Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a congenital myopathy with generalised muscle weakness, most pronounced in neck flexor, bulbar and respiratory muscles. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the Dutch NM patient cohort. We assessed medical history, physical examination, quality of life (QoL), fatigue severity, motor function (MFM), and respiratory muscle function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUnlabelled: Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare condition characterized by central hypoventilation, leading to the majority of patients being dependent on ventilatory support during sleep. This condition is often accompanied by various associated symptoms, due to a PHOX2B gene variant involved in neuronal crest cell migration. This study is the first to review the characteristics and outcomes in children with CCHS on long-term mechanical ventilation in the Netherlands.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn this cross-sectional study, we comprehensively assessed respiratory muscle function in various clinical forms of nemaline myopathy (NM) including non-volitional tests for diaphragm function. Forty-two patients with NM were included (10 males (25-74 y/o); 32 females (11-76 y/o)). The NM forms were typical (n=11), mild (n=7), or childhood-onset with slowness of movements (n=24).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe respiratory rhythm is generated by the preBötzinger complex in the medulla oblongata, and is modulated by neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), which are essential for accelerating respiration in response to high CO Here we identify a frameshift ( ) mutation in patients with congenital central hypoventilation. The mutation alters the C-terminal but not the DNA-binding domain of Mice with the analogous mutation recapitulate the breathing deficits found in humans. Furthermore, the mutation only interferes with a small subset of Lbx1 functions, and in particular with development of RTN neurons that coexpress Lbx1 and Phox2b.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn 2002, The Netherlands continued its leadership in developing rules and jurisdiction regarding euthanasia and end-of-life decisions by implementing the Euthanasia Act, which allows euthanasia for patients 12 years of age and older. Subsequently, in 2005, the regulation on active ending of life for newborns was issued. However, more and more physicians and parents have stated that the age gap between these two regulations-children between 1 and 12 years old-is undesirable.
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