Sobrecarga del cuidador de pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal / Caregiver burden in spinal muscular atrophy

INTRODUCCIÓN La sobrecarga del cuidador ha sido ampliamente descrita en gerontología, pocos estudios la abordan en niños con enfermedades neuromusculares. El cuidado de pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal (AME), requiere atención continua de un tercero, pudiendo afectar la salud del cuidador y la calidad de atención y bienestar del paciente. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el nivel de sobrecarga de los cuidadores de pacientes AME, identificando factores protectores y de riesgo asociados MÉTODOS Estudio observacional analítico transversal en padres de pacientes con AME, de un hospital privado de Santiago de Chile. Se analizaron datos demográficos clínicos y encuesta Zarit autoreportada por los padres de los pacientes con AME, realizada entre septiembre de 2017 y febrero de 2018. Se usó estadística descriptiva y regresión logística uni y multivariada para identificar factores asociados a sobrecarga RESULTADOS De los 50 padres encuestados, 14 (28%) eran de pacientes non-sitters, con sobrecarga intensa, mediana de puntaje 59 (37-76), 29 (58%) de pacientes sitters sobrecarga ligera, mediana 48 (32-79) y 7(14%) de pacientes walkers, ausencia de sobrecarga mediana 38 (23-54). Se identificaron como factores protectores de sobrecarga los años de enfermedad OR 0,9 (0,8-0,95) P=0,037 y la mayor edad de los pacientes OR 0,9(08,0,98) p=0,018. Factores de riesgo el uso de silla de ruedas OR 7,2(1,2-4,3) p=0,029 y la vía de alimentación artificial OR 9,2(1-78,8) p=0,040 CONCLUSIÓN Los padres de pacientes con AME tienen un significativo nivel de sobrecarga y existen factores que la aumentan y disminuyen. El equipo multidisciplinario debe integrar la medición periódica del nivel de sobrecarga, para intervenir oportunamente y procurar el cuidado integral de la familia.

Caregiver burden has been widely described in gerontology, few studies address it in children with neuromuscular diseases. The care of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) requires permanent care from a third person, which may affect the caregiver health, quality of care and well-being of the patient. The aim of the study was to determine the burden of SMA patient's caregivers, identifying associated protective and risk factors METHODS Descriptive cross-sectional analytical study in SMA patient's parents, from a private hospital in Santiago de Chile., demographic Clinical and self-reported Zarit survey data, parents self reported, conducted between September 2017 and February 2018, were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and uni and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with overloading RESULTS Parents of non-sitter patients showed a median of 59 (37-76), corresponding to intense burden and those of sitters, a light burden, with a median score of 48 (32-79) Walkers patient's parents, presented a median score of 38 (23-54) that corresponds to an absence of burden. The years of illness and the higher age of the patients were identified as protective factors of overload. As risk factors of burden, the use of a wheelchair and artificial airway. Of the 50 parents surveyed, 14 (28%) were non-sitter patients, with intense overload, median 59(37-76), 29(58%) sitters patients, light overload, median 48 (32-79) and 7(14%) walker patients, absence of overload, median 38 (23-54). Protective factors of overload were years of disease OR 0,9(0,8-0,95) p=0.037 and the patients major age OR 0.9(0.8-0.98) p=0.018. Risk factors were the use of wheelchair OR 7,2(1,2-4,3) p=0.029 and artificial feeding support OR 9,2(1-78.8) p=0.040 CONCLUSION SMA patient's parents have a significant level of overload and there are factors that increase and decrease it. The multidisciplinary team must integrate the periodic measurement of the burden level, to make on time interventions and to ensure the integral care in the family.

Spontaneous symptomatic improvement in a pediatric patient with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutraryl-coenzyme A reductase myopathy.

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy with antibodies against 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase is a subgroup of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies mainly described in adults and requiring long term immunomodulatory therapy for remission. Pediatric patients have been reported as small series or sporadic cases. We report an eight-year-old girl with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase myopathy, presenting with subacute proximal limb weakness, high creatine kinase and a muscle biopsy displaying necrotizing pattern, initially diagnosed as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, but subsequently negative genetic testing. A noteworthy spontaneous improvement in her weakness suggested the possibility of an acquired autoimmune myopathy, confirmed by positive testing of anti-HMGCR antibodies titers. After four years of follow-up, she maintains normal strength with high levels of anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase antibody. This patient shows that spontaneous fluctuations and spontaneous long-lasting symptomatic remission can occur in patients with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase myopathy. Some patients could present a wane and wax clinical course, an important aspect when assessing response to therapy.

Observations from a nationwide vigilance program in medical care for spinal muscular atrophy patients in Chile.

METHODS: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained much attention in the last few years because of the approval of the first intrathecal treatment for this neurodegenerative disease. Latin America needs to develop the demographics of SMA, timely access to diagnosis, and appropriate following of the standards of care recommendations for patients. These are essential steps to guide health policies. This was a descriptive study of a cohort of SMA patients from all over Chile. We analyzed the clinical, motor functional, and social data, as well as the care status of nutritional, respiratory and skeletal conditions. We also measured the SMN2 copy number in this population. RESULTS: We recruited 92 patients: 50 male; 23 SMA type-1, 36 SMA type-2 and 33 SMA type-3. The median age at genetic diagnosis was 5, 24 and 132 months. We evaluated the SMN2 copy number in 57 patients. The SMA type-1 patients were tracheostomized and fed by gastrostomy in a 69.6 % of cases, 65% of SMA type-2 patients received nocturnal noninvasive ventilation, and 37% of the whole cohort underwent scoliosis surgery. CONCLUSION: Ventilatory care for SMA type-1 is still based mainly on tracheostomy. This Chilean cohort of SMA patients had timely access to genetic diagnosis, ventilatory assistance, nutritional support, and scoliosis surgery. In this series, SMA type-1 is underrepresented, probably due to restrictions in access to early diagnosis and the high and early mortality rate.

Observations from a nationwide vigilance program in medical care for spinal muscular atrophy patients in Chile / Atrofia muscular espinal en Chile, resultados de un programa de atención médica nacional

ABSTRACT Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained much attention in the last few years because of the approval of the first intrathecal treatment for this neurodegenerative disease. Latin America needs to develop the demographics of SMA, timely access to diagnosis, and appropriate following of the standards of care recommendations for patients. These are essential steps to guide health policies. Methods This was a descriptive study of a cohort of SMA patients from all over Chile. We analyzed the clinical, motor functional, and social data, as well as the care status of nutritional, respiratory and skeletal conditions. We also measured the SMN2 copy number in this population. Results We recruited 92 patients: 50 male; 23 SMA type-1, 36 SMA type-2 and 33 SMA type-3. The median age at genetic diagnosis was 5, 24 and 132 months. We evaluated the SMN2 copy number in 57 patients. The SMA type-1 patients were tracheostomized and fed by gastrostomy in a 69.6 % of cases, 65% of SMA type-2 patients received nocturnal noninvasive ventilation, and 37% of the whole cohort underwent scoliosis surgery. Conclusion Ventilatory care for SMA type-1 is still based mainly on tracheostomy. This Chilean cohort of SMA patients had timely access to genetic diagnosis, ventilatory assistance, nutritional support, and scoliosis surgery. In this series, SMA type-1 is underrepresented, probably due to restrictions in access to early diagnosis and the high and early mortality rate.

La Atrofia Muscular Espinal (AME) ha concitado mucha atención en los últimos 2 años debido a la aprobación del primer tratamiento intratecal para esta enfermedad neurodegenerativa. América Latina necesita desarrollar la demografía de AME, un acceso oportuno al diagnóstico y un seguimiento apropiado de los pacientes que incorporen los estándares de atención recomendados por expertos. Estos son pasos esenciales para orientar las futuras políticas de salud en esta enfermedad. Métodos Este es un estudio descriptivo de una cohorte de pacientes con AME de todo el país. Se analizaron los datos clínicos, motores, funcionales, sociales y el estado nutricional, respiratorio y esquelético de los pacientes. También medimos el número de copias del gen SMN2 en esta población. Resultados se reclutaron 92 pacientes, 50 varones; 23 AME tipo 1, 36 AME tipo 2 y 33 AME tipo 3. La edad media al diagnóstico genético fue de 5, 24 y 132 meses respectivamente. Evaluamos el número de copias de SMN2 en 57 pacientes. Un 69,6% de los pacientes con AME tipo 1 estaban traqueostomízados y gastrostomizados , un 65% de los pacientes con AME tipo 2 usaban ventilación nocturna no invasiva y el 37% de toda la cohorte presentaba una cirugía de escoliosis. Conclusión Esta cohorte chilena de pacientes con AME tuvo acceso oportuno al diagnóstico genético, asistencia ventilatoria, apoyo nutricional y cirugía de escoliosis, sin embargo, la atención ventilatoria para AME tipo 1 continúa aun basándose principalmente en la traqueostomía. En esta serie, AME tipo 1 está subrepresentada, probablemente debido a las restricciones en el acceso al diagnóstico temprano y la tasa de mortalidad alta y temprana.

[Collagen VI related myopathies. When to suspect, how to identify. The contribution of muscle magnetic resonance]. / Miopatías relacionadas a colágeno VI. Cuando sospecharlas, cómo identificarlas. Aporte de la resonancia magnética muscular.

Myopathies secondary to collagen VI mutations (COLVI-M) are the most frequent in the northern hemisphere, affecting the adult and pediatric population. There are no data on its prevalence in Latin America. They are characterized by a great clinical variability, from severe phenotypes, such as Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD), to intermediate and mild ones such as Bethlem myopathy (BM). Its onset is also variable and extends from the neonatal period to adulthood. Given the presence of joint hypermobility, the differential diagnosis should be made with various connective tissue diseases. The classical diagnostic algorithm in many patients has been insufficient to guide the genetic study in an adequate way, and from this the muscular magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a very useful tool for a better diagnostic approach of this and other muscular pathologies. This ob jective of this review is to study the forms of presentation, clinical characteristics, specific diagnostic study, differential diagnosis and management of one of the most frequent hereditary muscular patho logies, with emphasis on the contribution of muscle magnetic resonance imaging.

Miopatías relacionadas a colágeno VI: cuando sospecharlas, cómo identificarlas: aporte de la resonancia magnética muscular / Collagen VI related myopathies: when to suspect, how to identify: the contribution of muscle magnetic resonance

Resumen: Las miopatías secundarias a mutaciones en el colágeno VI (M-COLVI) son las más frecuentes en el hemisferio norte, afectando población adulta y pediátrica. No existen datos de su prevalencia en Latinoamérica. Se caracterizan por presentar una gran variabilidad clínica, desde fenotipos severos, como la distrofia muscular congénita de Ullrich (DMCU), a intermedios y leves como la Miopatía de Bethlem (MB). Su inicio también es variable y se extiende desde el período de recién nacido hasta la vida adulta. Dada la presencia de hiperlaxitud articular, el diagnóstico diferencial se debe realizar con diversas enfermedades del tejido conectivo. El algoritmo diagnóstico clásico en muchos pacientes ha sido insuficiente para orientar el estudio genético de forma adecuada, y a partir de esto la resonancia magnética muscular ha emergido como una herramienta de gran utilidad para una mejor aproxima ción diagnóstica de ésta y otras patologías musculares. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo examinar las formas de presentación, características clínicas, estudio diagnóstico específico, diagnóstico dife rencial y manejo de una de las patologías musculares herediatarias más frecuentes, con énfasis en el aporte de la resonancia magnética muscular.

Abstract: Myopathies secondary to collagen VI mutations (COLVI-M) are the most frequent in the northern hemisphere, affecting the adult and pediatric population. There are no data on its prevalence in Latin America. They are characterized by a great clinical variability, from severe phenotypes, such as Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD), to intermediate and mild ones such as Bethlem myopathy (BM). Its onset is also variable and extends from the neonatal period to adulthood. Given the presence of joint hypermobility, the differential diagnosis should be made with various connective tissue diseases. The classical diagnostic algorithm in many patients has been insufficient to guide the genetic study in an adequate way, and from this the muscular magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a very useful tool for a better diagnostic approach of this and other muscular pathologies. This ob jective of this review is to study the forms of presentation, clinical characteristics, specific diagnostic study, differential diagnosis and management of one of the most frequent hereditary muscular patho logies, with emphasis on the contribution of muscle magnetic resonance imaging.

Neuromyopathy with congenital cataracts and glaucoma: a distinct syndrome caused by POLG variants.

We identified three non-related patients manifesting a childhood-onset progressive neuromyopathy with congenital cataracts, delayed walking, distal weakness and wasting, glaucoma and swallowing difficulties. Electrophysiology and nerve biopsies showed a mixed axonal and demyelinating neuropathy, while muscle biopsy disclosed both neurogenic and myopathic changes with ragged red fibers, and muscle MRI showed consistent features across patients, with a peculiar concentric disto-proximal gradient of fatty replacement. We used targeted next generation sequencing and candidate gene approach to study these families. Compound biallelic heterozygous variants, p.[(Pro648Arg)]; [(His932Tyr)] and p.[(Thr251Ile),(Pro587Leu)]; [(Arg943Cys)], were found in the three patients causing this homogeneous phenotype. Our report on a subset of unrelated patients, that showed a distinct autosomal recessive childhood-onset neuromyopathy with congenital cataracts and glaucoma, expands the clinical spectrum of POLG-related disorders. It also confirms the association between cataracts and neuropathy with variants in POLG. Early onset cataract is otherwise rare in POLG-related disorders and so far reported only in a few patients with the clinical pattern of distal myopathy or neuromyopathy.

Variabilidad en la determinación de fracción grasa muscular en resonancia magnética utilizando la técnica de Dixon / Variability in magnetic resonance quantification of muscle fat fraction using Dixon's technique

Abstract. Muscle MRI has emerged as a valuable tool in the diagnosis of neuromuscular-disorders. The Dixon fat-water separation technique allows objective intra-muscular fat quantification. There are few reports concerning measurement standardisation with Dixon technique. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variability in fat quantification using Dixon's technique in a cohort of patients with congenital myopathies, by analysing intra-segment, intra-muscle, and inter-muscle variability of 60 muscles in each patient. Whole body MRI was performed on 31 patients, 23 with congenital myopathies and 8 healthy controls, aged between 10 months and 35 years old, from January 2014 to June 2016. The mean fat-fraction in healthy patients was around 5%, with less than 2% intra-muscle variability. An intra-muscle variability between 3.1-7.8% was estimated in patients with congenital myopathies. It may be concluded that there is high intra- and inter-muscle fat-fraction variability among patients with congenital myopathies, and this is an observation that should be incorporated in the analysis of fat replacement.

Resumen. La resonancia magnética muscular ha emergido como una valiosa herramienta de apoyo diagnóstico en enfermedades neuromusculares. La técnica de Dixon permite objetivar la fracción grasa muscular, pero no existe consenso sobre la estandarización de estas mediciones. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la variabilidad en la determinación de fracción grasa utilizando la técnica de Dixon, estudiando la variabilidad intrasegmentaria, intramuscular e intermuscular en 60 músculos por paciente. Se realizó RM de cuerpo completo a 31 pacientes: 23 con miopatía congénita y 8 controles, entre 10 meses y 35 años de edad, desde enero del 2014 a junio del 2016. En pacientes sanos se estimó una fracción grasa promedio cercana al 5%, con una variabilidad intramuscular inferior al 2%. En pacientes con miopatías congénitas existe una variabilidad entre el 3,1-7,8%. El estudio permite concluir que existe una alta variabilidad intra e intermuscular en pacientes miopáticos, que no se observa en pacientes sanos.

Perfil clínico de patología neuromuscular hereditaria en el Instituto de Rehabilitación Infantil Teletón, Valparaíso, Chile / Clinical profile of patients with neuromoscular hereditary diseases in Child Rehabilitation Institute Teletón, Valparaiso, Chile

Introducción: Las enfermedades neuromusculares (ENM) son una causa importante de discapacidad progresiva en el niño. Objetivo: Describir el perfil clínico de las consultas por ENM hereditarias, atendidas actualmente en Instituto de Rehabilitación Infantil Teletón (IRI), Valparaíso. Pacientes y Método: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. Selección y análisis de pacientes con ENM en control activo, del registro estadístico de IRI Valparaíso. Resultados: Total 115 pacientes, hombres 70 por ciento. Edad promedio 14,9 años (rango: 1-28 a). Motivo de consulta más frecuente: trastorno de la marcha (49,5 por ciento). Las etiologías encontradas fueron: muscular (67 por ciento), neuropatías (21 por ciento) y enfermedad de motoneurona (10 por ciento). Los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron: Distrofinopatías 30 por ciento, Charcot Marie Tooth 21,7 por ciento, Miopatías Congénitas 15,6 por ciento, Atrofia Muscular Espinal 10 por ciento, Distrofia Miotónica 7,8 por ciento. Discusión: El sexo masculino fue más prevalente lo que puede atribuirse a la mayor frecuencia de Distrofinopatías dentro de las ENM. La latencia para el diagnóstico es variable según la patología, siendo en promedio 3,2 años. Las frecuencias de diagnósticos encontrados coinciden parcialmente con la epidemiología descrita.

Introduction: Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are a major cause of progressive disability in children. Objective: To describe the clinical profile of hereditary NMD consultations, currently being attended in IRI Valparaíso. Patients and Method: Selection and analysis of actually attending NMD patients from the IRI statistical registration. Results: 115 patients were identified, 70 percent men. Mean age 14.9 years (1-28). The most frequent cause for consultation was gait disorder (49.5 percent. Etiologies were: muscular (67 percent), neuropathy (21 percent) and motor neuron disease (10 percent). The most common diagnoses were: dystrophinopathies (30 percent), Charcot Marie Tooth 21.7 percent, Congenital Myopathy (15.6 percent), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (10 percent), Myotonic Dystrophy (7.8 percent). Discussion: Prevalence was higher for males, which is attributed to the higher frequency of dystrophinopathies. Time for diagnosis was variable depending on the disease, with a mean of 3,2 years. The frequency of NMD were partially coincidental with previously reported epidemiologic data.

Viaje de estudios al hospital de niños de Boston: comentarios de nuestra experiencia vivida / Study trip to the children's hospital in Boston: comments from our experience

El presente artículo relata las experiencias de la estadía de un grupo de residentes y post-residentes de Neuropediatría en el Departamento de Neurología Infantil del Hospital de Niños de Boston. A través de estas líneas se intentará sintetizar una experiencia, descrita como inolvidable, para quienes tuvieron la oportunidad de vivenciar durante al menos tres semanas la organización y funcionamiento de una de las unidades de neuropediatría más prestigiosas del mundo, la experiencia con los pacientes, la asistencia al curso de neurología "Michael Bresnan" y el acogimiento que recibieron por parte del equipo del Departamento de Neuropediatría, encabezado por el Dr. David Urion. Finalmente se destaca lo inmejorable de esta experiencia en términos de convivencia y fortalecimiento de lazos de amistad entre los becados de los distintos centros de formadores.

This a report of the experiences of a group of Chilean fellows in Pediatric Neurology and young neuropediatricians who had the opportunity to attend the Michael Bresnan Neurology Course, as well as being visiting doctors in the Department of Neurology of the Children's Hospital in Boston. This is one of the most prestigious neuropediatric units in the world, headed by Dr. David Urion. To learn about the organization and functioning of this Center, and the way they deal with patients was very important to enrich our own function. Another very relevant issue that we want to point out is the sincere friendship we gained with our colleagues from different training centers. These were three unforgettable weeks for all us.