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Konofal E. From past to future: 50 years of pharmacological interventions to treat narcolepsy. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 241:173804. [PMID: 38852786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The history of narcolepsy research began with the pioneering work of Jean-Baptiste-Édouard Gélineau in the late 19th century. In the 1880s, Gélineau introduced the term "narcolepsy" to describe a condition characterized by sudden and uncontrollable episodes of sleep. His clinical descriptions laid the foundation for our understanding of this complex disorder. Over the last half-century, the pharmacological landscape for narcolepsy treatment has evolved remarkably, shifting from merely managing symptoms to increasingly targeting its underlying pathophysiology. By the 1930s, treatments such as ephedrine and amphetamine were introduced to alleviate excessive daytime sleepiness, marking significant advancements in narcolepsy management. These stimulants provided temporary relief, helping patients maintain wakefulness during the day. As research progressed, the focus shifted towards understanding the disorder's underlying mechanisms. The discovery of orexin (also known as hypocretin) in the late 1990s revolutionized the field. This breakthrough underscored the importance of orexin in regulating sleep-wake cycles and provided new targets for pharmacological intervention. Looking ahead, the future of narcolepsy pharmacotherapy is poised for further innovation. The ongoing exploration of orexin receptor agonists and the potential development of neuroprotective therapeutic targets underscore a promising horizon. Emerging research into the genetic and immunological underpinnings of narcolepsy opens new avenues for personalized medicine approaches and the identification of biomarkers for more precise treatment strategies. Additionally, the refinement of existing treatments through improved delivery systems and the investigation of combination therapies offer opportunities for enhanced efficacy and improved quality of life for patients with narcolepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Konofal
- Centre Pédiatrique des Pathologies du Sommeil, APHP Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 Boulevard Sérurier, Paris 75019, France.
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2
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Valizadeh P, Momtazmanesh S, Plazzi G, Rezaei N. Connecting the dots: An updated review of the role of autoimmunity in narcolepsy and emerging immunotherapeutic approaches. Sleep Med 2024; 113:378-396. [PMID: 38128432 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic disorder characterized by pathological daytime sleepiness and cataplexy due to the disappearance of orexin immunoreactive neurons in the hypothalamus. Genetic and environmental factors point towards a potential role for inflammation and autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of the disease. This study aims to comprehensively review the latest evidence on the autoinflammatory mechanisms and immunomodulatory treatments aimed at suspected autoimmune pathways in NT1. METHODS Recent relevant literature in the field of narcolepsy, its autoimmune hypothesis, and purposed immunomodulatory treatments were reviewed. RESULTS Narcolepsy is strongly linked to specific HLA alleles and T-cell receptor polymorphisms. Furthermore, animal studies and autopsies have found infiltration of T cells in the hypothalamus, supporting T cell-mediated immunity. However, the role of autoantibodies has yet to be definitively established. Increased risk of NT1 after H1N1 infection and vaccination supports the autoimmune hypothesis, and the potential role of coronavirus disease 2019 and vaccination in triggering autoimmune neurodegeneration is a recent finding. Alterations in cytokine levels, gut microbiota, and microglial activation indicate a potential role for inflammation in the disease's development. Reports of using immunotherapies in NT1 patients are limited and inconsistent. Early treatment with IVIg, corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and monoclonal antibodies has seldomly shown some potential benefits in some studies. CONCLUSION The current body of literature supports that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disorder most likely caused by T-cell involvement. However, the potential for immunomodulatory treatments to reverse the autoinflammatory process remains understudied. Further clinical controlled trials may provide valuable insights into this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parya Valizadeh
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Momtazmanesh
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Dye TJ, Simakajornboon N. Narcolepsy in Children: Sleep disorders in children, A rapidly evolving field seeking consensus. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:1952-1962. [PMID: 34021733 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a life-long sleep disorder with two distinct subtypes, narcolepsy type I and narcolepsy type II. It is now well recognized that the loss of hypocretin neurons underlies the pathogenesis of narcolepsy type I, however, the pathogenesis of narcolepsy type II is currently unknown. Both genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of narcolepsy. There is increasing evidence that autoimmune processes may play a critical role in the loss of hypocretin neurons. Infections especially streptococcus and influenza have been proposed as a potential trigger for the autoimmune-mediated mechanism. Several recent studies have shown increased cases of pediatric narcolepsy following the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. The increased cases in Europe seem to be related to a specific type of H1N1 influenza vaccination (Pandemrix), while the increased cases in China are related to influenza infection. Children with narcolepsy can have an unusual presentation at disease onset including complex motor movements which may lead to delayed diagnosis. All classic narcolepsy tetrads are present in only a small proportion of children. The diagnosis of narcolepsy is confirmed by either obtaining cerebrospinal fluid hypocretin or overnight sleep study with the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). There are limitations of using MSLT in young children such that a negative MSLT test cannot exclude narcolepsy. HLA markers have limited utility in narcolepsy, but it may be useful in young children with clinical suspicion of narcolepsy. For management, both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments are important in the management of narcolepsy. Pharmacotherapy is primarily aimed to address excessive daytime sleepiness and REM-related symptoms such as cataplexy. In addition to pharmacotherapy, routine screening of behavioral and psychosocial issues is warranted to identify patients who would benefit from bio-behavior intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Dye
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Narong Simakajornboon
- Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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4
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Chung IH, Chin WC, Huang YS, Wang CH. Pediatric Narcolepsy—A Practical Review. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9070974. [PMID: 35883958 PMCID: PMC9320719 DOI: 10.3390/children9070974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric narcolepsy is a chronic sleep-wakefulness disorder. Its symptoms frequently begin in childhood. This review article examined the literature for research reporting on the effects of treatment of pediatric narcolepsy, as well as proposed etiology and diagnostic tools. Symptoms of pediatric narcolepsy include excessive sleepiness and cataplexy. In addition, rapid-eye-movement-related phenomena such as sleep paralysis, sleep terror, and hypnagogic or hypnapompic hallucinations can also occur. These symptoms impaired children’s function and negatively influenced their social interaction, studying, quality of life, and may further lead to emotional and behavioral problems. Therefore, early diagnosis and intervention are essential for children’s development. Moreover, there are differences in clinical experiences between Asian and Western population. The treatment of pediatric narcolepsy should be comprehensive. In this article, we review pediatric narcolepsy and its treatment approach: medication, behavioral modification, and education/mental support. Pharmacological treatment including some promising newly-developed medication can decrease cataplexy and daytime sleepiness in children with narcolepsy. Other forms of management such as psychosocial interventions involve close cooperation between children, school, family, medical personnel, and can further assist their adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Hang Chung
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Sleep Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (I.-H.C.); (W.-C.C.)
| | - Wei-Chih Chin
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Sleep Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (I.-H.C.); (W.-C.C.)
| | - Yu-Shu Huang
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Sleep Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (I.-H.C.); (W.-C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-328-1200 (ext. 2479); Fax: +886-3-328-0267
| | - Chih-Huan Wang
- Department of Psychology, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China;
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5
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Hsieh LE, Song J, Tremoulet AH, Burns JC, Franco A. Intravenous immunoglobulin induces IgG internalization by tolerogenic myeloid dendritic cells that secrete IL-10 and expand Fc-specific regulatory T cells. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 208:361-371. [PMID: 35536993 PMCID: PMC9226148 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used as an immunomodulatory agent in many inflammatory conditions including Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome-Children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease (KD). However, the exact mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory action are incompletely characterized. Here, we show that in KD, a pediatric acute vasculitis that affects the coronary arteries, IVIG induces a repertoire of natural Treg that recognize immunodominant peptides in the Fc heavy chain constant region. To address which antigen-presenting cell (APC) populations present Fc peptides to Treg, we studied the uptake of IgG by innate cells in subacute KD patients 2 weeks after IVIG and in children 1.6–14 years after KD. Healthy adults served as controls. IgG at high concentrations was internalized predominantly by two myeloid dendritic cell (DC) lineages, CD14+ cDC2 and ILT-4+ CD4+ tmDC mostly through Fcγ receptor (R) II and to a lesser extent FcγRIII. Following IgG internalization, these two DC lineages secreted IL-10 and presented processed Fc peptides to Treg. The validation of IVIG function in expanding Fc-specific Treg presented by CD14+ cDC2 and ILT-4+ CD4+ tmDC was addressed in a small cohort of patients with MIS-C. Taken together, these results suggest a novel immune regulatory function of IgG in activating tolerogenic innate cells and expanding Treg, which reveals an important anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of IVIG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-En Hsieh
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, La Jolla, CA 92093-0641, USA
| | - Jaeyoon Song
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, La Jolla, CA 92093-0641, USA
| | - Adriana H Tremoulet
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, La Jolla, CA 92093-0641, USA.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Jane C Burns
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, La Jolla, CA 92093-0641, USA.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Alessandra Franco
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, La Jolla, CA 92093-0641, USA
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Veneruso M, Pizza F, Finotti E, Amore G, Vandi S, Filardi M, Antelmi E, Nobili L, Cassio A, Pession A, Plazzi G. Child Neurology: A Case Series of Heterogeneous Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Outcome in Very Early-Onset Narcolepsy Type 1. Neurology 2022; 98:984-989. [PMID: 35387850 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy type 1 is a central disorder of hypersomnolence characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (i.e., sudden loss of muscle tone during wakefulness triggered by emotions), and rapid eye movement sleep-related manifestations that can present with a peculiar phenotype when arising at a pediatric age. Several features of childhood-onset narcolepsy type 1 are also common in neuropsychiatric conditions; discrete neuropsychiatric comorbidity has also been demonstrated.Here we report on three children with very early narcolepsy type 1. All three patients had psychiatric features at time of symptom onset coupled with peculiar motor disturbances. The course of narcolepsy symptoms also paralleled neuropsychiatric symptoms, suggesting a possible intrinsic link between sleep and psychological features.Multidisciplinary management is mandatory for pediatric narcolepsy type 1 since prompt disease management addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms could lead to better clinical outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Veneruso
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Pizza
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Finotti
- Department of Rehabilitation, Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, ULSS 6, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Giulia Amore
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Vandi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Filardi
- Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University Aldo Moro Bari, Bari, Italy.,Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari Aldo Moro -A.O. Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico, Tricase, Italy
| | - Elena Antelmi
- Neurology Unit, Movement Disorders Division, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS S.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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7
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Dalakas MC. Update on Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Neurology: Modulating Neuro-autoimmunity, Evolving Factors on Efficacy and Dosing and Challenges on Stopping Chronic IVIg Therapy. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:2397-2418. [PMID: 34766257 PMCID: PMC8585501 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01108-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last 25 years, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has had a major impact in the successful treatment of previously untreatable or poorly controlled autoimmune neurological disorders. Derived from thousands of healthy donors, IVIg contains IgG1 isotypes of idiotypic antibodies that have the potential to bind pathogenic autoantibodies or cross-react with various antigenic peptides, including proteins conserved among the "common cold"-pre-pandemic coronaviruses; as a result, after IVIg infusions, some of the patients' sera may transiently become positive for various neuronal antibodies, even for anti-SARS-CoV-2, necessitating caution in separating antibodies derived from the infused IVIg or acquired humoral immunity. IVIg exerts multiple effects on the immunoregulatory network by variably affecting autoantibodies, complement activation, FcRn saturation, FcγRIIb receptors, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators. Based on randomized controlled trials, IVIg is approved for the treatment of GBS, CIDP, MMN and dermatomyositis; has been effective in, myasthenia gravis exacerbations, and stiff-person syndrome; and exhibits convincing efficacy in autoimmune epilepsy, neuromyelitis, and autoimmune encephalitis. Recent evidence suggests that polymorphisms in the genes encoding FcRn and FcγRIIB may influence the catabolism of infused IgG or its anti-inflammatory effects, impacting on individualized dosing or efficacy. For chronic maintenance therapy, IVIg and subcutaneous IgG are effective in controlled studies only in CIDP and MMN preventing relapses and axonal loss up to 48 weeks; in practice, however, IVIg is continuously used for years in all the aforementioned neurological conditions, like is a "forever necessary therapy" for maintaining stability, generating challenges on when and how to stop it. Because about 35-40% of patients on chronic therapy do not exhibit objective neurological signs of worsening after stopping IVIg but express subjective symptoms of fatigue, pains, spasms, or a feeling of generalized weakness, a conditioning effect combined with fear that discontinuing chronic therapy may destabilize a multi-year stability status is likely. The dilemmas of continuing chronic therapy, the importance of adjusting dosing and scheduling or periodically stopping IVIg to objectively assess necessity, and concerns in accurately interpreting IVIg-dependency are discussed. Finally, the merit of subcutaneous IgG, the ineffectiveness of IVIg in IgG4-neurological autoimmunities, and genetic factors affecting IVIg dosing and efficacy are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinos C Dalakas
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Dept. of Pathophysiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.
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8
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Maski K, Trotti LM, Kotagal S, Robert Auger R, Swick TJ, Rowley JA, Hashmi SD, Watson NF. Treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment. J Clin Sleep Med 2021; 17:1895-1945. [PMID: 34743790 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.9326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This systematic review provides supporting evidence for the accompanying clinical practice guideline on the treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence in adults and children. The review focuses on prescription medications with U.S. Food & Drug Administration approval and nonpharmacologic interventions studied for the treatment of symptoms caused by central disorders of hypersomnolence. METHODS The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned a task force of experts in sleep medicine to perform a systematic review. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies addressing pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for central disorders of hypersomnolence were identified. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the clinical significance of all outcomes. Finally, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the evidence for the purpose of making specific treatment recommendations. RESULTS The literature search identified 678 studies; 144 met the inclusion criteria and 108 provided data suitable for statistical analyses. Evidence for the following interventions is presented: armodafinil, clarithromycin, clomipramine, dextroamphetamine, flumazenil, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), light therapy, lithium, l-carnitine, liraglutide, methylphenidate, methylprednisolone, modafinil, naps, pitolisant, selegiline, sodium oxybate, solriamfetol, and triazolam. The task force provided a detailed summary of the evidence along with the quality of evidence, the balance of benefits and harms, patient values and preferences, and resource use considerations. CITATION Maski K, Trotti LM, Kotagal S, et al. Treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(9):1895-1945.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Maski
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lynn Marie Trotti
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suresh Kotagal
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - R Robert Auger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Todd J Swick
- Neuroscience's Clinical Division, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
| | - James A Rowley
- Department of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | - Nathaniel F Watson
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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9
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Vringer M, Kornum BR. Emerging therapeutic targets for narcolepsy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:559-572. [PMID: 34402358 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1969361] [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] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and type 2 (NT2) are chronic sleep disorders primarily characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), disturbed sleep-wake regulation, and reduced quality of life. The precise disease mechanism is unclear, but it is certain that in NT1 the hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) system is affected. Current treatment options are symptomatic - they improve EDS and/or reduce cataplexy. Complete symptom control is relatively rare - particularly problematic is residual daytime sleepiness. AREAS COVERED This review discusses various emerging treatment targets for narcolepsy. The focus is on the Hcrt receptors but included are also wake-promoting pathways, and sleep-stabilization through GABAergic mechanisms. Additionally, we discuss the potential of targeting the likely autoimmune basis of narcolepsy. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov was searched through June 2021 for relevant information. EXPERT OPINION Targeting Hcrt receptors has the potential to alleviate narcolepsy symptoms. Results from ongoing drug development programs are promising, but care needs to be taken when evaluating potential side effects. It is still largely unknown what roles Hcrt receptors play in the periphery and how these might be affected by treatment. Immunotherapies could potentially target the core pathophysiology of narcolepsy, but more work is needed to identify the best therapeutic target for this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Vringer
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (Mhens), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Birgitte Rahbek Kornum
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Bassetti CLA, Kallweit U, Vignatelli L, Plazzi G, Lecendreux M, Baldin E, Dolenc-Groselj L, Jennum P, Khatami R, Manconi M, Mayer G, Partinen M, Pollmächer T, Reading P, Santamaria J, Sonka K, Dauvilliers Y, Lammers GJ. European guideline and expert statements on the management of narcolepsy in adults and children. J Sleep Res 2021; 30:e13387. [PMID: 34173288 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Narcolepsy is an uncommon hypothalamic disorder of presumed autoimmune origin that usually requires lifelong treatment. This paper aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for the management of narcolepsy in both adults and children. METHODS The European Academy of Neurology (EAN), European Sleep Research Society (ESRS), and European Narcolepsy Network (EU-NN) nominated a task force of 18 narcolepsy specialists. According to the EAN recommendations, 10 relevant clinical questions were formulated in PICO format. Following a systematic review of the literature (performed in Fall 2018 and updated in July 2020) recommendations were developed according to the GRADE approach. RESULTS A total of 10,247 references were evaluated, 308 studies were assessed and 155 finally included. The main recommendations can be summarized as follows: (i) excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults-scheduled naps, modafinil, pitolisant, sodium oxybate (SXB), solriamfetol (all strong); methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives (both weak); (ii) cataplexy in adults-SXB, venlafaxine, clomipramine (all strong) and pitolisant (weak); (iii) EDS in children-scheduled naps, SXB (both strong), modafinil, methylphenidate, pitolisant, amphetamine derivatives (all weak); (iv) cataplexy in children-SXB (strong), antidepressants (weak). Treatment choices should be tailored to each patient's symptoms, comorbidities, tolerance and risk of potential drug interactions. CONCLUSION The management of narcolepsy involves non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches with an increasing number of symptomatic treatment options for adults and children that have been studied in some detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio L A Bassetti
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulf Kallweit
- Center for Narcolepsy/Hypersomnias, Clin. Sleep and Neuroimmunology, Institute of Immunology, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Luca Vignatelli
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michel Lecendreux
- AP-HP, Pediatric Sleep Center, CHU Robert-Debré, Paris, France.,National Reference Centre for Orphan Diseases, Narcolepsy, Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Kleine-Levin Syndrome (CNR narcolepsie-hypersomnie), Paris, France
| | - Elisa Baldin
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leja Dolenc-Groselj
- Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Poul Jennum
- Danish Center for Sleep Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ramin Khatami
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Center of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Research and Epileptology, Clinic Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Manconi
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Sleep Center, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Geert Mayer
- Neurology Department, Hephata Klinik, Schwalmstadt, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markku Partinen
- Department of Clinial Neurosciences, Clinicum, Helsinki Sleep Clinic, Vitalmed Research Center, Terveystalo Biobank and Clinical Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Paul Reading
- Department of Neurology, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Joan Santamaria
- Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karel Sonka
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yves Dauvilliers
- National Reference Centre for Orphan Diseases, Narcolepsy, Idiopathic Hypersomnia, Sleep Unit, Department of Neurology, Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INM INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Gert J Lammers
- Sleep Wake Centre SEIN, Heemstede, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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11
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Bassetti CLA, Kallweit U, Vignatelli L, Plazzi G, Lecendreux M, Baldin E, Dolenc-Groselj L, Jennum P, Khatami R, Manconi M, Mayer G, Partinen M, Pollmächer T, Reading P, Santamaria J, Sonka K, Dauvilliers Y, Lammers GJ. European guideline and expert statements on the management of narcolepsy in adults and children. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:2815-2830. [PMID: 34173695 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Narcolepsy is an uncommon hypothalamic disorder of presumed autoimmune origin that usually requires lifelong treatment. This paper aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for the management of narcolepsy in both adults and children. METHODS The European Academy of Neurology (EAN), European Sleep Research Society (ESRS) and European Narcolepsy Network (EU-NN) nominated a task force of 18 narcolepsy specialists. According to the EAN recommendations, 10 relevant clinical questions were formulated in PICO format. Following a systematic review of the literature (performed in Fall 2018 and updated in July 2020) recommendations were developed according to the GRADE approach. RESULTS A total of 10,247 references were evaluated, 308 studies were assessed and 155 finally included. The main recommendations can be summarized as follows: (i) excessive daytime sleepiness in adults-scheduled naps, modafinil, pitolisant, sodium oxybate (SXB), solriamfetol (all strong), methylphenidate, amphetamine derivates (both weak); (ii) cataplexy in adults-SXB, venlafaxine, clomipramine (all strong) and pitolisant (weak); (iii) excessive daytime sleepiness in children-scheduled naps, SXB (both strong), modafinil, methylphenidate, pitolisant, amphetamine derivates (all weak); (iv) cataplexy in children-SXB (strong), antidepressants (weak). Treatment choices should be tailored to each patient's symptoms, comorbidities, tolerance and risk of potential drug interactions. CONCLUSION The management of narcolepsy involves non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches with an increasing number of symptomatic treatment options for adults and children that have been studied in some detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio L A Bassetti
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulf Kallweit
- Center for Narcolepsy/Hypersomnias, Clin. Sleep and Neuroimmunology, Institute of Immunology, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Luca Vignatelli
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michel Lecendreux
- AP-HP, Pediatric Sleep Center, CHU Robert-Debré, Paris, France.,National Reference Centre for Orphan Diseases, Narcolepsy, Idiopathic Hypersomnia and Kleine-Levin Syndrome (CNR narcolepsie-hypersomnie), Paris, France
| | - Elisa Baldin
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leja Dolenc-Groselj
- Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Poul Jennum
- Danish Center for Sleep Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ramin Khatami
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Center of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Research and Epileptology. Clinic Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Manconi
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Sleep Center, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Geert Mayer
- Neurology Department, Hephata Klinik, Schwalmstadt, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markku Partinen
- Department of Clinial Neurosciences, Clinicum, Helsinki Sleep Clinic, Vitalmed Research Center, Terveystalo Biobank and Clinical Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Paul Reading
- Department of Neurology, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Joan Santamaria
- Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karel Sonka
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yves Dauvilliers
- National Reference Centre for Orphan Diseases, Narcolepsy, Idiopathic Hypersomnia, Sleep Unit, Department of Neurology, Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital, CHU Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INM INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Gert J Lammers
- Sleep Wake Centre SEIN, Heemstede, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Adjuvanted AH1N1 influenza vaccine precipitating the appearance of narcolepsy. VACUNAS (ENGLISH EDITION) 2021. [PMCID: PMC8192301 DOI: 10.1016/j.vacune.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Hsieh LE, Sidney J, Burns JC, Boyle DL, Firestein GS, Altman Y, Sette A, Franco A. IgG Epitopes Processed and Presented by IgG + B Cells Induce Suppression by Human Thymic-Derived Regulatory T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:1194-1203. [PMID: 33579724 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
We described a human regulatory T cell (Treg) population activated by IgG+ B cells presenting peptides of the heavy C region (Fc) via processing of the surface IgG underlying a model for B cell-Treg cooperation in the human immune regulation. Functionally, Treg inhibited the polarization of naive T cells toward a proinflammatory phenotype in both a cognate and a noncognate fashion. Their fine specificities were similar in healthy donors and patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic autoimmune disease. Four immunodominant Fc peptides bound multiple HLA class II alleles and were recognized by most subjects in the two cohorts. The presentation of Fc peptides that stimulate Treg through the processing of IgG by dendritic cells (DC) occurred in myeloid DC classical DC 1 and classical DC 2. Different routes of Ag processing of the IgG impacted Treg expansion in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-En Hsieh
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - John Sidney
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Jane C Burns
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - David L Boyle
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093; and
| | - Gary S Firestein
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093; and
| | - Yoav Altman
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Alessandra Franco
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093;
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14
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Abstract
Narcolepsy Type 1 (NT1) is hypothesized to be an autoimmune disease targeting the hypocretin/orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Ample genetic and epidemiologic evidence point in the direction of a pathogenesis involving the immune system. Many autoantibodies have been detected in blood samples from NT1 patients, but none in a consistent manner. Importantly, T cells directed toward hypocretin/orexin neurons have been detected in samples from NT1 patients. However, it remains to be seen if these potentially autoreactive T cells are also present in the hypothalamus and if they are pathogenic. For this reason, NT1 does still not fully meet the criteria for being classified as a genuine autoimmune disease, even though more and more results are pointing in that direction as will be described in this chapter. The autoimmune hypothesis has led to many attempts at slowing or stopping disease progression with immunomodulatory treatment, but so far the overall results have not been very encouraging. It is clear that more research into the pathogenesis of NT1 is needed to establish the precise role of the immune system in disease development.
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15
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Giannoccaro MP, Liguori R, Plazzi G, Pizza F. Reviewing the Clinical Implications of Treating Narcolepsy as an Autoimmune Disorder. Nat Sci Sleep 2021; 13:557-577. [PMID: 34007229 PMCID: PMC8123964 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s275931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a lifelong sleep disorder, primarily characterized clinically by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy and pathologically by the loss of hypocretinergic neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Despite being a rare disorder, the NT1-related burden for patients and society is relevant due to the early onset and chronic nature of this condition. Although the etiology of narcolepsy is still unknown, mounting evidence supports a central role of autoimmunity. To date, no cure is available for this disorder and current treatment is symptomatic. Based on the hypothesis of the autoimmune etiology of this disease, immunotherapy could possibly represent a valid therapeutic option. However, contrasting and limited results have been provided so far. This review discusses the evidence supporting the use of immunotherapy in narcolepsy, the outcomes obtained so far, current issues and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Giannoccaro
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Pizza
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Franceschini C, Pizza F, Cavalli F, Plazzi G. A practical guide to the pharmacological and behavioral therapy of Narcolepsy. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:6-19. [PMID: 33886090 PMCID: PMC8061157 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-021-01051-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a rare, chronic, and disabling central nervous system hypersomnia; two forms can be recognized: narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and narcolepsy type 2 (NT2). Its etiology is still largely unknown, but studies have reported a strong association between NT1 and HLA, as well as a pathogenic association with the deficiency of cerebrospinal hypocretin-1. Thus, the most reliable pathogenic hypothesis is an autoimmune process destroying hypothalamic hypocretin-producing cells. A definitive cure for narcolepsy is not available to date, and although the research in the field is highly promising, up to now, current treatments have aimed to reduce the symptoms by means of different pharmacological approaches. Moreover, overall narcolepsy symptoms management can also benefit from non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) and psychosocial interventions to improve the patients' quality of life in both adult and pediatric-affected individuals as well as the well-being of their families. In this review, we summarize the available therapeutic options for narcolepsy, including the pharmacological, behavioral, and psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Pizza
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Cavalli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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17
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Ding Q, Xiao F, Dong X, Zhang J, Han F. Treatment with immune modulators in a child with recent-onset type 1 narcolepsy. Sleep Breath 2020; 25:387-389. [PMID: 32813213 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-020-02034-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qidi Ding
- Sleep Medicine Center Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Fulong Xiao
- Sleep Medicine Center Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiaosong Dong
- Sleep Medicine Center Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Fang Han
- Sleep Medicine Center Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
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18
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Kornum BR. Narcolepsy type 1: what have we learned from immunology? Sleep 2020; 43:5813740. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Narcolepsy type 1 is hypothesized to be an autoimmune disease targeting the hypocretin/orexin neurons in the hypothalamus. Ample genetic and epidemiological evidence points in the direction of a pathogenesis involving the immune system, but this is not considered proof of autoimmunity. In fact, it remains a matter of debate how to prove that a given disease is indeed an autoimmune disease. In this review, a set of commonly used criteria for autoimmunity is described and applied to narcolepsy type 1. In favor of the autoimmune hypothesis are data showing that in narcolepsy type 1 a specific adaptive immune response is directed to hypocretin/orexin neurons. Autoreactive T cells and autoantibodies have been detected in blood samples from patients, but it remains to be seen if these T cells or antibodies are in fact present in the hypothalamus. It is also unclear if the autoreactive T cells and/or autoantibodies can transfer the disease to healthy individuals or animals or if immunization with the proposed autoantigens can induce the disease in animal models. Most importantly, it is still controversial whether suppression of the autoimmune response can prevent disease progression. In conclusion, narcolepsy type 1 does still not fully meet the criteria for being classified as a genuine autoimmune disease, but more and more results are pointing in that direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte R Kornum
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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19
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Giannoccaro MP, Sallemi G, Liguori R, Plazzi G, Pizza F. Immunotherapy in Narcolepsy. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2020; 22:2. [PMID: 31997035 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-020-0609-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic and disabling sleep disorder due to the loss of hypocretinergic neurons in the lateral hypothalamus pathophysiologically linked to an autoimmune process. Current treatment is symptomatic, and no cure is available to date. Immunotherapy is considered a promising future therapeutic option, and this review discusses the rationale for immunotherapy in narcolepsy, current evidences of its effects, outcome measures, and future directions. RECENT FINDINGS A limited number of case reports and uncontrolled small case series have reported the effect of different immunotherapies in patients with NT1. These studies were mainly based on the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVig), followed by corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and monoclonal antibodies. Although initial reports showed an improvement of symptoms, particularly when patients were treated close to disease onset, other observations have not confirmed these results. Inadequate timing of treatment, placebo effects, and spontaneous improvement due to the natural disease course can account for these contrasting findings. Moreover, clear endpoints and standardized outcome measures have not been used and are currently missing in the pediatric population. On the basis of the available data, there are no enough evidences to support the use of immunotherapy in NT1. Randomized, controlled studies using clear endpoints and new outcome measures are needed to achieve a definitive answer about the usefulness of these treatments in narcolepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Giannoccaro
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Padiglione G, piano 1, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giombattista Sallemi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Padiglione G, piano 1, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Padiglione G, piano 1, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Padiglione G, piano 1, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Pizza
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Ospedale Bellaria, Padiglione G, piano 1, Via Altura 3, 40139 Bologna, Italy. .,IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte Rahbek Kornum
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Poul Jennum
- Danish Center for Sleep Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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21
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Likhachev SA, Chechyk NM, Haliyeuskaya OV, Rushkevich YN. [Psychogenically induced narcolepsy]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 119:99-104. [PMID: 31626225 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201911909199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Based on own clinical experience in diagnostics and treatment of 4 patients, the authors describe main clinical presentations of narcolepsy. A case report of a 20-year female patient with psychogenic narcolepsy induced by a conflict in the family is described in details. According to polysomnography and Multiple Sleep Latency Test, a reduction in latency to sleep is 22 sec - 3 min 30 sec and the time of occurrence of REM sleep is 7 min 30 sec. The diagnosis is made on the basis of diagnostic criteria of narcolepsy. On average, it takes about 7-10 years to diagnose narcolepsy that reduces the quality of life of patients and leads to social and household maladaptation. Physicians should be wary of early identification of this disease for dynamic monitoring, the appointment of symptomatic therapy, prevention of anxiety and depression and the generation of behavior algorithm in the patient and his relatives in order to maximize social and household adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Likhachev
- Republican Research and Clinical Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Minsk, Republic Belarus
| | - N M Chechyk
- Republican Clinical Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Republic Belarus, Minsk, Republic Belarus
| | - O V Haliyeuskaya
- Republican Research and Clinical Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Minsk, Republic Belarus
| | - Yu N Rushkevich
- Republican Research and Clinical Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Minsk, Republic Belarus
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22
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Barateau L, Dauvilliers Y. Recent advances in treatment for narcolepsy. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019; 12:1756286419875622. [PMID: 31632459 PMCID: PMC6767718 DOI: 10.1177/1756286419875622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic orphan disorder, caused by the selective and irreversible loss of hypocretin/orexin (ORX) neurons, by a probable autoimmune process. Little is known about NT2 etiology and prevalence, sharing with NT1 excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and dysregulation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but without cataplexy and loss of ORX neurons. Despite major advances in our understanding of the neurobiological basis of NT1, management remains nowadays only symptomatic. The main and most disabling symptom, EDS, is managed with psychostimulants, as modafinil/armodafinil, methylphenidate, or amphetamines as a third-line therapy. Narcolepsy is an active area for drug development, and new wake-promoting agents have been developed over the past years. Pitolisant, a selective histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist, has been recently approved to treat patients with NT1 and NT2. Solriamfetol, a phenylalanine derivative with dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity will be soon a new therapeutic option to treat EDS in NT1 and NT2. Sodium oxybate, used for decades in adult patients with narcolepsy, was recently shown to be effective and safe in childhood narcolepsy. The discovery of ORX deficiency in NT1 opened new therapeutic options oriented towards ORX-based therapies, especially nonpeptide ORX receptor agonists that are currently under development. In addition, immune-based therapies administered as early as possible after disease onset could theoretically slow down or stop the destruction of ORX neurons in some selected patients. Further well-designed controlled trials are required to determine if they could really impact on the natural history of the disease. Given the different clinical, biological and genetic profiles, narcolepsy may provide a nice example for developing personalized medicine in orphan diseases, that could ultimately aid in similar research and clinical efforts for other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Barateau
- Service de Neurologie, Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital,
Montpellier, France; Sleep-Wake Disorders Center, Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital,
CHU Montpellier, France; National Reference Network for Narcolepsy,
Montpellier, France; Inserm U1061, Montpellier, France
| | - Yves Dauvilliers
- Service de Neurologie, Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital,
CHU Montpellier, 80 avenue Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5,
France
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23
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Franceschini C, Pizza F, Antelmi E, Folli MC, Plazzi G. Narcolepsy treatment: pharmacological and behavioral strategies in adults and children. Sleep Breath 2019; 24:615-627. [PMID: 31290083 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-019-01894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a disabling, rare, and chronic sleep disorder, currently classified as distinct central nervous system hypersomnia in narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and narcolepsy type 2 (NT2). Although today a reliable pathogenic hypothesis identifies the cause of NT1 as an autoimmune process destroying hypocretin-producing cells, there is no cure for narcolepsy, and the symptomatic pharmacological available treatments are not entirely effective for all symptoms. Behavioral therapies play a synergistic role in the disease treatment. We here review the available therapeutic options for narcolepsy, including symptomatic pharmacological treatments as well as behavioral and psychosocial interventions that could help clinicians improve the quality of life of patients with narcolepsy in adulthood and childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Pizza
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Antelmi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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24
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Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy Administered Early after Narcolepsy Type 1 Onset in Three Patients Evaluated by Clinical and Polysomnographic Follow-Up. Behav Neurol 2018; 2018:1671072. [PMID: 30410634 PMCID: PMC6205306 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1671072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Narcolepsy type 1 is a rare disabling sleep disorder mainly characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, an emotion-triggered sudden loss of muscle tone. Patients have a selective degeneration of hypocretin-producing neurons in the dorsolateral posterior hypothalamus with growing evidence supporting the hypothesis of an autoimmune mechanism. Few case studies that reported intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg) suggest the efficacy of IVIg when administered early after disease onset, but the results are controversial. In these retrospective case observations, IVIg cycles were initiated within one to four months after cataplexy onset in a twenty-seven-year-old man, a ten-year-old girl, and a seven-year-old boy, all three with early onset typical narcolepsy type 1. Efficacy of treatment (three IVIg cycles of 1 g/kg administered at four-week intervals) was evaluated based on clinical, polysomnographic, and multiple sleep latency test (mean latency and SOREM) follow-up. Two patients reported decreased cataplexy frequency and ameliorated daytime sleepiness, but no significant amelioration of polysomnographic parameters was observed. Given the possibility of spontaneous improvement of cataplexy frequency with self-behavioral adjustments, these observations would need to be confirmed by larger controlled studies. Based on the present study and current literature, proof of concept is still missing thus prohibiting the consideration of IVIg as an efficient treatment option.
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25
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW After the connection between AS03-adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 vaccine Pandemrix and narcolepsy was recognized in 2010, research on narcolepsy has been more intensive than ever before. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with current concepts and recent findings on the Pandemrix-associated narcolepsy. RECENT FINDINGS After the Pandemrix vaccination campaign in 2009-2010, the risk of narcolepsy was increased 5- to 14-fold in children and adolescents and 2- to 7-fold in adults. According to observational studies, the risk of narcolepsy was elevated for 2 years after the Pandemrix vaccination. Some confounding factors and potential diagnostic biases may influence the observed narcolepsy risk in some studies, but it is unlikely that they would explain the clearly increased incidence in all the countries where Pandemrix was used. An increased risk of narcolepsy after natural H1N1 infection was reported from China, where pandemic influenza vaccination was not used. There is more and more evidence that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disease. All Pandemrix-associated narcolepsy cases have been positive for HLA class II DQB1*06:02 and novel predisposing genetic factors directly linking to the immune system have been identified. Even though recent studies have identified autoantibodies against multiple neuronal structures and other host proteins and peptides, no specific autoantigens that would explain the disease mechanism in narcolepsy have been identified thus far. There was a marked increase in the incidence of narcolepsy after Pandemrix vaccination, especially in adolescents, but also in young adults and younger children. All vaccine-related cases were of narcolepsy type 1 characterized by hypocretin deficiency in the central nervous system. The disease phenotype and the severity of symptoms varied considerably in children and adolescents suffering from Pandemrix-associated narcolepsy, but they were indistinguishable from the symptoms of idiopathic narcolepsy. Narcolepsy type 1 is most likely an autoimmune disease, but the mechanisms have remained elusive.
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The clinical spectrum of childhood narcolepsy. Sleep Med Rev 2018; 38:70-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Abstract
Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a rare sleep disorder caused by the very specific loss of hypothalamic hypocretin (Hcrt)/orexin neurons. The exact underlying process leading to this destruction is yet unknown, but indirect evidence strongly supports an autoimmune origin. The association with immune-related genetic factors, in particular the strongest association ever reported in a disease with an allele of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene, and with environmental factors (i.e., the H1N1 influenza infection and vaccination during the pandemic in 2009) are in favor of such a hypothesis. The loss of Hcrt neurons is irreversible, and NT1 is currently an incurable and disabling condition. Patients are managed with symptomatic medication, targeting the main symptoms (excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, disturbed nocturnal sleep), and they require a lifelong treatment. Improved diagnostic tools, together with an increased understanding of the pathogenesis of NT1, may lead to new therapeutic and even preventive interventions. One future treatment could include Hcrt replacement, but this neuropeptide does not cross the blood-brain barrier. However, Hcrt receptor agonists may be promising candidates to treat NT1. Another option is immune-based therapies, administered at disease onset, with already some initiatives to slow down or stop the dysimmune process. Whether immune-based therapy could be beneficial in NT1 remains, however, to be proven.
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Pillen S, Pizza F, Dhondt K, Scammell TE, Overeem S. Cataplexy and Its Mimics: Clinical Recognition and Management. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2017; 19:23. [PMID: 28478511 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-017-0459-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT This review describes the diagnosis and management of cataplexy: attacks of bilateral loss of muscle tone, triggered by emotions and with preserved consciousness. Although cataplexy is rare, its recognition is important as in most cases, it leads to a diagnosis of narcolepsy, a disorder that still takes a median of 9 years to be diagnosed. The expression of cataplexy varies widely, from partial episodes affecting only the neck muscles to generalized attacks leading to falls. Moreover, childhood cataplexy differs from the presentation in adults, with a prominent facial involvement, already evident without clear emotional triggers ('cataplectic facies') and 'active' motor phenomena especially of the tongue and perioral muscles. Next to narcolepsy, cataplexy can sometimes be caused by other diseases, such as Niemann-Pick type C, Prader Willi Syndrome, or lesions in the hypothalamic or pontomedullary region. Cataplexy mimics include syncope, epilepsy, hyperekplexia, drop attacks and pseudocataplexy. They can be differentiated from cataplexy using thorough history taking, supplemented with (home)video recordings whenever possible. Childhood narcolepsy, with its profound facial hypotonia, can be confused with neuromuscular disorders, and the active motor phenomenona resemble those found in childhood movement disorders such as Sydenham's chorea. Currently, the diagnosis of cataplexy is made almost solely on clinical grounds, based on history taking and (home) videos. Cataplexy shows remarkable differences in childhood compared to adults, with profound facial hypotonia and complex active motor phenomena. Over time, these severe symptoms evolve to the milder adult phenotype, and this pattern is crucial to recognize when assessing the outcome of uncontrolled case series with potential treatments such as immunomodulation. Symptomatic treatment is possible with antidepressants and sodium oxybate. Importantly, management also needs to involve sleep hygiene advice, safety measures whenever applicable and guidance with regard to the social sequelae of cataplexy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Pillen
- Sleep Medicine Center Kempenhaeghe, P.O. Box 61, , 5590 AB, Heeze, The Netherlands.
| | - Fabio Pizza
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Institute of the Neurological SciencesAUSL di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Karlien Dhondt
- Department Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology & Metabolism, Pediatric Sleep Center, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas E Scammell
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sebastiaan Overeem
- Sleep Medicine Center Kempenhaeghe, P.O. Box 61, , 5590 AB, Heeze, The Netherlands.,Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Lutterotti A. Is it Time for Immunotherapy Trials in Narcolepsy? J Clin Sleep Med 2017; 13:363-364. [PMID: 28212698 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.6478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lutterotti
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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