Where there is no genetic counselor: An online decision-aid supports the majority of parents' diagnostic genomic testing choices for their children.

PURPOSE: We evaluated DECIDE, an online pre-test decision-support tool for diagnostic genomic testing, in non-genetics specialty clinics where there are no genetic counselors (GCs). METHODS: Families of children offered genomic testing were eligible to participate. Fifty-six parents/guardians completed DECIDE at home, at their convenience. DECIDE includes an integrated knowledge quiz and decisional conflict screen. Six months later, parents were offered follow-up questionnaires and interviews about their experiences. RESULTS: Forty parents (71%) had sufficient knowledge and no decisional conflict surrounding their testing decision but six of this group had residual questions. These six, plus 16 with decisional conflict or insufficient knowledge, saw a genetic counselor. At follow-up, little-to-no decisional regret and few negative emotions were identified in any parents. Most chose testing and described their decision as easy, yet stressful, and described many motivations for sequencing. Parents appreciated the simple comprehensive information DECIDE provided and the ability to view it in a low stress environment. CONCLUSION: DECIDE provides adequate decision-support to enable most parents to make value-consistent choices about genetic testing for their child. Parents reported that DECIDE helped to clarify motivations for pursuing (or declining) testing. DECIDE is a timely, well tested, and accessible tool in clinical settings without GCs.

De novo stop-loss variants in CLDN11 cause hypomyelinating leukodystrophy.

Claudin-11, a tight junction protein, is indispensable in the formation of the radial component of myelin. Here, we report de novo stop-loss variants in the gene encoding claudin-11, CLDN11, in three unrelated individuals presenting with an early-onset spastic movement disorder, expressive speech disorder and eye abnormalities including hypermetropia. Brain MRI showed a myelin deficit with a discrepancy between T1-weighted and T2-weighted images and some progress in myelination especially involving the central and peripheral white matter. Exome sequencing identified heterozygous stop-loss variants c.622T>C, p.(*208Glnext*39) in two individuals and c.622T>G, p.(*208Gluext*39) in one individual, all occurring de novo. At the RNA level, the variant c.622T>C did not lead to a loss of expression in fibroblasts, indicating this transcript is not subject to nonsense-mediated decay and most likely translated into an extended protein. Extended claudin-11 is predicted to form an alpha helix not incorporated into the cytoplasmic membrane, possibly perturbing its interaction with intracellular proteins. Our observations suggest that stop-loss variants in CLDN11 expand the genetically heterogeneous spectrum of hypomyelinating leukodystrophies.

Secondary biogenic amine deficiencies: genetic etiology, therapeutic interventions, and clinical effects.

Monoamine neurotransmitter disorders present predominantly with neurologic features, including dystonic or dyskinetic cerebral palsy and movement disorders. Genetic conditions that lead to secondary defects in the synthesis, catabolism, transport, and metabolism of biogenic amines can lead to neurotransmitter abnormalities, which can present with similar features. Eleven patients with secondary neurotransmitter abnormalities were enrolled between 2011 and 2015. All patients underwent research-based whole exome and/or whole genome sequencing (WES/WGS). A trial of treatment with levodopa/carbidopa and 5-hydroxytryptophan was initiated. In six families with abnormal neurotransmitter profiles and neurological phenotypes, variants in known disease-causing genes (KCNJ6, SCN2A, CSTB in 2 siblings, NRNX1, KIF1A and PAK3) were identified, while one patient had a variant of uncertain significance in a candidate gene (DLG4) that may explain her phenotype. In 3 patients, no compelling candidate genes were identified. A trial of neurotransmitter replacement therapy led to improvement in motor and behavioral symptoms in all but two patients. The patient with KCNJ6 variant did not respond to L-dopa therapy, but rather experienced increased dyskinetic movements even at low dose of medication. The patient's symptoms harboring the NRNX1 deletion remained unaltered. This study demonstrates the utility of genome-wide sequencing in further understanding the etiology and pathophysiology of neurometabolic conditions, and the potential of secondary neurotransmitter deficiencies to serve as novel therapeutic targets. As there was a largely favorable response to therapy in our case series, a careful trial of neurotransmitter replacement therapy should be considered in patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) monoamines below reference range.

JARID2 haploinsufficiency is associated with a clinically distinct neurodevelopmental syndrome.

PURPOSE: JARID2, located on chromosome 6p22.3, is a regulator of histone methyltransferase complexes that is expressed in human neurons. So far, 13 individuals sharing clinical features including intellectual disability (ID) were reported with de novo heterozygous deletions in 6p22-p24 encompassing the full length JARID2 gene (OMIM 601594). However, all published individuals to date have a deletion of at least one other adjoining gene, making it difficult to determine if JARID2 is the critical gene responsible for the shared features. We aim to confirm JARID2 as a human disease gene and further elucidate the associated clinical phenotype. METHODS: Chromosome microarray analysis, exome sequencing, and an online matching platform (GeneMatcher) were used to identify individuals with single-nucleotide variants or deletions involving JARID2. RESULTS: We report 16 individuals in 15 families with a deletion or single-nucleotide variant in JARID2. Several of these variants are likely to result in haploinsufficiency due to nonsense-mediated messenger RNA (mRNA) decay. All individuals have developmental delay and/or ID and share some overlapping clinical characteristics such as facial features with those who have larger deletions involving JARID2. CONCLUSION: We report that JARID2 haploinsufficiency leads to a clinically distinct neurodevelopmental syndrome, thus establishing gene-disease validity for the purpose of diagnostic reporting.

Atypical cerebral palsy: genomics analysis enables precision medicine.

PURPOSE: The presentation and etiology of cerebral palsy (CP) are heterogeneous. Diagnostic evaluation can be a prolonged and expensive process that might remain inconclusive. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic yield and impact on management of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 50 individuals with atypical CP (ACP). METHODS: Patient eligibility criteria included impaired motor function with onset at birth or within the first year of life, and one or more of the following: severe intellectual disability, progressive neurological deterioration, other abnormalities on neurological examination, multiorgan disease, congenital anomalies outside of the central nervous system, an abnormal neurotransmitter profile, family history, brain imaging findings not typical for cerebral palsy. Previous assessment by a neurologist and/or clinical geneticist, including biochemical testing, neuroimaging, and chromosomal microarray, did not yield an etiologic diagnosis. RESULTS: A precise molecular diagnosis was established in 65% of the 50 patients. We also identified candidate disease genes without a current OMIM disease designation. Targeted intervention was enabled in eight families (~15%). CONCLUSION: NGS enabled a molecular diagnosis in ACP cases, ending the diagnostic odyssey, improving genetic counseling and personalized management, all in all enhancing precision medicine practices.

Child and family experiences with inborn errors of metabolism: a qualitative interview study with representatives of patient groups.

BACKGROUND: Patient-centered health care for children with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) and their families is important and requires an understanding of patient experiences, needs, and priorities. IEM-specific patient groups have emerged as important voices within these rare disease communities and are uniquely positioned to contribute to this understanding. We conducted qualitative interviews with IEM patient group representatives to increase understanding of patient and family experiences, needs, and priorities and inform patient-centered research and care. METHODS: We developed a sampling frame of patient groups representing IEM disease communities from Canada, the United States, and United Kingdom. With consent, we interviewed participants to explore their views on experiences, needs, and outcomes that are most important to children with IEM and their families. We analyzed the data using a qualitative descriptive approach to identify key themes and sub-themes. RESULTS: We interviewed 18 organizational representatives between February 28 and September 17, 2014, representing 16 IEMs and/or disease categories. Twelve participants voluntarily self-identified as parents and/or were themselves patients. Three key themes emerged from the coded data: managing the uncertainty associated with raising and caring for a child with a rare disease; challenges associated with the affected child's life transitions, and; the collective struggle for improved outcomes and interventions that rare disease communities navigate. CONCLUSION: Health care providers can support children with IEM and their families by acknowledging and reducing uncertainty, supporting families through children's life transitions, and contributing to rare disease communities' progress toward improved interventions, experiences, and outcomes.

Long-term developmental progression in infants and young children taking sapropterin for phenylketonuria: a two-year analysis of safety and efficacy.

PURPOSE: Sapropterin is an oral synthetic formulation of tetrahydrobiopterin prescribed as adjunctive therapy for phenylketonuria. The efficacy of sapropterin in reducing blood phenylalanine levels has been demonstrated in clinical studies of individuals with phenylketonuria older than 4 years of age. Its effect on neurocognitive functioning in younger children has not been examined. METHODS: A 2-year interim analysis of blood phenylalanine levels, prescribed dietary phenylalanine intake, and neurocognitive functioning was performed in children who started receiving sapropterin at 0-6 years of age and responded with a ≥30% mean blood phenylalanine reduction. Children were evaluated at baseline and 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Sapropterin had a favorable safety profile and lowered blood phenylalanine levels with increased prescribed dietary phenylalanine intakes. Mean full-scale intelligence quotient was 103 ± 12 at baseline and 104 ± 10 at 2-year follow-up (P = 0.50, paired t-test, n = 25). For children younger than 30 months of age, the cognitive composite score from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, remained within the average range. CONCLUSION: Sapropterin had a favorable safety profile, was effective in lowering blood phenylalanine levels while clinically requiring dietary adjustment, resulting in increased phenylalanine intake, and preserved neurocognitive performance in children who started therapy between 0 and 6 years of age.

Health economic evaluation of plasma oxysterol screening in the diagnosis of Niemann-Pick Type C disease among intellectually disabled using discrete event simulation.

BACKGROUND: Recently a less invasive method of screening and diagnosing Niemann-Pick C (NP-C) disease has emerged. This approach involves the use of a metabolic screening test (oxysterol assay) instead of the current practice of clinical assessment of patients suspected of NP-C (review of medical history, family history and clinical examination for the signs and symptoms). Our objective is to compare costs and outcomes of plasma oxysterol screening versus current practice in diagnosis of NP-C disease among intellectually disabled (ID) patients using decision-analytic methods. METHODS: A discrete event simulation model was conducted to follow ID patients through the diagnosis and treatment of NP-C, forecast the costs and effectiveness for a cohort of ID patients and compare the outcomes and costs in two different arms of the model: plasma oxysterol screening and routine diagnosis procedure (anno 2013) over 5 years of follow up. Data from published sources and clinical trials were used in simulation model. Unit costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were discounted at a 3% annual rate in the base case analysis. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The outcomes of the base case model showed that using plasma oxysterol screening for diagnosis of NP-C disease among ID patients is a dominant strategy. It would result in lower total cost and would slightly improve patients' quality of life. The average amount of cost saving was $3642 CAD and the incremental QALYs per each individual ID patient in oxysterol screening arm versus current practice of diagnosis NP-C was 0.0022 QALYs. Results of sensitivity analysis demonstrated robustness of the outcomes over the wide range of changes in model inputs. CONCLUSION: Whilst acknowledging the limitations of this study, we conclude that screening ID children and adolescents with oxysterol tests compared to current practice for the diagnosis of NP-C is a dominant strategy with clinical and economic benefits. The less costly, more sensitive and specific oxysterol test has potential to save costs to the healthcare system while improving patients' quality of life and may be considered as a routine tool in the NP-C diagnosis armamentarium for ID. Further research is needed to elucidate its effectiveness in patients presenting characteristics other than ID in childhood and adolescence.

Scoping review of patient- and family-oriented outcomes and measures for chronic pediatric disease.

BACKGROUND: Improvements in health care for children with chronic diseases must be informed by research that emphasizes outcomes of importance to patients and families. To support a program of research in the field of rare inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), we conducted a broad scoping review of primary studies that: (i) focused on chronic pediatric diseases similar to IEM in etiology or manifestations and in complexity of management; (ii) reported patient- and/or family-oriented outcomes; and (iii) measured these outcomes using self-administered tools. METHODS: We developed a comprehensive review protocol and implemented an electronic search strategy to identify relevant citations in Medline, EMBASE, DARE and Cochrane. Two reviewers applied pre-specified criteria to titles/abstracts using a liberal accelerated approach. Articles eligible for full-text review were screened by two independent reviewers with discrepancies resolved by consensus. One researcher abstracted data on study characteristics, patient- and family-oriented outcomes, and self-administered measures. Data were validated by a second researcher. RESULTS: 4,118 citations were screened with 304 articles included. Across all included reports, the most-represented diseases were diabetes (35%), cerebral palsy (23%) and epilepsy (18%). We identified 43 unique patient- and family-oriented outcomes from among five emergent domains, with mental health outcomes appearing most frequently. The studies reported the use of 405 independent self-administered measures of these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patient- and family-oriented research investigating chronic pediatric diseases emphasizes mental health and appears to be relatively well-developed in the diabetes literature. Future research can build on this foundation while identifying additional outcomes that are priorities for patients and families.

Overexpression of recombinant human antiquitin in E. coli: partial enzyme activity in selected ALDH7A1 missense mutations associated with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy.

Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by early onset seizures responsive to pyridoxine and caused by a defect in the α-aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (antiquitin) gene (ALDH7A1). We selected four PDE-associated missense ALDH7A1 mutations, p.V367F, p.F410L, p.Q425R, and p.C450S, generated them in a recombinant human antiquitin cDNA with expression in E. coli at either 30°C or 37°C. One mutation, p.C450S, demonstrated substantial activity after expression at both temperatures, potentially contributing to milder biochemical and clinical phenotypes. The p.Q425R mutation yielded no activity at either temperature. The other two mutations yielded significant enzymatic activity at 30°C and markedly reduced activity at 37°C. For these latter three mutations, the markedly reduced or absent enzymatic activity resulting from expression at 37°C may be consistent with pathogenicity.

The metabolic evaluation of the child with an intellectual developmental disorder: diagnostic algorithm for identification of treatable causes and new digital resource.

Intellectual developmental disorders (IDD), characterized by significant impairment of cognitive functions, with limitations of learning, adaptive behavior and skills, are frequent (2.5% of the population affected) and present with significant co-morbidity. The burden of IDD, in terms of emotional suffering and associated health care costs, is significant; prevention and treatment therefore are important. A systematic literature review, updated in 2013, identified 89 inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), which present with IDD as prominent feature and are amenable to causal therapy. Therapeutic effects include improvement and/or stabilization of psychomotor/cognitive development, behavior/psychiatric disturbances, seizures, neurologic and systemic manifestations. The levels of available evidence for the various treatments range from Level 1b, c (n=5); Level 2a, b, c (n=14); Level 4 (n=53), and Levels 4-5 (n=27). For a target audience comprising clinical and biochemical geneticists, child neurologists and developmental pediatricians, five experts translated....this data into a 2-tiered diagnostic algorithm: The first tier comprises metabolic "screening" tests in urine and blood, which are relatively accessible, affordable, less invasive, and have the potential to identify 60% of all treatable IEMs. The second tier investigations for the remaining disorders are ordered based on individual clinical signs and symptoms. This algorithm is supported by an App www.treatable-id.org, which comprises up-to-date information on all 89 IEMs, relevant diagnostic tests, therapies and a search function based on signs and symptoms. These recommendations support the clinician in early identification of treatable IEMs in the child with IDD, allowing for timely initiation of therapy with the potential to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. The need for future studies to determine yield and usefulness of these recommendations, with subsequent updates and improvements to developments in the field, is outlined.

Morquio B disease: a case report.

Mucopolysaccharidosis IV type B, or Morquio B disease (MBD), is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a genetic mutation in GLB1 gene encoding for ß-galactosidase on chromosome 3p22.33. ß-galactosidase deficiency can result in two different conditions, GM1 gangliosidosis and MBD, of which MBD has a milder phenotype and presents later in life with keratan sulfate accumulation in the retina and cartilage. In this case report, we present a patient diagnosed with MBD at the age of 5 after initially presenting with Morquio dysostosis multiplex and characteristic radiographic findings. Genetic testing confirmed that the patient has ß-galactosidase deficiency due to mutation W273l/N484K on GLB1 gene. The patient exhibited elevated mucopolysaccharide levels in urine at 18 mg/mmol and demonstrated an abnormal band pattern of urine oligosaccharides on electrophoresis. The activity of ß-galactosidase in his white blood cells was reduced to 12.3 nmol/h/mg protein. At the time of diagnosis, the patient did not present with gait and ambulation issues, but his ability to walk progressively deteriorated in his adolescence as a result of instability and pain in the ankle, knee, and hip joints, accompanied by a global decrease in muscle strength. This case report is the first in the literature to provide an in-depth exploration of the orthopedic treatment and follow-up received by a young adolescent with MBD to provide symptom relief and improve walking ability.

Impact of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in glycogen storage disease type Ib: A single-subject research design using 13C-glucose breath test.

Background: Glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSD Ib) is an autosomal recessively inherited deficiency of the glucose-6-phosphate translocase (G6PT). Clinical features include a combination of a metabolic phenotype (fasting hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, hepatomegaly) and a hematologic phenotype with neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction. Dietary treatment involves provision of starches such as uncooked cornstarch (UCCS) and Glycosade® to provide prolonged enteral supply of glucose. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is the treatment of choice for neutropenia. Because long-term stimulation of hematopoiesis with G-CSF causes serious complications such as splenomegaly, hypersplenism, and osteopenia; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been considered in some patients with GSD Ib to correct neutropenia and avoid G-CSF related adverse effects. Whether HSCT also has an effect on the metabolic phenotype and utilization of carbohydrate sources has not been determined. Objective: Our objective was to measure the utilization of starch in a patient with GSD Ib before and after HSCT using the minimally invasive 13C-glucose breath test (13C-GBT). Design: A case of GSD Ib (18y; female) underwent 13C-GBT four times: UCCS (pre-HSCT), UCCS (3, 5 months post-HSCT) and Glycosade® (6 months post-HSCT) with a dose of 80 g administered via nasogastric tube after a 4 h fast according to our patient's fasting tolerance. Breath samples were collected at baseline and every 30 min for 240 min. Rate of CO2 production was measured at 120 min using indirect calorimetry. Finger-prick blood glucose was measured using a glucometer hourly to test hypoglycemia (glucose <4 mmol/L). Biochemical and clinical data were obtained from the medical records as a post-hoc chart review. Results: UCCS utilization was significantly higher in GSD Ib pre-HSCT, which reduced and stabilized 5 months post-HSCT. UCCS and Glycosade® utilizations were low and not different at 5 and 6 months post-HSCT. Blood glucose concentrations were not significantly different at any time point. Conclusions: Findings show that HSCT stabilized UCCS utilization, as reflected by lower and stable glucose oxidation. The results also illustrate the application of 13C-GBT to examine glucose metabolism in response to various carbohydrate sources after other treatment modalities like HSCT in GSD Ib.

Use of dexamethasone in acute rhabdomyolysis in LPIN1 deficiency.

Introduction: LPIN1 deficiency is an autosomal recessive form of early childhood recurrent severe rhabdomyolysis. Although not completely lucid yet, LPIN1 has been shown to modulate endosomal-related pro-inflammatory responses via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). Treatment with anti-inflammatory agents such as dexamethasone has been proposed to improve the outcome. Case: We report a male toddler with recurrent episodes of complicated rhabdomyolysis, requiring prolonged intensive care unit admissions. Whole exome sequencing revealed a common homozygous 1.7 kb intragenic deletion in LPIN1. Despite optimal metabolic cares, the patient presented with an extremely high CK level where he benefited from intravenous dexamethasone (0.6 mg/Kg/day) for a period of 6 days. Results: Dexamethasone administration shortened the course of active rhabdomyolysis, intensive care admission and rehabilitation. It also prevented rhabdomyolysis-related complications such as kidney injury and compartment syndrome. Conclusion: Our patient showed a favorable response to parenteral dexamethasone, in addition to hyperhydration with IV fluids, sufficient calorie intake, and restricted dietary fat. The improvement with corticosteroids suggests an uncontrolled inflammatory response as the pathophysiology of LPIN1 deficiency.

Generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell line from a patient with hypomyelinating leukodystrophy 22 (HLD22).

Hypomyelinating Leukodystrophy 22 (HLD22) is caused by a stoploss mutation in CLDN11. To study the molecular mechanisms underlying HLD22, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were generated from patient fibroblasts carrying the stop-loss mutation in CLDN11.

Treatable inborn errors of metabolism causing intellectual disability: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intellectual disability ('developmental delay' at age<5 years) affects 2.5% of population worldwide. Recommendations to investigate genetic causes of intellectual disability are based on frequencies of single conditions and on the yield of diagnostic methods, rather than availability of causal therapy. Inborn errors of metabolism constitute a subgroup of rare genetic conditions for which an increasing number of treatments has become available. To identify all currently treatable inborn errors of metabolism presenting with predominantly intellectual disability, we performed a systematic literature review. METHODS: We applied Cochrane Collaboration guidelines in formulation of PICO and definitions, and searched in Pubmed (1960-2011) and relevant (online) textbooks to identify 'all inborn errors of metabolism presenting with intellectual disability as major feature'. We assessed levels of evidence of treatments and characterised the effect of treatments on IQ/development and related outcomes. RESULTS: We identified a total of 81 'treatable inborn errors of metabolism' presenting with intellectual disability as a major feature, including disorders of amino acids (n=12), cholesterol and bile acid (n=2), creatine (n=3), fatty aldehydes (n=1); glucose homeostasis and transport (n=2); hyperhomocysteinemia (n=7); lysosomes (n=12), metals (n=3), mitochondria (n=2), neurotransmission (n=7); organic acids (n=19), peroxisomes (n=1), pyrimidines (n=2), urea cycle (n=7), and vitamins/co-factors (n=8). 62% (n=50) of all disorders are identified by metabolic screening tests in blood (plasma amino acids, homocysteine) and urine (creatine metabolites, glycosaminoglycans, oligosaccharides, organic acids, pyrimidines). For the remaining disorders (n=31) a 'single test per single disease' approach including primary molecular analysis is required. Therapeutic modalities include: sick-day management, diet, co-factor/vitamin supplements, substrate inhibition, stemcell transplant, gene therapy. Therapeutic effects include improvement and/or stabilisation of psychomotor/cognitive development, behaviour/psychiatric disturbances, seizures, neurologic and systemic manifestations. The levels of available evidence for the various treatments range from Level 1b,c (n=5); Level 2a,b,c (n=14); Level 4 (n=45), Level 4-5 (n=27). In clinical practice more than 60% of treatments with evidence level 4-5 is internationally accepted as 'standard of care'. CONCLUSION: This literature review generated the evidence to prioritise treatability in the diagnostic evaluation of intellectual disability. Our results were translated into digital information tools for the clinician (www.treatable-id.org), which are part of a diagnostic protocol, currently implemented for evaluation of effectiveness in our institution. Treatments for these disorders are relatively accessible, affordable and with acceptable side-effects. Evidence for the majority of the therapies is limited however; international collaborations, patient registries, and novel trial methodologies are key in turning the tide for rare diseases such as these.

Overexpression of human antiquitin in E. coli: enzymatic characterization of twelve ALDH7A1 missense mutations associated with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy.

Pyridoxine dependent epilepsy is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by early onset seizures responsive to pyridoxine and caused by a defect in the α-aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (antiquitin) gene (ALDH7A1). In order to characterize the effects of a series of twelve disease-associated ALDH7A1 missense mutations on antiquitin activity, we generated the mutations in a recombinant human antiquitin cDNA and expressed them in Escherichia coli. We developed an automated spectrophotometric assay of antiquitin enzymatic activity using the natural substrate α-aminoadipic semialdehyde. The substrate was generated using a recombinant lysine aminotransferase gene (lat) from Streptomyces clavuligerus. In the E. coli expression system all the mutants were stably expressed but lacked enzymatic activity. This is consistent with pathogenicity of these mutations in vivo.

Evaluation of two year treatment outcome and limited impact of arginine restriction in a patient with GAMT deficiency.

A 4-year-old female with history of developmental regression and autistic features was diagnosed with guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency at age 21 months. Upon treatment, she showed improvements in her developmental milestones, sensorial-neural hearing loss and brain atrophy on cranial-MRI. The creatine/choline ratio increased 82% in basal ganglia and 88% in white matter on cranial MR-spectroscopy. The CSF guanidinoacetate decreased 80% after six months of ornithine and creatine supplementation and an additional 8% after 18 months of additional arginine restricted diet. We report the most favorable clinical and biochemical outcome on treatment in our patient.

Lysine restricted diet for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy: first evidence and future trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dietary lysine restriction as an adjunct to pyridoxine therapy on biochemical parameters, seizure control, and developmental/cognitive outcomes in children with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) caused by antiquitin (ATQ) deficiency. METHODS: In this observational study, seven children with confirmed ATQ deficiency were started on dietary lysine restriction with regular nutritional monitoring. Biochemical outcomes were evaluated using pipecolic acid and α-aminoadipic semialdehyde (AASA) levels in body fluids; developmental/cognitive outcomes were evaluated using age-appropriate tests and parental observations. RESULTS: Lysine restriction was well tolerated with good compliance; no adverse events were reported. Reduction in biomarker levels (measurement of the last value before and first value after initiation of dietary lysine restriction) ranged from 20 to 67% for plasma pipecolic acid, 13 to 72% for urinary AASA, 45% for plasma AASA and 42% for plasma P6C. For the 1 patient in whom data were available and who showed clinical deterioration upon interruption of diet, cerebrospinal fluid levels decreased by 87.2% for pipecolic acid and 81.7% for AASA. Improvement in age-appropriate skills was observed in 4 out of 5 patients showing pre-diet delays, and seizure control was maintained or improved in 6 out 7 children. CONCLUSIONS: This observational study provides Level 4 evidence that lysine restriction is well tolerated with significant decrease of potentially neurotoxic biomarkers in different body compartments, and with the potential to improve developmental outcomes in children with PDE caused by ATQ deficiency. To generate a strong level of evidence before this potentially burdensome dietary therapy becomes the mainstay treatment, we have established: an international PDE consortium to conduct future studies with an all-inclusive integrated study design; a website containing up-to-date information on PDE; a methodological toolbox; and an online registry to facilitate the participation of interested physicians, scientists, and families in PDE research.

Cultural aspects in the management of inborn errors of metabolism.

European Health Care Systems have not yet accommodated both previous and current migration waves. Children from immigrant families, especially children with chronic conditions, are particularly affected from the shortcomings in medical care. One condition, phenylketonuria (PKU), is an inborn error of metabolism (IEM) which results in intellectual disability unless treated with a lifelong phenylalanine (Phe) restricted diet. In our PKU clinic, patients from families who previously had emmigrated from the geographic area of Turkey to Austria, exhibited worse blood Phe control and cognitive development than comparable patients from native Austrian families. Using structured and semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and illness narratives, we identified language, psychosocial, economic, educational and cultural barriers as factors influencing adherence to treatment. Our findings led us to conclude that access to interpreter services, exploration of the socio-cultural background and of family ecology, as well as bi-directional communication and medical decision making according to the "best interest of the child" principle, may improve outcomes in patients requiring complex treatment and care.