Rapid-onset obesity, hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation in Saudi Arabia

Neurocognition as a biomarker in the rare autonomic disorders of CCHS and ROHHAD

PURPOSE

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) and rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) are rare disorders of autonomic regulation with risk for disrupted neurocognitive development. Our aim is to summarize research on neurocognitive outcomes in these conditions, advance understanding of how to best support these individuals throughout development, and facilitate future research.

METHODS

We conducted a narrative review of literature on neurocognitive outcomes in CCHS and ROHHAD, supplemented with previously unpublished data from patients with CCHS and ROHHAD at our Center for Autonomic Medicine in Pediatrics (CAMP).

RESULTS

Individuals with CCHS and ROHHAD experience a wide range of neurocognitive functioning ranging from above average to below average, but are at particular risk for difficulties with working memory, processing speed, perceptual reasoning, and visuographic skills. An assessment framework emphasizing fluid cognition seems especially appropriate for these conditions. Owing to small cohorts and varied methods of data collection, it has been difficult to identify associations between disease factors (including CCHS PHOX2B genotypes) and cognitive outcomes. However, results suggest that early childhood is a period of particular vulnerability, perhaps due to the disruptive impact of recurrent intermittent hypoxic episodes on brain and cognitive development.

CONCLUSION

Neurocognitive monitoring is recommended as a component of routine clinical care in CCHS and ROHHAD as a marker of disease status and to ensure that educational support and disability accommodations are provided as early as possible. Collaborative efforts will be essential to obtain samples needed to enhance our understanding of neurocognitive outcomes in CCHS and ROHHAD.

ROHHAD (Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypoventilation, Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Autonomic Dysregulation) Syndrome-What Every Pediatrician Should Know About the Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment: A Review

Rapid-onset obesity with hypoventilation, hypothalamic dysfunction, autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) syndrome is a rare disease with unknown and debated etiology, characterized by precipitous obesity in young children, hypoventilation and autonomic dysregulation with various endocrine abnormalities. Neuroendocrine tumors can be associated in more than half of the cases. This rare condition has a severe outcome because of high morbidity and mortality. We provide a comprehensive description of the etiopathogenetic theories of the disease, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup and treatment possibilities.

ROHHAD(NET) Syndrome: Systematic Review of the Clinical Timeline and Recommendations for Diagnosis and Prognosis

CONTEXT

Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, autonomic dysregulation and neural crest tumor (ROHHHAD[NET]) is a rare and potentially fatal disease. No specific diagnostic biomarker is currently available, making prompt diagnosis challenging. Since its first definition in 2007, a complete clinical analysis leading to specific diagnosis and follow-up recommendations is still missing.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work is to describe the clinical timeline of symptoms of ROHHAD(NET) and propose recommendations for diagnosis and follow-up.

DESIGN

We conducted a systematic review of all ROHHAD(NET) case studies and report a new ROHHAD patient with early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care.

METHODS

All the articles that meet the definition of ROHHAD(NET) and provide chronological clinical data were reviewed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis individual patient data guidelines. The data were grouped into 7 categories: hypothalamic dysfunction, autonomic dysregulation, hypoventilation, NET, psychiatric symptoms, other clinical manifestations, and outcome.

RESULTS

Forty-three individual patient data descriptions were analyzed. The timeline of the disease shows rapid-onset obesity followed shortly by hypothalamic dysfunction. Dysautonomia was reported at a median age of 4.95 years and hypoventilation at 5.33 years, or 2.2 years after the initial obesity. A NET was reported in 56% of the patients, and 70% of these tumors were diagnosed within 2 years after initial weight gain.

CONCLUSION

Because early diagnosis improves the clinical management and the prognosis in ROHHAD(NET), this diagnosis should be considered for any child with rapid and early obesity. We propose guidance for systematic follow-up and advise multidisciplinary management with the aim of improving prognosis and life expectancy.

Rapid-Onset Obesity with Hypoventilation, Hypothalamic, Autonomic Dysregulation, and Neuroendocrine Tumors (ROHHADNET) Syndrome: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

ROHHADNET (rapid-onset obesity with hypoventilation, hypothalamic, autonomic dysregulation, neuroendocrine tumor) syndrome is a rare disease with grave outcome. Although early recognition is essential, prompt diagnosis may be challenging due to its extreme rarity. This study aimed to systematically review its clinical manifestation and to identify genetic causes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We firstly conducted a systematic review on ROHHAD/NET. Electronic databases were searched using related terms. We secondly performed whole exome sequencing (WES) and examined copy number variation (CNV) in two patients to identify genetic causes.

RESULTS

In total, 46 eligible studies including 158 patients were included. There were 36 case reports available for individual patient data (IPD; 48 patients, 23 ROHHAD, and 25 ROHHADNET) and 10 case series available for aggregate patient data (APD; 110 patients, 71 ROHHAD, and 39 ROHHADNET). The median age at onset calculated from IPD was 4 years. Gender information was available in 100 patients (40 from IPD and 60 from APD) in which 65 females and 35 males were showing female preponderance. Earliest manifestation was rapid obesity, followed by hypothalamic symptoms. Most common types of neuroendocrine tumors were ganglioneuromas. Patients frequently had dysnatremia and hyperprolactinemia. Two patients were available for WES. Rare variants were identified in PIK3R3, SPTBN5, and PCF11 in one patient and SRMS, ZNF83, and KMT2B in another patient, respectively. However, there was no surviving variant shared by the two patients after filtering.

CONCLUSIONS

This study systematically reviewed the phenotype of ROHHAD/NET aiming to help early recognition and reducing morbidity. The link of variants identified in the present WES requires further investigation.

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: An overview of etiopathogenesis, associated pathologies, clinical presentation, and management

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS), known colloquially as Ondine's curse, is a rare disorder characterized by impaired autonomic control of breathing during sleep from the loss of vagal input and diminished sensitivity of CO₂ receptors in the medulla. CCHS correlates to the malformation of the neural crest located in the brainstem; this consequently affects the loss of sensitivity of CO₂ chemoreceptors, bringing about hypoventilation during sleep. The primary cause of CCHS is the mutation of the paired-like homeobox PHO2XB gene, found in 90% of the patients. This mutation not only affects breathing but also drives neurological abnormalities such as autonomic and neurocognitive dysfunction. Though typically congenital, there have been late-onset (i.e., acquired) cases reported. It is vital for physicians and clinicians to be able to diagnose CCHS due to its similar presentation to other syndromes and disorders, which may cause it to be misdiagnosed and may account for its deleterious effects. CCHS can lead to a constellation of symptoms, and consideration of diseases that present concomitantly with CCHS affords us a better understanding of the etiology of this illness. Although a rare syndrome, we aim to review the current literature to emphasize the pathogenesis, etiology, clinical presentation, symptoms, diagnosis, and current treatment methods of CCHS for clinicians to better identify and understand this condition.