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Cross JH, Benítez A, Roth J, Andrews JS, Shah D, Butcher E, Jones A, Sullivan J. A comprehensive systematic literature review of the burden of illness of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome on patients, caregivers, and society. Epilepsia 2024; 65:1224-1239. [PMID: 38456647 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Fully elucidating the burden that Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) places on individuals with the disease and their caregivers is critical to improving outcomes and quality of life (QoL). This systematic literature review evaluated the global burden of illness of LGS, including clinical symptom burden, care requirements, QoL, comorbidities, caregiver burden, economic burden, and treatment burden (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022317413). MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles that met predetermined criteria. After screening 1442 deduplicated articles and supplementary manual searches, 113 articles were included for review. A high clinical symptom burden of LGS was identified, with high seizure frequency and nonseizure symptoms (including developmental delay and intellectual disability) leading to low QoL and substantial care requirements for individuals with LGS, with the latter including daily function assistance for mobility, eating, and toileting. Multiple comorbidities were identified, with intellectual disorders having the highest prevalence. Although based on few studies, a high caregiver burden was also identified, which was associated with physical problems (including fatigue and sleep disturbances), social isolation, poor mental health, and financial difficulties. Most economic analyses focused on the high direct costs of LGS, which arose predominantly from medically treated seizure events, inpatient costs, and medication requirements. Pharmacoresistance was common, and many individuals required polytherapy and treatment changes over time. Few studies focused on the humanistic burden. Quality concerns were noted for sample representativeness, disease and outcome measures, and reporting clarity. In summary, a high burden of LGS on individuals, caregivers, and health care systems was identified, which may be alleviated by reducing the clinical symptom burden. These findings highlight the need for a greater understanding of and better definitions for the broad spectrum of LGS symptoms and development of treatments to alleviate nonseizure symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Helen Cross
- University College London National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Arturo Benítez
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeannine Roth
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Scott Andrews
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Drishti Shah
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph Sullivan
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Sullivan J, Benítez A, Roth J, Andrews JS, Shah D, Butcher E, Jones A, Cross JH. A systematic literature review on the global epidemiology of Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: Prevalence, incidence, diagnosis, and mortality. Epilepsia 2024; 65:1240-1263. [PMID: 38252068 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) are rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathies associated with seizure and nonseizure symptoms. A comprehensive understanding of how many individuals are affected globally, the diagnostic journey they face, and the extent of mortality associated with these conditions is lacking. Here, we summarize and evaluate published data on the epidemiology of DS and LGS in terms of prevalence, incidence, diagnosis, genetic mutations, and mortality and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) rates. The full study protocol is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022316930). After screening 2172 deduplicated records, 91 unique records were included; 67 provided data on DS only, 17 provided data on LGS only, and seven provided data on both. Case definitions varied considerably across studies, particularly for LGS. Incidence and prevalence estimates per 100 000 individuals were generally higher for LGS than for DS (LGS: incidence proportion = 14.5-28, prevalence = 5.8-60.8; DS: incidence proportion = 2.2-6.5, prevalence = 1.2-6.5). Diagnostic delay was frequently reported for LGS, with a wider age range at diagnosis reported than for DS (DS, 1.6-9.2 years; LGS, 2-15 years). Genetic screening data were reported by 63 studies; all screened for SCN1A variants, and only one study specifically focused on individuals with LGS. Individuals with DS had a higher mortality estimate per 1000 person-years than individuals with LGS (DS, 15.84; LGS, 6.12) and a lower median age at death. SUDEP was the most frequently reported cause of death for individuals with DS. Only four studies reported mortality information for LGS, none of which included SUDEP. This systematic review highlights the paucity of epidemiological data available for DS and especially LGS, demonstrating the need for further research and adoption of standardized diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Sullivan
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Arturo Benítez
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeannine Roth
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Scott Andrews
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Drishti Shah
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - J Helen Cross
- University College London, National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Specchio N, Wirrell EC, Scheffer IE, Nabbout R, Riney K, Samia P, Guerreiro M, Gwer S, Zuberi SM, Wilmshurst JM, Yozawitz E, Pressler R, Hirsch E, Wiebe S, Cross HJ, Perucca E, Moshé SL, Tinuper P, Auvin S. International League Against Epilepsy classification and definition of epilepsy syndromes with onset in childhood: Position paper by the ILAE Task Force on Nosology and Definitions. Epilepsia 2022; 63:1398-1442. [PMID: 35503717 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The 2017 International League Against Epilepsy classification has defined a three-tier system with epilepsy syndrome identification at the third level. Although a syndrome cannot be determined in all children with epilepsy, identification of a specific syndrome provides guidance on management and prognosis. In this paper, we describe the childhood onset epilepsy syndromes, most of which have both mandatory seizure type(s) and interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) features. Based on the 2017 Classification of Seizures and Epilepsies, some syndrome names have been updated using terms directly describing the seizure semiology. Epilepsy syndromes beginning in childhood have been divided into three categories: (1) self-limited focal epilepsies, comprising four syndromes: self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures, childhood occipital visual epilepsy, and photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy; (2) generalized epilepsies, comprising three syndromes: childhood absence epilepsy, epilepsy with myoclonic absence, and epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia; and (3) developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathies, comprising five syndromes: epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation in sleep, hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome, and febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome. We define each, highlighting the mandatory seizure(s), EEG features, phenotypic variations, and findings from key investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Specchio
- Rare and Complex Epilepsy Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Full Member of EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Elaine C Wirrell
- Divisions of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Austin Health and Royal Children's Hospital, Florey Institute, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Sick Children Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, member of EpiCARE, Imagine Institute, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Mixed Unit of Research 1163, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kate Riney
- Neurosciences Unit, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pauline Samia
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Sam Gwer
- School of Medicine, Kenyatta University, and Afya Research Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sameer M Zuberi
- Paediatric Neurosciences Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children and Institute of Health & Wellbeing, member of EpiCARE, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elissa Yozawitz
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology of the Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Ronit Pressler
- Programme of Developmental Neurosciences, University College London National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Edouard Hirsch
- Neurology Epilepsy Units "Francis Rohmer", INSERM 1258, FMTS, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sam Wiebe
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Helen J Cross
- Programme of Developmental Neurosciences, University College London National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, and Young Epilepsy Lingfield, London, UK
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, and Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Paolo Tinuper
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Institute of Neurological Sciences, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stéphane Auvin
- Robert Debré Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, NeuroDiderot, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Department Medico-Universitaire Innovation Robert-Debré, Pediatric Neurology, University of Paris, Paris, France
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Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, also known as Doose syndrome: Modification of the diagnostic criteria. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 36:37-50. [PMID: 34883415 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to propose the updated diagnostic criteria of epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (EMAS), which is a recent subject of genetic studies. Although EMAS has been well known as Doose syndrome, it is often difficult to diagnose due to a lack of consensus regarding some of the inclusion criteria. Along with progress in molecular genetic study on the syndrome, it becomes important to recruit electroclinical homogeneous EMAS patients, hence the validity of the clinical criteria should be verified based on recent clinical researches. At present, the most updated ILAE diagnostic manual of EMAS includes: (1) normal development and cognition before the onset of epilepsy; (2) onset of epilepsy between 6 months and 6 years of age (peak: 2-4 years); (3) myoclonic-atonic seizures (MAS) are mandatory (4) presence of generalized spike-wave discharges at 2-3 Hz without persistent focal spike discharges; and (5) exclusion of other myoclonic epilepsy syndromes. In the criteria, we should emphasize that the age at onset of MAS is between 2-5 years in (2), presence of myoclonic-atonic, atonic or myoclonic-flexor seizures (MASs) causing drop attacks associated with generalized spike-wave discharges is mandatory in (3), and epileptic spasms causing drop attacks must be excluded in (5). In the modified criteria, I propose that EMAS is redesignated as genetic generalized epilepsy with MASs, consistent with the familial genetic study conducted by Doose and the recent identification of candidate genes. It should also be noted that EMASs evolves to transient or long-lasting epileptic encephalopathy.
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Nelson JA, Demarest S, Thomas J, Juarez-Colunga E, Knupp KG. Evolution of Infantile Spasms to Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: What Is There to Know? J Child Neurol 2021; 36:752-759. [PMID: 33764203 DOI: 10.1177/08830738211000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with infantile spasms may develop Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The diagnostic criteria for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are vague, and many experts use varying combinations of the following criteria for diagnosis: paroxysmal fast activity on electroencephalography (EEG), slow spike and wave on EEG, developmental delay, multiple seizure types, and nocturnal tonic seizures. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in a high-risk cohort of children with a history of infantile spasms and the characteristics of infantile spasms that were associated with the diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. METHODS Children with infantile spasms who were diagnosed and treated at Children's Hospital Colorado between 2012 and 2018 were included. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome was defined as having 3 of 5 of the following characteristics: paroxysmal fast activity, slow spike and wave, current developmental delay, multiple seizure types, or tonic seizures. Descriptive statistics were performed using median and interquartile range. Univariable analysis was performed with Pearson chi-square, Fisher exact, or the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS Ninety-seven children met inclusion criteria, and 36% (35/97) met criteria for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Developmental delay and history of seizures prior to the onset of infantile spasms were identified as risk factors for the development of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (P = .003) as was poor response to first treatment for spasms (P = .004). Children with an unknown etiology of infantile spasms were less likely to develop Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (P = .019). Eighty percent (28/35) of the children who met Lennox-Gastaut syndrome criteria lacked a documented diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Thirty-six percent of children with infantile spasms met criteria for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Risk factors for development of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome were developmental delay and seizures prior to the onset of infantile spasms and poor response to first treatment for infantile spasms. Children with an unknown etiology of infantile spasms were less likely to develop Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Eighty percent of the children who met our criteria were not given a documented diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which highlights the fact that many children may not be receiving a diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. We recommend establishing clear guidelines for the diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome to ensure that the diagnosis is being made accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Scott Demarest
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jake Thomas
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Elizabeth Juarez-Colunga
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kelly G Knupp
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is an age-specific epilepsy syndrome characterised by multiple seizure types, including drop seizures. LGS has a characteristic electroencephalogram, an onset before age eight years and an association with drug resistance. This is an updated version of the Cochrane Review published in 2013. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and tolerability of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) for LGS. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web) and MEDLINE (Ovid, 1946 to 28 February 2020) on 2 March 2020. CRS Web includes randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); the Specialised Registers of Cochrane Review Groups, including Cochrane Epilepsy; PubMed; Embase; ClinicalTrials.gov; and the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We imposed no language restrictions. We contacted pharmaceutical companies and colleagues in the field to seek any unpublished or ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered RCTs, including cross-over trials, of ASMs for LGS in children and adults. We included studies of ASMs used as either monotherapy or as an add-on (adjunctive) therapy. We excluded studies comparing different doses of the same ASM. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures, including independent, dual assessment for risk of bias and application of the GRADE approach to rate the evidence certainty for outcomes. MAIN RESULTS We found no trials of ASM monotherapy. The review included 11 trials (1277 participants; approximately 11 weeks to 112 weeks follow-up after randomisation) using add-on ASMs for LGS in children, adolescents and adults. Two studies compared add-on cannabidiol (two doses) with add-on placebo in children and adolescents only. Neither study reported overall seizure cessation or reduction. We found high-certainty evidence that 72 more people per 1000 (confidence interval (CI) 4 more to 351 more) had adverse events (AE) leading to study discontinuation with add-on cannabidiol, compared to add-on placebo (two studies; 396 participants; risk ratio (RR) 4.90, 95% CI 1.21 to 19.87). One study compared add-on cinromide with add-on placebo in children and adolescents only. We found very low-certainty evidence that 35 more people per 1000 (CI 123 fewer to 434 more) had 50% or greater average reduction of overall seizures with add-on cinromide compared to add-on placebo (one study; 56 participants; RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.86). This study did not report participants with AE leading to study discontinuation. One study compared add-on clobazam (three doses) with add-on placebo. This study did not report overall seizure cessation or reduction. We found high-certainty evidence that 106 more people per 1000 (CI 0 more to 538 more) had AE leading to study discontinuation with add-on clobazam compared to add-on placebo (one study; 238 participants; RR 4.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 16.87). One study compared add-on felbamate with add-on placebo. No cases of seizure cessation occurred in either regimen during the treatment phase (one study; 73 participants; low-certainty evidence). There was low-certainty evidence that 53 more people per 1000 (CI 19 fewer to 716 more) with add-on felbamate were seizure-free during an EEG recording at the end of the treatment phase, compared to add-on placebo (RR 2.92, 95% CI 0.32 to 26.77). The study did not report overall seizure reduction. We found low-certainty evidence that one fewer person per 1000 (CI 26 fewer to 388 more) with add-on felbamate had AE leading to study discontinuation compared to add-on placebo (one study, 73 participants; RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.06 to 14.97). Two studies compared add-on lamotrigine with add-on placebo. Neither study reported overall seizure cessation. We found high-certainty evidence that 176 more people per 1000 (CI 30 more to 434 more) had ≥ 50% average seizure reduction with add-on lamotrigine compared to add-on placebo (one study; 167 participants; RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.76). We found low-certainty evidence that 40 fewer people per 1000 (CI 68 fewer to 64 more) had AE leading to study-discontinuation with add-on lamotrigine compared to add-on placebo (one study; 169 participants; RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.82). Two studies compared add-on rufinamide with add-on placebo. Neither study reported seizure cessation. We found high-certainty evidence that 202 more people per 1000 (CI 34 to 567 more) had ≥ 50% average seizure reduction (one study; 138 participants; RR 2.84, 95% CI 1.31 to 6.18). We found low-certainty evidence that 105 more people per 1000 (CI 17 fewer to 967 more) had AE leading to study discontinuation with add-on rufinamide compared to add-on placebo (one study; 59 participants; RR 4.14, 95% CI 0.49 to 34.86). One study compared add-on rufinamide with another add-on ASM. This study did not report overall seizure cessation or reduction. We found low-certainty evidence that three fewer people per 1000 (CI 75 fewer to 715 more) had AE leading to study discontinuation with add-on rufinamide compared to another add-on ASM (one study; 37 participants; RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.10 to 9.57). One study compared add-on topiramate with add-on placebo. This study did not report overall seizure cessation. We found low-certainty evidence for ≥ 75% average seizure reduction with add-on topiramate (one study; 98 participants; Peto odds ratio (Peto OR) 8.22, 99% CI 0.60 to 112.62) and little or no difference to AE leading to study discontinuation compared to add-on placebo; no participants experienced AE leading to study discontinuation (one study; 98 participants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS RCTs of monotherapy and head-to-head comparison of add-on ASMs are currently lacking. However, we found high-certainty evidence for overall seizure reduction with add-on lamotrigine and rufinamide, with low-certainty evidence for AE leading to study discontinuation compared with add-on placebo or another add-on ASM. The evidence for other add-on ASMs for overall seizure cessation or reduction was low to very low with high- to low-certainty evidence for AE leading to study discontinuation. Future research should consider outcome reporting of overall seizure reduction (applying automated seizure detection devices), impact on development, cognition and behaviour; future research should also investigate age-specific efficacy of ASMs and target underlying aetiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano-Meran, Italy
| | - Katherine Jones
- Cochrane Neuromuscular, Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, London, UK
- Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care, Oxford, UK
| | - Christin Eltze
- University College London, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Children's Hospital "G. Salesi", Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
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Joshi C, Nickels K, Demarest S, Eltze C, Cross JH, Wirrell E. Results of an international Delphi consensus in epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures/ Doose syndrome. Seizure 2021; 85:12-18. [PMID: 33383403 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish a standard framework for early phenotypic diagnosis, investigations, expected findings from investigations, evolution, effective therapies and prognosis in the syndrome of Epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures (EMAS) / Doose syndrome. METHODS A core study group (CSG) interested in EMAS was convened. CSG then identified and nominated 15 experts in the field of EMAS. This expert panel (EP) from English speaking nations was invited to participate in anonymous questionnaires. A literature review was provided to them (supplement 1). Three rounds of questionnaires were sent to identify areas of consensus, strength of consensus and areas of contention. RESULTS Strong consensus was obtained regarding the clinical phenotype of EMAS: myoclonic atonic seizure was identified among others as a mandatory seizure type with typical onset of afebrile seizures between one and six years. A new term "stormy phase" (SP) was designated to delineate a characteristic phenotypic evolution in EMAS patients associated with seizure worsening. Strong consensus regarding the existence and time of onset of the SP, mandatory investigations to be performed early and later in the clinical course of EMAS, first and second tier treatment and prognostic factors for poor outcome were identified. Areas of lack of consensus included some seizure types that are necessary to diagnose EMAS, interictal EEG findings that prognosticate the course of EMAS, overall duration of SP, time to complete remission, and best approach to treat drug resistant EMAS. SIGNIFICANCE Expert consensus on core diagnostic criteria of EMAS necessary for natural history studies, phenotype-genotype correlations, and clinical trials including comparative studies was demonstrated. Areas of disagreements (especially prognostic features; treatment options) need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charuta Joshi
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, United States.
| | | | - Scott Demarest
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, United States
| | - Christin Eltze
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - J Helen Cross
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK; UCL NIHR BRC Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
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Hinokuma N, Nakashima M, Asai H, Nakamura K, Akaboshi S, Fukuoka M, Togawa M, Oana S, Ohno K, Kasai M, Ogawa C, Yamamoto K, Okumiya K, Chong PF, Kira R, Uchino S, Fukuyama T, Shinagawa T, Miyata Y, Abe Y, Hojo A, Kobayashi K, Maegaki Y, Ishikawa N, Ikeda H, Amamoto M, Mizuguchi T, Iwama K, Itai T, Miyatake S, Saitsu H, Matsumoto N, Kato M. Clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with Doose syndrome. Epilepsia Open 2020; 5:442-450. [PMID: 32913952 PMCID: PMC7469791 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the genetic background and genotype-phenotype correlations for epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures, also known as myoclonic-astatic epilepsy (MAE) or Doose syndrome. METHODS We collected clinical information and blood samples from 29 patients with MAE. We performed whole-exome sequencing for all except one MAE case in whom custom capture sequencing identified a variant. RESULTS We newly identified four variants: SLC6A1 and HNRNPU missense variants and microdeletions at 2q24.2 involving SCN1A and Xp22.31 involving STS. Febrile seizures preceded epileptic or afebrile seizures in four patients, of which two patients had gene variants. Myoclonic-atonic seizures occurred at onset in four patients, of which two had variants, and during the course of disease in three patients. Variants were more commonly identified in patients with a developmental delay or intellectual disability (DD/ID), but genetic status was not associated with the severity of DD/ID. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autistic spectrum disorder were less frequently observed in patients with variants than in those with unknown etiology. SIGNIFICANCE MAE patients had genetic heterogeneity, and HNRNPU and STS emerged as possible candidate causative genes. Febrile seizures prior to epileptic seizures and myoclonic-atonic seizure at onset indicate a genetic predisposition to MAE. Comorbid conditions were not related to genetic predisposition to MAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nodoka Hinokuma
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Mitsuko Nakashima
- Department of BiochemistryHamamatsu University School of MedicineHamamatsuJapan
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Hideyuki Asai
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kazuyuki Nakamura
- Department of PediatricsYamagata University Faculty of MedicineYamagataJapan
| | | | - Masataka Fukuoka
- Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological DisordersShizuokaJapan
| | - Masami Togawa
- Department of PediatricsTottori Prefectural Central HospitalTottoriJapan
| | - Shingo Oana
- Department of PediatricsTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Koyo Ohno
- Division of Child NeurologyInstitute of Neurological SciencesFaculty of MedicineTottori UniversityYonagoJapan
| | - Mariko Kasai
- Department of Developmental Medical Sciences Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Chikako Ogawa
- Department of PediatricsNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineAichiJapan
| | - Kazuna Yamamoto
- Department of PediatricsTeikyo University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kiyohito Okumiya
- Department of Pediatrics and Child HealthKurume University School of MedicineFukuokaJapan
| | - Pin Fee Chong
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyFukuoka Children's HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Ryutaro Kira
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyFukuoka Children's HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Shumpei Uchino
- Department of NeuropediatricsTokyo Metropolitan Neurological HospitalTokyoJapan
- Department of PediatricsThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tetsuhiro Fukuyama
- Department of PediatricsShinshu University School of MedicineMatsumotoJapan
| | | | - Yohane Miyata
- Department of PediatricsKyorin University Faculty of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yuichi Abe
- Department of PediatricsSaitama Medical UniversityMoroyamaJapan
- Division of NeurologyNational Center for Child Health and DevelopmentTokyoJapan
| | - Akira Hojo
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kozue Kobayashi
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Maegaki
- Division of Child NeurologyInstitute of Neurological SciencesFaculty of MedicineTottori UniversityYonagoJapan
| | | | - Hiroko Ikeda
- Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological DisordersShizuokaJapan
| | - Masano Amamoto
- Kitakyushu City Yahata Hospital Pediatric Emergency/Children’s Medical CenterFukuokaJapan
| | - Takeshi Mizuguchi
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Kazuhiro Iwama
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Itai
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Satoko Miyatake
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- Department of BiochemistryHamamatsu University School of MedicineHamamatsuJapan
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human GeneticsYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineYokohamaJapan
| | - Mitsuhiro Kato
- Department of PediatricsShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Department of PediatricsYamagata University Faculty of MedicineYamagataJapan
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9
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GABRG2 Deletion Linked to Genetic Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus Affects the Expression of GABA A Receptor Subunits and Other Genes at Different Temperatures. Neuroscience 2020; 438:116-136. [PMID: 32418750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAA) subunits and sodium channel genes, especially GABRG2 and SCN1A, have been reported to be associated with febrile seizures (FS) and genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). GEFS+ is a well-known family of epileptic syndrome with autosomal dominant inheritance in children. Its most common phenotypes are febrile seizures often with accessory afebrile generalized tonic-clonic seizures, febrile seizures plus (FS+), severe epileptic encephalopathy, as well as other types of generalized or localization-related seizures. However, the pathogenesis of febrile seizures remains largely unknown. Here, we generated a GABRG2 gene knockout cell line (HT22GABRG2KO) by applying the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genomic deletion in HT-22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line to explore the function of GABRG2 in vitro. With mRNA-seq, we found significant changes in the expression profiles of several epilepsy-related genes when GABRG2 was knockout, some of them showing temperature-induced changes as well. Kyoto Encyclopedia Gene and Genomic (KEGG) analysis revealed a significant alteration in the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. We also observed an up-regulation of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family after GABRG2 knockout. Furthermore, the significant decrease in expression of GABRA1 and CACNA1A (but not others) with an increase in temperature is a novel finding. In summary, mutations in the GABAA receptor can lead to a decrease in numbers of receptors, which may cause the impairment of GABAergic pathway signaling. This data has been the first time to reveal that GABRG2 mutations would affect the function of other genes, and based on this finding we hope this work would also provide a new direction for the research of GABRG2 in GEFS+. It also may provide a molecular basis for the severity of epilepsy, and guide the clinical medication for the treatment of the epilepsy focused on the function on GABAA receptors, which, might be a new strategy for genetic diagnosis and targeted treatment of epilepsy.
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10
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Tang S, Addis L, Smith A, Topp SD, Pendziwiat M, Mei D, Parker A, Agrawal S, Hughes E, Lascelles K, Williams RE, Fallon P, Robinson R, Cross HJ, Hedderly T, Eltze C, Kerr T, Desurkar A, Hussain N, Kinali M, Bagnasco I, Vassallo G, Whitehouse W, Goyal S, Absoud M, Møller RS, Helbig I, Weber YG, Marini C, Guerrini R, Simpson MA, Pal DK. Phenotypic and genetic spectrum of epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures. Epilepsia 2020; 61:995-1007. [PMID: 32469098 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the extent of neurodevelopmental impairments and identify the genetic etiologies in a large cohort of patients with epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures (MAE). METHODS We deeply phenotyped MAE patients for epilepsy features, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using standardized neuropsychological instruments. We performed exome analysis (whole exome sequencing) filtered on epilepsy and neuropsychiatric gene sets to identify genetic etiologies. RESULTS We analyzed 101 patients with MAE (70% male). The median age of seizure onset was 34 months (range = 6-72 months). The main seizure types were myoclonic atonic or atonic in 100%, generalized tonic-clonic in 72%, myoclonic in 69%, absence in 60%, and tonic seizures in 19% of patients. We observed intellectual disability in 62% of patients, with extremely low adaptive behavioral scores in 69%. In addition, 24% exhibited symptoms of autism and 37% exhibited attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms. We discovered pathogenic variants in 12 (14%) of 85 patients, including five previously published patients. These were pathogenic genetic variants in SYNGAP1 (n = 3), KIAA2022 (n = 2), and SLC6A1 (n = 2), as well as KCNA2, SCN2A, STX1B, KCNB1, and MECP2 (n = 1 each). We also identified three new candidate genes, ASH1L, CHD4, and SMARCA2 in one patient each. SIGNIFICANCE MAE is associated with significant neurodevelopmental impairment. MAE is genetically heterogeneous, and we identified a pathogenic genetic etiology in 14% of this cohort by exome analysis. These findings suggest that MAE is a manifestation of several etiologies rather than a discrete syndromic entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Tang
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Addis
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Eli Lilly and Company, Erl Wood, Surrey, UK
| | - Anna Smith
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Simon D Topp
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Manuela Pendziwiat
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics, Schleswig-Holstein University Clinics, Kiel, Germany
| | - Davide Mei
- Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Shakti Agrawal
- Birmingham Children's Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Elaine Hughes
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Penny Fallon
- St George's National Health Service Health Care Trust, London, UK
| | - Robert Robinson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
| | - Helen J Cross
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
- Clinical Neurosciences, UCL - Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Christin Eltze
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Trust, London, UK
| | - Tim Kerr
- St George's National Health Service Health Care Trust, London, UK
| | - Archana Desurkar
- Sheffield Children's National Health Service Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nahin Hussain
- University Hospital of Leicester National Health Service Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Maria Kinali
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Irene Bagnasco
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Martini Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Sushma Goyal
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ingo Helbig
- Clinic for Neuropediatrics, Schleswig-Holstein University Clinics, Kiel, Germany
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Epilepsy NeuroGenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yvonne G Weber
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carla Marini
- Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Meyer Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michael A Simpson
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deb K Pal
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
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11
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Angione K, Eschbach K, Smith G, Joshi C, Demarest S. Genetic testing in a cohort of patients with potential epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures. Epilepsy Res 2019; 150:70-77. [PMID: 30660939 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (EMAS) accounts for 1-2% of all childhood-onset epilepsies. EMAS has been shown to have an underlying genetic component, however the genetics of this disorder is not yet well understood. The purpose of this study was to review genetic testing results for a cohort of EMAS patients. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 77 patients evaluated at Children's Hospital Colorado with a potential diagnosis of EMAS. Genetic testing and biochemical testing was reviewed. Family history data was also collected. Seventy-seven percent of the cohort had at least one genetic test performed, and a molecular diagnosis was reached for six patients. Thirty-seven patients had a microarray, six of which identified a copy number variant. Only one was felt to contribute to the phenotype (2p16.3 deletion including NRXN1). Fifty-one patients had an epilepsy panel, two of which were positive (likely pathogenic variant in SCN1A, pathogenic variant in GABRG2). Of the six patients who had whole exome sequencing, two were negative, three were positive or likely positive, and one had multiple variants not felt to explain the phenotype. While EMAS is widely accepted to have a strong genetic component, the diagnostic yield of genetic testing remains low. This may be because several genes now thought to be associated with EMAS are not included on the more commonly ordered epilepsy panels, or have only recently been added to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Angione
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States.
| | - Krista Eschbach
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States
| | - Garnett Smith
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States
| | - Charuta Joshi
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States
| | - Scott Demarest
- University of Colorado Denver, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neurology, United States
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