Utility and limitations of EEG in the diagnosis and management of ALDH7A1-related pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. A retrospective observational study

Bibliographic Details
Title: Utility and limitations of EEG in the diagnosis and management of ALDH7A1-related pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. A retrospective observational study
Authors: Vibeke Arntsen, Ahmed Jamali, Alma Sikiric, Erle Kristensen, Trine Tangeraas, Guste Kupliauskiene, Sigurbjörg Stefansdottir, Laurence A. Bindoff, Trond Sand, Eylert Brodtkorb
Source: Frontiers in Neurology, Vol 15 (2024)
Publisher Information: Frontiers Media S.A., 2024.
Publication Year: 2024
Collection: LCC:Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system
Subject Terms: pyridoxine, epilepsy, ALDH7A1, EEG, burst suppression, Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system, RC346-429
More Details: PurposePyridoxine-dependent epilepsy due to ALDH7A1 variants (PDE-ALDH7A1) is a rare disorder, presenting typically with severe neonatal, epileptic encephalopathy. Early diagnosis is imperative to prevent uncontrolled seizures. We have explored the role of EEG in the diagnosis and management of PDE.MethodsA total of 13 Norwegian patients with PDE-ALDH7A1 were identified, of whom five had reached adult age. Altogether 163 EEG recordings were assessed, 101 from the 1st year of life.ResultsMedian age at seizure onset was 9 h (IQR 41), range 1 h-6 days. Median delay from first seizure to first pyridoxine injection was 2 days (IQR 5.5). An EEG burst suppression pattern was seen in eight patients (62%) during the first 5 days of life. Eleven patients had recordings during pyridoxine injections: in three, immediate EEG improvement correlated with seizure control, whereas in six, no change of epileptiform activity occurred. Of these six, one had prompt clinical effect, one had delayed effect (< 1 day), one had no effect, one had uncertain effect, and another had more seizures. A patient without seizures at time of pyridoxine trial remained seizure free for 6 days. Two patients with prompt clinical effect had increased paroxysmal activity, one as a conversion to burst suppression. Autonomic seizures in the form of apnoea appeared to promote respiratory distress and were documented by EEG in one patient. EEG follow-up in adult age did not show signs of progressing encephalopathy.ConclusionA neonatal burst suppression EEG pattern should raise the suspicion of PDE-ALDH7A1. Respiratory distress is common; isolated apnoeic seizures may contribute. EEG responses during pyridoxine trials are diverse, often with poor correlation to immediate clinical effect. Reliance on single trials may lead to under-recognition of this treatable condition. Pyridoxine should be continued until results from biomarkers and genetic testing are available.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1664-2295
Relation: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2024.1355861/full; https://doaj.org/toc/1664-2295
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1355861
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/8b7fc35a330d49a5adc8ef20706fa65d
Accession Number: edsdoj.8b7fc35a330d49a5adc8ef20706fa65d
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:16642295
DOI:10.3389/fneur.2024.1355861
Published in:Frontiers in Neurology
Language:English