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Abstract(s)
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The suppression-burst (SB) electroencephalographic
pattern is rather common during the neonatal
period and suggests severe encephalopathy. When significant
hypoxic-ischemic insult is excluded, brain malformations and
metabolic disorders have to be ruled out. Two distinctive epileptic
syndromes are described: early epileptic encephalopathy
with SB (Ohtahara syndrome) and early myoclonic epilepsy
(EME). The later is frequently associated with neurometabolic
disorders, one of the most common being nonketotic hyperglycinemia
(NKH).
Case report: A baby girl presented with multiple erratic clonic
and myoclonic seizures from the second day of life, refractory
to antiepileptic drugs. She was hypotonic, lethargic and had
episodes of apnea. The electroencephalogram (EEG) showed
multiple bursts of multifocal epileptiform activity with long periods
of almost flat tracing; this pattern persisted beyond the neonatal
period, it was present at the last EEG performed at age four months. Barbiturate-induced coma with mechanical ventilation was
induced. She died at the age of five months.
The second but not the first sample of cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF) and blood revealed an increased CSF/serum glycine ratio
(0,11 – normal<0,03). Post-morten liver tissue biopsy found a
defi cit at the glycine cleavage system (GCS) (6,6 mkat/ kg - normal
45,0-195,0) and molecular studies detected a mutation in the
gene GLDC molecular testing. This result allowed better parent’s
genetic counseling.
Conclusions: Early myoclonic epilepsy presents with multifocal
seizures and SB on pattern on the EEG in the neonatal
period, metabolic causes must be investigated, namely the neonatal
form of NHK. CSF and plasma aminoacids, including glycine
levels, should be measured, simultaneously and sometimes
repeatedly. Enzymatic and molecular analysis may confirm this
diagnosis and are useful for parent’s genetic counseling.
Description
Keywords
Supression-burst EEG pattern early myoclonic epilepsy nonketotic hyperglycinemia
Citation
Nascer e Crescer 2011; 20(4): 290-293