ABSTRACT
Abstract Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a rare neurodegenerative genetic disease that affects children in early life. Its classic form is rapidly progressive, leading to death within the first 10 years. The urge for earlier diagnosis increases with the availability of enzyme replacement therapy. A panel of nine Brazilian child neurologists combined their expertise in CLN2 with evidence from the medical literature to establish a consensus to manage this disease in Brazil. They voted 92 questions including diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of the disease, considering the access to healthcare in this country. Clinicians should suspect CLN2 disease in any child, from 2 to 4 years old, with language delay and epilepsy. Even though the classic form is the most prevalent, atypical cases with different phenotypes can be found. Electroencephalogram, magnetic resonance imaging, molecular and biochemical testing are the main tools to investigateand confirm the diagnosis. However, we have limited access to molecular testing in Brazil, and rely on the support from the pharmaceutical industry. The management of CLN2 should involve a multidisciplinary team and focus on the quality of life of patients and on family support. Enzyme replacement therapy with Cerliponase α is an innovative treatment approved in Brazil since 2018; it delays functional decline and provides quality of life. Given the difficulties for the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases in our public health system, the early diagnosis of CLN2 needs improvement as enzyme replacement therapy is available and modifies the prognosis of patients.
Resumo Lipofuscinose ceróide neuronal (CLN2) é uma doença genética neurodegenerativa rara que afeta crianças nos primeiros anos de vida. A sua forma clássica é rapidamente progressiva, levando à morte nos primeiros 10 anos. A necessidade de um diagnóstico precoce aumenta com a disponibilidade do tratamento de terapia enzimática. Um painel de nove neurologistas infantis brasileiros combinou sua experiência em CLN2 com evidências da literatura médica para estabelecer um consenso no manejo desta doença no Brasil. Eles votaram 92 questões abordando diagnóstico, manifestações clínicas e tratamento, considerando o acesso à saúde no Brasil. Deve-se suspeitar de CLN2 em qualquer criança de 2 a 4 anos de idade que apresente atraso de linguagem e epilepsia. Apesar da forma clássica ser a mais prevalente, podem ser encontrados casos atípicos com diferentes fenótipos. Eletroencefalograma, ressonância magnética, testes moleculares e bioquímicos são as principais ferramentas para investigar e confirmar o diagnóstico. No entanto, o acesso aos testes moleculares é limitado no Brasil, necessitando contar com o apoio da indústria farmacêutica. O manejo da CLN2 deve envolver uma equipe multidisciplinar e focar na qualidade de vida dos pacientes e no apoio familiar. A terapia de reposição enzimática com Cerliponase alfa é um tratamento inovador aprovado no Brasil desde 2018; ele retarda o declínio funcional e proporciona qualidade de vida. Diante das dificuldades para o diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças raras em nosso sistema público de saúde, o diagnóstico precoce de CLN2 precisa de melhorias pois a terapia de reposição enzimática está disponível e modifica o prognóstico dos pacientes.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Introduction: Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorders group. We report the first case in Colombia involving a new genetically confirmed variant of a homozygous CLN6 mutation. Case report: 12-year-old male, history of blood parents and average growth until 5 years of age. At this age began focal crises, progressive regression of neurodevelopment, severe cognitive deficit, and swallowing disorder that led to gastrostomy. Clinical exome + CNVs + mitochondrial DNA genetic study identified variant NM_017882.3 (CLN6): c. 22C>T, p. (Gln8*) in homozygous, deleterious. Late-onset infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis was diagnosed. Discussion: Mutations in the CLN6 gene are associated with late-onset infantile lipofuscinosis of autosomal recessive inheritance. This variant has not been previously described in the medical literature nor is it listed in the population databases, which indicates that it is extremely rare. The treatment focuses on the control of seizures, sleep disturbances, extrapyramidal symptoms, behavioral disorders, anxiety, and psychosis. Conclusion: To date, this variant of the CLN6 gene has not been reported in the world. There are currently no etiological or disease-specific therapeutic approaches. The use of exome/whole genome sequencing can be very useful for etiological diagnosis and differential diagnosis. An early diagnosis opens the door to future care and treatment.
ABSTRACT
RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: Las lipofuscinosis ceroideas neuronales (CLN) son un grupo de enfermedades neurodegenerativas de inicio generalmente en la infancia, caracterizadas por acumulación intracelular de material de almacenamiento autofluorescente. En la última década se han identificado 14 formas de CLN con mutaciones en 13 genes (CLN1-CLN14), en la CLN9 no se ha identificado aún el gen. Los pacientes con mutaciones en el gen CLN6 localizado en el cromosoma 15q21-23 presentan tres tipos de variantes clínicas: CLN6 infantil tardía, con presentación entre 18 meses a 8 años, las variantes Kufs tipo A y Kufs tipo B de inicio en adolescentes y adultos. REPORTE DE CASO: Se presenta el caso de un paciente con epilepsia generalizada de inicio en la edad adulta, que ingresa a valoración en primera ocasión, con resonancia magnética cerebral con atrofia cortical leve; la enfermedad se inició a los 14 años con déficit cognitivo lentamente progresivo, sin compromiso visual; con posterior identificación genética de una variante patogénica en el gen CLN6, con un conjunto de la variante clínica Kufs tipo A de lipofuscinosis ceroidea neuronal 6 (CLN6). DISCUSIÓN: Este es el primer reporte de CLN6 con variante clínica Kufs tipo A en Colombia. Con el advenimiento de técnicas genéticas se pueden hacer diagnósticos específicos de CLN6, a partir de la clínica y sospecha diagnóstica; utilizando métodos no invasivos.
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN) is a group of neurodegenerative diseases generally with onset in childhood, characterized by intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent storage material. In the last decade, 14 forms of CLN have been identified with mutations in 13 genes (CLN1-CLN14), in CLN9 the gene has not yet been identified. Patients with mutations in the CLN6 gene located on chromosome 15q21-23 present three types of clinical variants: late childhood CLN6, presenting between 18 months to 8 years, the Kufs type A and Kufs type B variants of onset in adolescents and adults. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a male patient with generalized epilepsy of onset in adulthood, who was admitted for evaluation the first time, with brain magnetic resonance imaging with mild cortical atrophy; he started at age 14 with slowly progressive cognitive deficit, without visual compromise; with subsequent genetic identification of a pathogenic variant in the CLN6 gene, jointly presenting the clinical variant Kufs type A of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 6 (CLN6). DISCUSSION: This is the first report of CLN6 with Kufs type A clinical variant in Colombia. With the advent of genetic techniques, specific diagnoses of CLN6 can be made, based on the clinical and suspected diagnoses; using non-invasive methods.
Subject(s)
Seizures , Epilepsies, Myoclonic , Epilepsy , Neuronal Ceroid-LipofuscinosesABSTRACT
Abstract Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), also referred as "Batten disease", are a group of thirteen rare genetic conditions, which are part of the lysosomal storage disorders. CLN type 2 (CLN2) is caused by the deficient activity of the tripeptidyl peptidase I (TPP1) enzyme, encoded by the TPP1 gene, most frequently leading to the classic late infantile phenotype. Nearly 140 CLN2-causing mutations have been described. In this case report, we describe the identification of a new disease-causing mutation and highlight the importance of appropriate laboratory investigation based on clinical suspicion. The collection of dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper, which is a convenient sample, can be used to measure the TPP1 enzyme activity and detect CLN2-related mutations. Since the biochemical and genetic diagnoses are possible and as the disease progression is fast and the therapeutic window is short, the investigation of CLN2 should be always considered when this diagnostic hypothesis is raised in order to enable the patients to benefit from the specific pharmacological treatment.
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Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are inherited neurodegenerative disorders, which are caused by the accumulation of lipopigment in lysosomes. Variant forms of late infantile NCLs (vLINCLs) characterized by a later onset of seizures and visual impairment (3–8 years) than in the classic form (2–4 years) are caused by mutations of the gene encoding ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal protein 6 (CLN6). In a girl with progressive myoclonus epilepsy, we found heterozygous variants of CLN6 (NM_017882.2; NP_060352.1): c.296A>G (p.Lys99Arg) and c.307C>T (p.Arg103Trp). They were identified with whole-exome sequencing and verified with Sanger sequencing. At 7 years and 9 months, our patient had developed multiple types of seizures, prominent myoclonus with photosensitivity, regression in motor and language skills, pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs, and brain atrophy in brain images, all of which were progressive and were compatible with vLINCLs. However, this first Korean report shows no visual impairment, which resembles the previously reported Japanese case.
Subject(s)
Child , Female , Humans , Asian People , Atrophy , Brain , Ceroid , Lysosomes , Myoclonic Epilepsies, Progressive , Myoclonus , Neurodegenerative Diseases , Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses , Neurons , Seizures , Vision DisordersABSTRACT
Objective@#To report clinical feature and results of genetic analysis of 3 patients from 2 families with Finnish variant late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.@*Methods@#The clinical and ultrastructural features of 3 patients with progressive neurodegenerative diseases were retrospectively analyzed from October 2014 to December 2016 in Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. The whole exon sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to analyze the molecular genetics of the patients and their parents.@*Results@#The probands were 11 years and 3 moths, 9 years and 1 month,10 years and 1 month old. All were normal at birth, and from 5-6 years old they began to develop "regression of cognition and motion, impaired vision". Physical examination at the first consultation: clear minded butignorant, unable to speak and understand instructions, unable to stand up and sit alone, unable to maintain postureupright. The brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) indicated diffuse cerebral and cerebellar atrophy, white matter damage. Blood biochemistry, lactic acid, acid-base balancewere normal. Electron microscopic examination of peripheral blood lymphocytes showed swelling of the nucleus, autophagy, intracellular massive deposits and abnormal vacuoles. Two compound heterozygous c.334C> T (p.Arg112Cys) and c.595C> T (p.Arg199Ter) mutations of CLN5 gene were identified in the two siblings, and the proband 3 was c.335G> A (p.Arg199His) homozyousmutation, which were inherited from their unaffected parents.@*Conclusions@#The 3 cases with Finnish variant late infantileneuronal ceroid lipofuscinosises were normal at birth, cognitive and motor function was regressed at preschool age.Brain MRI showed whole brain atrophy, white matter lesions, there were no bovious difference from other neurodegenerative diseases. Blood biochemistry and pathological examination of lymphocytes had no specific changes. The pathogenic genes were CLN5,most are inherited in autosomal recessive way.
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ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the clinical features, visual acuity, and full-field electroretinogram (ERG) findings of 15 patients with the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) phenotype and to establish the role of ERG testing in NCL diagnosis. Methods: The medical records of five patients with infantile NCL, five with Jansky-Bielschowsky disease, and five with juvenile NCL who underwent full-field ERG testing were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Progressive vision loss was the initial symptom in 66.7% of patients and was isolated or associated with ataxia, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental involution. Epilepsy was present in 93.3% of patients, of whom 86.6% presented with neurodevelopmental involution. Fundus findings ranged from normal to pigmentary/atrophic abnormalities. Cone-rod, rod-cone, and both types of dysfunction were observed in six, one, and eight patients, respectively. Conclusion: In our study, all patients with the NCL phenotype had abnormal ERG findings, and the majority exhibited both cone-rod and rod-cone dysfunction. We conclude that ERG is a valuable tool for the characterization of visual dysfunction in patients with the NCL phenotype and is useful for diagnosis.
RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o quadro clínico, a acuidade visual e o eletrorretinograma de campo total (ERG) de 15 pacientes com o fenótipo da lipofuscinose ceróide neuronal (LCN), estabelecendo o papel do eletrorretinograma no seu diagnóstico. Métodos: Eletrorretinograma foi realizado em 5 pacientes com lipofuscinose ceróide neuronal infantil, 5 com doença de Jansky-Bielschowsky e 5 com lipofuscinose ceróide neuronal juvenil sendo feita uma análise retrospectiva dos registros médicos. Resultados: A perda progressiva da acuidade visual foi o sintoma inicial em 66,7%; isolada ou associada à ataxia, epilepsia e involução do desenvolvimento neuropsico motor. Epilepsia foi o sintoma inicial em 93,3% e 86,6% apresentaram involução do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. Achados fundoscópicos variaram de normal a alterações pigmentares/atróficas. Disfunção de cone-bastonete foi constatada em 6 pacientes, bastonete-cone em 1 e em 8 pacientes observou-se disfunção proporcional de ambos os sistemas. Conclusão: O eletrorretinograma foi alterado em todos os pacientes, e o achado mais frequente foi o comprometimento de cones e bastonetes. O eletrorretinograma constitui, portanto, uma ferramenta valiosa para caracterizar a disfunção visual em pacientes com o fenótipo da lipofuscinose ceróide neuronal, contribuindo para seu diagnóstico.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Child, Preschool , Child , Retina/physiopathology , Visual Acuity/physiology , Electroretinography/methods , Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses/physiopathology , Phenotype , Retrospective Studies , Fundus Oculi , Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses/diagnosis , Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses/geneticsABSTRACT
A presença de disfagia orofaríngea infantil na população com afecções genéticas ainda é pouco estudada. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o tempo de trânsito oral total (TTOT) e o tempo de trânsito faríngeo (TTF) em um indivíduo com diagnóstico genético clínico de Lipofuscinose Ceróide Neuronal (LCN) com disfagia orofaríngea grave. Indivíduo com LCN, 3 anos de idade, gastrostomizado há dois anos e sem via oral parcial, histórico de déficit de ganho de peso anterior a via alternativa de alimentação, porém sem complicações pulmonares. A deglutição orofaríngea foi estudada por meio de videofluoroscopia de deglutição e análise quantitativa da deglutição com uso de software específico para tal avaliação. Na análise quantitativa do TTOT e TTF constatou-se, respectivamente, 45,37 segundos (padrão de normalidade em criança é de 4 segundos) e de 4,53 segundos para o TTF. Constatou-se significante aumento nos tempos de trânsito orofaríngeo neste indivíduo, sendo que a disfagia orofaríngea, parte do quadro desta criança com diagnóstico de LCN, deve ser investigada e acompanhada durante a evolução da doença. Uma avaliação da deglutição orofaríngea e acompanhamento nos indivíduos com esta condição genética deve ser realizada, considerando que essa alteração pode fazer parte do fenótipo desta condição e também pelo impacto que esse aumento nos tempos da deglutição pode ocasionar na condição nutricional e pulmonar desta população.
The presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in the pediatric population with genetic diseases it is still poorly studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the oral total transit time and pharyngeal transit time, in an individual with neuronal ceroid lipofucinosis (NCL) with severe oropharyngeal dysphagia. Individual with NCL, 3 years old, 2 years with gastrostomy and no oral feeding, weighting loss, but without pulmonary complications. Oropharyngeal swallowing was studied by videofluoroscopy and it was realized a quantitative analysis using software. Changes were observed throughout the whole biomechanics of swallowing. The quantitative analysis of total oral transit time was found 45.37 seconds (default normality in children is 4 seconds) and for pharyngeal transit time was 4.53 seconds. It was found that beside the changes in the biomechanics of oropharyngeal swallowing in the case studied, an increase in total oral transit time and pharyngeal transit time was also observed, which can significantly compromise the nutritional status and pulmonary these individuals.
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OBJECTIVE: Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinosis (JNCL, CLN 3, Batten Disease) (OMIM #204200) belongs to the most common group of neurodegenerative disorders of childhood. We report the clinical data and molecular analysis of a large Brazilian family. METHOD: Family composed of two consanguineous couples and thirty-two children. Clinical data of ten JNCL patients and molecular analyses on 13 participants were obtained. RESULTS: The large 1.02 kb deletion was detected. The most severe phenotype, with autistic behavior, tics and parkinsonism was seen in a 12-year-old female and a milder phenotype in a 14-year-old male. Nyctalopia was the first symptom in one deceased child. The visual loss of six patients has been first observed in the school and not at home. CONCLUSION: The report highlights the phenotypical intrafamily variation in 10 affected children of this family. The molecular investigation of this large family in our metabolic center turned possible the diagnosis, right approach and genetic counseling.
OBJETIVO: Lipofuscinose Ceróide Neuronal Juvenil (JNCL, CLN 3, Doença de Batten) (OMIM # 204200) pertence ao grupo mais comum de doenças neurodegenerativas na infância. É causada por mutações no gene CLN3, com padrão de herança recessiva. A deleção de 1,02 kb é a mutação mais comum. Relatamos os dados clínicos e análise molecular de uma família consanguínea numerosa. MÉTODO: Família composta por dois casais consanguíneos e trinta e duas crianças. Foram obtidos dados clínicos de dez pacientes e análises moleculares de 13 participantes. RESULTADOS: Foi detectada deleção de 1,02 kb. O fenótipo mais grave, com comportamento autista, tiques e parkinsonismo foi visto em uma paciente do sexo feminino de 12 anos e o fenótipo mais leve em um paciente do sexo masculino de 14 anos. Nictalopia foi o primeiro sintoma de uma criança falecida. A perda visual de seis pacientes foi observada pela primeira vez na escola e não em casa. CONCLUSÃO: Destaca-se a variação fenotípica intrafamiliar em 10 pacientes. A investigação molecular desta família numerosa tornou possível o diagnóstico, a abordagem correta e aconselhamento genético.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Consanguinity , Gene Deletion , Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses/genetics , Brazil , Cause of Death , Electrophoresis, Agar Gel , Exons/genetics , Night Blindness/genetics , Pedigree , Phenotype , Vision Disorders/geneticsABSTRACT
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are the most common childhood neurodegenerative disorders. Clinical features include seizures, blindness, psychomotor deterioration, the age of onset differ for each NCL type. Diagnosis of late infantile NCL relies on the characteristic clinical presentation, electrophysiological and neuroradiological findings, and identification of the ultrastructural abnormalities. The Photoparoxsmal response provide diagnostic clues to an atypical case of Infantile NCL in which results of extraneuronal biopsies were negative and MRI findings resembles leukodystrophy. Photic stimulation with 2 to 5 Hz activity elicited discrete spike and wave discharges in the occipital region on electroencephalogram and no sleep spindles are present. In patients with rapid neurologic deterioration, diagnosis of NCL should be considered and an EEG must be performed using photic stimulation to look for characteristic findings.