Consensus-Based Best Practice Guidelines for the Management of Spinal Deformity and Associated Tumors in Pediatric Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Screening and Surveillance, Surgical Intervention, and Medical Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Spinal conditions, such as scoliosis and spinal tumors, are prevalent in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Despite the recognized importance of their early detection and treatment, there remain knowledge gaps in how to approach these manifestations. The purpose of this study was to utilize the experience of a multidisciplinary committee of experts to establish consensus-based best practice guidelines (BPGs) for spinal screening and surveillance, surgical intervention, and medical therapy in pediatric patients with NF1. METHODS: Using the results of a prior systematic review, 10 key questions that required further assessment were first identified. A committee of 20 experts across medical specialties was then chosen based on their clinical experience with spinal deformity and tumors in NF1. These were 9 orthopaedic surgeons, 4 neuro-oncologists/oncologists, 3 neurosurgeons, 2 neurologists, 1 pulmonologist, and 1 clinical geneticist. An initial online survey on current practices and opinions was conducted, followed by 2 additional surveys via a formal consensus-based modified Delphi method. The final survey involved voting on agreement or disagreement with 35 recommendations. Items reaching consensus (≥70% agreement or disagreement) were included in the final BPGs. RESULTS: Consensus was reached for 30 total recommendations on the management of spinal deformity and tumors in NF1. These were 11 recommendations on screening and surveillance, 16 on surgical intervention, and 3 on medical therapy. Five recommendations did not achieve consensus and were excluded from the BPGs. CONCLUSION: We present a set of consensus-based BPGs comprised of 30 recommendations for spinal screening and surveillance, surgical intervention, and medical therapy in pediatric NF1.

Motor Function and Physiology in Youth With Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic neurocutaneous disorder commonly associated with motor and cognitive symptoms that greatly impact quality of life. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can quantify motor cortex physiology, reflecting the basis for impaired motor function as well as, possibly, clues for mechanisms of effective treatment. We hypothesized that children with NF1 have impaired motor function and altered motor cortex physiology compared to typically developing (TD) control children and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: Children aged 8-17 years with NF1 (n = 21) were compared to children aged 8-12 years with ADHD (n = 59) and TD controls (n = 88). Motor development was assessed using the Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs (PANESS) scale. The balance of inhibition and excitation in motor cortex was assessed using the TMS measures short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Measures were compared by diagnosis and tested using bivariate correlations and regression for association with clinical characteristics. RESULTS: In NF1, ADHD severity scores were intermediate between the ADHD and TD cohorts, but total PANESS scores were markedly elevated (worse) compared to both (P < 0.001). Motor cortex ICF (excitatory) was significantly lower in NF1 than in TD and ADHD (P < 0.001), but SICI (inhibitory) did not differ. However, in NF1, better PANESS scores correlated with lower SICI ratios (more inhibition; ρ = 0.62, P = 0.003) and lower ICF ratios (less excitation; ρ = 0.38, P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: TMS-evoked SICI and ICF may reflect processes underlying abnormal motor function in children with NF1.

MEK inhibitors for neurofibromatosis type 1 manifestations: Clinical evidence and consensus.

The wide variety of clinical manifestations of the genetic syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are driven by overactivation of the RAS pathway. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors (MEKi) block downstream targets of RAS. The recent regulatory approvals of the MEKi selumetinib for inoperable symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas in children with NF1 have made it the first medical therapy approved for this indication in the United States, the European Union, and elsewhere. Several recently published and ongoing clinical trials have demonstrated that MEKi may have potential benefits for a variety of other NF1 manifestations, and there is broad interest in the field regarding the appropriate clinical use of these agents. In this review, we present the current evidence regarding the use of existing MEKi for a variety of NF1-related manifestations, including tumor (neurofibromas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, low-grade glioma, and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia) and non-tumor (bone, pain, and neurocognitive) manifestations. We discuss the potential utility of MEKi in related genetic conditions characterized by overactivation of the RAS pathway (RASopathies). In addition, we review practical treatment considerations for the use of MEKi as well as provide consensus recommendations regarding their clinical use from a panel of experts.

Current Recommendations for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Assessing Domains of Quality of Life in Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To review and recommend patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures assessing multidimensional domains of quality of life (QoL) to use as clinical endpoints in medical and psychosocial trials for children and adults with neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1, NF2, and schwannomatosis. METHODS: The PRO working group of the Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis (REiNS) International Collaboration used systematic methods to review, rate, and recommend existing self-report and parent-report PRO measures of generic and disease-specific QoL for NF clinical trials. Recommendations were based on 4 main criteria: patient characteristics, item content, psychometric properties, and feasibility. RESULTS: The highest-rated generic measures were (1) the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Core Scales for NF clinical trials for children or for children through adults, (2) the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General for adult medical trials, and (3) the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF for adult psychosocial trials. The highest-rated disease-specific measures were (1) the PedsQL NF1 Module for NF1 trials, (2) the NF2 Impact on Quality of Life Scale for NF2 trials, and (3) the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life Scale for NF2 trials targeting vestibular schwannomas. To date, there are no disease-specific tools assessing multidimensional domains of QoL for schwannomatosis. CONCLUSIONS: The REiNS Collaboration currently recommends these generic and disease-specific PRO measures to assess multidimensional domains of QoL for NF clinical trials. Additional research is needed to further evaluate the use of these measures in both medical and psychosocial trials.

Early-Onset Spinal Deformity in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Natural History, Treatment, and Imaging Surveillance.

¼: Early-onset scoliosis (EOS) or kyphosis is common in patients with neurofibromatosis (NF) and is characterized by rapid progression of deformity. ¼: Traditional growing rods provide good functional and deformity outcomes in patients with NF and EOS; magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs) also provide good deformity correction, although high rates of revision have been reported after their use. ¼: Among patients with NF type 1 (NF1), morphologic characteristics of the spinal deformity are different in those with paraspinal neurofibromas than in those without paraspinal tumors. ¼: Patients with NF1 are at low risk for developing malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors during childhood (<1%) and their lifetime (8% to 12%), and routine imaging surveillance for malignancy in the absence of symptoms should be clinically directed. ¼: Further investigation is needed to standardize screening for EOS in children with NF1 and to develop guidelines for ideal imaging modalities, including their frequency and a timeline.

Cognition, ADHD Symptoms, and Functional Impairment in Children and Adolescents With Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Objective: We examined the contribution of attention and executive cognitive processes to ADHD symptomatology in NF1, as well as the relationships between cognition and ADHD symptoms with functional outcomes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 141 children and adolescents with NF1. Children were administered neuropsychological tests that assessed attention and executive function, from which latent cognitive variables were derived. ADHD symptomatology, adaptive skills, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using parent-rated questionnaires. Path analyses were conducted to test relationships among cognitive functioning, ADHD symptomatology, and functional outcomes. Results: Significant deficits were observed on all outcome variables. Cognitive variables did not predict ADHD symptomatology. Neither did they predict functional outcomes. However, elevated ADHD symptomatology significantly predicted functional outcomes. Conclusion: Irrespective of cognitive deficits, elevated ADHD symptoms in children with NF1 negatively impact daily functioning and emphasize the importance of interventions aimed at minimizing ADHD symptoms in NF1.

Are Some Randomized Clinical Trials Impossible?

Congenital tibial pseudarthrosis is a rare condition seen in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and treatment is complex. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2; INFUSE bone graft) at time of tibial surgery was developed by the Neurofibromatosis Clinical Trials Consortium. Patients were randomized to receive rhBMP-2 that would, or would not, be added to the standard surgical procedure consisting of resection of pseudarthrosis tissue, insertion of a rigid intramedullary rod, and placement of autogenous iliac crest bone graft. Despite involvement of 16 centers with wide experience with NF1 orthopaedic management, only 5 patients (of 54 required) were able to be enrolled in the study during a 3-year time period. Because of the inability to recruit sufficient patients, this study was closed in June 2019, with plans to terminate. The obstacles that were encountered during the study are summarized. The authors question whether a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a rare pediatric orthopaedic condition is possible to accomplish. Recommendations are provided to guide future studies of orthopaedic manifestations of NF1.Level of Evidence: Level V.

KMT2C/D COMPASS complex-associated diseases [KCDCOM-ADs]: an emerging class of congenital regulopathies.

The type 2 lysine methyltransferases KMT2C and KMT2D are large, enzymatically active scaffold proteins that form the core of nuclear regulatory structures known as KMT2C/D COMPASS complexes (complex of proteins associating with Set1). These evolutionarily conserved proteins regulate DNA promoter and enhancer elements, modulating the activity of diverse cell types critical for embryonic morphogenesis, central nervous system development, and post-natal survival. KMT2C/D COMPASS complexes and their binding partners enhance active gene expression of specific loci via the targeted modification of histone-3 tail residues, in general promoting active euchromatic conformations. Over the last 20 years, mutations in five key COMPASS complex genes have been linked to three human congenital syndromes: Kabuki syndrome (type 1 [KMT2D] and 2 [KDM6A]), Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (type 1 [CBP] and 2 [EP300]), and Kleefstra syndrome type 2 (KMT2C). Here, we review the composition and biochemical function of the KMT2 complexes. The specific cellular and embryonic roles of the KMT2C/D COMPASS complex are highlight with a focus on clinically relevant mechanisms sensitive to haploinsufficiency. The phenotypic similarities and differences between the members of this new family of disorders are outlined and emerging therapeutic strategies are detailed.

Reproducibility of cognitive endpoints in clinical trials: lessons from neurofibromatosis type 1.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid developments in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders have increased expectations for targeted, mechanism-based treatments. However, translation from preclinical models to human clinical trials has proven challenging. Poor reproducibility of cognitive endpoints may provide one explanation for this finding. We examined the suitability of cognitive outcomes for clinical trials in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) by examining test-retest reliability of the measures and the application of data reduction techniques to improve reproducibility. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the STARS clinical trial (n = 146), a multi-center double-blind placebo-controlled phase II trial of lovastatin, conducted by the NF Clinical Trials Consortium. Intra-class correlation coefficients were generated between pre- and post-performances (16-week interval) on neuropsychological endpoints in the placebo group to determine test-retest reliabilities. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to reduce data into cognitive domains and account for measurement error. RESULTS: Test-retest reliabilities were highly variable, with most endpoints demonstrating unacceptably low reproducibility. Data reduction confirmed four distinct neuropsychological domains: executive functioning/attention, visuospatial ability, memory, and behavior. Test-retest reliabilities of latent factors improved to acceptable levels for clinical trials. Applicability and utility of our model was demonstrated by homogeneous effect sizes in the reanalyzed efficacy data. INTERPRETATION: These data demonstrate that single observed endpoints are not appropriate to determine efficacy, partly accounting for the poor test-retest reliability of cognitive outcomes in clinical trials in neurodevelopmental disorders. Recommendations to improve reproducibility are outlined to guide future trial design.

Substantial pain burden in frequency, intensity, interference and chronicity among children and adults with neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Tumor growths, migraine headaches, and other health-related complications reported in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are often associated with pain. Thus, this study sought to describe and quantify the pain experience in children and young adults with NF1. Surveys were administered to 49 participants (28 children and 21 adults), ages 8 through 40 years. The survey included the Numeric Rating Scale 11 (NRS11) to assess pain intensity and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) to assess pain interference. A supplemental survey was created to measure pain frequency, chronicity, quality, and location. Results suggest pain is not only present in 55% of the cohort, but that it can begin at early ages. Pain was chronic in 35% of participants, with 41% reporting the use of medication to manage pain symptoms. Common sources of pain included migraine headaches and NF-related tumors. Pain was described as having neuropathic features (i.e., burning, tingling, numbness, or itching), and was localized to the head, back, and extremities. Further, subsets of participants reported moderate-to-severe pain intensity, high frequency of pain, and interference of pain in daily activities. Continued investigation of the pain experience in a multisystem disorder, such as NF1, remains essential to providing guidance in the setting of complex pain management.

Analysis of copy number variants in 11 pairs of monozygotic twins with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Phenotypic variability among individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has long been a challenge for clinicians and an enigma for researchers. Members of the same family and even identical twins with NF1 often demonstrate variable disease expression. Many mechanisms for this variability have been proposed. We have performed an exploratory study of copy number variants (CNVs) as a possible source of phenotypic variability in NF1. We enrolled 11 pairs of monozygotic (MZ) twins with NF1 and their parents, catalogued their clinical characteristics, and utilized a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray to identify CNVs in blood and saliva. The 11 twin pairs showed high concordance for presence and number of café-au-lait spots, cutaneous neurofibromas, IQ, and ADHD. They were more likely to be discordant for optic pathway glioma, plexiform neurofibromas, skeletal manifestations, and malignancy. Microarray analysis identified a total of 81 CNVs meeting our conservative criteria, 37 of which overlap known genes. Of interest, three CNVs were previously unreported. Microarray analysis failed to ascertain any CNV differences within twin pairs, between twins and parents, or between tissues in any one individual. Results of this small pilot study did not demonstrate any de novo CNV events in our MZ twin pairs, nor were de novo CNVs overrepresented in these individuals with NF1. A much larger sample size would be needed to form any conclusions about the role of CNVs in NF1 variable expressivity. Alternative explanations for discordant phenotypes include epigenetic changes, smaller genetic alterations, or environmental factors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Screening for Optic Pathway Gliomas in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of screening brain/orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a large population of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) over a 20-year period. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging data from children with NF1 seen at a single center between 1990 and 2010 was performed. RESULTS: During the 20-year study period, 826 individuals with NF1 (402 females, 424 males) ages 1-9 years were screened for optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) using brain/orbital MRI; 18% were identified with OPGs with a median age at detection of 3 years. Fifteen percent of patients with OPGs had radiologic or clinical progression requiring therapy. Children with chiasmatic and postchiasmatic tumors were more likely to require therapy compared with patients with prechiasmatic OPGs (P < .0001). Patients with visual deficits at the time of diagnosis were more likely to experience visual decline despite therapy when compared with patients treated based on radiologic progression (P < .012). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that chiasmatic and postchiasmatic OPG in children with NF1 have the highest risk for progression and vision loss. Early identification of OPG by screening MRI prior to the development of vision loss may lead to improved visual outcomes. Children with negative brain and orbital MRI screening at age 15 months or later did not develop symptomatic OPGs.

Mutations in SLC25A46, encoding a UGO1-like protein, cause an optic atrophy spectrum disorder.

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) and axonal peripheral neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2, or CMT2) are hereditary neurodegenerative disorders most commonly caused by mutations in the canonical mitochondrial fusion genes OPA1 and MFN2, respectively. In yeast, homologs of OPA1 (Mgm1) and MFN2 (Fzo1) work in concert with Ugo1, for which no human equivalent has been identified thus far. By whole-exome sequencing of patients with optic atrophy and CMT2, we identified four families with recessive mutations in SLC25A46. We demonstrate that SLC25A46, like Ugo1, is a modified carrier protein that has been recruited to the outer mitochondrial membrane and interacts with the inner membrane remodeling protein mitofilin (Fcj1). Loss of function in cultured cells and in zebrafish unexpectedly leads to increased mitochondrial connectivity, while severely affecting the development and maintenance of neurons in the fish. The discovery of SLC25A46 strengthens the genetic overlap between optic atrophy and CMT2 while exemplifying a new class of modified solute transporters linked to mitochondrial dynamics.

A novel dominant COL11A1 mutation resulting in a severe skeletal dysplasia.

Mutations in the type XI collagen alpha-1 chain gene (COL11A1) cause a change in protein structure that alters its interactions with collagens II and V, resulting in abnormalities in cartilage and ocular vitreous. The most common type XI collagenopathies are dominantly inherited Stickler or Marshall syndromes, while severe recessive skeletal dysplasias, such as fibrochondrogenesis, occur less frequently. We describe a family with a severe skeletal dysplasia caused by a novel dominantly inherited COL11A1 mutation. The siblings each presented with severe myopia, hearing loss, micromelia, metaphyseal widening of the long bones, micrognathia, and airway compromise requiring tracheostomy. The first child lived for over 2 years, while the second succumbed at 5 months of age. Their mother has mild rhizomelic shortening of the limbs, brachydactyly, and severe myopia. Sequencing of COL11A1 revealed a novel deleterious heterozygous mutation in COL11A1 involving the triple helical domain in both siblings, and a mosaic mutation in their mother, indicating germline mosaicism with subsequent dominant inheritance. These are the first reported individuals with a dominantly inherited mutation in COL11A1 associated with a severe skeletal dysplasia. The skeletal involvement is similar to, yet milder than fibrochondrogenesis and allowed for survival beyond the perinatal period. These cases highlight both a novel dominant COL11A1 mutation causing a significant skeletal dysplasia and the phenotypic heterogeneity of collagenopathies.

Mutations in PIEZO2 cause Gordon syndrome, Marden-Walker syndrome, and distal arthrogryposis type 5.

Gordon syndrome (GS), or distal arthrogryposis type 3, is a rare, autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by cleft palate and congenital contractures of the hands and feet. Exome sequencing of five GS-affected families identified mutations in piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2 (PIEZO2) in each family. Sanger sequencing revealed PIEZO2 mutations in five of seven additional families studied (for a total of 10/12 [83%] individuals), and nine families had an identical c.8057G>A (p.Arg2686His) mutation. The phenotype of GS overlaps with distal arthrogryposis type 5 (DA5) and Marden-Walker syndrome (MWS). Using molecular inversion probes for targeted sequencing to screen PIEZO2, we found mutations in 24/29 (82%) DA5-affected families and one of two MWS-affected families. The presence of cleft palate was significantly associated with c.8057G>A (Fisher's exact test, adjusted p value < 0.0001). Collectively, although GS, DA5, and MWS have traditionally been considered separate disorders, our findings indicate that they are etiologically related and perhaps represent variable expressivity of the same condition.

Patient-reported outcomes in neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disease with multiple clinical manifestations that can significantly impact quality of life (QOL). Clinical trials should include patient-reported outcomes (PROs) as endpoints to assess treatment effects on various aspects of QOL, but there is no consensus on the selection and use of such measures in NF. This article describes the PRO Working Group of the Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis (REiNS) Collaboration, its main goals, methods for identifying appropriate PRO measures for NF clinical trials, and recommendations for assessing pain intensity. METHODS: The REiNS PRO group selected core endpoint domains important to assess in NF. The members developed criteria to rate PRO measures, including patient characteristics, psychometric properties, and feasibility, and utilized a systematic process to evaluate PROs for NF clinical trials. Within the subdomain of pain intensity, the group reviewed the Numerical Rating Scale-11 (NRS-11), the Visual Analogue Scale, and the Faces Pain Scale-Revised using this process. RESULTS: Based on the review criteria, each of these pain intensity scales is brief, reliable, valid, and widely used. However, the NRS-11 was given the highest rating for use in NF clinical trials due to recommendations from pain experts and other consensus groups, its extensive use in research, strong psychometric data including sensitivity to change, and excellent feasibility in ages ≥ 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic review criteria and process are effective for identifying appropriate PRO measures and provide information utilized by the REiNS Collaboration to achieve consensus regarding PROs in NF clinical trials.

Does the presence of dystrophic features in patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis and spinal deformities increase the risk of surgery?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart and radiographical review. OBJECTIVE: To present the demographics of patients with scoliosis and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), to record the incidence of dystrophic features, and to determine whether the presence of dystrophic features increase the risk of surgery in patients with NF-1 and associated spinal pathology. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The most common of the osseous complications of NF-1 is spinal deformity, occurring in 10% to 30% of individuals with NF-1. Many of these patients will eventually require surgery for curve progression, which makes study of demographics and identification of features predicting the need for surgery essential in this patient population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed in patients with NF-1 and spinal deformities, followed in a multidisciplinary neurofibromatosis center. A subset of 56 patients with complete radiographical evaluation was reviewed for identification of risk factors for spine surgery. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one patients from a population of 694 patients with NF-1 (19%) had scoliosis. Mean age at diagnosis of scoliosis was 9 years (range; 1-17 yr). Scoliosis and need for surgery were equally distributed between males and females. In the group of 56 patients, 63% had 3 or more dystrophic features. The presence of 3 or more dystrophic features was the strongest predictor of the need for surgery (odds ratio = 14.34; P < 0.001). Individual features most predictive of need for surgery were the presence of vertebral scalloping (odds ratio = 13.19; P < 0.001) followed by the presence of dural ectasia (odds ratio = 6.38; P = 0.005). Patients with no dystrophic features were unlikely to progress to need for surgery. CONCLUSION: Scoliosis and need for surgery were equally distributed between males and females. The presence of 3 or more dystrophic features was highly predictive of the need for surgery, with the most significant individual predictors being vertebral scalloping and dural ectasia. A combination of radiographical and MRI features can be used to predict need for spinal surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Fractures in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 from two NF clinics.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with osseous abnormalities occurring in up to one-third of patients. Several studies have documented osteopenia in both children and adults with NF1; however, the significance of lower bone mineral density (BMD) in relationship to fracture incidence is not well elucidated in NF1, particularly in children. We undertook a retrospective study to determine prevalence and location of fractures in children and adolescents with NF1, ages 5-20 years, using a standardized questionnaire. We surveyed 256 individuals with NF1 from two multidisciplinary NF centers and 178 controls without NF1 of similar ages and sex. Participants with known long bone dysplasia (LBD) were analyzed separately. Data collected included numbers and location of fractures, dietary calcium intake, and physical activity levels. There was no difference in prevalence of ever having a fracture between the NF1 group without LBD (22%) and the control group (25%); median number of fractures also did not differ. There were significant differences in fracture location with a higher frequency of fractures of the lower extremities in NF1 individuals without LBD compared to controls. Both NF1 cohorts had lower rates of physical activity than controls (P < 0.0001). Our data demonstrate that the likelihood of having had a fracture is not higher in young NF1 individuals without LBD in comparison to healthy controls. The lower physical activity level may have a "protective effect" for those with NF1, thus keeping their fracture incidence lower than expected for their relative degree of osteopenia.

Approaches to treating NF1 tibial pseudarthrosis: consensus from the Children's Tumor Foundation NF1 Bone Abnormalities Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder with various skeletal abnormalities occurring as part of a complex phenotype. Tibial dysplasia, which typically presents as anterolateral bowing of the leg with subsequent fracture and nonunion (pseudarthrosis), is a serious but infrequent osseous manifestation of NF1. Over the past several years, results from clinical and experimental studies have advanced our knowledge of the role of NF1 in bone. On the basis of current knowledge, we propose a number of concepts to consider as a theoretical approach to the optimal management of tibial pseudarthrosis. METHODS: A literature review for both clinical treatment and preclinical models for tibial dysplasia in NF1 was performed. Concepts were discussed and developed by experts who participated in the Children's Tumor Foundation sponsored International Bone Abnormalities Consortium meeting in 2011. RESULTS: Concepts for a theoretical approach to treating tibial pseudarthrosis include: bone fixation appropriate to achieve stability in any given case; debridement of the "fibrous pseudarthrosis tissue" between the bone segments associated with the pseudarthrosis; creating a healthy vascular bed for bone repair; promoting osteogenesis; controlling overactive bone resorption (catabolism); prevention of recurrence of the "fibrous pseudarthrosis tissue"; and achievement of long-term bone health to prevent recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trials are needed to assess effectiveness of the wide variation of surgical and pharmacologic approaches currently in practice for the treatment of tibial pseudarthrosis in NF1. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

Pediatric plexiform neurofibromas: impact on morbidity and mortality in neurofibromatosis type 1.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize morbidity, mortality, and surgical outcomes in pediatric patients with symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted retrospective analysis of data from clinical records of surgical history and other neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-related complications in children with PNFs seen at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between 1997 and 2007. RESULTS: A total of 154 children with NF1 and PNFs were identified. Children with symptomatic PNFs had increased incidence of other NF1-related tumors (P < .05). Patients with NF1 and PNFs had a higher mortality rate (5/154, 3.2%) when compared with patients without or with asymptomatic PNFs (2/366, 0.5%; P = .024). The most common morbidities leading to surgeries were neurologic, disfigurement, orthopedic, and airway complaints. Less extensive resection predicted a shorter interval to second surgery (P < .0019). The highest recurrence was seen in tumors located in the head, neck, and thorax (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings quantify the increased risk for additional tumors and mortality associated with symptomatic PNFs. Surgical interventions were required in many cases and resulted in added morbidity in some cases. Patients with PNFs were more likely to benefit from surgery when the indications were airway compression or disfigurement.