Perampanel as Precision Therapy in Rare Genetic Epilepsies

Objective: Perampanel, an antiseizure drug with AMPA-receptor antagonist properties, may have a targeted effect in genetic epilepsies with overwhelming glutamate receptor activation. Special interest holds epilepsies with loss of GABA inhibition (e.g. SCN1A), overactive excitatory neurons (e.g. SCN2A, SCN8A ), and variants in glutamate receptors (e.g. GRIN2A). We aimed to collect data from a large rare genetic epilepsy cohort treated with perampanel, to detect possible subgroups with high efficacy. Methods: A multicenter project based on the framework of NETRE (Network for Therapy in Rare Epilepsies), a web of pediatric neurologists treating rare epilepsies. Retrospective data from patients with genetic epilepsies treated with perampanel was collected. Outcome measures were responder rate (50% seizure reduction), and percentage of seizure reduction after 3 months of treatment. Subgroups of etiologies with high efficacy were identified. Results: 137 patients, with 79 different etiologies, aged 2 months-61 years (mean 15.48±9.9) were enrolled. The mean dosage was 6.45±2.47 mg, and treatment period was 2.0±1.78 years (1.5 months-8 years). 62 patients (44.9%) were treated for >2 years. 98 patients (71%) were responders, and 93 (67.4%) chose to continue therapy. The mean reduction in seizure frequency was 56.61±34.36%. 60 patients (43.5%) sustained over 75% reduction in seizure frequency, including 38 (27.5%) with > 90% reduction in seizure frequency. The following genes showed high treatment efficacy: SCN1A, GNAO1, PIGA, PCDH19, SYNGAP1, POLG1, POLG2, NEU1. 11/17 (64.7%) of patients with SCN1A, 35.3% of which had over 90% seizure reduction. Other etiologies remarkable for over 90% reduction in seizures were GNAO1 and PIGA. 14 patients had a CSWS EEG pattern and in 6 subjects perampanel reduced epileptiform activity. Significance: Perampanel demonstrated high safety and efficacy in patients with rare genetic epilepsies, especially in SCN1A, GNAO1, PIGA, PCDH19, SYNGAP1, CDKL5, NEU1 and POLG, suggesting a targeted effect related to glutamate transmission

Structural brain anomalies in patients with FOXG1 syndrome and in Foxg1+/- mice

Objective FOXG1 syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with heterozygous FOXG1 variants or chromosomal microaberrations in 14q12. The study aimed at assessing the scope of structural cerebral anomalies revealed by neuroimaging to delineate the genotype and neuroimaging phenotype associations. Methods We compiled 34 patients with a heterozygous (likely) pathogenic FOXG1 variant. Qualitative assessment of cerebral anomalies was performed by standardized re-analysis of all 34 MRI data sets. Statistical analysis of genetic, clinical and neuroimaging data were performed. We quantified clinical and neuroimaging phenotypes using severity scores. Telencephalic phenotypes of adult Foxg1+/- mice were examined using immunohistological stainings followed by quantitative evaluation of structural anomalies. Results Characteristic neuroimaging features included corpus callosum anomalies (82%), thickening of the fornix (74%), simplified gyral pattern (56%), enlargement of inner CSF spaces (44%), hypoplasia of basal ganglia (38%), and hypoplasia of frontal lobes (29%). We observed a marked, filiform thinning of the rostrum as recurrent highly typical pattern of corpus callosum anomaly in combination with distinct thickening of the fornix as a characteristic feature. Thickening of the fornices was not reported previously in FOXG1 syndrome. Simplified gyral pattern occurred significantly more frequently in patients with early truncating variants. Higher clinical severity scores were significantly associated with higher neuroimaging severity scores. Modeling of Foxg1 heterozygosity in mouse brain recapitulated the associated abnormal cerebral morphology phenotypes, including the striking enlargement of the fornix. Interpretation Combination of specific corpus callosum anomalies with simplified gyral pattern and hyperplasia of the fornices is highly characteristic for FOXG1 syndrome.Peer reviewe

Clinical characteristics and quality of life with Dravet syndrome: results of the German cohort of the Dravet syndrome caregiver survey (DISCUSS)

Hintergrund Das Dravet-Syndrom (DS) ist ein seltenes, in der frühen Kindheit beginnendes, therapierefraktäres Epilepsiesyndrom, das mit einer hohen Morbidität und Mortalität verbunden ist. Fragestellung Ziele der Querschnittsstudie „Dravet syndrome caregiver survey“ (DISCUSS) sind die Identifizierung und Beschreibung der Faktoren, die einen Einfluss auf die Krankheitslast von Patienten mit DS und ihre Betreuer haben können. Die Ergebnisse der deutschen Kohorte werden vorgestellt. Material und Methoden Die Datenerhebung erfolgte durch eine anonyme Befragung von Eltern. Die Ergebnisse wurden für die verschiedenen Altersgruppen statistisch ausgewertet. Ergebnisse Der Fragebogen wurde von 68 Eltern der DS-Patienten mit einem durchschnittlichen Alter von 10 Jahren (Median: 9, Spanne: 1–26) ausgefüllt. Nur 3 Patienten (4,4 %) waren in den letzten 3 Monaten anfallsfrei. Insgesamt hatten 97 % der Patienten, die älter als 5 Jahre waren (n = 45), mindestens eine Komorbidität. Die zum Befragungszeitpunkt am häufigsten eingenommenen Antiepileptika waren Valproat, Kaliumbromid, Stiripentol, Clobazam und Topiramat. In der Vergangenheit wurden Natriumkanalblocker, Phenobarbital und Levetiracetam eingesetzt, aktuell fanden diese Antiepileptika nur selten Verwendung. Die Lebensqualität der Patienten war niedriger als die der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Die Erkrankung eines Familienmitglieds mit DS beeinflusst Eltern und Geschwister in hohem Maße. Diskussion Trotz individueller Kombinationstherapien sind die meisten Patienten mit DS nicht anfallsfrei. Insgesamt hat sich der Einsatz von beim DS wenig wirksamer Medikamente und der kontraindizierten Natriumkanalblocker zugunsten von wirksameren Medikamenten verschoben. Neue Therapie- und Versorgungskonzepte sind notwendig, um die Versorgung der Patienten mit DS zu verbessern und Eltern und Geschwister zu entlasten.Background Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare treatment-resistant epilepsy syndrome with onset in infancy. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Objective The aims of the cross-sectional Dravet syndrome caregiver survey (DISCUSS) are to identify and describe those factors that may have an impact on the disease burden of patients with DS and their caregivers. The data of the German cohort are presented. Material and methods The data collection was based on an anonymous survey of parents, which was statistically analyzed for the different age groups. Results The questionnaire was completed by 68 caregivers of DS patients with a mean age of 10 years (median 9 years, range 1–26 years). In the previous 3 months only 3 patients (4.4%) were seizure-free and 97% of the patients older than 5 years (n = 45) had at least 1 comorbidity. The antiepileptic drugs most commonly used at the time of the survey were valproate, potassium bromide, stiripentol, clobazam and topiramate. Sodium channel blockers, phenobarbital and levetiracetam have been used in past, but were given less frequently at the time of the survey. The patients’ quality of life was lower than that of the general population. The disease of a family member with DS has a major impact on parents and siblings. Conclusion Despite individual combination therapies, most patients with DS are not seizure-free. Overall, the use of less effective drugs and of the contraindicated sodium channel blockers decreased and has shifted in favor of more effective drugs. New treatment and care concepts are needed to improve the care of patients with DS and to relieve the burden on parents and siblings

Efficacy, tolerability, and retention of fenfluramine for the treatment of seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome: compassionate use program in Germany

Objective: Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare but severe drug-resistant epilepsy. Before the approval of fenfluramine (FFA) for the treatment of seizures in DS, patients in Germany could receive treatment under a compassionate use program (CUP). Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, observational study to describe the efficacy, tolerability, and retention of FFA within the CUP. Patients received add-on therapy with oral FFA gradually titrated to a target dose between .13 and .7 mg/kg/day Results: Overall, 78 patients with DS (median age = 8.0 years, range = 2.1–46.0; 53% female, median concomitant antiseizure medications [ASMs] = 3) were treated with FFA for a median duration of 255.5 days (range = 31–572). Responder rates (a ≥50% reduction; n = 78) and seizure-freedom rates at 3 months were 68% and 14% for total seizures, respectively, and 67% and 23% for generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Responder rates were consistent at 6 and 12 months (n = 66 and n = 43, respectively). Median seizure days per month significantly decreased from 10.0 (range = .5–30) to 3.0 (range = 0–30) in the 3-month period before and after FFA treatment (p < .001). Significantly fewer patients reported at least one episode of status epilepticus (28% vs. 14% patients before and after FFA initiation, p = .005). During FFA treatment, 35 (45%) patients were able to discontinue a concomitant ASM. At the last follow-up date, 66 (85%) patients remained on treatment with FFA. The most common adverse events were somnolence (36%), decreased appetite (22%), and ataxia (8%). Forty-eight (62%) patients were reported as having a meaningful global clinical improvement. Significance: In a large cohort of patients, FFA demonstrated efficacy across a range of outcomes including clinically significant reductions in convulsive seizures, and was well tolerated, providing valuable information for real-world practice

An examination of the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine in adults, children, and adolescents with Dravet syndrome in a real-world practice setting: a report from the fenfluramine European Early Access Program

Objective: To examine the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) in three age groups: &lt;6, 6 to 17, and ≥18 years old, treated in a real-world setting. Methods: Patients with DS were treated with fenfluramine in the European Union Early Access Program (EAP). Following a 28-day baseline period to establish the pretreatment monthly convulsive seizure frequency (MCSF), fenfluramine was started at a dose chosen by the treating physician and gradually titrated based on efficacy and tolerability up to a maximum of 0.7 mg/kg/day. Seizure incidence was recorded in a written diary, and adverse events (AEs) were reported at each patient visit. Cardiovascular safety was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography before treatment started and at least every 6 months thereafter. Results: A total of 149 patients have enrolled in the EAP and 63 were &lt;6 years old, 62 were 6 to 17 years old, and 24 were ≥18 years old. After 3 months of treatment 62%, 53%, and 50% of patients demonstrated ≥75% reduction in MCSF in the &lt;6, 6-17, and ≥18-year-old groups, respectively. This pattern of response was sustained through 12 months of treatment with 55%, 46%, and 80% of the &lt;6, 6-17, and ≥18-year-old groups, respectively, experiencing a ≥75% reduction in MCSF. Most common AEs were loss of appetite (21%) and somnolence (16%). No valvular heart disease or pulmonary artery hypertension was observed. Significance: The magnitude, consistency, and durability of the response to add-on fenfluramine is consistent across age groups in patients with Dravet Syndrome

Real‐world data on cannabidiol treatment of various epilepsy subtypes: A retrospective, multicenter study

Abstract Objective Cannabidiol (CBD) is approved for treatment of Dravet syndrome (DS), Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS), and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Several studies suggest antiseizure effects also beyond these three epilepsy syndromes. Methods In a retrospective multicenter study, we analyzed the efficacy and tolerability of CBD in patients with epilepsy at 16 epilepsy centers. Results The study cohort comprised 311 patients with epilepsy with a median age of 11.3 (0‐72) years (235 children and adolescents, 76 adults). Therapy with CBD was off‐label in 91.3% of cases due to age, epilepsy subtype, lack of adjunct therapy with clobazam, and/or higher dose applied. CBD titration regimens were slower than recommended, with good tolerability of higher doses particularly in children. Of all patients, 36.9% experienced a reduction in seizure frequency of >50%, independent of their epilepsy subtype or clobazam co‐medication. The median observation period was 15.8 months. About one third of all patients discontinued therapy within the observation period due to adverse effects or lack of efficacy. Adverse effects were reported frequently (46.9%). Significance Our study highlights that CBD has an antiseizure effect comparable to other antiseizure medications with a positive safety profile independent of the epilepsy subtype. Comedication with clobazam was not associated with a better outcome. Higher doses to achieve seizure frequency reduction were safe, particularly in children. These findings call for further trials for an extended approval of CBD for other epilepsy subtypes and for children <2 years of age