[Benign congenital myopathy associated with a partial deficiency of complexes I and III of the mitochondrial respiratory chain]]. / Miopatía congénita benigna asociada a deficiencia parcial de los complejos I y III de la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated or combined enzyme deficiencies of the mitochondrial respiratory chain results in a number of clinical heterogeneous conditions. When presented in the neonatal period or early in the infancy the course is usually severe, although isolated cases with benign evolution have also been described. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of a child with a benign form of mitochondrial myopathy due to a combined deficiency of the complexes I and III of the respiratory chain. CLINICAL CASE: A 40 days-old male, the second son of a young non-consanguineous couple, presented with axial congenital hypotonia, asymmetrical macrocephaly, mild enlargement of the liver, mild coarsening of facial features, increased CK serum values, persistently elevation of serum lactate and lactate/pyruvate ratio and external hydrocephalus. Electromyogram and histological muscle examination were normal but analysis of the respiratory chain disclosed a deficiency of the complexes I and III. From 13 months-age onwards clinical detailed abnormalities progressively ameliorated and also did it serum CK, lactate and external hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION: We think that on clinical, basic biochemical and histological grounds there are some similarities between this case of congenital unspecific myopathy and benign reversible form of mitochondrial myopathy, arguing in favor of a possible relationship between both conditions.

Miopatía congénita benigna asociada a deficiencia parcialde los complejos I y III de la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial / Benign congenital myopathy associated with partial deficiency of complexes I and III of respiratory chain

Introducción. Las manifestaciones clínicas de las deficiencias aisladas o combinadas de los complejos enzimáticos de la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial son muy heterogéneas y, aunque en general, cuando debutan en el período neonatal o durante la infancia temprana suelen tener un curso clínico grave, se han descrito algunas observaciones aisladas con evolución benigna. Objetivo. Presentar las características clínicas y bioquímicas de un niño con miopatía mitocondrial de curso benigno, secundaria a deficiencia de los complejos I y III de la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial. Caso clínico. Niño de 40 días de vida, segundo hijo de padres jóvenes y no consanguíneos, con hipotonía axial congénita, macrocefalia asimétrica, ligera hepatomegalia, rasgos algo toscos, aumento de la CK sérica, hiperlactacidemia sostenida con láctico/pirúvico elevado, efusión subdural benigna, electromiografía e histopatología muscular normales; en el homogenado muscular se apreció deficiencia parcial de los complejos I y III de la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial. En los controles evolutivos se observó, a partir de los 13 meses, un desarrollo psicomotor adecuado para su edad con normalización progresiva de la hiperlactacidemia y de la CK sérica, así como desaparición de los rasgos toscos y de la efusión subdural benigna. Conclusión. Por los datos clínicos evolutivos, bioquímicos básicos e histológicos, creemos que la presente observación presenta un fenotipo compatible con la denominada miopatía congénita inespecífica o de cambios mínimos; pero, a su vez, también reúne criterios concordantes con miopatía mitocondrial congénita de evolución benigna, hecho que induce a pensar en una posible relación entre ambas entidades (AU)

The effects on lipid and apolipoprotein serum levels of long-term carbamazepine, valproic acid and phenobarbital therapy in children with epilepsy.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of long-term carbamazepine (CBZ), valproic acid (VPA) and phenobarbital (PB) treatment on serum lipids and apolipoproteins in epileptic children. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and triglycerides (TGs) were measured and the LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios were calculated in 320 children and adolescents (129 receiving CBZ, 127 receiving VPA and 64 receiving PB) suffering from various types of epilepsy. Additionally, in a subgroup of 181 children (68 CBZ; 78 VPA; 35 PB) apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), apolipoprotein B (apoB), HDL2-C and HDL3-C were measured and apoA-I/apoB and HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratios were calculated. Results of the measurements were compared with those of 169 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. None of the variables considered was significantly correlated with time elapsed since start of treatment or with drug concentration in serum. TC and LDL-C serum levels were high in children receiving CBZ or PB and low in those treated with VPA. Serum LDL-C level exceeded 130 mg/dl in 27.9% of CBZ-group, 31.8% of the subjects receiving PB, but only in 7% of those receiving VPA and in 11.8% of control group subjects. CBZ-treated children also showed high HDL-C and HDL3-C values. In the group receiving VPA, HDL2-C, HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio and apo B were significantly lower than in the control group. Mean apoA-I levels were low in all treated groups: by contrast, in neither group did TGs, VLDL-C levels and TC/HDL-C or LDL-C/HDL-C ratios differ significantly from the corresponding control group. Our results suggest that the effects of long-term AED therapy on lipid profile and, particularly, on apolipoprotein serum levels increase risk of atherosclerosis-related disease. Moreover, these results confirm our previously reported increased risk in CBZ and PB-treated patients.

[Late infantile and juvenile form of GM2-gangliosidosis variant B1]. / Fenotipo infantil tardío y juvenil de la variante B1 de gangliosidosis GM2.

INTRODUCTION: Variant B1 is a rare form of GM2-gangliosidosis characterized by the presence of a mutation in the hexosaminidase A gene (HEXA) leading to a defect in the catalytic region of the alpha-subunit of beta-hexosaminidase A (alpha beta heterodymer). The mutated Hex A has almost normal activity against the natural synthetic substrates (4-methylumbelliferyl-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine, 4MU-NAG) but is unable to hydrolyse GM2-ganglioside and the sulphated synthetic substrates (4MU-NAGS). The first and more frequent mutation described in the alpha-subunit gene associated to B1 variant GM2-gangliosidosis was a G533-->A transition (DN allele) resulting in Arg178His substitution. CLINICAL CASES: Here, we report the clinical, enzymatic and molecular characterization in two variant B1 late infantile and juvenile cases. Both cases presented regression of mental skills leading to dementia, epilepsy and severe motor impairment with dystonic involuntary movements and quadriplegia. In the late infantile case (death at 5 years and 8 months), cherry-red spot was also present. Enzymatic assays were performed in fibroblasts, leukocytes and serum and confirmed the abnormally low beta-hexosaminidase A activity against sulphated substrate despite a normal or nearly normal total hexosaminidase activity (unsulphated substrates). The patient with the late infantile phenotype was found to be compound heterozygote for the DN allele whilst the juvenile form was homozygote for that mutation. CONCLUSION: Variant B1 form of GM2-gangliosidosis is a rare and heterogeneous condition that must be kept in mind when evaluating neurodegenerative disorders associated with speech or gait disturbances, dystonia, seizures and pyramidal features.

Neuron-specific enolase levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of neurologically healthy children.

Levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children without neurological disease were assessed. CSF samples were obtained from 37 subjects aged between 1 month and 13 years. All subjects had undergone lumbar puncture for diagnostic purposes, and were subsequently shown not to be suffering any form of neurological disease. NSE levels in CSF were determined by an enzyme immunoassay method. NSE level ranged from below the detection limit to 4.8 ng/ml (1.52+/-1.01 ng/ml). The present results may be useful as a basis for defining reference levels of NSE in CSF in post-neonatal children.

[3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric aciduria and recurrent Reye-like syndrome]. / Aciduria 3-hidroxi-3-metilglutárica y síndrome Reye-like recurrente.

INTRODUCTION: 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A lyase deficiency (HMG-CoA lyase) is an inborn error of ketogenesis and Leucine catabolism. HMG-CoA lyase catalyses the final step in leucine degradation, converting HMG-CoA to acetyl-CoA and acetoacetic acid. Clinical manifestations include hepatomegaly, lethargy or coma and apnoea. Biochemically there is a characteristic absence of ketosis with hypoglycemia, acidosis, hipertransaminasemia and variable hyperammoniemia. The urinary organic acid profile includes elevated concentrations of 3-hydroxy-3-isovaleric, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric, 3-methylglutaconic and 3-methylglutaric acids. CLINICAL CASE: Here, we report the case of a 17-year-old girl who presented in both ten months and five years of age a clinical picture characterized by lethargy leading to apnea and coma, hepatomegaly, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperammoniemia, elevated serum transaminases and absence of ketonuria. Diagnostic of Reye syndrome was suggested by hystopathologic finding of hepatic steatosis and clinical and biochemical data. As of 11 years old, laboratory investigations revealed carnitine deficiency and characteristic aciduria. Confirmatory enzyme diagnosis revealing deficiency of HMG-CoA lyase was made in cultured fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Our report constitutes an example of the presentation of HMG-CoA lyase deficiency as recurrent Reye-like syndrome.

Cerebral oxygenation in children with syncope during head-upright tilt test.

The pathophysiology of neurocardiogenic syncope remains incompletely known. In this entity, besides abnormal systemic hemodynamic regulation, potential cerebral circulatory abnormalities have been reported. In this setting, cerebral saturation assessment could detect cerebral blood flow changes and estimate the sufficiency of brain oxygenation during the event. A head-upright tilt test was performed in 25 children aged between 6 and 16 years. In addition to the standard protocol, cerebral oxygen saturation was determined noninvasively by means of a near-infrared spectrophotometry device. In the 19 children with a positive tilt test, significant impairment of cerebral saturation was detected both at the start of the patient's complaints (without hemodynamic modifications) and during syncope. Our results support the hypothesis of the presence of abnormal cerebral hemodynamic autoregulation in children with neurocardiogenic syncope.

[Hypomelanosis of Ito: autism, segmental dilatation of colon and unusual neuroimaging findings]. / Hipomelanosis de Ito: autismo, dilatación segmentaria de colon y hallazgo inusual en neuroimagen.

INTRODUCTION: Hipomelanosis of Ito (HI) also called Incontinentia pigmenti achromians, is the third most frequent neurocutaneous disorder. The abnormal skin lesions are more evident under Wood's lamp and consist of hypopigmented areas with irregular borders, streaks, whorls or patches which are usually distributed on the trunk or on the limbs. Non-cutaneous abnormalities, particularly of the central nervous system, eye, teeth and skeleton, have been reported in 76-94% of patients. CLINICAL CASES AND CONCLUSIONS: In the present paper, we report two cases of Hipomelanosis of Ito in two female girls with facial coarse features. In the first case the psychomotor development was normal. Segmental dilatation of the colon, precocious pubarchy, abnormal periventricular white matter hipersignal on MRI and nodular mass on left caudate nuclei were also present. In the second case a severe developmental delay and autistic behaviour were the prominent features. To our knowledge, findings described in case 1 were not previously reported in association with HI.

[Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency and cerebral malformations]. / Déficit de piruvato deshidrogenasa y malformaciones cerebrales.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) deficiency is a major cause of primary lactic acidosis and severe global developmental delay. A deficiency of PDH E1 alpha, a subunit of the PDH complex is a prominent cause of congenital lactic acidosis. The E1 alpha cDNA and corresponding genomic DNA have been located in the short arm of the X-chromosome (Xp22-1). A isolated 'cerebral' lactic acidosis with cerebral dysgenesis is a recognized pattern of presentation of PDH deficiency. Here, we report clinical features, magnetic resonance, and biochemical studies of two females aged 6 months (case 1) and 26 months (case 2). Both had severe development delay, minor dysmorphic features, microcephaly, severe hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, cerebral atrophy, ventricular dilatation and increase in serum lactate levels without systemic acidosis. Urinary organic acid profile was compatible with PDH deficiency. Increased CSF lactate and pyruvate levels and reduced total PDH and PDH E1 activities in muscle and fibroblasts were observed in case 1. Otherwise, decreased total PDH activity in muscle but not in fibroblasts was seen in case 2. The PDH E1á gene was sequenced in the case 1 and a deletion in exon 7 was demonstrated. Dysmorphism with severe cerebral malformations in female patients merits a metabolic evaluation, including determination of lactate and pyruvate levels in CSF.

Severe myoclonic epilepsy associated with mitochondrial cytopathy.

We describe a case in which severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy is associated with a disturbance in mitochondrial function. EEG traces showed diffuse spike-wave patterns inducible by intermittent photic stimulation. Laboratory analyses revealed high lactic acid levels in cerebrospinal fluid and urine, without metabolic acidosis or high lacticacidaemia. Muscle biopsy showed a slight increase in the number of mitochondria, which had a tendency towards subsarcolemmal locations, and clefts in the myofibrillar membrane that contained granular material staining positive for oxidative enzymes and red with modified Gomori stain. Quantification of the enzymatic activities of homogenized muscle showed partial deficiency of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes III and IV. Severe myoclonic epilepsy associated with mitochondrial cytopathy was diagnosed, but the possibility cannot be ruled out that the myoclonic epilepsy (or perhaps simply nonspecific epileptic encephalopathy) was secondary to the mitochondrial cytopathy. Thorough diagnostic analysis in severe myoclonic epilepsy cases is called for with a view to elucidation of a possible metabolic aetiology.

[Migraine in childhood and adolescence: a retrospective review of hospital cases]. / Migraña en la infancia y adolescencia. Revisión retrospectiva de una casuística hospitalaria.

A retrospective study of 101 cases of infantile migraine aged between 3 and 14 years is reported. Both sexes were affected equally, being common migraine the most frequent form. The immediate positive family history for migraine and underlying precipitating factors were identified in 66% and 88% of the cases respectively. The electroencephalographic picture displayed focal spike and wave or sharp and slow wave discharges in 19.1% of the cases. The evolution was favourable in 92% and there was no correlated with headache frequency or treatment approach. The better therapeutic response was obtained when underlying precipitating factors were removed. The most effective prophylactic drugs in our series were flunarizine, propanolol and dimetotiazine. We discuss the most relevant features of the migraine in the infancy.

Effects of long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs on serum lipid levels in children with epilepsy.

We determined serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs) in 125 healthy children and in 119 children with epilepsy who had been receiving carbamazepine (58 children), phenobarbital (22 children), or valproic acid (39 children) for 7 months to 10.5 years (mean, 5.8 years). None of the variables considered was significantly correlated with time elapsed since start of treatment or with drug concentration in serum. In the groups receiving carbamazepine or phenobarbital, mean TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels were higher than in the control group, the differences being statistically significant for all except LDL-C in the phenobarbital group. In neither group did mean TC/HDL-C ratio or mean LDL-C/HDL-C ratio differ significantly from the corresponding control-group mean. In the group receiving valproic acid, mean TC level, mean LDL-C level, mean TC/HDL-C ratio, and mean LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were significantly lower than in the control group. In none of the treated groups did mean VLDL-C or TG level differ significantly from the corresponding control-group mean. Our results suggest, in contrast to previous reports, that the effects on the serum lipid profile of long-term treatment with hepatic-enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (such as carbamazepine and phenobarbital) are probably not beneficial as regards risk of atherosclerosis-related disease. Our results additionally suggest a need for careful monitoring of serum cholesterol levels in children with epilepsy receiving carbamazepine or phenobarbital.

[Familial agenesis of the corpus callosum: a new form]. / Agénésie familiale du corps calleux: une nouvelle forme.

BACKGROUND. Agenesis of the corpus callosum is generally associated with other developmental defects of the cerebrum. Some familial cases have been reported. CASES REPORTS Case n. 1. A 6 year-old girl was examined because of developmental retardation, first noted at the age of 3 months. There was no consanguinity but 2 girls, cousins of the father, died at 17 and 18 years with the same clinical presentation. Our patient had seizures at 4 years. At examination, she had microcephaly, dilated unreactive pupils, and generalized hypotonia. Her IQ was 15. Funduscopic examination showed optic atrophy and visual evoked potentials were abnormal. The EEG showed spike-wave discharges and the CT scan showed agenesis of the corpus callosum plus heterotopias of the grey matter and brain atrophy. The child died at 12 years of age. Case n. 2. At 15 month-old girl, sister of case n. 1, had shown developmental retardation since the age of 4 months. She had microcephaly, dilated unreactive pupils, generalized hypotonia. Her IQ was 20. She also had optic atrophy, abnormal visual evoked potentials and a hypsarrhythmic pattern on EEG. The CT scan showed agenesis of corpus callosum plus heterotopias of the grey matter and brain atrophy. She died at the age of 10 years. Case n. 3. This boy, brother of cases 1 and 2, was examined on the first day of life. He had microcephaly and some spike-wave discharges on EEG. The CT scan and MRI showed agenesis of the corpus callosum. He had generalized hypotonia at 5 months with an IQ of 30; he suffered from seizures at 18 months. CONCLUSIONS. This agenesis of the corpus callosum seems to have an autosomal recessive inheritance. The associated developmental defects are different from those previously reported, suggesting that these cases represent a new form of corpus callosum lack.