Iranian Journal of Child Neurology (IJCN)
Volume:8 Issue: 2, Spring 2014

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a cliniconeuroradiological disease entity, which is represented by characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of subcortical/cortical hyperintensity in T2-weighted sequences. It is more often seen in parietaloccipital lobes, and is accompanied by clinical neurological changes. PRES is a rare central nervous system (CNS) complication in patients with childhood hematologic-oncologic disese and shows very different neurological symptoms between patients, ranging from numbness of extremities to generalized seizure.In this article, we will review PRES presentation in hematologic-oncologic patients. Then, we will present our patient, a 7-year-old boy with Evans syndrome on treatment with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and prednisone, with seizure episodes and MRI finding in favour of PRES.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of congenital or acquired brain lesions. But, in all of less than 8-year-old children, pharmacological agents and procedural sedation should be used to inducemotionless conditions for imaging studies. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of combination of chloral hydrate-hydroxyzine (CH+H) and chloral hydrate-midazolam (CH+M) in pediatric MRI sedation.In a parallel single-blinded randomized clinical trial, sixty 1-7-year-old children who underwent brain MRI, were randomly assigned to receive chloral hydrate in a minimum dosage of 40 mg/kg in combination with either 2 mg/kg ofhydroxyzine or 0.5 mg/kg of midazolam. The primary outcomes were efficacy of adequate sedation (Ramsay sedation score of five) and completion of MRI examination. The secondary outcome was clinical side-effects.Twenty-eight girls (46.7%) and 32 boys (53.3%) with the mean age of 2.72±1.58 years were studied. Adequate sedation and completion of MRI were achieved in 76.7% of CH+H group. Mild and transient clinical side-effects, such as vomiting of one child in each group and agitation in 2 (6.6 %) children of CH+M group, were also seen. The adverse events were more frequent in CH+M group.Combinations of chloral hydrate-hydroxyzine and chloral hydrate-midazolam were effective in pediatric MRI sedation; however, chloral hydrate-hydroxyzine was safer.

Incidence of CNS acquired demyelinating syndrome (ADS), especially multiple sclerosis (MS) in children, appears to be on the rise worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence, clinical presentation, neuroimagingfeatures, and prognosis of different types of ADS in Iranian children.During the period 2002-2012, all the patients (aged 1-18 years) with ADS, such as MS, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), optic neurotic (ON), Devic disease, and transverse myelitis (TM), referred to the pediatric neurology ward, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, were includedin this study. Demographic data, clinical signs and symptoms, past and family history, preclinical findings, clinical course, and outcome were obtained.We identified 88 patients with ADS in our center. The most prevalent disease was MS with 36.5% (n=32), followed by AEDM 26.1% (n=31), ON 17% (n=13), TM 15.9% (n=14), and Devic disease 4.5% (n=4). MS, ON, TM were morecommon among females while ADEM was more common in males. Children with ADEM were significantly younger than those with other types of ADS.Family history was positive in 10% of patients with MS.Previous history of recent infection was considerably seen in cases with ADEM.Clinical presentation and prognosis in this study was in accordance with those in previous studies on children. In this study, the most common type of ADS was MS, which was more common in female and older age cases. ADEM was more common in male and younger children. ADEM and ON had the best and Devic disease had the worst prognosis.

Seizures in neonates are very different from those of older children and adults.The aim of this study was to determine the etiology, clinical presentation, and outcome of seizures in hospitalized neonates of Besat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran.In this retrospective study, we evaluated all neonates with seizures (aged 0-28 days) admitted to the Besat hospital, Hamadan, over a period of three years from September 2008 to September 2011. The data were obtained from hospital records and analyzed using SPSS 12.Seizures were reported in 102/1112 (9.1%) neonatal admissions. Among neonates with seizures, 57% were male and 23.5% were preterm. The mean birth weight was 2936±677 grams and the mean gestational age was 37.60±1.94 weeks. 16.7% of them were LBW and 2.9% VLBW. In terms of seizure type, subtle seizures were observed in 38.2%, tonic in 29.4%, clonic in 26.4%, andmyoclonic in 5.9% of cases. The main diagnosis in neonates with seizures included hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (34.3%), infections (24.4%), intracranial hemorrhage (6.9%), hypoglycemia (5.9%), hypocalcemia (2.9%), inborn error of metabolism (1%), and unknown cause (24.5%). The mortality rate was 14.7%.Neonatal seizures indicate a significant underlying disease. HIE was the most common cause of neonatal seizures in our study. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve care during childbirth.

Overactivity and behavioral problems are common problems in children with prelingually profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Data on epileptiform electroencephalography (EEG) discharges in deaf children with psychologicaldisorders are so limited. The primary focus of this study was to determine the prevalence of epileptiform discharges (EDs) in children with SNHL and overactivity or behavioral problems.A total of 262 patients with prelingually profound SNHL who were referred to our cochlear implantation center between 2008 and 2010 were enrolled in this study. Children with SNHL who had diagnosis of overactivity and/or behavioral problems by a pediatric psychiatrist, underwent electroencephalography (EEG).EEG analysis was carried out by a board-certified pediatric neurologist. The control group consisted of 45 cases with overactivity or behavioral problems and normal hearing.One hundred thirty-eight children with mean age of 3.5±1.23 year were enrolled in the case group, of whom 88 cases (63.7%) were boy. The control group consisted of 45 cases with mean age of 3.2±1.53 years, of whom 30 (66.6%)cases were male. EDs were detected in 28 (20.02%) children of the case group (with SNHL) in comparison with 4 (8.88%) in the control group (without SNHL), which was statistically significantly different. In this study, we obtained higher frequency of EDs in deaf children with overactivity and/or behavioral problem compared to the children without SNHL. Further studies are required to evaluate the possible association of SNHL withEDs in overactive children.

Increasing use of methadone in withdrawal programs has increased methadone poisoning in children. This research aimed to study the causes of incidence of poisoning in children and its side-effects.In this research, The hospital records of all methadone-poisoned children referred to Hamadan’s Be’sat Hospital from June 2007 to March 2013, were studied. Children with a definite history of methadone use or proven existenceof methadone in their urine, were studied.During 5 years, 62 children with the mean age of 53.24±29.50 months were hospitalized due to methadone use. There was a significant relationship betweendelayed referral to hospital and increased bradypnea. According to their history, 25.8% and 58.1% of the children had been poisoned by methadone tablet and syrup, respectively. The most common initial complaint expressed by parents, was decreased consciousness (85.5%). During the initial examination, decreased consciousness, meiosis, and respiratory depression were observed in 91.9%,82.3%, and 69.4% of the cases, respectively. Nine patients required mechanical ventilation. There was a significant relationship between the need for mechanical ventilation and seizure with initial symptom of emesis. There were two cases of death (3.2%), both of which were secondary to prolonged hypoxia and brain death. There was a significant relationship between poor patient prognosis (death) and presence of cyanosis in early symptoms, seizure, hypotension, duration of decreased consciousness, and duration of mechanical ventilation.This research indicated that the occurrence of seizure, hypotension, and cyanosis in the early stages of poisoning is associated with an increased risk of sideeffects and death and are serious warning signs. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes of methadone-poisoned children.

Considering the recurrence of febrile seizure and costs for families, many studies have attempted to identify its risk factors. Some recent studies have reported that anemia is more common in children with febrile convulsion, whereas others have reported that iron deficiency raises the seizure threshold. This study was done to compare iron-deficiency anemia in children with first FS with children having febrile illness alone and with healthy children.This case-control study evaluated 300 children in three groups (first FS, febrile without convulsion, and healthy) in Khoramabad Madani Hospital from September 2009 to September 2010. Body temperature on admission wasmeasured using the tympanic method. CBC diff, MCV, MCH, MCHC, serum iron, plasma ferritin and TIBC tests were performed for all participants. Data were analyzed by frequency, mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, and chi-square statistical tests. Odds ratios were estimated by logistic regression at a confidence level of 95%. Forty percent of the cases with FS had iron-deficiency anemia, compared to 26% of children with febrile illness without seizure and 12% of healthy children. The Odds ratio for iron-deficiency anemia in the patients with FS was 1.89 (95% CI, 1.04-5.17) compared to the febrile children without convulsion and 2.21 (95% CI, 1.54-3.46) compared to the healthy group. Children with FS are more likely to be iron-deficient than those with febrile illness alone and healthy children. Thus, iron-deficiency anemia could be a risk factor for FS.

This study aimed to evaluate gross motor function and hand function in children with cerebral palsy to explore their association with epilepsy and mental capacity. The research investigating the association between gross and fine motor function and the presence of epilepsy and/or mental impairment was conducted on a group of 83 children (45 girls, 38 boys). Among them, 41 were diagnosed with quadriplegia, 14 hemiplegia, 18 diplegia, 7 mixed form, and 3 athetosis.A neurologist assessed each child in terms of possible epilepsy and confirmed diagnosis in 35 children. A psychologist assessed the mental level (according to Wechsler) and found 13 children within intellectual norm, 3 children with mild mental impairment, 18 with moderate, 27 with severe, and 22 with profound.Children were then classified based on Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification Scale.The gross motor function and manual performance were analysed in relation to mental impairment and the presence of epilepsy. Epilepsy was found to disturb conscious motor functions, but also higher degree of mental impairment wasobserved in children with epilepsy.The occurrence of epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy is associated with worse manual function. The occurrence of epilepsy is associated with limitations in conscious motor functions. There is an association between epilepsy in children with cerebral palsy and the degree of mental impairment.The occurrence of epilepsy, mainly in children with hemiplegia and diplegia is associated with worse mental capacities.

Phenylketonuria is one of the most common metabolic disorders and the first known cause of mental retardation in pediatrics. As Screening for phenylketonuria (PKU) is not a routine neurometabolic screening test for neonates in Iran, many PKU cases may be diagnosed after developing the clinical symptoms. One of the findings of PKU is myelination disorders, which is seen as hypersignal regions in T2-weighted (T2W) and FLAIR sequences of brain MRI. The aim of our study was to assess MRI changes in PKU patients referred to Mofid Children’s Hospital, 2010-2011.We studied all PKU cases referred to our clinic as a referral neurometabolic center in Iran for brain MRI and assessed the phenylalanine level at the time of Imaging. The mean phenylalanine level (in one year), clinical manifestations,and MRI pattern based on Thompson scoring, were evaluated.The mean age of our study group was 155±99 months and the mean diagnosis age was 37±27.85 months. There were 15 patients with positive and 15 with negative family history. The mean phenylalanine level at the time of imaging was 9.75±6.28 and the mean 1 year phenylalanine level was 10.28±4.82. Seventy percent of our patients had MRI involvement, in whom 20% showed atrophic changes, in addition to white matter involvement. Based on modified Thompson scoring, the score for our study group was 4.84.The maximum involvement in MRI was in occipital region, followed by parietal, frontal, and temporal zones. There was not any correlation between MRI score and patients’ age. But we found significant relationship between MRI score and the age of regimen cessation. No correlation was seen between phenylalanine level (at the time of Imaging) and MRI score. But there was a relationship between mean 1 year phenylalanine level and MRI score.According to the results of this study, brain MRI and white matter involvement can be used for evaluation of long-term control of phenylalanine level in PKU cases.

Chronic post-hypoxic myoclonus, also known as Lance-Adams syndrome (LAS) is a neurological complication characterized by uncontrolled myoclonic jerks following cardiac arrest. In this article, clinical manifestation and symptomatic treatment options are discussed especially concerning the rationale of use of levatiracetam in patients with Lance-Adams syndrome. Clinical presentation is action myoclonus associated with cerebellar ataxia, postural imbalance, and very mild intellectual deficit.An 18-year-old female patient was admitted to our intensive care unit in a coma. She had a cardiorespiratory arrest after a splenectomy in a local hospital. Then, myoclonic movements were continuously observed over the entire body, including the face.On day 14 of hospitalization, we started levatiracetam 1000 mg daily. The frequency of convulsion movements was reduced. The patient level of consciousness was 15 on the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was 23 out of 30. She was later transferred to the rehabilitation department.Vigilance is required to ensure early diagnosis and timely intervention for the myoclonic jerks. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that LAS should be considered in patients with the myoclonic jerks following cardiac arrest and that levatiracetam therapy may be useful as treatment.

The presentation of the typical characteristics of the acrocallosal syndrome (ACLS) are hypoplasia/agenesis of corpus callosum, moderate to severe mental retardation, characteristic craniofacial abnormalities, distinctive digital malformation, and growth retardation in a neonate.An Indian neonate presented on day 1 of life (youngest in the literature to be reported) with combination of abnormalities consistent with the acrocallosal syndrome and some additional findings. The baby, born to non-consanguineous, healthy parents, presented with macrocephaly, prominent forehead, hypertelorism, polydactyly of the hands and feet, duplication of hallux, hypotonia, recurrent cyanotic episodes, rib anomalies, dextro-positioning of heart, and delayed fall of umbilical cord.As the mode of inheritance of ACLS is autosomal recessive, the risk of recurrence is 25%. Genetic counselling is of prime importance, Polydactyly, and central nervous system malformations can be detected by ultrasonography in the second trimester, but due to variability of presentation, prenatal diagnosis may not always be possible.

Brucellosis is a multi-system infectious disease that presents with various manifestations and complications. Neurobrucellosis is an uncommon but serious presentation of brucellosis that can be seen in all stages of the disease. Highindex of suspicion, especially in endemic areas is essential to prevent morbidity from this disease.The case was an 11- year -old female patient who was admitted with a severe headache that was worsening over a period of 2 months. The day after each attack, she experienced transient right hemiparesia that was lasting less than one hour (TIA) as well as blurred vision and bilateral papilledema. Laboratory findings revealed serum agglutination Wright test positive at 1/320 and 2ME test positive at 1/160. A lumbar puncture showed a clear CSF with increased opening pressure (32 cmH2O), CSF examination was within normal range (pseudotumor cerebri).To our knowledge, there has been no report for recurrent TIA in pediatric neurobrucellosis in the base of pseudotumor cerebri.In endemic areas like Iran, unexplained neurological signs or symptoms should be evaluated for brucellosis.

We report a rare case that revealed severe myalgia as the chief complaint that is not mentioned in the list of frequent symptoms of Guillain Barré.Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP).Required features for diagnosis of GBS are progressive motor weakness of more than one limb and areflexia. We report an 11-yearold boy who was referred to the emergency department with complaints of generalized body pain and gate problem.It seems that if myalgias are the chief complaint and weakness is mentioned as a less important symptom, clinicians should consider GBS after ruling out otherreasons for myalgia especially inflammatory myositis.