Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Promising Era Emerges.

Juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder, which is frequently misdiagnosed due to low clinical suspicion and little knowledge about disease characteristics. More than 20 different genetic loci have been associated with both sporadic and familial juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Currently, almost 40% of cases have an identifiable monogenic basis; type 6, associated with FUS gene variants, is the most prevalent globally. Despite several upper motor neuron-dominant forms being generally associated with long-standing motor symptoms and slowly progressive course, certain subtypes with lower motor neuron-dominant features and early bulbar compromise lead to rapidly progressive motor handicap. For some monogenic forms, there is a well-established genotypic-phenotypic correlation. There are no specific biochemical and neuroimaging biomarkers for the diagnosis of juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. There are several inherited neurodegenerative and neurometabolic disorders which can lead to the signs of motor neuron impairment. This review emphasizes the importance of high clinical suspicion, assessment, and proper diagnostic work-up for juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Definitions, phenomenology, diagnosis, and management of the disorders of laughter and crying in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Consensus from ALS and Motor Neuron Disease Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology.

The spectrum of neuropsychiatric phenomena observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is wide and not fully understood. Disorders of laughter and crying stand among the most common manifestations. The aim of this study is to report the results of an educational consensus organized by the Brazilian Academy of Neurology to evaluate the definitions, phenomenology, diagnosis, and management of the disorders of laughter and crying in ALS patients. Twelve members of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology - considered to be experts in the field - were recruited to answer 12 questions about the subject. After exchanging revisions, a first draft was prepared. A face-to-face meeting was held in Fortaleza, Brazil on 9.23.22 to discuss it. The revised version was subsequently emailed to all members of the ALS Scientific Department from the Brazilian Academy of Neurology and the final revised version submitted for publication. The prevalence of pseudobulbar affect/pathological laughter and crying (PBA/PLC) in ALS patients from 15 combined studies and 3906 patients was 27.4% (N = 1070), ranging from 11.4% to 71%. Bulbar onset is a risk factor but there are limited studies evaluating the differences in prevalence among the different motor neuron diseases subtypes, including patients with and without frontotemporal dementia. Antidepressants and a combination of dextromethorphan and quinidine (not available in Brazil) are possible therapeutic options. This group of panelists acknowledge the multiple gaps in the current literature and reinforces the need for further studies.

O espectro de fenômenos neuropsiquiátricos observados na ELA é amplo e não completamente entendido. Desordens do riso e do choro estão entre as manifestações mais comuns. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar os resultados de um Consenso organizado pela Academia Brasileira de Neurologia para avaliar definições, fenomenologia, diagnóstico, e manejo dos distúrbios do riso e do choro em pacientes com ELA. Doze membros da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia ­ considerados experts na área ­ foram recrutados para responder 12 questões na temática. Depois da verificação das revisões, um primeiro manuscrito foi preparado. Após, foi realizado um encontro presencial em Fortaleza, Brasil, em 23/09/2022, para discussão do conteúdo. A versão revisada foi posteriormente enviada por e-mail para todos os membros do Departamento Científico de DNM/ELA da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia e a versão final revisada foi submetida para publicação. A prevalência da síndrome pseudobulbar em pacientes com ELA em 15 estudos combinados com 3906 pacientes foi de 27,4% (n = 1070), variando entre 11,4% e 71%. Início bulbar é um fator de risco, mas há limitados estudos avaliando as diferenças em prevalência entre os diferentes subtipos de Doença do Neurônio Motor, incluindo pacientes com e sem Demência Frontotemporal. Antidepressivos e uma combinação de dextrometorfana e quinidina (indisponíveis no Brasil) são opções terapêuticas possíveis. Esse grupo de panelistas reconhece as múltiplas demandas não atendidas na literatura atual e reforça a necessidade de futuros estudos.

Definitions, phenomenology, diagnosis, and management of the disorders of laughter and crying in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Consensus from ALS and Motor Neuron Disease Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology / Definições, fenomenologia, diagnóstico e manejo das desordens do riso e do choro em esclerose lateral amiotrófica (ELA): Consenso do Departamento Científico de ELA e Doença do Neurônio Motor da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia

Abstract The spectrum of neuropsychiatric phenomena observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is wide and not fully understood. Disorders of laughter and crying stand among the most common manifestations. The aim of this study is to report the results of an educational consensus organized by the Brazilian Academy of Neurology to evaluate the definitions, phenomenology, diagnosis, and management of the disorders of laughter and crying in ALS patients. Twelve members of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology - considered to be experts in the field - were recruited to answer 12 questions about the subject. After exchanging revisions, a first draft was prepared. A face-to-face meeting was held in Fortaleza, Brazil on 9.23.22 to discuss it. The revised version was subsequently emailed to all members of the ALS Scientific Department from the Brazilian Academy of Neurology and the final revised version submitted for publication. The prevalence of pseudobulbar affect/pathological laughter and crying (PBA/PLC) in ALS patients from 15 combined studies and 3906 patients was 27.4% (N = 1070), ranging from 11.4% to 71%. Bulbar onset is a risk factor but there are limited studies evaluating the differences in prevalence among the different motor neuron diseases subtypes, including patients with and without frontotemporal dementia. Antidepressants and a combination of dextromethorphan and quinidine (not available in Brazil) are possible therapeutic options. This group of panelists acknowledge the multiple gaps in the current literature and reinforces the need for further studies.

Resumo O espectro de fenômenos neuropsiquiátricos observados na ELA é amplo e não completamente entendido. Desordens do riso e do choro estão entre as manifestações mais comuns. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar os resultados de um Consenso organizado pela Academia Brasileira de Neurologia para avaliar definições, fenomenologia, diagnóstico, e manejo dos distúrbios do riso e do choro em pacientes com ELA. Doze membros da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia - considerados experts na área - foram recrutados para responder 12 questões na temática. Depois da verificação das revisões, um primeiro manuscrito foi preparado. Após, foi realizado um encontro presencial em Fortaleza, Brasil, em 23/09/2022, para discussão do conteúdo. A versão revisada foi posteriormente enviada por e-mail para todos os membros do Departamento Científico de DNM/ELA da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia e a versão final revisada foi submetida para publicação. A prevalência da síndrome pseudobulbar em pacientes com ELA em 15 estudos combinados com 3906 pacientes foi de 27,4% (n = 1070), variando entre 11,4% e 71%. Início bulbar é um fator de risco, mas há limitados estudos avaliando as diferenças em prevalência entre os diferentes subtipos de Doença do Neurônio Motor, incluindo pacientes com e sem Demência Frontotemporal. Antidepressivos e uma combinação de dextrometorfana e quinidina (indisponíveis no Brasil) são opções terapêuticas possíveis. Esse grupo de panelistas reconhece as múltiplas demandas não atendidas na literatura atual e reforça a necessidade de futuros estudos.

Myasthenia gravis in the complex scenario of LRBA-related immune dysregulation / Miastenia gravis no cenário clínico complexo das imunodesregulações relacionadas ao gene LRBA

Autoimmune diseases have been progressively recognized as a potential complication of primary immunodeficiency, especially for some genetic subtypes of common variable immunodeficiency. Although often associated with other autoimmune disorders, autoimmune myasthenia gravis is occasionally identified as a neuromuscular complication of primary immunodeficiency. We report the case of a Brazilian woman with common variable immunodeficiency-8 due to an LRBA variant, in which myasthenia gravis was identified in association with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody. Marked clinical improvement occurred after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

Doenças autoimunes foram progressivamente reconhecidas como complicações potenciais das imunodeficiências primárias, especialmente para alguns subtipos genéticos das imunodeficiências comuns variáveis. Embora se associe comumente a outras doenças autoimunes, a Miastenia gravis autoimune adquirida foi raramente associada como complicação neuromuscular de imunodeficiências primárias. É descrito neste artigo o caso de paciente brasileira do sexo feminino com diagnóstico de Imunodeficiência Comum Variável tipo 8 por variante no gene LRBA, na qual foi identificada Miastenia gravis em associação a anticorpos antirreceptor de acetilcolina. Ela evoluiu com marcante melhora clínica após a introdução de terapêutica com imunoglobulina endovenosa.

Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Childhood-Onset Demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth's Disease in Brazil.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth's disease (CMT) represents the most common inherited neuropathy. Most patients are diagnosed during late stages of disease course during adulthood. We performed a review of clinical, neurophysiological, and genetic diagnoses of 32 patients with genetically defined childhood-onset demyelinating CMT under clinical follow-up in a Brazilian Center for Neuromuscular Diseases from January 2015 to December 2019. The current mean age was 33.1 ± 18.3 years (ranging from 7 to 71 years) and mean age at defined genetic diagnosis was 36.1 ± 18.3 years. The mean age at onset was 6.1 ± 4.4 years. The most common initial complaint was bilateral pes cavus. The genetic basis included PMP22 duplication (CMT1A) ( n = 18), GJB1 (CMTX1) ( n = 5), MPZ (CMT1B) ( n = 3), FIG4 (CMT4J) ( n = 3), SH3TC2 (CMT4C) ( n = 1), PLEKHG5 (CMTRIC) ( n = 1), and PRX (CMT4F) ( n = 1). Almost all patients ( n = 31) presented with moderate or severe compromise in the CMT neuropathy score 2 with the highest values observed in CMT1B. Medical history disclosed obstructive sleep apnea ( n = 5), aseptic meningitis ( n = 1/ MPZ ), akinetic-rigid parkinsonism ( n = 1/ FIG4 ), and overlapping chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy ( n = 1/ MPZ ). Motor conduction block was detected in three individuals ( PMP22 , FIG4 , MPZ ). Acute denervation occurred in seven patients. Nonuniform demyelinating patterns were seen in four individuals (two CMT1A, one CMT1B, and one CMTX1). Abnormal cerebral white matter findings were detected in CMT1A and CMTX1, while hypertrophic roots were seen in CMT1A, CMT1B, and CMTX1. Our study emphasizes a relative oligogenic basis in childhood-onset demyelinating CMT and atypical findings may be observed especially in MPZ , PMP22 , and GJB1 gene variants.

Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: A practice review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis represents a rare and underdiagnosed inherited neurometabolic disorder due to homozygous or compound heterozygous variants involving the CYP27A1 gene. This bile acid metabolism disorder represents a key potentially treatable neurogenetic condition due to the wide spectrum of neurological presentations in which it most commonly occurs. Cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, spastic paraparesis, epilepsy, parkinsonism, cognitive decline, intellectual disability, and neuropsychiatric disturbances represent some of the most common neurological signs observed in this condition. Despite representing key features to increase diagnostic index suspicion, multisystemic involvement does not represent an obligatory feature and can also be under evaluated during diagnostic work-up. Chenodeoxycholic acid represents a well-known successful therapy for this inherited metabolic disease, however its unavailability in several contexts, high costs and common use in patients at late stages of disease course limit more favorable neurological outcomes for most individuals. This review article aims to discuss and highlight the most recent and updated knowledge regarding clinical, pathophysiological, neuroimaging, genetic and therapeutic aspects related to Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis.

The expanding clinical and genetic spectrum of alsin-related disorders: the first cohort of Brazilian patients.

There are three types of autosomal recessive disorders involving pathogenic variants in the ALS2 gene (OMIM*606352), infantile ascending hereditary spastic paraplegia (IAHSP), juvenile primary lateral sclerosis (JPLS) and juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (JALS), which are rare and related to retrograde degeneration of motor neurons. ALS2 pathogenic variants are distributed widely across the entire coding sequence and mostly result in a loss of protein function. Rarely, patients with JALS have been reported with lower motor neuron involvement. Here, we report the first Brazilian cohort (six patients) of JPLS with novel ALS2 pathogenic variants, and we propose an expanding clinical and genetic spectrum of alsin-related disorders. A review of the literature in PubMed from 2001 to September 2020 allowed us to identify 26 publications about the three different phenotypes caused by ALS2 variants (only case reports or families), encompassing 35 nonrelated families. We compiled data (sex, age, age at onset, first symptoms, atypical clinical features, molecular data, and clinical evolution (improvement or death)) from these studies and analyzed them in a general context on the basis of demographic features.

Immunosuppressors and immunomodulators in Neurology - Part I: a guide for management of patients underimmunotherapy.

For patients with autoimmune diseases, the risks and benefits of immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory treatment are a matter of continual concern. Knowledge of the follow-up routine for each drug is crucial, in order to attain better outcomes and avoid new disease activity or occurrence of adverse effects. To achieve control of autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs act on different pathways of the immune response. Knowledge of the mechanisms of action of these drugs and their recommended doses, adverse reactions and risks of infection and malignancy is essential for safe treatment. Each drug has a specific safety profile, and management should be adapted for different circumstances during the treatment. Primary prophylaxis for opportunistic infections and vaccination are indispensable steps during the treatment plan, given that these prevent potential severe infectious complications. General neurologists frequently prescribe immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs, and awareness of the characteristics of each drug is crucial for treatment success. Implementation of a routine before, during and after use of these drugs avoids treatment-related complications and enables superior disease control.

Immunosuppressors and immunomodulators in Neurology - Part I: a guide for management of patients underimmunotherapy / Imunossupressores e imunomoduladores em Neurologia - Parte I: um guia para o manejo de pacientes em imunoterapia

ABSTRACT For patients with autoimmune diseases, the risks and benefits of immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory treatment are a matter of continual concern. Knowledge of the follow-up routine for each drug is crucial, in order to attain better outcomes and avoid new disease activity or occurrence of adverse effects. To achieve control of autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs act on different pathways of the immune response. Knowledge of the mechanisms of action of these drugs and their recommended doses, adverse reactions and risks of infection and malignancy is essential for safe treatment. Each drug has a specific safety profile, and management should be adapted for different circumstances during the treatment. Primary prophylaxis for opportunistic infections and vaccination are indispensable steps during the treatment plan, given that these prevent potential severe infectious complications. General neurologists frequently prescribe immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs, and awareness of the characteristics of each drug is crucial for treatment success. Implementation of a routine before, during and after use of these drugs avoids treatment-related complications and enables superior disease control.

RESUMO Pacientes com doenças autoimunes exigem uma constante preocupação com os riscos e benefícios do tratamento imunossupressor ou imunomodulador. O conhecimento das rotinas no uso de cada uma dessas drogas é fundamental para o bom desfecho clínico, evitando a piora da doença ou efeitos colaterais. As drogas imunossupressoras e imunomoduladoras agem em diferentes pontos da resposta imunológica a fim de controlar a doença para qual são indicadas. O conhecimento do mecanismo de ação, principais posologias, efeitos adversos e os riscos de infecções e neoplasias relacionadas ao uso dessas medicações são fundamentais para um tratamento seguro. Cada uma delas apresenta um perfil específico de complicações e o manejo deve ser individualizado em diferentes cenários ao longo do seguimento do paciente. O uso de medicações para profilaxia primária de infecções e a vacinação são pontos essenciais no planejamento do tratamento, prevenindo potenciais complicações infecciosas ao longo do acompanhamento. O uso de imunossupressores e imunomoduladores é uma frequente realidade no dia-a-dia do neurologista, e o conhecimento das características de cada droga é crucial para o sucesso do tratamento. A realização de uma rotina antes, durante e depois do uso dessas medicações evita complicações relacionadas com o tratamento e alcança um melhor controle da doença.

Adult-onset non-5q proximal spinal muscular atrophy: a comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: Adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) represents an expanding group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to synthesize the main clinical, genetic, radiological, biochemical, and neurophysiological aspects related to the classical and recently described forms of proximal SMA. METHODS: The authors performed a non-systematic critical review summarizing adult-onset proximal SMA presentations. RESULTS: Previously limited to cases of SMN1-related SMA type 4 (adult form), this group has now more than 15 different clinical conditions that have in common the symmetrical and progressive compromise of lower motor neurons starting in adulthood or elderly stage. New clinical and genetic subtypes of adult-onset proximal SMA have been recognized and are currently target of wide neuroradiological, pathological, and genetic studies. CONCLUSIONS: This new complex group of rare disorders typically present with lower motor neuron disease in association with other neurological or systemic signs of impairment, which are relatively specific and typical for each genetic subtype.

Acute Hepatic Porphyria: Pathophysiological Basis of Neuromuscular Manifestations.

Acute hepatic porphyria represents a rare, underdiagnosed group of inherited metabolic disorders due to hereditary defects of heme group biosynthesis pathway. Most patients have their definite diagnosis after several years of complex and disabling clinical manifestations and commonly after life-threatening acute neurovisceral episodes or severe motor handicap. Many key studies in the last two decades have been performed and led to the discovery of novel possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and to the development of new therapeutic purposes, including small interfering RNA-based therapy, specifically driven to inhibit selectively delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase production and decrease the recurrence number of severe acute presentation for most patients. Several distinct mechanisms have been identified to contribute to the several neuromuscular signs and symptoms. This review article aims to present the current knowledge regarding the main pathophysiological mechanisms involved with the acute and chronic presentation of acute hepatic porphyria and to highlight the relevance of such content for clinical practice and in decision making about therapeutic options.

DRPLA: An unusual disease or an underestimated cause of ataxia in Brazil?

BACKGROUND: Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is a rare autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia caused by pathological expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the ATN1 gene. Most cases were described in patients from Japanese ancestry who presented with adult-onset progressive cerebellar ataxia associated with cognitive impairment, choreoathetosis and other movement disorders. DRPLA has been rarely described in Brazilian patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational multicentric study including six different Neurology Centers in Brazil. All patients with genetically confirmed diagnosis of DRPLA had their medical records evaluated and clinical, genetic and neuroimaging features were analyzed. RESULTS: We describe of eight Brazilian patients (5 male, 3 female) from four nuclear families with genetically confirmed DRPLA. The most common neurological features included cerebellar ataxia (n = 7), dementia (n = 3), chorea (n = 2), psychiatric disturbances (n = 2), progressive myoclonic epilepsy (n = 2) and severe bulbar signs (n = 1). Progressive myoclonic epilepsy was observed in two juvenile-onset cases before 20-year. A large CAG trinucleotide length was observed in the two juvenile-onset cases and genetic anticipation was observed in all cases. Neuroimaging studies disclosed cerebellar atrophy (n = 6), as well as brainstem and cerebellar atrophy (n = 2) and leukoencephalopathy (n = 1). CONCLUSION: The patients described herein reinforce that clinical features of DRPLA are highly influenced by age of onset, genetic anticipation and CAG repetition lengths. There is a large complex spectrum of neurological features associated with DRPLA, varying from pure cerebellar ataxia to dementia associated with other movement disorders (myoclonus, choreoathetosis). DRPLA is an unusual cause of cerebellar ataxia and neurodegeneration in Brazilian patients.

Adult-onset non-5q proximal spinal muscular atrophy: a comprehensive review / Atrofia muscular espinhal não-5q proximal de início no adulto: uma revisão abrangente

Abstract Background: Adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) represents an expanding group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders in clinical practice. Objective: This review aims to synthesize the main clinical, genetic, radiological, biochemical, and neurophysiological aspects related to the classical and recently described forms of proximal SMA. Methods: The authors performed a non-systematic critical review summarizing adult-onset proximal SMA presentations. Results: Previously limited to cases of SMN1-related SMA type 4 (adult form), this group has now more than 15 different clinical conditions that have in common the symmetrical and progressive compromise of lower motor neurons starting in adulthood or elderly stage. New clinical and genetic subtypes of adult-onset proximal SMA have been recognized and are currently target of wide neuroradiological, pathological, and genetic studies. Conclusions: This new complex group of rare disorders typically present with lower motor neuron disease in association with other neurological or systemic signs of impairment, which are relatively specific and typical for each genetic subtype.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Atrofia muscular espinhal (AME) de início no adulto representa um grupo de doenças neurodegenerativas hereditárias em expansão na prática clínica. Objetivo: Este artigo de revisão sintetiza os principais aspectos clínicos, genéticos, radiológicos, bioquímicos e neurofisiológicos relacionados às formas clássicas e recentemente descritas de AME proximal do adulto. Métodos: Os autores realizaram uma revisão crítica não sistemática descrevendo as principais apresentações de AME proximal de início no adulto. Resultados: Previamente restrito às apresentações de AME tipo 4 associada ao gene SMN1, este grupo atualmente envolve mais de 15 diferentes condições clínicas que compartilham entre si a presença de comprometimento progressivo e simétrico do neurônio motor inferior se iniciando no adulto ou no idoso. Novos subtipos clínicos e genéticos de AME proximal de início no adulto foram reconhecidas e são alvos atuais de estudos direcionados a aspectos neurorradiológicos, patológicos e genéticos. Conclusões: Este novo grupo complexo de doenças raras tipicamente se apresenta com doença do neurônio motor inferior em associação com outros sinais de comprometimento neurológico ou sistêmico, os quais apresentam padrões relativamente específicos para cada subtipo genético.

Progressive spastic tetraplegia and axial hypotonia (STAHP) due to SOD1 deficiency: is it really a new entity?

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, progressive, and fatal neurodegenerative disease due to upper and lower motor neuron involvement with symptoms classically occurring in adulthood with an increasing recognition of juvenile presentations and childhood neurodegenerative disorders caused by genetic variants in genes related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The main objective of this study is detail clinical, radiological, neurophysiological, and genetic findings of a Brazilian cohort of patients with a recent described condition known as Spastic Tetraplegia and Axial Hypotonia (STAHP) due to SOD1 deficiency and compare with other cases described in the literature and discuss whether the clinical picture related to SOD1 protein deficiency is a new entity or may be represent a very early-onset form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. METHODS: We conducted a case series report which included retrospective data from five Brazilian patients with SOD1 protein deficiency of a Brazilian reference center for Neuromuscular Disorders. Clinical data were obtained from a review of the medical records and descriptive statistics and variables were summarized using counts and percentages of the total population. RESULTS: All 5 patients presented with a childhood-onset neurodegenerative disorders characterized by spastic tetraplegia with axial hypotonia in all cases, with gestational history showing polyhydramnios in 4/5 and intrauterine growth restriction in 3/5 patients, with most patients initially presenting a normal motor development until the six month of life or during the first year followed by a rapidly progressive motor decline with severe dysphagia and respiratory insufficiency in all patients accompanied by cognitive impairment in 3/5 patients. All patients were homozygous for the c.335dupG (p.Cys112Trpfs*11) mutation in the SOD1 gene with completely decreased enzyme activity. CONCLUSIONS: This case series is the biggest data collection of the new recent clinical entity described as Spastic Tetraplegia and Axial Hypotonia (STAHP) due to SOD1 deficiency.