Upload
john-b
View
212
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Author's Accepted Manuscript
Freidreich Ataxia
John Bodensteiner
PII: S1071-9091(14)00023-0DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2014.04.004Reference: YSPEN470
To appear in:Semin Pediatr Neurol
Cite this article as: John Bodensteiner, Freidreich Ataxia,Semin Pediatr Neurol , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2014.04.004
This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As aservice to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. Themanuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting galley proofbefore it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production processerrors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that applyto the journal pertain.
www.elsevier.com/locate/enganabound
Editorial Comment
Freidreich Ataxia
The advancements in the understanding of the genetic basis of Freidreich Ataxia
have made it more important than ever to recognize the early manifestations. The
cardiac involvement has been known almost since the early description of the
disease but the nature and severity of the early cardiac involvement has been less
well appreciated until recently. I would only make two points about the case;
1) The first is that the absence of DTRs in the legs was an early sign in this case
as it has been in every case I have seen. I am frequently surprised by the fact
that reflexes are not noticed or not tested in many of the patients that I see
referred for possible neuromuscular conditions. It would seem to me that
the reason pediatricians are not testing reflexes is that they have never
learned to do so. This is perhaps our (we Child Neurologists) fault as we
must have failed to inculcate the examination of the reflexes into the
pediatric residents. Perhaps the fault is not all ours, however, as neurology is
not usually considered a requirement for the pediatric residency training
programs despite the fact that at least 1/3 of the patients seen in a pediatric
practice (excluding the well child care and the fevers) have a neurologic
condition.
2) The second point I wish to make is that so far, the increased understanding of
the molecular basis for Freidreich Ataxia has not resulted in a specific
therapy. Most of the patients are now managed in a multispecialty setting
with attention given to all systems affected which is often several as with any
mitochondrial disease. Idebenone has been used for over 20 years as has Co‐
Q10 and I believe that neither has been shown to be very effective. The
advancements in management have been related to better prevention and,
more enlightened follow up of the various possible complications of the
disease. I think this case and the discussion presents a nice update of the
current status of our knowledge of Freidreich Ataxia for those of us that do
not see it every day.
John Bodensteiner