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Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Durch die Optimierung medizinischer Versorgungsstrukturen und die gravierenden Fortschritte bei der Entwicklung neuer Therapieverfahren wird ein Anstieg der Lebenserwartung bei Patienten mit neuromuskulären Erkrankungen beobachtet. Dies führt zu einer Erweiterung des phänotypischen Spektrums, wodurch neue bzw. bislang wenig relevante Krankheitsmanifestationen in unterschiedlichen Organsystemen an Bedeutung gewinnen. Die Betreuung jugendlicher und junger Erwachsener mit neuromuskulären Erkrankungen verlangt daher eine zunehmend enge interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit. Fragestellung Wie kann der Transitionsprozess von der Pädiatrie in die Erwachsenenmedizin so strukturiert werden, dass die einzelnen Fachdisziplinen effizient in den komplexen Behandlungs- und Versorgungsprozess eingebunden und die Lebensqualität der Patienten verbessert werden? Material und Methode An der Universitätsmedizin Essen wurde ein strukturierter Transitionsprozess etabliert. Exemplarisch wurde anhand des Morbus Pompe („late onset M. Pompe“ [LOPD]), der Duchenne-Muskeldystrophie (DMD) und der juvenilen Myasthenia gravis (jMG) ein entsprechendes Versorgungskonzept entwickelt. Dies umfasst vier Elemente: 1) Mit der Einführung klinikübergreifender SOPs („standard operating procedure“) werden die logistischen Abläufe sowie die diagnostischen und therapeutischen Maßnahmen einheitlich abgestimmt und der Transitionsprozess verbindlich festgelegt. 2) Um einen nahtlosen Übergang zu gewährleisten, werden junge Patienten vor Erreichen des 17. Geburtstages mit ihren Eltern im Zuge gemeinsamer Transitionssprechstunden betreut. Dies schafft die Möglichkeit des gegenseitigen Kennenlernens und der Bildung eines nachhaltigen Vertrauensverhältnisses. 3) Ein quartalsweise stattfindendes „Transitionsboard“ bringt die beteiligten Fachdisziplinen aus Kinder- und Erwachsenenmedizin für einen fallbezogenen interdisziplinären Austausch und eine stetige Optimierung des Transitionsprozesses regelmäßig zusammen. 4) Als gemeinsame Informationsplattform und Datengrundlage wurde eine klinikübergreifende „Transitionsdatenbank“, in der medizinische Befunde und Verlaufsparameter erfasst werden, implementiert. Schlussfolgerung Mit dem Essener Transitionsmodell soll die Versorgungslücke junger Patienten mit neuromuskulären Erkrankungen während der kritischen Übergangsphase von der Kinder- zur Erwachsenenmedizin geschlossen und die Grundlage für eine erfolgreiche Weiterbehandlung im Erwachsenenalter geschaffen werden.

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the natural course of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) in the pediatric population, with special emphasis on the risk of first and recurrent bleeding over a 5-year period. Methods: Our institutional database was screened for patients with CCM treated between 2003 and 2020. Patients ≤18 years of age with complete magnetic resonance imaging data set, clinical baseline characteristics, and ≥1 follow-up examination were included. Surgically treated individuals were censored after CCM removal. We assessed the impact of various parameters on first or recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at diagnosis using univariate and multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age and sex. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the cumulative 5-year risk for (re)hemorrhage. Results: One hundred twenty-nine pediatric patients with CCM were analyzed. Univariate logistic regression identified brain stem CCM (odds ratio, 3.15 [95% CI, 1.15−8.63]; P =0.026) and familial history of CCM (odds ratio, 2.47 [95% CI, 1.04−5.86]; P =0.041) as statistically significant predictors of ICH at diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed this correlation (odds ratio, 3.62 [95% CI, 1.18−8.99]; P =0.022 and odds ratio, 2.53 [95% CI, 1.07−5.98]; P =0.035, respectively). Cox regression analysis identified ICH as mode of presentation (hazard ratio, 14.01 [95% CI, 1.80−110.39]; P =0.012) as an independent predictor for rehemorrhage during the 5-year follow-up. The cumulative 5-year risk of (re)bleeding was 15.9% (95% CI, 10.2%−23.6%) for the entire cohort, 30.2% (20.2%−42.3%) for pediatric patients with ICH at diagnosis, and 29.5% (95% CI, 13.9%−51.1%) for children with brain stem CCM. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with brain stem CCM and familial history of CCM have a higher risk of ICH as mode of presentation. During untreated 5-year follow-up, they revealed a similar risk of (re)hemorrhage compared to adult patients. The probability of (re)bleeding increases over time, especially in cases with ICH at presentation or brain stem localization.

In utero exposure to maternal antibodies targeting the fetal acetylcholine receptor isoform (fAChR) can impair fetal movement, leading to arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). fAChR antibodies have also been implicated in apparently rare, milder myopathic presentations termed fetal acetylcholine receptor inactivation syndrome (FARIS). The full spectrum associated with fAChR antibodies is still poorly understood. Moreover, since some mothers have no myasthenic symptoms, the condition is likely underreported, resulting in failure to implement effective preventive strategies. Here we report clinical and immunological data from a multicenter cohort (n = 46 cases) associated with maternal fAChR antibodies, 29 novel and 17 previously reported with novel follow-up data. Remarkably, in 50% of mothers there was no previously established MG diagnosis. All mothers (n = 30) had AChR antibodies, and where tested, against the fAChR (binding to fAChR was often much greater than that to the adAChR). Offspring death occurred in 11/46 (23.9%) cases, mainly antenatally due to termination of pregnancy prompted by severe AMC (7/46, 15.2%) or, during early infancy mainly from respiratory failure (4/46, 8.7%). Weakness, contractures, bulbar and respiratory involvement were prominent early in life, but improved gradually over time. Facial (25/34; 73.5%) and variable peripheral weakness (14/32; 43.8%), velopharyngeal insufficiency (18/24; 75%) and feeding difficulties (16/36; 44.4%) were the most common sequelae in long-term survivors. Other unexpected features included hearing loss (12/32; 37.5%), diaphragmatic paresis (5/35; 14.3%), CNS involvement (7/40; 17.5%) and pyloric stenosis (3/37; 8.1%). Oral salbutamol used empirically in 16/37 (43.2%) offspring resulted in symptom improvement in 13/16 (81.3%). Combining our series with all previously published cases, we identified 21/85 mothers treated with variable combinations of immunotherapies (corticosteroids/IVIG/PLEX) during pregnancy either for maternal MG symptom control (12/21 cases) or for fetal protection (9/21 cases). Compared to untreated pregnancies (64/85), maternal treatment resulted in a significant reduction in offspring deaths (P We conclude that presentations due to in utero exposure to maternal (fetal) AChR antibodies are more common than currently recognised and may mimic a wide range of neuromuscular disorders. Considering the wide clinical spectrum and likely diversity of underlying mechanisms, we propose Fetal Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody-related Disorder (FARAD) as the most accurate term for these presentations. FARAD is vitally important to recognise, to institute appropriate management strategies for affected offspring and to improve outcomes in future pregnancies. Oral salbutamol is a symptomatic treatment option in survivors.

Filamin-A-interacting protein 1 (FILIP1) is a structural protein that is involved in neuronal and muscle function and integrity and interacts with FLNa and FLNc. Pathogenic variants in filamin-encoding genes have been linked to neurological disorders (FLNA) and muscle diseases characterized by myofibrillar perturbations (FLNC), but human diseases associated with FILIP1 variants have not yet been described. Here, we report on five patients from four unrelated consanguineous families with homozygous FILIP1 variants (two nonsense and two missense). Functional studies indicated altered stability of the FILIP1 protein carrying the p.[Pro1133Leu] variant. Patients exhibit a broad spectrum of neurological symptoms including brain malformations, neurodevelopmental delay, muscle weakness and pathology, and dysmorphic features. Electron and immunofluorescence microscopy on the muscle biopsy derived from the patient harbouring the homozygous p.[Pro1133Leu] missense variant revealed core-like zones of myofibrillar disintegration, autophagic vacuoles and accumulation of FLNc. Proteomic studies on the fibroblasts derived from the same patient showed dysregulation of a variety of proteins including FLNc and alpha-B-crystallin, a finding (confirmed by immunofluorescence) which is in line with the manifestation of symptoms associated with the syndromic phenotype of FILIP1opathy. The combined findings of this study show that the loss of functional FILIP1 leads to a recessive disorder characterized by neurological and muscular manifestations as well as dysmorphic features accompanied by perturbed proteostasis and myopathology.

Background: In juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), morphological characteristic features of distinct subgroups are not well defined. New treatment strategies require a precise diagnosis of the subgroups in IIM, and, therefore, knowledge about the pathomorphology of juvenile IIMs is warranted. Methods: Muscle biopsies from 15 patients (median age 8 (range 3–17) years, 73% female) with IIM and seven controls were analyzed by standard methods, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Detailed clinical and laboratory data were accessed retrospectively. Results: Proximal muscle weakness and skin symptoms were the main clinical symptoms. Dermatomyositis (DM) was diagnosed in 9/15, antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS) in 4/15, and overlap myositis (OM) in 2/15. Analysis of skeletal muscle tissues showed inflammatory cells and diffuse upregulation of MHC class I in all subtypes. Morphological key findings were COX-deficient fibers as a striking pathology in DM and perimysial alkaline phosphatase positivity in anti-Jo-1-ASyS. Vascular staining of the type 1 IFN-surrogate marker, MxA, correlated with endothelial tubuloreticular inclusions in both groups. None of these specific morphological findings were present in anti-PL7-ASyS or OM patients. Conclusions: Morphological characteristics discriminate IIM subtypes in juvenile patients, emphasizing differences in aetiopathogenesis and supporting the notion of individual and targeted therapeutic strategies.

BackgroundAbsent or abnormal senses of smell and taste have been frequently reported during both acute and long COVID in adult patients. In contrast, pediatric patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 are often asymptomatic and the loss of smell and/or taste has been infrequently reported. After observing several young patients with COVID-associated anosmia and ageusia at our clinic, we decided to investigate the incidence of subsequent eating disorders in these patients and in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients who did not experience anosmia and ageusia during the same period.Material and methodsA single-site retrospective cohort study of 84 pediatric patients with suspected long COVID who were treated in the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic at the University Hospital Essen were evaluated for persistent symptoms of COVID-19. Smell and taste dysfunction as well as eating behaviors were among the signs and symptoms analyzed in this study.Results24 out of 84 children and adolescents described smell and taste dysfunction after confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infections. A large number of these patients (6 out of 24) demonstrated increased fixation on their eating behavior post-COVID and over time these patients developed anorexia nervosa.Discussion/ConclusionIn this study we saw a possible association of long-lasting post-COVID smell and taste dysfunction with subsequent development of eating disorders. This observation is worrisome and merits further investigation by healthcare providers at multiple clinical sites.

AimAmplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is used to monitor electrocortical activity in critically ill children but age-specific reference values are lacking. We aimed to assess the impact of age and electrode position on aEEG amplitudes and derive normal values for pediatric aEEGs from neurologically healthy children.MethodsNormal EEGs from awake children aged 1 month to 17 years (213 female, 237 male) without neurological disease or neuroactive medication were retrospectively converted into aEEGs. Two observers manually measured the upper and lower amplitude borders of the C3 – P3, C4 – P4, C3 – C4, P3 – P4, and Fp1 – Fp2 channels of the 10–20 system. Percentiles (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th) were calculated for each age group (ResultsAmplitude heights and curves differed between channels without sex-specific differences. During the first 2 years of life, upper and lower amplitudes of all but the Fp1–Fp2 channel increased and then declined until 17 years. The decline of the upper Fp1–Fp2 amplitude began at 4 years, while the lower amplitude declined from the 1st year of life.ConclusionsaEEG interpretation must account for age and electrode positions but not for sex in infants and children.

AimAmplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is used to monitor electrocortical activity in critically ill children, but reference values are lacking for patients older than 3.5 months. We aimed to derive reference values for paediatric aEEGs from neurologically healthy children.MethodsNormal EEGs from awake children aged 1 month to 17 years (213 female, 237 male) without neurological disease or neuroactive medication were retrospectively converted into aEEGs. Two observers manually measured the upper and lower amplitude borders of the C3 – P3, C4 – P4, C3 – C4, P3 – P4, and Fp1 – Fp2 channels of the 10 – 20 system. Percentiles (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th) were calculated for each age group (< 1 year, 1 year, 2 – 5 years, 6 – 9 years, 10 – 13 years, 14 – 17 years).ResultsAmplitude heights and curves differed between channels without sex-specific differences. During the first 2 years of life, upper and lower amplitudes of all but the Fp1 – Fp2 channel increased and then declined until 17 years. The decline of the upper Fp1 – Fp2 amplitude began at four years, while the lower amplitude declined from the first year of life.InterpretationaEEG interpretation must account for age and electrode positions but not for sex in infants and children.What this paper adds-aEEG amplitudes increase in the first years of life and then decline.-aEEG amplitudes depend on electrode positions but not on sex.-aEEG interpretation must account for age and electrode positions.

The synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase 2 (SCO₂) gene encodes for a mitochondrial located metallochaperone essential for the synthesis of the cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit 2. Recessive mutations in SCO₂ have been reported in several cases with fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy with COX deficiency and in only four cases with axonal neuropathy. Here, we identified a homozygous pathogenic variant (c.361G > C; p.[Gly121Arg]) in SCO₂ in two brothers with isolated axonal motor neuropathy. To address pathogenicity of the amino acid substitution, biochemical studies were performed and revealed increased level of the mutant SCO₂-protein and dysregulation of COX subunits in leukocytes and moreover unraveled decrease of proteins involved in the manifestation of neuropathies. Hence, our combined data strengthen the concept of SCO₂ being causative for a very rare form of axonal neuropathy, expand its molecular genetic spectrum and provide first biochemical insights into the underlying pathophysiology.

Contains fulltext : 287938.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) INTRODUCTION: Neuroimmunological diseases such as autoimmune encephalitis (AE) or acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS), can present with neurological symptoms and imaging features that are indistinguishable from mitochondrial diseases (MD) in particular at initial presentation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the clinical, laboratory and neuroimaging features of five patients who presented with signs of a neuroimmunological disease but all had pathological pathogenic variants in genes related to mitochondrial energy metabolism. RESULTS: Four patients presented with an acute neurological episode reminiscent of a possible AE and one patient with a suspected ADS at initial presentation. MRI findings were compatible with neuroimmunological diseases in all patients. In two children cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies revealed a mildly elevated cell count, two had elevated CSF lactate, none had oligoclonal bands (OCBs). All patients improved rapidly with intravenous steroids or immunoglobulins. Four patients had one or more relapses. Three patients showed worsening of their neurological symptoms with subsequent episodes and one patient died. Relapses in conjunction with new and progressive neurological symptoms, led to additional work-up which finally resulted in different genetic diagnosis of MD in all patients (MT-TL1, MT-ND5, APOA1-BP, HPDL, POLG). DISCUSSION: We would like to draw attention to a subset of patients with MD initially presenting with signs and symptoms mimicking neuroimmunological. Absence of CSF pleocytosis, elevated CSF lactate and progressive, relapsing course should trigger further (genetic) investigations in search of a MD even in patients with good response initially to immunomodulating therapies.

Background and ObjectiveThe spectrum of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody–associated disorder (MOGAD) comprises monophasic diseases such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), optic neuritis (ON), and transverse myelitis and relapsing courses of these presentations. Persistently high MOG antibodies (MOG immunoglobulin G [IgG]) are found in patients with a relapsing disease course. Prognostic factors to determine the clinical course of children with a first MOGAD are still lacking. The objective of the study is to assess the clinical and laboratory prognostic parameters for a risk of relapse and the temporal dynamics of MOG‐IgG titers in children with MOGAD in correlation with clinical presentation and disease course.MethodsIn this prospective multicenter hospital-based study, children with a first demyelinating attack and complete data set comprising clinical and radiologic findings, MOG-IgG titer at onset, and clinical and serologic follow-up data were included. Serum samples were analyzed by live cell-based assay, and a titer level of ≥1:160 was classified as MOG-IgG–positive.ResultsOne hundred sixteen children (f:m = 57:59) with MOGAD were included and initially diagnosed with ADEM (n = 59), unilateral ON (n = 12), bilateral ON (n = 16), myelitis (n = 6), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (n = 8) or encephalitis (n = 6). The median follow-up time was 3 years in monophasic and 5 years in relapsing patients. There was no significant association between disease course and MOG-IgG titers at onset, sex, age at presentation, or clinical phenotype. Seroconversion to MOG-IgG–negative within 2 years of the initial event showed a significant risk reduction for a relapsing disease course. Forty-two/one hundred sixteen patients (monophasic n = 26, relapsing n = 16) had serial MOG-IgG testing in years 1 and 2 after the initial event. In contrast to relapsing patients, monophasic patients showed a significant decrease of MOG-IgG titers during the first and second years, often with seroconversion to negative titers. During the follow-up, MOG-IgG titers were persistently higher in relapsing than in monophasic patients. Decrease in MOG-IgG of ≥3 dilution steps after the first and second years was shown to be associated with a decreased risk of relapses. In our cohort, no patient experienced a relapse after seroconversion to MOG-IgG–negative.DiscussionIn this study, patients with declining MOG-IgG titers, particularly those with seroconversion to MOG-IgG–negative, are shown to have a significantly reduced relapse risk.

Juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG) is a rare, antibody-mediated disorder of the neuromuscular junction. Treatment strategies in JMG are largely informed by adult MG treatments as the pathophysiology is similar. Rituximab is increasingly considered as a treatment option in refractory JMG but has not yet been systematically investigated in this patient group We conducted a retrospective study from five international centres with expertise in paediatric myasthenia. 10 JMG patients treated with rituximab were identified. Following rituximab treatment all patients had a reduction in JMG-related hospital admissions. At 24 month follow up, 6 patients (60%) had achieved complete stable remission or pharmacological remission and 7 patients were able to reduce immunomodulatory treatment(s). The main side-effect was infusion-related reactions (30%) which resolved in all patients with symptomatic treatment. We compared our cohort to previously reported JMG cases treated with rituximab and noted similar response rates but a slightly higher side-effect profile. Rituximab is a safe and effective treatment option in moderate to severe JMG and most patients have an improvement in MG symptoms post treatment.

Background: Presynaptic forms of congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) due to pathogenic variants in SLC18A3 impairing the synthesis and recycling of acetylcholine (ACh) have recently been described. SLC18A3 encodes the vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT), modulating the active transport of ACh at the neuromuscular junction, and homozygous loss of VAChT leads to lethality. Methods: Exome sequencing (ES) was carried out to identify the molecular genetic cause of the disease in a 5-year-old male patient and histological, immunofluorescence as well as electron- and CARS-microscopic studies were performed to delineate the muscle pathology, which has so far only been studied in VAChT-deficient animal models. Results: ES unraveled compound heterozygous missense and nonsense variants (c.315G>A, p.Trp105* and c.1192G>C, p.Asp398His) in SLC18A3. Comparison with already-published cases suggests a more severe phenotype including impaired motor and cognitive development, possibly related to a more severe effect of the nonsense variant. Therapy with pyridostigmine was only partially effective while 3,4 diaminopyridine showed no effect. Microscopic investigation of the muscle biopsy revealed reduced fibre size and a significant accumulation of lipid droplets. Conclusions: We suggest that nonsense variants have a more detrimental impact on the clinical manifestation of SLC18A3-associated CMS. The impact of pathogenic SLC18A3 variants on muscle fibre integrity beyond the effect of denervation is suggested by the build-up of lipid aggregates. This in turn implicates the importance of proper VAChT-mediated synthesis and recycling of ACh for lipid homeostasis in muscle cells. This hypothesis is further supported by the pathological observations obtained in previously published VAChT-animal models.

Background: Long COVID (LC) is a diagnosis that requires exclusion of alternative somatic and mental diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of differential diagnoses in suspected pediatric LC patients and assess whether adult LC symptom clusters are applicable to pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: Pediatric presentations at the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital Essen (Germany) were assessed retrospectively. The correlation of initial symptoms and final diagnoses (LC versus other diseases or unclarified) was assessed. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of adult LC symptom clusters were calculated. Results: Of 110 patients, 32 (29%) suffered from LC, 52 (47%) were diagnosed with alternative somatic/mental diseases, and 26 (23%) remained unclarified. Combined neurological and respiratory clusters displayed a sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI 0.91–1.00) and a negative predictive value of 0.97 (0.92–1.00) for LC. Discussion/Conclusions: The prevalence of alternative somatic and mental diseases in pediatric patients with suspected LC is high. The range of underlying diseases is wide, including chronic and potentially life-threatening conditions. Neurological and respiratory symptom clusters may help to identify patients that are unlikely to be suffering from LC.

Background: Presynaptic forms of congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) due to pathogenic variants in SLC18A3 impairing the synthesis and recycling of acetylcholine (ACh) have recently been described. SLC18A3 encodes the vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT), modulating the active transport of ACh at the neuromuscular junction, and homozygous loss of VAChT leads to lethality. Methods: Exome sequencing (ES) was carried out to identify the molecular genetic cause of the disease in a 5-year-old male patient and histological, immunofluorescence as well as electron- and CARS-microscopic studies were performed to delineate the muscle pathology, which has so far only been studied in VAChT-deficient animal models. Results: ES unraveled compound heterozygous missense and nonsense variants (c.315G>A, p.Trp105* and c.1192G>C, p.Asp398His) in SLC18A3. Comparison with already-published cases suggests a more severe phenotype including impaired motor and cognitive development, possibly related to a more severe effect of the nonsense variant. Therapy with pyridostigmine was only partially effective while 3,4 diaminopyridine showed no effect. Microscopic investigation of the muscle biopsy revealed reduced fibre size and a significant accumulation of lipid droplets. Conclusions: We suggest that nonsense variants have a more detrimental impact on the clinical manifestation of SLC18A3-associated CMS. The impact of pathogenic SLC18A3 variants on muscle fibre integrity beyond the effect of denervation is suggested by the build-up of lipid aggregates. This in turn implicates the importance of proper VAChT-mediated synthesis and recycling of ACh for lipid homeostasis in muscle cells. This hypothesis is further supported by the pathological observations obtained in previously published VAChT-animal models.

Purpose: The study aimed to define the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of reversible acute liver failure (ALF) of infancy resulting from biallelic pathogenic TRMU variants and to determine the role of cysteine supplementation in its treatment. Methods: Individuals with biallelic (likely) pathogenic variants in TRMU were studied through an international retrospective collection of de-identified patient data. Results: In 62 individuals, including 30 previously unreported cases, we described 48 (likely) pathogenic TRMU variants, of which, 18 were novel. Of these 62 individuals, 42 were alive at a median age of 6.8 (0.6-22) years after a median follow up of 3.6 (0.1-22) years. The most frequent finding, occurring in all but 2 individuals, was liver involvement. ALF occurred only in the first year of life and was reported in 43 of 62 individuals, 11 of whom received liver transplantation. Loss-of-function TRMU variants were associated with poor survival. Supplementation with at least 1 cysteine source, typically N-acetylcysteine, improved survival significantly. Neurodevelopmental delay was observed in 11 individuals and persisted in 4 of the survivors, but we were unable to determine whether this was a primary or a secondary consequence of TRMU deficiency. Conclusion: In most patients, TRMU-associated ALF is a transient, reversible disease and cysteine supplementation improved survival. © 2022 The Authors, DMB-1805- 0002; 01GM1207; MR/S005021/1; G0800674; National Institutes of Health, NIH: 5U54-NS078059-11, 5U54-NS115198-02; Wellcome Trust, WT: 203105/Z/16/Z; PTC Therapeutics, PTC; Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, BRC; Medical Research Council, MRC: MR/W019027/1; Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland; National Health and Medical Research Council, NHMRC: GNT1155244, GNT1164479; Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF: 01GM1906B, 01KU2016A; Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; State Government of Victoria; Astellas Pharma; Bundesministerium für Bildung und Frauen, BMBF; Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, MUI; King Salman Center for Disability Research, KSCDR: RG-2022-010; Lily Foundation, The Chair in Genomic Medicine awarded to J.C. is generously supported by The Royal Children’s HospitalFoundation The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation . We are grateful to the Crane, Perkins, and Miller families for their generous financial support. We thank the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics for assistance with production and processing of genome sequencing data. This project was supported by the funding from MitoCanada ( https://mitocanada.org ) as part of the Mitochondrial Functional and Integrative Next Generation Diagnostics (MITO-FIND) study. This work was supported by the European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN). S.W. received funding from ERAPERMED2019-310 Personalized Mitochondrial Medicine (PerMiM): Optimizing diagnostics and treatment for patients with mitochondrial diseases FWF 4704-B. F.S.A. is funded by the National Institutes of Health along with the North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortia (5U54-NS078059-11), the Frontiers of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation Consortia (FCDGC, 5U54-NS115198-02), Mervar Foundation, Courage for a Cure Foundation , PTC Therapeutics , Astellas Pharma Inc, and Saol Therapeutics. R.M. and R.W.T. are funded by the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research (203105/Z/16/Z), the Mitochondrial Disease Patient Cohort (United Kingdom) (G0800674), the Medical Research Council International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Disease (MR/S005021/1), the Medical Research Council (MR/W019027/1), the Lily Foundation , the UK NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ageing and Age-related Disease award to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , and the UK NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders of Adults and Children. R.W.T. also receives funding from the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. J.C. is supported by a New South Wales Office of Health and Medical Research Council Sydney Genomics Collaborative grant. We acknowledge funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council ( NHMRC ): project grant GNT1164479 (D.R.T.) and Principal Research Fellowship GNT1155244 (D.R.T.). The research conducted at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute was supported by the Victorian Government’s Operational Infrastructure Support program. This study was supported by BMBF (German Federal Ministry of Education and Research ) through the German Network for Mitochondrial Diseases ([mitoNET] grant number 01GM1906B), Personalized Mitochondrial Medicine (PerMiM) (grant number 01KU2016A), and E-Rare project GENOMIT (grant number 01GM1207) and the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care within its framework of DigiMed Bayern (grant number DMB-1805- 0002). The authors extend their appreciation to the King Salman Center For Disability Research for funding this work through research group number RG-2022-010 (to F.S.A.), The Chair in Genomic Medicine awarded to J.C. is generously supported by The Royal Children's HospitalFoundationThe Royal Children's Hospital Foundation. We are grateful to the Crane, Perkins, and Miller families for their generous financial support. We thank the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics for assistance with production and processing of genome sequencing data. This project was supported by the funding from MitoCanada (https://mitocanada.org) as part of the Mitochondrial Functional and Integrative Next Generation Diagnostics (MITO-FIND) study. This work was supported by the European Reference Network for Hereditary Metabolic Disorders (MetabERN). S.W. received funding from ERAPERMED2019-310 Personalized Mitochondrial Medicine (PerMiM): Optimizing diagnostics and treatment for patients with mitochondrial diseases FWF 4704-B. F.S.A. is funded by the National Institutes of Health along with the North American Mitochondrial Disease Consortia (5U54-NS078059-11), the Frontiers of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation Consortia (FCDGC, 5U54-NS115198-02), Mervar Foundation, Courage for a CureFoundation, PTC Therapeutics, Astellas Pharma Inc, and Saol Therapeutics. R.M. and R.W.T. are funded by the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research (203105/Z/16/Z), the Mitochondrial Disease Patient Cohort (United Kingdom) (G0800674), the Medical Research Council International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Disease (MR/S005021/1), the Medical Research Council (MR/W019027/1), the LilyFoundation, the UK NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ageing and Age-related Disease award to the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the UK NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders of Adults and Children. R.W.T. also receives funding from the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. J.C. is supported by a New South Wales Office of Health and Medical Research Council Sydney Genomics Collaborative grant. We acknowledge funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC): project grant GNT1164479 (D.R.T.) and Principal Research Fellowship GNT1155244 (D.R.T.). The research conducted at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute was supported by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support program. This study was supported by BMBF (German Federal Ministry of Education and Research) through the German Network for Mitochondrial Diseases ([mitoNET] grant number 01GM1906B), Personalized Mitochondrial Medicine (PerMiM) (grant number 01KU2016A), and E-Rare project GENOMIT (grant number 01GM1207) and the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care within its framework of DigiMed Bayern (grant number DMB-1805- 0002). The authors extend their appreciation to the King Salman Center For Disability Research for funding this work through research group number RG-2022-010 (to F.S.A.), Conceptualization: G.F.V. S.W.; Data Curation: G.F.V. S.W. Y.M.-G. Y.E.L. R.G.F. J.A.M. H.B. L.D.S. H.Pr. A.Pec. F.S.A. J.J.B. G.B. I.B. N.B. B.B. J.C. E.C. D.C. A.M.D. N.D. A.D.M. F.D. E.A.E. M.E. W.F. P.G. R.D.G. E.G. C.H. J.H. V.K. M.Ko. M.Ke. A.K. D.L. R.M. M.G.M. K.Mo. T.M. K.Mu. E.N. A.Pen. H.Pe. D.P.-A. A.R. R.S. F.S. M.Sc. M.Shag. M.Shar. C.S.-A. C.S. I.S. M.St. R.W.T. D.R.T. E.L.T. J.-S.W. D.W.; Methodology: G.F.V. S.W. R.G.F. J.A.M.; Visualization: G.F.V. S.W. H.B. J.S.; Writing-original draft: G.F.V. S.W.; Writing-review and editing: G.F.V. S.W. Y.M.-G. Y.E.L. R.G.F. J.A.M. H.B. L.D.S. H.Pr. A.Pec. F.S.A. J.J.B. G.B. I.B. N.B. B.B. J.C. E.C. D.C. A.M.D. N.D. A.D.M. F.D. E.A.E. M.E. W.F. P.G. R.D.G. E.G. C.H. J.H. V.K. M.Ko. M.Ke. A.K. D.L. R.M. M.G.M. K.Mo. T.M. K.Mu. E.N. A.Pen. H.Pe. D.P.-A. A.R. R.S. F.S. M.Sc. M.Shag. M.Shar. C.S.-A. C.S. I.S. M.St. R.W.T. D.R.T. E.L.T. J.-S.W. D.W. This study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Institutional Review Board of the Medical University of Innsbruck and the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki.29 Participants gave written informed consent for genetic investigations according to local regulations.

Mutations in the SPATA5 gene are associated with epilepsy, hearing loss and mental retardation syndrome (EHLMRS). While SPATA5 is ubiquitously expressed and is attributed a role within mitochondrial morphogenesis during spermatogenesis, there is only limited knowledge about the associated muscular and molecular pathology. This study reports on a comprehensive workup of muscular pathology, including proteomic profiling and microscopic studies, performed on an 8-year-old girl with typical clinical presentation of EHLMRS, where exome analysis revealed two clinically relevant, compound-heterozygous variants in SPATA5. Proteomic profiling of a quadriceps biopsy showed the dysregulation of 82 proteins, out of which 15 were localized in the mitochondrion, while 19 were associated with diseases presenting with phenotypical overlap to EHLMRS. Histological staining of our patient’s muscle biopsy hints towards mitochondrial pathology, while the identification of dysregulated proteins attested to the vulnerability of the cell beyond the mitochondria. Through our study we provide insights into the molecular etiology of EHLMRS and provide further evidence for a muscle pathology associated with SPATA5 deficiency, including a pathological histochemical pattern accompanied by dysregulated protein expression.

Aims Variable degrees of inflammation, necrosis, regeneration and fibrofatty replacement are part of the pathological spectrum of the dystrophic process in alpha dystroglycanopathy LGMDR9 (FKRP-related, OMIM #607155), one of the most prevailing types of LGMDs worldwide. Inflammatory processes and their complex interplay with vascular, myogenic and mesenchymal cells may have a major impact on disease development. The purpose of our study is to describe the specific immune morphological features in muscle tissue of patients with LGMDR9 in order to enable a better understanding of the phenotype of muscle damage leading to disease progression. Methods We have analysed skeletal muscle biopsies of 17 patients genetically confirmed as having LGMDR9 by histopathological and molecular techniques. Results We identified CD206+ MHC class II+ and STAT6+ immune-repressed macrophages dominating the endomysial infiltrate in areas of myofibre regeneration and fibrosis. Additionally, PDGFRβ+ pericytes were located around MHC class II+ activated capillaries residing in close proximity to areas of fibrosis and regenerating fibres. Expression of VEGF was found on many regenerating neonatal myosin+ fibres myofibres and CD206+ macrophages also co-expressed VEGF. Conclusion Our results show characteristic immune inflammatory features in LGMDR9 and more specifically shed light on the predominant role of macrophages and their function in vascular organization, fibrosis and myogenesis. Understanding disease-specific immune phenomena potentially inform about possibilities for anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies, which may complement Ribitol replacement and gene therapies for LGMDR9 that may be available in the future.

MFSD2A, a member of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS), is a transmembrane transporter responsible for the uptake of specific essential fatty acids through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to the brain. The transporter is crucial for early embryonic brain development and a major factor in the formation and maintenance of the BBB. Mfsd2a-knockout mice show a leakage of the BBB in early embryonic stages and develop a phenotype characterized by microcephaly, cognitive impairment, and anxiety. So far, homozygous or compound heterozygous MFSD2A mutations in humans have only been reported in 13 different families with a total of 28 affected individuals. The phenotypical spectrum of patients with MFSD2A variants is rather broad but all patients present with microcephaly and severe intellectual disability, absent or limited speech, and walking difficulties. Severely affected patients develop seizures and show brain malformations and have, above all, a profound developmental delay hardly reaching any developmental motor milestones. Here, we report on two unrelated individuals with novel homozygous variants in the MFSD2A gene, presenting with severe primary microcephaly, brain malformations, profound developmental delay, and epilepsy, including hypsarrhythmia. Our findings extend the mutational spectrum of the bi-allelic MFSD2A variants causing autosomal recessive primary microcephaly type 15 and broaden the phenotypic spectrum associated with these pathogenic variants emphasizing the role of MFSD2A in early brain development.

Reversible infantile respiratory chain deficiency (RIRCD) is a rare mitochondrial myopathy leading to severe metabolic disturbances in infants, which recover spontaneously after 6‐months of age. RIRCD is associated with the homoplasmic m.14674T>C mitochondrial DNA mutation; however, only ~ 1/100 carriers develop the disease. We studied 27 affected and 15 unaffected individuals from 19 families and found additional heterozygous mutations in nuclear genes interacting with mt‐tRNAGlu including EARS2 and TRMU in the majority of affected individuals, but not in healthy carriers of m.14674T>C, supporting a digenic inheritance. Our transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of patient muscle suggests a stepwise mechanism where first, the integrated stress response associated with increased FGF21 and GDF15 expression enhances the metabolism modulated by serine biosynthesis, one carbon metabolism, TCA lipid oxidation and amino acid availability, while in the second step mTOR activation leads to increased mitochondrial biogenesis. Our data suggest that the spontaneous recovery in infants with digenic mutations may be modulated by the above described changes. Similar mechanisms may explain the variable penetrance and tissue specificity of other mtDNA mutations and highlight the potential role of amino acids in improving mitochondrial disease., Heterozygous mutations in nuclear genes interacting with mt‐tRNAGlu induce the integrated stress response and metabolic rearrangements, reducing penetrance and promoting spontaneous recovery in a rare mitochondrial myopathy.

ObjectiveTo describe the presentations, radiologic features, and outcomes of children with autoimmune encephalitis associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG abs).MethodsIdentification of children fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for possible autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and testing positive for serum MOG abs. Chart review and comprehensive analysis of serum MOG abs using live cell assays and rat brain immunohistochemistry.ResultsTen children (4 girls, 6 boys) with AE and serum MOG abs were identified. The median age at onset was 8.0 years (range: 4–16 years). Children presented with a combination of encephalopathy (10/10), headache (7/10), focal neurologic signs (7/10), or seizures (6/10). CSF pleocytosis was common (9/10, median 80 white cell count/μL, range: 21–256). Imaging showed cortical and deep gray matter involvement in all in addition to juxtacortical signal alterations in 6/10 children. No involvement of other white matter structures or contrast enhancement was noted. MOG abs were detected in all children (median titer 1:640; range: 1:320–1:10,540). Nine children had a favorable outcome at discharge (modified Rankin scale of < 2). Five of 10 children had up to 3 additional demyelinating relapses associated with persisting MOG abs. One child had NMDA receptor (NMDAR) abs at initial presentation. A second child had a third demyelinating episode with MOG abs with overlapping NMDAR encephalitis.DiscussionAE associated with serum MOG abs represents a distinct form of autoantibody-mediated encephalitis in children. We therefore recommend including MOG abs testing in the workup of children with suspected AE.

Neue Therapieansatze haben den Ubergang vom theoretischen Konzept zu randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien und nun erstmals zu einer medikamentosen Behandlung der proximalen spinalen Muskelatrophie (SMA) bei Patienten vollzogen. Masgebend fur den Therapieerfolg sind der fruhzeitige Einsatz der medikamentosen Behandlung und damit die Entdeckung der Erkrankung in einem fruhen Stadium, sodass die Einfuhrung eines flachendeckenden Neugeborenenscreenings fur die SMA notwendig erscheint.

ZusammenfassungDie autoimmune kindliche und juvenile Myasthenia gravis (JMG) ist bedingt durch die Autoantikörper(Ak)-Bildung gegen die postsynaptische Membran der neuromuskulären Endplatte. Die klinischen Symptome können variabel sein, von der milden okulären Symptomatik bis zu generalisierter Schwäche und respiratorischer Insuffizienz. Die klinische Präsentation und der Verlauf der JMG, insbesondere bei präpubertären Patienten, zeigen Unterschiede im Vergleich zur adulten Form. Eine Manifestation ist schon in den ersten beiden Lebensjahren möglich, in diesem Alter kann der Antikörper-Titer auch bei generalisierten Symptomen nur minimal erhöht sein. Bei den Säuglingen und sehr kleinen Kindern ist bei negativen spezifischen Antikörpern das Vorliegen eines kongenitalen myasthenen Syndroms (CMS) eine wichtige Differenzialdiagnose. Eine frühe Diagnosestellung ist bei bestehenden therapeutischen Möglichkeiten in dieser Patientengruppe wichtig. Wir geben eine Übersicht über klinische Symptome, diagnostische Möglichkeiten sowie medikamentöse und operative Therapie bei Kindern mit JMG.

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Bilateral optic neuritis (bilON) is a rare clinical presentation often thought to be associated with relapsing disorders such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or multiple sclerosis (MS).To characterize the clinical, radiological phenotype and antibody status of children presenting with bilON.Retrospective multicenter study on children with bilON age18 years with a first episode aquired demyelinating syndrome (ADS), cMRI, AQP4- and serum MOG-antibody status and follow-up data were collected.30 patients (f:m = 15:15, median age 8.0y) with bilON met the inclusion criteria. 22/30 (73%) were MOG-positive (median: 1:1280, range: 1:160-1:1520). No patient showed AQP4-abs. 4/30 patients (13%), all with high MOG-abs titers, had recurrent episodes. No patient developed MS. Improvement after IVMP was observed in most patients (26/30; 87%). Outcome was favorable with no sequelae in 22/30 patients. Serial MOG-abs titers tested in 15/22 patients decreased to a median of 1:160 (range: 0-1:640) over a period of 31 months (range: 2-141 months) in 14/15 (93%) patients. MR imaging showed a predominantly anterior affection of the visual system in seropositive patients with bilateral intraorbital lesions in 68% (15/22), compared to 25% in MOG-negative patients (2/8).Pediatric bilON is associated with high MOG-abs titers in combination with anterior involvement of the visual system. Despite severe loss of vision, the majority of patients shows distinct recovery after IVMP.

Background Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS) is a rare form of alpha-dystroglycanopathy characterized by muscular dystrophy and severe malformations of the CNS and eyes. Bi-allelic pathogenic variants in POMK are the cause of a broad spectrum of alpha-dystroglycanopathies. POMK encodes protein-O-mannose kinase, which is required for proper glycosylation and function of the dystroglycan complex and is crucial for extracellular matrix composition. Results Here, we report on male monozygotic twins with severe CNS malformations (hydrocephalus, cortical malformation, hypoplastic cerebellum, and most prominently occipital meningocele), eye malformations and highly elevated creatine kinase, indicating the clinical diagnosis of a congenital muscular dystrophy (alpha-dystroglycanopathy). Both twins were found to harbor a homozygous nonsense mutation c.640C>T, p.214* in POMK, confirming the clinical diagnosis and supporting the concept that POMK mutations can be causative of WWS. Conclusion Our combined data suggest a more important role for POMK in the pathogenesis of meningoencephalocele. Only eight different pathogenic POMK variants have been published so far, detected in eight families; only five showed the severe WWS phenotype, suggesting that POMK-associated WWS is an extremely rare disease. We expand the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of POMK-associated WWS and provide evidence of the broad phenotypic variability of POMK-associated disease.

Background New-generation, cell-based assays have demonstrated a robust association of serum autoantibodies to full-length human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-IgG) with (mostly recurrent) optic neuritis, myelitis, and brainstem encephalitis, as well as with neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-like or acute-disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)-like presentations. However, only limited data are yet available on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in MOG-IgG-associated encephalomyelitis (MOG-EM; also termed MOG antibody-associated disease, MOGAD). Objective To describe systematically the CSF profile in children with MOG-EM. Material and methods Cytological and biochemical findings (including white cell counts [WCC] and differentiation; frequency and patterns of oligoclonal bands; IgG/IgM/IgA and albumin concentrations and CSF/serum ratios; intrathecal IgG/IgM/IgA fractions; locally produced IgG/IgM/IgA concentrations; immunoglobulin class patterns; IgG/IgA/IgM reibergrams; Link index; measles/rubella/zoster [MRZ] reaction; other anti-viral and anti-bacterial antibody indices; CSF total protein; CSF l-lactate) from 108 lumbar punctures in 80 pediatric patients of mainly Caucasian descent with MOG-EM were analyzed retrospectively. Results Most strikingly, CSF-restricted oligoclonal IgG bands, a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS), were absent in 89% of samples (N = 96), and the MRZ reaction, the most specific laboratory marker of MS known so far, in 100% (N = 29). If present at all, intrathecal IgG synthesis was low, often transient and mostly restricted to acute attacks. Intrathecal IgM synthesis was present in 21% and exclusively detectable during acute attacks. CSF WCC were elevated in 54% of samples (median 40 cells/μl; range 6–256; mostly lymphocytes and monocytes; > 100/μl in 11%). Neutrophils were present in 71% of samples; eosinophils, activated lymphocytes, and plasma cells were seen only rarely (all N = 79) and at least once in 48% of all patients (N = 67) tested. CSF alterations were significantly more frequent and/or more pronounced in patients with acute spinal cord or brain disease than in patients with acute ON and varied strongly depending on attack severity. CSF l-lactate levels correlated significantly with the spinal cord lesions load (measured in vertebral segments) in patients with acute myelitis (p = 0.0099). An analysis of pooled data from the pediatric and the adult cohort showed a significant relationship of QAlb (p < 0.0005), CST TP (p < 0.0001), and CSF l-lactate (p < 0.0003) during acute attacks with age. Conclusion MOG-IgG-associated EM in children is characterized by CSF features that are distinct from those in MS. With regard to most parameters, no marked differences between the pediatric cohort and the adult cohort analyzed in Part 1 were noted. Our findings are important for the differential diagnosis of pediatric MS and MOG-EM and add to the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this newly described autoimmune disease.

BACKGROUND: Infantile spasms constitute a severe form of epileptic encephalopathy. In the International Collaborative Infantile Spasms Study (ICISS), we showed that combining vigabatrin with hormonal therapy was more effective than hormonal therapy alone at stopping spasms between days 14 and 42 of treatment. In this planned follow-up, we aimed to assess whether combination therapy was associated with improved developmental and epilepsy outcomes at 18 months of age.METHODS: In ICISS, a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial, infants were enrolled from 102 hospitals (three in Australia, 11 in Germany, two in New Zealand, three in Switzerland, and 83 in the UK). Eligible infants had a clinical diagnosis of infantile spasms and a hypsarrhythmic (or similar) electroencephalogram (EEG) no more than 7 days before enrolment. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) by a secure website to receive hormonal therapy with vigabatrin or hormonal therapy alone. If parents consented, there was an additional randomisation (1:1) of type of hormonal therapy used (prednisolone or tetracosactide depot). Block randomisation was stratified for hormonal treatment and risk of developmental impairment. Parents and clinicians were not masked to therapy, but investigators assessing epilepsy and developmental outcomes at 18 months were masked to treatment allocation. Minimum doses were oral prednisolone 10 mg four times a day or intramuscular tetracosactide depot 0·5 mg (40 IU) on alternate days with or without oral vigabatrin 100 mg/kg per day. The primary outcome at 18 months was development as assessed by the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS) composite score. Secondary outcomes were the presence or absence of epileptic seizures or infantile spasms in the previous 28 days, as recorded by parents and carers, and the use of any anti-epileptic treatment (including ketogenic diet) in the previous 28 days. Analysis was by intention to treat. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number 54363174, and EudraCT, number 2006-000788-27.FINDINGS: Between March 7, 2007, and May 22, 2014, 766 infants were screened and, of those, 377 were randomly assigned to hormonal therapy with vigabatrin (n=186) or hormonal therapy alone (n=191). 362 infants were assessed for developmental and epilepsy outcomes at 18 months, 181 in each treatment group. Mean VABS scores did not differ significantly between the combination therapy group and the hormonal therapy alone group (73·9 [SE 1·3] vs 72·7 [1·4], difference -1·2 [95% CI -4·9 to 2·6], p=0·55). Presence of epilepsy at the assessment at age 18 months was similar in both treatment groups (54 [30·0%] of 180 infants who received combination therapy vs 52 [29·2%] of 178 who received hormonal therapy alone; difference 0·8% [95% CI -8·8 to 10·4], p=0·90). Presence of spasms was also similar in both treatment groups (27 [15·0%] of 180 infants on combination therapy vs 28 [15·7%] of 178 on hormonal therapy alone; difference 0·7% [95% CI -6·9 to 8·3], p=0·85). At the 18-month assessment, 158 (44·1%) of 358 infants were on some form of anti-epileptic treatment. Initial control of spasms between days 14 and 42 of treatment was associated with higher mean VABS scores at 18 months (79·1 [SE 1·2] vs 63·2 [1·1], difference 15·9 [95% CI 12·4 to 19·5], pINTERPRETATION: Combination therapy did not result in improved developmental or epilepsy outcomes at 18 months. However, early clinical response to treatment was associated with improved developmental and epilepsy outcomes at 18 months. Longer lead-time to treatment was associated with poorer outcomes. Rapid diagnosis and effective treatment of infantile spasms could therefore improve outcomes.FUNDING: The Castang Foundation, Bath Unit for Research in Paediatrics, National Institute of Health Research, the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, BRONNER-BENDER Stiftung/Gernsbach, University Children's Hospital Zurich.

Background and aims: Glut1 Deficiency (Glut1D) is caused by impaired glucose transport into brain. The resulting epileptic encephalopathy and movement disorders can be treated effectively by high-fat carbohydrate-restricted ketogenic diet therapies (KDT) mimicking fasting and providing ketones as an alternative cerebral fuel. Recently 6-24 months follow-ups of epileptic patients reported elevated blood lipids and intima thickening of the carotid artery raising concerns about potential cardiovascular risks by KDT. To clarify potential cardiovascular risks we performed a prospective 10 year follow up of 10 Glut1D patients.Methods: Between August 2001 and January 2016 we enrolled Glut1D patients on KDT at two hospitals in Germany in this prospective, multicenter case series. The minimal follow up was 10 years. Standard deviation scores (SDS) of body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-/LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) before initiation of KDT were compared with respective values at 6 months, 2, 5 years, and 10 years after initiation. After 10 years on KDT cardiovascular risk, assessed by BMI, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement, and blood pressure, was compared to a healthy reference population (n = 550).Results: Baseline and 10 year follow-up investigations were available for 10 individuals with Glut1D on KDT. After two years on KDT BMI increased significantly, while total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol decreased. Within 3-5 years on KDT these differences disappeared, and after 10 years blood lipid parameters reflected the situation at initiation of KDT. Prior to KDT one child had dyslipidaemia, but no child after 10 years on KDT. No significant differences were observed with respect to BMI SDS (p = 0.26), CIMT (p = 0.63) or systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SDS p = 0.11 and p = 037, respectively) in Glut1D children treated with KDT for at least 10 years compared to healthy controls.Conclusions: In contrast to previous short-term reports on adverse effects of KDT, 10-year follow-up did not identify cardiovascular risks of dietary treatment for Glut1D. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The use of Propofol and Remifentanil for analgosedation in children is common and safe. For sedation monitoring clinical scores as Comfort Score (CS) as well as bispectral index (BIS) are frequently applied. The impact of BIS for sedation monitoring in pediatric patients is still under debate. This prospective study aims to investigate whether dual sedation monitoring of CS and BIS compared with monitoring of CS alone during muscle biopsies in children can reduce sedative doses, reduce awakening time and prevent complications.50 pediatric patients requiring sedation for open muscle biopsy were prospectively enrolled. Analgosedation was performed with remifentanil and propofol. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: In 25 patients, sedation was monitored using CS alone, and in 25 patients CS and BIS monitoring were simultaneously applied. The primary outcome was the propofol dose applied during muscle biopsy. Secondary outcome parameters were recovery time and the frequency of complications.The median CS during the intervention in both groups was equal (11, P=1.000). The median BIS in group 2 was 59. No complications occurred in either group. There was no difference in propofol dose in either group (8.4 vs. 7.2 mg/kg/h; P=0.58) and no difference in the duration until eye opening (9 vs. 11 min; P=0.081).For children undergoing minor surgical procedures under analgosedation, BIS monitoring does not affect the sedative dose, the time until eye opening or the frequency of complications.Zur Analgosedierung von Kindern hat sich eine Medikamentenkombination aus Propofol und Remifentanil bewährt. Zum Sedierungsmonitoring sind sowohl klinische Scores wie der Comfort Score (CS) als auch der bispektrale Index (BIS) üblich. Die Bedeutung von BIS zum Sedierungsmonitoring bei Kindern ist nach wie vor nicht eindeutig und Gegenstand wissenschaftlicher Diskussionen. Ziel der vorliegenden prospektiven Studie ist es zu untersuchen, ob bei pädiatrischen Patienten das kombinierte Sedierungsmonitoring mit CS und BIS verglichen mit einem alleinigen Monitoring mittels CS während offener Muskelbiopsien zu einer Reduktion der Sedativadosis, einer verkürzten Aufwachzeit und einer Reduktion der Häufigkeit von Komplikationen führt.50 pädiatrische Patienten, die während offener Muskelbiopsien Propofol und Remifentanil zur Analgosedierung erhielten, wurden untersucht und dazu in 2 Gruppen randomisiert: Bei 25 Patienten wurde die Analgosedierung mittels CS allein, bei 25 mittels CS und zusätzlichem BIS Monitoring überwacht. Primärer Outcome Parameter war die benötigte Propofoldosis während des Eingriffs. Sekundäre outcome parameter waren Aufwachzeit und Häufigkeit von Komplikationen.Der mediane CS während des Eingriffs war in beiden Gruppen gleich (11, P=1,000). Der mediane BIS in Gruppe 2 war 59. In beiden Gruppen kam es zu keinerlei Komplikationen. Es gab keinen Unterschied in der applizierten Propofoldosis (8,4 vs. 7,2 mg/kg/h; P=0,081) und in der Aufwachzeit zwischen beiden Gruppen (9 vs. 11 min; P=0,081).Für die Analgosedierung während kleiner chirurgischer Eingriffe bei pädiatrischen Patienten hat das zusätzliche Sedierungsmonitoring mittels BIS keinen Einfluss auf die verwendete Sedativadosis, die Aufwachzeit oder die Häufigkeit von Komplikationen.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173144.].

Background: Autosomal-recessive proximal spinal muscular atrophies (SMA) are disorders characterized by a ubiquitous deficiency of the survival of motor neuron protein that leads to a multisystemic disorder, which mostly affects alpha motor neurons. Disease progression is clinically associated with failure to thrive or weight loss, mainly caused by chewing and swallowing difficulties. Although pancreatic involvement has been described in animal models, systematic endocrinological evaluation of the energy metabolism in humans is lacking. Methods: In 43 patients with SMA type I-III (8 type I; 22 type II; 13 type III), aged 0.6-21.8 years, auxological parameters, pubertal stage, motor function (Motor Function Measurement 32 - MFM32) as well as levels of leptin, insulin glucose, hemoglobin A1c, Homeostasis Model Assessment index and an urinary steroid profile were determined. Results: Hyperleptinemia was found in 15/35 (43%) of our patients; 9/15 (60%) of the hyperleptinemic patients were underweight, whereas 1/15 (7%) was obese. Hyperleptinemia was associated with SMA type (p = 0.018). There was a significant association with decreased motor function (MFM32 total score in hyperleptinemia 28.5%, in normoleptinemia 54.7% p = 0.008, OR 0.969; 95%-CI: 0.946-0.992). In addition, a higher occurrence of hirsutism, premature pubarche and a higher variability of the urinary steroid pattern were found. Conclusion: Hyperleptinemia is highly prevalent in underweight children with SMA and is associated with disease severity and decreased motor function. Neuronal degradation of hypothalamic cells or an increase in fat content by muscle remodeling could be the cause of hyperleptinemia. OA gold

Contains fulltext : 88466.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Glucose transporter-1 deficiency syndrome is caused by mutations in the SLC2A1 gene in the majority of patients and results in impaired glucose transport into the brain. From 2004-2008, 132 requests for mutational analysis of the SLC2A1 gene were studied by automated Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Mutations in the SLC2A1 gene were detected in 54 patients (41%) and subsequently in three clinically affected family members. In these 57 patients we identified 49 different mutations, including six multiple exon deletions, six known mutations and 37 novel mutations (13 missense, five nonsense, 13 frame shift, four splice site and two translation initiation mutations). Clinical data were retrospectively collected from referring physicians by means of a questionnaire. Three different phenotypes were recognized: (i) the classical phenotype (84%), subdivided into early-onset (

SUCLA2 encodes for a subunit of succinyl-coenzyme A synthase, the enzyme that reversibly synthesises succinyl-coenzyme A and ATP from succinate, coenzyme A and ADP in the Krebs cycle. Disruption of SUCLA2 function can lead to mitochondrial DNA depletion. Patients with a SUCLA2 mutation present with a rare but distinctive deafness-dystonia syndrome. Additionally, they exhibit elevated levels of the characteristic biochemical markers: methylmalonate, C4-dicarboxylic carnitine and lactate are increased in both plasma and urine. Thus far, eight different disease-causing SUCLA2 mutations, of which six missense mutations and two splice site mutations, have been described in the literature. Here, we present the first patient with an intragenic deletion in SUCLA2 and review the patients described in literature.