Abstracts of the 17th International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases (ICNMD 2022)

HO01.02Neuromuscular Imaging in Myopathies

Wijntjes J¹

¹Radboudumc, Netherlands

Muscle ultrasound is a valuable neuromuscular imaging method in both the clinic and research settings, with proven value and reliability. Ultrasound enables the detection of pathological changes in neuromuscular disease that reflect the fatty replacement and fibrosis of affected muscles. These changes in muscle will lead to increased grayscale levels, as can be seen on muscle ultrasound and can be used to differentiate healthy muscle tissue from diseased.

Simple visual analysis will provide a lot of information about the overall muscle echogenicity and texture, and anatomical context. Taking the subcutaneous fat layer as a reference, clearly abnormal muscles are easy to spot. However, sometimes changes are more difficult to interpret because the skeletal muscles in our body all have different architectures and hence different grayscale levels. Visual interpretation thus strongly depends on observer experience. In practice, this limits the sensitivity for making a visual distinction between normal and diseased muscle to around 70%.

To make visual analysis more objective, the semi-quantitative Heckmatt grading scale can be used. This is a four-point visual grading scale, that classifies images based on the muscle grayscale compared to the overlying subcutaneous fat layer, the presence or absence of a distinct muscle architecture, and the amount of attenuation leading to decreased visibility of the underlying bone reflection.

The most sensitive and validated approach for using muscle ultrasound to discriminate between healthy and diseased muscle is offered by quantitative muscle ultrasound grayscale analysis. This quantitative technique calculates the overall mean grayscale level within a manually selected region of interest in the muscle ultrasound image and compares this to a reference value for that specific muscle that is corrected for the influence of age, length, sex and weight. This makes the technique observer independent. The reported sensitivity for detecting neuromuscular disease varies between 83 and 92%. The technique is device dependent because every ultrasound system will produce different grayscale images due to different software and hardware settings. This means that new reference values are required for each type of device and setting used. This limits the widespread use of this technique.

More and more is known about the promising possibilities of muscle ultrasound as a non-invasive biomarker. There is ongoing research to improve the semi-quantitative assessment method and a lot of energy is being put into the development of a device-independent quantitative measurement method. Alle these efforts aim to tackle the current challenges in the use of muscle ultrasound that hamper its widespread implementation and its benefits for the neuromuscular community.

HO01.04Imaging of the Respiratory Muscles in Neuromuscular Diseases

Doorduin J¹

¹Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Dept of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Respiratory muscle weakness is a common feature in many neuromuscular diseases that leads to significant respiratory difficulties, such as dyspnoea, sleep disturbances, lung infections and is often the primary cause of death. Therefore, assessment of respiratory muscle structure and function in neuromuscular diseases is crucial. In the last decade, ultrasound and MRI emerged as promising imaging techniques to assess respiratory muscle structure and function. Respiratory muscle imaging directly measures the respiratory muscles and, in contrast to pulmonary function testing, is independent of patient effort and cognitive function. This makes respiratory muscle imaging suitable to use as tool in clinical respiratory management and as outcome parameter in upcoming drug trials for neuromuscular disorders, particularly in children. Different ultrasound and MRI techniques have been demonstrated useful to detect impaired respiratory muscle structure and function in patients with a neuromuscular disease. Most of these techniques focus on the most important respiratory muscle: the diaphragm. Thickness, thickening, (3D) excursion and fat infiltration of diaphragm can be measured. Using these measurements impaired diaphragm structure and function has been demonstrated in many neuromuscular diseases. Furthermore, new technological advances in ultrasound and MRI are under development that may further increase the value of respiratory muscle imaging. However, to date, a lack of standardization in measurement procedures, evaluation of extra-diaphragmatic respiratory muscles and clinical data from natural history studies impede its widespread clinical use.

HO02.02What’s in a Nerve? Neuropathology Analysis of Frozen Tissue and a New Treatable Neuropathy

Pestronk A¹

¹Washington University St Louis, United States

Stained sections of frozen muscle have been the standard of analysis for many years and provide a wealth of information that cannot be gleaned from fixed tissue. Our pathology laboratories routinely evaluate frozen sections of nerve biopsies, in addition to standard studies of fixed paraffin and plastic embedded specimens. Frozen sections of nerve allow for a range of histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis that is not easily performed on fixed tissue. We will describe results of staining of sections of frozen sural nerve with: Hematoxylin & Eosin, Gomori trichrome, VvG, Acid and Alkaline phosphatase, Congo red, ATPase 4.3, and antibodies to Immune features, Neurofilaments (Axons) and Schwann cell proteins. Analysis of nerve pathology using frozen sections allows rapid characterization of the states of large and small axons, Schwann cells, myelin proteins, and humoral and cellular immune disorders. We will describe the clinical and pathology features of Humoral Immune Endoneurial Microvasculopathy (HIEM), a new, treatable axonal neuropathy. HIEM is an adult onset (4th to 9th decade), motor-sensory axonal polyneuropathy with non-inflammatory, humoral immune pathology that includes C5b-9 staining of endoneurial microvessels. HIEM is manifest clinically by slowly progressive asymmetric, distal, lower extremity ± upper extremity weakness, and distal panmodal sensory loss but little pain. Diabetes is present in over 50% of HIEM patients. Weakness improves rapidly during high-dose corticosteroid treatment. HIEM may represent a new class of non-inflammatory, immune, vasculopathic, treatable axonal motor-sensory neuropathies, some masquerading as diabetic neuropathies.

HO02.03Myopathology in Congenital Myopathies

Evangelista T¹

¹Functional unit of neuromuscular pathology; Institute of Myology; GHU Pitié-Salpêtrière; Sorbonne University, Paris, France

Congenital myopathies (CM) are a heterogeneous group of diseases, typically presenting in the neonatal period or in early infancy with hypotonia and muscle weakness and a slow or non-progressive course. From a genetic point of view, they may be inherited in a dominant, recessive or X-linked manner, or they may arise de novo. The traditional classification of CM was based on the characteristic abnormalities observed in muscle biopsies. Four classical sub-types have been defined: nemaline myopathies, core myopathies, centronuclear myopathies, and congenital fibre type disproportion. With the advances in molecular genetics, as with other muscle diseases, a strict genotype-phenotype-histologic correlation no longer applies. Mutations in different genes can cause the same pathology and mutations in the same gene can cause multiple different phenotypes. However, even if the use of whole exome sequencing has enlarged the clinical and pathological spectrum of congenital myopathies, pathology still has a role in clarifying the pathogenicity of gene variants as well as directing molecular analysis. During this presentation, we will try to summarize the histopathologic characteristics of the “classical” subtypes of CM as well as some of the novel diseases with a CM presentation.

HO02.04Myopathology in Vacuolar and Protein Aggregate Myopathies

Olivé M¹

¹Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau/Center for Biomedical Network Research On Rare Diseases (CIBERER)., Barcelona, España

Protein aggregate myopathies (PAMs) are a growing group of muscle disorders characterized morphologically by the presence of protein aggregates in muscle cells. Protein aggregates, observed as inclusions within muscle fibers, may occur in patients suffering from certain congenital myopathies such as actinopathies, or myosin storage myopathy, but also in late onset hereditary myopathies and even in non-genetic conditions. Structurally and functionally diverse proteins have been implicated in the causation of PAM, allowing for classification of these disorders on the basis of the causative gene.

Myofibrillar myopathies (MFMs) are the largest and best-known group of PAM. They are pathologically defined by focal disintegration of myofibrils and accumulation of degradation products into inclusions containing desmin and many other proteins. MFMs are associated with mutations in more than 15 genes. The accumulation of defective, misfolded, proteins in these conditions overloads the capacity of the ubiquitin-proteasome-system (UPS) to remove them and as a consequence, autophagy pathways are activated leading to protein degradation in lysosomes, resulting in the formation of autophagic vacuoles. The combination of protein aggregates with rimmed vacuoles is a typical feature of MFM. However, rimmed vacuoles are not restricted to MFM. On the contrary, they are also typically observed in sIBM, and are a characteristic feature of large numbers of hereditary muscle conditions including GNE-myopathy, tibial muscular dystrophy, or oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy among many others. Rimmed vacuoles are typically surrounded by basophilic material that stains red with the modified Gomori trichrome. They usually react with antibodies against p62, ubiquitin and other proteins including TDP-43. Under EM they contain myeloid bodies, degraded organelles, and sometimes tubulofilamentous inclusions.

Besides the rimmed vacuolar myopathies mentioned above, autophagic vacuoles are the major pathological feature of a group of disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding lysosomal enzymes. Pompe’s disease, Danon disease and X-linked myopathy with excessive autophagy (XMEA) caused by mutation in GAA, LAMP2 and VMA21 respectively are classified within this group. Moreover, autophagic vacuoles are also a feature in some toxic myopathies. Immunohistochemical analysis allows to demonstrate sarcolemmal features in most of these conditions, and EM shows the lysosomal origin and contents of the vacuoles.

Finally, prominent vacuolar changes are often found in some glycogenosis. Subsarcolemmal vacuoles with glycogen accumulation are observed in type III, V and VII glycogenosis. In contrast to glycogenosis type II (Pompe’s disease) where glycogen excess is surrounded by a membrane, glycogen deposition in type III, V and VII is not membrane-bound. Histochemical reactions demonstrate lack of phosphorylase and phosphofructokinase activity in glycogenosis type V and VII respectively.

Recognition of protein aggregate myopathies and vacuolar myopathies requires a careful and extensive histochemical, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic workup of muscle biopsy to characterize the composition of the protein aggregates and the nature of the contents of the vacuoles.

In spite of the spectacular advances in the molecular characterization of patients at the genomic level, we still need to identify and characterize the muscle pathology in many patients particularly when there is uncertainty about the pathogenicity of the identified variants.

TC01.03Old and New Antibodies in IIM

Christopher L¹

¹Johns Hopkins University, United States

This presentation will review myositis- related autoantibodies, their discovery, and the important clinical correlations that relate to each myositis autoantibodies subtype.

We will look back at the timeline of autoantigen discovery from the 1970s until day, exploring well-known autoantibodies and the evidence for newer autoantibodies.

Detection of myositis-specific autoantibodies has undergone a metamorphosis from availability only in highly specialized laboratories to now readily available autoantibodies by line blot technology. But there are pitfalls to these detection systems and the practicing clinician must be able to interpret the results in context and with caution in some circumstances.

Phenotype-autoantibody associations will be elucidated. Specifically, autoantibodies as they relate to the myositis subtypes of dermatomyositis, immune mediated necrotizing myopathy, inclusion body myositis and overlap myositis subtypes will be discussed.

Finally, the presenter will review the evidence for pathogenicity of autoantibodies, the concept of autoantibody epiphenomena, and the intriguing possibility of virally-mediated autoantibody generation.

TC01.04Treatment Options for IIM

Benveniste O¹

¹Sorbonne Université, Paris, France

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), generally known as myositis, are a heterogeneous group of different diseases having muscle weakness and inflammation within muscle tissue in common. Classification has greatly evolved over time. In the 1970s, only two diseases were recognized: polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyosites (DM). My team and I participated extensively in the advancement of IIMs classification by studying our cohort of myositis patients using an unsupervised statistical method, principal component analysis (PCA). And indeed this PCA showed the existence of, not only two, but four distinct subgroups: inclusion body myositis (IBM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS), immune mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) and DM, no longer simply PM. Another team also described different transcriptomic signatures in the muscle that were specific to each of the same subgroups, confirming their existence and different physiopathogenesis among the subgroups.

Therapeutic management today still focuses on high-dose and prolonged corticosteroid usage plus immunosuppressants for patients with DM, IMNM and ASyS, which improves vital prognosis, but does not prevent numerous side effects, relapses and the frequent persistence of disability due to sarcopenia. Furthermore, some DM remain rapidly lethal, and as for IBM, no processing has ever proven to be effective. These unmet needs necessitate a much more concise understanding of the physiological mechanisms to be able to finally develop specific treatments.

In DM, several studies show the presence of an interferon type I (IFN-I) signature in the blood, muscle and skin of patients, which correlates with disease activity. This correlation points to IFN-I as inducing muscle damage and to target this pathway. Based on this and further off label already treated DM patients, different trials of JAK-inhibs will soon be launched.

In IMNM, convergent data demonstrating that anti-HMGCR and anti-SRP autoantibodies (aAbs) are pathogenic. A phase II trial testing an anti-complement strategy have just be completed, but the results are negative. Further trials aiming to decrease the aAb titers will soon be launched.

In ASyS, there is evidence that disruption of tolerance to histidyl-tRNA synthetase, the antigenic target of the anti-Jo-1 aAb (which is by far the most frequent in ASyS) could occur in the lung. And the lung involvement makes the prognosis of this disease. Different immunosuppressant strategies to fight the interstitial pneumonia are ongoing.

The presence of microscopic cellular inflammation (endomysial with the invasion of muscle fibres) is the hallmark of the inflammatory nature of IBM. However, the presence of rimmed vacuoles and other ‘degenerative’ features has led to controversy regarding the pathogenesis of IBM. Nevertheless, it has been shown that IBM is driven by highly differentiated cytotoxic T cells: effector memory (TEM) and terminally differentiated (TEMRA) cells. We did a monocentric phase II trial of rapamycin (sirolimus) with enough evidence of benefit in certain secondary outcomes to pursue a multicentre phase III trial which will start soon. Finally, a Phase I study of a monoclonal antibody against KLRG1 (a marker of TEM/TEMRA cells) designed to deplete KLRG1+ T cells is ongoing, preparing a multicentric phase II/III.

TC02.012022 EAN/PNS GBS Guideline

Hadden R¹

¹King’s College Hospital, United Kingdom

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute polyradiculoneuropathy. This is the first systematic clinical guideline, developed by an international task force using formal GRADE methodology.

The diagnostic criteria remain primarily clinical, based on history and examination findings of acute progressive limb weakness and areflexia. Variants of GBS may include motor GBS, Miller Fisher Syndrome, and regional variants with weakness predominantly in lower limbs, face, or pharynx/neck/arms.

The differential diagnosis is wide. When uncertain, diagnosis may be assisted by nerve conduction tests, raised cerebrospinal fluid protein, and less often by MRI spine with contrast, or serum antibodies to gangliosides (especially for variants) or nodal-paranodal antibodies (especially if not improving). Axonal versus demyelinating subtyping does not affect clinical management.

A history of recent gastrointestinal or respiratory infection or of surgery may support the diagnosis. The risk of GBS is only very slightly increased after Covid-19 infection and after the adenovirus-vector vaccines to SARS-CoV2 (AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson) but not mRNA vaccines.

Immune treatment is recommended with intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange, for most patients except those mildly affected or after four weeks from onset. A repeat course is reasonable after a treatment-related fluctuation. Corticosteroids are not recommended. There is no evidence of benefit from any other disease-modifying treatment.

Respiratory function should be monitored by forced vital capacity and single breath count to assess the risk of needing mechanical ventilation, guided by the mEGRIS scale.

Pain is very common. It may be musculoskeletal or neuropathic, and treated with gabapentin, tricyclic antidepressants or carbamazepine.

Patients who fail to improve should be reassessed for the correct diagnosis and for axonal degeneration. Around 5% of patients with GBS may later develop CIDP but no test can reliably indicate this within the first eight weeks. Nodal-paranodal antibodies should be tested if CIDP is suspected or if the patient is not recovering well.

The long-term outcome is less good in patients of older age, with preceding diarrhoea, or more severe weakness, as quantified by the mEGOS scale, and also in patients with smaller motor potential amplitudes or raised serum neurofilament light chain level.

TC02.022021 EAN/PNS CIDP Guideline

Van den Bergh P¹

¹Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Belgium

The 2021 EAN/PNS guideline on diagnosis and treatment of CIDP is a revision of the 2010 EFNS/PNS CIDP guideline. It was carried out by an international task force of disease experts according to modern GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. Clinical and electrodiagnostic criteria as well as management recommendations and good practice points will be presented. Investigations to discover possible other diseases that may mimic CIDP should be considered and the diagnostic strategy will be addressed. We distinguished typical CIDP and CIDP variants. The previously used term ‘atypical CIDP’ was replaced by ‘CIDP variants’. CIDP variants (multifocal, focal, distal, motor, or sensory CIDP) are well characterized entities with specific clinical and electrodiagnostic phenotypes. Because of insufficient distinction between criteria for probable and definite CIDP, we reduced the levels of diagnostic certainty from three (definite, probable, possible CIDP) to only two: CIDP and possible CIDP. Electrodiagnosis is strongly recommended to confirm the clinical diagnosis of CIDP. If only possible CIDP can be diagnosed, fulfilment of 2 supportive criteria (CSF, imaging, nerve biopsy, objective response to treatment) upgrades the diagnosis to CIDP. In clinically typical CIDP not meeting minimal electrodiagnostic criteria, objective treatment response and fulfilment of 1 other supportive criterion supports the diagnosis of possible typical CIDP. Chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy (CISP) and autoimmune nodopathies are not classified as CIDP variants. Treatment is recommended only if there is significant disability and impairment and if there is active disease (objective worsening). Recommendations for induction and maintenance treatment will be discussed.

TC02.03Autoimmune Nodopathies

Querol Gutiérrez L¹

¹LFB BIOMEDICAMENTS, France

Autoimmune neuropathies (AiN) are a heterogeneous group of disorders including, among others, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). The recent discovery of antibodies targeting cell-adhesion molecules at the node of Ranvier in patients that may present as acute or chronic aggressive AiN, has challenged traditional classifications and provided novel insights into AiN pathogenesis. Antibodies targeting contactin-1, neurofascin 155, contactin-associated protein 1 and pan-neurofascin identify AiN patients with specific clinical and therapeutic features that have recently been considered a differentiated category within the AiN group: the autoimmune nodopathies (ANo). ANo are a rare subset of AiN that may fulfil GBS or CIDP diagnostic criteria, including electrophysiological features that are indistinguishable from those of other acquired demyelinating AiN but that display a type of presentation, associated clinical features, electrophysiological, pathological and genetic profiles and, most importantly, therapeutic response profile that differ from typical GBS or CIDP. These disorders, frequently (though not exclusively) mediated by IgG4 antibodies respond poorly to IVIg but respond well to B-cell depleting therapies.

The presentation at the ICNMD will provide a general overview on the involvement of node of Ranvier in AiN in general and then will review up to date literature on the clinical, pathophysiological and therapeutic features of the different.

TC02.04Biomarkers and Outcome Measures in Immune-mediated Neuropathies

Allen J¹

¹University of Minnesota, United States

The immune-mediated neuropathies are a collection of diseases that are generally without diagnostic or disease activity biomarkers. As our treatment paradigms get more complex and costly, it is paramount to develop objective ways to assess treatment responses that can justify ongoing immunotherapy. Ideally these tools will reflect not just clinical improvement but also help us understand changes at the tissue and pathobiologic level. To be practical they should also be easy to perform and provide rapid results that are reliable, responsive, valid and cost effective. Clinical outcomes commonly used include measures of disability and strength impairment. For some the minimally important clinical difference (MCID) has been defined, and these measures are critically important to define treatment response groups in clinical trials. In clinical practice we are learning that the strictly defined MCID may be less important than finding a profile of outcomes that move in a similar direction, even if the change is less than the MCID. We also are learning that even our best clinical outcomes are heavily influenced by placebo responses. For example, in one clinical trial that required patients to suspend open-label IVIG and show deterioration and then restabalize with open-label IVIG before randomization, still 37% of subjects who were randomized to placebo remained stable despite a recent deterioration with open-label IVIG suspension. Tissue status biomarkers are poised to supplement clinical outcomes by helping to objectify changes occurring at the nerve level. While no tissue status biomarker is ready for routine use, serum neurofilament light chain (NFL) holds promise as a disease activity biomarker in subset of patients with increased NfL before the start of treatment. Calcitonin and glial fibrillary acidic protein also have have some early data that suggest that they may have a role in understanding axonal status in inflammatory neuropathies, while sphingomyelin, neural adhesion molecule and transmembrane protease serine 5 are currently being explored as myelin status biomarkers. The immunobiologic underpinnings of CIDP have long been elusive. The discovery of the nodal and paranodal antibodies neurofascin155, neurofascin 140/186 and contactin 1 have shed insight into a subset of acquired immune mediated chronic neuropathies. These antibodies may play a role not only as diagnostic biomarkers, but as disease activity biomarkers as well. Serum contactin-1 level, independent of the autoantibody, may be a disease activity marker in some patients. Cytokine/chemokine profiles and complement profiles have been explored in small cohorts of patients. An improved understanding of changes in these profiles may provide influential data on how the immunology of the inflammatory neuropathies changes over time, and by extension how the activity of disease can be measured. Biologic outcomes require study in larger cohorts at various stages of disease to understand their utility. Much is to be learned on how clinical, tissue status, and immuobiologic disease activity outcomes can co-exist. While the search for a uniform biomarker that captures outcome in all with inflammatory neuropathy is unlikely to be realistic, biomarker profiles are poised to make great improvements in our understanding of inflammatory neuropathy disease activity status.

TC03.01Towards Targeted Therapies in Myasthenia Gravis-Pathogenic Mechanisms Translated to Treatments

Narayanaswami P¹

¹Harvard Medical School/ Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, United States

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is caused by autoantibodies that target various proteins at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Various antibodies have been described in MG. The best known are antibodies directed to the AChR, present in 85% of patients with generalized MG. They effect NMJ blockade through a variety of mechanisms including binding the AChR followed by activation of complement resulting in complement mediated lysis of the post-synaptic membrane and loss of AChR, modulation, cross linking and internalization of the AChR with subsequent degradation, or direct blockade of the AChR.

Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) is a protein that is responsible for clustering of AChRs and maintenance of the NMJ. Antibodies to MuSK are detected in about 5-8% of MG patients. Unlike AChR antibodies, they do not activate complement. These antibodies are thought to interfere with the binding of the protein Low density lipoprotein-related protein-4 (LRP-4) to MuSK and affecting normal AChR clustering. MuSK also participates in the anchoring of the collagen tail of acetylcholine esterase (Col-Q) in the synaptic cleft to the extracellular matrix at the clustering sites and this function is also affected by MuSK antibodies.

Antibodies to LRP-4 have been identified in 2-4% of all MG patients. Other antibodies against cortactin, rapsyn, titin, ryanodine receptor etc. have been described but their role in the pathogenesis of MG is uncertain at this time.

The AChR antibodies belong to the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses, fixing complement. MuSK antibodies are of the IgG4 subclass. With advances in immunology, there are now attempts at targeting specific antibodies or their effects at the NMJ to treat MG. The first such targeted therapy is complemented inhibition. These drugs are directed to the C5 component of complement and inhibit the cleavage of C5 into C5a and C5b, preventing the formation of the terminal complement component or membrane attack complex (MAC, C5b-C9).

Another targeted therapy involves the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRN) pathway. In addition to its role in the transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus, it is also present in endothelial and other cells where it plays a role in the maintenance of IgG and albumin levels. IgG that is internalized into the endothelial cells in the endosome binds to FcRN receptors. The non-bound IgG undergoes lysosomal degradation, while bound IgG moves to the cell surface, where it is released from FcRN and recycled into the circulation. FcRN antagonists are a new class of medications which, by binding and saturating FcRN receptors, inhibit binding of endogenous IgG, causing their degradation. Thus, levels of pathogenic antibodies (in addition to total IgG) are reduced.

Other new therapies in the pipeline include CAR-T- cell therapy, using T cells that are engineered to possess a specialized receptor, the chimeric antigen receptor, directed against B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). BCMA is found on the plasma cell surface. The rationale behind CAR-T cell therapy in MG is to destroy antibody producing plasma cells. This talk will discuss these mechanisms, setting the stage for the other talks discussing clinical trials of these therapies.

TC03.03The role of FcRn Antagonists in MG Treatment

Gilhus N¹

¹University Of Bergen, Norway

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic disease with typical fluctuations. Most patients have only mild or moderate symptoms. However, in 10-15% of the patients the MG is difficult to treat with standard treatments. Even in patients with mild weakness, daily life activities are impaired and quality of life reduced.

Neonatal Fc receptors (FcRn) are instrumental in the recycling of IgG and their activity prolongs IgG half-life. FcRn antagonists prevent this recycling and reduce selectively IgG levels in the body. Efgartigimod, rozanolizumab, nipocalimab, and batoclimab are FcRn antagonists with ongoing therapeutic trials in MG. Efgartigimod is already approved for MG treatment in USA and Japan, and further approvals are expected very soon.

In the efgartigimod phase 3 study of 26 weeks including 167 patients, the primary endpoint was a marked improvement in a MG-specific scale for activities of daily living (MG-ADL responders). This was achieved in 68% of the treated patients and 30% of the placebo controls. Also, other outcome measures, and including physician-assessed muscle weakness (QMG score), showed a significant improvement a few weeks after one treatment cycle. The improvement was regarded as clinically meaningful. Among those not responding after the first treatment cycle, one third improved after a second cycle. In some patients, the improvement lasted for more than 12 weeks. Both patients with acetylcholine receptor and MuSK antibodies responded. The rate of respiratory and urinary infections increased. Phase 2 studies of rozanolizumab and nipocalimab have shown similar results.

FcRn antagonists are expected to be expensive. Cost-benefit considerations are needed before treatment of individual patients. Short-term treatment during an exacerbation may be an alternative to reduce costs. Funding policies for treatment expenses vary between countries.

FcRn antagonists have a proven and clinically meaningful therapeutic effect in MG. The drugs seem safe. Optimal dose has not yet been established. The infection risk when on treatment is probably increased, as for all immunosuppressive treatments. FcRn antagonists can be combined with other immunosuppressive drugs. Studies comparing the various FcRn antagonists are lacking, as are comparisons between FcRn antagonists and standard immunosuppressive therapies and with alternative new treatment options. Efgartigimod represents a new therapeutic option in severe, generalized MG.

TC03.04Peripheral Nervous System Complications of Immune Checkpoint inhibitors

De Bleecker J¹

¹Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that block negative regulators of T cell activation that are used by cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. Targets include cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4 - ipilumab) and the programmed cell death protein 1 receptor (PD-1 – nivolumab, pembrolizumab, cemiplimab) and its ligand PD-L1 (atezolimab, avelumab, durvalumab). They significantly improve outcome in metaststatic melanoma, non small-cell lung carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. Releasing the brakes on immune control not unexpectedly comes with immune-related adverse events (ir-AEs).

Neurologic ir-AEs occur in about 1-2% of patients and are peripheral more than central (encephalitis, meningitis, demyelinating diseases, myelitis). Peripheral neuromuscular syndromes include in decreasing order of frequency inflammatory myopathies (IM), myasthenia gravis (MG), peripheral and cranial nerve neuropathies.

IM patients most often develop subacute pain and weakness in proximal arm and shoulder girdle more than lower limb muscles, often associated with bulbar and respiratory muscle involvement. Most patients have myositis on MRI and irritable myopathy on EMG, and about one third have one of a large variety of myositis-specific antibodies. Biopsies most often show a necrotizing myopathy. Two-thirds have a favorable response to IV or oral steroid therapy. MG manifests as a generalized, often bulbar myasthenia, with more frequent myasthenic crises than expected. About 60% have AChR antibodies; Musk antibodies are very rare. A subset has preexisting AChR antibodies. About half of the MG patients also have subtle to major signs of IM, ranging from myopathic EMG, high CK to clinical manifestations. IM and MG are mainly caused by PD-1/PD-L1 blocker treatment. Combined IM, MG and myocarditis is not uncommon and has a severe prognosis with death from bulbo-respiratory MG or cardiac rhythm and conduction disturbances in more than 25%. LEMS is rare.

Neuropathies present a monophasic or polyphasic course, are diffuse or focal, and more demyelinating than axonal. In contrast with non-irAE patients, typical Guillain-Barré syndromes often do respond well to steroids alone, although most patient have been treated with multiple immunosuppressive therapies, PLEX or IVIg in various combinations. About a fourth have various anti-ganglioside or other antibodies, and most have increased protein and mild cellular reactions in CSF. Cranial neuropathies, single or in combination, are less frequent. Facial, vestibulocochlear, optic and abducens nerve, in decreasing order, have mostly been affected. In some, there was hypophysitis.

Management depends on severity of the ir-AE (graded I-IV). Most symptomatic neurological ir-AEs are grade III-IV and will require ICI treatment be withheld indefinitely and starting high-dose steroids, along with the classic management of the given disease. Many questions remain unanswered. How to differentiate between paraneoplastic syndromes and ir-AEs in some instances, requiring opposite therapeutic decisions towards ICI use? How to approach cancer treatment in patients with underlying disorders such as MG? In daily clinical setting, the neuromuscular neurologist is often confronted with weak cancer patients, having signs of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, steroid myopathy or vague fatigue. Use of the complete diagnostic armamentarium fortunately allows to make the correct diagnosis in the large majority of cases.

TC04.02Asymptomatic Very High Creatine Kinase

Schoser B¹

¹Friedrich-Baur-Institute LMU, München, Germany

Persisting high creatine kinase levels over 5000 U/L (normal <200 U/L) without any evidence of a neuromuscular metabolic, dystrophic, or neurogenic disorder are very rare. Nevertheless, on the acquired side, one need to exclude massive muscle injury or ischemia with muscle compartment syndrome, epileptic seizure, heart or barotrauma, rare e.g. snail bit intoxications, intramuscular injections, vaccination, and most commonly bacterial or viral infections and drugs. Persisting very high creatine kinase levels over 20.000 U/L without any evidence of a neuromuscular metabolic, dystrophic, or neurogenic disorder are ultrarare. Here, mostly acute intoxications, status epilepticus seizure, and viral infections like influence virus may be found. In all here mentioned conditions, a muscle mri of the thigh is highly recommended. Clinically monitoring of muscle compartment syndrome is warrant. High frequent monitoring of electrolytes, ECG, and renal function is required and normally ICU submission is recommended. Some curious cases will be presented.

TC04.03Drug Induced Weakness

Argov Z¹

¹Hadassah-Hebrew University, Israel

Drug induced neuromuscular disorders are more frequently encountered than the common belief. These are potentially reversible conditions if identified early but could be associated with serious clinical syndrome and are rarely even lethal. Drug induced myopathies may appear as myalgia only or as chronic weakness (with or without pain). Acute rhabdomyolysis can also be induced by medications. Emphasis will be made on the more common drugs that may cause various myopathies or other neuromuscular disorder leading to weakness. The two main groups are: statins and immune check point inhibitors.

Drug induced impairment of neuromuscular transmission may present itself as unmasking myasthenia or aggravating it but also as acute episodes in the operative and post operative period. The potential drugs that may aggravate myasthenia and their recognition will be discussed.

The lecture will present the issues with clinical cases and their dilemmas to enhance the relevance between the theory and clinical practice.

TC04.04What Do We Need to Know When Our NMD Patients Get Pregnant?

Rudnik Schoeneborn S¹

¹Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria

Obstetric care and genetic counseling are important issues for women with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) who are contemplating pregnancy. While there is enough information available on pregnancy outcome of prevalent disorders such as Charcot Marie Tooth disease, proximal spinal muscular atrophy and myotonic dystrophy, data are sparse as regards more rare and genetically heterogeneous myopathies and neuropathies. This is a specific concern in limb girdle muscular dystrophy and structural myopathies where genetic identification of clinically distinct subgroups has been implemented in routine work-up in the past few years.

Maternity care has to consider possible cardiopulmonary limitations in pregnancy, an increased risk for thrombosis and urinary tract infections in pregnant and immobile patients. Patients with scoliosis may require individual analgesia for delivery, and specific risks for anesthesia have to be taken into account for several myopathies. In most NMDs the number of miscarriages and of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy is not increased, but deliveries occur more frequently by vaginal operations and by cesarean births. The risk for preterm deliveries and abnormal fetal presentation is increased depending on diagnosis and mobility of patients.

Despite considerable handicap in many women, pregnancy outcome is favorable in most NMDs. This applies to the large number of disorders where the neonatal outcome is not influenced by the fetal or infantile genetic defect, such as in myotonic dystrophy type 1. An exacerbation of muscle weakness in pregnancy is reported in a large proportion of women with early onset progressive proximal weakness. However, the effect is difficult to evaluate in retrospect as many disorders progress unrelated to pregnancy. Prospective studies with neurological scoring systems before, during, and after pregnancy would be required to overcome this problem.

Women with genetic NMD and an increased recurrence risk to offspring should receive genetic counselling, also to discuss their possible reproductive options. High risk couples may decide to pursue a variety of preventive measures to decrease the risk of an affected child. These include prenatal or preimplantation genetic testing, the use of donor gametes, adoption, or remaining childless. Following the decision to have own children, a multidisciplinary team should be formed to develop a care plan. Best practice would include obstetrician, neurologist, geneticist, anesthetist, respiratory and general medicine, and midwifes as appropriate. After delivery an intact social network and sufficient family support is important to make sure that the young family has a good start.

TC05.01What Can we Learn From Recent Advances in ALS Genetics?

Van Damme P¹

¹KU Leuven, Belgium

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the motor system. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting, limiting survival to 2-5 years after disease onset, mostly due to involvement of respiratory muscles. In about 50% of patients the disease spreads to extra-motor regions in the frontal and anterior temporal cortex, giving rise to problems in behavior, language and other cognitive domains.

Effective therapies to halt disease progression are lacking. ALS has a strong genetic component. In about 10% of patients there is a positive family history pointing towards a monogenetic cause for the disease. But also in the remaining 90% of sporadic cases, genetic factors play a role. More than 50 genes have been associated with ALS, the most commonly mutated genes are C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS. Some of these genes cluster in pathways such as protein degradation pathways, RNA metabolism and axonal integrity/function, suggesting that these are implicated in ALS. Understanding the downstream effects of gene mutations in diverse ALS genes will be key to identify therapeutic targets for specific subtypes of ALS. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell models can help to understand the consequences of gene mutations, both in motor neurons and non-neuronal cells. The first attempts to block the negative consequences of gene mutations by gene silencing using antisense oligonucleotides are underway and will hopefully change the treatment landscape of ALS in the near future.

TC05.04PLS and ALS – Part of a Continuum or Two Different Diseases?

Drory V¹

¹Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a very rare, usually non-hereditary motor neuron disease (MND) with a prevalence is of 1-5% of all MND or 1-5/million population. It is characterized by progressive spasticity, related to the selective loss of precentral pyramidal neurons, with secondary pyramidal tract degeneration and preservation of anterior horn motor neurons. The diagnosis is based exclusively on the clinical picture, therefore is challenging and many times delayed.

Historically PLS was considered a MND separate from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), due the loss of lower motor neuron (LMN) involvement and much slower progression over decades. But during the last 20 years the dichotomy between the syndromes became blurred, as patients are seen who convert from PLS to ALS many years after disease onset. Interestingly, some PLS patients develop also features of cognitive and behavioral impairment, compatible with a diagnosis of fronto-temporal dementia, as seen in ALS. More similarities between the syndromes relate to existence of TDP-43 cytoplasmic inclusions in frontal cortex neurons, as well as increased levels of neurofilaments in blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

In 2019 an expert meeting convened and published consensus diagnostic criteria for PLS with a classification into probable and definite disease, based on the time elapsed after symptom onset without significant LMN degeneration. Scales have been developed in order to better quantify spasticity and disease burden in PLS and reports regarding the natural history of the disease and its management were published.

Another intriguing observation is the occurrence of PLS cases in families with the need to differentiate this syndrome from hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) and for oriented genetic testing.

During this teaching course we will try to build a better understanding of the PLS syndrome, draw its boundaries vs ALS and HSP, and learn about its present and near future research and clinical needs.

TC06.01Clinical Approach to Diagnosis of CMT

Pareyson D¹

¹Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C.Besta, Milan, Italy

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and related neuropathies are a genetically highly heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. CMT affects both the sensory and motor nerves, distal Hereditary Motor Neuropathies (dHMN) are phenotypically similar disorders involving only motor nerves, while Hereditary Sensory (and Autonomic) Neuropathies (HSN/HSAN) are rare distinct disorders affecting sensory and sometimes autonomic nerves. Primary myelin involvement is commonly the basis of the demyelinating CMT which represents up to two thirds of all CMT cases, by including autosomal dominant CMT1 and autosomal recessive CMT4 types. There is an area of overlap between CMT1/4 and the primary axonal CMT2, which is filled by the less common “Intermediate CMT”, the main type being the X-linked CMTX1. Hereditary Neuropathy with liability to Pressure Palsies (HNPP) is characterized by recurrent focal neuropathies with autosomal dominant inheritance. About 100 genes have been identified as responsible for these disorders. The diagnostic approach is becoming more complicated as the associated gene number increases and the clinical characteristics of the different CMT types greatly overlap. The availability of next generation sequencing (NGS) techniques has definitely improved the diagnostic yield and at the same time makes it fundamental to well characterize the CMT patients’ phenotype to interpret NGS results. Careful clinical evaluation of patients is therefore still fundamental and need to be completed by the assessment of inheritance pattern and of nerve conduction studies (NCS). NCS and EMG are important to define presence, degree, and pattern of nerve conduction slowing, involvement of motor and/or sensory nerves, presence of spontaneous activity such as in active denervation and neuromyotonia, and to detect or rule out myopathic signs. It is also important to look for peculiar clinical features that may be specific for certain CMT subtypes, such as optic atrophy, glaucoma, cataract, hearing loss, vocal cord palsy, pyramidal tract signs/spastic paraplegia, foot and hand ulcers, autonomic dysfunction, learning difficulties, predominant upper limb involvement, differences in hand musculature involvement (split hand). Vestibular involvement and cough in chronic sensory ataxic neuropathies point to CANVAS. High serum sorbitol levels are typical of SORD-related dHMN/CMT2. Nerve biopsy, now limited to selected cases, may reveal specific myelin (i.e., myelin outfoldings) or axonal (e.g., giant axons) changes. The differential diagnosis may be challenging particularly with dysimmune neuropathies, other hereditary neuropathies, some of which are treatable, distal myopathies, slowly progressive motor neuron diseases.

TC06.03Diagnosis of TTR Amyloid Polyneuropathy for a Curable Disease

Adams D¹

¹Aphp University Paris Saclay, France

Hereditary transthyretin polyneuropathy (ATTRv-polyneuropathy) are the most disabling hereditary neuropathy of adult onset and life-threatening disease and considered as a worldwide disease with few endemic areas (Portugal, Sweden, Japan, Mallorca, Cyprus). They are associated with systemic manifestations including cardiac, ocular weight loss, and sometimes renal manifestations. They have an autosomal dominant transmission due to point mutation of TTR gene with about 100 TTR variants, the most common one is Val30Met. Age of onset is variable ranging from 20 to 90 yo.

ATTRv-PN belongs to the 5% of rare diseases for which disease modifying therapies (DMT) are available including 3 with marketing authorization: oral tafamidis 20 mg, IV RNAi therapy patisiran, SC ASO inotersen, with 3 other medicines in the pipeline. In this context, early diagnosis of ATTRv-PN is crucial to stop or slow progression of the disease.

Misleading diagnosis are many due to various manifestations sensory as a progressive length dependent polyneuropathy, sensorymotor or autonomic (including erectile dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorders), cardiac (arrhythmias, ventricular blocks), ocular or unexplained weight loss. Main misleading diagnosis are chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy, CIDP, chronic digestive disorder, lumbar spinal stenosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, paraneoplastic neuropathy.

Redflags for diagnosis depends of age of onset and genotype. In early onset Val30Met : progressive painful polyneuropathy or autonomic dysfunction “PLUS” one of the following : positive family story, vitreous opacities, renal abnormalities or unexplained weight loss. In late onset Val30Met and other variants, progressive idiopathic polyneuropathy, or atypical CIDP “PLUS” one of the following: walking difficulties, cardiac (cardiac hypertrophy, arrhythmias, ventricular blocks, or cardiomyopathy), bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, autonomic dysfunction, vitreous opacities or unexplained weight loss knowing that positive family story is uncommon in 50% of cases.

Tools for diagnosis are simple: TTR gene sequencing looking for one amyloidogenic TTR variant (knowing that there are a dozen of TTR polymorphism) “PLUS” amyloid deposit finding after biopsy. For biopsy, mini invasive 3 mm punch skin biopsy alone or in combination with mini-invasive 4 mm labial salivary gland biopsy allow usually to detect amyloid deposits. Both are required to confirm the disease. In late onset cases, if amyloid deposits are negative on biopsies, DPD scintigraphy may replace cardiac biopsy if myocardial radiotracer uptake.

Challenge for early diagnosis requires also a strong genetic counselling to detect variant TTR carriers at risk to develop the disease and periodic consultations including standardized interview on emerging neurological manifestations, abnormal (Neuropathy impairment score) NIS finding, change in nerve conduction study (NCS), and mini-invasive biopsy when in doubt.

Research are ongoing to validate sensitive biomarkers to detect early onset of the disease in TTR carriers.

TC06.04Approach to Complex Neuropathies

Rossor A¹

¹UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom

Peripheral neuropathy is a common finding in patients with complex inherited neurological disease and may be subclinical or a major component of the phenotype. In this talk I will provide an approach to diagnosis for this complex group of patients by addressing key questions including the predominant neurological syndrome, the type of neuropathy, and the other neurological and non-neurological features of the syndrome. The presented approach will give priority to the diagnosis of treatable diseases as well as presenting a format for investigating this group of patients.

TC07.01Morphological Aspects and Introduction

Selcen D¹

¹Mayo Clinic, United States

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are genetically and clinically heterogenous syndromes caused by the impaired neuromuscular transmission. The morphologic and electrophysiological investigations are important for full characterization of the CMS. These results give clues for the appropriate treatment options. In this course, the overview of the CMS with special emphasis of the morphological and electrophysiological aspects will be discussed.

TC07.02Clinical aspects of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes in Adulthood

Eymard B¹

¹Sorbonne University, France

If most CMS occur within the first 2 years, diagnosis in adulthood may be observed in two situations: 1) true late onset of the disease, more particularly in Slow-channel syndrome, but also, in our experience, in a small amount of patients with DOK7, COLQ, GFPT1, RAPSN, MUSK, LRP4,TOR1AIP1 CMS; 2) CMS beginning in infancy/childhood but undiagnosed due to minimal expression and /or short duration, or misdiagnosis (eg congenital myopathy). If onset or diagnosis in adults, the risk of misdiagnosis is particularly high: seronegative autoimmune myasthenia gravis was the main mistake (in our series DOK7,7 cases, COLQ, 6 cases, CHRNE low expressor,2 cases, Slow-channel, 1 case, GFPT1, 1 case). In our experience, other erroneous diagnoses were initially made (congenital myopathy, muscular dystrophy, distal myopathy, mitochondrial myopathy, channelopathy, motoneuron disease).

We have retrospectively studied long term course and prognosis including a large cohort of around 100 cases of patients, most of them lastly seen in adulthood, presenting with different CMS: Slow channel, AChR loss (CHRNE), DOK7, COLQ, RAPSN, MUSK, AGRN, GFPT1, DAPGT, LRP4, SLC5A7. Variable successive evolution pattern - progressive worsening, rapid exacerbations with or without regression, stability, improvement- could be present along the life in one single patient (in our series for several DOK7 and COLQ patients). Late-onset deterioration may affect patients with an initially mild disease. DOK7 CMS were particularly prone to worsen in adulthood for limb/axial/ respiratory muscles. For the patients with a Slow-channel syndrome, we observed in most of them a late progressive worsening of respiratory insufficiency, requiring often assisted ventilation. Improvement occurs for most early onset RAPSN patients, even after a very severe condition in infancy. For the AChR low expressor patients, (oldest patient of our series,78 y), recurrent exacerbations were common all along the life, but none had a long-term progressive worsening, all were ambulatory at last visit. Severity and course may differ within the same family, indicating an intrafamilial variability. Pregnancy is a risk period, whatever the gene involved. Impact of the therapy on the course of CMS is positive on long term in most DOK7, COLQ CMS with b2adrenergic (Salbutamol, Ephedrine). However, benefit of therapy was more disappointing for several Slow channel patients due to poor response to Fluoxetine and or Quinidine and for a few DOK7 with severe involvement. Three patients of our series died during, the first with agrin gene mutations, after a three decades progressive worsening from age of 20y resulting despite combined therapies in tetraplegia, severe bulbar and respiratory involvement, the second with severe (tracheostomized) but stable DOK7 CMS, after falling down the stairs, and the last one due to laryngeal spasm after use of AChE inhibitor, DOK7 CMS, diagnosed post mortem. All these features of CMS in adulthood will be illustrated by case reports.

TC07.03Genetic Aspects of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome

Lochmüller H^1,2,3

¹University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, ²Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada, ³The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada

Neuromuscular junction disorders are a heterogeneous group of acquired (Myasthenia Gravis, MG) and inherited (Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes, CMS) disorders associated with distinctive clinical, electrophysiological, laboratory and ultrastructural abnormalities. The genetic defects in CMS either impair neuromuscular transmission directly or result in secondary impairments, which eventually compromise the safety margin of neuromuscular transmission. The number of genetic defects reported as causative of CMS continues to increase, with over 30 genes now implicated. In addition to early-onset severe phenotypes, we have identified two genes (DOK7, GFPT1) that cause fatigable weakness of muscles in a limb-girdle distribution, but rarely affecting facial or eye muscles. Next-generation sequencing techniques and deep phenotyping, in combination with international data sharing, have revealed not only new genetic causes of CMS, but also unusual, overlapping clinical phenotypes which blur the boundaries with primary myopathies and motor neuropathies. An increasing number of genes linked to mitochondrial function (SLC25A1, TEFM) have been found to cause both neuromuscular transmission defects as well as more severe childhood mitochondrial diseases. This highlights the importance of sharing genomics data for diagnosis and research through a secure platform such as RD-Connect. We will cover the significant progress made in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of CMS, which is important for both patients and clinicians in terms of reaching a definite diagnosis and selecting the most appropriate treatment.

TC07.04Treatment Aspects

Schara-Schmidt U¹

¹University Of Duisburg-essen, Children’s Hospital, Germany

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of disorders caused by impaired neuromuscular transmission and characterized by the leading symptoms of muscle weakness and exercise intolerance. The severity can vary enormously and depends on the underlying genetic cause; it ranges from mild impairment to life-threatening situations in the neonatal period or in the context of crisis-like deterioration in older children and adolescents. Rarely, initial manifestations in later adulthood are also possible. Currently, at least more than 30 genes have been detected as causative for CMS. CMS are rare overall, with an estimated prevalence of 1-9 / 106 depending on the literature, which may be variable in individual countries.

In this lecture the mentioned aspects will be worked on and illustrated by case reports.

Keywords: congenital myasthenic syndromes – genetic diagnosis – treatment - long–term follow-up.

TC08.01Cognitive Impairment

Reimann J¹

¹Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany

Cognition defines processes of knowing, attending, remembering and reasoning. It enables humans to understand themselves, communicate with and understand others, and act accordingly. Impairment of cognition is seen if a sufficient level is not reached in development or if these abilities are acquired but then lost again in maturity. In some myopathies, the frequent occurrence of such CNS involvement is well known and often structural, e.g. Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the Myotonic dystrophies and the severe, early manifestations of the alpha-dystroglycanopathies. In other disorders, changes detected by brain MRI may not be associated invariably with clinical signs (e.g. LAMA2-related muscular dystrophies). CNS involvement may be a disease component in principle, but only manifest rarely as a clinical complaint (e.g. Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, OPMD) or manifest prominently in some cases but not in others due to varying penetrance (e.g. Inclusion body myopathy with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia, IBMPFD).

Cognitive impairment can be the largest everyday challenge for patients and care-givers. But more frequently the challenge is for the clinician to recognise its presence and relevance to the patient. It is often far from easy to differentiate behaviour reactive to receiving the diagnosis of a chronic disease or to the weakness, pain, and fatigue of a muscle disorder from signs indicating an independent impairment of the CNS. Yet failing to do so will not only leave part of the disease unidentified, it may also sabotage shared decision-making and the patient’s further adaptation to the muscle symptoms in unexpected ways.

TC08.02Swallowing Difficulty in Myopathies

de Visser M¹

¹Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Location Academic Medical Centre, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Swallowing is the process of clearing food and fluids from the oral cavity into the stomach. It is traditionally separated into the oral phase, the pharyngeal phase and the esophageal phase. Impaired swallowing (dysphagia) in myopathies affects usually the oropharyngeal phases. These phases rely mostly on voluntary (skeletal) muscle activity of the mouth, pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter.

In some myopathies impaired swallowing is a characteristic feature, hence involvement of the pharyngeal muscles is part of the name of the disease, e.g., oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy. However, there are numerous myopathies in which dysphagia is also prominent, albeit often not recognized or late in the course of the disease when aspiration pneumonia occurs. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is one of the diseases in which dysphagia may long go unnoticed, yet impaired eating and swallowing is a common and well-known problem. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Pompe disease management is mostly focused on alleviating disability caused by limb weakness and on treating respiratory insufficiency, yet swallowing difficulty does occur and may have a marked impact on enjoyment and quality of life. Dysphagia has been reported in all primary mitochondrial myopathies, albeit evaluation of swallowing dysfunction by performing clinical or bedside swallow assessment is not part of the patient care standard. Dysphagia occurs in all types of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies due to inflammation of the swallowing muscles. It is not uncommonly a presenting symptom, and in those patients establishing the diagnosis takes often a longer time as compared to patients with a more diffuse presentation.

There are several reasons why this is the case. First, patients often do not complain about swallowing difficulty until specifically asked for. Second, there are only few validated assessment measures which can be used in daily clinical practice to support the treating physician in establishing whether there is dysphagia and if so, its severity and cause. We can distinguish patient-related outcomes, bedside tests (for fluids and solids) and instrumental tests (imaging, manometry, electromyography), but these measures are mostly not part of the routine evaluation in daily clinical practice.

Why is it important to timely recognize swallowing difficulty? Oropharyngeal dysphagia affects respiratory safety due to aspiration pneumonia. A lack of swallowing efficacy may lead to insufficient nutrition and hydration. Patients may experience a reduced quality of life as a result of these complications and due to psychological and social aspects of dysphagia.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the existing swallowing assessment tools undergo disease-specific validation. The availability of clinically meaningful outcome measures is a prerequisite for the development of interventional therapies.

PL01.01An Update on the Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophies

Straub V¹

¹Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University, United Kingdom

The limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) have traditionally been a group of heterogeneous diseases that were defined by an autosomal recessive or dominant mode of inheritance and progressive weakness predominantly affecting the shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles. Over the past 25 years more than 30 diseases have been included in the group, as the definition of LGMD was rather generic. More recently, there have been efforts to review and revise the definition and classification of LGMD and to collect natural history data and establish care standards. The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen), funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has established a LGMD Gene Curation Expert Panel, and the TREAT-NMD Alliance a LGMD Task Force. These and other international initiatives, including the GRASP-LGMD consortium and the Jain Foundation’s Clinical Outcome Study for patients with dysferlinopathy, support the development of new treatment strategies for LGMD and first interventional trials have been initiated to address the high unmet needs of the diverse LGMD patient group. Patient advocacy groups are proactively involved in the various activities and have tremendously helped to raise awareness for these rare genetic diseases worldwide. The talk attempts to provide a brief overview of the current forms of LGMD and will focus on genetic and phenotypic features, translational research activities, care aspects and therapy developments. The main objective is for neuromuscular healthcare professionals to get an idea of the differential diagnostic approach to LGMD, the general diagnostic workup of a patient with limb girdle weakness, the relevant care implications and the upcoming clinical trial and treatment options.

PL02.01Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia: Overlap Syndromes

Kiernan M¹

¹Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), once considered distinct disorders, may now be considered to form a continuum, with pure ALS at one end of the spectrum and pure FTD at the other. Traditionally, ALS was characterized by motor dysfunction with intact cognition, while the hallmark of FTD was behavioral and cognitive deficits with little or no motor disability. Such delineation now seems implausible with the mounting clinical, pathological and genetic evidence for the ALS–FTD disease continuum. Early reports of personality and behavioral changes consistent with FTD in ALS patients date back to 1889. As most of these reports were non-English publications, the concept of ALS as a multisystem disorder remained relatively unexplored until the 1980s. The concept, which was initially met with skepticism, has progressively gained acceptance. In addition to clinically established dementia, the concept of a disease continuum has emerged with evidence of subtle changes in frontal executive function, language, social cognition and behavior evident in ALS patients. Conversely, subclinical manifestations, imaging and neurophysiological abnormalities indicative of motor dysfunction, have been reported in FTD. The discovery of a trans-activating responsive (Tar) sequence DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) contributed pathological evidence to support the notion of an overlap. TDP-43 protein deposition has been reported in a subgroup of FTD patients without tau pathology, as well as the majority of familial and sporadic MND cases. A further significant piece of the overlap puzzle emerged in 2011 with identification of the C9orf72 genetic expansion linking FTD and ALS on chromosome 9p21.1. The C9orf72 repeat expansion provides important clues to disease pathogenesis and suggests potential therapeutic targets. Variable diagnostic criteria identify motor, cognitive, and behavioral deficits, but further refinement is needed to define the clinical syndromes encountered in ALS-FTD. In parallel with scientific discovery, major advances have been made in the management of patients with these neurodegenerative conditions and in understanding the molecular pathways contributing to their initial development. With the potential for disease-modifying treatments, there is a clear need to identify and classify patients appropriately, including the provision of genetic testing in sporadic patients; and as early as possible, including pre-symptomatic individuals, in terms of offering neuroprotective therapies.

PL02.03ALS/FTD Genetic Landscape and Therapies

Feldman E¹

¹Univeristy of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA

ALS and FTD genetic architecture is complex, with global effort focused on identifying mutations to single genes causing disease. Forty ALS-associated genes which vary in frequency, penetrance, and mode of inheritance are known, with the most common being C9orf72, TARDBP, SOD1, and FUS. FTD is commonly associated with one of three genes: C9orf72, MAPT, or GRN, and less commonly with TARDBP, VCP, CHMP2B, SQSTM1, UBQLN1, or TBK1. While only 15% of ALS patients meet the formal criteria for FTD, over 50% of ALS patients experience cognitive and behavioral impairment, and ALS is now recognized to be a disease of widespread neurodegeneration with a continuum of signs and symptoms between ALS and FTD. The broad overlap between ALS and FTD is further supported by the fact that 30% of FTD patients develop motor symptoms during the course of their disease. In the same family, one member of the family may present initially with ALS, while another affected member presents with FTD. Investigations of genetic data from large cohorts of ALS/FTD patients have led to an increased understanding of oligogenic inheritance in ALS and FTD, where disease inheritance is affected by several genes that collectively increase disease risk. In addition, polygenic inheritance, where small changes (single nucleotide polymorphisms, a.k.a. SNPs) occur in a large number of genes, is now known to contribute to disease risk. Recent analysis of genetic profiles of ALS/FTD patients also reveals shared polygenic risk of ALS/FTD with multiple other traits, including physical activity and dyslipidemia. New therapeutic efforts have focused on monogenic disease primarily in ALS patients, with the development of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to silence toxic gain-of-function genes including SOD1 and FUS. A recent clinical trial targeting C9orf72 via intrathecal administration of ASOs demonstrated safety among trial participants but has been discontinued due to lack of efficacy. The medical community eagerly awaits future therapeutic trials employing not only ASOs but a variety of other gene therapy approaches targeted against ALS and FTD.

PL03.02Predicting the Clinical Course of GBS

Jacobs B¹

¹Erasmus MC, Netherlands

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy with a highly variable clinical presentation, course and outcome. Factors that may contribute to this diversity are the various types of preceding infection and immune responses that may trigger GBS, demographic factors, GBS subtypes and response to treatment, usually with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg). The uncertainty about the clinical course is problematic for patients/relatives and treating physicians, especially regarding medical decisions about monitoring, admission/transfer to medium-, high-, or intensive-care beds, treatment, and planning of rehabilitation. The variation in clinical course also hampers the conduct of therapeutic trials in GBS. Numerous clinical and biological predictors of outcome have been reported in GBS, but most studies have limited power, lack multivariate analysis and external validity, have a short follow-up time and are therefore hardly applicable in practice.

Two key clinical endpoints in the course of GBS are respiratory insufficiency and regaining the ability to walk independently. Previously we have conducted extensive prognostic studies in GBS and developed several models for the prediction of these clinical endpoints in individual patients with GBS. The Erasmus GBS Respiratory Insufficiency Score (EGRIS) predicts the risk of developing respiratory failure in the first week of admission and is based on three clinical characteristics that can be obtained at the bedside at hospital entry: number of days from onset of weakness, presence of facial/bulbar palsy and extent of limb weakness (MRC sum score). The modified Erasmus GBS Outcome Score (mEGOS) predicts the risk for patients being unable to regain the capacity to walk independently at 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months after diagnosis and is based on three clinical features available at admission (or at 1 week): age, preceding diarrhea and MRC sum score. These models originated from a population of Dutch patients but have recent been validated in the cohort of the International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS) showing that the EGRIS and mEGOS are also accurate in predicting outcome in patients from other countries. The models can be used online via QxMD platform or https://gbstools.erasmusmc.nl.

Further studies in IGOS have shown that adding further clinical information to the current prognostic models will probably not increase the accuracy. Improving these prognostic models may therefore come from adding prognostic biomarkers. Potential candidates are the findings in nerve conduction studies and biomarkers in serum. These biomarkers may reflect the immune status (anti-ganglioside antibodies, albumin, complement factors and cytokines), nerve degeneration (neurofilament light chain and various myelin markers) or pharmacokinetics of IVIg (IgG). Apart from predicting outcome and monitoring of the disease activity and treatment efficacy in individual patients, the prognostic models may be used to improve the design of treatment trials. An example is the recently finalized second IVIg dose trial in patients with poor expected outcome. The progress made in prognostic modelling, in combination with the new treatments for GBS that are currently evaluated, should result in a more personalized and effective treatment and care of patients.

PL04.02Genetic Causes of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes

Beeson D¹

¹Oxford University, United Kingdom

The congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are rare inherited disorders of neuromuscular transmission characterised by fatiguable muscle weakness. Their overall prevalence is uncertain but is thought to be in the order of 1 in 100 000 of the population in the UK. They are genetically determined, usually autosomal recessive, so a history of consanguinity is common. Although impairment of neuromuscular transmission may often give rise to a similar clinical presentation many distinct molecular and cellular mechanisms can be involved. It has become evident over the last ten years that impaired synaptic structure and stability are disease features of equal importance as defects in proteins directly involved in signal transmission. Novel genes that harbour mutations causative for CMS include not only genes encoding proteins specifically expressed at the neuromuscular junction but also those that are more widely, or even ubiquitously, expressed. The list continues to expand and is now over 30. With many of the newly identified genes it is evident that abnormal neuromuscular transmission is only one component of a multifaceted phenotype in which muscle, the central nervous system, and other organs may also be affected. Treatment can be tailored to the underlying molecular mechanism for impaired neuromuscular transmission but treating the more complex multifaceted disorders will require development of new therapies.

PL04.03The Emerging Treatment Landscape for Myasthenia Gravis

Evoli A¹

¹Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Roma, Italy

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is generally considered one of best treatable neuromuscular diseases as, with adequate therapy, most patients achieve good control of their symptoms with mild or no disability. However, clinical benefit is often hampered by the burden of treatment-related adverse effects particularly in elderly subjects with comorbidities. In addition, patients refractory to or intolerant of conventional immunosuppression (10-15% of the whole MG population) suffer from chronic disabling weakness and/or disease relapses with significant detriment of their quality-of life. Therefore, the renewed interest in MG management witnessed by the recent proliferation of clinical trials was welcomed by patients and physicians.

New therapeutic options mostly consist of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or synthetic peptides that target different levels of the immune system. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating agents which act at the final steps of MG immune pathogenesis, such as inhibitors of complement activation and antagonists of the Fragment crystallizable neonatal Receptor (FcRn), were generally successful. Although not truly disease-modifying, these agents proved effective in relieving MG weakness and were associated with a good safety profile. On the other hand, RCTs assessing T cell and B cell-directed therapies have failed to show significant benefit, so far. The heterogeneity of both MG itself and the study cohorts, including patients in different disease stages, may have contributed to these disappointing results. B cell depletion with rituximab is largely used in difficult-to-treat MG patients, with clinical responses influenced by disease subtype immunobiology and developmental stage. Currently, treatments targeting plasma cells through anti-CD38 mAb and B cell lineage expressing the B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) with CD8+ CAR-T cells are being investigated in phase II and phase I/II RCTs, respectively.

The possibility of selective immunotherapies is rapidly changing MG treatment, and new options will be available in the near future. In the absence of definite biomarkers of disease activity, clinicians’ responsibility is to decide the best treatment strategy in individual patients.

OS01.01The Emerging Phenotype in Classic-infantile Pompe Disease: Challenges for the Future

van der Beek N¹

¹Department of Neurology / Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Pompe disease is a relentlessly progressive, rare, inheritable neuromuscular disease that affects patients of all ages, both men and women, leading to severe functional limitations in daily living. Patients with the most severe ‘classic infantile’ phenotype die within 1 year when untreated due to cardiorespiratory failure, while the phenotype in older children and adults (‘late-onset’ phenotype) is dominated by a progressive limb-girdle myopathy with respiratory failure.

Successful translational research has resulted in the first effective disease-specific treatment for any genetic neuromuscular disease, which has now been used for over 15 years: enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT). This has led to a huge improvement in survival – mainly due to the good response of the heart to ERT – of patients with the classic infantile phenotype: the oldest patients are now young adults. Also, many patients now gain substantial motor skills and learn to walk, which was not possible before. However over the years we have seen a new phenotype emerge in these long-term treated classic infantile patients: 1] neuroimaging of the brain revealed progressive white matter abnormalities, while neuropsychological assessment may show a decrease in processing speed and sometimes more generalized cognitive decline, and 2] development of serious distal muscle weakness of the feet and to a lesser extent of the hands, often even more pronounced then the proximal muscle weakness.

Now that new treatment options are on the horizon, it is of great importance to delineate the variability of this ‘new phenotype’ in great(er) detail, in order to create a new point of reference for these next-generation therapies.

This presentation will provide an overview and specific example of recent successes and challenges in the field.

OS01.02The Changing Phenotype of DMD Patients

De Waele L¹

¹University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked recessive neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Patients most often present in early childhood with progressive muscle weakness resulting in loss of ambulation in early adolescence, and other life-threatening complications such as cardiac and respiratory failure resulting in early death. Life expectancy of these patients used to be shorter than 20 years, but the introduction of chronic treatment with corticosteroids and the continuous optimization of the multidisciplinary standards of care for these patients have resulted in a significant longer survival up to more than 30 years. Promising therapeutic options such as exon skipping, nonsense mutation ribosomal read-through and gene therapy may have an additional impact on life expectancy in DMD patients in the future.

This treatment evolution results in a changing phenotype of DMD patients becoming older with aspects of the disease that are less well studied such as nephrological, gastro-intestinal and cardiovascular complications, in addition to the well-known cardiac, respiratory, orthopedic and endocrinological complications. Moreover, it becomes more important to psychosocially prepare patients for their lives as adults living with DMD, and timely attend the transition process into adulthood.

DMD is no longer a paediatric disease, and a proactive and comprehensive approach is necessary to optimally prepare these patients for the highly complex healthcare needs of their adult DMD life and maximize their quality of life in the future.

OS01.03Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Paradigm of a Disease with Changing Phenotypes

Servais L¹

¹University Of Oxford, United Kingdom

Three disease-modifying therapies have recently been approved in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In addition, the progressive initiation of newborn screening has led to further change in SMA natural history.

Classically, SMA has been classified according to the maximal motor milestone achieved by patients: SMA type 1 patients have never acquired independent sitting, SMA type 2 have never acquired independent walking, and SMA type 3 have acquired- but may have further lost independent walking. The large utilization of treatment has led to a progressive change in the understanding of this classification. Over 50% of patients with SMA1 acquire sitting position following treatment, and some patients with type 2 may acquire ambulation. Nevertheless, they present specific motor, respiratory and bulbar challenges that were not previously encountered in untreated patients. Specific examples include hip management in SMA1 patients who may become standers, and even walkers, scoliosis management in SMA2 patients who may become walkers, and persistent bulbar difficulties in patients with SMA1 even after treatment.

Patients treated before the onset of symptoms cannot be classified according to their maximal motor ability and are therefore classified on the only information available at the time of treatment, which is the number of SMN2 copies. Several patients identified by newborn screening present with symptoms at the time of treatment initiation and belong therefore to the group of “SMA type Ia” treated very early. Patients identified by newborn screening present with specific phenotypes, including normally developing children, children with motor delay and proximal deficit but with normal development, and patients with bulbar issues disconnected with the level of motor deficit.

Altogether, we observe several new phenotypes that carry on their specific challenges and should certainly prompt new standard of care.

OS02.01Facial and Vocal Recognition as a Decision Support Tool for Neuromuscular Diseases: The FACE-NMD Project

Sacconi S^1,2,3

¹Université Côte d’Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Système Nerveux Périphérique & Muscle, Hôpital Pasteur 2, 30 voie Romaine CS, Nice, France, ²Université Côte d’Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, Nice, France, ³Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire Oncoage, CHU Nice, Université Côte d’Azur (UCA), Nice, France

The vast majority of neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are rare and characterized by complex and extremely heterogeneous phenotypes. They’re awareness among general practitioners and even general neurologists is quite low and patients often experience a long diagnostic odyssey until they are evaluated in one of the few specialized neuromuscular centers. All of this leads to frustrating diagnostic delay hampering the possibility of early treatment or access to specific therapeutic trials.

Furthermore, the clinical and genetic diagnosis of NMDs classically requires the patient presence in the clinic, and time-consuming examinations involving a multidisciplinary team of experts in rare diseases. Thus, it is costly and logistically inconvenient for patients living in isolated rural environments or in underdeveloped countries or having lost their physical autonomy.

Automated computer-assisted facial and voice/speech analysis is a rapidly evolving field, offering clinicians innovative solutions that may make their work more efficient and overcome patient’s unmet medical needs. Recently, automated computer-assisted 2D or 3D facial and voice/speech analysis have been demonstrated effective in the diagnosis of several genetic, neurological and psychiatric diseases but it has never been tested in neuromuscular diseases.

FACE-NMD project will focus on four distinct rare NMDs characterized by a typical pattern of facial and/or voice/speech involvement with a variability of clinical expression, like for example Facio-Scapulo-Humeral Muscular Dystrophy type 1 (FSHD1), Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 and 2 (DM1 and DM2), and Oculo Pharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD). These diseases present genetic heterogeneity associated to marked variability in terms of age at onset, clinical features, disease progression and severity.

The typical pattern of facial involvement is one of the highly recognizable and characteristic features of these diseases. Hardly any study has focused on the dysfunction of the voice apparatus, speech and voice quality deriving from a specific combination of progressive facial and/or bulbar muscles impairment, the presence of dysmorphic features (including the teethes), or impact of central nervous system alterations. Facial and voice/speech involvement may be subtle in mildly affected patients or early disease stages and may appear only when the patient closes their eyes or smiles, blows, mimics a kiss, or while talking.

FACE NMD study 0 is aimed in developping facial and vocal recognition algorithms to improve the diagnosis of NMDs. Based on our preliminary results, a combined approach of static and dynamic facial, vocal and speech computer-assisted analysis is being developed to generate algorithms that can address issues related to diagnosis and follow-up of NMD patients with facial involvement.

We would like to set up a FACE-NMD Consortium in order to validate at larger scale the algorithms developed in the abovementioned study in patients affected by FSHD1, DM1, DM2 and OPMD for ther NMD.

We believe that this approach will enable the development of a disease-specific “digital signature” that might be used for early disease diagnosis, follow-up and outcome measure in clinical trials and in real-life studies through widely available mobile technologies.

OS02.02Why and How to Digitalize Bulbar Motor Dysfunction Patterns in NMD

Siciliano G¹, Schirinzi E¹, Ricci G¹, Bechini A², Donati M², Marini M², Vanello N², Pelagatti S⁵, Fattori B³, Tavosanis M⁴, Fanucci L²

¹Neurological Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy, ²Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italia, ³Ear-Nose-Throat Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italia, ⁴Department of Philology, Literature and Linguistics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy, ⁵Department of Informatics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

Bulbar motor dysfunction in neuromuscular disorders can be related to different grade of dysphagia, respiratory and speech processing deficits. Very few studies have investigated the prosodic characteristic of speech in this type of patients, considering the difficulty to analyze the intersection between the different acoustic properties, such as pitch, speech and pause segment duration, speech rate.

In last years Artificial intelligence (AI)applied in healthcare, changes many aspects of patient care, from diagnosis to follow-up, improving the quality of life of people suffering from physical disabilities. For example, AI can improve automatic speech recognition facilitating the interaction with smart devices through the simple use of voice. In particular, AI has been able to adapt and “translate” the speech of patients with mild to medium levels of dysarthria.

Given the promising results, the DESIRE (improving Daily living for sEverely dySarthric people through enhanced automatIc speech Recognition tEchnology ) project aims to create a clinical useful tool for prognostic and rehabilitation outcome monitoring purposes in dysarthric patients. Through several reading sessions the patients pronounce predetermined selected words aloud. At the end of each session, the tool offers a measure of how much the patient’s pronunciation deviates from the one of the previous sessions, allowing the clinical specialists to work on phonemes that are more difficult for the patient to pronounce. The possibility to monitor the quality of the patient’s verbal production over time allows to tailor the speech therapy treatment based on specific parameters (eg fatigue, reduced intelligibility, difficulty in producing some phonemes / clusters / specific words).

This technological system has been tested in ALS patients and a pivotal study in Myothonic Dystrophy type 1 patients is ongoing. The recognition of non-standard natural language thanks to the collaboration among multidisciplinary competences represents a turning point for the production of solutions addressing communication needs in people with speech impairment, with high impact on the everyday quality of their life.

OS02.03Body Posture Recognition in NMDs

Mongini T¹, Gadaleta G¹

¹Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy

Postural alterations are a common sign in neuromuscular disorders (NMDs), mainly due to weakness of axial muscles, variably associated with pelvic-femoral and/or scapular and/or distal muscles. An altered posture influences deambulation and limits patients’ autonomy and represents a classic major target for rehabilitation. Moreover, in the last decades, many new phenotypes of NMDs have been genetically characterized, with subtle differences in muscle districts involvement and postural performance; therefore, postural control analysis is a helpful adjunctive tool for diagnostic pattern recognition and the follow-up of NMD patients.

In NMD clinical settings, postural control is variably evaluated by muscle strength testing, specific scales administration, video recording and gait analysis. Muscle MRI is a valuable tool to evidence specific patterns of regional involvement, but has limitations and must be compared to functional scales.

The new human body posture and gesture recognition advanced research involves many various techniques such as computer vision, sensor technology, image processing, and pattern recognition, utilizing wearable sensors located on the body or clothes of a patient to measure definite values, such as the positions of limbs and the slope degree of the body. Other systems utilize acceleration sensors to recognize different exercise postures and may be utilized to classify normal and pathological movement, mainly applied to sports and general rehabilitation fields.

In the new era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), new mathematical algorithms are developed to solve the many problems in the recognition and interpretation of human posture through computer vision, thanks to new methods for image processing, both static and dynamic. It is now also possible to analyze human behaviour automatically by recognizing the posture of the human body. In such context, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are two examples of machine learning processes, able to compute and interpret subsets of data; when combined with video analysis and/or simpler wearable remote devices they may help in the assessment of complex kinematics of posture and gait. Based on the example of the stroke rehabilitation field, ANN - CNN technology and biosensors may supply a qualitative picture of the present physical setting (suggesting even a pattern-based diagnosis of the condition, e.g. axial and gate features in specific hereditary myopathies) and estimate prognosis predicting overall future disability and potential rehabilitation outcomes.

Only a few studies on body posture patterns have considered NMDs, such as Pompe disease or some subtypes of muscular dystrophies. When applied to the neuromuscular field, the accurate recognition of specific postural syndromes might have a differential diagnostic value, as well as a prognostic significance, similarly to the observations in other neurological diseases (i.e., extrapyramidal disorders). Moreover, the advanced programs for body posture analysis could be utilized and validated as outcome measures for the increasing number of clinical trials addressing new treatments for NMDs.

OS02.04The Role of Digital PROMs in the Data Collection for Real World Evidence Evaluation

Balicza P¹, Molnar V, Palasti A, Grosz Z, Molnar M

¹Semmelweis University Institute of Genomic Medicine and Rare Disorders, Hungary

With the advent of innovative therapies in many neuromuscular disorder, measuring outcomes became a crucial question. Since clinical trials include small number of patients and the development procedure is short due to the huge unmet medical needs we need further information after approval the innovative treatments. It is important for both the patients and for treating physicians, as well as for the funders to know how efficient a therapy is in real world setting. Information collected during routine clinical practice are the real world data (RWD). The result of the analysis of these data is the real world evidence.

In randomized controlled trials objective, easily measurable physical outcomes (such as 6MWT, MMT, RULM, PFTs etc.) are preferred. It is however a question what is a clinically meaningful way of measuring outcomes, what is a real-world value of a drug, how we can measure symptoms not directly in relationship with motor strength, and how we can assess outcomes in patients, who cannot perform well in these tests. Important aspects of a disease sometimes are subjective, not easily quantifiable (such as fatigue, dysphagia) or are not observable (such as sleep problems or sexual dysfunction), or are more complex than measurable in a trial context (such as everyday activities). In these situations, patient reported outcomes may give unparalleled information. General and disease specific patient reported outcome measures help us to identify important aspects of the disease, which cannot be measured in trial settings, and very importantly can serve longitudinal data, when assessed regularly. However gaining the patient for reporting symptoms is not always easy. As most of the neuromuscular diseases need long lasting cooperation with medical staff, it is also relevant to measure patient care experiences (PREMS patient care experience measures). PROMs ad PREMs then can be used in research, quality improvement, controlling and economic evaluation in order to improve patient centered care.

The aim of the lecture is to review the role of PROMs in the field of neuromuscular disorders, as well as to present our experience with adult Pompe disease and spinal muscular atrophy patients.

OS03.02Transition to Adult Services for Young People with Neuromuscular Disease: A Neurologist’s Perspective

Quinlivan R¹

¹MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square, United Kingdom

Improvements in patient care, including the use of non-invasive ventilation, have led to a rapid growth of young people with neuromuscular disorders transitioning to adult care. Many adult neurology services are not yet ready for this influx of young people with highly complex medical needs. Furthermore, often, the young person and their family have not been adequately prepared for the sizemic shift from a family centred paradigm of care to a patient centred model.

Transition programs should begin in adolescence and focus on preparing the young person to become knowledgable about their condition and its management. The goal should be to coach the young person to become competent in communicating their needs so as to let their voice be heard. They should be helped to develop aspirations for the future to ensure a happy adult life, this may include planning for higher education and or living independently with support. The young person needs to learn how to manage their finances and how to employ and manage carers. Developing interests and hobbies out of school, together with a network of friends, is important to prevent social isolation once they leave full-time education.

The move from paediatric to adult services is stressful for young people and their families, psychological support should be available. Adult and Paediatric teams should work together to ensure a seamless handover of care. The adult team should check the young person’s knowledge about their condition and recognise that the young person may need support in decision making and the importance of family and friends in this process should be recognised. Adult teams should communicate in ways that a young person can understand and avoid complex jargon. To improve compliance, complex multi-disciplinary care should be co-ordinated as much as possible.

OS03.03Transition to Adult Neuromuscular Care: the Pneumologist’s Perspective

Onofri A¹, Cutrera R

¹Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Italy

Improvements in management of respiratory disorders coupled with improvements in standards of medical care are increasingly allowing young people with chronic respiratory diseases to survive into adulthood. The process of transition from the pediatric to the adult healthcare system is challenging and requires special attention. Particularly, patients on long-term ventilation tend to be patients with complex needs.

Recent researches explored the transition experience of patients who had undergone the home mechanical ventilation (HMV) transition program of a tertiary children’s hospital. Identified factors that aided transition included early transition discussion, joint pediatric - adult HMV clinic visits, written information about adult services, and communication training for the adolescents to improve their capacity to give accurate medical histories and discussions of their needs with the clinical team. The barriers identified included lack of referral to other medical specialists, difficulty co-ordinating appointments across multiple adult specialists and health care settings, inadequate information on adult community funding structures and limited involvement of family doctors.

Similar to the situation in CF a few decades ago, only a limited number of adult physicians have experience in looking after these patients. Moreover, the multidisciplinary team set up which patients and their families are used to in paediatric care may only exist in a few tertiary centres. Some paediatric teams are therefore having to continue to look after these patients well into adulthood.

As mentioned above, to being under the care of the pediatric pulmonologist who manages the respiratory and LTV aspects of his/her care, patients are often also under the care of several other specialties. For example, a neuromuscular patient will also typically be under the care of the neuromuscular pediatrician, spinal surgeons for scoliosis and orthopaedic surgeons if they have dislocated hips etc. The transfer to the respective adult clinicians ideally should be done sequentially rather than all at the same time and thus requires careful advance planning.

In conclusion, transition is a process, not a single event of transference of care. The insights gained from examination of other chronic diseases highlight the absolute requirements, where possible, for better education and communication. For although all patients, whether manifesting complex needs or not, require some degree of individualized planning, this can only happen if there is a systemic recognition of the need for greater collaborative care partnerships between pediatric and adult clinicians.

OS04.01Overview on Palliative Care in Neuromuscular Disorders

de Visser M¹

¹Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Location Academic Medical Centre, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Over the last decades there has been increasing awareness of the role palliative care (PC) can play in the care of people suffering from a progressive chronic neurological disease associated with a reduced life expectancy, e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PC aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families and promote patient autonomy. Advance care planning (ACP) is a substantial part of PC and is an iterative process of discussing and choosing future health care and medical treatment options. ACP is about listening to the patient and their significant others understanding their values, beliefs, and goals of care, and identifying their wishes about treatment options which might also include discontinuation or withholding interventions. ACP should be initiated early in the disease trajectory.

Although ALS is often considered the paradigmatic disease of PC, there are many more neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) which are associated with a severe burden both for the patient and his carer and which have a reduced life expectancy. NMDs include genetic and acquired conditions and there is a wide onset of the disease, ranging from the neonatal period to late adulthood. There is also considerable variability as regards the severity, ranging from death in infancy and early childhood to mild signs and symptoms in elderly patients. Most NMDs in which PC may be offered at some point during the disease course, are hereditary by nature, including Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, congenital myopathy/muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial myopathies, myotonic dystrophy, and spinal muscular atrophy, albeit this list is not comprehensive. These NMDs are characterized by progressive muscle weakness, and there is often also cardiac and respiratory involvement which may lead to premature death. In some NMDs, treatment is currently available changing the perspective of life expectancy and disabilities which makes ACP even more challenging. Amongst acquired NMDs inclusion body myositis and myositis subtypes associated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease or progressive dysphagia leading to aspiration pneumonia may cause severe incapacities and not seldom an increased mortality.

Literature on PC in NMDs other than ALS is sparse, albeit there is a tendency to establish standards of care in various NMDs in which PC gets a place. Yet, PC is underutilized in neuromuscular disease. The causes are manifold. First, PC is often considered to be synonymous with end-of-life care, both by health care professionals and patients. Second, there are challenges regarding PC of patients with chronic progressive life-limiting NMDs given the broad spectrum of symptom progression, the lack of reliable and valid condition-specific outcome measures of quality of life, and the scarcity of evidence for efficacy of symptomatic treatments. Third, since patients with NMDs have different symptom profiles, they also have different needs, preferences and psychosocial issues. Fourth, health care professionals in general are found to be not very familiar with communication skills needed to deliver bad news and to discuss ACP.

Optimal palliation requires various skills and should be provided by a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals. Education, directed towards improving communication strategies, is crucial.

OS04.02The Role of the Neurologist and Palliative Care Specialist in ALS

Oliver D

¹University Of Kent, United Kingdom

Palliative care services have been closely involved in the care of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from the 1960s and a survey in the UK in 2000 showed that over 75% of specialist palliative care services were involved in ALS care, but often only in the later stages (1). A survey in 2019 across Europe showed that the collaboration between palliative care and neurology was greatest for ALS/MND and cerebral tumour (2).

The collaboration varies across and within countries, often according to local expertise and interest of the specialists involved. Surveys have shown that the wider multidisciplinary approaching the care of people with ALS are developing and have a positive effect on people with ALS – in the management of symptoms, quality of life and maybe length of life. However, there may be barriers to collaboration, often depending on the education of all involved – professionals, people with ALS, their families and society.

Palliative care is now recommended according to need rather than prognosis and this challenges both professionals and people with ALS, as often palliative care is associated with end-of-life care. There is a role for palliative care throughout disease progression, based on the regular monitoring and recognition of needs – physical, psycho-social or spiritual / existential. This has been recognised in guidelines, with the close involvement of palliative care services within the multidisciplinary team.

The increased collaboration is a challenge and there is the need for greater education and mutual understanding between services – with training in palliative care for neurologists and in neurology and ALS care for specialist palliative care specialists and teams.

The development of clear pathways of care, with collaboration between all involved, would help to provide a coordinated approach to care throughout the progression of ALS, allowing people with ALS to have as good a quality of life as possible and prepare for deterioration and end of life.

References:

1. Oliver D. Webb S. The involvement of specialist palliative care in the care of people with motor neurone disease Palliat Med 2000; 14: 47-8

2. Oliver D et al. Current collaboration between palliative care and neurology: a survey of clinicians in Europe BMJ Support Palliat Care 2020; doi 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002322

OS04.03Approach to Palliative Care in Pediatric NMD’

von der Hagen M, Nolte-Buchholtz S, Janisch M

¹Abteilung Neuropädiatrie, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, ²Sächsisches Kinderpalliativzentrum, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, ³Sächsisches Kinderpalliativzentrum, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Introduction: In the last decades, advances in pediatric medicine, the implementation of standards of care and targeted therapies have led to significantly higher survival rates in children with chronic life-limiting neuromuscular (NMD) and neurodegenerative disorders. These advances in care and individualized treatment result in an increasing group of young adult patients with residua or sequelae of childhood diseases. The change introduces new challenges since increased survival results in new morbidities that may significantly affect quality of life, concepts of care and psychosocial requirements. According to the standards of pediatric palliative care by the task force on palliative care for children and adolescents of the European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC), (pediatric) palliative care approaches and principles of care should be integrated from the point of diagnosis in life limiting diseases. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a common NMD in childhood with well-characterized disease trajectories. Simultaneously the clinical course in DMD has been in the focus of disease modifying therapies within the last years. The standards of care in DMD imply palliative care throughout the lifespan

Objective: Algorithms, task areas and interfaces of palliative care in pediatric NMD are exemplary analyzed in DMD in Germany.

Methods: Prospective German nationwide cross-sectional survey based on a mixed-method-design of qualitative and quantitative research.

Results: Although over the last decades and in the era of disease-modifying therapies many aspects of care for children and adolescents with DMD have dramatically improved resulting in survival into adulthood and better quality of life, cardiorespiratory morbidity, pain, the maintenance of nutritional balance, emergent and elective hospitalizations and barriers in transitioning into adult care remain a significant burden for the families. Specialized palliative care levels were rarely integrated within the course of the disease. The triangulated data analyses revealed unmet needs in symptom management, psychosocial care and communication.

Conclusion: The current challenges are to define the task areas and interfaces together with all stakeholders in DMD care and to establish close cooperation. Specialized palliative care can be used as an “add-on” approach in time of need in chronic, progressive diseases rather than as a “prognosis or disease stage”. Treatment algorithms and communication strategies between care givers and the families have to be redefined in the era of novel targeted therapies.

OS05.01The Changing Scope of Newborn Screening: Wilson and Jungner, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Beyond

Clarke A

¹Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

The purpose of newborn screening has usually been the early identification of infants who would benefit directly from early intervention before the recognition of an illness (effectively the Wilson and Jungner criteria of 1968). However, some newborn screening programmes have identified infants unlikely to benefit from early diagnosis but where the purpose underlying screening is different. A valuable example is that of newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), where the clinical diagnosis is often delayed until 4-5 years. In Wales, we operated a pilot programme with an evaluation from 1990 until 1998, and where screening continued until 2011 as a clinical service. The aim of the programme was to reduce diagnostic delays, and to allow informed reproductive decisions and the active planning of care for affected boys.

Screening was offered by opt-in parental choice. More than 343,000 male infants were screened (uptake 92.8%). Of these, screening found a raised bloodspot creatine kinase (CK) in 145 cases, which remained high in 66 cases when a repeat sample was tested at 6–8 weeks, with a positive predictive value of a screen-positive result of 45.5%. Of the 66 cases with a sustained elevation of serum CK, DMD was confirmed in 56 by genotyping and/or muscle biopsy. Becker muscular dystrophy was diagnosed in 5 cases and other rarer forms of muscular dystrophy in 5 cases. Later follow-up identified 13 false-negative cases, with the sensitivity for diagnosing DMD of ~80%.

One concern that arose was about the possible routinisation of consent. This led the programme team to establish small pilot studies, in both Wales and in England, to assess modifications to the ‘information-and-consent’ process to improve the quality of decisions made. Small adjustments have the potential to improve these decisions, leading to lower uptake but greater satisfaction and less decision regret. Another concern was about the level of support for families between diagnosis and the onset of symptoms. The provision of support became problematic after cutbacks, once the programme had moved to regular health service funding.

Lessons learned from this programme can be applied to future screening programmes, whether specifically for DMD or more generally for the identification of infants who will not immediately benefit from medical interventions. The justification of such screening will be framed in terms of benefit to the wider family rather than the direct medical benefit to the affected child. Care needs to be taken to ensure that the ‘information-and-consent’ process helps families to self-identify as likely or unlikely to benefit from early diagnosis. In addition, the continuing provision of emotional and practical support to the families of identified infants and the offer of monitoring the ‘patients in waiting’ for early signs of disease, must be seen as an integral part of the programme.

The discussion of such learning points from previous research will become especially important for the protection and support of families if whole genome sequencing is introduced into programmes of newborn screening.

OS05.02Newborn Screening of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. What Have We Learned?

Servais L¹

¹University Of Oxford, United Kingdom

Newborn screening pilots and official programs have been progressively implemented since 2018. It was estimated in early 2021 that about 2% of the world population was screened for SMA, and that this number could reach 20% in 2026. Over the last 4 years, there was several quantitative and qualitative learnings from these different pilots

1. The data gathered in these different programs converge to confirm extremely high sensitivity and specificity of SMA NBS. In comparison with any metabolic or endocrine screening, SMA NBS is by far the most accurate.

2. Real world evidence confirmed the data obtained in pre-symptomatic trials, such as Nurture or SPR1NT, which assessed in pre-symptomatic patients the efficacy of nusinersen and gene therapy, respectively.

3. Nevertheless, about 40% of patients with 2 copies of SMN2 appear to be symptomatic at the time of diagnosis, which should mitigate the excellent prognosis obtained in pre-symptomatic trials from which such patients were excluded.

4. Health economic analysis conducted in Australia and in Belgium quantified a major and positive health economic impact of NBS.

5. Despite a published revised consensus for the treatment of patients with 4 copies of SMN2, there are still major discrepancies from one to another country in the management of these patients. No evidence could be gathered so far outside anecdotical cases to immediately treat or to closely observe these patients.

6. The mindset of parents of patients identified by NBS present some specificity, as they have not been confronted to the burden of the disease itself. Aversion for treatment burden and risk is frequently noticed, as well as anxiety for the future.

Altogether, the increasing amount of evidence that converge to demonstrate a high accuracy and cost effectiveness of SMA NBS should facilitate its integration in national newborn screening programs in the coming years.

OS05.03The Role of Preconception and Early Pregnancy Carrier Screening in Neuromuscular Disorders

Laing N^1,2

¹University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia, ²Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Australia

There are many recessive genetic neuromuscular diseases that have early onset. This may be in utero, at birth, shortly after birth, or in infancy. These diseases are often severe, causing early death or life-long challenges for the patient and their family. These diseases include congenital muscular dystrophies, congenital myopathies, spinal muscular atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. There are no specific treatments for most of these diseases and the treatments that have been developed for some of them can be burdensome for the patient and their family and can be extremely expensive for health systems. Given the choice, couples might not wish to cause their children to have these diseases. The relevant professional bodies in many countries including the USA and Australia (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners), recommend that information about reproductive genetic carrier screening should be made available to all prospective parents. Only government-supported carrier screening can make carrier screening equitably available to all couples. Very few countries have nationwide government-funded genetic carrier screening programs in place. Israel is one. In Australia, in 2018, the Federal Health Department funded Mackenzie’s Mission, the Australian Reproductive Carrier Screening Project, to research how to provide genetic carrier screening free to any couple in this very large country that wanted to use carrier screening. In 2022, recruitment into Mackenzie’s Mission has finished, with over 9,000 couples, pre-pregnancy or in early pregnancy, enrolled from all geographic regions of Australia. The couples were tested for 1,300 genes using next generation sequencing as well as Fragile X syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy. These genes are associated with 750 diseases. Data analysis is ongoing. To date more than 150 couples have been identified as couples who did not know they were at high chance of having a child affected with one of the diseases. This includes couples at risk of having a child with ARSACS, congenital myasthenic syndrome Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Pompe disease, spinal muscular atrophy and other neurological conditions such as mucopolysaccharidoses, Tay-Sachs disease, Usher syndrome. In this year’s budget, 2022, the Australian Federal Government has announced that from September 2023 it will fund carrier testing for three common recessive genetic conditions: cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome and spinal muscular atrophy, for any couple that wishes to use the testing. The Australian Federal Government had previously put in place funding for preimplantation genetic testing for couples known to be at high chance of having a child with a recessive disease. Giving couples information about their carrier status, especially pre-pregnancy, allows couples to make informed choices about their multiple reproductive options.

OS06.01Serum Biomarkers for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1)

Lochmüller H^1,2,3

¹University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, ²Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada, ³The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy and is primarily characterized by muscle wasting and weakness. Although many biomarkers have been revealed in the rapidly developing biomarker research field that provide information on disease state and progression, limited work has been performed in rare diseases including DM1. We analysed miRNA and protein biomarkers from fibroblasts, skeletal muscle and blood samples of DM1 patients as well as DM1 mouse models. Specific miRNAs that can distinguish DM1 patients from healthy individuals and can be used as potential biomarkers for DM1 progression. We identified dysregulation of the periostin protein as a novel biomarker for DM1 that correlates with disease severity, presence of cardiac dysfunction, and presence of fibrosis. Myostatin in serum of DM1 patients is reduced, which may reflect the reduction of muscle mass. Other protein biomarkers are under investigation. We hypothesize that – while miRNA or protein biomarkers are often unspecific and can be found in other muscle conditions – combinations of biomarkers or biomarker panels can be tailored for specific purposes including the monitoring of disease progression and the effects of therapies.

OS06.02Metabolic and Mitochondrial Biomarkers

Angelini C¹

¹University Of Padova, Italy

In a series of metabolic lipid myopathies (i.e. carnitine deficiency, CPT2, ETF dehydrogenase defects, NLSD-M) the suggested panel of diagnostic laboratory exams consists of a smear to detect vacuolated leukocytes, the study of lactate, ammonia, acyl-carnitines, Creatine-phospho-Kinase (CK) in plasma, genomic DNA, and is useful performing a muscle with both biochemical and histochemical investigations (Fig.1 ORO stain) and an ultrastructural study or a skin biopsy to culture fibroblasts. Some exams will require the use of complex technology such as the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) apparatus for organic acid profile and mass spectrometry for the acyl-carnitines profile. Nowadays a diagnostic genetic analysis is also needed by conventional Sanger technique or Next Generation Sequencing. A history of intermittent myoglobinuric attacks triggered by fasting or some stress factor may suggest a disorder either of the Glycogen (myophosphorylase)/glycolytic pathway or fatty acid oxidation pathway. In glycolytic disorders, the study of lactate during muscle anaerobic or aerobic effort is recommended and demonstrates a flat profile.

In mitochondrial disorders, the use of serum lactate at rest and after effort during aerobic exercise test is a classical biomarker, serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF 21) appears both sensitive and specific for mitochondrial myopathies correlating with disease severity and respiratory deficient muscle fibers in the biopsy, indicating high potential as a serum biomarker for mitochondrial disease: FGF 21 is a specific biomarker for muscle-manifesting defects of mitochondrial translation, including mitochondrial transfer-RNA mutations and primary and secondary mtDNA deletions, the most common causes of mitochondrial diseases.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that have been shown to modulate a wide range of biological functions under various pathophysiological conditions. MiRNAs are 17-27 nucleotide long molecules that regulate posttranscriptional mRNA expression, typically by binding to the 3’-untranslated region of the complementary mRNA sequence and resulting in translational repression and gene silencing. The circulating microRNAs (miRNA) are stable and resist to RNAse activities. They can be actively released by muscle, carried by exosomes, microparticles, and apoptotic bodies, or can be passively released after sarcolemmal damage or injury. We have particularly studied “Canonical myomiRs” (miR-1; miR-133a and miR-133b, miR-206), in serum since they are enriched in muscle and are considered biomarkers of muscle regeneration, myogenesis, fiber type differentiation, degeneration, atrophy and might represent indicators of residual muscle mass consequent to atrophy of muscle lipid storage myopathies, other micro-RNA such as miR-34a and miR-122 are involved in lipid metabolism. A significant increase of myomiRNAs expression levels was detected in the serum of NLSD-M patients: muscle MRI/ CT scan demonstrated that muscle mass correlated with miR-206 levels. A marked elevation of some miRNAs involved in lipid metabolism was observed in the serum of NLSD-M patients. Both miR-34a, which plays a key role in the inhibition of expression of browning genes in obesity, and miR-122, a critical regulator of cholesterol and triglycerides synthesis in the liver, were strongly up-regulated in a case of NLSD-M with hepatosteatosis. An increase in these miRNAs correlated with high levels of hepatic enzymes, but not with CK levels.

Keywords: Creatine-Kinase, Micro-RNA, Acyl-carnitines, lactate, FGF21

OS07.01Overview of COVID-19 Infection and NM Disease Associated with COVID-19 Infection (e.g., GBS/neuritis, Myositis)

Amato A¹

¹Harvard Medical School / Brigham And Women’s Hospital, United States

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by infection by SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with several neuromuscular disorders including various inflammatory neuropathies (e.g., Guillain-Barre syndrome) and myopathies (e.g., rhabdomyolysis, myositis). Temporal associations however do not imply causality. In this lecture, Dr. Amato will review the literature regarding to neuromuscular complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. There are conflicting studies but if SARS-CoV-2 infection indeed causes GBS it is likely quite rare (probably < 1 case per 100000 infection). Less is known about other inflammatory neuropathies (mononeuritis, plexitis, or CIDP). Larger epidemiological studies are needed to better define the causality. Elevated serum creatine kinase and myalgias are common in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and in some myositis has been demonstrated on muscle biopsy. Furthermore, autopsy series have shown myositis and neuritis in patients who died from COVID-19 though virus has not been demonstrated in muscle or peripheral nerve. The inflammation is primarily felt to be due to cytokine release and not direct viral invasion of muscle or nerve. Finally, many affected patients have lingering symptoms (Long COVID) or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) that often include neuromuscular symptoms (fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, sensory loss and pain) that are of unclear nature.

OS07.03Neuromuscular Diseases Associated with COVID-19 Vaccines

Narayanaswami P¹

¹Harvard Medical School/ Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, United States

Several vaccine strategies are in use against the SARS-CoV2 virus which causes COVID-19. There are three major approaches to vaccine development: using the whole virus (live virus, inactivated virus, or viral vector vaccines), using immunogenic parts of the virus, or using the genetic material of the virus. As of April 29, 2022, 10 vaccines with different mechanisms of action have received EUL by WHO.1 In the United States, 3 vaccines have received either emergency use authorization or FDA approval.2 The timing and number of injections in the primary series and timing and need for booster doses of these vaccines depend on the age of the person, underlying immunocompromised status.4

The vaccines have overall been demonstrated to be safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and also in preventing serious COVID-19 infection. However they are rarely associated with some serious side effects. Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) after Johnson & Johnson/Janssen adenoviral vector vaccine is a rare complication that appears to affect women between the ages of 30 and 49 years. It has also been described with the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine. Based on the available data there is no increased risk for TTS after mRNA vaccination, although cases of immune thrombocytopenia have bene reported after the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.3,4 An increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome has also been associated with this the Janssen vaccine.3 Myocarditis and pericarditis, particularly in male adolescents and young adults have been associated with the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines.5

Currently, antibody testing either post infection or post vaccination are not recommended for various reasons.6, 7

Preexposure prophylaxis with a combination of 2 long-acting antibodies, tixagevimab-cilgavimab target the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and inhibit virus attachment. In December 2021, the US FDA provided emergency use authorization for preexposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in patients 12 years or older weighing at least 40 kg, not currently infected with COVID-19 or have a known recent exposure and either have moderate to severe immunocompromise due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive treatments and may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, or in whom available vaccines are not recommended due to prior severe adverse reaction.8 This consists of 2 consecutive intramuscular injections at the same visit and the efficacy appears to last for up to 6 months. It was granted marketing authorization in the EU in March 2022.

References:

1. https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who/

2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html

3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html

4. Lee, E et al., Am J Hematol.2021;96:534–537

5. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html

6. Chemaitelly H et al, NEJM 2021; 385:2585

7. Bergwerk M et al. NEJM 2021; 385: 1474

8. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-new-long-acting-monoclonal-antibodies-pre-exposure#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Food%20and,years%20of%20age%20and%20older

OS08.01Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Myopathies

Argov Z¹

¹Hadassah-Hebrew University, Israel

The clinical syndrome of rhabdomyolysis is based on the ‘classical’ triad of myalgia, weakness and pigmenturia. For this lecture it will be defined as an acute such clinical syndrome with markedly elevated serum CK. The common general triggers of rhabdomyolysis are: exertion, heat & fever, fasting and dehydration, drugs and anesthesia and muscle trauma. The causes of rhabdomyolysis are divided to two general groups: genetic (metabolic myopathies and dystrophies) and acquired. The main complications of rhabdomyolysis are acute kidney failure and electrolyte imbalance. There is no consensus on treatment guidelines but the main therapeutic modes are high fluid load (if renal status allows) and alkalization of urine. Initial observations on rhabdomyolysis and COVID-19 will be discussed.

The lecture will present the issues with clinical cases and their dilemmas to enhance the relevance between the theory and clinical practice.

OS08.02Myasthenic Crisis

de Visser M¹

¹Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Location Academic Medical Centre, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction, caused by antibodies that target the post-synaptic membrane. These antibodies most commonly bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR), but in a smaller proportion of cases, antibodies to muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK)(1-10%) or to lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp-4)(1-3%) can be present instead. These antibodies act on the receptors, prevent neuromuscular transmission and induce weakness of skeletal muscles. In 10-15% of MG patients, no antibodies are detected and these patients are designated as “seronegative.”

Weakness can be generalized or localized, is usually more proximal than distal, and nearly always includes eye muscles, causing diplopia and/or ptosis. The pattern of involvement is usually symmetric, except for the eye involvement, which is mostly markedly asymmetric. The muscle weakness typically increases with exercise and repetitive muscle use (fatigue) and varies over the course of a day and from day to day.

Patients commonly present first with ocular manifestations, however, the majority develop generalized muscle weakness, involving the facial and bulbar muscles (dysarthria, dysphagia), the limbs, the neck and axial muscles (dropped head, bent spine), and in severe cases the diaphragmatic and intercostal muscles.

MuSK-MG predominantly appears in women, who show weakness in mostly cranial and bulbar muscles, commonly with an acute onset and a tendency to rapid progression in comparison to AchR-MG.

Myasthenic crisis (MC), the severe end of the disease spectrum, can occur at any age and is potentially life-threatening. This is a clinical emergency that requires management in an intensive care setting. MC is mostly provoked by infections or inadequate treatment. In 15-40% of the reported patients with COVID-19 infection a MC occurred. MC appears in around 15–20% of MG patients in the first 2 years after diagnosis. MC can be the first manifestation of MG. Up to a half of MuSK-MG patients develop a MC in their disease course and it is also common in patients with thymoma-associated disease, or AChR-positive late-onset disease; after surgery (including thymectomy); during or after childbirth; in patients taking a contraindicated medication; at the start of corticosteroid treatment or during the tapering of immunosuppression. In approximately 20% the cause of an exacerbation remains unknown. Characteristic symptoms for the impending MC include rapidly progressive muscle weakness, ‘inverse aspiration’, dysphagia with choking, and dyspnoea associated with orthopnoea and/or tachypnoea which can result in respiratory insufficiency. The clinical management of MC with mechanical ventilation, extended intensive care management and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) or plasmapheresis (PLEX) or in case of persistent MC escalation with rituximab has led to a significant decline in mortality from around 40% in the early 1960s to 5-22% in recent studies with negative prognostic factors including older age at onset, prolonged intubation, and associated comorbidities. At present IVIg and PLEX are considered the gold standard treating MC. However, it may be conceivable that newly developed monoclonal antibody therapy (eculizumab, efgartigimod), could be used as rescue therapy to achieve a significant and rapid clinical improvement.

OS08.03ICU in NMD

Damian M¹

¹Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon, United Kingdom, ²Division of Anaesthetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Neuromuscular disorders constitute a small proportion of patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), but an important one, not least because of their good chance of satisfactory recovery. ICU treatment may be necessary for a newly manifesting neuromuscular disorder; for an exacerbation of a longstanding disease; or neuromuscular disease may arise as a complication of ICU treatment. The general ICU treatment of a neuromuscular disorder includes monitoring and management of respiratory failure; cardiac management; and early neurorehabilitation. These are often successful even when there is no specific treatment. Treatment specific to the underlying disorder may include immunomodulatory treatment in autoimmune disorders, or treatment of an underlying metabolic defect. Precise diagnosis at the earliest possible is essential but may present with difficulties in the ICU setting. This talk focuses on those myopathies which may present to the ICU; their emergency assessment, differential diagnosis in the acute phase; and treatment and pitfalls in their management are discussed.

OS09.01Use of Telemedicine and Home Infusion

Siciliano G¹, Bianchi F¹, Torri F¹, Merico E¹, Ricci G¹

¹Neurological Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the management difficulties of NMDs patients and the necessity to continue the program of implementation of standard of care yet started in Europe with the definition of the ERNs and with different applications in the various European countries. It will be increasingly necessary to favor and further develop smart management care through the implementation of IT platforms, telemedicine services and other eHealth technologies. In the near future we are moving towards a health system that supports scientific research, strengthens prevention, and brings “medicine home”.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced the health care system to undergo profound rearrangements in its services and facilities. In this setting, inpatient and outpatient services had to rethink and reorganize their activities to meet the needs of patients during the “lockdown”.

The rapid and abrupt COVID-19 shutdowns and stay-at-home orders imposed challenges to routine clinical management and clinical trials. The opportunity for real-world evaluation and reduced patient burden are clear benefits to remote assessment and may provide a more robust understanding and characterization of disease impact in NMD.

The quality of patient-physician relationship, the modality of remote clinical assessment and monitoring, and the administration of therapies are the key elements to be provided in neuromuscular Telemedicine. Telemedicine permits the maintenance of a close patient-physician relationship. Other important aspect is digital therapies: i.e., access in hospital settings to perform medical therapies that can be performed only and exclusively in protected settings (such as antisense oligonucleotides for SMA or Patisiran for genetic amyloidosis), but some treatments can be home-based, such as subcutaneous immunoglobulins, or enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease.

OS09.03Quick Clinical Outcome Assessments

Angelini C¹

¹University Of Padova, Italy

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the difficulty in the management of neuromuscular patients and the need for continued implementation of the standard of care.

With the new pandemia psychometrically robust but quick outcome measures are needed to monitor patients’ clinical status. The slow progressive nature of several muscle disorders and the wide pattern of involvement in muscular dystrophies and myopathies make it difficult to establish the prognosis, predict clinical evolution and perform trials and define the impact of natural history, and use new therapies that are becoming available. We constructed a motor function test that is easy and quick to use. This quick Motor Function test: Gait, Stair, Gower’s, Chair (GSGC) was constructed based on the clinical expertise of several physicians involved in the care of DMD; LGMD, and Pompe patients. The GSGC score can be integrated by the use of the motor function of the upper motor limbs with the arm function test (GSGCA). It consists of a simple standardized functional test which grades the ability of the patient to raise their upper arms over the head. Grade 0 corresponds to a full circle of arm abduction, while with grade 6 the patients cannot raise their arms to their mouth and effectively use their hands. The Gardner-Medwin Walton (GMW) scale even modified appears in comparison rather insensitive. The GSGC test includes 4 items. The test provides a detailed picture of motor function by including a quantitative measure of four performances i.e. time to perform four activities: Gait =walking for 10 meters, S=climbing 4 steps on a Stair, G= Gower’s maneuver, C= rising from a Chair (Figure) The GSGC final score is obtained by adding the grades of the four functional tests and ranges from a minimum of 4 (normal performance) to a maximum of 27 (worst performance).GSGCA test includes 5 tests (total score from 5 to 32). Validity and test reliability were determined in a cohort of 9 adult Pompe patients (15 to 54 years of age) and then validated in 40 LOPD cases by a collaborative group. The responsiveness of the GSGCA scale to changes in clinical course over time was examined in a subgroup of 13 LGMD 2B/R2 untreated patients. Interrater and intrarater reliabilities were most usually confirmatory. The motor outcomes are different in various myopathies and depend on a correct diagnosis, while exercise in myopathy patients should be moderate, but not necessarily discouraged. The muscle MRI imaging might be helpful for follow-up of the proximal or distal muscle involvement, to detect fat, and connective tissue replacement, which might be usually absent in metabolic myopathies, except for LOPD. Diet and exercise in LOPD might be an additional therapeutic option synergistic to ERT.

In this presentation, we examine the use of the GSGC scale in LOPD, DMD, and GSGCA scales in the natural history of LGMD R2. The development of “smart care” using telemedicine and eHealth technologies to share images, clinical data, reports, and video meetings of collaborative groups should be implemented.

Keywords: GSGC scale, Covid-19, DMD, LGMD, Pompe

OS10.02Sleep-related Breathing Disorders in Motor Neuron Diseases and Post-poliio Syndrome

Leonardis L¹

¹University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Motor neuron diseases (NMD) are progressive neurodegenerative disorders affecting central and/or peripheral motor nervous system leading to progressive muscle weakness. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) nocturnal hypoventilation is frequently reported due to diaphragm, intercostal, pharyngeal, laryngeal and neck muscle weakness. Sleep–related breathing disorders precede daytime symptoms and chronic respiratory failure. The prevalence of sleep apnea is higher compared to healthy controls. Patients with ALS have reduced total sleep time and sleep efficiency, increased sleep fragmentation, increased duration of stage N1 and reduced duration of stage N3 and REM sleep. Disruption of sleep can be caused also by muscle cramps and pain, reduced mobility, depression, hypersalivation and choking.

In patients with spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) weakness of expiratory and intercostal muscles is prominent, while the diaphragm is mostly well preserved. Scoliosis and chest deformities lead to breathing restriction. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony is present during sleep in children with SMA types 1 and 2. Patients with SMA type 1 have severe respiratory abnormalities. They have weak cough; they have increased risk of respiratory infections and aspiration. Due to hypoventilation, especially during sleep they need ventilator support. In young children of SMA types 2 and 3 the decline of respiratory function is prominent, while in early adulthood respiratory functions stabilise. Some of them need due to nocturnal hypoventilation mechanical ventilatory support. In patients with late SMA type 3 and with type 4 respiratory functions decline little, or they are stable. Adult patients with SMA have more common sleep apnea than healthy controls. Analyses of sleep architecture reveal decreased total sleep time, increased duration of stage N1 and increased fragmentation.

Post-polio syndrome includes signs and symptoms that appear between 30 to 40 years after the initial polio illness. Some patients received ventilatory support during polio infection and continue with it afterwards. Some of them have been weaned from ventilator but they may require ventilation after a prolonged latent period. A small proportion of patients require ventilatory support in post-polio period, even if they were not ventilated during the acute illness. The prevalence of sleep apnea (obstructive, central or both) syndrome, nocturnal hypoventilation and restless legs syndrome is higher than in healthy population.

Early detection and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with motor neuron diseases are especially important for improving their survival and quality of life. Patients with chronic respiratory impairment due to muscle weakness need mechanical ventilation, either non-invasive or invasive. At the early-stage non-invasive ventilation should be used during the night, later also during the day. About invasive ventilation should be discussed with patient in advance. Insufflation/exsufflation devices and secretion management are needed for airway clearance. Patients with sleep apnea need CPAP or other form of non-invasive ventilation.

OS10.03Sleep Apneas in Polyneuropathies and Late-onset Pompe

Young P¹

¹Medical Park, Germany

Respiratory disturbance and sleep apneas due to neuromuscular disorders is a common aspect in the clinical management of theses patients. The more the proximal muscle wasting is located the more involvement of the diaphragm and other breathing muscle is likely. Patients suffering from Pompe disease are of high risk to develop respiratory involvement during the course of the disease. Clinical approach is to check carefully for signs of respiratory disturbance by clinical examination and by implementing measurement of FVC, maximal respiratory pressure, trancutane capnometry, polygraphy and polysomnography that the diagnosis of hypoventilation, or in much rarer cases sleep apnea, will not be missed to initiate appropriate ventilation therapy and respiratory training. For the vast group of polyneuropathies recent data indicate that respiratory disturbance may also occur. Much more common is obstructive apnea syndrome which correlates more with severity of the neuropathy than with other known risk factors like obesity, gender or age which was shown for the group of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Therapeutic options are the same as for non-neuromuscular diseased obstructive apnea patients.

In conclusion sleep apneas and other forms of sleep related breathing disorders must be an integrative part or treating patients with Pompe disease and polyneuropathies.

OS11.02Symptomatology of Carriers of X-linked NMD: Duchenne and XL-MTM

Voermans N¹, Houwen S, Sarkozy A

¹Radboudumc, Netherlands

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD) and myotubular myopathy (MTM) are X-linked inherited muscular disorders caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. At least two-thirds of male cases are thought to be caused by inheritance from carrier mothers.

Symptomatic carriership in DMD and BMD has been recognized for a long time, with a focus on muscle cramps, hyperCKemia and the risk of developing a cardiomyopathy. A minority presents with progressive muscular weakness manifesting in childhood. We have recently performed a longitudinal follow-up study in 12 females with DMD. The results show the wide clinical and participatory spectrum in female patients with childhood onset DMD. Respiratory and cardiac screening, as well as rehabilitation care are recommended to improve health status and to support daily activities and participation for these patients. In May 2022, an ENMC workshop on female carriership of DMD takes place of which the main findings will be summarized.

Symptomatic carriership in XL-MTM has more recently been recognized. We have recently performed an international cross-sectional online questionnaire study among XL-MTM carriers, and a national cross-sectional clinical study. Both studies showed that the prevalence of manifesting XL-MTM carriers may be higher than currently assumed, most having a mild phenotype and a wide variety of symptoms. Manifesting carriers are particularly affected by fatigue, limitations of daily activities, pain, and reduced quality of life. Our findings should increase awareness and provide useful information for health care providers and future clinical trials.

WS01.01Peripheral Neuropathy and Brain Abnormalities in the Pathogenesis of LAMA2 Disease

Previtali S¹

¹Institute of Experimental Neurology (InSpe) and Division of Neuroscience. IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy

Autosomal recessive mutations in the LAMA2 gene affect the production of the alpha2 subunit of the heterotrimer laminin-211 (also called merosin) and are responsible for the development of Merosin deficient Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (MDC1A) or LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-RD). The disease includes severe early onset forms, characterized by hypotonia, weakness and joint contractures, due to complete laminin-211 deficiency, and milder forms in which only partial loss of laminin-211 is present. Loss or reduction of laminin-211 causes tissue degeneration.

While the disease is predominantly characterized by progressive muscular dystrophy, a dysmyelinating neuropathy is also present and participates to affect patient motricity. Finally, LAMA2-RD is also characterized by brain abnormalities, which mainly manifest with epilepsy.

Our knowledge on pathology and mechanisms underlying the development of peripheral neuropathy and brain abnormalities are mainly due to the use of mouse models.

Aim of this communication is to integrate data from human and mouse studies to discuss consequences and pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy and brain abnormalities in the course of the disease, which may constitute the basis for future therapeutic strategies.

WS01.02Muscular Dystrophy and Clinical Trial Readiness in LAMA2 Disease

Sarkozy A

¹Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Institute of Child Health, United Kingdom

Recessive, pathogenic variants in the LAMA2 gene cause one of the most common genetic form of congenital muscular dystrophies, known as LAMA2 related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2-RD). Patients with LAMA2-RD typically present with hypotonia and weakness at birth, progressive contractures of large joints and respiratory insufficiency. Due to severe muscle weakness and atrophy, independent ambulation is usually not achieved. In addition to skeletal muscle involvement, patients with LAMA2-RD also present central and peripheral nervous system involvement, with white matter abnormalities on brain imaging. Creatine kinase is usually elevated over 1000 IU/L and muscle pathology is dystrophic. Pathogenic variants affect production of the α2 subunit of laminin-211 (or merosin) leading to its deficiency. Complete merosin deficiency is typically observed in patients with congenital onset LAMA2-RD, while partial deficiency mostly associates with later onset forms, with variable but overall milder clinical course compared to congenital forms, often with achievement of independent ambulation. Correlations of clinical severity with amount of residual merosin, location and mechanism of action of the LAMA2 variants have been described, with bi-allelic, loss-of-function LAMA2 variants preferentially leading to severe presentations and complete merosin deficiency. Nevertheless, genotype-phenotype correlations remain challenging, with reports of same variant/s leading to variable clinical presentations, even within the same family. Despite its high prevalence worldwide, there is no cure for LAMA2-RD yet. Still, ongoing preclinical research efforts are promising, and translational efforts are in progress to fully characterise natural history of the disease and identify appropriate outcome measures and improve trial readiness. A first, phase 1 clinical trial of the anti-apoptotic compound omigapil allowed collection of pulmonary and motor outcome measures, and to evaluate exploratory outcome measures and possible biomarkers. Despite some intrinsic limitations, a retrospective, longitudinal natural history study in the UK was able to describe key milestones of disease progression and identify linear decline in percentage predicted forced vital capacity. Currently, multiple, international, coordinated efforts are ongoing towards prospective natural history studies on paediatric patients (in particular children younger than 5 years) as well as adults with LAMA2-RD, aiming to achieve trial readiness.

WS01.03Towards a New Potential Therapy of LAMA2-Related Muscular Dystrophy

Reinhard J, Lin S, Ruegg M¹

¹Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland

LAMA2-related muscular dystrophy (LAMA2 MD or MDC1A) is the most frequent form of congenital muscular dystrophies. It is caused by mutations in LAMA2, the gene encoding laminin-α2, one chain of the heterotrimeric extracellular matrix protein laminin-211 (α2β1γ1). Most patients lack laminin-α2 due to bi-allelic loss-of-function mutations in LAMA2. The large size of the cDNA encoding laminin-α2 and the heterotrimeric structure of laminin-211 present a challenge for gene replacement or gene editing strategies. Here, we describe the development of an AAV-based gene therapy to functionally replace laminin-211 by two small linker proteins. Prior work in transgenic mice has demonstrated that this Simultaneous Expression of Artificial Linkers (SEAL) in skeletal muscle of LAMA2 MD mice has a tremendous ameliorative effect on disease progression (Reinhard et al., 2017. Sci Transl Med. 9). The two linkers, mini-agrin (mag) and αLNNd, are small enough to be efficiently packed into AAV and are predicted to be well tolerated as they are designed from domains of proteins that are expressed in LAMA2 MD patients. Additionally, the linker proteins are secreted and act in the extracellular matrix, which allows for high targeting and expression efficiency by AAV. Using intravenous injections of two AAV9 vectors expressing either mag and αLNNd at postnatal day 1, we demonstrate high expression of both linkers in skeletal muscle and a significant improvement of the disease phenotype in LAMA2 MD mice. Starting at the age of 4 weeks, AAV9-injected mice gained significantly more weight; at 8 weeks of age, the body and muscle weights were 2 times higher than in vehicle-injected LAMA2 MD mice. Further improvements included a significant increase in grip strength, a substantial increase in myofiber size and a strong reduction of fibrosis. In summary, our study serves as a proof-of-concept in mice and establishes systemic delivery of AAVs that express the two linkers (SEAL technology) as a promising gene therapy for treating LAMA2 MD.

WS02.01Overview of Metabolic Myopathies

Vissing J¹

¹Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Metabolic myopathies classically encompass inborne errors of muscle metabolism affecting fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Further downstream metabolic blocks affecting the respiratory chain are traditionally classified as mitochondrial myopathies and are not covered in this oversight. Blocks in the breakdown of fat and carbohydrates, which both are important sources of energy supply to contracting muscle, result in a hallmark symptom of exercise intolerance. This intolerance is prominent early in exercise for carbohydrate disorder, because glycogen breakdown and combustion are important early on in exercise, while the exercise intolerance comes later on in disorders of fat metabolism, as fat combustion becomes increasingly important later in exercise. Another common symptom is destabilization of the muscle membrane, due to insufficiency in providing enough energy to support the ion pumps at the sarcolemma. This results in rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria. However, it has become clear in the last decades that a number of other inherited muscle diseases can present with a “metabolic myopathy mimic”, in terms of exercise intolerance, rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria. This is true of a number of muscular dystrophies (limb girdle muscular dystrophies type 2I/R9, 2B/R2, 2L/R12) and patients with variants in the ryanodine receptor 1 gene, amongst others. In this overview of metabolic myopathies, the about 14 disorders of muscle carbohydrate metabolism and about 8 disorders of muscle fat metabolism will be reviewed, and the two main phenotypic groups of chronic symptoms with permanent muscle weakness and wasting versus episodic symptoms related to the energy deficiency, but without permanent weakness, will be described. Differential diagnoses, which differs in these two main groups will be detailed and lastly current treatment options will be described.

WS02.02Diagnostic Tools and Strategy for Diagnosis of Metabolic Myopathies

Laforêt P¹

¹Raymond-poincaré Hospital, Garches, France

Metabolic myopathies (MM) are an important group of potentially treatable inherited muscle disorders affecting children and adults. Major advances have been achieved in the diagnosis of these disorders over the past years thanks to improvements in biochemical and molecular techniques. However, exercise testing and muscle biopsy still have an important place in the diagnostic strategy.

We will present in this session the various techniques currently available for the diagnosis of metabolic myopathies, discussing the respective contributions of biochemical analysis, exercise tests (forearm exercise test and cycling test), muscle biopsy and molecular analysis.

We will also discuss the usefulness of these different tests according to the categories of metabolic myopathies (lipid metabolism disorders, glycogenosis, or mitochondrial myopathies), and the current place of targeted gene panels studies.

Diagnostic strategies will be proposed for patients presenting with exercise intolerance or rhabdomyolysis episodes.

WS02.03Current Treatments of Metabolic Myopathies

van der Ploeg A¹

¹Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Netherlands

Metabolic myopathies are genetic diseases caused by defects in metabolic pathways that lead to accumulation of (toxic) substrates or energy deficits. This may lead to acute episodes cramps, pain and rhabdomyolysis and/or muscle weakness

The main groups of metabolic myopathies are the glycogen storage disorders (GSD II, III, IV, V, VII, IX and Danon disease), fatty acid oxidation disorders and mitochondrial myopathies.

For many of these disorders there are no causative treatments. An exception is GSD II or Pompe disease. Pompe disease is caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) needed for the degradation of glycogen. Deficiency of GAA leads to accumulation of glycogen in many tissues. Muscles are affected most. The disease presents as a spectrum. Patients with the classic infantile with complete lack of GAA present shortly after birth with generalized hypotonia and a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and die without therapy within the first year of life. Patients with late onset (childhood onset and adult) Pompe disease may present at any age with a proximal myopathy. In these patients the heart is (mostly) not involved. Due to progressive muscle weakness patients finally become wheelchair dependent. Importantly respiratory muscles are also affected and pulmonary function becomes increasingly reduced especially in supine position due to involvement of the diaphragm. Many patients eventually need (night time) ventilation. Since 2006 intravenous enzyme replacement therapy consisting of recombinant human GAA has been registered. This has improved prospects of patients. There are still unmet needs. This has led to the exploration of next generation therapies such as next generation ERTs and gene therapies (AAV and lentiviral gene therapy). Recently the first next generation ERT was approved.

For some other metabolic myopathies such as Danon disease gene therapy is explored, but this has not led to market authorization yet. Danon disease is an X-linked disorder caused by LAMP2 deficiency. Importantly the disease presents also in women. A progressive cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias are life threatening to patients and many patients need a heart transplantation at young age

Metabolic myopathies such as fatty acid oxidation disorders may benefit from dietary treatments and/or adequate exercise management. Also these disorders present as a spectrum of disease. For example Very long chain acyl coA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD) may present in infants with hypoglycemia and a cardiomyopathy, while in older children and adults episodes of rhabdomyolysis and muscle pain are most debilitating. Adequate dietary management with sufficient carbohydrates, avoiding of fasting and use of low-fat diet with supplemental medium-chain triglycerides may help these patients.

During the workshop examples of clinical patient presentations and the practical aspects of patient management and treatment will be highlighted.

WS03.02Brain in DM1 Subtypes and DM2 has Differential Involvement

Angelini C, Siciliano G

¹University of Padova, Padova, Italy

To establish the degree of the brain and cognitive involvement, studies have addressed neuropsychological features and compared them with gray and white matte involvement detected by brain MRI found in myotonic dystrophy type 1(DM1) subtypes and Myotonic Dystrophy type 2 (DM2). Such studies were done both by a cross-sectional study, but also by longitudinal changes in a series of molecularly defined patients.

Cognitive and brain abnormalities described in DM1, are variably associated with muscle weakness.

We performed neuropsychological studies that revealed a decline in frontal and temporal ability in DM1 and an additional test was done for anosognosia. The expansion size of CTG repeat was classified into 4 groups as E1, E2, E3, or E4., and correlation with (CTG)n DNA was found in frontal tests, anosognosia. The expansion size of CTG repeat was classified into 4 groups E1, E2, E3, and E4.

A typical frontotemporal abnormality was often found by MRI in the white matter it might correlate to a congenital developmental disorder rather than to a progressive lesion.

We clinically followed by Muscle Impairment Rating Scale (MIRS) a series of 30 DM1 patients, in the brain we studied white matter abnormalities in MRI, evaluated according to the AGE Related White Matter Changes (ARWMC) score. The neuropsychological battery included MMSE,memory, linguistic, attentional frontal tests, anosognosia.

White matter abnormalities by MRI were frequent in our DM1 series with juvenile or adult-onset. In the brain the dorsal attention network is affected, with disease progression the temporo-parietal junction and the frontoparietal circuits appeared to be progressively involved, these changes could explain our clinical findings: in juvenile cases when we found anosognosia and compromised linguistic and executive tasks, besides white matter changes a ventriculomegaly could be observed, in adult cases since besides the characteristic temporo-polar abnormalities other lesions were white matter abnormalities and gray matter atrophy.DM1 brain abnormalities contribute to account for social cognitive deficits observed in patients.

DM2 patients present a reduction in cerebral blood flow and occasionally there are alterations in the white matter of the brain, these more specific vascular CNS abnormalities might be related to aging or diabetes mellitus. Other CNS abnormalities are found in other neuromuscular disorders such as LGMD 2I/R9, oculopharingeal muscular dystrophy and glycogenosis type 2, infantile type.

Conclusions: A specific fronto-tempo-polar abnormality (Fig 1) is seen early in the white matter of the brain in DM1. Major degrees of abnormalities did not correlate with disease duration or MIRS score. Global cognitive performance worsened in all patients, particularly in cognitive or linguistic ability, but their evolution probably represents an aging-related decline or a congenital brain abnormality.

Keywords: Myotonic dystrophy, Brain MRI, CNS,LGMD 2I/R9

WS04.01Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis and Immune Necrotising Myopathy

De Bleecker J¹

¹Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium

Myositis represents a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders, and polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), anti-synthetase syndrome associated myositis and sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) are distinctive clinical and immunopathologic entities. Diagnosis of myositis is based upon clinical signs, creatine kinase (CK) levels and serology, and in most cases requires a muscle biopsy for histopathological evaluation. PM patients are rare, present with subacute predominantly proximal muscle weakness and elevated serum CK levels. A muscle biopsy reveals endomysial inflammation and invasion of non-necrotic muscle fibers by autoaggressive CD8+ T-cells, yet without the degenerative features suggestive of IBM. DM manifests as symmetric proximal muscle weakness and characteristic cutaneous features, with perifascicular muscle fiber atrophy and perimysial B-cell and CD4+ T-cell accumulation on biopsy. Most DM patients can be sub-grouped according to one of five muscle specific antibodies. Microvascular complement deposition is an early pathologic sign. IMNM present as relatively severe proximal muscle weakness with prominent muscle fiber necrosis in the muscle biopsy, yet with absent or minimal inflammatory infiltration. Anti-HMGR and -SRP antibodies occur in about each a third, the remaining third being seronegative. Sarcolemmal complement deposition with the directly toxic antibodies is part of the pathogenesis. Therapy development for PM, DM and IMNM has been mostly founded on empirical data and published case reports, with limited randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) conducted to date, yet most patients can be treated successfully. First-line choice is steroid therapy, started in severe cases at IV high doses, with gradual tapering and addition of steroid-sparing agents such as methotrexate, azathioprine or mycophenolate to reduce side effects. In steroid-resistant patients, other second-line immunosuppressive agents (cyclophosphamide) or intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) may be administered, or plasmapheresis may be attempted. IVIg is an established therapy for DM and has been useful in the acute treatment of IMNM. In addition, the progress made in our understanding of disease pathogenesis has led to the development of more selective anti-inflammatory strategies for treating refractory patients. Patients may be successfully treated with therapeutic antibodies depleting B-cells (rituximab). Monoclonal antibody therapy directed against pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα inhibitors infliximab, adhalimumab, etanercept; IL-6: toculizumab; IFNα: sifalimumab), activated T-cells (abatacept, basiliximab), JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib, baricitinib) have been negative or are still studied; some even caused myositis as side effect (TNFα inhibitors). Agents depleting complement (eculizumab) or targeting the FcRN receptor (efgartigimod) are trialed.

To tailor the treatment regimen to the individual patient, precise subtyping of PM, DM and IMNM into subgroups that may predict which treatment options have the most chances of success, is required. Inadequate sub-classification of patients is one of the reasons that previous RCT failed to confirm efficacy, even after multiple case reports with very favorable response. The definition of sensitive outcome measures is an important issue, and has much improved through the IMACS consortium.

Along with medication, physical therapy is now widely accepted to be of some benefit. Prevention of disease damage by the myositis process itself (calcinosis, tendon retraction,..) or its treatment (osteoporosis, steroid myopathy, infections,..) requires thoughtful considerationt.

WS04.02Myasthenic Syndromes

Sacconi S^1,2,3

¹Université Côte d’Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Système Nerveux Périphérique & Muscle, Hôpital Pasteur 2, 30 voie Romaine CS, Nice, France, ²Université Côte d’Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, Nice, France, ³Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire Oncoage, CHU Nice, Université Côte d’Azur (UCA), Nice, France

Myasthenia gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) are antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases of the neuromuscular junction. Previous works and recently published study on European LEMS registry demonstrate that Lambert-Eaton syndrome prognosis can be influenced by symptomatic drugs and survival by the treatment of overlying cancer or other autoimmune diseases when present. It is very important to early recognise this disease and to detect and treat efficiently associated comorbidities.

Autoimmune myasthénia associated with anti-RAch and Anti-MUSK antibodies is associated with fluctuating weakness in ocular muscles and in muscles of the limb and trunk.

Many first-line treatments for MG, including corticosteroids, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and non-steroidal immunosuppressive drugs, target inhibition of acetylcholine breakdown or T-cell function. Even though they allow MG patients to maintain an acceptable level of muscle strenght, functinal ability and quality of life, these treatments are non-specific and may be associated with important side effects. Moreover, MG patients may be or become refractary to these traitements during time or develop contre-indication to the treatement do to coexisting comorbidities.

Over the last few years, new biological agents against complement, the FcRn receptor, or B-cell antigens have been successfully tested in clinical trials. These new therapies with a relatively rapid mode of action and few side effects extend the possibilities for targeted immunotherapies and open new venues to better manage MG. Nevertheless, several challenges may occurs concerning the choice of the drugs in different situation, the frequancy of the administration and the potential long term side effects in the recent context of COVID-19 pandemic.

WS04.03Intensive Care Unit Weakness

Damian M¹

¹Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon, United Kingdom, ²Division of Anaesthetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

ICU treatment initially focuses on life support and cardiorespiratory monitoring, rather than neurological function, and sedation and/or paralysis make muscle weakness hard to appreciate. In cases without a clear history of neuromuscular disease, weakness may be recognised with some delay when the patient fails to wean from the ventilator. The question is then whether a previously unrecognised neuromuscular disorder caused the ICU stay, for instance an inflammatory neuropathy or myopathy, or a hitherto unrecognised metabolic disorder, such as a metabolic myopathy manifesting by acute rhabdomyolysis, or whether the patient suffers from “ICU-acquired weakness” (ICU-AW). This lecture discusses the differential diagnosis of weakness in the ICU, current concepts of ICU-AW, and the management of neuromuscular disease arising in the ICU.

WS05.01Benefits and Limits of ERT in LOPD

Remiche G¹

¹Centre De Réference Neuromusculaire, Dept. Of Neurology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre De Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium

Glycogen storage disease type II (Pompe disease) is an autosomal recessive mutisystemic disorder due to the deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) lysosomal enzyme. Its prevalence varies following geographic area from 1:40000 to 1:156000.

The pathophysiological process conducts to glycogen accumulation in many tissues with main consequences in skeletal and cardiac muscles associated with cardiomyopathy and proximal/axial myopathy.

The classical infantile Pompe disease manifesting in the first year of life and including severe heart involvement is distinguished from late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) occurring after the age of one year without cardiac involvement. In LOPD, the clinical picture largely varies and correlates with residual enzyme activity levels. Life prognosis in LOPD is largely determined by a diaphragm weakness inducing restrictive syndrome.

In 2006, recombinant human GAA (rhGAA) was approved as enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Pompe disease. In 2010 the unique randomized controlled trial in LOPD with alglucosidase alfa ERT was published and concluded to an improved walking distance and pulmonary stabilization function over an 18-month period (LOTS study).

Conduction of clinical studies in LOPD is limited by several factors including its low prevalence and the large phenotypical spectrum limiting homogenous cohort constitution.

Further studies were all uncontrolled and provided variable results about ERT efficiency especially regarding the long-term benefit. Beside six-minute walking test (6MWT) and seated forced vital capacity, other outcomes have been studied such as medical research council strength measurement, Walton and Gardner-Medwin scale, time on ventilatory support (TOV), and quality of life measured by 36-items Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. For most of these outcomes, no statistically significant benefits were currently demonstrated.

Recent reviews and meta-analyses supported the benefit of rhGAA ERT in LOPD on the 6MWT, the physical part of the SF-36 and TOV.

Whether some predictive factors could help to anticipate the magnitude of the therapeutic response remains controversial. Plausible predictor’s candidates for ERT response include the disease stage at the introduction of ERT, the genetic background and the presence of antibodies targeting rhGAA.

The question of the ERT benefit durability in LOPD merits to be addressed since some published data suggest a trend to its decline after three to five years.

In another hand, recent uncontrolled LOPD cohort’s studies related to interrupted long-term ERT therapy (mean ≈ 7-8 years), concluded to a clear rapid worsening of several outcomes during interrupted treatment phases, raise awareness related to the ERT interruption risk.

In conclusion, rhGAA ERT in LOPD provides clear statistically and meaningful benefit in several outcomes from an intermediate timing exposure perspective. The demonstration of strong statistically and clinically meaningful evidence after longer exposure periods remains uncertain and large interindividual variability is observed.

In order to confirm the long-term cost-effectiveness ERT benefit in LOPD, it is now needed to collect prospective data in well-designed studies performed on large LOPD populations.

These further studies should include stratification strategy integrating potential factors that could discriminate good and poor responders and integrate as main outcomes more meaningful clinical measurements such as quality of life or autonomy.

WS05.02Next-generation Clinical Outcomes and Biomarkers in LOPD

Laforêt P¹

¹Raymond-poincaré Hospital, Garches, France

Since nearly 15 years, a large number of studies has been dedicated to Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD), and among them several multicentric international clinical trials having involved hundreds of patients. Knowing that the main clinical manifestations of LOPD are pelvic-girdle weakness and respiratory involvement, major assessments of disease evolutivity are based on pulmonary function testing (PFT) and 6 minutes walking test (6MWT) since the initial clinical trials.

The 6MWT has several limitations and doesn’t accurately reflect the global severity of limbs and axial muscles involvement.

Various methods of muscle strength assessment have been used in association with 6MWT, such as manual muscle testing or hand held dynamometry, but they don’t present enough interater reliability allowing its use in large multicentric studies. Thus, improving assessment of motor function, including neuromuscular performance, locomotion and postural control in adults with LOPD is an important goal. Usefulness of muscle MRI has also been clearly established in recent years, allowing in particular to detect infraclinical muscle involvement, and analyzing muscles groups that are more difficult to test, such as paravertebral muscles.

Regarding respiratory function, MRI imaging of diaphragm and optoelectronic plethysmography are non invasive methods that have been developped in order to assess lung volume variations and anatomical compartments of chest wall, beside PFT.

We will discuss the contributions and current limitations of these new techniques for the follow-up of patients with LOPD and their potential interest as clinical outcomes for the future clinical trials.

WS05.03The Future of Treatments for Pompe Disease

van der Beek N¹

¹Department of Neurology / Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Pompe disease (glycogen storage disease type II) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase. A severe enzyme deficiency results in the classic infantile phenotype, which leads to death within the first year(s) of life if left untreated, while a partial lack of enzyme activity is associated with the ‘late-onset’ phenotype, characterized by more slowly progressive limb girdle muscle weakness and respiratory involvement.

Over 15 years ago, enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) has been successfully implemented as the first disease-specific treatment for Pompe disease. Despite the fact that this has changed the prospects for patients enormously, it has now become evident that the search for a cure does not end here. Two key issues that need to be addressed in the future are: 1] patients with the classic infantile phenotype may develop white matter abnormalities in the brain, with an accompanying cognitive decline, and 2] the inter-individual variation in treatment benefit in patients with the late-onset phenotype is considerable, both in size and duration of the effect.

Fortunately, in recent years a lot has been invested in the development of new therapies, such as next-generation enzyme therapy, AAV gene therapy, RNA-based therapy and lentiviral gene therapy. Several phase 3 studies with new enzyme therapies have since been completed, while AAV gene therapy is now being investigated in a clinical trial. Hopefully, many of these new treatments will reach the clinic within the next 5 years. The availability of multiple treatment options will allow us to treat our patients in a much more individualized way.

This presentation will provide an update on the status of the development of these new innovative therapies.

WS06.02Utilising Novel Technologies to Improve the Diagnostic Yield of Whole Exome Sequencing in Patients with Neurogenetic Disease

Horvath R¹

¹Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Mutations in either the mitochondrial or nuclear genomes are associated with a diverse group of human disorders characterized by impaired mitochondrial respiration caused by pathogenic variants in >400 different genes. The clinical presentation of mitochondrial diseases is very variable, and there are only very few effective treatments to date.

Whole-exome sequencing has led to a revolution in the diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases, leading to an exponential increase in the number of associated disease genes and the diagnostic yield. However, there are still some patients with a likely mitochondrial disease, where the genetic etiology of a mitochondrial disorder remains unknown, highlighting limitations in variant detection and interpretation. There is a need for improved methods including transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches, which may improve the diagnostic yield.

The presentation will cover the current status of the genetic basis of mitochondrial diseases and will discuss current challenges and perspectives and explores the contribution of factors beyond the protein-coding regions and monogenic inheritance expanding the genetic spectrum of mitochondrial disease.

WS07.01The Gestalt Approach to Neuromuscular Disorders of Adulthood - a General Introduction

Schoser B¹

¹Friedrich-Baur-Institute LMU,Germany

Decryption Gestalt characteristics of neuromuscular disorders is currently based on long-term clinical training by obtaining complex cognitive skills. New technologies will help overcome this tranquil eminence-based method to an amplified precision Gestalt. Current face-to-gene studies in hereditary syndromic disorders were pioneers for this. We are in the decade of transition as neuromuscular disorders become a hotspot of treatable inherited disorders. Thus, we must precisely stratify our neuromuscular disease patient cohorts for modern individualized therapy optimization. Tools like an amplified precision Gestalt approach will help to guide us better. Beyond our growing evidence for treating as early as possible, most of our adult patients are already in advanced stages of the burden of their disease course, for example, previously with moderate to severe muscle wasting and weakness and/or scoliosis and contractures. Therefore, we need to find ways to define more precise subgroups for the best Gestalt treatment outcome. Currently, our decision-making is mainly based on our eye, hand, and brain interaction perception. We need to implement computational decision-making and machine-learning processes incorporate the use of ontologies and algorithms. They permit sophisticated recognition of precision Gestalt patterns and correlate them to genetic variants beyond all clinician’s performative perceptions. However, these modern methods require careful construction of the precision Gestalt to provide the best read-out of the analysis. As principal aim, an individual holistic precision Gestalt of a patient for a specific disease will be defined by a physiological monitoring of data from wearables by continuous real-world data, imaging data from whole body MRI scans or magnetic resonance in combination with surface three-dimensional imaging data sets, neurophysiological mapping, muscle morphological data, and the genetic and molecular information, as genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes. This amalgamation of various human data sources will entail the full support of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

WS07.03Gait Patterns in Neuromuscular Diseases

Vissing J¹

¹Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Pattern recognition is key to a neuromuscular specialist. One thing is recognizing the distinct pattern of muscle involvement in each of the several hundred diseases, but another is recognizing the features of gait pattern among different diseases. Thus, distal lower involvement, as seen in many neuropathies, distal SMAs and distal myopathies, such as myotonic dystrophy, is characterized by a high lift of the foot to avoid a drop foot from getting caught by the underlying terrain. More proximal weakness evokes a waddling, hyperlordotic gait as seen in the numerous muscle diseases with limb girdle weakness. Paraspinal muscle weakness produces a backward leaning gait with arms swinging mostly behind the trunk’s mid-axis to prevent falling forward. The talk will review these gait forms and how to distinguish them. Ways of objectively document the gait patterns will be reviewed, including the use of sensors and video assessments of limb and joint movements.

WS08.03Genomic Rearrangements in FSHD

van der Maarel S¹

¹Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common muscular dystrophy in adults and is clinically characterized by progressive and irreversible weakness and wasting of the facial and upper extremity muscles. FSHD is caused by incomplete repression of the cleavage stage transcription factor DUX4 in skeletal muscle. The DUX4 gene is located in the D4Z4 macrosatellite repeat in the subtelomere of chromosome 4q which adopts a repressive chromatin structure preventing DUX4 expression in somatic cells. The D4Z4 repeat normally varies between 8-100 units and most often, DUX4 expression in skeletal muscle of FSHD patients is due to D4Z4 chromatin relaxation as a result of a contraction of the repeat to a size of 1-10 units (FSHD type 1 - FSHD1). However, with the advances in genome technologies, new genetic causes for FSHD have been uncovered over the past decade. In addition to genomic rearrangements to D4Z4 other than repeat contractions such as translocations and duplications, also mutations in chromatin factors that are necessary to establish or maintain a repressive D4Z4 chromatin structure (SMCHD1, DNMT3B and LRIF1) have been recognized to cause FSHD (FSHD type 2 - FSHD2). However, rather than a dichotomy between FSHD1 and FSHD2, both forms of the disease should rather be considered a continuum in which the reduced D4Z4 repeat size and the failure in D4Z4 chromatin repression differently contribute to the expression of DUX4 in skeletal muscle. Molecular therapies should therefore be directed at targeting the D4Z4 chromatin structure or DUX4 itself.

WS09.02Advances in Treatment of MAG Neuropathy

Steck A¹

¹University of Basel, Switzerland

IgM monoclonal gammopathy is frequently associated with a specific phenotype of demyelinating polyneuropathy, particularly with anti-MAG antibodies. The diagnostic utility of anti-MAG antibodies, their specificity, the homogeneity of the clinical syndrome and the consistent pathological findings, do suggest a pathogenetic role for anti-MAG antibodies. Mechanisms of nerve injury consist of antibodies binding to MAG in paranodal myelin and Schmidt Lanterman incisures with subsequent unraveling of myelin lamellae. Since the anti-MAG antibodies appear to exert a direct pathogenic effect on myelin structure and function, B cells depleting therapies have been the main therapeutical mode of treatment. Initially chemotherapy regimens with chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide or fludarabine have been used, but because of toxicity have been replaced by anti-CD20 antibodies. Cumulative data from several studies show that rituximab helps 30–50% of the patients. A retrospective analysis of 50 clinical trials in anti-MAG neuropathy demonstrated that a relative reduction of ≥50% anti-MAG IgM levels was associated with clinical improvement in the responder group. New generation of humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies that cause more profound or sustained B cell depletion are available and warrant the development of new studies. The discovery of the MYD88 mutation in Waldenström Macrogobulinemia (WM) has led to the use of inhibitors of BTK such as Ibrutinib in the treatment of WM, resulting in efficient tumor cell killing. This mutation is also present in a majority of anti-MAG neuropathy patients. Preliminary data from 2 studies point to a possible efficacy of Ibrutinib in anti-MAG neuropathy. Recently an antigen-specific immuno-therapy has been developed. It consists of a glycopolymer acting as a scavenger for the anti-MAG autoantibodies. Preliminary data provide evidence for the use of this targeted therapy for the removal of anti-MAG antibodies in an extracorporeal approach coupled to an immunoaffinity column. Because complete elimination of the clonal anti-MAG IgM is not possible with current treatments, novel approaches or combination of treatments are needed.

Reference: Steck, A.J. Anti-MAG neuropathy: From biology to clinical management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577725

WS10.01Pathology of GBS Focused on its Early Clinical Stage

Berciano J A¹

¹ University Of Cantabria, Spain

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute-onset, immune-mediated disorder of the peripheral nervous system, basically comprising demyelinating (AIDP) and axonal forms. The aim of this presentation will be to analyze the pathologic background of early GBS (≤ 10 days after onset). For this purpose, I have carried out a comprehensive literature review of autopsy proven early GBS cases, and an update of our five AIDP patients with autopsy study on whom clinical-electrophysiogical study was done within 10 days after onset. Pathological changes predominated in proximal nerves, in some studies being more prominent at the sides where the spinal roots unite to form the spinal nerves. Particularly in the first few days of the clinical course, endoneurial inflammatory edema was the outstanding feature, sometimes accompanied by centrofascicular or wedge-shaped areas of endoneurial ischemia. Moreover, these changes correlated well with our further prospective nerve sonographic studies in early GBS showing that main changes rely on ventral rami of the investigated cervical nerves (C5-C7). Where appropriate, a comparison of early GBS pathological results with those of experimental autoimmune neuritis was carried out. I will provide new insights into the pathophysiology of early GBS.

Key points:

• Endoneurial inflammatory oedema is the earliest GBS pathogenic event.

• Oedema predominates in proximal nerve trunks.

• It helps to explain the pathophysiology of ascending weakness when conventional electrophysiology shows no consistent changes.

WS10.02Insights in GBS Pathophysiology Gained by Electrodiagnostic Studies

Van den Bergh P¹

¹Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Belgium

Although GBS is a clinical diagnosis, the diagnostic certainty can be increased by cerebrospinal fluid and electrodiagnostic studies according to the GBS Brighton Collaboration criteria. Electrodiagnostic studies can show evidence of peripheral neuropathy and can exclude disorders mimicking GBS. GBS is a container term, including typical GGS and GBS variants, such as Fisher syndrome, cervico-pharyngeal-brachial GBS and paraparetic GBS. Moreover, based on pathological studies, axonal (acute motor axonal neuropathy, AMAN, and acute sensorimotor axonal neuropathy, AMSAN) and demyelinating (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, AIDP) GBS subtypes have been described. Until recently, it was thought that these subtypes could be confidently distinguished by nerve conduction studies. Electrodiagnostic subtype criteria were established by Ho et al. (1995) and Hadden et al. (1998) to this effect. However, the discovery of reversible conduction failure (RCF) in axonal GBS led to the realisation that transient conduction slowing and conduction block can occur due to antibody-mediated immune attack at the nodal/paranodal axolemma. There is no actual demyelination as pathologically defined and if the immune attack continues, conduction failure may not reverse and axonal degeneration ensues. Serial nerve conduction studies can detect RCF and were deemed necessary to correctly diagnose AMAN and AIDP. Recent electrodiagnostic criteria sets by Rajabally et al. (2015) and Uncini et al. (2017) have taken into account this pathophysiological mechanism, which is called nodopathy/paranodopathy. However, the dichotomous distinction between axonal GBS and AIDP, based on correlation of published electrodiagnostic criteria sets with serial studies to detect RCF, and ganglioside antibodies, appears to be difficult as indicated by recent electrodiagnostic studies and by pathological studies. Reasons are that this distinction is partly nerve conduction criteria-specific and that there gold standard electrodiagnostic criteria are not available.

WS10.03Understanding GBS Immune Pathophysiology as it Relates to GM1

Willison H¹

¹University Of Glasgow, United Kingdom

The autoimmune peripheral neuropathy Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is in part mediated by anti-GM1 ganglioside antibodies induced by preceding bacterial or viral infections. Anti-GM1 antibodies then target plasma membrane GM1 that is extensively distributed in both glial and axonal membranes at the node of Ranvier and motor nerve terminal, in addition to extraneural sites. The wide distribution of the GM1 ganglioside target leads to unwanted complexity is ascribing pathological outcomes to injury of cell-specific membranes, in particular unravelling the consequence of paranodal or terminal Schwann cell membrane injury on axonal function, and vice versa. To overcome this impasse, we have generated transgenic mice through glycosyltransferase manipulation that solely express GM1 in either neurons or glia, thus allowing us to very specifically target and injure axonal or glial membranes with a single anti-GM1 ganglioside antibody. Through this route we have created mouse models of both the axonal and glial forms GBS, induced by one anti-GM1 antibody, thus creating otherwise highly comparable conditions. Herein we describe the axonal injury paradigm in GalNAcT-/--Tg(neuronal) mice receiving an injection of anti-GM1 ganglioside antibody. These mice develop catastrophic weakness, respiratory dysfunction and associated anti-GM1 antibody and complement deposition, and degenerative pathology in nerve axons. Conversely, GalNAcT-/--Tg(glial) mice only deposit anti-GM1 antibody and complement in targeted Schwann cell membranes including paranodal loops. Whilst the acute injury these latter mice sustain is less severe than seen in GalNAcT-/--Tg(neuronal) mice, the GalNAcT-/--Tg(glial) mice develop conduction block and secondary axonal degeneration over time. The new opportunities provided by these novel models are profound - it is now possible to directly and specifically target the axolemmal or glial membranes at the node of Ranvier and other peripheral nerve sites, study associated nodal pathology, and determine the downstream consequences on function and axon fate, currently a major area in GBS clinical research, The effective stages of therapeutic intervention and repair can also be scrutinised using these models, and one such example will be illustrated.

WS11.01Novel Autoantibodies in MG: Do They Matter?

Pasnoor M¹

¹The University Of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition characterized by muscle weakness and fatigability. It can affect the ocular muscles, bulbar muscles or muscles in the rest of the body including and not limited to the extremities and the neck muscles. It is antibody mediated and patients have autoantibodies targeting various neuromuscular junction proteins. About 85% of patients with generalized MG have acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR). These include the binding, blocking and modulating antibodies. About 5-10% of patients have muscle specific tyrosine kinase antibody (MuSK). Autoantibodies against low density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 4 (LRP4) were identified around 2011 in Japanese people with MG and later reported in Germany and USA. LRP4 antibody caused MG symptoms by inhibiting agrin-induced aggregation of acetylcholine receptors. Approximately about 10% of patients with MG have no autoantibodies with the routine diagnostic testing, making it important for discovery of novel antigenic targets. These MG patients are categorized into seronegative group. Antibodies against other targets, such as titin, the ryanodine receptor, agrin, Kv1.4 potassium channel, collagen Q and cortactin have been found in some patients with MG. Anti-Kv1.4 antibodies have been seen frequently in MG patients with thymoma. Identification of these autoantibodies may provide important information for their clinical manifestation and prognosis. Understanding and development of novel autoantibody assays to identify the newer antibodies will aid and support the development of more advanced therapeutics and ultimately improve management of the disease and patient quality of life.

WS11.02Emerging Therapies and Controversies in MG

Dimachkie M

¹The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA

Immunosuppressive drugs therapies are the cornerstone of management in myasthenia gravis (MG). Since their introduction in the 1950’s, corticosteroids (CS) were found to be highly effective in improving the lives of people with MG and well tolerated chronically at low dosages. Since then, two issues became apparent. First, some MG patients do not respond well to CS or require moderate to high dosages of CS to maintain treatment response. Second, some MG patients experience intolerable side effects and other may have comorbidities that render treatment with CS undesirable or even impossible. The class of drugs to address CS shortcomings expanded based on case series and some controlled studies. This led to the use a group of MG drugs referred to as adjuvant immunosuppressants which MG neuromuscular medicine specialists borrowed from autoimmune and transplant literature. In MG, an autoantibody mediated disease, therapeutic plasma exchange and pooled immunoglobulin G (intravenously and subcutaneous) have also been shown to be effective. Despite these advances, some MG cases remain refractory to therapies due to lack of efficacy or intolerable adverse events on therapies. To address this challenging group of patients, other approaches were tested in MG. B cell depletion therapy has shown a strong signal in MuSK antibody positive MG but a futility design study did not demonstrate a promise for CS sparing effect in AChR antibody positive cases. More recently, paradigm-shifting therapies have been developed based on knowledge acquired in the last 50 years about the pathogenesis and pathology of MG. This led to the development, successful testing and practical clinical application of complement inhibition and neonatal Fc receptor blockers as novel effective therapeutics for MG. The objectives of this presentation are threefold: first, to discuss established therapies for MG; second, to overview of the definition of refractory MG; and third, to describe promising therapies for MG.

WS11.03The 2020 Update of the International Consensus-based Treatment Recommendations for Myasthenia Gravis

Wolfe G¹, Sanders D, Narayanaswami P

¹Univ at Buffalo SUNY, United States

Introduction: Consensus-built treatment guidelines are commonly used to support quality care standards and to help guide public health care policy. In the last decade, formalized treatment recommendations for myasthenia gravis (MG) were first developed, initially at a country-wide level. In 2016, the first international treatment guidance for MG based on consensus among a panel of experts was developed and published. This multinational effort was supported by the MG Foundation of America (MGFA). Management categories in the 2016 statement were symptomatic and immunotherapies, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, anti-MuSK MG, thymectomy, myasthenic crisis, childhood MG, and pregnancy.

Objective: The MGFA provided support to reconvene the international panel of experts in 2020 to update the 2016 statement. The panel was expanded to include an expert from South America to complement those from North America, Europe and Asia.

Method: The International MG Treatment Task Force, co-chaired by Donald Sanders and Gil Wolfe, was comprised of 16 physicians with expertise in treating adult and childhood MG. The task force also included an observer representing patient interests. A ”modified Delphi” process using RAND-UCLA appropriateness methodology was again used to obtain consensus, with Pushpa Narayanaswami serving as the consensus process facilitator.

Results/Discussion: The task force reinforced recommendations for rituximab and updated those related to thymectomy. New guidance was established for ocular MG, methotrexate, and eculizumab, with cautions developed for immune checkpoint inhibitors. The task force’s consensus statements were published in a major medical journal in 2021. Further updates are planned every 3-5 years based on advances in the field of MG therapeutics.

Keywords: myasthenia gravis, treatment guidelines, UCLA-RAND appropriateness method

WS12.01Muscle and Neuromuscular Junction Autoimmune Complications of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Cancer Immunotherapy

Zekeridou A¹

¹Mayo Clinic, United States

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) cancer immunotherapy has drastically improved survival in patients with metastatic malignancies that previously had very poor prognosis. By targeting negative regulatory steps of T-cell activation they enhance endogenous ant-tumor immune responses but may lead to autoimmunity that can target any organ. These autoimmune complications are referred to as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Even tough neurological irAEs are rare, they can affect any level of the neuraxis, including the neuromuscular junction and muscle. Immune-related myositis and myasthenia can coexist, and they are often accompanied by myocarditis that may contribute to morbidity and mortality. There are also cases of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome described. Treatment is based on ICI withdrawal and corticosteroids; other treatments like plasma-exchange, intravenous immune-globulins or others are also used depending on disease severity at presentation and evolution.

WS12.03Mechanistic Insights Into the Loss of Muscle Mass and Function at High Age

Ham D, Lin S, Ham A, Thürkauf M, Ruegg M¹

¹Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland

Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass and function and is considered a major contributor to loss of life quality at high age. Structural and functional changes at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), including some denervated skeletal muscle fibers are hallmarks of sarcopenia. Here, we addressed the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in this phenomenon. mTORC1 is well known to regulate cell size by controlling cap-dependent protein translation in response to growth factors and nutrients. In skeletal muscle, the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin prevents load-induced hypertrophy. However, its role in age-induced sarcopenia is not well established. As aging muscle is in a catabolic state, one might expect activity of the growth-promoting mTORC1 to be low, however, mTORC1 activity is actually high in sarcopenic muscle. Moreover, constant mTORC1 activation promotes atrophy in most muscles and prolonged mTORC1 inhibition, via rapamycin treatment, increases lifespan in many species. Based on these observations, we addressed the role of mTORC1 signaling in age-related sarcopenia. We find that (1) mice depleted of the mTORC1 inhibitor TSC1 in skeletal muscle show a phenotype reminiscent of sarcopenia and (2) inhibition of mTORC1 by rapamycin is overwhelmingly anti-sarcopenic. This effect is, at least in part, based on an mTORC1-dependent destabilization of the NMJ. Furthermore, we show that caloric restriction (CR), the best-studied anti-aging intervention thought to act by dampening nutrient-sensing mTORC1, also has an anti-sarcopenia effect. Molecular analysis revealed a strong overlap in the gene signatures of aging and mTORC1 activation, while rapamycin normalized part of the aging signature. Interestingly, CR and rapamycin effects on gene expression were largely distinct, and combining these treatments provided additive muscle function benefits in geriatric mice. We currently also study the gene expression program of myonuclei underneath the NMJ by single nucleus RNA-seq (snRNA-Seq) and investigate the function of candidate genes by adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based methods that allow overexpression and CRISPR-mediated knock-down. Preliminary results from such function screens will be presented. In summary, our experiments clearly show that sustained mTORC1 activation in skeletal muscle causes a gene expression signature and a phenotype similar to sarcopenia that strongly impairs NMJ stability. The use of this model has allowed us to identify candidate genes that may have a function in the maintenance of the NMJ in aging muscle.

RG.02Neuromuscular Diseases in Latin America

Verdugo R¹

¹Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Clinica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile

In varying degrees, depending on the country, Latin America is facing a combination of neurological health problems characteristic of underdevelopment, along with the diseases of aging and development. In some parts of the region, leprosy is still a significant cause of peripheral neuropathy and -to a lesser degree- Chagas. In most countries, we are seeing a growing incidence of diabetic neuropathy, while there is an increasing recognition of diseases such as amyloidosis and paraneoplastic neuropathies. We are beginning to know with more precision the incidence and characteristics of ALS in our region. We have also faced the epidemic spread of specific neuromuscular diseases, such as the increase of Guillain Barré Syndrome some years ago, as the result of the zika epidemic. On the other hand, we have to define the more prevalent mutations causing hereditary sensory motor neuropathies, and other neuromuscular disorders. Latin America is a challenging region of the world for the Neurologist advocated to Neuromuscular Diseases.

RG.03Neuromuscular Disease in Africa

Imen K^1,2, Abida Y¹, Gouider R^1,2

¹Department of Neurology, LR18SP03, Clinical Investigation Centre Neurosciences and Mental health, Razi Universitary Hospital, la Manouba, Tunisia, ²Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia

People in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) tend to have less access to healthcare services and less social security coverage. Moreover, when health care is needed, this one might be delayed or not obtained. Inherited neuromuscular diseases are one of the conditions that may suffer from these limitations. However, it is interesting to note that it is among these regions that the prevalence of these diseases is higher. In fact, LMIC are characterized by a higher prevalence of consanguineous marriages, and autosomal-recessive inheritance in some diseases may account for more than 50% of cases with some phenotype characteristics and particularities. Hence, diagnostic approach of inherited neuromuscular diseases requires careful assessment of mode of inheritance, clinical presentation, neurophysiological studies, and DNA testing. During the past decades, identification of neurological disease genes has expanded and transformed the neurologist’s nosology of this particular condition. However, in some countries, the genetic testing for patients with these diseases especially the access to the high-throughput approaches such as microarray analysis and next generation sequencing (NGS) still limited. Muscle biopsy, which is a cornerstone of the diagnostic approach of neuromuscular diseases, might also be difficult to access in LMIC and specialized physicians are lacking as well. Interest in muscle MRI has been largely stimulated in the last few years by the recognition of an increasing number of genetic defects in the field of inherited neuromuscular disorders. However, in LMIC, the number of MRIs is limited as well as the number of neuroradiologists specialized in this field. Access to new etiopathogenic treatment such as gene therapies is still limited also. In this context, public health and clinical health services, along with specialized neurologists, advanced diagnostic investigations and appropriate treatments can be considered necessary material conditions for good health in LMIC.

RG.04Neuromuscular Disease in Thailand

Witoonpanich R^1,2,3

¹Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, ²Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, ³Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Neuromuscular diseases in Thailand include most of the common diseases seen worldwide except for diseases caused by some local toxins or infections, or those determined by ethnic and genetic predisposition. Motor neuron disease is common. Spinobulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy’s disease) is rare. Infection of the anterior horn cell which leads to acute flaccid paralysis is occasionally seen. This is mostly caused by non-polio enterovirus (e.g. echovirus, coxsackievirus and EV71, etc.), and rarely by flavivirus (e.g. dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, etc.). A few cases were infected with vaccine-derived poliovirus, There are polyneuropathy of various causes with diabetic and immune-mediated ones being the most common. The rest includes hereditary, toxic, drug-induced and nutritional polyneuropathy together with POEMS syndrome.

Among diseases of neuromuscular junction, myasthenia gravis is most common. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) are rare. In the latter, COLQ gene mutation which is associated with acetylcholinesterase deficiency is the most common genetic finding. The first case series of CMS to be reported in Thailand was a large family of slow-channel CMS which is a very rare entity. There were a number of outbreaks of botulism which is caused by botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum with home-canned bamboo shoots being implicated as the source of the infection. Another toxin which can cause peripheral and central nervous system dysfunction is tetrodotoxin from puffer fish and horseshoe crab.

As regards muscle diseases, all types of muscular dystrophy are seen. In adult, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B with DYSF gene mutation (dysferlinopathy) is most common. Apart from limb-girdle weakness, dysferlinopathy may also present clinically as distal myopathy. Most patients with distal myopathy have signs of preferential weakness and wasting of posterior leg compartment muscles (Miyoshi myopathy, MM). Some patients may present with initial weakness and wasting of anterior tibial muscle (distal myopathy of anterior tibial onset, DMAT). Distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles (DMRV) is another type of distal myopathy with clinical presentation similar to DMAT. DMRV is caused by a mutation of the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2 epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) gene. Regarding inflammatory myopathy, inclusion body myositis which used to be a rarity has now become more common. Dermatomyositis and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (NAM) are occasionally seen. Among patients with NAM, antibody to the signal recognition particle (anti-SRP) were detected in a large proportion of the patients. Antibody to 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (anti-HMGCR) were present in a number of patients who either had or had not taken statin medication.

Mitochondrial diseases seen in Thailand include mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acid and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF), Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) and chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO). Metabolic myopathy is rather rare. The documented cases include acid α-glucosidase deficiency (Pompe disease), myophosphorylase deficiency (McArdle disease), polyglucosan body myopathy and multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD). Lastly, hypokalemia with paralysis is a common syndrome in Thailand. This may result from hypokalemic periodic paralysis, thyrotoxic periodic paralysis or distal renal tubular acidosis.

SS01.01Personalized Therapy in Skeletal Muscle Channelopathies

Desaphy J-F¹

¹Dept. Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy

Skeletal muscle ion channelopathies are a genetically heterogeneous family of skeletal muscle diseases due to mutations in ion channel genes. Only recently, a few randomized controlled trials have been performed eventually leading to the designation of orphan drugs and marketing authorization. These drugs however only address the symptoms, without considering the genetic background of the disease. Nondystrophic myotonias (NDM) are rare diseases characterized by skeletal muscle stiffness due to sarcolemma hyperexcitability, which may affect quality of life and trigger life-threatening events in babies. NDM are caused by gain-of-function mutations of the Nav1.4 sodium channel or loss-of-function mutations of the ClC-1 chloride channel. Antiarrhythmic and antiepileptic drugs blocking sodium channels have been empirically used in myotonia because they reduce abnormal action potential firing in myofibers. Although randomized clinical trials confirmed effectiveness of the antiarrhythmic mexiletine in myotonic patients, about 30% of patients remain unsatisfied, due to intolerance or sub-optimal response to the drug. Alternative drugs are required to address the unmet needs of myotonic patients.

Drugs able to correct selectively the molecular defect of channel mutants are expected to be greatly beneficial. Regarding sodium channel myotonia, myotonic Nav1.4 mutations can modify channel sensitivity to mexiletine, due to alteration of binding site or channel gating. For instance, the Nav1.4 mutants presenting a positive shift of fast inactivation voltage dependence are less sensitive to mexiletine but they conserve their sensitivity to the antiarrhythmic flecainide. Patients carrying such mutations and refractory to mexiletine were successfully treated with flecainide, which demonstrates the translatability from bench to bedside. In chloride channel myotonia, ClC-1 loss of function stems from gating alteration or intracellular trafficking impairment. No direct ClC-1 channel activator is currently available. We demonstrated that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, used empirically in myotonia, can shift the voltage dependence of ClC-1 activation and increase chloride currents and we are evaluating drug effects on myotonic ClC-1 mutants with gating defect. In parallel, we performed proof-of-concept studies to verify the ability of reversible ClC-1 blockers to restore sarcolemma expression of trafficking-deficient ClC-1 mutants, acting as pharmacological chaperones. These studies aim at defining a pharmacogenetics strategy to address precision medicine in myotonic individuals. Supported by Italian-Telethon, Association Française contre les Myopathies, and University of Bari (project Medineuropa).

SS01.02Pathophysiology of Periodic Paralysis

Wu F¹, Quinonez M¹, Cannon S^1,2

¹Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA, ²Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, USA

Periodic paralyses (PP) are rare, dominantly inherited disorders of skeletal muscle, in which intermittent loss of muscle fiber excitability and subsequent failure of contraction are caused by missense mutations of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV1.4 encoded by SCN4A) or calcium channels (CaV1.1 encoded by CACNA1S). Over 70 mutations have been identified, with about 5 accounting for most cases. We and other groups have demonstrated the primary functional consequences of channel mutations in PP are gain-of-function defects that manifest as: (i) disrupted voltage-dependent gaiting of NaV1.4 or (ii) “leaky” channels produced by anomalous ion conduction in the “gating pore” for NaV1.4 or CaV1.1.

These insights on the pathogenesis of periodic paralysis have led to strategies to prevent or abrogate the acute attacks of weakness. For example, stabilizing the normally low intracellular [Cl] by inhibition of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter with bumetanide prevents the anomalous depolarization of the resting potential and loss of excitability with a low-K challenge in hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HypoPP). Alternatively, K channel openers hyperpolarize and stabilize the resting potential to prevent all forms of PP.

While pharmacologic interventions to suppress acute episodes of weakness in mouse models of PP are convincing, the clinical efficacy in patients remains to be established, and the potential impact on late-onset permanent weakness has not been tested. To develop a more effective and durable intervention that may prevent late myopathy, we explored the feasibility of gene editing technologies to prevent periodic paralysis. Two approaches were used: (1) ablation of the gain-of-function mutant allele using CRISPR/Cas9 or (2) repair of the mutant allele with base editors.

Myoblasts were established from WT and HypoPP mutant mice (homozygous CaV1.1-R528H) and used as a cell-based platform to test the efficiency of mutant allele-specific gene editing. Gene editing constructs were transiently transfected and expression-positive cells were isolated by FACS. Disruption of the R528H allele by CRISPR/Cas9 mediated insertions/deletions (indels) was achieved with 50% - 60% efficiency, while no editing occurred in WT myoblasts. In a second approach, adenine base editing (ABEmax) was used to correct the c.1673G>A p.R528H mutation from A -> G. The mutation was repaired in 34% of alleles, while off-target bystander editing (c.1678A>G) was 6%.

The gene disruption strategy (CRISPR/Cas9) was tested in vivo by electroporation of muscles in the hind foot. Diffuse, but patchy, expression of the CRISPR construct was verified by GFP-positive fibers for which an editing efficiency of 50% indels was detected. The FDB muscle was harvested 4-6weeks after electroporation in other mice, and in vitro contraction studies showed rescue of the HypoPP phenotype. (i) The 40% reduction in baseline isometric force was attenuated to a 15% reduction. (ii) The 35% loss of peak tetanic force in response to a 2 mM K challenge in R528H EDL was absent for R528H + CRISPR/Cas9 muscle. We show feasibility for allele-specific gene editing with meaningful improvement of contractile function, even from partial correction of the HypoPP allele.

SS01.03Treatments of Channelpathies

Fontaine B¹

¹Institute of Myology, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France

Muscle channelopathies regroup a number of diseases characterized by either muscle weakness and/or stiffness. They include different types of periodic paralysis and non-dystrophic myotonic syndromes. They are mostly due in mutations in the genes encoding muscle ion channels. The better understanding of the dysfunction induced by mutants as well as therapeutic trials has led to a global more accurate treatment of channelopathies. Both scientific evidence and practical problems will be discussed during the presentation.

SS02.01Genetics, Epigenetics and Downstream Consequences

Ganassi M, Heher P, Zammit P¹

¹King’s College London, United Kingdom

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common inherited myopathy, characterised by a descending dystrophy, initially involving facial and proximal upper limb musculature, that is often left/right asymmetric (Banerji and Zammit, 2021). FSHD1 is autosomal dominant, linked to deletion of a critical number of tandem 3.3kb D4Z4 repeat elements at chromosome 4q35. An open reading frame within each D4Z4 unit encodes a double homeodomain transcription factor - DUX4. Contraction to 10 - 1 D4Z4 repeats results in epigenetic derepression, allowing transcription from the last D4Z4 unit, while certain allelic variants of 4q35 provide a poly(A) signal. Thus, aberrant DUX4 expression underlies pathogenesis in FSHD.

We have recently described how altered mitochondrial ROS metabolism and impaired mitochondrial function cause oxidative stress in FSHD myogenic cells (Heher et al., 2022). We found that elevated mitochondrial ROS levels correlate with increases in steady-state mitochondrial membrane potential. DUX4 triggers mitochondrial membrane polarization prior to oxidative stress generation and apoptosis through mitochondrial ROS, affecting mitochondrial function. Complex I is the main target for DUX4-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, mitochondria-targeted antioxidants rescue FSHD pathology more effectively than conventional antioxidants, highlighting involvement of disturbed mitochondrial ROS metabolism (Heher et al., 2022).

DUX4 also compromises myoblast viability, culminating in apoptosis. Such cytotoxicity is rescued by the DUX4 homolog DUX4c through molecular antagonism, also revealing pathomechanisms converging on WNT/β-CATENIN signalling in FSHD.

• Banerji, C.R.S. and Zammit, P.S. (2021). Pathomechanisms and biomarkers in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: roles of DUX4 and PAX7. EMBO Molecular Medicine 13: e13695.

• Heher, P., Ganassi, M., Weidinger, A., Engquist, E.N., Pruller, J., Nguyen, T.H., Tassin, A., Declèves, A.E., Mamchaoui, K., Banerji, C.R.S., Grillari, J., Kozlov, A.V., and Zammit, P.S. (2022). Interplay between mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress and hypoxic adaptation in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: metabolic stress as potential therapeutic target. Redox Biol. 51, 102251

SS02.02Muscle MRI, Echo or EIM: Which is Best for FSHD?

Tasca G¹

¹Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Italy

Muscle MRI has become a standard technique to derive secondary outcome measures in clinical trials in several myopathies including FSHD. It is a multimodal technique that allows accurate estimation of fat content in virtually all muscles of the body, besides providing diagnostic clues. Moreover, it is able to identify the only established biomarker of disease activity so far, which is the presence of hyperintense intramuscular signal on STIR sequences. Ultrasound has the advantages of being fast and flexible, non-expensive, and at variance with MRI has the potential to detect fibrosis. However, it is an operator dependent technique, only superficial muscles can be explored and its applications should still be validated in multicentric studies in FSHD. Finally, electrical impedance myography is a non-invasive method to assess changes in muscle structure and composition. It has been successfully applied to derive biomarkers of disease progression in some neuromuscular disorders, although there is a possible concern of low sensitivity in FSHD.

SS02.03Trials, Trial Readiness and the Requirements

Voermans N¹, van Engelen B, Kools J

¹Radboudumc, Netherlands

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is one of the most common muscular dystrophies. Over the last decade, important steps have been made in understanding the underlying cause of FSHD allowing-for the first time-a targeted approach to treatment. FSHD is the result of a toxic gain-of-function from de-repression of the DUX4 gene, a gene not normally expressed in skeletal muscle. With a clear therapeutic target, there is increasing interest in drug development for FSHD, and the first clinical trials have taken place in the USA and Europe (Phase 2 trial with losmapimod).

Overall, treatment approaches target the expression of DUX4 consist by 1) epigenetic silencing of the D4Z4 repeats; 2) blocking DUX4 mRNA production; or 3) targeting one of several identified downstream pathologic pathways triggered by DUX4 expression. These approached are being developed in parallel and are expected to reach to clinical trials in the next few years

Guidelines for clinical trials, pharma regulation and participation, and health care provision in the different European countries differ in various subtle ways. For this reason, the FSHD European trial network (ETN) has been launched in 2021. The research field is expected to benefit from an overall strategy specifically catered to the European context.

The current and future trials call for trial readiness of the expert centers. The four pillars of trial readiness are: 1) clinical and genetic diagnosis; 2) clinical outcome measures; 3) biomarkers and 4) imaging outcome measures. These topics are currently being discussed in four working groups of the FSHD ETN. The recent ENMC workshop on imaging outcome measures by working group 4 (April 2022) has focused on reaching a consensus on MRI sequences, and on the supplementary roles of muscle ultrasound and muscle MRI. Furthermore, the importance of making imaging data of placebo arm participants openly available was stressed. The second workshop will take place in September 2022 and is expected to provide consensus on the related topic. Finally, the network has evolved into a strong European network of physicians and researchers.

At the same time, FSHD patients should become fit for trials. They should be aware of the inclusion criteria of the first trials (genetically confirmed FSHD, mildly to moderately affected, no other neuromuscular diseases) and consider participation if in this range of severity. Participation in a national registry might be the basis for recruitment. Furthermore, symptomatic management should be optimized in order to reached physical fitness. Finally, patients might participate from proper education about the role of trial participants, which is very different from being a clinical patient. The patient advocacy groups play an important role in this.

SS03.01Adult Dominant Distal Actininopathy

Udd B^1,2, Savarese M², Poza J³, Weinberg J⁴, Olive M⁵

¹Tampere Neuromuscular Center, Tampere, Finland, ²Folkhalsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland, ³Department of neurology. Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain, ⁴Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, ⁵Neuromuscular Pathology, Hospital Saint Pau, Barcelona, Spain

The ACTN2 gene encoding the corresponding Z-disc linker protein alpha-actitinin2 was until recently not known to cause muscle disease. As part of our research concept to clarify the genetic cause of unsolved muscular dystrophy patients we first studied four families (three from Spain and one from Sweden) suffering from an autosomal dominant distal myopathy. The affected members showed adult onset asymmetric distal muscle weakness with initial involvement of ankle dorsiflexion and later progressing also to considerable proximal limb muscle weakness.

Neuromuscular examinations showed highly variable CK levels from mildly elevated to 10x the normal value. Muscle biopsy histopathology revealed general myopathic findings, rimmed vacuolated fibers and a few protein aggregates some of them cytoplasmic bodies on EM. Muscle MRI studies were very significant in showing asymmetric fatty degeneration the anterior and lateral compartments and soleus muscle on the lower legs. In the thigh muscles both quads, hamstrings and large adductors were affected with relative sparing of rectus femoris, sartorius, gracilis, semitendinosus and long biceps femoris.

In all the three Spanish families, we identified a unique missense variant in the ACTN2 gene p.C487R, co-segregating with the disease. In the affected members of the Swedish family, we found a different ACTN2 missense variant p.L131P.

Later studies have shown a range of actininopathy phenotypes inherited by both dominant and recessive gene mutations.

SS03.03FSHD-like Dominant Cctininopathy

Savarese M¹, Jokela M, Udd B

¹Folkhalsan Research Center, Finland

Alpha-actinin-2, encoded by ACTN2, is a sarcomeric protein expressed in cardiac and skeletal muscles and located in the Z-disc where it plays a crucial structural and functional role contributing to sarcomere stability.

In the last few years, mutations in ACTN2 have been identified in patients with different dominant and recessive forms of skeletal muscle disorders with or without cardiomyopathy.

We still lack a clear understanding of the pathomechanisms underlying the different forms of actininopathies and there is a limited correlation between the type of variants identified and the specific clinical picture observed. So far, the only clear genotype-phenotype correlation emerges between indels in the last two exons and a specific phenotype with a combined weakness of the distal lower leg and facial muscles.

Three out-of-frame indels (p.Phe835Serfs*66, p.Glu853Glyfs*48, and p.Pro856Argfs*45 and), predicted to produce a similar extended protein, have been identified in three dominant families from China, Italy and Finland, respectively. Slowly progressive weakness of the distal lower limb and facial muscles was observed in all patients. At a later stage, weakness of proximal lower limb muscles and cardiomyopathy were noticed in some patients. Muscle pathology included internalized nuclei, myofibrillar disorganization positive for alpha-crystallin and myotilin, and rimmed vacuoles. A complete fatty replacement of anterolateral compartment muscles of the lower legs was typical.

ACTN2 should be considered as a possible causative gene in patients with a distal myopathy combined with facial weakness mimicking FSHD.

SS04.01Pathophysiological Mechanisms in the Dominant Centronuclear Myopathy Due to Dynamin 2 Mutations

Bitoun M¹

¹Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Paris, France

The autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy is a rare congenital myopathy associated with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from severe neonatal to milder adult forms. Characteristic histopathological features in muscle biopsies include abnormal centralization of the myonuclei in absence of regeneration, predominance and atrophy of the type I fibres and radiating sarcoplasmic strands. Heterozygous mutations in the DNM2 gene were associated with the entire clinical spectrum. DNM2 gene encodes dynamin 2 (DNM2), a large GTPase, ubiquitously expressed, involved in endocytosis, intracellular membrane trafficking, and regulation of the actin and microtubules cytoskeletons. A Knock-In mouse model (KI-Dnm2R465W/+) expressing the most frequent mutation found in patients has been developed in the laboratory. The heterozygous mice progressively develop a muscle phenotype which recapitulates many aspects of the human condition including muscle atrophy, impairment of the contractile properties and morphological abnormalities mainly affecting oxidative compartments of the muscle fibres. This KI-Dnm2 mouse model was instrumental for identifying several pathophysiological mechanisms at the origin of the muscle dysfunction associated with the DNM2 mutation. Using isolated muscle fibres, we showed a reduction of nuclear number from 20 weeks of age in Tibialis anterior muscle from the heterozygous mice and signs of impaired spatial nuclear distribution including alteration of distance from myonuclei to their nearest neighbours and change in orientation of the nuclei. This study also highlighted a decrease in the satellite cells, the main source for muscle growth and regeneration of mature tissue. In agreement, we found a reduced number of Pax7-positive satellite cells, which were also less activated after induced muscle injury, and a less efficient regeneration in muscles of the KI-Dnm2 mice. Several other defects have been identified in the muscle from the KI-Dnm2 mice including a defect in actin organization and polymerization, the disturbance of the large and flat plaques formed by clathrin at the costamere, a disorganization of the desmin network organized by these clathrin plaques, an impaired calcium homeostasis associating increased cytosol calcium concentration and increased sarcolemmal permeability to the calcium, and an impairment of the excitation-contraction coupling. Signs of defect of autophagy have been also evidenced in the mouse model and this defect was further characterized in patient-derived fibroblasts showing a defect in the early events of autophagosome formation through impairment of the release of autophagosome precursors from the tubular-vesicular recycling endosome membranes. In the same patient-derived cells, clathrin-mediated endocytosis was shown to be altered by DNM2 mutation which can disrupts clathrin-coated pit structure, preventing its maturation and internalization, or slows down the formation of the pits without affecting their internalization. In the absence of arguments in favor of the predominance of one of these mechanisms over the others, we have to consider that the dominant centronuclear myopathy is caused by the combination of all these defects, pointing therapeutic strategies towards approaches targeting the DNM2 mutations rather than one of their consequences.

SS04.02Allele-specific therapy for the Dynamin 2-linked Dominant Centronuclear Myopathy

Trochet D¹

¹Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut de Myologie, Centre de Recherche en Myologie, 75013 Paris, France

Dominant centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is a rare form of congenital myopathy associated with a wide clinical spectrum, from severe neonatal to milder adult forms. There is no available treatment for this disease due to heterozygous mutations in the DNM2 gene encoding Dynamin 2 (DNM2). Dominant DNM2 mutations also cause rare forms of Charcot-Mary-Tooth disease, hereditary spastic paraplegia. In addition, a deleterious DNM2 overexpression was reported in several cancers and in X-linked recessive CNM, highlighting a large DNM2 involvement in human diseases. We established the proof of concept for therapy by allele-specific RNA interference devoted to silence the mutated mRNA without affecting the normal allele in a mouse model and patient-derived cells, both expressing the most frequent DNM2 mutation in AD-CNM (R465W, 30% of the AD-CNM patients). We also demonstrated maintenance of the complete rescue of the muscle phenotype one year after a single injection of adeno-associated virus expressing the mutant specific shRNA associated with maintenance of the specific reduction of the mutant Dnm2 transcript. In addition, the long-term study uncovers a pathological accumulation of DNM2 protein occurring with age in the muscle which is prevented by the treatment. Altogether, these results make the allele-specific silencing approach as a robust, safe, and efficient therapy for AD-CNM. However, more than 30 DNM2 mutations have been reported in AD-CNM patients. Therefore, we have developed an approach allowing to silence the mutated allele regardless of the mutation by developing allele-specific siRNAs against 2 DNM2 non-pathogenic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) frequently heterozygous in the population. In addition, allele-specific siRNA against the p.S619L DNM2 mutation, a mutation frequently associated with severe neonatal cases, were developed. All these second-generation AS-siRNAs are efficient for rescuing a panel of defects occurring in patient-derived cell lines. The development of these new molecules allows the extension of the promising AS-RNAi therapy to the large majority of the patients harbouring DNM2 mutations or overexpression using a limited number of allele-specific siRNA.

SS05.02Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome

Selcen D¹

¹Mayo Clinic, United States

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are genetically and clinically heterogenous syndromes. The main presenting symptoms are fatigable weakness and exercise intolerance. The fatigable eyelid ptosis and ophthalmoparesis are important clinical clues for the diagnosis, but some patients present only with limb-girdle muscle weakness without or minimal eyelid ptosis and are frequently misdiagnosed to have congenital myopathy or muscular dystrophy. The correct diagnosis is important to initiate the appropriate treatment of these patients. In this course, CMS presenting as muscular dystrophy will be discussed with illustrated case reports.

SS06.01Drug Repurposing and Biomarker Candidates Discovered Through Molecular Profiling of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Patients on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

’t Hoen P¹, van Engelen B¹, the OPTIMISTIC consortium, the ReCognitION consortium

¹Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, Netherlands

Drug repurposing is a key strategy in the development of therapies for rare disease patients with large unmet medical needs. Drug repurposing lowers the costs for drug development and potentially shortens the time from discovery to clinical trials, regulatory approval and patient access. The EU-funded ReCognitION project aims for the identification of drug repurposing candidates for patients with Myotonic Dystrophy type 1. ReCognitION stands for ‘Recognition and Validation of Druggable Targets from the response to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 patients from Integrated -Omics Networks’. The ReCognitION project is a follow-up project on the successful OPTIMISTIC clinical trial, which has demonstrated clinical benefit of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). ReCognitION’s lead hypothesis is that new drug repurposing candidates can be identified from pathways associated with the positive response to CBT and that these drugs can be consolidated or reinforced by conventional drug therapies targeting these pathways. In ReCognitION, we have taken a multi-omics approach to identify the molecular signatures associated with the response to CBT. We have generated RNA-seq profiles from blood samples from 27 participants at 0 and 10 months of intervention and we have generated untargeted serum proteomics for all 255 participants at 0 and 10 months. Specific protein targets were validated in relevant cell and animal models by Western blotting and their interaction partners were identified through co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry. We have identified several druggable pathways with support from the large-scale transcriptomics and proteomics datasets. These include the histone (de)acetylation and retinoid acid signalling pathways. Compounds affecting these pathways are currently being evaluated in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myogenic and neuronal cell cultures and in the HSA-LR and DMSXL mouse models. With these examples, I will illustrate how the drug repurposing strategy based on reverse engineering of a positive response to a behavioural intervention may constitute a novel paradigm for drug repurposing in rare diseases. I will also highlight potential hurdles in the drug repurposing process and discuss ideas to accelerate the drug repurposing pipeline.

ReCognitION is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation porgramme ”ERA-NET rare disease research implementing IRDiRC objectives – No 643578” through the E-Rare Joint Translational Call JTC 2018.

SS06.03Drug Repurposing Strategies for Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes

Spendiff S¹, Ho K¹, McMacken G², O’Neil D¹, O’Connor E¹, Grey M³, Lochmüller H⁴

¹Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada, ²Department of Neurosciences, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, United Kingdom, ³Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom, ⁴Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital; Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada. Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany. Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by inherited defects of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Over 30 mutations have been reported in genes encoding proteins located in the presynaptic, synaptic, and post-synaptic compartments, along with some proteins involved with glycosylation. Onset is often early with patients demonstrating fatigable muscle weakness, delayed motor milestones, and ptosis. Currently, there is no licenced drug for CMS, despite some forms of the condition being controllable through repurposed medications. Treatment relies on a correct genetic diagnosis, as medications that are beneficial for some patients with CMS will be harmful to others with a different genetic mutation. Current treatments include those that increase the amount of acetylcholine (ACh) in the synaptic cleft and β-adrenoreceptor agonists. ACh in the synaptic cleft can be increased using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and 3,4-Diaminopyridine which blocks potassium channels, thus prolonging the motor nerve action potential and increasing the quantal release of ACh. These treatments tend to work well for CMS caused by mutations in proteins responsible for ACh recycling, the ACh receptor (AChR) subunits, and the fast channel syndrome. The β-adrenoreceptor agonists are helpful in CMS caused by mutations to COLQ and members of the Agrin/LRP4/Musk AChR clustering pathway. Early on ephedrine was shown to be beneficial, and this was later replaced by salbutamol/albutarol. However, unlike medications that increase synaptic ACh, they often take many months for full benefits to be realised, and their mechanism of action is unknown. We have previously shown that salbutamol treatment improves motility and synaptogenesis in Dok-7 knockdown (KD) zebrafish and ameliorates axon pathfinding, and AChR clustering defects in zMuSK KD zebrafish. Treatment of zebrafish embryos with ICI-118, a selective β2 antagonist, prevents the effects of salbutamol, indicating that the rescue is mediated by β2 receptors. zMuSK KD zebrafish exposed to forskolin had more marked axon pathfinding and AChR clustering than salbutamol treated fish, as well as increased number of prepatterned AChR clusters. The ameliorating effects of forskolin show that the cAMP/PKA pathway is involved in the rescue of NMJ morphology and is a therapeutic target for patients that benefit from salbutamol. Forskolin is already used for asthma, congestive cardiomyopathy and obesity, and does not have the cardiac side effects of salbutamol. We are currently testing both salbutamol and forskolin in mouse models of agrin CMS. Animals are being treated with 3x weekly injections of forskolin, salbutamol, or vehicle control for 35 days. Given our previous results demonstrating beneficial effects of salbutamol in mouse models of CMS caused by mutations to the COLQ gene, we are also testing forskolin as a potential therapeutic in this model. While forskolin offers a potential therapeutic, its low solubility makes it a difficult compound to work with. We have therefore partnered with an organic chemist to synthesise analogues of forskolin with increased solubility and are currently examining their effects on cAMP activity and AChR clustering in C2C12 cells.

SS07.01Muscle Biopsies in the Era of NGS

Claeys K¹

¹University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium

In the diagnostic workup of patients with hereditary muscle diseases, genetics and in particular recent next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have gained an important role. We will tackle the question on the role of muscle biopsy in this new era of NGS, or in other words: do we still need a muscle biopsy? The answer to this question is without any doubt affirmative. Muscle biopsy is a necessary diagnostic tool for differentiating hereditary muscle disorders with treatable diseases such as inflammatory myopathies. Also in cases of double trouble (such as in patients with both an acquired and a hereditary myopathy) or digenic inheritance where mutations in two different genes both cause the phenotype, muscle biopsy will have an important role in the diagnosis. In myopathies with a large phenotype-genotype overlap, such as congenital myopathies for example in ACTA1-related congenital myopathies, the muscle biopsy will provide the exact phenotype of the patient, which is crucial for adequate patient care and management as well as prognosis and counseling. Moreover, muscle biopsy can be used for biochemical analyses and mtDNA genetics in affected tissue. Following NGS often a large number of variants of unknown significance (VUS) result from the analysis. Muscle biopsy can help to determine pathogenicity of the variants in known genes or to establish pathogenicity of variants in novel genes, by performing functional analyses and assessments of proteins on muscle tissue. Transcriptomics (RNA-seq) on muscle tissue can be applied to diagnose deep intronic mutations or mosaicism. Furthermore, biomarkers in muscle tissue can be used for the evaluation of the effect of (novel) treatments and longitudinal follow up. Muscle tissue is also very important to study and understand the underlying pathomechanisms of muscle disorders, which in turn can lead to the development of new therapeutic agents. We conclude that muscle biopsy still has a very important role in the diagnostic workup of patients with hereditary muscle disorders.

SS07.02Nerve Biopsies in the Era of NGS

Weis J¹

¹institute of Neuropathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Germany

With a prevalence of 1:200, peripheral neuropathies (PNP) encompass one of the largest disease groups among the neurological disorders. The causes of PNP include metabolic, inflammatory, degenerative, toxic, hereditary, vascular, malnutritive, paraneoplastic and other processes. Even though clinical history and examination combined with electrophysiological and laboratory methods often uncover the cause of PNP, many cases remain unsolved. In such situations, nerve biopsy has been a method of choice for decades to classify PNPs and to find clues to uncover their aetiology. However, surgical removal of a piece of nerve causes a sensory deficit and - in some cases - chronic pain. Therefore, a nerve biopsy is usually performed only when other clinical, laboratory and electrophysiological methods have failed to clarify the cause of disease. It must be performed, processed and read by experienced physicians and technicians. Minimal requirements of the workup include paraffin histology as well as resin semithin section histology; cryostat sections, teased fibre preparations and electron microscopy are potentially useful in a subset of cases (1).

On a general note, nerve biopsy analysis provides information about the extent and progression of nerve fibre loss, the type of neuropathy (axonal, demyelinating, combined) and the extent of nerve fibre regeneration. Moreover, “interstitial” pathology (microangiopathy, inflammation/granulomas, abnormal deposits such as amyloid, etc.) is unveiled. The major rationale to perform a (usually sural) nerve biopsy is to gain information about therapeutic options when inflammatory/vasculitic neuropathy is considered. E.g., immunosuppressive drugs can present a risk due to their side effects, and intravenous immunoglobulins are expensive. Nerve biopsies are also useful to detect pathological immunoglobulin and amyloid deposits. In addition, they can provide guidance in the differential diagnosis of hereditary neuropathies with atypical presentation or ambiguous genetic testing results, identify pathological features in the context of an unidentified or ambiguous genetic condition, or detect an inflammatory component in hereditary neuropathies. Often, combined aetiologies are uncovered, including microangiopathic/diabetic and inflammatory or hereditary and inflammatory, or combinations of gene defects (1, 2).

Finally, the PNS gives us an accessible and important window to our nervous system. Scientific nerve biopsy analysis has contributed greatly to our understanding of peripheral neuropathies and nerve fibre pathology in general. Archival specimens, especially paraffin and resin blocks, can be retrieved virtually unaltered after many years and can be a valuable source of information, for example, in cases of hereditary neuropathy. Combined with new molecular methods and in conjunction with the examination of animal models nerve biopsy will continue to contribute informative findings in the future (2).

(1) Weis J, Katona I, Nikolin S, Nobbio L, Prada V, Grandis M, Schenone A. Techniques for the standard histological and ultrastructural assessment of nerve biopsies. J Peripher Nerv Syst. Suppl 2:S3-S10, 2021

(2) Katona I, Weis J. Diseases of the peripheral nerves. Handb Clin Neurol. 145: 453-474, 2017

SS08.02The Distal Hereditary Motor Neuropathies

Rossor A¹

¹UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom

The distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMN), also referred to as distal spinal muscular atrophy, are a heterogenous group of motor predominant genetic peripheral neuropathies. There is considerable overlap with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 and autosomal dominant, recessive and X-linked forms of inheritance exist.

Characteristic features such as upper limb predominant weakness, vocal cord palsy, spasticity and myopathy are specific to certain genes and can help in the interpretation of variants. Furthermore, genes implicated in dHMN preferentially involve heat shock proteins, aminoacyl tRNA synthetases and components of the dynein-dynactin retrograde transport complex.

The recent discovery of recessive loss of function variants in sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORD) as one of the commonest causes of dHMN has generated interest into the use of aldose reductase inhibitors as a potential treatment.

SS08.03The Role of Sphingolipid Synthesis Regulation in Human Motorneuron Diseases

Mohassel P^1,2, Dunn T³, Bonnemann C¹

¹Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, USA, ²Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA, ³Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, USA

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease of the lower and upper motor neurons. Age of onset, pattern of motor neuron degeneration and disease progression vary widely among individuals with ALS and include the more common, adult-onset, sporadic ALS and monogenic forms that typically underlie familial and early-onset cases. We recently reported specific SPTLC1 variants that cause a monogenic form of childhood-onset ALS. These SPTLC1 variants act dominantly and disrupt the normal homeostatic regulation of the enzyme serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) by its natural inhibitors, ceramide and ORMDL proteins, resulting in unregulated SPT activity and elevated biosynthesis of canonical SPT products. We have also identified a specific pathogenic variant in the related gene SPTLC2 (p.E260K) in five families with ALS, which similarly results in unrestrained SPT activity and overproduction of canonical SPT products. Notably, this is in contrast with SPTLC1 and SPTLC2 variants that shift SPT amino acid usage from serine to alanine or glycine, result in elevated levels of deoxysphingolipids and manifest with the alternate phenotype of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN). In addition, genotype-phenotype correlations in patients with SPTLC1 p.S331F/Y variants, who typically manifest with a mixed phenotype of early-onset sensory neuropathy and motor neuronopathy, show elevated levels of dexoysphingolipids concurrent with overproduction of canonical SPT products. Taken together, these findings suggest that sphingolipid biosynthesis is a disease relevant metabolic pathway for motor neuron disease. In addition, these findings directly inform rational therapeutic designs, arguing against serine supplementation (which is used in HSAN) and suggesting SPT inhibition by allele specific silencing, RNA directed therapies, or small molecules as a therapeutic strategy for the associated motor neuron disease phenotype.

SS09.01The Immune System: Friend or Foe in ALS

Feldman E¹, Murdock B, Zhao L, Goutman S

¹University Of Michigan Medical School, United States

The immune system contributes to the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite recent insights into ALS immune mechanisms, however, clinical trials using immunotherapy have failed to improve disease outcomes in human subjects. This may be due to the heterogeneous nature of ALS, as numerous factors contribute to ALS development and the rate of progression. Two of these factors are age and sex: the incidence of ALS increases with age, and men develop ALS at a higher rate than women, particularly among younger individuals. Given these age- and sex-base discrepancies, we hypothesized that immune factors may play a more critical role in ALS progression within specific demographic groups. To test this, we examined immune levels and cellular activation within ALS and control subjects using flow cytometry, correlated these metrics with survival or disease progression rates, and stratified these associations by age and sex. First, we examined whether peripheral neutrophil levels associate with ALS survival in a sex-specific manner. Consistent with previous reports, reduced neutrophil levels was associated with increased survival in ALS subjects. However, this association was driven primarily by female subjects, as females with low peripheral neutrophil levels had an expected median survival that was significantly greater than any other group. In parallel, we examined the activation state of peripheral natural killer (NK) cells in ALS subjects and their association with disease progression. Cytotoxicity markers were significantly upregulated on NK cells in ALS subjects compared to controls, and changes in these markers were significantly associated with disease progression as measured by the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R). Finally, we examined inflammation within the postmortem CNS tissue of ALS subjects using flow cytometry. We found that microglia levels were significantly higher in the spinal cord of female ALS subjects than males. Together, these data suggest that immune mechanisms contributing to ALS progression differ based on age and sex and that these factors should be considered when designing and interpreting clinical trials involving immunotherapy.

Funding: National Institutes of Health R01ES030049, R01NS127188

SS09.02The Promise of Biomarkers in ALS becomes a Reality

Van Damme P¹

¹KU Leuven, Belgium

The neurodegenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons in the motor cortex, the brainstem and the spinal cord. This gives rise to progressive muscle weakness and wasting, limiting the activities of daily living. The survival of people with ALS is often limited to 2-5 years after disease onset, mostly due to respiratory failure. There are no effective disease-modifying therapies for ALS. The cornerstone of the management of ALS is multidisciplinairy care with nutritional and respiratory support.

Over the last 2 decades many clinical trials of new treatments in ALS have failed. There are many possible reasons for this lack of success, but the absence of good biomarkers for ALS is one of them. ALS is a complex disorder, that can manifest in different ways and has proven to be difficult to measure. Biomarkers can help to capture different aspects of the disease such as the aggressiveness of the disease and the underlying disease mechanisms. In addition, they can show target engagement of the drug under study and help to track the treatment responses. Over the last years, many biomarkers for ALS have been developed and they start to find their way into clinical trials. More research is needed to establish which biomarkers are most reliable and easy to use. However, recent studies suggest that biomarkers can help to stratify patients and to measure treatment responses. An overview of recent biomarker developments will be given and future directions will be discussed. The use of biomarkers will hopefully help to derisk clinical trials and to find effective therapies for ALS in the near future.

SS10.01What do we Finally Know About SMN Biology?

Sumner C¹

¹Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States

The motor neuron disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by reduced expression of the ubiquitously expressed survival motor neuron protein (SMN). Although three new therapeutics each increase SMN expression and improve disease outcomes, there remains variability in response between motor neuron pools within an individual as well as in outcomes between individuals. Recent studies of human autopsy tissues and SMA mouse models indicate that SMN protein levels decline developmentally in the CNS suggesting that SMN may be particularly important for motor neuron maturation during gestation. Indeed, motor neuron axons in both human and SMA mouse ventral roots show impairments of motor axon radial growth and Schwann ensheathment beginning in utero followed by precipitous degeneration postnatally. These observations provide some insight into the fulminant worsening observed in many infantile onset SMA patients and the requirement for neonatal treatment to achieve optimal outcomes. However, there are many pressing biological questions that must be answered in order to continue to advance treatment for patients. The latest data on the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulators of SMN expression, the molecular and cellular functions of SMN in motor neurons and other organs, and the molecular effects of each of the SMA drugs will be reviewed. Continued basic and translational studies are essential for optimizing therapeutic interventions in SMA patients as well as advancing similar DNA/RNA targeting therapies for other neurogenetic disorders.

SS10.02Challenges in Optimizing SMN Restoration in SMA

Finkel R¹

¹St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, United States

Three drugs have now received regulatory approval for treatment of individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA): nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA) and risdiplam. They each increase survival motor neuron (SMN) protein expression in target motor neurons and have demonstrated significant modification of the course of disease. Younger patients respond best, even those with the more severe form, SMA type 1. Population based newborn screening offers the opportunity to identify individuals prior to emergence of symptoms of SMA, and with initiation of treatment generating the most favorable response when started shortly after diagnosis. Three topics of current interest will be discussed here, relevant to considerations for optimal treatment of the individual with SMA. First, time is the enemy. Motor neuron loss begins during fetal development and remains active in early post-natal life, then appears to slow later in childhood and in the adult. The need to restore SMN, therefore, is urgent in the neonate and infant, to rescue faltering motor neurons and sustain them during future growth and development. A substantial fraction of neonates with genetically defined SMA and two copies of the SMN2 gene already demonstrate early features of the disease upon initial assessment. If the pool of motor neurons is reduced at birth, it may be too late to procure a sustained response to these drugs later in life. Fetal therapy then becomes a topic for consideration. Second, target engagement varies. It is important to identify if these drugs reach all the vulnerable motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord, if optimal doses are reached and over what time course. Autopsy studies and biomarker data provide some clues. Therapeutic responses would benefit from a better understanding of how intrathecally delivered nusinersen or OA compares to vascular delivery of OA or risdiplam at the motor neuron level and if SMN expression optimized in each cell. Mouse experiments with an OA analogue demonstrated a risk of over-expression of SMN in sensory neurons causing a delayed neurotoxic effect and raises the question if humans treated with OA are at a similar risk. Patients and their caregivers are now requesting combination or sequential therapy with two SMN-enhancing drugs, based upon the unproven hypothesis that a synergistic effect could be achieved that would optimize function of the surviving motor neuron pool. It is challenging, however, to demonstrate that a patient with SMA treated with one SMN-enhancing drug has the capacity to respond further upon the addition of a second drug. Three clinical trials in progress attempt to address these questions. Third, SMA is a non-cell autonomous disease of motor neurons. Increasing SMN expression only in peripheral tissues rescues motor neuron survival in murine studies. The role of increased SMN expression in muscle and other tissues in humans requires further study. Non-SMN directed treatments are in clinical development, e.g., anti-myostatin clinical trials. Addressing these questions will better enable the clinician to discuss a personalized approach as to who, when and how to treat a patient with SMA.

Keywords: fetal therapy, combination therapy, muscle-directed therapy.

SS10.03SMA and New Treatments: Making Sure We Capture All Disease Aspects

Deconinck N

¹Neuromuscular reference Center; Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola (HUDERF), Brussels, Belgium, ²Neuromuscular Reference Center UZ Gent, Ghent, Belgium

SMA and new treatments: making sure we capture all disease aspects

Over the past decade, new treatment options have been developed such as SMN2 splicing modulation and SMN1 gene replacement. All drugs have resulted in both important survival and functional abilities improvement for patients, changing the disease course. Pivotal trials have indeed focused on survival and motor or respiratory outcomes. Moreover, we now observe new disease trajectories, significantly different from the known natural history and crossing the traditional subtypes of SMA. Clinical approaches have therefore to be adapted.

In the light of such new treatments and disease trajectories, three topics will be discussed: First, the objectives of SMA treatment are not anymore focused only on survival, limb, truncal and respiratory weakness. Emerging evidence and clinical experience have been gained regarding the evaluation and the management of orthopedic and swallowing in SMA. For example, treated symptomatic infants with early onset SMA exhibit a higher rate of early onset scoliosis. This fact highlights the need for early reactions aiming at spine stabilization. However, we have only limited long term experience about the risk/benefits balance of the possible interventions (adapted orthoses, surgical interventions with growing rods...). Moreover, despite feeding being one of the most important aspects in the type 1 SMA care, we are still missing data about possible changes in oral and swallowing abilities in treated patients. We may need new tools for such evaluations although some new tool specifically designed to record oral abilities, swallowing and, more generally, feeding in young type 1 –type 2 SMA patients have been recently developed. Second, as life expectancy has increased, careful monitoring of predictors of life quality are becoming crucial such as growth, communication and cognition. Growth patterns in SMA are now better characterized. Efforts are being made to adequately evaluate cognition and communication and promote its development throughout life. Finally, SMN protein is known to be highly expressed prenatally in most organs. A significant role in organogenesis has therefore been discussed and additional organ involvement, including occurrence of cardiac defects, autonomic dysregulation or abnormal fatty acid metabolism has been reported in SMA. For example, increasing evidence suggest that SMA may also be a vascular disease: necrosis at the tip of toes and fingers have been observed in patients, and thrombotic occlusion of small vessels associated with a significant reductions in vascular density has been demonstrated in severe SMA mouse models.

Altogether, emphasis will be placed on the need to monitor and treat SMA in an inclusive and systemic perspective.

SS11.01Imaging Biomarkers in SMA and ALS

Querin G¹, Smeriglio P

¹Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Clinical Trials Platform, France

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are motor-neuron diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord (SC). Patterns of degeneration may be very heterogeneous from one disease to the other and reflect different pathogenic mechanisms underlying variable clinical phenotypes. Neuroimaging techniques have seen a huge development in these last few years, starting from brain and SC anatomical MRI and extending to functional MRI (fMRI) and nuclear imaging. Brain and SC-MRI are the most used and studied techniques that can be applied as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, but also as outcome measures in clinical trials. Moreover, and especially after the identification of the C9Orf72 gene mutation as the origin of almost half of familial genetic forms of ALS, brain and SC MRI have revealed their relevance also as pre-symptomatic markers of degeneration useful to detect early pathology before the onset of the symptoms.

Several studies have demonstrated that, in ALS, quantitative MRI methods can detect changes related to the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor system, both at the brain and SC. level They also have shown the participation of other systems such as the sensory system, the thalamus, or the basal ganglia, demonstrating in vivo that ALS is a multisystem disorder involving several brain regions. Structural and functional imaging also allows studying dysfunction of brain areas associated with cognitive involvement, namely the frontal and temporal regions. Diffusion imaging and mainly DTI shows a decrease of fractional anisotropy (FA) in the cortico-spinal tracts (CST) as well as in several other white matter bundles in the brain and SC.

When considering C9orf72-ALS asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, diffuse white and grey matter degeneration can be detected, which is already identified up to 20 years before symptom onset and seems slowly progressive over time. In parallel, fMRI shows regions of altered connectivity and [18F] FDG-PET describes several area of brain hypometabolism.

When considering SC-MRI, both sporadic and familial ALS patients present with progressive SC atrophy involving both white and grey matter, which is associated to progressive degeneration of CST. In asymptomatic C9orf72-subjects, SC MRI has also shown progressive decrease of FA in the CST over time.

SMA is a lower motor neuron disease of genetic origin. Recent imaging studies have demonstrated that no evident involvement of the motor system or of other regions is detectable at the brain level, supporting the idea the SMA is a pure lower motor neuron disease with specific spinal involvement. On the other side, SC MRI showed a significant atrophy of grey matter, indicating a progressive degeneration of lower motor neurons without involvement of the white matter.

Globally, a multiparametric approach combining both brain and SC imaging will be required in the diagnostic workup and in the development of biomarkers in ALS and SMA. New methodological developments allowing to investigate the motor system components as well as extra-motor regions, are a promising venue.

SS11.02NatHis for Identification of Biomarkers in Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Attarian S¹

¹Aix-Marseille Hospital Univ, France

The advent of approved disease-modifying therapies in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has transformed the disease field and sparked increased interest in understanding the natural history of SMA. However, there is still an unmet need to identify sensitive biomarkers to capture disease progression and treatment response in this pathology.

Moreover, SMA has several types with onset at different ages and severities and even within each type. The adult forms (>18 years) discussed in this review progress slowly. These characteristics further highlight the above-mentioned crucial need for biomarkers.

Clinical functional scores are the primary tools for assessment. However, they are prone to variation in measurement and are highly dependent on patients’ cooperation and evaluation of the raters.

Several studies have been performed to identify significant sensitive biomarkers for SMA, including electrophysiology, quantified magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI), proteins, and molecular readouts.

Of note, longitudinal studies have reported the relevance of neurophysiological biomarkers such as CMAPS and MUNIX to detect a change at 12 months. In contrast, pulmonary functional tests have not shown sensitivity in detecting significant change at 12 months, nor have serum biomarkers. Muscle qMRI and SMN2 transcript levels could be potential biomarkers. The relevance of serum creatinine, a simple measure, deserves investigation. Further longitudinal studies under real-world conditions are needed to evaluate these potential biomarkers of SMA progression and therapeutic responses.

SS12.1Why Newborn Screening and Early Treatment are Game Changing

Servais L¹

¹University Of Oxford, United Kingdom

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common genetic cause of childhood death and has long been considered an incurable disease.

In the absence of disease-modifying treatment, patients initially show a loss of muscle strength that progresses to loss of function. In the most severe and frequent cases, patients present with respiratory muscles weakness and respiratory failure and bulbar dysfunction. The clinical phenotypes are divided into five types according to the maximum motor function achieved and the age of onset. Untreated SMA is a cause of severe disability in children and adults, representing an extremely high social cost.

After years of unsuccessful therapeutic trials, three drugs have been successively approved since 2017, having established a clear benefit on survival and functional capacity of patients.

Two of the available treatments Spinraza® and Evrysdi® target the SMN2 gene to prevent splicing of exon 7 during post-transcriptional maturation. The third, Zolgensma®, provides another intact copy of the SMN1 gene.

Regardless of which treatment has been initiated, better efficacy has been demonstrated when treatment is initiated early. Indeed, the daily number of motoneurons that die in absence of treatment is massive. In an infant with 2 copies of the SMN2 gene, it has been estimated that 90% of the motor neurons are lost by the age of six months. This pathological finding is confirmed by the high level of phosphorylated neurofilaments that constitute a marker of neuronal death.

Pre-symptomatic trials converge to show the better efficacy obtained in pre-symptomatic patients. Indeed, whatever is the treatment, patients with three copies of SMN2 treated before 42 days follow today a normal developmental trajectory. Patients with two copies present with a more heterogenous course, with about 50% of patients who present with a normal trajectory and 50% with a mild to moderate motor delay and deficit.

The children included in the pre-symptomatic trials were initially mostly identified through their siblings. The dramatically positive results of these trials have quickly prompted several newborn screenings pilots in which these different data were confirmed. It was estimated in 2021 that about 2% of the world population is screened for SMA, and that this number could reach 20% in 2026. Recently published health economic data points out a major positive health economic impact of NBS strategy.

SS12.02Health Economic Consideration of Newborn Screening of SMA

Dangouloff T¹, Thokala P, Deconinck N, D’Amico A, Daron A, Delstanche S, Servais L, Hiligsmann M

¹University Of Liège, France

Three new treatments have recently been approved for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). They reduce mortality in the infantile form, but also provide significant motor benefits in all types of SMA. This benefit is inversely correlated with the duration of the disease at the initiation of treatment. In this context, we set up a newborn screening program (NBS) for SMA in southern Belgium in 2018.

Given the increased importance of economic considerations, studying the health economic impact of this intervention is essential.

We first studied the annual medical costs of patients with SMA. We compared those who did not receive treatment (n=93), those who were treated after being identified clinically after symptoms onset, (n= 42) and those identified by sibling testing or newborn screening (n=14). Ten of these patients were non symptomatic at treatment initiation, four were already symptomatic when treatment was initiated.

Given the high cost of disease modifying treatments, treated patients presented higher medical costs that untreated patients.

The annual medical costs of untreated SMA patients were estimated at €50,798, €24,230 and €3,525 for subjects with 2, 3 or 4 SMN2 copies respectively. For symptomatic patients with 2, 3 or 4 SMN2 copies, medical costs (excluding the cost of treatment) were €30,580, €18,059 and €8,045, respectively. The medical costs of patients identified by screening with 2, 3 or 4 SMN2 copies was €3,913, €1807, and €1,884 respectively.

These data demonstrate the positive impact of the treatments on medical cost, especially in patients identified by screening. Nevertheless, the prohibitive costs of treatment result in a much higher overall cost for treated patients compared to untreated patients, regardless of how they were identified. Since treated patients survive longer, the total cost of living, and thus the budgetary impact of these patients could be even higher.

We then performed a medico-economic analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness of neonatal SMA screening followed by disease-modifying treatment compared to disease-modifying treatment without NBS SMA.

We adapted a previously published Markov model to compare NBS SMA and NBS without SMA, with a lifetime horizon, from the perspective of the Belgian payer. Real-life data, including quality of life, cost and motor development data, collected from 55 SMA patients (43 patients identified by symptoms and treated at least after 2.5 months of life and 12 patients identified by NBS, treated and followed for at least 18 months) were used to populate the model. We studied for each scenario the cost of QALY (1 year of life with full quality of life) and we compared this cost for the two strategies (NBS and absence of NBS).

NBS is associated with a significant gain in QALYs and a significantly favorable cost per QALY gained (€5,820), when only medical costs are considered. When we populate the model with the literature-reported parental choice of treatment and consider the global cost, the total gain per patient identified is 20 QALYS and €2,765,172.

In conclusion, the medico-economic analysis confirmed that NBS is highly beneficial not only for the patients but also for the payers.

SS12.03Organisational, Ethical, and Regulatory Considerations When Setting up an NBS Program

Betts C¹, Dangouloff T², Montague-Johnson C¹, Servais L^1,2

¹Department of Paediatrics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, ²Neuromuscular Reference Center, CHU de Liège, Hôpital de La Citadelle, Belgium

There is unequivocal evidence demonstrating that treating Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) before the onset of symptoms, profoundly improves the clinical outcome of patients suffering with the debilitating disease. Following the advent of several transformative medicines to treat SMA, it is imperative that a system for early detection of the disease is implemented, which has led to the foundation of newborn screening (NBS) for SMA in several countries.

In the following talk we will compare the organisational, ethical and regulatory experiences and challenges presented to the University of Oxford team, based within the Paediatric Department and the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre in the UK, alongside the Liège team based at the Neuromuscular Reference Center, in the Hôpital de La Citadelle in Belgium, in the newborn screening programs instituted in both countries.

We will first map the bloodspot screening workflow for both teams, exploring the technical and logistical challenges that were encountered along the pilot study journey. We will discuss each stage in detail from the consenting of the expectant mother, right through to the result reporting phase. Both the Oxford and Liège teams are uniquely placed to capitalise on the surrounding local resources to expand the study beyond their region. We have investigated multiple avenues in an attempt to streamline the screening workflow in an effort to reduce the burden on parents and newborns, and on the NBS programme itself.

There are understandably several ethical and regulatory considerations that must be faced when navigating two highly sensitive topics, specifically paediatrics and neuromuscular diseases.

From an ethical perspective, there is a range of popular opinion. On the one end of the spectrum we explore the impact on parental well-being when they are informed that their seemingly-healthy child carries a life-threatening disease, and whether we should be ‘stealing’ their new-found happiness. On the other side of the spectrum, we consider our societal obligation to offer every child the best opportunity in life and access to transformative drugs which will save their lives, or drastically improve their quality of life.

Finally, we will discuss the regulatory bodies encountered whilst building the programme, specifically the ethical review boards and national screening committees. We will compare the ethical review processes in both countries and the various points raised during their assessment of our screening studies. We also highlight pertinent questions raised during conversations with the national screening committees, and the body of evidence they require in order to implement screening of SMA at a national level.

SS13.03CISP and CISP-plus: a CIDP Variant or Separate Diseases?

Dyck P¹

¹Mayo Clinic, United States

Objective: Sensory loss with normal nerve conduction studies (NCS) from focal sensory root inflammatory neuropathy is characteristic of chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy (CISP). However, nonpure cases involving motor and distal sensory nerves exist (CISP-plus). We hypothesize that CISP-plus and CISP are fundamentally part of the same syndrome through comparison of clinical, neurophysiologic, and pathologic features. Methods: CISP-plus cases (primary dorsal root involvement with lesser motor and sensory nerve involvement) and CISP cases were retrospectively analyzed (1986-2019). Results: We identified 44 CISP-plus and 28 CISP cases (n=72) with 86% (38/44) of cases with CISP-plus and 79% of CISP cases (22/28) experiencing imbalance. On examination, large fiber sensory loss was present in 98% (43/44) of patients with CISP-plus and 96% (27/28) of patients with CISP. Gait ataxia was evident in 93% (41/44) of patients with CISP-plus and 79% (22/28) of patients with CISP. Mild distal weakness was common in CISP-plus (75%, 33/44) and did not occur (by definition) in CISP. NCS showed mild abnormalities in all patients with CISP-plus and were normal (by definition) in all patients with CISP. Elevated CSF protein, slowing of somatosensory evoked potentials, and MRI root enhancement occurred in most CISP-plus and CISP cases. Eleven CISP-plus nerve biopsies (3 dorsal lumbar rootlet, 2 fascicular sciatic and 6 distal cutaneous) showed large-myelinated nerve fiber loss, increased frequencies of segmental demyelination, scattered endoneurial inflammation and onion-bulb formations; these findings were most prominent in the rootlet biopsies. Immunotherapy resulted in marked improvement of gait ataxia in 84% (27/32) of patients with CISP-plus and in 93% (13/14) of patients with CISP with return to a normal neurological examination in half of the cases overall (25/46). Conclusion: The recognition of CISP-plus expands the spectrum of CIDP by combining CISP-plus (predominant sensory polyradiculopathy with mild motor and sensory nerve involvement distal to the dorsal root ganglion) with pure-CISP (focal sensory polyradiculopathy) together as proximal sensory CIDP. Both CISP-plus and CISP should be classified as subtypes of CIDP because the disease mechanism is one of inflammatory demyelination with pathological confirmation of segmental demyelination and onion-bulb formation (typical of CIDP) and because of the marked response to immunotherapy. Not classifying these conditions as CIDP because they don’t have the typical electrophysiological characteristics of CIDP poses a large risk to CISP-plus and CISP patients of not being treated with immunotherapy due to denial of coverage from medical insurance carriers.

Keywords: chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy, chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy-plus, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, inflammatory neuropathy, sensory neuropathy

SS14.01Genomics and DNA Methylation in Diabetic Neuropathy

Feldman E, Eid S, Noureldein M, Guo K, Hur J¹

¹University Of Michigan Medical School, United States

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) of large diabetic neuropathy (DN) cohorts have identified multiple genes where the minor polymorphic allele is associated with DN. The identified genes are involved in regulating several important physiological processes and include, among others, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), APOE (apolipoprotein E), ENOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). The breadth of these genes emphasizes the complex pathophysiology underlying the onset and progression of DN. The epigenome is the product of modifications to the genome that occur throughout an individual’s lifespan and result in differential patterns of gene expression. Common modifications include DNA methylation, which usually decreases gene expression, and chromatin remodeling, secondary to histone modifications, which usually increases gene expression. To understand the role of the epigenome in DN, we identified and analyzed RNAseq and DNA methylation profiles of sural nerve biopsies from 78 patients with DN, classifying patients by glycemic control, and identified 998 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 929 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) between patients with the highest and lowest HbA1c levels. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs and DMGs were enriched in immune system, extracellular matrix (ECM), and axon guidance pathways. An integrated analysis of the overlapping genes between DEGs and DMGs identified genes and pathways modulating functions such as immune response, ECM regulation, and PI3K-Akt signaling. Our studies reveal that the epigenome joins the genome as a contributor to the pathogenesis of DN, and further suggest that optimal glycemic control is an important component for the prevention of DN.

Funding: National Institutes of Health (R24DK082841, U24DK115255), Nathan and Rose Milstein Emerging Scholar Research Fund, NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies

SS15.01Demyelinating Neuropathies: Inherited or Acquired?

Pareyson D¹

¹Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C.Besta, Milan, Italy

The diagnosis of demyelinating neuropathies is often straightforward but may be challenging in other instances. The most important differential diagnosis occurs between demyelinating CMT and acquired dysimmune neuropathies. Diagnosis of CMT is easy when there is a clear-cut family history, disease course is very slowly progressive, onset occurs early in life, skeletal deformities are present, distal involvement predominates, conduction velocities are diffusely and homogeneously slowed, there are neither conduction blocks nor excessive temporal dispersion, and nerve biopsy shows widespread onion-bulb formations with no inflammatory infiltrates. On the other hand, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is characterized by fluctuating course, weakness of distal as well as proximal muscle groups, high protein levels in CSF, non-homogeneous conduction slowing (with asymmetries, excessive temporal dispersion, conduction blocks), edema and inflammatory infiltrates at nerve biopsy. Nerve ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of lumbar roots are also helpful in distinguishing CMT from CIDP. However, the differential diagnosis may be difficult in sporadic cases or whenever the familial nature of the disease is not evident; relapses are described in CMT; nonhomogeneous conduction slowing is seen in CMTX1 and occasionally in other CMT types; inflammatory cells may be found at nerve biopsy in some cases. CSF examination, search for anti-nerve antibodies, root MRI, nerve ultrasound, and if needed nerve biopsy may prove useful; response to treatment and results of genetic investigations will solve the issue in most cases. Notably, it is well established that the immune system plays a role in hereditary neuropathies and that there is an immuno-mediated damage in inherited neuropathies; cases of definite CMT with superimposed CIDP which is responsive to treatment have been described, particularly for MPZ-related CMT. The differential diagnosis between hereditary and acquired demyelinating neuropathies includes also anti-MAG and paraproteinemic neuropathies, POEMS syndrome and lymphoma on one side and HNPP, Refsum disease, mitochondrial neuropathies (especially MNGIE), Tangier disease, ARSACS, leukodystrophies on the other; a careful and comprehensive approach, taking into consideration also very rare neuropathies, is needed in such cases.

SS15.02How to Avoid Misdiagnosis of Hereditary Amyloid Neuropathy (ATTRv)

Briani C¹

¹University of Padova, Italy

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv, v for variant) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited and fatal disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene, that destabilizes the native TTR eventually leading to the formation and deposition of amyloid fibrils that damage several organs.

More than 130 pathogenic mutations have so far been identified, with the most frequent worldwide being the V30M.

Peripheral nerves (both somatic and autonomic) and heart are the most commonly damaged organs, but also renal, gastrointestinal and ocular involvement may occur.

Some mutations are more associated with cardiac phenotype, other with neuropathy phenotype, and a few with the oculo-leptomeningeal disease form. Mixed phenotypes are also common.

Recently, innovative pharmacological therapies have emerged able to significantly modify the natural course of the disease and improve survival.

An early diagnosis is crucial for a prompt therapy initiation. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is often delayed because of heterogeneous clinical presentations.

In endemic areas (e.g Portugal and Brazil) the neuropathy has both an early and a late onset, whereas in non endemic areas it is generally an adult onset progressive length-dependent axonal polyneuropathy involving both small and large nerve fibres. Misdiagnoses are common, especially in the latter form, the most frequent being with inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (CIDP). The other crucial differential diagnosis is with light chain amyloidosis (AL).

In a patient with axonal polyneuropathy and history of carpal tunnel syndrome, autonomic symtoms or signs, biochemical markers or instrumental findings (e.g. cardiac uptake at bisphosphonate bone scintigraphy) may help identify involvement of other organs, and help the diagnostic workup. Recently red flags for a correct diagnosis have emerged from neuroimaging, especially nerve ultrasound or plexi MRI. Also skin biopsy seems to allow early detection of amyloid. The multisystemic nature of the disease requires a multidisciplinary approach.

SS15.03Acute Recurrent Focal or Generalized Neuropathy: Inherited or Acquired?

Peric S¹

¹University of Belgrade - Faculty of Medicine, University Clinical Center of Serbia - Neurology Clinic, Belgrade, Serbia

Neuropathies are very heterogeneous group of disorders based on their course and causes. Majority of them are chronic, but some may be acute. Acute neuropathies can be disabling and even life treatening so their recognition is of great importance. Among patients with acute neuropathies, some may have recurrent episodes and in these cases we should consider specific diagnoses. In this lecture we will focus on upper and lower limb acute recurrent neuropathies, excluding cranial neuropathies.

When we see a patient with focal recurrent neuropathy, we should make differentiation between hereditary vs. acquired forms, i.e. between hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) and even some other rare hereditary forms vs. entrapment neuropathies, mononeuritis multiplex (MMx) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Clinical and electrophysiological clues that may direct us toward right diagnosis of HNPP will be specifically discussed. If high suspicion of HNPP is considered and patient is negative for deletion in PMP22 gene, we should consider analysis of point mutations in the same gene and then whole exome or genome sequencing in order to find new genes. In a case of acute recurrent plexopathy, one also must consider hereditary vs. acquired disorders, i.e., hereditary neuralgic amyoptrophy (HNA) vs. Parsonage-Turner syndrome and diabetic plexopathy. During the lecture, we will try to select the most specific clinical features that may help in etiological diagnosis of plexopathies. Both typical and extended phenotypes of HNA will be discussed. Different causes and clinical presentations of Parsonage-Turner syndrome will also be assessed. Finally, we will also look at diabetic plexopathy and its specificities.

Besides focal presentation, acute recurrent neuropathies may be generalized. In this case main differential diagnosis is between acute polyradiculoneuritis vs. porphyria. Acute polyradiculoneuritis was considered as once-in-life disease for decades, however in recent twenty years number of recurrent cases and case series have been described. We will discuss which patients with acute polyradiculoneruitis are in a specific risk of a recurrent episode of the same disease. One must also consider acute-onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (A-CIDP) and some rare metabolic neuropathies.

Timely and adequate diagnosis of acute reccurent neuropathies and their causes have significant impact on patients’ treatment, outcome, further disease course and on genetic counselling in family.

SS16.01Update on Chemotherapy Neuropathy

Cavaletti G¹

¹Università di Milano-Bicocca, Italy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a frequent, potentially severe, and dose-limiting side effect of cancer treatment. However, in several instances, the real impact of CIPN on patients’ daily life seems to be not yet completely understood, and it is sometimes considered an unavoidable event in the course of life-saving chemotherapy. CIPN can be induced by several different classes of drugs that are widely used in the treatment of solid as well as hematological malignancies, such as platinum drugs, antitubulins, and proteasome inhibitors. Also, the most recent treatments (e.g. checkpoint inhibitors) and targeted drugs (e.g. vedotins) are not free from neurotoxic side effects, which may be very severe.

Despite our incomplete knowledge of the mechanism at the basis of CIPN, it is conceivable that structural properties of the various neurotoxic compounds contribute to variations in the pathogenetic mechanisms of the damage as well as in the type, severity of the clinical picture, and incidence of CIPN.

Another still unsettled issue is represented by the optimal tool to be used to detect and grade CIPN and its severity. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, composite scales (e.g. the Total Neuropathy Score), instrumental and pathological assessments, and severity surrogate biomarkers, such as neurofilament light serum/plasma levels have all been considered, but a general consensus has not yet been achieved. This unmet need has a relevant impact on the possibility to design reliable clinical trials, particularly when aimed at finding effective preventive/therapeutic treatments for CIPN.

In fact, so far no drugs capable of preventing the occurrence of CIPN or ameliorating its long-term course are available, and chemotherapy schedule modification (including drug withdrawal) is often required to limit its severity, thus preventing patients from receiving the most effective treatment of cancer. Moreover, also symptomatic therapy is often largely ineffective in reducing CIPN symptoms.

SS16.02Checkpoint Inhibitors and Neuropathy

Dubey D¹

¹Mayo Clinic, United States

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly being utilized for the management of advanced or metastatic malignancies. Effect of ICIs on immunosurveillance and interference with self-tolerance contributes to immune related adverse events (irAEs) affecting multiple organ system including central and peripheral nervous systems. Several studies have highlighted varied presentations of ICI associated neuropathies, their management, and long-term outcomes. Furthermore, our understanding of mechanisms of neurological irAEs has also improved, potentially helping with formulation of patient specific management strategies.

SS17.01Early Diagnosis of TTR Amyloidosis

Planté-Bordeneuve V¹

¹Neurology-Amyloid network, Hospital Henri Mondor-APHP, East-Paris-Créteil University, Créteil, France

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is characterized by a severe progressive sensorimotor and autonomic polyneuropathy associated or not with a cardiomyopathy. Renal or ocular manifestation are less frequent. The disease is due to amyloid depositions in tissues, caused by a spectrum of autosomal dominant mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. Age at first manifestations varies from the 3rd to 8th decade depending on the TTR variant and on the origin of patients. In the past decade, considerable advances have occurred in the treatment of ATTRv amyloidosis. Oral treatment with TTR stabilizers and more recently TTR gene silencing therapies have proven to stabilize the polyneuropathy in about 70% of patients, along with a survival improvement.

Such non-invasive treatments should be administered from inaugural manifestations to avoid further amyloid deposition and preserve the neurological function. In this context, early recognition of ATTRv is a real challenge.

Recent works on the disease risks give insights on the appropriate time to initiate the monitoring of asymptomatic TTR mutation carriers. Such timeline varies according the type of the TTR variant, the AO in family members as well as the geographical origin for the ATTR-Val30Met carriers, most frequent in Europe.

Given the variable disease expression, one has to investigate the different facets of the disease, involving a multidisciplinary team e.g. neurologist, cardiologist, nephrologist, gastroenterologist and ophthalmologist. Also, the investigations should focus on the expected phenotype according to the specific mutation. A careful review of symptoms, clinical examination and neurophysiological tests will be used to detect the neuropathy, including nerve conduction studies, a battery of small nerve fiber tests and test of autonomic function e.g. heart rate variability, laser evoked potentials, sudomotor testing. Relevant cardiac investigations include electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac MR imaging and biomarkers. Identification of amyloid deposition via non-invasive biopsy or cardiac fixation in scintigraphy with bone tracers are also key in the diagnosis. Baseline investigations will be important to serve as reference in the follow up. A consensus emerges on minimum diagnosis criteria before initiating treatment.

SS17.02Update on Therapies for TTR Amyloidosis

Coelho T¹

¹Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Portugal

Hereditary ATTR amyloidosis is a multisystemic progressive and fatal disorder caused by the extracellular deposition of variant transthyretin (TTR) as amyloid. A progressive axonal sensory and motor neuropathy with autonomic involvement and/or a severe cardiomyopathy are the most common clinical presentations.

Liver transplant was the first disease-modifying treatment available, but its benefits were limited. Fortunately, In the last decade, three drugs were approved for the treatment of ATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy and for cardiomyopathy.

Tafamidis is a TTR stabilizer available as 20mg and 61mg capsules, for daily oral intake. The lowest dose was approved in Europe in 2011 for neuropathy treatment and the higher dose was recently approved for cardiomyopathy patients. For patients with neuropathy the best response was seen in female patients with early disease. No safety issues were so far detected.

Patisiran is an interference RNA preventing the synthesis of wild and variant TTR in the liver. A dose of 300 µg/Kg is infused every three weeks after pre-medication with a low steroid dose. The phase 3 clinical trial showed a highly significant difference between treatment arms, with some degree of improvement in a large percentage of patients. Some mild infusion reactions may occur, but they are easily controlled.

Inotersen is an antisense oligonucleotide that also prevents TTR synthesis. It is formulated for weekly subcutaneous injection. The pilot trial showed a highly statistically significant difference between treatment arms. The drug may cause severe thrombocytopenia and renal disease. Monitoring rules with frequent blood and urine analysis are needed.

Recently a drug based on CRISP/Cas9 technology was tested in a phase 1 study with ATTR patients and showed a significant reduction of TTR plasma concentration after a single dose. Phase 2 study is moving forward.

There are other drugs under development, including antibodies aiming to remove amyloid deposits from tissues and others addressing specific unmet needs, namely the late occurrence of disease in the CNS and the eyes.

Anyway, the approval of these three new drugs is changing a devastating and life-threatening disease into a chronic condition with better quality of life and prolonged survival.

SS17.03Retinal and CNS TTR Amyloidosis – an Emerging Problem

Sousa L^1,2,3

¹Unidade Corino de Andrade, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal, ²Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, ³Centro Hospitalar de Entre o Douro e Vouga

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is caused by the accumulation of abnormally configured transthyretin (TTR). TTR is produced predominantly by the liver but also, in smaller amounts, by the choroid plexus and the ciliary and retinal pigment epithelia of the eye.

In the central nervous system (CNS), TTR amyloid accumulates in the leptomeningeal membranes and arteries, causing cerebral amyloid angiopathy. In patients with the V30M mutation, this deposition seems to start very early in the disease course. CNS symptoms appear in late phases of the disease, after more than 14 years of systemic involvement. The most common manifestations are transient focal neurological episodes (TFNEs). These are characterized by transitory impairment of language, visual, sensory, or motor functions. They are usually brief, stereotyped, and recurrent. Other reported manifestations include ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhages, and cognitive decline. There is also anecdotal evidence of cranial nerve dysfunction.

In the eye, locally produced TTR causes lens and vitreous opacities, glaucoma, and vascular changes, including retinal and choroidal amyloid angiopathy. Symptoms include floaters, loss of contrast sensitivity, and progressive visual loss.

Disease modifying therapies such as liver transplant, TTR stabilizers, and gene silencing therapies reduce plasma TTR but have no significant impact in the CSF and retinal TTR production.

Better systemic treatments extend disease duration, which allows for the symptoms of CNS and ocular dysfunction to become more prevalent. More research is needed to better define the pathophysiology of CNS and ocular dysfunction in ATTR amyloidosis; and to explore new treatment targets or CNS penetrability strategies.

SS18.01Classical Pharmacological Therapy

Sereda M¹

¹University Medical Centre Göttingen, Germany

Novel treatment approaches in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) using small molecules

There is no therapy available for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. This may be due to the huge genetic heterogeneity; to the fact that animal models not always reproduce human phenotypes, particularly for axonal CMT2; to the limited numbers of natural history studies, and finally to the lack of informative and robust outcome measures for many of the CMT subtypes. Nevertheless, in the past years proof-of-concept of efficacy has been provided at the preclinical level for several therapeutical strategies. Some of them are already translated to clinical trials.

In this session, I will describe the potential of the most promising approaches applying classical pharmacology (e.g. Progesterone Antagonists, P2X7 Inhibitors, IFB-088, Lipids, Neuregulin, PXT-3003) and describe their mode of action in the diseased Schwann cell. My focus will be CMT1A.

SS18.02Development of a Targeted Therapy by siRNA for Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A Neuropathy

Massade L¹

¹U1195 INSERM, France

Charcot-Marie Tooth disease 1A (CMT1A) is the most common inherited neuropathy in the world. It affects the peripheral nerves and causes progressive paralysis of the legs and hands. No treatment is currently available to fight this disease, which is due to the overexpression of a specific protein called PMP22 which is made twice as much as normal.

The challenge was to standardize the expression of this protein in patients with CMT1A. French scientists have developed a patented therapy based on reducing by twice, the RNA coding for the PMP22 protein by small interfering RNA (siRNA).

The difficulty in developing this therapy has been to stabilise these siRNA, which degrade very rapidly in biological environments. Researchers have coupled them with another molecule called squalene, which is typically used in cosmetology and pharmacology. Biocompatible, biodegradable and forming nanoparticles in water, squalene protects siRNA from degradation. It also controls the size of the particles formed and the amount of siRNA injected via intravenous route.

Then they showed, in CMT1A mice models, that injecting these siRNAs, completely and rapidly restored of mouse locomotor activity and strength. The siRNAs penetrate the peripheral nerves, strengthen the myelin sheath around those nerves, and normalize the nerve signal velocity. The effect of treatment lasts for three weeks for severe forms and more than ten weeks for milder forms of the disease.

In line of these data we are now attempting to transition into a preclinical study, bearing in mind the concentration of the effective injectable product without risk of toxicity. Our aim is to define the minimal efficient dose showing functional and histological recovery without any adverse side effects. In case of success, this approach could be also be applied to other hereditary neuropathies.

SS18.03Gene Therapy and Gene Editing

Kleopa K¹

¹The Cyprus Institute Of Neurology And Genetics, Cyprus

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) inherited neuropathies result from variable molecular-genetic alterations in neurons and their axons, or in Schwann cells and the myelin sheath they form, leading to either loss of function or toxic gain of function cellular mechanisms. In order to treat the cause of the most common demyelinating CMT neuropathies resulting from either cell-autonomous loss of function or toxic mechanisms in myelinating Schwann cells, we have developed cell-targeted gene replacement or gene silencing approaches. Using clinically translatable intrathecal injection of AAV vectors we have demonstrated widespread biodistribution and expression throughout the PNS. Delivery of the GJB1 gene associated with CMT1X resulted in restoration of Cx32 expression in Schwann cells. Pre- and post-onset gene replacement therapy provided therapeutic benefit including improved motor function, nerve conduction velocities, and nerve pathology in different knockout and transgenic mouse models of the disease. Likewise, replacement of the SH3TC2 gene associated with CMT4C resulted in functional and morphological improvement in a model of CMT4C neuropathy. To treat CMT1A, the commonest CMT type, caused by PMP22 gene duplication, we developed a microRNA-based gene silencing approach. Delivery of microRNA by AAV9 both at early as well as late stages of the disease efficiently silenced PMP22 expression in PNS tissues, leading to functional and morphological phenotypic improvement in a CMT1A model overexpressing the human PMP22 gene. Clinically relevant treatment-responsive blood biomarkers, including neurofilament light (NF-L), neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) and growth differentiation factor 15 (Gdf15) have also been validated in these neuropathy models. Our studies provide the proof of concept for the therapeutic potential of gene replacement or gene silencing therapies to treat patients suffering from inherited demyelinating neuropathies.

SS19.2Advances, Controversies, and Care of Treatment Induced Diabetic Neuropathy

Freeman R^1,2,3

¹Director, Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, ²Harvard Medical School, ³Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Treatment-induced neuropathy was first described in 1933 in a woman with diabetes who reported tingling and shooting pains in the lower extremities that appeared four weeks after the initiation of insulin. The pain increased despite the use of analgesics and sedatives but resolved within 3 days of stopping insulin concurrent with severe hyperglycemia. Recent reports have described treatment-induced neuropathy in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes treated with oral hypoglycemic agents or with insulin. Pre-treatment glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) is typically high and glycemic control rapid.

Pain and autonomic dysfunction are the most prominent features of this neuropathy. In our report all individuals with treatment induced neuropathy exhibited symptoms of autonomic impairment and had evidence of autonomic dysfunction on testing. Autonomic symptoms of treatment induced neuropathy are more prevalent and more severe than in patients with generalized diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Sixty-nine percent of our cohort had systolic blood pressure falls > 20mmHg. Autonomic symptoms and test results tend to improve over time, particularly in those with type 1 diabetes. The autonomic symptoms are accompanied by pain that may occur distally in a length-dependent fashion or be more generalized. Unlike the pain associated with a generalized polyneuropathy, the pain in treatment-induced neuropathy may involve proximal sites including the trunk. Evoked pain – hyperalgesia and allodynia – is more prevalent than in generalized polyneuropathy. In our series evoked pain was present in 60% of subjects (80% of type 1 subjects and 40% of type 2 patients). Similar to the autonomic dysfunction associated with treatment induced neuropathy, all subjects reported an improvement in pain after many months of continued glucose control.

Most individuals with treatment-induced neuropathy have a substantial worsening of nephropathy and retinopathy within 1 year of rigorous control. The underlying pathophysiology is not known.

SS19.03Advances, Controversies, and Treatment in Diabetic Lumbosacral Radiculoplexus Neuropathy

Dyck P¹

¹Mayo Clinic, United States

Lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (LRPN) is a condition that involve nerve roots, plexus and peripheral nerves of the lower limb. It can occur in diabetic patients (DLRPN) and in non-diabetic patients (non-DLRPN). When the condition affects people with diabetes mellitus (DM), the diabetes is usually mild type 2 and the neuropathy may be diagnosed simultaneously with the onset of DM. LSRPN usually starts focally with pain in the upper lumbar plexus (hip/thigh) more commonly than in the lower lumbosacral (foot/leg) plexus and evolves into a more widespread and often bilateral illnesses with weakness. It typically has associated weight loss and extreme pain (burning, lancinating and allodynia), although a painless variety can occur. The painless form is more symmetrical and has more upper limb involvement than the painful form and so can resemble chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Both DLRPN and non-DLRPN are due to ischemic injury (multifocal fiber loss, perineurial thickening, neovascularization and injury neuroma) from an inflammatory attack on nerve and microvasculitis. Because microvasculitis is the putative mechanism, DLRPN and non-DLRPN have been classified as forms of non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy by a PNS vasculitic taskforce. A controlled trial of intravenous corticosteroids in DLRPN did not achieve the primary endpoint (time to improvement of the neuropathy impairment score lower limb by 4 points) but many secondary endpoints measuring pain and positive neuropathic symptoms showed significant improvement. In an epidemiological study of Olmsted County MN, the incidence of LRPN was found to be 4.16/100,000/year which makes LRPN a more common inflammatory neuropathy than CIDP, Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) or inflammatory brachial plexopathy in the same population. People with DM were 8 times more likely to develop LRPN than non-diabetic people. Risk factors for developing LPRPN included DM and other autoimmune conditions. The clinical features of the epidemiological LRPN cohort were essentially the same as the referral-based cohorts and both groups usually had spontaneous improvement although the community cohort had less severe disease. Long-term survival is reduced in LRPN patients and in multivariate analysis DM, age and stroke were mortality risk factors but having an episode of LRPN was not. LRPN is often triggered by rapid changes in glycemic control, change in diet, change in exercise and recent surgery. LRPN is a monophasic illness and patients generally have neurological recovery although it is incomplete.

Keywords: diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy, non-diabetic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy, vasculitic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, lumbosacral plexopathy.

SS20.02Correlation Between Muscle MRI and Genotype in Myasthenic Syndromes

Nalini A¹, Polavarapu K, Preethish-Kumar V, Vengalil S, Nashi S, Kulanthaivelu K, Siddiqui S, Ranjan S

¹National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India

Correlation Between Muscle MRI and Genotype in Myasthenic Syndromes

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) characterized by fatigable weakness are potentially treatable and majorly autosomal recessive disorders resulting from gene mutations affecting the neuromuscular junction structure and function. Drugs that help in certain forms may worsen others underscoring the importance of establishing a specific genetic diagnosis. As genetic screening can be time consuming, Muscle magnetic resonance imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and identifies distinct patterns of muscle involvement of many muscle disorders including CMS- CDG (Congenital disorders of Glycosylation) (GMPPB, GFPT1, DPAGT1, ALG12), which may help target genetic analysis and muscle selection for biopsy as well. This group of CMS-CDG usually has elevated creatine kinase levels. The MRI findings relate to hyperintensity on T1w images, reflecting fatty infiltration, and hyperintensity on fat-suppressed T2w sequences (STIR), reflecting inflammation or increased blood flow. We share our experience on muscle MRI findings on a group of genetically confirmed CMS-CGD disorders. Our biggest group had mutations in GMPPB gene. Various clinical phenotypes are described in GMPPB gene defects. All had fatigable limb girdle weakness and all underwent muscle MRI of lower limbs. In our cases of GMPPB related CMS-LGMD phenotype with identical homozygous mutation, c.1000G > A in the GMPPB gene, we identified distinct patterns of muscle involvement. Qualitative assessment by Mercuri staging and Borsato score revealed early and severe involvement of paraspinal muscles, gluteus minimus, and relatively less severe involvement of the short head of the biceps femoris. Moderately affected muscles were gluteus maximus and medius, hip adductors, obturatus, pyriformis, rectus femoris, vastus intermedius, gracilis, lateral head of the gastrocnemius, and medial part of soleus. The mildly affected muscles were tensor fascialata, pectineus, the short head of biceps femoris and Sartorius. The muscles spared were: posterolateral part of Vastus Lateralis (VL), Tibialis posterior (TA), Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) and Flexor digitorum Longus. Myoedema was prominently noted in adductor longus, Vastus medialis, VL, gracilis, medial gastrocnemius, TA, peroneii, and FHL. A distinct proximo-distal gradient of affliction was identified in the glutei, vasti, TA and peronei. Also, a postero-anterior gradient was observed in the gracilis muscle. One patient with GFPT1 homozygous mutation [c.44C>T; p.(Thr15Met)] showed fatty atrophy of gastrocnemii with asymmetric myoedema involving the right gastrocnemius and negligible fatty atrophy of bilateral gluteus maximus and thigh muscles. The other patient with GFPT1 showed mild fatty infiltration of gluteal muscles, moderate symmetrical fatty infiltration involving gluteus maximus, quadriceps, adductor brevis and magnus. Two siblings with DPAGT1(homozygous, c.652C>T) showed mild fatty infiltration of gluteal muscles, moderate symmetrical fatty infiltration gluteus maximus. The distinctive MR imaging pattern, coupled with relatively slowly progressive fatigable limb-girdle weakness, would facilitate an early diagnosis of the milder form of CMS-CDG disorders that are more benign in nature. Thus MRI could aid in directing the accurate approach to genetic diagnosis as well as selection of therapy.

Keywords: Congenital myasthenic syndromes; Muscle magnetic resonance imaging, CMS-CDG disorders; GMPPB; DPAGT1; GFPT1

SS20.03Efficacy of Efgartigimod in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Myasthenia Gravis Composite Score Analysis From ADAPT

De Bleecker J¹, Meisel A², Howard Jr J³, Vu T⁴, Bril V^5,6, Ulrichts P⁷, Guglietta A⁷, T’joen C⁷, Murai H⁸, Utsugisawa K⁹, Mantegazza R¹⁰

¹Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium, ²Department of Neurology and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany, ³Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA, ⁴Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, USA, ⁵Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, ⁶University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, ⁷argenx, Ghent, Belgium, ⁸Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan, ⁹Department of Neurology, Hanamaki General Hospital, Hanamaki, Japan, ¹⁰Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy

Introduction: Efgartigimod is a human IgG1 antibody Fc-fragment that blocks the neonatal Fc receptor and reduces IgG autoantibody levels. The safety and efficacy of efgartigimod was assessed in ADAPT, a 26-week, global, multicenter, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG). The Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scale and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scores were utilized as primary and secondary outcome measures, while the Myasthenia Gravis Composite (MGC) score was evaluated as an exploratory endpoint. The MGC comprises both physician-reported (muscle strength and ocular function) and patient-reported (talking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing) outcomes. MGC response options are weighted and were developed using the highest performing items from preexisting MG-specific scales. Total scores range from 0-50, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. Based on published literature, a 3-point improvement in score is considered clinically meaningful. Previously reported data have shown that a significantly greater proportion of efgartigimod-treated patients achieved clinically meaningful improvement (CMI) in MG-ADL and QMG scores compared to placebo-treated patients. The goal of the current analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of efgartigimod using the MGC, which was assessed during the ADAPT study.

Methods: Patients were randomized to receive efgartigimod (n=84) or placebo (n=83). A subset of patients were anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive (n=65 efgartigimod versus n=64 placebo). Efgartigimod 10 mg/kg was administered intravenously in cycles of once-weekly infusions for 4 weeks, with subsequent cycles initiated based on clinical evaluation. Mean MGC change from baseline was a predefined exploratory endpoint.

Results: The mean (SE) reduction in MGC score at week 4 was -8.913 (0.974) for efgartigimod-treated anti-AChR antibody positive patients during cycle 1 compared with -2.871 (1.007) for placebo-treated patients (95% CI, -8.181 to -3.904; P<.0001). A similar improvement was seen in the overall population, with a mean (SE) change of -9.231 (0.878) in the efgartigimod group and -4.497 (0.885) in the placebo group (95% CI, -6.668 to -2.800; P<.0001). Similar results occurred during subsequent treatment cycles in both populations. A CMI of ≥3 points was observed in 81.0% of anti-AChR antibody positive patients in the efgartigimod group compared to 60.0% in the placebo group at week 4, with improvements reaching ≥10 points in 47.6% of patients in the efgartigimod group and 8.3% in the placebo group. In the overall population at week 4, 82.5% (efgartigimod) versus 63.3% (placebo) achieved a ≥3-point improvement, with improvements reaching ≥10 points in 46.3% (efgartigimod) and 12.7% (placebo) of patients. The most frequently observed adverse events are described below. Headache occurred with similar frequency between treatment groups. Nasopharyngitis, nausea, and diarrhea were more frequent in placebo patients. Upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections occurred more in efgartigimod-treated patients. Adverse events were predominantly mild or moderate.

Conclusions: In the ADAPT study, efgartigimod treatment resulted in greater mean reductions of MGC scores (a composite measure incorporating both physician- and patient-reported outcomes) compared to placebo. The current analysis adds to the existing data that show efgartigimod is a promising new treatment for patients with gMG.

SS21.01The Interface of Neuromuscular Transmission and Mitochondrial Diseases

Horvath R¹

¹Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Mutations in either the mitochondrial or nuclear genomes are associated with a diverse group of human disorders characterized by impaired mitochondrial respiration. The clinical presentation of mitochondrial diseases is very variable, and there are only very few effective treatments to date.

Within this group of diseases, an increasing number of mutations have been identified to cause a defect of neuromuscular junction which can be treated with drugs improving neuromuscular transmission. The fatigable weakness in these conditions may improve on therapy.

The overall prevalence of neuromuscular transmission defects in mitochondrial diseases is about 25%. Patients with some selected gene defects have been shown more frequently to present with a defect of the neuromuscular transmission, such as pathogenic dominant RRM2B variants or specific recessive variants in SLC25A1 and TEFM. The use of drugs improving the neuromuscular transmission may be beneficial in some of these patients.

The presentation will give an overview on mitochondrial diseases with neuromuscular transmission defects and will provide some guide to the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

SS21.02New Synaptic and Presynaptic Defects of the Neuromuscular Junction

Rodriguez Cruz P¹

¹Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico - Centre For Genomic Regulation, Spain

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogenous group of disorders caused by my mutations in genes encoding proteins that are essential for neuromuscular transmission. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has helped to expand the genetic landscape of CMS with more than 30 subtypes described to date. The most common classification of CMS relies on the location of the mutated protein into presynaptic, synaptic or postsynaptic CMS and those thar are ubiquitously expressed. Postsynaptic CMS is by far the most common subtype of CMS accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases, but presynaptic and synaptic CMS are gaining attention as we improve our understanding on the function and molecular organization of the neuromuscular synapse. Until recently, mutations in the choline acetyltransferase gene (CHAT) were the only cause of presynaptic CMS described, but in recent years the landscape of presynaptic CMS genes has greatly expanded with the discovery of CMS genes involved in axonal transport (MYO9), synthesis and recycling of acetylcholine (SLC5A7, SLC18A3, PREPL) and vesicle exocytosis (SYT2, VAMP1, SNAP25B, UNC13A). Presynaptic CMS are generally rare and may present with central manifestations such as intellectual disability or learning difficulties derived from the expression of the mutated protein beyond the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), challenging the original definition of CMS. Other key clinical features include early onset, severe disease, respiratory apnoeas and modest response to cholinesterase inhibitors. Synaptic CMS is also rare and, until recently, endplate acetylcholinesterase deficiency caused by mutations in COLQ, which encodes the collagen-like tail subunit of asymmetric acetylcholinesterase, was the only subtype described. The spectrum has broadened with the discovery of novel synaptic CMS genes including COL13A1, LAMB2 and LAMA5. This has contributed to our understanding of the synaptic basal lamina, which is now considered a complex network in which key signal transduction processes for the development, maintenance and regeneration of pre- and post-synaptic NMJ structures take place, rather than a structure exclusively required for mechanical support. Major molecules at the synaptic basal lamina include collagens, laminins, nidogens and heparan sulfate proteoglycans such as Agrin, which is released into the synaptic cleft from the presynaptic terminal and plays an essential role in the AChR clustering pathway. COL13A1 encodes the α-chain of an atypical collagen, which is concentrated at the NMJ and is involved in AChR clustering and endplate maturation. Patients harboring COL13A1 mutations often suffer from a severe subtype of CMS early in life, with breathing and feeding difficulties and greater axial than appendicular weakness. Interestingly, disease severity appears to improve over time, which could be related the predominant role of COL13A1 in endplate maturation. Laminin-β2 deficiency and laminin-α5 deficiency are extremely rare diseases with only single CMS cases reported and manifestations extending beyond the boundaries of the NMJ, such us renal and ocular abnormalities. Cholinesterase inhibitors are usually not effective in synaptic CMS but 3,4-diaminopyridine and salbutamol can be beneficial in some subtypes, which supports the increasing role of β2-adrenergic agonists in the treatment of disorders of the neuromuscular junction.

SS21.03Genetic Epidemiology of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes

Lochmüller H^1,2,3

¹University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, ²Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada, ³The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a heterogeneous group of rare inherited neuromuscular disorders characterized by fatigable weakness owing to compromised function of the neuromuscular junction, either through direct impairment of neuromuscular transmission or through secondary defects that eventually compromise the safety margin of neuromuscular transmission. There is substantial clinical heterogeneity among the CMS subtypes, from childhood onset with episodic apnea and intellectual disability, to later onset with limb-girdle distribution of weakness and less facial and eye involvement, but all are associated with distinctive clinical, electrophysiological, laboratory and ultrastructural abnormalities.

Early gene discovery work in CMS included the discovery of a number of founder mutations (including in the CHRNE, DOK7 and RAPSN genes) and larger international studies with larger cohorts from Europe, Brazil, India and Turkey have revealed epidemiological differences between populations. In recent years, next-generation sequencing has dramatically increased the number of genetic defects reported as causative of CMS, with over 30 genes now implicated. Nevertheless, the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of CMS, as well as referral and ascertainment biases in diagnostic practice, have made phenotype-based epidemiological studies and prevalence estimations difficult, with publications in the last decade providing estimates ranging from 1.8 cases per million total population to 22.2 cases per million children. This lack of accurate data hampers diagnosis, healthcare provision and therapy development.

Efforts to better understand CMS epidemiology have resulted in the development of patient registries collecting clinical and genetic data on affected individuals and establishing trial-ready patient cohorts. In parallel, the new large-scale population databases of genomic data that have come online in recent years provide the opportunity to calculate the genetic prevalence or lifetime risk of autosomal recessive CMS based on the allele frequency of individual variants in an unaffected population, an approach made possible by the fact that most CMS subtypes are recessive, meaning that carriers of single variants that are pathogenic when present in homozygosity or compound heterozygosity can be found in the healthy general population. This data may be used to assign diagnostic probabilities, provide insights into numbers of patients amenable to clinical research and novel therapies, and aid resource allocation in therapy development and healthcare provision.

SS22.01Clinical Trial Update for Myasthenia Gravis

Bril V¹

¹University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Traditional myasthenia gravis (MG) therapies include corticosteroids and other immunosuppressant therapies (IST). These are limited by troublesome side-effects and delayed onset of action. As a result, many MG patients suffer ongoing impairments with odds of 5.76 that they will be unemployed at 2 years after diagnosis. Many patients prioritize avoiding both MG crises and rescue treatments, and fear that their treatments are not targeting the underlying causes of their disease. An explosion in novel therapies for myasthenia gravis (MG) promises to improve the treatment landscape. Recently approved drugs such as eculizumab and efgartigimod are leading the way to expanded treatment choices for the MG patient. These new therapies aim at different targets of the immune system: eculizumab (complement inhibitor) at the downstream complement deposition and membrane attack complex stage, and efgartigimod (Fc receptor [FcR] inhibitor) at pathogenic antibody recycling upstream in the immune system. Eculizumab has shown benefit for AChR antibody positive, refractory MG and efgartigimod for AChR antibody positive, generalized MG with some benefits in seronegative patients. Both drugs have been generally well tolerated in phase 3 clinical trials. Rozanolixizumab, another FcR inhibitor, has shown benefits in AChR antibody positive patients and also MuSK antibody positive patients. Additional FcR inhibitors (nipocalimab and batoclimab) and complement inhibitors (zilucoplan and ravilizumab) are in development. Future potential therapies include anti-B cell therapies such as inebilizumab, mezagitamab (anti-CD 38 antibody), satralizumab (anti-interleukin 6 antibody) and chimeric anti-T cell therapy.

SS22.02Pregnancy and Treatment Considerations in Myasthenia Gravis and Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome

Palace J¹

¹Oxford University Hospitals Trust, United Kingdom

The outcomes of pregnancy in both the congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) and acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) are generally favourable. Good pre-pregnancy control of MG appears to be a prognostic factor for stability during pregnancy, and although rare and so there is a paucity of evidence, the subtype of CMS may play a role in the likelihood of stable symptoms during pregnancy.

Planning should be instituted well in advance of conception particularly in regards to therapeutic strategies to ensure teratogenic immunosuppressive drugs can be substituted. Other drugs where the effects are less clear should be discussed, including the strength of evidence, and combined decision making is encouraged, and where possible treatment should be reduced to a minimum effective dose. In those with CMS prior formal genetic counselling should have taken place.

A multidisciplinary approach involving the relevant specialists throughout pregnancy, delivery and in the neonatal period is important to ensure good foetal outcomes. Awareness and prompt appropriate treatment is crucial of transient neonatal myasthenia in those with MG and of the rare cases of inherited CMS from the affected mother.

SS22.03Role of Autoantibodies in Diagnosis, Treatment Choice and Monitoring of Myasthenia Gravis

Vincent A¹, Leite M²

¹University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, ²Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the best-known antibody-mediated neurological disease. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR-Abs) are present in around 85% of patients with generalised disease (GMG) and muscle specific kinase (MuSK) antibodies in up to 50% of those without AChR antibodies. Around 50% of ocular MG patients have AChR-Abs and only a small and variable proportion have MuSK-Abs. LRP4 interacts with MuSK and is important at the neuromuscular junction, but LRP4-Abs are rare in our experience.

AChR antibodies can be measured by radioimmunoprecipitation but increasingly an ELISA is used. ELISA is a little inferior in specificity and sensitivity but both can occasionally detect antibodies in patients without clinical evidence of MG (but who might be at risk). If they are both negative, AChR-Abs may be detected using a cell-based assay, unfortunately not available in many centres, where the AChR is clustered by the intracellular protein rapsyn and the antibodies are able to bind divalently to adjacent AChRs as they would at the neuromuscular junction. MuSK-Abs and LRP4-Abs can also be detected by the appropriate cell-based assays. Antibodies with strong preference for foetal (rather than adult) AChR are importantly found in the very rare mothers whose babies have loss of foetal movement in utero leading to life-threatening arthrogryposis multiplex congenital or a less severe, persistent facial myopathy. Cortactin and titin antibodies are associated with MG but not frequently used for diagnosis.

In general, immunotherapies are needed to reduce antibody levels and it can be helpful to know which antibodies you are dealing with. Thymectomy is highly relevant to AChR-Ab MG but is not usually performed in MuSK-Ab MG where the thymus pathology is normal. Drugs that target the FcRn that recycles IgG in vivo maintaining circulating IgG levels, can reduce total IgG within a few days, and offer an alternative to plasma exchange; they have been shown effective in AChR-Ab MG and could be used in MuSK-Ab MG. Most of the antibodies to AChR are IgG1, and complement-mediated lysis is an important mechanism in causing AChR loss; anti-complement therapeutic antibodies have been shown to be effective in MG. Conversely, MuSK-Abs are IgG4 that does not activate complement and this form of MG is unlikely to respond to anti-complement treatment but appears to respond better to anti-CD20 therapies than AChR-Ab MG.

Finally, how useful are serial antibody estimations in monitoring MG? In practice, not very. This is because the routine diagnostic laboratories use assays designed, principally, for diagnosis and rather than to measure accurately the titres. High titres in particular are often underestimated. Monitoring the patient’s symptoms is much more informative. On the other hand, if a patient is not improving, despite immunotherapies, it may be worth checking whether the antibodies have fallen (ie if treatment has failed), but for this to be informative, serial dilutions of the post-treatment serum to identify the true titre in comparison with a pre-treatment serum would be required. This is only likely to be available at specialist research centres.

PS01.01Analysis of the Longitudinal CINRG Becker Natural History Study Dataset

Dang U¹, Gordish-Dressman H, Niizawa G, Gorni K, Guglieri M, Connolly A, Wicklund M, Bertorini T, Mah J, Thangarajh M, Smith E, Kuntz N, McDonald C, Henricson E, Upadhyayula S, Byrne B, Manousakis G, Harper A, Iannaccone S, Clemens P, CINRG-BNHS Investigators

¹Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Background: The phenotype of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is extremely variable, ranging from Duchenne-like severity (loss of ambulation in second decade) to much milder disease with ambulation retained well into adulthood. We performed a prospective, natural history study (BNHS) of males with in-frame dystrophin gene mutations causing BMD to better characterize the clinical course and outcomes crucial to rigorous clinical treatment trials.

Objective: To present natural history of clinical outcomes in BMD from a longitudinal dataset.

Approach: The BNHS followed 83 ambulatory and non-ambulatory males with BMD aged 5.5 to 75.5 years at enrollment for up to three years with annual assessments. Baseline characteristics of these participants have been published. In this post-baseline analysis, we studied binned repeated cross-sectional clinical outcome data, shift-based analyses of NSAA, longitudinal mixed-effect modeling of clinical outcomes, and survival analysis of time to stand. Analyses were stratified by age (<18 or ≥18 years old).

Results: Deletion exons del 45-47 and 45-48 were most common. In those <18 years, the NSAA showed a ceiling effect not observed with other outcomes. In longitudinal modeling of percentage predicted FVC, 3 timed function tests, 6-minute walk distance, and NSAA, age was found to be significantly associated with outcome performance in adulthood but not in those <18 years. Mutation status (del 45-47, 45-48, vs. others) was significantly associated with some outcomes. The median age at which it took 10 seconds or longer to stand was estimated as 51 years (95% CI: 45 years, infinity) by time to event analysis.

Conclusions: While the sample size was small, our data demonstrated variable progression of different outcomes based on age groups, and mutation groups, and found that disease progression seems to largely manifest in adulthood for BMD. Our study has clinical trial design implications for enrollment criteria, efficacy determination, and sample size calculations.

PS01.02Results of a Double-Blind Cross-over Trial of Vamorolone in DMD: A Safer Alternative to Corticosteroids

Hoffman E¹, Guglieri M², Clemens P³, Perlman S⁴, Smith E⁵, Horrocks I⁶, Finkel R⁷, Mah J⁸, Deconinck N⁹, Goemans N¹⁰, Haberlova J¹¹, Straub V², Harper A¹², Sheih P¹³, De Waele L¹⁴, Castro D¹⁵, Yang M¹⁶, Ryan M¹⁷, McDonald C¹⁸, Tulinius M¹⁹, Webster R²⁰, McMillan H²¹, Kuntz N²², Rao V²², Baranello G²³, Spinty S²⁴, Childs A²⁵, Sbrocchi A²⁶, Selby K²⁷, Monduy M²⁸, Nevo Y²⁹, Vilchez-Padilla J³⁰, Nascimiento-Osorio A³¹, Niks E³², de Groot I³³, Katsalouli M³⁴, James M², van den Anker J¹, Damsker J¹, Ahmet A²¹, Ward L²¹, Dang U³⁵, Leinonen M³⁶

¹Reveragen, Rockville, United States, ²Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK, ³University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA, ⁴Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, USA, ⁵Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA, ⁶Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK, ⁷St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, USA, ⁸University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada, ⁹Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Brussels, Belgium, ¹⁰University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ¹¹2nd School of Medicine Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic, ¹²Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA, ¹³UCLA Life Sciences, Los Angeles, USA, ¹⁴Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ¹⁵University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, USA, ¹⁶Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver, USA, ¹⁷Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, ¹⁸University of California-Davis, Irvine, USA, ¹⁹Gothenburg University, The Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, ²⁰The Institute for Neuroscience and Muscle Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia, ²¹Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada, ²²Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, USA, ²³Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK, ²⁴Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK, ²⁵Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, ²⁶Montreal Children’s Hospital, Montreal, Canada, ²⁷University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, ²⁸Nemours Children’s Hospital, Orlando, USA, ²⁹Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Tel Aviv, Israel, ³⁰Neuromuscular Research Unit, IIS La Fe; CIBERER, Valencia, Spain, ³¹Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain, ³²Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands, ³³Radboud University Nijmegen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands, ³⁴Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, Athens, Greece, ³⁵Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, ³⁶Santhera, Basel, Switzerland

Vamorolone is a dissociative steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that changes structure/activity relationships with the glucocorticoid receptor. Steroid-naïve boys with genetically confirmed DMD (5.4±0.9 years) were randomized (n=121) in a double-blind, placebo- and prednisone-controlled efficacy and safety trial of vamorolone. The trial had a 24-week Period 1 with participants randomized to 4 groups (placebo, prednisone, vamorolone 2 mg/kg/day, vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day), and a 24-week Period 2 where the placebo and prednisone groups crossed over to vamorolone. Both vamorolone-treated groups showed significant improvements in motor function tests over the 24-week treatment Period 1. The trial met the primary and first four sequential secondary end points for change from baseline to Week 24 (time to stand velocity: vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day vs. placebo p=0.002, 2 mg/kg/day vs. placebo p=0.02; 6-minute walk test 6 mg/kg/day vs. placebo p=0.003, 2 mg/kg/day vs. placebo p=0.009; time to run/walk 10 meters velocity 6 vs. placebo p=0.002). Height percentile declined in prednisone-treated, but not vamorolone-treated participants (least square means [standard error] prednisone -1.58%tile [se=1.44] vs. vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day +3.40%tile [se=1.55]; p=0.02). Bone turnover markers declined with prednisone treatment but not vamorolone (p<0.001 for all comparisons). All 3 treatment groups led to adrenal insufficiency, but vamorolone 2 mg/kg/day less than prednisone (p<0.002).

Of the 56 participants receiving vamorolone during both Period 1 and 2, 2 of 56 patients discontinued treatment during Period 2 (1 adverse event, 1 consent withdrawn). For vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day, efficacy was maintained or further improved from Week 24 to Week 48, whilst for vamorolone 2 mg/kg/day, efficacy was maintained in some efficacy endpoints. Comparing the 2 vamorolone dose groups over a 48-week treatment period, vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day showed greater improvements in motor outcomes compared to 2 mg/kg/day for some outcomes (TTSTAND, 6MWT and TTCLIMB), but similar efficacy in others (NSAA, TTRW). Three serious adverse events were reported during the 48 weeks: perforated appendicitis (2 mg/kg/day), asthma (6 mg/kg/day) and viral gastroenteritis (6 mg/kg/day), all considered unrelated to vamorolone. Stunting of growth was not seen at either dose group over the 48-week treatment period, and body mass index stabilized after an initial increase during first 24 weeks.

Prednisone-treated participants (Period 1) that crossed over to vamorolone showed maintenance of efficacy across all efficacy endpoints for vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day. No serious adverse events were reported after the switch. Annualized rates of adverse events were reduced after the switch from prednisone to vamorolone (all events: 20% reduction, steroid-related events: 40% reduction). Stunting of growth observed with prednisone during Period 1 was reversed during treatment with vamorolone during Period 2.

Placebo-treated participants in Period 1 that crossed over to vamorolone in Period 2 (delayed starters) showed an improvement in multiple efficacy outcomes after the switch to vamorolone. Early-starters in the vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day group (treatment continued throughout 48 weeks) had increased outcome means compared with placebo->vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day delayed-starters for 4/5 outcomes at four post-baseline timepoints, suggesting continued efficacy beyond 24-weeks treatment.

In summary, the trial showed compelling evidence of efficacy of vamorolone with improved safety compared to prednisone.

PS01.3Early Effect of Steroids on Functional Outcomes in Young Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Schiava M¹, Broomfield J², Abrams K², McDermott M^3,4, Martens W⁴, Gregory S⁴, Mayhew A¹, McDonald C⁵, Griggs R⁴, Guglieri M¹

¹Newcastle University, John Walton Muscular dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, ²Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom, ³Department. of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, Rochester, USA, ⁴Department. of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Centre, Rochester, USA, ⁵Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, USA

Introduction: Glucocorticoids (GC) are part of the standard of care in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and have changed the disease natural history. Previous studies reported a favourable effect of early treatment with GC.

However, the effect of GC on motor function outcomes (FO) at the time of treatment initiation remain to be characterized. This study aims to describe motor FO in young boys with DMD after starting GC treatment and identify the factors that influence FO trajectories

Methods: Functional outcome data from the first 18 months of the Finding the Optimum Regimen for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (FOR-DMD) study were analysed. The FOR-DMD study was an international, multi-centre randomized, double-blind trial including 196 GC-naïve boys with DMD age 4 - <8 years. Boys were randomized 1:1:1 to receive daily prednisone (0.75 mg/kg/day), daily deflazacort (0.9 mg/kg/day), or intermittent prednisone (0.75 mg/kg 10 days on/10 days off). Boys were assessed at screening, baseline and at Months 3, 6, 12 and 18 after initiation of treatment; motor FO included rise from floor velocity (TRF-vel), 10-meter walk/run velocity (10MWR-vel), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) total score and the 6-minute walking test distance (6MWT).

A linear mixed model was performed; fixed effects included: age at baseline, GC regime, mutation type; baseline height and dichotomized FO cut-off values at baseline based on the literature.

Results: One hundred ninety-six boys were included in the study. The distribution by age group was: 20% (n=40) 4 – 4.9 y, 40% (n=78) 5 – 5.9 y, 24% (n=47) 6 – 6.9 y, and 16% (n=31) 7 – 7.9 y. Sixty-five boys were allocated to daily prednisone and daily deflazacort and 66 boys to intermittent prednisone regime. The predominant mutation type was out of frame deletions (67.4%, 130/193) of which 68.5% (89/130) were amenable to exon skipping. The distribution by dichotomized FO cut-off values at baseline was: 60% (n=118) boys had a 6MWT > 330 mts; 73% (n=143) TRF-vel > 0.138 units/second; 69% (n=136) 10MWR-vel > 0.142 units/second and 42% (n=83) NSAA > 22 points.

A significant effect of GC regimen and dichotomized FO cut-off values at baseline was observed in all FO at month 18. Boys on intermittent, 10-days on/10-days off, prednisone had lower trajectories in the TRF-vel,10MWR-vel, 6MWT compared to daily prednisone. Boys with a baseline FO below the cut-off values showed lower trajectories than boys above them.

Boys in the 7 – 7.9 y age group at baseline showed lower performances in all the FO up to 18 months compared to boys in the 5 – 5.9 y group. Mutation type had no effect on FO at 18-months.

Discussion: This study describes the factors that affects FO trajectories in DMD at the time of GC treatment initiation. This data can be useful for evaluation of the effect of novel therapies targeting young boys with DMD and inform clinical trial design.

PS01.04Retrospective, Longitudinal Clinical Analysis in a Large UK Cohort of Patients with Nemaline Myopathies

Perry L^1,4, Steel D¹, Brusa C¹, McCauley J², Scoto M¹, Manzur A¹, Quinlivan R¹, Munot P¹, Robb S¹, Baranello G¹, Muntoni F^1,3,4, Sarkozy A^1,4

¹The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, University College London, Great Ormond Street, Institute of Child Health and MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurosciences Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom, ²Genetics Department, Molecular Genetics Laboratory Viapath, Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom, ³NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom, ⁴MRC UCL International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases, London, United Kingdom

Introduction: Nemaline myopathies (NM) are rare, clinically, and genetically heterogeneous conditions with relevant co-morbidity and mortality. Limited knowledge on long term natural history and outcome predictors are available to guide management of patients.

Aims: To describe genotype phenotype correlations, long term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in NM.

Methods: We completed a retrospective cross-sectional phenotypic and genotypic analysis of patients with a genetic diagnosis of NM referred to the highly specialised national service for congenital myopathies/muscular dystrophies at Great Ormond Street Hospital, between January 2001 and March 2021.

Results: We identified 134 NM patients with the following genotypes: 60 NEB, 39 ACTA1, 11 TPM3, 9 KLHL40, 8 TPM2, 3 LMOD3, 2 TNNT1 and 2 CFL2-NM. Overall mortality was 19% (23/120) with a median age at death of 3 months (IQR 16.3, range 1 day to 19 years). CFL2 and KLHL40 genotypes had the highest mortality rates and lowest median age at death of 2 months (IQR 2.4, range 12 days to 4.5 months). Commencement of respiratory support in the neonatal period was associated with an increased mortality risk (P = 0.0003). Median living age at last assessment was 17.4 years (IQR 15.03, range 3-79.5 years). Symptom onset was ante/neonatal in 65% (72/110) of patients, with later onset, including adulthood, observed in 35% (38/110) of patients with NEB, ACTA1 and TPM3-NM. Ambulation was attained in 86% (79/92) of patients older than 18 months, and this was most common in NEB, ACTA1, TPM2 and TPM3-NM, and absent in TNNT1-NM patients. Motor deterioration was observed in 45% (35/77) of ambulant patients with 17% (13/77) losing independent ambulation. 17% (13/77) of patients exhibited a degree of motor improvement during the first decade of life. Loss of ambulation was more common in patients with a history of gross motor delay (23%, 10/43) compared to those with normal early gross-motor milestones (7%, 2/28). Respiratory and feeding support were required by 44% (47/107) and 46% (47/102) of patients respectively, and were most common in CFL2, KLHL40 and LMOD3-NM, and least frequent in TPM2 and TPM3-NM.

Conclusions: Our study confirms NEB and ACTA1-NM as the most common genotypes. We report motor deterioration in 2/3 of patients, which appears more prevalent in patients with a history of gross motor delay. Our data also highlights higher respiratory and/or feeding co-morbidities in CFL2, KLHL40 and LMOD3-NM, with CFL2 and KLHL40-NM having the highest rates of infantile mortality. Our data also showed that early respiratory insufficiency was associated with a significantly increased mortality risk. Overall, TPM2-NM appears to have the best motor, co-morbidity, and mortality outcomes. International collaborations and large prospective natural history studies are needed to confirm these findings and to build trial readiness for these conditions.

PS01.05GNE Myopathy – Phenotype, Genotype Characteristics and Disease Progression in Large Cohort of Indian Patients

Baskar D¹, Vengalil S¹, Nashi S¹, Arunachal G¹, Narayanappa G¹, Kumar P¹, Huddar A¹, U G¹, Thomas A¹, Atchayaram N¹

¹National Institute Of Mental Health And Neurosciences (nimhans), Bangalore, India

Background: GNE myopathy (GNEM) which is also known as hereditary inclusion body myopathy or distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles is a rare and unique adult-onset inherited myopathy. It mostly presents with distal lower limb weakness with conspicuous quadriceps sparing. GNEM is autosomal recessive disorder due to mutation of GNE gene in chromosome 19p13.3 which encodes a bifunctional enzyme involved in sialic acid biosynthesis. Here we present clinical and genetic features of genetically proven GNEM patients from India.

Methods and materials: This was an observational follow-up study done at NIMHANS, India of GNEM genetically diagnosed by Sanger and Next generation sequencing. Clinical characteristics along with functional disability assessment using IBMFRS and MDFRS was recorded.

Results: The study cohort consisted of 152 patients with 65.8% being males. The mean age of symptom onset was 26.6 ± 6.2 years with majority of patients in the 3rd decade of life. The most common presenting symptom was foot drop (44.1%). About 18% of patients had proximal lower limb weakness masquerading as limb girdle syndrome. Bifacial weakness was noted in 9 patients and Beevor’s sign was seen in 87 patients (57.2%) denoting lower abdominal muscle weakness. Most of the patients had predominant hamstring and tibialis anterior weakness with only 5 patients having quadriceps weakness. The founder Indian mutation (c.2179G>A, V727M) was found in 126 patients (84%) and Roma Gypsy founder mutation (c.1853T>C, I618T) in 7 patients (4.6%). All compound heterozygotes had V727M in one allele. 56.3% of patients with V727M were unable to walk at presentation with loss of ambulation on follow-up noted in 21.8% patients. Most of the patients had involvement of kinase (44.7%) or kinase and epimerase domains (39.4%). Missense mutations were seen in 59.8% with 36.8% having novel mutations. 18 patients had rapid progression of symptoms with most of them having V727M mutation with involvement of either kinase or epimerase and kinase domains. Muscle biopsy was done in 36 patients with 75% of patients showing rimmed vacuoles. Among the 78 patients who were followed up majority had only mild to moderate disability with IBMFRS scale (92%), whereas 76.3% had a mobility disability score of <50% with MDFRS scale.

Discussion and conclusion: This is one of the few studies with large cohort of patients analysed prospectively. This study highlights important phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and their relationship in patients with GNEM.

PS01.06Multimodal Assessment of Dysphagia in Patients with Inclusion Body Myositis and Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy

Zeng R¹, Rietveld A², Al-Bourini O³, Olthoff A⁴, Weidenmüller M⁴, Kroon R², Carstens P¹, Kommerell I¹, Hofer S⁵, Frahm J⁵, Uecker M³, Seif A³, Friede T⁶, Saris C², Schmidt J¹

¹Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany, ²Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, ³Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany, ⁴Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Pedaudiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany, ⁵Biomedical NMR, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany, ⁶Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

Background: Swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in patients with muscle diseases, however the underlying pathophysiology is only poorly understood. In addition to standard instrumental assessments of dysphagia such as fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and videofluoroscopy (VFSS), new diagnostic tools may enable a more precise evaluation of dysphagia. Aim of this project is the characterization of myogenic dysphagia in a multimodal approach using real-time MRI, quantitative T1 mapping, quantitative muscle ultrasound, FEES and logopaedic assessments. For this purpose, two different muscle diseases were analysed: Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), a genetic disorder characterized by ptosis, dysphagia and proximal muscle weakness, and inclusion body myositis (IBM), an inflammatory myopathy with typically asymmetric limb weakness and often associated with severe dysphagia.

Methods: 16 patients with IBM and 13 patients with OPMD were included in the study. Swallowing function was studied in each participant using real-time MRI of bolus passage times, FEES and logopaedic assessments. Tissue analysis of swallowing muscles was performed using quantitative T1 mapping and quantitative muscle ultrasound. The results of the two cohorts were compared with each other and to data of a healthy cohort.

Results: Tissue analysis using quantitative T1 mapping and quantitative muscle ultrasound demonstrated characteristic patterns of fibrosis and fatty infiltration in the tongue and masseter muscle in OPMD. Functional analysis with real-time MRI revealed significantly prolonged oral transit times in patients with OPMD, as well as prolonged pharyngeal transit times in IBM and OPMD. FEES and logopaedic assessments reliably identified dysphagia in affected patients, but failed to differentiate the underlying disease.

Conclusion: OPMD and IBM show distinct disease-specific patterns of oropharyngeal muscle involvement and swallowing dysfunction, which are revealed by novel MRI techniques and ultrasound. These innovative diagnostic parameters widen the spectrum for diagnostics, follow-up examination and further research on the development of treatments of dysphagia.

PS02.01Comparison of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration Markers in CSF as Predictors of Survival in ALS Patients

Masrori P^2,3,4, De Shaepdryver M¹, Poesen K^1,5, Van Damme P^2,3,4

¹Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiomarker Research, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ²Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ³Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ⁴Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium, ⁵Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Objective: To compare markers of neurodegeneration [neurofilament light chain (NfL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH)] and markers of inflammation [chitotriosidase-1 (CHIT1), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)] as biomarkers of survival in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods: Protein biomarkers were determined in CSF of 94 patients with ALS using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Univariate survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the log-rank test was conducted to determine differences between the survival curves (n = 94, censored: 14%). A Cox regression survival model was calculated including 8 established clinical predictors of survival in ALS (n = 84, censored: 13%). For this purpose patients were stratified as low and high biomarker level based upon the median concentration of the biomarker in the total ALS cohort.

Results: Univariate survival analyses revealed a significantly shorter survival in patients with ALS having high levels of pNfH (χ² = 12.69, p < 0.001), NfL (χ² = 12.34, p < 0.001), CHIT1 (χ² = 7.62, p < 0.01), YKL-40 (χ² = 14.05, p < 0.001) and MCP-1 (χ² = 8.45, p < 0.01). In a multivariate Cox regression model, high levels of pNfH (HR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.87 – 6.04, p < 0.001), NfL (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.23 – 3.46, p < 0.01), CHIT1 (HR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.22 – 3.73, p < 0.01), YKL-40 (HR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.21 – 3.90, p = 0.01) and MCP-1 (HR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.47 – 4.21, p = 0.001) were independently associated with a shorter survival. Patients with both high NfL and YKL-40 levels harbored a significantly shorter survival (median: 15.3 months, range: 1.43 – 49.0 months) compared to those patients with both low NfL and YKL-40 levels (median: 45.5 months, range: 2.03 – 74.5 months; p < 0.0001), but did not when compared to those patients with low NfL yet high YKL-40 levels (median: 20.2 months, range: 0.47 – 77.3 months; p = 0.74).

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of CSF biomarkers to predict survival in patients with ALS. Furthermore, it demonstrates that patients with ALS without pronounced neurodegeneration have a short survival in the presence of neuroinflammation, e.g. reflected by low NfL and high YKL-40 levels. These findings may have implications for future stratification of patients in clinical trials.

PS02.2Spinal Cord MRI for Tracking of Early Degeneration in C9orf72 Asymptomatic Carriers: A Longitudinal Study

Querin G^1,2, Bede P³, Péllegrini-Issac M⁴, Rinaldi D^5,6, Saracino D^5,6, Salachas F⁷, Camuzat A⁵, Marchand-Pauvert V⁴, Cohen-Adad J⁸, Colliot O⁵, Isabelle L^5,6, Pradat P^4,7

¹Institut de Myologie, I-Motion Clinical Trials Platform, Paris, France, ²APHP, Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, Service de Neuromyologie, Paris, France, ³Computational Neuroimaging Group, Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, ⁴Laboratoire d’Imagerie Biomédicale, CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, ⁵Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France, ⁶Institute of Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease, Center of Excellence of Neurodegenerative Disease, Sorbonne University, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France, ⁷APHP, Département de Neurologie, Centre référent SLA, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7622, INSERM ERL 1156, IBPS, Paris, France, ⁸NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Functional Neuroimaging Unit, CRIUGM, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Canada

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) share genetic susceptibility and a large portion of familial cases are due to C9orf72 gene mutations. Brain and spinal cord (SC) imaging studies in asymptomatic C9orf72 carriers have demonstrated white (WM) and grey matter (GM) degeneration up to 20 years before the expected symptom onset.

The objective of this study is to longitudinally describe, using quantitative MRI, the evolution of spinal cord (SC) degeneration over 36-months observation time in a cohort of asymptomatic C9orf72 mutation carriers.

Methods: 40 asymptomatic C9orf72 carriers (C9+) were enrolled in the study. Each subject underwent a 3T cervical SC MRI at baseline, after 18 and 36 months. Quantitative measures of GM and WM atrophy and DTI parameters (FA, AD, MD, RD) in the cortico-spinal tracts (CST) and dorsal columns were computed.

We used linear mixed-effects models (LMEMs) to test for significant differences in MIR parameters between time points. We employed the following terms as fixed effects: time point (from T0 up to T3), baseline age, gender, genetic status and interaction terms between time point and age, and between time point and genetic status. Random intercept terms for participants were included in the model.

Results: Mean age at inclusion was 41.18 years +/- 11.46 (range 25.42 – 72.79). 18 subjects were male and 22 female, 3 subjects came from ALS-only families, while 17 of them originated from FTD-only families and 20 from ALS/FTD families. Clinical examination was normal for all the participants. No significant difference was identified in MRI parameters between subjects coming from ALS and FTD families. No significant difference in GM and WM cross-sectional area was observed over the three time points (p > 0.05). A significant progressive reduction of fractional anisotropy (FA) in the pyramidal tracts was observed over time with a significant difference between the baseline and the 36-months evaluation (p = 0.04). No other significant modifications in DTI parameters in the cortico-spinal tract were detected. When considering only patients coming from families having at least one ALS member, no significant evolution of CST degeneration was identified (p > 0.05).

Discussion: Cervical SC imaging of C9orf72 hexanucleotide carriers detect a progressive pyramidal tract FA reduction which seems to be continuous but not linear. Subjects coming from ALS families, do not seem to have faster pyramidal tract degeneration compared to the global cohort.

PS02.03Analysis of Muscle Resonance Imaging of Cohort of Chronic Motor Neuropathy/Neuronopathy Patients Reveals Characteristic Features

Diaz-manera J¹, Esteller D², Morrow J³, Reyes D⁴, Tasca G⁵, Alangary A³, Bisogni G⁶, Monforte M⁵, Marini-Bettolo C¹, Sabatelli M⁶, Ramdharry G³, Alonso-Pérez J⁴, Bolaño-Díaz C¹, Schiava M¹, Turon-Sans J⁴, Guglieri M¹, Rossor A³, Vesperinas A⁴, Collet R⁴, Olive M⁴, Straub V¹, Reilly M³, Rojas-Garcia R⁴

¹Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, ²Neurology Department. Hospital Clinic de Barcelona. Universitat de Barcelona., Barcelona, Spain, ³Department of Neuromuscular Disease, Queen Square, UCL Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK., London, United Kingdom, ⁴Neuromuscular Disorders Unit. Neurology department. Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Barcelona. Spain., Barcelona, Spain, ⁵UOC di Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy., Rome, Italy, ⁶Centro Clinico NeMO Adulti, Rome, Italy., Rome, Italy

Background: Chronic motor neuropathy/neuronopathy (CMNs) encompass a group of rare diseases characterized by muscle weakness mainly affecting distal muscles of the limbs. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be a useful tool for the diagnostic workup but has not been explored systematically in these patients.

Methods: This is a retrospective study collecting clinical, genetic and imaging data. Muscle MRI included T1-weighted and Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) sequences. Fat replacement was quantified using the Mercuri score. Identification of patterns was performed using hierarchical clustering.

Results: We included 76 patients with a clinical and electrophysiological diagnosis of CMN. A pathogenic gene variant was identified in 29 subjects, a VUS was identified in 15 and 32 subjects remained without molecular diagnosis. We collected 25 whole-body and 51 lower limb (LL) MRIs. All patients but one had pathological findings. We identified features common to all patients regardless of the genetic diagnosis. Muscle fat replacement was predominant in the LL distal muscles (75/76 cases), but also affected the thigh in 59, the pelvis in 18 and the trunk/upper limb muscles in seven. The posterior compartment of the leg, including soleus and gastrocnemius, was the most affected (71/76) followed by the peronei (63/76). Asymmetric involvement was found in 19 patients. A distal to proximal gradient of fat replacement was observed in 39 patients (52%). Texture analysis showed a reticular pattern or “muscle islets” in 63 patients (83%). Hyperintensities on STIR were observed in 49/59 and were predominantly located in the distal LL muscles. A distal to proximal gradient in STIR was observed in 25 subjects. Besides features common to all individuals, we identified a pattern of muscle fat replacement characteristic of BICD2 and HSPB1 patients. We did not identify a correlation between fat content and age, disease duration or motor functionality.

Conclusion: Muscle MRI of CMN patients reveals common features that could be helpful for the diagnosis of patients. We have observed a pattern of MRI involvement characteristic of patients with mutations in specific genes. There was no correlation between fat content and functional status or time of disease progression.

PS02.04Deep Learning-Powered Hybrid Optoacoustic Imaging for Characterization of Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Wagner A¹, Regensburger A¹, Danko V¹, Jüngert J¹, Schlereth M², Stromer D², Breininger K², Tan L¹, Maier A², Federle A³, Klett D³, Schuessler S¹, Neurath M³, Roos A⁴, Lochmüller H⁵, Woelfle J¹, Trollmann R¹, Waldner M³, Knieling F¹

¹ Department of Pediatrics And Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen,Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany, ²Department of Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany, ³ Department of Medicine 1, University Hospital Erlangen,Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany, ⁴University of Duisburg-Essen, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Neurology and Social Pediatrics, Essen, Germany, Essen, Germany, ⁵Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Ottawa, Canada, Ottawa, Canada

Introduction: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disease caused by a homozygous deletion or mutation in the survival motor neuron 1 gene resulting in insufficient expression of the survival motor neuron protein. This leads to degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain stem with consecutive muscular atrophy and weakness. While promising causal therapies are now available, prognostic biomarkers are missing. We investigate the ability of hybrid optoacoustic imaging to visualize and quantify muscle degeneration in SMA patients.

Methods: In this case-control proof-of-concept trial (clinicaltrails.gov ID NCT04115475) n=10 SMA patients n=10 gender/age-matched healthy volunteers (HV) were included. Optoacoustic imaging of muscles of upper and lower extremity of participants was performed using Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) combined with Reflected-Ultrasound Computed Tomography (RUCT) for anatomical guidance. In MSOT, laser light transmitted through a handheld probe is used to excite tissue chromophores like hemoglobin or lipid and subsequently generates specific ultrasonic signals. The optoacoustic spectrum was obtained at 13 single wavelengths (SWL) including 680nm, 715nm, 730nm, 760nm, 800nm, 850nm, 930nm, 950nm, 980nm, 1000nm, 1030nm, 1064nm and 1100nm. SWLs and spectrally unmixed MSOT parameters (hemoglobin, collagen, lipid) were compared between groups and correlated with standard motor outcome tests and standard B-mode ultrasound imaging (US). In addition, a deep learning (DL) approach using convolutional neuronal networks was evaluated for automatic classification of optoacoustic imaging data.

Results: While MSOT signals were homogeneous in muscles of HV, SMA patients showed a moth-eaten optoacoustic pattern. The single wavelength 800nm showed the greatest difference of MSOT signal intensities between HV and SMA patients. A correlation between MSOT SWL 800nm and quantitative motor outcomes was found. In addition, MSOT parameter total hemoglobin showed lower signal levels according to the severity of the SMA type. The evaluation of quantitative agreement of RUCT and standard US using greyscale analysis (GSL) revealed significantly higher GSL in SMA patients in both techniques with good correlation with motor outcome tests. Qualitative agreement between RUCT and US was excellent for the differentiation of pathological vs. healthy muscles, echogenicity and distribution pattern, moderate for Heckmatt scale, and poor for muscle texture. DL approaches showed promising results with high accuracies to distinguish SMA from a other neuromuscular disorders and healthy controls.

Conclusions: Handheld MSOT imaging is a promising technology for non-invasive visualization and quantification of individual disease burden in pediatric SMA patients. The results suggest the potential for use for therapeutic monitoring in this rare genetic disease. Integrated RUCT may allow the assessment of basic qualitative and quantitative measures for muscular diseases with comparable results to conventional US. In addition, imaging-based differentiation and classification of SMA from other neuromuscular disorders and healthy muscles by DL approaches is feasible, underlining the translational potential for this technology for clinical applications.

PS02.05Description of a Spanish Cohort with Cerebellar Ataxia with Neuropathy and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS)

Santirso D¹, Alvarez M², Menendez M¹, Suarez V³, Moris G¹

¹Neurology Department, Central Universitary Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain, ²Genetics Department, Central Universitary Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain, ³ENT Department, Central Universitary Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain

Background: Cerebellar Ataxia with Neuropathy and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS) was first described in 1990s as a late-onset progressive neurological disease with a triad of cerebellar ataxia, bilateral vestibular areflexia, and sensory neuropathy. Thus, diagnosis was based on clinical and electrophysiological findings. In 2019, an intronic biallelic repeat expansion in the gene encoding the Replication Factor Complex Subunit 1 (RFC-1) was reported in 100% of the familial cases and 92% of the sporadic cases. Since then, a growing number of patients has been diagnosed with CANVAS. Few studies have described the phenotypical spectrum of this entity in Spanish population, and exceptionally after genetic diagnosis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed in a cohort of patients with genetic diagnosis of CANVAS in the Central University Hospital of Asturias in the period 2019-2021. Clinical, electrophysiological, and vestibular test characteristics were assessed.

Results: Thirty-one patients were identified. 71% were women with a median age of 53.6 years (range 35-75) at onset of symptoms and 69.6 years (range 46-83) at the time of diagnosis. Four patients reported a familial history of CANVAS. Gait instability (87%), dysesthesia of the limbs (74%), and spasmodic chronic cough (77%) were the most common complaints. Diminished vibratory sense (90%), impaired tandem (74%), abnormal Romberg’s test (68%), and ataxic gait (68%) were frequent findings in the neurological examination. Deep tendon reflexes were commonly diminished (58%), however, 13% presented with hyperreflexia. Vestibular testing with video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) showed bilateral vestibular dysfunction in 71% of the patients. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) showed reduced or absent sensory nerve action potentials in 97% of the patients and Somatosensorial Evoked Potentials (SSEP) were commonly impaired (90%). Additionally, Quantitative Sensory Tests (QST) were performed in 6 patients showing abnormalities in Ad and type C fibers in every subject.

Conclusion: Our investigation showed that the phenotypical characteristics of this cohort of Spanish patients are similar to studies of other populations. Gait instability with diminished vibration sense are present in the majority of the cases, whereas spasmodic cough is a common symptom.

Electrophysiological studies showed evidence of sensory neuronopathy in virtually every patient as previously reported. In spite of the small number of QST performed, it is noteworthy that every patient showed concomitant alteration of the small fiber nerves reflecting that autonomic dysfunction may be a frequent finding in CANVAS.

PS02.06Contribution of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in the Study of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia

Martinuzzi A^1, Montanaro D², Frijia F³, Vavla M⁴, BAratto A⁵, Coi A⁶

¹Irccs E. Medea Scientific Institute, Conegliano, Italy, ²U.O.S.D. Servizio Autonomo di Risonanza Magnetica, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze Cliniche dell’Età Evolutiva, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy, ³U.O.C Bioengineering and Clinical Technology, Fondazione CNR/Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Pisa, Italy, ⁴University of Padova, Padova, Italy, ⁵Imaging Unit, Conegliano hospital, AULSS2 Veneto Region, Conegliano, Italy, ⁶Unit of Epidemiology of Rare Diseases and Congenital Anomalies, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy

Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias (HSP) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the corticospinal tract. No established neuroimaging biomarker is associated with the condition.

45 patients affected by HSP (18 SPG4, 6 SPG3a, 5 SPG5, 3 SPG30, 3 SPG31, 2 each of SPG7, 8, 11, 72, 1 SPG10 and 1 undetermined) and 46 healthy control (HC) matched by age and gender were recruited at the Medea Institute.

All subjects underwent an MRI study with a 1.5T equipment (Philips Achieva 2.5 XR, Royal Philips Healthcare, Eindhoven, NL) at baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1), the mean interval between the two examinations was 2.40±0.70 years. The MRI protocol included single-voxel spectroscopy sampling bilaterally the Rolandic (motor functions) and pre-motor regions (TR 2000msec, TE 35msec, voxel size 15x15x15mm).

The major brain metabolites detectable with 1H-MRS were analyzed: N-Acetyl Aspartate (NAA) Choline (Cho), Creatine-phosphocreatine complex (Cr), myo-Inositol (mI) and lipids (Li). All me-tabolites were processed with Spectro View Software (Philips Healthcare) measuring the peaks and evaluated as ratio to Cr. MRI data were analyzed at baseline (T0) and longitudinally (T0 vs T1).

MRS data were analyzed with Student’s t-test or the nonparametric unpaired Wilcoxon test for continuous variables, evaluating differences in concentration of metabolites mean values with confidence interval of 95%. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software (StataCorp. 2019. Stata Statistical Software: Release 16. College Station, TX: StataCorp LLC).

A strong statistically significant difference was observed at T0 in the concentration of mI/Cr (Rolandic left p<0.001, Rolandic Right p<0.038) and in NAA/Cr (Rolandic left p<0.025) between HSP subjects and HC. In the left premotor area only NAA/Cr show a significant difference (p<0.022) be-tween the two group. mI and NAA levels were significantly correlated with clinical severity as as-sessed by SPRS.

The longitudinal analysis involved fewer patients (30). Statistically significant differences were ev-idenced in ml/Cr concentration (p<0.014) in the Rolandic left area among HSP subjects, with high-er measured levels of ml in the follow up (mean±SD = 0.72±0.03) than at baseline (mean ± SD = 0.61 ±0.04).

The “ctree” method that was applied in this study, allowed the development of decision trees able to classify HSP subjects and controls with an overall accuracy (total number of subjects cor-rectly predicted as HSP or control) of 79%, a sensitivity (number of HSP subjects correctly predict-ed as HSP) of 85% and a specificity (number of control subjects correctly predicted as control) of 73% assessing just two metabolites (mI and NAA).

The results are to be taken with caution given the very small number of subject and the still missing statistical validation step (blinded assignment to HSP vs HC group). Nevertheless, this pilot study indicates that brain MRS in HSP is a valuable approach, potentially exploitable as objective biomarker in this condition.

PS03.01Phase 1/2a Trial of Delandistrogene Moxeparvovec in Patients with DMD: 4-year Update

Mendell J R^1,2, Sahenk Z^1,2, Lehman K J¹,Lowes L P^1,2, Reash N F¹, Iammarino M A¹, Alfano L N¹, Lewis S^1,3, Church K¹, Shell R¹, Potter R A^1,3, Griffin D A^1,3, Pozsgai E R^1,3, Hogan M¹, Hu L³, Mason S³, Darton E³, Rodino-Klapac L R³

¹Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, USA, ²The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA, ³Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, USA

Delandistrogene moxeparvovec (SRP-9001) is an investigational gene transfer therapy developed for targeted skeletal and cardiac muscle expression of micro-dystrophin (a shortened, functional dystrophin protein) that is being studied in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

The objective of this Phase 1/2a, single-dose, open-label clinical trial (NCT03375164) is to evaluate the safety of systemic delivery of delandistrogene moxeparvovec in patients with DMD.

Four ambulatory patients with DMD (4–7 years old) were enrolled. Patients were given an intravenous infusion of delandistrogene moxeparvovec at a dose of 2.0x10¹⁴ vg/kg (supercoiled qPCR, linear plasmid standard equivalent of 1.33x10¹⁴ vg/kg) and prednisone (1 mg/kg/day) 1 day pre- to 30 days post-gene delivery. The primary outcome measure is safety. The secondary outcome measures include micro-dystrophin expression quantified by western blot and immunofluorescence (sarcolemmal micro-dystrophin expression) in pre- and post-muscle biopsies (Week 12 post-infusion). Key efficacy outcome measures include change in the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) and timed function tests (10-metre Walk/Run and 100-metre Walk/Run, 4-stair Climb and Time to Rise).

Previously, delandistrogene moxeparvovec demonstrated an acceptable long-term safety profile 3 years post-treatment. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were mild to moderate, occurred mostly in the first 90 days of treatment, and all resolved. No serious adverse events (AEs), study discontinuations, or AEs associated with clinically relevant complement activation were reported. The most common TRAE was vomiting (9 of 18 TRAEs). All patients demonstrated a clinically meaningful improvement on NSAA (mean change [standard deviation] from baseline to Year 3: +7.5 points [3.42]). Patients treated with delandistrogene moxeparvovec generally maintained muscle strength (Time to Rise and 4-stair Climb) and showed improvement in ambulation ability (10-metre and 100-metre Walk/Run) from baseline to Year 3.

The observed safety profile and the enduring response following gene transfer provide proof of concept for the continuation of clinical trials assessing delandistrogene moxeparvovec using single-dose gene transfer therapy in patients with DMD. We present the latest long-term (4-year) safety and functional data from this study.

This study is funded by Sarepta Therapeutics.

PS03.02IGNITE DMD Phase I/II Study of SGT-001 Microdystrophin Gene Therapy for DMD: 2-Year Outcomes Update

Donisa Dreghici R¹, Redican S¹, Lawrence J¹, Brown K¹, Wang F¹, Houston P¹, Gonzalez P¹, Schneider J¹, Morris C¹, Clary C¹, Shieh P², Byrne B³

¹Solid Biosciences, Cambridge, United States, ²University of California, Neurology and Pediatrics, Los Angeles, United States, ³University of Florida College of Medicine, Powell Gene Therapy Center, Gainsville, United States

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, lethal neuromuscular disease caused by the absence of functional dystrophin protein in skeletal and cardiac muscle. SGT-001 is a systemically administered AAV9 microdystrophin gene therapy developed to deliver and express a surrogate functional dystrophin protein that uniquely includes the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) binding domain. It is being evaluated for the treatment of DMD in the ongoing IGNITE DMD Phase I/II clinical trial. Following the administration of a low dose of 5E13 vg/kg to 3 subjects the dose was escalated, and all subsequent subjects have received SGT-001 at 2E14 vg/kg (n=6).

To date the most common treatment emergent adverse events are nausea, emesis, pyrexia, thrombocytopenia, and headache. Three subjects experienced SAEs associated with complement activation within the first weeks following dosing, which have all resolved without sequelae. Patients continue to undergo long-term follow up and are doing well up to approximately 4 years post-dosing.

Data previously presented up to 1.5 years post-dosing showed continued benefit in motor function, pulmonary function, and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in 2E14 vg/kg cohort subjects, compared to untreated control patients in IGNITE DMD and natural history. In addition, biopsies collected from these subjects at 12-24 months post-dosing showed continued expression of microdystrophin, restored membrane localization of β-sarcoglycan and nNOS, and only very mild active dystrophic pathology.

Additional long-term data collected at 2 years post-dosing will be presented, suggesting the durability of SGT-001 treatment effect. Subjects receiving SGT-001 at 2E14 vg/kg show stabilization or improvement profiles in motor function (North Star Ambulatory Assessment, 6-Minute Walk Test), pulmonary function (Forced Vital Capacity [FVC] % predicted [%p], peak expiratory flow [PEF %p], and PROMs (Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument [PODCI]) compared against expected natural history decline profiles. An update on more recent patients administered SGT-001 will also be provided.

These preliminary data continue to suggest a positive benefit-risk profile for SGT-001 warranting continued evaluation for the treatment of DMD.

PS03.03Minimizing Immune Responses Against Micro-Dystrophin

Chamberlain J^1,2, Crudele J^1,2, Vohra R^1,2, Hauschka S^1,2, Lee D^1,2, Odom G^1,2

¹University Of Washington, Seattle, United States, ²Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Seattle, United States

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by dystrophin mutations. A potential hurdle for DMD gene therapy is the possibility of an immune response against dystrophin, which has now been observed in several patients treated with AAV-microdystrophin (µDys) vectors. This response has led to several reported serious adverse events in patients with deletions that overlap exons 8-11. To circumvent such T cell responses we have been using Rosetta-based computational protein deimmunization & redesign protocols with integration of experimental immunogenic epitope data, MHC epitope prediction tools, and host genomic data. Our initial studies have explored whether µDys can be redesigned to remove immunodominant epitope(s) within the actin-binding domain and beginning of hinge 1 (encoded by exons 6-8) that displayed T-cell reactivity in the first AAV-µDys human clinical trial (Mendell et al; NCT00428935). Importantly, the algorithm used in our studies predicted T-cell responses to the same epitopes, independently of their detection in the clinical trial. We used Rosetta to develop 3 redesigns of the first epitope (P17, exon 6), 5 for a second (P19, exon 7), and 10 for a third (P23 in exon 8). The first 2 redesigns (P17 and P19) displayed loss of immune recognition when assayed via interferon-γ ELISpot against patient T-cell lines; such T-cells were not available for P23. While some redesigned proteins displayed reduced stability, several appeared as stable and functional as the original µDys in both myogenic cultures and in skeletal muscles of mdx4cv mice. We further evaluated cardiac function of the two leading P17/P19 redesigns. For this we infused 2E14 vg/kg of redesigned (R) AAV6-CK8-µDys vectors into mdx4cv mice at 2 weeks of age, with an evaluation end point at ~1.5 years of age. Cardiac function was evaluated using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Significant differences were noted between the ejection fractions of C57Bl/6 control and mdx4cv mice, with a near complete return to normal using redesigned µDys. Furthermore, we quantified fibrosis via the collagen fraction (extracellular volume, ECV) using gadolinium-enhanced MRI. The amount of ECV was significantly higher in untreated mdx4cv mice compared to control mice, while treated mice displayed values close to controls. We have also observed that driving µDys expression from muscle-restricted expression cassettes (MSEC) is also important to limit T cell immunity. These studies demonstrate that multiple dystrophin T cell epitopes can be deimmunized and redesigned without loss of function or stability in both skeletal and cardiac muscles.

PS03.04Safety, β-Sarcoglycan Expression, and Functional Outcomes From Systemic Gene Transfer of rAAVrh74.MHCK7.hSGCB in LGMD2E/R4

Rodino-Klapac L¹, Pozsgai E^1,2, Lewis S^1,2, Griffin D^1,2, Meadows A^1,3, Lehman K², Church K², Reash N², Iammarino M², Sabo B², Alfano L², Lowes L², Neuhaus S¹, Li X¹, Mendell J^2,4, Müller-York A

¹Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, USA, ²Center for Gene Therapy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, USA, ³Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA, ⁴Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA

Background: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2E/R4 (LGMD2E/R4) is caused by mutations in the β-sarcoglycan gene (SGCB), resulting in loss of SGCB protein and subsequent absence of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC) at the sarcolemma. LGMD 2E/R4 manifests as progressive hip/shoulder muscle weakness. This first-in-human, phase 1/2 trial (NCT03652259) evaluated SRP-9003, a self-complementary rAAVrh74.MHCK7.hSGCB construct designed to restore SGCB protein production in patients with LGMD2E.

Methods: Patients aged 4–15 years with SGCB mutation (both alleles) received 1 SRP-9003 IV infusion: Cohort 1 (n=3), 1.85×10¹³ vg/kg; Cohort 2 (n=3), 7.41×10¹³ vg/kg. Endpoints included safety (primary), SGCB protein expression (secondary), and function (North Star Assessment for Limb-girdle Type Muscular Dystrophies [NSAD], time to rise [TTR], 4-stair climb [4-sc], 100-meter timed test [100m], 10-meter timed test [10m]).

Results: Previously reported results showed that SRP-9003 was well tolerated; adverse events occurred early and were manageable. In Cohort 1, robust SGCB protein expression and correct sarcolemmal localization post treatment was seen, accompanied by durable DAPC reconstitution up to year 2 (Y2). Patients treated with SRP-9003 showed durable functional improvements as well, which were maintained through year 2 evaluations (NSAD, +5.7 points; TTR, -0.6 sec; 4-stair climb, -0.3 sec; 100m, -2.8 sec; 10m, -0.2 sec.). In Cohort 2, followed for 1 year, SRP-9003 gene transfer also showed functional improvements (NSAD, +4 points; TTR, -1.1 sec; 4-stair climb, -0.4 sec; 100m, -7.9 sec; 10m, -0.6 sec). Post hoc analysis over 24 months showed improved NSAD outcomes (Cohort 1) versus untreated natural history cohort (+9.2-point difference, Y2; 95% CI, 3.2-15.1). An update with 3-year functional data for Cohort 1 and 2-year protein expression and functional data for Cohort 2 will be presented.

Conclusions: These data suggest sustained efficacy of SRP-9003 therapy, supporting advancement of the clinical development program.

PS03.5AAV Vector-mediated RNAi of Mutant LDB3 Expression as a Therapeutic Strategy for Myofibrillar Myopathy

Pathak P¹, Hale J¹, Palmeri J¹, Sabu-Kurian A¹, Mankodi A¹

¹National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes Of Health (NIH), Bethesda, United States

Background: Myofibrillar myopathies are characterized by protein aggregation and the Z-disc disintegration in muscle fibers. There are currently no curative treatments for patients. Previously we showed that the p.Ala165Val mutation in LIM Domain Binding 3 (LDB3) causes myopathy by impairing the chaperone-assisted selective autophagy, and downregulating PKCα and TSC2-mTOR through gain-of-function effects in the lab-generated Ldb3A165V/+ knock-in mice. Mutant mice develop filamin C and chaperone aggregation in muscle fibers at the age of 4 months followed by myofibrillar disintegration in same fibers. Here, we aimed to prevent or reverse the disease phenotype by AAV vector mediated RNAi of the mutant allele expression. AAV2/9 serotype efficiently transduces skeletal muscle.

Materials and methods: Allele-specificity and efficacy of siRNA oligonucleotides to downregulate the mutant Ldb3 transcript were demonstrated in transfected cell culture systems to inform in vivo approach in mutant mice. We injected a single dose of AAV2/9-shRNA-miR-Ldb3 and AAV2/9-shRNA-miR-ctrl (5×10e12 vg/kg) in opposite tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of the 3 month (n=27; before the onset of muscle pathology) and 5 month (n=22; after the onset of muscle pathology) old mutant mice. Muscle tissue was harvested at 1 month and 3 months from the intramuscular injection for efficacy assays such as quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence.

Results: Quantitative PCR and immunoblotting assays showed a significant decrease of mutant Ldb3 mRNA and LDB3 protein levels with two siRNA (si16 and si10) out of five tested in transfected HEK293 cells (p < 0.01). Four weeks after injecting AAV 2/9-shRNA-miR-Ldb3s16 and AAV-shRNA ctrl into the opposite tibialis anterior muscles of the mutant mice, GFP expression was visualized throughout muscle, suggesting efficient viral transduction. Quantitative PCR and immunoblotting results confirmed the Ldb3 knockdown at RNA and protein levels in AAV 2/9-shRNA-miR-Ldb3s16 or s10-injected muscle compared to scramble shRNA at 1 month and 3 months. The s16 shRNA preferentially downregulated the mutant allele, whereas s10 shRNA demonstrated mutant allele specific knockdown in the transfected cells and in mouse muscle. Importantly, we observed reversal of PKCα levels to wildtype levels in treated muscle of the mutant mice at both timepoints. Quantitative phosphoproteomics assays using tandem mass spectroscopy are ongoing to characterize cell signaling network signature of the mutation effects and therapeutic response in muscle tissue. Early studies indicate a reversal in myopathology features of increased internal myonuclei and filamin C aggregation in the muscle fibers of the treated muscle at 3 months after the injection in 5 month old mice.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a robust mutant LDB3 knockdown, identify PKCα as a treatment response biomarker, and provide an effective strategy to treat myofibrillar myopathy based on reduction of toxic mutant protein.

PS03.06ASPIRO Gene Replacement Therapy (Resamirigene Bilparvovec) Trial in XLMTM: Pathologic Findings in Four Deceased Participants

Lawlor M¹, B. Shieh P², G. Bönnemann C³, Müller-Felber W⁴, L. Kuntz N⁵, J. Dowling J⁶, Schoser B⁷, Margeta M⁸, Meng H¹, M. Hopp A¹, Wozniak L², Foley A³, N. Saade D⁹, E. Kleiner D¹⁰, Dikoglu E¹⁰, Jones C³, Lopes Abath Neto O¹⁰, Blaschek A⁴, Lurz E¹¹, Mueller S⁴, R. Wadhwani N⁵, Mohammad S⁵, A. Chapin C⁵, C. Reed R¹², Hsu E¹³, Prasad S¹⁴, Rico S¹⁴, Murtagh M¹⁴, Bachtell N¹⁴, Miller W¹⁵

¹Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA, ²University of California, Los Angeles, USA, ³Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, USA, ⁴Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany, ⁵Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, USA, ⁶Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, ⁷Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Dep. of Neurology Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany, ⁸University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA, ⁹University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA, ¹⁰Laboratory of Pathology, NCI, Bethesda, USA, ¹¹von Hauner Children’s hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany, ¹²Department of Laboratories, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, USA, ¹³Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA, ¹⁴Formerly of Astellas Gene Therapies (formerly Audentes Therapeutics), San Francisco, USA, ¹⁵Astellas Gene Therapies (formerly Audentes Therapeutics), San Francisco, USA

Introduction: X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a life-threatening congenital myopathy caused by mutations in the MTM1 gene, leading to absent or dysfunctional myotubularin and resulting in respiratory failure at birth, profound muscle weakness, and early death.

Method: ASPIRO (NCT03199469) is an open-label, Phase 1/2/3 randomized trial where young boys with genetically confirmed XLMTM and chronic ventilator dependence received a single intravenous dose of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector delivering human MTM1, resamirigene bilparvovec (AT132). As of 08/2021, 24 study participants had received AT132 (AT132): seven at the lower dose, 1.3x1014 vg/kg and 17 at the higher dose, 3.5x1014 vg/kg. Preliminary safety and efficacy results have been presented previously. Three participants in the higher dose and one recently dosed participant in the lower dose cohort died.

Results: All four deceased participants had ongoing hepatobiliary cholestasis with decompensated liver disease at time of death. Resulting immediate causes of death included sepsis in three participants and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in one participant. While severe liver pathology was observed in all four participants at time of death, two serial liver biopsies obtained from one (participant 12) demonstrated progression to liver fibrosis over the course of ~7 months. Histological similarities among all four participants indicate that a similar process was responsible for the liver disease observed in the fatalities. This progressive, severe cholestatic liver disease appears to be associated with 1) a previously unrecognized cholestatic tendency that has now been described in untreated XLMTM patients, 2) exposure to AT132, with mechanism of exacerbation of cholestatic disease not presently understood, and 3) evidence of decreased expression of bile salt export protein (BSEP) in liver tissue, the cause of which is yet to be elucidated.

Conclusion: While sepsis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage were the immediate causes of death in four participants on the ASPIRO trial, all were attributable to AT132 triggered severe exacerbation of cholestatic liver disease as an underlying cause. Retrospective analyses of preclinical mouse and canine XLMTM models treated with AAV8 gene transfer did not reveal evidence of cholestatic disease in the absence or presence of treatment. Similarly, AT132 in healthy non-human primates was not associated with liver toxicity, despite doses higher than those used in the clinical trial. The factors that would specifically help predict this susceptibility in treated patients remain under investigation. The ASPIRO study is currently on hold while investigations continue. The pathological findings from the four deceased participants will be presented.

PS04.1Useful and Cost-effective Workup in Chronic Polyneuropathy (the EXPRESS Study)

Wiersma M¹, Vrancken A¹, van Doorn P², Eftimov F³, van Eijk R⁴, Frederix G⁵, Notermans N¹, Eurelings M⁶, Verstraete E⁷, van de Wijdeven G⁸, Piepers S⁹, van der Star G¹, Teunissen L¹⁰, van der Meulen M G F¹⁰, van Doormaal P^11,1

¹Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, ²Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ³Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, ⁴Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, ⁵Department of Public Health, Healthcare Innovation & Evaluation and Medical Humanities, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, ⁶Department of Neurology, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem/Hoofddorp, Netherlands, ⁷Department of Neurology, Rijnstate, Arnhem, Netherlands, ⁸Spierziekten Nederland, Baarn, Netherlands, ⁹Department of Neurology, Meander MC, Amersfoort, Netherlands, ¹⁰Department of Neurology, St. Antonius, Nieuwegein, Netherlands, ¹¹Department of Neurology, Tergooi MC, Hilversum, Netherlands

Background: polyneuropathy is a common disease. An estimated 300.000 persons have polyneuropathy and more than 13.000 patients are newly diagnosed each year in the Netherlands. Polyneuropathy has many causes and risk factors, some common (diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption) and some not. There are knowledge gaps about the usefulness and extent of blood tests and nerve conduction study (NCS) to diagnose and search for a cause. The recently updated Dutch guideline Polyneuropathy therefore recommends to conduct a complete workup. Our hypothesis is that in many patients with a clinical diagnosis chronic polyneuropathy, a limited or even no further workup improves cost-effectiveness without loss of diagnostic reliability or disadvantageous effect on treatment choice.

Methods: the EXPRESS study is a prospective observational multi-center study carried out in five large general hospitals and three neuromuscular expertise centers. Adult patients 18 years or older with symptoms suspect for polyneuropathy, who are referred to a neurologists for an outpatient workup are eligible. Patients’ electronic medical records (EMR) are used to gather all relevant data pertaining to the workup of polyneuropathy and the outcomes measures. Direct medical costs and other health care costs are determined from these data and questionnaires, as well as time to diagnosis. Real-time workup by patients’ neurologists will be compared to a limited or no further workup according to consensus by a panel of neuromuscular specialists and experienced neurologists. Primary outcome is effectiveness of a limited or no further workup expressed as concordance between panel diagnosis and patients’ neurologists’ diagnosis (i.e., percentage overlooked diagnoses). This will be related to differences in costs and impact on treatment or patient management otherwise. Other outcomes are burden/gain for the patient in terms of number of investigations, time to diagnosis, hospital visits, sick-leave, loss of productivity, expenses, experienced quality of care. Furthermore, a clinical prediction model will be developed to objectively guide the decision-making if nerve conduction study (NCS) is required. Each patient is his own control and follow-up time is 6 months. The total sample size will be 1200 patients, of whom 200 will be enrolled as validation cohort.

Discussion: this study is a quality in health care evaluation to ascertain if and which blood tests and when NCS are necessary and cost-effective to establish the diagnosis and identify the cause of polyneuropathy.

Funding: ZonMw Evaluatieonderzoek ZE&GG grant

PS04.02The Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy in a Low-income, U.S. Population

Feldman E¹, Gagne A¹, Marcus H^2,3, Dawood T^2,3, Bachuwa G^2,3, Kvalsund M^4,5, Skolarus L¹, Callaghan B¹, Elafros M¹

¹University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States, ²Hurley Medical Center, Flint, United States, ³Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States, ⁴University of Rochester, Rochester, United States, ⁵University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) is a disabling, painful condition associated with falls and reduced quality of life. While DSP risk factors, such as glucose intolerance, are more common among Black people and people with low-income, these populations are underrepresented in existing DSP studies. Therefore, the Flint Neuropathy Study is an ongoing study assessing DSP prevalence and associated risk factors in a predominantly Black, low-income setting.

Methods: Patients >40 years of age presenting to the Hurley Medical Center Outpatient Internal Medicine Residency Clinic predominantly serving Medicaid patients in Flint, Michigan were enrolled. Demographics, clinical characteristics including medication use, anthropomorphic measurements, fasting lipids, fasting glucose, and Hemoglobin A1C, were collected. Glucose intolerance was defined using the 2021 ADA diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus criteria, whereas metabolic syndrome was defined using the harmonized criteria from the IDF, NHLBI, AHA, WHF, IAS, and IASO societies. DSP was defined using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument Questionnaire Index (MNSIQI). Descriptive statistics were performed using means and frequencies. Analysis of variance was used to examine the association between DSP and metabolic syndrome and glycemic status.

Results: 81 participants (62% female, 57.5 years. 67% Black, 53% Medicaid, 22% <grade 12 education) have enrolled to date. At enrollment, 28 (35%) reported a history of T2DM whereas 9 (11%) were pre-diabetic. 4 (5%) denied a history of glucose intolerance despite a prior diagnosis. Criteria for metabolic syndrome was met in 39 (48%). 7 (9%) were newly diagnosed with glucose intolerance during the study. Mean MNSIQI score was 2.65 (SD 1.56) with 48/81 (56%) meeting criteria for DSP. Among participants with a history of glucose intolerance and DSP (n=21), 16 (76%) were unaware they had DSP and 5 (24%) were aware. 7/11 (64%) participants who did not know they had glucose intolerance prior to participation had DSP. DSP was associated with a history of glucose intolerance (prediabetes: MNSIQI score 2.74, T2DM: 3.21 vs no history: 2.03, p<0.01) as well as metabolic syndrome (2.95 vs 2.11 p=0.028).

Conclusions: DSP is extremely common and underrecognized in this patient population with low incomes. Characterizing the DSP burden and risk factors in these individuals is essential to improve our understanding of DSP and to ensure equal representation in implementation efforts to address DSP symptoms and associated outcomes.

PS04.03Assessment Timing and Choice of Outcome Measure in Determining Treatment Response in CIDP: Post-hoc PRISM

Ouaja R¹, Rajabally Y², Pujol S¹, Kasiborski F¹, Nobie-Orazio E³

¹LFB, Les Ulis, France, ²Aston University, Birmingham, Royaume-Uni, ³Milan University, Milan, Italie

Introduction: Treatment response and its timing is variable in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). We here aimed to study this variability with multiple outcome measures.

Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of the PRISM trial, a 24-week prospective, multicentre, single-arm, open-label phase 3 study of IqYmune, a 10% intravenous immunoglobulin preparation, for CIDP. We ascertained the timing of response with primary/secondary outcome measures.

Results: At 6 weeks post-treatment initiation, 13/40 subjects (32.5%) were defined as responders on the primary outcome measure, the adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause, and Treatment (INCAT)scale. This increased to 20/41 (48.8%) at 12 weeks and to 32/42 (76.2%) at 24 weeks. Use of minimal important difference (MID)-determined amelioration of the inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (I-RODS), or of the Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRCSS), or of dominant handgrip strength, in addition to the adjusted INCAT, offered a sensitivity of 41.7% in identifying adjusted INCAT non-responders at week 12 who subsequently responded at week 24. Specificity was of 60% versus INCAT non-responders at week 24.

Consideration of amelioration of any amplitude on any secondary outcome measure offered a75% sensitivity but only 30% specificity versus adjusted INCAT non-responders at week 24.

Conclusions: Immunoglobulin treatment continuation may be justified for up to 24 weeks in CIDP. Additional outcome measures may help in early treatment stages to predict delayed response on the adjusted INCAT. However, their use is limited by high false-positive rates. More robust, reliable, and relevant outcome measures are needed to detect early improvement in CIDP.

PS04.04Peripheral Neuropathies Associated with Systemic Autoimmune Disorders: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

Moura J¹, Neves Cardoso M², Samões R^1,3, Santos E^1,3,4, Martins da Silva A^1,3,4, Sousa A^2,4

¹Department of Neurology, Hospital de Santo António (HSA), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal, Porto, Portugal, ²Department of Neurophysiology, Hospital de Santo António (HSA), Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto (CHUP), Porto, Portugal, Porto, Portugal, ³Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Porto, Portugal, ⁴Clinical Immunology Unit, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal, Porto, Portugal

Introduction: Peripheral nervous system involvement is frequent in connective tissue diseases and systemic immune-mediated disorders, particularly vasculitis. The peripheral nerve may be damaged by several pathophysiological mechanisms, translating in various clinical presentations.

Objectives: To describe a group of patients with peripheral neuropathies secondary to systemic autoimmune disorders (SAD) from a Portuguese tertiary hospital.

Methods: Retrospective analysis through an institutional registry of patients followed in the Neuroimmunology outpatient clinic. Only neuropathies with neurophysiological confirmation were included. When available, biopsy results were also collected.

Results: A total of 39 patients were identified, 84.6% female, with a mean age of onset of neuropathy symptoms of 56.1 years (SD 13.1). The most common SAD was sarcoidosis (20.5%), followed by eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (15.4%), Sjögren’s syndrome (10.3%), systemic sclerosis (10.3%), rheumatoid arthritis (10.3%), Behçet’s disease (7.7%), IgG4-related disease (5.1) and systemic lupus erythematosus (2.6%). Neuropathy was the presenting feature of SAD in 51.3%, with the most common symptoms being paresthesia (30.8%) and hypoesthesia (23.1%).

Small fibre polyneuropathies were present in 15 patients (38.5%), five with additional neuropathies. Mononeuropathies were present in 20.5% (including three rheumatoid arthritis cases), sensory-motor axonal polyneuropathies in 15.4% (with 3 cases of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis), multiple mononeuropathies in 12.8% (2 cases of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and 1 case of rheumatoid vasculitis), sensory axonal polyneuropathies in 10.3%, inflammatory radiculopathy in 7.7% (all being cases of sarcoidosis) and ganglionopathy in 1 IgG4-related disease case. Tissue biopsy was used to diagnose 10 cases, including 3 multiple mononeuropathies. Approximately 49.0% improved after immunosuppressive therapy, which consisted in methylprednisolone in 5 patients and intravenous immunoglobulin in 4. Approximately 35.9% of patients were on maintenance immunosuppressive therapy, most commonly azathioprine (n=5).

Conclusion: We demonstrated what was previously recognised by several larger cohorts regarding the variety of neuropathies associated with different SAD. While rheumatoid arthritis is mainly associated with entrapment mononeuropathies, Sjögren syndrome was found primarily on small fiber polyneuropathies and vasculitis with multiple mononeuropathies. Nerve biopsy appears to be particularly useful for diagnosing multiple mononeuropathies (60.0%).

Disclosures: The authors have nothing to disclose

PS04.05Autoantibody Screening in Idiopathic Small-Fiber Neuropathy

Pascual-Goñi E¹, Lleixà C, Caballero-Ávila M, Martín-Aguilar L, Geerts M², Hoeijmakers J², de Greef B², Merkies I², Faber C², Querol L

¹Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Hospital De La Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain, ²Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Introduction: Small-fiber neuropathies (SFN) are a heterogeneous group of disorders of thinly myelinated Ad-fibers and unmyelinated C-fibers. Multiple causes of SFN have been reported, including genetic mutations and immune-mediated systemic disorders, but the cause remains unknown in up to 50% of cases (idiopathic SFN=iSFN). Recently, autoantibodies to plexin-D1 were detected by ELISA in SFN patients. ELISA had 75% sensitivity and 100% specificity using DRG sections as the gold standard for anti-Plexin-D1 detection. We aimed to screen for autoantibodies reacting against neural structures and Plexin-D1 in a well-defined cohort of iSFN.

Methods: We tested baseline sera from 60 skin biopsy-proven iSFN patients enrolled in a clinical trial assessing IVIG effectiveness for iSFN. Sera from HC, ALS, CMT and MS were used as controls. IgG against neural structures were tested by (1) ICC using primary cultures of rat DRG neurons; (2) ICC using human neuroblastoma-derived neurons; (3) IHC using macaque peripheral nerve sections; (4) ELISA using RH Plexin-D1 Protein (R&D).

Results: iSFN sera reacted against DRG neurons significantly more frequently than controls [16/60 (27%) vs 6/90 (7%) (p <0.001)]. No differences were observed in the proportion of patients reacting against neuroblastoma-derived neurons [4/60 (7%) vs 10/90 (11%) (p=0.36)]. In macaque peripheral nerve sections we identified a significantly higher frequency of IgG reactivity to NCAM+ unmyelinated Schwann cells in iSFN patients vs controls [13/60 (22%) vs 3/56 (5%) (p=0.01)]. Anti-Plexin-D1 antibodies were detected by ELISA in 3/60 (5%) of patients but not in controls. All 3 anti-PlexinD1+ sera showed IgG reactivity to DRG neurons.

Conclusion: iSFN patients showed a heterogeneous repertoire of autoantibodies against neural structures. Anti-Plexin-D1 IgG were detected in 5% of iSFN. Another subset of patients showed IgG reactivity to unmyelinated Schwann cells. The specific antigens and clinical implications of these autoantibodies are yet to be determined.

PS04.06Diagnostic Value of Standardized Nerve Ultrasound of the Plexus Brachialis in Chronic Inflammatory Neuropathies

Dubuisson N¹, van de Scheur J, Lemmen D, Van den Bergh P, van der Pol W, van den Berg L, Goedee H

¹Cliniques Universitaires St-luc, Brussels, Belgium

Background: Nerve ultrasound (US) is a practical and widely available, innocuous technique with low costs that is now increasingly used as an important complementary diagnostic tool in immune mediated neuropathies. Although brachial plexus was often included in the published sonographic studies, there is still considerable variability with regards to which elements of the brachial plexus should be evaluated. We therefore aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of an extensive US protocol of the brachial plexus in chronic inflammatory neuropathy (CIN).

Methods: All consecutive patients with suspected CIN, seen at our neuromuscular outpatient between March 2018 to March 2020 were eligible for inclusion. All patients underwent a standardized set of extensive electrodiagnostic testing and US protocol, including (nerve roots, trunks and supraclavicular part of plexus), and appropriate laboratory testing. We used logistic regression and ROC analysis to determine the most optimal plexus US protocol and compared the test characteristics with that of most recent diagnostic consensus criteria.

Results: We included 98 patients (.. CIDP, .. MMN) and 98 disease controls (axonal neuropathies, lower motor neuron syndromes...) We found that combination of cross-sectional measurements (CSA) of the plexus trunks and C5 to C7 nerve roots had the highest diagnostic yield. In contrast, longitudinal and supraclavicular measurements appear to have no added diagnostic value. In addition, our shortened protocol with improved cut-off values yielded a sensitivity of 90.2% and an enhanced specificity of 92.3%. Importantly, our US protocol identified 22% of patients with a CIN diagnosis that responded to treatment who were otherwise missed with routine electrodiagnostic studies and other supportive criteria.

Conclusion: Our study shows that plexus US protocol of plexus for CIN can be limited to a practical protocol, improving detecting with minimal burden. This shortened US protocol is relatively easy to implement in routine practice, but still warrants consideration of relevant imaging mimics.

PS05.01Rozanolixizumab in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Responder Analyses From the Phase 3 MycarinG Study

Bril V¹, Druzdz A², Grosskreutz J³, Habib A⁴, Mantegazza R⁵, Sacconi S⁶, Utsugisawa K⁷, Vissing J⁸, Vu T⁹, Boehnlein M¹⁰, Bozorg A¹¹, Gayfieva M¹², Woltering F¹³, Kaminski H¹⁴

¹University Health Network, Toronto, Canada, ²Department of Neurology, Municipal Hospital Poznan, Poland, ³Precision Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Luebeck, Germany, ⁴MDA ALS and Neuromuscular Center, University of California, Irvine, Orange, USA, ⁵Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta, Italy, ⁶Université Côte d’Azur, Peripheral Nervous System & Muscle Department, Pasteur 2 Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, France, ⁷Department of Neurology, Hanamaki General Hospital, Japan, ⁸Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, ⁹Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, USA, ¹⁰UCB Pharma, Germany, ¹¹UCB Pharma, Morrisville, USA, ¹²UCB Pharma, Slough, UK, ¹³UCB Pharma, Germany, ¹⁴George Washington University, USA

Background: Generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a rare neuromuscular disease caused by pathogenic immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies that reduce signal transmission by disrupting neuromuscular junction components such as acetylcholine receptors (AChR) and muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) receptors. Conventional treatments (immunosuppressants and immunomodulators) often do not provide adequate disease control, with patients continuing to experience burdensome symptoms or potentially life-threatening exacerbations. The Phase 3 MycarinG study evaluated the efficacy and safety of rozanolixizumab, a fully humanised IgG4 monoclonal antibody that can rapidly and specifically reduce circulating IgG, including pathogenic autoantibodies, as a treatment for gMG.

Methods: The MycarinG study (MG0003/NCT03971422) was a Phase 3, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm study. Patients were aged ≥18 years, had Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Class II–IVa gMG and were positive for anti-AChR or anti-MuSK autoantibodies at first visit. After a screening period of up to 4 weeks, participants were randomised 1:1:1 to weekly subcutaneous rozanolixizumab 7mg/kg, 10mg/kg or placebo for a 6-week double-blind treatment period, followed by an 8-week observation period. The primary efficacy endpoint of MycarinG was the change from baseline (CFB) to Day 43 (one week after final dose) in MG Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score. Responder analyses at Day 43 included the proportion of MG-ADL responders (≥2.0-point improvement from baseline) (secondary variable), proportion of responders for Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score (≥3.0-point improvement from baseline) and Myasthenia Gravis Composite (MGC) score (≥3.0-point improvement from baseline). Additional endpoints included Minimal Symptom Expression (MSE, defined as having an MG-ADL score of 0 or 1). Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation.

Results: In total, 200 participants were randomised to rozanolixizumab 7mg/kg (n=66), 10mg/kg (n=67) or placebo (n=67). At Day 43, least squares mean CFBs in MG-ADL (difference vs placebo [95% CI]) were: -3.370 (-2.586 [-4.091, -1.249]; p<0.001) for 7mg/kg; -3.403 (-2.619 [-3.994, -1.163]; p<0.001) for 10mg/kg; versus -0.784 for placebo. More patients in the rozanolixizumab arms than the placebo arm achieved response in MG-ADL (p<0.001), QMG, and MGC scores (Table). MSE was achieved in 25.8%, 28.4% and 3.0% of patients in the 7mg/kg, 10mg/kg and placebo arms, respectively. TEAEs occurred in 81.3%, 82.6% and 67.2% of patients receiving 7mg/kg, 10mg/kg and placebo, respectively. Serious TEAEs occurred in 7.8%, 10.1%, and 9.0% of patients, respectively, and 3.1%, 7.2% and 3.0% patients, respectively, discontinued due to TEAEs.

Conclusions: Clinical efficacy of rozanolixizumab was demonstrated by improvement in responder rates over placebo, in multiple disease-specific outcome measures, with no new safety concerns. Funded by UCB Pharma.

PS05.02Combining Clinical Trial and Real-world Data to Model the Benefit of Efgartigimod on Productivity Losses

Saccà F¹, Dewilde S², Nivelle E³, Qi C⁴, Jacob S⁵, Meisel A⁶, Palace J⁷, Claeys K⁸, Mantegazza R^9,10, Paci S¹¹, Phillips G⁴

¹University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy, ²SHE, Brussels, Belgium, ³Independent HEOR Consultant, Melbourne, Australia, ⁴argenx, Boston, USA, ⁵University Hospitals Birmingham and Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Birmingham, UK, ⁶Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany, ⁷John Radcliffe Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurology, Oxford, UK, ⁸University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, Leuven, Belgium, ⁹Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy, ¹⁰Associazione Italiana Miastenia e Malattie Immunodegenerative, Milan, Italy, ¹¹argenx, Ghent, Belgium

OBJECTIVE: Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) is a rare chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease resulting in generalized muscle weakness affecting ocular motility, swallowing, speech, mobility and respiratory function considerably impacting a patient’s independence. Efgartigimod is a novel therapy recently approved by the FDA with demonstrated efficacy per ADAPT trial to improve the daily function of gMG patients. An economic model was developed to quantify the impact of efgartigimod in reducing the economic burden of productivity losses among gMG patients and their caregivers, combining data from ADAPT and a real-world evidence study.

METHODS: The ADAPT study is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study in 167 adult gMG patients comparing efgartigimod add-on treatment to conventional therapy (CT) alone. The distribution of Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scores after 4 weeks was used to quantify the clinical benefit of efgartigimod. The MyRealWorld-MG study is a digital, observational, multi-country survey of gMG patients collecting monthly data on MG-ADL, days of sick leave, number of hours of caregiver help needed, and caregiver worktime lost. All data were self-reported by the patients and were not cross-checked with other sources. Combining data from ADAPT and MyRealWorld-MG enabled the calculation of changes in productivity losses associated with efgartigimod. The need for caregiver support and patient and caregiver worktime lost were analyzed and stratified by MG-ADL score. Total annual costs of productivity losses per patient were calculated for the UK and compared between efgartigimod and CT patients.

RESULTS: In ADAPT, the mean MG-ADL score of efgartigimod patients after 4 weeks of treatment was 4.4 versus 6.7 for CT, with 23.3% and 3.3% of patients having “Minimum Symptom Expression” (MG-ADL 0-1); 45.0% and 31.7% having mild MG (MG-ADL 2-5), 30.0% and 58.3% having moderate MG (MG-ADL 6-13); and 6.7% and 6.7% having severe MG (MG-ADL 14-24), respectively. In MyRealWorld-MG, the number of self-reported patient sick days, the proportion of patients needing help from caregivers and caregiver worktime lost was significantly positively associated with increasing MG-ADL scores (all p<0.001). Median UK annual income in 2021 for full-time employment (1786 hours worked) was £31,881.

The model calculation showed that the worktime hours lost due to sick leave was reduced by 21% with efgartigimod treatment versus CT, and caregiver worktime losses were cut by -16%, as presented in Table 1. The resulting total productivity losses per gMG patient were estimated to be 27% lower for efgartigimod than for CT patients, totaling £8,740 versus £11,906 per year. Productivity losses were mainly borne by patients (72% of total productivity losses), representing the economic cost of sick days taken. The remainder 39% of productivity costs was due to caregiver job loss (77%) or reduced working hours (33%). Total productivity savings in patients and caregivers amounted to £3,165 per patient per year.

CONCLUSION: gMG is associated with significant economic burden in terms of patient and caregiver productivity losses. By improving daily functioning, efgartigimod has the potential to reduce this burden. The findings need to be further validated once real-world data on efgartigimod becomes available.

PS05.03Humoral Responses Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with Commonly Used Immunosuppressants in Neuromuscular Disorders

van Dam P¹, Wieske L¹, Steenhuis M², Stalman E¹, Kummer L^1,2, van der Kooi A¹, Raaphorst J¹, Verschuuren J³, Ruiter A³, Brusse E⁴, van Doorn P⁴, Baars M⁴, van der Pol L⁵, Goedee S⁵, van Ham M^2,6, Kuijpers T⁷, Rispens T², Eftimov F¹

¹Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, ²Department of immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, ³Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands, ⁴Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, ⁵Brain center UMC Utrecht, department of neurology and neurosurgery, Utrecht, the Netherlands, ⁶Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, ⁷Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Disease, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Background: Disease-specific studies have reported impaired humoral responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs) treated with specific immunosuppressants and immunomodulating agents. The objective of this study is to investigate the humoral immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients using immunosuppressive and immunomodulating mono- and combination therapies, focussing on frequently prescribed therapies for inflammatory neuromuscular diseases.

Methods: National prospective observational cohort study in selected patients with prevalent IMIDs including neuromuscular disease, and immunosuppressive or immunomodulating monotherapy (n=1273), combination therapies (n=419), patients without immunosuppressants (n=473), and healthy controls (n=174). Anti-RBD IgG responses and neutralisation capacity were monitored following standard vaccination regimens and a three-vaccination regimen in subgroups. Hybrid immune responses, i.e. vaccination after previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, were studied as a proxy for recall responses.

Findings: Sera from 1869 participants without and 470 participants with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were analysed. We included 168 (7·2%) patients with inflammatory neuropathies and myopathies, and 127 (5·4%) patients with myasthenia gravis. Humoral responses did not differ between disorders. Anti-CD20 therapy and mycophenolate mofetil combined with corticosteroids were associated with lower relative risks (RR) for reaching seroconversion following standard vaccination (RR: 0·32 and 0·61 respectively). The monotherapies corticosteroids, purine antagonists, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil and IVIg were not associated with a lower RR for reaching seroconversion (RR: 0·97, 0·98, 1·01, 0·86, and 0·99, respectively). Similarly, corticosteroids combined with either methotrexate or purine antagonists was not associated with a lower RR for reaching seroconversion (RR 0·89). A third vaccination increased seroconversion for mycophenolate mofetil combination treatments but not for anti-CD20 therapies. Most immunosuppressant groups showed moderately reduced antibody titres after standard vaccination that, in subgroups, did not increase after a third vaccination, although seroconversion rates and neutralisation capacity were unaffected. In participants with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were boosted after vaccination, regardless of immunosuppressive treatment.

Interpretation: Humoral responses following vaccination are impaired by specific immunosuppressants, most relevant for neuromuscular diseases being anti-CD20 and mycophenolate mofetil combination treatments. After standard vaccination regimens most immunosuppressants show equal seroconversion to controls although antibody titres may be moderately reduced. As neutralisation capacity and recall responses are also preserved in these patients, this is not likely to translate in loss of (short term) protection. Alternatively, in immunosuppressants showing poor humoral responses after standard vaccination regimens such as, a third vaccination resulted in additional seroconversion in mycophenolate mofetil combination treatments whereas the effect for anti-CD20 therapy was limited.

Funding: ZonMw (The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development)

PS05.04Disease Activity after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination and Infection in Patients with Immune-Mediated Neuromuscular Diseases

Stalman E¹, van Dam P¹, Roosen J¹, Wieske L¹, Kummer L^1,2, van der Kooi A¹, Raaphorst J¹, Verschuuren J³, Ruiter A³, Brusse E⁴, van Doorn P⁴, Baars A⁴, van der Pol W⁵, Goedee S⁵, Steenhuis M², van Ham S^2,6, Kuijpers T⁷, Rispens T², Eftimov F¹

¹Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, ²Department of immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, Netherlands, ³Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands, ⁴Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands, ⁵Brain center UMC Utrecht, department of neurology and neurosurgery, Utrecht, Netherlands, ⁶Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, ⁷Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Disease, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Importance: Viral infection or vaccination has the potential to increase disease activity in immune-mediated neuromuscular diseases.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection leads to increase of disease activity in patients with immune-mediated neuromuscular diseases.

Methods: This is an interim analysis of a subset of patients from an ongoing prospective multi-center cohort study on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with various immune mediated inflammatory diseases in the Netherlands, the Target to-B!-COVID study (T2B!). Patients received digital questionnaires every two months from study entry to assess disease activity compared to previous visit using a 5-point Likert scale. In addition, in case of SARS-CoV-2 infection (prior to vaccination) patients received an extra questionnaire to assess disease activity in the four weeks after infection. In cases of self-reported increase of disease activity, medical files were used to assess whether disease activity was reported by the treating physician, and whether changes were made in type or dose of immunosuppressive or immunomodulating treatment.

Results: In total, we included 303 patients with immune-mediated neuromuscular disease of which 127 patients with inflammatory neuropathies, 133 patients with myasthenia gravis, and 43 patients with myositis. In the four months after completed vaccination, 67 (22.1%) patients indicated an increase in disease activity, of which 62 (93%) was reported as “worse” and 5 (7%) as “much worse”. In 10 (3.3%) of the cases with self-reported increase, disease activity was also reported by the treating physician in the medical chart. In 4 (1.3%) of patients with self-reported increase disease activity treatment was adjusted because of the increase in disease activity. A SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to vaccination occurred in 24 (8%) patients, from which 3 (12.5%) indicated an increase in disease activity, not leading to change in treatment.

Conclusion: Increase of disease activity after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection was reported infrequently, and was self-limiting in most cases. Findings from our cohort may help physicians in neuromuscular disease to adequately inform patients on the risk of increased disease activity due to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection. Full and verified results will be reported at the ICNMD 2022.

Funding ZonMw (The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development)

PS05.05Immunosuppressive Therapy as Risk Factor for Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Myasthenia Gravis

Stascheit F, Grittner U, Hoffmann S, Mergenthaler P, Schroeter M, Ruck T, Blaes F, Kaiser J, Schara U, Della Marina A, Thieme A, Hagenacker T, Jacobi C, Berger B, Urban P, Knop K, Schalke B, Kalischewski P, Pawlitzki M, Wiendl H, Meisel A

¹Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Importance: Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and IST are potentially at increased risk for poor COVID-19 outcome.

Objective: To determine whether immunosuppressive therapy (IST) compared to no IST is associated with a higher risk for, first, a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and, second, a more severe COVID-19 disease course as measured by hospitalization rate and death.

Design, setting, and participants: The present study included all available MG patients from the German myasthenia gravis registry, which is a nationwide registry conducted by expert centers since February 2019 (German Clinical Trials Registry DRKS-ID 00024099).

Main outcomes and measures: Between May 2020 and June 2021, data were collected on demographics, disease duration, comorbidities, preexistent IST including standard (corticosteroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, cyclosporine) and escalation (rituximab, eculizumab) IST, thymectomy, COVID-19 characteristics, and outcomes. COVID-19 was diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal swab by polymerase-chain-reaction. Multiple binary logistic regression models and generalized estimation equation regression models based on matched SARS-CoV-2 infected to non-infected patients were used to estimate the association of IST with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multiple binary logistic regression models were used to assess the association of IST with outcome of COVID-19 in MG patients.

Results: Of 1388 MG patients, 95 (7%) MG patients with a mean age of 58 (SD 18) and median disease duration of 65 months (IQR 27-126) presented with COVID-19. Among them, 39 patients (41%) were male, and 76 (80%) received IST at the time of infection. There were 32 patients (34%) admitted to hospital due to COVID-19, 12 (13%) to the intensive care unit, and a total of 11 patients (12%) died. IST was a risk factor for hospitalization and death in the group of COVID-19 affected MG patients (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-9.06, p=0.046), but not for symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection itself in the whole group of MG patients.

Conclusions and relevance: In MG patients, preexistent IST was a factor for a severe disease course of COVID-19 but not for the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. These data support the consequent implementation of effective strategies to prevent COVID-19 in this high-risk group.

PS05.06Pathogenic Effects of IgG1-MuSK Antibodies on the Agrin-induced AChR Clustering Pathway in C2C12 Myotubes

Cao M^1,2, Cossins J¹, Liu W¹, Maxwell S¹, Webster R¹, Beeson D¹, Vincent A¹

¹Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences University Of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, ²Department of Neurology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK

Antibodies to muscle specific kinase (MuSK) are found in a variable proportion of patients with generalised myasthenia gravis (MG). The agrin/MuSK pathway is essential for maintenance of the acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the neuromuscular junction. In MG with MuSK-antibodies, predominant monovalent IgG4 antibodies inhibit MuSK function, leading to reduced MuSK phosphorylation and reduced AChR clusters on the surface of C2C12 myotubes. Immunisation of mice against MuSK leads to defective neuromuscular transmission with reduced acetylcholine receptors. Enhancement of MuSK phosphorylation with a SRC homology 2 domain-containing phosphotyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) inhibitor protected AChR clusters from the pathogenic effect of IgG4 MuSK antibodies. Interestingly, divalent IgG1,2 or 3 MuSK antibodies also reduced agrin-induced AChR clusters but did not appear to inhibit MuSK function directly.

To understand better the pathogenic mechanisms of IgG1-3 MuSK antibodies, C2C12 mouse myotubes were incubated with IgG1-3 or IgG4 antibodies purified from five MuSK-MG patients. 12-20% of the MuSK antibodies were IgG1-3 (80 - 88% IgG4). Expression and phosphorylation of MuSK, DOK7 and AChR-beta subunit were measured by immunoprecipitation and western blotting. AChR clusters were described as fully formed, ≥3 µm, or microclusters, <3 µm.

IgG1-3, in contrast to IgG4, did not reduce MuSK or DOK7 phosphorylation but reduced AChR clusters as previously reported. These were restored by NSC-87877, the SHP2 inhibitor (as previously reported for IgG4 MuSK antibodies). Independent application of IgG1-3 or agrin stimulated the phosphorylation of MuSK, DOK7 and AChR-beta subunit with a similar time-course peaking at around 1-2 hours and partially decreasing thereafter. These observations failed to explain the inhibitory effect of IgG1-3 on AChR clusters. With MuSK IgG4, however, microclusters were increased but failed to form full clusters, whereas with MuSK IgG1-3 both types of clusters were reduced suggesting an effect on microcluster formation. Results are consistent with a pathogenic effect of IgG1-3 in MuSK-MG, likely by inhibiting the formation of microclusters that precede full cluster formation, but the molecular mechanisms, and how NSC-87877 restores the clusters, remain unexplained.

PS06.01SUNFISH: 3-year Efficacy and Safety of Risdiplam in Types 2 and 3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Deconinck N^1,2, Day J³, Mazzone E⁴, Nascimento A⁵, Oskoui M⁶, Saito K⁷, Vuillerot C^8,9, Baranello G^10,11, Boespflug-Tanguy O^12,13, Goemans N¹⁴, Kirschner J^15,16, Kostera-Pruszczyk A¹⁷, Servais L^2,18,19, Braid J²⁰, Gerber M²¹, Gorni K²², Martin C²⁰, Scalco R²³, Yeung W²⁰, Mercuri E⁴, on behalf of the SUNFISH Working Group

¹Neuromuscular Reference Center, UZ Gent, Ghent, Belgium, ²Neuromuscular Reference Center and Paediatric Neurology Department, Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium, ³Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, USA, ⁴Pediatric Neurology Institute, Catholic University and Nemo Pediatrico, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy, ⁵Neuromuscular Unit, Neuropaediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Fundacion Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERER – ISC III, Barcelona, Spain, ⁶Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada, ⁷Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan, ⁸Service de Rééducation Pédiatrique Infantile “L’Escale”, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, CHU-Lyon, Bron, France, ⁹Neuromyogen Institute, CNRS UMR 5310 - INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France, ¹⁰The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health University College London, & Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust, London, UK, ¹¹Developmental Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy, ¹²I-Motion - Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France, ¹³Université de Paris, UMR 1141, NeuroDiderot, Paris, France, ¹⁴Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ¹⁵Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, ¹⁶Department of Neuropediatrics, University Hospital Bonn, Faculty of Medicine, Bonn, Germany, ¹⁷Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, ¹⁸MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, ¹⁹Division of Child Neurology, Centre de Références des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège & University of Liège, Liège, Belgium, ²⁰Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK, ²¹Pharma Development, Safety, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, ²²PDMA Neuroscience and Rare Disease, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, ²³Pharma Development Neurology, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of risdiplam in patients with Types 2 and 3 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who have received treatment for 3 years (36 months).

Background: Risdiplam is a centrally and peripherally distributed, oral survival of motor neuron 2 (SMN2) pre-mRNA splicing modifier that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with SMA aged ≥2 months, and by the European Commission for the treatment of patients aged ≥2 months with a clinical diagnosis of Type 1, 2 or 3 SMA or 1–4 SMN2 copies.

Design/Methods: SUNFISH (NCT02908685) is a multicenter, two-part, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of risdiplam in patients with Types 2 and 3 SMA (inclusion criteria 2–25 years at enrollment). Part 1 (N=51) assessed the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of different risdiplam dose levels in patients with Types 2 and 3 SMA (ambulant and non-ambulant). Part 2 (N=180) assesses the efficacy and safety of the Part 1-selected dose of risdiplam versus placebo in a broad population of patients with Type 2 and non-ambulant Type 3 SMA. In Part 2, patients were treated with risdiplam or placebo for 12 months; all participants then received risdiplam until Month 24. At Month 24, patients were offered the opportunity to enter the open-label extension.

Results: In SUNFISH Part 2, total scores on the 32-item Motor Function Measure increased from baseline to Month 12 in patients treated with risdiplam (n=120, data cut-off: 6 September 2019); these increases were maintained between Months 12 and 36. At Month 36, no treatment-related safety findings leading to withdrawal had been reported in any patients in SUNFISH.

Conclusions: SUNFISH is ongoing and is providing long-term efficacy and safety data of risdiplam in a broad population of children, teenagers, and adults with Types 2 and 3 SMA.

PS06.02Impact of Nusinersen on Caregiver Experience and HRQoL in Presymptomatic SMA: NURTURE Study Results

Kirschner J^1,2, Crawford T³, Ryan M⁴, Finkel R⁵, Swoboda K⁶, De Vivo D⁷, Bertini E⁸, Hwu W⁹, Sansone V¹⁰, Pechmann A¹¹, Montes J¹², Krasinski D¹², Chin R¹³, Berger Z¹³, Zhu C¹³, Raynaud S¹³, Paradis A¹³, Johnson N¹³

¹University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany, ²Medical Centre, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, ³Deptartments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States, ⁴Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia, ⁵Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, United States, ⁶Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States, ⁷Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, United States, ⁸Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Post-Graduate Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital, Rome, Italy, ⁹Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ¹⁰Neuromuscular Omniservice Clinical Center, Neurorehabilitation Unit, Univ. of Milan, Milan, Italy, ¹¹Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Ctr. Univ. of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, ¹²Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, United States, ¹³Biogen, Cambridge, United States

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is associated with substantial disease burden and impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients and their caregivers. NURTURE is an ongoing, Phase 2, open-label, multinational, single-arm study evaluating nusinersen in participants who initiated treatment in the presymptomatic stage. The interim results from ~5 years of follow-up show that all participants treated with nusinersen were alive and none required permanent ventilation; the majority exceeded motor milestones predicted by SMA natural history. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of nusinersen treatment on caregiver experience and HRQoL of presymptomatically treated participants over time.

Methods: Interim data from NURTURE (n=25, February 2021 datacut) were evaluated by SMN2 copy number: 2 (n=15) and 3 (n=10) SMN2 copies. Assessment of Caregiver Experience with Neuromuscular Disease (ACEND) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Core Scale (GCS) and Neuromuscular Module (NM) were administered to caregivers of participants. ACEND includes 7 total subdomains related to physical impact on caregivers (feeding/grooming/dressing, sitting/play, transfer, mobility) and general caregiver impact (time, emotion, finance). ACEND and PedsQL scales are scored from 0-100 with higher scores indicating a reduced caregiver impact and improved HRQoL, respectively. Mean scores from first assessment of ACEND or PedsQL scales in NURTURE to Day 1440 were evaluated and descriptive analyses were conducted.

Results: ACEND was administered to caregivers of participants at a median (min, max) of 2.4 (1.9, 3.2) years after initiation of nusinersen. PedsQL-GCS and NM were administered to caregivers of participants at a median (min, max) of 3.1 (1.9, 4.4) years after initiation of nusinersen. There was an overall pattern of observed increases in ACEND mean scores among caregivers of participants with 2 (n=13) and 3 (n=7) SMN2 copies from first assessment in NURTURE to Day 1440 in the physical impact subdomains: feeding/grooming/dressing, transfer, and mobility. Near-maximum mean scores (signifying reduced caregiver impact) were observed at first assessment and maintained over time to Day 1440 for the sitting/play physical impact subdomain, regardless of SMN2 copy number. ACEND mean scores in all seven domains were generally higher among caregivers of participants who had 3 versus 2 SMN2 copies at both timepoints. In addition, PedsQL-GCS and NM mean scores were higher among caregivers of participants who had 3 (n=7 or 8) versus 2 (n=14) SMN2 copies at first assessment and at Day 1440. Although small decreases were observed over time, PedsQL-GCS mean scores observed at first assessment and at Day 1440 remained high, especially among caregivers of participants with 3 SMN2 copies. The mean (SD) scores of the PedsQL-GCS reported among caregivers of participants with 3 SMN2 copies at both first assessment: 93.7 (5.9) and at Day 1440: 88.3 (10.8) were comparable to those reported by caregivers in healthy toddlers aged 2-4: 87.4 (12.5) as reported in a validation study by Varni et al 2003.

Conclusions: Nusinersen was associated with sustained reduced impact on caregiver experience and high levels of HRQoL over time among caregivers of participants with presymptomatic SMA who had been treated for several years.

PS06.03Combination of Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapy with BIO101 Demonstrates synergistic Beneficial Effects in Severe SMA-like Mice

Bezier C^1,2, Nazari Hashemi P¹, Cottin S², Lafont R^1,3, Veillet S¹, Charbonnier F², Dilda P¹, Latil M¹, Biondi O^2,4

¹Biophytis, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, ²Université de Paris, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, INSERM UMR-S 1124, Paris, France, ³Sorbonne Université, Paris-Seine Biology Institute (BIOSIPE), CNRS, Paris, France, ⁴Laboratoire de Biologie de l’Exercice pour la Performance et la Santé (LBEPS), UMR, Université d’Evry, IRBA, Université de Paris Saclay, Evry-Courcouronnes, France

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of spinal motor neurons and progressive muscular atrophy, due to insufficient level of survival of motor neuron protein (SMN). SMA is defined as a non-cell autonomous disease, involving numerous tissues and cell-types, including skeletal muscles. In this context, strategies to overexpress SMN protein and approaches to maintain neuromuscular functions are currently developed and appear as promising long-term prospect for therapy in SMA.

We evaluated the efficacy of Sarconeos (API BIO101), a Mas receptor activator, as monotherapy and in combination with ASO therapy in severe SMA-like mice (SmnΔ7/Δ7; 2 copies huSMN2+/-). We showed beneficial effects of BIO101 as monotherapy on the entire motor unit with a complete protection of lumbar motor neurons, a limited muscular atrophy (-17% in the tibialis, -40% in the plantaris, and -12% in the soleus), an increased vascularization (+10% in the tibialis and the plantaris, +3% in the soleus), and an accelerated maturation of both muscular fibers and neuromuscular junctions. Interestingly, these benefits were independent of SMN expression. In combination with ASO therapy, BIO101 demonstrated synergistic effects on body weight (+1% with BIO101, +11% with ASO, +32% with ASO + BIO101 at 10 days after birth compared to vehicle) and increased survival (+5 days of median survival). Most importantly, the co-treated SMA-like mice improved their moving capacity (+40%) and their fatigue resistance (4,2-fold) compared to SMA-like mice treated only with ASO.

These results provide strong evidences that BIO101, with beneficial effects on the entire motor unit, constitutes an efficient SMN-expression-independent therapy for improving muscle function and should be considered as a potential combinatorial option for a new therapeutic strategy in SMA patient.

PS06.04RAINBOWFISH: Preliminary Efficacy and Safety Data in Risdiplam-Treated Infants with Presymptomatic Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Servais L^1,2,3, Farrar M⁴, Vlodavets D⁵, Zanoteli E⁶, Al-Muhaizea M⁷, Finkel R⁸, Nelson L⁹, Prufer A¹⁰, Wang Y¹¹, Fisher C¹², Gerber M¹³, Gorni K¹⁴, Kletzl H¹⁵, Palfreeman L¹², Scalco R¹⁶, Bertini E¹⁷, on behalf of the RAINBOWFISH Study Group

¹MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, ²Division of Child Neurology, Centre de Références des Maladies Neuromusculaires, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège & University of Liège, Liège, Belgium, ³I-Motion - Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France, ⁴Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia, ⁵Russian Children Neuromuscular Center, Veltischev Clinical Pediatric Research Institute of Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia, ⁶Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil, ⁷Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center-Riyadh, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ⁸Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, USA, ⁹UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA, ¹⁰Federal Uni Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ¹¹Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China, ¹²Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK, ¹³Pharma Development, Safety, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, ¹⁴PDMA Neuroscience and Rare Disease, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, ¹⁵Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland, ¹⁶Pharma Development Neurology, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, ¹⁷Department of Neurosciences and Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy

Objective: To determine the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics (PK)/pharmacodynamics (PD) of risdiplam in presymptomatic infants with genetically diagnosed spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Background: Risdiplam is a centrally and peripherally distributed, oral survival of motor neuron 2 (SMN2) pre-mRNA splicing modifier that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with SMA aged ≥2 months, and by the European Commission for the treatment of patients aged ≥2 months with a clinical diagnosis of Type 1, 2 or 3 SMA or 1–4 copies of SMN2.

Design/Methods: RAINBOWFISH (NCT03779334) is an open-label, single-arm, multicenter study of risdiplam in presymptomatic infants with genetically diagnosed SMA. RAINBOWFISH is actively enrolling infants from birth–6 weeks of age (at first dose), regardless of SMN2 copy number. The primary analysis will be conducted at 12 months in infants with two SMN2 copies and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude ≥1.5mV at baseline.

The primary endpoint is the proportion of infants sitting without support for ≥5 seconds (assessed by Item 22 of the Gross Motor Scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition). Secondary endpoints include the development of clinically manifested SMA; survival and permanent ventilation; achievement of motor milestones; motor function; growth measures; nutritional status; CMAP; PK/PD; and safety monitoring.

Results: As of the data cut-off (1 July 2021), the median age at first dose was 26.5 days (range: 16–40 days) for the first 18 enrolled infants. No serious adverse events were reported in infants treated for up to 22.8 months. As of the data cut-off, seven infants have been treated with risdiplam for ≥12 months (4/7 infants have 2 SMN2 copies, of which two had CMAP amplitude <1.5mV and two had ≥1.5mV at baseline; 3/7 infants have >2 SMN2 copies, of which three had CMAP amplitude ≥1.5mV at baseline). Efficacy data from these seven infants demonstrated that most infants reached near maximum scores on the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders scale by 4–5 months of age and achieved motor milestones within the World Health Organization windows for healthy children. At the data cut-off, all infants treated with risdiplam for at least 12 months were alive without permanent ventilation, maintained swallowing and feeding abilities, and had not required hospitalization. We will report updated baseline demographics and safety data in enrolled infants, and the latest efficacy data in infants who have received risdiplam for at least 12 months.

Conclusions: RAINBOWFISH will provide valuable information about outcomes following presymptomatic administration of risdiplam and will help determine the dose for infants <2 months of age. Recruitment is ongoing worldwide.

PS06.05Risdiplam: Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic, Safety and Efficacy Exposure Response Analyses

Kletzl H¹, Cleary Y¹, Grimsey P², Gerber M³, Scalco R⁴

¹Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland, ²Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK, ³Pharma Development, Safety, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, ⁴Pharma Development Neurology, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland

Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), safety and efficacy exposure response of risdiplam in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Background: Risdiplam is a centrally and peripherally distributed, oral survival of motor neuron 2 (SMN2) pre-mRNA splicing modifier that has been approved by the European Commission for the treatment of patients aged ≥2 months, with a clinical diagnosis of Type 1, 2 or 3 SMA or 1–4 copies of SMN2.

Methods: PK and PD data were obtained in all risdiplam clinical studies in patients with SMA, from infants to adults. Risdiplam plasma concentrations were measured, and the PD markers SMN protein and mRNA were assessed in blood.

Results: PK and PD data were used to select the dosing regimen of 0.2 mg/kg for infants aged between 2 months and 2 years, 0.25 mg/kg for children aged >2 years with a body weight ≤20 kg, and 5 mg for patients with a body weight ≥20 kg. This dosing regimen was assessed in the pivotal studies in patients with Type 1 (FIREFISH Part 2; NCT02913482) and Type 2/3 SMA (SUNFISH Part 2; NCT02908685), which led to the approval of risdiplam. PK and PD data were obtained in all patients, with a body weight ≤109 kg and aged ≤61 years of age. Body weight and age were found to have a significant effect on the PK of risdiplam, and the chosen dosing regimen based on age and body weight accounts for that observation. Risdiplam’s mode of action was confirmed by measuring the shift from SMN2Δ7 mRNA to full-length mRNA.

Conclusion: The selected dosing regimen led to a ≥2-fold median increase in SMN protein within 4 weeks after treatment start in all studies, which was maintained throughout treatment. Individual exposure was generally within the same range, and exposure response analyses showed no relevant differences for efficacy or safety outcomes within the observed exposure range for all patients.

PS06.06Matching-adjusted Indirect Comparison of Risdiplam Versus Nusinersen in Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy: 2-year Update

Hawkins N^1,2, Aponte Ribero V³, Gorni K⁴, Daigl M³, Martí Y³, Evans R², Scott D², Mahajan A⁵

¹Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University Of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK, ²Visible Analytics, Oxford, UK, ³Global Access, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, ⁴PDMA Neuroscience and Rare Disease, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, ⁵Bridge Medical Consulting Ltd., London, UK

Objective: To conduct an updated matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) to evaluate relative efficacy and safety of risdiplam versus nusinersen in Type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) using longer-term data covering at least 24 months of treatment.

Background: Disease-modifying therapies approved for the treatment of SMA have not been directly compared in head-to-head trials. Indirect treatment comparisons are needed to provide information on the relative efficacy and safety of available treatments for healthcare decision-making. However, cross-study heterogeneity may bias relative effect estimates from naïve indirect comparisons. Population-adjusted indirect comparison methodologies, such as MAIC, can reduce biases resulting from heterogeneity in population characteristics.

Design/Methods: Pooled 2-year risdiplam data from 58 infants in FIREFISH Part 1 (NCT02913482; pivotal dose cohort, n=17) and Part 2 (n=41) were compared with nusinersen data from 81 patients in the ENDEAR cohort (NCT02193074) of the open-label extension study SHINE (NCT02594124; treated for approximately 3.5 years). MAIC methodology was used to compare individual patient-level risdiplam data with nusinersen data extracted from publicly available sources. Populations were matched based on known baseline prognostic factors and effect modifiers in Type 1 SMA: age at first dose, symptom duration and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) score. Comparisons were conducted on time-to-event outcomes; hazard ratios (HRs) of risdiplam versus nusinersen were estimated using Cox proportional-hazards models, which handle differences in follow-up time across studies and allow comparisons over time.

Results: FIREFISH and ENDEAR enrolled similar populations with comparable baseline characteristics in terms of age and disease duration (within 1 week). Differences in baseline CHOP-INTEND scores across the two studies were reduced after matching. The effective sample size for risdiplam after matching was 36.5. MAIC results suggest that patients treated with risdiplam may be 79% less likely to die (overall survival HR 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03–0.53) and 80% less likely to die or require permanent ventilation (event-free survival HR 0.20; 95% CI 0.06–0.37) compared with patients treated with nusinersen. Results were statistically significant. Treatment with risdiplam may also lead to a statistically significant delay in the time to occurrence of the first serious adverse event (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.24–0.64) versus treatment with nusinersen. Similar results were seen with unadjusted indirect comparison analyses. These results are consistent with previously published findings from an indirect treatment comparison based on 12-month data.

Conclusions: Updated results from a MAIC based on longer-term data from the FIREFISH and SHINE (ENDEAR cohort) studies suggest that in patients with Type 1 SMA, risdiplam may significantly reduce the number of deaths and permanent ventilation events, and delay the occurrence of the first serious adverse event, as compared with nusinersen over at least 2 years of follow-up.

PS07.01Dysregulation of ER Import Proteins in IMNM with Particular Differences Between SRP54+ and HMGCR+ Patients

Preusse C^1,2, Lang S³, Marteau T⁴, Morales-Gonzales S⁵, Hentschel A⁶, Sickmann A⁶, Allenbach Y⁷, Benveniste O⁷, Schülke-Gerstenfeld M⁸, Stenzel W¹, Dittmayer C¹, Roos A^4,9,10

¹Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Neuropathology, Berlin, Germany, ²Department of Neurology with Institute for Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany, ³Medizinische Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Fakultät der Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken, Germany, ⁴Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany, ⁵Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, CharitéCrossOver, Berlin, Germany, ⁶Biomedical Research Department, Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Dortmund, Germany, ⁷Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France, ⁸Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Paediatrics, Berlin, Germany, ⁹Pediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Medicine, Essen, Germany, ¹⁰Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany

Immune mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNM) are part of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), precisely defined by international consensus recently. Criteria were based on clinical, morphological as well as serological features. The main characteristics include proximal lower limb-predominant muscle weakness, substantially increased serum CK levels and detection of the pathognomonic myositis-specific auto-antibodies anti-SPR54 or -HMGCR in many patients, while 1/3 of IMNM patients remain without a positive serostatus for these antibodies. Notably, both auto-antibodies target proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) / sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) which are involved in protein processing. Impaired protein processing may lead to ER/SR-stress. The ER/SR-stress is in turn accompanied by the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), which is modulated by proteins belonging to the three UPR-branches. In a previous study on muscles derived from IMNM-patients’ we confirmed activation of the protein clearance machinery by increased abundances of UPR-related proteins, demonstrating activation of all three UPR-branches in IMNM, independent of the serostatus.

Here, we expanded the analyses by focussing on proteins crucial for the import of nascent polypeptides into the ER/SR and thus for protein synthesis. Using proteomics, histology, transcriptional analyses and immunoblotting, we detected interesting changes in the pathophysiology of IMNM with differences among the different auto-antibody conditions. Thus, our studies unravel myopathological differences between SRP54+ and HMGCR+ IMNM patients providing new starting points for patient stratification. Our transcript studies, among others, revealed an up-regulation of Calumenin in HMGCR+ patients, encoding a calcium-binding protein localized within the ER/SR, which is involved in protein folding and sorting. Additionally, we detected SEC61B as up-regulated, encoding for a central component of the protein translocation apparatus resident within the ER/SR-membrane. Interestingly this increase was less pronounced in SRP54+ patients. Our protein studies using histological staining and immunoblotting confirmed these findings.

These combined studies - for the first time - show a pathophysiological difference between the two IMNM subgroups, not only increasing our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology but also providing new aspects in the stratification of IMNM patients.

PS07.02Autoantibodies Against TRIM72/MG53 in Dysferlinopathy Patients and Mouse Models Decrease Sarcolemmal Membrane Repair Capacity

Weisleder N¹, Bulgart H¹, Banford K¹, McElhanon K¹

¹Ohio State University, Columbus, United States

Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Autosomal Recessive 2 (LGMDR2, previously known as LGMD2B) results from mutations in the dysferlin gene that lead to a range of different clinical presentations. Variation in both the age of onset and the degree of pathologic involvement led to multiple designations of the dysferlinopathies, including Miyoshi Myopathy, Distal Myopathy with Anterior Tibial Onset, Proximodistal weakness, Pseudometabolic myopathy, and HyperCKemia. Dysferlin acts in the sarcolemmal membrane repair response, a conserved cellular pathway where disruptions of the lipid bilayers are resealed by exocytoic trafficking of intracellular vesicle to the injury site where they fuse with each other and the membrane fuse to form a repair patch topped by a protein enriched cap containing dysferlin. The loss of dysferlin expression or function during dysferlinopathy leads to compromised membrane repair and decreased sarcolemma integrity that leads to myocyte death and progression of muscular dystrophy. There have been extensive efforts to better understand the disease mechanisms contributing to the progression of dysferlinopathies, there are many aspects of the pathophysiology that lead to muscle dysfunction that are not clearly resolved. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for effective management of LGMDR2 and development of new potential therapies. We recently observed that autoantibodies against TRIM72/MG53, a dysferlin binding partner protein that also contributes to membrane repair, can decrease membrane repair capacity in skeletal muscle. These autoantibodies appear in the serum of human immune-mediated myopathy (IMM) patients (McElhanon, et al., JCI, 2020). Since IMM and LGMDR2 share several pathologic hallmarks that lead to occasional misdiagnosis, we tested if autoantibodies against TRIM72/MG53 appear in the LGMDR2 patient serum and if these antibodies could compromised membrane repair in skeletal muscle. To determine if such antibodies are present in LGMDR2 patients we conducted ELISA testing of 106 LGMDR2 patient serum samples. These studies revealed 17.9% of patients had highly elevated levels of MG53/TRIM72 autoantibodies. Similar results were seen in multiple mouse models of LGMDR2. Serum enriched in these autoantibodies from LGMDR2 patients or mouse models, as well as exogenous MG53/TRIM72 antibodies, compromise sarcolemmal membrane repair in laser wounding repair assays. Compromised repair is dependent on TRIM72/MG53 antibodies as depletion of these antibodies from serum samples removes these effects on membrane repair. This antibody mediated compromised membrane repair could represent a therapeutic target for LGMDR2 as we find poloxamer compounds known to increase sarcolemma integrity can reduce the impact of TRIM72/MG53 antibodies skeletal muscle. Our results reveal the autoantibodies against TRIM72/MG53 that compromised sarcolemma repair could represent a novel disease mechanism in LGMDR2. We find targeting membrane integrity minimizes these effects, indicating a new potential therapeutic intervention.

PS07.03A Structural Variant of the C-Terminal Prion-like Domain of TDP-43 Causes Vacuolar Muscle Degeneration

Ervilha Pereira P^1,2, Schuermans N^1,2, Meylemans A^3,4, LeBlanc P^1,2, Versluys L^1,2, Debackere E^1,2, Vanakker O^1,2, Janssens S^1,2, Baets J^5,6,7, Verhoeven K⁸, Lammens M⁹, Symoens S^1,2, De Paepe B^3,4, De Bleecker J^3,4, Bogaert E^1,2, Dermaut B^1,2

¹Center for Medical Genetices, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium, ²Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium, ³Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium, ⁴Department of Head and Skin, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium, ⁵Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium, ⁶Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, ⁷Laboratory of Neuromuscular Pathology, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, ⁸Department of Neurology, Bruges Amyloidosis Centre, Sint-Jan Hospital Bruges, Bruges, Belgium, ⁹Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium

Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with the accumulation of protein aggregates in neuronal tissues, the nature of which varies from condition to condition and plays a crucial role in the distinction and categorization of the individual pathologies. For one, neuronal TDP-43-positive inclusions are a pathological hallmark lesion found in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), accounting for 45% and 97% of cases, respectively.

Remarkably, missense mutations in the C-terminal prion-like domain (PrLD) of TDP-43 are the main type of disease-causing mutations reported for ALS. This domain of the TDP-43 protein is mainly responsible for mediating self-interaction, and mutations of this region are thought to have an impact on the aggregation dynamics of the protein, ultimately leading to the formation of the hallmark pathological aggregates.

However, the scope of TDP-43 proteinopathies is not limited to neural tissues, with a wealth of reports showing TDP-43 pathology in vacuolar myopathies including sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), oculo-pharyngeal dystrophy, rimmed vacuole myopathies and other distal myopathies. Nevertheless, genetic evidence indicating a direct pathogenic role for TDP-43 in myopathies is still lacking.

Here we identified a multigenerational family with an autosomal dominant rimmed vacuole myopathy. Whole exome sequencing and genome-wide linkage analysis conclusively mapped the disease to an 11bp deletion in TDP-43 (maximum multipoint LOD-score of 3.6). The deletion leads to a frameshift mutation in the C-terminal region of TDP-43, resulting in an altered and shortened PrLD (TDP-43 p.Trp385IlefsTer10). Notably, this novel mutation is unlike any mutation reported for TDP-43 so far, which are predominantly single-base missense mutations.

Patient-derived muscle biopsies revealed the presence of p62/TDP-43-positive sarcoplasmic inclusions along with nuclear depletion of TDP-43. Additionally, we also verified an increased number of autophagosomes and a transcriptomic signature indicative of reduced mitochondrial and lipid metabolism, concomitant with a switch in sarcomeric protein isoforms pointing towards increased muscle regeneration. Together with these pathological observations in patient samples, functional assays in D. melanogaster showed that TDP-43 p.Trp385IlefsTer10 retains normal function but results in a reduction in toxic gain-of-function properties for the protein.

With the study of this unique variant of TDP-43 it is our goal to shed some light on the importance of the C-terminal domain of the protein and how its profound remodelling can impact the dynamics of TDP-43 aggregate formation. Furthermore, these results genetically link TDP-43 to vacuolar muscle degeneration for the first time. This not only highlights the crucial role of the PrLD in the development of pathological outcomes in a tissue-specific manner, but it also expands the implications of TDP-43 proteinopathies, from being almost exclusively associated to a neurodegenerative context into a broader spectrum encompassing myopathies as well.

PS07.04A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Arimoclomol in Patients with Inclusion Body Myositis

Dimachkie M¹, Machado P², Barohn R³, McDermott M⁴, Blaettler T⁵, Lloyd T⁶, Shaibani A⁷, Freimer M⁸, Amato A⁹, Ciafaloni E⁴, Jones S¹⁰, Mozaffar T¹¹, Gibson S¹², Wicklund M¹³, Levine T¹⁴, Sundgreen C⁵, Carstensen T⁵, Bonefeld K⁵, Jørgensen A⁵, Phonekeo K⁵, Heim A¹, Herbelin L¹, Hanna M²

¹University Of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States, ²University College London, London, England, ³University of Missouri, Columbia, United States, ⁴University of Rochester, Rochester, United States, ⁵Orphazyme A/S, Coppenhagen, Denmark, ⁶Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States, ⁷Nerve & Muscle Center of Texas, Houston, United States, ⁸Ohio State University, Columbus, United States, ⁹Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, United States, ¹⁰University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States, ¹¹University of California - Irvine, Orange, United States, ¹²University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States, ¹³University of Colorado, Denver, United States, ¹⁴HonorHealth, Phoenix, United States

Background: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy occurring in patients over the age of 45 years. Since immune suppression has not been effective, modulating the cytoprotective “heat shock response” (HSR) represents a candidate therapeutic approach targeting both inflammation and degeneration. In a pilot study, arimoclomol, an amplifier of the HSR, was safe and well tolerated with some trends suggesting efficacy at 8 months in subjects with IBM.

Objectives: To present the efficacy and safety/tolerability data from a phase 2/3 randomized controlled trial of arimoclomol in IBM (NCT02753530).

Methods: In this international multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects were randomized (1:1) to receive either arimoclomol citrate 400 mg or matching placebo capsules three times a day (1,200 mg/day) for 20 months. The primary outcome measure was the change from baseline to Month 20 in the IBM Functional Rating Scale (IBMFRS) total score. Hierarchically ordered key secondary outcome measures included hand grip strength (strongest hand), Modified Time Up and Go, Manual Muscle Testing (24 muscles), 6-minute walk test distance, and the Short-Form 36 health survey. Other outcome measures included patient and clinician impressions, and other measures of muscle strength and function. Drug safety and tolerability were evaluated.

Results: One hundred fifty-two IBM subjects fulfilling ENMC 2011 criteria were randomized with mean age 67.2 years (SD 8.1), mostly men (76%), mean disease duration 98 months (SD 58), and mean baseline IBMFRS of 27.4 (SD 4.6). The IBMFRS declined by a mean of 3.25 points with arimoclomol vs. 2.26 points with placebo over 20 months (p=0.11). Secondary efficacy outcome measures did not show any statistically significant treatment group differences. Most frequently reported AEs observed with higher incidence in arimoclomol group were gastrointestinal disorders (54.8% vs. 39.7%). Patients receiving arimoclomol were more likely to discontinue treatment due to AEs (17.8% vs. 5.1%). The relative frequency of serious AEs was comparable in the two treatment arms (arimoclomol 15.1% vs. placebo 23.1%). Elevated transaminases were reported in the first three months and were more frequently observed with arimoclomol than with placebo (15.4% vs. 6.4%).

Conclusions: This trial did not demonstrate a benefit of arimoclomol in IBM with respect to its primary and secondary efficacy endpoints.

PS07.05Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Muscles in anti-Mi2B Inflammatory Myositis

Huddar A¹, Nashi S¹, Kulanthaivelu K², Vengalil S¹, Unnikrishnan G¹, Thomas A¹, Baskar D¹, Nalini A¹

¹Department of Neurology, Nimhans, Bangalore, India, ²Department of Neurointervention and Neuroradiology, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India

Background and Aims: Mi2b antibody is associated with classical dermatomyositis (DM) and is found in upto 10-20% of DM. In this study we aimed to determine clinical features and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of muscles in Anti- Mi2b Inflammatory Myositis, and look for correlation between imaging findings with clinical parameters.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed case files of patients with anti-Mi2b positive inflammatory myositis who underwent lower limb MRI with axial STIR, T1 sequences (1.5 T Aera; SIEMENS healthcare MR scanner) from 2017-2020. Manual Muscle Testing-8 (MMT 8) was used for clinical severity, modified Stramare scoring to grade muscle edema and modified Mercuri scale for muscle atrophy on MRI.

Results: Among a total of 110 patients with inflammatory myositis, there were 25 patients with Mi2b antibody positive inflammatory myositis. In this cohort, 16 patients underwent lower limb MRI and were included in current study. There were 8 men and 8 women (F:M=1:1). The mean age at diagnosis was 44.3±11.6 years (Range: 24 to 60 years) and mean duration of illness was 21.3±23.8 months (Range: 1 to 72 months). Presenting symptoms included muscle pain and weakness. Proximal lower limb and upper limb weakness was seen in 15 and 13 patients respectively with truncal weakness in nine and neck weakness in 11 patients. Five patients were wheelchair bound at time of diagnosis. Skin changes were seen in 15 (photosensitivity-4, heliotrope rash-6, shawl sign, V sign and Gottrons papules in 2 each). Other features included: joint pains (n=10), loss of weight (n=10) and respiratory symptoms (n=7). None had cardiac involvement. Mean creatine kinase (CK) was 6044.1±7673 (Range: 100 to 30013). CT chest revealed non-specific interstitial changes in one patient. Muscle biopsy done in one patient revealed polygonal to round fibers, internal nuclei, variation in fiber size, myophagocytes, necrosis, endomysial inflammation and moth eaten fibers. Lower limb MRI revealed fatty infiltration (n=11) and edema (n=16) in thigh muscles. None of the muscles had atrophy of grade >3. Fatty infiltration was maximum in hamstrings (1.36±0.915) followed by iliopsoas (1.3±1.04), glutei muscles (1.3±1), and least in quadriceps (1.26±0.9). Obvious muscle edema (grade >2) was seen in 13/16 patients. Most severely affected muscles were quadriceps (vastus medialis, intermedius, lateralis and rectus femoris equally affected with grade 3.8±1.6) followed by hip adductors (3.53±1.4), iliacus, iliopsoas (3.4±1.64) and glutei muscles (3.4±1.5). Among hamstrings, semitendinosus (3.53±1.6) was more involved than semimembranosus (2.66±1.95) and biceps femoris (2.66±1.75). All showed fascial edema in thigh muscles. Gluteus medius and minimus muscle edema showed significant correlation with CK levels, however, there was no significant correlation between muscle edema of most muscles and MMT-8, CK. MMT-8 did not correlate with CK values by Spearman ‘s rho test. There was a trend towards correlation of muscle edema in rectus femoris, semitendinosus and soleus with CK.

Conclusions: This study showed preferential severe affection of the hip and thigh muscles with uniform fascial edema in patients with anti Mi2b antibody positive inflammatory myositis. However, most of these muscles on Stramare scoring did not show significant correlation with MMT.

PS07.06Key Features for Morphological Classification of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies in Children

Schänzer A¹, Rager L¹, Dahlhaus I², Dittmayer C³, Preusse C^3,4, Della Marina A⁵, Goebel H³, Hahn A⁶, Stenzel W³

¹Institute of Neuropathology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany, Giessen, Germany, ²Institute of Medical Informatics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin und Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany, ³Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany, ⁴Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital, Münster, Münster, Germany, ⁵Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany, ⁶Department of Child Neurology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Giessen, Germany

Background: In adult patients, the classification of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) has been well described, and distinct morphological features have been associated with clinical subtypes and myositis specific autoantibodies (MSA). Although there are certain clinical and serological similarities, there may be important differences in pathogenesis of myositis between adults and children. In juvenile IIM, the classification and morphological characteristic features of distinct subgroups are not well-defined. New treatment strategies require a precise diagnosis of the subgroups in IIM, and, therefore knowledge about pathomorphology of juvenile IIM is warranted.

Methods: Muscle biopsies from 15 patients (mean age 8.9±4.6, range 3-19 years, 73% female) with IIM and 7 controls were analysed by standard methods, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Detailed clinical and laboratory data were accessed retrospectively.

Results: The leading clinical symptom was proximal muscle weakness and skin symptoms. Dermatomyositis (DM) was diagnosed in 9/15, antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS) in 4/15 and overlap-myositis (OM) in 2/15. MSA were positive in 6/12 patients, with 2 positive anti-NXP2+, 2 anti-Jo-1+ and 2 anti-PL7+ patients. In two patients, anti-SLE antibodies were detected. Analysis of skeletal muscle tissues showed inflammatory cells and upregulation of MHC class I in all IIM-subtypes. Morphological key findings were COX-deficient fibres as a striking pathology in DM and perimysial alkaline phosphatase positivity in anti-Jo-1-ASyS. Vascular staining of the type 1 IFN-surrogate marker MxA correlated with endothelial tubuloreticular inclusions in both groups. None of these specific morphological findings were present in anti-PL7-ASyS or OM.

Conclusions: Using a comprehensive panel of stains for muscle biopsies is helpful to classify juvenile IIM subtypes even if MSA as serologic markers are missing. Morphological key features are helpful to discriminate IIM subtypes underlining differences in their aetiopathogenesis and therefore individual and targeted therapeutic strategies may be applied to these children.

PS08.01A Recurrent Missense Variant In ITPR3 Is Associated With Demyelinating CMT

Beijer D¹, Dohrn M^1,2, Rebelo A¹, Feely S³, Reilly M⁴, Scherer S⁵, Lee Y⁶, Shy M⁷, Zuchner S¹

¹John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University Of Miami, Miami, United States, ²Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany, ³University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States, ⁴Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom, ⁵Department of Neurology, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States, ⁶Department of Neurology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ⁷Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, United States

The diagnostic yield in demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT1) is typically ~80-95%, of which at least 60% is due to the PMP22 gene duplication. The remainder of CMT1 is more genetically heterogeneous. We used whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) data to investigate novel causal genes and mutations in a cohort of ~2,000 individuals with CMT disease submitted to the Genesis project. We identified a recurrent missense variant in ITPR3, a recently described CMT gene, in more than 16 individuals from seven different families. All families presented with slow nerve conduction velocities and an autosomal dominant or de novo inheritance, matching the diagnostic category of CMT1. Sanger sequencing confirmed the co-segregation of the CMT phenotype with the presence of the variant, including a four-generation family with multiple affected second-degree cousins, and a de novo inheritance in an isolated patient. ITPR3 encodes IP3R3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 3), which, like its paralogs ITPR1and ITPR2, is highly expressed in the nervous system. Based on protein modeling, this residue is located in the dimerization interface and could interfere with the dimerization process. We are currently testing this hypothesis using in vitro modeling. Here we show that a recurrent ITPR3 missense mutation is associated specifically with a demyelinating phenotype and could account for a relatively large proportion of unsolved CMT1 patients.

PS08.02SCREEN4PN; a Novel iPSC Testing Platform for Efficient Evaluation of Compounds for CMT Neuropathies

Van Wermeskerken T¹, van Lent J^1,2, Da Silva Authier T^1,2, Lanens D³, Timmerman V^1,2,3

¹Peripheral Neuropathy Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,²Laboratory of Neuromuscular Pathology, Institute Born Bunge, Antwerp, Belgium, ³iMARK consortium, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

SCREEN4PN is an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) testing platform being developed to efficiently test new therapeutic compounds for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathies. Over 2,5 million people suffer from CMT neuropathy, but most CMT therapeutic studies are in a laboratory or pre-clinical phase, with only one clinical study reaching phase III for the most common form of CMT, type 1A.

Due to the tremendous clinical and genetic heterogeneity characteristic of CMT neuropathy, the development of efficient therapies is a convoluted process. So far, all therapeutic studies have been performed in specific small animal models mimicking one specific gene mutation causing a CMT disease subtype. With over a thousand mutations resulting in CMT neuropathy, creating an animal model for every gene mutation would be unrealistic, due to high costs and ethical objections (3R principle for the use of laboratory animals). In addition, a long lead time must be taken in consideration since the progressive neuromuscular symptoms typically only appear in (young) adulthood, and complications can arise during the development of transgenic laboratory animals. Moreover, the metabolism between humans and small laboratory animals differs significantly, which can have implications for determining the correct dose and the long-term effects of a drug.

The SCREEN4PN platform overcomes these problems by using iPSC technology. We recently demonstrated that iPSC-derived nerve cells from CMT type 2 patients, caused by different gene mutations, share common features. Targeting these common features could allow for the development of a uniform therapy for CMT. We showed that we could partially restore progressive mitochondrial dysfunction in these iPSC neurons by means of a therapeutic molecule. The test platform currently includes: measuring nerve outgrowth, determining the axonal transport, characterizing the mitochondrial dysfunction, and phenotyping by means of microscopy techniques.

SCREEN4PN will is a testing platform focusing on CMT-targeted therapies, which can be applied to other peripheral neuropathies and neuromuscular disorders by expanding it from a 2D to a 3D cell model by introducing neuromuscular organoids (NMOs). The platform significantly shortens the process for testing drug candidates and biomarkers by a factor of 5 compared to research using animal models, taking only four months compared to over more than a year. The cost of screening candidate therapeutic molecules should decrease by a factor of 4. The number of experiments and the experimental variability should also decrease in comparison to animal model research.

The SCREEN4PN platform, consisting of patient and control-derived iPSC neurons and NMOs (2D and 3D cultures), combined with standardized assays, will benefit the pharmaceutical industry and clinical research organizations in evaluating and/or validating their therapies or biomarkers in a relevant model; not only for CMT but for other related neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders as well.

PS08.03Biomarkers and Outcome Parameters: A Global Natural History Study on SORD Neuropathy

Dohrn M^1,2, Cortese A^3,4, Curro R^3,4, Seeman P⁵, Stojkovic T⁶, Hammans S⁷, Previtali S⁸, Bolino A⁹, Schenone A¹⁰, Kennerson M¹¹, Rojas Garcia R^12,13, Sevilla T¹⁴, Manganelli F¹⁵, Zhang R¹⁶, Hahn K¹⁷, Schlotter-Weigel B¹⁸, Claeys K¹⁹, Brunkhorst R², Parman Y²⁰, Cavalcanti F²¹, Obermaier C²², Houlden H^3,4, Scherer S²³, Hermann D²⁴, Pareyson D²⁶, Reilly M^3,4, Shy M²⁵, Züchner S¹

¹Hussman Institute For Human Genomics, Miller School Of Medicine, University Of Miami, Miami, United States, ²Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Department of Neurology, Aachen, Germany, ³Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square, London, United Kingdom, ⁴Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom, ⁵Neurogenetic laboratory, Department of Paediatric Neurology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic, ⁶Institut de Myologie, Paris, France, ⁷Wessex Neurological Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom, ⁸Neuromuscular Repair Unit, InSpe (Institute of Experimental Neurology) and Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy, ⁹Human Inherited Neuropathies Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE) and Division of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy, ¹⁰Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetic and Maternal Infantile Sciences, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, ¹¹Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, Australia, ¹²Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, ¹³Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain, ¹⁴Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurology, HospitalUniversitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain, ¹⁵Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Scienze della Riproduzione ed Odontostomatologiche, Naples, Italy, ¹⁶Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central SouthUniversity, Changsha, China, ¹⁷Department of Neurology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany, ¹⁸Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany, ¹⁹Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ²⁰Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey, ²¹Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Mangone, Italy, ²²Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics, Tübingen, Germany, ²³Department of Neurology, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States, ²⁴Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, United States, ²⁵Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, United States, ²⁶Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy

Biallelic loss-of-function mutations in SORD lead to the accumulation of sorbitol and to the development of neuropathy. The underlying polyol-pathway involving the enzymes aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase, the latter encoded by SORD, has been studied already in the context of diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathies. Therapeutically, this can be used to specifically reduce the production of sorbitol. To define valid outcome measures for clinical trials, we have been conducting a global natural history study on SORD neuropathy, which will help us to understand phenotype patterns and disease dynamics. At the time of the ICNMD meeting, our study will be closed, and we will be able to present the first statistically significant results. Through an international network of collaborators, we have so far enrolled 150 patients carrying biallelic SORD mutations. Detailed clinical data, collected following a standardised protocol, are so far available from 101 patients. Out of these, 73 carry the most common c.753delG; p.Ala253GlnfsTer27 variant in a homozygous state. Further 27 patients have the c.753delG variant in compound-heterozygosity with a second missense or nonsense variant, including c.458C>A; p.Ala153Asp, which appears to be the second most common mutation in this cohort (n=18). Patient phenotypes were classified as axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT2) in 64%, as distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) in 31%, and intermediate CMT in 5%. The mean age of symptom onset, mostly manifested through difficulty walking and running, was 17±10 years (range 3-51 years). Foot dorsal and plantar flexion strengths were reduced in 96% and 79% of patients, respectively, while sensation was preserved in over 60% of the cases. According to the CMTES score, the neuropathy was mild in two thirds of cases. MRC scores of foot dorsiflexion correlated inversely with the subjects’ age and declined significantly over 1 year, while CMTES did not (n=23). Analyzing fasting sorbitol levels in patient serum, we found a significant elevation (14.2±2.7 gr/L, n.v.<0.25) without differences between genotypes.

With these preliminary data at hand, we conclude that foot dorsi- and plantar flexion are prominently involved in patients with SORD neuropathy. Especially the former seems to be a promising outcome measure to be considered for future clinical trials. Sensory symptoms were less severe and less frequently reported, so that the leading phenotype was motor predominant axonal CMT. Fasting serum sorbitol is a reliable biomarker that can functionally validate a variant’s pathogenicity within the expanding genotype spectrum of the disease. SORD neuropathy is probably (one of) the most common autosomal recessive inherited neuropathy(/ies), and with clinical trials in preparation, it might become the first treatable CMT subform in the near future.

PS08.04Response Predictors to Patisiran Treatment in Non-endemic ATTRv Patients

Martínez-Vicente L¹, Gajate-García V¹, Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez G², Guerrero-Peral Á³, Horga A¹, Guerrero-Sola A¹, Matías-Guiu J¹, Galán-Dávila L¹

¹Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain, ²Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain, ³Hospital Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain

INTRODUCTION: Hereditary amyloid transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a rare disease with different clinical manifestations in endemic and non-endemic areas. Patisiran, a small interference RNA that inhibits hepatic synthesis of TTR, was recently approved for the treatment of ATTRv. Our objective was to study predictive factors of response to Patisiran in a cohort of non-endemic ATTRv patients.

METHODS: Retrospective study with prospective data collection of patients with ATTRv on Patisiran treatment for ≥6 months. The patients were classified into Good-Responders, Partial-Responders or Non-Responders according to their response to treatment. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and correlated with response to Patisiran.

RESULTS: 22 patients with ATTRv on Patisiran treatment for ≥6 months were evaluated. 8 patients were women (36.4%) and 14 patients were men (63.6%). All patients had neuropathy, and 20 patients also had cardiomyopathy (91%). Mean age of disease onset was 62 years (SD 10.7). Val50Met mutation was found in 13 patients (59.1%, of which 12 patients were late-onset), followed by Ser97Tyr and Glu109Lys in 2 patients respectively (9.1% and 9.1%). Mean time of treatment with Patisiran was 27.6 months (SD 18.4). At last follow-up, 19 patients were on Patisiran treatment (86.4%), 1 patient underwent a change in treatment (4.5%), and 2 patients died (9.1%). 13 patients (59.1%) were previously treated with Tafamidis.

11 patients were Good-Responders (50%), 8 patients were Partial-Responders (13.6%) and 3 patients were Non-Responders (36.4%). Predictive factors of good response to treatment with Patisiran were male gender (p=0.006: Good-Responders=90.9% vs Partial and Non-Responders=36.4%), initial PND stage ≤IIIA (p=0.002: Good-Responders=100% vs Partial and Non-Responders=50%) and sustained NTproBNP<300 (p=0.027: Good-Responders 40% vs Partial and Non-Responders 0%).

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, male gender, initial PND stage ≤IIIA, and sustained NTproBNP<300 were predictors of good response to Patisiran.

PS08.05Muscle Ultrasound as a Potential Progression Marker in Hereditary Neuropathies

Winter N¹, Vittore D¹, Grimm A¹, Dohrn M³

¹Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany, ²Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany, ³Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Department of Human Genetics and John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miami, United States of America

Background: Hereditary neuropathies are progressively disabling diseases with limited treatment options only. High resolution ultrasound (HRUS) of peripheral nerves and muscles is a new method for the examination of neuromuscular disorders. While the analysis of nerve alterations focuses more on differential diagnosis of different polyneuropathies (Grimm et al. 2016), muscle changes, on the other hand, may primarily reflect the extent of nerve damage and thus might enable a characterization of disease progression.

Objective: Characterization of muscle ultrasound patterns in hereditary neuropathy patients to establish a biomarker for disease follow-up.

Methods: We analyzed HRUS data in a cohort of 150 patients with different, genetically confirmed hereditary neuropathies and of 71 healthy volunteers and compared them to clinical and paraclinical results.

We measured the muscle echo intensity of the tibial anterior muscle, the gastrocnemius muscle including both the medial and lateral heads, the brachioradial, the dorsal interosseous 1, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle, each on the non-dominant side. For semiquantitative classification, we used the grading scale by Heckmatt (ranging from 1 to 4) and for an objective analysis, we performed a grey scale histogram analysis with the software ImageJ. For comparison with clinical and paraclinical parameters, we summarized all muscle echo intensities (EI sum), using complete muscle data sets only.

We further analyzed whether the muscle changes occurred homogeneously or inhomogeneously.

The study was funded by Pfizer (ASPIRE 2018).

Results: The most frequent mutation was the heterozygous PMP22 duplication accounting for 36.7% (n=55), followed by mutations in MPZ (n=16, 10,7%), TTR (n=14, 9.3%), GJB1 (n=15, 10%), and GLA (n=7, 4.7%). We analyzed the muscle echo intensity (EI) in 651 muscles, examined in 124 patients, and 417 muscles of 71 healthy controls.

Tibial anterior muscles revealed the highest echo intensity in comparison to all other muscles (EI TA mean=98.24±17.52), while the sternocleidomastoid muscle had the lowest EI values (mean =60.08±15.02), suggesting a rather late or lower clinical manifestation of cranial and proximal spinal nerves. When muscle changes occurred, they were more often inhomogeneously distributed (214 vs 104 cases, 333 normal muscles), consistent with a typical neuropathic pattern of damage.

Regarding clinical parameters, the patients’ age and estimated disease duration correlated with the EI sum (age r=0.46 p<0.001; estimated disease duration r=0.35, p=0.0007).

EI values of all patient muscles were significantly higher than in control muscles (p<0.0001 for all muscles, mean EI healthy muscles IOD=40.84±23.85; BR=41.59±14.73; SCM=48.67±12.98; TA=59.24±18.14; GCNM=52.27±16.62; GCNL=55.05±18.3). CMTNS-2 and CMTES showed a positive correlation and MRC sum an inverse correlation with the overall muscle echointensity (CMTNS-2 p<0.0001; CMTES p<0.001; MRC sum p<0.0001).

Discussion: Muscle HRUS is a useful tool for monitoring of disease progression in hereditary polyneuropathies.

PS08.06Administration of AICAR, an AMPK Activator, Prevents and Reverses Diabetic Polyneuropathy (DPN) by Regulating Mitophagy

Russell J¹, Chandrasekaran K¹, Choi J¹, Salimian M¹, Hedayat A¹

¹University Of Maryland, Baltimore, United States

Purpose: Exercise interventions have been shown to slow progression of diabetic neuropathy (DN). AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside or Acadesine), which importantly mimics the effect of exercise, is an Adenosine Mono Phosphate Kinase (AMPK) activator. AMPK is a master activator of the SIRT1-PGC1a mitochondrial (Mt) biogenesis pathway. This study determined if administration of AICAR rescued mice from DPN induced by a high fat diet (HFD) or by Streptozotocin (STZ) administration.

Methods: WT C57BL6 mice were fed with Control Diet (CD) or HFD for 4 months. Neuropathy was determined by mechanical allodynia (MA), nerve conduction velocity (NCV) at 0, 2 and 4 months and Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) at 4 months. AICAR was administered at 2 months (reversal) and at the start of HFD administration (prevention). AICAR was administered subcutaneously (500 mg/kg). In further experiments, AICAR was administered to STZ treated mice with early neuropathy after 2 months. Presence of neuropathy was measured 4 months post STZ.

Results: Administration of AICAR prevented and reversed the development of neuropathy in HFD-fed mice and reversed neuropathy in STZ mice. AICAR levels in blood and neurons were increased in treated mice. Western blot of neuronal protein extracts showed decreased levels of phosphorylated AMPK in HFD and STZ mice. AICAR treatment increased phosphorylation of AMPK, increased the mitochondrial fission factor (Mff), and recruit dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) to promote mitochondrial fission. AMPK also phosphorylated autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) at Serine-555 to mitochondria to promote mitophagy.

Conclusions: AICAR mediated AMPK phosphorylation prevented and reversed DPN and is associated with increased mitochondrial turnover that is critical for axonal regeneration. AICAR, unlike metformin, is a direct activator of AMPK, and may be more effective in preventing diabetic complications.

PS09.01Contractile Skeletal Muscle Organoids for Modelling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Evaluating Potential Therapies

Tejedera-Villafranca A¹, Ramón-Azcón J^1,2, Fernández-Costa J¹

¹Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain, ²Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain

Neuromuscular disorders present a high prevalence worldwide and their outcomes are usually life-threatening. They span a range of heterogeneous and rare conditions, as well as complex pathophysiology. This challenges the modelling of neuromuscular disorders, usually performed using traditional cell cultures and animals. Because of this, preclinical research is not efficiently performed, so few curative treatments reach the patients. New approaches, such as human bioengineered organoids, are emerging as new tools to overcome these limitations. These advanced models would allow the study of both pathological processes and the discovery of new potential drugs. Its development is usually reached by culturing cells on a hydrogel scaffold that provides structural support and integrity for the tissue. However, skeletal muscle represents a complex and challenging tissue for its in vitro generation, given the importance of the structure of myofibers for their correct functionality. In this work, we focused on the paediatric neuromuscular disease of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Although there are several molecules in drug development for DMD, there is no treatment available for patients to date. Intending to accelerate the testing of anti-DMD drugs, we developed patient-derived 3D functional skeletal muscle organoids. By using a 3D-printed casting mold, we encapsulated patient-derived muscle satellite cells in a fibrin-composite matrix. This platform incorporates two flexible T-shaped pillars that provide continuous tension to the tissue, thus allowing the orientation of the muscle fibers. These posts served as anchoring points and allowed an easy evaluation of the contractibility of the muscles. After seven days of differentiation, DMD organoids expressed mature myogenic markers and showed functional phenotypes as they responded to electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) by contracting. Using this strategy, we identified DMD-related functional phenotypes that are similarly present in patients. Moreover, we analysed the presence of muscle damage markers after the performance of EPS. Using several strategies, we observed that DMD muscle organoids reproduced the loss of myotube integrity that is observed in dystrophinopathies due to the sarcolemmal instability. Finally, the applicability of this dystrophic skeletal muscle model in evaluating therapeutic compounds was explored using anti-DMD drug candidates, such as Ezutromid. Taking all these considerations together, our results show that muscle organoids technology has great potential to be especially valuable in the context of current and future discovery and development of drugs to treat DMD and other neuromuscular disorders.

PS09.02Brody Disease: A Novel Potential Therapeutic Approach for This Rare Human Disease

Akyurek E¹, Jacinto J², Bolcato M², Bianchini E³, Sandonà D³, Gentile A², Sacchetto R¹

¹Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy, ²Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy, ³Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova, Italy

Brody disease is a “rare” genetic disorder due to defects in SERCA1 gene and it is characterized by exercise-induced muscle stiffness and impairment of relaxation (Brody 1996). Bovine “congenital pseudomyotonia” (PMT) is a genetic muscular disorder very similar to human Brody myopathy for clinical signs. A missense mutation in the ATP2A1 gene (Drögemüller et al 2008), encoding sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA1), causes congenital PMT in cattle and Brody disease in humans.

The mouse is the preferred animal model for preclinical evaluation of new therapeutic molecules. Unfortunately, it is not available for Brody disease (due to the prevalence of type II fibers in diaphragm muscle). Clinical symptoms genetic and biochemical findings clearly demonstrated that congenital PMT in Chianina cattle is the real analogue of Brody myopathy (Sacchetto et al 2009).

Our findings show that a SERCA1 mutation in bovine PMT results in a protein that is most likely misfolded, ubiquitinated, and destroyed prematurely by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, albeit retaining its catalytic capabilities (Bianchini et al. 2014).

The treatment with proteasome inhibitors restores SERCA levels and Ca2+ homeostasis in a cellular model and in muscle fibres from PMT affected animals (ex vivo experiments) (collected in conformance with the institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals).

At present, neither specific therapy nor mouse model for Brody myopathy exists.

However, a novel pharmacological approach based on the use of protein folding correctors known as CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator) explored in Cystic Fibrosis has recently been created and demonstrated in vitro. In a HEK293 cell model, treatment with CFTR correctors restored the expression level of mutated SERCA1.

These data have been confirmed in vivo by local treatments of bovine PMT muscle with the most effective in vitro CFTR corrector. (Pharmacological treatments and biopsies were authorized by the Italian Ministry of Health-authorization ID 1251/2021.) Besides, treatments with the same CFTR corrector on SERCA1 mutated zebrafish line Accordion, are ongoing.

Brody, I. A. (1996) Muscle contracture induced by exercise: a syndrome attributable to decreased relaxing factor. New Eng. J. Med. 281, 187-192.

Drögemüller C., Drögemüller M., Leeb T., Mascarello F., Testoni S., Rossi M., Gentile A., Damiani E., Sacchetto R. (2008) Identification of a missense mutation in the bovine ATP2A1 gene in congenital pseudomyotonia of Chianina cattle: An animal model of human Brody disease. Genomics 92:482-491

Sacchetto R., Testoni S., Gentile A., Damiani E., Rossi M., Liguori R., Drögemüller C., Mascarello F. (2009) A defective SERCA1 protein is responsible for congenital pseudomyotonia in Chianina cattle. Am. J. Pathol. 174:565-573.

Bianchini E., Testoni S., Gentile A., Calì T., Ottolini D., Villa A., Brini M., Betto R., Mascarello F., Nissen P., Sandonà D., Sacchetto R. (2014) Inhibition of Ubiquitin Proteasome System Rescues the Defective Sarco(endo)plasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA1) Protein Causing Chianina Cattle Pseudomyotonia. J. Biol. Chem. 289:33073-33082.

PS09.03In Vivo Validation of the Efficacy of the CFTR Corrector C17 in Sarcoglycanopathy

Scano M¹, Benetollo A¹, Nogara L^1,2, Bondì M¹, Dalla Barba F¹, Caccin P¹, Carotti M¹, Blaauw B^1,2, Sacchetto R³, Sandonà D¹

¹Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy, ²Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy, ³Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Italy

Sarcoglycanopathies or LGMDR3-6 are rare autosomal recessive disease still incurable, affecting mainly the skeletal muscle of the shoulder and pelvic girdle. The onset of symptoms occurs in childhood, the disease is progressive, very often forcing affected subjects to the wheelchair, even though mild forms present late onset and slow progression. Most of the reported cases are due to missense mutations originating a folding-defective but potentially functional sarcoglycan (SG), which is eliminated by the cells’ quality control system. The consequent loss of function, leads to progressive muscle degeneration. In the recent years, thanks to the elucidation of sarcoglycanopathy molecular mechanism, novel therapeutic strategies have been developed.

With the intent to recover the mutants, avoiding SG-complex disruption, we exploited the use of protein folding correctors belonging to the CFTR modulators family. The effective rescue of different SG-mutants has been proved for a panel of such molecules by using cell models and, importantly, myogenic cells from sarcoglycanopathy patients.

To validate the pharmacological strategy in vivo, there is the need of an organism expressing a SG carrying a missense mutation. However, the available SG-KI mice bearing a pathogenic missense mutation in either sgca or sgcb genes did not develop the expected phenotype on the basis of the equivalent human mutations. The SG-complex properly localized at the sarcolemma and no sign of myopathy developed, even in mice undergoing overload exercise. To bypass this bottleneck, we adopted an alternative approach to generate a valuable model of LGMDR3.

In the background of the sgca-null mouse, we delivered the human α-SG carrying either the V247M or the R98H missense mutation by exploiting the transduction via AAV1. Virus injection, restricted to hind-limbs, was carried out in 1-2-day-old pups to induce tolerance toward the human protein. Transduction with human wild type α-SG sequence, as positive control of humanization, resulted in hind-limb muscles with a nearly healthy phenotype with the SG-complex containing the exogenous and the murine subunits correctly localized at the sarcolemma. Conversely, the transduction of the R98H-α-SG sequence led to a dystrophic muscle with only traces of α-SG at the fiber surface and clear myopathic features at the histological level. Mice with the “mutated humanized” hind-limbs, well mimicking the human pathology, allowed proving the efficacy of C17, the most promising CFTR corrector identified in vitro. Histological and molecular analyses revealed an increase of the SG complex at the sarcolemma and a clear reduction of myopathic signs in comparison to vehicle treated animals. Notably, at the functional level, the muscle force generated by treated animals was nearly identical to that of healthy mice. All C17 treated animals reached the experimental endpoint; they showed no behavioural difference in comparison to vehicle treated mice; they grew at similar rate and no sign of toxicity was observed in liver and kidneys.

The findings collected in vivo, together with in vitro data, are the proof of concept of C17 corrector efficacy in sarcoglycanopathies, opening the way for the preclinical studies of a novel therapeutic intervention for this neglected disease.

PS09.04REN001, PPARd Agonist, Preserves Muscle Strength and Promotes Recovery of Muscle Atrophy After Leg Immobilization

Davies M¹, Dorenbaum A², Wang S³, Mittendorfer B⁴

¹Reneo Pharma Ltd, Sandwich, United Kingdom, ²Reneo Pharmaceuticals Inc, Irvine, United States, ³Shenzhen Xbiome Biotech Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, China, ⁴Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, United States

Introduction: REN001 is an oral, once-daily peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARd) agonist being investigated for the treatment of PMM.

Methods: A randomized, investigator and subject blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 study in healthy volunteers was conducted to evaluate the safety of oral REN001 (formerly known as HPP593), 100 mg twice daily, administered during and after limb immobilization. All subjects had the left leg immobilized with a knee brace (30° flexion) and used crutches from Day 1 to Day 14. Changes in muscle strength, gene expression from muscle biopsies, and cross section area (CSA) in the immobilized leg was evaluated. After 14 days of dosing the brace was removed and the subjects continued to take REN001 for an additional 14 days and gradually resumed regular physical activity of their previously immobilized limb.

Results: A total of 24 subjects (all men) were randomized to receive 28 days treatment with REN001 (n=12, mean [SD] age 42 [8.9] years) or placebo (n=12, mean [SD] age 39 [8.2] years).

After removal of the knee brace at Day14, subjects receiving REN001 had significantly less loss of knee strength compared to those receiving placebo (Mean change: REN001 = -5.8 lb, Placebo = -36.2 lb; p=0.01). The primary pharmacodynamic endpoint was change in single knee extension strength at Day 21 from baseline. REN001 treated subjects had a significant increase in knee extension strength compared to placebo (Mean change: REN001 = 32.8 lb, Placebo = 2.7 lb; p<0.001, mixed model repeated measures analysis; p=0.004, with baseline as a covariate). At day 29, change in mean knee extension strength was greater for the REN001 group compared to placebo (Mean change: REN001 = 25.5 lb, Placebo = 13.7 lb; p<0.2.). No differences in CSA were noted.

Muscle biopsies were analyzed for changes in mRNA expression of PPARd-regulated genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Compared to placebo, REN001-treated individuals had significant increases (>4-fold) in pyruvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 4 (PDK4), angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) and solute carrier family 25 member 34 (SLC25A34).

REN001 was safe and well tolerated in this study. No serious adverse events were reported. Most treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild in severity and similar in placebo or REN001 treated subjects. The most common TEAEs were headache, post-procedural hematoma and rash. Mild elevation in CPK, not related to study drug, were observed. All TEAEs resolved with no sequelae.

Conclusions: REN001, 100 mg given orally twice daily for 28 days to healthy volunteers was safe and well tolerated. Compared to placebo, treatment with REN001 increased expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation, prevented muscle wasting and promoted recovery of muscle atrophy after prolonged leg immobilization. This is the first demonstration of the impact of REN001 directly on human muscle and these results offer a rationale to evaluate REN001 in patients with mitochondrial myopathies.

PS09.05Impact of Mechanical Stretch on Nuclear Shape and Chromatin Organization in Skeletal Muscle

Jabre S^1,2, Hleihel W¹, Coirault C¹

¹Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS_974, Centre for Research in Myology, Paris, France,² Université de Saint Esprit, Kaslik, Liban

Background. An integrated network of nuclear envelope proteins defines the mechanical properties of the nucleus and regulates cell mechanical signaling in response to mechanical challenges. Whereas the lamina and specifically A-type lamins have been recognized for many years as a major contributor to nuclear stiffness and deformations, chromatin and its histone modification state also contribute to nuclear mechanics independently of A-type lamins. However, how A-type lamins and chromatin-mediated mechanoresponse contribute to mechanical load-mediated adaptation in normal and pathological skeletal muscle remains unknown.

Aims. We first sought to determine how muscle differentiation impacts nuclear characteristics in muscle cell precursors (MuSCs) and myotubes. Then, we investigated the respective roles of nuclear envelope proteins (lamin A/C, SUN1 and SUN2) and chromatin compaction on the mechanical load-mediated nuclear response in myonuclei.

Methods. Immortalized MuSCs and myotubes (72h of differentiation) obtained from patients without neuro-muscular disorders were analyzed with different experimental setups to modulate chromatin compaction, nuclear envelope protein expression and mechanical stretch. Cells were treated with Trichostatin A (TCA0.1µM for 48h), a histone deacetylase inhibitor known to decrease chromatin compaction, or silenced for LMNA, SUN1 or SUN2 expression with silencing mRNA strategies. Cyclic stretch (10%, 4hours) was performed in myotubes. Nuclear characteristics were assessed on nuclear volume and nuclear sphericity. Histone post-translational modifications including chromatin repression markers (H3K27me3 and H3K9me3) and chromatin active marker (H3K4me3) were analyzed by immunofluorescence.

Results. Muscle cell differentiation into myotubes was associated with a significant elongation of nuclear long axis and a decrease in nuclear volume (each p<0.05). In myotubes, the nuclear volume was significantly higher after TCA treatment and after SUN2 mRNA silencing. Additionally, siLMNA induced important deformations of the myonucleus shape and increased nuclear thickness but did not significantly modify the nuclear volume. Cyclic stretch increased the nuclear volume in untreated and TCA-treated myotubes, whereas silencing of LMNA, SUN1 or SUN2 abolished the stretch-induced nuclear volume response.

The relative intensity of H3K27me3 labelling was significantly lower in myotubes compared with MuSCs whereas H3K9me3 and H3K4me3 intensities were higher in myotubes compared with MuSCs, thereby showing that myogenic differentiation is modulating the accessibility of the transcriptional machinery. In stretched and unstreched myotubes, the intensity of the H3K27me3 and H3K9me3methylation markers was significantly modified by treatment with siLMNA, siSUN1 and siSUN2 compared to controls. This demonstrates that proteins of the nuclear envelope are required for proper response to mechanical stress.

Conclusion. Overall, our study highlights crucial changes in nuclear shape and histone post-translational markers during muscle differentiation and upon mechanical challenge. Moreover, our results uncover that the nuclear mechano-response is tightly regulated by nuclear envelope proteins in skeletal muscle.

PS09.06Pilot project of Home Mechanical Ventilation in Ukrainian Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Toussaint M¹, Tsarenko A

¹Ulb Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Bel, Braine L’alleud, Belgium

Background. The mean survival of DMD boys affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is estimated between 18-21 years of age.[1] Fortunately, HMV prolongs survival in this patient group until ± 35 years of age. [2,3] There is increasing number of programs of HMV across the World. So far, the Ukrainian Parliament has not approved a State Program for the care of DMD patients. We conducted a pilot project of Home Mechanical Ventilation in Ukrainian patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Methods. Children with DMD were invited to Kirovograd Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine, for 5-days training with noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Donated equipment comprised second-hand Covidien PB560 ventilators from Belgium. Due to the absence of Carbon Dioxide Pressure (PCO2) and Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) monitoring, indications of HMV included: sleep-related symptoms, restrictive lung function test, loss of ambulation for more than 1 year, or age higher than 17 years. Master Class lectures on HMV were conducted for Ukrainian doctors in conjunction with patient training.

Results. Twelve and fifty Ukrainian physicians took part in face-to-face and online Master Classes, respectively. Simultaneously, 8 Duchenne inpatients, mean age 15.4 (SD: 1.8) years and body mass index 25.8 (SD: 4.0), were included in the study. All patients chose nasal masks and volume-pressure assisted control mode. After 6 weeks, one patient stopped HMV, two others used HMV partially during sleep, and 5/8 used nocturnal HMV increasingly with few complaints. Follow-up via phone call was organized after hospitalization. Results are reported in table 1.

Conclusions. This study reports the first experience of implementation of HMV in Ukraine. NIV is feasible in DMD inpatients in Ukraine. In the short term, the Ukrainian Parliament should recognize official Centers for HMV, and, primarily, define the conditions for the reimbursement of equipment for HMV and ongoing maintenance. In the future, distributors of equipment should support these specialized Centers for HMV by delivering: NIV and adjunct devices for monitoring PCO2/ SpO2, in addition to cough augmentation apparatus.

References

1. Eagle M, Baudouin SV, Chandler C, Giddings DR, Bullock R, Bushby K. Survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: improvements in life expectancy since 1967 and the impact of home nocturnal ventilation. Neuromuscul Disord. 2002 Dec;12(10):926-9. doi: 10.1016/s0960-8966(02)00140-2.

2. Ishikawa Y, Miura T, Ishikawa Y, Aoyagi T, Ogata H, Hamada S, Minami R. Duchenne muscular dystrophy: survival by cardio-respiratory interventions. Neuromuscul Disord. 2011 Jan;21(1):47-51. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2010.09.006

3. Kohler M, Clarenbach CF, Bahler C, Brack T, Russi EW, Bloch KE. Disability and survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2009 Mar;80(3):320-5. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2007.141721.

eP01.01.01Genetic, Proteomic and Morphological Characterisation of Two Children With Novel Nonsense Mutations of BVES (POPDC1)

Schänzer A¹, Gangfuß A², Hentschel A³, Heil L⁴, Gonzales M⁵, Schönecker A⁶, Depienne C⁷, Nishimura A¹, Kohlschmidt N⁸, Sickmann A³, Schara-Schmidt U², Fürst D⁴, van der Ven P⁴, Hahn A⁹, Roos A^1,10

¹Institute of Neuropathology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Giessen, Germany, ²Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany, ³Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften – ISAS – e.V. Dortmund, Germany, Dortmund, Germany, ⁴Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Cell, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany, ⁵Pediatric Heart Center, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany, ⁶University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Essen, Germany, ⁷Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany, ⁸Institute of Clinical Genetics and Tumour Genetics, Bonn, Bonn, Germany, ⁹Department of Child Neurology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany, Giessen, Germany, ¹⁰Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital; and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, Canada

Background: Popeye domain containing protein 1 (POPDC1) is a highly conserved transmembrane protein essential for striated muscle function and homeostasis. Recessive pathogenic variants in the gene encoding POPDC1 (BVES, Blood vessel epicardial substance) are causative for an ultra-rare limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMDR25), associated with cardiac arrhythmia and myopathy. Only ten patients have been described in literature so far.

Methods: We describe the phenotype of four affected children of two consanguineous families, each with a novel variant in BVES (c.457C>T;p.Gln153Ter and c.578T>G;p.Ile193Ser). Detailed analyses including immunofluorescence and electron microscopy and proteomic profiling of muscle biopsies from an affected patient of each family were performed.

Results: Creatine kinase values (300-16.000 U/l) and cardiac involvement were variable symptoms in affected family members. Detailed morphological analysis of skeletal muscle showed a myopathy with reduced expression of POPDC1 accompanied by altered sarcolemmal dysferlin and XinA abundance. At the electron microscopic level, the muscle fiber sarcolemm was focally disrupted. The proteomic signature showed statistically significant dysregulation of 191 proteins of which 173 were increased and 18 were decreased. Focusing on proteins presenting with decreased abundance in BVES-patient derived muscle, GO-term analysis of affected biological processes revealed - among others - perturbation of muscle fibril assembly mo- filament sliding and contraction as well as transition between fast and slow fibers. Decreased proteins are also highly indicative for a vulnerability of myocardium by indicating altered regulation of the force of heart contraction, ventricular cardiac muscle tissue morphogenesis and development, regulation of the heart rate, as well as cardiac hypertrophy in response to stress.

Conclusion: We identified two novel recessive pathogenic BVES variants associated with early onset muscle pathology complicated by cardiac conduction defects. Biochemical studies provided insights into the molecular etiology of the muscular phenotype and might even explain the cardiac manifestation upon loss of functional POPDC1 in muscle cells. We conclude that in young patients with cardiac conduction disturbance and elevated CK, a neuromuscular disorder should be ruled out by genetic analysis for providing a good therapy strategy.

eP01.01.02Cardiac Analysis Reveals Morphological Alterations in an Intermediate Mouse Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Nair N¹, Gray G², Murray L¹

¹Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, ²Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Traditionally considered a motor neuron disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is now known as a multi-system disorder. Effective new treatments are improving life expectancy, however since they are frequently targeted to the central nervous system, defects in non-neuronal tissues like the heart could become prominent. Existing literature on severe mouse models of SMA reports cardiac defects including thinning of left ventricular wall (LV) and interventricular septum (IVS), fibrosis and increased apoptosis. However, since morphological measurements are frequently not presented relative to body size, it is unclear how the decreased size of SMA mice confound these results.

The aim of our study was to use a milder mouse model of SMA to explore the underlying basis of cardiac pathology. We have therefore examined the cardiac structure and function at P18 in the Smn2B/- mice. Initial histological analysis revealed thinning of LV (p≤0.01) and IVS (p≤0.05) in the Smn2B/- mice, which is consistent with the literature. However, when these were normalised to the heart size, there was a relative increase in the thickness of both LV and IVS (p≤0.01 each) when compared to controls, which was confirmed by in vivo high-resolution LV echocardiography (p≤0.01). Systolic and diastolic cardiac function were preserved; however, there were changes (p≤0.05) in longitudinal strain that may indicate subtle cardiac stress in the Smn2B/- mice.

Together these data suggest that cardiac function is preserved in the Smn2B/- mice, but at the cost of cardiac remodelling which can increase the risk of subsequent heart failure. Such defects may underlie and precede the more significant cardiac defects described in severe mouse models of SMA. This work also highlights the importance of using a normalisation factor while measuring the cardiac parameters in a multi-systemic disorder like SMA, where normalisation reversed many of the trends observed in this mouse model.

eP01.01.03Respiratory Follow-Up In Children With Spinal Muscular Atrophy - A Descriptive Study

Pereira I¹, Saianda A², Coelho J³, Moreno T³, Ferreira R²

¹Department Of Pediatrics, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal, ²Pulmonology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal, ³Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal

Introduction and Aim: Respiratory complications such as infections and respiratory failure are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The multidisciplinary approach should include respiratory evaluation and therapy - ventilatory support and secretion management as needed - as it is part of the standards of care of SMA.

The aim of this study was to characterize a group of children with SMA, regarding respiratory evaluation and monitoring (including sleep and respiratory function tests) and respiratory support. Data on its basic features and specific therapy received (nusinersen, risdiplan or onasemnogene abeparvovec) is also detailed.

Methods: Clinical data was collected from the clinical electronic records of 15 children with SMA currently (January 2022) being followed at the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit in a tertiary hospital. Descriptive statistics was done.

Results : 7(46.7%) patients have SMA type 1 diagnosis and 8(53.3%) SMA type 2, median age 33(12;40)mths and 141,5(68;203)mths, respectively. All patients received specific treatment. The median age at diagnosis was 4(1;12)mths for SMA 1 and 17(10;72)mths for SMA 2. Median age at start of specific treatment, nusinersen, risdiplan or onasemnogene abeparvovec, was 6(3;14)mths for SMA 1 and 105(22;198)mths for SMA 2.

14(93%) patients are on non-invasive ventilation (NIV), 100% in type 1 and 88% in type 2 SMA patients. The median age at which NIV was started was 4.9(2;9)mths in patients with SMA 1 and 60(18;148)months in SMA 2. The median number of hours on NIV is 14(±5)h in SMA 1 and 8,68(±1,65)h in SMA 2. 80% of all SMA patients use cough assist. No SMA type 2 patients and 1 SMA type 1 needed hospital admissions for respiratory reason in the last year.

Respiratory evaluation and monitoring using oximetry, capnography and polysomnography was undertaken in 9(60%) patients in the last year and respiratory function was assessed in 7(88%) of patients with SMA 2.

Discussion: Children with SMA are a complex group of patients, requiring a comprehensive respiratory follow-up and support. NIV is frequently required, as well as cough aids. The introduction of novel therapies, modifying the prognosis, is changing the disease paradigm, with longer survival and less dependence on NIV.

eP01.01.04Worldwide Prevalence of Home Mechanical Ventilation in Neuromuscular Disorders

Toussaint M¹

¹Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Bel, Brussels, Belgium

Background: Hypercapnic respiratory failure due to alveolar hypoventilation is a common complication of severe neuromuscular disorders (NMD). In this patient subgroup, home mechanical ventilation (HMV) improves quality of life and survival. HMV is often offered via noninvasive ventilation (NIV) through a nasal mask.

Methods:

• Search of Medline for publications in English or French from 2005 to 2020.

• Analysis of data from 22 international programs of HMV.

Results: The prevalence of NMD is about 30/100.000 population [1]. The prevalence of HMV in NMD is reported as stable or slowly increasing with years [2, 3]. Patients with NMD account for 39.5% of all HMV users. The prevalence of NMDs using HMV is calculated at 2.9/100.000 in a general population (= ±10% of all NMD patients). Large variations in the prevalence of HMV in NMD, from 0.2 to 8.3/100.000 population, exist among countries (figure 2).

Depending on the time period of ventilator use per 24 hours, three categories of HMV users can be defined: nocturnal (8/24h), discontinuous (8-16/24h), and continuous (>16/24h, life-support) ventilation. [1] In NMD, nocturnal, discontinuous, and continuous HMV is likely to concern about 60, 20 and 20% of patients using HMV.

The following equipment for HMV can be used according to the 3 categories.

• Nocturnal HMV: bi-level devices can be sufficient.

• Discontinuous HMV: a battery is desirable but not mandatory.

• Continuous HMV: two life-support devices with disconnection alarms and batteries are recommended. If no internal battery is available, external supply of electricity is mandatory.

Large differences in the prevalence of HMV are reported across regions within the same country, despite a homogeneous national health care system and similar indications for treatment [4].

There is a positive relationship between national prevalence of HMV and the national GDP per capita. Despite this relationship, HMV recently started to develop in middle and low-income countries. Today, 13 new middle, and low-income countries cheerfully develop HMV programs: Thailand, China, Brazil, Iran, South Africa, Tunisia, Malaysia, Turkey, Argentina, Serbia, India, Pakistan, and Ukraine.

Key messages

• Almost 10% of NMD patients (3/100.000 population) would use Home Mechanical ventilation (HMV), of which 3/5 use it during sleep at night (8/24h)

• The prevalence of HMV is associated with the Gross Domestic Product per capita.

• Large variations in the prevalence of HMV in NMD, from 0.2 to 8.3/100.000 in a general population, exist among countries

References

1. HAS 2012, Ventilation mécanique au domicile. ISBN 978-2-11-128563-7. www.has-sante.fr https://www.has-sante.fr/upload/docs/application/pdf/2013-01/rapport_ventilation_cnedimts_2013.pdf

2. Gajdoš O, Rožánek M, Donin G, et al. Cost-Utility Analysis of Home Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Healthcare (Basel) 2021;9:142. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9020142.

3. Rose L, McKim D, Leasa D, et al. Trends in incidence, prevalence, and mortality of neuromuscular disease in Ontario, Canada: A population-based retrospective cohort study (2003-2014). PLoS One 2019;14:e0210574. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210574.

4. Laub M, Berg S, Midgren B, et al. Home mechanical ventilation in Sweden--inequalities within a homogenous health care system. Respir Med 2004;98:38-42. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2003.08.005.

eP01.01.05De Novo and Dominantly Inherited SPTAN1 Mutations Cause Spastic Paraplegia and Cerebellar Ataxia

De Winter J^1,2,3, Van de Vondel L^1,2, Beijer D^1,2,4, Coarelli G⁵, Wayand M^6,7, Palvadeau R⁸, Pauly M^9,10, Klein K¹¹, Rautenberg M¹¹, Guillot-Noël L⁵, Deconinck T¹², Vural A¹³, Ertan S¹³, Dogu O¹⁴, Uysal H¹⁵, Brankovic V¹⁶, Herzog R⁹, Brice A⁵, Durr A⁵, Klebe S¹⁷, Stock F¹⁸, Bischoff A¹⁹, Rattay T^6,7, Sobrido M^20,21, De Michele G²², De Jonghe P^2,3, Klopstock T^19,23,24, Lohmann K¹⁰, Zanni G²⁵, M. Santorelli F²⁶, Timmerman V^2,27, Haack T^11,28, Züchner S⁴, PREPARE consortium, Schüle R^6,7, Stevanin G^5,29, Synofzik M^6,7, Basak A⁸, Baets J^1,2,3

¹Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium, ²Laboratory of Neuromuscular Pathology, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium, ³Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium, ⁴Dr John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA, ⁵Sorbonne University, ICM-Paris Brain Institute, INSERM, CNRS, APHP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France, ⁶Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research (HIH), Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, ⁷German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, ⁸Koc University, School of Medicine, Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation, Istanbul, Turkey, ⁹Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, Lübeck, Germany, ¹⁰Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany, ¹¹Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany, ¹²Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium, ¹³Koc University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey, ¹⁴Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey, ¹⁵Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey, ¹⁶Clinic for Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, ¹⁷Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany, ¹⁸Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany, ¹⁹Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Baur-Institute, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany, ²⁰Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Santiago de Compostela, Spain, ²¹Neurogenetics Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), Hospital Clínico Universitario, SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain, ²²Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, Federico II Univeristy, Naples, Italy, ²³German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany, ²⁴Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany, ²⁵Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department Neurosciences, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy, ²⁶Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy, ²⁷Peripheral Neuropathy Research Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, ²⁸Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, ²⁹Paris Sciences Lettres Research University, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Paris, France

Background: Pathogenic variants in SPTAN1 have been linked to a remarkably broad phenotypical spectrum. Clinical presentations include epileptic syndromes, intellectual disability, and hereditary motor neuropathy.

Objectives: We investigated the role of SPTAN1 variants in rare neurological disorders such as ataxia and spastic paraplegia.

Methods: We screened 10,000 NGS datasets across two international consortia and one local database, indicative of the level of international collaboration currently required to identify genes causative for rare disease. We performed in silico modelling of the identified SPTAN1 variants.

Results: We describe 22 patients from 14 families with five novel SPTAN1 variants. Of six patients with cerebellar ataxia four carry a de novo SPTAN1 variant, two showed a sporadic inheritance. In this group one variant (p.Lys2083del) is recurrent in four patients. Two patients have novel de novo missense mutations (p.Arg1098Cys, p.Arg1624Cys) associated with cerebellar ataxia, in one patient accompanied by intellectual disability and epilepsy. We furthermore report a recurrent missense mutation (p.Arg19Trp) in 15 patients with spastic paraplegia from seven families with a dominant inheritance pattern in four and a de novo origin in one case. One more patient carrying a de novo missense mutation (p.Gln2205Pro) has a complex spastic ataxic phenotype. Through protein modelling we show that mutated amino acids are located at crucial interlinking positions, interconnecting the three-helix bundle of a spectrin repeat.

Conclusions: We show that SPTAN1 is a relevant candidate gene for ataxia and spastic paraplegia. We suggest that for the mutations identified in this study, disruption of the interlinking of spectrin helices could be a key feature of the pathomechanism.

eP01.01.06Use of NGS for Diagnosis of Asymptomatic Hyperckemia in Childhood

Marti P¹, Pitarch I², Muelas N³, Azorin I¹, Vilchez J¹

¹IIS La Fe, Neuromuscular, Valencia, Spain, ²Hospital UiP La Fe, Neuropediatric., Valencia, España, ³Hospital UiP La Fe, Neurology., Valencia, España

Background/aims: Studies of isolated hyperCKemia in pediatric population, particularly applying NGS sequencing are scarce, except for a few systematic new born screenings for DMD. Herein we report data of a study performed in a single Neuromuscular Centre.

Methods: We studied 63 children (0-18 years old) with pauci-symptomatic or asymptomatic hyperCKemia in which rearrangement of the DMD gene was excluded by MLPA. For this purpose, it was designed an extensive NGS Illumina panel with 273 genes involved in neuromuscular diseases.

Results: We obtained a surprisingly high rate of diagnoses: 56%. Fifty-seven percent of the diagnosed group involved mutations in only 5 genes and the remaining cases spanned a many groups of less frequent occurrence genes. The diagnose rate and mutation distributions changes in different ranges of age. Immunodetection analysis in muscle biopsy was performed to corroborate loss-of-function variants in 15 cases. Of patients diagnosed 13% had a CK min below 500 IU/L. Of the point mutations detected in DMD gene 60% of patients shown primary stop codon mutations.

Conclusion: This study proves that the use of NGS can radically change the approach of the HCK study since it clearly increases the diagnostic yield, is non-invasive and less expensive. However, muscle biopsy is still necessary to confirm uncertain variants.

eP01.01.07Prevalence of Titinopathy in India

Dhall A¹, Dhiman N¹, Jassal B¹, Faruq M², Shamim U², Bhatia R¹, Venugopalan Y V¹, Suri V¹, Sharma M¹

¹All India Institute Of Medical Sciences(aiims), New Delhi, India, ²CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India

Background: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are a large group of heterogeneous genetic diseases characterised by proximal muscle weakness of limb girdles with variable clinical course. According to the 229th ENMC workshop in Naarden in 2017, 38 different subtypes of LGMDs were identified. The prevalence of LGMD is estimated to range from one in 14,500 to one in 123,000. The age of onset can vary greatly. The relative occurrence of each subtype of LGMD varies among different ethnic populations, but worldwide LGMD2G, 2H and 2J are extremely rare.

In Spain, Italy, England, Turkey, Russia, China, Brazil and Australia, the most common LGMD is calpainopathy (LGMD2A). LGMD2I is more frequent than other forms in the Scandinavian Peninsula. However, dysferlinopathy is the most frequent in US, Japan and Mexico. In India, GNE myopathy has the highest incidence, whereas in Finland, anoctaminopathy ranked the first (25%) amongst other forms.

Titinopathy is caused by pathogenic mutations in TTN gene located on the short arm of chromosome 2 (q31.2). It has the highest number of exons (364) and the longest coding sequence (>100kb) of any human gene. TTN gene encodes for the skeletal protein titin that spans from the Z-disk to the M-band. Phenotypic variants includes several muscle disorders, including cardiomyopathy, recessive congenital myopathies and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) 2J or LGMDR10.

Affected individuals have severe progressive proximal muscle weakness. Eventually the distal muscles become involved and some individuals become wheelchair bound.

Materials and Methods: 96 patients (2018-19) suspected of LGMD from non-related families underwent thorough phenotypic characterization followed by muscle histopathological analysis. These cases were subjected to targeted next generation sequencing using a customized panel of 54 genes. Sequencing data was analysed using CLC Genomics by Qiagen for generating variants

Results: 25 patients (16 male and 9 female) were diagnosed with Titinopathy. Mean age of diagnosis was 23.9 years with onset as early as 6 months. CPK levels ranged from 30 to 18,660U/L. EMG was myopathic in 24% (6 out of 25) patients. Histomorphological analysis showed predominant dystrophic changes. Sequencing results show 10 novel and 32 reported mutations including exonic (frameshift and non-synonymous SNVs) and splice variants.

Conclusion: In our ongoing study Titinopathy is found to be the most common LGMD in Indian cohort. NGS sequencing has enabled a thorough and rapid investigation of genes as huge as TTN leading to identification of a large number of variants. A high proportion of mutations were identified in the TTN gene thus broadening the genetic spectrum of Titinopathy. Some mutations were unique in the Indian population which signifies that the distribution of TTN mutations is associated with ethnic background. Also, identifying TTN mutations is important as unlike most congenital myopathies, there is a significant risk of cardiomyopathy. No genotype-phenotype correlation existed suggesting that the clinical phenotype is determined not only by TTN variants but also likely through a complex interplay of environmental, epigenetic, and genetic factors.

Keywords: LGMD (Limb girdle muscular dystrophy), Titinopathy, Immunohistochemistry, targeted sequencing

eP01.01.08Optimisation of a Cell-Based Strategy for Rapid Evaluation of Compounds in Myotonic Dystrophy Type I

López-Martínez A¹, Soblechero-Martín P^1,2, Catalli C^1,3, Jauregi-Barrutia A^1,4, Nogales-Gadea G^1,5, Kapetanovic-Garcia S^1,5, Arechavala-Gomeza V^1,6

¹Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain, ²Clinical Laboratory Service, Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bilbao, Spain, ³Department of Genetics, Cruces University Hospital, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Barakaldo, Spain, ⁴Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Barakaldo, Spain, ⁵Neuromuscular and Neuropediatric Research Group, Institut d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain, ⁶ALS and Neuromuscular Unit – Department of Neurology, Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Bilbao, Spain, ⁷Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain

Introduction: Recently, many compounds derived from in silico and in vitro high-throughput drug screenings have been proposed to have a therapeutic effect on DM1, but robust in vitro validation methods are not available to the DM1 community. Gold-standard techniques for the evaluation of drug candidates in DM1 are based in visualization of foci in the cell nuclei, evaluation of altered splicing patterns in DM1 tissues, and assessment by western blotting of gross changes in protein expression. These are laborious procedures with poor reproducibility and little consensus on their methodological protocols. An in-depth characterization of DM1 patient-derived cultures is needed to accurately evaluate new drug DM1 candidate therapies.

Objectives: The objective of this project is to develop a strategy to characterize patient-derived cultures both at protein and RNA level, for rapid evaluation of new compounds in DM1.

Methods: Myoblots and fibroblots are assays for protein quantification in microplates based in the In-Cell Western method that we have adapted to the study of DM1-relevant proteins in myoblast and fibroblast cultures, respectively. They allow studying the expression of several proteins with many biological and technical replicates per experiment, resulting in high reproducibility and a throughput similar to ELISA applications. In addition, we have optimised a digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) protocol for the quantification of the mRNA expression of the same proteins to assess the consequences of MBNL1 sequestration in the DMPK mRNA repeats at post-transcriptional level.

Results: Optimisation of myoblots and fibroblots allowed us to accurately quantify MBNL1, DMPK and CELF1 in immortalized differentiated myoblasts cultures and primary human fibroblasts cultures, in addition to CLCN1 and MyHC in myoblasts. Statistically significant differences in protein expression among DM1 and CTRL groups were found. We further validated our approach by treating our cultures with several small molecules that have been proposed as drug candidates for DM1 and quantified their effects on these key proteins’ expression.

Conclusion: A combination of optimised myoblots/fibroblots and ddPCR analysis of DM1 cultures, allows a highly reproducible and less laborious characterization of DM1 patient-derived cultures suitable for evaluation of potentially therapeutic compounds in DM1.

eP01.01.09Spectrum of Muscular Dystrophies in India

Sharma M¹, Dhall A¹, Faruq M², Pathak D^1,3, Shamim U², Dhiman N¹, Jassal B¹, Suri V¹, Bhatia R¹, Venugopalan Y V¹, Gulati S¹, Chakrabarty B¹

¹All India Institute Of Medical Sciences(aiims),new Delhi,india, New Delhi, India, ²CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, India, ³National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States of America

Background: Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a heterogenous group of inherited diseases characterised by muscle degenaration, fibrosis and adipose tissue infiltration leading to weakness of muscles over time. This is due to the lack of various proteins, which are necessary for normal muscle functions. The absence of these proteins can cause problems with walking, swallowing, and muscle coordination. There are more than 30 different types of muscular dystrophies, which vary in symptoms and severity. Among them DMD/BMD and LGMD are most frequently reported subtypes.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD), a group of disorders, are a //genetically inherited conditions that primarily affects skeletal muscle leading to progressive, predominantly proximal muscle weakness at presentation caused by a loss of muscle fibres. To be considered a form of limb girdle muscular dystrophy the condition must be described in at least two unrelated families with affected individuals achieving independent walking, must have an elevated serum creatine kinase activity, demonstrate degenerative changes on muscle imaging over the course of the disease, and have dystrophic changes on muscle histology, ultimately leading to end-stage pathology for the most affected muscles.

According to 229th ENMC international workshop (Naarden, 2017) there are more than 30 different genetic subtypes of LGMDs transmitted through autosomal recessive (AR) and, less frequently, autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance .Currently there are 25 AR (LGMD2A-2T) and eight AD genes (LGMD1A-1H) already identified. Affected patients can have a mild disease course remaining ambulant until late in life or have a severe phenotype, clinically very similar to X-linked DMD. Among patients diagnosed with AR LGMD, LGMD2A (Calpainopathy) is the most frequent form.

Materials and Methods: 96 patients (2018-19) suspected of MD from non-related families underwent thorough phenotypic characterization followed by muscle histopathological analysis. These cases were subjected to targeted next generation sequencing using a customized panel of 54 genes. Sequencing data was analysed using CLC Genomics by Qiagen for generating variants

Results: Evaluation ofclinico-pathological results and genetic analysis revealed a spectrum of muscle disorders including uncommon and rare subtypes:titinopathy(26%),Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (13.54%), calapinopathy (12.5%), dysferlinopathy (11.45%), Ulrich (5.2%), GNE myopathy (4.16%), Plectinopathy (3.12%), Sarcoglycanopthy (2.08%),DMD (1.04%),Desminopathy (1.04%) and X-linked autophagy (2.08%).

Age of diagnosis varied from 10 months to 54 years. EMG was myopathic in 17.7% (17/96) of cases.Histomorphological analysis showed predominant dystrophic changes. CPK levels ranged from 30 to 18,660U/L. We identified 33 unique variants that were either pathogenic or VOUS.Majority of variants were exonic including frameshift, stopgain and SNVs. An equal proportion of compound heterozygous and homozygous mutations were observed suggesting the need for carrier-testing for autosomal-recessive disorders.

Conclusion:In our ongoing study Titinopathy is found to be most prevalent LGMD after Congenital Muscular Dystrophy in Indian cohort. Next generation sequencing hasexpanded the clinical spectrum and genetic variability of patients with Muscular Dystrophy. A proportion of unique variants were identified. No genotype-phenotype correlation could be established suggesting the interplay of factors other than just genetics contributing to the cause of disease.

Keywords: LGMD (Limb girdle muscular dystrophy), Immunohistochemistry, targeted sequencing, muscular dystrophies.

eP01.01.10Diagnostic Approach after Whole Exome Sequencing: A Single-center Experience in Neuromuscular Disorders

Chen P¹, Hsueh H^1,2, Tsai L¹, Lee N³, Chao C¹, Yang C¹

¹Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ²Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ³Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan

Background: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) had become one of the powerful diagnostic approaches to identify the pathogenic variants in patients with genetic disorders. To achieve an accurate diagnosis for patients with neuromuscular disorders, physician should interpret the genetic report carefully with the information of clinical manifestations, pathology, and electrophysiological studies. However, the judgment became difficult if the WES yielded equivocal or negative results. Herein, we described our experience to integrating the WES into the diagnostic approach in patients with neuromuscular disorders. We focused on (1) further molecular tests in patients with variants found in WES, and (2) the diagnostic approach for those with negative findings in WES.

Methods: WES was performed on patients with the impression of hereditary neuromuscular disorders. The information of clinical manifestations, neurological examination, nerve conduction study, electromyography, nerve and muscle biopsy, and laboratory tests were collected. Further available molecular tests based on the culprit gene found in WES were done to confirm the pathogenicity. In those with negative findings of WES, details in further examinations or plans were also collected. Based on the above examinations, patients were categorized into four scenarios : (1) definite diagnosis by WES, (2) probable diagnosis by WES, (3) negative findings in WES, but final diagnosis in further work-up, and (4) undetermined etiology by whole-exome sequencing and in further work-up.

Results: In total, 38 patients accepted WES, and the diagnostic yield was 68.4% (26/38). Fifteen patients, who all had myopathy, fulfilled the proposed criteria of definite diagnosis and nine patients (myopathy: 4; neuropathy:5) were categorized into the probable diagnosis group. The diverse culprit genes guided further molecular tests to confirm the pathogenicity. Notably, in the twelve patients with equivocal or negative findings in WES, three patients (25%) had a diagnosis in the further workup: tumor-induced osteomalacia, mitochondrial myopathy with pathogenic variant in mitochondrial DNA (m.3243A>G), and vasculitis-related neuropathy. The etiologies remained undetermined in nine patients after WES and further workup. Re-analysis of WES 1-2 years later, whole-genome sequencing, or specific molecular studies were needed for these patients.

Conclusions: WES facilitates the diagnosis of hereditary neuromuscular disorder. However, it is essential to arrange further molecular studies to correlate the identified variants with the clinical features. For patients who had negative findings from WES, secondary causes and mitochondria disease should be considered. Moreover, observation of treatment response, segregation analysis as well as further molecular evaluation should be beneficial to the final diagnosis.

eP01.01.10Median Nerve Ultrasound in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abida Y^1,2, Kacem I^1,2, Mrabet S^1,2, Gharbi A^1,2, Atrous A^1,2, Souissi A^1,2, Gargouri A^1,2, Nasri A^1,2, Gouider R^1,2

¹Department Of Neurology, Lr18sp03, Clinical Investigation Centre Neurosciences And Mental Health, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia, ²Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis EL Manar, Tunis, Tunisia

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compressive neuropath. Its diagnosis is primarily clinical. Although the electroneuromyography (ENMG) is recognized to be the gold standard for the diagnosis, high resolution ultrasound can be helpful. The aim of our study is to describe ultrasonic features of patients with clinical symptoms of CTS and to compare results to ENMG findings.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study involved 61 patients (122 hands) with CTS signs. ENMG was applied to all patients as well as an ultrasonographic evaluation of the median nerve using a transducer with 13 MHZ linear array. The evaluation included the study of the nerve surface at the entry of the carpal tunnel, the echogenicity of the median nerve, the flattening of the nerve and the palmar bulge of the retinaculum of the extensors.

Results: Average age of our patients was 50.95 years. Sex ratio was 0.1. Bilateral involvement was present in 37 patients. Average cross-sectional area of the median nerve was 15.66±7.22 mm2. Average flattening ratio was 2.98±0.83. Palmar bulge of retinaculum was present in 42.3% of cases. ENMG was pathological in 95%. Severity of the CTS did not correlate with the cross-sectional area (p=0.58). Overall sensitivity was 73.77% for ultrasound and 80.38% for ENMG.

Conclusion: In our study, ultrasound was a simple and a reliable method in exploring CTS with a good sensitivity. Although it allowed morphological study of the nerve, it couldn’t replace the ENMG which constitute a gold standard examination particularly regarding prognosis.

eP01.02.01Clinical Features and the Novel p.K357E Mutation in a Cohort of Patients With mfn2-Related Neuropathy

Abati E^1,2, Manini A¹, Velardo D², Del Bo R², Napoli L³, Rizzo F^1,2, Moggio M³, Bresolin N^1,2, Bellone E⁴, Bassi M⁵, D’Angelo M⁶, Comi G^1,2, Corti S^1,2

¹Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University Of Milan, Milan, Italy, ²Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy, Milano, Italy, ³Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, MI, ⁴Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (Dinogmi) – Medical Genetics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, ⁵Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy, ⁶Neuromuscular Disorder Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy

Introduction: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type2A (CMT2A) is a rare inherited axonal neuropathy caused by mutations in MFN2 gene, which encodes Mitofusin 2, a transmembrane protein of the outer mitochondrial membrane. The aim of this study is to further expand our knowledge about the genetic background and clinical presentation of CMT2A.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis on thirteen patients carrying mutations in MFN2, from ten families, describing their clinical and genetic characteristics.

Results: Evaluated patients presented a variable age of onset and a wide phenotypic spectrum, with most patients presenting a severe phenotype. Overall, patients with childhood-onset CMT2A (1-20 years of age) presented a more severe phenotype comparing with patients with adult-onset CMT2A (>20 years of age). Clinical sensory involvement was reported only in 46% of patients and did not seem to be associated to specific mutations nor to age of onset. Additional symptoms were described in 61% of patients. Among them, optic atrophy and reduced visual acuity were the most common. A novel heterozygous missense variant was detected, p.K357E. It is located at a highly conserved position and predicted as pathogenic by in silico tools. At a clinical level, the p.K357E carrier shows a severe sensorimotor axonal neuropathy.

Discussion: In conclusion, our work expands both the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of CMT2A by providing a detailed description of clinical features and disclosing a novel mutation and its related clinical effect. Obtaining a precise genetic diagnosis in affected families is crucial both for family planning and prenatal diagnosis, and in a therapeutic perspective, as we are entering the era of personalized therapy for genetic diseases.

eP01.02.02Patient-Reported Symptom Burden of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A (CMT1A): Findings from a Real-World Digital Study

Thomas F¹, Sevilla T², Sivera R³, Genovese F⁴, Gray A⁵, Bull S⁶, Paoli X⁷, Sénéchal T⁷, Boutalbi Y⁷, Day L⁸, Llewellyn S⁸, Larkin M⁸

¹Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, United States, ²Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Universitate de Valencia, CIBERER, Valencia, Spain, ³Hospital Francesc de Borja, Gandia, Spain, ⁴ACMT-Rete per la malattia di Charcot-Marie-Tooth, OdV, Bologna, Italy, ⁵Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, Glenholden, United States, ⁶Charcot-Marie-Tooth UK, Christchurch, United Kingdom, ⁷Pharnext, Paris, France, ⁸Vitaccess, Oxford, United Kingdom

INTRODUCTION: This analysis aimed to examine patient-reported symptom burden for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) in European and US real-world practice.

METHODS: Adults with CMT1A were recruited to an ongoing international observational study exploring the real-world impact of CMT. Data were collected via CMT&Me, a bespoke digital app developed for this study, through which participants were asked questions via patient-reported outcome measures. This interim analysis examined participants (n=937) from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US.

RESULTS: The CMT1A symptoms ranked with highest importance by participants (n=826 patients who responded to this question) were weakness in hands and fingers (most important, 32%), difficulty walking (15.5%), weakness in the feet (13.0%), fatigue (8.7%), weakness in the legs (5.7%), and problems with balance (sixth most important, 4.2%). The majority of participants reported the severity of their symptoms to be moderate (58.5%, n=400/684) or severe (24.4%, n=167/684), with almost half of participants (48%, n=310/662) experiencing a worsening of CMT1A symptom severity from initial diagnosis.

Anxiety and depression were each reported by over a third of participants (39.3%, n=247/628 and 37.9%, n=238/628 respectively), higher than the prevalence in the general global population.

There was a high recorded use of rehabilitative interventions (of 445 respondents, 86.5% reported using physical therapy), medications (of 404 respondents, 72.5% reported using painkillers), and orthotics/walking aids (of 477 respondents, 48.6% reported using off-the-shelf insoles). There was a similar reported use of these across all countries.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CMT1A experience a high level of symptom burden, aligned with clinical observations and literature describing a wide variety of symptoms. Patient first suffer in using limbs, fatigue, pain symptoms, and depression, conducing to impairment to quality of life. It is apparent that there remains a high unmet need in CMT1A caused by the burden on patients.

eP01.02.03One Cause, Many Courses: Leveraging Whole-Genome Sequencing for Comprehensive Modifier Studies in CMT1A

Dohrn M^1,2, Xu I¹, Ruiz A¹, Danzi M¹, Reilly M³, Shy M⁴, Scherer S⁵, Inherited Neuropathy Consortium⁴, Züchner S¹

¹Hussman Institute For Human Genomics, Miller School Of Medicine, University Of Miami, Miami, United States, ²Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Department of Neurology, Aachen, Germany, ³Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square, Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom, ⁴Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, United States, ⁵University of Pennsylvania, Department of Neurology, Philadelphia, United States

Heterozygous duplications of PMP22 are the most common cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Why some patients are more severely affected than others is still not fully understood. In this study, we aim at identifying new genetic disease modifiers using whole-genome sequencing and genotype-phenotype correlations.

The study design encompasses four steps: 1. statistical analyses to define mild vs. severe phenotypes and conduct sample size estimations; 2. phenotype-based patient selection; 3. whole-genome sequencing; and 4. bioinformatic analysis of genetic variant clusters in defined phenotype subsets. For the first step, we have analyzed previously collected CMT1A clinical datasets retrieved from the RDCRN-INC database. Phenotype information was available from 2,190 patients out of 1,317 families. Including 1 to 10 years of follow-up, we assessed 12,441 visits in total. To understand not only the disease severity at baseline, but phenotype dynamics, we compared the 5-year follow-up data for foot dorsiflexion strength (MRC scale) and CMT examination score version 2 (CMTES-2), the two most complete data sets overall.

Our results confirmed that foot dorsiflexion strength and CMTES-2 correlate with age and disease duration, reflecting on the natural disease course. As a limitation, foot dorsiflexion was normal in 27% of the patients, which makes it difficult to define statistical outliers. CMTES, on the other hand, only reached a significant increase after a follow-up time span of seven years, therefore being less representative for disease dynamics in this cohort. We decided to combine those two parameters in a curated minimal data set specific for this CMT1A modifier study, together with information on age at onset, ancestry, and sex. In order to avoid potential confounders, we defined diabetes mellitus, previous chemotherapies, or other known acquired or genetic neuropathy causes as exclusion criteria for this study.

Conclusions: Based on power analyses, we aim at sequencing whole-genome data from 500 mildly and 500 severely affected patients, ideally coming from different families. Interested colleagues and patients are being invited to contact us.

eP01.02.04Work Impacts in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A (CMT1A): Findings from a Real-World Digital Study

Thomas F¹, Sevilla T², Sivera R³, Genovese F⁴, Gray A⁵, Bull S⁶, Paoli X⁷, Sénéchal T⁷, Boutalbi Y^{7, Day L8}, Llewellyn S⁸, Larkin M⁸

¹Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, United States, ²Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Universitate de Valencia, CIBERER, Valencia, Spain, ³Hospital Francesc de Borja, Gandia, Spain, ⁴ACMT-Rete per la malattia di Charcot-Marie-Tooth, OdV, Bologna, Italy, ⁵Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, Glenholden, United States, ⁶Charcot-Marie-Tooth UK, Christchurch, United Kingdom, ⁷Pharnext, Paris, France, ⁸Vitaccess, Oxford, United Kingdom

INTRODUCTION: This analysis aimed to examine patient-reported impacts to working life for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) in European and US real-world practice.

METHODS: Adults with CMT1A were recruited to an ongoing international observational study exploring the real-world impact of CMT. Data were collected via CMT&Me, a bespoke digital app developed for this study, through which participants were asked questions on demographic and employment variables. This interim analysis examined participants (n=937) from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US.

RESULTS: Of participants who responded to this question (n=607, mean age: 45), 54% (n=328/607) reported working for pay; this was similar across countries with the lowest being France (46%, n=33/72). Twenty percent (n=122/607) reported not working due to disability; this was highest in the US (27%, n=46/172) and lowest in Italy (10%, n=9/91).

Of those working for pay, 74% (n=241/328) reported their work life was affected by CMT1A. Highest rates were in Spain (96%, n=23/24), while lowest were in Italy (65%, n=35/54). Frequently reported ways that CMT1A affected work life were type of job (54%, n=131/241 who specified ways in which work life was affected), number of sick days (30%, n=73/218) and working part-time (30%, n=73/218). Participants reported missing a mean 1.4 workdays in the past two weeks due to CMT1A, equivalent to approximately 36 days per year.

Of those unemployed (7%, n=42/607), 71% (n=30/42) reported that CMT1A was a contributing factor. Highest rates were in Italy (91%, n=10/11), while lowest were in Germany (0%).

CONCLUSIONS: CMT1A has a substantial impact on patients’ ability to work, which is comparable across European countries and the US. Patients are absent from work approximately 36 days per year due to CMT1A. Further research is needed to explore indirect costs associated with these losses, and to better manage impact on patients’ work lives.

eP01.02.05R298C LMNA Mutation Can Cause either Peripheral Neuropathy, Cardiomyopathy or Both: A Case Series Study

Tamaoui L¹, Kably B¹, Bouhouch R², Bouhouch A³, Birouk N¹

¹Clinical neurophysiology department, Hôpital des Spécialités RABAT, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco, ²Private cardiology clinic, Rabat, Morocco, ³Neurology B and Neurogenetic department, Hôpital des Spécialités RABAT, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Morocco

Background: LMNA mutations can lead to variety of disorders, collectively termed laminopathies, involving heart, adipose, nerve, bone, and skin tissues, and some premature ageing syndromes. The phenotype associated with the homozygous R298C LMNA mutation is characterized by isolated axonal sensorimotor neuropathy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) without any features suggestive of cardiac disease. Still, to our knowledge, no case of combined cardiac and neurogenic features has been reported so far in relation with this mutation.

Methods: The follow up of 2 female patients presenting with autosomal recessive axonal neuropathy allowed the identification of two families bearing homozygote lamine A/C mutations with different combinations of axonal neuropathy and cardiac involvement among the same family.

Results: Here we report 5 patients from 2 unrelated families with a homozygous R289C mutation in the LMNA gene and marked intra-familial variability of the disease severity and the coexistence of the cardiac involvement. 3 patients had both axonal neuropathy and cardiac manifestations, mainly conduction disturbances and 1 patient had only axonal neuropathy. Interestingly, one patient had an isolated cardiomyopathy with heterozygote defect of the R289C LMNA gene.

Conclusion: An increased number of overlapping syndromes manifest as a result of LMNA gene mutation. Here we report, for the first time, that R289C mutation in the LMNA gene can cause cardiac manifestations in addition to the well-known phenotype of axonal neuropathy. This highlights the relevance of the screening of heart involvement in individuals who present with an axonal peripheral neuropathy related to an LMNA gene defect.

eP01.02.06Overlap Between Hereditary Sensory-Motor Neuropathy (HSMN) And Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP).

Hustinx M¹, Poleur M¹, Daron A¹, Maertens A¹, Servais L^1,2, Delstanche S¹

¹Neuromuscular Reference Centre, CHR Citadelle Hospital, Liège, Belgium, ²Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom

OVERLAP BETWEEN HEREDITARY SENSORY-MOTOR NEUROPATHY (HSMN) AND CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATING POLYRADICULONEUROPATHY (CIDP).

Background: Hereditary sensory-motor neuropathy (HSMN) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) have distinct clinical and neurophysiological features. However, the distinction may be challenging : HSMN may be complicated by superimposed CIDP and CIDP may sometimes closely mimic the disease course of inherited neuropathy.

Case series We report 3 cases with significant phenotypic overlap.

Cases 1 (25 years) and 2 (37 years) were initially considered consistent with definite CIDP according to EFNS/PNS 2010 criteria. After demonstrating an objective and robust response to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG), a slightly progressive clinical and neurophysiological deterioration appeared in both patients, leading to re-evaluation and confirmation of a genetic neuropathy (PMP22 and MPZ respectively). The coexistence of CMT1 and CIDP is supported by favorable clinical (GRIP, PINCH and 6-minutes-walk tests) and neurophysiological responses to immunoglobulin therapy, still currently observed.

Case 3 was at first presented as a subclinical HSMN. This patient had indeed morphological features (scoliosis, hollow feet) consistent with long-term evolution, when she was initially assessed at the age of 12 years for running disabilities. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was normal. Neurophysiological examination showed slow nerve conduction velocities around 13m/s, but also motor conduction blocks in multiple nerves. However, no mutation was found among a panel exploring more than 4000 genes. The patient then developed a rapidly progressive quadriparesis at the age of 16, which responded favorably to IVIG (GRIP test + 2kg bilaterally and a reduction of 50% of the time needed to walk 10 meters in a 4-week period). She is currently dependent on a regular immunoglobulin course and present with significant weakness when delay between infusion is increased.

Conclusion: This description adds evidence indicating an overlap between genetic neuropathies and CIDP. Indeed, defective structural myelin protein may predispose peripheral nerves to immune attacks, while neuropathies mimicking HSMN may sometimes respond to IVIG. These cases underline the challenge in confirming the diagnosis, especially in the context of expensive intravenous treatment and potential genetic counselling implication.

eP01.02.07Plasma and Skin Biomarkers for Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

Shy M¹, Nicolaisen E¹, Wu X¹, Prada V¹, Stork S¹, Villapando N¹, Zuccarino R¹, Bai Y¹, Moran J², Won S², Duong P³, Rossor A⁴, D’Antonio M³, Svaren J²

¹University Of Iowa, Iowa City, United States, ²University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, USA, ³Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, England, ⁴Division of Genetics and Cell Biology San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy

BACKGROUND: Building upon previous studies of CMT1A, we have initiated biomarker studies to identify biomarkers in other common forms of Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease, including CMT1B, CMT1X, and CMT2A. Recent studies had identified elevated levels of microRNA’s in plasma from individuals with CMT1A. The goal of this study was to determine if microRNA’s (miR) are elevated in the plasma of individuals with other common types of CMT, and to determine if Schwann cell-derived transcripts in skin can serve as biomarkers of CMT.

METHODS: We have collected plasma and skin samples from individuals with genetically confirmed cases of CMT1B, CMT1X, and CMT2A, and are evaluating plasma samples using microRNA profiling. We also have screened for plasma nerve-enriched transcripts using Nanostring analysis of skin biopsies with a custom gene Codeset based on bioinformatic analysis of peripheral nerve data sets from CMT models. Biomarker levels are correlated with other patient data to test if biomarkers levels correlate with disease severity.

RESULTS: Screening plasma miRNA revealed that muscle-derived microRNA’s (myomirs) are elevated in CMT1B, 1X, and 2A compared to controls. While the myomiRs likely reflect the progressive muscular atrophy in CMT1A, some of the elevated miRs may reflect Schwann cell processes that underlie the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition, we have further developed our nanostring assay to apply to CMT1B, CMT1X, and CMT2A, and several candidate biomarkers have emerged from pilot studies of these forms of CMT.

CONCLUSION: Several candidate biomarkers that have been developed to assess not only CMT disease status, which may provide useful treatment-responsive biomarkers for clinical trials. Some biomarkers identified so far appear to be elevated in several major forms of CMT, whereas others are more specific to a given subtype. The elevation of muscle-derived myomiR’s likely reflects ongoing muscular atrophy in individuals with CMT, and it is possible that this could provide a complementary biomarker in clinical trial design for CMT.

eP01.02.08Depression in Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A (CMT1A): Findings from a Real-World Digital Study

Thomas F¹, Sevilla T², Sivera R³, Genovese F⁴, Gray A⁵, Bull S⁶, Paoli X⁷, Sénéchal T⁷, Boutalbi Y⁷, Day L⁸, Llewellyn S⁸, Larkin M⁸

¹Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, United States, ²Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Universitate de Valencia, CIBERER, Valencia, Spain, ³Hospital Francesc de Borja, Gandia, Spain, ⁴ACMT-Rete per la malattia di Charcot-Marie-Tooth, OdV, Bologna, Italy, ⁵Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, Glenholden, United States, ⁶Charcot-Marie-Tooth UK, Christchurch, United Kingdom, ⁷Pharnext, Paris, France, ⁸Vitaccess, Oxford, United Kingdom

INTRODUCTION: This analysis aimed to examine patient-reported diagnosis of, and consequences associated with, depression among Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) patients in European and US real-world practice.

METHODS: Adults with CMT1A were recruited to an ongoing international observational study exploring the real-world impact of CMT. Data were collected via CMT&Me, a bespoke digital app developed for this study, through which participants were asked questions on demographic and employment variables. This interim analysis examined participants (n=937) from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US.

RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of participants (n=238/628 who reported other medical conditions) reported having been diagnosed with depression in addition to CMT1A; higher than in the general population. Of these, 54% (n=112/208 who also reported symptom severity) and 35% (n=72/208) reported moderate or severe CMT1A symptom severity respectively. Forty-three percent of participants diagnosed with depression (n=102/238) reported that they used, or had previously used, antidepressants.

Reported diagnosis of depression varied considerably by country. Highest rates were among participants in the US and UK (48% and 40% respectively – of which 17% (n=17/103) and 38% (n=25/66) reported severe symptom severity respectively), while lowest rates were among participants in France and Italy (29% and 18% respectively – of which 53% (n=9/17) and 31% (n=5/16) reported severe symptom severity respectively).

Of participants who responded to the EuroQol 5 Dimensions 5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) instrument (n=685), 62% reported concerns with anxiety/depression.

CONCLUSIONS: Over a third of participants reported diagnosis of depression in addition to CMT1A. This is not surprising for a disease with this symptom burden; however, depression itself as a comorbid condition represents significant disease burden and can affect treatment and outcomes for CMT1A – this warrants further analysis and exploration.

eP01.02.09Novel Variation in the Stalk Domain of KIF5A in a Patient With CMT2-Like Phenotype

Liouta E¹, Poulidou V¹, Frontistis A¹, Moschou M¹, Spilioti M¹, Kimiskidis V¹, Arnaoutoglou M¹

¹1st Neurology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece

Introduction: Mutations in the kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) gene, encoding the heavy chain of kinesin, can cause variable phenotypes ranging from Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2). The heavy chain of kinesin-1, a protein with important implication in axonal transport, consists of a motor, a stalk and a tail domain. In the majority of previous reports, most pathogenic mutations are located in the kinesin motor domain whereas variants within the stalk domain are relatively rare. Herein we describe a man with axonal neuropathy consistent with CMT2-like phenotype, in whom a novel mutation in the stalk domain of KIF5A gene has been identified.

Case presentation: We describe the case of a 15-year-old man presenting with progressive walking difficulties. The parents describe a toe-walking gait since childhood. Neurological examination revealed distal leg weakness and foot drop, normal knee-jerks and diminished ankle reflexes. There was also a mild sensory impairment with slight loss of vibration distally. From the upper limbs, no muscle weakness was detected and the tendon reflexes were normal. There were neither pyramidal signs nor bladder dysfunction. Nerve conduction studies showed symmetrically absent compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) and sensory action potentials (SNAPs) in lower limbs with normal findings from the upper limbs, consistent with sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy. Needle electromyography showed chronic neurogenic abnormalities in muscles of the lower limbs. MRI of cervical and thoracic spine revealed mild focal dilation of the central canal in C1-C4 and in the middle of the thoracic spine. Clinical exome sequencing identified a heterozygous missense mutation in the stalk domain of KIF5A gene (p.Arg707Gln), which is a single nucleotide variant (SNV), following an autosomal dominant inheritance. The same heterozygote variant was also identified in the mother of the patient who does not experience any symptoms yet. To the best of our knowledge, this nucleotide change has not been previously described, but a different amino acid change (p.Arg707Trp) has been interpreted as a variant of uncertain significance for HSP in the database ClinVar.

Conclusions: It has been proposed from previous reports that KIF5A mutations disrupt axonal transport in different ways, ultimately leading to axonal degeneration. Taking into consideration that the stalk domain allows the dimerization with another kinesin heavy chain, we could assume a potential destabilizing effect of the p.Arg707Gln mutation. The expression of KIF5A in all neurons partially explains the variety of clinical spectrum associated with KIF5A mutations, but how mutations in the same gene affect both central and peripheral motor pathways is a question that requires further research. The identification of novel mutations of this gene could potentially shed light on pathogenic mechanisms of the associated diseases.

eP01.03.01Deacetylation of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase NEDD4-1 by Sirtuin1 Regulates Axonal Growth and Treats Diabetic Neuropathy

Russell J¹, Chandrasekaran K¹, Hedayat A¹, Choi J¹

¹University Of Maryland, Baltimore, United States

Purpose: Neuronal over expression of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein, a NAD+-dependent deacetylase, prevented and reversed high fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) [Brain. 2019;142(12): 3737-3752]. NeuroSIRT1 deacetylated NEDD4-1 protein, which is a modulator of axonal and dendritic growth. The purpose of this study was to determine, if knockout of SIRT1 protein in neurons exacerbates DPN, prevents NEDD4-1 deacetylation and decreases neurite length in cultured DRG neurons.

Methods: Neuron-specific CamK2a-CRE/ERT2 mice was mated with floxed SIRT1 mice to generate an inducible nSIRT1 fl/fl mouse. Adult nSIRT1KO phenotype was induced with tamoxifen administration. nSIRT1 fl/fl and nSIRT1KO mice were fed with HFD for 4 months. A second group of mice were fed with HFD for 2 months and then an allosteric activator of SIRT1, SRT2104 (1.33 mg/kg), was added to the HFD for additional 2 months. Neuropathy end points (Sciatic Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity (SMNCV), Tail Sensory Conduction Velocity (TSNCV), Tail Motor Latency (TML) and Mechanical Allodynia (MA-Von Frey) were measured at 2 month and 4 months. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) was measured in hind-paw.

Results: There was a progressive decrease in SIRT1 protein in DRG neurons in nSIRT1KO mice. MA, NCV and IENFD were abnormal in HFD-fed mice compared to CD-fed in both nSIRT1fl/fl and nSIRT1 KO mice at 4 months. Addition of SRT2104 to the HFD after 2 months on HFD reversed changes in MA, NCV and IENFD at 4 months only in nSIRT1 fl/fl mice but not in nSIRT1 KO mice. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) protein extracts showed increased acetylation of NEDD4-1 protein in HFD mice and addition of SRT2104 prevented NEDD4-1 acetylation only in nSIRT1 fl/fl mice but not in nSIRT1 KO mice. NEDD4-1 siRNA decreased neurite growth in DRG cultures.

Conclusions: SIRT1 mediated ubiquitination is important in prevention of DPN and failure of SIRT1 activation increases the severity of DPN.

eP01.03.02CuidAME Registry: Using Process Automation and Machine Learning Technology to Build SMA Data Analytics Repository

Benavides L¹, Segovia S^1,2, Exposito J¹, Nascimento A¹

¹Neuromuscular Unit, Neuropediatrics Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, ²The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom

CuidAME is a nationwide registry established in 2019 with the aim of collecting longitudinal data on patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in Spain. CuidAME uses the SMArtCARE software developed by Open App, which guarantees the systematisation of data collection on a highly secure web platform. Currently, 11 hospitals are participating in the project and data from 240 patients have been collected. Data reporting requires prior data management to facilitate data cleaning and analysis. To date, the preparation of data has involved a manual process which has increased the workload with the consequent risk of compromising data quality. In response of these challenges, it has been decided to develop a set of IT services to automate data management, improving response times and the quality of data processing for analytics purpose.

We have used a process of automation and machine learning technology approach developed with python to improve data quality and data model structure. We have used a stepwise approach to build the data analytics repository: Step 1 - data profiling to identify data errors such as data type errors, missing and duplicated data; Step 2 - data integration from different data sources to create and unique master file; Step 3 - data quality to improve accuracy and enhance reliability; Step 4 - data approval; Step 5 - data reporting with a customized query builder. The automation process supports the data profiling, data integration, and data quality, and machine learning technology support the data quality and data approval.

The automation of processes will allow us to transform the past experiences of manual procedures into an IT service that improves results in terms of efficiency and data quality.

eP01.03.03Spinal Muscular Atrophy Disease Registries: Overview and Recent Progress

Raynaud S¹, Viscidi E¹, Youn B¹, Wang N¹, Eaton S¹, Tiar F², Kangas N³, Gooch J⁴, Makepeace C⁴, Johnson N¹, Paradis A¹

¹Biogen, Cambridge, United States, ²Biogen, Paris, France, ³Biogen, Baar, Switzerland, ⁴Biogen, Maidenhead, United Kingdom

Background: Patient registries in rare diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can play a critical role in furthering scientific understanding of the natural history of the disease, patterns of treatment use, and the effectiveness and safety of disease modifying therapies, especially in patient populations outside those included in clinical trials. Biogen supports a disease registry approach for SMA with multiple partners to enable the collection of high quality, robust real-world data to meet key data needs of the SMA community, healthcare providers, researchers, regulators, payors, and industry. An overview of these partnerships and the progress made to date is provided.

Methods: Based on guidance from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Biogen established collaborations with multiple SMA disease registries to gather robust information on disease outcomes, to characterize the natural course of SMA and evolving phenotypes, and to improve our understanding of nusinersen and other emerging treatments in a real-world setting. Over the past 6 years, work has been undertaken with registry partners to improve the capacity and capability of registries to collect reliable patient-level data, standardize data across registries to an international aligned core data set (TREAT-NMD), and provide financial support to implement data collection and ensure sustainability. The aligned data set includes information on demographics, clinical characteristics, medical history, functional outcomes, hospitalizations, and treatments for SMA.

Results: Biogen is currently partnering with 24 SMA disease registries across 22 countries, which have enrolled over 6,000 individuals living with SMA across the globe as of December 2021. As both the number of patients and the longitudinal data are continuing to grow, the data have been increasingly used to provide insights for understanding the natural history of SMA and the effectiveness and safety of nusinersen treatment. The SMA registries supported by Biogen have led to more than 20 independent publications (manuscripts and congress presentations) through 2021. Findings from registries in several European countries (Italy, Spain, and Germany) have also been included in regulatory submissions and as part of reimbursement submissions to inform treatment value in specific patient populations including adults. In 2021, registry data were used to support the inclusion of real-world evidence on nusinersen safety and effectiveness in adults with SMA into the EMA Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). These registry data, which demonstrated the benefits of nusinersen treatment in adult SMA patients, played a role in expanding access and reimbursement for Type III SMA patients in the UK who had lost the ability to walk.

Conclusions: Registry data will continue to play a critical role in addressing key questions relevant for management of SMA in patients, such as predictors of treatment response, and inform treatment decision making in a multi-treatment era of SMA. Answering these research questions will help healthcare professionals optimize outcomes for the heterogenous real-world patient population. Registry data can also help in broadening our disease understanding. Real-world evidence will continue to be used to support access and reimbursement decisions, ultimately helping more patients gain access to effective treatments.

eP01.03.04Cognitive Assessment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Akodad S¹

¹Université Libre De Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium

Introduction: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare neuromuscular disease that has a heavy burden on patients. It destroys the nerve cells in the brainstem and spinal cord that control essential skeletal muscle activity such as walking, speaking, breathing, and swallowing. According to arecent study little is known about the impact of the disease across different types of the disease (SMA type 1-4) and clinical interventions. Fortunately, the progression of SMA was shown to be halted with the help of new treatments. Patients have a prolonged life expectancy (mainly for SMA type 1), enabling patients to set longer-term life goals. Improving our knowledge on the cognitive profile is becoming mandatory however current evidence on cognitive aspects of SMA type 1 and 2 is limited and contradictory.

Indeed, the commonly used diagnostic tests usually cannot be used due to the motor and verbal limitations associated with this pathology. We are therefore conducting a clinical study to investigate cognition in SMA patients. To this end, we recommend removing physical limitations (intrinsically related to SMA) by introducing cognitive tests into the practice of “eye” targeting. The objective is to develop and validate of a new tool for the evaluation of cognitive functions of patients with SMA type 1 and 2 based on oculometric.

Methods: We developed an innovative set of cognitive tests and implemented it through an eye tracking system: Matrix subtest of Weschler non-verbal scale (WNV) of ability studying fluid reasoning and perceptual reasoning (4-13 years), Recognition subtest of WNV of ability studying visuo-spatial memory (4-8 years), the chimeric animal Stroop test studying inhibition (4-12 years),Face recognition subtest of NEPSY-II studying the face encoding, discrimination and recognition (5-13 years), Picture complement test studying the spatial reasoning (4-8 years) and Matching pair test (4-8 years). In order to validate our method, we performed the equivalent of these tests in their paper-and-pencil version from the neuropsychology routine.

Tests were performed by children aged from 4 years to 13 years.

Results: SMA children results did not significantly differ from healthy controls in each task.

Nevertheless, results must be interpreted with caution since validation of their implementation on an eye tracking system is still in progress. Furthermore, the number of SMA children needs to be increased to power the study.

Conclusions: This study investigated for the first time a set of multiple cognitive tasks in SMA children using an eye tracker device. It reinforces the hypothesis of a normal cognition in SMA children without currently confirming it. Validation of the newly implemented tests (for example with comparison to the paper version) and inclusion of new patients are still in progress to answer to the key question of the cognitive impairments of SMA, especially in type 1.

Keywords: Spinal muscular atrophy, cognition, eye tracking.

eP01.03.05SMA-REACH-UK, Adult-SMA-REACH and UK SMA-Patient-Registry an Integrated Model: Transition of Data and Longitudinal Data Collection.

Segovia S^1,2, Fitzsimmons S¹, Samsuddin S³, Anifowoshe D³, Murphy L¹, Cavalcante E³, Madden M³, Blewitt C¹, Mayhew A¹, Muni-Lofra R¹, Rohwer A³, Moss C³, Scoto M³, Baranello G³, Muntoni F³, Marini-Bettolo C¹

¹The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK., Newcastle, United Kingdom, ²Neuromuscular Unit, Neuropediatrics Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Spain, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, ³The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health., London, United Kingdom

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a form of motor neuron disease caused by a mutation in the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) which results in a wide disease spectrum affecting infants and adults. The recent advances in drug development and European Medicines Agency approval of three drugs for SMA highlight an urgent need to establish stronger clinical networks to monitor and gain a better understanding of the impact of new drugs on the natural history of the disease. The generation of real-world evidence requires the standardisation and systematic collection of data generated during routine clinical visits and data reported directly from patients.

The objective of SMA REACH UK, Adult SMA REACH and the UK SMA Patient Registry is to systematise the collection of paediatric and adult patient data to enable integrated and longitudinal analysis of clinical and patient-reported data.

In the UK there are three databases currently collecting data on SMA patients. SMA REACH UK is led by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and is a paediatric SMA clinical network and data collection study already established and actively collecting both natural history and treatment-related data. Adult SMA REACH is led by the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (JWMDRC) and is a more recently established adult SMA clinical network and data collection study. The UK SMA Patient Registry, also led by the JWMDRC, is a long-established web-based patient registry that collects patient-reported data across all ages.

SMA REACH UK and Adult SMA REACH work collaboratively and use the same IT platform for data collection. The datasets of both databases have been harmonised to enable easy data integration and transition. In addition, the UK SMA Patient Registry has established a process of data sharing of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to allow this data to be integrated with SMA REACH’s clinician-reported data for analysis. Patients included in the three projects consent to the integration and sharing of their data.

The integration of the three UK SMA databases will advance our understanding of the impact of standards of care and new therapies on the natural history of the disease and ensure continuity of data collection throughout transition. The inclusion of patient perception of the impact of the disease is ensured by integrating data directly reported by patients.

eP01.03.06Proposal of New Functional Motor Scale to Evaluate Muscle Fatigue in Adult SMA Patients

Torri F¹, Ricci G¹, Govoni A¹, Chiappini R¹, Fontanelli L¹, Manca L¹, Siciliano G¹

¹Department of Clinical and Experimental medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a potentially devastating disease affecting the lower motor neuron, carrying a significant burden on patients’ general motor skills and quality of life, characterized by a great variability in phenotypic expression, only partially due to the genetic defect. As new therapeutic options make their appearance on the scene, clinical tools aiming at defining any changes in the patients’ performance are needed along the already used RUHLM and Hammersmith scales for the upper and lower limbs, especially in adult patients undergoing treatment with Nusinersen and Risdiplam, in which the expected clinical response is a stabilization of disease progression rather than frank improvement. Here we propose a new functional motor scale evaluating the fatigue dimension for the upper and lower limbs in adult SMA patients, in order to possibly objectify variations in a quite invalidating symptom that is often reported as improving with treatment by adult SMA patients. The scale is composed by twelve timed motor tasks evaluating both the upper and the lower limbs, including sitting, standing and walking for ambulant patients. The tasks and the order in which they are proposed to the patient have been decided in order to obtain the maximum patient’s compliance and endurance and target both the proximal and the distal segments of the limbs. Moreover, many of the included tests are similar to daily life gestures and tasks that the patient may be required to achieve (i.e. fine movements of the fingers, postural changes, personal hygiene and dressing). The scale was validated in adult SMA patients and proved good intra- and inter-observer reliability. We believe that the evaluation of fatigue and endurance as an objective parameter should be an essential part in the management and follow-up of SMA adult patients.

eP01.03.07CuidAME: A New Registry for Longitudinal Data Collection of Spanish SMA Patients

Segovia S^1,2, Exposito J¹, Nungo C³, Vazquez J³, Pitarch I³, Caballero J⁴, Rodriguez-Sanchez C⁴, Pascual S⁴, Marco C⁵, Dominguez R⁵, Povedano M⁵, Pareja A⁶, Lopez-Lobato M⁶, Alvarez M⁷, Costa L⁷, Gomez-Andres D⁷, Munell F⁷, Moreno A⁸, Martinez-Salcedo E⁸, Nascimento A¹

¹Neuromuscular Unit, Neuropediatrics Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Spain, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, ²The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom, ³Pediatric Neurology of Neuromuscular Disease Unit.Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain, ⁴Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hospital la Paz, Madrid, Spain, Madrid, Spain, ⁵Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain, ⁶Servicio de Neuropediatría, Hospitales Universitarios Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain, ⁷Pediatric Neurology, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain, ⁸Neuromuscular Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital ClínicoUniversitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder characterized by loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to progressive muscle atrophy, weakness, and disability. Natural history of SMA has changed due to improvements in treatment and technological advances. However, the real-world evidence of the outcome of new treatments is unknown and registries can be a useful tool for this purpose. The aim of CuidAME Registry is to collect Longitudinal Data of Spanish SMA patients.

CuidAME uses Smartcare platform to collect retrospective and prospective data on all SMA patients, regardless of their treatment regimen, collected during routine clinical visits and updated every eight months.

Herein we analysed the baseline data collected for 104 seen at 7 different hospitals. We included 104 patients: 20% were SMA type 1, 60% type 2, 18% type 3, and 2% type 4. 71 patients (68%) were treated, all received Nursinersen except two who received Zolgensma and one who received Risdiplam. Mean age at baseline visit was 5.98 (0-39). 57 % of patients were female. For SMA type 1, the mean age was 4y.o. (0-9), 81% were treated, 82% were able to sit, 70,6% used Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and 41.1% used a feeding tube. For SMA type 2, the mean age was 11y.o. (2-37), 64,5% were treated, 82,5% were able to sit, 45% used NIV, 2.5% used a feeding tube, and 30% had a scoliosis surgery. The mean age for the SMA type 3A was 9 y.o (3-16). and 11 y.o. (7-65) for 3B. 68,42% (19) were treated, 69% (13) were able to walk. None of the SMA type 3 patients had scoliosis surgery nor ventilatory support.

These are the results of the baseline visit. In the final poster the first year data with longitudinal data analysis will be presented.

CuidAME is providing a platform for harmonizing and systematising data collection across centers in Spain and it will promote national and international collaboration between centers and registries expanding the knowledge on SMA.

eP01.03.08Swallowing Evaluation in Treated SMA Patients – A Pilot Prospective Study

Benmechri S¹, Tahon V², De Vos E², Christiaens A¹, Deconinck N^1,2

¹ Paeditric neurology department and Neuromuscular Reference Center ULB ,Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola (HUDERF), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium, ²Neuromuscular Reference Center (NMRC), UZ Ghent, Ghent, Belgium

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders associated with degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and, in the most severely affected patients, brain stem. Recent new therapies have demonstrated clear progress on survival, and general motor function. However, swallowing problems is a common complication in SMA type 1 but also in SMA type 2 that still requires better evaluation methods.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of a swallowing questionnaire (Qdeglut) and the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI, kPa) as a marker of the oral phase of swallowing in a cohort of treated SMA patients.

Methods: We prospectively included (n= 25) normally developing (ND) children aged between 3 and 15 years old and 20 age matched children with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of SMA. All SMA patients were receiving a SMN2 splicing modifying therapy at inclusion. All patients underwent at least one IOPI pressure measurement and Qdeglut. Repeated measures are ongoing. The CHOP INTEND and HMFSE was used as a measure of motor function.

Results: ND children showed consistent lip, tongue, and masticatory pressures that were expected for their ages with tight standard deviations, and a positive correlation with age. Taken as group SMA patients showed lower pressure values than age matched ND children. Pathological scores on Qdeglut were correlated with lower pressures in SMA patients. Finally, a clear correlation between pressure and SMA type was observed.

Conclusion: From this pilot project, we could show that IOPI measurement system and Qdeglut can be applied reliably and easily in the context of a simple outpatient consultation. Early results indicate that SMA patients, although benefitting from a disease modifying therapy, demonstrate clear weaker inter-lips, palate lingual and masticatory pressures. Impairment appears to be more severe along the SMA spectrum (SMA1>SMA2>SMA3). Additional longitudinal data will be presented.

eP01.03.09Safety and Effectiveness of Onasemnogene Abeparvovec Alone or with Other Disease-Modifying Therapies: Findings from RESTORE

Servais L¹, Benguerba K², De Vivo D³, Kirschner J⁴, Muntoni F⁵, Proud C⁶, Tizzano E⁷, Saito K⁸, Raju D⁹, LaMarca N⁹, Sun R⁹, Anderson F¹⁰, Faulkner E⁹, Finkel R¹¹

¹MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University Of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom, ²Novartis Gene Therapies Switzerland GmbH, Rotkreuz, Switzerland, ³Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, USA, ⁴Clinic for Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disease, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, ⁵The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health & Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK, ⁶Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Norfolk, USA, ⁷Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Valle Hebron, Barcelona, Spain, ⁸Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan, ⁹Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., Bannockburn, USA, ¹⁰Center for Outcomes Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, USA, ¹¹Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, USA

Objective: We sought to describe the safety and effectiveness of onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA) alone or in association with other disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in a real-world setting.

Methods: We evaluated patients with two or three copies of the survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) gene receiving OA alone or in combination with any other DMTs in RESTORE (an ongoing, prospective, multicenter, multinational, observational SMA patient registry).

Results: As of May 23, 2021, data were available for 197 patients who had received OA. Of these, 97 (49.2%) received OA alone (Group 1), while 40 (20.3%) and 60 (30.5%) received OA before (Group 2) or after (Group 3) another DMT, respectively. All patients in Group 3 received nusinersen before OA. No patients received risdiplam before OA. Clinical characteristics of the study patients are presented by treatment regimen in Table 1. For patients with two or more milestone assessments (one or more occurring after OA administration; n=72), 47 (65.3%) achieved additional milestones, including 27/47 (57.4%) in Group 1, 11/47 (23.4%) in Group 2, and 9/47 (19.1%) in Group 3. There was no significant difference in time to first milestone achievement after OA administration between the three groups (p>0.05). Changes in motor function scores were also similar between treatment groups (p>0.05). Median changes in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders scores for patients in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 7 (IQR, 5–11.5, n=24 with 19 patients [79.2%] achieving an increase of ≥4 points), 9 (IQR, 5–21, n=15 with 12 patients [80%] achieving an increase of =4 points), and 4.5 (IQR, 0.75–13, n=14 with eight patients [57.1%] achieving an increase of ≥4 points), respectively. Median changes in Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded scores for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 6 (IQR, 1.5–25.5, n=5 with four patients [80%] achieving an increase of ≥3 points), 13 (IQR, 0–16.5, n=5 with three patients [60%] achieving an increase of =3 points), and 4 (IQR, 0.5–12, n=5 with three patients [60%] achieving an increase of ≥3 points), respectively. Median changes in Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination scores for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 3.5 (IQR 2–11.25, n=10), 4 (IQR 0.5–5.5, n=5), and 3 (IQR 0–12.5, n=5), respectively. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of any grade were recorded for 33 (34.0%) patients in Group 1. Of these, 12 (12.4%) patients reported TEAEs of Grade ≥3. In Group 2, TEAEs were reported in 18 (45%) patients, with 10 (25%%) reporting TEAEs of Grade ≥3. For patients in Group 3, TEAEs were reported for 38 (63.3%) patients, with 19 (31.7%) reporting TEAEs of Grade ≥3. No new safety signals were identified during the study.

Conclusions: Based on the data available from the RESTORE registry, similar real-world effectiveness was observed in patients receiving OA monotherapy compared with patients who switched from nusinersen or patients who received subsequent DMTs. Patients who received nusinersen before OA appear to have experienced greater frequency and severity of adverse events.

eP01.03.10Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere Syndrome, Temporary Clinical Stabilization with Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) and MRI Abnormalities

Martínez-Esteban P¹, Alvarez-Toledo K², Mattos-Castillo J², Méndez-Dávalos C¹, Bobadilla E³

¹Instituto Nacional De Salud Del Niño San Borja, Lima, Peru, ²Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru, ³Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogota, Colombia

INTRODUCTION: Riboflavin transporter deficiency(RTD) is a rare neurological disease that includes Brown Vialetto Van Laere syndrome(BVVL) and Fazio Londe syndrome(FL), as a result from heterozygous or homozygous pathogenic variants in SLC52A2 and ALC52A3 genes, producing neurodegeneration.(1,2)

BVVL syndrome is characterized by motor-sensory neuropathy, sensorineural hearing loss, cranial nerve disorders, optic atrophy, upper and lower motor neuron involvement, ataxia and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.(1,2)

CLINICAL CASE: Male 1 year 10 months, without relevant medical history, was admitted having with 3 months of disease; beginning with right peripheral facial paralysis, dysarthria and dysphagia, progressing to facial diparesis, respiratory distress and difficulty walking.

On admission, the patient was awake, alert, preserved eye movements, photoreactive pupils, ophthalmoscopy showed bitemporal papillary pallor, facial diplegia, decreased gag reflex. Proximal quadriparesis, preserved sensation and preserved osteotendinous reflexes.

The Brain tomography, cerebrospinal fluid study(CSF) and heavy metal dosage were negative.

Four days after admission he developed acute respiratory failure, requiring mechanical ventilation. Electrodiagnostic(EDX) studies showed decreased amplitudes of compound muscle action potentials. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of the brain was normal, spinal MRI in T1w with gadolinium showed enhancement of the lumbo-sacral roots (Figure-1), for which an autoimmune pathology was suspected, starting intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIg).

Two weeks after admission, he presented global hiperreflexia and bilateral Babinski, a control brain/spinal MRI was performed with similar findings on admission, starting a 2nd cycle of IVIg, showing improvement in muscle strength, disappearance of hiperreflexia and Babinski.

After 1 month of admission, EDX studies showed active denervation in upper extremity muscles suggestive of lower motor neuron pathology. The CSF study remained normal.

Two months after admission, he became encephalopathic, whit reappearing global hiperreflexia and bilateral Babinski. The electroencephalogram recorded slow generalized activity. Due to clinical worsening and response observed previously to IVIg, plasmapheresis was started, with no improvement.

Due to the torpid evolution and the lack of response to treatment, RTD was suspected. Brainstem auditory potentials showed bilateral neurosensorial hearing los, with this finding BVVL syndrome was suspected, and treatment with riboflavin was immediately started, with a favorable clinical response.

The genetic study found an alteration in the SLC52A3 gene, variant c.1156T>C (p.Cys386Arg) in homozygosis, classified as of uncertain significance(VUS).

DISCUSSION: Due to the clinical presentation, the involvement of cranial nerves, upper and lower motor neuron involvement, the need for mechanical ventilation and hearing loss and MRI abnormalities of nerve roots, SBVVL was suspected as the best diagnostic alternative. (1-3)

SBVVL is potentially treatable disease, therefore riboflavin should be instituted when clinically suspected. (4-6) During the evolution, we observed a partial response and temporary stabilization of symptoms with IVIg, which has been previously reported in isolated cases. (7) Although the mechanism by which IVIg has a favorable and transitory effect is still unknown.

Although the genetic mutation found was classified as VUS, this mutation was described in a patient 2 years 06 months, with similar clinical characteristics (6). In addition, the segregation study showed the same variant in each of the heterozygous parents, so we assume that the variant found should be reclassified.

eP01.03.11A Compound Heterozygous Mutationin Calpain-1 Identifies a New Gene for Spinal Muscular Atrophytype-4

Perez Siles G^1,2, Ellis M¹, Grosz B^1,2, Vucic S⁴, Kiernan M^3,5, Morris K⁴, Reddel S³, Kennerson M^1,2,6

¹Northcott Neuroscience Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, Australia, ²Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney., Sydney, Australia, ³Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, ⁴Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia, ⁵Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital., Sydney, Australia, ⁶Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular diseases characterized by degeneration of anterior horn cells of the spinal cord, leading to muscular atrophy and weakness. Although the major cause of SMA is autosomal recessive exon deletions or loss-of-function mutations of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, next generation sequencing technologies are increasing the genetic heterogeneity of SMA. SMA type 4 (SMA4) is an adult onset, less severe form of SMA for which genetic and pathogenic causes remain elusive.Whole exome sequencing in a 30-year-old brother and sister with SMA4 identified a compound heterozygous mutation (p. G492R/p. F610C) in calpain-1 (CAPN1). Mutations in CAPN1 have been previously associated with cerebellar ataxia and hereditary spastic paraplegia. Using skin fibroblasts from a patient bearing the p. G492R/p. F610C mutation, we demonstrate reduced levels of CAPN1 protein and protease activity. Functional characterization of the SMA4 fibroblasts revealed no changes in SMN protein levels and subcellular distribution. Additional cellular pathways associated with SMA remain unaffected in the patient fibroblasts, highlighting the tissue specificity of CAPN1 dysfunction in SMA4 pathophysiology. This study provides genetic and functional evidence of CAPN1 as a novel gene for the SMA4 phenotype and expands the phenotype of CAPN1 mutation disorders.

eP01.04.01COVID-19: Retrospective Analysis in Neuromuscular Disease Patient’s Impact on Healthcare, Quality of Life and Anxiety

Buscemi L¹, Delstanche S², Demortier F¹, Dubois C¹, Duclos M¹, Medard L¹, Servais L³

¹Department of Paediatrics, CHU Liège/University of Liège, Belgium, ²University department of neurology, CHR Citadelle de Liège, Belgium, ³MDUK Neuromuscular Center, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, UK

In March 2020, Belgium followed the world sanitary regulations related to covid-19, and instaured a general lockdown. To prevent health care saturation, only urgent consultations were allowed to happen face-to-face. This situation has largly impacted the activity of chronic patients care, including in the NeuroMuscular disease Reference Center (NMRC) of Liège.

In order to measure the impact of lockdown on patients’ health, we set up a retrospective analysis with data collected in 680 patients, adults and children followed at the NMRC Liège. We collected demographic, medical, social, quality of life and anxiety data. We found that 25.1% of neuromuscular adults patients presented with a significative change (< 5%) of weight. 22.53% of adults and 21.26% of children experienced change regarding medical support, 26.0% of adults and 25.5% of children regarding social aids support, 32.2% of adults and 32.3% of children regarding paramedical support and, finally, 37.7% of adults and 46.9% of children regarding their family environement. Anxiety was reported by 36.3% and 41.8% of children and adults, respectively. Anxiety was mostly reported to be caused by loneliness and fear for relatives. Comparing in pre and post lockdown the standardized ActiVlim questionnaire that measures patient autonomy, we found that 35.4% of adults (n=147) were overall stable whilst 31.3% reported progress and 33.3% reported decline. Similar comparison in children (n= 35) demonstrated stability in 17.1%, progress in 45.7% and decline in 37.1%.

A clear disease specificity was observed in Activlim data when we compare pre and post surveys. For example, children with SMA disease tended to stabilize in quality of life questionnaire and even progressed for some. This is consistent with the fact that these patients are treated with newly available disease modifying treatments. On the other hand, ALS patients tended to lose a very significant part of their autonomy during this lockdown, which is of course related to the course of the disease itself.

Our study helps to better appreciate the impact of lockdown on neuromuscular patients, and could add further evidence in the benefit/risk balance of lockdown on the health of vulnerable population.

eP01.04.02COVID-19-Related Neuropathy in Colombia: The Experience During the First 23 Months Of Pandemic

Peña Guzmán L^1,2, Rodríguez Hernández L^1,2, Gómez Mazuera A^1,2

¹Fundación Santa Fé De Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia, ²Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia

COVID-19-related neuropathy in Colombia: the experience during the first 23 months of pandemic

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has a high neuroinvasive capacity due to the increased expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor 2 (ACE-2) in neurons (1) and it is believed that the mechanism by which it can cause injury to the nervous system peripheral nervous system is immune-mediated, although a direct cytotoxic effect of the virus cannot be ruled out (2). Multiple types of neuropathy associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described, the most frequent being Guillain-Barré syndrome, pre-existing diabetes, compression neuropathies and drugs used to treat symptoms of COVID-19 (3).

Objetives: To characterize the patients who were referred to the electromyography laboratory at the Fundacion Santa Fé de Bogotá, Colombia due to suspected COVID-19-related neuropathy

Methods: Descriptive observational study, case series type. The electrodiagnostic studies carried out between January 2020 and December 2022 in the electromyography laboratory at the Fundacion Santa Fé de Bogotá, Colombia with suspected COVID-19-related neuropathy were reviewed.

Results: 94 patients were evaluated in the electromyography laboratory with suspected COVID-19-related neuropathy between January 2020 and December 2021, of which 53% (50/94) were men. The average age was 54.8 years. 32% (30/94) had severe COVID and 31% (29/94) were hospitalized in the ICU.

Most of the studies were normal: 35% (33/94). Of the abnormal findings, it was found in order of frequency: symmetric motor and sensory axonal polyneuropathy in 21.2%, and of this group of patients, 55% were in the ICU, 35% had no data and 20% were hospitalized-not ICU. 18% presented compression neuropathy of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, 6.3% asymmetric motor and sensory axonal neuropathy, 6.3% suggestive findings of cervical and/or lumbosacral root involvement, 4.2% Guillain Barré syndrome, 4.2% compression neuropathy of the peroneal nerve, 2.1% brachial plexus axonal injury, 2.1% peroneal nerve axonal injury, 2.1% radial axonal injury, 2.1% myopathic changes, 1% hypoglossal nerve axonal injury, 1% symmetric axonal and demyelinating polyneuropathy, 1% hereditary neuropathy, 1% asymmetric demyelinating neuropathy, 1% axonal injury of the sciatic nerve, 1% axonal injury of the median nerve in the forearm, 1% axonal injury of the lumbosacral plexus, 1% compression neuropathy of the ulnar nerve in the elbow and 1% axonal injury from a sensory branch of the median nerve.

Conclusions: The most frequent abnormality in the study was symmetric motor and sensory axonal polyneuropathy, which can be explained by the prolonged ICU stay, which increases the risk of Critical illnes Neuropathy.

References

1. Natoli S, Oliveira V, Calabresi P, Maia L, Pisani A. Does SARS-Cov-2 invade the brain? Translational lessons from animal models. Eur J Neurol. 2020, 0: 1–10

2. Paliwal V, Garg R, Gupta A, Tejan N. Neuromuscular presentations in patients with COVID-19. Neurol Sci. 2020 Nov;41(11):3039-3056

3. Finsterer, Scorza F, Scorza C, Fiorini A. Peripheral neuropathy in COVID-19 is due to immune-mechanisms, pre-existing risk factors, anti-viral drugs, or bedding in the Intensive Care Unit. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2021 Oct;79(10):924-928.

eP01.04.03Myositis And Myocarditis With Anti-Jo-1 Antibodies Following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination Or COVID-19 Infection

Raaphorst J¹, Willems M¹, Kamperman R¹, Walter H¹, Smithuis F², Aronica E³, Kok W⁴, Boekholdt M⁴, de Groot L⁵, van Leeuwen E⁶, van Onna M⁷, Wieske L¹, Eftimov F¹, Gelderman K⁸, Hamann D⁹, van der Molen R¹⁰, van Lochem E¹¹, Meek B¹², Schreurs M¹³, van der Kooi A¹

¹Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ²Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ³Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁴Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁵ Department of Rheumatology, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, The Netherlands, ⁶Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam institute for Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁷Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam UMC, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁸Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory AMC/UvA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁹Department of Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands, ¹⁰Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, ¹¹Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands, ¹²Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands, ¹³Department of Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Background: Myocarditis without myositis has been described following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The literature on post-vaccine antibody mediated myositis is limited and to date no case series have been reported with a distinct clinical syndrome and a single myositis specific antibody, related to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination or COVID-19.

Over a 6-month period in 2021, 54 patients were referred to our tertiary referral centre for suspected myositis. Out of 25 patients with a diagnosis of myositis, we identified three patients with a distinct clinical syndrome with myositis and myocarditis with anti-Jo-1 antibodies, following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination (BNT162-Pfizer-BioNtech; n=2) or following a mild COVID-19 infection (n=1).

Results: Three patients (one woman, two men; 49, 50 and 58 years old) developed progressive muscle weakness and muscle pain following either vaccination (patient 1 and 2) or mild COVID-19 infection (patient 3). Patients 2 and 3 had a history of anti-CCP positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which had been untreated for three years in patient 2.

Both post-vaccine cases had severe pitting edema of the legs, patient 2 also had arthritis. None of the patients had mechanic’s hands, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or interstitial lung disease (ILD). The time interval between the SARS-CoV-2 trigger and the onset of progressive muscle weakness was between 10 and 14 days (patient 1 and 3) and was estimated between three and seven days in patient 2. Laboratory tests showed highly elevated CK levels (17-32 times upper limit of normal (ULN)) and troponine T levels (14-34 times ULN). In patient 2, in addition, troponin I was tested (42 times ULN), which is more specific for myocardial involvement. In patient 1 supraventricular tachycardia, unspecific ST- and T-wave abnormalities and elevated NTproBNP were found. In all patients, testing for myositis specific antibodies (MSAs; EUROline myositis 16 Ag. line-blot assay) showed anti-Jo-1 antibodies (semi-quantitatively in the highest possible range). Muscle MRI showed widespread muscle edema in all patients and extensive fascial and subcutaneous edema in the legs in the post-vaccine cases (figure 1). Muscle biopsies showed inflammatory myopathy. Cardiac MRI showed abnormalities in all patients: pericardial effusion and/or late contrast enhancement of the epicardial myocardium (figure 1). All patients showed major improvement in response to immunosuppressive therapy and could discontinue high-dosed steroids after three and six months.

Discussion: In conclusion, we report three patients with a distinct clinical picture of anti-Jo-1 myositis and myocarditis without ILD, following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination or COVID-19. Although it is difficult to determine a causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and anti-Jo-1 myositis based on these small numbers, we suspect a SARS-CoV-2 trigger of anti-synthetase syndromes given the typical combination of symptoms and previously demonstrated association with antecedent viral infections.

In addition, we have collected nationwide data on myositis specific antibodies (MSAs) in 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 2021 (during COVID-19) from six medical centers in the Netherlands. We are currently analysing these data to examine whether the proportion of positive MSAs in 2021 is higher as compared to 2019. The results will be presented at the ICNMD.

eP01.04.04Guillain-Barre Syndrome in 220 Patients with COVID-19.

Finsterer J¹, Scorza F¹

¹Neurolgy Neurophysiolgy Center, Postfach 20, Austria

Objectives: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an established manifestation of neuro-COVID. Here we summarise and discusses recent findings concerning the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of SARS-CoV-2-associated GBS (SC2-GBS).

Methods: Literature review

Results: By the end of December 2020, at least 220 patients with SC2-GBS have been published in 95 papers. SC2-GBS is most likely secondary due to an immune reaction against SARS-CoV-2 since the virus has not been found in the CSF of any SC2-GBS patient so far reported. SC2-GBS occurs in each age group, does not differ from non-SC2-GBS regarding clinical presentation and treatment but the outcome of SC2-GBS is worse compared to non-CS2-GBS patients, and the prevalence/incidence of GBS most likely increased since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Conclusions: SC2-GBS is most likely secondary to an immune reaction against SARS-CoV-2 since the virus has not been found in CSF of any SC2-GBS patient reported. SC2-GBS occurs at any age. SC2-GBS does not differ from non-SC2-GBS regarding clinical presentation and treatment but the outcome of SC2-GBS is worse compared to non-CS2-GBS patients. The prevalence/incidence of GBS most likely increased since the outbreak of the pandemic. Since there are no studies about the optimal treatment of SC2-GBS subtypes available, they should be treated empirically in the same way as non-SC2-GBS subtypes. Early diagnosis of SC2-GBS is warranted because if appropriate treatment is applied in due time the overall outcome from the infection may improve.

eP01.04.05IVIg Treatment in Chronic Inflammatory Neuropathies During the COIVD19 Pandemic

Baranska J¹, Lipowska M¹, Sobieszczuk E¹, Kierdaszuk B¹, Kostera- Pruszczyk A¹

¹Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland

During the COVID19 pandemic, there were changes in the organization of healthcare together with immunoglobulins shortage, which had influence on cyclic treatment regimens in some patients. In Poland, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment is used only as inpatient treatment, which was challenging during the COVID19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to assess how the COVID19 pandemic influenced the therapy regimen and the course of the disease in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) treated with cyclic IVIg.

Materials and methods: 15 patients were cyclically treated with IVIg our center: 8 with MMN (5F and 3M) mean age 54.6 years and 7 with CIDP (3F and 4M) mean age 51 years. Three periods were compared: before the pandemic (Jan.2019-Feb.2020) and two periods during the pandemic: I (Mar-Dec.2020), II (Jan-Dec.2021). The following parameters were assessed: mean doses (g / kg bw / week), mean intervals between drug administrations (weeks) and treatment efficacy assessed using functional scales: for MMN-INCAT, MMN-RODS, for CIDP-INCAT.

Results: During the pandemic, lengthening of the intervals between administrations or reduction of the doses per treatment were observed in the majority of patients. A reduction in mean doses was demonstrated in 4/8 patients with MMN and CIDP in 1/7 compared to period I pandemic and in 3/7 compared to period II pandemic. Due to disease progression, the mean dose was increased in 3/8 patients with MMN. Prolongation of intervals was observed in 3/8 patients with MMN and 3/7 with CIDP. Most patients had a point in time when symptoms worsened (worsening of INCAT by at least 1) due to lack of treatment in MMN in 6/8 and in CIDP in 5/7, reversible with increased dose. The extension of the intervals resulted not only from the pandemic restrictions, but from the limited availability of IVIg as well. No statistically significant differences were found between the mean periods, between consecutive IVIg administrations and the mean IVIg doses in the periods before the pandemic and during the pandemic (I, II) and functional assessments at the end of analyzed period.

Conclusion: The limited availability of IVIg and epidemiological restrictions during the COVID19 pandemic required modification of treatment regimens. Drug dose reduction and prolongation of the intervals between drug administrations, lead in the majority of CIDP patients to temporary deterioration in functional status, reversible by increased dosage of IVIg.

eP01.04.06Quality of Life of Myasthenia Gravis Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic – One Year Follow Up

Stojanov A¹, Djordjevic G, Stojanov J, Petrovic S

¹Clinic Of Neurology, Unniversity Clinical Center Nis, Nis, Serbia

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the largest pandemic of our times. Pandemics are severe stressors to vulnerable groups (such as patients with chronic diseases) and this highly contagious disease exerts considerable impacts on mental health. We wanted to investigate the possible impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life (QoL) of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients and potential changes during the period of one year.

Methods: Data on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of MG was collected. We used a self-designed questionnaire (consisting of 12 questions), a revised 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MGQOL15r), a 36-item health survey of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF36), Hamilton scales for the assessment of anxiety (HAM-A) and depression (HAMD) were used. The actual severity of the clinical manifestation was estimated using MG activities of daily life (MGADL). We reassessed patients in April and May 2021, who were tested during April 2020 using the same questionnaires.

Results: The study included 57 adult MG patients. We noticed a statistically significant difference between the results obtained at these two time points regarding scores on MGQOL15r (p<0.05). The obtained scores were significantly better in 2021. Some scores on SF-36 subscales were also better in 2021 than in 2020 (such as social functioning, emotional well-being, role limitation due to emotional problems) (p<0.05). MGQOL15r and SF36 scores correlate with severe clinical manifestation, high scores on HAM-A and HAM-D (p<0.01). Higher scores on HAM-D and fear that MG symptoms will be worse if the patient gets an upper respiratory infection were independent predictors of the lower SF36 scores. Regarding MGQOL15r independent predictors of the higher score were higher scores on HAM-D.

Conclusions: QoL of myasthenia gravis patients improved during the pandemic. It is important for healthcare workers to provide professional therapeutic advice and psychosocial support for this population of patients during the pandemic.

eP01.04.07COVID Spike Antibodies in Neuromuscular Conditions: A KU Experience

Pasnoor M¹, Tajuddin A¹, Jawdat O¹, Farmakidis C¹, Jabari D¹, Heim A¹, Higgs K¹, Dimachkie M¹

¹The University Of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States

Background: Little is known about the immune response to COVID vaccination in immune suppressed neuromusuclar patients. Multiple studies showed variable data regarding the effect of immunosuppression on the immune response to the vaccination.

Objective: To evaluate the COVID spike antibody levels in patients with various neuromuscular conditions who received vaccination and assess the effect of immunosuppressive therapies on antibody levels.

Method: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients in neuromuscular clinic who had COVID antibody testing. We collected demographic, clinical, diagnostic and treatment information. Descriptive statistics was performed on the data obtained.

Results: The total number of patients enrolled in the study were129, 64 male and 65 female . The mean age of the patients enrolled was 64.82 ±14.50 and the mean duration of antibody acquisition since date of last vaccination dose was 172 days. The number of patients on immunosuppressive therapies was 88(68.2%), 47(53.41%) had high antibody titer (>250), 31(35.23%) had low antibody titer (0.4-250), 9(10.23%) had undetected antibody titer (<0.4) and 1 (1.1%) had detected unmeasured titer. Immunosuppressive therapies included steroids, methotrexate, azathioprine, myophenolate mofetil, eculizumab, efgartigimod, intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab. The other group of patients who were not on immunosuppressive medication were 41 (31.8%), 28 (68.29%) showed high antibody titer (>250), 9(21.95%) showed low antibody titer (0.4-250), 1(2.44%) showed undetected titer (>0.4) and 3(7.32%) had detected unmeasured titer. 50% of patient who were on rituximab showed undetected antibody titer and 60% of patients who received eculizumab had low antibody titer. 45% of patients on immunosuppressive drugs did not develop adequate spike antibodies levels to vaccination, compared to 24% on no immunosuppressive therapies.

Conclusions: Our study reveals modest impact of immunosuppression on COVID spike antibody titer. While this finding is limited by small number of patients and heterogeneity in therapies, age and interval between vaccination and antibody testing, our finding supports the importance of booster vaccine in this patient population.

eP01.04.08Parsonage-Turner Syndrome after COVID-19 Vaccination

Van Boxstael E¹, Maldonado Slootjes S¹, Dorban S¹

¹CHU UCL Namur, Godinne, Yvoir, Belgium

Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is an inflammatory disorder of the brachial plexus, which typically presents as severe neuropathic pain, followed by rapid multifocal weakness and amyotrophy of the upper limb. Triggering events such as infection, vaccination and trauma have been described.

We present the case of a 53-year-old man who developed PTS twelve days after receiving a second dose of the AZD1222 vaccine against COVID19 (Oxford/AstraZeneca), as confirmed by electroneuromyography and MRI of the brachial plexus. As common triggering events were excluded, we consider the AZD1222 vaccine as possible trigger.

Even though causality cannot be proven, we present this case of PTS following COVID-19 vaccination to raise awareness amongst caregivers to identify this underrecognized plexopathy timely. We will discuss PTS pathophysiology and the possible link between PTS and COVID19 vaccination.

eP01.04.09Multi-Centre Study to Assess the Safety of Alglucosidasi and of Laronidasi in Home Infusion Setting

Scarpa M, Parini R, Sacchini M, Crescimanno G, Fiumara A, Fischetto R, Gasperini S, Siciliano G, Ravaglia S, Sechi A, Piperno A, Cianci V, Maggi L, Musumeci O, Taurisano R, Verrecchia E, Toscano A¹

¹Sanofi, Milano, Italy

Background – During Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the temporary and exceptional authorization 341/2020 0f the Italian Drug Agency (AIFA), allowed to guarantee the adherence to treatment for patients with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) through home therapy. Stable patients affected with Pompe Disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) could then receive regular Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) infusions at home. Indeed, a data collection seemed to us a good opportunity to assess the safety of home infusions and thus fill the existing information gap.

Methods - This is an Italian, multicenter, non-interventional, double cohort study sponsored by Sanofi Genzyme with both retrospective and prospective data collection to obtain safety information on ERT treatment of Pompe Disease and Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) patients in a home-care setting. The study will enroll 60 patients at 15 sites. The retrospective observation will start from the first ERT infusions in a homecare setting and the prospective observation will last after 12 months from the enrollment. During the control visits, investigators will administer the questionnaires and will record any documented clinical data occurred during the home infusions.

Objectives - This study aims at obtaining safety information on patients with Pompe Disease treated with Myozyme® (alglucosidase alfa) and of patients with MPS I treated with Aldurazyme® (laronidase) in a home-care setting, as well as evaluating personal satisfaction of both cohorts of patients and documenting infusion compliance.

Conclusions – The outcomes will mirror real-life management of patients in home-care infusion setting, including safety profile, treatment compliance and quality of life.

Keywords: COVID-19, Lysosomal storage disorders, Enzyme Replacement Therapy, Pompe Disease, MPS I, Alglucosidase alfa, Laronidase, Home-care setting, Safety profile, Quality of Life

eP01.04.10Clinical Course of Four Neuromuscular Disease Patients Infected COVID-19

Ishii A¹, Tsuji H¹, Mamada N¹, Ogawa R¹, Kurihara Y¹, Hitomi S

¹University Of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan

Introduction: Information on COVID-19 infection prevention measures and vaccines for patients with neuromuscular diseases has been sufficiently disseminated, but the details of the actual course of infected patients are rarely directly involved by neurologists. We report four cases of COVID-19 with neuromuscular diseases and were able to observe their progress.

Subjects: 1 case of multiple sclerosis (MS), 1 case of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy / dermatitis (CIDP / DM), 1 case of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and one Duchenne muscular dystrophy carrier (DMD-C) were examined.

Result: MS: A 32-year-old man who was taking fingolimod, but improved by waiting at home, and he did not relapse. CIDP / DM: 54-year-old female, PSL, taking tacrolimus, using remdesivir for pneumonia. After recovery, peripheral neuropathy worsened, and steroid pulse treatment was added. LGMD: 48-year-old female Although she had pneumonia, she did not need to be ventilated and improved with only oxygen administration and favipiravir without deterioration of% VC. DMD-C: 59-year-old female, improved only by oxygen administration. The DMD (second son, 29 years old) who were cared by her was hospitalized because no one could care him.

Discussion: All cases were affected prior to vaccination. Regarding CIDP, there was a case report of deterioration after illness, and this case also deteriorated and required treatment. LGMD / DMD-C did not show any deterioration in respiratory function. It is a study of a small number of cases, and it is necessary to accumulate future cases.

eP01.05.01Muscle Inflammation Drives Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Inclusion Body Myositis

Meyer S¹, Scholle L², Zechel S³, Kummer S^4,5, Kazmaier L¹, Götze R¹, Kummer K¹, Zierz S², Stadelmann C³, Sehmisch S^6,7, Lorenz H⁶, Hell A⁶, Zschüntzsch J¹, Schmidt J^1,8,9

¹Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany, ²Clinic of Neurology, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany, ³Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany, ⁴Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany, ⁵Risk Group 4 Pathogens – Stability and Persistence, Biosafety Level-4 Laboratory, Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany, ⁶Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany, ⁷Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Center Hannover, Hannover, Germany, ⁸Department of Neurology and Pain Treatment, University Hospital of the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany, ⁹Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany

Background: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an inflammatory myopathy in patients above fifty years of age, presenting with progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Histopathological findings include autoreactive inflammation, muscular protein degeneration as well as mitochondrial impairment. Mitochondrial changes characterized by COX-deficiency, mtDNA-mutations and pathological mitochondrial proliferation are abundantly present in IBM compared to other forms of myositis. The role of mitochondria during IBM pathogenesis has yet remained elusive. We hypothesized that chronic muscle inflammation can trigger mitochondrial damage, which would diminish levels of ATP and cause muscle weakness and wasting.

Methods: Expression of genes responsible for mitochondrial fusion and fission (DNM1L, Fis1, Mfn1/2) was assessed by RT-PCR for 14 IBM patients and 10 healthy donors. Muscle tissue samples were obtained from diagnostic biopsies of four patients with IBM and compared to two non-myopathic controls regarding expression of markers of inflammation, protein degeneration and mitochondrial damage. Human primary myotubes were studied in a well-established inflammatory cell culture model of IBM that allowed assessment of mitochondrial morphology and function. Mediators of mitochondrial fission and fusion were examined by Western Blot and immunocytochemistry. Mitochondrial function was assessed via spectrophotometry of COXIV activity as well as seahorse metabolic cell analysis.

Results: Expression of MHCI, αB-crystallin, iNOS, 6E10 and p62 was increased in IBM muscle samples compared to controls. Mitochondrial damage was evidenced by an increased rate of COX-deficiency and increased TOM20 levels. A significant co-upregulation of TOM20 and MHCI (p<0.0001) as well as TOM20 and αB-crystallin (p<0.0001) was observed. Non-myopathic individuals showed a positive correlation between mitochondrial fusion/fission genes and age, whereas this correlation was absent in IBM, suggestive of dysregulated mitochondrial function. In vitro, exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-1β led to a shift of the mitochondrial network morphology towards fragmentation. STED microscopy after 72 hours of cytokine exposure revealed a mitochondrial fragmentation rate of 37.9% compared to 16.8% in the control group (p=0.011). Protein level of the fission mediator Drp1 was increased and COX IV activity was significantly reduced after 72hours of cytokine exposure (p=0.013). Seahorse analysis identified a trend towards reduced ATP production upon pro-inflammatory cytokine exposure of muscle cells.

Conclusion: We demonstrate a dysregulation of mitochondrial fusion and fission in IBM, suggesting a disturbance of the mitochondrial quality control in this disorder, which can readily explain the known mitochondria pathology in IBM muscle. Our ex vivo data demonstrate that, in IBM muscle, inflammation and mitochondrial distress act in concert, whereas in vitro findings clearly showed that inflammation can induce mitochondrial fission and disrupt mitochondrial function. The data help to explain how myoinflammation leads to mitochondrial dysfunction with consecutive muscle weakness and wasting. Further studies are necessary to elucidate implications on mitophagy and accumulation of unwanted proteins.

Acknowledgments: We thank Iris Iben for excellent technical support. We thank our patients and donors of muscle specimen for their voluntary participation.

eP01.05.02B Cell Receptor Profiling before and after IVIg Treatment in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Anang D^1,2,3, Walter H⁴, Lim J⁴, Niewold I^1,3, van der Weele L^1,2, Aronica E⁵, Eftimov F⁴, Raaphorst J⁴, van Schaik B⁶, van Kampen A⁶, van der Kooi A⁴, de Vries N^1,2

¹Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ²Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ³Department of Genome analysis, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁴Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁵Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁶Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Epidemiology and Data science, Amsterdam Public Health Institute, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands., Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Objective: To gain novel insights into the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of newly diagnosed idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), and to explore if the B cell receptor (BcR) repertoire changes over time after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) monotherapy.

Methods: Next generation sequencing at the RNA level was used to study the BcR repertoire in muscle tissues collected at diagnosis before IVIg treatment as well as in peripheral blood (PB) collected before and nine weeks after IVIg treatment in treatment naïve IIM patients. Results were correlated to patients’ clinical improvement based on the total improvement score (TIS) (score ≥40 responders).

Results: Prior to IVIg treatment, BcR clones found in muscle tissue could be retrieved in peripheral blood. In peripheral blood 9 weeks after IVIg treatment, new patient specific dominant BcR clones were formed and pre-treatment dominant BcR clones disappeared. The cumulative frequency of all dominant BcR clones before treatment was significantly higher in individuals who responded to IVIg compared to those who did not respond to IVIg. Over time at follow up, a decrease in the cumulative frequency of dominant clones correlated with an increased TIS.

Conclusion: In IIMs, BcR clones present in muscle tissue can be detected in peripheral blood. The correlation between a higher cumulative frequency of dominant BcR clones at baseline and eventual treatment response suggests that response to IVIg may depend on the composition of the pre-treatment BcR repertoire.

eP01.05.03Multi-Muscle Pathology Assessment in Inclusion Body Myositis: Post-mortem Study in Two Cases

Glaubitz S¹, Kummer K¹, Götze R¹, Zechel S², Mittelbronn M³, Harter P⁴, Heide S⁵, Flössel U⁵, Schmidt J^1,6,7

¹Muscle Immunobiology Group, Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany, ²Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany, ³National Center of Pathology & Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology, Dudelange, Luxembourg, ⁴Institute of Neurology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany, ⁵Institute of Forensic Medicine, Dresden Technical University, Dresden, Germany, ⁶Department of Neurology and Pain Treatment, University Hospital of the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany, ⁷Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf bei Berlin, Germany

Introduction: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an inflammatory myopathy leading to slowly progressive weakness and atrophy of arms and legs, particularly the finger flexors and knee extensors. The pathology includes inflammatory infiltrates and degenerative muscle damage. Cell stress cascades around nitric oxide and αB-crystallin are thought to be crucial factors of disease progression. However, a better understanding of the temporal and mechanistic interrelationship between inflammation, cell stress and protein accumulation could help to design more effective treatment strategies.

Methods: Two clinically well-characterized IBM patients from our neuromuscular center were studied after autopsy. Informed consent had been obtained. One patient was only mildly affected (IBM-FRS= 26) while the other had severely impaired mobility and suffered from dysphagia (IBM-FRS= 11). All major skeletal muscles from arms and legs were subjected to a histopathological work up that included standard morphology (H&E, trichrome), enzyme histochemistry (COX/SDH etc.) as well as immunochemical assessment for inflammation (MHC-I, CD8), cell-stress (COX, αB-crystallin) and intracellular protein accumulation (p62). Muscle fibers that showing pathological results in those stainings, especially regarding morphological abnormalities such as vacuoles, necrosis, atrophy etc. were quantitatively analyzed. A correlation analysis was performed between histological abnormalities and clinical symptoms such as muscle weakness.

Results: Different patterns of histopathological changes were observed in the various muscle groups and both patients differed as well. Whereas some muscles showed a marked deposition of p62, others displayed much more inflammatory or mitochondrial pathology. A significant correlation was noted between the frequency of αB-crystallin positive fibers and the inflammatory marker MHC-I in the milder affected patient. There was a positive correlation between increased fiber diameters and COX deficient fibers in the severely affected patient. Rimmed vacuoles were detected more frequently in the more severely affected patient. Clinically affected muscles showed a higher proportion of atrophic fibers.

Discussion: The combined analysis of clinical parameters and definition of a histopathological spectrum of post-mortem pathology including atrophy, hypertrophy, p62, CD8+ cells, αB-crystallin, rimmed vacuoles, and MHC class I in skeletal muscles from IBM patients with different disease severities can serve as a valuable contribution to help to differentiate the complex pathogenesis of inclusion body myositis in the future.

eP01.05.04Design of a Global Phase 2/3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Ravulizumab in Adult Dermatomyositis

Aggarwal R¹, Cavagna L², Iikuni N³, Rakhade S³

¹University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, United States, ²IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy, ³Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Boston, United States

Introduction: Dermatomyositis (DM), a rare and life-altering chronic immune-mediated disease, is characterized by distinct skin rashes and/or progressive muscle weakness and other systemic manifestations. Established DM medications (e.g., high-dose systemic steroids and immunosuppressive therapies, frequently prescribed off-label) inadequately control symptoms and/or lead to severe adverse effects in many patients,^1_3 highlighting the need for new DM treatments with improved risk-benefit profiles.

The classical complement pathway, including endothelial deposition of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex (MAC), is thought to play a key role in DM organ damage.⁴ Approved for the treatment of several complement-mediated diseases, the long-acting monoclonal antibody ravulizumab targets the terminal complement protein C5, causing its immediate, complete, and sustained inhibition and preventing its cleavage to form MAC and pro-inflammatory mediators.⁵

Objective: Given the need for new DM therapies and the implication of terminal complement proteins in DM pathophysiology, we designed a global, double-blind, randomized, Phase 2 (Part A)/Phase 3 (Part B) trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ravulizumab compared with placebo in adults with DM (ALXN1210-DM-310; NCT04999020; EudraCT2021-001200-15).

Methods: A total of 180 adults with DM⁶ who have active disease with muscle weakness and inadequate responses or intolerances to two or more DM medications will be randomized to the ravulizumab or placebo arm, with treatment delivered intravenously as a loading dose followed by maintenance dosing once every eight weeks. Parts A and B will contain different participants and each part will consist of a screening period, a randomized, controlled period (Part A; 26 weeks; Part B: 50 weeks), and an open-label extension period. The primary endpoints are the percent of participants with a ≥20-point improvement from baseline on the ACR/EULAR Myositis Response Criteria Total Improvement Score (TIS20) at 26 weeks (Part A) and 50 weeks (Part B). The trial also includes a variety of secondary and exploratory outcome measures, e.g., mean changes from baseline in the Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI) activity score and a novel participant-reported assessment, the Dermatomyositis-Disease Symptoms Questionnaire (DM-DSQ). Safety evaluations will focus on the incidence rates of treatment-related adverse events (TEAEs), e.g., those classified as serious and/or leading to treatment discontinuation.

Results: The ALXN1210-DM-310 trial is currently enrolling patients in multiple countries.

Conclusions: ALXN1210-DM-310 is the first global, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2/3 interventional trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a C5 inhibitor in adult patients with DM who have active disease despite treatment with standard medications.

References:

1. Joffe MM, Love LA, Leff RL, et al. Am J Med.1993; 94:379.

2. Zieglschmid-Adams ME, Pandya AG, Cohen SB, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1995; 32:754.

3. Kissel JT, Levy RJ, Mendell JR, Griggs RC. Neurology 1986; 36:35.

4. Yang SH, Chang C, Lian Z-X. J Transl Autoimmun. 2019;2:100018.

5. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/761108s012lbl.pdf. Accessed January 26, 2022.

6. Lundberg IE, Tjarnlund A, Bottai M, et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017;69(12):2271-2282.

eP01.05.05A Prospective Diagnostic Accuracy Study of Multi-Modality Testing in Patients Suspected of a Treatable Iim

Kamperman R¹, Walter H¹, Raaphorst J¹, Verhamme C¹, Koelman J¹, Potters W¹, Hemke R², Smithuis F², Aronica E³, van Leeuwen E⁴, Baars P⁴, de Visser M¹, van Schaik I^1,6, Bossuyt P⁵, van der Kooi A¹

¹Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ²Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ³Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁴Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam institute for Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁵Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ⁶Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, The Netherlands

Introduction: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) excluding inclusion body myositis (IBM) are a group of heterogeneous auto-immune disorders characterised by subacute onset and progressive proximal muscle weakness which are frequently part of a multisystem auto-immune disorder. The clinical symptoms and signs differ widely between patients at disease onset and reaching a correct diagnosis in a timely manner can be challenging. There is no gold standard for the diagnosis of IIM. Diagnostic modalities include serum creatine kinase (sCK) activity, muscle imaging (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound (US)), electromyography (EMG), myositis auto-antibody testing and muscle biopsy. Several diagnostic criteria have been developed for IIMs, varying in reported sensitivity and specificity.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that an evidence-based diagnostic strategy, using fewer and preferably the least invasive diagnostic modalities, can achieve the accuracy of a complete panel of diagnostic tests, including MRI, US, EMG, myositis-specific auto-antibody testing and muscle biopsy.

Study design: The OptimizAtion of Diagnostic Accuracy in idioPathic inflammaTory myopathies (ADAPT) study is a prospective diagnostic accuracy study with an over-complete study design. This means that all consenting participants undergo standardized history taking, physical examination, standard laboratory testing (including sCK), muscle imaging by whole body muscle MRI and muscle US, EMG, myositis auto-antibody testing, and muscle biopsy. One-hundred patients suspected of an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy excluding IBM will be included. To be eligible, a patient must be suspected of an IIM based on symmetrical proximal muscle weakness causing a functional limitation that justifies treatment with high dose glucocorticoids, with an onset of symptoms ≤24 months before inclusion. A reference diagnosis will be assigned by an expert panel using all clinical information and all results of all ancillary tests available, including 6 months follow-up. Several predefined diagnostic strategies will be compared against the reference diagnosis to find the optimal diagnostic strategy. In addition, the patient burden of the ancillary investigations will be assessed and compared between the diagnostic modalities.

Discussion: Although the diagnostic accuracy of some of the previous mentioned diagnostic modalities have been studied before, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study has examined a complete diagnostic panel for myositis. Our prospective study enables the evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of individual items and procedures and of the incremental value of multi-test diagnostic strategies, and the assessment of the burden of each diagnostic test.

eP01.05.06Fibroblast Model Unveils New Molecular Insights in Inclusion Body Myositis

Cantó-Santos J¹, Valls-Roca L¹, Tobías E¹, García-García F¹, Moreno-Lozano P¹, Milisenda J¹, Grau-Junyent J¹, Garrabou G¹

¹Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Lab - Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) - Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona - Hospital Clinic of Barcelona – CIBERER, Barcelona, Spain

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an inflammatory myopathy characterized by proximal and distal muscle weakness, in addition to inflammatory infiltrate, rimmed vacuoles and mitochondrial changes in myofibers. IBM etiology is not well-known, and there are no biomarkers or effective treatments, in part due to the lack of validated disease models. Here we present the use of patients’ derived fibroblasts as a disease model by identifying muscle pathological hallmarks at transcriptomic (778 deregulated expressed genes) and functional level (increased inflammation, impaired autophagy and dysfunctional mitochondria). These findings confirm the presence of molecular alterations in peripheral tissues from IBM patients and propose patients’ derived fibroblasts as a promising disease model, that may be eventually exported to other neuromuscular disorders. We additionally reveal new molecular players in IBM associated with disease progression, prompting to delve into disease etiology, in the discovery of novel biomarkers and in testing new therapeutic strategies.

Funding: FIS PI1800498 and PI2100935 granted by ISCIII and FEDER

eP01.05.07Prevalence and Clinical Correlation of Myositis-Specific and Myositis-Associated Autoantibodies in Indian Myositis Cohort

Jassal B¹, Dhall A¹, Vishnu V¹, Chakrabarty B¹, Bhadu D¹, Gulati S¹, Bhatia R¹, Kumar U¹, Suri V¹, Sharma M¹

¹All India Institute Of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

Abstract: Background: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), collectively known as myositis, are a heterogeneous group of systemic autoimmune disorders. Approximately two-thirds of the IIM patients carry myositis-specific or myositis-associated autoantibodies which aid in creating homogenous subsets of myositis.

Objective: This study aimed at estimating the prevalence and evaluating the clinical correlations of MSAs and MAAs in Indian IIM patients.

Methods: Patients satisfying Bohan and Peter’s criteria were recruited between 2019- 2021 and their clinical data were obtained from the archive. Sera of 66 IIM patients and 16 healthy controls were tested for the antibodies against Mi-2α/β, TIF1γ, MDA5, NXP2, SAE1, Ku, PM-Scl100, PM-Scl75, Jo-1, SRP, PL-7, PL-12, EJ, OJ, Ro-52 using commercial line blot (Euroimmun, Germany). Serum samples were also screened for Anti-HMGCR autoantibody by QUANTA Lite HMGCR ELISA.

Results: Out of the 66 patients, 39 serum samples (59.09%) had either MSA or MAA whereas 27 patients (40.90%) and 16 healthy controls (100%) were seronegative for all of the tested autoantibodies. Only a single patient showed the presence of more than one MSA. Ten patients revealed the coexistence of MSA with MAA; anti-Ro52 being the most concurrent. Anti-Ro52 (14, 21.21%) was the most prevalent antibody among this cohort, followed by anti-Mi2α/β (13, 19.69%), anti-NXP2 & anti-SRP (5, 7.57%), anti-PL-7 &anti-PM-Scl75 (3, 4.54%) and anti-TIF1γ (2, 3.03%). Anti-Ro52 was associated with dysphagia (5, 35.71) and celiac disease (2, 14.28), anti-Mi2α/β with heliotrope rash (4, 30.76%), and gottron’s papules (3, 23.07%) in dermatomyositis patients. Lung involvement and alopecia were observed in anti-TIF1γ positive patients.

Conclusion: Two-thirds of the IIM patients had MSA/MAA whereas one-third of patients were seronegative. Although in some cases MSA coexisted with MAA, MSAs were almost always mutually exclusive. Clearly, myositis-related autoantibodies are associated with clinical manifestations but to establish a particular clinico-serological correlation large sample size is needed to establish a definitive correlation.

eP01.05.08Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy: An Emerging Disorder

Portela Sánchez S¹, Sánchez Soblechero A¹, Catalina Álvarez I¹, Lozano Ros A¹, López Muñoz S², Sola Vendrell E¹, Sánchez Mateos P¹, Muñoz Blanco J¹

¹Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain, ²Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain

Introduction and objectives: Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathies (IMNMs) comprise a group of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies that are characterized by more severe weakness and higher creatine kinase (CK) levels. It has been related with myositis specific antibodies including the anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) and an autoantibody that targets 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), which is a key enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway that is upregulated in statin-treated patients.

The objective of this study is to describe the main features and the clinical management of a cohort of IMNMs patients.

Methods: We conducted an observational, monocentric, retrospective study of IMNM patients diagnosed in the Neuromuscular Unit of a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain) between 2013 and 2020.

Results: Fifteen patients were included. The median age at symptoms onset was 71 (IQR, 62-75) years and nine patients (60%) were female. Previous treatment with statins was documented in 13 patients (86.7%), atorvastatin the most common was used in nine patients followed by simvastatin and rosuvastatin. The most common clinical presentation was subacute in seven patients (46.7%) and the time from symptoms onset to diagnosis was less than six months in ten patients (66.7%). Proximal limb muscle weakness, which was present in each case, was the most common clinical feature followed by myalgias, present in eleven patients (73.3%). Proximal weakness was more pronounced in lower limbs, and it was considered as severe (based on the grade of proximal weakness if MRC ≤ 3/5) in nine patients (60%). Median CK levels at diagnosis was 4,971 units per liter (U/L) (IQR, 3,901-7,984 U/L). Regarding the MSA testing, anti-HMGCR were the only detected in 12 patients (80%). A muscle biopsy was performed in 14 patients and the histological features (Figure) were characterized by the presence of necrosis and regeneration fibers in each case (100%), seven patients (46.7%) exhibited mild inflammatory lymphocyte infiltrates, and immunohistochemical analysis of HLA-I performed in ten cases, was positive in seven patients. The initial treatment approach started with prednisone in fourteen patients (93.3%). Based on the individual clinical response other drugs were required in combination including intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in four patients (26.7%), methotrexate in four patients (26.7%), and azathioprine and mycophenolate used in two cases each (13.3%). After six months, twelve patients (80%) experienced clinical improvement. One patient experienced a relapse during the follow-up and cancer was diagnosed after the IMNM diagnosis in one patient who was positive for anti-HMGCR antibodies.

Discussion: This retrospective study describes the main clinical characteristics, autoantibody profiles, muscle biopsy pathological features, treatment strategies, and outcome data from a cohort of patients with IMNM treated in a neuromuscular unit. The subacute instauration of proximal weakness in the presence of greatly elevated CK levels is crucial to a clear clinical suspicion, while muscle biopsy and MSA are fundamental for a correct diagnosis. In this sample, anti-HMGCR antibodies were the most common. Clear recognition of the disease would facilitate early and aggressive treatment, which should be individualized based on the initial response to corticosteroids, and usually requires a combination of several drugs.

eP01.05.09COVID-19 and Vaccination Against Sars-CoV-2 in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis From Belgrade, Serbia

Peric S², Rankovic M³, Bozovic I¹, Ivanovic V¹, Palibrk A¹, Basta I², Stevic Z², Rakocevic-Stojanovic V², Lavrnic D²

¹Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre Of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia, ²Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre Of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, ³School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction that causes muscle weakness and fatigability. Majority of MG patients request a long-term immune suppression.

Aim: To analyze frequency and severity of COVID-19 infection in MG patients, as well as frequency of patients vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.

Patients and Methods: 125 MG patients from the central Belgrade municipalities were included – 60.0% females, age at MG onset 50.1 (19.7) years, age at testing 61.7 (16.8) years, AChR positive 78.4% and MuSK positive 8.6%.

Results: One third of MG patients have had a COVID-19 and they were younger compared to those who did not suffer from a COVID-19. Severe COVID-19 was registered in 27.9% of MG patients, mostly in elder subjects with comorbidities such as cardiac diseases and history of malignancies. Two patients had a lethal outcome. MG worsening was noticed in 21.4% of patients after COVID-19 and 41.8% had COVID-19 sequalae. Majority of our MG patients were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (68.8%). Vaccination was more common among MG patients with diabetes and in those with a milder form of MG. Main reasons not to accept a vaccine were: do not wish to be vaccinated (12 patients), afraid of MG worsening (10), advise of a neurologist (8), and advise of a general practitioner (6). The most common types of vaccine were Sinopharm (42.2%) and Pfizer-BioNTech (25.6%). Adverse events were noticed in 36.0% of vaccinated patients, with mild infection (77.4%) and local reactions (12.9%) being the most common. MG worsening was noticed in 5 (5.8%) vaccinated patients.

Conclusion: COVID-19 has placed a significant burden for MG patients, with severe COVID-19 forms and MG worsening being common. Percentage of vaccinated MG patients was higher than in general Serbian population.

Keywords: myasthenia gravis (MG), COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, vaccination, comorbidities

eP01.06.01Two-Years Prospective Natural History Study in 24 Adult LGMDR12 Patients: Clinical and Radiological Outcome Measures

De Wel B^1,2, Huysmans L^3,4, Peeters R⁵, Goosens V⁵, Ghysels S⁵, Byloos K⁵, Putzeys G⁵, D’Hondt A¹, De Bleecker J⁶, Dupont P⁷, Maes F^3,4, Claeys K^1,2

¹Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ²Laboratory for Muscle Diseases and Neuropathies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium, ³Medical Imaging Research Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ⁴Department ESAT - PSI, Image & Speech processing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ⁵Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, ⁶Department of Neurology, University Hospital Gent, Gent, Belgium, ⁷Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium

Introduction: Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy type R12 (LGMDR12) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder caused by recessive mutations in the Anoctamin-5 (ANO5) gene, leading to a slowly progressive limb-girdle weakness in most patients. Natural history data in LGMDR12 are lacking. With genetic treatments in development, a comprehensive evaluation of natural disease course and outcome measures is highly needed in these patients.

Methods: We prospectively measured the following outcome measures in 24 patients and 24 age/sex-matched healthy controls at baseline and after 12 and 24 months: 6-minute-walk-distance (6MWD), 10-metre-walk-test (10MWT), 60- and 150-points Medical Research Council (MRC) sum scores, isometric dynamometry of quadriceps and hamstrings muscles (Biodex®), serum creatine kinase (CK) and whole-body MRI including 6-point Dixon images of the thighs to calculate intramuscular fat fraction. Thigh muscles were segmented individually and entirely, in order to allow analysis of fat fraction at the level of individual muscles as well as of muscle groups, and to avoid slice selection bias.

Results: Patients with intermediate stage thigh muscle fat replacement at baseline (proton density fat fraction (PDFF) 20-70%) already showed a significant increase in PDFF in 8/14 evaluated thigh muscles after one year. The standardized response mean (SRM) demonstrated a high responsiveness to change in PDFF for 6 individual muscles over 2 years in this group. However, in patients with early (<20%) or end stage (>70%) muscle fat replacement, PDFF did not increase significantly over two years of follow-up. Biodex® isometric dynamometry showed a significant decrease of muscle strength in all patients in the right and left hamstrings (-6.2Nm, p<0.01 and -4.6 Nm, p<0.01, respectively) and right quadriceps muscles (-9 Nm, p=0.04) after 1 year of follow-up, whereas the 6MWD, 10MWT, and MRC sum scores were not able to detect a significant decrease in muscle function/strength even after two years. There was a strong inverse correlation between total thigh PDFF and hamstrings peak torque (Rho=-0.7; p<0.01), and a moderately strong inverse correlation with the other clinical outcome measures at baseline.

Conclusion: Thigh muscle PDFF imaging is a sensitive outcome measure to track progressive muscle fat replacement in selected LGMDR12 patients even after one year of follow-up and correlates with clinical outcome measures. Biodex® isometric dynamometry can reliably capture loss of muscle strength over the course of one year in LGMDR12 patients and should also be included as an outcome measure in future clinical trials.

eP01.06.02Assessing the Relationship of Patient Reported Outcome Measures with Functional Status in Dysferlinopathy

Hilsden H¹, Mayhew A¹, James M¹, Moore U¹, Rufibach L², Spuler S³, Day J⁴, Jones K⁵, Goebel D⁶, Salort-Campana E⁷, Pestronk A⁸, C. Walter M⁹, Paradas C¹⁰, Stojkovic T¹¹, Mori-Yoshimura M¹², Bravver E¹³, Díaz-Manera J¹⁴, Pegoraro E¹⁵, Mendell J¹⁶, Straub V¹

¹The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Central Parkway, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, ²The Jain Foundation, Seattle, USA, ³Charite Muscle Research Unit, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation of the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany, ⁴Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford, USA, ⁵The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia., ⁶Department of Neurology Children’s National Health System, Washington, USA, ⁷Service des maladies neuromusculaire et de la SLA, Hôpital de La Timone, Marseille, France, ⁸Department of Neurology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA, ⁹Friedrich-Baur-Institute, Dept. of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany, ¹⁰Neuromuscular Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital U. Virgen del Rocío/Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain, ¹¹Institut de Myologie, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France, ¹²Department of Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan, ¹³Neuroscience Institute, Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS-MDA Center, Charlotte, USA, ¹⁴Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain, ¹⁵Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy, ¹⁶The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, USA

Dysferlinopathy is a muscular dystrophy with a highly variable functional disease progression in which the relationship of function to some patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) has not been previously reported. This analysis aims to identify the suitability of PROMs and their association with motor performance. 204 patients with dysferlinopathy were identified in the Jain Foundation’s Clinical Outcome Study in Dysferlinopathy from 14 sites in 8 countries. All patients completed the following PROMs: Individualised Neuromuscular Quality of Life questionnaire (INQoL), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and activity limitations for patients with upper and/or lower limb impairments (ACTIVLIM). In addition, non-ambulant patients completed the Egen Klassifikation Scale (EK). Assessments were conducted annually at baseline, year 1, 2, 3 and 4. Data were also collected on the North Star Assessment for Limb Girdle Type Muscular Dystrophies (NSAD) and Performance of Upper Limb (PUL) at these time points from year 2. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Rasch analysis was conducted on ACTIVLIM, EK, INQOL. For associations, graphs (NSAD with ACTIVLM, IPAQ and INQOL and EK with PUL) were generated from generalized estimating equations (GEE). The ACTIVLIM appeared robust psychometrically and was strongly associated with the NSAD total score - Pseudo R2 0.68. The INQOL performed less well and was poorly associated with the NSAD total score - Pseudo R2 0.18. EK scores were strongly associated with PUL - Pseudo R2 0.69. IPAQ was poorly associated with NSAD scores - Pseudo R2 0.09. This study showed that several of the chosen PROMs demonstrated change over time and a good association with functional outcomes. An alternative quality of life measure and method of collecting data on physical activity may need to be selected for assessing dysferlinopathy.

eP01.06.03Clinical and Genetic Features in Two Families Carrying Novel and Reported DYSF Variants

Burnyte B¹, Vilimiene R², Morkuniene A¹, Petroska D^1,3, Utkus A¹

¹Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania, ²Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania, ³National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania

Background: Pathogenic variants in DYSF have been associated with a spectrum of rare muscle disorders known as dysferlinopathies. Here we report 4 patients from 2 families including one family with novel homozygous multiexonic duplication of DYSF gene and one with previously reported compound heterozygous point mutations.

Family 1: Two brothers (patients 1 and 2, 39 and 37 years old, respectively) were referred for evaluation of progressive leg weakness and gait difficulties. Ages at onset were 29 and 30 years, respectively. Examination showed bilateral distal weakness in both brothers and proximal weakness greater in lower than upper extremities (MRC 0/5) in patient 1. CK level was 5728 U/L in patient 1 and 12552 U/L in patient 2. EMG studies of patient 2 at age of 34 revealed that myopathic changes were more pronounced in the calf muscles with mild spontaneous activity in the left leg. Muscle biopsy from left quadriceps demonstrated non-specific myopathic change without any signs of inflammation. Muscle MRI showed mild oedema in the proximal muscles on the right shoulder girdle. Marked atrophy with fatty replacement in adductor longus, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were observed on both sides. WES analysis in patient 1 identified a homozygous duplication of exon 19 to 31, which was confirmed by MLPA. Segregation analysis was conducted on family members and the same homozygous variant was identified in the affected brother, while both parents were heterozygous carriers. This variant has not been reported previously. Duplication predicted to be truncating and probably results in a loss of function of the protein.

Family 2: Patient 3 developed difficulty climbing stairs and weakness before age of 20. Examination at age of 24 revealed muscle weakness, which was more prominent in the distal parts of the extremities. CK 18905 U/L. EMG showed brief small polyphasic motor unit action potentials without spontaneous muscle activity. A right quadriceps biopsy showed non-inflammatory and non-neurogenic myopathic change. His affected sister (patient 4) noticed weakness in the lower parts of the legs and frequent falls at the age of 18. Later she developed difficulties getting up from a sitting position. Examination showed muscle wasting and weakness of the calves. For both siblings sequencing analysis revealed a compound heterozygous for pathogenic single base substitutions that were previously reported: splice site variant c.2864+1G>A (rs199954546) and missense mutation c.5419C>T (rs746243052) in DYSF.

Conclusion: Mutations in the DYSF gene found to date are point mutations or deletions or insertions distributed all over the coding sequence. This report is about a novel multiexonic out of frame duplication encompassing exons 19 to 31 of DYSF gene affecting the sequence encoding highly conserved the C-terminal part of the ferlin family domain and DYSF domain. Novel variant results in distal myopathy phenotype at the onset and a limb-girdle pattern of muscle weakness predominant in lower extremities as the disease progresses. Reported families contribute to the expanding clinical and molecular data of dysferlinopathies and further expands the pathogenic variants spectrum.

eP01.06.04Description of motor function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in a center of expertise in Colombia

Castellar S^1,2, Ortiz F^1,2, Ruiz E^1,2, Salcedo M¹, Soto D¹, Suarez F¹, Sanchez D¹, Garcia A¹, Correa C¹, Cediel M¹, Anzola M¹, Quiroga M¹

¹Instituto Roosevelt, Cra 4 East # 17-50, Colombia, ²Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Cra 45 # 26-85, Colombia

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an inherited, recessive, X-linked myopathy.

The main aims of the current work were to describe the motor function in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), to establish the correlation between the functional tests and the age of the patients and to determine the correlation between the different tests.

We describe the functional characteristics according to the age of a group of patients with DMD attended at the Roosevelt Institute in Bogotá, Colombia.

A retrospective descriptive study was carried out with confirmed DMD patients (onset of symptoms before six years) evaluated between the years 2010 to 2020.

Results from the MFM (Motor Function Measure), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) scales, the six-minute, and the box and cubes tests were included. Those scales and tests were previously applied to 85 children diagnosed with DMD.

Most of the patients (67.1%) were at a level 7 on the Vignos scale. 28 patients (32.9%) retained the ability to walk independently. At functional level 7 of the Vignos scale, the maximum MFM score was 56.3%. A child classified in level 4 in Vignos scale obtained a total MFM of 44.8%. Another patient, classified in level 5 of Vignos scale, achieved a score of 52.1%. The other 26 patients (92.8%), with independent walking capacity, obtained scores higher than 57% in the MFM.

The correlation of the MFM-D1 and the NSAA was excellent (r = 0.92; p = 0.000) and MFM-D2 and the NSAA was moderate (r = 0.47; p = 0.009). The correlation between NSAA scale and 6MWT was excellent (r = 0.90; p= 0.001). Correlations above 0.75 were found between domain 1 of the MFM and the NSAA scale with the 6-minute test.

The correlation of MFM-D3 and Brooke Classification was significant (r = -0.68 p = <0.0001) and box and cubes tests with the Brooke classification was significant too (r = -0.76 p = <0.0001).

Patients who received steroids lost walking ability at 11 years of age and those who did not receive steroids lost their ability at 9 years of age.

This study describes the gross motor function and shows the wide variability of motor phenotypes of patients with DMD treated at a reference institution in Colombia. The observed correlation between each of the tests used helps to more accurately characterize gross motor function. The MFM-1D and NSAA scales have an excellent correlation with the 6-minute test.

These findings serve as a reference for the functional evaluation of patients with DMD and help to detect the presence of contextual factors that are affecting their mobility.

eP01.06.05Preliminary Results from MLB-01-003: An Open Label Phase 2 Study of BBP-418 in LGMD2I

Harper A², Langeslay R², Rodriguez H¹, Hutchaleelaha A¹, Kelley K¹, Sproule D¹

¹ML Bio Solutions, Inc., Carlisle, United States, ²Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, United States

Introduction: Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) Type 2I, also called LGMDR9 FKRP-related, is caused by bi-allelic loss-of-function of the fukutin-related protein (FKRP) gene which results in hypoglycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan (αDG). BBP-418 (ribitol) is an orally administered substrate supplementation intended to saturate the FKRP enzyme driving increased glycosylation of αDG, thus ameliorating the root cause of disease in LGMD2I.

Objectives: The MLB-01-003 Phase 2 study is intended to explore the safety and tolerability, feasibility and usefulness of selected clinical efficacy and pharmacodynamic (PD) assessments in patients with LGMD2I receiving ascending doses of BBP-418.

Methods: This is an open label study in ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients with LGMD2I conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University. Part 1 of the study involved three ascending dose cohorts treated for 3 months with BBP-418: cohort 1 (n=4, dose 6 g daily), cohort 2 (n=4, dose 6 g twice daily) and cohort 3 (n=6, dose 12 g twice daily). During Part 2 of the study, all patients received 12 g twice daily (weight adjusted for lower weight patients) for 3 months.

Results: 14 patients aged 12-53 with LGMD2i were enrolled in the study. 8/14 were homozygous for the common mutation. 11/14 were ambulatory (able to complete the 10 m walk test in <12 seconds). All 14 patients showed declines in creatine kinase (CK) (mean ~70% decrease) from baseline assessment after 3 months of treatment with BBP-418 in Part 1. No drug-related SAEs have occurred. Additional updated safety, laboratory and clinical data will be provided at the time of the meeting.

Conclusions: Preliminary MLB-01-003 data from patients with LGMD2i treated with BBP-418 suggests a positive effect on CK, a widely used biomarker of muscle injury. A larger, global, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 study is planned for 2022.

eP01.06.06The Founder Mutation TRAPPC11 c.1287+5G>A is a Frequent Cause of Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy in Roma Population

Natera De Benito D¹, Justel M¹, Sariego A², Jou C¹, Hernandez-Lain A⁶, Juliá N¹, Ortez C¹, Poch M³, Hedrera A⁴, Gómez H⁵, Carrera-García L¹, Expósito-Escudero J¹, Domínguez-Carral J¹, Codina A¹, Vila-Bedmar S⁶, Zulaica M⁹, Cancho-Candela R⁷, de la Osa A⁸, Pascual I¹⁰, Jimenez-Mallebrera C¹, Lopez-de Muniain A⁹, Camacho A⁶, Domínguez-González C⁶, García-Cazorla A¹, Nascimento A¹

¹Hospital Sant Joan De Déu, Barcelona, Spain, ²Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain, ³Hospital San Pedro, Logroño, Spain, ⁴Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain, ⁵Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain, ⁶Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain, ⁷Hospital Rio Hortega, Valladolid, Spain, ⁸Hospital Peset, Valencia, Spain, ⁹Hospital Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain, ¹⁰Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a heterogeneous group of genetically determined muscle disorders. TRAPPC11-related LGMD is an autosomal-recessive condition that is clinically characterised by muscle weakness, intellectual disability and hyperkinetic movements. We present a comprehensive description of the heterogeneous clinical features of the TRAPPC11-related LGMD caused by the homozygous c.1287+5G>A mutation in 21 Roma individuals from 14 different families. The c.1287+5G>A mutation, which we suggest as a founder mutation in the Roma ethnic group, leads to a phenotype characterized by early-onset muscle weakness, movement disorders, intellectual disability and elevated serum CK, which is similar to other series. Nevertheless, our observations indicate a strong prevalence of progressive and highly significant microcephaly. Moreover, an infectious trigger was described in 24% of the individuals, which has not been reported to date. These two interesting findings may be considered reliable signs to distinguish the c.1287+5G>A variant in TRAPPC11 from other variants or, alternatively, they can be underreported features associated to LGMD R18, regardless of which variant causes it.

eP01.06.07A Familial Case with Phenotypic Differences in a CAV3 Pathogenic Variant

Lee S³, Lee H¹, Park K², Choi Y¹

¹Gangnam Severance Hopspital, Gangnam-gu, Republic of Korea, ²Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Yangchun-gu, Republic of Korea, ³Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Background: Caveolin-3 is one of the muscle cell membrane proteins regulates sarcolemma stability and modulates various signaling pathways. Pathogenic variants in CAV3 lead to different skeletal muscle phenotypes, including limb-girdle muscular dystrophy(LGMD); rippling muscle disease-2(RMD2); distal myopathy; and isolated hyperCKemia. It is known that pathogenic variants in CAV3 can cause different and overlapping clinical phenotypes even within the same family. We report the first Korean family with the c.296A>C (p.His99Pro) variant exhibiting marked phenotypic variabilities. Case report: A 32-year-old man complained of progressive proximal muscle weakness. His family history was unremarkable, and initial development after birth was reportedly normal, but he recalled that he was far behind his peers in running when he was in school. He experienced frequent myalgia after intense physical activities since he was 20 years old. On examination, he displayed proximal muscle weakness and bilateral hypertrophy on posterior calf. However, sensory examination revealed no abnormalities. Laboratory studies revealed a serum creatine kinase (CK) level of 1,908 IU/L (normal, <135 IU/L). Electromyography reveled active generalized myopathy. A biceps brachii muscle biopsy represented marked muscle size variation with some degenerating and regenerating fibers. Immunohistochemical analysis of the muscle specimens showed reduced expression of Caveolin-3. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 598 neuromyopathy genes identified a pathogenic variant in CAV3 (NM_033337.2: c.296A>C, p.His99Pro). It was classified as a likely pathogenic variant according to following evidences: 1) Located in a mutational hot spot, 2) absent from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) full exome and genome databases, 3) multiple lines of computational evidence support a deleterious effect on the gene, 4) Reputable source recently reports variant as pathogenic. Based on the clinical and pathologic features with genetic analysis, our patient was diagnosed with LGMD caused by CAV3 mutation. After identification of the causative gene, all family members underwent neurology exam, laboratory studies, and genetic studies. They all showed normal muscle power. However, among all family members, his mother and brother represented high CK level of 317 IU/L and 819 IU/L, respectively. The same pathogenic variant in CAV3 was detected in those family members, and was not found in his father with normal CK level. Conclusion: Although the patient reported unremarkable family history, we identified the same pathogenic variant in CAV3 in asymptomatic family members with hyperCKemia. This is the first CAV3 pathogenic variant reported in a Korean family with significantly different phenotypes such as LGMD and idiopathic hyperCKemia.

eP01.06.08Clinical and Genetic Spectrum of LGMDR Cases in the East of Algeria

Sifi Y¹

¹Departement of Neurology, Constantine3 University, Constantine, Algeria, ²Labooratory of Biology and Molecular Genetics, Constantine3 University, Constantine, Algérie, ³Laboratory of Biochemistry Constantine3 University, Constantine, Algérie, ⁴Institut de Myologie, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, Constantine, Algérie

Introduction: Autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDR) constitute an heterogeneous group of genetic neuromuscular disorders, characterized by progressive muscle weakness involving the shoulder and pelvic girdles. They can mimic many other neuromuscular conditions in particular the late-onset form of Pompe disease (LOPD). Here we report the clinical and genetic spectrum of a cohort of patients diagnosed with LGMDR in the East of Algeria, irrespective of their respiratory status.

Methods: Our study was sponsored by Sanofi-Genzyme as part of a project called “Pompe and LGMD NGS diagnostic project in international regions “Nine autosomal recessive LGMDs and Pompe disease were investigated by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) using a 10- gene panel (CAPN3, DYSF, SGCA, SGCB, SGCD, SGCG, FKRP, ANO5, TCAP, GAA). 97 families whose phenotype was consistent with LGMDR, with or without respiratory symptoms, were included in the study.

Results: Thirty nine families out of 97 families showed mutations in theCAPN3, DYSF, SGCA, and SGCG genes. All patients showed progressive weakness predominantly in the lower limbs. Other findings were: scapular winging, joint contractures and calf hypertrophy or atrophy. In total, 39 mutations, seven of which were novel,have been identifiedin SGCG (n= 14), CAPN3 (n = 12), DYSF (n = 9), and SGCA (n = 4) respectively.. The most prevalent forms of LGMDR in our cohort remain sarcoglycan-deficiencies (gamma and alpha) followed by calpainopathy and dysferlinopathy. Such a high prevalence of gamma-sarcoglycanopathy can be explainted by the existence of a founder mutation (c.del525T) in the whole region (Maghreb). No patients have been identified with Pompe disease.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of a targeted approach by NGS in patients presenting with LGMDR, with or without respiratory problems. Our next goal is to extend the study to a larger groups of families with the hope of diagnosing LOPD patients for which a treatment is available.

eP01.06.09Molecular Diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy Using the LGMD Gene Panel in Adult Neurology

Choi S¹, Lee J¹, Han J¹, Shin J¹, Hong Y², Sung J¹

¹Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea, ²Department of Neurology, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Background: Molecular genetic analyses have allowed the identification of more than 40 genes involved in muscular dystrophies, with very rare muscular dystrophy variants being continually identified. While the diagnostic yield of the limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) gene panel in Korean pediatric patients (57.1%) was previously reported, its utility in adult neurology remains uncertain.

Objective: The goal of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the LGMD gene panel, which consisted of 43 genes, in adult patients with suspected myopathy of genetic etiologies, and to identify clinical features influencing the molecular diagnosis through genotype-phenotype correlations.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 98 patients older than 20 years old who tested the LGMD gene panel at Seoul National University Hospital from October 2017 to November 2021. Concerning diagnostic certainty, we used the following definition: definite for patients harboring pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants conforming to their inheritance pattern, potential for those harboring pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants and/or variants of uncertain significance.

Results: We identified a definite genetic diagnosis in 29 (29.6%) of the 98 patients tested with the LGMD gene panel. When potential diagnoses were included, the diagnostic yield of the LGMD gene panel increased to 46.9%. Among the genes that accounted for the definite diagnoses, DYSF (n = 9) was the most common, followed by CAPN3 (n = 6) and DMD (n = 6). Other genes included GNE (n = 2), EMD, FHL1, ADSSL1, AHCY, DUX4, and GAA. A family history of muscular dystrophy was found in 34.5% of the patients. Patients with calpainopathy mostly presented with limb-girdle weakness, whereas those with dysferlinopathy had diffuse or distal weakness as well as limb-girdle weakness.

Conclusion: Next generation sequencing-based gene panel can be a helpful tool for the diagnosis of muscular dystrophies in adult neurology.

eP01.06.10Observational Study: The Quality of Life in Patients with Alpha-Sarcoglycan, Beta-Sarcoglycan and Gamma-Sarcoglycan Gene Mutation

VOLA B, Maggi R, Cerletti M, Torrente Y, Sanchez Riera C, Paniga C¹

¹Gruppo Familiari Beta-sarcoglicanopatie, Talamona, Italia

SUMMARY: Sarcoglycanopathies are underfunded “orphan” diseases and there is no cure for them. Our volunteer organization named Family Group of Beta-sarcoglycanopathy Odv (GFB Odv www.lgmd2e.org) was founded in 2013 with the aim of stimulating scientific research on this disease. Since 2012 families of the GFB Odv are supporting preclinical and clinical projects of gene therapy carried out by Prof. J. Mendell at the Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio, USA) and Sarepta Therapeutics. In 2018 GFB Odv promoted a natural history study on Italian patients, “Clinical Determinants of Disease Progression in Patients with Beta-sarcoglycan Gene Mutations”. Since 2021 GFB Odv has started an ongoing observational study on the quality of life in patients with Beta-sarcoglycan, Alpha-sarcoglycan, and Gamma-sarcoglycan gene mutation.

ABSTRACT TEXT: LGMDR3, LGMDR4, LGMDR5 are recessive autosomal diseases, there are no specific treatments, except for some physical therapies that prevent worsening of muscle contractures and therapies associated with cardiac and respiratory problems.

In 2013 the volunteer organization named Family Group of Beta-sarcoglycanopathy (GFB ODV; www.lgmd2e.org) was established for stimulating and supporting both basic and clinical research on these diseases.

Since 2012, families of the GFB ODV funded a gene therapy research project for LGMDR4, under the supervision of Prof. J. Mendell, at the Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio, USA). The first clinical trial, conducted by Sarepta Therapeutics, is currently underway.

In 2018 GFB Odv promoted a natural history study on Italian patients affected by LGMD2E, published on 1st July 2021 in the journal “Frontiers in Neurology”, with the title “Clinical Determinants of Disease Progression in Patients with Beta-sarcoglycan Gene Mutations”, led by Prof. Yvan Torrente, of the University of Milan and Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, Italy.

Since 2021 GFB Odv has started an ongoing observational study on the quality of life in patients with Beta-sarcoglycan, Alpha-sarcoglycan, and Gamma-sarcoglycan gene mutation, again in collaboration with prof. Yvan Torrente.

The study is aimed at international GFB patients. At this time 130 patients from 43 countries have joined the Project: in particular, 63 with LGMDR4, 35 with LGMDR5, 32 with LGMDR3. 181 questionnaires have already been filled out.

The ACTIVLIM, ABILHAND, EK, PEDSQL and PROMIS scales are used in the study, both in paper and electronic format. The study will run for 3 years and the scales will be given to patients every 6 months. Patient recruitment is still open.

KEYWORDS: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, LGMD, LGMDR4, LGMD2E, beta-sarcoglycanopathy, LGMDR3, LGMD2D, alpha-sarcoglycanopathy, LGMDR5, LGMD2C, gamma-sarcoglycanopathy, orphan disease, website, GFB ODV, Quality of life, observational study

eP02.01.01Value of Muscle Ultrasound in Pediatric Neuromuscular Patients

Kuepper H¹, Horber V

¹Neuropaediatric Department, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany

Introduction: Structural muscle changes, as frequently associated with neuromuscular conditions, can be well depicted by muscle ultrasound. Gray scale analysis of muscle ultrasound imaging has been shown to be a useful adjunctive test, as an estimate of infiltration of fat and fibrous tissue (Pillen et al., Neurological research, 2011).

Methods: Muscle ultrasound of 20 pediatric patients with different muscle diseases, i.e. Duchenne / Becker muscular dystrophy, alpha- sarcoglycanopathy (SGCA gene), myofibrillar myopathy-9 with early respiratory failure (TTN gene), congenital muscle dystrophy with partial merosine deficiency (LAMA2 gene), myotonia congenita (CLCN1 gene), myotonic dystrophy type I and congenital myotonic dystrophy were analyzed and compared to 10 pediatric patients with non- neuromuscular conditions. A Canon Aplio ultrasound system was used with a linear probe (4,5-18 MHz). Uniform imaging settings were standardized (frequency at 18 MHz, dynamic range at 60, gain at 70%). All ultrasound studies were performed by the same investigator (H.K.). Images were acquired in cross-sectional planes with an image depth of 4cm and a single focal point at 1,8 cm while the transducer was positioned perpendicular to the underlying bone. Grayscale analysis was performed using ImageJ software (NIH, Bethesda) by drawing a region of interest underneath the superficial fascia of the muscle and calculating a mean grayscale value.

Results: Muscle echogenicity was markedly higher in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), alpha- sarcoglycanopathy, myofibrillar myopathy-9 with early respiratory failure (MFM9) and congenital muscle dystrophy with partial merosine deficiency (MDC1a). For DMD patients, this was most pronounced in the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscle (mean echogenicity 3,2 times higher). Within the group of DMD patients, those with a higher degree of motor impairment showed a higher muscle echogenicity. A patient with alpha- sarcoglycanopathy showed a similar/milder muscle ultrasound pattern compared to DMD patients, with comparably accentuated hyperechogenicity of the sartorius and deltoid muscle. Notably, muscle echogenicity in an infant aged 9 months with a presymptomatic diagnosis of DMD showed only subtle abnormalities in the vastus lateralis muscle (mean echogenicity 1,6 times higher than age matched control). A patient with MDC1a showed a more pronounced hyperechogenicity of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (mean echogenicity 2,3 times higher than age matched control) than the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. The pattern of muscle involvement in a patient with MFM9 appeared more selective (e.g. marked hyperechogenicity of digastric and paraspinal muscles).

Discussion: The positive value of muscle ultrasound and gray scale imaging analysis within the evaluation of these pediatric neuromuscular patients could be demonstrated. A correlation between the amount of muscle hyperechogenicity and clinical progression of the muscle disease was visible in the DMD group. A tendency of disease specific structural muscle changes could be seen in some of the patients. Further studies with greater patient numbers are needed to further characterize these specific patterns of muscle involvement and the type of progression in the course of the disease. This diagnostic tool is of particular benefit not only within the differential diagnostic work-up but also follow- up examination in the context of new treatment strategies.

eP02.01.02Place of Muscle Ultrasound in the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Pediatricneuromuscular Diseases

Oulhissane Omar A¹, Quijano-Roy S¹

¹CRMR CHU Raymond Poincaré, GARCHES, France

Background: Imaging techniques are become increasingly important in the diagnostic workup of a suspected neuromuscular disorders. High-resolution ultrasound allows the visualisation of the muscle, nerve and adjacent structures. It even allows dynamic imaging of contracting muscles and visualise pathological muscle activity such as fasciculation. Selective involvement of certain muscles is an indicator for muscle diseases and help to direct genetic testing. It can be used to localize specific muscles to target needle placement of EMG and biopsy.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe our own institutional experience, in order to determine the possibility of using high-resolution ultra-sound as a routine tool in screening, diagnosis and follow-up of muscle diseases in the pediatric population.

Subjects and methods: This is a descriptive study. A total of 30 patients (1 month – 26 years old) were examined over a period of 18 months (May 2020 to January 2022). The ultrasound was performed blind to the results of other biological, physiological and radiological investigations (EEG, MRI, CPK ...) Replacement of healthy muscle with fat and fibrosis, manifested by an increase in echogenicity. It was assessed visually (Qualitative US) and semi-quantitativelly (Hickmat scale). Specific pattern were determined and described if presents. The following muscles were inspected : 1) anterior thigh : rectus femoris, vasts intermedius, lateralis and medialis, sartorius and gracilis, 2) posterior thigh : adductors, biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus, 3) leg : tibialis anterior, peronii and gastrocnemius soleus. Other groups such as the axial muscles and muscles of the face can also be examined. The results obtained are then compared with biologic, physiological and radiological data.

Results: The sensibility and specificity of US in the discrimination of myopathies vs neuropathic conditions are high. The concordance ratio of US to other laboratory methods including MRI, EMG, muscle histology, immuno-histochimistry, and mutation analysis is elevated. The specificity of the ultrasound pattern decreases at the very advanced stage of the pathology. This accuracy is earlier in infants compared to other techniques such as MRI.

Summary / Conclusion: The value of muscle ultrasound as a non-invasive, accessible and accurate tool for the diagnosis and follow-up of pediatric neuromuscular disorders is well established. It should be an extension of the physical exam in the work-up of any neuromuscular disease. Quantitative US is well suited to monitor disease progression. It should be developped in our center.

eP02.01.03Machine Learning in Ultrasound-Guided Differentiation of Myopathic From Neurogenic Patterns: A Pilot Study

Bara S¹, Vlachopoulos G¹, Spiliopoulos K², Veltsista D², Chroni E², Costaridou L¹

¹Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece, ²Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece

Background: Muscle ultrasound (MUS) has been proven a reliable examination in the detection of muscle abnormality and the monitoring of progression in neuromuscular disorders. Discriminating myopathic from neurogenic disease via MUS can be a challenging task, especially in early or severely advanced stages of muscular pathology. Image texture analysis and Machine Learning (ML) of MUS images is a novel approach in discrimination of myopathic from neurogenic diseases, which can predict disease characteristics.

Objective of this study is to investigate differentiation among neurogenic, myopathic and healthy biceps brachii (BB), by means of ML analysis of MUS image textural features.

Methods: Nineteen patients diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (mean age 63.79 ± 8.7 years, 6 females and 13 males, mean BMI 26.64 ± 5.9 kg/mm2) and 22 patients with muscular dystrophy (mean age 44.05 ± 13.6 years, 12 females and 10 males, mean BMI 25.26 ± 4.82 kg/mm2) underwent B-mode ultrasonography of the BB muscle. Forty-one sex-, age- and body mass-matched healthy subjects constituted the control group. Transverse ultrasound images of BB were analyzed. A total of 46 features were extracted, 14 of which being histogram (first order) derived parameters and 32 texture (second order). A ML approach was utilized to evaluate the discriminating ability of the extracted features, using 3 different classifiers. Specifically, Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) were employed for differentiating between neurogenic-myopathic, healthy-neurogenic, as well as healthy-myopathic groups. The area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used in order to evaluate the classification performance of the 3 classifiers.

Results: Analysis between neurogenic and control group revealed 13 features with performance >0.65 AUC. Best performing features were histogram first quartile (Q1) (AUC=0.71) with the use of LR classifier and texture Gray-Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM) High Gray-level Run Emphasis (HGRE) (AUC=0.79) with the use of RF classifier. Analysis between myopathic and healthy groups demonstrated 29 features with performance >0.80 AUC. Best performing features were histogram Skewness (AUC=0.90) with the use of RF classifier and texture GLRLM Short-Run Low Gray-level Emphasis (SRLGE) (AUC=0.94) with RF classifier. Finally, analysis between neurogenic and myopathic group showed 13 features with performance >0.80 AUC. Best performing features were histogram Q1 (AUC=0.83) with LR classifier and texture GLRLM Long-Run Low Gray-level Emphasis (LRLGE) (AUC=0.85) with RF classifier.

Conclusion: Results demonstrate that both histogram and texture analysis may offer meaningful insights for the discrimination between myopathic and neurogenic disease. Texture analysis is especially promising towards increasing disease classification accuracy.

eP02.01.04Novel Titin Mutation Responsible for Hereditary Myopathy With Early Respiratory Failure in Adult Moroccan Man

Tamaoui L¹, Belkhayate A², Birouk N¹

¹Clinical neurophysiology department, Hôpital des Spécialités RABAT, Ibn Sina University Hospital, RABAT, Morocco, ²Private genetic laboratory, RABAT, Morocco

Introduction: Respiratory insufficiency is a common feature of many neuromuscular disorders. However, its occurrence as a prominent or sole symptom in adulthood should rise suspicion of an extremely rare condition called hereditary myopathy with early respiratory failure (HMERF). Titinopathies is one of the likely diagnoses. However, the differential diagnosis is broad and might be challenging for diagnosis. Here we describe a first sporadic case of HMERF in Moroccan man with a novel titin mutation.

Methods: case report

Result: A 48-year-old Moroccan man with no family history of muscle disease who complained about slowly progressive respiratory insufficiency since his 40s in addition to a long-standing asthenia since his early 20s with no obvious weakness. Neurologic exam was normal but physical examination revealed dorsal kyphosis with forward tilt of the pelvis. Electro-diagnostic study showed evidence of a subtle signs of myopathy. MRI of the lower extremities revealed characteristic fatty infiltration mostly affecting the posterior muscles of the thigh, adductor and gluteus maximus muscles. Muscle pathology showed dystrophic changes. In the first place, we excluded the most common diseases related to these symptoms; in particular Pompe disease and Steinert disease. Therefore, a clinical exom sequencing was performed and revealed heterozygous mutation C.37101 + 1G>A of the titin gene which is not previously reported. Currently, the patient is stable using continuous noninvasive ventilation at night and few hours a daytime for almost 10 years.

Conclusion: This case illustrates an uncommon condition of chronic muscle diseases presenting as respiratory insufficiency. Although, the myofibrillar myopathy du to Titin mutation is a rare genetic disorder, we aim to stress on its hallmark features, the differential diagnosis, and the positive contribution of supportive care.

eP02.01.05Deep Learning-Based Electrodiagnosis of Needle-Electromyography

Yoo I¹

¹Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Bundang Gu, Pangyo Yeok Ro, Republic of Korea

Background: It has been demonstrated that deep learning shows good performance in reading a surface electromyography, needle electromyography (nEMG) in resting state. However, it is not well elucidated whether deep learning can be applied to reading the nEMG in contraction state, which plays more important role in differentiating among myopathy, neuropathy, and normal. We investigated whether convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm can identify the abnormality of nEMG.

Methods and findings: We classified nEMG data (58 patients; 382 muscles) stored in Seoul National University Hospital database from June 2015 to July 2020 among myopathy, neuropathy, normal by using the CNN algorithm.

Based on the classified results by CNN algorithm, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and F1 score were 0.820, 0.820, 0.904, 0.820, and 0.820, respectively; mean values of the results electro-diagnosed by physicians were 0.537, 0.527, 0.770, 0.582, and 0.511, respectively. The performance of CNN algorithm for predicting myopathy, neuropathy, and normal was also evaluated with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the results were 0.898 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.884–0.912), 0.840 (95% CI 0.838–0.841), and 0.948 (95% CI 0.928–0.968), respectively.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the CNN algorithm is valuable in interpreting nEMG of patient with neuropathy or myopathy on behalf of physicians and assisting physician’s decision making in diagnosing patients with suspected neuromuscular disease. Large, prospective cohort studies with more diverse neuromuscular disease are needed in the future.

Keywords: Electromyography, Machine learning, Neuromuscular disease, Convolutional neural network.

eP02.01.06Normative Values for Commonly Used Nerve Conduction Studies in Russian Population

Kovalchuk M¹, Kovalchuk M², Druzhinin D³, Pyatkov A⁴, Druzhinina E⁵, Sarycheva A⁶

¹Moscow City Clinical Hospital after V.M. Buyanov, Moscow, Russian Federation, ²Chaika Clinics, Moscow, Russian Federation, ³Yaroslavl State Medical University, Department of Neuropathology, Yaroslavl, Russia, ⁴Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russia, ⁵Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia, ⁶Central military clinical hospital No3 after A.A. Vishnevsky, Krasnogorsk, Russia

Introduction: Reference values used in routine nerve conduction studies (NCS) depend on the technical and lab settings, as well as on ethnical and physical factors such as subject’s height, age and skin temperature. Each geographical region and even neurophysiology department is preferred to have own NCS normative dataset as it is crucial in suspected peripheral neuropathy. Our aim was to establish limits of standard NCS values in Russian population.

Materials and Methods: 77 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 76 years were investigated by four neurophysiologists in a standardized technique using extended NCS protocol: motor, sensory and F-waves of median, ulnar, radial, tibial and peroneal nerves both sides. Skin temperature was monitored along the whole study. Following maximal and minimal parameters were analyzed for each nerve, except radial: compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude; sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude; nerve conduction velocity (CV); distal motor latency (DML); min F-latency. Gender and age differences were assessed.

Results: Out of 77 volunteers 32 were male (41.5%) and 45 were female (58.5%). Mean age was 36.2 years old; mean height 174.4 cm. Complete set of NCS values is presented in Table 1. The spread of CMAP values for tibial and median nerves was larger, than for other nerves.

Conclusion: This study established normative parameters for routine NCS in the Russian cohort. This can be of use in a selected geographic region when peripheral nerve abnormality is suspected.

eP02.01.07Cardiac MRI in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy

S G M¹, Nalini A¹, Vengalil S¹, Barthur A², Nashi S¹

¹NIMHANS, Bangalore, India, ²Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bangalore, India

Objectives – We sought to determine the prevalence of cardiac involvement in Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DMD and BMD) using Cardiovascular MRI (CMRI) and its association with clinical and laboratory parameters.

Background - Cardiac disease is a common manifestation of DMD and BMD. CMRI can be used as a non-invasive technique for detection of early myocardial fibrosis in DMD and BMD.

Methodology – A prospective, observational study was conducted on 30 DMD and 5 BMD patients, genetically confirmed using Multiplex Ligation-dependant Probe Amplification (MLPA) and underwent cardiac MRI between March 2020 and August 2021.

Results –DMD patients had mean age of disease onset– 4.03 ± 1.63 years, and mean disease duration- 7.3 ± 3.42 years; BMD patients had mean age of onset- 13.4 ± 4.56 years and mean disease duration- 6.4 ± 2.41 years. All patients had predominantly proximal lower and upper limb weakness. 83.87% had variable deletion of exons in DMD gene (84.61% confined to regions between exons 45 to 54). CMRI revealed late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of left ventricular (LV) wall, suggestive of myocardial fibrosis in 51.43% of cases, but only 5.71% was symptomatic. Among the patients with LGE, 55.55% (10 of 18) had reduced LV Ejection Fraction. Myocardial fibrosis in CMRI was associated with disease duration, but not with age, genotype or creatine kinase levels. CMRI changes showed good correlation with ECG – a characteristic descending pattern of voltage in anterior chest leads and low voltage in V6 lead.

Conclusions – There is a high prevalence of subclinical cardiac involvement in DMD/BMD patients which can be detected using Cardiac MRI, which helps in initiating early cardioprotective therapy in this subgroup. Myocardial fibrosis is confined to inferior and lateral LV wall in patients with mild involvement and progress towards LV apex, anterior and septal wall in patients with greater involvement.

eP02.01.08Artificial Intelligence Based Automatic Muscle MRI Segmentation: Towards a Generalized Solution for Quantitative Imaging

Snezhko E¹, Carlier P², Reyngoudt H³, Carlier R⁴, Bardakov S⁵, Suslov V⁶

¹United Institute Of Informatics Problems, National Academy Of Sciences Of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus, ²University Paris-Saclay, CEA, SHFJ, Orsay, France, ³Institute of Myology, Pitie-Salpetriere University Hospital, Paris, France, ⁴Medical Imaging Department, Raymond Poincare University Hospital, Garches, France, ⁵SM Kirov Military Medical Academy, Russian Ministry of Defense, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, ⁶Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia

The need to manually segment muscles on NMR images has been the main bottleneck to a wider diffusion of the quantitative imaging protocols and their use as an outcome measure in clinical trials. The motivation for this work was to apply recent techniques based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to the segmentation of individual muscle groups and whole segment muscle volumes segmentation on NMR images.

The cohort for individual muscle group segmentation contained 300+ Dixon out-of-phase volumes of legs and thighs volumes. In the thighs, the quadriceps and hamstrings were manually segmented as well as the foot extensors, the peroneal group and the triceps surae in the legs. The cohort for whole segment muscle volume determination contained 700+ Dixon out-of-phase data sets together with water and fat maps from nine different neuromuscular diseases.

Convolutional neural network (CNN) was applied on the data, composed of an encoder part, which is MobileNet v2 without fully-connected layers, and a decoder part consisting of up-sampling layers and a soft maximum classifier at the end. Four layer pairs from encoder and decoder parts are connected in UNet manner.

The median values of CNN vs manual segmentation Dice’s coefficient for muscle groups ‘Quadriceps’, ‘Hamstrings’ were 0.968 and 0.948, respectively. The median values of Dice’s coefficient of segmentation for muscle groups ‘Foot Extensors’, ‘Peroneal group’ and ‘Triceps Surae’ were 0.949, 0.929 and 0.951.

The median values of Dice’s coefficient of segmentation for whole segment muscle volumes at the level of legs and thighs were 0.980 and 0.984, respectively. The median Hausdorff distance for whole segment muscles were 3.390 (legs) and 4.243 (thighs).

These results show the ability of an AI based automatic segmentation software to contour precisely muscle groups and segment global muscle volumes of diseased muscles with variable degrees of fatty replacement.

The experiments on individual muscle groups and whole segment muscle volumes segmentation on NMR images using CNNs showed the acceptable quality for further quantitative analysis of automatically segmented regions of interest.

CNN based automatic segmentation of individual muscle groups and whole segment muscle provides a robust solution for volumes of Dixon NMR images. Additional tests and experiments are being conducted on individual and global muscle segmentation of standard gradient echo and spin echo images collected from platforms of different vendors.

eP02.01.09Neuropathies Amidst the Pandemic: Remote Phenotype Validation and Assessment of Patient Needs

Dohrn M^1,2, Broschwitz R², Dumke C², Schöne U², Bähr F², Peschke G², Achenbach P², Brunkhorst R², Schulz J², Züchner S¹

¹Hussman Institute For Human Genomics, Miller School Of Medicine, University Of Miami, Miami, United States, ²Medical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen University, Department of Neurology, Aachen, Germany

The past two years have been significantly overshadowed by the respiratory virus Covid-19. This has shown a relevant impact on health care systems, so that at a specialized neuromuscular center, we experienced a shortness of personnel and time, and in parallel, we were facing many unanswered questions addressed to us by patients with rare diseases. In this study, we developed a new questionnaire to assess patient needs, concerns, and symptoms confronting the global pandemic.

We included individuals with hereditary neuropathies (n=15), autoimmune-inflammatory neuropathies (n=26), or idiopathic small fiber neuropathies (n=45). For validation, we used previous clinical examination reports. Forty-six percent of the included patients were female, 52% male, and one patient “diverse”. The mean age at examination was 52.67±13.37 years (range: 19-79 years).

Most of the patients (59%) reported mild to moderate limitations in their daily life activities due to Covid-19. Severe impairment was reported in 28%. Due to the pandemic, 54% of the patients reported to be concerned about their own and 76% about their relatives’ health. Patients with a positive family history were 2.4x more likely to be seriously worried about other family members. We observed that patients with more wide-spread sensory loss reported higher impairment levels than those with distal sensory loss only. Overall, 37% of the patients said that contracting Covid-19 was their main concern, including the presumed risk of a severe course. Further 34% were worried that their neuropathy might worsen if they ever contracted Covid-19. Thirty-three percent of the patients experienced limitations in their treatment options, e.g. by not being able to continue their physical therapy. Seven percent were concerned about social distancing, as daily care required direct interactions with others. Whereas 65% of the included individuals confirmed that they felt appropriately informed by their treating physicians, 21% wished to receive more information. Sixteen percent, however, said that they did not dare to ask their questions in order to not disturb the health care personnel amidst the crisis. Patients with hereditary, autoimmune, or small fiber neuropathies did not show any differences in their Covid-related daily-life impairment. Previous clinical results correlated with patient-reported sensory levels; and gait unsteadiness was reported significantly more often in patients with afferent ataxia.

We conclude that Covid-19 imposes a relevant daily-life burden on neuropathy patients. Patient-reported outcome measures are a valid remote strategy if in-person visits are not possible.

eP02.01.10Subclinical Status of Dysferlinopathy

Bardakov S¹, Deev R, Suslov V, Carlier P, Reyngoudt H, Tsargush V¹, Musatova E, Umakhanova Z, Isaev A

¹Kirov S.M. Military Medical Acadamy, St.Petersburg, Russian Federation

Dysferlinopathy is a phenotypically heterogeneous, inherited, progressive muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the DYSF gene. Dysferlinopathy is marked by elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) and can manifest as hyperCKemia in asymptomatic or low-symptom states.

We describe the clinical signs and symptoms and laboratory and imaging results of eight patients at the preclinical stage of dysferlinopathy (aged 3-12 years), with homozygous mutation of the DYSF gene. MRI scanning was performed from the anterior, superior, iliac spine to the lower third of the legs on an Ingenia 1.5T tomograph (Philips Healthcare, Eindhoven, Netherlands) using a body surface receiver coil. The protocol included T2-multi-slice multi-echo (T2 MSME), T1 weighted (T1w), T2 weighted (T2w) and Short Tau Inversion Recovery T2 weighted (STIR T2w) pulse sequences. Water T2 (wT2), an imaging biomarker of oedema and disease activity and fat fraction, a marker of chronic degenerative changes were extracted by a triexponential deconvolution of the MSME signal. The control group consisted of eight healthy children of the corresponding gender and age.

Based on this case series, we propose three stages of dysferlinopathy disease progression. The first stage is asymptomatic hyperCKemia laboratory syndrome of myocytolysis, which is marked by a mild increase in CK (>1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN)) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Second stage: moderate increase in CK (2.7-3.2 × ULN) and LDH, minimal signs of fatty muscle infiltration, displacement of the center of support to the back of the foot during plantography, and decrease in Achilles reflexes. Third stage: higher increase in CK (3.2-6.2 × ULN), LDH, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and myoglobin; moderate fatty infiltration of muscles; slight afterload fatigue of the calf muscles; slight decrease in muscle strength; reduction of Achilles and knee tendon reflexes. Taken together, isolated hyperCKemia and low-symptom patients form a single continuum of pre-symptomatic cases.

Quantitative MRI revealed an t increase in wT2 in the anterior thigh muscles (in particular, in the m. vastus intermedius), the adductor muscles of the thighs, the anterior and peroneal groups of the lower leg, and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. A slight increase in the fat fraction was noted in the gluteal muscles (in particular in the m. gluteus maximus) and the posterior leg muscle group (m. soleus and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle).

Surprisingly, there was an inverse correlation between wT2 in the muscles of the anterior thigh group and the CPK(rp=0.83, p = 0.03), LDH (rp=0.85, p = 0.02), myogoglobin (rp=0.88, p = 0.02) levels and the age of patients (rp=0.89, p = 0.01).

Quantitative MRI methods can detect minimal changes, in the absence of anomalies on the standard images. In particular signs of disease activity were revealed by an increase in water T2.

eP02.02.01Overview of Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy of the Neuromuscular Reference Center of LIèGE

Poleur M¹, Maertens de Noordhout A¹, Lievens I², Delstanche S¹

¹University department of neurology, Centre Hospitalier Régional de la Citadelle, Liège, Belgium, ²Departement of neurology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Liège, Belgium

Introduction: There is currently a worldwide shortage on intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). In 2015, the Belgian authorities limited the prescription of IVIG for Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) to neurologists attached to a neuromuscular reference center (NMRC).

Method: We established a registry to characterize our patients diagnosed with CIDP. We reviewed medical records of all CIDP patients registered in the NMRC of Liège in 2021. We recorded in a table clinical and electrophysiological data such as supportive criteria (cerebrospinal fluid analysis, MRI, biopsy and response to therapy) relative to the previous EFNS/PNS and new EAN/PNS criteria in order to verify if our patients meet them.

Results: We studied 117 patients aged between 7 and 87 years. Mean age at the time of diagnosis was 52 (± 14.1) years old. The ratio male/female is 2/1. Clinically, two-thirds of patients had typical CIDP. Only 41% of patients showed absent deep tendon reflexes. Among EFNS/PNS electrophysiological criteria, significant nerve conduction velocity slowing was most frequently found. Forty-four percent of patients presented at least one conduction block. Some nerves (e.g. tibial) and other criteria (e.g. distal compound muscle action potential duration) were seldom assessed. Among supportive criteria, patients showed less frequent albumin cytologic dissociation (46%) than previously described. In patients with albumin cytologic dissociation, mean proteinorachia was 1053 mg/dL. A nerve biopsy was performed in four patients and influenced the diagnosis in none of these cases. Among 8 plexus magnetic resonance imaging performed, two showed typical signs of CIDP. It influenced the diagnosis for one patient. Eighty-two percent of patients responded to steroids or IVIG. Response to treatment was used as a supportive criterion in 17.8% of cases. Currently, 89 patients are treated. Among them, 93% of patients receive IVIG.

According to 2010 EFNS/PNS criteria, 82% and 7.7% of our population met the criteria of defined and probable CIDP, respectively. Six patients initially included for analysis do not suffer from CIDP and their diagnosis was modified. Seven percent of patients diagnosed with CIDP did not meet the 2010 EFNS/PNS criteria. There was no difference between these patients in terms of supportive criteria except that they tended to present poorer response to standard treatment. For three of these patients, the diagnosis is under consideration. We will also present a comparison between previous EFNS/PNS and new EAN/PNS criteria at the ICNMD.

Discussion: Due to the lack of specific test, the diagnosis of CIDP is based on a combination of clinical, electrophysiological, and laboratory features. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis is common, leading to unjustified prescription of IVIG. Guidelines and diagnosis criteria are designed to avoid diagnostic pitfalls and prevent unnecessary treatment.

This study highlights significant ways for us to improve our clinical practice. In the future, we should create a standardized protocol of electrophysiological studies for CIDP patient, use more widely the supportive criteria and assess objectively the response to treatment as recommended by the guidelines.

This study also highlights the necessity to find new treatments for CIDP patients in an era of IVIG shortage.

eP02.02.02Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Systematic Literature Review

Anderson-Smits C¹, Mitchell S², Hawe E², Hartley L²

¹Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, United States, ²RTI Health Solutions, Manchester, United Kingdom

Background: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare, chronic, progressive or relapsing immune-mediated disorder that typically requires long-term therapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and systemic corticosteroids are recommended as first-line treatment options for both induction of therapy and maintaining clinical response in CIDP, with plasma exchange (PE) considered if these treatments fail.

Objective: To systematically identify and describe published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of IVIG (versus placebo, systemic corticosteroids or PE) in patients with CIDP.

Methods: Systematic searches of the MEDLINE, Embase, BioSciences Information Service and Cochrane Library electronic databases were performed (database inception–March 2020) to identify RCTs of IVIG versus placebo, systemic corticosteroids or PE in patients with CIDP. Selected congress, society and key health technology assessment and regulatory websites were also searched (2017–2020). Articles were screened using pre-specified criteria for population, intervention, comparison, outcome and study design. Efficacy, safety and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes data were extracted and summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results: In total, 10 eligible RCTs were identified for analysis: five placebo-controlled studies and five head-to-head comparison studies (two versus other IVIG therapies, two versus systemic corticosteroids and one versus PE). Across RCTs, IVIG was administered at 0.4–2 g/kg over 1 day to 9 weeks, or as 50 or 100 g/L infusions. Compared with placebo, IVIG was generally associated with statistically significant improvements (p≤0.035) in disability (4 of 5 studies reporting relevant data), muscle-strength (3 of 4 studies) and nerve-conduction outcomes (3 of 5 studies), and in Rotterdam Handicap Scale scores and all domains of the Short Form 36 Health Survey (1 study; p<0.001 and p≤0.044, respectively). The different IVIG therapies compared in the two head-to-head RCTs showed generally equivalent efficacy with respect to disability measures. In the trials comparing IVIG with other treatments for CIDP, no significant differences were identified between IVIG and systemic corticosteroids for disability, most muscle strength or HRQoL outcomes, or between IVIG and PE for disability outcomes (muscle strength and HRQoL not assessed). Across RCTs, the adverse events reported with IVIG were mostly mild, with few serious adverse events observed.

Conclusion: In this systematic literature review of RCTs in patients with CIDP, IVIG use was shown to improve disease symptoms and HRQoL measures significantly compared with placebo and to have a favorable safety profile. Although few head-to-head comparisons of IVIG with other IVIG products/regimens, systemic corticosteroids or PE exist, those available have demonstrated no meaningful differences between therapies in the efficacy or HRQoL outcomes evaluated.

eP02.02.03Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy in Patients in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients: A Comparative Study

Abida Y¹, Mrabet S^1,2, Nasri A^1,2, Atrous A^1,2, Souissi A^1,2, Gharbi A^1,2, Gargouri A^1,2, Kacem I^1,2, Gouider R^1,2

¹Department Of Neurology, Lr18sp03, Clinical Investigation Centre Neurosciences And Mental Health, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia, ²Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis EL Manar, Tunis, Tunisia

Introduction: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired demyelinating neuropathy. The possibility of co-association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) has long been a focus of interest as well as of its clinical significance. Our objective is to determine whether the clinical characteristics, electrodiagnostic classification of nerve injury and treatment response differed in diabetes and non-diabetes patients diagnosed with CIDP.

Methods: Retrospective study including all patients with CIDP defined according to the EFNS 2010 criteria (n=56). DM was diagnosed according to the American Association of Diabetes criteria. Subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and CIDP were included in this study (n =16). Clinical and electrophysiological data were collected,

Results: Mean age of onset was 43 in CIDP + DM patients and 55 in CIDP without DM (p=0.01). Clinical features including early signs, motor deficit and superficial sensitivity did not differ between the two groups. Deep sensitivity was mostly impaired in CIDP+DM patients (p=0.002). Electrodiagnostic features were similar in the two groups. Treatment response (p=0.824) as well as number of prednisone or IVIG courses were also equivalent between the groups (p=0.134 and p=0.9 respectively)

Conclusion: Our study did not find a major difference between diabetic and non-diabetic patients with CIDP apart from age of onset and deep sensation involvement

This is in contrast with previous studies showing that CIDP+DM patients are found to be proximally weaker, to have more severe motor and sensory impairment in nerve conduction studies and to have less favorable outcome. This may be due to a shorter time since the onset of the diabetes which could lower the effects of the superimposed diabetic distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy.

eP02.02.04Identical Late Responses in Early Stages of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A-Waves or Repeater F-Waves

Veltsista D¹, Kintos V², Kefalopoulou Z¹, Chroni E¹

¹University of Patras, Medical School, Rio, Greece, ²Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Elefsina Thriasio, Magoula-Elefsina, Greece

Purpose: Early detection of neurophysiological abnormalities in patients with suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is clinically valuable. We herein analyzed the frequency and significance of identical late motor responses following the compound muscle action potential (CMAP), in the initial examination of GBS patients.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed nerve conduction studies (NCS) performed in our institute between January 2020 and December 2021. Twenty-two GBS patients (12 females; mean age 55.3 ± 19.1 years) who underwent NCS within 10 days from symptom onset (median interval 5 days, IQR 5) were included. A total of 86 nerves, including 27 ulnar, 19 median, 25 peroneal and 15 tibial nerves, were studied. Late responses were elicited by a series of 40 supramaximal stimuli in each nerve. A-waves were recognized as identical in latency and configuration responses in ≥16 of 40 traces. Repeater F-waves (Freps) were identified by means of a software program (F Wave Analyzer) and index total Freps (100 x total number of Freps/ total number of traces with F-waves) was calculated.

Results: At the initial NCS, whose late responses were evaluated herein, 9 patients fulfilled the neurophysiological diagnostic criteria for GBS. At later stages, a diagnosis of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) was confirmed in 13 and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) in 9 patients.

A-waves were present in 44 of the 86 studied nerves (13/27 ulnar, 6/19 median, 13/25 peroneal, 12/14 tibial). An abnormal increase in Index Total Freps was calculated in 54 out of the 57 nerves with F-wave recordings (17/18 ulnar, 13/13 median, 13/14 peroneal, 11/12 tibial). Late responses were absent in 15/ 86 nerves. Co-occurrence of A-waves and increased index total Freps was found in 29/ 86 nerves.

In nerves with conduction block (CB), A-waves appeared more frequently compared to increased index total Freps (15.9% vs 5.9%, p<0.05). However a comparison of A-waves presence between AIDP and AMAN (22.1% vs 13.9%, p=0.275) did not reach a significant level. A-waves morphology was polyphasic (>4 phases) in 18 nerves (13 AIDP), and single in 26. Minimum latencies of A-waves were always shorter than that of F-waves.

In nerves with otherwise normal motor conduction studies increased index total Freps was significantly more common compared to A-waves (94.1% vs 84.1%, p<0.05). Disease subtype and CMAP amplitude abnormalities did not correlate significantly with increased index total Freps (p=0.124). Index total Freps correlated negatively with overall F-wave persistence (p= 0.025).

Discussion: A-waves and Freps are late responses frequently observed in the majority of nerves studied in early GBS. Both are characterized by identical potentials occurring in consecutive recordings. A-waves appeared in nerves with motor conduction abnormalities and are associated with CB. Whereas, an increased index total Freps suggests that a reduced number of motor neurons are able to produce F-waves and constitutes an early finding even when standard nerve conduction studies are unaffected.

eP02.02.05An Unusual Clinical Evolution in Anti-contactin-1 Positive CIDP

Vivier Y¹, Alonso Jimenez A

¹University Hospital of Antwerp, Schoten, Belgium

Specific clinical, electrophysiological and serological features are used to recognise a phenotype fitting the atypical chronic inflammatory demyelinating (CIDP) variant spectrum. We report a 28-year-old male patient, without any significant history apart from a recent asymptomatic COVID-19 infection, presenting at first with bilateral facial nerve palsy, subsequently –three months later- developing an subacute onset symmetric sensory ataxia and areflexia, and thirdly experiencing diffuse rapidly progressive motor deficits. Additional investigations suggested an autoimmune polyneuropathy: Liquor analysis showed cytoalbuminologic dissociation. Cerebrospinal fluid protein elevation was remarkable: 631 mg/dL. Nerve conduction studies showed prominent distal latencies prolongation and dispersion of the potentials, meeting the electrodiagnostic criteria of the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society for CIDP (2021). Full spine magnetic resonance imaging depicted pathological thickening and enhancement of the roots of the cauda equina as seen in radiculitis. There was no or poor response to conventional treatment, i.e. immunoglobulins (IVIG), corticosteroids and even plasmapheresis. Muscle weakness deteriorated. Presence of serum IgG4 anti- contactin-1 (CNTN1) antibodies was found by ELISA identification and titration, and the patient improved substantially after rituximab treatment. While contributing to the expanding confidence in nodal and paranodal antibodies as valuable biomarkers in clinical practice, our case entails several peculiarities: 1/ SARS-CoV2 positivity as a possible trigger of this auto-immune polyneuropathy 2/ A considerably younger age of onset than in the patients already described (range 33-76 years). 3/ The clinical course progressed in an atypical manner even for atypical CIDP: initial presentation with bilateral asymmetric facial palsy, followed by sensory ataxia, which prompted the initial diagnosis of Miller-Fisher syndrome, and later development of severe motor impairment. 4/ Proteinorachy was so pronounced that we considered neuroborreliosis as a potential associated disorder. Borrelia seroconversion occurred after the first IVIG-treatment, and could be false positive. However, the patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, which had no effect on the clinic. 5/ Antibodies against CNTN1 were undetectable after 2 months of rituximab. Emphasising the both diagnostic and therapeutic importance of recognising a phenotype compatible with atypical CIDP, an underrecognized and consequently undertreated disease where early diagnosis and prevention of axonal damage is crucial in.

eP02.02.07Characteristics and Epidemiology of Patients with Multifocal Motor Neuropathy in Latvia.

Roddate M^1,2, Glazere I^1,3, Zukova V^1,2, Rots D⁴, Gailite L⁴, Kurjane N³, Kenina V⁵

¹Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Riga, Latvia, ²Riga Stradins University, Faculty of Continuing Education, Riga, Latvia, ³Riga Stradins University, Department of Biology and Microbiology, Riga, Latvia, ⁴Riga Stradins University, Scientific Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Riga, Latvia, ⁵Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Rare disease centre, Riga, Latvia

Introduction: Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterized by progressive asymmetric weakness with spared sensation and conduction blocks on electrophysiological assessment. The disease has an estimated prevalence of 0.6 to 2 per 100,000 population with male-to-female ratio of 2.7:1 and remains a diagnostic challenge considering wide spectrum of differential diagnosis of lower motor neuron syndromes. This is a first study presenting clinical characteristics and epidemiological data of MMN patients in Latvia.

Objectives: To determine incidence (2015-2021) and prevalence (on November 1, 2021) of MMN in Latvia and describe the main characteristics of MMN patients in Latvia.

Methods: A review of patient’s files diagnosed with MMN in a 6-year period (2015-2021) in Pauls Stradins and Riga East Clinical university hospitals. Repeated neurologic evaluation for all patients, including MRC scoring scale, grip strength, MMN-RODS and 6MWT for clinical assessment.

Results: 8 patients (4 men and 4 women) with confirmed MMN (according to EFNS/PNS clinical and electrophysiological criteria) were enrolled in our study. At the time of enrolment, the median age was 46 years (range 16-76). The median age of symptom onset was 37 years with a median duration of the disease until the diagnosis of 24 months. The prevalence and incidence were 0,39 per 100 000 and 0,40 per 100 000, respectively. 6 patients had monophasic course of disease and 2 female patients reported polyphasic course with few relapses. All patients reported upper limb involvement as the first symptom. Electrophysiological evaluation revealed initial conduction blocks in median, ulnar and tibial nerves in most cases. At the time of the last follow-up all patients were able to walk without assistance. Clinical evaluation revealed significant distal atrophy or hypotrophy, mostly in thenar/hypothenar and palms as well as proximal interphalangeal joint contractures in 3 patients; 3 patients had areflexia in the affected limbs. The median MMN-RODS was 43 in our patient group (summed raw score, range 3-48). All patients received immunoglobulins as the first line of treatment: intravenous administration was chosen in 6 patients, two others received medication subcutaneously. Only one patient reported no improvement after received treatment.

Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence of MMN patients in Latvia are lower to previously reported studies worldwide. Our study also does not show male predominance. All things considered; we suspect that MMN is likely to be under-recognised pathology in our region. Results of our study emphasises importance of careful clinical and electrophysiological evaluation in patients with lower motor neuron syndrome since specific immunomodulating treatment with good response is available for MMN patients.

eP02.02.08Herpes Zoster May Be a Trigger for Lumbosacral Radiculoplexus Neuropathy

Aragon Pinto C¹, Pinto M¹, Dyck P¹

¹Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States

OBJECTIVE: To describe the association between herpes zoster and lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy (LRPN).

BACKGROUND: LRPN is an immune mediated neuropathy that may have a trigger in approximately 1/3 of cases. The most common triggers are surgery, rapid glycemic changes, vaccines and infection. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is known to cause central and peripheral nervous system complications but the association of VZV and LRPN has never been systematically studied.

METHODS: We performed an electronic chart review to identify patients who developed LRPN up to 4 weeks after the appearance of VZV infection rash at our institution between 1/1/2000 to 12/31/2017. We only included patients who had classic herpes zoster diagnosed by a physician.

RESULTS: Seven patents were identified. 5 (71.4%) had diabetes. Median age-at-onset was 68 years (range 48-76), 5 (71.4%) were female and median time to LRPN diagnosis was 6 (2-16) months. Median time from rash onset to LRPN onset was 3 (1-4) weeks, and median time from LRPN onset to nadir was 6 (2-12) months. The rash location was in the trunk region in 3 (42.9%) patients, face in 2(28.5%), groin in 1 (14.3%) and arm in 1(14.3%). No patient had diffuse VZV infection. All patients had weakness and pain in roots and nerves distributions outside of the rash location. At diagnosis, 3 (42.8%) patients had more than 10 lbs of weight loss, 5 (71.4%) had bilateral lower extremity involvement, 3 (42.9%) had panplexus involvement, and the median modified Rankin scale was 3 (2-4). In 3 patients, herpes zoster anteceded a recurrence of patient’s previous episode of LRPN. One patient was immunosuppressed (liver transplant).

CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster can be associated with LRPN. Even though VZV might cause direct peripheral nerve injury, the protracted progression of LRPN, neuropathic symptoms far away from the rash location and recurrence of LRPN may suggest that VZV is rather a trigger for LRPN.

eP02.02.09Acute Worsening of Anti-mag Neuropathy Following Treatment With Rituximab

Muley S, Kaldawi S

¹Barrow Neurologic Institute, Phoenix, United States

Rituximab is efficacious in the treatment of anti-MAG neuropathy. Rare cases of worsening of neuropathy after rituximab have been reported. All cases improved, but rarely back to baseline. We report a case of rituximab related worsening of anti-MAG neuropathy that did improve with plasma exchange.

Overall, 10 cases have been described in the literature with rituximab related worsening of anti-MAG neuropathy. Only 1 of these reports utilizes plasma exchange as treatment and that case reported patient stabilization to pretreatment level. All other cases utilized either IVIg or no treatment. None of these reported improvement beyond pretreatment level.

Patient is a 70 year old female who first noticed tingling in her feet 5-6 years ago that progressed gradually to the lower legs and led to gait incoordination. She was diagnosed with anti-MAG neuropathy by an outside neurologist 1-2 years after symptom onset (antibody titer 1:51200). She did not respond to a one year course of IVIg.

She was seen at our institution 4 years after symptom onset. At this point she had numbness that had progressed to her knees and finger tips with some gait instability. Strength in the legs was normal and she was walking two miles per day (despite the imbalance). Romberg’s test was negative. Serum immunofixation showed IgM kappa gammopathy with total IgM level of 234mg/dL. Repeat EMG/NCS showed conduction slowing with disproportionate severe prolongation of distal motor latencies. Treatment with two induction doses of rituximab 1 gm, 14 days apart was initiated because of progressive numbness and the gait instability.

Two days after the second dose she had significant worsening of numbness in her hands /legs with severe impairment of balance and was no longer able to do her walks as before, even though strength remained normal. Examination showed absent proprioception and severely reduced vibratory perception at the ankles and fingertips with positive Romberg’s test. Sensation to light touch was now reduced up to midcalf and wrist level. Repeat EMG/NCS showed significant worsening of conduction slowing compared to the prior study. Plasma exchange was initiated, 5 cycles (every other day), followed by 3 times per week for a total of 6 weeks. Patient reported subjective improvement in balance about 4 weeks into the plasma exchange, with plateau. She reported being able to walk a total of 3 miles without any assistive devices. A repeat EMG/NCS was done and showed significant improvement in median and ulnar motor amplitudes, and distal latencies have improved.

Our case illustrates that despite the initial worsening with rituximab, initiation of plasma exchange leads to robust improvement beyond pretreatment levels. While overall there is a limited number of cases, it is possible that in some patients worsening with rituximab is expected, transient, and eventually improves to some degree without intervention. The addition of plasma exchange could improve recovery beyond baseline function. Thus, rituximab may be effective even in patients who show initial worsening in cooperation with plasma exchange. Future research is necessary to determine predictors of this outcome.

eP02.02.10Clinical and Prognostic Characteristics of Guillain-Barre Syndrome Associated With COVID-19, Is This Coincidental?

Ansari B¹

¹University Of Medical Science In Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Introduction: During Covid-19 pandemic periods, various studies have been revealed the coexistence of these two diseases, raising the question of whether SARS-CoV-2 has a role in triggering GBS or it’s just co-incidentally. So far, 255 cases of this concurrence have been reported.

In this study, we publish 45 patients’ demographic, clinical, electro diagnostic study, response to treatment and prognostic features association of Covid-19 and GBS during the 5 corona’s epidemiologic peaks in Isfahan province.

Methods: This cross-sectional, multi-central study was performed during covid-19 pandemic since 2020 February until 2021 October. In this period 5 epidemiologic peaks of corona virus occurred in Isfahan (one of providence of Islamic republic of Iran) and total of 417166 people became infected. 45 patient with definitive Covid-19 (based on positive nasopharynx Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or highly suggestion of High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for covid-19) were referred to one of the 2 referral hospitals (Alzahra and Kashani hospital). All patients whom suspected of peripheral nerve symptoms referred to the neuromuscular fellowship for further examination and performing EDx. Demographic, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features were collected according to Hospital records.

Results & discussion: 45 patients (60% male, 40% female) were surveyed. The mean age was 54.66±10.021 (max: 84, min:14, range:80). The most EDx pattern was AIDP (57.8%, n=26).42.2%(n=19) of patients had axonal pattern. 8 of them were Acute motor axonal neuropathy(AMAN) and 11 patients were Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy(AMSAN). The most (91%) GBS phenotype was classic pattern which defined as acute-sub acute flaccid length dependent paralysis. 2 patients had pure para paretic pattern and 2 had miller-fisher pattern.

The most common symptom of covid-19 was fever (89.7%), Other symptoms included dyspnea (48.7%), cough (46.2%), myalgia (28.2%), headache (28.2%), diarrhea (28.2%) and the less common was anosmia (12.8%). No significant difference was found between any of the covid-19 symptoms with EDx patterns. 7 patients had a history of GBS which were more than 1 year before the onset of new symptoms. 13.6% of patients had no any symptoms of covid-19 on the day of the onset of neurological symptoms, either the symptoms of covid-19 developed after the neurological symptoms or covid-19 was discovered accidentally.

Mean distance between onset of covid-19 and neurological symptoms was 18.05±8.88 which was significantly lower in the axonal injury groups (12.00±800 pvalue: 0.013). Also There was also significant difference between frequency of para/post infectious patient in axonal and demyelinating subtypes (p value: 0.045). So that Para infection was more associated with axonal injuries. Among other prognostic findings, include respiratory equipment (33% no equipment, 44% none-invasive and 22.2% mechanical ventilation), required to ICU admission (46.7%), length of ICU admission (16.66 ±12.03), length of intubation (12.10±6.24), length of hospitalization(23.66±14.13) and mortality(8.9%) no Significant differences were detected among each subgroups of EDx patterns and also between axonal/demyelinating injuries.

There was also significant difference among erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein among axonal patterns that means axonal patterns (AMAN and AMSAN) had more level of ESR and CRP at the first neurological symptom’s day.

eP02.03.01Risdiplam in Children With Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Real-World Experience After One Year of Treatment

Gomez Garcia De La Banda M¹, Bouadi A¹, Spigarelli M¹, Bocassin C¹, Dehache L¹, Benezit A¹, Amthor H¹, Dabaj I¹, Tirolien S¹, Vaugier I¹, Villart M¹, Quijano-Roy S¹

¹Paris Saclay University, Raymond Poincare Hospital, Garches, France

Introduction: The evolution of standards of care and the arrival of innovative specific therapies for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have changed the natural history of this disease. The first oral molecule approved for SMA is Risdiplam (Evrysdi®), wich modifies SMN2 splicing, leading to an increase of SMN protein levels in blood.

Available in France since 2020, it has been shown to be effective and safe in clinical trials, but data in real-world conditions are scarce. We want to share our initial experience treating children with symptomatic SMA with risdiplam, with focus safety and functional aspects

Patients and Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed all patients treated by risdiplam between November 2020 and January 2022 in a single neuromuscular pediatric reference center. A multidisciplinary assessment was performed at baseline and periodically after, including clinical controls (neurological, orthopedics, nutritional and ophthalmological), blood and urinary tests and motor and respiratory function evaluations. Genetic, tolerability and clinical complementary data were also reviewed.

Results: Up to January 2022, a total of 24 patients with genetic confirmation of SMA were included: 2 patients SMA1; 21 SMA2 and 1 SMA3, with a median age of 14 years (4-20 years). 21 patients (95%) had pre-treatment ventilatory support (19 NIV; 2 tracheostomy) and 16 a minimally invasive fusionless surgery. 19 patients (79%) had been previously treated with nusinersen.

All patients are alive and only 2 patients decided to stop treatment. The remaining 22 patients had a good treatment adherence and did not present severe side effects.

The median treatment and follow-up time was 7 months (1-14 months) and 9 patients had been followed for at least 12 months.

No loss of acquisition was observed and new achievements or motor improvement acquisitions were reported in 15 patients (62%), with a subsequent gain in daily life autonomy. The most frequent reported side effects were nausea and diarrhea.

Two patients reported urinary infection, which was resolved with antibiotics without sequels. Two patients referred photosensitivity reactions triggered by sunlight and light from screens, as well as skin hyper and hypopigmentation. No patient had respiratory problems during this period and 25% of the series (6 patients) reported an improvement in terms of swallowing and speech (better articulation of words and louder voice) as well as an improvement in weight gain.

Conclusion: Preliminary short-term results using daily risdiplam are encouraging. It seems to be easy to administer by families, with a good therapeutic adherence. In our cohort, risdiplam has been a safe molecule, well tolerated without severe side effects. A variable motor improvement has been observed in a proportion of patients from the first months of treatment. No major changes were observed in 25% of the series (6 patients), but sensitivity to change may need longer follow-up. More specific motor and respiratory results and the update of the characteristics of the cohort will be provided at the congress

eP02.03.02Cost-Utility Analysis of Risdiplam Compared with Onasemnogene Abeparvovec in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1

Bischof M¹, Dean R2, Toro W³, Weidlich D⁴, Howells R⁵, Dabbous O³

¹Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., Rotkreuz, Switzerland, ²Precision HEOR, Boston, USA, ³Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., Bannnockburn, USA, ⁴Clarivarte, Frankfurt, Germany, ⁵Clarivate, Manchester, UK

Objective: We sought to assess the cost utility of daily risdiplam oral therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 in the United States in a naïve comparison against onasemnogene abeparvovec single-dose gene replacement therapy.

Methods: We updated and adapted a multi-state survival Markov model developed for SMA type 1 to include data for risdiplam. Health state transitions were based on motor milestone attainment (sitting, walking) from published Phase III trials (FIREFISH [1] for risdiplam; START [2] and STR1VE-US [3] for onasemnogene abeparvovec). The FIREFISH pooled cohort (n=58) included 10 sitters and 0 walkers in Part 1 (n=17, 24 months follow-up from first treatment) and 12 sitters and 0 walkers in Part 2 (n=41, 12 months follow-up from first treatment). The START and STR1VE-US cohorts (n=34) had 22 sitters and three walkers by age 36 months. Survival benefit was extrapolated using long-term data from SMA type 2 (sitting) and type 3 (walking) patients. For non-sitters, survival was extrapolated from a published sham control arm (ENDEAR [4]). Survival on permanent ventilation was from a natural history study from Gregoretti et al. [5]. Risdiplam cost (manufacturer wholesaler price) was sourced from Micromedex (Red Book, Jan. 2022) and long-term usage assumptions were based on commercial insurer policy documents (i.e., treatment was stopped after transition to permanent assisted ventilation). Onasemnogene abeparvovec cost included the price of a single dose, plus costs of IV administration and laboratory monitoring. Lifetime cost of SMA medical care for both arms was based on values from Tan et al. [6] indexed to 2021 US dollars. Utilities were taken from the US Institute for Clinical and Economic Review and values preferred by the UK Evidence Review Group.

Results: Undiscounted per-patient total quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were 8.7 for risdiplam and 20.5 for onasemnogene abeparvovec (5.0 and 10.4, respectively, if discounted at 3%). Estimated discounted lifetime costs for risdiplam were $4.324M at the price of $11,170 per pack (weight-based dose). Lifetime discounted costs for onasemnogene abeparvovec at the price of $2.125M per dose was $4.253M per patient. Treatment with risdiplam resulted in greater costs and fewer QALYs gained compared with onasemnogene abeparvovec treatment, resulting in risdiplam being dominated by onasemnogene abeparvovec.

Conclusions: In comparison with onasemnogene abeparvovec in this analysis, risdiplam was not cost-effective and was dominated by onasemnogene abeparvovec for treatment of patients with SMA type 1.

References

1. Baranello G, et al. N Engl J Med 2021;384:915–23.

2. Mendell JR, et al. N Engl J Med 2017;377:1713–22.

3. Day JW, et al. Lancet Neurol 2021;20:284–93.

4. Finkel RS, et al. N Engl J Med 2017;377:1723–32.

5. Gregoretti C, et al. Pediatrics. 2013;131:e1509–14.

6. Tan H, et al. JHEOR. 2019;6:185–195.

eP02.03.03SAPPHIRE: Efficacy and Safety of Apitegromab in Later-Onset SMA; Phase 3 Trial in Progress

Crawford T¹, Darras B², Day J³, SAPPHIRE Study Team⁴, Barrett D⁵, Song G⁵, O’Neil J⁵, Howard S⁵, Rossello J⁵, Osman N⁵, Patel J⁵, Nomikos G⁵, Kertesz N⁵, Chyung Y⁵

¹Johns Hopkins Medical, Baltimore, United States, ²Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, USA, ³Stanford Neuroscience Health Center, Palo Alto, USA, ⁴SAPPHIRE Study Team, includes clinical trial investigators, physical therapists, study coordinators, ⁵Scholar Rock, Inc., Cambridge, United States

Objective: The SAPPHIRE study is a placebo-controlled phase 3 trial to determine the safety and efficacy of 12 months treatment with apitegromab (SRK-015) nonambulatory patients with Type 2 and Type 3 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The primary efficacy objective compares baseline to motor function change on the HFMSE scale.

Background: SMA is a severe, progressive neuromuscular disease caused by reduced levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein leading to muscular atrophy. Apitegromab is a fully human investigational monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits activation of myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass and function. This Phase 3 trial, SAPPHIRE (Study SRK-015-003) is being conducted in patients ≥ 2 years old at screening, who were previously diagnosed with later-onset SMA, and are receiving an approved SMN upregulator therapy (either nusinersen or risdiplam). This study will primarily confirm or evaluate the efficacy and safety of apitegromab in combination with SMN upregulator therapies.

Design/Methods: SAPPHIRE (NCT 05156320) is a global, multicenter, two-part, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in nonambulatory patients, aged 2–21 years, with Type 2 or Type 3 SMA. SAPPHIRE is comprised of two parts: Part 1, the main efficacy population (n=156, randomized 1:1:1, apitegromab 20mg/kg: apitegromab 10mg/kg: placebo) will assess the efficacy, safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and target engagement of different apitegromab dose levels in nonambulatory patients with SMA currently taking background SMN upregulator therapy, either nusinersen or risdiplam. Part 2 is an exploratory subpopulation of nonambulatory patients with Type 2 and Type 3 SMA (n≈48; randomized 2:1 to apitegromab 20mg/kg or placebo) that will assess the safety and efficacy of the apitegromab high dose compared with placebo in nonambulatory patients with SMA, aged 13-21, currently taking background SMN upregulator therapy, nusinersen or risdiplam.

Results: This is an overview of the study design of the SAPPHIRE trial currently enrolling Type 2 and Type 3 SMA participants to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a muscle targeted therapy, apitegromab in combination with background SMN upregulator therapy.

Conclusions: SAPPHIRE is an ongoing pivotal phase 3 study. Apitegromab has the potential to be the first muscle-directed therapy in patients with SMA.

eP02.03.04Safety of Onasemnogene Abeparvovec in Patients With SMA in Real Clinical Practice

Nevmerzhitskaya K¹, Sapego E¹, Morozova D²

¹Regional Children Hospital, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, ²Ural State Medical University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation

Background: Gene replacement therapy with onasemnogene abeparvovec in spinal muscular atrophy was approved in Russia in December 2021 for children weighing less than 21 kg, but safety data in real clinacal practice are still limited. We aimed to evaluate the safety of onasemnogene abeparvovec in a case series in children with spinal muscular atrophy with short-term follow-up in real clinical practice.

Methods: 12 patients (7 male, 5 female, age range 7-43 months) with a body weight between 6.6 and 12.5 kg received standard dose of onasemnogene abeparvovec (1.1 × 10*14 vg/kg) the Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital in the city of Yekaterinburg (Russia). The age of disease onset was 4 (2; 6.5) months, the age at the time of treatment was 19 (12; 22) months. Safety of therapy was assessed based on clinical and laboratory monitoring for at least 60 days after drug administration. All patients received 1 mg/kg/d prednisolone for four weeks starting on the day before gene replacement therapy.

Results: During the first week after drug administration, all patients developed at least one clinical event - hyperthermia, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea and at least one laboratory abnormality: thrombocytopenia (<150 × 109/L) in 10/12 patients, neutropenia in 6/12 patients, monocytosis in 12/12 patients, increased troponin I in 4/12 patients. The most significant and long-lasting laboratory abnormality was the increase of transaminases (in 12/12 patients), in three cases it required an elevation of the dose of prednisolone to 2 mg / kg and in one case–steroid pulse therapy for five days. All laboratory abnormalities were asymptomatic and returned to normal levels during the post-treatment observation period. There were no patients with identified clinical signs of insufficiency of the functions of body systems. There were no serious clinical adverse events that led to hospitalization and / or death of the patient.

Conclusions: Gene replacement therapy with the onasemnogene abeparvovec in children with spinal muscular atrophy has shown acceptable safety. All clinical manifestations and laboratory abnormalities during the first week of follow-up that were associated with drug administration were reversible and did not lead to serious consequences.

eP02.03.05Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Onasemnogene Abeparvovec in Switzerland

Stettner G¹, Hasselmann O², Klein A³

¹Neuromuscular Center Zurich and Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, ²Department of Neuropediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland, ³Division of Neuropediatrics, Development and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland

Introduction: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare degenerative neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle hypotonia and weakness leading to early death due to compromised bulbar and respiratory functions in the majority of affected individuals without treatment. Recently, targeted treatment approaches were introduced for the treatment of SMA including Onasemnogene Abeparvovec (OA), a gene replacement therapy. In Switzerland, OA was approved for the treatment of SMA in July 2021, but the Federal Social Insurance Office granted cost approvals in individual cases already since late 2020. This study describes the first experiences with OA in Switzerland.

Material and Methods: Between September 2020 and end of 2021 nine individuals with SMA were treated with OA in three neuromuscular centers in Switzerland. Motor function, bulbar and respiratory outcome, development of scoliosis, and adverse events focusing on liver function, thrombocytopenia, and cardiotoxicity were analyzed using prospectively collected data from the Swiss Registry for Neuromuscular Disorders (Swiss-Reg-NMD).

Results: 6 patients with SMA type 1 (including 2 with nusinersen pre-treatment), 1 SMA type 2 patient, and 2 pre-symptomatic individuals with 3 SMN2 gene copies and 3 copies of a SMN hybrid gene, respectively, were included. Mean age at OA treatment was 5 months (range 2 weeks – 17 months), mean follow up was 270 days (range 68 – 482 days).

In SMA type 1, mean CHOP Intend score increased from 21 to 47/64 following treatment. 4/6 (67%) SMA type 1 patients were dependent on nutritional support at end of follow up, and 3/6 (50%) patients developed scoliosis. At last follow up, no patient required ventilatory support. HFMS score of the SMA type 2 patient increased from 14 to 25/40. CHOP Intend scores of the pre-symptomatic individuals were 22 (poor compliance) and 52 at baseline, respectively, and increased to 44 and 62.

Concomitant steroid treatment was modified according to recommendations due to increased transaminases in 3/9 (33%) patients (both nusinersen pre-treated and the SMA type 2 patient). Transient thrombocytopenia occurred in 5/7 (71%) patients, but did not require intervention. No patient had significant troponin I and/or T elevations.

Discussion: As demonstrated in clinical trials and first post-marketing observational studies, OA proved to be effective and disease modifying in the treatment of SMA also in this study. All study participants showed significant improvements of motor function. However, the proportion of SMA type 1 patients, who required nutritional support at the end of follow up and developed scoliosis was higher in this cohort compared to previously published reports. Overall, OA treatment was not associated with significant safety issues during the follow up period.

eP02.03.06The Impact of Nusinersen Treatment on Patient-Reported Outcome Measure in Later-Onset Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Bae H¹, Kim A², Lee J³, Shim Y⁴, Ryu H⁵, Kwon S¹, Chae J⁵, Lee Y¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea, ²Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea, ³Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea, ⁴Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea, ⁵Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Background: This study aims to evaluate the impact of nusinersen treatment on health-related QoL in patients with later-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and their caregivers.

Methods: We assessed the changes of self-and proxy-reported QoL cross overtime during treatment with nusinersen by measuring the pediatric Quality of life inventory (PedQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scale (PedsQL GCS), and the PedQL 3.0 Neuromuscular Module (NMM). We also evaluated the activity of daily living and the caregiver burden using pediatric evaluation of disability inventory-computer adaptive test (PEDI-CAT) and Assessment of Caregiver Experience with Neuromuscular Disease (ACEND), respectively. Factors associated with QoL were also evaluated.

Results: Twenty-three patients with SMA (SMA type 2: n= 19, SMA type 3: n= 4) and their caregivers were included in the analysis. There are significant changes in the self-reported PedQL GCS total score. (p <0.001) “Psychosocial health summary” score of PedQL GCS was significantly changed with a trend toward improvement both on self- (p < 0.001) and proxy-reported assessment (p = 0.003). The score of “physical health” on PedQL GCS and “about my neuromuscular disorder” on PedQL NMM was not significantly changed both on self-and proxy-reported assessment. Patients’ responsibility tended to improve with treatment. Caregiver’s financial burden increased over time (p = 0.018). Self-reported PedsQL GCS total scores were positively correlated with the score of Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale- Expanded (HFMSE) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that nusinersen might improve the QoL of patients with later-onset SMA, particularly in terms of psychosocial function. PROMs, including QoL, the activity of daily living, and caregiver burden, should be considered the additional outcome measure but needs further evaluation in a larger patient cohort over a more extended period.

eP02.04.01Tocilizumab in Therapy Myasthenia Gravis Patients With COVID-19

Martic V¹, Jovin Z², Udovicic I¹, Tausan D¹, Begovic V¹, Pilcevic D¹

¹Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia, ²Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia

Background: Beneficial effect of IL6 inhibitors in patients with Covid19 can be explained by production proinflammatory cytokines- IL-6 by viral stimulation. Developed renal insufficiency and decrease in saturation accompanied by an increase IL-6 was indication for tocilizumab therapy in these patients with Covid-19 infection as a part of cytokine storm therapy.

Patients and methods: We present clinical outcome in 3 our patients with generalized autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) and COVID-19 infection treated with tocilizumab. All patients had severe clinical condition and required hospitalization. Clinical course of the disease was commented in this group of patients.

Results: Long-term clinical remission of MG was noted in 2 of 3 patients treated with tocilizumab, one patient died.

Conclusion: Our experience confirms experience from literature about usefulness tocilizumab therapy in treatment of refractory MG.

Keywords: myasthenia gravis, Covid-19, therapy, tocilizumab, outcome

eP02.04.02Myasthenia Gravis Demographics Re-Visited

Witting N¹, Kjaer Andersen R¹, Holst Axelsen K¹, Vissing J¹

¹Neuromuscular Research Center And Dept Neurol, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

Myasthenia gravis is a common autoimmune neuromuscular disease with failure of neuromuscular transmission. Much research has been done but issues such as diagnostic delay and its causes and symptom evolution are still insufficiently elucidated. We conduct an ongoing cohort study with chart review of more than 400 patients. At present 178 patients fulfilling 2 of 3 diagnostic criteria (elevated MG-antibodies (acetylcholine receptor, MuSK or LRP4), positive pyridostigmine response or abnormal electrophysiology pointing to failure of neuromuscular transmission) were analyzed. Average age at first symptom was 54 years (range 9-94), younger for women (54 years) than for men (64 years), p= 0.004. The classic bimodal pattern of onset with a peak for women in young adulthood and a second peak for both genders in old adulthood was not observed.

Onset symptoms were ocular (diplopia or ptosis) in 105, bulbar in 34, axial/drophead in 3, respiratory failure in 4 and in limbs in 12. Many with ocular onset, however, experienced evolution to a generalized type, hence the final phenotype was generalized in 114, purely ocular in 32 and ocular with discrete other symptoms in 23. Average diagnostic delay was 319 days (range 7-3862). 73, 68, 16 and 2 had visited 1, 2, 3 or 4 non-neuromuscular experts before MG diagnosis. The experts were mostly ophthalmologists or neurologists. 87, 50, 20 and 38 had a brain MRI, brain CT, lumbar puncture or other not MG-related exams carried out pre-MG diagnosis. More data will be presented at the poster.

eP02.04.03Incidence of Skin Changes in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis Prescribed Mycophenolate or Azathioprine

Mehrabyan A¹, Brooks C¹, Dark E¹, Hwang S², Iyer S¹

¹University Of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, United States, ²University Of North Carolina Eshelman School Of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, United States

Objective: To examine the impact of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA) on the incidence of development of skin lesions in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

Background: International consensus guidelines for the management of MG recommend the use of nonsteroidal immunosuppressive agents, such as MMF and AZA. It has been reported that AZA increases the risk of malignancies. Limited information exists on the risk of skin cancer in MG patients treated with MMF.

Methods: This is a single center, cohort study of patients with MG. Retrospective chart review was conducted to gather demographic data, MG history and management. Patients were contacted via EHR patient message, telephone, and/or during clinic appointment to request participation in a standardized survey to assess skin lesion history. Patients were assigned to either non-exposed or exposed groups, determined by treatment with MMF or AZA for ≥ 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square for categorical data and logistic regression to analyze the relationship between age and MMF/AZA exposure on incidence of skin lesions.

Results: Of 194 total patients in MG clinic population, 142 patients met inclusion criteria and were contacted to request participation. Majority (67%) were white, with median age of 67 years (IQR 48-74), and 56% identifying as female. A total of 103 patients (72%) responded to the survey, with 63 patients (61%) in the exposed group and the remaining 39% either naïve to these agents or exposed for < 12 months. Of those surveyed, 51 and 14 patients had been exposed to MMF or AZA, respectively, including 2 patients who had been exposed to both agents. Per the patient-reported survey, we found that 8 (16%) and 5 patients (36%) developed skin lesions after initiation of MMF and AZA, respectively. Of those exposed, only 6 patients (10%) reported a malignant lesion. Of the non-exposed patients, 16 patients (40%) reported historical or current skin lesions, including 10 (25%) who reported a malignant lesion. The incidence of skin lesions was significantly lower in the exposed group compared with the non-exposed cohort (X2=4.536, p=0.033). When adjusting for current age, it was found that the odds of experiencing skin lesions was lower in the patients exposed to MMF or AZA compared with the non-exposed group (OR=0.383, 95% CI 0.149 - 0.959).

Conclusions: Based on this large MG cohort survey study, we found that the incidence of reported skin lesions in patients exposed to MMF or AZA was statistically lower than the incidence of reported lesions in patients not exposed to these medications. After adjusting for current patient age, the incidence of skin lesions reported in the exposed group compared with the non-exposed group remains significantly lower. Two potential factors could explain these findings: variable sun exposure in MG populations due to risk of MG exacerbation and/or refused treatment with AZA/MMF after being counseled on potential risk of skin malignancies. Prospective studies with detailed dermatological evaluation may be essential for further investigation of the skin cancer risk in MG patients treated with AZA and MMF.

eP02.04.04Quality of Life in Myasthenia Gravis and Correlation of MG-QOL15 With Other Functional Scales

Porras L¹, Homedes Pedret C¹, Vélez Santamaria V², Alberti M², Casasnovas Pons C²

¹Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain, ²Hospital Universitaride Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, España

Health related quality of life (HRQOL) in myasthenia gravis (MG) is frequently decreased. Some studies showed that optimizing medical treatment may improve HRQOL. Further, there are many validated clinical scales and questionnaires to evaluate the clinical status and HRQOL in MG. The objetives of ou study were to determine if there was a significant improvement in HRQOL following an intensive treatment for MG, to identify which demographic and clinical features influenced patients’ HRQOL and to investigate if the questionnaire MG-QOL15 correlated with other clinical evaluation scales.

We conducted a post-authorization, experimental study with prospective follow-up. In line with the Declaration of Helsinki, the study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of the Clinical Research and Clinical Trials Unit. We included 45 patients with generalized MG who were starting immunomodulatory treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and prednisone for the first time. At each visit we administered several validates scales and questionnaires for MG. We analysed changes in HRQOL from the basal visit to the visits at 4 and 6 weeks and calculated if the questionnaire MG-QOL15 correlated with other clinical measures (MG-ADL, MGC, QMG and Neuro-QOL Fatigue). Also, we studied if there was a correlation between HRQOL and some demographic and clinical or laboratory variables.

The mean MG-QOL15 score improved significantly 4 and 6 weeks after starting intensive immunomodulatory treatment. We found that QMG score prior to study enrolment was significantly associated with HRQOL in our patients. However, the remaining demographic and clinical factors studied did not affect HRQOL. Also, the MG-QOL15 score correlated significantly with the other clinical evaluation scales. The strongest correlation was with the MG-ADL and the Neuro-QOL Fatigue scales and the weakest with the QMG scale.

HRQOL of our patients improved after receiving an intensive medical treatment and achieving a better control of the symptoms of the disease. The questionnaire MG-QOL15 had a positive correlation with other measures of clinical assessment. As MG is a fluctuating condition and some symptoms are difficult to examine, we aim physicists to use scales and questionnaires that include items perceived by the patient.

eP02.04.05Barriers and Facilitators to Exercise in Auto-Immune Myasthenia Gravis

Birnbaum S¹, Archer A, Hogrel J, Stalens C

¹Association Institute Of Myology, Paris, France

Exercise in myasthenia gravis has been shown to be safe and effective in improving certain health components such as strength and functional capacity. However, recent quantitative data shows that not all individuals with myasthenia partake in regular exercise. The reasons for this are unclear due to a lack of data and mixed results in the literature with respect to, for example, disease severity as a possible barrier as well as age and body mass index. Current research has not explored whether other possible non-disease related factors such as motivation, fear, practical aspects such as access to resources or time could contribute to limiting exercise participation. It is essential to identify these factors in order to provide adequate programs to individuals to meet current needs. Therefore, we aim to identify extrinsic and intrinsic factors which contribute to limiting physical activity, or on the contrary facilitate exercise participation for adults living with myasthenia gravis and explore relationships between these factors and self-perceived quality of life (MG-QOL 15), fatigue (NeuroQoL fatigue), disease duration, type of MG and sociodemographic factors.

Method: Ethics approval was obtained. A purpose-built online survey was created and diffused nationwide via patient associations and healthcare networks. The questionnaire will remain online for six months. Individuals are required to confirm their diagnosis of myasthenia and provide informed consent prior to completing the questionnaire. Participants complete the questionnaire one-time only. Response time is approximately 30 minutes.

Results: We have currently received 372 responses since November 2021 of which 360 are eligible for analysis. The study population includes 73% femmes, 28% hommes (age min 19, age max 88). Study inclusion will terminate in May and full results will be available in June.

eP02.04.06Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Seronegative Myasthenia Gravis

Andersen R¹, Axelsen K¹, Vissing J¹, Witting N¹

¹Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by antibodies against proteins in the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction causing weakness in skeletal muscle. Around 10% of patients diagnosed with MG do, however, not have detectible levels of any antibodies associated with MG and are categorized as seronegative. The objective of this study is to compare the clinical features of seronegative MG patients to the much larger group of seropositive patients who have measurable levels of antibodies against at least one protein associated with the acetylcholine receptor in the muscular membrane.

We will compare the two patient groups on parameters concerning sex, age at disease onset, thymus pathology, severity of symptoms and treatment response. Furthermore, we wish to investigate possible differences in the symptom profile of seronegative versus seropositive patients. Our hypothesis is that seronegative MG patients differ from seropositive MG patients, especially in regards to symptom profile and severity and response to treatment.

We aim to include all approximately 400 patients with a verified diagnosis of MG currently being treated at Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, and expect 5-10% to be in the seronegative group. We will collect data on these patients from their medical records in a REDCap database.

This is an ongoing study; results will be presented at the poster presentation.

eP02.04.07TREAT-NMD Global Registry Network: Facilitating 12 Years of Neuromuscular Drug Development

Turner C², Porter B¹, Walker H¹, Bennett N¹, TGDOC Subgroup Leads and Patient Representatives¹, Straub V², Allison D¹, Guglieri M², Campbell C³, Ambrosini A⁴

¹TREAT-NMD Services Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, ²John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, ³Department of Paediatrics, Clinical Neurological Sciences & Epidemiology, Western University, London, Canada, ⁴Fondazione Telethon, Milan, Italy

Background: TREAT-NMD is an international network of excellence facilitating collaborative research in neuromuscular disease (NMD) that was established through an EU-funded project in 2007. Having developed a range of infrastructures, the network aims to accelerate drug development, provide new therapies to patients swiftly and improve access to relevant information on standards of diagnosis and care. A key infrastructure is the Global Registry Network (GRN), created in 2009 in collaboration with clinicians and patient organisations. The GRN is a federated network of individual, independent patient registries that collect information on consenting NMD patients.

To join the GRN, registries must agree to share data to the GRN in response to specific enquiries and collect the relevant TREAT-NMD Core Dataset(s) for their disease area(s). These standardised datasets include information required for clinical trial feasibility purposes or to establish clinical trial eligibility. Aggregated data reports and other information can be requested securely through the Global Registry Enquiries process.

Aims: The GRN aims to provide an environment where registries can discuss challenges, share best practice, network, and collaborate with colleagues from around the globe.

Through Global Registry Enquiries, the GRN aims to support stakeholders with data provision or information distribution to primarily facilitate clinical trial planning or recruitment, and to further academic research.

Methods: Disease-specific subgroups have been established for DMD, SMA, DM, FSHD, LGMD and Ultra-Rare NMDs. These groups allow registry curators, Principal Investigators, and patient representatives to meet, with regular updates provided via newsletters and online workshops.

Global Registry Enquiries are reviewed by the TREAT-NMD Global Data systems Oversight Committee (TGDOC) who govern the GRN. Enquiries can be categorised as data enquiries, providing stakeholders with de-identified, aggregated data from the network, or recruitment enquiries, where clinical trial information is distributed to eligible NMD patients via those registries.

Results: The GRN now comprises more than 60 registries, in 30 countries, collecting data in more than 10 NMDs. Collectively, registries in GRN hold data on approximately 80,000 patients, including more than 50,000 with a genetically-confirmed NMD. Since 2009, there have been approximately 86 initial enquiries made from academics, clinicians, industry, contract research organisations, regulatory agencies, and patient organisations as part of the Global Registry Enquiries process. Of these, 41 (48%) have resulted in successful registry enquiries that have been conducted. The majority (78%) of which have supported data or recruitment enquiries specifically for industry.

Conclusion: TREAT-NMD is still positioned to support high quality registry enquiries from a wide range of stakeholders. As new therapies are approved there will be an increasing demand for provision of de-identified patient-level data to align with Post Marketing Surveillance commitments from pharmaceutical regulatory agencies. The development of the TREAT-NMD Global Registries Platform and the adoption of expanded TREAT-NMD core datasets created through a consensus-building process with clinicians, academics and patient organisations will help to support this new stream of work.

eP02.04.08Immunofluorescence Signal Intensity Measurements as a Semi-quantitative Tool to Assess Sarcoglycan Expression in Muscle Biopsy

Zanotti S¹, Magri F¹, Poggetti F¹, Ripolone M¹, Ciscato P¹, Comi G¹, Sciacco M¹

¹Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Milan, Italy

Quantitative immunoanalysis of sarcoglycan complex in skeletal muscle biopsy is an important part of the diagnostic path in patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Sarcoglycanopathy diagnosis is genetic, but muscle analysis - by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot - is still mandatory to establish the correct diagnostic process. Unfortunately, however, this analysis cannot be performed if the bioptic specimen is scarce.

The aim of our study is to provide a sensitive tool for semi-quantification of residual amount of sarcoglycans in patients affected by sarcoglycanopathies, based on immunofluorescence staining of muscle sections, image acquisition and software elaboration.

To develop and validate this method, skeletal muscle cryostatic sections from 11 sarcoglycanopathy, seven Becker muscular dystrophy and four age-matched control samples were analyzed for the expression of sarcoglycan complex and laminin-α2.

The staining of laminin-α2 was used as internal standard to evaluate the efficiency of the immunofluorescence reaction, as sarcolemmal reference to prove muscle fiber integrity, and to allow fiber counts in each analyzed image.

Sarcoglycanopathies are highly heterogeneous in terms of disease progression, muscular weakness, loss of ambulation and cardiac/respiratory involvement, and clinical severity usually correlates with the residual protein amount, which makes protein quantification extremely relevant.

Sarcoglycan fluorescence normalized data were analyzed in LGMDR3, LGMDR4 and LGMDR5 patients compared to age-matched controls showing a significant reduction of mutated sarcoglycan expression and a variable reduction of the other sarcoglycans, in agreement with literature reports.

Fluorescence normalized data were also analysed in relation to the age of onset of the disease. To this purpose patients were subdivided into three groups: early, intermediate and late age of onset respectively. Our results showed a negative correlation between the residual sarcoglycan expression and the fibro-adipose tissue deposition. In particular, data showed a negative correlation of sarcoglycan-α fluorescent signal versus fibrosis in patients with an early age of onset and a negative correlation between sarcoglycan-d signal and fibrosis in both intermediate and late age of onset groups.

Bland-Altman plot of difference between data obtained by this method and Western blot show agreement between two quantitative measurements even if the analysis was limited to a small number of samples.

The availability of a method that allows objective quantification of the sarcolemmal proteins, faster and less consuming than Western blot analysis and able to detect low residual sarcoglycan expression with great sensitivity, proves useful to better define both patient prognosis and expected disease evolution.

To date, there is no curative treatment for sarcoglycanopathies, but some clinical trials aimed at restoring protein expression and correct localization are underway. A quantitative evaluation of protein expression and the visualization of their correct membrane localization are fundamental targets for therapeutic strategies based on the partial or complete restoration of protein expression. The proposed method could find application also when monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic interventions and during clinical trials.

eP02.04.09Three Cases of Congenital Fibre Disproportion With Etiology Other Than Congenital Myopathy

Farhat E¹, Miladi N, Marrak S, Chaabouni M¹

¹Clinique Les Jasmins, Centre Urbain Nord, Tunisia

Introduction: Congenital fibre type disproportion (CFTD) is a histological entity characterized by type 1 muscle fibres smaller for at least 12% than type 2 fibres, and absence of other pathological features. CFD has been recognized for decades as a subtype of congenital myopathy (CM). We report phenotype and genotype description of three patients who had shown muscle weakness from early childhood, typical CFD on muscle biopsy, and final diagnosis different than CM.

Patient 1: Is an 8-year-old girl with a history of neonatal hypotonia, and delayed motor development. At examination she had weakness in the proximal extremities and a positive Gower’s sign. CK plasma level was elevated and an electromyogram (EMG) showed a myopathic pattern. Brain MRI was normal. Muscle biopsy concluded to a CFD. The Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) revealed a missense homozygous mutation in POMK gene, confirming the diagnosis of congenital muscular dystrophy.

Patient 2: was born of normal pregnancy and delivery, had delayed speech development, major learning problems and excessive slowness of movement. On first examination she was12 years-old, showed a slim phenotype, lordotic stance, facial involvement with ptosis, dysphonia and moderate proximal-predominant limb muscle weakness. On muscle biopsy we found non-specific myogenic changes with no dystrophic signs, and a selective atrophy of type 1 fibres. CK levels were slightly increased. EMG revealed myotonic discharges. This particular sign prompted the analysis of the DMPK gene allowing the diagnosis of type 1 myotonic dystrophy, with 61 expanded CTG repeats.

Patient 3: had a history of congenital hypotonia with delayed motor development. He underwent scoliosis surgery at the age of 14, and a non-invasive nocturnal ventilation was recently indicated due to a severe sleep apnea. At time of first examination he was 34 years old, was still able to walk and had severe weakness of facial, axial and proximal limbs. EMG was myogenic, CK levels were normal. The WES allowed the identification of a homozygous mutation in COL13A gene, confirming the diagnosis of the autosomal recessive congenital myasthenia syndrome type 19. He was treated with pyridostigmine and salbutamol.

Discussion and conclusion: CFD is a histochemical pattern encountered mainly in CM but appearing to represent a larger spectrum of a diseases. Mutations in the ACTA, SEPN1, and TPM3 genes are known genetic causes of CM with histological pattern of CFD. Other disorders in which histological aspect of CFD is reported included muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy, congenital myasthenic syndromes, Low’s syndrome, rigid spine syndrome, and Cockayne’s syndrome. In our patients the clinical presentations differ, reflecting the phenotype typically associated with the respective gene. The neonatal onset of symptoms, myogenic EMG and isolated pattern of CFD lead us to retain initially the diagnosis of CM. However, the results of genetic analysis excluded this diagnosis. We insist through this observation that we should consider the possibility of other diagnosis beyond the spectrum of CM whenever a diagnosis of CFD is made.

eP02.05.01One-year ENDEAVOR Data (Ambulatory, ≥4 to <8-year-olds): Phase 1b Trial of Delandistrogene Moxeparvovec in DMD

Lehman K, Zaidman C¹, Proud C², McDonald C³, Mason S⁴, Guridi M⁵, Wang S⁴, Reid C⁶, Darton E⁴, Wandel C⁵, Lewis S⁴, Malhotra J⁴, Griffin D A^4,7, Potter R A⁴, Rodino-Klapac L R⁴, Mendell J R^7,8

¹Department of Neurology, WUSTL, Washington, USA, ²Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Norfolk, USA, ³UC Davis Health, Sacramento, USA, ⁴Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, USA, ⁵F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Switzerland, ⁶Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK, ⁷Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, USA, ⁸The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA

Delandistrogene moxeparvovec (SRP-9001) is an investigational gene transfer therapy developed for targeted skeletal and cardiac muscle expression of micro-dystrophin (a shortened, functional dystrophin protein) that is being studied in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Findings from ongoing Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials have demonstrated micro-dystrophin expression in patients treated with delandistrogene moxeparvovec clinical process material, suggesting the possibility for clinical benefit in people with DMD.

ENDEAVOR (NCT04626674) is a two-part, open-label, Phase 1b study assessing the expression and safety (over 260 weeks) of commercially representative delandistrogene moxeparvovec material in four cohorts of boys with DMD.

Study inclusion requires a diagnosis of DMD, with a confirmed mutation in the DMD gene, and stable steroid dosing (Cohorts 1-3 only, ≥12 weeks prior to screening). Cohort-specific criteria include: ≥4 to <8-year-old ambulatory boys (Cohort 1), ≥8 to <18-year-old ambulatory boys (Cohort 2), non-ambulatory boys (Cohort 3), and ≥3 to <4-year-old ambulatory boys (Cohort 4).

Participants weighing ≤70 kg received a single intravenous dose (1.33x10¹⁴ vg/kg, linear standard qPCR) of commercially representative delandistrogene moxeparvovec material. The follow-up period consists of two parts: Part 1, from post-infusion through to Week 12, and Part 2, from Week 12 through to Week 260.

The primary outcome measure is the change in micro-dystrophin protein expression from baseline to Week 12 (Part 1), as measured by western blot analysis. Key secondary outcome measures include change in micro-dystrophin expression at the sarcolemma from baseline to Week 12 (Part 1), as measured by immunofluorescence (muscle fibre intensity and percentage of dystrophin-positive fibres), and safety (over 260 weeks). Exploratory functional endpoints for ambulatory boys include: the North Star Ambulatory Assessment and timed function tests (100-metre Walk/Run, 4-stair Climb, Time to Rise, and 10-metre Walk/Run).

Previously presented expression data from the first 11 patients in Cohort 1 demonstrated micro-dystrophin protein expression at Week 12 following treatment with delandistrogene moxeparvovec. This expression corresponded with vector genome copy numbers in the nuclei of target cells, confirming successful delivery. These data from ≥4 to <8-year-old ambulatory boys suggest that commercially representative delandistrogene moxeparvovec material demonstrates safety and expression consistent with previous studies that used clinical process material. We present 1-year safety and functional data and 12-week expression data from all patients in Cohort 1 (n=20) following treatment with commercially representative delandistrogene moxeparvovec material.

This study is sponsored by Sarepta Therapeutics and funded by Sarepta Therapeutics and F. Hoffmann-La Roche.

eP02.05.02Whole Genome Sequencing in a Pair of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Siblings with Discordant Cognitive Phenotype

Bello L¹, Sabbatini D¹, Alexander M²

¹University of Padova, Padova, Italy, ²University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in dystrophinopathies is variable, although loosely associated with mutations in the C-terminal domains of dystrophin. We aimed to identify candidate variants involved in the modulation of CNS phenotype in dystrophinopathies, by performing whole genome sequencing (WGS) in a pair of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) siblings with discordant cognitive phenotype and filtering variants with a dedicated bioinformatic algorithm.

Materials and Methods: Patient 1 was born of healthy, non-consanguineous parents. He was diagnosed with DMD at the age of 4 years (deletion DMD exons 45-52), and lost ambulation at the age of 11 (currently 29 y.o.). He had no speech delay nor intellectual disabilities. Patient 2, his younger brother, was diagnosed with DMD due to the same mutation, and lost ambulation at the age of 12 (currently 14 y.o.). However, he presented severe speech delay and an autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) with behavioral issues requiring neuroleptics. We performed WGS using DNA extracted from peripheral blood of Patient 1 and 2 and their parents. Structural Variants were analyzed with Breakdancer algorithm, while indel and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were filtered exploiting our own Python scripts in according to the following criteria: not shared between the two siblings; frequency < 5% in European population and considering function of genes involved.

Results: WGS confirmed identical DMD deletion breakpoints in both brothers and their mother. The bioinformatic algorithm filtered a “short list” of 41 variants situated in 36 loci, reviewed individually for potential pathogenetic mechanisms and previous reports of involvement in neurodevelopmental phenotypes. The most notable variants were rs112339619, a G>A single SNP upstream of the ASD risk gene ANK3, previously reported in a WGS study of ASD twins; and rs117696080, an intronic variant in NRXN3, encoding neurexin 3, a dystrophin-associated glycoprotein (DAPG), and also identified in the same ASD twin study. Patient 2 was heterozygous for both these variants, while patient 1 had a wild-type genotype at both loci. Both of these variants are in regions of strong conservation: vertebrate PhastCons of 0.96 e 1.00 respectively. BreakDancer shows an interesting homozygous deletion (2166 bp) in an intronic region of ASD risk gene NALCN. Moreover, a co-expression with DMD gene has been shown in literature.

Conclusions: Identified variants represent putative modifiers of the cognitive phenotype of DMD. We plan to validate these findings by sequencing a larger cohort of dystrophinopathy patients with and without cognitive issues.

eP02.05.03Growth Patterns and Loss of Ambulation in Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Stimpson G¹, Ridout D², Manzur A^1,3, Sarkozy A^1,3, Muntoni F^1,3, Baranello G^1,3

¹Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, London, United Kingdom, ²Population, Policy & Practice Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, London, United Kingdom, ³NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom

Glucocorticoids (GC) are the only recommended treatment for boys with DMD, as they have been shown to prolong ambulation. However, chronic use is associated with several side-effects, particularly weight gain and stunted growth. This is of interest currently as DMD boys are tending to initiate GC at very young ages. As clinicians can consider adverse growth side-effects when making decisions on GC use and discontinuation for patients, it is crucial to understand the role of growth in functional decline in DMD.

An analysis of 2,602 assessments of height and weight on 599 UK NorthStar patients was completed. We considered only patients in one of five treatment subgroups: “GC naive”, “deflazacort daily” (DD), “deflazacort intermittent” (DI), “prednisolone daily” (PD) and “prednisolone intermittent” (PI), which were assigned based on majority regime between starting GC and loss of ambulation. We used SD scores for weight and height calculated using the UK90 reference population. Shared random-effects joint modelling was used with the rate of change of the longitudinal growth outcomes also included in the model.

Height trajectory was associated with risk of loss of ambulation, with an increment of 19% for each SD of height increase at a given time (hazard ratio of 1.19 (95 % CI: 1.04,1.38)). The steepness of the relative height gain also played a major role. For every 0.25 SD increase in yearly height gain, the risk of loss of ambulation doubled (hazard ratio of 2.00 (95% CI: 1.44, 2.77)). The GC naïve subgroup had the highest risk of loss of ambulation over time, however between the subgroups receiving GC the risk was driven by the height profiles, with the tallest subgroup (PI) being the most at risk of loss of ambulation and the shortest subgroup (DD) being the least.

Weight trajectory was also associated with risk of loss of ambulation, with an increase in risk of loss of ambulation of 27% for each SD of weight gain at a given time (hazard ratio of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.12,1.43)). The relative weight gain was also significantly associated with loss of ambulation risk. For a 0.25 SD increase in yearly weight gain, the risk of loss of ambulation increased 70% (95% CI: 34%, 115%). The subgroup most at risk of loss of ambulation over time was the GC naive group. The PI subgroup, who had the heaviest weight trajectories across the four GC groups after the age of 10 had the highest risk of loss of ambulation over time.

In conclusion, patients not on steroids are those more at risk of losing ambulation. However, increased weight and/or height significantly affect the risk of loss of ambulation. This data provides further insights into the long-term clinical management of patients with DMD.

eP02.05.04An Alu-Mediated Insertion in the DMD Gene Canceled Out by Exon 15 Splicing

Budillon A¹, Farina A¹, Cesarone E¹, Tartaglione I², Torella A^1,3, Nigro V^1,3

¹University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy, ²Department of General and Specialized Surgery for Women and Children, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy, ³Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy, Naples, Italy

The DMD gene provides instruction for making muscle protein dystrophin. Pathogenic mutations affecting this gene cause X-linked dystrophinopathy. Its spectrum is broad since different variants can lead to mild forms of Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) or severe forms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). In the early stages, the discernment between these two clinical forms is not always clear. Therefore, early molecular findings should always be integrated with a clinical prediction which is mainly based on reading frame studies of the transcript.

Herein we describe the complex case of a 3-year-old adopted boy with elevated serum CK levels and positive Gower’s sign. Following our diagnostic workflow, we first performed an 80-plex PCR method, known as Log-PCR. It showed the absence of the band corresponding to exons 14 and 15. To validate this result, we performed a second independent method (MLPA - multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification) which, unexpectedly, ended up being negative. With the aim of successfully combining the discrepancy between these two methods, we performed a PCR of exon 14 and 15 and a Sanger sequencing of exon 15. Within exon 15, we identified a transposon element corresponding to an Alu sequence.

Among the rarer explanations of an altered gene expression there is transposon insertion. Being the DMD gene the largest one, some cases of transposon-induced dystrophinopathy have been described.

Transposons are selfish genetic elements that jump from one site of the DNA to another. One of them is Alu sequence which is an RNA transposable element (TE) of 300 bp length and it is a non-autonomous and non-coding SINE. Depending on the target region of the insertion, it can either be silent or affect gene expression in different ways.

Since no similar cases have been reported in the literature, we sequenced the cDNA obtained from a muscle biopsy. By observing a partially functioning in-frame transcript produced by exon 15 skipping, we predicted that the phenotype would have been mild in the long term and comparable to BMD. Seven years after the molecular diagnosis, the phenotype prediction was found to be accurate.

Here we present the first documented case of exon 15 skipping in the DMD gene. So far, there has been no clinical evidence to support our prediction of a mild phenotype. Today, thanks to a random insertion of an Alu sequence within exon 15, we are able to empirically affirm that it leads to Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

eP02.05.05FU-5Cv: Inducible Muscle-Specific Downregulation of Utrophin in Dystrophic Mice to Better Mimic Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Neff L¹, Gayi E¹, Scapozza L¹, Dorchies O¹

¹Pharmaceutical biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

The mdx and mdx5Cv mice are commonly used animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, they do not properly replicate disease severity and progression experienced by DMD patients. The mild phenotype of mdx/mdx5Cv mice is probably due to upregulation of utrophin, which compensates partly the functions of the missing dystrophin. The dko mouse (dystrophin-utrophin double KO) has been proposed as an alternative model. However, dko mice are very severely affected, breed poorly, and the constitutive absence of utrophin from all tissues is not relevant for DMD.

We aimed at creating a strain of dystrophic mice that would be a better phenocopy of DMD. We used a CRISPR-Cas9 strategy for generating FU-5Cv, an mdx5Cv dystrophic mouse bearing a floxed exon 7 in Utrn, the utrophin gene. Excision of Utrn exon 7 causes a frameshift and premature termination of utrophin translation. FU-5Cv also carries a tetracycline-dependent muscle-Cre recombinase transgene. Administration of doxycycline allows conditional invalidation of Utrn in skeletal muscles only. A constitutive KO was also obtained (KU-5Cv), which is genetically similar to dko.

Here we show preliminary characterization of FU-5Cv and comparison to wildtype (WT), dystrophic (mdx5Cv) and KU-5Cv. Small groups (N = 5-6) of male mice were used. At weaning (P28), mice were given a doxycycline-supplemented diet for 1 week. This triggered muscle-specific recombinase expression and deletion of Utrn exon 7, giving rise to DEL-FU-5Cv mice. For consistency, all groups were exposed to doxycycline, irrespective of their Utrn alleles. Longitudinal monitoring started at 1.5 months, including body weight recording and horizontal grid hanging test. At 6 or 12 months of age, isometric muscle contraction features (phasic tension, tetanic tension, fatigability) were recorded. Mice were euthanized and muscles were weighed and prepared for histology and molecular analyses. Sciatic nerves were collected for examination of axon morphology. Additional groups were sacrificed at 1 and 3-months as reference for subsequent measurement of utrophin levels decay.

WT and mdx5Cv mice had similar body weights during the whole study. The body weight of DEL-FU-5Cv mice was reduced from 4-months of age. KU-5Cv mice (similar to dko) were markedly smaller throughout the study. At the horizontal grid hanging test, mdx5Cv mice had low scores compared to WT. Motor performance was impaired in DEL-FU-5Cv mice compared to mdx5Cv with further decline beyond 9 months of age. KU-5Cv mice had very low scores from start and rapidly declined. Phasic and tetanic tensions developed by the triceps surae were significantly reduced in DEL-FU-5Cv compared to mdx5Cv mice but higher than in KU-5Cv mice. By contrast to mdx5Cv mice that showed paradoxical hypertrophy of most muscles, DEL-FU-5Cv mice showed widespread muscular atrophy (sparing only TA and EDL). Histological examination revealed marked myopathic changes with enhanced fibrosis.

In conclusion, using the FU-5Cv line, we showed that post-natal downregulation of utrophin caused a progressive dystrophy, characterized by reduced body weight, muscle wasting, impaired motor function, decreased muscle force and early accumulation of fibrosis. The phenotype of FU-5Cv mice resembles DMD without the shortcomings of regular mdx/mdx5Cv and dko mice.

eP02.05.06Preclinical Assessment of Therapeutic Cocktails in Dystrophic Mice: Tamoxifen Combined to Metformin, Citrulline and Steroids

Neff L¹, Scapozza L¹, Dorchies O¹

¹Pharmaceutical biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

We published earlier (1,2) that tamoxifen (Tam), a non-cytotoxic drug used for nearly 40 years to treat hormone-dependent breast cancers, had remarkable protective actions in mdx5Cv mice, an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Subsequently, Dr Talya Dor (Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel) offered tamoxifen to DMD boys as a compassionate treatment. Encouraged by the absence of safety concern and by apparent stabilization of the boys over 24-36 months, she launched a larger open-label trial (3), the results of which has been published in 2021 (4): based on CK levels and motor assessments (NSAA, 6-minute walking distance) their study suggests safety and efficacy of tamoxifen in ambulant DMD boys. Since mid-2018, almost 100 DMD boys (80 ambulant on steroids, 16 non-ambulant) have been enrolled in TAMDMD (5,6), a double-blind international, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial led by Prof. Dirk Fischer (UKBB, Basel, Switzerland).

The British charity Duchenne UK is supporting TAMDMD massively and is eager to make funding decisions about other drug candidates for DMD, including citrulline (Cit) and metformin (Met). These compounds are believe to improve muscle perfusion and enhance mitochondrial biogenesis. Cit+Met was found promising in a pilot trial in patients with Becker muscular dystrophy. Because clinical trials are very expensive and the number of patients to be recruited is limited, Duchenne UK requested that we evaluate the efficacy of Tam/Cit/Met cocktails in dystrophic mice, using a comprehensive panel of functional, biochemical, molecular and histological investigations.

Groups of 10-12 male dystrophic mice aged 8-9 months were treated for 3 months with drug-supplemented diets. Groups of untreated wildtype and dystrophic mice were used as controls. First, we compared Tam alone at the optimal dose (3 mg/kg/day) with Tam+Cit or Tam+Met (3 doses at half-log intervals). The highest doses caused minor toxicity. Based on improvement of motor function and muscle force, we determined that the intermediate doses of Cit (3 g/kg/day) and of Met (0.3 g/kg/day) produced the best benefits when combined to Tam. Next, we combined the 3 drugs at the optimal dosing, with or without prednisolone (Pred; 1 mg/kg/day) and compared their efficacy to Tam alone, Tam+Pred and Met+Cit. Addition of Cit+Met to Tam marginally increased the efficacy of Tam alone. Addition of Pred to either Tam or Tam+Cit+Met caused a delay in functional improvement. Unexpectedly, Cit+Met slightly worsened the condition.

Molecular and histological analyses are ongoing. Our findings so far suggest that (i) Cit+Met is not a valid option for DMD, (ii) the therapeutic benefit of adding Cit+Met to Tam is limited, (iii) Pred attenuates the improvements afforded by Tam. Further investigations are warranted to confirm and extend these findings which may have important consequences for developing efficient therapies for DMD patients.

(1) Dorchies et al., Am J Pathol (2013), 182(2):485-504.

(2) Gayi et al., Chimia (Aarau) (2018), 72(4):238-240.

(3) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02835079

(4) Tsabari et al., Neuromuscul Disord (2021), 31(9):803-813.

(5) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03354039

(6) Nagy et al., Trials (2019), 20(1):637.

eP02.05.07Roles of Ltbp4 and Abcc6 on the Phenotype of Mouse Models of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Neff L¹, Gayi E¹, Scapozza L¹, Dorchies O¹

¹Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

The original mdx mouse (C57BL/10ScSn background) and mdx5Cv mouse (C57BL/6J background) are widely used for decades as models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, they do not properly replicate DMD severity and progression. Dystrophic mice show a mild disease, compensatory muscle hypertrophy instead of atrophy, late-onset fibrosis that affects muscles to various degrees, and normal lifespan. Recently, the D2.mdx mouse emerged as an attractive DMD model: the mdx allele was transferred into the DBA/2J background, which naturally harbours mutations in Ltbp4 (Ltbp4DEL), a gene encoding a TGF-binding protein, and in Abcc6 (Abbc6MUT), a gene that causes ectopic calcification in muscle cells. D2.mdx mice show early-onset frailty, muscle atrophy and enhanced fibrosis resembling the human condition, presumably due to Ltbp4DEL. However, Abbc6MUT causes widespread ectopic calcification in myofibres, a feature that is not relevant for DMD.

We aimed to decipher the contribution of Ltbp4DEL and Abbc6MUT in aggravating the phenotype of dystrophic mice. First, we generated the D2-5Cv mouse line (>97% DBA/2J background), similar to the D2.mdx line but bearing the mdx5Cv allele instead of the mdx allele. The phenotype of D2-5Cv mice was similar to that of D2.mdx, including frailty, substantial drop in body weight, marked atrophy of tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius muscles, enhanced muscular fibrosis, and unwanted ectopic calcification in myofibres. Next, we performed genetic background swapping from DBA/2J to C57BL/6J: D2-5Cv males were mated with C57BL/6 females and pertinent individuals in the progeny selected over 5 generations until we obtained the following lines of mdx5Cv mice: 5CV/0 (bearing wildtype versions of both Ltbp4 and Abcc6), 5Cv/A (bearing Abbc6MUT), 5Cv/L (bearing Ltbp4DEL), and 5Cv/LA (bearing both Ltbp4DEL and Abbc6MUT). These lines were characterized at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of age and compared to wildtype (WT) mice.

Preliminary phenotyping confirmed that Abbc6MUT caused ectopic calcification in muscles of 5Cv/A and 5Cv/LA mice. The extent of calcification seems not to correlate with a specific muscle type or with age: for a given muscle at a given age, some specimens were free of calcification whereas others were heavily loaded with abnormal white deposits. This supports our view that Abbc6MUT is not a relevant genetic factor for aggravating the phenotype of dystrophic mice and would act as a confounding factor instead. Clinically relevant features of dystrophic mice in the DBA/2J background (D2.mdx and D2-5Cv) were not replicated in the C57BL/6J background: at all ages examined 5Cv/A, 5Cv/L and 5Cv/LA mice had similar body weight as WT and 5Cv/0. Muscle size and isometric force was similar in all groups of dystrophic mice, independently of Ltbp4DEL and Abbc6MUT alleles. Fibrosis was similar in 5Cv/0, 5Cv/L and 5Cv/LA mice, suggesting that, in the C57BL/6J background, Ltbp4DEL did not promote fibrosis.

The lines 5Cv/LA and D2/5Cv show highly divergent phenotypes. They share the alleles mdx5Cv, Ltbp4DEL and Abbc6MUT but differ for the rest of their genetic backgrounds. Our findings question the roles of Ltbp4DEL and Abbc6MUT in aggravating the phenotype of dystrophic mice and strongly suggest that other genetic factors are involved.

eP02.05.08Integrated Analyses of Data from Clinical Trials of Delandistrogene Moxeparvovec in DMD

Zaidman C¹, Shieh P B², Proud C³, McDonald C⁴, Day J W⁵, Mason S⁶, Guridi M⁷, Hu L⁶, Yu L⁶, Reid C⁷, Darton E⁶, Wandel C⁸, Richardson J⁶, Malhotra J⁶, Singh T⁶, Rodino-Klapac L R⁶, Mendell J R^9,10

¹Department of Neurology, WUSTL, Washington, USA, ²UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA, ³Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Norfolk, USA, ⁴UC Davis Health, Sacramento, USA, ⁵Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, USA, ⁶Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, USA, ⁷Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK, ⁸F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland, ⁹Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, USA, ¹⁰The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA

Delandistrogene moxeparvovec (SRP-9001) is an investigational gene transfer therapy developed for targeted skeletal and cardiac muscle expression of micro-dystrophin (a shortened, functional dystrophin protein) that is being studied in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

The objective of this integrated analysis is to evaluate functional data from patients (≥4 to ≤8 years old) with DMD who have participated in the delandistrogene moxeparvovec studies and compare these data with a control cohort of propensity-matched external control patients. Functional data were pooled from three studies:

• Study 101 (NCT03375164) is a Phase 1/2a, single-dose, open-label clinical trial evaluating the safety of systemic delivery of delandistrogene moxeparvovec clinical process material in patients with DMD (N=4), aged 4-7 years at enrolment

• Study 102 (NCT03769116) is a three-part, Phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of systemic delivery of delandistrogene moxeparvovec clinical process material in patients with DMD (N=41), aged 4-7 years at screening

• ENDEAVOR (NCT04626674) is an open-label, Phase 1b study assessing the expression and safety of commercially representative delandistrogene moxeparvovec material in patients with DMD (N=38). Cohort-specific criteria include age at screening and ambulatory/non-ambulatory status: ≥4 to <8-year-old ambulatory boys (Cohort 1), ≥8 to <18-year-old ambulatory boys (Cohort 2), non-ambulatory boys (Cohort 3), and ≥3 to <4-year-old ambulatory boys (Cohort 4).

Expression and safety data from Studies 101 and 102 and Cohort 1 of ENDEAVOR (n=11) have been previously presented, along with functional data from Studies 101 and 102.

Here we present an integrated analysis of functional data from the 53 patients assessed to date from Study 101 (N=4), Parts 1 and 2 of Study 102 (n=29) who received the target dose (1.33x10¹⁴ vg/kg by linear qPCR) of delandistrogene moxeparvovec over 1 year, and patients from Cohort 1 of ENDEAVOR (n=20). The primary endpoint of this integrated analysis is 1-year change from baseline in the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) total score. Exploratory endpoints include 1-year change from baseline in timed function tests, including Time to Rise and the 10-metre Walk/Run (10MWR).

The control cohort includes natural history and external clinical trial data from several studies. The following criteria were used to identify the external control patients to ensure they were similar to patients enrolled in the delandistrogene moxeparvovec studies: age (≥4 to ≤8 years old), NSAA score (≥13 and ≤30), Time to Rise (≤10.4 seconds), and 10MWR (≤9.1 seconds) at baseline and receiving a stable dose or dose equivalent of oral corticosteroids for ≥12 weeks before baseline. Functional data from all patients who received the target dose from the delandistrogene moxeparvovec studies will be analysed and compared with the propensity-matched external control cohort to contextualise the results.

Collective safety data (as of the latest data-cut) from all patients (all cohorts in Studies 101 and 102 and ENDEAVOR) will be presented.

Studies 101 and 102 and ENDEAVOR are sponsored and funded by Sarepta Therapeutics. ENDEAVOR is also funded by F. Hoffmann-La Roche.

eP02.05.09Phenotypic Variability of Becker Muscular Dystrophy: A Detailed Clinical Characterization Protocol Towards Trial Readiness

Torri F¹, Ricci G¹, Govoni A^1,4, Astrea G², Castiglione V³, Giannoni A³, Emdin M³, Siciliano G¹

¹Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy, ²Neurology, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy, ³Cardiology Department, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy, ⁴Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, La Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milano, Italy

Although consisting of a less severe, slower form of dystrophinopathy, Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) carries a variable amount of disability burden and various clinical trials are ongoing, prompting the need for detailed phenotypic definition of patients and identification of outcome measures.

We present a detailed phenotypic characterization of 32 adult patients with BMD, providing a description of follow-up data over the course of 24 months for 13 patients; moreover, in a subgroup of 10 patients clinical data have been compared with muscle magnetic resonance acquisitions over the same period.

Each patient has been genetically characterized. Baseline, and 1-year and 2 years assessments included North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), timed function tests (time to climb and descend four stairs), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Walton and Gardner-Medwin Scale and manual force measurement (MRC scale). Muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired at baseline and in a subgroup of patients after an average period of 24 months. Data on cardiac function (electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and cardiac MRI) were also collected. Patients motor tests and muscle MRI have been registered on the developing InGene2.0 (Bando Ricerca e Salute 2018 Programme, Tuscany Region) informatic platform, designed by clinicians, biomedical engineers and bio-IT technicians to collect multimodal and multiparametric data (clinical, molecular, imaging, muscle biopsy) from patients affected by neuromuscular diseases, in order to ameliorate diagnosis, follow-up and identification of disease outcome measures.

Baseline evaluation confirmed the broad phenotypic spectrum of BMD and the different disease course based on the disease severity, highlighting the complex genotype-phenotype correlation. As to the follow-up period, taken globally, significant worsening of motor impairment was not detected in our patients, while it was present only when considering the subgroup of subjects carrying deletions starting form exon 45, thus suggesting that standardized motor scales could not represent an optimal tool to evaluate changes in disease progression, especially in the perspective of future clinical trials. With regard to muscle MRI, overall semiquantitative analysis via Mercuri scale did not reveal a significant disease progression, with a mean increase of 1 point, with a certain heterogeneity of the carried mutation among severity groups.

Our data stress the need of precise phenotypic stratification of patients and identification of more suitable and sensible outcome measures, capable of catching little but significant changes in disease progression that could not be obvious if assessed with the classical clinical tools and biomarkers.

eP02.05.10Non-neuromuscular Manifestations in a Colombian Patient with Megaconial Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

Bobadilla E¹, Rojas S², Restrepo D³, Castro S⁴, Castro D⁵, López García J⁶, Giraldo Castro H⁷

¹Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia, ²Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia, ³Universidad CES- Cenpi, Medellín, Colombia, ⁴Ayudas Diagnósticas SURA, Medellín, Colombia, ⁵CIGE- Centro de inmunología y Genética, Medellín, Colombia, ⁶CENPI- Clínica de las Américas, ⁷CENPI- Private Practice Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Introduction: Megaconial congenital muscular dystrophy, whose initial description was in 1998 by Nishino, is due to mutations in the CHKB (Cholin Kinase Beta) gene that affect the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, causing mitochondrial structural disturbances. So far there are 35 identified patients, mainly Turkish and Japanese patients, however its incidence in Latin America is unknown.

Case report: We present a Colombian girl was born to non-consanguineous parents with a normal pregnancy. She was referred to pediatric neurology at 17 months of age for presenting motor and language development delay as well as hypotonia. On physical examination, she had severe global hypotonia, with axial and proximal weakness. She also had global hyporeflexia and hypermobility mainly in distal joints. She had no skin lesions or cardiac abnormalities.

She had difficulties in socialization and since the age of 2 years old, she began with hand flapping stereotypies with behavioral symptoms. A diagnosis of severe autism was made. She started walking about 3 years old and apnea-hypopnea syndrome and significant sleep disturbance was identified at that time. She also had seizures with EEG showing right frontotemporal epileptiform activity, however her brain MRI was normal. CPKs were 1013-1095 IU/L. Muscle biopsy showed a dystrophic pattern with mitochondrial abnormalities.

A clinical exome was performed for congenital muscular dystrophies that presented two variants: CHKB, c.582-1G>A, heterozygous, probably pathogenic CHKB, c.101T>C (p.Trp61Arg), heterozygous, VUS. The above findings added to the muscle biopsy findings confirmed CHKB-CMD also called megaconial muscular dystrophy.

Conclusion: This patient is the first patient reported in Latin America. With this case we want to highlight that CHKB-CMD should always be a diagnosis to rule out in patients with central nervous system symptoms such as epilepsy, sleep disorders and neurocognitive symptoms such as autism and severe behavioral disorders in patients with neuromuscular manifestations.

eP02.06.01DYNE-101 Corrects the DM1 Splicing Phenotype of hTfR1/DMSXL Mice and Is Well Tolerated in NHPs

Picariello T¹, Russo R¹, Schlaefke L¹, Hildebrand S¹, Najim J¹, Qiu Q¹, Weeden T¹, Davis J¹, Zanotti S¹, Beskrovnaya O¹

¹Dyne Therapeutics, Inc., Waltham, United States

Lack of targeted delivery of oligonucleotide therapeutics to muscle tissues remains a challenge in the treatment of muscle diseases. The FORCE™ platform, designed to overcome these limitations, consists of an oligonucleotide payload conjugated to an antigen-binding fragment (Fab) targeting the extracellular region of the human transferrin receptor (TfR)1 which is enriched in muscles. This allows for the rational selection of payloads to target the genetic basis of disease such as myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), a rare neuromuscular disorder caused by the expansion of CUG repeats in the 3’-untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) RNA. The expanded CUG repeats form hairpin-loop structures that sequester splicing regulators into toxic nuclear foci, leading to a spliceopathy that drives DM1 clinical manifestations. Naked antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) designed to knock down DMPK have shown promise in preclinical models; however, clinical application has failed because of insufficient delivery to muscle upon systemic administration. To determine applicability of the FORCE platform as a potential treatment for DM1, hTfR1/DMSXL mice, a novel model expressing human TfR1 and a human DMPK with >1,000 CUG repeats, were dosed with DYNE-101, a Fab-conjugated ASO that targets toxic human nuclear DMPK, on days 0 and 7. On day 28, assessment of DMPK RNA levels and splicing in the heart and skeletal muscles revealed a 40-49% reduction of toxic human DMPK RNA, leading to spicing correction. These effects were accompanied by a 49% DMPK foci reduction in the heart. Analysis of gene expression in nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions provided direct evidence that DYNE-101 reduced accumulation of toxic human DMPK RNA trapped in the cell nucleus. DYNE-101 was well tolerated in a GLP toxicology study in non-human primates (NHPs). Collectively, these data demonstrated that DYNE-101 is well tolerated and targets toxic DMPK in the nucleus, thereby driving splicing correction in cardiac and skeletal muscle with a long-lasting effect. The findings support advancement of DYNE-101 into the clinic.

eP02.06.02Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2 and Autoimmune Diseases

Peric S⁴, Zlatar J², Pesovic J³, Nikolic L², Bozovic I¹, Ivanovic V¹, Palibrk A¹, Basta I⁴, Savic-Pavicevic D³, Rakocevic-Stojanovic V⁴

¹Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre Of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia, ²School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, ³Center for Human Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, ⁴Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Centre Of Serbia, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

Introduction: Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a rare autosomal dominant multisystemic disease with highly variable clinical presentation. Several case reports and one cohort study suggested significant association between DM2 and autoimmune diseases (AIDs).

Aim: To analyze frequency and type of AIDs in DM2 patients from the Serbian DM registry.

Patients and Methods: 131 DM2 patients from 108 families were included - 62.6% females, age at DM2 onset 40.4 (13.0) years, age at entering Registry 52.0 (12.8) years, age at analysis 58.4 (12.8) years. Data were obtained from the Akhenaten, Serbian Registry for DM, as well as through the medical electronic data system.

Results: At entering Registry, 35 (26.7%) of 131 DM2 patients had AIDs including Hashimoto thyroiditis (18.1%), rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus type 1, systemic lupus, Sjogren, localized scleroderma, psoriasis, celiac disease, Graves, neuromyelitis optica, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. At the time of data analysis, two additional patients developed new AIDs, so eventually 37 (29.6%) of 125 DM2 survivors had AIDs. Antinuclear antibodies (ANCA) were found in 14 (10.7%) of 63 tested patients, including 12 patients without defined corresponding AID (all in low titers – 1:40 to 1:160). Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were negative in all 50 tested cases. The percentage of women was significantly higher among patients with AIDs (82.9% vs. 55.2%, p<0.01). Patients with AIDs were less likely to have myopathy on electromyography (66.7% vs. 84.8%, p<0.05).

Conclusion: AIDs were present in as high as 30% of DM2 patients. Thus, screening of AIDs in DM2 seems reasonable. Presence of AIDs and/or ANA may lead to false diagnosis of AIDs and under-diagnosis of DM2.

Keywords: myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), autoimmune diseases, antinuclear antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies

eP02.06.03Nuclear Envelope Dysfunction in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

Viegas D¹, Pereira C¹, Martins F¹, Mateus T¹, da Cruz e Silva O¹, Herdeiro M¹, Rebelo S¹

¹Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal, Aveiro, Portugal

Myotonic Dystrophy type I (DM1) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease caused by the abnormal expansion of unstable CTG repeats in the 3’ untranslated region of Myotonic Dystrophy Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene being the most common muscular dystrophy among adults (1). The number of CTG expansions can vary in different organs and tissues, contributing to the great phenotypic variability observed in patients with DM1. The clinical phenotype is wide, even between members of the same family, ranging from severe congenital-onset forms to late-onset forms which present mild symptoms (1–4). DM1 is characterized by myotonia, progressive peripheral muscle weakness and atrophy, involving also multiple organs and systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, central nervous systems and eye (2–4).

To date, the molecular mechanism underlying this devasting disease is still poorly characterized, although there are some hypotheses that envisage to explain the multisystemic features observed in DM1 (reviewed in 5). An emergent hypothesis is that nuclear envelope (NE) dysfunction may contribute to muscular dystrophies, particularly to DM1. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate the nuclear profile of DM1 patient-derived and control fibroblasts to determine the protein levels and subcellular distribution of relevant NE proteins.

Our results clearly demonstrate that nuclear profile and NE proteins are substantially altered in DM1-patient derived fibroblasts. Concerning nuclear profile, a larger nuclear area and a higher number of deformed nuclei and micronuclei are the most prominent alterations observed in DM1 patient-derived fibroblasts (6). The protein levels of several NE proteins were increased namely, lamin A/C, LAP1 and SUN1, while the levels of emerin and nesprin-1/nesprin-2 remained unaltered and decreased, respectively. Further, altered location of these NE proteins were accompanied by the presence of nuclear deformations (blebs, lobes and/or invaginations) and higher number of nuclear inclusions (6).

Our study has strengthened the hypothesis that changes in the NE are important hallmarks of DM1 and supports further studies and the exploitation of NE dysfunction in DM1 as a target for the development of DM1 therapies.

References

1. Darras Basil T. Myotonic dystrophy: Etiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. UpToDate. 2009;

2. Turner C, Hilton-Jones D. Myotonic dystrophy: diagnosis, management and new therapies. Curr Opin Neurol. 2014 Oct;27(5):599-606.

3. Meola G. Clinical aspects, molecular pathomechanisms and management of myotonic dystrophies. Acta Myol. 2013 Dec;32(3):154-65.

4. Thornton CA. Myotonic dystrophy. Neurol Clin. 2014 Aug;32(3):705-19, viii.

5. Mateus T, Martins F, Nunes A, Herdeiro MT, Rebelo S. Metabolic Alterations in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 and Their Correlation with Lipin. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 12;18(4):1794.

6. Viegas D, Pereira CD, Martins F, Mateus T, da Cruz E Silva OAB, Herdeiro MT, Rebelo S. Nuclear Envelope Alterations in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Patient-Derived Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Jan 4;23(1):522.

Acknowledgments: This research was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through the Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED)—UIDB/BIM/04501/2020/UIDP/04501/2020 and by the MEDISIS project (CENTRO-01-0246-FEDER-000018). Image acquisition was performed in the LiM facility of iBiMED, a node of PPBI (Portuguese Platform of BioImaging): POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022122.

eP02.06.04Does Small Fiber Neuropathy Contribute to Chronic Muscle Pain in Patients with Myotonic Dystrophy?

Schmitt V¹, Bäumler P², Irnich D², Schoser B¹, Montagnese F¹

¹Friedrich Baur Institut, Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany, ²Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany

Introduction: One of the most common and most disabling symptoms in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and 2 (DM2) is chronic muscle pain. Little is known about the pathophysiology of myalgia, and the response to common analgesics is often not satisfactory. Previous studies with quantitative sensory testing (QST) in DM2, identified some similarities with fibromyalgia and suggested the presence of peripheral sensitization mechanisms involved in the origin of chronic pain in DM patients. Our aim was to investigate whether the presence of small fiber neuropathy could be a contributor to chronic muscle pain in myotonic dystrophy patients.

Methods: We included DM1 and DM2 patients between 18 and 65 years old with chronic myalgia. Exclusion criteria were presence of diabetes mellitus or polyneuropathy. Patients completed three pain questionnaires (Brief pain inventory – BPI, PAIN-DETECT and pain disability index – PDI), underwent neurological examination, nerve conduction study, QST and skin biopsy (distal and proximal lower limb) to determine the intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). QST data were compared with a group of 30 gender and age matched healthy controls. IENFD data were interpreted with existing reference values.

Results: We recruited 32 DM2 (F 59%, mean age 53.4±7.3) and 21 DM1 (F 62%, mean age 40.7±12.6) patients. DM2 patients, in comparison to DM1, showed higher pain related disability (p=0.026) and higher pain interference (p=0.012), took painkillers more frequently (34% vs 14%, p=0.006) and described pain more often as radiating (78% vs 25%, p<0.001). Pain patterns differed (p=0.035) with more DM2 patients suffering chronic constant pain (38% vs 25%) and more DM1 patients with pain attacks (55% vs 25%).

Pain severity and location was similar between DM1 and DM2. In QST, we found multiple differences between DM1 and DM2, as well as between DM and healthy controls. DM2 patients were characterized by a loss in cold, warm, mechanical and vibration sensitivity, while DM1 patients showed signs of mechanical hyperalgesia (lower mechanical pain threshold, higher mechanical pain sensitivity). Both DM patient groups showed increased pressure pain sensitivity. IENFD was reduced in 63% of DM1 patients and in 50% of DM2. This correlated with age (p=0.050) but, interestingly, not with QST data.

Conclusion: This study shows the presence of loss in detection sensitivity and gain in pain sensitivity in patients with myotonic dystrophy, as well as reduced IENFD. Ongoing analyses will further examine how these abnormalities correlate with the severity and quality of pain.

eP02.06.05Frequently Used Outcome Measures to Evaluate Muscle Strength in Patients with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

Mateus T¹, Costa A¹, Viegas D¹, Marques A², Herdeiro T¹, Rebelo S¹

¹Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810-193, Portugal, Aveiro, Portugal, ²Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation Laboratory – Lab3R, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), School of Health Sciences (ESSUA), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal, Aveiro, Portugal

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults with a prevalence of 1 in 3,000 to 8,000 individuals worldwide (1,2). DM1 is an autosomal dominant disease caused by abnormal expansion of unstable repetitions of cytosine-thymine-guanine trinucleotide (CTG) in the 3’ untranslated region of Myotonic Dystrophy Protein Kinase (DMPK) gene. DM1 present different clinical phenotypes according to the age of onset and length of CTG repeat expansion (1–3). DM1 is characterized by myotonia, progressive muscle weakness and other multisystemic alterations (3,4). However, respiratory and cardiac dysfunction are the most common cause of death in DM1 population, leading to a mortality of 51% to 76% and 30%, respectively (2,4). Considering that muscle strength measurements are crucial to manage DM1 skeletal, cardiac and respiratory muscle dysfunction, understanding which outcome measures are the most frequently used to assess muscle strength in DM1 is of paramount importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gather and summarise the most frequent outcome measures used to assess muscle strength in adult patients with DM1 to contribute for future clinical practice guidance and research. The search strategy used was based on the extraction and gathering data from Pubmed, Web of Science and Embase databases. All observational studies using measures of muscle strength in adult patients with DM1 were included (80 studies), where 24 measured cardiac, 45 skeletal and 23 respiratory muscle strength (2). Among the studies that indirectly assessed the cardiac muscle strength, the most frequent method and outcome measure used were echocardiography and left ejection fraction, respectively (2). Studies that assessed skeletal muscle strength, the most frequent methods and outcome measure used were quantitative muscle test and manual muscle test, and maximum isometric torque, respectively (2). The most frequent method and outcome measures used to assess the respiratory muscle strength were manometry, and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, respectively (2).

The results of this study regarding muscle strength evaluation of adult patients with DM1 are essential to correctly assess disease severity and response to interventions. Further, clinicians and researchers should consider using the same methodologies and outcome measures described in this study, to contribute to a better understanding of the response in muscle strength in future clinical trials and interventions.

References:

1. Ashizawa, T. et al. Consensus-based care recommendations for adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1. Neurol. Clin. Pract. 8, 507–520 (2018).

2. Mateus, T. et al. Outcome measures frequently used to assess muscle strength in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1: a systematic review. Neuromuscul. Disord. (2021) doi:10.1016/j.nmd.2021.09.014.

3. Wenninger, S., Montagnese, F. & Schoser, B. Core Clinical Phenotypes in Myotonic Dystrophies. Front. Neurol. 9, (2018).

4. Mateus, T., Martins, F., Nunes, A., Herdeiro, M. T. & Rebelo, S. Metabolic Alterations in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 and Their Correlation with Lipin. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 18, 1794 (2021).

Acknowledgments: This research was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through the Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED)—UIDB/BIM/04501/2020/UIDP/04501/2020. Also financed the MEDISIS project (CENTRO-01-0246-FEDER-000018).

eP02.06.06Clinical Features of the UK Myotonic Dystrophy Patient Registry

Walker H¹, Turner C², Bowler M³, Ashley E⁴, Rogers M⁵, Orrell R⁶, Donachie J⁷, Williams D⁸, Hamilton M⁹, Hewamadduma C¹⁰, Sodhi J^1,11, Marini-Bettolo C^1,11

¹The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, ²University College Hospital, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, United Kingdom, ³Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group, Nottingham, United Kingdom, ⁴Cure Myotonic Dystrophy UK Charity, United Kingdom, ⁵Institute of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom, ⁶UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom, ⁷School of the Arts, English and Drama, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom, ⁸Patient Representative, United Kingdom, ⁹West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom, ¹⁰Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom, ¹¹Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

The UK Myotonic Dystrophy Patient Registry is a patient self-enrolling online database collecting clinical and genetic information about myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2). The registry was established in May 2012 with support from Muscular Dystrophy UK and the Myotonic Dystrophy Support Group and is coordinated Newcastle University. The registry aims to facilitate academic and clinical research, better characterise and understand DM, and disseminate information relating to upcoming studies and research advancements.

The registry is used to capture longitudinal, self-reported data through an online portal available to patients and clinicians. Where specialised clinical or genetic information is required, the neuromuscular specialist involved in the patient’s care can be invited to provide some additional information and the patient can select them from a pre-populated list at the registration stage. The registry is a Core Member of the TREAT-NMD Global Registries Network for DM1.

Between May 2012 and January 2022, there were 834 patient registrations. On average there are 5 new registrations per month. For those reporting a clinical diagnosis, 96% have DM1 (of which 14% have a diagnosis of congenital DM) and 4% have DM2. Overall, 40% of patients have had genetic confirmation of their condition provided.

The registry has previously supported almost 30 research enquiries to date. Since 2020, the registry has facilitated 11 enquiries including an industry enquiry, three COVID-19 surveys, and various surveys capturing information on dysphagia, pregnancy, patient preferences for future treatments and the patient/caregiver experience.

The registry continues to be a versatile, cost-effective research tool, helping facilitate and advance a range of DM research. Additional work continues to be done to improve reporting of genetic information on the registry and there are future data linkage plans between the registry and the Newcastle Research Biobank for Rare and Neuromuscular Diseases.

eP02.06.07Myofibrillar Myopathy: Clinico-Genetic Spectrum from an Indian Neuromuscular Center

Oommen A¹, Vengalil S, Nashi S, Polavarapu K, Arunachal G, Bardhan M, Narayanappa G, Kumar V, Unnikrishnan G, Huddar A, Baskar D, Nalini A

¹National Institute Of Mental Health And Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India

Background: Myofibrillar myopathies (MFM) occur secondary to mutations in DES, CRYAB, MYOT, LDB3, FLNC, BAG3, FHL1, TTN, PYROXD1 and KY genes. The study aims to characterize the clinico-genetic spectrum in the Indian population.

Method: A description of the clinical, radiological and mutation spectrum of 14 genetically confirmed MFM patients.

Results: The male: female ratio is 10:4. Mean age of onset, presentation and illness duration were 16, 27 and 11 years, respectively. Consanguinity (28.6%) and motor developmental delay (28.6%) were present. One-third had ptosis and bulbar symptoms at birth. Clinical features: ptosis and ophthalmoparesis (42.9%), bifacial weakness and flaccid dysarthria (21.4%), neck weakness (50%), proximal weakness of upper and lower limbs (35.8%), only proximal lower limb weakness (28.6%), foot drop (14.3%) and dyspnoea (14.3%). Contractures at ankles (64.3%), neck (14.3%), hips (14.3%) and knees (14.3%) were observed. Cardiac involvement (28.6%) included restrictive, dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Mean creatine kinase=1607U/L. Muscle biopsy in two patients revealed reduced/ absent desmin expression. Muscle MRI in three patients showed fatty infiltration predominantly in glutei muscles, adductor muscles of thighs and pancompartmental muscles of legs. Next generation sequencing (NGS) showed DES gene mutation in nine patients. The most common mutation was in intron 5 with variant c.1023+5G>A. All three patients with intronic mutations had ptosis or easy fatigability in childhood and subsequently presented with quadriparesis and oculofacialbulbar weakness. Other DES mutations include [Exon 6, c.1216C>T, pArg406Trp; Exon 5, C958delG, p. E320fs*2; Exon1, c.20C>A, p.Ser7Tyr; Exon 7, c.1280A>T, p.Asn427Ile; Exon 1, c.448C>T, p.Arg150Ter]. TTN [Exon343, c.95134T>C, p.Cys31712Arg], HSPB8 [Exon 3, c.566_567del, p.Asp189GlufsTer26], FLNC [Exon 39, c.6398G>T,p.Arg2133Leu], CRYAB [Exon 3, c.238G>A, p.Asp80Asn], LDB3 [Exon 12, c.1909A>G,p.Thr637Ala] gene mutations were seen in each of the patients. Intronic and exonic mutations in DES gene and exonic mutations in TTN and CRYAB represent novel variants.

Conclusion: The study highlights the diverse clinical manifestations and genetic mutation patterns in Indian patients of MFM. Majority had DES gene mutations. Few patients with congenital ocular or bulbar weakness resembling congenital myasthenic syndrome had intronic DES mutations. The study features the significance of NGS in diagnosis, identifying novel variants and expanding the genotype-phenotype correlation associated with MFM in Indian population.

eP02.06.08Muscular Dystrophies Due to Collagen VI Mutations

Coelho J¹, Moldovan O², Saianda A³, Ferreira R³, Moreno T¹

¹Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal, ²Genetic Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal, ³Pulmonology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal. Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

Introduction: Mutations in Collagen VI are associated to Congenital Muscular Dystrophies both Ulrich and Bethlem phenotypes. Recessive and dominant forms are possible and more than classical presentations, a broad clinical spectrum is possible. We aimed to analyze the clinical, pathologic, and genetic characteristics of patients with collagen VI-related myopathy followed in our tertiary care hospital from the last 15 years (2006-2021).

Results: We analyzed 5 patients, all females; from different families and origins (4 from Portugal, one from Guiné); the median age is 10,4 years (5-19 years). Four of them presented with neonatal hypotonia and the other patient started symptoms in the first year of life. Those who had neonatal hypotonia showed joint contractures (from arthrogryposis to club feet). One had also a congenital torticollis. All have proximal weakness with distal hyperlaxity and all but one have cutaneous alterations and calcaneus fat pads. Our patients present pathogenic alterations in all collagen VI associated genes (3 were COL6A1, one COL6A2 and one COL6A3). Only one is on non-invasive ventilation. 2 patients lost walk capacity, one at 7 years and the other around 10 years.

Conclusions: Despite neonatal presentation, in most of our patients, the diagnosis came several years after the onset of symptoms. The clues for clinical diagnosis are proximal weakness, distal hyperlaxity and cutaneous alterations. Genetic approaches are becoming easily available and will permit earlier diagnosis and definition of new phenotypes.

eP02.06.09Proteomics Changes in Response Voluntary Exercise in a Murine Model of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

Manta A¹, Ljubicic V², Spendiff S³, Roos A^3,4, Lochmuller H^3,5,6,7,8

¹Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, ²Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, ³Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada, ⁴Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany, ⁵Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center -University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany, ⁶Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain, ⁷Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada, ⁸Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder, caused by the expansion of the CUG trinucleotide repeat in the untranslated region of the DMPK gene. Clinical manifestations include skeletal muscle weakness, wasting, myotonia, and insulin resistance. Exercise training studies with DM1 participants demonstrate that exercise is safe, well tolerated and elicits modest clinically improvements in muscle strength and function. The molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefit of exercise in DM1 skeletal muscle has only recently been investigated. Proteomic surveys of skeletal muscle allow for high-throughput evaluation of the beneficial adaptations to both chronic and acute exercise interventions. More recently, this technique has begun to be employed to study exercise adaptations in various chronic diseases to further our understanding of the pathophysiology and perturbed signalling pathways. The purpose of this study is to analyze the proteomic response in a murine model of DM1 in response to 6-8 weeks of voluntary wheel running. Three groups of mice (3-6 months old) were utilized: i) sedentary human skeletal actin-long repeat (HSA-LR, a known rodent model of DM1) mice (SED-DM1), ii) HSA-LR mice with volitional access to a home cage running wheel for 6-8 weeks (EX-DM1), and iii) sedentary wild-type mice (WT). As previously published, our EX-DM1 mice demonstrated improvements in strength and muscle function compared to the SED-DM1, to the levels of WT mice. This was complimented with improvements in hallmarks of the disease pathogenesis: a reduction in the sequestration of RNA splicing regulator, Muscleblind-1, and the associated missplicing of target pre-mRNA. The goal of the following study is to highlight the particular pathways that augment these beneficial adaptations. Moreover, we are interested in investigating canonical exercise pathways that may not be upregulated in DM1 biology when compared to available proteomic datasets in healthy wildtype mice that underwent chronic training. This study’s preliminary results are part of the first study to comprehensively investigate the molecular responses and adaptations to exercise in DM1 skeletal muscle.

eP03.01.01Validation of the Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life Questionnaire in Korean Patients with Neuromuscular Diseases

Lee S¹, Han H¹, Suh B², Choi Y¹, Rose M³, Park H¹

¹Gangnam Severance Hopspital, Gangnam-gu, Republic of Korea, ²Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Jongro-gu, Republic of Korea, ³King’s college Hospital, London, Republic of Korea, ⁴Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Background and Purpose: The Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life (INQoL) questionnaire is a widely used measure of quality of life in patients with neuromuscular diseases. The purpose of this study was to translate and validate the Korean version of the INQoL questionnaire in Korean patients with neuromuscular diseases.

Methods: We translated the original version of the INQoL into Korean and applied language adaptations. Internal consistency, known-group validity, and test-retest reliability were also assessed. Validity was measured using the following methods: 1) construct validity using the modified Rankin Score (mRS) and the manual muscle testing (MMT)-sum score, and 2) concurrent validity with the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire.

Results: Because of linguistic and cultural differences between English and Korean, there are several difficulties in translation. Translating ‘myotonia’ was difficult because there is no such terminology in Korean that is familiar to the general public. Moreover, there were some cultural differences in the selection of the terms, such as ‘at the moment’ and ‘in the face of my condition’ in Korean, but these were not practical and did not cause misunderstandings in the meaning of each item. A total of 193 patients (141 males and 52 females) with genetic neuromuscular diseases were enrolled in this study. Among the 193 patients, 175 (91%) and 18 (9%) had genetic myopathy and neuropathy, respectively. The most common disease was facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type I in 27 patients, followed by myotonic dystrophy in 24, dysferlinopathy in 20, Becker muscular dystrophy in 17, and spinal muscular atrophy in 9. Twenty-six patients (14%) were not genetically confirmed. The median age at symptom onset and examination was 18.0 (interquartile range: 8.0–30.0) and 38.0 (interquartile range: 30.5–46.0) years, respectively. Invasive or non-invasive mechanical ventilators were used in 28 patients (15%). The median mRS and MMT-sum scores were 2 (interquartile range: 1.5–3.0) and 230.0 (interquartile range: 176.0–270.0), respectively. Twenty patients (16 males and 4 females) completed the INQoL questionnaire twice within 6 months. All patients had genetic myopathy. The coefficients for internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.871 to 0.933) and test-retest reliability (Spearman’s ρ 0.453 to 0.886) were adequately high in all subscales, except the ‘treatment effects’ dimension. The INQoL subscales, with the exception of locking, droopy eyelids, double vision, and swallowing difficulties, were significantly associated with their relevant SF-36 domains (Spearman’s ρ -0.274 to -0.833). Functional status and muscle strength were most strongly associated with independence (Spearman’s ρ = 0.753; p < 0.001 for mRS, and Spearman’s ρ = -0.741; p < 0.001 for MMT-sum score).

Conclusions: The Korean version of the INQoL questionnaire is a reliable and validated measurement tool for Korean patients with neuromuscular diseases.

eP03.01.02Improving Clinical Trials in Neuromuscular Diseases: The TREAT-NMD Advisory Committee for Therapeutics (TACT)

Turner C¹, Straub V¹, Robertson L², De Luca A³, Aartsma-Rus A⁴

¹John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, ²TREAT-NMD Services, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, ³Dipartimento di Farmacia, University of Bari, Bari, Italy, ⁴Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands

Established in 2009 as part of TREAT-NMD, TACT is an expert multidisciplinary body that provides the neuromuscular community with independent, confidential and objective guidance on advancing new therapies for rare neuromuscular diseases.

TACT’s aim is to position potential therapies along a realistic and well-informed pathway to or through clinical trials, and eventual registration. This is achieved by a thorough, independent, confidential and expert review resulting in detailed advice. TACT believes that this leads to de-risked, better designed and conducted studies that generate more meaningful data and have increased potential to be funded longer term.

Applications for advice are reviewed by a bespoke panel of world-leading experts drawn from the TACT committee of around 70 members in response to the specific needs of a particular application.

To date TACT has reviewed over 70 applications from both academic investigators and industry across all NMDs. However, the majority have come from those working in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) therapy development. TACT works closely with and is generously supported by major DMD patient organisations around the world to ensure the process assists the community as a whole.

Feedback shows that TACT has generated recommendations that have greatly helped investigators, including industry, in evaluating their potential compounds and therapy development programmes. It has encouraged applicants to consider these in a methodical fashion with clear go/no-go decisions and with optimal use of funding and resources. Examples of the impact of TACT in DMD are given in this poster as well as details of how organisations can access TACT advice.

eP03.01.03Impact of Independence in Mobility on Independence Outdoors in People With Neuromuscular Conditions

Wong K¹, Sodhi J¹, Moat D¹, McCallum M¹, Richardson M¹, James M¹, Mayhew A¹, Mason J¹, Straub V¹, Marini-Bettolo C¹, Muni-Lofra R¹

¹The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Background: Neuromuscular conditions are characterised by progressive muscle weakness, which may result in loss of ambulation. Capturing patient quality of life with an appropriate outcome measure, alongside functional measures can help to gain a better understanding of the impact of mobility status on quality of life. The Quality of Life Measure for people with slowly progressive and genetic neuromuscular disease (QOL-gNMD) is a validated questionnaire specifically designed for people with neuromuscular conditions, which explores different aspects of quality of life. In this study, we focus on the impact of disease on general perception in health, quality of life and outdoor mobility.

Aims: To understand how different levels of mobility may impact on patients’ perceived health, quality of life, falls risk, and ability to leave the house independently.

Methods/Materials: Patients with a neuromuscular condition were asked to fill in the QOL-gNMD questionnaire, prior to attending their routine clinical appointment at the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre. Mobility scores were obtained as part of the clinical assessments.

Results: A total of 184 patients were included in the study. Patients who are still ambulant but require the use of walking aids reported the worst perceived general health (70% reported moderate/ poor health), compared to those who can walk unaided or use a wheelchair (47% and 44% reported moderate/ poor health). Reported overall quality of life is also the worst in those who use walking aids (78% reported moderate/ poor quality of life), but better in those who walk unaided or use a wheelchair (44% and 38% reported moderate/ poor quality of life). In terms of outdoor mobility, 70% of patients who use walking aids reported that they are unable, or only occasionally able to leave their home independently. This improves in wheelchair users (62%) and in those who can walk unaided (32%). It was also found that all patients (100%) who use a walking aid avoid certain places due to risk of a fall. Those who can walk unaided or use a wheelchair are less likely to avoid venues (59% and 56% reported avoidance due to falls risk).

Conclusion: Wheelchair users reported better health, quality of life and outdoor mobility, compared to those who use walking aids to walk. The results of this study suggest that timely discussions regarding the introduction of wheelchair use and early implementation of therapy support to assess fall’s risk may help to improve quality of life in people with neuromuscular conditions. Further studies are required to understand the different factors that influence the introduction of supportive care in neuromuscular diseases.

eP03.01.04Neuropsychological and Behavioral Profile in a Cohort of Becker Muscular Dystrophy Pediatric Patients

Tosi M¹, Cumbo F^1,2, Catteruccia M¹, Diodato D¹, Nicita F¹, Grimaldi Capitello T², Alfieri P³, Vicari S^3,4, Bertini E¹, D’Amico A¹

¹Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy, ²Unit of Clinical Psychology, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy, ³Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy, ⁴Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive and executive function impairment as well as the association between executive functions and dystrophin gene mutation position have been widely investigated in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), whereas few studies explored these functions in Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuropsychological and behavioral profile in a cohort of BMD patients and whether there is any correlation with site of DMD gene mutation.

METHODS: This is a single-center, observational, prospective, cross-sectional study in which a full neuropsychological assessment, including intellectual functioning, executive functions, and language abilities, was performed in children and adolescents affected by BMD without cognitive impairment. A comparison between groups based on site of mutation or IQ level was attempted.

RESULTS: 22 patients were enrolled. The mean IQ in the whole cohort was 94 (range 71-122). Overall, the patients in our cohort did not perform well in tests investigating the executive functions. No statistically significant difference was found in groups stratified by site of mutation or IQ level.

DISCUSSION: This study confirms BMD patients have a risk of impairment of the executive functions, despite having a normal IQ in most cases. This is a very important aspect, as it puts them at risk of developing learning disabilities.

eP03.01.05Evolution of Gait Parameters and Influence of Orthotics on Gait in a Patient With Dysferlinopathy

James M¹, Alcock L², Straub V¹, Mayhew A¹

¹The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, ²Clinical Ageing Research Unit, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Background: Dysferlinopathy (LGMDR2/2B), caused by mutations in the DYSF gene, presents with a broad spectrum of muscle weakness and variable rates of progression. Patients with LGMDR2 have a distinct gait pattern although this has not been quantified using instrumented gait analysis. Gait analysis is a novel outcome measure introduced into the Clinical Outcome for dysferlinopathy II natural history study (COSII, http://www.jain-foundation.org/dysferlinoutcomestudy) to determine its utility as a clinical biomarker. A reduction in walking speed indicates functional decline. Clinically, lower limb orthoses may be prescribed to improve walking, although limited data exist to examine their impact on gait parameters in patients with LGMDR2.

Aim: This case study aims to quantify the temporospatial characteristics of gait and change in those over one year of one COSII individual with LGMDR2 using instrumented gait analysis; and to compare gait when walking with and without ankle orthoses.

Methods: Using the GAITrite (240Hz) instrumented walkway, we quantified six temporospatial features of gait whilst our COS II patient, a 30 year old male, walked barefoot and then in ankle orthoses with footwear. Temporospatial characteristics including gait velocity, step length, step width, stance and swing duration were extracted in addition to gait asymmetry and variability. The patient was asked to walk at self-selected preferred and fast gait velocities and complete up to 6 trials in each condition. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to evaluate statistical differences (p<.05).

Results: Gait characteristics were compared between conditions and over time. At baseline the subject’s preferred walking speed barefoot (1.16m/s)and shod (1.14m/s) was slow compared to an unaffected population, and only when asked to walk as fast as safely possible did he achieve a gait speed (1.4m/s) reported as that required for community ambulation1. The GAITrite was able to capture differences in temporospatial characteristics of walking when the patient was walking with or without lower limb orthoses, particularly step width which improved when using a silicon ankle foot orthoses.

Conclusions: This case study objectively characterises the gait patterns of a patient with LGMDR2 with and without lower limb orthoses. Future analysis aims to describe gait in a wider population of COSII patients and examine the indications for successful lower limb orthotic prescription in LGMDR2.

References

1. Middleton A, Fritz SL, Lusardi M. Walking speed: the functional vital sign. J Aging Phys Act. 2015;23(2):314-22.

eP03.01.06Predictors of Gait in Patients with Late-Onset Pompe Disease

Maulet T^1,2,3, Cattagni T⁵, Dubois F³, Laforet P^1,4, Bonnyaud C^2,3

¹End: Icap Laboratory, Inserm Unit 1179, Uvsq, France, Versailles, France, ²Paris-Saclay University, UVSQ, Research Unit ERPHAN, 78000, Versailles, France, Versailles, France, ³Motion analysis laboratory, Functional Exploration Department, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, APHP, Garches, France, Garches, France, ⁴Neurology Department, Nord/Est/Ile de France Neuromuscular Center, Raymond-Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France, Garches, France, ⁵Nantes Université, Movement - Interactions - Performance, MIP, UR 4334, F-44000 Nantes, France, Nantes, France

Background: Gait disorders concern 87% of patients with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), impacting their daily activities. Patients report gait instability and, a decrease in walking speed is observed. The relationships between gait disorders and muscle weakness remain poorly explored. The only study assessing jointly walking and muscle strength in LOPD used a therapist-dependent measure for strength (held-hand dynamometer) and a walking description in 4 categories (unable to walk, walking with aids, waddling gait without aids, normal gait). It is essential to explore relationships between gait parameters and lower-limb strength of each muscle group with the gold standard tools to increase knowledge on motor disorders in LOPD, to highlight new gait biomarkers and to guide assessments.

Objectives: We aimed to determine in LOPD patients 1) which muscle groups are the most important contributors to gait speed and stability during gait, 2) which kinematic gait parameters are the most important contributors to gait speed and, 3) whether isokinetic dynamometer measures are most important predictors of gait parameters than manual muscle testing (MMT).

Method: Eighteen LOPD patients (58.3 ± 12.2 years) performed gait at comfortable speed (3D analysis) and, 3 trials of maximal voluntary contraction for 6 lower-limb muscle groups (isokinetic dynamometer and MMT). We first used correlations between muscle strength (hip, knee, and ankle flexors and extensors, hip adductors and abductors) and gait parameters (joint kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters) to select variables for the multiple regressions. Variables significantly correlated were included in the stepwise models to highlight explanatory parameters of 1) gait speed with strength, 2) gait speed with kinematics, 3) single support during gait with strength.

Results: Concerning the muscular contributors to gait speed, hip abductors strength is the main predictor with 64% of variance explained (p=0.001). The variance prediction increased to 73% (p=0.001) by adding ankle dorsiflexors strength. The percentage of single support during gait was the main kinematic predictor of gait speed, with 81% of variance explained (p=0.001), followed by step length and cadence (98% variance explained with the three). Concerning stability, hip abductors strength was the only predictor of percentage of single support with 44% of variance explained (p=0.004). The MMT score was poorly to moderately correlated with the gait parameters (r between 0.49 and 0.62, p <0.05) while the isokinetic dynamometer results were moderately to strongly correlated (r between 0.57 and 0.77, p <0.05). MMT scores were not predictive of gait speed.

Discussion: This is the first study exploring the relationships between muscle weakness and gait biomechanics in LOPD patients. We showed that abductors strength is the major contributor to gait instability, which is known in other populations. Interestingly, the major contribution of the abductors to gait speed appears a specificity of LOPD. To conclude, it is essential in LOPD to systematically assess the hip abductors strength with isokinetic dynamometers and standardized methods, considering its importance in gait.

eP03.01.07Simplified and Non-invasive Optical Motion Tracking of Respiratory Dynamics in the MDX Mouse Model.

Svetlove A¹, Albers J², Alves F², Dullin C², Zschüntzsch J²

¹Max-Planck-Institute For Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany, ²University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common x-chromosomal inherited dystrophinopathy which leads to progressive muscle weakness and a premature death due to cardiorespiratory dysfunction. The mdx mouse lacks functional dystrophin protein and has comparatively human-like diaphragm phenotype. Moreover, respiratory muscle weakness is a known consequence of many other neuromuscular diseases which portray abnormal breathing patterns and changes in respiratory dynamics. This observation makes monitoring of abnormal breathing patters an attractive analysis strategy to develop a potential biomarker for neuromuscular diseases such as DMD. We aimed to establish a sensitive, reliable, harmless and easy way to assess the reduction in breathing capability based on observed respiratory muscle weakness and subsequent irregularity in breathing pattern. Optical respiratory dynamics tracking (ORDT) was developed utilising a single view camera facing the chest of the mouse that tracks the movement of paper markers placed on its thoracic-abdominal region. For the standard ORDT the breathing motion of anaesthetised mice was recorded by a camera (Basler acA640-90gc, Pentax Cosmicar TV Lens 25mm 1:1.4) acquiring images with 600 by 400 pixels for over 10 seconds at 100 frames per second (fps) in 8 bit grey value format. Paper markers with a printed black cross-hair pattern (3 mm side length and 1 mm centre diameter) were used. The markers in the video feed were located by a Laplacian of Gaussian particle detection and tracked by Linear Assignment Problem algorithms implemented in the TrackMate plugin for ImageJ. Karhunen-Loève transformation implemented in Python 3 was used to reorient the data in the direction of the strongest displacement. Thus, subsequent analysis was done on a simple 1D oscilation function over time. Parametrization of this function was done using the established XLF software. Wt mouse ORDT traces displayed an active breaking of the lung recoil during expiration which was absent in the mdx animals due to known weakening of the diaphragm. ORDT successfully distinguished diseased mdx phenotype from healthy controls. In conclusion we believe that this easy method has merit in detecting and monitoring of various neuromuscular disorders and has great potential for patient translatability.

eP03.01.08Serum Neurofilament Light Chain as a Marker of Nervous System Damage in Myopathies

Schaefer J¹, Benkert P², Akgün K¹, Ziemssen T¹, Jackson S¹, Saak A¹

¹Uniklinikum C.G.Carus, Dresden, Germany, ²University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland

Background: Neurofilament light chain in serum (sNfL) has been suggested as a biomarker for the assessment of neuroaxonal damage. Since NfL are not expressed in muscle, elevated sNfL in patients with primary myopathies suggest additional involvement of the nervous system. To verify this hypothesis, we measured sNfL in a series of patients with myopathies.

Methods: sNfL were determined in 62 patients with molecular proven primary myopathies in whom some nervous system involvement may be predicted: myotonic dystrophy type I and II (DM I, II) and mitochondrial disease. In addition, sNfL were measured in 8 patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and in a disease control group caused by genetic defects exclusively expressed in muscle.

Results: sNfL values were significantly elevated in the DM I, the DM II and the mitochondrial group, with FSHD patients showing the lowest sNfL elevations. sNfL levels in the disease control group were not different from the healthy controls. A significant correlation between repeat length and sNfL levels was found in the DM I patients, but not in the DM II patients. Mitochondrial patients with encephalopathy showed significantly higher sNfL concentrations compared to patients with only muscular symptoms.

Conclusions:sNfL levels are elevated in myopathies with, based on the underlying molecular defect or clinical features, established nervous system involvement, i.e. myotonic dystrophies and mitochondrial disorders. sNfL were also raised in FSHD, where involvement of the nervous system is not usually clinically apparent. Thus, the lack of sNfL elevations in patients from the disease control group (myopathies due to mutations in genes exclusively expressed in muscle tissue) supports the concept of sNfL as a simple and non-invasive biomarker to detect to detect and monitor neuronal damage in myopathies, even in those without clinically evident CNS-involvement.

eP03.01.09Troponin T in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy

Musso G¹, Sorarù G², Mion M¹, Zaninotto M¹, Bello L², Pegoraro E², Plebani M^1,3, Basso D^1,3

¹Department of Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy, ²Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy, ³Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy., Padova, Italy

Introduction: Cardiac isoforms of troponins are essential and highly specific components of cardiac muscle. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and troponin T (cTnT) are currently fundamental diagnostic biomarkers of acute myocardial injury, as they are immediately released in blood following tissue damage. Their elevation in blood is promptly detected with high sensitivity methods and correlates with extension of myocardial damage.

Elevation of cTnT has been also reported in a wide range of neuromuscular disorders (Rittoo D, 2014). Recently, a systematic study has been conducted in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Castro-Gomez S, 2021) showing an increase of cTnT that correlates to disease severity, with cTnI levels always within normal limits.

In spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) a well-established muscular biomarker as creatin kinase (CK) was reported highly increased compared to controls, but not correlating to clinical measures (Lombardi, et al., 2019).

Methods: In this retrospective study we selected 10 male patients (median age 52.5 years) from a cohort of genetically confirmed SBMA and 5 male patients (median age 41 years) with genetically confirmed diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 3, each patient attending a regular clinical follow-up at Neuromuscular Clinic of University of Padova. SBMA disease severity and progression was evaluated with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy Functional Rating Scale (SBMAFRS).

Serum cTnT and cTnI concentrations were measured using high sensitivity (hs) assays: Roche Diagnostics Troponin T hs STAT (99th percentile upper reference limit 14 ng/L) and Abbott Architect Stat High Sensitive Troponin I assay (99th percentile upper reference limit 16 ng/L for female and 34 ng/L for male). Serum CK was measured with Roche Diagnostics assay (reference range 20-180 U/L).

Correlation of cTnT and cTnI with SBMAFRS scores was evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients (Analyse-it Software).

Results: cTnT was above the reference range in all SBMA patients (median 43.5 ng/L, measured range 22-167), while elevated values were observed in only one SMA (23 ng/L, median in SMA patients 12 ng/L, measured range 7-23); cTnI was within reference range in each sample tested (measured range <2-25.3 in SBMA and <2-3.7 in SMA). Median CK was 1320 U/L in SBMA and 385 in SMA (measured range 124-2983 versus 128-1032 U/L)

No correlation was found for cTnT nor cTnI with SBMAFRS (p=0.8277 and p=0.3818 respectively).

Conclusion: In this preliminary study we specifically demonstrated for the first time that serum levels of cTnT, but not cTnI, increase in SBMA, its pattern being close to that of CK. Disease severity as measured with SBMAFRS does not correlate to cTnT. Further studies should address the biological re-expression of cTnT in injured adult skeletal muscle and increased levels of cTnT should be cautiously evaluated in these patients when myocardial injury is suspected.

eP03.01.10Urinary Titin as a Biomarker of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

Varga D¹, Perecz B¹, Sipos A¹, Fülöp K², Pál E^1,2

¹University of Pécs, Department of Neurology, Pécs, Hungary, ²University of Pécs, Department of Pathology, Neuropathology Unit, Pécs, Hungary

Myotonic dystrophy is one of the most common autosomal dominant inherited muscular diseases in adulthood. We tested urinary titin N-fragment/urinary creatinine ratio as a biomarker, in 30 patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and compared to 30 healthy controls. Clinical data, such as strength, blood creatine kinase level and DM1-related outcome measures were correlated. Titin was significantly elevated in urine samples of DM1 patients compared to controls and was related to clinical stages according to MIRS. Titin was related to the patients’ age, handgrip strength and DM active score. Urinary titin seems to be a sensitive biomarker in different neuromuscular disorders, including DM1.

eP03.01.11InGene 2.0: An Intelligent Technological Approach to Genotype-Phenotype Relationship Study in Rare Neuromuscular Diseases

Tonacci A¹, Sansone F¹, Conte R¹, Roccella S¹, Santorelli F¹, Siciliano G¹, Matà S¹, Malandrini A¹, Tupler R¹, Angelini C¹

¹Institute Of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council Of Italy (ifc-cnr), Pisa, Italy

Rare Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD) include a wide range of clinical conditions, characterized by common hallmarks and often subtle differences, making their differential diagnosis and characterization often tricky even for the expert clinicians.

In recent years, noteworthy technological developments have allowed the clinician to go into depth of the clinical characteristics in a disease or, more specifically, in an individual, while researchers found benefits in having the chance to investigate the links between the genotype and the clinical phenotype of the conditions studied, retrieving relationships once hard to even be figured out.

In this framework, the InGene 2.0 project, supported by the Tuscany Region (Italy), allowed the implementation of a smart, highly customizable, multimodal platform, composed of software and hardware components, to this end. The platform, named “Health 360” to give an overview of the health status of an individual at 360 degrees, was designed to be used by the clinician to collect and safely store, with GDPR compliance, different kinds of data to characterize the affected individuals. At the same time, the tool is also conceived to be used by data scientists as it includes some basic Machine Learning facilities, expected to be expanded soon at the platform level.

The platform, as reported above, conceived as a modular tool to be easily configurable and scalable upon the needs of different end-users and trials or projects, actually consists of several modules. They include Genostore, devoted to the collection of genetic data, MRIndex, aiming to store and analyze, through Artificial Intelligence (AI), muscular MRI files, NeuroExam, devoted to the administration of neurological examination, PhysioTest, whose accessible user interface allows performing physiotherapy assessments, including the Six-Minute Walk Test and beyond. In addition, the InGene module, actually under upgrading phase, carries on the AI algorithms, mainly based on Machine Learning methodologies, to retrieve basic correlations between genotype and clinical phenotype of groups of individuals. Further modules are actually under construction, including one, named AUTOMA 2.0, to retrieve data from wireless wearable sensors (i.e. force sensors, joints angles, EMG, ECG, respiration), smartphones and Internet-of-Things (IoT), and one to analyze muscular biopsy records through AI, similarly to what is currently used within the MRIndex.

The experimental phase has been carried out in four clinical centers in Tuscany, Italy (IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, University Hospitals in Pisa, Firenze Careggi and Siena), and Health360 is actually hosting data from more than 230 patients with rare NMDs treated in the four centers, with the target to increase this number to 500 by 2023. This further scaling up could probably help bringing Health360 at the forefront of clinical data collection in rare NMDs, making it a reference tool for genotype/phenotype association in NMDs to the benefit of both clinicians and researchers.

eP03.02.01Coexistence of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy

Vukojevic Z¹

¹Clinic of Neurology, University of Banja Luka, University Clinical Centre of Republic of Srpska, Faculty of Medicine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Starine Novaka 44 78252 Trn, Laktaši, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited polyneuropathy. Symptoms usually appear between age 5 and 25, and the disease is slowly progressive. The most important symptoms are muscle weakness and atrophy of the feet, lower part of the legs, hands, and forearms. Foot deformities (hammertoes, high arches) and changes in sensation (“stocking-glove” pattern) are common. Over the course of this polyneuropathy, other forms of polyneuropathies can occur and in these cases the symptoms and signs are more pronounced. It is particularly important to diagnose associated polyneuropathy especially the ones that could be treated. One such polyneuropathy is chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) – an acquired chronic immune-mediated demyelinating polyneuropathy. Patients are presented with muscle weaknesses and changes in sensation, but they occur significantly faster than with CMT. CIDP is a treatable polyneuropathy, the most important drugs are intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg), corticosteroids and plasma exchange.

Case report: A 19-year-old female patient was admitted to hospital due to weaknesses in legs and arms and difficulty walking. When she was 14 years old she experienced mild weaknesses in the feet. Over the next few years, muscle weaknesses progressed to distal parts of the legs and hands. She was diagnosed with CMT type 1 (CMT1). The diagnosis was confirmed by genetic testing. Other possible causes of polyneuropathy were excluded. Six months before the current hospitalization, she was able to walk 3-4 km, and had a slight weakness in the hands. Then, suddenly the weakness begun to worsen. Walking becomes more and more difficult, she was able to walk only 200-300 meters. Neurological examination revealed: moderate weakness in the arms, severe weakness in the legs, more pronounced distally. Mild hypotrophy of the muscles of the hands, and moderate in the feet and lower part of the legs. Areflexia. Changes in sensation (“stocking-glove” pattern). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: elevated protein levels (1.10 g/l), normal cell counts. Electroneurography (ENG) examination was compared with previous examinations and showed tipycal finding for CIDP (low motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity, abnormal temporal dispersion of the CMAP, motor conduction blocks). Additional tests were used to exclude other polyneuropathies. The patient was diagnosed with CIDP associated with CMT1. She was treated with IVIg for 5 days (0.4 g/kg per day). A significant recovery began, which continuied over following months. Over the next six months, she was treated once a month with IVIg 0.4/kg for one day. After six months, she could walk for 2 km. Strength in the hands is significantly better. In the following period, it is planned to continue treatment with IVIg once a month.

Conclusion: CMT1 is an inherited sensorimotor polyneuropathy that has a mild progressive course. If the course of the disease is unusually rapid, and the weaknesses begin to progress significantly faster, we have to consider the association with other type of polyneuropathy. CIDP is the most common possible associated polyneuropathy. It is very important to diagnose CIDP because it is a treatable polyneuropathy.

Keywords: Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

eP03.02.02HINT1-Related Autosomal Recessive Axonal Neuropathy With Neuromyotonia (ARAN-NM). Presentation of a Greek Pedigree

Moschou M¹, Poulidou V¹, Liouta E¹, Notas K¹, Gavriilaki M¹, Kimiskidis V¹, Arnaoutoglou M¹

¹1st Neurology Department, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece

Background: Autosomal recessive axonal neuropathy with neuromyotonia (ARAN-NM) related to mutations in HINT1 gene is a rare form of hereditary neuropathy. Probands presented with motor greater than sensory neuropathy of various onset, accompanied by muscle stiffness and cramps in the limbs. Furthermore, they displayed non-classical symptoms, including pain in the extremities and signs of central nervous system involvement

Case report: We report two patients, siblings, who presented at puberty with myotonia, gait impairment and loss of upper limb dexterity. Disease progression included progressive distal muscle weakness and atrophy, neuromyotonia and foot and hand deformities. Electrophysiological studies showed axonal motor neuropathy and neuromyotonic discharges. Using Next-generation sequencing a homozygous mutations with two pathogenic variants, c.110G>C (p.Arg37Pro) (homozygous), were identified in HINT1 gene. ARAM_NM related to HINT1 mutation as a known cause of hereditary neuropathy is considered to be quite rare in Greece, as only 4 known cases have been reported. Our study also includes a review of the spectrum of clinical and neurophysiological manifestations (frequent and rare) in relations to other HINT1 gene mutations and in comparison to our patients.

eP03.02.03The Importance of Functional Assessment In Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy

Castaño Herrera L¹, Salazar Lengua C³, Ruiz Ospina E¹, Castellar Leones S¹, Correa