1
|
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are a clinically heterogeneous group of disorders that ultimately result from dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. There is some evidence to suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in neuropsychiatric illness; however, the data are inconclusive. This article summarizes the available literature published in the area of neuropsychiatric manifestations in both children and adults with primary mitochondrial disease, with a focus on autism spectrum disorder in children and mood disorders and schizophrenia in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Marin
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), 9500 Gilman Drive #0935, La Jolla, CA 92093-0935, USA
| | - Russell P Saneto
- Department of Neurology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, 4800 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, 4800 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ming X, Stein TP, Barnes V, Rhodes N, Guo L. Metabolic perturbance in autism spectrum disorders: a metabolomics study. J Proteome Res 2012; 11:5856-62. [PMID: 23106572 DOI: 10.1021/pr300910n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of biological disorders with associated metabolic derangement. This study aimed to identify a pattern of metabolic perturbance in ASD using metabolomics in urinary specimens from 48 children with ASD and 53 age matched controls. Using a combination of liquid- and gas-chromatography-based mass spectrometry, we detected the levels of 82 metabolites (53 of which were increased) that were significantly altered between the ASD and the control groups using osmolality normalized data. Pattern analysis showed that the levels of several amino acids such as glycine, serine, threonine, alanine, histidine, glutamyl amino acids and the organic acid, taurine were significantly (p≤0.05) lower in ASD children. The levels of antioxidants such as carnosine were also reduced in ASD (p=0.054). Furthermore, several gut bacterial metabolites were significantly altered in ASD children who had gastrointestinal dysfunction. Overall, this study detected abnormal amino acid metabolism, increased oxidative stress, and altered gut microbiomes in ASD. The relationship of altered gut microbial co-metabolism and the disrupted metabolisms requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Ming
- Department of Neurosciences and Neurology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, United States.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
The autisms and epilepsies are heterogeneous disorders that have diverse etiologies and pathologies. The severity of impairment and of symptoms associated with autism or with particular epilepsy syndromes reflects focal or global, structurally abnormal or dysfunctional neuronal networks. The complex relationship between autism and epilepsy, as reflected in the autism-epilepsy phenotype, provides a bridge to further knowledge of shared neuronal networks that can account for both the autisms and the epilepsies. Although epilepsy is not a causal factor for autism, increased understanding of common genetic and molecular biological mechanisms of the autism-epilepsy phenotype has provided insight into the pathophysiology of the autisms. The autism-epilepsy phenotype provides a novel model to the study of interventions that may have a positive modulating effects on social cognitive outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Tuchman
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami Children's Hospital, Dan Marino Center, 2900 South Commerce Parkway, Weston, FL, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kaufmann WE, Cortell R, Kau ASM, Bukelis I, Tierney E, Gray RM, Cox C, Capone GT, Stanard P. Autism spectrum disorder in fragile X syndrome: communication, social interaction, and specific behaviors. Am J Med Genet A 2005; 129A:225-34. [PMID: 15326621 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.30229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The present study extends our previous work on social behavior impairment in young males with fragile X syndrome (FraX). Specifically, we evaluated whether the autistic phenomenon in FraX is expressed as a range of behavioral impairments as in idiopathic autism (Aut). We also examined whether there are behaviors, identified as items of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), that in FraX predispose to or differentiate subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Finally, regression models were utilized to test the relative contribution of reduced communication and socialization skills to ADI-R scores and diagnoses. A cohort of 56 boys (3-8 years) with FraX was examined in terms of scores on measures of cognition (IQ was a co-variate in most analyses.), autistic behavior, problem/aberrant behavior, adaptive behavior, and language development. We found that, indeed, in terms of problem behavior and adaptive skills, there is a range of severity from FraX + Aut to FraX + PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) to FraX + none. ADI-R items representing "Play" types of interaction appear to be "susceptibility" factors since they were abnormal across the FraX cohort. Integrated regression models demonstrated that items reflecting complex social interaction differentiated the FraX + ASD (Aut + PDD) subgroup from the rest of the FraX cohort, while abnormalities in basic verbal and non-verbal communication distinguished the most severely affected boys with FraX + Aut from the milder FraX + PDD cohort. Models incorporating language, adaptive communication, and adaptive socialization skills revealed that socialization was not only the main influence on scores but also a predictor of ASD diagnosis. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that the diagnosis of ASD in FraX reflects, to a large extent, an impairment in social interaction that is expressed with variable severity in young males with FraX.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kagan-Kushnir T, Roberts SW, Snead OC. Screening electroencephalograms in autism spectrum disorders: evidence-based guideline. J Child Neurol 2005; 20:197-206. [PMID: 15832609 DOI: 10.1177/08830738050200030601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish guidelines for the use of screening electroencephalograms (EEGs) in autism spectrum disorders to identify subclinical epileptiform activity. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for relevant articles. The evidence was reviewed using the methodology of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. A priori criteria were established for article selection and for grading the quality and strength of the evidence. Seizures are common, occurring in 20 to 30% of patients based on the majority of studies. Epileptiform EEG abnormalities are present in 10.3% to 72.4% of patients and subclinical abnormalities in 6.1% to 31%. Evidence for the effectiveness of anticonvulsants and corticosteroids in reducing seizures and/or autistic symptoms is based primarily on case series and case reports, with only one published randomized trial. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of screening EEGs in autistic patients. Given the frequency of seizure disorders in this patient population, a high index of clinical suspicion should be maintained for subtle symptoms of seizures.
Collapse
|
6
|
Challman TD, Barbaresi WJ, Katusic SK, Weaver A. The yield of the medical evaluation of children with pervasive developmental disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2003; 33:187-92. [PMID: 12757358 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022995611730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Little information is available regarding the yield of the medical evaluation of children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) compared to children diagnosed with autistic disorder. Medical records were reviewed for 182 patients less than 18 years of age with either PDD-NOS or autistic disorder evaluated between 1994 and 1998 at Mayo Clinic. A condition likely to be etiologically relevant was identified in 6/117 (5.1%) patients diagnosed with PDD-NOS and 2/65 (3.1%) patients diagnosed with autistic disorder. Genetic disorders, both chromosomal and single-gene, were the most commonly identified conditions. Seizure disorders, electroencephalogram abnormalities, and anomalies on brain imaging were common in both groups. The likelihood of uncovering an etiologically relevant condition in children diagnosed with either PDD-NOS or autistic disorder may be equivalent. The scope of the etiological search in an individual patient with an autistic spectrum disorder should not be limited by the specific diagnostic category.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Challman
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lauritsen MB, Mors O, Mortensen PB, Ewald H. Medical disorders among inpatients with autism in Denmark according to ICD-8: a nationwide register-based study. J Autism Dev Disord 2002; 32:115-9. [PMID: 12058839 DOI: 10.1023/a:1014840622023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Possible associations between autism and specific medical disorders have been suggested, and this could be of relevance in the clinical examination and treatment of patients and may help to identify factors involved in the etiology or pathophysiology of autism. Two population-based Danish registers were used to investigate the occurrence of medical disorders in patients with autism according to ICD-8 and in a matched control sample. A total of 29 of the 244 patients (11.9%) diagnosed with autism had one or more medical disorders. In contrast to previous studies, we did not find an increased occurrence of almost any medical disorders. A highly significant increased frequency of congenital malformations was found, which may indicate abnormalities in embryogenesis in the etiology of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlene B Lauritsen
- Department of Psychiatric Demography, Institute for Basic Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chambers HG. Treatment of functional limitations at the knee in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. Eur J Neurol 2001; 8 Suppl 5:59-74. [PMID: 11851735 DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-1331.2001.00039.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The gait of ambulatory children with cerebral palsy frequently involves abnormal knee motion. Spasticity, muscle contracture formation, impairments of motor control, weakness, balance deficits, and extrapyramidal motions can all contribute to the functional limitations imposed at the knee. Careful clinical evaluation of the child and their gait must be performed in order to determine the best individual course of treatment. Often, three-dimensional motion analysis with assessment of muscle activity and force is necessary to completely assess the complexities of gait. Several typical gait patterns have been described involving the knee, including 'jump knee', 'crouch', 'true equinus', 'apparent equinus', 'recurvatum' and 'stiff knee' gait. Each of these gait patterns is defined here and discussed using case examples. These typical gait patterns are usually accompanied by involvement at the hip and ankle and may be combined with transverse plane rotational abnormalities. Treatment options such as rehabilitation (physiotherapy, casting, strengthening, and/or orthoses), spasticity management (intramuscular injections of phenol, alcohol, and botulinum toxin type A) and orthopaedic approaches are discussed for each entity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H G Chambers
- Children's Hospital and Health Center, San Diego, CA 92123, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Boyd RN, Hays RM. Current evidence for the use of botulinum toxin type A in the management of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review. Eur J Neurol 2001; 8 Suppl 5:1-20. [PMID: 11851730 DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-1331.2001.00034.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Management of children with cerebral palsy (CP) is the focus of considerable resources in many countries, so that evaluation of the efficacy for new and established treatments is imperative. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a relatively new method of spasticity management in children with cerebral palsy. It has been the focus of extensive research since its application to cerebral palsy 10 years ago. In a systematic review relating to the management of the lower limb in cerebral palsy 156 papers were identified. These were categorized according to Sackett and the World Health Organisation International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps model. We identified 10 randomized trials evaluating the use of BTX-A in the lower limb in children with cerebral palsy in a systematic review. A meta-analysis showed the pooled risk difference between BTX-A and placebo in three trials was 0.25 (95% CI 0.13, 0.37) and 0.23 (95% CI -0.06, 0.53) for two trials of BTX-A and casting using the physicians rating scale. These represent moderate treatment effects that are dosage-dependent. Outcomes were also compared for function in five studies. The type of evidence for BTX-A was graded by each treatment indication and directions for future research were then drawn from the available evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R N Boyd
- Hugh Williamson Gait Laboratory, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Steele MM, Al-Adeimi M, Siu VM, Fan YS. Brief report: A case of autism with interstitial deletion of chromosome 13. J Autism Dev Disord 2001; 31:231-4. [PMID: 11450821 DOI: 10.1023/a:1010759401344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A case of an 18-year-old male who meets the DSM-IV criteria for autistic disorder and borderline intelligence is described. Cytogenetic evaluation revealed a karyotype of 46, XY, del(13)(q14q22). The relevance of this case to the etiology of autism is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M M Steele
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, Canada.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shenoy S, Arnold S, Chatila T. Response to steroid therapy in autism secondary to autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome. J Pediatr 2000; 136:682-7. [PMID: 10802504 DOI: 10.1067/mpd.2000.105355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We report a child who developed autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) secondary to a heterozygous dominant negative mutation in the death domain of the Fas receptor. Previously developmentally normal, he had symptoms of autism with rapid regression in developmental milestones coincident with the onset of lymphoproliferation and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Low-dose steroid therapy induced early and complete remission in the ALPS phenotype. There was subjective improvement, followed by objective improvement in speech and developmental milestones. We propose that autism may be part of the autoimmune disease spectrum of ALPS in this child, and this case represents a novel manifestation and target organ involvement in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Shenoy
- Divisions of Hematology-Oncology, Neurology, and Immunology-Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|