Farm Exposures and Allergic Disease Among Children Living in a Rural Setting

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between farm exposures and asthma and allergic disease in children while also highlighting the experiences of non-farm rural children.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected from across the province of Saskatchewan, Canada in 2014. Surveys were completed by parents of 2275 rural dwelling children (farm and non-farm) aged 0 to 17 years within 46 rural schools. Questionnaires were distributed through schools for parents to complete.

RESULTS

Asthma prevalence was 7.6%, of which 29.5% of cases were allergic. After adjustment for potential confounders, home location (farm vs non-farm) and other farm exposures were not associated with asthma and asthma phenotypes. Those who completed farm safety education were more likely to have asthma (11.7% vs. 6.7%; p = .001) compared to children without asthma. In sub-analyses among 6-12-year-old children, boys were more likely to have asthma (non-allergic) and use short-acting beta-agonists compared to girls. Doing farm work in the summer was associated with an increased risk of asthma [adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.71 (1.02-2.88); p = .041]. Doing routine chores with large animals was associated with an increased risk of asthma [aOR = 1.83 (1.07-3.15); p = .027] and allergic asthma [aOR = 2.37 (95%CI = 1.04-5.40); p = .04].

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that the prevalence of asthma and asthma phenotypes were similar between farm and non-farm rural children. There did not appear to be differential involvement in farming activities between those with and without asthma although those with asthma had more training suggesting possible attempts to mitigate harm from farm exposures.

The efficacy and safety of cannabidivarin treatment on epilepsy in girls with Rett syndrome: A phase I clinical trial

Objective

Rett syndrome (RTT), commonly caused by methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MECP2) pathogenic variants, has many comorbidities. Fifty to ninety percent of children with RTT have epilepsy, which is often drug‐resistant. Cannabidivarin (CBDV), a non‐hallucinogenic phytocannabinoid, has shown benefit in MECP2 animal models. This phase 1 trial assessed the safety and tolerability of CBDV in female children with RTT and drug‐resistant epilepsy, as well as the effect on mean monthly seizure frequency (MMSF), the electroencephalogram (EEG), and non‐epilepsy comorbid symptoms.

Methods

Five female children with drug‐resistant epilepsy and a pathogenic MECP2 variant were enrolled. Baseline clinical and laboratory assessments, including monthly seizure frequency, were recorded. CBDV oral solution (50 mg/ml) was prescribed and titrated to 10 mg/kg/day. Data collected included pharmacokinetics, seizure type and frequency, adverse events, EEG, and responses to the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire and Rett Syndrome Symptom Severity Index, and were compared to baseline data.

Results

All five children reached the maximum CBDV dose of 10 mg/kg/day and had a reduction in MMSF (median = 79% reduction). Three children had MMSF reduction > 75%. This corresponded to an overall reduction in seizure frequency from 32 to 7.2 seizures per month. Ninety‐one percent of adverse events were mild or moderate, and none required drug withdrawal. Sixty‐two percent were judged to be unrelated to CBDV. Thirty‐one percent of adverse events were identified as possibly related, of which nearly all were mild, and the remainder were later assessed as RTT symptoms. Hypersomnolence and drooling were identified as related to CBDV. No serious adverse events reported were related to CBDV. No significant change was noted in EEG or non‐epilepsy‐related symptoms of RTT.

Significance

A dose of 10 mg/kg/day of CBDV is safe and well tolerated in a pediatric RTT cohort and suggests improved seizure control in children with MECP2‐related RTT.

Accelerated long-term forgetting in children with temporal lobe epilepsy: A timescale investigation of material specificity and executive skills

Recently, children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) were found to be at risk of accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF). In this study, we examined the temporal trajectory of ALF, while exploring the relationship between ALF, executive skills, and epilepsy variables. Fifty-one children, (23 with TLE and 28 typically developing) completed a battery of neuropsychological tests of verbal and visual memory, executive skills, and two experimental memory tasks (verbal and visual) involving recall after short (30-min) and extended (1-day and 2-week) delays. Side of seizure focus and hippocampal integrity were considered. On the visual task (Scene Memory), children with TLE performed comparably to typically developing children following a 30-min and 1-day delay, although worse than typically developing children at 2 weeks: ALF was observed in children with right TLE focus. The two groups did not differ on the experimental verbal memory task. Children with TLE also had worse performance than typically developing children on standardized verbal memory test and on tests of executive skills (i.e., verbal generativity, inhibition, working memory, complex attention). Only complex attention was associated with visual ALF. ALF was present for visuo-spatial materials in children with TLE at two weeks, and children with right TLE were most susceptible. A relationship was identified between complex attention and long-term forgetting. The findings extend our understanding of difficulties in long-term memory formation experienced by children with TLE.

The need for improved management of status epilepticus in children in Australia: Time from seizure onset to treatment is consistently delayed

AIM

To determine if the management of paediatric status epilepticus (SE) follows accepted clinical practice guidelines.

METHODS

Retrospective, consecutive series of patients with SE who attended the emergency departments from two NSW sites over a 12-month period. SE was defined as a convulsive seizure, 5 min or more in duration. Time to presentation to the ED, time to first- and second-line treatment, number of benzodiazepine (BZD) doses given prior to intubation and adherence to guidelines were evaluated. The outcomes included seizure duration, need for respiratory support, admission to intensive care, morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

The time from onset of seizure to ED presentation was a median (p25-p75) time of 22 (15-40) min. Forty-eight of 59 presentations received pre-hospital midazolam. The median (p25-p75) time to first-line treatment was 15 (8-25) min and to second-line treatment was 43.5 (35-59) min. There was no significant difference in the results in the two hospitals. The total number of BZD doses ranged from 1 to 7 (median 3). There was non-adherence to the clinical practice guidelines in 55 (93.2%) of 59 presentations.

CONCLUSIONS

We found excessive benzodiazepine use and delay in both definitive treatment of status epilepticus and in escalation from first- to second-line anticonvulsant treatment. This raises the need for rapid escalation of treatment. We propose a 'status epilepticus code' for emergency departments.

Adjunctive everolimus therapy for tuberous sclerosis complex-associated refractory seizures: Results from the postextension phase of EXIST-3

OBJECTIVE

Epilepsy is highly prevalent in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Everolimus showed higher efficacy than placebo for seizures in the primary analysis of the EXIST-3 study. Here, we present the long-term outcomes of everolimus at the end of the postextension phase (PEP; data cutoff date: October 25, 2017).

METHODS

After completion of the extension phase, patients were invited to continue everolimus in the PEP with everolimus (targeted trough concentration = 5-15 ng/ml, investigator-judged). Efficacy assessments included changes in seizure status during the PEP collected at 12-week intervals as parent/caregiver-reported data through a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

Among 361 patients, 343 entered the extension phase and 249 entered the PEP. After 12 weeks in the PEP, 18.9% (46/244) of patients were seizure-free since the last visit of the extension phase and 64.8% (158/244) had a stable/improved seizure status. At 24 weeks, the corresponding percentages were 18.2% (42/231) and 64.5% (149/231). Among 244 patients, the response rate was 32.8% (80/244) during the 12-week maintenance period of the core phase and 63.9% (156/244) at the end of the extension phase. Of the 149 responders at the end of the extension phase, 70.5% were seizure-free or had stable/improved seizure status. Long-term efficacy data showed persistent responses were observed in 183 of 361 patients (50.7%); 63.9% of these patients had a response that lasted at least 48 weeks. The most frequent Grade 3-4 adverse events (≥2% incidence) reported throughout the study were pneumonia, status epilepticus, seizure, stomatitis, neutropenia, and gastroenteritis. Four patients died during the study.

SIGNIFICANCE

The final analysis of EXIST-3 demonstrated the sustained efficacy of everolimus as adjunctive therapy in patients with TSC-associated treatment-refractory seizures, with a tolerable safety profile.

Historical Patterns of Diagnosis, Treatments, and Outcome of Epilepsy Associated With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Results From TOSCA Registry

Background: Epilepsy is the most common neurological manifestation in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). However, real-world evidence on diagnosis and treatment patterns is limited. Here, we present data from TuberOus Sclerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) on changes in patterns of epilepsy diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes over time, and detailed epilepsy characteristics from the epilepsy substudy.

Methods: TuberOus Sclerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) was a multicentre, international disease registry, consisting of a main study that collected data on overall diagnostic characteristics and associated clinical features, and six substudies focusing on specific TSC manifestations. The epilepsy substudy investigated detailed epilepsy characteristics and their correlation to genotype and intelligence quotient (IQ).

Results: Epilepsy was reported in 85% of participants, more commonly in younger individuals (67.8% in 1970s to 91.8% in last decade), while rate of treatments was similar across ages (>93% for both infantile spasms and focal seizures, except prior to 1960). Vigabatrin (VGB) was the most commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Individuals with infantile spasms showed a higher treatment response over time with lower usage of steroids. Individuals with focal seizures reported similar rates of drug resistance (32.5–43.3%). Use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), ketogenic diet, and surgery remained low.

Discussion: The epilepsy substudy included 162 individuals from nine countries. At epilepsy onset, most individuals with infantile spasms (73.2%) and focal seizures (74.5%) received monotherapies. Vigabatrin was first-line treatment in 45% of individuals with infantile spasms. Changes in initial AEDs were commonly reported due to inadequate efficacy. TSC1 mutations were associated with less severe epilepsy phenotypes and more individuals with normal IQ. In individuals with TSC diagnosis before seizure onset, electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed prior to seizures in only 12.5 and 25% of subsequent infantile spasms and focal seizures, respectively.

Conclusions: Our study confirms the high prevalence of epilepsy in TSC individuals and less severe phenotypes with TSC1 mutations. Vigabatrin improved the outcome of infantile spasms and should be used as first-line treatment. There is, however, still a need for improving therapies in focal seizures. Electroencephalogram follow-up prior to seizure-onset should be promoted for all infants with TSC in order to facilitate preventive or early treatment.

Clustered mutations in the GRIK2 kainate receptor subunit gene underlie diverse neurodevelopmental disorders

Kainate receptors (KARs) are glutamate-gated cation channels with diverse roles in the central nervous system. Bi-allelic loss of function of the KAR-encoding gene GRIK2 causes a nonsyndromic neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) with intellectual disability and developmental delay as core features. The extent to which mono-allelic variants in GRIK2 also underlie NDDs is less understood because only a single individual has been reported previously. Here, we describe an additional eleven individuals with heterozygous de novo variants in GRIK2 causative for neurodevelopmental deficits that include intellectual disability. Five children harbored recurrent de novo variants (three encoding p.Thr660Lys and two p.Thr660Arg), and four children and one adult were homozygous for a previously reported variant (c.1969G>A [p.Ala657Thr]). Individuals with shared variants had some overlapping behavioral and neurological dysfunction, suggesting that the GRIK2 variants are likely pathogenic. Analogous mutations introduced into recombinant GluK2 KAR subunits at sites within the M3 transmembrane domain (encoding p.Ala657Thr, p.Thr660Lys, and p.Thr660Arg) and the M3-S2 linker domain (encoding p.Ile668Thr) had complex effects on functional properties and membrane localization of homomeric and heteromeric KARs. Both p.Thr660Lys and p.Thr660Arg mutant KARs exhibited markedly slowed gating kinetics, similar to p.Ala657Thr-containing receptors. Moreover, we observed emerging genotype-phenotype correlations, including the presence of severe epilepsy in individuals with the p.Thr660Lys variant and hypomyelination in individuals with either the p.Thr660Lys or p.Thr660Arg variant. Collectively, these results demonstrate that human GRIK2 variants predicted to alter channel function are causative for early childhood development disorders and further emphasize the importance of clarifying the role of KARs in early nervous system development.

A scoping review of the roles, training, and impact of community health workers in oral health

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize English or Spanish-language literature on community health workers' (CHWs') roles, training, and impact in oral health.

BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN

A scoping review conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) methodological framework.

METHOD

Electronic literature searches were conducted in Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), DOSS, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Global Health CAB from inception of the databases to April 2020. Three reviewers independently conducted the title and abstract and full-text reviews. This was followed by data charting by three reviewers and data summarizing by two reviewers.

RESULTS

Out of the 36 articles that met the inclusion criteria, most took place in the United States (n=15) with most published between 2012 and 2019 (12). CHWs were incorporated in programs that focused on access to dental care (n=10), oral health promotion only (9), early childhood caries (8), oral health promotion and services (5), and oral cancer screening (4). Common roles included providing oral health education and behavior change motivation to community members, facilitating utilization of dental services, and the delivery of diagnostic and dental services to community members. Training and outcomes were not consistently described across studies.

CONCLUSION

CHWs have been used in oral health programs and interventions across a wide range of locations and contexts. The implementation and scaling-up of oral health CHW programs requires appropriate provision of training as well as community embedded monitoring and evaluation structures based on rigorous methods with clearly defined outcomes.

Rare manifestations and malignancies in tuberous sclerosis complex: findings from the TuberOus SClerosis registry to increAse disease awareness (TOSCA)

BACKGROUND

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. Common manifestations of TSC have been grouped into major and minor clinical diagnostic criteria and assessed in clinical routine workup. However, case studies point towards the existence of rare disease manifestations and to the potential association of TSC with malignant tumors. In this study we sought to characterize rare manifestations and malignancies using a large cohort of patients.

METHODS

TuberOus SClerosis registry to increAse disease awareness (TOSCA) is a multicenter, international disease registry collecting clinical manifestations and characteristics of patients with TSC, both retrospectively and prospectively. We report rates and characteristics of rare manifestations and malignancies in patients with TSC who had enrolled in the TOSCA registry. We also examined these manifestations by age, sex, and genotype (TSC1 or TSC2).

RESULTS

Overall, 2211 patients with TSC were enrolled in the study. Rare manifestations were reported in 382 (17.3%) study participants and malignancies in 65 (2.9%). Of these rare manifestations, the most frequent were bone sclerotic foci (39.5%), scoliosis (23%), thyroid adenoma (5.5%), adrenal angiomyolipoma (4.5%), hemihypertrophy and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET; both 3.1%). These rare manifestations were more commonly observed in adults than children (66.2% vs. 22.7%), in females versus males (58.4% vs. 41.6%; except for scoliosis: 48.9% vs. 51.1%), and in those with TSC2 versus TSC1 (67.0% vs. 21.1%; except for thyroid adenoma: 42.9% vs. 57.1%). In the 65 individuals with reported malignancies, the most common were renal cell carcinoma (47.7%), followed by breast (10.8%) and thyroid cancer (9.2%). Although malignancies were more common in adult patients, 26.1% were reported in children and 63.1% in individuals < 40 years. TSC1 mutations were over-represented in individuals with malignancies compared to the overall TOSCA cohort (32.1% vs. 18.5%).

CONCLUSION

Rare manifestations were observed in a significant proportion of individuals with TSC. We recommend further examination of rare manifestations in TSC. Collectively, malignancies were infrequent findings in our cohort. However, compared to the general population, malignant tumors occurred earlier in age and some tumor types were more common.

TuberOus SClerosis registry to increAse disease awareness (TOSCA) Post-Authorisation Safety Study of Everolimus in Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

This non-interventional post-authorisation safety study (PASS) assessed the long-term safety of everolimus in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) who participated in the TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) clinical study and received everolimus for the licensed indications in the European Union. The rate of adverse events (AEs), AEs that led to dose adjustments or treatment discontinuation, AEs of potential clinical interest, treatment-related AEs (TRAEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and deaths were documented. One hundred seventy-nine patients were included in the first 5 years of observation; 118 of 179 patients had an AE of any grade, with the most common AEs being stomatitis (7.8%) and headache (7.3%). AEs caused dose adjustments in 56 patients (31.3%) and treatment discontinuation in nine patients (5%). AEs appeared to be more frequent and severe in children. On Tanner staging, all patients displayed signs of age-appropriate sexual maturation. Twenty-two of 106 female (20.8%) patients had menstrual cycle disorders. The most frequent TRAEs were stomatitis (6.7%) and aphthous mouth ulcer (5.6%). SAEs were reported in 54 patients (30.2%); the most frequent SAE was pneumonia (>3% patients; grade 2, 1.1%, and grade 3, 2.8%). Three deaths were reported, all in patients who had discontinued everolimus for more than 28 days, and none were thought to be related to everolimus according to the treating physicians. The PASS sub-study reflects the safety and tolerability of everolimus in the management of TSC in real-world routine clinical practice.

Add-on Cannabidiol Treatment for Drug-Resistant Seizures in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Question

Is add-on cannabidiol superior to placebo in reducing the number of seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex?

Findings

In this randomized clinical trial, 224 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex were treated with cannabidiol (25 or 50 mg/kg/day) or matched placebo for 16 weeks. The percentage reduction in the type of seizures regarded as the primary end point was 27% for placebo, 49% for 25 mg/kg/day of cannabidiol, and 48% for 50 mg/kg/day of cannabidiol; a dosage of 25 mg/kg/day led to fewer adverse events than the 50-mg/kg/day dosage.

Meaning

In this study, both cannabidiol dosages were equally efficacious in reducing tuberous sclerosis complex–associated seizures compared with placebo, but the smaller dosage led to fewer adverse events.

Importance

Efficacy of cannabidiol has been demonstrated in seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes but appears not yet to have been established in conditions with primarily focal seizures, such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Objective

To evaluate efficacy and safety of 25-mg/kg/day and 50-mg/kg/day cannabidiol dosages vs placebo against seizures associated with TSC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (GWPCARE6) enrolled patients between April 6, 2016, and October 4, 2018; follow-up was completed on February 15, 2019. The trial was conducted at 46 sites in Australia, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States. Eligible patients (aged 1-65 years) were those with a clinical diagnosis of TSC and medication-resistant epilepsy who had had at least 8 TSC-associated seizures during the 4-week baseline period, with at least 1 seizure occurring in at least 3 of the 4 weeks, and were currently taking at least 1 antiepileptic medication.

Interventions

Patients received oral cannabidiol at 25 mg/kg/day (CBD25) or 50 mg/kg/day (CBD50) or a matched placebo for 16 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The prespecified primary outcome was the change from baseline in number of TSC-associated seizures for cannabidiol vs placebo during the treatment period.

Results

Of 255 patients screened for eligibility, 31 were excluded and 224 were randomized. Of the 224 included patients (median [range] age, 11.4 [1.1-56.8] years; 93 female patients [41.5%]), 75 were randomized to CBD25, 73 to CBD50, and 76 to placebo, with 201 completing treatment. The percentage reduction from baseline in the type of seizures considered the primary end point was 48.6% (95% CI, 40.4%-55.8%) for the CBD25 group, 47.5% (95% CI, 39.0%-54.8%) for the CBD50 group, and 26.5% (95% CI, 14.9%-36.5%) for the placebo group; the percentage reduction from placebo was 30.1% (95% CI, 13.9%-43.3%; P < .001) for the CBD25 group and 28.5% (95% CI, 11.9%-42.0%; nominal P = .002) for the CBD50 group. The most common adverse events were diarrhea (placebo group, 19 [25%]; CBD25 group, 23 [31%]; CBD50 group, 41 [56%]) and somnolence (placebo group, 7 [9%]; CBD25 group, 10 [13%]; CBD50 group, 19 [26%]), which occurred more frequently with cannabidiol than placebo. Eight patients in CBD25 group, 10 in CBD50 group, and 2 in the placebo group discontinued treatment because of adverse events. Twenty-eight patients taking cannabidiol (18.9%) had elevated liver transaminase levels vs none taking placebo.

Conclusions and Relevance

Cannabidiol significantly reduced TSC-associated seizures compared with placebo. The 25-mg/kg/day dosage had a better safety profile than the 50-mg/kg/day dosage.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02544763

Methotrexate-related central neurotoxicity: clinical characteristics, risk factors and genome-wide association study in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Symptomatic methotrexate-related central neurotoxicity, 'MTX neurotoxicity', is a severe toxicity experienced during acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy with potential long-term neurologic complications. Risk factors and long-term outcomes require further study. We conducted a systematic, retrospective review of 1251 consecutive Australian children enrolled on BFM or COG-based protocols between 1998-2013. Clinical risk predictors for MTX neurotoxicity were analyzed using regression. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed on 48 cases and 537 controls. The incidence of MTX neurotoxicity was 7.6% (n=95/1251), at a median of 4 months from ALL diagnosis and 8 days after intravenous or intrathecal MTX. Grade 3 elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase (P=0.005, OR 2.31 (1.28-4.16)) in induction/consolidation was associated with MTX neurotoxicity, after accounting for the only established risk factor, age a10 years. Cumulative incidence of CNS relapse was increased in children where intrathecal MTX was omitted following symptomatic MTX neurotoxicity (n=48) compared to where intrathecal MTX was continued throughout therapy (n=1174) (P=0.047). Five-year CNS relapsefree survival was 89.2%±4.6% when intrathecal MTX was ceased compared to 95.4%±0.6% when intrathecal MTX was continued. Recurrence of MTX neurotoxicity was low (12.9%) for patients whose intrathecal MTX was continued after their first episode. The GWAS identified SNPs associated with MTX neurotoxicity near genes regulating neuronal growth, neuronal differentiation and cytoskeletal organization (P>1E-06). In conclusion, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase and age a10 years at diagnosis were independent risk factors for MTX neurotoxicity. Our data do not support cessation of intrathecal MTX after a first MTX neurotoxicity event.

Accelerated long-term forgetting in children with genetic generalized epilepsy: The temporal trajectory and contribution of executive skills

PURPOSE

Long-term memory, which is critical for social and vocational functioning, is impaired in children with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE). In this study, we examined the relationship between the temporal pattern of long-term forgetting for visual and verbal materials and executive skills in children with GGE.

METHOD

Thirty-two children, 17 with GGE and 25 typically developing age-matched controls completed standardized tests of short-term memory (recall after a 30-minute delay), executive skills, and experimental long-term memory tasks (one verbal and one visual) involving recall after one short (30-minute), and two long (1-day, 2-week) delays.

RESULTS

On the long-term visual memory task, children with GGE performed comparably with typically developing children at a 30-minute delay (p = .298), although obtained lower object placement accuracy score, at 1 day (p = .039) and at 2 weeks (p = .022) relative to typically developing children. On the verbal task, the between-group difference was not significant at any delay. In children with GGE, poorer object placement accuracy at two weeks correlated with lower visuospatial short-term memory (r = -0.624, p = .005) and verbal working memory (r = -0.448, p = .041).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided several novel findings. For the first time, accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) was found in long-term visual memory in children with GGE, despite comparable learning and recall at 30 min. Study results indicated that deficits in long-term visual memory are present after one day, increase over time, and may relate to reduced executive skills. Our findings can be used to inform our understanding of the temporal trajectory of ALF and contribution of executive skills.

Renal Manifestations of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Key Findings From the Final Analysis of the TOSCA Study Focussing Mainly on Renal Angiomyolipomas

Renal angiomyolipomas are one of the most common renal manifestations in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), with potentially life-threatening complications and a poor prognosis. Despite the considerable progress in understanding TSC-associated renal angiomyolipomas, there are no large scale real-world data. The aim of our present study was to describe in detail the prevalence and outcome of renal angiomyolipomas in patients with TSC, enrolled into the TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) from 170 sites across 31 countries worldwide. We also sought to evaluate the relationship of TSC-associated renal angiomyolipomas with age, gender and genotype. The potential risk factors for renal angiomyolipoma-related bleeding and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were studied in patients who participated in the TOSCA renal angiomyolipoma substudy. Of the 2,211 eligible patients, 1,062 (48%) reported a history of renal angiomyolipomas. The median age of TSC diagnosis for the all subjects (n = 2,211) was 1 year. The median age of diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma in the 1,062 patients was 13 years. Renal angiomyolipomas were significantly more prevalent in female patients (p < 0.0001). Rates of angiomyolipomas >3 cm (p = 0.0119), growing lesions (p = 0.0439), and interventions for angiomyolipomas (p = 0.0058) were also higher in females than males. Pre-emptive intervention for renal angiomyolipomas with embolisation, surgery, or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor may have abolished the gender difference in impaired renal function, hypertension, and other complications. The rate of interventions for angiomyolipomas was less common in children than in adults, but interventions were reported in all age groups. In the substudy of 76 patients the complication rate was too low to be useful in predicting risk for more severe CKD. In addition, in this substudy no patient had a renal hemorrhage after commencing on an mTOR inhibitor. Our findings confirmed that renal angiomyolipomas in subjects with TSC1 mutations develop on average at the later age, are relatively smaller in size and less likely to be growing; however, by age 40 years, no difference was observed in the percentage of patients with TSC1 and TSC2 mutations needing intervention. The peak of appearance of new renal angiomyolipomas was observed in patients aged between 18 and 40 years, but, given that angiomyolipomas can occur later, lifelong surveillance is necessary. We found that pre-emptive intervention was dramatically successful in altering the outcome compared to historical controls; with high pre-emptive intervention rates but low rates of bleeding and other complications. This validates the policy of surveillance and pre-emptive intervention recommended by clinical guidelines.

Divergent trends in the prevalence of asthma-like symptoms and asthma in a developing country: three repeated surveys between 2002 and 2016

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

There have been differences in temporal trends of asthma prevalence by geographic region and economic prosperity. The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in asthma prevalence among young adolescents in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia as a developing country with a low asthma prevalence.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from three cross-sectional surveys (2002, 2006, and 2016) of adolescents (12-15 years) from randomly selected schools in Skopje. Trends in the prevalence of asthma and asthma-like symptoms were investigated descriptively and using multiple logistic regression to adjust for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of asthma increased, although the changes were not statistically significant (2002: 1.7%; 2006: 2.0%; 2016: 2.8%; p=0.075). Statistically significant (p<0.05) reductions in wheeze prevalence over time (2002, 2006, 2016) were observed for current wheeze (8.8%, 7.2%, 5.5%), exercise-induced wheeze (14.2%, 7.9%, 1.9%), and night dry cough (16.5%, 13.5%, 9.6%). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, there was an increase in asthma likelihood by year compared to 2002 (2006: OR=1.22, 95%CI=0.67-2.22; 2016: OR=2.45, 95%CI=1.24-4.84). In the adjusted analyses, associations between year and the asthma-like symptoms confirmed the descriptive results, except for current wheeze, where statistical significance disappeared.

CONCLUSIONS

Divergent trends in prevalence with a decrease in asthma-like symptoms and an increase in physician-diagnosed asthma in Skopje during a period of 14 years were established. Improved asthma labelling and effective preventative treatment of symptoms may explain some of these changes, although changes in environment and lifestyle could not be ruled out.

Natural clusters of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND): new findings from the TOSCA TAND research project

Background

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) have unique, individual patterns that pose significant challenges for diagnosis, psycho-education, and intervention planning. A recent study suggested that it may be feasible to use TAND Checklist data and data-driven methods to generate natural TAND clusters. However, the study had a small sample size and data from only two countries. Here, we investigated the replicability of identifying natural TAND clusters from a larger and more diverse sample from the TOSCA study.

Methods

As part of the TOSCA international TSC registry study, this embedded research project collected TAND Checklist data from individuals with TSC. Correlation coefficients were calculated for TAND variables to generate a correlation matrix. Hierarchical cluster and factor analysis methods were used for data reduction and identification of natural TAND clusters.

Results

A total of 85 individuals with TSC (female:male, 40:45) from 7 countries were enrolled. Cluster analysis grouped the TAND variables into 6 clusters: a scholastic cluster (reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, visuo-spatial difficulties, disorientation), a hyperactive/impulsive cluster (hyperactivity, impulsivity, self-injurious behavior), a mood/anxiety cluster (anxiety, depressed mood, sleep difficulties, shyness), a neuropsychological cluster (attention/concentration difficulties, memory, attention, dual/multi-tasking, executive skills deficits), a dysregulated behavior cluster (mood swings, aggressive outbursts, temper tantrums), and an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like cluster (delayed language, poor eye contact, repetitive behaviors, unusual use of language, inflexibility, difficulties associated with eating). The natural clusters mapped reasonably well onto the six-factor solution generated. Comparison between cluster and factor solutions from this study and the earlier feasibility study showed significant similarity, particularly in cluster solutions.

Conclusions

Results from this TOSCA research project in an independent international data set showed that the combination of cluster analysis and factor analysis may be able to identify clinically meaningful natural TAND clusters. Findings were remarkably similar to those identified in the earlier feasibility study, supporting the potential robustness of these natural TAND clusters. Further steps should include examination of larger samples, investigation of internal consistency, and evaluation of the robustness of the proposed natural clusters.

Burden of Illness and Quality of Life in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Findings From the TOSCA Study

Research on tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) to date has focused mainly on the physical manifestations of the disease. In contrast, the psychosocial impact of TSC has received far less attention. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the impact of TSC on health, quality of life (QoL), and psychosocial well-being of individuals with TSC and their families. Questionnaires with disease-specific questions on burden of illness (BOI) and validated QoL questionnaires were used. After completion of additional informed consent, we included 143 individuals who participated in the TOSCA (TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness) study. Our results highlighted the substantial burden of TSC on the personal lives of individuals with TSC and their families. Nearly half of the patients experienced negative progress in their education or career due to TSC (42.1%), as well as many of their caregivers (17.6% employed; 58.8% unemployed). Most caregivers (76.5%) indicated that TSC affected family life, and social and working relationships. Further, well-coordinated care was lacking: a smooth transition from pediatric to adult care was mentioned by only 36.8% of adult patients, and financial, social, and psychological support in 21.1, 0, and 7.9%, respectively. In addition, the moderate rates of pain/discomfort (35%) and anxiety/depression (43.4%) reported across all ages and levels of disease demonstrate the high BOI and low QoL in this vulnerable population.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND): New Findings on Age, Sex, and Genotype in Relation to Intellectual Phenotype

Background: Knowledge is increasing about TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND), but little is known about the potentially confounding effects of intellectual ability (IA) on the rates of TAND across age, sex, and genotype. We evaluated TAND in (a) children vs. adults, (b) males vs. females, and (c) TSC1 vs. TSC2 mutations, after stratification for levels of IA, in a large, international cohort.

Methods: Individuals of any age with a documented visit for TSC in the 12 months prior to enrolment were included. Frequency and percentages of baseline TAND manifestations were presented by categories of IA (no intellectual disability [ID, intelligence quotient (IQ)>70]; mild ID [IQ 50–70]; moderate-to-profound ID [IQ<50]). Chi-square tests were used to test associations between ID and TAND manifestations. The association between TAND and age (children vs. adults), sex (male vs. female), and genotype (TSC1 vs. TSC2) stratified by IA levels were examined using the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests.

Results: Eight hundred and ninety four of the 2,211 participants had formal IQ assessments. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) between levels of IA and the majority of TAND manifestations, except impulsivity (P = 0.12), overactivity (P = 0.26), mood swings (P = 0.08), hallucinations (P = 0.20), psychosis (P = 0.06), depressive disorder (P = 0.23), and anxiety disorder (P = 0.65). Once controlled for IA, children had higher rates of overactivity, but most behavioral difficulties were higher in adults. At the psychiatric level, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was seen at higher rates in children while anxiety and depressive disorders were observed at higher rates in adults. Compared to females, males showed significantly higher rates of impulsivity and overactivity, as well as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD. No significant age or sex differences were observed for academic difficulties or neuropsychological deficits. After controlling for IA no genotype-TAND associations were observed, except for higher rates of self-injury in individuals with TSC2 mutations.

Conclusions: Findings suggest IA as risk marker for most TAND manifestations. We provide the first evidence of male preponderance of ASD and ADHD in individuals with TSC. The study also confirms the association between TSC2 and IA but, once controlling for IA, disproves the previously reported TSC2 association with ASD and with most other TAND manifestations.

Editor's Choice - Nationwide Analysis of Patients Undergoing Iliac Artery Aneurysm Repair in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

The new 2019 guideline of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) recommends consideration for elective iliac artery aneurysm (eIAA) repair when the iliac diameter exceeds 3.5 cm, as opposed to 3.0 cm previously. The current study assessed diameters at time of eIAA repair and ruptured IAA (rIAA) repair and compared clinical outcomes after open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

METHODS

This retrospective observational study used the nationwide Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit (DSAA) registry that includes all patients who undergo aorto-iliac aneurysm repair in the Netherlands. All patients who underwent primary IAA repair between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2018 were included. Diameters at time of eIAA and rIAA repair were compared in a descriptive fashion. The anatomical location of the IAA was not registered in the registry. Patient characteristics and outcomes of OSR and EVAR were compared with appropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS

The DSAA registry comprised 974 patients who underwent IAA repair. A total of 851 patients were included after exclusion of patients undergoing revision surgery and patients with missing essential variables. eIAA repair was carried out in 713 patients, rIAA repair in 102, and symptomatic IAA repair in 36. OSR was performed in 205, EVAR in 618, and hybrid repairs and conversions in 28. The median maximum IAA diameter at the time of eIAA and rIAA repair was 43 (IQR 38-50) mm and 68 (IQR 58-85) mm, respectively. Mortality was 1.3% (95% CI 0.7-2.4) after eIAA repair and 25.5% (95% CI 18.0-34.7) after rIAA repair. Mortality was not significantly different between the OSR and EVAR subgroups. Elective OSR was associated with significantly more complications than EVAR (intra-operative: 9.8% vs. 3.6%, post-operative: 34.0% vs. 13.8%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In the Netherlands, most eIAA repairs are performed at diameters larger than recommended by the ESVS guideline. These findings appear to support the recent increase in the threshold diameter for eIAA repair.

Renal angiomyolipoma in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex: findings from the TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness

Background

Renal angiomyolipoma occurs at a high frequency in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and is associated with potentially life-threatening complications. Despite this frequency and severity, there are no large population-based cohort studies. Here we present baseline and follow-up data of the international TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) with an aim to provide detailed clinical characteristics of renal angiomyolipoma among patients with TSC.

Methods

Patients of any age with a documented clinic visit for TSC within 12 months or who were newly diagnosed with TSC before participation in the registry were eligible. Data specific to renal angiomyolipoma included physical tumour characteristics (multiple, bilateral, lesion size and growing lesions), clinical signs and symptoms, and management. The effects of age, gender and genotype on the prevalence of renal angiomyolipoma were also evaluated.

Results

Renal angiomyolipoma was reported in 51.8% of patients at baseline, with higher frequency in female patients (57.8% versus 42.2%). The median age at diagnosis was 12 years. Prevalence of angiomyolipoma was higher in patients with TSC2 compared with TSC1 mutations (59.2% versus 33.3%, P < 0.01). Of the 1031 patients with angiomyolipoma at baseline, multiple lesions were reported in 88.4% and bilateral in 83.9% of patients, while the size of angiomyolipoma was >3 cm in 34.3% of patients. Most patients were asymptomatic (82%). Frequently reported angiomyolipoma-related symptoms included bleeding, pain, elevated blood pressure and impaired renal function. Embolization and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors were the two most common treatment modalities.

Conclusions

The TOSCA registry highlights the burden of renal angiomyolipoma in patients with TSC and shows that renal manifestations are initially asymptomatic and are influenced by gender and genotype. Furthermore, the occurrence of significant problems from angiomyolipoma in a minority of younger patients suggests that surveillance should begin in infancy or at initial diagnosis.

Management of status epilepticus in children prior to medical retrieval: Deviations from the guidelines

AIM

To evaluate the influence of adherence to treatment guidelines on outcomes in children presenting with status epilepticus (SE) using the Newborn and Paediatric Emergency Transport Service, New South Wales prospective registry.

METHODS

We reviewed the treatment of children with SE, transported by the Newborn And Paediatric Emergency Transport Service to a tertiary paediatric hospital, over 1 year. We evaluated variation in management from the New South Wales clinical practice guideline.

RESULTS

There was excessive administration of benzodiazepines (BZD) and a delay in administration of appropriate second-line treatment of status (median 45 min). There was excessive use of BZD, with five or more doses of BZD associated with significantly higher odds for intubation.

CONCLUSION

There is considerable scope to improve clinician compliance with the SE clinical practice guidelines.

The TOSCA Registry for Tuberous Sclerosis-Lessons Learnt for Future Registry Development in Rare and Complex Diseases

Introduction: The TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) is an international disease registry designed to provide insights into the clinical characteristics of patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). The aims of this study were to identify issues that arose during the design, execution, and publication phases of TOSCA, and to reflect on lessons learnt that may guide future registries in rare and complex diseases.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and issues that arose at any stage of development and implementation of the TOSCA registry. The questionnaire contained 225 questions distributed in 7 sections (identification of issues during registry planning, during the operation of the registry, during data analysis, during the publication of the results, other issues, assessment of lessons learnt, and additional comments), and was sent by e-mail to 511 people involved in the registry, including 28 members of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), 162 principal investigators (PIs), and 321 employees of the sponsor belonging to the medical department or that were clinical research associate (CRA). Questionnaires received within the 2 months from the initial mailing were included in the analysis.

Results: A total of 53 (10.4%) questionnaires were received (64.3% for SAB members, 12.3% for PIs and 4.7% for employees of the sponsor), and the overall completeness rate for closed questions was 87.6%. The most common issues identified were the limited duration of the registry (38%) and issues related to handling of missing data (32%). In addition, 25% of the respondents commented that biases might have compromised the validity of the results. More than 80% of the respondents reported that the registry improved the knowledge on the natural history and manifestations of TSC, increased disease awareness and helped to identify relevant information for clinical research in TSC.

Conclusions: This analysis shows the importance of registries as a powerful tool to increase disease awareness, to produce real-world evidence, and to generate questions for future research. However, there is a need to implement strategies to ensure patient retention and long-term sustainability of patient registries, to improve data quality, and to reduce biases.

Treatment Patterns and Use of Resources in Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Insights From the TOSCA Registry

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal-dominant disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Patients with TSC may suffer from a wide range of clinical manifestations; however, the burden of TSC and its impact on healthcare resources needed for its management remain unknown. Besides, the use of resources might vary across countries depending on the country-specific clinical practice. The aim of this paper is to describe the use of TSC-related resources and treatment patterns within the TOSCA registry. A total of 2,214 patients with TSC from 31 countries were enrolled and had a follow-up of up to 5 years. A search was conducted to identify the variables containing both medical and non-medical resource use information within TOSCA. This search was performed both at the level of the core project as well as at the level of the research projects on epilepsy, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), and renal angiomyolipoma (rAML) taking into account the timepoints of the study, age groups, and countries. Data from the quality of life (QoL) research project were analyzed by type of visit and age at enrollment. Treatments varied greatly depending on the clinical manifestation, timepoint in the study, and age groups. GAB Aergics were the most prescribed drugs for epilepsy, and mTOR inhibitors are dramatically replacing surgery in patients with SEGA, despite current recommendations proposing both treatment options. mTOR inhibitors are also becoming common treatments in rAML and LAM patients. Forty-two out of the 143 patients (29.4%) who participated in the QoL research project reported inpatient stays over the last year. Data from non-medical resource use showed the critical impact of TSC on job status and capacity. Disability allowances were more common in children than adults (51.1% vs 38.2%). Psychological counseling, social services and social worker services were needed by <15% of the patients, regardless of age. The long-term nature, together with the variability in its clinical manifestations, makes TSC a complex and resource-demanding disease. The present study shows a comprehensive picture of the resource use implications of TSC.

Newly Diagnosed and Growing Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma in Adults With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Results From the International TOSCA Study

The onset and growth of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) typically occurs in childhood. There is minimal information on SEGA evolution in adults with TSC. Of 2,211 patients enrolled in TOSCA, 220 of the 803 adults (27.4%) ever had a SEGA. Of 186 patients with SEGA still ongoing in adulthood, 153 (82.3%) remained asymptomatic, and 33 (17.7%) were reported to ever have developed symptoms related to SEGA growth. SEGA growth since the previous scan was reported in 39 of the 186 adults (21%) with ongoing SEGA. All but one patient with growing SEGA had mutations in TSC2. Fourteen adults (2.4%) were newly diagnosed with SEGA during follow-up, and majority had mutations in TSC2. Our findings suggest that surveillance for new or growing SEGA is warranted also in adulthood, particularly in patients with mutations in TSC2.

What children say and clinicians hear: accounts relating to incisor hypomineralisation of cosmetic concern

AIM

To explore the range of impacts relating to incisor opacities as described by children, their general dental practitioners and paediatric dentists.

METHODS

Participants included 50 children, aged 7-16 years, referred to a UK hospital paediatric dentistry service for management of incisor opacities. All children were subsequently diagnosed with molar incisor hypomineralisation. Following ethical approval, data were recorded as follows: patient demographics, distance travelled, waiting times, nature of any impacts relating to incisor opacities documented in referral letters and/or in subsequent paediatric dentistry assessment records. Additionally, children completed the short form Child Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (COHIP-SF19) as a self-report measure of their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

RESULTS

Nearly, half (48%, n = 24) of the referral letters mentioned that the child was experiencing one or more negative social and/or functional impacts. Mean COHIP score was significantly lower (indicating poorer OHRQoL) for children whose referring dentist had identified a negative impact (COHIP = 42.9) compared to those with no documented impact (COHIP = 50.5; p = 0.018, independent t test). At the hospital consultation, negative impacts were elicited by a paediatric dentist in 86% (n = 43) of cases. Again, mean COHIP score was significantly lower for children whose assessment records noted a negative impact (COHIP = 44.5) compared to those with no recorded impact (COHIP = 60.2; p = 0.001). Families travelled a mean distance of 57 km (range 3-218 km) to the hospital service, with an average waiting time of 75 days from referral.

CONCLUSION

It is encouraging that dental professionals seem to be aware of the negative psychosocial impacts experienced by some children with enamel opacities, and that children feel able to describe them.

Clinical Characteristics of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Background: This study evaluated the characteristics of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) entered into the TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA).

Methods: The study was conducted at 170 sites across 31 countries. Data from patients of any age with a documented clinical visit for TSC in the 12 months preceding enrollment or those newly diagnosed with TSC were entered.

Results: SEGA were reported in 554 of 2,216 patients (25%). Median age at diagnosis of SEGA was 8 years (range, <1–51), with 18.1% diagnosed after age 18 years. SEGA growth occurred in 22.7% of patients aged ≤ 18 years and in 11.6% of patients aged > 18 years. SEGA were symptomatic in 42.1% of patients. Symptoms included increased seizure frequency (15.8%), behavioural disturbance (11.9%), and regression/loss of cognitive skills (9.9%), in addition to those typically associated with increased intracranial pressure. SEGA were significantly more frequent in patients with TSC2 compared to TSC1 variants (33.7 vs. 13.2 %, p < 0.0001). Main treatment modalities included surgery (59.6%) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors (49%).

Conclusions: Although SEGA diagnosis and growth typically occurs during childhood, SEGA can occur and grow in both infants and adults.

009 Axonal excitability properties in dravet’s syndrome reflect effect of loss of sodium channels

Introduction

Mutations in SCN1A encoding the Nav1.1 subunit of the neuronal sodium channel underlie the devastating epilepsy of Dravet’s syndrome.1 The mechanism by which Nav1.1 dysfunction causes seizures is not clear. In vitro and in silico channel evaluation can support mutation pathogenicity but cannot define the in vivo impact of channel dysfunction. Axonal excitability studies can show the pattern of single-channel dysfunction in disorders where the channel is peripherally expressed.2 This study was undertaken to determine whether axonal excitability studies could detect changes in Dravet’s patients related to the condition or due to medication effect.

Methods

Patients with Dravet’s syndrome were recruited from clinics in Sydney and Melbourne and axonal excitability studies were performed. Excitability results were analysed in 3 age groups and compared to age-matched normal controls.

Results

Twenty six patients (ages 2–46) were studied. Findings were most pronounced in patients aged 20–46 (n=7) with 6.9% greater increase in threshold during hyperpolarization(p=0.1), 7.6% greater threshold decrease on depolarization(p=0.005) and, in the recovery cycle, 19.7% reduction in superexcitability(p=0.002) and 26% reduction in subexcitability(p=0.03). Axonal excitability studies resembled previously published changes seen in patients with sodium channel blockade caused by acute tetrodotoxin poisoning.3

Conclusions

Changes in excitability of axonal membrane in Dravet’s syndrome are consistent with a decrease in sodium channel function. As the affected channel in Dravet’s syndrome is not peripherally expressed, the effect seen is likely due to the heavy anticonvulsant regime required to control epilepsy, combined with a progressive loss of sodium channel function that occurs with age.

References

Meisler MH, O’Brien JE, Sharkey LM. Sodium channel gene family: epilepsy mutations, gene interactions and modifier effects. J Physiol 2010;588:1841–1848.

Tomlinson SE, Howells J, Burke D. In vivo assessment of neurological channelopathies: Application of peripheral nerve excitability studies. Neuropharmacology. 2018 Apr;132:98–107.

Kiernan MC, Isbister GK, Lin CS, Burke D, Bostock H. Acute tetrodotoxin-induced neurotoxicity after ingestion of puffer fish. Ann Neurol 2005;57:339–48.

Epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex: Findings from the TOSCA Study

OBJECTIVE

To present the baseline data of the international TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) with emphasis on the characteristics of epilepsies associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

METHODS

Retrospective and prospective patients' data on all aspects of TSC were collected from multiple countries worldwide. Epilepsy variables included seizure type, age at onset, type of treatment, and treatment outcomes and association with genotype, seizures control, and intellectual disability. As for noninterventional registries, the study protocol did not specify any particular clinical instruments, laboratory investigations, or intervention. Evaluations included those required for diagnosis and management following local best practice.

RESULTS

Epilepsy was reported in 83.6% of patients (1852/2216) at baseline; 38.9% presented with infantile spasms and 67.5% with focal seizures. The mean age at diagnosis of infantile spasms was 0.4 year (median <1 year; range <1-30 years) and at diagnosis of focal seizures was 2.7 years (median 1 year; range <1-66 years). A total of 1469 patients (79.3%) were diagnosed with epilepsy <2 years. The rate of infantile spasms was higher in patients with a TSC 2 mutation than in patients with a TSC1 mutation (47.3% vs 23%). ɣ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic drugs were the most common treatment modality for both infantile spasms (78.7%) and focal seizures (65.5%). Infantile spasms and focal seizures were controlled in 76.3% and 58.2% of patients, respectively. Control of seizures was associated with lower rates of intellectual disability in both groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

This registry reports the largest international cohort of patients with TSC. Findings confirmed the typical onset pattern of infantile spasms and other focal seizures in the first 2 years of life, and the high rates of infantile spasms in patients with TSC2 mutation. Our results underscored the occurrence of focal seizures at all ages, including an onset that preceded emergence of infantile spasms. Seizure control was shown to be associated with lower rates of intellectual disability but did not preclude the presence of intellectual disability.

Eight-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial comparing ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy with surgical stripping of the great saphenous vein

BACKGROUND

This was an 8-year follow-up of an RCT comparing ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) with high ligation and surgical stripping (HL/S) of the great saphenous vein (GSV).

METHODS

Patients were randomized to UGFS or HL/S of the GSV. The primary outcome was the recurrence of symptomatic GSV reflux. Secondary outcomes were patterns of reflux according to recurrent varices after surgery, Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ-5D™) quality-of-life scores.

RESULTS

Of 430 patients originally randomized (230 UGFS, 200 HL/S), 227 (52·8 per cent; 123 UGFS, 103 HL/S) were available for analysis after 8 years. The proportion of patients free from symptomatic GSV reflux at 8 years was lower after UGFS than HL/S (55·1 versus 72·1 per cent; P = 0·024). The rate of absence of GSV reflux, irrespective of venous symptoms, at 8 years was 33·1 and 49·7 per cent respectively (P = 0·009). More saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) failure (65·8 versus 41·7 per cent; P = 0·001) and recurrent reflux in the above-knee GSV (72·5 versus 20·4 per cent; P = 0·001) was evident in the UGFS group. The VCSS was worse than preoperative scores in both groups after 8 years; CEAP classification and EQ-5D® scores were similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Surgical stripping had a technically better outcome in terms of recurrence of GSV and SFJ reflux than UGFS in the long term. Long-term follow-up suggests significant clinical progression of venous disease measured by VCSS in both groups, but less after surgery. Registration number: NCT02304146 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

The natural history of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas in tuberous sclerosis complex: a review

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an auto-somal-dominant inherited condition with an incidence of approximately 1:6000 births, characterised by deregulated mTOR activity with multi-site hamartomas. Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) are one such hamartoma, affecting up to 24% of patients with TSC. Their intraventricular location may lead to life-threatening obstructive hydrocephalus. Current management is hampered by a lack of understanding regarding the natural history, behaviour and growth patterns of SEGA. We review the current literature to summarise what is known about SEGA in the following areas: (1) diagnostic criteria, (2) prevalence, (3) origin, (4) imaging characteristics, (5) growth rate, (6) genotype-phenotype correlation, (7) congenital SEGA and (8) SEGA as a marker of severity of other TSC manifestations.

Everolimus for treatment-refractory seizures in TSC: Extension of a randomized controlled trial

Background

EXamining everolimus In a Study of Tuberous sclerosis 3 (EXIST-3) demonstrated significantly reduced seizure frequency (SF) with everolimus vs placebo. In this study, we evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of everolimus for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated treatment-refractory seizures.

Methods

After completion of the core phase, patients could enter an open-label extension phase and receive everolimus (target exposure, 3-15 ng/mL) for ≥48 weeks. Efficacy end points included change from baseline in average weekly SF expressed as response rate (RR, ≥50% reduction) and median percentage reduction (PR).

Results

Of 366 patients, 361 received everolimus in core/extension phases. The RR was 31% (95% CI, 26.2-36.1; N = 352) at week 18, 46.6% (95% CI, 40.9-52.5; N = 298) at 1 year, and 57.7% (95% CI, 49.7-65.4; N = 163) at 2 years. Median PR in SF was 31.7% (95% CI, 28.5-36.1) at week 18, 46.7% (95% CI, 40.2-54) at 1 year, and 56.9% (95% CI, 50-68.4) at 2 years. Ninety-five patients (26.3%) discontinued everolimus before 2 years; 103 (28.5%) had <2 years of follow-up at study cutoff, and 40% were exposed to everolimus for ≥2 years. An analysis classifying discontinued patients as nonresponders showed an RR of 30.2% (95% CI, 25.5-35.2; N = 361) at week 18, 38.8% (95% CI, 33.7-44.1; N = 358) at 1 year, and 41% (95% CI, 34.6-47.7; N = 229) at 2 years, suggesting sustained benefit over time. The incidence of grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) (any cause) was 40.2%, and 13% discontinued because of AEs (pneumonia [1.7%] and stomatitis [1.4%]). Two deaths were suspected to be treatment-related (pneumonia and septic shock).

Conclusions

Sustained reductions in TSC-associated treatment-refractory seizures over time were achieved with adjunctive everolimus. The safety profile was consistent with the core phase with no new safety concerns.

Classification of evidence

This study provides Class IV evidence that long-term everolimus therapy reduces SF in patients with TSC-associated treatment-refractory seizures.

TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND): findings from the TOSCA natural history study

Background

Most evidence for TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) to date have come from small studies and case reports, and very little is known about TAND in adults. We explored baseline TAND data from the large-scale international TOSCA natural history study to compare childhood and adult patterns, describe age-based patterns, and explore genotype-TAND correlations.

Results

The study enrolled 2216 eligible participants with TSC from 170 sites across 31 countries at the data cut-off for the third interim analysis (data cut-off date: September 30, 2015). The most common behavioural problems (reported in > 10% of participants) were overactivity, sleep difficulties, impulsivity, anxiety, mood swings, severe aggression, depressed mood, self-injury, and obsessions. Psychiatric disorders included autism spectrum disorder (ASD, 21.1%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, 19.1%), anxiety disorder (9.7%), and depressive disorder (6.1%). Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were available for 885 participants. Of these, 44.4% had normal IQ, while mild, moderate, severe, and profound degrees of intellectual disability (ID) were observed in 28.1, 15.1, 9.3, and 3.1%, respectively. Academic difficulties were identified in 58.6% of participants, and neuropsychological deficits (performance <5th percentile) in 55.7%. Significantly higher rates of overactivity and impulsivity were observed in children and higher rates of anxiety, depressed mood, mood swings, obsessions, psychosis and hallucinations were observed in adults. Genotype-TAND correlations showed a higher frequency of self-injury, ASD, academic difficulties and neuropsychological deficits in TSC2. Those with no mutations identified (NMI) showed a mixed pattern of TAND manifestations. Children and those with TSC2 had significantly higher rates of intellectual disability, suggesting that age and genotype comparisons should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions

These results emphasize the magnitude of TAND in TSC and the importance of evaluating for neuropsychiatric comorbidity in all children and adults with TSC, across TSC1 and TSC2 genotypes, as well as in those with no mutations identified. However, the high rates of unreported or missing TAND data in this study underline the fact that, even in expert centres, TAND remains underdiagnosed and potentially undertreated.

Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex - Psychometric Evaluation of Three Instruments in Individuals With Refractory Epilepsy

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disease associated with significant disease burden and considerable impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL). Currently no disease-specific clinical outcome assessments evaluate HRQL in individuals with TSC. A multi-center phase III study EXIST-3 (NCT01713946) assessed the efficacy and safety of two trough exposure ranges (Low exposure, LE: 3-7 ng/mL and high exposure, HE: 9-15 ng/mL) of adjunctive everolimus in patients aged 2-65 years with TSC and refractory partial-onset seizures (N = 366). Three age-specific HRQL measures were included as secondary endpoints including: quality of life in childhood epilepsy (QOLCE; caregiver-report for aged 2- < 11), the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory for Adolescents-48 (QOLIE-AD-48; self-report, aged ≥ 11- < 18), and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31-Problems (QOLIE-31-P; self-report, aged ≥ 18). Intellectual ability was evaluated using the Wechsler Non-Verbal (WNV) Scale of Ability. Post hoc analyses were performed on the core phase primary data from EXIST-3 to evaluate the psychometric properties of the HRQL measures and calculate meaningful change estimates. Results showed that a significant subset of the trial sample (4-21 year olds) scored in the intellectual disability range, as assessed by the WNV. Psychometric analyses of the three epilepsy measures (including reliability, validity, and ability to detect change) supported the appropriateness for use in TSC. Distribution-based meaningful change estimates were generated for each HRQL measure, with estimates for the QOLIE-31-P total score largely consistent with the published literature. To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation using clinical trial data to establish the psychometric properties of the QOLCE, QOLIE-AD-48, and QOLIE-31-P for use in individuals with TSC. These findings increase confidence in the measures as valid and reliable for use in clinical trials and future research in patients with TSC.

Everolimus dosing recommendations for tuberous sclerosis complex-associated refractory seizures

Objective

The present analysis examined the exposure‐response relationship by means of the predose everolimus concentration (C_min) and the seizure response in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex–associated seizures in the EXIST‐3 study. Recommendations have been made for the target C_min range of everolimus for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and the doses necessary to achieve this target C_min.

Methods

A model‐based approach was used to predict patients' daily C_min. Time‐normalized C_min (TN‐C_min) was calculated as the average predicted C_min in a time interval. TN‐C_min was used to link exposure to efficacy and safety end points via model‐based approaches. A conditional logistic regression stratified by age subgroup was used to estimate the probability of response in relation to exposure. A multiplicative linear regression model was used to estimate the exposure‐response relationship for seizure frequency (SF). An extended Cox regression model was used to link exposure to the time to first adverse event.

Results

There was a strong, consistent, and highly significant relationship between everolimus exposure and efficacy, measured by TN‐C_min and SF, regardless of patient's age and concomitant use of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors/inducers. Results of an extended Cox regression analyses indicated that twofold increases in TN‐C_min were not associated with statistically significant increases in the risk of stomatitis or infections.

Significance

The recommended TDM is to target everolimus C_min within a range of 5‐7 ng/mL initially and 5‐15 ng/mL in the event of an inadequate clinical response, and safety is consistent with previous reports. Starting doses depend on age and the concomitant use of CYP3A4/P‐glycoprotein inducers/inhibitors.

Integrating exome sequencing into a diagnostic pathway for epileptic encephalopathy: Evidence of clinical utility and cost effectiveness

Background

Epileptic encephalopathies are a devastating group of neurological conditions in which etiological diagnosis can alter management and clinical outcome. Exome sequencing and gene panel testing can improve diagnostic yield but there is no cost‐effectiveness analysis of their use or consensus on how to best integrate these tests into clinical diagnostic pathways.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cost‐effectiveness study comparing trio exome sequencing with a standard diagnostic approach, for a well‐phenotyped cohort of 32 patients with epileptic encephalopathy, who remained undiagnosed after “first‐tier” testing. Sensitivity analysis was included with a range of commercial exome and multigene panels.

Results

The diagnostic yield was higher for the exome sequencing (16/32; 50%) than the standard arm (2/32; 6.2%). The trio exome sequencing pathway was cost‐effective compared to the standard diagnostic pathway with a cost saving of AU$5,236 (95% confidence intervals $2,482; $9,784) per additional diagnosis; the standard pathway cost approximately 10 times more per diagnosis. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the majority of commercial exome sequencing and multigene panels studied were also cost‐effective. The clinical utility of all diagnoses was reported.

Conclusion

Our study supports the integration of exome sequencing and gene panel testing into the diagnostic pathway for epileptic encephalopathy, both in terms of cost effectiveness and clinical utility. We propose a diagnostic pathway that integrates initial rapid screening for treatable causes and comprehensive genomic screening. This study has important implications for health policy and public funding for epileptic encephalopathy and other neurological conditions.

Early Detection of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: An Opportunity for Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcome

BACKGROUND

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant condition associated with epilepsy, benign tumors, and variable neurodevelopmental outcomes. The diagnosis is most commonly made after epilepsy onset, although a proportion are diagnosed prenatally. Presymptomatic or early treatment with agents such as vigabatrin offers the hope of improved neurodevelopmental outcome. Therefore early diagnosis, before the onset of seizures, is important. In a cohort of children with TSC, we evaluated the age and mode of initial presentation, assessed the neurocognitive and epilepsy outcome, and analyzed whether those diagnosed before the onset of seizures have a different outcome compared with those diagnosed postseizures.

METHODS

We reviewed patients at the TSC clinic at Sydney Children's Hospital who were born between 2001 and 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients were identified: 34 (46%) diagnosed preseizure (21 prenatally) and 40 (54%) postseizure. In the preseizure cohort, 77% presented with cardiac rhabdomyoma(s) and 72% developed seizures. The postseizure cohort had more severe epilepsy, requiring more antiepileptic drugs for seizure control (median five, compared with three in the preseizure cohort [P = 0.01]). Developmental disability occurred in 65% of the preseizure cohort compared with 72% of the postseizure cohort. Severe developmental disability most often occurred in children who had their first seizure before age 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Children who are diagnosed with TSC before the onset of seizures have less severe epilepsy and better developmental outcome.

DNM1 encephalopathy: A new disease of vesicle fission

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the phenotypic spectrum caused by mutations in dynamin 1 (DNM1), encoding the presynaptic protein DNM1, and to investigate possible genotype-phenotype correlations and predicted functional consequences based on structural modeling.

METHODS

We reviewed phenotypic data of 21 patients (7 previously published) with DNM1 mutations. We compared mutation data to known functional data and undertook biomolecular modeling to assess the effect of the mutations on protein function.

RESULTS

We identified 19 patients with de novo mutations in DNM1 and a sibling pair who had an inherited mutation from a mosaic parent. Seven patients (33.3%) carried the recurrent p.Arg237Trp mutation. A common phenotype emerged that included severe to profound intellectual disability and muscular hypotonia in all patients and an epilepsy characterized by infantile spasms in 16 of 21 patients, frequently evolving into Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Two patients had profound global developmental delay without seizures. In addition, we describe a single patient with normal development before the onset of a catastrophic epilepsy, consistent with febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome at 4 years. All mutations cluster within the GTPase or middle domains, and structural modeling and existing functional data suggest a dominant-negative effect on DMN1 function.

CONCLUSIONS

The phenotypic spectrum of DNM1-related encephalopathy is relatively homogeneous, in contrast to many other genetic epilepsies. Up to one-third of patients carry the recurrent p.Arg237Trp variant, which is now one of the most common recurrent variants in epileptic encephalopathies identified to date. Given the predicted dominant-negative mechanism of this mutation, this variant presents a prime target for therapeutic intervention.

GRIN2B encephalopathy: novel findings on phenotype, variant clustering, functional consequences and treatment aspects

BACKGROUND

We aimed for a comprehensive delineation of genetic, functional and phenotypic aspects of GRIN2B encephalopathy and explored potential prospects of personalised medicine.

METHODS

Data of 48 individuals with de novo GRIN2B variants were collected from several diagnostic and research cohorts, as well as from 43 patients from the literature. Functional consequences and response to memantine treatment were investigated in vitro and eventually translated into patient care.

RESULTS

Overall, de novo variants in 86 patients were classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic. Patients presented with neurodevelopmental disorders and a spectrum of hypotonia, movement disorder, cortical visual impairment, cerebral volume loss and epilepsy. Six patients presented with a consistent malformation of cortical development (MCD) intermediate between tubulinopathies and polymicrogyria. Missense variants cluster in transmembrane segments and ligand-binding sites. Functional consequences of variants were diverse, revealing various potential gain-of-function and loss-of-function mechanisms and a retained sensitivity to the use-dependent blocker memantine. However, an objectifiable beneficial treatment response in the respective patients still remains to be demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to previously known features of intellectual disability, epilepsy and autism, we found evidence that GRIN2B encephalopathy is also frequently associated with movement disorder, cortical visual impairment and MCD revealing novel phenotypic consequences of channelopathies.

Management Strategies for CLN2 Disease

CLN2 disease (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2) is a rare, autosomal recessive, pediatric-onset, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) enzyme deficiency, and is characterized by language delay, seizures, rapid cognitive and motor decline, blindness, and early death. No management guidelines exist and there is a paucity of published disease-specific evidence to inform clinical practice, which currently draws upon experience from the field of childhood neurodisability. Twenty-four disease experts were surveyed on CLN2 disease management and a subset met to discuss current practice. Management goals and strategies are consistent among experts globally and are guided by the principles of pediatric palliative care. Goals and interventions evolve as the disease progresses, with a shift in focus from maintenance of function early in the disease to maintenance of quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach is critical for optimal patient care. This work represents an initial step toward the development of consensus-based management guidelines for CLN2 disease.

Indoor mold levels and current asthma among school-aged children in Saskatchewan, Canada

Current knowledge regarding the association between indoor mold exposures and asthma is still limited. The objective of this case-control study was to investigate the relationship between objectively measured indoor mold levels and current asthma among school-aged children. Parents completed a questionnaire survey of health history and home environmental conditions. Asthma cases had a history of doctor-diagnosed asthma or current wheeze without a cold in the past 12 months. Controls were age- and sex-matched to cases. Vacuumed dust samples were collected from the child's indoor play area and mattress. Samples were assessed for mold levels and quantified in colony-forming units (CFU). Sensitization to mold allergens was also determined by skin testing. Being a case was associated with family history of asthma, pet ownership, and mold allergy. Mold levels (CFU/m² ) in the dust samples of children's mattress and play area floors were moderately correlated (r = 0.56; P < 0.05). High mold levels (≥30 000 CFU/m² ) in dust samples from play [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.03-6.43] and mattress (aOR) = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.11-8.00) areas were significantly associated with current asthma. In this study high levels of mold are a risk factor for asthma in children.

TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) - baseline data on 2093 patients

Background

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder. Many gaps remain in the understanding of TSC because of the complexity in clinical presentation. The TuberOus SClerosis registry to increase disease Awareness (TOSCA) is an international disease registry designed to address knowledge gaps in the natural history and management of TSC. Here, we present the baseline data of TOSCA cohort.

Methods

Patients of any age diagnosed with TSC, having a documented visit for TSC within the preceding 12 months, or newly diagnosed individuals were included. The registry includes a “core” section designed to record detailed background information on each patient including disease manifestations, interventions, and outcomes collected at baseline and updated annually. “Subsections” of the registry recorded additional data related to specific features of TSC.

Results

Baseline “core” data from 2093 patients enrolled from 170 sites across 31 countries were available at the cut-off date September 30, 2014. Median age of patients at enrollment was 13 years (range, 0–71) and at diagnosis of TSC was 1 year (range, 0–69). The occurrence rates of major manifestations of TSC included – cortical tubers (82.2%), subependymal nodules (78.2%), subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (24.4%), renal angiomyolipomas (47.2%), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (6.9%), cardiac rhabdomyomas (34.3%), facial angiofibromas (57.3%), forehead plaque (14.1%), ≥ 3 hypomelanotic macules (66.8%), and shagreen patches (27.4%). Epilepsy was reported in 1748 (83.5%) patients, of which 1372 were diagnosed at ≤ 2 years (78%). Intellectual disability was identified in 451 (54.9%) patients of those assessed. TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) were diagnosed late, and not evaluated in 30–50% of patients.

Conclusion

TOSCA is the largest clinical case series of TSC to date. It provided a detailed description of the disease trajectory with increased awareness of various TSC manifestations. The rates of different features of TSC reported here reflect the age range and referral patterns of clinics contributing patients to the cohort. Documentation of TAND and LAM was poor. A widespread adoption of the international TSC assessment and treatment guidelines, including use of the TAND Checklist, could improve surveillance. The registry provides valuable insights into the necessity for monitoring, timing, and indications for the treatment of TSC.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-016-0553-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Guideline on 'The treatment of recurrent varicose veins'Supplement to the Dutch Guideline on Venous disease]

The Dutch Guideline on Venous disease was lacking a section on recurrent varicose veins. The newly issued supplement on recurrent varicose veins fills this gap and provides clinicians with solutions concerning the management of patients with recurrent varicose veins following earlier treatment. Because venous disease is nowadays considered to be an ongoing disease, patients with this disorder will often require life-long care and different treatment than patients who have never been treated before.

In Vitro and In Vivo Profile of PPL-101 and PPL-103: Mixed Opioid Partial Agonist Analgesics with Low Abuse Potential

Opiates are still the most effective and widely used treatments for acute and chronic pain. However, the problems associated with morphine and other standard opioid analgesics severely limit their effectiveness in the clinic. PPL-101 and PPL-103 derived from morphine and morphinan ring systems contain a chiral N-substituent, which confers it with a unique combination of high-binding affinities and partial agonist activities at mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors, leading to unique in vivo pharmacology compared to other conventional opioids. Acute antinociceptive and reward acquisition of PPL-101 and PPL-103 were assessed in mice using the tail flick assay and conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, respectively. The reinforcing effects of these compounds were assessed in rats using the self-administration paradigm. In mice, PPL-101 and PPL-103 produced antinociception reaching maximal effects that were equivalent to morphine at approximately 1/3 and 1/10 of morphine's dose, respectively. PPL-101-induced antinociception was attenuated following pretreatment with the kappa antagonist JDTic, but not the mu opioid antagonist beta-FNA. In mice, PPL-101 and PPL-103 produced dose-dependent decreases in activity, similar to other kappa agonists; however, they did not produce conditioned place aversion, and in fact elicited a trend toward CPP. In rats, neither PPL-101 nor PPL-103 were self-administered when substituted for morphine and PPL-101 attenuated morphine self-administration, when administered systemically prior to the self-administration session. Collectively, these results indicate that mixed opioid receptor partial agonists can produce potent antinociceptive activity with a lack of aversion in mice and without being self-administered in rats. Compounds with this profile could be superior analgesics with greatly reduced addiction liability and fewer side-effects compared to traditional opiates.

Adjunctive everolimus therapy for treatment-resistant focal-onset seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis (EXIST-3): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, has been used for various benign tumours associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. We assessed the efficacy and safety of two trough exposure concentrations of everolimus, 3-7 ng/mL (low exposure) and 9-15 ng/mL (high exposure), compared with placebo as adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant focal-onset seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex.

METHODS

In this phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, eligible patients aged 2-65 years with tuberous sclerosis complex and treatment-resistant seizures (≥16 in an 8-week baseline phase) receiving one to three concomitant antiepileptic drugs were recruited from 99 centres across 25 countries. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1), via permuted-block randomisation (block size of six) implemented by Interactive Response Technology software, to receive placebo, low-exposure everolimus, or high-exposure everolimus. Randomisation was stratified by age subgroup (<6 years, 6 to <12 years, 12 to <18 years, and ≥18 years). Patients, investigators, site personnel, and the sponsor's study team were masked to treatment allocation. The starting dose of everolimus depended on age, body-surface area, and concomitant use of cytochrome 3A4/P-glycoprotein inducers. Dose adjustments were done to attain target trough ranges during a 6-week titration period, and as needed during a 12-week maintenance period of core phase. Patients or their caregivers recorded events in a seizure diary throughout the study. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in the frequency of seizures during the maintenance period, defined as response rate (the proportion of patients achieving ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency) and median percentage reduction in seizure frequency, in all randomised patients. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01713946.

FINDINGS

Between July 3, 2013, and May 29, 2015, 366 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to placebo (n=119), low-exposure everolimus, (n=117), or high-exposure everolimus (n=130). The response rate was 15·1% with placebo (95% CI 9·2-22·8; 18 patients) compared with 28·2% for low-exposure everolimus (95% CI 20·3-37·3; 33 patients; p=0·0077) and 40·0% for high-exposure everolimus (95% CI 31·5-49·0; 52 patients; p<0·0001). The median percentage reduction in seizure frequency was 14·9% (95% CI 0·1-21·7) with placebo versus 29·3% with low-exposure everolimus (95% CI 18·8-41·9; p=0·0028) and 39·6% with high-exposure everolimus (95% CI 35·0-48·7; p<0·0001). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 13 (11%) patients in the placebo group, 21 (18%) in the low-exposure group, and 31 (24%) in the high-exposure group. Serious adverse events were reported in three (3%) patients who received placebo, 16 (14%) who received low-exposure everolimus, and 18 (14%) who received high-exposure everolimus. Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in two (2%) patients in the placebo group versus six (5%) in the low-exposure group and four (3%) in the high-exposure group.

INTERPRETATION

Adjunctive everolimus treatment significantly reduced seizure frequency with a tolerable safety profile compared with placebo in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and treatment-resistant seizures.

FUNDING

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Associated with Vascular Anomalies or Overgrowth

BACKGROUND

Dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway is the underlying pathogenic mechanism in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Other syndromes caused by genetic alterations in this pathway frequently manifest as vascular anomalies or asymmetric overgrowth. Rarely, these features have been documented in TSC.

OBJECTIVE

To collate cases of TSC with vascular anomaly or overgrowth that have been published and to assemble additional recent cases, as this finding has been underreported.

METHODS

TSC cases from three pediatric dermatology referral centers on two continents were reviewed to identify individuals noted to have hemihypertrophy or vascular anomalies.

RESULTS

We report five additional cases of TSC associated with vascular anomalies or overgrowth that contribute to our understanding of some of the pathways and treatments involved in vascular anomalies.

CONCLUSION

Hemihypertrophy and vascular anomalies may be more frequent in the setting of TSC than previously appreciated. A common pathogenetic mechanism may tie these manifestations together.