RYR1-related myopathies: a wide spectrum of phenotypes throughout life.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although several recent studies have implicated RYR1 mutations as a common cause of various myopathies and the malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) trait, many of these studies have been limited to certain age groups, confined geographical regions or specific conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the full spectrum of RYR1-related disorders throughout life and to use this knowledge to increase vigilance concerning malignant hyperthermia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on the clinical, genetic and histopathological features of all paediatric and adult patients in whom an RYR1 mutation was detected in a national referral centre for both malignant hyperthermia and inherited myopathies (2008-2012). RESULTS: The cohort of 77 non-related patients (detection rate 28%) included both congenital myopathies with permanent weakness and 'induced' myopathies such as MHS and non-anaesthesia-related episodes of rhabdomyolysis or hyperCKemia, manifested throughout life and triggered by various stimuli. Sixty-one different mutations were detected, of which 24 were novel. Some mutations are present in both dominant (MHS) and recessive modes (congenital myopathy) of inheritance, even within families. Histopathological features included an equally wide spectrum, ranging from only subtle abnormalities to prominent cores. CONCLUSIONS: This broad range of RYR1-related disorders often presents to the general paediatric and adult neurologist. Its recognition is essential for genetic counselling and improving patients' safety during anaesthesia. Future research should focus on in vitro testing by the in vitro contracture test and functional characterization of the large number of RYR1 variants whose precise effects currently remain uncertain.

Normal height and weight in a series of ambulant Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients using the 10 day on/10 day off prednisone regimen.

Prednisone treatment delays the progressive course of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the 10 day on/10 day off treatment on height and weight. We retrospectively reviewed the growth and weight charts of Duchenne patients born between 1988 and 2006 (patients between 4 and 9 years old, being able to walk in the home situation). Forty-seven patients were eligible for further analysis and divided into two groups: 33 patients treated with prednisone and 14 non-prednisone treated patients. Results of a median follow-up of 57 months (range 27-146) are described. By using linear mixed models this study demonstrates that height and body mass index in prednisone-treated patients with 10/10 regimen are not significantly different compared to untreated patients. We cautiously conclude that the alternating prednisone regimen has no apparent side effects on weight and height in the ambulatory phase of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Dysphagia in spinal muscular atrophy type II: more than a bulbar problem?

OBJECTIVE: In patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type II, feeding problems and dysphagia are common, but the underlying mechanisms of these problems are not well defined. This case control study was designed to determine the underlying mechanisms of dysphagia in SMA type II. METHODS: Six children with SMA type II and 6 healthy matched controls between 6.4 and 13.4 years of age were investigated during swallowing liquid and solid food in 2 different postures using surface EMG (sEMG) of the submental muscle group (SMG) and a video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). RESULTS: The VFSS showed postswallow residue of solid food in the vallecula and above the upper esophageal sphincter (UES), which can be responsible for indirect aspiration. Better results in swallowing were achieved in a more forward head position. These findings were supported by the sEMG measurements of the SMG during swallowing. CONCLUSIONS: Dysphagia in spinal muscular atrophy type II is due to a neurologic dysfunction (lower motor neuron problems from the cranial nerves in the brainstem) influencing the muscle force and efficiency of movement of the tongue and the submental muscle group in combination with a biomechanical component (compensatory head posture). The results suggest an integrated treatment with an adapted posture during meals and the advice of drinking water after meals to prevent aspiration pneumonias.

Quantitative skeletal muscle ultrasound: diagnostic value in childhood neuromuscular disease.

UNLABELLED: In this study we investigated the diagnostic value of quantitative skeletal muscle ultrasonography in 150 consecutively referred children with symptoms suspect for a neuromuscular disorder. Muscle thickness and quantitatively determined echo intensity of four muscles and the distribution of these variables within the body were examined. RESULTS: Patients with and without a neuromuscular disorder could be discriminated with a positive predictive value of 91% and a negative predictive value of 86%. Patients with a neurogenic disorder could be distinguished from myopathies and non-neuromuscular disorders with a positive predictive value of 86% and a negative predictive of 84%, using the pattern of distribution of pathology within the body. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal muscle ultrasound is a good, practical and non-invasive aid in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders in children, that is able to discriminate between children with and without a neuromuscular disorder and between neurogenic disorders and myopathies with high predictive values.

Predictive value of neonatal MRI with respect to late MRI findings and clinical outcome. A study in infants with periventricular densities on neonatal ultrasound.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to correlate hypoxic-ischemic white matter damage on neonatal MRI with MRI appearance and neurological outcome at the age of 1 1/2 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A sequential cohort of infants with periventricular densities on neonatal ultrasound was studied with neonatal MRI. Images of 46 infants with a mean gestational age of 31 weeks were obtained at a mean age of 20 days after birth and at 1 1/2 years. To establish agreement between the neonatal and follow-up MRI (general, motor, and visual scores), the weighted Cohen's kappa test was used. To establish the predictive power of neonatal MRI with respect to the neurologic indices at the age of 1 1/2 years, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: There was a moderately good to good agreement between the general, motor, and visual neonatal and follow-up MRI scores: weighted kappa = 0.59 (95% CI: 0.44 - 0.74), 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72 - 0.93), and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.56 - 0.84), respectively. Neonatal MRI scores provided a good prediction of the three neurological outcome measures (developmental delay, cerebral palsy, and cerebral visual impairment): sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were high, with little difference between the three MRI scores. The 32 patients with (nearly) normal neonatal MRI scores were neurologically (nearly) normal at 1 1/2 years on all three outcome measures, whereas 8 patients with seriously abnormal neonatal MRI scores were neurologically abnormal at 1 1/2 years on all three outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Neonatal MRI is able to predict the precise localization and size of perinatal leukomalacia on follow-up MRI and provides a good prediction of neurological outcome at 1 1/2 years.

Predictive value of EEG in neonates with periventricular leukomalacia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether EEG (i.e. positive Rolandic sharp waves) can be used to predict neurodevelopment in newborn infants with periventricular leukomalacia and compare the predictive value with that of MRI. A sequential cohort of neonates (n=45; 33 males, 12 females; mean gestational age 31.2 weeks, SD 2.7, range 27 to 37.8 weeks; mean birthweight 1592 g, SD 601 g) with periventricular hyperechogenicities on cranial ultrasound was recruited for this study. EEGs were analyzed for positive Rolandic sharp waves. Neurodevelopment was evaluated at the ages of 12 and 18 months. In the whole group the probability of a poor outcome was 24% and the probability of any impairment was 33%. If the number of positive Rolandic sharp waves was no more than 0.1 per minute, the probability of a poor outcome was reduced to 9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2 to 27%) and the probability of any impairment was reduced to 13% (95%CI 4 to 32%). In all infants with more than 0.1 positive Rolandic sharp waves per minute the probability of a poor outcome was 41% (95%CI 23 to 61%) and of any impairment was 55% (95%CI 34 to 73%). In these infants MRI identified infants with a poor outcome with a sensitivity of 1.00 (95%CI 0.70 to 1.00) and a specificity of 0.92 (95%CI 0.67 to 0.99), and infants with any impairment with a sensitivity of 0.83 (95%CI 0.55 to 0.95) and a specificity of 1.00 (95%CI 0.72 to 1.00). Results suggest that if an EEG of an infant with periventricular leukomalacia contains no more than 0.1 positive Rolandic sharp waves per minute the probability of a normal or mildly delayed development is high (0.91, 95%CI 0.73 to 0.98). MRI enhances the accuracy of the outcome prediction slightly; however, owing to a wide confidence interval, this advantage is negligible. However, if the frequency of the positive Rolandic sharp waves exceeds 0.1per minute, MRI can significantly enhance the precision of the prediction of outcome.