Brazilian experts' consensus on the treatment of infantile epileptic spasm syndrome in infants / Consenso de especialistas brasileiros sobre o tratamento da síndrome dos espasmos infantis em lactentes

Abstract Background Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is a rare but severe condition affecting children early and is usually secondary to an identifiable brain disorder. It is related to psychomotor deterioration in childhood and epilepsy in adult life. Treatment is challenging as infantile spasms may not respond to most antiseizure medication, and relapse is frequent. Objective To evaluate the literature regarding treatment of IESS and provide a practical guidance to a healthcare system with limited resources. Methods An expert committee from the Brazilian Society of Child Neurology reviewed and discussed relevant scientific evidence in the treatment of IESS regarding the drugs available in Brazil. Results Oral prednisolone and vigabatrin are the most common drugs used as first-line therapy; they are efficient and affordable therapy as both are available in the Brazilian unified health system (SUS, in the Portuguese acronym). Intramuscular adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) presents similar efficacy as oral prednisolone but has a higher cost and is not available in Brazil. Other antiseizure medications such as topiramate, levetiracetam, or benzodiazepines have limited response and are prescribed as adjuvant therapy. If the health service has nutritionists, a ketogenic diet should be implemented for those not responding to hormonal and vigabatrin treatment. Epilepsy surgery is mainly indicated for patients with focal lesions that do not respond to pharmacological therapy. Conclusion Early treatment of IESS with efficient drugs is feasible in our country. Using standard protocols increases the odds of achieving complete cessation in a shorter time and decreases relapse.

Resumo Antecedentes A síndrome do espasmo epiléptico infantil (IESS) é uma condição rara, mas grave, que afeta crianças precocemente e geralmente é secundária a um distúrbio cerebral identificável, estando relacionada a deterioração psicomotora na infância e a epilepsia na vida adulta. O tratamento é desafiador, pois os espasmos infantis podem não responder à maioria dos medicamentos anticrises e as recidivas são frequentes. Objetivo Avaliar a literatura sobre o tratamento de IESS e fornecer uma orientação prática para um sistema de saúde com recursos limitados. Métodos Um comitê de especialistas da Sociedade Brasileira de Neurologia Infantil revisou e discutiu evidências científicas relevantes no tratamento da IESS em relação aos medicamentos disponíveis no Brasil. Resultados Prednisolona oral e vigabatrina são os fármacos mais comumente usados como terapia de primeira linha; são eficientes e acessíveis, já que ambos estão disponíveis no sistema único de saúde brasileiro (SUS). O ACTH intramuscular apresenta eficácia semelhante à prednisolona oral, mas tem custo mais elevado e não está disponível no Brasil. Outros medicamentos anticonvulsivos, como topiramato, levetiracetam ou benzodiazepínicos, têm resposta limitada e são prescritos como terapia adjuvante. Se o serviço de saúde tiver nutricionista, deve-se implementar dieta cetogênica para aqueles que não respondem ao tratamento hormonal e vigabatrina. A cirurgia de epilepsia é indicada principalmente para pacientes com lesões focais que não respondem à terapia farmacológica. Conclusão O tratamento precoce da IESS com fármacos eficazes é factível em nosso meio. O uso de protocolos padronizados aumenta as chances de alcançar a cessação completa em um tempo menor e diminui a recaída.

COVID-19 in Children with West Syndrome: An Ambispective Study

Objectives To study the course of West syndrome (WS) and coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in children with WS who contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods This ambispective study was conducted at a tertiary-care center in North India between December 2020 and August 2021 after approval from the Institute Ethics Committee. Five children with WS, positive for COVID-19 based on RT-PCR, fulflled the inclusion criteria. Results One child with COVID-19 during the frst wave was retrospectively included while four children (of the 70 children screened) were prospectively enrolled. The median age at onset of epileptic spasms was 7 mo (2 boys), and that at presentation with COVID-19 was 18.5 mo. Three had underlying acquired structural etiology. Three were in remission following standard therapy, while two had ongoing spasms at the time of COVID-19 illness. During the illness, two of those in remission continued to be in remission while one child had a relapse. The children with ongoing epileptic spasms had variable course [one had persistent spasms and other had transient cessation lasting 3 wk from day 2 of COVID-19 illness, but electroencephalography (on day 8 of COVID-19 illness) continued to show hypsarrhythmia]. Fever was the most typical symptom (and sometimes the only symptom) of COVID-19, with a duration ranging from 1–8 d. Two children had moderate COVID-19 illness requiring hospitalization, while the rest had a mild illness. All the afected children had complete recovery from COVID-19. Conclusion The severity of COVID-19 illness in children with WS is often mild, while the subsequent course of WS is variable.

Síndrome de Aicardi: revisión bibliográfica

Introducción: el síndrome de Aicardi (SA; OMIM #304050) es un trastorno genético raro, cuya incidencia es de aproximadamente 1/100.000. Fue descrito en 1965 como una triada consistente en agenesia del cuerpo calloso, lagunas coriorretinianas y espasmos infantiles. Asocia discapacidad intelectual severa y epilepsia de difícil control. Aunque su espectro clínico es variable, tiene por lo general un pronóstico infausto debido a la elevada morbimortalidad asociada. Se considera un trastorno esporádico causado por variantes patogénicas en heterocigosis de un gen ligado al cromosoma X, que causa mortalidad embrionaria en varones hemicigotos. Objetivo: este trabajo pretende llevar a cabo una revisión bibliográfica acerca de la literatura científica disponible del síndrome de Aicardi. De esta manera se hará una actualización sobre esta entidad en cuanto a definiciones, prevalencia e incidencia, etiología, espectro clínico y pronóstico de los pacientes afectos. Materiales y métodos: se lleva a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica retrospectiva en las principales bases de datos científicas. Para ello, se utilizan las palabras clave "Aicardi", "agenesia del cuerpo calloso", "espasmos infantiles" y "encefalopatía epiléptica". Conclusiones: desde su descripción se ha ido ampliando el espectro de manifestaciones clínicas del síndrome. Actualmente no se conoce la existencia de un biomarcador que posibilite el diagnóstico, por lo que éste continúa siendo eminentemente clínico. Se debe tener un alto nivel de sospecha en espasmos infantiles de debut precoz en mujeres con alteraciones en neuroimagen.

Introduction: Aicardi syndrome (AS; OMIM #304050) is a rare genetic disorder, with an incidence of approximately 1/100,000. It was described in 1965 as a triad consisting of agenesis of the corpus callosum, chorioretinal lacunae, and infantile spasms. It is associated with severe intellectual disability and difficult-to-control epilepsy. Although its clinical spectrum is variable, it generally has a poor prognosis due to the associated morbidity and mortality. It is considered a sporadic disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants of a gene linked to the X chromosome, which causes embryonic mortality in hemizygous males. Objective: this article performs a bibliographic review of the available scientific literature on Aicardi syndrome. In doing so, we hope to update the disorder's definitions, prevalence and incidence, etiology, clinical spectrum and prognosis of affected patients. Materials and methods: we performed a retrospective bibliographic search in the main scientific databases. For this, we searched for the keywords "Aicardi", "agenesia of the corpus callosum", "infantile spasms" and "epileptic encephalopathy". Conclusions: since it was first described, the spectrum of clinical manifestations of the syndrome has been expanding. Currently, there is no known biomarker that makes diagnosis possible, so it continues to be eminently clinical diagnosis. A high level of suspicion should be present in cases of early-onset infantile spasms in women with neuroimaging abnormalities.

Factors influencing the efficacy of initial adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the factors influencing the short-term (28 days) efficacy of initial adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS), as well as the factors influencing recurrence and prognosis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data were collected from the children with IESS who received ACTH therapy for the first time in the Department of Pediatric Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, from April 2008 to January 2018 and were followed up for ≥2 years. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors influencing the short-term efficacy of ACTH therapy, recurrence, and long-term prognosis.@*RESULTS@#ACTH therapy achieved a control rate of seizures of 55.5% (111/200) on day 28 of treatment. Of the 111 children, 75 (67.6%) had no recurrence of seizures within 12 months of follow-up. The possibility of seizure control on day 28 of ACTH therapy in the children without focal seizures was 2.463 times that in those with focal seizures (P<0.05). The possibility of seizure control on day 28 of ACTH therapy in the children without hypsarrhythmia on electroencephalography on day 14 of ACTH therapy was 2.415 times that in those with hypsarrhythmia (P<0.05). The possibility of recurrence within 12 months after treatment was increased by 11.8% for every 1-month increase in the course of the disease (P<0.05). The possibility of moderate or severe developmental retardation or death in the children without seizure control after 28 days of ACTH therapy was 8.314 times that in those with seizure control (P<0.05). The possibility of moderate or severe developmental retardation or death in the children with structural etiology was 14.448 times that in those with unknown etiology (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Presence or absence of focal seizures and whether hypsarrhythmia disappears after 14 days of treatment can be used as predictors for the short-term efficacy of ACTH therapy, while the course of disease before treatment can be used as the predictor for recurrence after seizure control by ACTH therapy. The prognosis of IESS children is associated with etiology, and early control of seizures after ACTH therapy can improve long-term prognosis.

Congenital glycosylation disorder type Ⅱm caused by SLC35A2 mutations: a report of 3 cases and literature review / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To summarize the clinical manifestations, gene variations, diagnosis and treatment of 3 cases with SLC35A2 variations characterized by congenital glycosylation disorder Ⅱm (CDG Ⅱm). Methods:A total of 3 patients admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in China from 2018 to 2020 were examined in detail. The studies till January 2022 were searched with key words of "congenital disorders of glycosylation Ⅱm", " SLC35A2" and "CDG Ⅱm" in both English and Chinese in the databases of China National Knowledge Infrast Ructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and PubMed, and the clinical manifestations, genetic variation, treatments and prognosis of patients with SLC35A2 mutation were summarized. Results:The patients all presented with intractable infantile spasm and global developmental delay, onset in infancy. A variety of antiepileptic treatments had temporary and partial efficacy. Otherwise, proband 2 and 3 presented with abnormal glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and increased platelets. Funduscopy showed dysplasia of the retinal pigment epithelium in both eyes, and they both received D-galactose treatment. A total of 22 relevant case reports, including 99 patients, were collected. The 99 patients all were heterozygous mutations, and a total of 75 different variation sites were reported. The clinical manifestations were characterized by global developmental delay or mental retardation ( n=89), epileptic seizure ( n=75), hypotonia ( n=57), facial deformity ( n=57), skeletal abnormality ( n=50), visual impairment ( n=42), elevated glutamic-pyruvic transaminase ( n=31), gastrointestinal symptoms ( n=28), skin deformity ( n=26), microcephaly ( n=23) and congenital heart disease ( n=12). Craniocerebral magnetic resonance imaging may be normal in the early stage. With age, magnetic resonance imaging may show abnormal white matter signals, brain atrophy, dysplasia of corpus callosum, delayed myelination, enlargement of lateral ventricle, brain stem atrophy and so on. Studies have shown that galactose treatment may be effective. Conclusions:SLC35A2 variants lead to CDG Ⅱm, whose clinical manifestations mainly include epileptic encephalopathy and global developmental delay. Multiple antiepileptic therapies can temporarily or partially control seizures, while oral galactose may improve the clinical symptoms, showing its prospect as a dietary therapy.

Vigabatrin-associated brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging in the treatment of infantile spasms: a case report / 中华神经科杂志

Vigabatrin-associated brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (VABAM) is a relatively rare side effect of vigabatrin, most of which are asymptomatic. However, there will be extremely rare cases with hyperkinetic disorders, myoclonus, tremor, and acute encephalopathy under certain circumstances. VABAM is often underappreciated by physicians and its accurate incidence remains unclear. A female infant who was diagnosed with infantile spasms and required adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy accompanied by various antiseizure medicines was reported. Unfortunately, she became lethargic and her spasm deteriorated gradually after vigabatrin exposure. Her brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal signals bilaterally in the dorsal midbrain, thalamus, and rostral part of the pallidum. She had a seizure amelioration and became lively as a result of vigabatrin withdrawal. In the meanwhile, magnetic resonance imaging returned to normal. Attempts were made to discover the risk factors of VABAM and potential pathogenesis. Further understanding of the disease should contribute to decreasing misdiagnosis and making precise decisions.

Global developmental delay and epileptic encephalopathy caused by SPTAN1 gene mutations in 3 cases and literature review / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To summarize the clinical manifestations, gene variations,and treatment of cases with SPTAN1 gene variations characterized by global developmental delay or epileptic encephalopathy. Methods:Three patients with SPTAN1 gene mutations which caused developmental epileptic encephalopathy type 5 admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from August 2019 to September 2021 were collected. The studies till December 2021 were searched with keywords of " SPTAN1" and "developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 5" in both English and Chinese databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and PubMed. The clinical manifestations, genetic variations, treatments and prognosis of patients with SPTAN1 gene variations were summarized. Results:All 3 patients presented with global developmental delay, infant onset. Patient 1 showed early-onset epileptic encephalopathies and microcephaly. Patient 2 had an atrial septal defect. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patient 3 showed cerebellar hypoplasia.Antiepileptic seizure therapy was partially effective, but failed to control the spasm. Development was slightly improved after rehabilitation training and other treatments, but still lagged behind the children of the same age. The SPTAN1 gene mutations of the 3 cases were heterozygous mutations, c.6923_6928dup, c.6619_6621delGAG and c.6749T>C, respectively. c.6749T>C was not reported in the previous literature. Thirteen case reports, including 69 patients, were collected. Sixty-seven patients had heterozygous mutations, inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, including 35 missense mutations, 12 deletion mutations, 11 repetition mutations, 9 nonsense mutations, and the rest 2 patients had compound heterozygous missense mutations. A total of 38 different variation sites were reported. The phenotypes of 69 patients from the previous studies mainly included intellectual impairment (32/69), seizures (30/69), developmental delay (28/69), progressive microcephaly (27/69), hypotonia (23/69), poor visual attention (15/69), spastic quadriplegia (9/69), and gastrointestinal abnormalities (7/69). The primary type of seizures was epileptic spasm. Cranial MRI abnormalities mainly included cerebellar and brainstem atrophy, corpus callosum dysplasia, myelin dysplasia, and brain atrophy. Previous reports showed that a variety of anti-seizure drugs were effective for epileptic seizures. The prognosis varied greatly. Severe cases could be fatal, and mild cases only manifested as mild mental retardation or movement disorders. Conclusions:SPTAN1 gene mutation leads to developmental epileptic encephalopathy type 5, the phenotypes of which include intellectual impairment, global developmental delay, infantile spasms, and head deformity.Antiepileptic drugs and functional training can improve the symptoms, but the prognosis is still poor. This study expands the SPTAN1 gene variant spectrum, enriches the mutant spectrum of SPTAN1 gene associated with developmental epileptic encephalopathy type 5.

The characteristics of stereoelectroencephalography in drug-resistant epileptic spasms / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To analyze the characteristics of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) in children with drug-resistant epileptic spasms (ES), and to explore the surgical strategy of children with spastic seizure under the guidance of SEEG.Methods:The clinical data of 156 children with ES who were preoperatively evaluated in the Department of Neurosurgery Ward 3, Tsinghua University Yuquan Hospital from January 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.All children were evaluated in the second stage of stereotactic electrode placement after a non-invasive preoperative evaluation.The characteristics of intracranial EEG, surgical strategy and prognosis were analyzed.Results:A total of 19 eligible children were included, involving 13 boys and 6 girls.The age of first onset and surgical age of them ranged 1 month to 4 years, and 2 years to 13 years, respectively.The SEEG was divided into 3 types in children with ES at the onset.Five children were SEEG type A, presenting with the focal seizure discharges at the beginning and a gradual propagation to widespread fast-wave bursts.Ten children were SEEG type B, presenting a focal leading spike followed by diffused fast-wave bursts.Four children were SEEG type C, presenting a diffuse fast wave rhythm onset.Although some electrode discharges appeared slightly " leading", they covered more than one brain region.After focal resection or thermocoagulation, 13/19 patients did not have the onset of seizures, and 5/19 and 8/19 were graded as SEEG type A, and B, respectively.During the intermittent period of SEEG attacks in children with SEEG type A and B, a significant phenomenon of focal epileptic discharge consistent with the onset of the attack was observed, and surgical removal of these areas effectively controlled spastic seizures.Conclusions:Epileptic spasms may be triggered by a focal neocortical discharge.Intracranial EEG showed that the focal seizure onset evolves into spasm or a focal " leading spike" is a good indicator of surgical prognosis.

Prognosis and influencing factors of infantile spasms / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Infantile spasms (IS) is one of the most prevalent epileptic encephalopathies in infants and toddlers.The primary clinical features are episodes of spastic spasms, and an electroencephalogram may exhibit hypsarrhythmia features.The majority of patients have a poor prognosis, exhibiting uncontrolled seizures, conversion to other seizure types, as well as intellectual and motor developmental impairments.With the advancement of neurosurgery, genetics, and neuroimaging, various studies have been conducted on the etiologies and pathogenesis of IS; as a result, the prognosis of IS has substantially improved.This article introduced the prognosis of IS and the contributing factors affecting the prognosis.

Progress in surgical treatment of infantile spasms / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Infantile spasms(IS) is the prevalent epilepsy syndrome in infancy, characterized by an early age of onset, distinctive seizure type, hypsarrhythmia on electroencephalography, and psychomotor retardation.Despite the fact that medication therapy is the primary treatment for IS, there are still some children with IS who are resistant to drug therapy, which is extremely detrimental to their prognosis.Therefore, surgical therapy has increasingly become one of the most prominent IS treatments.As of now, the indications, preoperative evaluation, and surgical techniques of surgery are continuously being investigated based on variables such as the disease, etiology, age, etcetera.The effect of surgery on cognitive function, physical function, linguistic capacity, and memory function is gaining increasing interest.This article described the indications, preoperative evaluation, surgical procedures (including resection, palliative surgery, and stereotactic surgery), and postoperative efficacy of surgical treatment for IS, with the goal of improving the prognosis of IS through precise surgical treatment, and providing more treatment options and a good long-term prognosis for children with drug-resistant IS.

Pharmacological treatments for children with infantile spasms / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Infantile spasms is the most prevalent epileptic encephalopathy, and its prognosis is often poor.The fundamentals of treatment include early diagnosis and intervention, as well as long-term rehabilitation management.Pharmaceutical treatment is regarded as the primary and most important treatment for infantile spasms.Most importantly, it is based upon a standardized drug selection and administration.This article outlined the clinical application and progress of pharmacological therapy for the infantile spasms.

Progress of ketogenic diet on treatment of infantile spasms / 国际儿科学杂志

Infantile spasms(IS)is an age-dependent severe epilepsy syndrome, mainly treated with hormones and anti-seizure medications.However, due to poor efficacy and even serious side effects among some pediatric patients, searching for better alternative treatment options has become a research hotspot.In recent years, as a special diet treatment, ketogenic diet(KD)has been widely studied and gradually applied to the clinical treatment of IS, which has achieved satisfactory results.This article briefly reviews the KD regimen and mechanism of action, and focuses on the research progress in efficacy, safety and short-term prognosis of KD in the treatment of IS, whose purpose is to provide effective reference for clinical application.

Progress in efficacy and safety of vigabatrin in treatment of epilepsy associated with tuberous sclerosis complex in children / 国际儿科学杂志

Tuberous sclerosis complex(TSC)is an autosomal dominant skin-nerve syndrome with diverse clinical manifestations.Epilepsy is the most common neurological manifestation.Vigabatrin(VGB)is an inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)analogue.It reduces the degradation of GABA by irreversibly binding to GABA transaminase, thereby increasing the level of GABA in the central nervous system and exerting anti-epileptic effects.It is suitable for the treatment of various types of epilepsy related to TSC.In recent years, the preventive effect of VGB in TSC-related epilepsy has attracted wide attention.There is a certain degree of adverse reactions during the use of VGB, the most noteworthy of which is the visual field and central nervous system changes.This article reviews the efficacy and safety of VGB in the treatment of TSC-related epilepsy.

Encefalopatías epilépticas de inicio en recién nacidos y lactantes / Epileptic encephalopathies of onset in neonates and infants

Resumen Recientemente la Liga Internacional contra la Epilepsia (ILAE) socializó la clasificación propuesta para síndromes epilépticos de inicio neonatal y hasta los primeros 2 años de edad, dividiéndolos en síndromes epilépticos autolimitados y las encefalopatías epilépticas y del desarrollo (DEEs). En esta revisión nos dedicaremos a las DEEs, definidas como trastornos donde existe deterioro del desarrollo relacionado tanto con la etiología subyacente independiente de la actividad epileptiforme como con la encefalopatía epiléptica. Estas incluyen en el período neonatal la encefalopatía epiléptica infantil temprana o síndrome de Ohtahara y la encefalopatía mioclónica temprana, ahora agrupadas bajo la denominación de encefalopatías epilépticas y del desarrollo infantil temprano (EIDEE). El síndrome de espamos epilépticos infantiles, la epilepsia de la infancia con crisis migratorias y el síndrome de Dravet forman parte de las encefalopatías de inicio en el lactante. La importancia del reconocimiento temprano de las encefalopatías epilépticas radica no solo en el control de las crisis epilépticas, sino en detener el deterioro intentando cambiar el curso de la enfermedad. Es fundamental conocer la etiología evitando medicamentos que puedan exacerbar las crisis y empeorar el curso, aplicando medicina de precisión así como identificando pacientes candidatos a cirugía temprana de epilepsia.

Abstract The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) recently socialized the proposed classification for epileptic syndromes of neonatal onset and up to the first 2 years of age, dividing them into self-limited epileptic syndromes and epileptic and developmental encephalopathies (DEEs). In this review we will focus on DEEs, defined as disorders in which there is developmental impairment related to both the underlying aetiology independent of epileptiform activity and epileptic encephalopathy. These include early infantile epileptic encephalopathy or Ohtahara syndrome and early myoclonic encephalopathy in the neonatal period, now grouped under the name of epileptic and early childhood developmental encephalopathies (EIDEE). Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, childhood epilepsy with migratory crises and Dravet syndrome are part of the infant-onset encephalopathies. The importance of early recognition of epileptic encephalopathies lies not only in the control of epileptic seizures, but also in stopping deterioration by trying to change the course of the disease. It is essential to know the etiology, avoiding medications that can exacerbate seizures and worsen the course, applying precision m edicine as well as identifying candidate patients for early epilepsy surgery.

Vigabatrina comparado con hormona adrenocorticotrópica para el tratamiento de espasmos infantiles y Síndrome de West / Vigabatrin compared with adrenocorticotropic hormone for the treatment of infantile spasms and West Syndrome

OBJETIVO: Determinar los riesgos y beneficios del uso de vigabatrina comparada con hormona adrenocorticotrópica (ACTH) para el tratamiento de espasmos infantiles. MÉTODO: Se realizó una búsqueda en Epistemonikos. Se extrajeron datos desde las revisiones identificadas. Se realizó un metaanálisis a partir de estudios primarios y se utilizó el método GRADE para la presentación de resultados. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron nueve revisiones sistemáticas. Se observó que el uso de vigabatrina en comparación con ACTH disminuye la resolución de espasmos (RR 0,8, IC 95% 0,65 - 0,98) y podría disminuir la resolución de hipsarritmia (RR 0,71, IC 95% 0,48 - 1,05). No fue posible determinar si el uso de vigabatrina disminuye el riesgo de desarrollar efectos adversos (RR 0,75, IC 95% 0,23 - 2,45) por certeza de evidencia muy baja. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia parece inclinarse a favor del uso de ACTH. Sin embargo debe considerarse la necesidad de nuevas investigaciones para esclarecer su seguridad.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risks and benefits of the use of vigabatrin compared to ACTH for the treatment of infantile spasms. METHOD: A search in Epistemonikos was performed. Data were extracted from the identified reviews. A meta-analysis was performed from primary studies and the GRADE method was used to present the results. RESULTS: Nine systematic reviews were identified. Vigabatrin use compared to ACTH was found to decrease resolution of spasms (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.65 - 0.98) and might decrease resolution of hypsarrhythmia (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0 .48 - 1.05). It was not possible to determine whether the use of vigabatrin reduces the risk of developing adverse effects (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.23 - 2.45) due to very low certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence seems to lean in favor of the use of ACTH. However, the need for new research should be considered to clarify its safety.

Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in a Cohort of West Syndrome Beyond Two Years of Age

Objective To determine epilepsy and neurodevelopmental outcomes beyond 2 y of age and their putative prognostic factors in children with West syndrome (WS). Methods This cross-sectional study was initiated after approval from Institutional Ethics Committee. A follow-up cohort of 114 children (aged?2 y) diagnosed and treated for WS at the authors' center were assessed in-person for epilepsy and neurodevelopmental outcomes using Vineland Social Maturity Scale - Malin’s adaptation for Indian children. Subsequently, age at onset, lead-time-to-treatment, etiology, and response to any of the standard therapies were analyzed as possible predictors of these outcomes. Results Of 114 children (mean age: 55±32 mo, 91 boys), structural etiology was the predominant underlying etiology (79.8%) for WS. At 2 y of age, 64% had ongoing seizures. At the last follow-up, 76% had social quotient<55, and 39% had cerebral palsy (spastic quadriparesis in 21%). An underlying structural etiology was associated with ongoing seizures [OR (95% CI) 3.5 (1.4–9); p=0.008] at 2 y of age and poor developmental outcomes [OR (95% CI): 3.3 (1.3–8.9); p=0.016]. Complete cessation of spasms with the standard therapy was signifcantly associated with better seizure control [OR (95% CI): 5.4 (2.3–13); p<0.001] and neurodevelopmental outcome [OR (95% CI): 5.2 (1.8–14.9); p<0.001]. Conclusion The majority of children with WS have a poor neurodevelopmental outcome and epilepsy control on follow-up. The underlying etiology and response to initial standard therapy for epileptic spasms have a prognostic role in predicting the neurological outcome in these patients on follow-up.

Carbamazepine-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a patient with neuromyelitis optica: A case report

A 36-year-old female with serum anti-aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) on carbamazepine (CBZ) therapy for paroxysmal tonic spasms (PTS) developed Type 1 respiratory failure. High-resolution computed tomography chest showed diffuse ground-glass opacities in both lungs predominantly in bilateral perihilar region sparing subpleural regions and predominantly upper lobes with a smooth interlobular septal thickening. A transbronchial lung biopsy was consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and following withdrawal of the CBZ and treatment with steroids her respiratory symptoms resolved. After stopping CBZ, PTS recurred, which was successfully treated with lacosamide. This is the first described biopsy-proven case of CBZ-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis in the NMOSD patient.

Financial Burden in Families of Children with West Syndrome

Objective To evaluate the illness-related expenditure by families of children with West syndrome (WS) during the first year of illness and to explore the potential determinants of the financial drain. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital between July 2018 and June 2020. Eighty-five children with WS who presented within one year from the onset of epileptic spasms were included. The details of the treatment costs (direct medical and nonmedical) incurred during the first year from the onset of epileptic spasms were noted from a parental interview and case record review. Unit cost was fixed for drugs and specific services. Total cost was estimated by multiplying the unit cost by the number of times a drug or service was availed. The determinants of the financial burden were also explored. Results The median monthly per-capita income of the enrolled families (n = 85) was INR 3000 (Q1, Q3, 2000, 6000). The median cost of treatment over one year was INR 27035 (Q1, Q3, 17,894, 39,591). Median direct medical and nonmedical expenses amounted to INR 18802 (Q1, Q3, 12,179, 25,580) and INR 6550 (Q1, Q3, 3500, 15,000), respectively. Seven families had catastrophic healthcare expenditure. Parental education and choice of first-line treatment were important determinants driving healthcare expenses. The age at onset of epileptic spasms, etiology, treatment lag, the initial response to treatment, and relapse following initial response did not significantly influence the illness-related expenditure by the families. Conclusion WS imposes a substantial financial burden on the families and indirectly on the healthcare system.

Genotype and phynotype of DNM1 gene variants related developmental epileptic encephalopathy / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To summarize the clinical features of developmental epileptic encephalopathy children with DNM1 gene variants. Methods:The genotypes and clinical features of 15 children with DNM1 variants related epilepsy in the Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital from June 2017 to October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Results:A total of 8 male and 7 female epilepsy patients with DNM1 gene variants with the age of seizure onset ranging from 15 days to 22 months were recruited, median age was 8 months.All cases belonged to de novo heterozygous variants of the DNM1 gene, including 13 cases of missense variants, 1 case of frame shift variant and 1 case of nonsense variant, 8 cases of ectopic sites have not been reported.Multiple seizure types were observed, including epileptic spasms in 15 patients, focal seizure in 9 patients, atypical absence seizure in 2 patients and tonic seizure in 2 patients.There were various types of seizures in 7 children.Nine cases occurred as infantile spasm for the first time.All 15 patients showed varied degrees of development delay, among them, 11 cases had developmental retardation before epilepsy.Three patients had slow rhythm of electroencephalogram background activity, the electroencephalography showed hypsarrhythmia in 13 patients; clinical seizures were detected in 8 cases, among them, epileptic spasms were captured in 7 patients, tonic seizure was captured in 1 patient.Widened frontotemporal subarachnoid space, cerebral atrophy, and corpus callosum dysplasia were examined in 6, 2 and 3 patients by cranial magnetic resonance imaging, respectively.All 15 cases were diagnosed as developmental epileptic encephalopathy, of which 13 cases were consistent with infantile spasms.The age of the last follow-up ranged from 1 year old to 7 years old.After multi-antiepileptic drug treatment, 2 patients were remission, 1 patient(small size of identical twins) died of severe pneumonia at the age of 2 years, and 12 patients still had intermittent seizures, of which 1 patient was transformed from infantile spasms to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Conclusions:The onset age of developmental epileptic encephalopathy caused by the DNM1 gene variant usually begins in the infantile period, the peak onset age was 8 months.The main types of seizures include epileptic spasms and focal seizures, developmental retardation can occur before seizures.The clinical manifestations are mostly infantile spasms syndrome, and some children can be transformed into Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

The Use of Magnesium Sulfate in Tetanus Treatment / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

Introduction: Tetanus is a highly fatal infection that causes tonic convulsions. Although magnesium sulfate may be effective as a treatment option for myopathic symptoms, there is little knowledge regarding its use. Therefore, this study assessed the use of magnesium sulfate for patients with tetanus requiring critical care management.Methods: Using multiple mailing lists of registered physicians in Japan, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the conditions during which magnesium sulfate was used for patients with tetanus requiring critical care management. An internet questionnaire form service was utilized.Results: The number of targets in this study was 24,266 and responses were received from 604 physicians, 252 of whom treated patients with tetanus requiring critical care management. In total, 126 of the above physicians used magnesium sulfate for tetanus.Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate was used for a substantial number of patients with tetanus requiring critical care management. To establish the utility of magnesium sulfate as a tetanus treatment option, further evidence is required.