Dihydropyridine Receptor Congenital Myopathy In A Consangineous Turkish Family.

Dihydropyridine receptor congenital myopathy is a recently described congenital myopathy caused by dominant or recessive mutations in the CACNA1S gene. To date, only 11 cases from 7 families were described in a single report. Here, we describe a consanguineous family with three affected children, presenting congenital hypotonia, contractures, ophthalmoplegia and respiratory insufficiency, with a novel homozygous mutation in the CACNA1S gene. They also showed cognitive delay, pes equinovarus deformity and neurogenic changes that have not been associated with this myopathy in the previous reports. This report expands the phenotypic spectrum of dihydropyridine receptor congenital myopathy and underscores the importance of whole exome sequencing in early onset neuromuscular disorders

Importance of Skin Changes in the Differential Diagnosis of Congenital Muscular Dystrophies

Megaconial congenital muscular dystrophy (OMIM 602541) is characterized with early-onset hypotonia, muscle wasting, proximal weakness, cardiomyopathy, mildly elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and mild-to-moderate intellectual disability. We report two siblings in a consanguineous family admitted for psychomotor delay. Physical examination revealed proximal muscle weakness, contractures in the knee of elder sibling, diffuse mild generalized muscle atrophy, and dry skin with ichthyosis together with multiple nummular eczema in both siblings. Serum CK values were elevated up to 500 U/L. For genetic work-up, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) after Nimblegen enrichment on the Illumina platform. The WES revealed a novel homozygous missense mutation in the Choline Kinase-Beta (CHKB) gene c.1031G>A (p.R344Q) in exon 9. Ichthyosis-like skin changes with intense pruritus and nummular eczema may lead to clinical diagnosis in cases with megaconial congenital muscular dystrophy

The knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of parents who have children with recurrent seizures concerning the non-hospital management of seizures

Objective: Sufficient information should be given to parents who have children with recurrent seizures about the approach to seizures outside the hospital. This study was aimed to identify the approach of the parents towards children with recurrent febrile seizures and epilepsy, and their requirements about management of seizures outside the hospital

Relationship of Scoliosis with Pain and Respiratory Dysfunction in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Introduction Scoliosis is one of the major causes of respiratory dysfunction in patients with Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD). Also, progressive spinal deformity severely affects walking and sitting, and can also lead to pain and difficulty in patient care. Although the relationship between scoliosis and respiratory functions was extensively studied, its impact on pain has not been examined. Hereby, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between scoliosis and respiratory dysfunction and pain, together with the frequency of scoliosis in Turkish DMD patients

Occipital cortex dysgenesis with white matter changes due to mutations in Laminin alpha 2

Laminin alpha 2 related congenital muscular dystrophy is one of the most common congenital muscular dystrophies of childhood with or without clinical evidence of central nervous system involvement. It may be associated with significant white matter abnormalities resembling leukodystrophies. In this study, we elaborated on two cases with laminin alpha 2 related congenital muscular dystrophy who had occipital cortex dysgenesis in addition to characteristic white matter abnormalities. Although laminin alpha 2 related congenital muscular dystrophy with white matter abnormalities is known, the association with occipital cortex dysplasia has been not well recognized by clinical colleagues