Encefalopatia hipoxica isquemica neonatal avances y nuevos tratamientos basados en las bases patofisiologicas de la injuria / Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy: Progress and new treatments according to the pathophysiological basis of the injury

Resumen La encefalopatía hipóxica isquémica del neonato (EIH) es un tipo de injuria causada por la falta de oxí geno en el cerebro durante el periodo neonatal. Es un síndrome clínico claramente reconocible en recién na cidos a término y prematuros debido a asfixia fetal en el momento del nacimiento. Se estima que EHI ocurre a una frecuencia de1 a 3 por cada 1000 nacimientos vivos al año en países desarrollados. En países de bajo o mediano ingreso, la incidencia es hasta 10-20 veces más alta, equivalente a 1-8 nacidos vivos por cada 1000. El impacto social y económico ha sido estimado en cerca de 50.2 millones de dólares por año de vida ajustados a discapacidad. Así mismo, se estima que 7 es el número necesario de pacientes a tratar con hipotermia corporal terapéutica (HCT) para evitar un caso de muerte o minusvalía severa. La etiología es multifactorial e incluye factores prenatales, perinatales o post natales. El diagnóstico se basa en la incapacidad para respirar en el momento del nacimiento requirien do ventilación asistida, Apgar menos de 5 a los 5 y 10 minutos, alteración del estado normal de conciencia, reflejos neonatales y de tono muscular. Este artículo revisa los avances y estrategias terapéuticas estableci das y emergentes basadas en las fases pato-fisiológicas de este proceso.

Abstract Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of injury caused by lack of oxygen in the brain during the neonatal period. It is a clinical syndrome clearly rec ognizable in term and premature newborns secondary to asphyxia at the time of delivery. HIE is estimated to occur at a frequency of 1-3 for each 1000 alive newborns per year in developed countries. In countries of low or medium income, the incidence is up to 10-20 times higher, equivalent to 1-8 alive newborns per each 1000. The social and economic impact has been estimated near US$ 50.2 million per year of life adjusted to disability. At the same time, it is estimated in 7, the number of patients needed to treat with corporal cooling therapy (CCT) to prevent one case of death or se vere disability. The etiology is multifactorial and includes prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors. The diagnosis is based in the inability to support spontaneous breath at the time of delivery requiring assisted ventilation, Apgar less than 5 at 5 and 10 minutes, altered level of consciousness, neonatal reflexes and muscle tone. This article is a review of the stablished and emergent therapeutic strategies based on the pathophysiological disease process.

[Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Progress and new treatments according to the pathophysiological basis of the injury]. / Encefalopatía hipóxica isquémica neonatal. Avances y nuevos tratamientos basados en las bases patofisiológicas de la injuria.

Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of injury caused by lack of oxygen in the brain during the neonatal period. It is a clinical syndrome clearly recognizable in term and premature newborns secondary to asphyxia at the time of delivery. HIE is estimated to occur at a frequency of 1-3 for each 1000 alive newborns per year in developed countries. In countries of low or medium income, the incidence is up to 10-20 times higher, equivalent to 1-8 alive newborns per each 1000. The social and economic impact has been estimated near US$ 50.2 million per year of life adjusted to disability. At the same time, it is estimated in 7, the number of patients needed to treat with corporal cooling therapy (CCT)to prevent one case of death or severe disability. The etiology is multifactorial and includes prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors. The diagnosis is based in the inability to support spontaneous breath at the time of delivery requiring assisted ventilation, Apgar less than 5 at 5 and 10 minutes, altered level of consciousness, neonatal reflexes and muscle tone. This article is a review of the stablished and emergent therapeutic strategies based on the pathophysiological disease process.

La encefalopatía hipóxica isquémica del neonato (EIH) es un tipo de injuria causada por la falta de oxígeno en el cerebro durante el periodo neonatal. Es un síndrome clínico claramente reconocible en recién nacidos a término y prematuros debido a asfixia fetal en el momento del nacimiento. Se estima que EHI ocurre a una frecuencia de1 a 3 por cada 1000 nacimientos vivos al año en países desarrollados. En países de bajo o mediano ingreso, la incidencia es hasta 10-20 veces más alta, equivalente a 1-8 nacidos vivos por cada 1000. El impacto social y económico ha sido estimado en cerca de 50.2 millones de dólares por año de vida ajustados a discapacidad. Así mismo, se estima que 7 es el número necesario de pacientes a tratar con hipotermia corporal terapéutica (HCT) para evitar un caso de muerte o minusvalía severa. La etiología es multifactorial e incluye factores prenatales, perinatales o post natales. El diagnóstico se basa en la incapacidad para respirar en el momento del nacimiento requiriendo ventilación asistida, Apgar menos de 5 a los 5 y 10 minutos, alteración del estado normal de conciencia, reflejos neonatales y de tono muscular. Este artículo revisa los avances y estrategias terapéuticas establecidas y emergentes basadas en las fases pato-fisiológicas de este proceso.

[Treatment of neonatal seizures]. / Tratamiento de las convulsiones neonatales.

Neonatal seizures are among the most dramatic manifestations of acute central nervous system dysfunction. The incidence is much higher in very low weight neonates than in full term infants (˜ 58 and 3.5 per 100 live births, respectively). Neonatal seizures represent the clinical manifestation of a non-specific cortical cerebral dysfunction which can lead to permanent brain injury. The etiology is multifactorial and requires a judicious assessment for each clinical scenario. The diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that most neonatal seizures are subclinical, that is, may display very subtle or no clinical changes and the diagnosis may just be based on EEG findings. The treatment depends on the etiology, but an early and opportune intervention prevents further brain damage, thus improving prognosis. Although early identification and treatment are critical, the diagnosis of neonatal seizures is complicated by several factors such as different clinical presentations, possible etiologies and several treatment options. Nevertheless, research studies and clinical evidence have shown that early treatment with anti-seizure medications can change the outcome.

Tratamiento de las convulsiones neonatales / Treatment of neonatal seizures

Las convulsiones neonatales están entre las manifestaciones más dramáticas de enfermedad neurológica y deben ser consideradas una emergencia. La incidencia es 3.5 por cada 100 nacidos a término y en prematuros asciende a 58 por cada 100 nacidos vivos. Las convulsiones neonatales son una manifestación clínica de disfunción cortical no específica que puede dar lugar a daño permanente del cerebro. La etiología es multifactorial y requiere una evaluación cuidadosa de cada escenario clínico. El diagnóstico es más complejo por el hecho de que la mayoría de convulsiones son sub-clínicas o sutiles y a veces no tienen correlación con el electroencefalograma. Aunque la identificación temprana y el tratamiento son críticos, el diagnóstico se complica por algunos factores como la variedad de presentaciones clínicas, diferentes etiologías y varias alternativas de tratamiento. De todas maneras, los estudios de investigación y la evidencia clínica disponible han demostrado que el tratamiento precoz con fármacos anticonvulsivantes puede mejorar el pronóstico.

Neonatal seizures are among the most dramatic manifestations of acute central nervous system dysfunction. The incidence is much higher in very low weight neonates than in full term infants (~58 and 3.5 per 100 live births, respectively). Neonatal seizures represent the clinical manifestation of a non-specific cortical cerebral dysfunction which can lead to permanent brain injury. The etiology is multifactorial and requires a judicious assessment for each clinical scenario. The diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that most neonatal seizures are subclinical, that is, may display very subtle or no clinical changes and the diagnosis may just be based on EEG findings. The treatment depends on the etiology, but an early and opportune intervention prevents further brain damage, thus improving prognosis. Although early identification and treatment are critical, the diagnosis of neonatal seizures is complicated by several factors such as different clinical presentations, possible etiologies and several treatment options. Nevertheless, research studies and clinical evidence have shown that early treatment with anti-seizure medications can change the outcome.

Two novel mutations of SCN9A (Nav1.7) are associated with partial congenital insensitivity to pain.

Insensitivity to pain is a rare disorder that is commonly associated with Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies (HSAN I-V) resulting often in autonomic dysfunction and premature death. Very few individuals have been reported with pain insensitivity lacking such autonomic neuropathies. We performed genetic, neurologic, psychological, and psychophysical evaluations in such an individual (OMIM 243000) and her first degree relatives. Sequence analysis of genomic DNA revealed two novel SCN9A mutations in this index case (IC). One was a non-conservative missense mutation (C1719R) in exon 26 present only in the IC and one parent. Further sequence analysis of the child's DNA revealed a 1-bp splice donor deletion in intron 17 which was also present in the other parent and one sibling. Detailed psychophysical testing was used to phenotypically characterize the IC, her family members, and 10 matched normal controls. Similar to family members and controls the IC showed normal somatosensory functioning for non-nociceptive mechanoreception and warmth. However, she demonstrated diminished ability to detect cool temperatures combined with profound deficits in heat and mechanical nociception. Congenital insensitivity to pain in our IC was associated with two novel SCN9A mutations which most likely resulted in a Nav1.7 channelopathy. However, in contrast to individuals with other SCN9A mutations, the observed pain insensitivity was relative and not absolute, which may be consistent with hypomorphic effects of one or both mutations. The ability to sense at least some danger signals may be advantageous and ameliorate the otherwise increased morbidity and mortality of some individuals with congenital insensitivity to pain.

Restricted transgene persistence after lentiviral vector-mediated fetal gene transfer in the pregnant rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal gene transfer may enable early causal intervention for the treatment or prevention of many devastating diseases. Nevertheless, permanent correction of most inherited disorders requires a sustained level of expression from the therapeutic transgene, which could theoretically be achieved with integrating vectors. METHODS: Rabbit fetuses received 8.5 x 10(6) HIV-based recombinant lentivirus particles containing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgene by intrahepatic, intra-amniotic or intraperitoneal injection at 22 days of gestation. Provirus presence and transgene expression in rabbit tissues were evaluated at both 1.5 and 16 weeks post-in utero intervention by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase-PCR, respectively. Moreover, we assessed persistence of EGFP by immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays confirmed the development of antibodies specific against both the viral vector and the reporter protein. RESULTS: Regardless of the route of administration employed, lentiviral vector-based in utero gene transfer was safe and reached 85% of the intervened fetuses at birth. However, the integrated provirus frequency was significantly reduced to 50% of that in young rabbits at 16 weeks post-treatment. In these animals, EGFP expression was evident in many tissues, including cytokeratin 5-rich basal cells from stratified and pseudostratified epithelia, suggesting that the lentiviral vector might have reached progenitor cells. Conversely, we identified the presence of immune-inflammatory infiltrates in several EGFP-expressing tissues. Moreover, almost 70% of the lentiviral vector-treated rabbits elicited a humoral immune response against the viral envelope and/or the EGFP. CONCLUSIONS: At two-thirds gestational age, the adaptive immune system of the rabbit appears a relevant factor limiting transgene persistence and expression following lentiviral vector-mediated in utero gene transfer.

Combined treatment with BTX-A and ITB for spasticity: case report.

One woman with profound mental retardation and spasticity living in a public residential developmental center was treated with intrathecal baclofen therapy and botulinum toxin type A injections. After one year of regular injections, extension across the right elbow increased 49 degrees. After one year of ITB, range of motion for left hip abduction increased 28 degrees; right hip abduction 9 degrees; left hip flexion 3 degrees; right hip flexion 1 degree; right knee flexion 31 degrees. Our case demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in order to ease care and prevent complications. Expanded investigations should be carried out to evaluate the efficacy of combined therapy in patients with mental retardation.

Partial epilepsy presenting as apneic seizures without posturing.

Apnea is a symptom present in many conditions. During the neonatal period, apnea has been associated with epileptiform activity in the absence of posturing. However, the occurrence of apneic seizures without posturing beyond the neonatal period is an uncommon presentation for partial epilepsy. The aim of this case report is to present a rarely documented cause of apnea and desaturation in an otherwise healthy 24-month-old child. Further investigations revealed that the etiology of the spells was partial seizures originating in the right anterior midtemporal region. Polysomnography with extended electroencephalography and video is the gold standard tool to evaluate patients with apnea due to suspected seizures.