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Rodriguez-Martinez AC, Wawrzynski J, Henderson RH. Intravitreal enzyme replacement for inherited retinal diseases. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2024; 35:232-237. [PMID: 38170785 DOI: 10.1097/icu.0000000000001029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper provides an update on intravitreal (IVT) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in metabolic retinal diseases; particularly neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) also known as Batten disease. RECENT FINDINGS ERT is being explored in CLN2 related Batten disease, a fatal neurodegenerative condition associated with retinopathy and blindness that is caused by the deficiency of lysosomal enzyme TPP1. Cerliponase alfa, a recombinant human tripeptidyl-peptidase1 (rhTPP1) administered by intraventricular infusions has been demonstrated to slow the rate of neurodegenerative decline but not retinopathy. A preclinical study of IVT rhTPP1 in a CLN2 canine model demonstrated efficacy in preserving retinal function and retinal morphology shown on histology. More recently, intravitreal (IVT) administration of rhTPP1 was reported in a first-in-human compassionate use study. Patients received 12-18 months of 8-weekly IVT ERT (0.2 mg rhTPP-1 in 0.05 ml) in one eye. No significant ocular adverse reactions were reported. Treatment decreased the rate of retinal thinning but modestly. SUMMARY The evidence suggests that IVT ERT with rhTPP1 may be a safe and effective treatment for CLN2 retinopathy. However, the optimal dosage and frequency to achieve the best possible outcomes requires further investigation as does patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catalina Rodriguez-Martinez
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
| | - James Wawrzynski
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
- UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Robert H Henderson
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
- UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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Jolly JK, Rodda BM, Edwards TL, Ayton LN, Ruddle JB. Optical coherence tomography in children with inherited retinal disease. Clin Exp Optom 2024; 107:255-266. [PMID: 38252959 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2023.2294807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances have led to therapeutic options becoming available for people with inherited retinal disease. In particular, gene therapy has been shown to hold great promise for slowing vision loss from inherited retinal disease. Recent studies suggest that gene therapy is likely to be most effective when implemented early in the disease process, making consideration of paediatric populations important. It is therefore necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of retinal imaging in children with inherited retinal diseases, in order to monitor disease progression and to determine which early retinal biomarkers may be used as outcome measures in future clinical trials. In addition, as many optometrists will review children with an inherited retinal disease, an understanding of the expected imaging outcomes can improve clinical care. This review focuses on the most common imaging modality used in research assessment of paediatric inherited retinal diseases: optical coherence tomography. Optical coherence tomography findings can be used in both the clinical and research setting. In particular, the review discusses current knowledge of optical coherence tomography findings in eight paediatric inherited retinal diseases - Stargardt disease, Bests disease, Leber's congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, RPGR related retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, X-linked retinoschisis and, Batten disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasleen K Jolly
- Vision and Eye Research Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Brent M Rodda
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas L Edwards
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren N Ayton
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan B Ruddle
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Wawrzynski J, Martinez AR, Thompson DA, Ram D, Bowman R, Whiteley R, Gan C, Harding L, Mortensen A, Mills P, Gissen P, Henderson RH. First in man study of intravitreal tripeptidyl peptidase 1 for CLN2 retinopathy. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:1176-1182. [PMID: 38049626 PMCID: PMC11009280 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02859-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES CLN2 Batten Disease is a fatal neurodegenerative condition of childhood associated with retinal dystrophy and blindness. Intracerebroventricular infusion of rhTPP1 greatly slows the rate of neurodegenerative decline but not retinopathy. Intravitreal rhTPP1 is known to slow retinal degeneration in a canine model of CLN2. We report a first-in-man controlled clinical trial of intravitreal rhTPP1 for CLN2 associated retinal dystrophy. SUBJECTS/METHODS 8 children aged 5-9 with CLN2 Batten Disease were prospectively enroled. Severely affected patients were preferentially selected, provided that vision was better than no perception of light. Children underwent 8 weekly intravitreal injections of rhTPP1 (0.2 mg in 0.05 ml) into the right eye for 12-18 months. The left eye was untreated and acts as a paired control. The primary outcome was safety based on the clinical detection of complications. A secondary outcome was paracentral macular volume (PMV) measured by spectral domain OCT. Linear regression/paired t tests were used to compare rates of decline. RESULTS No severe adverse reactions (uveitis, raised IOP, media opacity) occurred. The mean baseline PMV was 1.28 mm3(right), 1.27 mm3(left). 3 of the youngest patients exhibited bilateral progressive retinal thinning (p < 0.05), whereas retinal volume was stable in the remaining 5 patients. In the 3 patients undergoing retinal degeneration, the rate of PMV loss was slower in the treated vs. untreated eye (p = 0.000042, p = 0.0011, p = 0.00022). CONCLUSIONS Intravitreal rhTPP1 appears to be a safe and effective treatment for CLN2 related retinopathy however commencement of treatment early in the course of disease is more likely to be efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Wawrzynski
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Dipak Ram
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard Bowman
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Whiteley
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Chin Gan
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Louise Harding
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Philippa Mills
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Robert H Henderson
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
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Hemsley KM, Beard H, Chidlow G, Mammone T, Winner LK, Neumann D, King B, Snel MF, Trim PJ, Casson RJ. Repetitive, non-invasive imaging of neurodegeneration, and prevention of it with gene replacement, in mice with Sanfilippo syndrome. Exp Neurol 2024; 371:114610. [PMID: 37944880 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114610] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Hampering assessment of treatment outcomes in gene therapy and other clinical trials in patients with childhood dementia is the lack of an objective, non-invasive measure of neurodegeneration. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a widely available, rapid, non-invasive, and quantitative method for examining the integrity of the neuroretina. Profound brain and retinal dysfunction occur in patients and animal models of childhood dementia, including Sanfilippo syndrome and we recently revealed a correlation between the age of onset and rate of progression of retinal and brain degeneration in sulfamidase-deficient Sanfilippo mice. The aim of the current study was to use OCT to visualise the discrete changes in retinal structure that occur during disease progression. A progressive decline in retinal thickness was readily observable in Sanfilippo mice using OCT, with differences seen in affected animals from 10-weeks of age. OCT applied to i.v. AAV9-sulfamidase-treated Sanfilippo mice enabled visualisation of improved retinal anatomy in living animals, an outcome confirmed via histology. Importantly, brain disease lesions were also ameliorated in treated Sanfilippo mice. The findings highlight the sensitivity, ease of repetitive use and quantitative capacity of OCT for detection of discrete changes in retinal structure and their prevention with a therapeutic. Combined with the knowledge that retinal and brain degeneration are correlated in Sanfilippo syndrome, OCT provides a window to the brain in this and potentially other childhood dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Hemsley
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Helen Beard
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Glyn Chidlow
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Teresa Mammone
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Leanne K Winner
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel Neumann
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Barbara King
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Marten F Snel
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and MS-Imaging Facility, South Australian Health, and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Paul J Trim
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and MS-Imaging Facility, South Australian Health, and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert J Casson
- Ophthalmic Research Laboratories, Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Dulz S, Schwering C, Wildner J, Spartalis C, Schuettauf F, Bartsch U, Wibbeler E, Nickel M, Spitzer MS, Atiskova Y, Schulz A. Ongoing retinal degeneration despite intraventricular enzyme replacement therapy with cerliponase alfa in late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2 disease). Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1478-1483. [PMID: 35772852 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-321260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a neurodegenerative, blinding lysosomal storage disorder. The purpose of the current study was to characterise the progression of CLN2-associated retinal degeneration in patients under intraventricular enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with cerliponase alfa. METHODS We analysed visual function, retinal morphology and neuropaediatric data using preferential looking test (PLT), Weill Cornell Batten Scale (WCBS), optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and the Hamburg Motor-Language late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) Scale (M-L scale). RESULTS Fifty-six eyes of 28 patients had baseline PLT, WCBS and OCT. 15 patients underwent serial examinations, resulting in a total of 132 OCT scans and WCBS results, 66 Hamburg M-L scores and 49 PLT results during a mean follow-up time of 18.2 months (range 5-40). A negative correlation (r=-0.69, p<0.001) was found between central retinal thickness (CRT) values and age at examination with a maximal annual decrease of 23 µm between 56 and 80 months of age. A significant correlation was observed between PLT results and the age at examination (r=0.46, p=0.001), the WCBS scores (r=0.62; p<0.001) and CRT values (r=-0.64; p<0.001). The M-L score correlated with the ocular measurements (CRT: r=0.58, p<0.001; WCBS r=-0.64, p<0.001; PLT score: r=-0.57, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Despite intraventricular ERT, retinal degeneration progressed in patients with CLN2 and was particularly pronounced between 56 and 80 months of age. Retina-directed therapies should therefore be initiated before or as early as possible during the phase of rapid retinal degeneration. PLT and WCBS were identified as valuable outcome measures to monitor disease progression. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04613089.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Dulz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Schwering
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wildner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Spartalis
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schuettauf
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Bartsch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Wibbeler
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Nickel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Stephan Spitzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yevgeniya Atiskova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angela Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Knoernschild K, Johnson HJ, Schroeder KE, Swier VJ, White KA, Sato TS, Rogers CS, Weimer JM, Sieren JC. Magnetic resonance brain volumetry biomarkers of CLN2 Batten disease identified with miniswine model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5146. [PMID: 36991106 PMCID: PMC10060411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32071-z] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease (Batten disease) is a rare pediatric disease, with symptom development leading to clinical diagnosis. Early diagnosis and effective tracking of disease progression are required for treatment. We hypothesize that brain volumetry is valuable in identifying CLN2 disease at an early stage and tracking disease progression in a genetically modified miniswine model. CLN2R208X/R208X miniswine and wild type controls were evaluated at 12- and 17-months of age, correlating to early and late stages of disease progression. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1- and T2-weighted data were acquired. Total intercranial, gray matter, cerebrospinal fluid, white matter, caudate, putamen, and ventricle volumes were calculated and expressed as proportions of the intracranial volume. The brain regions were compared between timepoints and cohorts using Gardner-Altman plots, mean differences, and confidence intervals. At an early stage of disease, the total intracranial volume (- 9.06 cm3), gray matter (- 4.37% 95 CI - 7.41; - 1.83), caudate (- 0.16%, 95 CI - 0.24; - 0.08) and putamen (- 0.11% 95 CI - 0.23; - 0.02) were all notably smaller in CLN2R208X/R208X miniswines versus WT, while cerebrospinal fluid was larger (+ 3.42%, 95 CI 2.54; 6.18). As the disease progressed to a later stage, the difference between the gray matter (- 8.27%, 95 CI - 10.1; - 5.56) and cerebrospinal fluid (+ 6.88%, 95 CI 4.31; 8.51) continued to become more pronounced, while others remained stable. MRI brain volumetry in this miniswine model of CLN2 disease is sensitive to early disease detection and longitudinal change monitoring, providing a valuable tool for pre-clinical treatment development and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Knoernschild
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive cc704 GH, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hans J Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kimberly E Schroeder
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive cc704 GH, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Vicki J Swier
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Katherine A White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Takashi S Sato
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive cc704 GH, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - Jill M Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Jessica C Sieren
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive cc704 GH, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Atiskova Y, Wildner J, Wibbeler E, Nickel M, Spitzer MS, Schwering C, Schulz A, Dulz S. Visual perception and macular integrity in non-classical CLN2 disease. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:3693-3700. [PMID: 35652945 PMCID: PMC9581810 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05662-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with CLN2 suffer from epileptic seizures, rapid psychomotor decline and vision loss in early childhood. The aim of the study was to provide longitudinal ophthalmic data of patients with confirmed genetic mutation and non-classical disease course, marked by later onset, protracted progression and prolonged life span. METHODS Prospective, observational study to assess visual acuity, retinal features (Weil Cornell Ophthalmic Score), central retinal thickness (CRT) measured by optical coherence tomography and general disease progression (Hamburg CLN2 motor language score) in non-classical CLN2 patients. RESULTS All patients received intracerebroventricular enzyme replacement therapy with cerliponase alfa. Mean age at last follow-up was 12.4 years; mean follow-up time 2.6 years. All cases demonstrated a stable Hamburg motor language CLN2 Score and Weill Cornell LINCL Ophthalmic Severity Score. Visual function remained stable in 4/6 patients, 2/6 patients showed a decrease, 4/6 cases had a stable CRT and 2/6 showed a reduction of CRT. One patient showed a massive macular thinning and low vision. A correlation with a specific mutation or age could not be verified. DISCUSSION The presented longitudinal study characterizes the variable ocular involvement in non-classical CLN2 disease and contributes to the natural history description. The functional and morphologic data outline the necessity of regular ophthalmic examination. Ocular phenotyping and description of retinal degeneration in non-classical CLN2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevgeniya Atiskova
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wildner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Wibbeler
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Nickel
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Stephan Spitzer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schwering
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angela Schulz
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon Dulz
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Simonati A, Williams RE. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: The Multifaceted Approach to the Clinical Issues, an Overview. Front Neurol 2022; 13:811686. [PMID: 35359645 PMCID: PMC8961688 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.811686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-art in the field of childhood Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders. These are genetic diseases associated with the formation of toxic endo-lysosomal storage. Following a brief historical review of the evolution of NCL definition, a clinically-oriented approach is used describing how the early symptoms and signs affecting motor, visual, cognitive domains, and including seizures, may lead clinicians to a rapid molecular diagnosis, avoiding the long diagnostic odyssey commonly observed. We go on to focus on recent advances in NCL research and summarize contributions to knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying NCL. We describe the large variety of experimental models which have aided this research, as well as the most recent technological developments which have shed light on the main mechanisms involved in the cellular pathology, such as apoptosis and autophagy. The search for innovative therapies is described. Translation of experimental data into therapeutic approaches is being established for several of the NCLs, and one drug is now commercially available. Lastly, we show the importance of palliative care and symptomatic treatments which are still the main therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Simonati
- Departments of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics, and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, AOUI-VR, Verona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Simonati
| | - Ruth E. Williams
- Department of Children's Neuroscience, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Ruth E. Williams
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Ługowska A, Purzycka-Olewiecka JK, Płoski R, Truszkowska G, Pronicki M, Felczak P, Śpiewak M, Podlecka-Piętowska A, Sitek M, Bilińska ZT, Leszek P, Bednarska-Makaruk M. Tripeptidyl Peptidase 1 (TPP1) Deficiency in a 36-Year-Old Patient with Cerebellar-Extrapyramidal Syndrome and Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Life (Basel) 2021; 12:life12010003. [PMID: 35054396 PMCID: PMC8779458 DOI: 10.3390/life12010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on a 36-year-old man with cerebellar-extrapyramidal syndrome and severe heart failure because of dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown origin. Dysarthria and cardiac arrhythmia began at early childhood (4 years of age). Brain MRI (28 years of age) demonstrated severe cerebellar atrophy. At the age 32, he presented with dysarthria, ataxia, dystonia, and tremor of the right hand, bilateral slowed neural conduction in the visual pathways, and decreased mental acuity. At the age of 33 years, the patient underwent cardiac transplantation because of severe dilated cardiomyopathy. In the TPP1 gene, biallelic variants were identified: previously reported p.(Leu13Pro) and novel p.(Tyr508Cys) variant. Additionally, hemizygous novel missense variant in the ABCD1 gene was inherited from the mother p.(Arg17His). Normal very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA) levels both in patient and his mother excluded ABCD1 mutation as the pathogenic one. Tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) activity was reduced (8,8 U/mg protein/h; reference range: 47.4 ± 10.7). In light microscopy the biopsy specimens obtained from explanted heart showed severe myocyte hypertrophy with perinuclear vacuolization with inclusions. Electron microscopy revealed absence of lipofuscin accumulation, no ultrastructural curvilinear profiles, fingerprint bodies, or granular osmiophilic deposits (GRODs) in lysosomes. As described here, the patient presents clinical symptoms observed in benign forms of ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) and simultaneously some features of autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCAR7), which is also caused by mutations in the TPP1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Ługowska
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Al. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.P.-O.); (M.B.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Joanna K. Purzycka-Olewiecka
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Al. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.P.-O.); (M.B.-M.)
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. A. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Grażyna Truszkowska
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology, National Institute of Cardiology, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Maciej Pronicki
- Department of Pathology, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, al. Dzieci Polskich 20, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paulina Felczak
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Al. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Śpiewak
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, Department of Radiology, National Institute of Cardiology, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | | | - Martyna Sitek
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (A.P.-P.); (M.S.)
| | - Zofia T. Bilińska
- Unit for Screening Studies in Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, National Institute of Cardiology, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Leszek
- Department of Heart Failure and Transplantology, National Institute of Cardiology, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Bednarska-Makaruk
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Al. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland; (J.K.P.-O.); (M.B.-M.)
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10
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Thompson DA, Handley SE, Henderson RH, Marmoy OR, Gissen P. An ERG and OCT study of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis CLN2 Battens retinopathy. Eye (Lond) 2021; 35:2438-2448. [PMID: 34272513 PMCID: PMC8377094 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-021-01594-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 Batten disease) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease of childhood. The natural history of motor and language regression is used to monitor the efficacy of CNS treatments. Less is known about CLN2 retinopathy. Our aim is to elaborate the nature, age of onset, and symmetry of CLN2 retinopathy using visual electrophysiology and ophthalmic imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We reviewed 22 patients with genetically confirmed CLN2 disease; seventeen showing classical and five atypical disease. Flash electroretinograms (ERGs), flash and pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (VEPs), recorded from awake children were collated. Available fundus images were graded, optical coherence tomography (OCT) central subfoveal thickness (CST) measured, and genotype, age, clinical vision assessment and motor language grades assembled. RESULTS ERGs show cone/rod system dysfunction preceded by localised macular ellipsoid zone disruption on OCT from 4.8 years. Electroencephalogram (EEG) time-locked spikes confounded both pattern 6/17 (35%) and flash VEPs 12/16 (75%). Paired right eye (RE) and left eye (LE) ERG amplitudes did not differ significantly for each flash stimulus at the p 0.001 level, Wilcoxon ranked signed test. Cone ERGs show a functional deficit before CST thinning in classical disease. Optomap hyper fundus autofluorescence (FAF) at the fovea was noted in three patients with normal ERGs. The oldest patient showed an ovoid aggregate above the external limiting membrane at the fovea, which did not affect the PERG. CONCLUSION ERG findings in CLN2 retinopathy show symmetrical cone-rod dysfunction, from 4y10m in this series, but a broad range of ages when ERG function is preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy A Thompson
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
| | - Siân E Handley
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Robert H Henderson
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Oliver R Marmoy
- Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Paul Gissen
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Kovacs KD, Orlin A, Sondhi D, Kaminsky SM, D'Amico DJ, Crystal RG, Kiss S. Automated Retinal Layer Segmentation in CLN2-Associated Disease: Commercially Available Software Characterizing a Progressive Maculopathy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2021; 10:23. [PMID: 34313725 PMCID: PMC8322716 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.10.8.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose CLN2-associated disease is a hereditary, fatal lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive brain and retinal deterioration. Here, we characterize the inner and outer retinal degeneration using automated segmentation software in optical coherence tomography scans, providing an objective, quantifiable metric for monitoring subtle changes previously identified with a validated disease classification scale (the Weill Cornell Batten Scale). Methods This study is a retrospective, single-center cohort review of images from examinations under anesthesia in treatment-naïve patients with CLN2-associated disease. Automated segmentation software was used to delineate retinal nerve fiber, ganglion cell layer (GCL), and outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness measurements in the fovea, parafovea, and perifovea based on age groups (months): 30 to 38, 39 to 45, 46 to 52, 53 to 59, 60 to 66, and 67 or older. Results Twenty-seven eyes from 14 patients were included, with 8 serial images yielding 36 interpretable optical coherence tomography scans. There was a significant difference in parafoveal ONL thickness between 39 to 45 and 46 to 52 months of age (P = 0.032) not seen in other regions or retinal layers. Perifoveal ONL demonstrated a difference in thickness between the 60 to 66 and greater than 67 months age cohorts (P = 0.047). There was strong symmetry between eyes, and high segmentation repeatability. Conclusions Parafoveal ONL thickness represents a sensitive, early age indicator of CLN2-associated degeneration. Outer retinal degeneration is apparent at younger ages than inner retinal changes though in treatment-naïve patients all retinal layers showed significant differences between 60 to 66 and more than 67 months of age. Translational Relevance This study establishes sensitive, quantitative biomarkers for assessing retinal degeneration in a large cohort natural history study in anticipation of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Kovacs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anton Orlin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen M Kaminsky
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donald J D'Amico
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Szilárd Kiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Sondhi D, Kaminsky SM, Hackett NR, Pagovich OE, Rosenberg JB, De BP, Chen A, Van de Graaf B, Mezey JG, Mammen GW, Mancenido D, Xu F, Kosofsky B, Yohay K, Worgall S, Kaner RJ, Souwedaine M, Greenwald BM, Kaplitt M, Dyke JP, Ballon DJ, Heier LA, Kiss S, Crystal RG. Slowing late infantile Batten disease by direct brain parenchymal administration of a rh.10 adeno-associated virus expressing CLN2. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/572/eabb5413. [PMID: 33268510 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb5413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Late infantile Batten disease (CLN2 disease) is an autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the CLN2 gene encoding tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1). We tested intraparenchymal delivery of AAVrh.10hCLN2, a nonhuman serotype rh.10 adeno-associated virus vector encoding human CLN2, in a nonrandomized trial consisting of two arms assessed over 18 months: AAVrh.10hCLN2-treated cohort of 8 children with mild to moderate disease and an untreated, Weill Cornell natural history cohort consisting of 12 children. The treated cohort was also compared to an untreated European natural history cohort of CLN2 disease. The vector was administered through six burr holes directly to 12 sites in the brain without immunosuppression. In an additional safety assessment under a separate protocol, five children with severe CLN2 disease were treated with AAVrh.10hCLN2. The therapy was associated with a variety of expected adverse events, none causing long-term disability. Induction of systemic anti-AAVrh.10 immunity was mild. After therapy, the treated cohort had a 1.3- to 2.6-fold increase in cerebral spinal fluid TPP1. There was a slower loss of gray matter volume in four of seven children by MRI and a 42.4 and 47.5% reduction in the rate of decline of motor and language function, compared to Weill Cornell natural history cohort (P < 0.04) and European natural history cohort (P < 0.0001), respectively. Intraparenchymal brain administration of AAVrh.10hCLN2 slowed the progression of disease in children with CLN2 disease. However, improvements in vector design and delivery strategies will be necessary to halt disease progression using gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stephen M Kaminsky
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Neil R Hackett
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Odelya E Pagovich
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jonathan B Rosenberg
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Bishnu P De
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alvin Chen
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Benjamin Van de Graaf
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jason G Mezey
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Grace W Mammen
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Denesy Mancenido
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Fang Xu
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Barry Kosofsky
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kaleb Yohay
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stefan Worgall
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Robert J Kaner
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mark Souwedaine
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Bruce M Greenwald
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael Kaplitt
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jonathan P Dyke
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Douglas J Ballon
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Linda A Heier
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Szilard Kiss
- Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
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13
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Singh RB, Gupta P, Kartik A, Farooqui N, Singhal S, Shergill S, Singh KP, Agarwal A. Ocular Manifestations of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Semin Ophthalmol 2021; 36:582-595. [PMID: 34106804 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2021.1936571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of rare neurodegenerative storage disorders associated with devastating visual prognosis, with an incidence of 1/1,000,000 in the United States and comparatively higher incidence in European countries. The pathophysiological mechanisms causing NCLs occur due to enzymatic or transmembrane defects in various sub-cellular organelles including lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and cytoplasmic vesicles. NCLs are categorized into different types depending upon the underlying cause i.e., soluble lysosomal enzyme deficiencies or non-enzymatic deficiencies (functions of identified proteins), which are sub-divided based on an axial classification system. In this review, we have evaluated the current evidence in the literature and reported the incidence rates, underlying mechanisms and currently available management protocols for these rare set of neuroophthalmological disorders. Additionally, we also highlighted the potential therapies under development that can expand the treatment of these rare disorders beyond symptomatic relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Bir Singh
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Prakash Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Akash Kartik
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Naba Farooqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sachi Singhal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sukhman Shergill
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kanwar Partap Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, India
| | - Aniruddha Agarwal
- Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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14
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Atiskova Y, Kohlschütter A, Spitzer MS, Dulz S. [Ophthalmological manifestations of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) : NCL as diseases of brain and retina-the role of ophthalmologists]. Ophthalmologe 2021; 118:113-118. [PMID: 33315139 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-020-01282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses are hereditary lysosomal storage diseases, which lead to a progressive neurodegeneration of the brain and retina. Visual loss can be the initial symptom but can also occur later in the course of the disease. OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to provide ophthalmologists with an overview of the characteristic ocular alterations and the general disease course of the 13 currently known various forms of NCL. MATERIAL AND METHODS The findings from predominantly clinical articles are reviewed and summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Retinal degeneration plays a crucial role in this group of neurodegenerative diseases. In several forms visual decline is the initial clinical symptom in affected patients. Therefore, the ophthalmologist is the first medical expert consulted. An early diagnosis is crucial for the future personal and family planning but is also important regarding upcoming therapeutic strategies, which might be much more effective in patients with early stage disease. When the presence of retinal degeneration due to an NCL disease is suspected an immediate genetic diagnostic confirmation and collaboration with neuropediatricians is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevgeniya Atiskova
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland.
| | - Alfried Kohlschütter
- Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Martin Stephan Spitzer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Simon Dulz
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland
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