Cognitive stimulation has potential for brain activation in individuals with Rett syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge regarding neuropsychological training in Rett syndrome (RS) is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome and the duration of the effect of cognitive stimulation on topographic electroencephalography (EEG) data in RS. METHODS: Twenty female children diagnosed with RS were included in the analysis. Girls with RS conducted a cognitive task using an eye-tracker designed to evaluate access and choice skills. EEG data were acquired during the experimental procedure including two 10-min baseline stages before and after the task. Topographical changes of several EEG spectral markers including absolute and relative powers, Brain Symmetry Index and entropy were assessed. RESULTS: Topographic significance probability maps suggested statistical decreases on delta activity and increases on beta rhythm associated with the cognitive task. Entropy increased during and after the task, likely related to more complex brain activity. A significant positive interaction was obtained between Brain Symmetry Index and age showing that the improvement of interhemispheric symmetry was higher in younger girls (5-10 years). CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, significant alterations of brain rhythms were observed during and after cognitive stimulation, suggesting that cognitive stimulation may have effects on brain activity beyond the stimulation period. Finally, our promising results also showed an increase brain symmetry that was especially relevant for the younger group. This could suggest an interaction of the eye-tracking cognitive task; however, further studies in this field are needed to assess the relation between brain asymmetries and age.

[New insights in inborn errors of metabolism are leading to new paradigms in child neurology]. / Nuevos conocimientos sobre errores congenitos del metabolismo estan dando lugar a nuevos paradigmas en neuropediatria.

In the last recent years, the -omics era has already transformed child neurology. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has identified many novel disease causing genes and phenotypes. While genetics is of great importance as a diagnostic tool, it is less helpful when it comes to a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of brain dysfunction. Child neurologists are at high risk of being lost in genomics if they do not face the necessity of a new approach in their clinical practice. The large amount of data provided by NGS is just one more element in a complex puzzle. Different levels of complexity should be integrated in the much-needed novel child neurology paradigm. Classically, the descriptions of neurological diseases have relied on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. However, metabolism, which strongly orchestrates the regulation of neuronal functions, has been mostly neglected in the study of brain disorders. Paradoxically, inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) have moved in the opposite direction. With more than 1100 IEM, almost 80% of which exhibit neurological symptoms, they have evolved from being initially considered as mere anecdotes to be a fundamental requisite in neuropediatric educational programs. Additionally, new complex molecule defects are leading to integrate classic metabolism and cell biology into the specific compartmentalized structure of the nervous system («cellular neurometabolism¼). This article is a brief summary of the updated IEM classification combined with major neurological presentations in a tentative towards a pathophysiology based clinical practice in child neurology. In particular we emphasize a clinical approach focused in a continuum/spectrum of symptoms.

TITLE: Nuevos conocimientos sobre errores congenitos del metabolismo estan dando lugar a nuevos paradigmas en neuropediatria.En los ultimos anos, la era -omica ya ha transformado la neuropediatria. La secuenciacion de alto rendimiento --next generation sequencing (NGS)-- ha permitido identificar numerosos genes y fenotipos nuevos que provocan enfermedades. Aunque la genetica tiene indudablemente una gran importancia como herramienta diagnostica, no es de tanta utilidad cuando se trata de obtener una comprension mas amplia de los mecanismos involucrados en la disfuncion cerebral. Los neuropediatras corren el riesgo de perderse en la genomica si no asumen la necesidad de un nuevo enfoque en su practica clinica. La gran cantidad de datos que arroja la NGS es simplemente un elemento mas en un complejo rompecabezas. Se deberian integrar distintos niveles de complejidad en el nuevo paradigma de la neuropediatria que tanto se echa en falta. Tradicionalmente, las descripciones de las enfermedades neurologicas se han basado en la neuroanatomia y la neurofisiologia. Sin embargo, el metabolismo, que tiene un papel crucial en la regulacion de las funciones neuronales, se ha obviado en la mayoria de estudios sobre los trastornos cerebrales. Paradojicamente, los errores congenitos del metabolismo (ECM) han tomado la direccion contraria. Con un total de mas de 1.100 ECM, casi el 80% de los cuales manifiestan sintomas neurologicos, han pasado de considerarse inicialmente como anecdoticos a constituir un elemento fundamental en cualquier programa de educacion neuropediatrica. Ademas, los nuevos defectos hallados en las moleculas complejas estan promoviendo la integracion del metabolismo y la biologia celular clasicos en la estructura compartimentada especifica del sistema nervioso («neurometabolismo celular¼). Este articulo constituye un breve resumen de la clasificacion de los ECM actualizada en combinacion con las principales presentaciones neurologicas en un intento de lograr una practica clinica neuropediatrica basada en la fisiopatologia. De manera particular, hacemos hincapie en un enfoque clinico centrado en un amplo continuo/espectro de sintomas.

Déficit de 3-hidroxiacil-CoA-deshidrogenasa de cadena larga: a propósito de un caso / Long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: A case report

CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 5 años de edad remitido para valoración oftalmológica con el diagnóstico de déficit de 3-hidroxiacil-CoA deshidrogenasa de cadena larga. Presentaba como antecedente la aparición de crisis metabólicas agudas precipitadas por infecciones banales y rabdomiólisis. El examen oftalmoscópico reveló una atrofia coriorretiniana peripapilar y una maculopatía granular difusa. La agudeza visual era de 6/6 en ambos ojos y las pruebas electrofisiológicas normales. DISCUSIÓN: Se realiza una revisión de la bibliografía y los conocimientos recientes de esta enfermedad mediante la descripción de un caso clínico documentando los hallazgos obtenidos mediante autofluorescencia y tomografía de coherencia óptica para mejorar el conocimiento existente sobre ella

CLINICAL CASE: A five-year-old patient, with a diagnosis of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, was referred for an ophthalmological examination. He had a history of acute metabolic crises precipitated by intercurrent infections,as well as rhabdomyolysis. The fundoscopic examination revealed a peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy and a diffuse granular appearance of the macular retinal pigment epithelium. Best corrected visual acuity was 6/6 in both eyes, and he had a normal electroretinography test. DISCUSSION: We perform a review of the literature and recent findings in relation to this disease through the description of a clinical case in order to improve the knowledge of this uncommon disorder

Dataset reporting BCKDK interference in a BCAA-catabolism restricted environment.

This data article contains complementary figures to the research article "Mitochondrial response to the BCKDK-deficiency: some clues to understand the positive dietary response in this form of autism" [1]. Herein we present data relative to the effect of knocking down BCKDK gene on the real time oxygen consumption rate of fibroblasts obtained from a Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) patient. Interference of BCKDK expression on such cells showing a reduced branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDHc) activity; let us generate a scenario to study the direct effect of BCKDK absence in an environment of high branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) concentrations. Data relative to the effectiveness of the knockdown together with the potentiality of the BCKDK-knockdown to increase the deficient branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase activity detected in MSUD patients are also shown.

Long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: A case report. / Déficit de 3-hidroxiacil-CoA-deshidrogenasa de cadena larga: a propósito de un caso.

CLINICAL CASE: A five-year-old patient, with a diagnosis of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, was referred for an ophthalmological examination. He had a history of acute metabolic crises precipitated by intercurrent infections,as well as rhabdomyolysis. The fundoscopic examination revealed a peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy and a diffuse granular appearance of the macular retinal pigment epithelium. Best corrected visual acuity was 6/6 in both eyes, and he had a normal electroretinography test. DISCUSSION: We perform a review of the literature and recent findings in relation to this disease through the description of a clinical case in order to improve the knowledge of this uncommon disorder.

Mitochondrial response to the BCKDK-deficiency: Some clues to understand the positive dietary response in this form of autism.

Mutations on the mitochondrial-expressed Branched Chain α-Keto acid Dehydrogenase Kinase (BCKDK) gene have been recently associated with a novel dietary-treatable form of autism. But, being a mitochondrial metabolism disease, little is known about the impact on mitochondrial performance. Here, we analyze the mitochondrial response to the BCKDK-deficiency in patient's primary fibroblasts by measuring bioenergetics, ultra-structural and dynamic parameters. A two-fold increase in superoxide anion production, together with a reduction in ATP-linked respiration and intracellular ATP levels (down to 60%) detected in mutants fibroblasts point to a general bioenergetics depletion that could affect the mitochondrial dynamics and cell fate. Ultrastructure analysis of BCKDK-deficient fibroblasts shows an increased number of elongated mitochondria, apparently associated with changes in the mediator of inner mitochondria membrane fusion, GTPase OPA1 forms, and in the outer mitochondrial membrane, mitofusin 2/MFN2. Our data support a possible hyperfusion response of BCKDK-deficient mitochondria to stress. Cellular fate also seems to be affected as these fibroblasts show an altered proportion of the cells on G0/G1 and G2/M phases. Knockdown of BCKDK gene in control fibroblasts recapitulates most of these features. Same BCKDK-knockdown in a MSUD patient fibroblasts unmasks the direct involvement of the accelerated BCAAs catabolism in the mitochondrial dysfunction. All these data give us a clue to understand the positive dietary response to an overload of branched-chain amino acids. We hypothesize that a combination of the current therapeutic option with a protocol that considers the oxidative damage and energy expenditure, addressing the patients' individuality, might be useful for the physicians.

A statistical algorithm showing coenzyme Q10 and citrate synthase as biomarkers for mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities.

Laboratory data interpretation for the assessment of complex biological systems remains a great challenge, as occurs in mitochondrial function research studies. The classical biochemical data interpretation of patients versus reference values may be insufficient, and in fact the current classifications of mitochondrial patients are still done on basis of probability criteria. We have developed and applied a mathematic agglomerative algorithm to search for correlations among the different biochemical variables of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in order to identify populations displaying correlation coefficients >0.95. We demonstrated that coenzyme Q10 may be a better biomarker of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities than the citrate synthase activity. Furthermore, the application of this algorithm may be useful to re-classify mitochondrial patients or to explore associations among other biochemical variables from different biological systems.

Diseases of the Synaptic Vesicle: A Potential New Group of Neurometabolic Disorders Affecting Neurotransmission.

The general concept of inborn error of metabolism is currently evolving into the interface between classical biochemistry and cellular biology. Basic neuroscience is providing increasing knowledge about the mechanisms of neurotransmission and novel related disorders are being described. There is a necessity of updating the classic concept of "inborn error of neurotransmitters (NT)" that considers mainly defects of synthesis and catabolism and transport of low weight NT molecules. Monogenic defects of the synaptic vesicle (SV), and especially those affecting the SV cycle are a potential new group of NT disorders since they end up in abnormal NT turnover and release. The most common clinical manifestations include epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism and movement disorders, and are in the continuum symptoms of synaptopathies. Interestingly, brain malformations and neurodegenerative conditions are also present within SV diseases. Metabolomics, proteomics, and other -omic techniques probably will provide biomarkers and contribute to therapeutic targets in the future.

Evolution of maple syrup urine disease in patients diagnosed by newborn screening versus late diagnosis.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare metabolic disorder for which the newborn screening (NBS) is possible but it has not been yet implemented for most Spanish regions. In the present study, we assess the clinical features and outcome of 14 MSUD Spanish patients with similar treatment protocol diagnosed either by NBS or by clinical symptoms. Eight patients were detected by NBS, four classic and four moderate MSUD. The average age at detection was 4.6 days, the mean plasmatic concentration of leucine at diagnosis was 1807 µM; the average number of days with leucine >1000 µM was 0.7 (0-4) and the mean number of total hospitalizations was 1.6 (0-5). Mean follow-up time was 70 months. They had good evolution: all remain asymptomatic, but 2 patients have attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Six patients with late diagnosis of classic MSUD were followed during 41 months. All presented with acute encephalopathy during the first month of life, mean leucine levels of 2355 µM, mean number of days with leucine >1000 µM of 6.6 (1-13) and mean number of total hospitalizations of 5.3 (4-7). Only two patients have a psychomotor development index in the lower limit (80 and 83). For all patients a good genotype-phenotype correlation was found and four novel mutations were identified: p.A311H, p.T84S, p.T397L, pL398P. Our study support that NBS improves prognosis of MSUD patients. But early diagnosis and an aggressive treatment together with a close monitoring of leucine levels improve neurological evolution in MSUD patients, even for those not detected by NBS.

Joubert syndrome: a model for untangling recessive disorders with extreme genetic heterogeneity.

BACKGROUND: Joubert syndrome (JS) is a recessive neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by hypotonia, ataxia, cognitive impairment, abnormal eye movements, respiratory control disturbances and a distinctive mid-hindbrain malformation. JS demonstrates substantial phenotypic variability and genetic heterogeneity. This study provides a comprehensive view of the current genetic basis, phenotypic range and gene-phenotype associations in JS. METHODS: We sequenced 27 JS-associated genes in 440 affected individuals (375 families) from a cohort of 532 individuals (440 families) with JS, using molecular inversion probe-based targeted capture and next-generation sequencing. Variant pathogenicity was defined using the Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion algorithm with an optimised score cut-off. RESULTS: We identified presumed causal variants in 62% of pedigrees, including the first B9D2 mutations associated with JS. 253 different mutations in 23 genes highlight the extreme genetic heterogeneity of JS. Phenotypic analysis revealed that only 34% of individuals have a 'pure JS' phenotype. Retinal disease is present in 30% of individuals, renal disease in 25%, coloboma in 17%, polydactyly in 15%, liver fibrosis in 14% and encephalocele in 8%. Loss of CEP290 function is associated with retinal dystrophy, while loss of TMEM67 function is associated with liver fibrosis and coloboma, but we observe no clear-cut distinction between JS subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: This work illustrates how combining advanced sequencing techniques with phenotypic data addresses extreme genetic heterogeneity to provide diagnostic and carrier testing, guide medical monitoring for progressive complications, facilitate interpretation of genome-wide sequencing results in individuals with a variety of phenotypes and enable gene-specific treatments in the future.

Comunicación neuronal y metabolismo sináptico en epilepsia infantil / Neuronal communication and synaptic metabolism in childhood epilepsy

Introducción. Los conocimientos que la neurociencia básica y el neurometabolismo están aportando en epilepsia pediátrica, y en concreto en mecanismos de comunicación sináptica, crecen rápidamente. Existe, no obstante, una desconexión entre estos avances y una visión que los integre de manera global y en la práctica clínica y terapéutica. Objetivos. Ofrecer una visión integradora de los diferentes mecanismos moleculares y metabólicos que se conocen y postulan en epilepsia pediátrica, y sugerir conceptos como el de ‘metabolismo sináptico’ y ‘fenotipos sinápticos’ como herramientas útiles para desarrollar este enfoque. Desarrollo. Se revisan los estudios más destacados que intentan explicar las características esenciales de la comunicación sináptica en el cerebro en desarrollo, a través de diferentes moléculas, básicamente proteínas sinápticas, canales iónicos (cotransportadores de cloro, sodio y potasio), la compartimentalización pre y postsináptica, y los principales actores metabólicos (neurotransmisores, metabolismo energético, factores de crecimiento y lípidos). A partir de esta combinación de mecanismos biológicos se sugieren ejemplos de ‘fenotipos sinápticos’ en dos casos concretos de epilepsia genética (SCN1A) y metabólica (epilepsia con respuesta a la piridoxina). Conclusiones. Una perspectiva holística, entendiendo la diversidad de elementos relacionados y que suceden en determinados momentos del neurodesarrollo, puede ayudar a delinear fenotipos, vías de metabolismo sináptico y conectividad cerebral, que faciliten no sólo la comprensión de la fisiopatología, sino nuevas aproximaciones terapéuticas en epilepsia pediátrica (AU)

Introduction. Basic neuroscience and neurometabolism are providing a rapidly increasing amount of knowledge on paediatric epilepsy and, more specifically, on the mechanisms involved in synaptic communication. There is, however, a mismatch between these advances and a vision that integrates them in a global way, in clinical and therapeutic practice. Aims. To offer an integrative view of the different molecular and metabolic mechanisms that are known and postulated in paediatric epilepsy, and to suggest concepts such as ‘synaptic metabolism’ and ‘synaptic phenotypes’ as useful tools for developing this approach. Development. We also review the most notable studies that attempt to explain the essential characteristics of synaptic communication in the developing brain by means of different molecules, essentially synaptic proteins, ion channels (chlorine, sodium and potassium co-transporters), and pre- and post-synaptic compartmentalisation, as well as the main players in metabolism (neurotransmitters, energy metabolism, growth factors and lipids). This combination of biological mechanisms has led to examples of ‘synaptic phenotypes’ being suggested in two specific cases of genetic (SCN1A) and metabolic epilepsy (epilepsy with response to pyridoxine). Conclusions. A holistic perspective, which takes into account the diversity of elements that are related and which take place at certain times in neurodevelopment, can help to define phenotypes, channels for synaptic metabolism and brain connectivity, which facilitate not only the understanding of the pathophysiology, but also new therapeutic approaches in paediatric epilepsy (AU)

Cerebrospinal fluid synaptic proteins as useful biomarkers in tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency.

Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) deficiency is an inborn error of dopamine biosynthesis and a cause of early parkinsonism. Two clinical phenotypes have been described. Type "B": early onset severe encephalopathy; type "A": later onset, less severe and better response to L-dopa. We aimed to study the expression of several key dopaminergic and gabaergic synaptic proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a series of patients with TH deficiency and their possible relation with the clinical phenotype and response to L-DOPA. Dopamine transporter (DAT), D2-receptor and vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) were measured in the CSF of 10 subjects with TH deficiency by Western blot analysis. In 3 patients, data of pre- and post-treatment with L-DOPA were available, and in one of them, GABA vesicular transporter was determined. Results were compared to an age-matched control population. The concentration of D2-receptors in CSF was significantly higher in patients with TH deficiency than in controls. Similarly, DAT and vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 were up-regulated. Studies performed before L-DOPA, and on L-DOPA therapy showed a paradoxical response with D2 receptor expression increase as L-Dopa doses and homovanillic concentration gradually raised in a B phenotype patient. The opposite results were found in two patients with A phenotype. However, this is a very small sample, and further studies are needed to conclude robust differences between phenotypes. Synaptic proteins are detectable in the CSF and their quantification can be useful for understanding the pathophysiology of neurotransmitter defects and potentially to adjust and personalize treatments in the future.

Parkinsonism and inborn errors of metabolism.

Parkinsonism is a frequent neurological syndrome in adulthood but is very rare in childhood. Early forms of Parkinsonism have many distinctive features as compared to Parkinsonism in adults. In fact, rather than Parkinsonism, the general concept "hypokinetic-rigid syndrome" (HRS) is more accurate in children. In general, the terms "dystonia-parkinsonism", "parkinsonism-plus", or "parkinsonism-like" are preferred to designate these forms of paediatric HRS. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) constitute an important group amongst the genetic causes of Parkinsonism at any age. The main IEM causing Parkinsonism are metal-storage diseases, neurotransmitter defects, lysosomal storage disorders and energy metabolism defects. IEM should not be neglected as many of them represent treatable causes of Parkinsonism. Here we review IEMs causing this neurological syndrome and propose diagnostic approaches depending on the age of onset and the associated clinical and neuroimaging features.

Infantile parkinsonism and GABAergic hypotransmission in a patient with pyruvate carboxylase deficiency.

Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency is a rare metabolic disorder, with three different phenotypes. We aim to report the case of a newborn presenting the severe neonatal form of this deficiency (the B or "French" phenotype, hypokinesia and rigidity being the main features) and the results of the study of classic neurotransmitters involved in movement control. Hyperdopaminergic transmission (both in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the substantia nigra) and hypoGABAergic transmission (in the substantia nigra) were found. Both gamma-aminobutyric acid and dopamine markers were found coexisting in individual neurons of the substantia nigra. This is the first time this phenomenon has been reported in the literature. We discuss the possible role of GABAergic deficiency, its interaction with other neurotransmitters and its implication in neurotransmitter homeostasis. A better comprehension of that field would increase understanding of the pathophysiology of neurological symptoms and neurotransmitter plasticity.

Clinical and biochemical outcome after hydroxocobalamin dose escalation in a series of patients with cobalamin C deficiency.

BACKGROUND: CblC deficiency produces a combination of methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) and homocystinuria (HCU), and is the most common error of cobalamin metabolism. Patients present a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from early severe multisystemic forms, to milder late-onset phenotypes. Cognitive and visual impairment are nearly constant. Hydroxocobalamin (OHCbl), betaine, folinic acid, levocarnitine and eventually dietary protein restriction are the main therapeutic approaches. Although early introduction of OHCbl is crucial, no standardized protocols regarding dose adaptation exist. No reports on long-term outcomes after high doses of this vitamin have been published. METHODS: In this study five patients with CblC deficiency (early severe forms) were treated with high doses of OHCbl for 18 to 30months. Clinical examinations, neurological assessment, and biochemical studies (plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), amino acids, hydroxocobalamin, and methylmalonic acid in urine) were periodically performed. RESULTS: Variable clinical and biochemical outcomes were observed in patients treated with high doses of OHCbl. The best biochemical response was observed in those children with the worse metabolic control. By contrast, those patients with a concentration of tHcy around 50µmol/l or less showed only minor changes. Clinically, a considerable improvement was observed in those patients with severe problems in communication, expressive language and behavior. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, high OHCbl doses in CblC deficiency could have a greater benefit in those children with a prior history of suboptimal metabolic control, and also in those with severe neurological phenotypes. More specifically, we observed improvements in communication skills and behavior. These results should encourage further prospective trials to determine the optimal OHCbl regimen and to generate protocols and guidelines in this rare disorder.

[Amino acids in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma: its usefulness in the study of neuropaediatric diseases]. / Aminoacidos en liquido cefalorraquideo y plasma: utilidad en el estudio de las enfermedades neuropediatricas.

INTRODUCTION: Studying the amino acids in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is essential in the diagnosis of some neurological diseases and is an important aid in the diagnosis of others. No research has been published in the literature to prove the physiological relationship between the values of amino acids in CSF and plasma in the paediatric population. AIM: To define a set of ratios for amino acids in plasma and CSF in the paediatric population that can be used in daily clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The aminograms in plasma and CSF of 105 patients with ages between 0 and 12 months were collected and analysed retrospectively. Aminograms with amino acid values that are considered to be normal according to the reference values of our laboratory were included in the sample. The quantitative analysis of amino acids was performed using high-resolution liquid chromatography and statistical analysis with the software application SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: The mean values, range and standard deviation of the amino acid concentrations in plasma and CSF, together with the CSF/plasma ratios, are reported. Significant correlations were found from 0.6 onwards between different neutral amino acids, above all in those with smaller molecular weights (Thr, Ser, Gly and Ala). CONCLUSIONS: The existence of significant correlations between the different neutral amino acids supports the idea that they share the same transporters in the blood-brain barrier. Standardising the amino acid ratios will make it possible to increase sensitivity in the detection of pathological values in plasma and CSF, to further knowledge of the pathophysiology of neurological diseases and perhaps to describe new aminoacidopathies.

Estudio epidemiológico de las enfermedades metabólicas con homocistinuria en España / Epidemiological study of the metabolic diseases with homocystinuria in Spain

Objetivos: Conocer la prevalencia en España de los diferentes errores congénitos del metabolismo que presentan homocistinuria y establecer las medidas oportunas para garantizar su prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento, en aquellos casos posibles. Material y métodos: En abril 2009 se realizó una encuesta nacional de carácter transversal mediante cuestionario enviado a 35 centros, en los que se atiende a pacientes infantiles y adultos. La finalidad de la encuesta era establecer la prevalencia en ese momento recogiendo el histórico de pacientes que cada centro tuviera documentados. Resultados: A través de los cuestionarios respondidos por 25 médicos de 16 centros, se han identificado 75 pacientes: 41 defectos de transulfuración (uno fallecido), 27 de remetilación (6 fallecidos) y 7 sin diagnóstico etiológico definitivo. La edad de diagnóstico muestra una amplia variación, en 18 casos había más de un hermano afectado. Las manifestaciones clínicas más graves inciden en el grupo de los pacientes afectados de trastornos de la remetilación. Destaca el alto porcentaje de déficit cognitivo, seguido de la patología de cristalino; casi la mitad de los pacientes presentan trastornos neurológicos, es elevada la afectación vascular en los adultos con deficiencia de CBS; las opciones terapéuticas más utilizadas han sido el ácido fólico, la hidroxicobalamina y la betaína. Conclusiones: A la vista de estos resultados, y en especial del escaso número de deficiencias de CBS detectadas, se concluye la necesidad de implantar el cribado neonatal para la homocistinuria clásica y asegurar la puesta en marcha del proceso diagnóstico oportuno en todos los pacientes de riesgo(AU)

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of homocystinuria in Spain and to establish the measures and mechanisms to ensure its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Material and methods: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire sent to 35 hospitals in which children and adult patients are treated. Results: Using the questionnaires submitted by 25 physicians from 16 centres, 75 patients were identified: 41 transsulphuration defects (one deceased), 27 remethylation (six deaths) and 7 without a syndromic diagnosis. The age at diagnosis varied widely, and 18 cases had more than one sibling affected. The more severe clinical manifestations involved the patients with remethylation defects. There was a high percentage of cognitive impairment, followed by lens diseases. Almost half of the patients had neurological disorders. There was increased vascular involvement in CBS-deficient adults. The therapeutic options most used were, folic acid, hydroxycobalamin and betaine. Conclusions: In view of these results and especially the small number of CBS deficiencies detected, we conclude that there is a need to introduce newborn screening for classical homocystinuria and ensure implementation of an appropriate diagnostic workup in all patients at risk(AU)

[Epidemiological study of the metabolic diseases with homocystinuria in Spain]. / Estudio epidemiológico de las enfermedades metabólicas con homocistinuria en España.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of homocystinuria in Spain and to establish the measures and mechanisms to ensure its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire sent to 35 hospitals in which children and adult patients are treated. RESULTS: Using the questionnaires submitted by 25 physicians from 16 centres, 75 patients were identified: 41 transsulphuration defects (one deceased), 27 remethylation (six deaths) and 7 without a syndromic diagnosis. The age at diagnosis varied widely, and 18 cases had more than one sibling affected. The more severe clinical manifestations involved the patients with remethylation defects. There was a high percentage of cognitive impairment, followed by lens diseases. Almost half of the patients had neurological disorders. There was increased vascular involvement in CBS-deficient adults. The therapeutic options most used were, folic acid, hydroxycobalamin and betaine. CONCLUSIONS: In view of these results and especially the small number of CBS deficiencies detected, we conclude that there is a need to introduce newborn screening for classical homocystinuria and ensure implementation of an appropriate diagnostic workup in all patients at risk.

Hypokinetic-rigid syndrome in children and inborn errors of metabolism.

Hypokinetic-rigid syndrome (HRS) or "parkinsonism" is rare in children. From a clinical point of view it is characterised by a group of signs in which hypokinesia (decreased number of movements), bradykinesia (slowness of movements), rigidity and rest tremor are the fundamental traits. Nervous system infections, immunomediated encephalitis, hypoxia and some drugs have been described as acquired or secondary causes of HRS in the paediatric age. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) comprise and important group regarding genetic causes. Main diseases causing HRS in children are neurotransmitter (biogenic amines) defects, metal storage diseases, energy metabolism disorders and lysosomal diseases. In general, in IEM, the HRS is associated to other neurological signs such as dykinesias, pyramidal signs, and psychomotor delay, is very rare in the neonatal period, tends to be more frequent in advanced stages of progressive diseases, and may respond to specific therapies. In particular, l-dopa + carbidopa can be a very effective treatment in neurotransmitter defects, whereas other disorders such as Wilson disease and some particular lysosomal disorders have different therapeutic possibilities. Furthermore, other genetic conditions in dopa-responsive and non-responsive HRS should be also considered, especially in juvenile parkinsonism. Through this review, a practical orientation for paediatric neurologists concerning clinical clues, diagnostic procedure and treatment of metabolic HRS will be provided.

Assessment of plasma ammonia and glutamine concentrations in urea cycle disorders.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between ammonia and glutamine used for metabolic control in inherited urea cycle disorders (UCD) in a large series of patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Paired plasma amino acid-ammonia data from 26 UCD patients were analyzed (n=921). RESULTS: Increased plasma glutamine values were consistently observed in UCD patients, despite normal plasma ammonia concentrations, especially for mitochondrial UCD. CONCLUSIONS: Further therapeutic efforts are probably needed to control increased glutamine values, considering their potentially neurotoxic effect.