El difícil camino al diagnóstico del paciente con atrofia muscular espinal / The difficult path to diagnosis of the patient with spinal muscular atrophy

Introducción. Con las nuevas terapias, el diagnóstico temprano de la atrofia muscular espinal (AME) es esencial. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los distintos componentes que influyen en el retraso diagnóstico. Población y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes con un diagnóstico molecular de AME tipo I, II y III. Se estudiaron varios parámetros, como la edad al momento de la aparición del primer signo, qué signo fue y el intervalo entre este y el diagnóstico confirmado. Neurólogos especialistas realizaron entrevistas que se complementaron con la revisión de historias clínicas cuando fue necesario. Resultados. Se entrevistaron 112 pacientes. AME I n = 40, AME II n = 48, AME III n = 24. La mediana de edad en meses al momento del reporte del primer signo fue AME I: 1,5 (R 0-7), AME II: 9 (R 2-20), AME III: 18 (R 8-180). Los primeros signos fueron reconocidos por los padres en el 75 % al 85 % de las veces en todos los subtipos. La mediana del tiempo transcurrido entre el primer signo y la primera consulta médica fue menor a un mes en los tres tipos. La mediana de tiempo transcurrido en meses entre el primer signo y el diagnóstico molecular confirmado fue en AME I: 2 (R 0-11), en AME II: 10 (3-46) y en AME III: 31,5 (R 4-288). Conclusiones. Existe un significativo retraso en el diagnóstico de la AME relacionado fundamentalmente a la falta de sospecha clínica. La demora es menor en AME I y mayor en AME III. Otros factores incluyen deficiencias en el sistema de salud.

Introduction. News treatments, make early diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) critical. The objective of this study is to analyze the different factors that influence delay in diagnosis. Population and methods. Patients with a molecular diagnosis of types I, II, and III SMA were included. Several parameters were studied, such as age at onset of first sign, what sign it was, and the time from recognition of first sign to confirmed diagnosis. Neurologists specialized in SMA conducted interviews, supported by the review of medical records when deemed necessary. Results. A total of 112 patients were interviewed. SMA I n = 40, SMA II n = 48, SMA III n = 24. The median age in months at the time of reporting the first sign was SMA I: 1.5 (R: 0­7), SMA II: 9 (R: 2­20), SMA III: 18 (R: 8­180). In all subtypes, first signs were identified by parents from 75% to 85% of the times. The median time from first sign to first medical consultation was less than a month in all 3 types. The median time in months, from first sign to confirmed molecular diagnosis in SMA I was: 2 (R: 0­11), in SMA II: 10 (R: 3­46), in SMA III: 31.5 (R: 4­288). Conclusions. There is a significant delay in SMA diagnosis mainly related to the absence of clinical suspicion. The delay is shorter in SMA I and longer in SMA III. Other factors include deficiencies in the health care system.

Terapia miofuncional orofacial associada ao uso da placa palatina de memória em crianças com Trissomia do 21: estudo de casos / Orofacial myofunctional therapy associated with the use of the stimulating palatal plate in children with trisomy 21: case studies

RESUMO Indivíduos com Trissomia do 21 podem apresentar hipotonia muscular dos órgãos fonoarticulatórios, língua alargada, posicionada no assoalho oral e protrusa e ausência de selamento labial. A placa palatina de memória é um dispositivo intraoral que, associado à terapia miofuncional, visa à melhora da postura habitual dos lábios e da língua dessas crianças. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar os casos de quatro crianças com Trissomia do 21, do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 6,7 e desvio-padrão de 7,8 meses, que fizeram uso da placa palatina de memória de forma associada à terapia miofuncional. As crianças utilizaram a placa por seis meses, realizaram exercícios baseados na terapia de regulação orofacial e receberam orientações quanto à alimentação e retirada de hábitos orais deletérios. Na primeira sessão e ao final do tratamento, foi realizada a gravação de 5 minutos da face de cada criança em repouso e a análise da postura habitual de língua e de lábios foi realizada por dois pesquisadores independentes. Observou-se maior melhora da postura de língua e de lábios dos participantes que iniciaram o tratamento mais precocemente e que apresentavam as alterações posturais mais severas.

ABSTRACT Individuals with trisomy 21 may have muscle hypotonia of the speech articulation organs, an enlarged protruding tongue positioned on the floor of the mouth, and a lack of lip closure. The stimulating palatal plate is an intraoral appliance that, associated with myofunctional therapy, aims to improve these children's habitual lip and tongue posture. This study aimed to present the cases of four male children with trisomy 21, with a mean age of 6.7 and a standard deviation of 7.8 months, who used the stimulating palatal plate in association with myofunctional therapy. The children used the plate for 6 months and did exercises based on the orofacial regulation therapy, and their parents received instructions on feeding them and removing deleterious oral habits. In the first session and at the end of the treatment, each child's face was video-recorded for 5 minutes at rest, and two researchers analyzed independently their habitual tongue and lip posture. Participants who began the treatment earlier and had the most severe postural changes had greater tongue and lip posture improvement.

Manejo anestésico y perioperatorio en paciente pediátrico con hiperglicinemia no cetósica / Anesthetic and perioperative management in children with non-ketotic hyperglycinemiawith non-ketotic hyperglycinemia

Presentación del caso: se reporta un paciente pediátrico con diagnóstico de hiperglicinemia no cetósica (HNC), enfermedad neurometabólica poco frecuente ocasionada por una deficiencia en el sistema de segmentación de la glicina, codificada por los genes GLDC, GCSH, AMT y GCSL que conduce a niveles elevados de glicina en la sinapsis generando un efecto agonista prolongado en los receptores N-metil-D-aspartato (NMDA). Discusión y conclusiones: se asocia con hipotonía, convulsiones y trastornos de la deglución, los cuales dependerán de la edad de presentación. Se revisa la literatura actual para el abordaje perioperatorio.

Case presentation: we report a child with a diagnosis of non-ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKGH), a rare neurometabolic disease caused by a defect in the glycine cleavage system, encoded by the GLDC, GCSH, AMT and GCSL genes resulting in elevated synaptic glycine levels generating a prolonged agonist effect on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Discussion and conclusions: it is associated with hypotonia, seizures and swallowing disorders, which will depend on the age at presentation. A literature review was conducted to tailor perioperative approach.

Reporte de caso: síndrome de Schaaf Yang / Case report: Schaag Yang síndrome

RESUMEN Introducción: El síndrome Schaaf Yang (SHFYNG) constituye un desorden multisistémico caracterizado por un grupo de signos y síntomas relacionados con alteraciones genéticas, congénitas y de expresión clínica multivariable. Fue descrito por primera vez por el Dr. Schaaf y la Dra. Yaping, profesores de Genética Molecular y Humana de la Universidad de Houston y Baylor, respectivamente, en 2013 (1). El síndrome SHFYNG tiene una herencia autosómica dominante con una mutación presente en el alelo paterno, ya que el gen MA-GEL2 tiene una impronta materna y solo se expresa el alelo paterno. A diferencia de otras patologías autosómicas dominantes clásicas, el síndrome SHFYNG puede saltar varias generaciones siempre que la mutación resida en el cromosoma materno. Presentación del caso. Preescolar femenina, con antecedente de estancia en UCIN por hipotonía neonatal y pobre succión, bronquitis y neumonía. Su fenotipo está caracterizado por facies hipotónicas, frente prominente, epicanto interno, pómulos prominentes, puente nasal bajo, nariz ancha, labio superior delgado, orejas aladas, cuello corto y obesidad central. Presenta retraso en el neurodesarrollo, lenguaje y psicomotor. Estudios genéticos: cariotipo 46,XX e hibridación genómica comparativa con patrón genómico normal, sexo femenino, en exoma trío se identifica una variante patogénica: c.1996dupC (p.Gln666Profs*47) en el gen MAGEL2 asociada con SHFYNG. Conclusión. Se informa el primer reporte de este síndrome a nivel nacional con una incidencia mundial muy baja, estimándose aproximadamente <1/1.000.000 de nacidos vivos, lo que permite ampliar el conocimiento y sospechar patologías de difícil diagnóstico como esta.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Schaaf Yang Syndrome (SHFYNG) is a multisystemic disorder characterized by a group of signs and symptoms related to genetic, congenital, and multivariate clinical alterations. It was first described by Dr. Schaaf and Dr. Yaping, professors of Molecular and Human Genetics at the University of Houston and Baylor, respectively, in 2013 (1). SHFYNG has an autosomal dominant inheritance with a mutation located in the paternal allele, since the MAGEL2 gene has a maternal imprint and only the paternal allele is expressed. Unlike other classic autosomal dominant pathologies, SHFYNG syndrome can skip several generations, as long as the mutation resides on the maternal chromosome. Presentation of the case: Female preschooler, with a history of stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, due to neonatal hypotonia and poor suction, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Her phenotype is distinguished by hypotonic facies, prominent forehead, internal epican-thus, prominent cheekbones, low nasal bridge, broad nose, thin upper lip, winged ears, short neck, and central obesity. She presents neurodevelopmental, language, and psychomotor delay. Genetic studies: 46,XX karyotype, comparative genomic hybridization: normal genomic pattern, female sex, trio exam a pathogenic variant c.1996dupC (p.Gln666Profs*47) in the MAGEL2 gene associated with SHFYNG syndrome. Conclusion: It is reported to be the first national report of this syndrome, with a very low worldwide incidence, estimating approximately <1 / 1,000,000 live births, which allows us to expand knowledge and suspect difficult-to-diagnose pathologies like this one.

Enfermedad de Pompe infantil: Diagnóstico y tratamiento / Infantile-onset Pompe disease: Diagnosis and management

La enfermedad de Pompe, o deficiencia de maltasa ácida o glucogenosis tipo II, es una grave enfermedad genética, autosómica recesiva, progresiva, poco frecuente, causada por la deficiencia en la enzima alfa glucosidasa. En la edad pediátrica, puede presentarse con la "forma clásica", la más conocida, con grave compromiso cardíaco y franca hipotonía, o con la "forma no clásica", con comienzo temprano del compromiso motor. La "forma de comienzo tardío" del adulto también puede ocurrir en la infancia o en la adolescencia. Se actualizan los hallazgos clínicos y de diagnóstico disponibles, ya que un tratamiento temprano con reemplazo de la enzima faltante puede mejorar la supervivencia y la calidad de vida del paciente. Se revisan los beneficios y los efectos adversos del tratamiento disponible y nuevas líneas de investigación terapéutica.

Pompe disease, also known as acid maltase deficiency or glycogenosis type II, is a rare severe, autosomal, recessive, and progressive genetic disorder caused by deficiency in alpha-glucosidase. The classic infantile-onset is the most broadly known form of Pompe disease, which presents with severe heart involvement and clear hypotonia, while the non-classic presentation occurs with early motor involvement. Late-onset Pompe disease develops in adults, but it may also occur during childhood or adolescence. Here we update the available clinical and diagnostic findings because an early management with enzyme replacement therapy may improve patients' survival and quality of life. We also review the benefits and adverse effects of available treatments and new lines of therapeutic research.

Miopatía nemalínica tratada con L-tirosina para aliviar los síntomas en un recién nacido / Nemaline rod myopathy treated with L-tyrosine to relieve symptoms in a neonate

La miopatía nemalínica es un trastorno heterogéneo definido por la presencia de estructuras con forma de bastones, conocidas como cuerpos nemalínicos (o bastones de nemalina). El diagnóstico se funda en la debilidad muscular, además de la visualización de cuerpos nemalínicos en la biopsia muscular. La miopatía nemalínica no tiene cura. Las estrategias terapéuticas para este trastorno son sintomáticas y empíricas. En este artículo, presentamos el caso de una recién nacida con insuficiencia respiratoria grave y debilidad muscular generalizada, a la que se le diagnosticó miopatía nemalínica a través de la biopsia muscular. La paciente tuvo una notable disminución de la sialorrea y una mejora de los movimientos espontáneos después del tratamiento con L-tirosina. Este caso se presenta para destacar la importancia de la biopsia muscular en el diagnóstico diferencial de la hipotonía grave durante el período neonatal y el posible beneficio del aporte suplementario de L-tirosina para disminuir la sialorrea y restaurar la fuerza muscular.

Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a heterogeneous disorder defined by the presence of rod-shaped structures known as nemaline bodies or rods. The diagnosis is based on muscle weakness, combined with visualization of nemaline bodies on muscle biopsy. There is no curative treatment for nemaline myopathy. Therapeutic strategies for this condition are symptomatic and empirical. Herein, we present a newborn with severe respiratory failure and generalized muscle weakness, who was diagnosed as NM by muscle biopsy. The patient experienced remarkable decrease in sialorrhea and improvement of spontaneous movements after L-tyrosine treatment. This case is presented to emphasize the importance of muscle biopsy in the differential diagnosis of severe hypotonia during neonatal period and a possible benefit of L-tyrosine supplementation for decreasing sialorrhea and restoring muscle strength.

Manejo anestésico en paciente pediátrico con distroña miotónica tipo 1. Reporte de caso / Management of anesthesia in a pediatric patient with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Case report

Abstract Myotonic dystrophy is a disease affecting the muscle fibers with loss of muscle mass. The principal characteristic of the disease is myotony or slow muscle relaxation following muscle contraction that is further aggravated as a result of stress, pain, cold, or by the administration of succinylcholine. Similar to other muscle pathologies, myotonic dystrophy is considered a multisystem disorder, usually with cardiac and respiratory involvement, a fact to be kept in mind when planning anesthesia. Moreover, there is a potential association with malignant hyperthermia or rhabdomyolysis associated with some muscle diseases. The case herein discussed is an example of the management of anesthesia in this group of patients to avoid the potential triggers of a myotonic crisis.

Resumen La distrofia miotónica es una enfermedad de las fibras musculares que cursa con pérdida de masa muscular y cuya característica principal es la miotonía, que describe la relajación muscular lenta tras una contracción muscular, situación agravada por estrés, dolor, frío, o por la administración de succinilcolina. Como toda enfermedad muscular, es considerada multisistémica, con afectación cardíaca y respiratoria en la mayoría de los casos, lo cual deberá tenerse en cuenta a la hora de elaborar un plan anestésico. Además, se debe considerar la posible relación con el desarrollo de hipertermia maligna o rabdomiólisis asociada a algunas enfermedades musculares. El caso que presentamos es un ejemplo del manejo anestésico de estos pacientes evitando los posibles desencadenantes de una crisis miotónica.

Invaginación intestinal en un lactante con diagnóstico de botulismo: Reporte de un caso / Intussusception in infant with diagnostic botulism: A case report

El botulismo es un importante problema de salud pública en Argentina. Es una enfermedad potencialmente letal y de difícil diagnóstico. Existen casos de presentación infrecuente de dicha enfermedad, como el abdomen agudo. Exponemos el caso de un niño de 4 meses, que consultó por constipación de 3 días de evolución, asociada a decaimiento y regular actitud alimentaria de 12 horas de evolución. Presentaba tono muscular conservado, sin alteraciones en la succión ni deglución, según la referencia materna. Se constató sensorio alternante y abdomen agudo, por lo que ingresó a quirófano con sospecha de invaginación intestinal, la cual fue confirmada mediante desinvaginación neumática. Durante la internación, el paciente evolucionó desfavorablemente y presentó llanto débil, hipotonía progresiva e insuficiencia respiratoria, por lo que requirió cuidados intensivos. Se aisló Clostridium botulinum en la muestra de materia fecal y toxina botulínica tipo A en el suero. Recibió toxina antibotulínica equina como tratamiento, con recuperación total a los 25 días de haber ingresado.

Botulism is an important public health problem in Argentina. It is a potentially fatal disease, and its diagnosis may be difficult. There are rare presentation forms of the disease, such as acute abdomen. We present a 4-monthbaby with a 3-day constipation condition, associated with weakness and abnormal eating attitude in the last 12 hours. The baby presented preserved muscle tone, with no changes in sucking or deglutition according to the mother's observations. Altered sensorium and acute abdomen were found; the patient was entered into the operating room with presumptive diagnosis ofintussusception, which was confirmed by pneumatic desinvagination. During hospitalization, the patient did not make good progress and presented weak cry, progressive hypotonia and respiratory failure requiring intensive care. Clostridium botulinum was isolated from the stool sample and botulinum toxin type A was isolated from serum. The patient was treated with equine botulinum toxin. Twenty five days after admission, he was totally recovered.

Síndrome de Cohen. Presentación de un caso / Cohen Syndrome. A Case Report

El síndrome de Cohen es una rara enfermedad de origen genético que se transmite con un patrón autosómico recesivo. Se caracteriza por la asociación de obesidad, hipotonía, retraso mental, microcefalia, dismorfia cráneofacial típica, así como incisivos centrales grandes y salientes, con dedos finos en forma de huso. Se ha localizado el locus para el síndrome de Cohen en el cromosoma 8q 22 (COH 1). Desde su descripción se reportan pocos casos, su diagnóstico es clínico a través de una delineación correcta del fenotipo. Se presenta una paciente de 14 años de edad afectada con este síndrome, en la que hasta ahora no se había podido llegar al diagnóstico clínico. A esta edad fue que se logró una delineación correcta del fenotipo y por consiguiente el correcto diagnóstico, lo que es de vital importancia para poder brindar un mejor asesoramiento genético a la familia.

Cohen syndrome is a rare genetic disease that is transmitted in an autosomal recessive pattern. It is characterized by obesity, hypotonia, mental retardation, microcephaly, typical craniofacial dysmorphism, large and prominent central incisors as well as thin, spindle-shaped fingers. The locus for Cohen syndrome has been located on chromosome 8q 22 (COH 1). Few cases have been reported since its description, it is clinically diagnosed through a proper delineation of the phenotype. The case of 14-year-old patient with this syndrome in whom a clinical diagnosis had not been established thus far is presented. An accurate delineation of the phenotype was achieved at this age and consequently, the correct diagnosis was reached, which is critical in order to provide better genetic counseling to the family.

Distrofa miotónica congénita en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales: serie de casos / Congenital myotonic dystrophy in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: case series

La distrofia miotónica de Steinert es una enfermedad multisistémica, autosómica dominante, con un amplio espectro de gravedad y manifestaciones clínicas. La forma más grave es aquella que se manifesta en el periodo neonatal, llamada distrofa miotónica congénita. Se destaca la hipotonía global al nacer y el compromiso de la función respiratoria. Las complicaciones son frecuentes, principalmente, retraso del desarrollo psicomotor, del crecimiento pondoestatural, difcultades alimentarias y constipación. Se asocia a un mal pronóstico, con una mortalidad global de hasta un 50% de los niños gravemente afectados. Presentamos cinco casos de distrofa miotónica congénita con el objetivo de describir manifestaciones clínicas, métodos diagnósticos, tratamiento y pronóstico. Los datos existentes en la literatura sobre el desarrollo psicomotor, complicaciones y pronóstico de los supervivientes con distrofa miotónica congénita son pocos. En nuestra serie de casos, las limitaciones psicomotoras presentadas son signifcativas.

Steinert myotonic dystrophy is a multisystemic disease, autosomal dominant, with a wide spectrum of severity and clinical manifestations. The most severe form is one that manifests in the neonatal period, called congenital myotonic dystrophy. This condition is distinguished by overall hypotonia at birth and respiratory function compromise. Complications are frequent, mainly psychomotor development delay, growth failure, food diffculties and constipation. It is associated with a poor prognosis, with an overall mortality of up to 50% of severely affected children. We present fve patients with congenital myotonic dystrophy in order to describe clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Existing data in the literature on psychomotor development, complications and prognosis of survivors withcongenital myotonic dystrophy are scarce. In our case studies, we have found signifcant chronic psychomotor limitations.

Estudo clínico, histológico e molecular da miopatia centronuclear / A clinical, histological and molecular study of centronuclear myopathy

Introdução: A miopatia centronuclear é uma doença muscular congênita com apresentação clínica heterogênea, caracterizada histologicamente pela proeminência de fibras musculares com núcleos centralizados. Três formas são reconhecidas: neonatal grave, com herança ligada ao X e envolvimento do gene MTM1; autossômica dominante, com início geralmente tardio e curso mais leve, associada a mutações no gene DNM2; e autossômica recessiva, com gravidade intermediária entre as outras formas e envolvimento dos genes BIN1, RYR1 ou TTN. Apesar da identificação dos principais genes responsáveis pela doença, os métodos usuais de diagnóstico genético não encontram mutações em cerca da metade dos casos. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi a caracterização clínica, histológica e molecular de pacientes brasileiros portadores de miopatia centronuclear. Métodos: Laudos de dois bancos de biópsia muscular foram usados para identificar pacientes com diagnóstico de miopatia centronuclear nos últimos dez anos. As lâminas das biópsias foram revisadas e analisadas, e as famílias correspondentes convocadas para aplicação de protocolo clínico e coleta de sangue periférico para extração de DNA genômico. As famílias foram estudadas para os genes conhecidos por sequenciamento Sanger, MLPA, painel de genes implicados em doenças neuromusculares ou sequenciamento de exoma. Resultados: Foram convocados 24 pacientes provenientes de 21 famílias, em 16 das quais foi possível estabelecer o diagnóstico molecular. As 7 famílias com a forma neonatal grave constituíam um grupo homogêneo clínica e histologicamente, e mutações novas e conhecidas foram encontradas no gene MTM1 em 6 destas. Dois meninos deste grupo, com evolução estável, tiveram óbito súbito por choque hipovolêmico subsequente a rompimento de cisto hepático. O gene MTM1 também foi implicado em uma menina portadora manifestante, com quadro mais leve, na forma de uma macrodeleção em heterozigose, detectada por MPLA...

Introduction: Centronuclear myopathy is a heterogeneous congenital muscle disease, characterized by the prominence of centralized nuclei in muscle fibers. Three disease forms are recognized: a severe neonatal, X-linked form caused by mutations in the MTM1 gene; an autosomal dominant, late-onset milder form, associated to the DNM2 gene; and an autosomal recessive form, with intermediate severity, so far with the BIN1, RYR1 or TTN genes implicated. In spite of the identification of these genes, usual molecular diagnostic methods don't yield a molecular diagnosis in about half of cases. Objetives: The aim of this work was to study clinical, histological, and molecular aspects of centronuclear myopathy Brazilian patients. Methods: Reports taken from two muscle biopsy banks were used to identify centronuclear myopathy patients in the last ten years. Biopsy slides were reviewed and analyzed, and corresponding families recruited to apply a clinical protocol and to draw peripheral blood to extract genomic DNA. Families were studied for known genes via Sanger sequencing, MLPA, panel of genes implicated in neuromuscular diseases, or exome sequencing. Results: Twentyfour patients out of 21 families were recruited, and in 16 families molecular diagnosis was established. The 7 families with the severe neonatal form amounted to a clinically and histologically homogeneous group, and mutations, both known and novel, were found in the MTM1 gene in 6 of these. Two boys of this group, with a stable course, died suddenly of hypovolemic shock due to a hepatic cyst rupture. The MTM1 gene was also implicated in the case of a mild manifesting carrier girl with a heterozygous macrodeletion detected via MLPA...

Síndrome de distrofia miotónica tipo I / Myotonic dystrophy Type I

Introducción: la distrofia miotónica de Steinert, es una enfermedad multisistémica, autosómica dominante de penetrancia variable, causada por la expansión del triplete CTG, en el gen que codifica para la proteína kinasa de la distrofia miotónica en el cromosoma 19ql3. Se caracteriza por un fenómeno de anticipación, producto del cual su expresión es mayor en generaciones sucesivas y correlaciona con la talla de la expansión. Desde el punto de vista clínico se manifiesta por desórdenes multisistémicos asociados a disfunción muscular, siendo sus características más frecuentes la debilidad muscular lenta pero progresiva, atrofia muscular y el fenómeno miotónico. Presentación del caso: paciente de 52 años de edad que fue visitado en su hogar durante el estudio de personas con discapacidad realizado en el cantón Quito, ya que tenía el diagnóstico de Distrofia Miotónica de Steinert a partir del cual se examina al resto de la familia y se encuentran signos y síntomas de la enfermedad en 3 familiares del propósito. Conclusiones: no existe un sistema de asesoramiento genético en la comunidad que permita a la familia y al paciente con Distrofia Miotónica de Steinert la realización tanto de un seguimiento de su enfermedad como el conocimiento del nivel de recurrencia para este tipo de trastorno.

Introduction: Steinert's Myotonic Dystrophy is a multiple-system, autosomal dominant of variable penetrance disease caused by an expansion of the cytosine-thymine-guanine (CTG) triplet, in the gene which codes for myotonic dystrophy protein kinase in chromosome19q13. It is characterized by a phenomenon known as anticipation, thus its expression is greater in successive generations and it correlates with the size of expansion. From the clinical view point it is expressed by multiple-system disorders associated with a muscle-dysfunction, the most frequent characteristics are muscle weakness it progresses slowly, muscle atrophy and myotonic phenomenon. Case report: a 52-year old patient who was visited in his home during the study that involved disabled people in Canton, Quito, the patient suffered from Steinert's Myotonic Dystrophy,the the rest members of the family were as well examined; signs and symptoms of the disease were found in three other family members. Conclusions: the study demonstrated the non-existence of a system to perform genetic counselling in the community, which would permit the follow-up of the families and patients suffering from Steinert's Myotonic Dystrophy, this difficulty also impedes the acquisition of knowledge regarding the level of recurrence for this type of genetic disorder.

Evento com aparente risco de morte recorrente como manifestação inicial de síndrome miastênica congênita / Recurrent apparent life-threatening event as the first manifestation of congenital myasthenia / Evento con aparente riesgo de muerte recurrente como manifestación inicial de síndrome miasténico congénito

OBJETIVO: Alertar os pediatras sobre a necessidade de investigar criteriosamente a etiologia de eventos com aparente risco de morte recorrente. Não foram encontrados relatos associando tais eventos à miastenia congênita. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Lactente de sete meses apresentando história de eventos com aparente risco de morte recorrente foi internado para investigação. Durante a internação, apresentou cianose e dispneia progressiva, com necessidade de ventilação mecânica por três dias. Após a melhora clínica, e tendo sido descartadas as hipóteses de doença do refluxo gastroesofágico e aspiração pulmonar como desencadeantes, notou-se ptose palpebral bilateral, hipotonia apendicular e choro fraco, que conduziram à suspeita clínica de miastenia congênita. Após confirmação do diagnóstico, foi mantido tratamento ambulatorial com piridostigmina, com recuperação nutricional e neurológica, sem novos eventos com aparente risco de morte nos três anos seguintes. COMENTÁRIOS: A investigação minuciosa das causas de eventos com aparente risco de morte pode levar a diagnósticos menos frequentes que exigem tratamento específico, como a miastenia congênita.

OBJECTIVE: To alert pediatricians about the importance of a careful investigation on recurrent apparent life-threatening events. Reports of the association of these events with congenital myasthenic syndromes were not found. CASE DESCRIPTION: A seven-month-old infant with recurrent apparent life-threatening events was admitted for investigation. During hospital stay, she presented cyanosis and respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation for three days. After clinical improvement, hypotheses of gastroesophageal reflux and pulmonary aspiration were ruled out. The presence of eyelid ptosis, general hypotonia and weak crying led to the suspicion of congenital myasthenia, which was confirmed. Treatment with oral piridostigmine led to neurological and nutritional normalization, without any other apparent life-threatening event during the next three years. COMMENTS: The careful etiological investigation of apparent life-threatening events may lead to rare diagnosis that requires specific treatments, such as congenital myasthenia.

OBJETIVO: Alertar a los pediatras sobre la necesidad de investigar criteriosamente la etiología de eventos con aparente riesgo de muerte recurrente. No se encontraron relatos asociando tales eventos a la miastenia congénita. DESCRIPCIÓN DEL CASO: Lactante de siete meses presentando historia de eventos con aparente riesgo de muerte recurrente fue internado para investigación. Durante la internación, presentó cianosis y disnea progresiva, con necesidad de ventilación mecánica por tres días. Después de la mejora clínica, y habiendo sido rechazadas las hipótesis de enfermedad del reflujo gastroesofágico y aspiración pulmonar como desencadenantes, se notó ptosis palpebral bilateral, hipotonía apendicular y lloro débil, que condujeron a la sospecha clínica de miastenia congénita. Después de la confirmación del diagnóstico, se mantuvo el tratamiento ambulatorial con piridostigmina, con recuperación nutricional y neurológica, sin nuevos eventos con aparente riesgo de muerte en los tres años siguientes. COMENTARIOS: La investigación minuciosa de las causas de eventos con aparente riesgo de muerte puede llevar a diagnósticos menos frecuentes que exigen tratamiento específico, como la miastenia congénita.

Síndrome de Coffin-Lowry / Coffin-Lowry syndrome

El síndrome de Coffin-Lowry es una enfermedad genética ligada al cromosoma X, caracterizada por múltiples deformidades esqueléticas, talla baja, retraso en el desarrollo neurológico, además de alteraciones renales, auditivas y otras. Si no se detecta y trata en forma temprana, lleva al paciente a pérdida de la audición neurosensorial y deformidad progresiva de la columna vertebral. Se presenta el caso de un niño de 10 años con los hallazgos clínicos característicos del síndrome de Coffin-Lowry: hipotonía, retardo del crecimiento y del desarrollo psicomotor, y deformidades esqueléticas progresivas. Se resalta la importancia de un diagnóstico precoz para mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente, controlando la pérdida de la audición neurosensorial y la deformidad progresiva de la columna vertebral (escoliosis o cifosis).

The Coffin-Lowry syndrome is an X-linked genetic disease, characterized by multiple skeletal deformities, short stature, and developmental delay, neurological disorder, cardiac disorders, renal and other disturbances. If not detected and treated early the syndrome may cause neural sensory hearing loss and progressive spine deformation. We report the case of a Coffin-Lowry syndrome in a 10 year old boy with hypotonic clinical characteristics, short stature, neurological development delay and progressive spine deformation. We stress the importance of early diagnosis to improve the quality of life of the patient by controlling neural sensory hearing deficit and progressive spine deformation (scoliosis and/or Kyphosis).

Fisioterapia na cistite intersticial / Physical therapy on interstitial cystitis

Cistite intersticial (CI) é uma síndrome de etiologia desconhecida, multifatorial, que provoca sintomas no trato urinário inferior como aumento na frequência urinária, urgência miccional, noctúria, acompanhada de dor vesical que frequentemente é aliviada após a micção. A prevalência é maior nas mulheres, que podem apresentar dor em região suprapúbica, perineal, vaginal e, não raramente, dispareunia. A conduta terapêutica é difícil, pela baixa eficácia nos tratamentos oferecidos e pelo alto impacto da doença na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. A fisioterapia surge como um tratamento promissor e de papel fundamental na melhora sintomatológica e redução da disfunção do assoalho pélvico, que comumente acometem os portadores dessa síndrome. Apesar da escassez de trabalhos científicos, principalmente no Brasil, utilizando apenas técnicas fisioterapêuticas, esta revisão discutiu o papel da fisioterapia na CI, enfatizando a terapia manual para o assoalho pélvico (massagem de Thiele) e a terapia comportamental como técnicas mais empregadas para alívio dos sintomas e melhoria na qualidade de vida dos pacientes

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a mulfactorial syndrome with unknown etiology, which causes symptoms on the lower urinary tract characterized by urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia and bladder pain that diminishes with bladder emptying. The prevalence is significantly higher in women who may have suprapubic, vaginal, perineal pains and dyspareunia. The therapeutic is difficult due to the lower efficiency of the treatments offered and the higher impact in the quality of patients' life. The physical therapy appears tobe a promising treatment and has a fundamental part on the symptoms improvement and reduction of pelvic floor dysfunction. In spite of the shortage of scientific articles using only physiotherapeutic techniques, mainly in Brazil, this review discussed the role of physical therapy on the IC, mainly manual therapy of pelvic floor (Thiele massage) and behavior therapy to relieve the symptoms and improve the quality of life

Manifestações renais na síndrome de Joubert / Renal symptoms in the Joubert syndrome

OBJETIVO:Descrever o caso clínico de paciente com Síndrome de Joubert associada a alterações renais. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente de dois meses de idade admitida com quadro hipotonia e hiperpneia. Ao exame físico, observaram-se, além da respiração irregular, movimentos oculares anormais e hipertensão arterial; não se evidenciaram alterações na ausculta cardíaca e pulmonar. Durante investigação clínico-laboratorial inicial, as causas cardíacas e pulmonares foram descartadas. Aventaram-se hipóteses diagnósticas de patologias neurológicas com doença renal. Os exames laboratoriais mostraram presença de alcalose respiratória, acidose metabólica e hipercalemia, com função renal normal. A ressonância magnética evidenciou alterações neurológicas compatíveis com "sinal do dente molar", quadro frequentemente associada à Sindrome de Joubert. Levando-se em consideração a associação dessa síndrome com alterações renais, a investigação nefrológica demonstrou imagens císticas em parênquima renal. COMENTÁRIOS: Patologias cardíacas e pulmonares estão frequentemente associadas a manifestações clínicas como taquipneia e distúrbios metabólicos. Entretanto, pode ser necessária uma investigação neurológica porque diversas doenças que acometem o sistema nervoso central apresentam tais alterações. A associação entre alterações renais e malformações de sistema nervoso central é frequente em diversos processos sindrômicos, justificando-se a sua investigação. A Síndrome de Joubert e as desordens a ela relacionadas caracterizam-se por aplasia do vermix cerebelar, ataxia, movimentos oculares anormais, respiração irregular e retardo do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor. As alterações renais mais comuns são os cistos renais e a nefronoftise, que pode progredir para doença renal terminal.

OBJECTIVE:To describe the case of a patient with Joubert syndrome associated with renal impairments. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2 month-old patient was admitted with hypotonia and hyperpneia. At the physical exam, besides irregular breathing pattern, abnormal eye movements and arterial hypertension without abnormalities in cardiac or pulmonary sounds were observed. At the initial clinical and laboratorial investigations, cardiac and pulmonary causes were excluded. The diagnostic hypothesis was: neurological illness associated with renal disease. Laboratorial analysis showed respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia, with normal renal function. In the magnetic resonance, images of neurological alterations were compatible with the "molar tooth sign", frequently associated with Joubert syndrome. Renal investigation was performed and cystic images in renal parenchyma were found. COMMENTS: Cardiac and pulmonary illness are frequently associated with clinical manifestations such as tachypnea and metabolic alterations. Nevertheless, neurological investigation may be necessary, since some diseases that affect the central nervous system may manifest these signs and symptoms. Association between renal alterations and central nervous system malformations are frequent in several diseases and should be investigated. Joubert syndrome and its associated disorders are characterized by aplasia of the cerebellar vermis, ataxia, abnormal eye movements and irregular breathing pattern with psychomotor and mental delay. The most frequent renal problems associated with the disease are renal cysts and nephronophtisis that can progress to end-stage renal failure.