LIS1-associated classic lissencephaly: A retrospective, multicenter survey of the epileptogenic phenotype and response to antiepileptic drugs.

Background: Patients with LIS1-associated classic lissencephaly typically present with severe psychomotor retardation and drug-resistant epilepsy within the first year.

Aim: To analyze the epileptogenic phenotype and response to antiepileptic therapy in LIS1-associated classic lissencephaly.

Method: Retrospective evaluation of 22 patients (8 months-24 years) with genetically and radiologically confirmed LIS1-associated classic lissencephaly in 16 study centers.

Analysis of the C19orf12 and WDR45 genes in patients with neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation.

Background: Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) comprises a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of diseases presenting with movement disorders and brain iron deposits. In addition to NBIA subtypes caused by mutations in PANK2 and PLA2G6, mutations in the C19orf12 gene were recently described as the third frequent cause of NBIA (called mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration, MPAN). Additionally, the X-linked gene WDR45 was found causative for a special subtype named static encephalopathy in childhood with neurodegeneration in adulthood (also called BPAN); however, analysis of this gene in a broader spectrum of NBIA has not been reported yet.

Unexpected recovery from longterm renal failure in severe diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis.

Background: Severe renal manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not uncommon and is associated with an indeterminate prognosis. Complete remission can be obtained, however, at least in the young when chronic lesions are absent and adequate anti-inflammatory therapy is immediately initiated.

Case Presentation: We report the unusual case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with severe oliguric renal failure, macrohematuria and skin rash.

Activity of childhood lupus nephritis is linked to altered T cell and cytokine homeostasis.

Purpose: Standard therapy for lupus nephritis is based on non-specific immunosuppression. We aimed to identify specific alterations in T cell and cytokine homeostasis and possible associations with disease activity in children with lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods: The phenotype of circulating T cells from children with LN and healthy controls (HC) was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Markers of childhood lupus nephritis indicating disease activity.

Current treatment regimens for childhood lupus nephritis (LN) are associated with significant side-effects and toxicity in vulnerable phases of growth and development. The paucity of biomarkers particularly in childhood impedes the appropriate clinical management and the development of new therapeutics. We analyzed markers of immune system (BAFF, RANTES), complement (Bb, C1q, C3d-CIC, C5a) and endothelial cell activation (sVCAM-1) in children with LN (n=22, mean age 14.