Metabolic Evaluation of Epilepsy: A Diagnostic Algorithm With Focus on Treatable Conditions: A Diagnostic Algorithm With Focus on Treatable Conditions

Clara D. M. van Karnebeek, Bryan Sayson, Jessica J. Y. Lee, Laura A. Tseng, Nenad Blau, Gabriella A. Horvath, Carlos R. Ferreira

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Although inborn errors of metabolism do not represent the most common cause of seizures, their early identification is of utmost importance, since many will require therapeutic measures beyond that of common anti-epileptic drugs, either in order to control seizures, or to decrease the risk of neurodegeneration. We translate the currently-known literature on metabolic etiologies of epilepsy (268 inborn errors of metabolism belonging to 21 categories, with 74 treatable errors), into a 2-tiered diagnostic algorithm, with the first-tier comprising accessible, affordable, and less invasive screening tests in urine and blood, with the potential to identify the majority of treatable conditions, while the second-tier tests are ordered based on individual clinical signs and symptoms. This resource aims to support the pediatrician, neurologist, biochemical, and clinical geneticists in early identification of treatable inborn errors of metabolism in a child with seizures, allowing for timely initiation of targeted therapy with the potential to improve outcomes.
Original languageEnglish
Article number1016
Pages (from-to)1016
JournalFrontiers in Neurology
Volume9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Dec 2018

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