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Neurologic considerations in propionic acidemia
John Schreiber1, Kimberly A Chapman, Marshall L Summar
1Department of Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Insights
Propionic acidemia (PA) causes significant neurological issues. This review clarifies brain pathophysiology and suggests evidence-based strategies for treating and monitoring these complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Propionic acidemia (PA) is an organic acidemia with diverse neurological complications.
- Neurological issues are a major cause of morbidity in PA patients.
- The underlying brain pathophysiology and optimal imaging strategies for PA remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the hypothesized pathophysiology of neurological complications in PA.
- To describe the clinical presentation of these neurological issues.
- To propose evidence-based treatment, imaging, and monitoring guidelines for PA neurological complications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hypothesized pathophysiology.
- Analysis of clinical presentation in PA.
- Synthesis of evidence for treatment and monitoring strategies.
Main Results:
- Neurological complications are prevalent and significant in PA.
- Hypothesized pathophysiology involves metabolic disruptions affecting the brain.
- Current evidence suggests specific approaches for neuroimaging and management.
Conclusions:
- Neurological complications are a critical aspect of PA management.
- Understanding pathophysiology aids in developing targeted interventions.
- Standardized treatment and monitoring protocols are needed for PA neurological complications.
Abstract:
Propionic acidemia (PA) is an organic acidemia which has a broad range of neurological complications, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, structural abnormalities, metabolic stroke-like episodes, seizures, optic neuropathy, and cranial nerve abnormalities. As the PA consensus conference hosted by Children's National Medical Center progressed from January 28 to 30, 2011, it became evident that neurological complications were common and a major component of morbidity, but the role of imaging and the basis for brain pathophysiology were unclear. This paper reviews the hypothesized pathophysiology, presentation and uses the best available evidence to suggest programs for treatment, imaging, and monitoring the neurological complications of PA.
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