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Iacomino M, Houerbi N, Fortuna S, Howe J, Li S, Scorrano G, Riva A, Cheng KW, Steiman M, Peltekova I, Yusuf A, Baldassari S, Tamburro S, Scudieri P, Musante I, Di Ludovico A, Guerrisi S, Balagura G, Corsello A, Efthymiou S, Murphy D, Uva P, Verrotti A, Fiorillo C, Delvecchio M, Accogli A, Elsabbagh M, Houlden H, Scherer SW, Striano P, Zara F, Chou TF, Salpietro V. Allelic heterogeneity and abnormal vesicle recycling in PLAA-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1268013. [PMID: 38650658 PMCID: PMC11033462 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1268013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The human PLAA gene encodes Phospholipase-A2-Activating-Protein (PLAA) involved in trafficking of membrane proteins. Through its PUL domain (PLAP, Ufd3p, and Lub1p), PLAA interacts with p97/VCP modulating synaptic vesicles recycling. Although few families carrying biallelic PLAA variants were reported with progressive neurodegeneration, consequences of monoallelic PLAA variants have not been elucidated. Using exome or genome sequencing we identified PLAA de-novo missense variants, affecting conserved residues within the PUL domain, in children affected with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including psychomotor regression, intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Computational and in-vitro studies of the identified variants revealed abnormal chain arrangements at C-terminal and reduced PLAA-p97/VCP interaction, respectively. These findings expand both allelic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated to PLAA-related neurological disorders, highlighting perturbed vesicle recycling as a potential disease mechanism in NDDs due to genetic defects of PLAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iacomino
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nadia Houerbi
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Sara Fortuna
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jennifer Howe
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shan Li
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Giovanna Scorrano
- Department of Pediatrics, Sant'Annunziata Hospital, University "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Kai-Wen Cheng
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Mandy Steiman
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Iskra Peltekova
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Afiqah Yusuf
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Simona Baldassari
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Tamburro
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Scudieri
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Musante
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Armando Di Ludovico
- Department of Pediatrics, Sant'Annunziata Hospital, University "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Guerrisi
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Corsello
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stephanie Efthymiou
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Murphy
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Uva
- Clinical Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Fiorillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Delvecchio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Accogli
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Specialized Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tsui-Fen Chou
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
- Proteome Exploration Laboratory, Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
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Matricardi S, Scorrano G, Prezioso G, Burchiani B, Di Cara G, Striano P, Chiarelli F, Verrotti A. The latest advances in the pharmacological management of focal epilepsies in children: a narrative review. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:371-381. [PMID: 38433525 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2326606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Focal epilepsy constitutes the most common epilepsy in children, and medical treatment represents the first-line therapy in this condition. The main goal of medical treatment for children and adolescents with epilepsy is the achievement of seizure freedom or, in drug-resistant epilepsies, a significant seizure reduction, both minimizing antiseizure medications (ASM)-related adverse events, thus improving the patient's quality of life. However, up to 20-40% of pediatric epilepsies are refractory to drug treatments. New ASMs came to light in the pediatric landscape, improving the drug profile compared to that of the preexisting ones. Clinicians should consider several factors during the drug choice process, including patient and medication-specific characteristics. AREAS COVERED This narrative review aims to summarize the latest evidence on the effectiveness and tolerability of the newest ASMs administered as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in pediatric epilepsies with focal onset seizures, providing a practical appraisal based on the existing evidence. EXPERT OPINION The latest ASMs have the potential to be effective in the pharmacological management of focal onset seizures in children, and treatment choice should consider several drug- and epilepsy-related factors. Future treatments should be increasingly personalized and targeted on patient-specific pathways. Future research should focus on discovering new chemical compounds and repurposing medications used for other indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Matricardi
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Disease Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Falsaperla R, Collotta AD, Marino SD, Sortino V, Leonardi R, Privitera GF, Pulvirenti A, Suppiej A, Vecchi M, Verrotti A, Farello G, Spalice A, Elia M, Spitaleri O, Micale M, Mailo J, Ruggieri M. Drug resistant epilepsies: A multicentre case series of steroid therapy. Seizure 2024; 117:115-125. [PMID: 38394725 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroids on seizure control in drug-resistant epilepsies (DREs). Our primary goal was to assess the response to steroids for various underlying etiologies, interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns and electroclinical seizure descriptions. Our second goal was to compare steroid responsiveness to different treatment protocols. METHODS This is a retrospective multicentre cohort study conducted according to the STROBE guidelines (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). The following data were collected for each patient: epilepsy etiology, interictal EEG pattern, seizure types and type of steroid treatment protocol administered. RESULTS Thirty patients with DRE were included in the study. After 6 months of therapy, 62.7 % of patients experienced reduced seizure frequency by 50 %, and 6.6 % of patients experienced complete seizure cessation. Findings associated with favourable response to steroids included structural/lesional etiology of epilepsy, immune/infectious etiology and focal interictal abnormalities on EEG. Comparing four different steroid treatment protocols, the most effective for seizure control was treatment with methylprednisolone at the dose of 30 mg/kg/day administered for 3 days, leading to greater than 50 % seizure reduction at 6 months in 85.7 % of patients. Treatment with dexamethasone 6 mg/day for 5 days decreased seizure frequency in 71.4 % of patients. Hydrocortisone 10 mg/kg administered for 3 months showed a good response to treatment in 71 %. CONCLUSIONS In our study, two-thirds of patients with DRE experienced a significant seizure reduction following treatment with steroids. We suggest considering steroids as a potential therapeutic option in children with epilepsy not responding to conventional antiseizure medicines (ASM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Falsaperla
- Paediatric and Paediatric Emergency Department, University Hospital "Policlinico-San Marco", Catania, Italy; Unit of Intensive Care and Neonatology, University Hospital "Policlinico-San Marco", Catania, Italy.
| | - Ausilia Desiree Collotta
- Paediatric and Paediatric Emergency Department, University Hospital "Policlinico-San Marco", Catania, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Postgraduate Training Program in Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Simona D Marino
- Paediatric and Paediatric Emergency Department, University Hospital "Policlinico-San Marco", Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Sortino
- Paediatric and Paediatric Emergency Department, University Hospital "Policlinico-San Marco", Catania, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Postgraduate Training Program in Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberta Leonardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Postgraduate Training Program in Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Grete Francesca Privitera
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, c/o Viale A. Doria, 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pulvirenti
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, c/o Viale A. Doria, 6, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - Agnese Suppiej
- Medical Science Department (D.O.), Maternal and Child Department, Ferrara University Hospital, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marilena Vecchi
- Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Clinical Paediatric, University of Perugia, Hospital SM Della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Farello
- Clinical Paediatric, University of Perugia, Hospital SM Della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Spalice
- Department of Paediatrics, Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Elia
- Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiopathology, Oasi Research Institute, IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Orazio Spitaleri
- Paediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Hospital " S.Marta e S.Venera", Acireale, Italy
| | - Marco Micale
- Paediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Arnas Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Janette Mailo
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Clinical Pediatrics, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania 95124, Italy
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Dini G, Ceccarelli S, Celi F, Semeraro CM, Gorello P, Verrotti A. Meconium aspiration syndrome: from pathophysiology to treatment. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2023-2031. [PMID: 38576961 PMCID: PMC10990371 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a clinical condition characterized by respiratory distress in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Despite advances in obstetric practices and perinatal care, MAS remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in term and post-term newborns. Since the 1960s, there have been significant changes in the perinatal and postnatal management of infants born through MSAF. Routine endotracheal suctioning is no longer recommended in both vigorous and non-vigorous neonates with MSAF. Supportive care along with new treatments such as surfactant, inhaled nitric oxide, and high-frequency ventilation has significantly improved the outcome of MAS patients. However, determining the most appropriate approach for this condition continues to be a topic of debate. This review offers an updated overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of infants with MAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Dini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Santa Maria” Hospital, Terni
| | | | - Federica Celi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Santa Maria” Hospital, Terni
| | | | - Paolo Gorello
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia
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D'Onofrio G, Roberti R, Riva A, Russo E, Verrotti A, Striano P, Belcastro V. Pharmacodynamic rationale for the choice of antiseizure medications in the paediatric population. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00344. [PMID: 38521667 PMCID: PMC11070715 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the landscape of paediatric epilepsy treatment, over 20 anti-seizure medications (ASMs) have gained approval from Drug Regulatory Agencies, each delineating clear indications. However, the complexity of managing drug-resistant epilepsy often necessitates the concurrent use of multiple medications. This therapeutic challenge highlights a notable gap: the absence of standardized guidelines, compelling clinicians to rely on empirical clinical experience when selecting combination therapies. This comprehensive review aims to explore current evidence elucidating the preferential utilization of specific ASMs or their combinations, with a primary emphasis on pharmacodynamic considerations. The fundamental objective underlying rational polytherapy is the strategic combination of medications, harnessing diverse mechanisms of action to optimize efficacy while mitigating shared side effects. Moreover, the intricate interplay between epilepsy and comorbidities partly may influence the treatment selection process. Despite advancements, unresolved queries persist, notably concerning the mechanisms underpinning drug resistance and the paradoxical exacerbation of seizures. By synthesizing existing evidence and addressing pertinent unresolved issues, this review aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of paediatric epilepsy treatment strategies, paving the way for more informed and efficacious therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Roberti
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy; Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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Dell'Isola GB, Verrotti A, Sciaccaluga M, Dini G, Ferrara P, Parnetti L, Costa C. Cannabidiol: metabolism and clinical efficacy in epileptic patients. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:119-131. [PMID: 38465404 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2329733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The landscape of epilepsy treatment has undergone a significant transformation with the emergence of cannabidiol as a potential therapeutic agent. Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified CBD, garnered significant attention not just for its therapeutic potential but also for being the first cannabis-derived medication to obtain approval from regulatory bodies. AREA COVERED In this narrative review the authors explore the intricate landscape of CBD as an antiseizure medication, deepening into its pharmacological mechanisms and clinical trials involving various epileptic encephalopathies. This exploration serves as a comprehensive guide, shedding light on a compound that holds promise for individuals contending with the significant challenges of drug-resistant epilepsy. EXPERT OPINION Rigorous studies highlight cannabidiol's efficacy, safety profile, and potential cognitive benefits, warranting further exploration for its approval in various drug-resistant epilepsy forms. As a promising therapeutic option, cannabidiol not only demonstrates efficacy in seizure control but also holds the potential for broader enhancements in the quality of life, especially for patients with epileptic encephalopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miriam Sciaccaluga
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- "Mauro Baschirotto" Institute for Rare Diseases - BIRD Foundation Onlus, Longare, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Unit of Pediatrics, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Section of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Roberti R, Riva A, D'Onofrio G, Giacheri E, Amadori E, Vari MS, La Neve A, Vigevano F, Verrotti A, Cordelli DM, Romeo A, Palmieri A, Mancardi MM, Caglieris S, Varone A, Minetti C, Russo E, Buratti S, Striano P. A proposal for a shared therapeutic algorithm in children with prolonged convulsive seizures and status epilepticus. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:133-138. [PMID: 38230547 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2305813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Roberti
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Giacheri
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Vari
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angela La Neve
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Vigevano
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù, IRCCS Children's Hospital, Full member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio"of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- UOC Neuropsychiatry of the Pediatric Age, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonino Romeo
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Epilepsy Center, Department of Neuroscience, "Fatebenefratelli e Oftalmico" Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonella Palmieri
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Emergency Department, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Margherita Mancardi
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sergio Caglieris
- Health System of Liguria, Territorial Emergency Liguria, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Varone
- Department of Neuroscience, Pediatric Neurology, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Minetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Silvia Buratti
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Disease Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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Dell’Isola GB, Portwood KE, Consing K, Fattorusso A, Bartocci A, Ferrara P, Di Cara G, Verrotti A, Lodolo M. Current Overview of CDKL-5 Deficiency Disorder Treatment. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:21-25. [PMID: 38251311 PMCID: PMC10801578 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a complex of clinical symptoms resulting from the presence of non-functional or absent CDKL5 protein, a serine-threonine kinase involved in neural maturation and synaptogenesis [...].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherin Elizabeth Portwood
- Shands Children’s Hospital, Department of Child Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (K.E.P.); (K.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Kirsten Consing
- Shands Children’s Hospital, Department of Child Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (K.E.P.); (K.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Antonella Fattorusso
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.F.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Arnaldo Bartocci
- Neurophysipathology Service, Villa Margherita, 01027 Montefiascone, Italy;
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Unit of Pediatrics, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.F.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (A.F.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Mauro Lodolo
- Shands Children’s Hospital, Department of Child Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; (K.E.P.); (K.C.); (M.L.)
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Scorrano G, D'Onofrio G, Accogli A, Severino M, Buchert R, Kotzaeridou U, Iapadre G, Farello G, Iacomino M, Dono F, Di Francesco L, Fiorile MF, La Bella S, Corsello A, Calì E, Di Rosa G, Gitto E, Verrotti A, Fortuna S, Soler MA, Chiarelli F, Oehl-Jaschkowitz B, Haack TB, Zara F, Striano P, Salpietro V. A PAK1 Mutational Hotspot Within the Regulatory CRIPaK Domain is Associated With Severe Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 149:84-92. [PMID: 37820543 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND P-21-activated kinases (PAKs) are protein serine/threonine kinases, part of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. PAK1 is highly expressed in the central nervous system and crucially involved in neuronal migration and brain developmental processes. Recently, de novo heterozygous missense variants in PAK1 have been identified as an ultrarare cause of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS We report a series of children affected with postnatal macrocephaly, neurodevelopmental impairment, and drug-resistant epilepsy. Repeated electroencephalographic (EEG) and video-EEG evaluations were performed over a two- to 10-year period during follow-up to delineate electroclinical histories. Genetic sequencing studies and computational evaluation of the identified variants were performed in our patient cohort. RESULTS We identified by whole-exome sequencing three novel de novo variants in PAK1 (NM_001128620: c.427A>G, p.Met143Val; c.428T>C, p.Met143Thr; c.428T>A, p.Met143Lys) as the underlying cause of the disease in our families. The three variants affected the same highly conserved Met143 residue within the cysteine-rich inhibitor of PAK1 (CRIPaK) domain, which was identified before as a PAK1 inhibitor target. Computational studies suggested a defective autoinhibition presumably due to impaired PAK1 autoregulation as a result of the recurrent substitution. CONCLUSIONS We delineated the electroclinical phenotypes of PAK1-related neurological disorders and highlight a novel mutational hotspot that may involve defective autoinhibition of the PAK1 protein. The three novel variants affecting the same hotspot residue within the CRIPaK domain highlight potentially impaired PAK1-CRIPaK interaction as a novel disease mechanism. These findings shed light on possible future treatments targeted at the CRIPaK domain, to modulate PAK1 activity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Scorrano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Accogli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Rebecca Buchert
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Urania Kotzaeridou
- Division of Child Neurology and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Giulia Iapadre
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanni Farello
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Michele Iacomino
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Genova, Italy
| | - Fedele Dono
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ludovica Di Francesco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Saverio La Bella
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Corsello
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Calì
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Sara Fortuna
- Computational Modelling of Nanoscale and Biophysical Systems Laboratory (CONCEPT), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Miguel A Soler
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | | | - Tobias B Haack
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Genova, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy; Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
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10
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Dini G, Verrotti A, Girella E, De Angelis F, Sardone M, Gorello P, Arcioni F. Infective endocarditis caused by Gemella haemolysans in a patient with bicuspid aortic valve: A case report. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2023; 11:2050313X231211707. [PMID: 37954543 PMCID: PMC10638876 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x231211707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Gemella haemolysans is a gram-positive coccus, and commensal of the upper respiratory tract and oral mucosa. In rare cases, it has been identified as an opportunistic pathogen in the development of endocarditis. Here, we describe a case of Gemella haemolysans endocarditis in a patient with bicuspid aortic valve. A 14-year-old male presented to our hospital with a 1-month history of intermittent fever. Gemella haemolysans was isolated from the patient's blood cultures. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed severe aortic stenosis and a pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa. The patient underwent aortic valve replacement with pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa repair and remained symptom-free during follow-up. This case highlights the importance of considering atypical pathogens as causative agents of infective endocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Girella
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Physiopathology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca De Angelis
- Department of Cardiology, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Sardone
- Department of Cardiology, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Gorello
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Arcioni
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit, “Santa Maria della Misericordia” Hospital, Perugia, Italy
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11
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Dini G, Verrotti A, Gorello P, Soliani L, Cordelli DM, Antona V, Mencarelli A, Colavito D, Prontera P. NFIA haploinsufficiency: case series and literature review. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1292654. [PMID: 37915986 PMCID: PMC10616848 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1292654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background NFIA-related disorder (OMIM #613735) is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a variable degree of cognitive impairment and non-specific dysmorphic features. To date, fewer than thirty patients affected by this disorder have been described. Methods Our study included three children with NFIA haploinsufficiency recruited from three medical genetics centers. Clinical presentations were recorded on a standardized case report form. Results All patients presented a variable degree of intellectual disability. None of the individuals in our cohort had urinary tract malformations. Three novel mutations, c.344G>A, c.261T>G, and c.887_888del are reported here. Conclusion NFIA haploinsufficiency can be suspected through careful observation of specific dysmorphisms, including macrocephaly and craniofacial abnormalities. Instrumental tests such as MRI and renal ultrasound provide further diagnostic clues, while genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Gorello
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luca Soliani
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC di Neuropsichiatria Dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC di Neuropsichiatria Dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Antona
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties “G. D'Alessandro,” University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Amedea Mencarelli
- Medical Genetics Unit, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
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Dini G, Di Cara G, Ferrara P, Striano P, Verrotti A. Reintroducing Fenfluramine as a Treatment for Seizures: Current Knowledge, Recommendations and Gaps in Understanding. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:2013-2025. [PMID: 37790801 PMCID: PMC10543412 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s417676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the introduction of new anti-seizure medications in recent years, approximately one-third of the epileptic population continues to experience seizures. Recently, the anti-obesity medication fenfluramine (FFA) has been successfully repurposed, and it has received approval from various regulatory agencies for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The potential antiseizure effects of FFA were initially observed in patients with photosensitive epilepsy in the 1980s but it was not rigorously explored as a treatment option until 30 years later. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the historical progression of FFA's use, starting from initial clinical observations to preclinical studies and, ultimately, successful clinical trials in the field of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Ferrara
- Department of Pediatrics, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto “G. Gaslini”, Genoa, Italy
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13
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Dell'Isola GB, Tascini G, Vinti V, Tulli E, Dini G, Mencaroni E, Ferrara P, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. Effect of melatonin on sleep quality and EEG features in childhood epilepsy: a possible non-conventional treatment. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1243917. [PMID: 37780697 PMCID: PMC10538564 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1243917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sleep and epilepsy are characterized by a bidirectional relationship. Indeed, epilepsy predisposes to the development of sleep disorders, while sleep deprivation may exacerbate epilepsy. In addition, antiseizure medication can disrupt normal sleep architecture. Therefore, adequate sleep hygiene could lead to improvement in seizure control. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on seizure frequency, EEG tracing, and sleep in children with focal idiopathic epilepsy. Methods This observation study evaluated the effect of 4 mg oral melatonin in ameliorating sleep-wake cycle, seizure frequency, and EEG features in children with focal idiopathic epilepsy of infancy. Twenty children were enrolled from September 2020 to August 2021. The study consisted of serial controls at enrollment (t0), at 3 months (t1), and at 6 months (t2) including neurological examination, questionnaire about sleep disturbances (CSHQ), and EEG. Results A significant improvement in sleep quality and daytime sleepiness was observed after melatonin supplementation. Furthermore, we observed a noteworthy improvement in EEG tracing at t2 that exhibited a significant correlation with improvements in CSHQ scores. Conclusion The studies conducted so far to evaluate the effect of melatonin in persons with epilepsy do not lead to definitive conclusions. Despite the small population sample and the study design, we report sleep and EEG improvement after melatonin administration in our cohort. Larger studies are needed to further study the neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties of melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgia Tascini
- Unit of Pediatrics, Città di Castello Hospital, Città di Castello, Italy
| | - Valerio Vinti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Tulli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Ferrara
- Unit of Pediatrics, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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14
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Lanciotti L, Sica R, Penta L, Parisi F, Argentiero A, Radicioni M, Di Cara G, Di Genova F, Verrotti A, Troiani S, Esposito SMR. Minipuberty assessment in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia: a single-center case-control study. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1201668. [PMID: 37416822 PMCID: PMC10320525 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1201668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of our single-center case-control study is to evaluate whether minipuberty occurs in patients with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who underwent therapeutic hypothermia (TH). We intend to conduct this evaluation by confronting the values of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the values of testosterone in males and estradiol in females between newborns with HIE and in subsequent TH and healthy controls. Methods We enrolled 40 patients (age: 56-179 days; 23 males), of whom 20 met the inclusion criteria for the case group and who underwent TH. A blood sample was taken from each patient at approximately 10 weeks of age to evaluate FSH and LH from the serum samples of all patients and to evaluate 17-beta estradiol (E2) and testosterone levels, respectively, from the serum samples of female and male patients. Results It was found that minipuberty occurred in the case group patients, with no significant differences reported from the control group and with hormonal serum levels comparable to healthy infants of the control group (FSH 4.14 mUI/ml ± 5.81 SD vs. 3.45 mUI/ml ± 3.48 SD; LH 1.41 mUI/ml ±1.29 SD vs. 2.04 mUI/ml ±1.76 SD; testosterone in males 0.79 ng/ml ± 0.43 SD vs. 0.56 ng/ml ± 0.43 SD; 17-beta estradiol in females 28.90 pg/ml ± 16.71 SD vs. 23.66 pg/ml ± 21.29 SD). Discussion The results of the present study may pave the way for further research and the evaluation of more possible advantages of TH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lanciotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rossella Sica
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Penta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Argentiero
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Radicioni
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Pathology, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Di Genova
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Pathology, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Troiani
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Pathology, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Susanna Maria Roberta Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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15
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Raucci U, Parisi P, Ferro V, Margani E, Vanacore N, Raieli V, Bondone C, Calistri L, Suppiej A, Palmieri A, Cordelli DM, Savasta S, Papa A, Verrotti A, Orsini A, D'Alonzo R, Pavone P, Falsaperla R, Velardita M, Nacca R, Papetti L, Rossi R, Gioè D, Malaventura C, Drago F, Morreale C, Rossi L, Foiadelli T, Monticone S, Mazzocchetti C, Bonuccelli A, Greco F, Marino S, Monte G, Versace A, Masi S, Di Nardo G, Reale A, Villani A, Valeriani M. Children under 6 years with acute headache in Pediatric Emergency Departments. A 2-year retrospective exploratory multicenter Italian study. Cephalalgia 2023; 43:3331024231164361. [PMID: 37345616 DOI: 10.1177/03331024231164361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preschool age (i.e. children under six years of age) represents a red flag for requiring neuroimaging to exclude secondary potentially urgent intracranial conditions (PUIC) in patients with acute headache. We investigated the clinical characteristics of preschoolers with headache to identify the features associated with a greater risk of secondary "dangerous" headache. METHODS We performed a multicenter exploratory retrospective study in Italy from January 2017 to December 2018. Preschoolers with new-onset non-traumatic headache admitted to emergency department were included and were subsequently divided into two groups: hospitalized and discharged. Among hospitalized patients, we investigated the characteristics linked to potentially urgent intracranial conditions. RESULTS We included 1455 preschoolers with acute headache. Vomiting, ocular motility disorders, ataxia, presence of neurological symptoms and signs, torticollis and nocturnal awakening were significantly associated to hospitalization. Among the 95 hospitalized patients, 34 (2.3%) had potentially urgent intracranial conditions and more frequently they had neurological symptoms and signs, papilledema, ataxia, cranial nerves paralysis, nocturnal awakening and vomiting. Nevertheless, on multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that only ataxia and vomiting were associated with potentially urgent intracranial conditions. CONCLUSION Our study identified clinical features that should be carefully evaluated in the emergency department in order to obtain a prompt diagnosis and treatment of potentially urgent intracranial conditions. The prevalence of potentially urgent intracranial conditions was low in the emergency department, which may suggest that age under six should not be considered an important risk factor for malignant causes as previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Raucci
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Chair of Pediatrics, Sapienza University, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Ferro
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Margani
- NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Chair of Pediatrics, Sapienza University, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Raieli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, ISMEP- ARNAS CIVICO, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Bondone
- AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Lucia Calistri
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Anna Meyer's Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Agnese Suppiej
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonella Palmieri
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Genova, Italy
| | - Duccio Maria Cordelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Savasta
- Clinica Pediatrica, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Amanda Papa
- S.C.D.O. Neuropsichiatria Infantile AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Orsini
- Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Department, Pisa University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Renato D'Alonzo
- Pediatric and Neonatological Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Nuovo Ospedale San Giovanni Battista, Foligno, Perugia, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Falsaperla
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, AOU Policlinico, PO San Marco, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Velardita
- Department of Pediatrics, Gravina Hospital, Caltagirone, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaella Nacca
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Papetti
- Pediatric Headache Center, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Rossi
- AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Gioè
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Anna Meyer's Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Flavia Drago
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department Pro.Mi.Se, G. D'Alessandro University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Morreale
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Genova, Italy
| | - Lucia Rossi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Thomas Foiadelli
- Clinica Pediatrica, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Clinico-Chirurgiche, Diagnostiche e Pediatriche, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Italy
| | - Sonia Monticone
- Division of Paediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Department, Pisa University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Greco
- Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Marino
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, AOU Policlinico, PO San Marco, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriele Monte
- Pediatric Headache Center, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Versace
- AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Department of Pediatric Emergency, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Masi
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Anna Meyer's Children Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Nardo
- NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Chair of Pediatrics, Sapienza University, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Reale
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Villani
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Valeriani
- Pediatric Headache Center, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Dini G, Capolsini I, Cerri C, Massei MS, Mastrodicasa E, Perruccio K, Gorello P, Caniglia M, Verrotti A, Arcioni F. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia relapse presenting with optic nerve infiltration. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2023; 11:2050313X231175020. [PMID: 37250823 PMCID: PMC10214062 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x231175020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy. Despite many advances in therapy, about 15%-20% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia experience a disease relapse. Isolated ocular relapse is relatively rare. A 14-year-old male with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission presented with sudden onset of right eye pain and visual acuity impairment. Fundoscopic examination of the eye and magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits were consistent with optic nerve infiltration. The patient was treated with salvage chemotherapy, orbital radiation and eventual bone marrow transplantation, with notable improvement in vision and regression of retinal and optic nerve findings. Optic nerve infiltration represents an ophthalmic emergency and requires urgent management. The use of radiation therapy is a helpful adjunct with systemic chemotherapy in obtaining disease remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of
Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Capolsini
- Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit,
Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carla Cerri
- Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit,
Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Speranza Massei
- Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit,
Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Mastrodicasa
- Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit,
Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Katia Perruccio
- Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit,
Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Gorello
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and
Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Caniglia
- Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit,
Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Arcioni
- Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit,
Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
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17
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Dini G, Dell'isola GB, Mencaroni E, Ferrara P, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. The impact of anti-seizure medications on electroencephalogram (EEG) results. Expert Rev Neurother 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37199699 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2214315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite recent advances in neuroimaging and genetics, electroencephalography (EEG) continues to play a central role in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. One application of EEG is called pharmaco-EEG. This technique is highly sensitive in detecting the effects of drugs on brain functioning and shows potential in predicting the efficacy and tolerability of anti-seizure medications (ASMs). AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, the authors discuss the most salient data concerning the effects of different ASMs on EEG. The authors aim to provide a clear and concise overview of the current state of research in this area, while also identifying opportunities for future investigation. EXPERT OPINION To date, pharmaco-EEG does not appear to be clinically reliable for predicting treatment response in epilepsy, as the literature is limited by underreporting of negative results, a lack of controls in many studies and insufficient direct replication of previous findings. Future research should focus on controlled interventional studies, which are currently lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Pietro Ferrara
- Unit of Pediatrics, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "G. Gaslini", Genoa, Italy
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18
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Matricardi S, Cesaroni E, Bonanni P, Foschi N, D'Aniello A, Di Gennaro G, Striano P, Cappanera S, Siliquini S, Freri E, Ragona F, Granata T, Deleo F, Villani F, Russo A, Messana T, Siri L, Bagnasco I, Vignoli A, Operto FF, Orsini A, Bonuccelli A, Papa A, Peruzzi C, Liguori C, Verrotti A, Chiarelli F, Marini C, Lattanzi S. Long-term effectiveness of add-on perampanel in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: a multicenter retrospective study. Epilepsia 2023. [PMID: 37000415 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
This retrospective study assessed long-term effectiveness of add-on perampanel (PER) in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Outcomes included time to PER-failure and time to seizure-relapse in responders. Perampanel failure was defined as either discontinuation of PER or initiation of another treatment. Seizure relapse in responders was defined as occurrence of a seizure in seizure-free patients and increase of at least 50% in average monthly seizure frequency for those who were responders. Eighty-seven patients were included. Treatment failure occurred in 52 (59.8%) subjects at a median time of 12 months. Treatment failure was due to lack of efficacy in 27 (52.0%) patients, lack of tolerability in 14 (27.0%), and both reasons in 11 (21.0%). A slower titration was associated with a lower risk of PER failure compared to faster titration schedules and the occurrence of adverse events increased the risk of treatment failure. Thirty-six patients (41.4%) were responders during a median follow-up of 11 months. Seizure relapse occurred in 13/36 (36.1%) patients after a median time of 21 months. The overall rate of seizure responders was 23/87 (26.4%) at the end of follow-up. This study provides real-world evidence about the effectiveness of PER as adjunctive treatment in LGS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Matricardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cesaroni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Children's Hospital "G. Salesi", Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Epilepsy Unit, IRCCS Eugenio Medea Scientific Institute, Conegliano, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Foschi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Genova, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Cappanera
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Children's Hospital "G. Salesi", Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sabrina Siliquini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Children's Hospital "G. Salesi", Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Freri
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Deleo
- Epilepsy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Villani
- Division of Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy Centre, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Angelo Russo
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichitaria dell'età pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tullio Messana
- IRCCS, Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichitaria dell'età pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Siri
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Bagnasco
- Child Neuropsychiatry To-Sud Martini Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Aglaia Vignoli
- Childhood and Adolescence Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST GOM Niguarda, Milan, Italy
- Health Sciences Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry University of Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Paediatric Department, Santa Chiara's University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Paediatric Department, Santa Chiara's University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Amanda Papa
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Cinzia Peruzzi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Claudio Liguori
- Epilepsy Centre, Department of System Medicine, Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Carla Marini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Children's Hospital "G. Salesi", Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Tripodi D, Cacciagrano G, D Ercole S, Verrotti A, Tieri M. Effects of anti-epileptic drugs on the oral health of paediatric patients. Eur J Paediatr Dent 2023; 24:45-48. [PMID: 36853214 DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2023.24.01.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effects of epilepsy therapy on the oral health in paediatrics patients. MATERIALS The test has involved 57 patients. The patients were stratified in three groups: monotherapy group, politherapy group and control group. They were examined and after that the test groups were compared with the control group. CONCLUSION Paediatric epileptic patients seem to have a greater risk of having a worse oral health status compared with healthy patients. However, if the patient is well monitored and undergoes regular dental checks, the oral condition is comparable to a healthy subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tripodi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - G Cacciagrano
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - S D Ercole
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - A Verrotti
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - M Tieri
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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20
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Dini G, Tulli E, Dell’Isola GB, Mencaroni E, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. Corrigendum: Improving therapy of pharmacoresistant epilepsies: The role of fenfluramine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1116575. [PMID: 36686669 PMCID: PMC9851158 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1116575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.832929.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy,*Correspondence: Gianluca Dini,
| | - Eleonora Tulli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS “G. Gaslini” Institute, Genoa, Italy,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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21
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Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Viggiano A, Dell’Isola GB, Dini G, Verrotti A, Coppola G. Epilepsy and Cognitive Impairment in Childhood and Adolescence: A Mini-Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1646-1665. [PMID: 35794776 PMCID: PMC10514538 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220706102708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Managing epilepsy in people with an intellectual disability remains a therapeutic challenge and must take into account additional issues such as diagnostic difficulties and frequent drug resistance. Advances in genomic technologies improved our understanding of epilepsy and raised the possibility to develop patients-tailored treatments acting on the key molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the disease. In addition to conventional antiseizure medications (ASMs), ketogenic diet, hormone therapy and epilepsy surgery play an important role, especially in cases of drugresistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mainfactors influencing cognition in children and adolescents with epilepsy and the main therapeutic options available for the epilepsies associated with intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
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22
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Dell'Isola GB, Mencaroni E, Prontera P, Cara GD, Ferraro L, Bonanni P, Carotenuto M, Iapadre G, Matricardi S, Operto F, Orsini A, Parisi P, Pavone P, Salpietro V, Savasta S, Striano P, Verrotti A. Clinical and electroencephalographic features of epilepsy in patients with triple X syndrome: A case series. Seizure 2022; 102:32-35. [PMID: 36183453 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple X syndrome, is an often undiagnosed chromosomal abnormality with an incidence of 1/1000 females. Main associated disorders are urogenital malformations, premature ovarian failure or primary amenorrhea, gastrointestinal problems, psychiatric disorders and epilepsy. To date, triple X is not related to a specific epileptic syndrome. Therefore, the purpose of this clinical series is to analyze seizure semiology, electroencephalogram features and the long-term outcome of 13 patients with epilepsy and triple X syndrome. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the long-term seizure outcome in patients with triple X syndrome who had been referred to 11 Epilepsy Centers in Italy. A close electroclinical follow-up was made for at least 2 years and outcomes were reported. RESULTS Our case series confirms that epilepsy is not an occasional finding but part of the phenotypic spectrum of this syndrome. The seizure semiology shows an higher prevalence of focal seizures in 62% of patients. EEG findings of focal epileptic activity were reported in 85% of patients. Anti-seizure medications were successful in all our patients whom in most cases were responsive to monotherapy. CONCLUSION According to our case series most successful drugs were VPA and LEV. Long term prognosis of epilepsy in our case series was good. Our experience suggests that all triple X patients achieve good seizure control and in 69% of cases normalization of the EEG.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabetta Mencaroni
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferraro
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonanni
- Epilepsy Unit, IRCCS Eugenio Medea Scientific Institute, Conegliano, Italy
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health and Physical and Preventive Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University, Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Sara Matricardi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, "G. Salesi" Children's Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Operto
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genoa, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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23
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Russo A, Pruccoli J, Cesaroni CA, Belotti LMB, Zenesini C, Bonanni P, Boni A, Cesaroni E, Coppola G, Cordelli DM, Danieli A, Mancardi MM, Marchese F, Matricardi S, Messana T, Nocera GM, Operto FF, Pellino G, Reina F, Vanadia F, Verrotti A, Striano P. Brivaracetam add-on treatment in pediatric patients with severe drug-resistant epilepsy: Italian real-world evidence. Seizure 2022; 102:120-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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24
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Riva A, D'Onofrio G, Amadori E, Tripodi D, Balagura G, Iurilli V, Vari MS, Verrotti A, Striano P. Current and promising therapeutic options for Dravet syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1727-1736. [PMID: 36124778 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2127089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy carrying high-level psychobehavioral burdens. Although the disease has been known for almost 4 decades, and despite significant progress in the understanding of its physiopathology and natural course, the pharmacological treatment leaves patients and caregivers with significant unmet needs. This review provides a summary of the current and promising therapeutic options for DS. AREAS COVERED PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened using 'Dravet Syndrome' OR 'DS,' AND 'pharmacotherapy,' AND 'treatments.' Randomized clinical trials, structured reviews, and meta-analyses were selected for in-human application of well-known anti-seizure medications; while in-vivo experiments on models of DS were selected to evaluate the potential of new therapeutic strategies. EXPERT OPINION The search for new pharmacological treatment options is led by the need for care and defeat of the natural course of the disease, an aspect still largely neglected by the available therapeutic strategies. Yet, the last 6 years have led to a climate of increased interest and availability of clinical trials. Particularly, gene therapy could hopefully prevent DS evolution by directly relieving the specific genetic defect, although the possibility of off-target editing, and the uneasy administration route have still largely prevented its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Domenico Tripodi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit (VU), de Boelelaan, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Maria Stella Vari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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25
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Isoldi S, Di Nardo G, Mallardo S, Parisi P, Raucci U, Tambucci R, Quitadamo P, Salvatore S, Felici E, Cisarò F, Pensabene L, Banzato C, Strisciuglio C, Romano C, Fusco P, Rigotti F, Sansotta N, Caimmi S, Savasta S, Zuin G, Di Stefano M, Provera S, Campanozzi A, Rossi P, Gatti S, Corpino M, Alvisi P, Martelossi S, Suppiej A, Gandullia P, Verrotti A, Terrin G, Pacenza C, Fornaroli F, Comito D, D'Arrigo S, Striano P, Raviglione F, Carotenuto M, Orsini A, Belcastro V, Di Corcia G, Raieli V, Ferilli MAN, Ruscitto C, Spadoni E, Grosso S, D'Alonzo R, Papa A, Pavone P, Meli M, Velardita M, Mainetti M, Vanacore N, Borrelli O. Cyclic vomiting syndrome in children: a nationwide survey of current practice on behalf of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and Italian Society of Pediatric Neurology (SINP). Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:156. [PMID: 36042474 PMCID: PMC9429644 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a rare functional gastrointestinal disorder, which has a considerable burden on quality of life of both children and their family. Aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic modalities and therapeutic approach to CVS among Italian tertiary care centers and the differences according to subspecialties, as well as to explore whether potential predictive factors associated with either a poor outcome or a response to a specific treatment. Methods Cross-sectional multicenter web-based survey involving members of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) and Italian Society of Pediatric Neurology (SINP). Results A total of 67 responses were received and analyzed. Most of the respondent units cared for less than 20 patients. More than half of the patients were referred after 3 to 5 episodes, and a quarter after 5 attacks. We report different diagnostic approaches among Italian clinicians, which was particularly evident when comparing gastroenterologists and neurologists. Moreover, our survey demonstrated a predilection of certain drugs during emetic phase according to specific clinic, which reflects the cultural background of physicians. Conclusion In conclusion, our survey highlights poor consensus amongst clinicians in our country in the diagnosis and the management of children with CVS, raising the need for a national consensus guideline in order to standardize the practice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13052-022-01346-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Isoldi
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Sapienza-University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Nardo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189, Rome, Lazio, Italy
| | - Saverio Mallardo
- Maternal and Child Health Department, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Sapienza-University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189, Rome, Lazio, Italy.
| | - Umberto Raucci
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Renato Tambucci
- Digestive Endoscopy and Surgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Quitadamo
- Department of Pediatrics, A.O.R.N. Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Salvatore
- Pediatric Department, Ospedale "F. Del Ponte", University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Enrico Felici
- Unit of Pediatrics, The Children Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Fabio Cisarò
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Licia Pensabene
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Banzato
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Division, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Caterina Strisciuglio
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialistic Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Romano
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Fusco
- Pediatric Unit, Montis Regalis Hospital, Mondovì, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | - Naire Sansotta
- Paediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvia Caimmi
- Pediatric Clinic, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Savasta
- Pediatric Clinic, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zuin
- Pediatric Department, University of Milano Bicocca, FMBBM, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Marina Di Stefano
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Provera
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Angelo Campanozzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Unit, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Gatti
- Department of Pediatrics, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mara Corpino
- Gastroenterologia Pediatrica, Clinica Pediatrica e Malattie Rare, Ospedale Pediatrico Microcitemico A. Cao, ARNAS Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Alvisi
- Department of Paediatrics, Ospedale Maggiore, Azienda USL, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Agnese Suppiej
- Pediatric Section, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Gandullia
- UOC Gastroenterologia, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Terrin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Pacenza
- Department of Pediatrics, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Crotone, Italy
| | - Fabiola Fornaroli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Stefano D'Arrigo
- Developmental Neurology Division, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health and Physical and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Paediatric Neurology Section, Paediatric Department, Pisa University Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Vincenzo Raieli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit - ISMEP- ARNAS CIVICO, Palermo, Italy
| | - Michela Ada Noris Ferilli
- Department of Neuroscience, Paediatric Headache Center, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Ruscitto
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Systems Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Spadoni
- Pediatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Nord-Ovest of Tuscany, San Luca Hospital of Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grosso
- Molecular Medicine and Development, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Renato D'Alonzo
- Pediatric and Neonatological Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Nuovo Ospedale San Giovanni Battista, Foligno, Italy
| | - Amanda Papa
- Infantile Neuropsychiatry Departement Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariaclaudia Meli
- Azienda Policlinico, "Rodolico-San Marco Hospital", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Velardita
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital "Salvatore e Saverio Gravina", Caltagirone, Italy
| | - Martina Mainetti
- Department of Pediatrics, Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Surveillance and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Osvaldo Borrelli
- Division of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, University College London (UCL) Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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Orsini A, Foiadelli T, Sica A, Santangelo A, Carli N, Bonuccelli A, Consolini R, D’Elios S, Loddo N, Verrotti A, Di Cara G, Marra C, Califano M, Fetta A, Fabi M, Bergamoni S, Vignoli A, Battini R, Mosca M, Baldini C, Assanta N, Marchese P, Simonini G, Marrani E, Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Savasta S, Santangelo G, Pedrinelli V, Massimetti G, Dell’Osso L, Peroni D, Cordelli DM, Corsi M, Carmassi C. Psychopathological Impact in Patients with History of Rheumatic Fever with or without Sydenham's Chorea: A Multicenter Prospective Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:10586. [PMID: 36078300 PMCID: PMC9517806 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sydenham's chorea (SC) is a post-streptococcal autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, and it is a major criterium for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). SC typically improves in 12-15 weeks, but patients can be affected for years by persistence and recurrencies of both neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. We enrolled 48 patients with a previous diagnosis of ARF, with or without SC, in a national multicenter prospective study, to evaluate the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms several years after SC's onset. Our population was divided in a SC group (n = 21), consisting of patients who had SC, and a nSC group (n = 27), consisting of patients who had ARF without SC. Both groups were evaluated by the administration of 8 different neuropsychiatric tests. The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) showed significantly (p = 0.021) higher alterations in the SC group than in the nSC group. Furthermore, 60.4% (n = 29) of the overall population experienced neuropsychiatric symptoms other than choreic movements at diagnosis and this finding was significantly more common (p = 0.00) in SC patients (95.2%) than in nSC patients (33.3%). The other neuropsychiatric tests also produced significant results, indicating that SC can exert a strong psychopathological impact on patients even years after its onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Thomas Foiadelli
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Attilio Sica
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Santangelo
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Niccolò Carli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Consolini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sofia D’Elios
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicolò Loddo
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Marra
- Child Neurology Unit, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Califano
- Child Neurology Unit, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Fetta
- Child Neurology Unit, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Fabi
- Child Neurology Unit, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Bergamoni
- Childhood and Adolescence Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST GOM Niguarda, 20121 Milan, Italy
| | - Aglaia Vignoli
- Childhood and Adolescence Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, ASST GOM Niguarda, 20121 Milan, Italy
- Health Sciences Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20121 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Baldini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Nadia Assanta
- Heart Hospital, G. Monasterio Tuscan Foundation, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Pietro Marchese
- Heart Hospital, G. Monasterio Tuscan Foundation, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Simonini
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Meyer Children Hospital, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Edoardo Marrani
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Meyer Children Hospital, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Santangelo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, ISMEP—P.O. Cristina—ARNAS Civico, Via dei Benedettini 1, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Martina Corsi
- Occupational Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56121 Pisa, Italy
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D'Onofrio G, Riva A, Amadori E, Lattanzi S, Rose K, Verrotti A, Striano P. Pharmacokinetic considerations surrounding the use of levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis in neurocritical care - an overview. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:575-585. [PMID: 36006892 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2117606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Levetiracetam (LEV) is one of the most widely used anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in clinical practice. This is due both to a different mechanism of action when compared to other ASMs and its easy handling. Indeed, because of its interesting pharmacokinetic properties, it is often used outside of the labelled indications, notably in the neurocritical setting as prophylaxis of epileptic seizures. AREAS COVERED A literature search was conducted and the most relevant studies on the pharmacokinetic properties of LEV were selected by two independent investigators. Current evidence on the use of ASM prophylaxis in the neurocritical setting was also reviewed, highlighting and discussing the strengths and limits of LEV as drug of choice for anti-epileptic prophylaxis in this scenario. EXPERT OPINION LEV has a "near-ideal" pharmacokinetic profile, which makes it an attractive drug for ASM prophylaxis in neurocritical care. However, current recommendations restrict ASMs prophylaxis to very selected circumstances and the role of LEV is marginal. Moreover, studies are generally designed to compare LEV versus phenytoin, whereas studies comparing LEV versus placebo are lacking. Further randomized trials will be needed to better elucidate LEV utility and its neuroprotective role in the neurocritical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Lattanzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Neurological Clinic, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Conca 71, 60020, Ancona, Italy
| | - Klaus Rose
- klausrose Consulting, Riehen, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06156 Perugia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy
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28
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Dell'Isola GB, Mencaroni E, Fattorusso A, Tascini G, Prontera P, Imperatore V, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. Expanding the genetic and clinical characteristics of Protocadherin 19 gene mutations. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:181. [PMID: 35978409 PMCID: PMC9386923 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01313-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PCDH19-related epilepsy is a rare X-linked type of epilepsy caused by genomic variants of the Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) gene. The clinical characteristics of PCDH19-related epilepsy are epileptic and non-epileptic symptoms with highly variable severity among patients. Case presentation We present a case of a 4-year old female with PCDH19-related epilepsycaused by new variants in the PCDH19 gene. Our patient was admitted for the first time at the age of 12 months for seizure clusters arising under condition of apyrexia. The electroencephalography (EEG) showed frontal paroxysmal activity. The genetic analysis identified the two variants c.1006G > A (p.Val336Met) and c.1014C > A (p.Asp338Glu) in the gene PCDH19. The patient was treated with Carbamazepine and Clonazepam achieving the disappearance of seizures. During the follow-up, the neurological examination was persistently normal with neither cognitive impairment nor behavior disturbances. From 2 years of age EEG controls were persistently normal. Conclusion This patient presents two novel variants of the PCDH19 gene associated with a mild form of epilepsy with normal cognitive development with an apparently better prognosis. According to our experience, the dual therapy with Carbamazepine and Clonazepam has led to a good control of seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Battista Dell'Isola
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Mencaroni
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonella Fattorusso
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Tascini
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
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29
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Riva A, Amadori E, Vari MS, Spalice A, Belcastro V, Viri M, Capodiferro D, Romeo A, Verrotti A, Striano P. Impact and management of drooling in children with neurological disorders: an Italian Delphi consensus. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:118. [PMID: 35854335 PMCID: PMC9297577 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01312-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of chronic drooling in children older than 4 years is 0.5%, but it rises to 60% in those with neurological disorders. Physical and psychosocial consequences lead to a reduction in the quality of Life (QoL) of affected patients; however, the problem remains under-recognized and under-treated. We conducted an Italian consensus through a modified Delphi survey to discuss the current treatment paradigm of drooling in pediatric patients with neurological disorders. METHODS After reviewing the literature, a board of 10 experts defined some statements to be administered to a multidisciplinary panel through an online encrypted platform. The answers to the questions were based on a 1-5 Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). The scores were grouped into 1-2 (disagreement) and 4-5 (agreement), while 3 was discarded. The consensus was reached when the sum of the disagreement or agreement was ≥75%. RESULTS Fifteen statements covered three main topics, namely clinical manifestations and QoL, quantification of drooling, and treatment strategies. All statements reached consensus (≥75% agreement). The 55 Italian experts agreed that drooling should be assessed in all children with complex needs, having a major impact on the QoL. Attention should be paid to investigating posterior hypersalivation, which is often neglected but may lead to important clinical consequences. Given that the severity of drooling fluctuates over time, its management should be guided by the patients' current needs. Furthermore, the relative lack of validated and universal scales for drooling quantification limits the evaluation of the response to treatment. Finally, the shared therapeutic paradigm is progressive, with conservative treatments preceding the pharmacological ones and reserving surgery only for selected cases. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the pivotal importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of drooling. National experts agree that progressive treatment can reduce the incidence of complications, improve the QoL of patients and caregivers, and save healthcare resources. Finally, this study highlights how the therapeutic strategy should be reconsidered over time according to the available drugs on the market, the progression of symptoms, and the patients' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gaslini 5, 16148, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gaslini 5, 16148, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Vari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gaslini 5, 16148, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Spalice
- Department of Pediatrics, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Viri
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Donatella Capodiferro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Neonatology and Intensive Care Neonatal Unit Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonino Romeo
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Epilepsy Center, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gaslini 5, 16148, Genoa, Italy. .,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
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30
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Balagura G, Xian J, Riva A, Marchese F, Ben Zeev B, Rios L, Sirsi D, Accorsi P, Amadori E, Astrea G, Baldassari S, Beccaria F, Boni A, Budetta M, Cantalupo G, Capovilla G, Cesaroni E, Chiesa V, Coppola A, Dilena R, Faggioli R, Ferrari A, Fiorini E, Madia F, Gennaro E, Giacomini T, Giordano L, Iacomino M, Lattanzi S, Marini C, Mancardi MM, Mastrangelo M, Messana T, Minetti C, Nobili L, Papa A, Parmeggiani A, Pisano T, Russo A, Salpietro V, Savasta S, Scala M, Accogli A, Scelsa B, Scudieri P, Spalice A, Specchio N, Trivisano M, Tzadok M, Valeriani M, Vari MS, Verrotti A, Vigevano F, Vignoli A, Toonen R, Zara F, Helbig I, Striano P. Epilepsy Course and Developmental Trajectories in STXBP1-DEE. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e676. [PMID: 35655584 PMCID: PMC9157582 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Clinical manifestations in STXBP1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) vary in severity and outcome, and the genotypic spectrum is diverse. We aim to trace the neurodevelopmental trajectories in individuals with STXBP1-DEE and dissect the relationship between neurodevelopment and epilepsy. Methods Retrospective standardized clinical data were collected through international collaboration. A composite neurodevelopmental score system compared the developmental trajectories in STXBP1-DEE. Results Forty-eight patients with de novo STXBP1 variants and a history of epilepsy were included (age range at the time of the study: 10 months to 35 years, mean 8.5 years). At the time of inclusion, 65% of individuals (31/48) had active epilepsy, whereas 35% (17/48) were seizure free, and 76% of those (13/17) achieved remission within the first year of life. Twenty-two individuals (46%) showed signs of developmental impairment and/or neurologic abnormalities before epilepsy onset. Age at seizure onset correlated with severity of developmental outcome and the developmental milestones achieved, with a later seizure onset associated with better developmental outcome. In contrast, age at seizure remission and epilepsy duration did not affect neurodevelopmental outcomes. Overall, we did not observe a clear genotype-phenotype correlation, but monozygotic twins with de novo STXBP1 variant showed similar phenotype and parallel disease course. Discussion The disease course in STXBP1-DEE presents with 2 main trajectories, with either early seizure remission or drug-resistant epilepsy, and a range of neurodevelopmental outcomes from mild to profound intellectual disability. Age at seizure onset is the only epilepsy-related feature associated with neurodevelopment outcome. These findings can inform future dedicated natural history studies and trial design.
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31
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Scala M, Drouot N, MacLennan SC, Wessels MW, Krygier M, Pavinato L, Telegrafi A, de Man SA, van Slegtenhorst M, Iacomino M, Madia F, Scudieri P, Uva P, Giacomini T, Nobile G, Mancardi MM, Balagura G, Galloni GB, Verrotti A, Umair M, Khan A, Liebelt J, Schmidts M, Langer T, Brusco A, Lipska-Ziętkiewicz BS, Saris JJ, Charlet-Berguerand N, Zara F, Striano P, Piton A. De novo truncating NOVA2 variants affect alternative splicing and lead to heterogeneous neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Hum Mutat 2022; 43:1299-1313. [PMID: 35607920 PMCID: PMC9543825 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is crucial for cell-type specific gene transcription and plays a critical role in neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity. De novo frameshift variants in NOVA2, encoding a neuron-specific key splicing factor, have been recently associated with a new neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) with hypotonia, neurological features, and brain abnormalities. We investigated eight unrelated individuals by exome sequencing (ES) and identified seven novel pathogenic NOVA2 variants, including two with a novel localization at the KH1 and KH3 domains. In addition to a severe NDD phenotype, novel clinical features included psychomotor regression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia, and urogenital and endocrinological manifestations. To test the effect of the variants on splicing regulation, we transfected HeLa cells with wildtype and mutant NOVA2 cDNA. The novel variants NM_002516.4: c.754_756delCTGinsTT p.(Leu252Phefs*144) and c.1329dup p.(Lys444Glnfs*82) all negatively affected AS events. The distal p.(Lys444Glnfs*82) variant, causing a partial removal of the KH3 domain, had a milder functional effect leading to an intermediate phenotype. Our findings expand the molecular and phenotypic spectrum of NOVA2-related NDD, supporting the pathogenic role of AS disruption by truncating variants and suggesting that this is a heterogeneous condition with variable clinical course. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Scala
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nathalie Drouot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, 67400, France
| | - Suzanna C MacLennan
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marja W Wessels
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Magdalena Krygier
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Dębinki 7 80-952, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Lisa Pavinato
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Aida Telegrafi
- Clinical Genomics Program, GeneDx, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Stella A de Man
- Department of Pediatrics, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | | | - Michele Iacomino
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Madia
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Scudieri
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Uva
- Clinical Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Thea Giacomini
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy, DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Nobile
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy, DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Margherita Mancardi
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy, DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Galloni
- Struttura Complessa Neuropsichiatria Infantile Sud, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Città di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Muhammad Umair
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Khan
- Faculty of Biological Science, Department of Zoology, University of Lakki Marwat, Lakki Marwat, Pakistan
| | - Jan Liebelt
- South Australian Clinical Genetics Service, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Miriam Schmidts
- Department of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Langer
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Center for Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.,Unit of Medical Genetics, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" University Hospital, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Beata S Lipska-Ziętkiewicz
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland.,27Centre for Rare Diseases, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jasper J Saris
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolas Charlet-Berguerand
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, 67400, France
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Amélie Piton
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, 67400, France.,Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostic, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, 67000, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, Île-de-France, France
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Dini G, Tulli E, Dell’Isola GB, Mencaroni E, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. Improving Therapy of Pharmacoresistant Epilepsies: The Role of Fenfluramine. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:832929. [PMID: 35668937 PMCID: PMC9164301 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.832929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is among the most common neurological chronic disorders, with a prevalence of 0.5-1%. Despite the introduction of new antiepileptic drugs during recent years, about one third of the epileptic population remain drug-resistant. Hence, especially in the pediatric population limited by different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and by ethical and regulatory issues it is needed to identify new therapeutic resources. New molecules initially used with other therapeutic indications, such as fenfluramine, are being considered for the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies, including Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). Drug-refractory seizures are a hallmark of both these conditions and their treatment remains a major challenge. Fenfluramine is an amphetamine derivative that was previously approved as a weight loss drug and later withdrawn when major cardiac adverse events were reported. However, a new role of fenfluramine has emerged in recent years. Indeed, fenfluramine has proved to be a promising antiepileptic drug with a favorable risk-benefit profile for the treatment of DS, LGS and possibly other drug-resistant epileptic syndromes. The mechanism by which fenfluramine provide an antiepileptic action is not fully understood but it seems to go beyond its pro-serotoninergic activity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the literature, including ongoing trials, regarding the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine as adjunctive treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Dini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Genoa, Italy,*Correspondence: Gianluca Dini,
| | - Eleonora Tulli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS “G. Gaslini” Institute, Genoa, Italy,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Breda L, Carbone I, Casciato I, Gentile C, Grasso EA, Di Donato G, Chiarelli F, Verrotti A. Correction: Epidemiological and clinical aspects of immunoglobulin A vasculitis in childhood: a retrospective cohort study. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:78. [PMID: 35590390 PMCID: PMC9121597 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Breda
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Carbone
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | - Isabella Casciato
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Gentile
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Di Donato
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Perugia, Piazza dell'Università 1, Perugia, Italy
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Riva A, Pozzati E, Grasso M, De Caro C, Russo E, Verrotti A, Striano P. Targeting the MGBA with -biotics in epilepsy: New insights from preclinical and clinical studies. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 170:105758. [PMID: 35588991 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data accumulation reveals that the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain, called the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA), can be modulated by different compounds including prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotic (a fair combination of both), and diet, thus exerting a beneficial impact on brain activity and behaviors. This review aims to give an overview of the possible beneficial effects of the supplementation of -biotics in epilepsy treatment. METHODS A search on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases using the terms "probiotics", OR "prebiotics", AND "gut microbiota", AND "epilepsy" was performed. The search covered the period of the last eleven years (2010-2021). CONCLUSIONS Nowadays, studies analyzing the clinical impact of gut microbiota-modulating intervention strategies on epilepsy are limited and heterogenous due either to the different experimental populations studied (i.e., genetic vs lesional mouse models) or the various primary outcomes measure evaluated. However, positive effects have invariably been noticed; particularly, there have been improvements in behavioral comorbidities and associated gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. More studies will be needed in the next few years to strictly evaluate the feasibility to introduce these new therapeutic strategies in the clinical treatment of highly refractory epilepsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Pozzati
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Grasso
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Carmen De Caro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Paediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy.
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Scala M, Grasso EA, Di Cara G, Riva A, Striano P, Verrotti A. The Pathophysiological Link Between Reelin and Autism: Overview and New Insights. Front Genet 2022; 13:869002. [PMID: 35422848 PMCID: PMC9002092 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.869002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reelin is a secreted extracellular matrix protein playing pivotal roles in neuronal migration and cortical stratification during embryonal brain development. In the adult brain, its activity is crucial for synaptic plasticity, memory processing, and cognition. Genetic alterations in RELN have been variably reported as possible contributors to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In particular, GCCs repeats in the 5′UTR, and single nucleotide polymorphysms (SNPs) in RELN have been suggested to affect brain development and predispose to autism. We reviewed pertinent literature on RELN expression and haplotypes transmission in children with ASD, critically analyzing available evidence in support of the pathophysiological association between Reelin deficiency and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Scala
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal, and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pediatric Clinic, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal, and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal, and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pediatric Clinic, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Tascini G, Dell'Isola GB, Mencaroni E, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. Sleep Disorders in Rett Syndrome and Rett-Related Disorders: A Narrative Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:817195. [PMID: 35299616 PMCID: PMC8923297 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.817195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a rare and severe X-linked developmental brain disorder that occurs primarily in females, with a ratio of 1:10.000. De novo mutations in the Methyl-CpG Binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene on the long arm of X chromosome are responsible for more than 95% cases of classical Rett. In the remaining cases (atypical Rett), other genes are involved such as the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and the forkhead box G1 (FOXG1). Duplications of the MECP2 locus cause MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) which concerns about 1% of male patients with intellectual disability. Sleep disorders are common in individuals with intellectual disability, while the prevalence in children is between 16 and 42%. Over 80% of individuals affected by RTT show sleep problems, with a higher prevalence in the first 7 years of life and some degree of variability in correlation to age and genotype. Abnormalities in circadian rhythm and loss of glutamate homeostasis play a key role in the development of these disorders. Sleep disorders, epilepsy, gastrointestinal problems characterize CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD). Sleep impairment is an area of overlap between RTT and MECP2 duplication syndrome along with epilepsy, regression and others. Sleep dysfunction and epilepsy are deeply linked. Sleep deprivation could be an aggravating factor of epilepsy and anti-comitial therapy could interfere in sleep structure. Epilepsy prevalence in atypical Rett syndrome with severe clinical phenotype is higher than in classical Rett syndrome. However, RTT present a significant lifetime risk of epilepsy too. Sleep disturbances impact on child's development and patients' families and the evidence for its management is still limited. The aim of this review is to analyze pathophysiology, clinical features, the impact on other comorbidities and the management of sleep disorders in Rett syndrome and Rett-related syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Tascini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review aims to identify the optimal therapeutic dosage of anti-epileptic drugs in terms of efficacy and safety in patients with multiple comorbidities. AREAS COVERED We have analyzed changes in terms of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Brivaracetam, Carbamazepine, Lacosamide, Lamotrigine, Levetiracetam, Topiramate, Valproate, and Zonisamide in liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and in patients admitted to intensive care unit. Our literature search covers the past 5 years. We used PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE database's to support our article. EXPERT OPINION To ensure that the patient with seizure receives the best treatment in relation to their comorbidities, careful clinical-laboratory monitoring is necessary to maximize effectiveness while maintaining safety, especially in the case of polytherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Liparoti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenico Tripodi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio"of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Beccasio A, Mignini C, Caricato A, Iaccheri B, Di Cara G, Verrotti A, Cagini C. New trends in intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for ROP. Eur J Ophthalmol 2022; 32:1340-1351. [PMID: 35040348 DOI: 10.1177/11206721211073405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) affects premature newborns, and it can cause childhood blindness and visual impairment if untreated. The understanding of the pathogenetic role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has led to development of therapeutic strategies such as intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs. We reported drug efficacy and ROP recurrence rates, extrapolated from the reviewed studies. Association of Pegabtanib and laser photocoagulation confers efficacy in the regression of ROP stage 3 plus in zone I / II in 89.7% of treated eyes, reducing the recurrence rate to 14.6% compared to 50% of laser therapy alone. Irrespective of the dose, Ranibizumab demonstrated average efficacy greater than 75% on regression of active disease with the highest rates of the dose of 0.1 mg (92.5%). The recurrence, on the other hand, is the highest among this new anti-VEGF agents and is around an average of 41.5%, which records the highest values in the case of Aggressive Posterior Rop (APROP). Aflibercept at a dose of 1 mg demonstrated average efficacy of about 81.9% of treated infants, analyzing significantly fewer studies than Ranibizumab. The recurrence rate stands at an average of 28.9%, especially in the later forms of ROP. Using a dose of 0.25 mg of Conbercept, the disease regression rate is currently on average 83%, with an average recurrence rate of 15.24%, the peak of which was observed in cases of ROP in zone I. Further studies are needed to prove safety at long term, because,at the moment, only short-term data are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Beccasio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 60250University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Costanza Mignini
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 18633Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Caricato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 60250University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Barbara Iaccheri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 60250University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 18633Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, 18633Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Cagini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 60250University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Dell'Isola GB, Vinti V, Fattorusso A, Tascini G, Mencaroni E, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. The Broad Clinical Spectrum of Epilepsies Associated With Protocadherin 19 Gene Mutation. Front Neurol 2022; 12:780053. [PMID: 35111125 PMCID: PMC8801579 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.780053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) gene is one of the most common genes involved in epilepsy syndromes. According to literature data PCDH19 is among the 6 genes most involved in genetic epilepsies. PCDH19 is located on chromosome Xq22.1 and is involved in neuronal connections and signal transduction. The most frequent clinical expression of PCDH19 mutation is epilepsy and mental retardation limited to female (EFMR) characterized by epileptic and non-epileptic symptoms affecting mainly females. However, the phenotypic spectrum of these mutations is considerably variable from genetic epilepsy with febrile seizure plus to epileptic encephalopathies. The peculiar exclusive involvement of females seems to be caused by a cellular interference in heterozygosity, however, affected mosaic-males have been reported. Seizure types range from focal seizure to generalized tonic-clonic, tonic, atonic, absences, and myoclonic jerks. Treatment of PCDH19-related epilepsy is limited by drug resistance and by the absence of specific treatment indications. However, seizures become less severe with adolescence and some patients may even become seizure-free. Non-epileptic symptoms represent the main disabilities of adult patients with PCDH19 mutation. This review aims to analyze the highly variable phenotypic expression of PCDH19 gene mutation associated with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerio Vinti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Tascini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) “G. Gaslini” Institute, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Riva A, Piccolo G, Balletti F, Binelli M, Brolatti N, Verrotti A, Amadori E, Spalice A, Giacomini T, Mancardi MM, Iannetti P, Vari MS, Piccotti E, Striano P, Brisca G. Acute Neurological Presentation in Children With SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:909849. [PMID: 35899136 PMCID: PMC9309333 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.909849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the pediatric population, the knowledge of the acute presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection is mainly limited to small series and case reports, particularly when dealing with neurological symptoms. We describe a large cohort of children with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, focusing on the neurological manifestations and investigating correlations between disease severity and population demographics. METHODS Patients aged 0-18 years with a positive molecular swab were recruited between April 2020 and March 2021 from a tertiary Italian pediatric centre. Clinical data, imaging, and laboratory test results were retrieved from our local dataset and statistically analyzed. RESULTS A total of 237 patients with a median age of 3.2 years were eligible; thirty-two (13.5%) presented with neurological symptoms, including headache (65.6%), altered awareness (18.8%), ageusia/anosmia (12.5%), seizures (6.3%), and vertigo (6.3%), combined in 7 (21.9%) cases. Respiratory (59.5%) and gastrointestinal (25.3%) symptoms were the most common among the 205 (86.5%) patients without neurological involvement. Neurological symptoms did not significantly influence the severity of the triage access codes. Moreover, pre-existing medical conditions were not higher in the group with neurological manifestations. Overall, fifty-nine patients (25%, 14/59 with neurological symptoms) required treatment, being antibiotics, systemic steroids, and heparin those most prescribed. CONCLUSION Our study supports the overall benign course of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. Neurological manifestations, except for headache, remain a rare presenting symptom, and disease severity seems unrelated to pre-existing medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Piccolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Balletti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Binelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Noemi Brolatti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Amadori
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Spalice
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology Division, Sapienza University Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Thea Giacomini
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Margherita Mancardi
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Iannetti
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Vari
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Piccotti
- Pediatric Emergency Department, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giacomo Brisca
- Subintensive Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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41
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Orsini A, Foiadelli T, Magistrali M, Carli N, Bagnasco I, Dassi P, Verrotti A, Marcotulli D, Canavese C, Nicita F, Capuano A, Marra C, Fetta A, Nosadini M, Sartori S, Papa A, Viri M, Greco F, Pavone P, Simonini G, Matricardi S, Siquilini S, Marchese F, De Grandis E, Brunenghi BM, Malattia C, Bassanese F, Bergonzini P, Bonuccelli A, Consolini R, Marseglia GL, Peroni D, Striano P, Cordelli D, Savasta S. A nationwide study on Sydenham's chorea: Clinical features, treatment and prognostic factors. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 36:1-6. [PMID: 34768201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sydenham's Chorea (SC) is a neuropsychiatric disorder and a major manifestation of acute rheumatic fever. The erroneous assumption that SC is a benign and self-limiting disease, has led to a lack of high-quality scientific evidence of the therapeutical and prognostic features of SC. STUDY DESIGN We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients <18-years old with SC in 17 Italian pediatric centers. Recorded data included clinical, instrumental and laboratory parameters. Prognostic risk factors including treatment regimens were assessed with univariate and multivariate sub-analysis. RESULTS We included 171 patients with SC. 66% had generalized chorea, and 34% hemichorea. 81% had carditis (subclinical in 65%). Additional neurological symptoms were reported in 60% of the patients, mainly dysarthria and dysgraphia. 51% had neuropsychiatric symptoms at onset, which persisted after 12 months in 10%. Among psychiatric manifestations, the most common was anxiety disorder/depression (77%). Neurological remission was reached by 93% of the patients at 6 months; 9% relapsed. Patients were treated as follows: 11% penicillin alone, 37% immunomodulatory therapy, 16% symptomatic drugs (i.e. anti-seizure medication, dopamine antagonists) and 37% both symptomatic and immunomodulatory treatment. Neurological outcome did not differ between groups. Patients receiving symptomatic drugs had a higher risk of relapse on multivariate analysis (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS Treatment of SC was largely heterogeneous. Based on our results, immunomodulatory therapy did not show higher efficacy at medium term, although it was associated to a slightly lower risk of relapse compared to symptomatic therapy. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess specific risk factors and best treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Thomas Foiadelli
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Mariasole Magistrali
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Niccolò Carli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Irene Bagnasco
- U.O Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Ospedale Martini-Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Patrizia Dassi
- U.O Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Ospedale Martini-Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Marcotulli
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carlotta Canavese
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicita
- Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Capuano
- Movement Disorders Clinic- Neurology Unit- Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Marra
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Fetta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Nosadini
- Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy; Neuroimmunology Group, Paediatric Research Institute Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Sartori
- Paediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy; Neuroimmunology Group, Paediatric Research Institute Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Amanda Papa
- Infantile Neuropsychiatry Department Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viri
- Infantile Neuropsychiatry Department Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | - Filippo Greco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriele Simonini
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Anna Meyer Children University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Children's Hospital "G. Salesi", Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sabrina Siquilini
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Children's Hospital "G. Salesi", Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Marchese
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa De Grandis
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Children's Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Bernadette Marrè Brunenghi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Children's Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Clara Malattia
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Children's Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Bassanese
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bergonzini
- Pediatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Alice Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Consolini
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric University Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Children's Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Duccio Cordelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Savasta
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Dell’Isola GB, Tulli E, Sica R, Vinti V, Mencaroni E, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. The Vitamin D Role in Preventing Primary Headache in Adult and Pediatric Population. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245983. [PMID: 34945279 PMCID: PMC8709239 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Headache is among the main neurological disorders with a great impact on both adults and children. The diagnosis of primary headache and proper management is often delayed with a great impact on work productivity and overall quality of life. Chronic headache often requires prophylactic therapy to reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks and the use of abortive medications. Besides the use of several classes of drugs, another treatment modality is the use of Nutraceuticals. Some studies have suggested a possible role of vitamin D in headache prophylaxis. Indeed, vitamin D is involved in several pathways of brain development, neuroprotection and neurotransmission. Moreover, there is data suggesting a close relationship between primary headache and vitamin D deficiency, both in children and in adults. To date, a few studies have evaluated the effect of vitamin D on headaches. The aim of this review is to summarize the data collected on headache prophylaxis with vitamin D comparing the effects of vitamin D in pediatric and adult populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Battista Dell’Isola
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (E.T.); (R.S.); (V.V.); (E.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eleonora Tulli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (E.T.); (R.S.); (V.V.); (E.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Rossella Sica
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (E.T.); (R.S.); (V.V.); (E.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Valerio Vinti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (E.T.); (R.S.); (V.V.); (E.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Elisabetta Mencaroni
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (E.T.); (R.S.); (V.V.); (E.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (E.T.); (R.S.); (V.V.); (E.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS “G. Gaslini” Institute, Gerolamo Gaslini Street, 5, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Paolo Daneo Square, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Giorgio Menghini Square, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (E.T.); (R.S.); (V.V.); (E.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.V.)
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Vinti V, Dell'Isola GB, Tascini G, Mencaroni E, Cara GD, Striano P, Verrotti A. Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Psychiatric Comorbidity. Front Neurol 2021; 12:775781. [PMID: 34917019 PMCID: PMC8669948 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.775781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Most focal seizures originate in the temporal lobe and are commonly divided into mesial and lateral temporal epilepsy, depending upon the neuronal circuitry involved. The hallmark features of the mesial temporal epilepsy are aura, unconsciousness, and automatisms. Symptoms often overlap with the lateral temporal epilepsy. However, the latter present a less evident psychomotor arrest, frequent clones and dystonic postures, and common focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures. Sclerosis of the hippocampus is the most frequent cause of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). TLE is among all epilepsies the most frequently associated with psychiatric comorbidity. Anxiety, depression, and interictal dysphoria are recurrent psychiatric disorders in pediatric patients with TLE. In addition, these alterations are often combined with cognitive, learning, and behavioral impairment. These comorbidities occur more frequently in TLE with hippocampal sclerosis and with pharmacoresistance. According to the bidirectional hypothesis, the close relationship between TLE and psychiatric features should lead to considering common pathophysiology underlying these disorders. Psychiatric comorbidities considerably reduce the quality of life of these children and their families. Thus, early detection and appropriate management and therapeutic strategies could improve the prognosis of these patients. The aim of this review is to analyze TLE correlation with psychiatric disorders and its underlying conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Vinti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Tascini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Giannina Gaslini (IRCCS "G. Gaslini") Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Abstract
Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a common pediatric generalized epileptic syndrome. Although it is traditionally considered as a benign self-limited condition, the apparent benign nature of this syndrome has been revaluated in recent years. This is mainly due to the increasing evidence that children with CAE can present invalidating neuropsychological comorbidities that will affect them up to adulthood. Moreover, a percentage of affected children can develop drug-resistant forms of CAE. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent studies and new concepts concerning CAE treatment, in particular concerning drug-resistant forms of CAE. A Pubmed search was undertaken to identify all articles concerning management and treatment of CAE, including articles written between 1979 and 2021. Traditional anticonvulsant therapy of CAE that is still in use is based on three antiepileptic drugs: ethosuximide which is the drug of choice, followed by valproic acid and lamotrigine. In the case of first line treatment failure, after two monotherapies it is usual to start a bi-therapy. In the case of absence seizures that are refractory to traditional treatment, other antiepileptic drugs may be introduced such as levetiracetam, topiramate and zonisamide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06156 Perugia, Italy; (G.D.C.); (E.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Elisabetta Mencaroni
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06156 Perugia, Italy; (G.D.C.); (E.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06156 Perugia, Italy; (G.D.C.); (E.M.); (A.V.)
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Luciana B, Ilaria C, Isabella C, Gentile C, Grasso EA, Di Donato G, Francesco C, Verrotti A. Epidemiological and clinical aspects of immunoglobulin A vasculitis in childhood: a retrospective cohort study. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:237. [PMID: 34911536 PMCID: PMC8672591 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A retrospective study was conducted in order to investigate and describe the characteristics of Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV), previously known as Henoch-Schӧnlein purpura, in the paediatric population of a community-based healthcare delivery system in the Italian region of Abruzzo. Methods This is a population-based retrospective chart review of the diagnosis of IgAV in children ages 0 to 18, admitted to the Department of Paediatrics of Chieti and Pescara between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2016. All children enrolled presented with clinical symptoms and laboratory findings and met the EULAR/PRINTO/PRES 2008 criteria. Results Two-hundred-eight children met the criteria for IgAV, with the highest incidence reported among children below 7-years of age. A correlation with recent infections was found in 64% of the cohort; the onset was more frequently during the winter and fall. Purpura had a diffuse distribution in the majority of patients; joint impairment was the second most frequent symptom (43%), whereas the gastrointestinal tract was involved in 28% of patients. Conclusions Hereby, we confirm the relative benignity of IgAV in a cohort of Italian children; with regards to renal involvement, we report a better outcome compared to other studies. However, despite the low rate of renal disease, we observed a wide use of corticosteroids, especially for the treatment of persistent purpura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breda Luciana
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Carbone Ilaria
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | - Casciato Isabella
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Gentile
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Di Donato
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | - Chiarelli Francesco
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti, Via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Perugia, Piazza dell'Università 1, Perugia, Italy
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Rinaldi VE, D'Alonzo R, Di Cara G, Verrotti A. COVID-19 and abdominal pain: a pediatric case report and a point of view in pediatric emergency medicine. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:7115-7126. [PMID: 34859877 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202111_27265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is to date a global pandemic that can affect all age groups; gastrointestinal symptoms are quite common in patients with COVID-19 and a new clinical entity defined as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) has been described in children and adolescents previously affected by COVID-19. Presenting symptoms of this new disease include high fever and severe abdominal pain that can mimic more common causes of abdominal pain; patients can rapidly deteriorate presenting severe cardiac dysfunction and multiorgan failure. Some fatalities due to this serious illness have been reported. We describe the case of a ten-year-old patient presenting with persistent high fever associated with continuous and worsening abdominal pain. Various hypotheses were performed during his diagnostic workup and an initial appendectomy was performed in the suspect of acute appendicitis. As his clinical picture deteriorated, the child was subsequently diagnosed and successfully treated as a case of MIS-C. The objective of this case report and brief review of abdominal pain in children throughout the age groups is to provide the emergency pediatrician with updated suggestions in diagnosing abdominal pain in children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- V E Rinaldi
- Pediatric Unit, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Foligno, Italy.
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Di Cara G, Bizzarri I, Fabiano C, Faina F, Di Cicco M, Rinaldi VE, Verrotti A, Peroni D. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis with lower airways inflammation: A new endotype with high risk of asthma development? J Paediatr Child Health 2021; 57:1955-1959. [PMID: 34184344 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM Asthma and allergic rhinitis share common pathophysiological mechanisms. However, while asthma phenotypes and endotypes are defined basing on both clinical and immunological features, rhinitis classification is still based on severity and frequency of symptoms. Recently, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been suggested as a possible biomarker of rhinitis to asthma development. The aim of our study was to define the prevalence of a high FeNO allergic rhinitis endotype in a paediatric population of children with allergic rhinitis in order to quantify the impact of such patients in general practice. METHODS A total of 159 children (aged 7-16 years) with allergic rhinitis and no asthmatic symptoms were enrolled in our study. Severity assessment of rhinitis and asthma was evaluated in accordance with ARIA and GINA guidelines. All patients performed the following assessments: skin prick test (SPT), spirometry and FeNO measurement. RESULTS FeNO was increased in 54 (33.9%) of 159 patients. No significant correlation with age, severity and frequency of rhinitis was evidenced. Positive SPT for house dust mites was related with a higher prevalence of high FeNO (P = 0.04), with no significant correlation with other sensitisations. All patients showed normal spirometric values. CONCLUSION A possible new endotype of allergic rhinitis and lower airways inflammation showed to be significantly present in our population. The lack of correlation with allergic rhinitis severity assessment suggests that FeNO could be considered as an independent variable, possibly linked to a higher risk of asthma development in children with no lower airways symptoms and normal spirometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Di Cara
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bizzarri
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Fabiano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Faina
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Di Cicco
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Victoria E Rinaldi
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Diego Peroni
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Rossi S, Santini SJ, Di Genova D, Maggi G, Verrotti A, Farello G, Romualdi R, Alisi A, Tozzi AE, Balsano C. Using social robot NAO for emotional support to children at a paediatric emergency department: a randomised clinical trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 24:e29656. [PMID: 34854814 PMCID: PMC8796042 DOI: 10.2196/29656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social robots (SRs) have been used for improving anxiety in children in stressful clinical situations, such as during painful procedures. However, no studies have yet been performed to assess their effect in children while waiting for emergency room consultations. Objective This study aims to assess the impact of SRs on managing stress in children waiting for an emergency room procedure through the assessment of salivary cortisol levels. Methods This was an open randomized clinical trial in children attending a pediatric emergency department. Children accessing the emergency room were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: (1) playing with a NAO SR, (2) playing with a study nurse, or (3) waiting with parents. The salivary cortisol levels of all children were measured through a swab. Salivary cortisol levels before and after the intervention were compared in the 3 groups. We calculated the effect size of our interventions through the Cohen d-based effect size correlation (r). Results A total of 109 children aged 3-10 years were enrolled in the study, and 94 (86.2%) had complete data for the analyses. Salivary cortisol levels significantly decreased more in the group exposed to robot interaction than in the other two groups (r=0.75). Cortisol levels decreased more in girls (r=0.92) than in boys (r=0.57). Conclusions SRs are efficacious in decreasing stress in children accessing the emergency room and may be considered a tool for improving emotional perceptions of children and their families in such a critical setting. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04627909; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04627909
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Rossi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University Federico II-Naples, Naples, IT
| | - Silvano Junior Santini
- Department of life, health & Environmental sciences- MESVA-School of Emergency and Urgency Medicine, University of L'Aquila, via spennati L'aquila 67100, L'Aquila, IT
| | - Daniela Di Genova
- Department of life, health & Environmental sciences- MESVA-School of Emergency and Urgency Medicine, University of L'Aquila, via spennati L'aquila 67100, L'Aquila, IT
| | - Gianpaolo Maggi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, IT
| | | | | | - Roberta Romualdi
- Department of life, health & Environmental sciences- MESVA-School of Emergency and Urgency, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, IT
| | - Anna Alisi
- Research Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, IT
| | | | - Clara Balsano
- Department of life, health & Environmental sciences- MESVA-School of Emergency and Urgency Medicine, University of L'Aquila, via spennati L'aquila 67100, L'Aquila, IT
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Sica R, Pennoni S, Penta L, Riccioni S, Di Cara G, Verrotti A. Gastrointestinal and hepatic involvement during COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on pediatric population and possible future implications. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7000-7004. [PMID: 34790020 PMCID: PMC8567473 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i40.7000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread worldwide, there is still limited knowledge about this condition and its natural history. Children have been relatively spared during COVID-19 pandemic but a novel syndrome known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) has emerged, following a SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents. This syndrome can lead to shock and multiple organ failure requiring intensive care. Although COVID-19 clinical research focuses on respiratory symptoms, extrapulmonary involvement such as gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatic manifestations should also be considered. In fact, GI and hepatic involvement play an important role among the most common presenting symptoms of both pediatric and adult COVID-19 and MIS-C. This involvement can not only be one of the most common presenting clinical features but also one of the sequelae of these syndromes. Abdominal ultrasonography monitoring could be very useful to identify a potential involvement of the GI tract and liver. Moreover, long-term follow-up is needed and would be essential to define the long-term outcomes of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Sica
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, PG, Italy
| | - Serena Pennoni
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, PG, Italy
| | - Laura Penta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, PG, Italy
| | - Sara Riccioni
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, PG, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Cara
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, PG, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, PG, Italy
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Scala M, Anijs M, Battini R, Madia F, Capra V, Scudieri P, Verrotti A, Zara F, Minetti C, Vernes SC, Striano P. Hyperkinetic stereotyped movements in a boy with biallelic CNTNAP2 variants. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:208. [PMID: 34641913 PMCID: PMC8507175 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01162-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heterozygous variants in CNTNAP2 have been implicated in a wide range of neurological phenotypes, including intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and impaired language. However, heterozygous variants can also be found in unaffected individuals. Biallelic CNTNAP2 variants are rarer and cause a well-defined genetic syndrome known as CASPR2 deficiency disorder, a condition characterised by ID, early-onset refractory epilepsy, language impairment, and autistic features. Case-report A 7-year-old boy presented with hyperkinetic stereotyped movements that started during early infancy and persisted over childhood. Abnormal movements consisted of rhythmic and repetitive shaking of the four limbs, with evident stereotypic features. Additional clinical features included ID, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ASD, and speech impairment, consistent with CASPR2 deficiency disorder. Whole-genome array comparative genomic hybridization detected a maternally inherited 0.402 Mb duplication, which involved intron 1, exon 2, and intron 2 of CNTNAP2 (c.97 +?_209-?dup). The affected region in intron 1 contains a binding site for the transcription factor FOXP2, potentially leading to abnormal CNTNAP2 expression regulation. Sanger sequencing of the coding region of CNTNAP2 also identified a paternally-inherited missense variant c.2752C > T, p.(Leu918Phe). Conclusion This case expands the molecular and phenotypic spectrum of CASPR2 deficiency disorder, suggesting that Hyperkinetic stereotyped movements may be a rare, yet significant, clinical feature of this complex neurological disorder. Furthermore, the identification of an in-frame, largely non-coding duplication in CNTNAP2 points to a sophisticated underlying molecular mechanism, likely involving impaired FOXP2 binding. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13052-021-01162-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Scala
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Midas Anijs
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Madia
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Capra
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Scudieri
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Federico Zara
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Minetti
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK. .,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy. .,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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