The clinical and genetic spectrum of autosomal-recessive TOR1A-related disorders

In the field of rare diseases, progress in molecular diagnostics led to the recognition that variants linked to autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative diseases of later onset can, in the context of biallelic inheritance, cause devastating neurodevelopmental disorders and infantile or childhood-onset neurodegeneration. TOR1A-associated arthrogryposis multiplex congenita 5 (AMC5) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder arising from biallelic variants in TOR1A, a gene that in the heterozygous state is associated with torsion dystonia-1 (DYT1 or DYT-TOR1A), an early-onset dystonia with reduced penetrance. While 15 individuals with AMC5-TOR1A have been reported (less than 10 in detail), a systematic investigation of the full disease-associated spectrum has not been conducted. Here, we assess the clinical, radiological and molecular characteristics of 57 individuals from 40 families with biallelic variants in TOR1A. Median age at last follow-up was 3 years (0-24 years). Most individuals presented with severe congenital flexion contractures (95%) and variable developmental delay (79%). Motor symptoms were reported in 79% and included lower limb spasticity and pyramidal signs, as well as gait disturbances. Facial dysmorphism was an integral part of the phenotype, with key features being a broad/full nasal tip, narrowing of the forehead and full cheeks. Analysis of disease-associated manifestations delineated a phenotypic spectrum ranging from normal cognition and mild gait disturbance to congenital arthrogryposis, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, absent speech and inability to walk. In a subset, the presentation was consistent with foetal akinesia deformation sequence with severe intrauterine abnormalities. Survival was 71%, with higher mortality in males. Death occurred at a median age of 1.2 months (1 week-9 years), due to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest or sepsis. Analysis of brain MRI studies identified non-specific neuroimaging features, including a hypoplastic corpus callosum (72%), foci of signal abnormality in the subcortical and periventricular white matter (55%), diffuse white matter volume loss (45%), mega cisterna magna (36%) and arachnoid cysts (27%). The molecular spectrum included 22 distinct variants, defining a mutational hotspot in the C-terminal domain of the Torsin-1A protein. Genotype-phenotype analysis revealed an association of missense variants in the 3-helix bundle domain to an attenuated phenotype, while missense variants near the Walker A/B motif as well as biallelic truncating variants were linked to early death. In summary, this systematic cross-sectional analysis of a large cohort of individuals with biallelic TOR1A variants across a wide age-range delineates the clinical and genetic spectrum of TOR1A-related autosomal-recessive disease and highlights potential predictors for disease severity and survival.

Autoimmune Encephalitis Due to COVID-19 in a Young Patient

Autoimmune encephalitis is an inflammatory condition caused by different factors, including viral infections, diagnosed after ruling out other causes of encephalitis. The current study reported novel autoimmune encephalitis in an 11-year-old girl who presented with seizures, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological impairments. During the admission, the researchers observed high levels of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Besides, she had positive anti-COVID-19IgG. Therefore, the diagnosis of COVID-19-induced autoimmune encephalitis was specific. The patient received anti-epileptic, anti-viral drugs, IVIG, and rituximab and was discharged with remission. The case diagnosis was made by anti-NMDAR antibodies, which highlights the importance of this diagnostic tool. Similar cases have been reported earlier, but the point of this case was her younger age compared to the previous cases and her developing neurological deficit before COVID-19 presentations.

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Timolol for the Treatment of Facial Angiofibroma in Children with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Objective

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of topical timolol in treating facial angiofibromas (FAs) in pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Methods

A prospective clinical trial was conducted involving 15 children diagnosed with TSC and presenting with FAs. The participants were administered topical timolol gel 0.5% twice daily. Prior to the intervention, the severity of FAs in each patient was evaluated using the FA severity index (FASI), which assessed erythema, size, and extent of lesions. Clinical response was assessed at weeks 2 and 4 during the intervention period as well as 1 month after discontinuation of treatment.

Findings

Four weeks after discontinuing topical timolol 0.5%, statistically significant reductions were observed in the mean FASI score, erythema, size, and extent of lesions (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P = 0.012, P = 0.008, respectively). FASI scores at 4 and 12 weeks postintervention, as well as 4 weeks after treatment cessation, demonstrated a significant decrease compared to baseline (P < 0.001). Erythema and extension scores also exhibited a significant decrease 1 month after treatment cessation compared to baseline (P < 0.05), while the mean size of lesions before and after the intervention did not show a statistically significant difference (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Topical timolol 0.5% represents a cost-effective and readily available treatment option for pediatric patients with FAs associated with tuberous sclerosis.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children With COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) involves multiple organs and shows increased inflammatory markers. Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several studies have reported the association between severe COVID-19 and MIS-C. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) presents with thunderclap headaches and multifocal reversible vasoconstriction on imaging. RCVS is very rare in children. This article reports two cases of pediatric COVID-19 with severe MIS-C and clinical and imaging features indicative of RCVS.

METHODS

Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data of the patients were reviewed. The diagnosis of RCVS was confirmed based on clinical symptomatology and brain magnetic resonance imaging findings.

RESULTS

Two pediatric patients with clinical findings compatible with severe MIS-C and hemodynamic compromise presented to the hospital. During their hospitalization course, they developed thunderclap headaches and neurological deficits. Both were receiving vasoactive agents, intravenous immunoglobulin, and immunosuppressants. Imaging studies showed marked multifocal cerebral vasoconstriction in both cases and infarcts in one. The course and management of the patients will be presented. After controlling inflammation and elimination of triggers, both patients were ultimately symptom free upon discharge. Cerebral vasoconstriction had completely resolved on follow-up imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a variety of symptoms including headaches may be seen in pediatric COVID-19 patients with MIS-C, RCVS should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of thunderclap headache accompanied by neurological signs in these patients. Imaging findings and follow-up are also key in establishing the diagnosis.

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis as a sign of multisystem inflammatory syndrome following COVID-19 infection: A pediatric case report

COVID-19 infection can cause inflammatory reactions that could involve several organs. In the pediatric population, Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) has been reported as one of the consequences of COVID-19. We report a unique pediatric COVID-19 patient with MIS-C, associated with paralysis of the extremities. MRI showed abnormal signal in the cervical spinal cord compatible with transverse myelitis. Methylprednisolone and IVIG were administered, without significant symptom improvement. As a next step, Infliximab was tried for her, and she responded remarkably well to this treatment. Infliximab may be considered as a treatment option in COVID-19 patients with transverse myelitis.

Epidemiological and clinical features of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis: A population-based study in Isfahan, Iran, between 1997-2020

Background: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), affecting individuals younger than 18 years of age. We sought to characterize the epidemiological and clinical features of patients with POMS in Isfahan, Iran, from April 1997 to March 2020. Methods: The medical records of patients with POMS in the databases of Isfahan Department of Public Health and Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Society (IMSS) were retrospectively reviewed. The 2006 and 2016 Isfahan Province population censuses were used as reference values for assessing the temporal trend of POMS. Results: From April 1997 to March 2020, 509 individuals under18 years of age were diagnosed with POMS in Isfahan. 404 of these patients (79.4%) were girls, and 105 patients (20.6%) were boys (a female to male ratio of 3.85:1). Most of the patients (83%) were monosymptomatic at onset, with optic neuritis and brainstem-cerebellar disorders being the most frequent initial presentations. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age at disease diagnosis was 15.8 ± 2.5 years (ranging from 3 to 18, mode = 18). From April 2019 to March 2020, the crude prevalence and the crude incidence rate of the POMS were 5.42 per 100000 and 1.86 per 100000, respectively. Poisson regression analysis revealed a 3.4% increase in the incidence rate of POMS from April 1997 to March 2020 [relative rate:1.034, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.021-1.048]. Conclusion: The female to male ratio in our cohort was significantly higher than any other studies conducted previously. The high female to male ratio and increasing incidence of the disease suggest increasing regionalization of care.

Comparing Sedative Effect of Dexmedetomidine versus Midazolam for Sedation of Children While Undergoing Computerized Tomography Imaging

Background:

Pediatric anxiety and restlessness may create issues and difficulties in performing accurate diagnostic studies even noninvasive ones, such as radiological imaging. There are some agents that will help to get this goal. This study aimed to compare the intranasal effect of dexmedetomidine (DEX) and midazolam (MID) for sedation parameters of children undergoing computerized tomography (CT) imaging.

Materials and Methods:

A double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 162 eligible children who underwent CT imaging. These patients were divided into two groups including MID (n = 81) with dose of 0.3 mg.kg and DEX (n = 81) with dose of 3 μg.kg, which was consumed intranasally. The mean blood pressure (MBP), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (O2Sat) in children were recorded. Then, time of initiation, level of sedation, and duration effect of medication were measured at 0, 10, 20, and 30 min. Parents and clinician satisfaction score was asked. All data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software by t test and chi-square test.

Results:

Decreasing in MBP and HR was higher in DEX group than MID group (P < 0.001), whereas decrease of O2Sat in MID group was higher than DEX group (0.009). Starting time of sedation (22.72 ± 11.64 vs. 33.38 ± 10.17, P = 0.001) was lower in DEX group. Parents (P < 0.001) and physician (P < 0.001) satisfaction score was higher in DEX group than the MID group.

Conclusion:

Using 3 μg/kg intranasal DEX for sedation of 1–6-year-old children was a suitable method to undergo noninvasive studies such as CT imaging. Intranasal DEX is superior to MID due to higher sedation satisfactory, faster starting effect of sedation, and lower side effects and complications. Nevertheless, in children with hemodynamic instability DEX is not an appropriate choice.

Efficacy of Levetiracetam in Treatment of Childhood Stuttering

Background:

Stuttering is a kind of speech disorder that affects about 1% of total population. As the origin of this disorder is not obviously diagnosed yet, various remedies have been practiced and among them different medicines have been studied, but unfortunately no significant effective drugs have been recognized yet. As stuttering imposes a great social and mental costs to the patients and their families, finding an effective medicine will help significantly. In this study we have focused on the effects of levetiracetam (LEV) treatment on children suffering from stuttering.

Methods:

In this clinical trial study, 30 children aged > 3 years (median 3.8 years) with stuttering and abnormal sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) were treated by LEV and followed-up for a minimum period of 6 weeks. The starting dose of 20 mg/kg/day was increased at an interval of 1 week by 20 mg/kg/day, if necessary, up to maximum dose of 60 mg/kg/day.

Results:

Overall LEV was effective in 70% of patients, decreasing stuttering to at least 50%. Three children (10%) became stuttering-free and only in one (3.3%) child an increase in stuttering was observed. There were statistically significant differences for efficacy in the presence of variables such as age groups, seizure, stuttering family history, and EEG data.

Conclusions:

LEV is an effective drug for treatment of childhood stuttering in those that have abnormal sleep EEG.

Risk Factors of Idiopathic Language Development Disorders in Children

Background: Language Development Disorders (LDD) is a common idiopathic impairment in children. Numerous risk factors play a role in the emergence of this disorder. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine risk factors of LDD in children aged two to five years. Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, 98 children (aged two to five years) with LDD and 98 children without LDD were selected as case and control groups, respectively. Research population comprised children with language development disorder diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist, and the control group consisted of children without this disorder. Risk factors affecting LDD were examined in both groups, and the two groups were compared using Chi-squared and independent samples t-test in SPSS V. 22. Results: Results showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of weight at birth and at the last visit; parents’ age, education level, language, and occupation; level and hours of access to television and cell phone; place of residence; birth order of children, and going to the kindergarten (P>0.05). However, the two groups significantly differed in terms of a positive family history. Mean age of the onset of developmental behaviors was significantly higher in the case than that in the control group (P<0.05). A positive family history raised the risk of developing LDD by 4.45-fold. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the age of head control and uttering the first word and the incidence of LDD (P<0.05). Conclusion: The identification of risk factors for language development disorders in children, including a positive family history, can help better identify, diagnose, and treat these patients. Also, the age of uttering the first word and head control can affect the emergence of LDD.

Oral Diazepam in Febrile Seizures Following Acellular Pertussis Vaccination

Background:

Febrile seizure is the most common type of seizures among children, which is a terrible and frightening experience for parents who are concerned about its recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diazepam on preventing the recurrence of febrile seizure following acellular pertussis vaccination.

Materials and Methods:

In this clinical trial, 121 children with a history of febrile seizure that required the pertussis vaccination were enrolled and divided into two groups; the first group was treated with oral diazepam for 48 h after vaccine injection and the control group received antipyretics only if fever occurred after the vaccination and used rectal diazepam for controlling seizure if a seizure occurred. The incidence of fever and seizure after the injection of the vaccine and incidence of febrile seizure were compared.

Results:

Nearly, 85.7% in the oral diazepam group and 87.9% in the rectal diazepam group had fever after receiving the pertussis vaccine, but the incidence of fever was not significantly different between the groups. Seven children (12.06%) in the rectal diazepam group had a seizure after pertussis vaccination, and none of the children in the oral diazepam group had a seizure after receiving the vaccine at 18 months of age. This difference was significant.

Conclusion:

Prophylaxis with diazepam administration in children with a history of febrile seizure can prevent recurrence of febrile seizure after pertussis vaccination.

The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Priority Setting Partnership

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has been neglected by medical researchers and society in general, despite being a relatively common, painful, chronic skin disease.

OBJECTIVES

To generate a top 10 list of HS research priorities, from the perspectives of patients with HS, carers and clinicians, to take to funding bodies.

METHODS

A priority setting partnership was established between patients with HS, carers and clinicians, following the James Lind Alliance process. Survey 1 requested submission of HS uncertainties, which were grouped into 'indicative uncertainties' for prioritization in survey 2. The 30 highest-ranked indicative uncertainties were reduced to a 'top 10' list using nominal group technique at a prioritization workshop attended by all relevant HS stakeholders.

RESULTS

In total 1495 potential uncertainties were submitted in survey 1, including 57% from patients with HS and carers, and grouped into 55 indicative uncertainties. Ranking in survey 2 was completed by 371 participants, 50% of whom were patients and carers. The final workshop was attended by 22 HS stakeholders and four facilitators and produced a top 10 list, the three highest priorities in descending order being (i) What is the most effective and safe group of oral treatments in treating HS? (ii) What is the best management of an acute flare? (iii)What is the impact of HS and its treatment on people with HS?

CONCLUSIONS

The top 10 HS research priorities have been directly disseminated to funders to raise awareness of HS. The next step is to generate research questions that will provide the evidence needed to improve care for patients with HS.