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Alpers Syndrome With Mutations in POLG: Clinical and Investigative Features.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22000311     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Alpers syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive hepatocerebral degenerative disorder. Seventeen patients with Alpers syndrome or polymerase-γ gene mutations were identified. Case records of 12 patients with Alpers syndrome and polymerase-γ mutations in both alleles were reviewed. All patients manifested developmental delay or regression, refractory epilepsy, and biochemical liver dysfunction. Liver failure occurred in three patients previously treated with valproate. Other signs included ataxia, visual disturbance, motor paresis, and tremor. Myoclonic and focal motor seizures were common, often manifesting as status epilepticus. Electroencephalograms demonstrated absent/slow posterior dominant rhythms. Interictal discharges were common, usually involving the occipital lobes. Rhythmic high-amplitude delta with (poly)spikes was evident in four patients. Magnetic resonance imaging showed migratory, cortical, and subcortical T(2) hyperintensities in four children most often affected the parietal and occipital lobes. Developmental regression and refractory focal motor or myoclonic seizures are consistent clinical features of Alpers syndrome with polymerase-γ mutations. Liver dysfunction constitutes a late manifestation. Migratory T(2)/fluid attenuated inversion recovery signal abnormalities involving metabolically active occipital and sensorimotor cortical regions comprise characteristic imaging findings. Interictal and ictal electroencephalogram patterns are more variable than previously reported. Three common polymerase-γ mutations, in patients of European descent, can assist with rapid diagnosis, circumventing the need for liver biopsy.
Authors:
Matthew F Hunter; Heidi Peters; Renato Salemi; David Thorburn; Mark T Mackay
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Pediatric neurology     Volume:  45     ISSN:  1873-5150     ISO Abbreviation:  Pediatr. Neurol.     Publication Date:  2011 Nov 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-10-17     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8508183     Medline TA:  Pediatr Neurol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  311-8     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Genetic Health, Victorian Clinical Genetics Service, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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