Stereotypies were seen in 63%. Functional outcome concerning mobility was variable ranging from independent walking (50%) to wheelchair dependence (39%). Seventy-one percent of adults were nonverbal, and all were dependent on caregivers for most activities of daily living. DISCUSSION: STXBP1-DEE warrants continuous monitoring for seizures in adult life. Periods of regression are more frequent than previously established and can occur into adulthood. Movement disorders are often present and involve multiple systems. Although functional mobility is variable in adulthood, STXBP1-DEE frequently leads to severe cognitive impairments and a high level of functional dependence. Understanding the natural history of STXBP1-DEE is important for prognostication and will inform future therapeutic trials.


Subject(s)
Epilepsy , Movement Disorders , Munc18 Proteins , Activities of Daily Living , Adolescent , Adult , Electroencephalography , Humans , Infant , Middle Aged , Movement Disorders/genetics , Munc18 Proteins/genetics , Mutation , Seizures/genetics , Young Adult
9.
Front Neurol ; 13: 829116, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35250833

ABSTRACT

Genetic sequencing technologies have led to an increase in the identification and characterization of monogenic epilepsy syndromes. This increase has, in turn, generated strong interest in developing "precision therapies" based on the unique molecular genetics of a given monogenic epilepsy syndrome. These therapies include diets, vitamins, cell-signaling regulators, ion channel modulators, repurposed medications, molecular chaperones, and gene therapies. In this review, we evaluate these therapies from the perspective of their clinical validity and discuss the future of these therapies for individual syndromes.

11.
Rev Med Suisse ; 18(770): 306-309, 2022 Feb 23.
Article in French | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35224903

ABSTRACT

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) serves as a useful tool to describe the numerous challenges that pediatricians face when dealing with disabled children. In this review article, we will first discuss the issues of diagnosis announcement and communication modalities. In a second part, we will expose the challenges posed by newly available therapies for rare disorders, and innovative technologies in the field of disability, which are at the crossroads of medicine, engineering and education. Finally, we will address the question of schooling of disabled children and advocate for a close and early cooperation between health care professionals and educational stakeholders.


La Classification internationale du fonctionnement, du handicap et de la santé (CIF) permet de souligner les nombreux défis auxquels les professionnels de la santé sont confrontés face à un enfant atteint d'un handicap. Dans cet article, nous abordons les défis liés au processus de diagnostic en mettant l'accent sur les modalités de communication. Dans une deuxième partie, nous exposons les défis posés, d'une part par les nouvelles thérapies disponibles pour les maladies rares et, d'autre part, par les technologies innovantes dans le domaine du handicap, qui sont au carrefour de la médecine, de l'ingénierie et de l'éducation. Nous discutons finalement de divers aspects liés à la scolarisation des enfants en situation de handicap et de la nécessité d'une étroite collaboration entre professionnels de la santé et de l'éducation.


Subject(s)
Disabled Children , Disabled Persons , Child , Disability Evaluation , Health Personnel , Humans
12.
Front Immunol ; 13: 791522, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35154108

ABSTRACT

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a neurodegenerative and primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) characterized by cerebellar ataxia, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, progressive respiratory failure, and an increased risk of malignancies. It demands specialized care tailored to the individual patient's needs. Besides the classical ataxia-telangiectasia (classical A-T) phenotype, a variant phenotype (variant A-T) exists with partly overlapping but some distinctive disease characteristics. Here we present a case series of 6 patients with classical A-T and variant A-T, which illustrates the phenotypic variability of A-T that can present in childhood with prominent extrapyramidal features, with or without cerebellar ataxia. We report the clinical data, together with a detailed genotype description, immunological analyses, and related expression of the ATM protein. We show that the presence of some residual ATM kinase activity leads to the clinical phenotype variant A-T that differs from the classical A-T. Our data illustrate that the diagnosis of the variant form of A-T can be delayed and difficult, while early recognition of the variant form as well as the classical A-T is a prerequisite for providing a correct prognosis and appropriate rehabilitation and support, including the avoidance of diagnostic X-ray procedures, given the increased risk of malignancies and the higher risk for side effects of subsequent cancer treatment.


Subject(s)
Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins/genetics , Ataxia Telangiectasia/diagnosis , Ataxia Telangiectasia/genetics , Movement Disorders/diagnosis , Mutation , Neurodegenerative Diseases/diagnosis , Neurodegenerative Diseases/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Ataxia Telangiectasia/immunology , Ataxia Telangiectasia/metabolism , Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins/metabolism , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Delayed Diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Genetic Testing/methods , Genotype , Humans , Male , Neurodegenerative Diseases/immunology , Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism , Phenotype , Retrospective Studies , Young Adult
13.
Dev Med Child Neurol ; 64(6): 789-798, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35080266

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of high-dose pyridoxine and pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P) in the treatment of inherited glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) deficiency-associated epilepsy. METHOD: Participants with genetically confirmed GPI deficiency were treated with oral pyridoxine or P5P as compassionate use in an agreed-upon clinical regimen. Pyridoxine (20-30 mg/kg/day) was used for 3 months. Baseline evaluation included 4 weeks of prospective seizure data and one video electroencephalogram (EEG). Seizure frequency was captured daily. The EEG was repeated after reaching maximum dosage of pyridoxine. Pyridoxine was switched to P5P (20-30 mg/kg/day) if seizure burden was unchanged after 3 months' treatment. Another EEG was done after 3 months of P5P treatment. Primary outcome measures were reduction of seizure frequency and EEG improvements. RESULTS: Seven participants (one female, six males; age range 5-23 year; mean age 11 years 10 months, SD 5 year 2 months) were included. The genetic causes of inherited GPI deficiency were phosphatidylinositol N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase subunit A/T/V deficiency. All had drug-resistant epilepsy and neurodevelopmental impairment. We observed more than 50% seizure frequency reduction in 2 out of 7 and less than 50% reduction in another 3 out of 7 participants. No participants reached seizure freedom. No remarkable changes in electrophysiological findings were observed in 6 out of 7 participants treated with pyridoxine or P5P when comparing the baseline and follow-up EEGs. INTERPRETATION: We observed no long-lasting electrophysiological improvements during treatment but pyridoxine may reduce seizure frequency or burden in inherited GPI deficiency. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Inherited glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) deficiency often causes early-onset and drug-resistant epilepsy. Vitamin B6 is a potential disease-specific treatment; however, efficacy and safety are ill-defined. Pyridoxine may reduce seizure frequency or burden in inherited GPI deficiency. Pyridoxine and P5P could prove to be a useful treatment in some individuals with inherited GPI deficiency and epilepsy.


Subject(s)
Drug Resistant Epilepsy , Epilepsy , Cohort Studies , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/drug therapy , Epilepsy/complications , Epilepsy/drug therapy , Epilepsy/genetics , Female , Glycosylphosphatidylinositols/deficiency , Glycosylphosphatidylinositols/therapeutic use , Humans , Infant , Male , Phosphates/therapeutic use , Prospective Studies , Pyridoxal Phosphate/therapeutic use , Pyridoxine/therapeutic use , Seizures/drug therapy , Seizures/etiology
14.
Epilepsy Res ; 177: 106771, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34562678

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizure (EMAS) occurs in young children with previously normal to subnormal development. The outcome ranges from seizure freedom with preserved cognitive abilities to refractory epilepsy with intellectual disability (ID). Routine brain imaging typically shows no abnormalities. We aimed to compare the brain morphometry of EMAS patients with healthy subjects several years after epilepsy onset, and to correlate it to epilepsy severity and cognitive findings. METHODS: Fourteen EMAS patients (4 females, 5-14 years) and 14 matched healthy controls were included. Patients were classified into three outcome groups (good, intermediate, poor) according to seizure control and cognitive and behavioral functioning. Individual anatomical data (T1-weighted sequence) were processed using the FreeSurfer pipeline. Cortical volume (CV), cortical thickness (CT), local gyrification index (LGI), and subcortical volumes were used for group-comparison and linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Morphometric comparison between EMAS patients and healthy controls revealed that patients have 1) reduced CV in frontal, temporal and parietal lobes (p = <.001; 0.009 and 0.024 respectively); 2) reduced CT and LGI in frontal lobes (p = 0.036 and 0.032 respectively); and 3) a neat cerebellar volume reduction (p = 0.011). Neither the number of anti-seizure medication nor the duration of epilepsy was related to cerebellar volume (both p > 0.62). Poor outcome group was associated with lower LGI. Patients in good and intermediate outcome groups had a comparable LGI to their matched healthy controls (p > 0.27 for all lobes). CONCLUSIONS: Structural brain differences were detectable in our sample of children with EMAS, mainly located in the frontal lobes and cerebellum. These findings are similar to those found in patients with genetic/idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Outcome groups correlated best with LGI. Whether these anatomical changes reflect genetically determined abnormal neuronal networks or a consequence of sustained epilepsy remains to be solved with prospective longitudinal studies.


Subject(s)
Electroencephalography , Epilepsy , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Child , Child, Preschool , Epilepsy/complications , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Prospective Studies , Seizures/complications , Seizures/diagnostic imaging
15.
Clin Genet ; 100(4): 412-429, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34216016

ABSTRACT

ZMYND11 is the critical gene in chromosome 10p15.3 microdeletion syndrome, a syndromic cause of intellectual disability. The phenotype of ZMYND11 variants has recently been extended to autism and seizures. We expand on the epilepsy phenotype of 20 individuals with pathogenic variants in ZMYND11. We obtained clinical descriptions of 16 new and nine published individuals, plus detailed case history of two children. New individuals were identified through GeneMatcher, ClinVar and the European Network for Therapies in Rare Epilepsy (NETRE). Genetic evaluation was performed using gene panels or exome sequencing; variants were classified using American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) criteria. Individuals with ZMYND11 associated epilepsy fell into three groups: (i) atypical benign partial epilepsy or idiopathic focal epilepsy (n = 8); (ii) generalised epilepsies/infantile epileptic encephalopathy (n = 4); (iii) unclassified (n = 8). Seizure prognosis ranged from spontaneous remission to drug resistant. Neurodevelopmental deficits were invariable. Dysmorphic features were variable. Variants were distributed across the gene and mostly de novo with no precise genotype-phenotype correlation. ZMYND11 is one of a small group of chromatin reader genes associated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, and specifically ABPE. More detailed epilepsy descriptions of larger cohorts and functional studies might reveal genotype-phenotype correlation. The epileptogenic mechanism may be linked to interaction with histone H3.3.


Subject(s)
Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics , Co-Repressor Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Epilepsy/diagnosis , Epilepsy/genetics , Genetic Variation , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/diagnosis , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics , Phenotype , Adolescent , Adult , Alleles , Amino Acid Substitution , Child , Child, Preschool , Databases, Factual , Electroencephalography , Epilepsy/therapy , Epilepsy, Generalized/diagnosis , Epilepsy, Generalized/genetics , Female , Genetic Association Studies , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genetic Testing , Genotype , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation , Young Adult
16.
Cancer Rep (Hoboken) ; 4(5): e1383, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33939330

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is one of the most devastating diseases among children with cancer, thus novel strategies are urgently needed. AIMS: We retrospectively evaluated DIPG patients exposed to the carbohydrate restricted ketogenic diet (KD) with regard of feasibility, safety, and overall survival (OS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Searches of MEDLINE and Embase identified five hits meeting the search criteria (diagnosis of DIPG and exposure to KD). One additional case was identified by contact with experts. Individual patient data were extracted from publications or obtained from investigators. The inclusion criteria for analysis of the data were defined as DIPG patients who were exposed to the KD for ≥3 months. Feasibility, as described in the literature, was the number of patients able to follow the KD for 3 months out of all DIPG patients identified. OS was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Five DIPG patients (males, n = 3; median age 4.4 years; range, 2.5-15 years) meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Analysis of the available data suggested that the KD is generally relatively well tolerated. Only mild gastro-intestinal complaints, one borderline hypoglycemia (2.4 mmol/L) and one hyperketosis (max 7.2 mmol/L) were observed. Five out of six DIPG patients identified adhered for ≥3 months (median KD duration, 6.5 months; range, 0.25-2 years) to the diet. The median OS was 18.7 months. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that it may be feasible for pediatric DIPG patients to adhere for at least 3 months to KD. In particular cases, diet modifications were done. The clinical outcome and OS appear not to be impacted in a negative way. KD might be proposed as adjuvant therapy when large prospective studies have shown feasibility and safety. Future studies might ideally assess the impact of KD on clinical outcome, quality of life, and efficacy.


Subject(s)
Brain Stem Neoplasms/mortality , Diet, Ketogenic/methods , Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/mortality , Quality of Life , Adolescent , Brain Stem Neoplasms/diet therapy , Brain Stem Neoplasms/pathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Diet, Ketogenic/mortality , Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/diet therapy , Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/pathology , Feasibility Studies , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Survival Rate
17.
Epilepsia ; 62(2): 325-334, 2021 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33410528

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Asparagine-linked glycosylation 13 (ALG13) deficiencies have been repeatedly described in the literature with the clinical phenotype of a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Most cases were females carrying the recurrent ALG13 de novo variant, p.(Asn107Ser), with normal transferrin electrophoresis. METHODS: We delineate the phenotypic spectrum of 38 individuals, 37 girls and one boy, 16 of them novel and 22 published, with the most common pathogenic ALG13 variant p.(Asn107Ser) and additionally report the phenotype of three individuals carrying other likely pathogenic ALG13 variants. RESULTS: The phenotypic spectrum often comprised pharmacoresistant epilepsy with epileptic spasms, mostly with onset within the first 6 months of life and with spasm persistence in one-half of the cases. Tonic seizures were the most prevalent additional seizure type. Electroencephalography showed hypsarrhythmia and at a later stage of the disease in one-third of all cases paroxysms of fast activity with electrodecrement. ALG13-related DEE was usually associated with severe to profound developmental delay; ambulation was acquired by one-third of the cases, whereas purposeful hand use was sparse or completely absent. Hand stereotypies and dyskinetic movements including dystonia or choreoathetosis were relatively frequent. Verbal communication skills were absent or poor, and eye contact and pursuit were often impaired. SIGNIFICANCE: X-linked ALG13-related DEE usually manifests as West syndrome with severe to profound developmental delay. It is predominantly caused by the recurrent de novo missense variant p.(Asn107Ser). Comprehensive functional studies will be able to prove or disprove an association with congenital disorder of glycosylation.


Subject(s)
Developmental Disabilities/physiopathology , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/physiopathology , N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases/genetics , Spasms, Infantile/physiopathology , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/therapeutic use , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Child , Child, Preschool , Developmental Disabilities/genetics , Diet, Ketogenic , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/genetics , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/therapy , Dyskinesias/genetics , Dyskinesias/physiopathology , Electroencephalography , Epileptic Syndromes/genetics , Epileptic Syndromes/physiopathology , Epileptic Syndromes/therapy , Female , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Hormones/therapeutic use , Humans , Infant , Language Development Disorders/genetics , Language Development Disorders/physiopathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Mutation, Missense , Phenotype , Social Behavior , Spasms, Infantile/genetics
18.
J Exp Psychol Appl ; 27(1): 102-111, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32915014

ABSTRACT

The present research revisits the old issue whether attitude information is best conveyed to pilots in a moving-horizon format or in a moving-aircraft format. Previous research has suggested that the moving-aircraft format might not be beneficial for flight path tracking but recoveries from unusual attitudes, although the result are not fully consistent. A limitation of studies to date is that the recovery task usually did not involve progressive attitude changes of the aircraft but only sudden discrete changes. Compared with a discrete stimulus, the continuous dynamics might increase the perceived time pressure to respond, which in turn can be expected to amplify the error proneness with a less intuitive format. Two experiments were conducted where flight novices and experienced pilots performed tracking and recover tasks with both formats. Recoveries were performed from both, sudden (discrete) and continuously developing attitude changes. Independent of whether novices or pilots were considered, the general superiority of the moving-aircraft format was confirmed. As expected, the benefits of this format became even more evident with progressive attitude changes. No differences were found for tracking. The results add to the evidence favoring the moving-aircraft over the moving-horizon format for both novices and pilots. The moving-aircraft format of the attitude indicator should at least be considered as a standard for new applications, such as ground control stations of unmanned aerial vehicles. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).


Subject(s)
Aerospace Medicine , Aircraft , Attitude , Humans
19.
Genet Med ; 23(2): 363-373, 2021 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33144681

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Pathogenic variants in the X-linked gene NEXMIF (previously KIAA2022) are associated with intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder, and epilepsy. We aimed to delineate the female and male phenotypic spectrum of NEXMIF encephalopathy. METHODS: Through an international collaboration, we analyzed the phenotypes and genotypes of 87 patients with NEXMIF encephalopathy. RESULTS: Sixty-three females and 24 males (46 new patients) with NEXMIF encephalopathy were studied, with 30 novel variants. Phenotypic features included developmental delay/ID in 86/87 (99%), seizures in 71/86 (83%) and multiple comorbidities. Generalized seizures predominated including myoclonic seizures and absence seizures (both 46/70, 66%), absence with eyelid myoclonia (17/70, 24%), and atonic seizures (30/70, 43%). Males had more severe developmental impairment; females had epilepsy more frequently, and varied from unaffected to severely affected. All NEXMIF pathogenic variants led to a premature stop codon or were deleterious structural variants. Most arose de novo, although X-linked segregation occurred for both sexes. Somatic mosaicism occurred in two males and a family with suspected parental mosaicism. CONCLUSION: NEXMIF encephalopathy is an X-linked, generalized developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by myoclonic-atonic epilepsy overlapping with eyelid myoclonia with absence. Some patients have developmental encephalopathy without epilepsy. Males have more severe developmental impairment. NEXMIF encephalopathy arises due to loss-of-function variants.


Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Brain Diseases , Epilepsy , Autism Spectrum Disorder/genetics , Brain Diseases/genetics , Epilepsy/genetics , Female , Genes, X-Linked/genetics , Humans , Male , Nerve Tissue Proteins , Seizures/genetics
20.
J Clin Neurophysiol ; 37(5): 429-433, 2020 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32890065

ABSTRACT

For various reasons, status epilepticus in children is different than in adults. Pediatric specificities include status epilepticus epidemiology, underlying etiologies, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment options. Relevant data from the literature are presented for each of them, and questions remaining open for future studies on status epilepticus in childhood are listed.


Subject(s)
Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Status Epilepticus/drug therapy , Status Epilepticus/physiopathology , Benzodiazepines/therapeutic use , Child , Forecasting , Humans , Phenytoin/therapeutic use , Status Epilepticus/diagnosis
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...