Brazilian version of the CHOP INTEND scale: cross-cultural adaptation and validation / Versão brasileira da escala CHOP INTEND: adaptação transcultural e validação

Abstract Background Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and impacts motor function. The type I is the most severe presentation and affects infants before 6 months old. In addition, the instruments available for assessing motor function have limitations when applied to infants with neuromuscular diseases and significant muscle weakness. Objective To translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) to Brazilian Portuguese. Methods The present study comprised the translation, synthesis of translations, backtranslation, consolidation by a committee of experts, and test of the final version of the CHOP INTEND in 13 patients with SMA type I. We also assessed the content validity and reliability of the translated version. Results The scale was translated considering semantic, structural, idiomatic, and cultural aspects. All agreement rates were > 0.8, the overall content validity index of the instrument was 0.98, and inter-rater reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.998. Conclusion The Brazilian version of the CHOP INTEND met semantic and technical equivalence criteria with the original version and was valid and reliable for patients with SMA type I.

Resumo Antecedentes A atrofia muscular espinhal (AME) é uma doença genética rara que provoca fraqueza muscular progressiva com impacto sobre a motricidade dos pacientes. A AME tipo I é considerada o tipo mais grave e acomete lactentes antes dos 6 meses de idade. As escalas disponíveis para avaliação das aquisições motoras mostram limitações para uso com crianças pequenas com doenças neuromusculares e fraqueza importante. Objetivo Realizar a tradução, adaptação transcultural e validação para a língua portuguesa do Brasil da Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND, na sigla em inglês). Métodos O presente estudo seguiu as etapas de tradução, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, consolidação por comitê de especialistas e teste com 13 pacientes com AME tipo 1. Foi avaliada a validade de conteúdo e a confiabilidade do instrumento. Resultados A escala foi traduzida considerando os aspectos semânticos, estruturais, idiomáticos e culturais. Todas as taxas de concordância foram > 0,8. O índice de validade de conteúdo geral do instrumento foi de 0,98. A confiabilidade interavaliadores analisada através do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC, na sigla em inglês) demonstrou um valor de ICC = 0,998. Conclusão A versão da CHOP INTEND em português atende aos critérios de equivalência semântica e técnica em relação à versão original e apresenta validade de conteúdo e confiabilidade para seu uso na população de pacientes com AME tipo I.

Acompanhamento das funções respiratória e motora de crianças com atrofia muscular espinhal e distrofia muscular de Duchenne: um estudo longitudinal / Monitoring of respiratory and motor functions on children with spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a longitudinal study

Objetivo: Realizar o acompanhamento de crianças e adolescentes com Atrofia Muscular Espinhal (AME) e Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) em um centro de referência, por meio de avaliações de parâmetros respiratórios e motores. Métodos: Conduziu-se 3 avaliações em um período de 24 meses, em pacientes até 15 anos, com DMD e AME. Avaliações respiratórias incluíram: parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios, força muscular respiratória, pico de fluxo de tosse e espirometria. Analisou-se a função motora por meio de escalas especificas: 1) Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) para crianças até 2 anos; 2) Medida da Função Motora (MFM-32) acima de 6 anos; 3) versão reduzida (MFM-20) para 2 a 6 anos. A análise estatística incluiu o teste de Shapiro-Wilk e utilizou-se ANOVA com Post Hoc de Bonferroni ou Friedman, e aplicou-se os coeficientes de Spearman ou Pearson. Resultados: Participaram 16 pacientes com mediana de idade de 6,5 anos, 12 com AME e 4 DMD. Houve diferença entre dados antropométricos, a frequência de crianças que não realizava fisioterapia reduziu (12,5%X6,3%) e houve aumento na adesão para técnica de empilhamento de ar (37,5%X43,8%). Uso de ventilação não invasiva se manteve igual, assim como parâmetros respiratórios e escalas motoras. Verificou-se forte correlação entre valor predito da capacidade vital forçada e escores MFM-20 e MFM-32. Conclusão: O acompanhamento ambulatorial de crianças com AME e DMD evidenciou relativa manutenção em parâmetros respiratórios e de função motora, o que pode ser atribuído a melhora na adesão de rotinas terapêuticas e aos cuidados em um centro de referência.

Objective: The aim of this study was to monitor children and adolescents with Spinal Muscular Atrophy(SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at a referral center, through assessments of respiratory and motor parameters. Methods: 3 evaluations were conducted over a period of 24 months, in patients up to 15 years old, with DMD and SMA. Respiratory assessments included: cardiorespiratory parameters, respiratory muscle strength, peak cough flow and spirometry. Motor function was analyzed using specific scales: 1) Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) for children up to 2 years old; 2) Measurement of Motor Function (MFM-32) over 6 years; 3) reduced version (MFM-20) for 2 to 6 years. The statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test and ANOVA with Bonferroni or Friedman's Post Hoc was used, and the Spearman or Pearson coefficients were applied. Results: 16 patients with a median age of 6.5 years, 12 with SMA and 4 DMD participated. There was a difference between anthropometric data, the frequency of children who did not undergo physical therapy decreased (12.5%X6.3%) and there was an increase in adherence to the air stacking technique (37.5%X43.8%). Use of non-invasive ventilation remained the same, as did respiratory parameters and motor scales. There was a strong correlation between the predicted value of forced vital capacity and scores MFM-20 and MFM-32. Conclusion: Outpatient follow-up of children with SMA and DMD showed a relative maintenance of respiratory and motor function parameters, which can be attributed to the improvement in adherence to therapeutic routines and care in a reference center.

Gene therapy in neuromuscular disorders / Terapia gênica nas doenças neuromusculares

Abstract Monogenic neuromuscular disorders are potentially treatable through gene therapy. Using viral vectors, a therapeutic transgene aims to restore normal levels of a protein not produced by the defective gene, or to silence a gene whose expression leads to toxic effects. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a good example of a monogenic disease that currently has an AAV9-based vector gene therapy as a therapeutic option. In this review, we intend to discuss the viral vectors and their mechanisms of action, in addition to reviewing the clinical trials that supported the approval of gene therapy (AVXS-101) for SMA as well as neuromuscular diseases that are potentially treatable with gene replacement therapy.

Resumo Doenças neuromusculares monogênicas são potencialmente tratáveis através de terapia gênica. Utilizando-se de vetores virais, um transgene terapêutico objetiva repor os níveis normais de uma proteina não produzida pelo gene defeituoso ou silenciar um gene cuja expressão leva a efeitos tóxicos. A Atrofia Muscular Espinhal (AME) é um bom exemplo de doença monogenica que atualmente tem uma terapia gênica com vetor viral AAV9 como opção terapêutica. Nesta revisão, pretendemos discutir os vetores virais e macanismos de ação utilizados, além de revisar os ensaios clínicos que embasaram a aprovação da terapia gênica (AVXS-101) para AME, assim como doenças neuromusculares potencialmente tratáveis com terapia de reposição gênica.

Caracterización clínica y funcional de pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal en el centro-occidente colombiano / Clinical-functional characterization of patients with spinal muscular atrophy in Central-Western Colombia

Introducción. La atrofia muscular espinal es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa huérfana de origen genético que afecta las neuronas motoras del asta anterior de la médula espinal, y produce atrofia y debilidad muscular. En Colombia, son pocos los estudios publicados sobre la enfermedad y no hay ninguno con análisis funcional. Objetivo. Caracterizar clínica y funcionalmente una serie de casos de atrofia muscular espinal del centro-occidente colombiano. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo transversal, entre el 2007 y el 2020, de pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y molecular de atrofia muscular espinal que consultaron en el centro de atención. La evaluación funcional se realizó con las escalas Hammersmith y Chop Intend. En la sistematización de los datos, se empleó el programa Epi-Info, versión 7.0. Resultados. Se analizaron 14 pacientes: 8 mujeres y 6 hombres. La atrofia muscular espinal más prevalente fue la de tipo II, la cual se presentó en 10 casos. Se encontró variabilidad fenotípica en términos de funcionalidad en algunos pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal de tipo II, cinco de los cuales lograron alcanzar la marcha. La estimación de la supervivencia fue de 28,6 años. Conclusiones. Los hallazgos en el grupo de pacientes analizados evidenciaron que los puntajes de la escala de Hammersmith revisada y expandida, concordaron con la gravedad de la enfermedad.

Introduction: Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the motor neurons of the anterior horn of the spinal cord, which results in muscle atrophy and weakness. In Colombia, few studies have been published on the pathology and none with functional analysis. Objective: To characterize clinically and functionally some cases of spinal muscular atrophy patients from Central-Western Colombia. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study between 2007 and 2020 with patients clinically and molecularly diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy who attended a care center. For the functional assessment we used the Hammersmith and Chop-Intend scales and the data were systematized with the Epi-Info, version 7.0 software. Results: We analyzed 14 patients (42.8 % men). The most prevalent spinal muscular atrophy was type II with 71.4 %. We found phenotypic variability in terms of functionality in some patients with type II spinal muscular atrophy, 37.5 % of whom reached gait. Survival was estimated at 28.6 years. Conclusions: The findings in the group of patients analyzed revealed that the scores of the revised and expanded Hammersmith scales correlated with the severity of SMA.

Value of application of combined ultrasound and spinal CT/MRI-assisted lumbar puncture in spinal muscular atrophy patients with spinal deformities / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of application of combined ultrasound and spinal CT/MRI-assisted lumbar puncture in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients with spinal deformities.Methods:Twelve SMA patients with spinal deformities were evaluated for combined ultrasound and spinal CT/MRI imaging-assisted lumbar intrathecal administration of nusinersen between November 2021 and September 2022.The degree of difficulty of lumbar puncture in SMA patients was graded according to the spinal imaging, and then different puncture methods were designed according to different puncture difficulty grades.The success rate, preparation time, operation time, the number of attempts, and complications of lumbar puncture were counted.Results:In this study, 48 lumbar punctures were performed in 12 patients with SMA, with a success rate of 100%.The average preparation time for puncture was 13.60 min, the average puncture time was 4.96 min, and the average number of attempts was 1.33. No complications such as injury to the spinal cord, nerve and viscera were found in all patients.Conclusions:Combined ultrasound and spinal CT/MRI-assisted lumbar puncture has high value when applied for SMA patients with spinal deformities.

Adult-onset non-5q proximal spinal muscular atrophy: a comprehensive review / Atrofia muscular espinhal não-5q proximal de início no adulto: uma revisão abrangente

Abstract Background: Adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) represents an expanding group of inherited neurodegenerative disorders in clinical practice. Objective: This review aims to synthesize the main clinical, genetic, radiological, biochemical, and neurophysiological aspects related to the classical and recently described forms of proximal SMA. Methods: The authors performed a non-systematic critical review summarizing adult-onset proximal SMA presentations. Results: Previously limited to cases of SMN1-related SMA type 4 (adult form), this group has now more than 15 different clinical conditions that have in common the symmetrical and progressive compromise of lower motor neurons starting in adulthood or elderly stage. New clinical and genetic subtypes of adult-onset proximal SMA have been recognized and are currently target of wide neuroradiological, pathological, and genetic studies. Conclusions: This new complex group of rare disorders typically present with lower motor neuron disease in association with other neurological or systemic signs of impairment, which are relatively specific and typical for each genetic subtype.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Atrofia muscular espinhal (AME) de início no adulto representa um grupo de doenças neurodegenerativas hereditárias em expansão na prática clínica. Objetivo: Este artigo de revisão sintetiza os principais aspectos clínicos, genéticos, radiológicos, bioquímicos e neurofisiológicos relacionados às formas clássicas e recentemente descritas de AME proximal do adulto. Métodos: Os autores realizaram uma revisão crítica não sistemática descrevendo as principais apresentações de AME proximal de início no adulto. Resultados: Previamente restrito às apresentações de AME tipo 4 associada ao gene SMN1, este grupo atualmente envolve mais de 15 diferentes condições clínicas que compartilham entre si a presença de comprometimento progressivo e simétrico do neurônio motor inferior se iniciando no adulto ou no idoso. Novos subtipos clínicos e genéticos de AME proximal de início no adulto foram reconhecidas e são alvos atuais de estudos direcionados a aspectos neurorradiológicos, patológicos e genéticos. Conclusões: Este novo grupo complexo de doenças raras tipicamente se apresenta com doença do neurônio motor inferior em associação com outros sinais de comprometimento neurológico ou sistêmico, os quais apresentam padrões relativamente específicos para cada subtipo genético.

Managing intrathecal administration of nusinersen in adolescents and adults with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy and previous spinal surgery / Manejo da administração intratecal de nusinersena em adolescentes e adultos com atrofia muscular espinhal 5q e cirurgia prévia de coluna

ABSTRACT Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease of lower motor neurons associated with frequent occurrence of spinal deformity. Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide that increases SMN protein level and is administrated by frequent intrathecal lumbar injections. Thus, spinal deformities and previous spinal surgery are important challenges for drug delivery in SMA. Objective: To report imaging methods used for Nusinersen injection in SMA patients. Methods: Nusinersen injection procedures in SMA types 2 and 3 patients who had previous spinal surgery were analyzed retrospectively to describe the imaging and puncture procedures, as well as the occurrence of complications. Results: Nine SMA patients (14 to 50 years old) underwent 57 lumbar punctures for nusinersen injection. Six patients had no interlaminar space available; in five of them, a transforaminal approach was used, and another one underwent a surgery to open a posterior bone window for the injections. Transforaminal puncture was performed using CT scan in three cases and fluoroscopy in the other two, with a similar success rate. One patient in the transforaminal group had post-procedure radiculitis, and another one had vagal reaction (hypotension). In three cases, with preserved interlaminar space, injections were performed by posterior interlaminar puncture, and only one adverse event was reported (post-puncture headache). Conclusion: In SMA patients with previous spinal surgery, the use of imaging-guided intervention is necessary for administering intrathecal nusinersen. Transforaminal technique is indicated in patients for whom the interlaminar space is not available, and injections should always be guided by either CT or fluoroscopy.

RESUMO Introdução: A atrofia muscular espinal (AME) é uma desordem neurodegenerativa dos motoneurônios inferiores frequentemente associada à ocorrência de deformidade da coluna vertebral. Nusinersena é um oligonucleotídeo antisense que aumenta os níveis da proteína SMN, sendo administrado através de injeções lombares intratecais frequentes. Assim, deformidades da coluna vertebral e abordagem cirúrgica prévia são desafios importantes para a administração de medicamentos na AME. Objetivo: descrever os métodos de imagens utilizados para administração do Nusinersena nos pacientes com AME. Métodos: Os procedimentos de administração de nusinersena em pacientes com AME dos tipos 2 e 3 submetidos à cirurgia prévia da coluna foram analisados retrospectivamente para descrever os métodos de imagem e punção, e a ocorrência de complicações. Resultados: Nove pacientes com AME (14 a 50 anos) foram submetidos a 57 punções lombares para administração de nusinersena. Seis pacientes tinham enxerto ósseo ou nenhum espaço interlaminar disponível; em cinco deles foi utilizada uma abordagem transforaminal, e outra paciente foi submetida à abertura cirúrgica de janela óssea para as injeções. A punção transforaminal foi realizada usando tomografia computadorizada (TC) em três casos e fluoroscopia nos outros dois, com taxa de sucesso semelhante. Um paciente no grupo de abordagem transforaminal apresentou radiculite pós-procedimento e outro apresentou reação vagal (hipotensão). Em três casos, com espaço interlaminar preservado, foram realizadas técnica de punção interlaminar posterior e apenas um evento adverso foi relatado (cefaleia pós-punção). Conclusão: Em pacientes com AME e cirurgia prévia, o uso de intervenção guiada por imagem é necessário para a administração de nusinersena. A técnica transforaminal é indicada nos casos onde o espaço interlaminar não está disponível, devendo ser guiada por TC ou técnicas de imagem fluoroscópica.

Investigation and analysis of genetic testing in a SMA cohort based on the national rare diseases registry system of China / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To explore application status and development trend of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) genetic diagnosis technology based on the national rare diseases registry system of China.Method:A total of 200 SMA children registered at the Capital Institute of Pediatrics from July 2016 to December 2018 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional survey. The basic data, clinical subtypes, genotypes, and related genetic testing information of SMA children were obtained by checking SMA registration information, genetic testing reports, and also by telephone follow-up. The patient number and the composition of different genetic diagnosis technologies were analyzed by the stratification of genetic testing at various time. The correlation between the proportion of genetic diagnosis technology and genetic testing time was analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis.Result:There were 3 SMA cases with incomplete data, the remaining 197 SMA cases were included in this study. There were 37 (18.8%), 115 (58.4%) and 45 (22.8%) patients with type Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ SMA, respectively. There were 185 cases of SMN1 homozygous deletion (93.9%), and 12 cases with compound heterozygotes (6.1%). Seven SMA-related genetic technologies were used from 2004 to 2017. MLPA accounted for 54.1% (100/185) used approach, followed by PCR-RFLP and first-generation sequencing, which accounted for 22.7% (42/185) and 10.3% (19/185), respectively. Nine, 6, 5 and 4 cases were tested with AS-PCR, qPCR, WES and DHPLC, respectively (2.2%-4.9%). The proportion of MLPA increased gradually since 2010 ( r=0.95, P<0.05), while PCR-RFLP declined gradually since 2004 ( r=-0.99, P<0.05). No correlation was found between technology and testing time for other genetic testing technologies ( P>0.05). The proportion of quantitative genetic technologies (MLPA, qPCR and DHPLC) increased gradually since 2010 ( r=0.94, P<0.05), and qualitative genetic technologies (PCR-RFLP, first-generation sequencing, AS-PCR and WES) decreased gradually since 2004 ( r=-0.94, P<0.05). The duplication detection rates of homozygous deletion and compound heterozygous mutation were 12.4% (23/185) and 41.7% (5/12), respectively (χ 2=5.86, P<0.05). During 2008-2015, the proportion of "the reports of both copy numbers of SMN1 gene and SMN2 gene" increased from 56.8% (21/37) in 2008-2015 to 69.1% (56/81) in 2016-2017. Conclusion:Genetic diagnosis of SMA has gradually developed from qualitative detection technology to quantitative detection technology, such as MLPA and qPCR, in China. In more and more SMA quantitative test reports, quantitative results of SMN2 gene are also provided in addition to quantitative results of SMN1 gene.

Estrategia de Estado para el tratamiento de la atrofia muscular espinal: un desafío del sistema de salud en Argentina / State strategy for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy: a challenge for the health system in Argentina / Estratégia de Estado para o tratamento da atrofia muscular espinhal: um desafio para o sistema de saúde da Argentina

Objetivo: analizar la implementación y comercialización de medicamentos de alto costo en el sistema de salud argentino, tomando como referencia el tratamiento médico de la enfermedad de atrofia muscular espinal y analizar la normativa aplicable, demonstrando el paralelismo legislativo con la República Federativa del Brasil. Metodología: se realizó una investigación descriptiva analítica identificando los criterios plasmados en las normas ó reglamentos para la implementación de una medicación de alto costo. Resultados: logramos obtener el marco regulatorio de la medicación denominada nusinersen en Argentina y la República Federativa del Brasil. Conclusión: con el avance de la tecnología, sus altos costos impactan directamente en la posibilidad de acceso, ante lo cual creemos que además de las herramientas de negociación interna de cada país, la cooperación internacional resulta una herramienta fundamental para transformar esta realidad en una oportunidad de acceso.

Objective: to analyze the implementation and commercialization of high-cost drugs in the Argentine health system, taking as a reference the medical treatment of spinal muscular atrophy disease and analyze the applicable regulations, demonstrating the legislative parallelism with the Federative Republic of Brazil. Methods: a descriptive analytical investigation was conducted to identify the criteria set out in the rules or regulations for the implementation of a high-cost medication. Results: we obtained the regulatory framework for the medication called nusinersen in Argentina and the Federative Republic of Brazil. Conclusion: with the advancement of technology, its high costs have a direct impact on the possibility of access, before which we believe that in addition to the internal negotiation tools of each country, international cooperation is a fundamental tool to transform this reality into an opportunity access.

Objetivo: analisar a implantação e comercialização de medicamentos de alto custo no sistema de saúde argentino, tomando como referência o tratamento médico da doença atrofia muscular espinhal; e analisar a regulamentação aplicável, demonstrando o paralelismo legislativo com a República Federativa do Brasil. Metodologia: foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva analítica, identificando os critérios previstos nas normas ou regulamentos para a implantação de um medicamento de alto custo. Resultados: obtivemos o marco regulatório do medicamento denominado nusinersen na Argentina e na República Federativa do Brasil. Conclusão: os altos custos da tecnologia impactam diretamente no seu acesso. Acreditamos que, além dos instrumentos de negociação interna de cada país, a cooperação internacional é uma ferramenta fundamental para transformar essa realidade em oportunidade de acesso.

Eficácia, segurança e aspectos regulatórios dos medicamentos órfãos para doenças raras: o caso Zolgensma® / Efficacy, safety and regulatory aspects of orphan drugs for rare diseases: Zolgensma®'s case study

Objetivo: discutir o processo regulatório de medicamentos para doenças raras no Brasil, com base no caso Zolgensma®, e avaliar criticamente as evidências disponíveis até o momento sobre a eficácia e a segurança do Zolgensma® no tratamento da atrofia muscular espinhal (AME). Metodologia: estudo descritivo realizado no Núcleo de Avaliação de Tecnologias em Saúde do Hospital Sírio-Libanês (NATS-HSL) em junho de 2019. Resultados: em abril de 2019, o uso do Zolgensma® para AME foi regulamentado nos Estados Unidos com base em dois estudos clínicos abertos (sem mascaramento), sem grupo comparador paralelo (e, portanto, não randomizados). Essas limitações metodológicas aumentam a incerteza nos resultados encontrados. A Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) aprovou estratégias para regulamentar o processo e os prazos de análise das submissões de registro de novos medicamentos para doenças raras, caso do Zolgensma®. Conclusão: faz-se necessário ampliar o debate em torno do processo de regulamentação e de incorporação de medicamentos órfãos para doenças raras no Brasil. O debate deve incluir as evidências relacionadas aos efeitos ­ benefícios e riscos ­ desses medicamentos, e maior clareza nos critérios para concessão de registro e recomendação de incorporação em sistemas de saúde. (AU).

Objective: to discuss the regulatory process of drugs for rare diseases in Brazil, based on the Zolgensma® case, and to critically evaluate the evidence so far available on the efficacy and safety of Zolgensma® for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Methods: descriptive study conducted at the Health Technology Assessment Center of the Sírio Libanês Hospital (NATS-HSL) in June 2019. Results: in April 2019, the use of Zolgensma® for SMA was regulated in the United States based on two open-lable (unmasked), non-comparative (and therefore non-randomized) studies. These methodological limitations increase the uncertainty related to study results. The National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance (Anvisa) has approved strategies to regulate the process and specific deadlines for completing the appraisal process of new medicines for rare diseases, such as Zolgensma®. Conclusion: it is necessary to broaden the debate about the process of regulation and incorporation of orphan drugs for rare diseases in Brazil. This debate should include evidence related to the effects (benefits and risks) of these drugs, and greater transparency of the criteria indispensable for granting registration and recommendation of incorporation into health systems. (AU).

Objetivo: analizar el proceso de fármacos reguladores para enfermedades raras en Brasil, con base en el caso Zolgensma, y para evaluar críticamente la evidencia disponible hasta el momento sobre la eficacia y seguridad de Zolgensma® nel tratamiento de atrofia muscular espinal (AME). Métodos: estudio descriptivo realizado en el Centro de Evaluación de Tecnología de Salud del Hospital Sírio-Libanês (NATS-HSL) en junio de 2019. Resultados: en abril de 2019, el uso de Zolgensma® para la AME se reguló en los Estados Unidos basado en dos estudios abiertos (no enmascarados), no comparativos (y por lo tanto no aleatorios). Estas limitaciones metodológicas aumentan la incertidumbre en los resultados encontrados. La Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria en Brasil (Anvisa) ha aprobado estrategias para regular el proceso y los plazos de análisis de las solicitudes de registro de nuevos fármacos para enfermedades raras, el caso de Zolgensma. Conclusión: es necesario ampliar el debate sobre el proceso de regulación e incorporación de medicamentos huérfanos para enfermedades raras en Brasil. Este debate debe incluir evidencia relacionada con los efectos (beneficios y riesgos) de estos medicamentos y una mayor transparencia en los criterios para otorgar el registro y la recomendación de incorporación a los sistemas de salud. (AU).

SMN1 gene deletion analysis using mid-trimester amniotic fluid cells by real-time PCR / 中华检验医学杂志

Objectives To investigate the prenatal diagnosis method of spinal muscular atrophy with amniotic fluid sample.Methods Totally 1 064 amniotic fluid samples from mid-trimester pregnant women were enrolled during January 2015 and January 2016 in 4 hospitals.Genetic analysis was performed for detecting potential contamination of maternal tissue by a genetic technique based on short tandem repeat ( STR) markers.Deletion of SMN1 gene was detected in 1 062 uncontaminated amniotic fluid samples by real-time PCR and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification ( MLPA) respectively.Results Two contaminated amniotic fluid samples were detected within 1 064 mid-trimester pregnant women by STR genotyping.The other 1 062 uncontaminated amniotic fluid samples were tested by real-time PCR.There were 37 samples with heterozygous deletion of Exon 7 of SMN1 gene ( 3.67%) , 34 samples with heterozygous deletion of Exon 8 of SMN1 gene (3.2%) and two samples with homozygous deletion of Exon 7 and Exon8 of SMN1 gene ( 0.19%) respectively , while other samples observed with no deletion of Exon 7 and Exon8 in SMN1 gene.Totally 41 samples with heterozygous or homozygous deletion of SMN 1 gene and 55 samples with undetected deletion of SMN 1 gene were confirmed by MLPA and the results showed 100%consistence with that of real-time PCR.Conclusions Both real-time PCR and MLPA are suitable for detecting the deletion of SMN 1 gene with amniotic fluid sample . Real-time PCR exhibits less sample requirement and time compared with MLPA .

Genetic diagnosis of 154 patients with suspected spinal muscular atrophy and its clinical value / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To explore the clinical value of genetic diagnosis of SMA,the homozygous deletion of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene in suspected spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients were analyzed in this study.Methods A total of 154 patients suspected with SMA and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited from January 2007 to December 2014 in the Genetic Diagnosis Center of the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and the Department of Neurology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University.Potential deletions in exons 7 and 8 of SMN1 gene were screened by use of polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in both 154 patients suspected with SMA and 20 healthy volunteers.The frequencies of the deletions in exons 7 and 8 of SMN1 were calculated and statistical analysis of different deletion types among 3 SMA groups was performed with SPSS 13.0 software package.Results Among 154 suspected SMA patients,101 cases with homozygous deletions of exon 7 of SMN1 gene were detected,which accounted 65.6％ (101/154) of the suspected SMA patients.Among the 101 SMA patients,97.0％ (98/101) of the patients with both homozygous deletions of exons 7 and 8 for SMN1 gene and 3.0％ (3/101) of the patients with homozygous deletions of only exon 7 for SMN1 gene were detected.The patient with only deletion of exon 8 for SMN1 gene was notdetected.Four cases with negative results were subjected to be followed-up,but they were characteristic of SMA symptom by clinical re-visit.Thus,total 105 patients were confirmed with SMA,among them,68 were type Ⅰ SMA,27 were type Ⅱ SMA,and 10 were type Ⅲl SMA,which accounted for 64.8％ (68/105),25.7％ (27/105) and 9.5％ (10/105) of the SMA patients,respectively.Type Ⅳ SMA was not observed in these patients.No deletion was detected among 20 healthy volunteers.Conclusions PCR-RFLP assay is a noninvasive,simple,high sensitive and specific method for SMA diagnosis,which can be considered as the first-line genetic test for the suspected SMA patients.It will help to improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and the detection rate by strengthening the clinical diagnostic criteria and re-evaluating the suspected patients after negative genetic diagnosis.

Síndrome de Werdnig-Hoffman (amiotrofia espinal do tipo 1): relato de caso / Werdnig-Hoffman syndrome (spinal muscular atrophy type 1): a case report

A Amiotrofia Espinal do tipo 1 (AME1) é uma doençagenética autossômica recessiva que afeta o corno anteriordo corpo dos neurônios motores da medula espinale dos núcleos motores de alguns nervos cranianos, tambémconhecida como Síndrome de Werdnig-Hoffmann.Dificilmente os pacientes completam um ano de idadesem suporte. No presente artigo descrevemos o caso deum menino de 2 anos e 10 meses de vida que apresentouao primeiro mês de vida dificuldade de sustentaçãode membros superiores, inferiores e região cervical,bem como infecções respiratórias de repetição. Foiavaliado com eletroneurografia e à pesquisa da deleçãodo gene SMN1 ? SMNT, 5q13, aventando a hipótese deAME1. A discussão revisa a apresentação clínica, métodosde diagnóstico, tratamento e aconselhamento genético.

The Spinal amyotrophy type 1 (AME1) is an autosomalrecessive genetic disease that affects the body?s anteriorhorn motor neurons of the spinal cord and motor nucleiof some cranial nerves, also known as Werdnig-HoffmannSyndrome. Hardly patients completing one year of agewithout support. In this paper we describe the case of aboy 2 years and 10 months old who presented the firstmonth of life difficulty of sustaining upper and lowerlimbs and neck, as well as respiratory infections. Wasassessed with electroneurography and research of SMN1gene deletion - SMNT, 5q13, puts forward the hypothesisAME1. The discussion reviews the clinical presentation,diagnosis, treatment and genetic counseling.

Identification of two survival motor neuron gene 1 gene mutations and evaluation of their effects on full-length survival motor neuron gene 1 transcripts / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To perform mutation analysis of survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1 in two spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients and their parents to evaluate the effects of the two SMN1 gene mutations on the transcript levels of the gene and preliminarily predict their effects on the structure and function of SMN protein.Methods Mutation analysis of SMN1 gene was carried out by multiplex ligationdependent probe amplification,reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cloning sequencing.Transmission of the mutations was confirmed by the mutation analysis in patients' parents.The full-length SMN1 (SMN1-fl) transcript levels of the patients carrying these subtle mutations were detected using quantitative RT-PCR.Results The two patients were diagnosed as SMA Ⅱ and SMA Ⅲ.They carried p.Val19GlyfsX21 and p.Ala2Gly SMN1 mutations in SMN1 gene,respectively.Both of the two mutations were originated from their fathers.Compared with the healthy individuals (23.5 ± 4.9),the two patients had a significant reduction in the level of SMN1-fl transcripts (t =3.322,P =0.011 (p.Ala2Gly) ;t =6.964,P =0.000 (p.Val19GlyfsX21)).However,compared with the healthy carriers (14.1 ±4.5),the patient with p.Ala2Gly mutation had no significant reduction in the level of SMN1-fl transcripts (13.9 ±3.6,t =0.058,P =0.955) ; however,the patient with p.Val19GlyfsX21 mutation had a significant reduction (4.9± 2.4,t =3.725,P =0.004).Conclusions Two SMN1 gene mutations are identified in our study.The mutation p.Val19GlyfsX21 is a novel mutation and p.Ala2Gly is firstly reported in Chinese SMA patients.p.Val19GlyfsX21 may possibly lead to decreased SMN1-fl mRNA by nonsense-mediated messenger RNA decay,however,p.Ala2Gly has no obvious effects on the amount of the SMN1-fl transcripts,indicating that its deleterious effect may be occurring at SMN protein level or the function of SMN protein.

O impacto do cuidado domiciliar na evolução da síndrome de Werdnig-Hoffmann: relato de caso / Impact of home care in the evolution of Werdnig-Hoffmann syndrome: case report

A atrofia muscular espinhal (AME) tipo I ou síndrome de Werdnig-Hoffmann é doença neuromuscular grave que se manifesta precocemente e apresenta elevada morbimortalidade. O objetivo deste trabalho é destacar a importância do serviço de assistência domiciliar na abordagem das doenças graves em que o cuidado é o principal fator promovedor da qualidade de vida.

Type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) or Werdnig-Hoffmann syndrome is a severe neuromuscular disease that has an early manifestation and presents high morbimortality. The aim of this paper was to highlight the importance of home care service when approaching severe diseases, in which care is the main factor that promotes quality of life.

Subtle mutation analysis of survival motor neuron gene in families with spinal muscular atrophy / 中华检验医学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish a analytical system for the survival motor neuron (SMN) subtle mutation,and evaluate its application in two families with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).MethodsSMN genes in seven family members from two SMA families were analyzed at both transcript level and genomic level,by the use of the conventional PCR-RFLP,allele-specific PCR,multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and T subcloning and sequencing of SMNI gene.ResultsIn family A,the patient had a single SMN1 copy who was carrying nonsense mutation L228X,which was also found in his father.In family B,as the patient's sample was unavailable,the father was indeed a carrier with one normal SMN1 allele and the other SMN1 allele carrying a frameshift mutation 22_23insA.The remaining family members were SMA carriers with one SMN1 copy.ConclusionThis analytical system for SMN subtle mutation offers viable molecular basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in SMA families.

A study of motor unit number estimation by multiple point stimulation in patients with Hirayama disease / 中华内科杂志

Objective To explore the significance of motor unit number estimation (MUNE) by using multiple point stimulating technique to evaluate patients with Hirayama disease (HD).Methods Multiple point stimulating technique was used to estimate the motor unit number of abductor pollicis brevis and abductor digiti minimi in 35 normal subjects [14-33 years old,mean (20.9 ±4.0) years old,33 men and 2 women]without nerve and muscle disease and 69 patients definitely diagnosed as HD [16-35 years old,mean (21.46 ±6.61 ) years old,67 men and 2 women].The differences between the two groups were examined by Fisher's exact test and t test.Results There were 42 patients with atrophy and 27 patients with normal clinical manifestation of left hand.For right hand there were 54 patients with atrophy and 15 normal.For controls,the MUNE value of left abductor pollicis brevis was 226.97 ± 30.59,while that of right side was 22g.31 ± 25.35.The MUNE value of left abductor digiti minimi was 237.43 ± 30.78,while that of right side was 240.20 ± 37.73.For HD patients,the MUNE of left abductor pollicis brevis and abductor digiti minimi was 145.66 ± 126.10 ( t =5.07,P ＜ 0.01 ) and 102.20 ± 112.67 ( t =9.31,P ＜ 0.01 )respectively,while those of right hand was 149.72 ± 117.80 ( t =5.31,P ＜ 0.01 ) and 64.23 ± 69.27 ( t =16.76,P ＜0.01 ) respectively.MUNE of left abductor digiti minimi in 17 patients that was below 200 among 27 patients with normal clinical manifestation (x2 =9.57,P =0.002).MUNE of right abductor digiti minimi in 12 patients that was below 200 among 15 patients with normal clinical manifestation ( x2 =4.64,P =0.03).Conclusions The differences of MUNE values by multiple point stimulating technique between the normal subjects and the HD patients is significant,which suggests this method is very useful to evaluate HD in the early state.

Avaliação dos resultados do tratamento cirúrgico da escoliose na atrofia muscular espinhal tipo 2 / Results evaluation of surgical treatment of scoliosis in spinal muscular atrophy type 2 / Evaluación de los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la escoliosis en la atrofia muscular espinal tipo 2

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado do tratamento cirúrgico da escoliose em pacientes com atrofia muscular espinhal (AME) tipo 2. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo com 12 pacientes portadores de AME tipo 2 submetidos à artrodese e instrumentação para correção da escoliose com mais de dois anos de seguimento. Foi avaliado o grau e percentual de correção da deformidade e da obliquidade pélvica no pós-operatório e a perda na última avaliação, além das complicações e o impacto do tratamento sobre a função respiratória. RESULTADOS: O seguimento médio foi de 77,5 meses (6,4 anos) ± 58,9 meses (4,9 anos), o ângulo de Cobb pré-operatório médio foi de 76,1° ± 31,7° (35° a 144°) e no pós-operatório de 29,5° ± 23,2° (5° a 90°), com a correção média de 46,6° (61,29 por cento). A obliquidade pélvica média no pré-operatório foi de 15,1° ± 13,3° (variação de 0° a 37°), e no pós-operatório de 8,5° ± 9,9° (variação de 0° a 30°), com uma correção média de 6,5° (43,37 por cento). Cinco pacientes tiveram complicações (41,6 por cento). A Capacidade Ventilatória Forçada (CVF) média pré-operatória foi de 62,9 por cento ± 38,6 por cento (variação de 23,3 por cento a 89 por cento) e de 45,9 por cento ± 25,0 por cento (variação de 15 por cento a 86,2 por cento), na última avaliação. O declínio foi de 17 por cento da capacidade vital, com redução de 2,4 por cento por ano de seguimento. CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento cirúrgico da escoliose em pacientes com AME permite corrigir a obliquidade pélvica e restabelecer o balanço sagital e coronal liberando as mãos para as atividades da vida diária. A função pulmonar foi afetada positivamente pelo tratamento.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of surgical treatment of scoliosis in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2. METHODS: A retrospective study with 12 patients with SMA type 2 who underwent arthrodesis and instrumentation for scoliosis correction with more than two years of follow-up. The degree and rate of correction of deformity and pelvic obliquity postoperatively and loss in the last evaluation were evaluated, in addition to the complications and the impact of treatment on respiratory function. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 77.5 months (6.4 years) ± 58.9 months (4.9 years), Cobb angle before surgery averaged 76.1° ± 31.7° (35° to 144°) and postoperatively was 29.5° ± 23.2° (5° to 90°), with correction average of 46.6° (61.29 percent). The average pelvic obliquity preoperatively was 15.1° ± 13.3° (range 0° to 37°), and 8.5° ± 9.9° (range 0° to 30°) postoperatively, with an average correction of 6.5° (43.37 percent). Five patients had complications (41.6 percent). The forced ventilatory capacity (FVC) preoperative average was 62.9 percent ± 38.6 percent (range 23.3 percent to 89 percent) and 45.9 percent ± 25.0 percent (range 15 percent to 86.2 percent) in the last evaluation. The decline was 17 percent of vital capacity, with a reduction of 2.4 percent per year of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of scoliosis in patients with SMA allows the correction of pelvic obliquity and restoration of the sagittal and coronal balance freeing the hands for activities of daily living. Lung function was positively affected by treatment.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la escoliosis en pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal (AME) de tipo 2. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 12 pacientes con atrofia muscular espinal tipo 2 que fueron sometidos a artrodesis e instrumentación para la corrección de la escoliosis, con más de dos años de seguimiento. En la última evaluación, se evaluaron el grado y el porcentaje de corrección de la deformidad y la oblicuidad pélvica después de la operación y la pérdida, además de las complicaciones y el impacto del tratamiento sobre la función respiratoria. RESULTADOS: El promedio de seguimiento fue 77,5 meses (6,4 años) ± 58,9 meses (4,9 años), el ángulo de Cobb antes de la cirugía en promedio 76,1° ± 31,7° (35° a 144°) y el postoperatorio fue 29,5° ± 23,2° (5° a 90°), con un promedio de corrección de 46,6° (61,29 por ciento). La oblicuidad pélvica promedio en el preoperatorio fue 15,1 ° ± 13,3° (variación de 0 ° a 37 °) y después de la operación 8,5° ± 9,9° (variación de 0° a 30°), con una corrección promedio de 6,5 ° (43,37 por ciento). Cinco pacientes presentaron complicaciones (41,6 por ciento). La Capacidad Ventilatoria Forzada (CVF) preoperatoria promedio fue 62,9 por ciento ± 38,6 por ciento (variación de 23,3 por ciento a 89 por ciento), y 45,9 por ciento ± 25,0 por ciento (variación de 15 por ciento a 86,2 por ciento) en la última evaluación. La disminución fue de 17 por ciento de la capacidad vital, con una reducción de 2,4 por ciento por año de seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento quirúrgico de la escoliosis, en pacientes con AME, permite la corrección de la oblicuidad pélvica y restaurar el equilibrio sagital y coronal, liberando las manos para las actividades de la vida diaria. La función pulmonar se vio afectada positivamente por el tratamiento.

Distal hereditary motor neuropathy type Ⅴ :a report of a Chinese family / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To report the clinical, pathological and genetic features in a Chinese family with distal hereditary motor ueuropathy type Ⅴ (dHMN-Ⅴ). Methods Four men and 5 women in 4 generations were involved. The onset of disease was from 13 to 40 years old. Six of them showed predominantly weakness of low extremities. Two women had only weakness and atrophy of hand muscle and 1 woman presented additionally pyramidal signs. The proband, a 20 year-old girl, presented asymmetrical atrophy and weakness of both hands since 13 years old. She had weakness of low extremities after 15 years old. Neurogenic changes were observed in the electromyography. Amplitude of compound muscle action potentials were markedly reduced, while the motor nerve conduction velocity were mildly decreased. Sensory nerve conduction velocity and amplitude of action potential were within the normal range. Sural nerve biopsy was performed in the proband. Berardinelli-Seip congenital lipodystrophy 2 (BSCL2) gene were sequenced in the proband and other 4 patients. Results Nerve biopsy showed mild loss of myelinated fibers with a few regeneration cluster of myelinated fibers. DNA analysis revealed a heterozygons 263A→G mutation in exon 3 of BSCL2 gene. Conclusions dHMN-V has been genetically and clinically confirmed in this family. The phynotype is obviously heterogeneous in onset time and clinical symptoms within the same family. The patients present mild pyramidal tract signs and axonal lesions in the sensory nerve.

The clinical features of 27 patients with Kennedy's disease / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To analyze the clinical features of 27 Chinese patients with Kennedy's disease(KD), a sex-linked inheritance disorder. Methods We collected the clinical data of 27 KD patients whose diagnosis were confirmed by gene examination to analyze their clinical features, as well as their serum levels of sex hormones and biochemical indicators. Results Patients with spinal and bulhar muscular atrophy tend to have an adult onset, exhibiting a slow progression of lower motor neuronal weakness and atrophy involving limbs and bulbar zones. Part of the invalids presented signs of androgen insensitivity such as gynecomastia or reduced sexual function, even though their degrees of sex hormones were normal. There was mild motor functional lesion which correlated with the course of the disease ( r = 0. 77, P = 0. 000). The degrees of creatine kinase ( ( 920. 10 ± 495.54 ) U/L ) and triglyceride ( ( 3.27 ± 2. 78) mmool/L) increased mildly and was significantly different from the levels of healthy ones (107.20 U/L,t =7.517,P =0.000;1.40 mmol/L, t =2.687,P =0.017). Conclusions Basically, Chinese KD patients present the same clinical features as the literature reports, however they have distinctive aspects such as elevated degree of triglyceride. The present research can help us to understand the features of Chinese KD more particularly.