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Intellectual Disability in KATP Channel Neonatal Diabetes
Pernille Svalastoga1,2, Åsta Sulen1, Jarle R Fehn3
1Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Insights
The p.V59M genotype in KATP channel neonatal diabetes is linked to significant intellectual disability. This finding impacts understanding of treatment benefits and neuropsychiatric risks in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is linked to neuropsychiatric issues.
- The precise impact of specific NDM mutations on intellectual functioning remains unclear.
- Limited data exists for NDM patients with developmental delay.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess intellectual functioning and mental health in the Norwegian KATP channel NDM population.
- To investigate genotype-phenotype correlations, particularly for the p.V59M mutation.
- To evaluate the influence of sulfonylurea treatment timing on cognitive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated the complete Norwegian KATP channel NDM cohort.
- Included eight sulfonylurea-treated children (five with p.V59M genotype).
- Utilized developmental examinations, cerebral MRI, psychometric testing, and questionnaires compared to type 1 diabetes controls.
Main Results:
- A strong genotype-phenotype correlation identified the p.V59M genotype with substantial intellectual disability.
- Other genotypes were associated with minor cognitive impairment.
- Cerebral MRI showed normal brain anatomy in most participants.
Conclusions:
- The p.V59M genotype is strongly associated with significant intellectual disability in KATP channel NDM.
- Intellectual disability complicates the interpretation of psychological measures and the perceived benefit of sulfonylurea.
- This study found no evidence for an early treatment start benefit, though a weaker effect cannot be excluded.
Objective:
Neonatal diabetes has been shown to be associated with high neuropsychiatric morbidity in a genotype-phenotype-dependent manner. However, the specific impact of different mutations on intellectual functioning is still insufficiently characterized. Specifically, only a small number of subjects with developmental delay have been comprehensively assessed, creating a knowledge gap about patients carrying the heaviest burden.
Research Design And Methods:
We assessed the intellectual functioning and mental health of the complete Norwegian population with KATP channel neonatal diabetes. Eight sulfonylurea-treated children (five with the p.V59M genotype [KCNJ11]) were assessed using age-matched control subjects with type 1 diabetes. The investigations included a physical and motor developmental examination, cerebral MRI, psychometrical examination, and questionnaires assessing intellectual capabilities and psychiatric morbidity.
Results:
A strong genotype-phenotype correlation was found, revealing the p.V59M genotype as highly associated with substantial intellectual disability, with no significant correlation with the time of sulfonylurea initiation. Consistent with previous studies, other genotypes were associated with minor cognitive impairment. Cerebral MRI verified normal brain anatomy in all but one child.
Conclusions:
We here presented a comprehensive assessment of intellectual functioning in the largest cohort of p.V59M subjects to date. The level of intellectual disability revealed not only changes the interpretation of other psychological measures but downplays a strong protective effect of sulfonylurea. Within the scope of this study, we could not find evidence supporting an early treatment start to be beneficial, although a weaker effect cannot be ruled out.
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