Evaluation of the Patients with the Diagnosis of Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia: A Multicenter National Study.

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) is a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by hypoplasia and degeneration of the cerebellum and pons. We aimed to identify the clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings of the patients with diagnosed PCH with confirmed genetic analysis. We collected available clinical data, laboratory, and imaging findings in our retrospective multicenter national study of 64 patients with PCH in Turkey. The genetic analysis included the whole-exome sequencing (WES), targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS), or single gene analysis. Sixty-four patients with PCH were 28 female (43.8%) and 36 (56.3%) male. The patients revealed homozygous mutation in 89.1%, consanguinity in 79.7%, pregnancy at term in 85.2%, microcephaly in 91.3%, psychomotor retardation in 98.4%, abnormal neurological findings in 100%, seizure in 63.8%, normal biochemistry and metabolic investigations in 92.2%, and dysmorphic findings in 51.2%. The missense mutation was found to be the most common variant type in all patients with PCH. It was detected as CLP1 (n = 17) was the most common PCH related gene. The homozygous missense variant c.419G > A (p.Arg140His) was identified in all patients with CLP1. Moreover, all patients showed the same homozygous missense variant c.919G > T (p.A307S) in TSEN54 group (n = 6). In Turkey, CLP1 was identified as the most common causative gene with the identical variant c.419G > A; p.Arg140His. The current study supports that genotype data on PCH leads to phenotypic variability over a wide phenotypic spectrum.

Feasibility of virtual reality and comparison of its effectiveness to biofeedback in children with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: The utilization of virtual reality (VR) and biofeedback training, while effective in diverse populations, remains limited in the treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (D/BMD). This study aimed to determine the feasibility of VR in children with D/BMD and compare the effectiveness of VR and biofeedback in children with D/BMD. METHODS: The study included 25 children with D/BMD. Eight children in the control group participated in a routine follow-up rehabilitation program, while the remaining children were randomly assigned to the VR (n = 9) and biofeedback (n = 8) groups for a 12-week intervention. The following evaluations were performed before, during (week 6), and after treatment: Muscle pain and cramps, laboratory studies, muscle strength, timed performance, function (Motor Function Measurement Scale-32, Vignos, and Brooke Scales), and balance (Pediatric Functional Reach Test and Balance Master System). Motivation for rehabilitation was determined. RESULTS: The median ages were 9.00 (VR), 8.75 (biofeedback), and 7.00 (control) years. The study found no significant differences between groups in pretreatment assessments for most measures, except for tandem step width (p < .05). VR and biofeedback interventions significantly improved various aspects (pain intensity, cramp frequency, cramp severity, muscle strength, timed performance, functional level, and balance) in children with D/BMD (p < .05), while the conventional rehabilitation program maintained patients' current status without any changes. The study found VR and biofeedback equally effective, with VR maintaining children's motivation for rehabilitation longer (p < .05). DISCUSSION: The study showed that both VR and biofeedback appear to be effective for rehabilitation this population, but additional, larger studies are needed.

Alternative splicing expands the clinical spectrum of NDUFS6-related mitochondrial disorders.

PURPOSE: We describe 3 families with Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT), harboring a homozygous NDUFS6 NM_004553.6:c.309+5G>A variant previously linked to fatal Leigh syndrome. We aimed to characterize clinically and molecularly the newly identified patients and understand the mechanism underlying their milder phenotype. METHODS: The patients underwent extensive clinical examinations. Exome sequencing was done in 4 affected individuals. The functional effect of the c.309+5G>A variant was investigated in patient-derived EBV-transformed lymphoblasts at the complementary DNA, protein, and mitochondrial level. Alternative splicing was evaluated using complementary DNA long-read sequencing. RESULTS: All patients presented with early-onset, slowly progressive axonal CMT, and nystagmus; some exhibited additional central nervous system symptoms. The c.309+5G>A substitution caused the expression of aberrantly spliced transcripts and negligible levels of the canonical transcript. Immunoblotting showed reduced levels of mutant isoforms. No detectable defects in mitochondrial complex stability or bioenergetics were found. CONCLUSION: We expand the clinical spectrum of NDUFS6-related mitochondrial disorders to include axonal CMT, emphasizing the clinical and pathophysiologic overlap between these 2 clinical entities. This work demonstrates the critical role that alternative splicing may play in modulating the severity of a genetic disorder, emphasizing the need for careful consideration when interpreting splice variants and their implications on disease prognosis.

Molecular Diagnosis of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Using Next-Generation Sequencing Panels.

Introduction: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous muscle disorders. We aimed to share the diagnostic yield of an NGS gene panel containing LGMD-related genes and our experience with LGMD. Methods: Between February 2019 and October 2022, patients with a suspicion of LGMD and their relatives were reviewed in terms of demographic, clinical, and individual genetic data, age of symptom onset, sex, clinical features, LGMD types, cardiac involvement, muscle biopsy results, family history, and consanguinity. Our NGS gene panel consisted of ANO5, CAPN3, CAV3, DAG1, DES, DNAJB6, DYSF, FKTN, FLNC, FRKP, GAA, GMPPB, HNRNPDL, ISPD, LIMS2, LMNA, MYOT, PLEC, POMGNT1, POMK, POMT1, POMT2, SGCA, SGCB, SGCD, SGCG, TCAP, TNPO3, TRAPPC11, TRIM32, and TTN genes. Results: The diagnosis rate was 61.1% (11/18). Twelve (80%) patients with LGMD were male and three (20%) were female. The median age was 15.9 (range, 1.5-39) years. Our patient collective was drawn up out of patients with the following variants: LGMDR1 (n = 6; 40%), LGMDR2 (n = 4; 26.6%), LGMDR3 (n = 4; 26.6%), and LGMDR12 (n = 1; 6.7%). Conclusion: The present study showed that the NGS panel has a high success rate in the diagnosis of LGMD and contributes to early diagnosis.

Dual task impact on functional mobility and interaction of functional level and balance in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: Dystrophin, a protein crucial for various brain regions governing higher-order functions like learning and memory is notably absent in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This absence of dystrophin in the brain is believed to underlie cognitive challenges in DMD. Cognitive and motor challenges observed in DMD could potentially hinder the execution of dual tasks. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is there a significant correlation between dual-task performance, functional mobility, and balance in children with DMD? METHOD: The study included 28 participants (14 DMD, 14 typical development). Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results were recorded for single and dual-task conditions (motor-motor, cognitive-motor). Functional level was assessed using Motor Function Measurement-32 (MFM-32), Brooke Upper Extremity Scale, and Vignos Scale. Balance was evaluated using Balance Master System and Pediatric Functional Reach Test (PFRT). RESULTS: Significant differences in TUG test scores across conditions were observed in both DMD and typical development groups (p < 0.05). Children with DMD exhibited longer completion times compared to typical development children (p < 0.05). Among children with DMD, there was a significant correlation between TUG scores in different task conditions and balance assessment (p < 0.05, r = 0.571 to -0.819). Lower MFM-32 scores in DMD children were correlated with worse TUG performance across conditions (p < 0.05, r = 0.586 to -0.868). SIGNIFIANCE: This study sheds light on the multifaceted nature of dual-tasking challenges in individuals with DMD, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the implications for rehabilitation strategies.

Anaemia-based screening for resistance to thyroid hormone alpha in children.

BACKGROUND: The hypothyroid phenotype associated with resistance to thyroid hormone alpha (RTH-α) is associated with a diverse clinical picture. On the other hand, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are normal. Free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels can also be normal; however, normo- or macrocytic anaemia is usually present in reported cases. Diagnosis is challenging and there is limited data regarding screening methods. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the efficiency of a screening strategy for RTH-α. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Out of a total of 6540 children evaluated at the outpatient clinics of paediatric neurology over 2 years and who underwent complete blood count and thyroid function tests, 432 were found to have anaemia. Within this group, we identified 42 children without an underlying specific neurological aetiology who exhibited normo- or macrocytic anaemia, normal TSH levels, fT3 levels in the upper half of the normal range or high, and fT4 levels in the lower half of the normal range or low. We excluded one patient who had already been diagnosed with RTH-α and nine patients could not be reached. Subsequently, clinical evaluation, biochemical assessment, and THRA sequencing analysis were conducted on 32 children. The findings were compared with those of the known RTH-α patients in our unit. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 5.7 (5.1-7.4) years, and 22 of them were males (69%). The main reasons for assessment in paediatric neurology clinics were autism spectrum disorder (n = 12, 38%), epilepsy (n = 11, 34%), and delay in developmental stages (n = 8, 25%). Constipation was present in five of the cases (16%), while the closure of the anterior fontanelle and tooth eruption were delayed in two cases (6%) and one case (3%), respectively. The median length/height and weight standard deviation (SD) scores were 0.3 [(-0.8)-(1.1)] and -0.1 [(-0.8)-(0.3)], respectively. The median fT3, fT4, and TSH levels were 4.6 (4.2-5.0) pg/mL, 0.9 (0.8-1.0) ng/dL, and 2.2 (1.8-3.1) uIU/mL, respectively. Thirteen of the patients (41%) had high fT3 levels, while none of them had low fT4 levels. The normo- or macrocytic anaemia rate was 47% (normocytic/macrocytic, n = 8/7) at the time of reassessment. Serum creatine kinase (CK) was elevated in five patients (16%; one had anaemia). None of the subjects had a pathological variant in THRA. Known RTH-α patients had significantly lower median height SD score, higher rates of delayed tooth eruption and closure of the anterior fontanelle, lower haemoglobin levels, and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and CK levels as compared to those found without RTH-α. CONCLUSIONS: This approach found one known patient with RTH-α but did not reveal any new cases. Notably, normo- or macrocytic anaemia did not persist in nearly half of the screened patients. A screening strategy that takes clinical findings and prominent laboratory features suggestive of RTH-α into account could lower unnecessary genetic analysis of THRA in patients presenting with neurological problems.

Optic neuritis in Turkish children and adolescents: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Various etiologies may underlie optic neuritis, including autoantibody-mediated disorders described in the last decade. We re-examined demographic, clinical, laboratory features and prognostic factors in pediatric patients with autoimmune optic neuritis according to current knowledge. METHODS: Cases of pediatric ON from 27 centers in Türkiye diagnosed between 2009 and 2022 were included for retrospective evaluation. RESULTS: The study included 279 patients, 174 females and 105 males, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.65. The average age at onset was 12.8 ± 3.4 years, and mean follow-up, 2.1 years (range: 1-12.1 years). Patients <10 years old were grouped as "prepubertal" and those ≥10 years old as "others". The diagnoses made at the end of follow-up were multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis (n = 90, 32.3 %), single isolated optic neuritis (n = 86, 31 %), clinically isolated syndrome (n = 41, 14.7 %), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis (n = 22, 7.9 %), and relapsing isolated optic neuritis (n = 18, 6.5 %). Predominant diagnoses were myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated optic neuritis in the prepubertal group and multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis in the older group. Recurrences were observed in 67 (24 %) patients, including 28 with multiple sclerosis associated optic neuritis, 18 with relapsing isolated optic neuritis, 11 with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated optic neuritis, 8 with aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis, and 2 with chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy. Recurrences were more common among female patients. Findings supporting the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis included age of onset ≥ 10 years (OR=1.24, p = 0.027), the presence of cranial MRI lesions (OR=26.92, p<0.001), and oligoclonal bands (OR=9.7, p = 0.001). Treatment in the acute phase consisted of intravenous pulse methylprednisolone (n = 46, 16.5 %), pulse methylprednisolone with an oral taper (n = 212, 76 %), and combinations of pulse methylprednisolone, plasmapheresis, or intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 21, 7.5 %). Outcome at 12 months was satisfactory, with 247 out of 279 patients (88.5 %) demonstrating complete recovery. Thirty-two patients exhibited incomplete recovery and further combination treatments were applied. Specifically, patients with relapsing isolated optic neuritis and aquaporin-4 antibody related optic neuritis displayed a less favorable prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest optic neuritis is frequently bilateral in prepubertal and unilateral in peri­ or postpubertal patients. Age of onset 10 or older, presence of oligoclonal bands, and brain MRI findings reliably predict the development of multiple sclerosis. The risk of developing multiple sclerosis increases mostly during the second and third years of follow-up. Relapsing isolated optic neuritis remains a separate group where the pathogenesis and outcome remain unclear. Investigation of predisposing and diagnostic biomarkers and long follow-up could help to define this group.

DPAGT1-CDG: Report of Two New Pediatric Patients and Brief Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Congenital glycosylation disorders are multisystem diseases with heterogeneous clinical manifestations caused by defects in the synthesis of the glycan moiety of glycoproteins or glycolipids or the binding of glycans to proteins and lipids. DPAGT1 (UDP-GlcNAc: dolichol phosphate N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase) is an initiating protein in the biosynthetic pathway of dolichol-linked oligosaccharides required for protein N-glycosylation. Pathogenic variants in DPAGT1 (UDP-GlcNAc: dolichol phosphate N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase) gene cause a rare type of congenital glycosylation disorder called DPAGT1-CDG (formerly CDG-Ij) (OMIM #608093). It is a rare autosomal recessive disease or a milder version with congenital myasthenic syndrome known as DPAGT1-CMS. A severe disease course with hypotonia, cataracts, skeletal deformities, resistant epilepsy, intellectual disability, global developmental delay, premature death has been described in most patients with DPAGT1-CDG. Patient Presentation: We describe two patients with variants in the DPAGT1 gene: an 8-month-old boy with a homozygous, missense DPAGT1:c.339T>G (p.Phe113Leu) novel variant and a 13-year-old female patient with compound heterozygous variants, DPAGT1:c.466C>T (p.Arg156Cys, R156C) and DPAGT1:c.161+5G>A. While the 8-month-old patient was diagnosed with congenital cataract at the age of 1 month, had dysmorphic findings, and epilepsy, clinical symptoms in the other patient appeared later but with more prominent muscle weakness, behavioral disorder, dysmorphic findings, and no epilepsy. Discussion: Cholinesterase inhibitor therapy was found to be effective in patients against muscle weakness, supporting DPAGT1 deficiency as the underlying etiology. We started pyridostigmine treatment in our patient with more pronounced muscle weakness, and we saw its benefit. We aimed to present our patients diagnosed with DPAGT1-CDG due to different variants in the same gene and different clinical presentations, treatment and to compare them with other patients in the literature.

Genetic, serological and clinical evaluation of childhood myasthenia syndromes- single center subgroup analysis experience in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Congenital myasthenic syndrome is a disease that occurs due to several types such as mutations in different pre-synaptic, synaptic, post-synaptic proteins and, glycosylation defects associated with congenital myopathy. Juvenile myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition usually caused by antibodies targeting the acetylcholine receptor. AIMS: Our objective is to conduct an analysis on the subgroup traits exhibited by patients who have been diagnosed with congenital myasthenic syndrome and juvenile myasthenia gravis, with a focus on their long-term monitoring and management. METHODS: This study was conducted on children diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, who were under the care of Dokuz Eylul University's Department of Pediatric Neurology for a period of ten years. RESULTS: A total of 22 (12 congenital myasthenic syndrome, 10 juvenile myasthenia gravis) patients were identified. Defects in the acetylcholine receptor (6/12) were the most common type in the congenital myasthenic syndrome group. Basal-lamina-related defects (5/12) were the second most prevalent. One patient had a GFPT1 gene mutation (1/12). Patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (n = 6) exhibited milder symptoms. In the generalized myasthenia gravis group (n = 4), specifically in postpubertal girls, a more severe clinical progression was observed, leading to the implementation of more aggressive treatment strategies. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that clinical recognition of congenital myasthenic syndrome and knowledge of related genes will aid the rapid diagnosis and treatment of these rare neuromuscular disorders. Findings in the juvenile myasthenia gravis group demonstrate the impact of pubertal development and the need for timely and appropriate active therapy, including thymectomy, to improve prognosis.

Retracted: Clinical and genetic evaluations of rare childhood epilepsies in Turkey's national cohort.

Aycan Ünalp, Yigithan Güzin, Bülent Ünay, Ayse Tosun, Dilek Çavusoglu, Hande Gazeteci Tekin, Semra Hiz Kurul, Ebru Arhan, Selvinaz Edizer, Gülten Öztürk, Uluç Yis, Ünsal Yilmaz, Turkish Rare Epilepsies Study Group, Clinical and genetic evaluations of rare childhood epilepsies in Turkey's national cohort, Epileptic Disorders, 2023, (https://doi.org/10.1002/epd2.20150) The above article, published online on 16 August 2023 on Wiley Online Library (www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the Editor-in-Chief, Sándor Beniczky, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The authors asked for a retraction based on an experimental error which would alter the results of the study if corrected.

Role of serostatus in pediatric neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A nationwide multicentric study.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are immune-mediated inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) mostly presenting as optic neuritis and acute myelitis. NMOSD can be associated with seropositivity for aquaporin 4 antibody (AQP4 IgG), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG IgG), or can be seronegative for both. In this study, we retrospectively examined our seropositive and seronegative pediatric NMOSD patients. METHOD: Data were collected from all participating centres nationwide. Patients diagnosed with NMOSD were divided into three subgroups according to serology: AQP4 IgG NMOSD, MOG IgG NMOSD, and double seronegative (DN) NMOSD. Patients with at least six months of follow-up were compared statistically. RESULTS: The study included 45 patients, 29 female and 16 male (ratio:1.8), mean age 15.16 ± 4.93 (range 5.5-27) years. Age at onset, clinical manifestations, and cerebrospinal fluid findings were similar between AQP4 IgG NMOSD (n = 17), MOG IgG NMOSD (n = 10), and DN NMOSD (n = 18) groups. A polyphasic course was more frequent in the AQP4 IgG and MOG IgG NMOSD groups than DN NMOSD (p = 0.007). The annualized relapse rate and rate of disability were similar between groups. Most common types of disability were related to optic pathway and spinal cord involvement. Rituximab in AQP4 IgG NMOSD, intravenous immunoglobulin in MOG IgG NMOSD, and azathioprine in DN NMOSD were usually preferred for maintenance treatment. CONCLUSION: In our series with a considerable number of double seronegatives, the three major serological groups of NMOSD were indistinguishable based on clinical and laboratory findings at initial presentation. Their outcome is similar in terms of disability, but seropositive patients should be more closely followed-up for relapses.

The fate of spikes in self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: Are clinical and baseline EEG features effective?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of clinical and electroencephalographic features on spike reduction with a focus on the first EEG characteristics in self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS). METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on SeLECTS patients of with at least five years follow-up and at least two EEG recordings in which spike wave indexes (SWI) were calculated. RESULTS: 136 patients were enrolled. Median SWI in the first and last EEGs were 39% (7.6-89%) and 0 (0-112%). Gender, seizure onset age, psychiatric diseases, seizure characteristics (semiology, duration, and relationship to sleep), last EEG time, and spike lateralization in the first EEG did not have a statistically significant effect on the SWI change. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of phase reversal, interhemispheric generalization, and SWI percentage had a significant effect on spike reduction. The frequency of seizures was also significantly decreased in patients with a greater decrease in SWI. Both valproate and levetiracetam were statistically superior in suppressing SWI, with no significant difference between them. CONCLUSION: Interhemispheric generalization and phase reversal in the first EEG in SeLECTS had negative effects on the spike reduction. The most effective ASMs in reducing spikes were valproate and levetiracetam.

Pediatric-Onset Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical features, demographic features, and treatment modalities of pediatric-onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in Turkey. METHODS: The clinical data of patients between January 2010 and December 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were evaluated according to the Joint Task Force of the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on the management of CIDP (2021). In addition, patients with typical CIDP were divided into two groups according to the first-line treatment modalities (group 1: IVIg only, group 2: IVIg + steroid). The patients were further divided into two separate groups based on their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients, 22 (51.2%) males and 21 (48.8%) females, were included in the study. There was a significant difference between pretreatment and post-treatment modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores (P < 0.05) of all patients. First-line treatments include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (n = 19, 44.2%), IVIg + steroids (n = 20, 46.5%), steroids (n = 1, 2.3%), IVIg + steroids + plasmapheresis (n = 1, 2.3%), and IVIg + plasmapheresis (n = 1, 2.3%). Alternative agent therapy consisted of azathioprine (n = 5), rituximab (n = 1), and azathioprine + mycophenolate mofetil + methotrexate (n = 1). There was no difference between the pretreatment and post-treatment mRS scores of groups 1 and 2 (P > 0.05); however, a significant decrease was found in the mRS scores of both groups with treatment (P < 0.05). The patients with abnormal MRI had significantly higher pretreatment mRS scores compared with the group with normal MRI (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study demonstrated that first-line immunotherapy modalities (IVIg vs IVIg + steroids) had equal efficacy for the treatment of patients with CIDP. We also determined that MRI features might be associated with profound clinical features, but did not affect treatment response.

Immunization status of patients with spinal muscular atrophy receiving nusinersen therapy.

BACKGROUND: Children with chronic neurological diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), are particularly susceptible to vaccine-preventable infections. We aimed to evaluate the age-appropriate immunization status and its relationship with nusinersen therapy in pediatric patients with SMA. METHODS: Children with SMA who received nusinersen treatment were included in this cross-sectional prospective study. Data were collected on SMA characteristics, nusinersen therapy, vaccination status according to the National Immunization Program (NIP), administration, and influenza vaccination recommendation. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were enrolled. In patients with SMA type 1, the frequency of under-vaccination of hepatitis B, BCG, DTaP-IPV-HiB, OPV, and MMR was statistically higher than in patients with SMA type 2-3 (p<0.001). The influenza vaccine was administered to only 9.3% of patients and was never recommended to 13 (40.6%) parents. The frequency of under-vaccination of hepatitis B, BCG, DTaP-IPV-HiB, OPV, and MMR was statistically higher in patients receiving nusinersen maintenance therapy than in those with loading doses (p<0.001). Physician recommendations for influenza and pneumococcal vaccines were significantly higher in the nusinersen maintenance group (p = 0.029). There was no statistical significance between the groups in terms of administration of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines (p = 0.470). CONCLUSION: Children with SMA had lower immunization rates and poor compliance with immunization programs. Clinicians should ensure that children with SMA receive the same preventive health measures as healthy children, including vaccinations.

Evaluation of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in children with cancer: Turkish validity and reliability study.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of peripheral neuropathy in children receiving Vincristine treatment is challenging. This study examined the Turkish validity and reliability of the Total Neuropathy Score-Pediatric Vincristine (TNS-PV) measurement tool, which can measure Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms in children with cancer. METHODS: A total of 53 children aged 5-17 years who received Vincristine treatment in two pediatric hematology-oncology centers participated in the study. Data was collected using the Total Neuropathy Score-Pediatric Vincristine (TNS-PV), the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale, and the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool (APPT). The correlation between the TNS-PV total score and other scales and the inter-rater reliability coefficient was evaluated. FINDINGS: Of the children, 81.1% were diagnosed with ALL and 13.2% with Ewing Sarcoma. Cronbach's alpha values of form A and B of the TNS-PV scale were 0.628 and 0.639, respectively. As the cumulative Vincristine dose increased, the children's scores on TNS-PV were higher. A moderate and significant positive correlation was found between the TNS-PV form A total score and the worst subjective symptoms a, b (A), strength, tendon reflexes, and autonomic / constipation (r = 0.441, r = 0.545, r = 0.472, r = 0.536, p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: The TNS-PV form B total score was found to have a moderate level, significant correlation with CTCAE sensory neuropathy score and Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale, and a high level, significant positive correlation with CTCAE motor neuropathy score. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: The TNS-PV is valid and reliable for measuring Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in practice in Turkish children 5 years and older.

What is the safe observation period for seizure recurrence in pediatric emergency departments?

BACKGROUND: Afebrile seizures are the common causes of emergency department (ED) admissions in childhood, and there is limited data on the observation period in emergency service follow-up of these patients in terms of seizure recurrence in the literature. This study aims to determine the seizure recurrence time in afebrile seizures and the risk factors that determine it. METHODS: Patients aged between 1 month and 18 years with afebrile seizures were included in the study. Seizure recurrence times, demographic data, diagnosis of epilepsy, use of antiseizure medications, Electroencephalography (EEG) and imaging results, structural abnormalities, hospitalizations, and treatments were recorded. RESULTS: The median age of 623 patients included in the study was 42 months (16.0-94.0 months) and 59.9% were male. Epilepsy was diagnosed in 372 (59.7%) of the patients. Short-acting benzodiazepine was administered in 249 of the cases. The mean observation time of the patients was 36 hours (24-98 hours). Electroencephalography (EEG) was applied in 437 (70.1%) of the patients and abnormality was detected in 53.5%. Seizure recurrence was observed in 149 patients (23.9%). The median time of seizure recurrence was 1.0 hour (0.5-4.0 hours). Eighty-six percent of the seizure recurrences (n = 129) occurred within the first six hours and 95.3% (n = 142) within the first 12 hours. Risk factors included a history of febrile seizures (p = 0.001, OR = 2.7), not receiving short-acting benzodiazepine therapy (p = 0.026, OR 1.7), previous structural abnormalities (p = 0.018, OR 1.8), and cluster seizures (p = 0.001, OR 6.7) for all patients and also EEG abnormalities in pediatric ED for first seizure (p = 0.012, OR 2.4). CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of febrile seizure, previous structural abnormalities, cluster seizures, EEG abnormalities in pediatric ED, and patients who didn't receive BZD treatment were at risk for seizure recurrence in the early period. Since most seizure recurrences occur within the first 6 hours, this period is the most critical time for recurrence risk.

Examination of the psychometric properties of pediatric-modified total neuropathy score in Turkish children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy has gained importance in symptom management of pediatric patients with cancer. This study aimed to perform the Turkish validity and reliability study of the Pediatric-Modified Total Neuropathy Score (Ped-mTNS). METHODS: A methodological, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was used in the study. Forty children aged between 5 and 18 and were treated for cancer and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy children (control group) were included in the study. The mean scores of the items on the Ped-mTNS were compared, and item-total score correlations were evaluated. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Ped-mTNS was calculated for internal consistency. FINDINGS: Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found as 0.709. The item-total correlations of the scale items ranged from 0.260 to 0.658. The mean score of cancer patients on the Ped-mTNS was found as 4.4 ± 3.8. DISCUSSION: Ped-mTNS scores of children with cancer indicated more deficits than those of the control group. In the evaluation of children in the patient and control groups, a difference was found in terms of light touch sensation, which is one of the sensory symptoms in the items of the Ped-mTNS, and pin sensibility and strength, which are among the clinical symptoms. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: The Ped-mTNS was determined to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for children with cancer aged between 5 and 18 in the Turkish population.

The psychometric properties of Turkish version of the Modified Paediatric Mini Mental Scale.

BACKGROUND: Children with neurological diseases suffer from neurocognitive problems due to both the disease and the treatment processes. Therefore, it is necessary that a battery can be used to determine and track the cognitive function of these children. The aim of this study is to establish the Turkish version of the Modified Paediatric Mini Mental Scale (MPMMS), ensure its cultural adaptation, and test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the MPMMS. METHODS: Sixty-five children with the neurological condition were enrolled in this methodological study. The subjects' age, height, weight, and body mass index were recorded. The MPMMS and the social function subscale of the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) were used to assess the participants' cognitive function. The construct validity of the questionnaire was determined by the correlation between the MPMMS and the social function subscale of the PEDI. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to determine internal consistency. To determine test-retest reliability, 32 children were assessed 7-14 days after the initial assessment, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 9.26 ± 3.87 years. A very strong significant correlation was found between the MPMMS and social function subscale of the PEDI (r = 0.935, p = 0.000). The internal consistency of the MPMMS was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.932). CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the MPMMS has excellent validity and reliability and can be used by professionals in various health care settings to determine children's cognitive abilities.