Long-Term Follow-Up of Pediatric Patients with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy and Deep Brain Stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been increasingly used in the management of dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP). Data on long-term effects and the safety profile are rare. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the efficacy and safety of pallidal DBS in pediatric patients with DCP. METHODS: The STIM-CP trial was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study in which patients from the parental trial agreed to be followed-up for up to 36 months. Assessments included motor and non-motor domains. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients included initially, 14 (mean inclusion age 14 years) were assessed. There was a significant change in the (blinded) ratings of the total Dyskinesia Impairment Scale at 36 months. Twelve serious adverse events (possibly) related to treatment were documented. CONCLUSION: DBS significantly improved dyskinesia, but other outcome parameters did not change significantly. Investigations of larger homogeneous cohorts are needed to further ascertain the impact of DBS and guide treatment decisions in DCP. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Quality of Life After Deep Brain Stimulation of Pediatric Patients with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Multicenter Study with a Subsequent Randomized Double-Blind Crossover (STIM-CP).

BACKGROUND: Patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy are often severely impaired with limited treatment options. The effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) are less pronounced than those in inherited dystonia but can be associated with favorable quality of life outcomes even in patients without changes in dystonia severity. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to assess DBS effects in pediatric patients with pharmacorefractory dyskinetic cerebral palsy with focus on quality of life. METHODS: The method used is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study. The primary endpoint is improvement in quality of life (CPCHILD [Caregiver Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities]) from baseline to 12 months under therapeutic stimulation. The main key secondary outcomes are changes in Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale, Dyskinesia Impairment Scale, Gross Motor Function Measure-66, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and Short-Form (SF)-36. After 12 months, patients were randomly assigned to a blinded crossover to receive active or sham stimulation for 24 hours each. Severity of dystonia and chorea were blindly rated. Safety was assessed throughout. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02097693. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (age: 13.4 ± 2.9 years) were recruited by seven clinical sites. Primary outcome at 12-month follow-up is as follows: mean CPCHILD increased by 4.2 ± 10.4 points (95% CI [confidence interval] -1.3 to 9.7; P = 0.125); among secondary outcomes: improvement in COPM performance measure of 1.1 ± 1.5 points (95% CI 0.2 to 1.9; P = 0.02) and in the SF-36 physical health component by 5.1 ± 6.2 points (95% CI 0.7 to 9.6; P = 0.028). Otherwise, there are no significant changes. CONCLUSION: Evidence to recommend DBS as routine treatment to improve quality of life in pediatric patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy is not yet sufficient. Extended follow-up in larger cohorts will determine the impact of DBS further to guide treatment decisions in these often severely disabled patients. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Differential Analysis of Bone Density in Children and Adolescents with Neuromuscular Disorders and Cerebral Palsy.

Determinants that affect bone density in disabled children and adolescents with neuromuscular disorders have not been differentially investigated well. We performed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine in three groups (Duchenne muscular dystrophy, n = 16; other neuromuscular diseases, n = 11; and cerebral palsy, n = 18) providing height-age- and sex-adjusted z scores. Mobility was assessed by functional tests. Seven Duchenne patients were taking glucocorticoids; two reported previous treatment. We documented vitamin D blood levels and markers of bone turnover. Many patients presented low bone density for height-age (mean z score = - 0.86 ± 1.47). Areal bone density increased with age in the cerebral palsy and "other neuromuscular disease" groups, however, the Duchenne group demonstrated a decrease of z scores (r = - 0.622, p = 0.010). Tanner stage, body mass index, and mobility were independent variables affecting bone density. Vitamin D levels were low, but similar to those reported in healthy children. We conclude that bone mineral density in disabled children is mainly determined by their level of physical maturity, thriving, and mobility.