Temporary diazepam responsive apneic attacks and congenital myasthenic syndrome

J Child Neurol. 2009 Jul;24(7):895-8. doi: 10.1177/0883073808331083. Epub 2009 Mar 16.

Abstract

Congenital myasthenic syndromes are a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of hereditary disorders affecting neuromuscular junction. Mutations in the gene encoding choline acetyltransferase cause presynaptic defects. The missense mutation I336T has been identified in Turkish population, and most of the cases carrying this mutation present with exercise-induced fatigability and ptosis. Although apneic attacks occur in these cases during febrile illness in childhood, the number of reported respiratory distress episodes during infancy is scarce. Another important feature of these cases is that response to esterase inhibitors is satisfactory. We present a case of congenital myasthenic syndrome with I336T choline acetyltransferase mutation who presented with numerous attacks of respiratory distress in the infancy period. Interestingly, the patient had myopathic findings on electromyography and diazepam decreased severity of apneic attacks. There was also no improvement with esterase inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blepharoptosis / diagnosis
  • Blepharoptosis / drug therapy
  • Blepharoptosis / genetics
  • Choline O-Acetyltransferase / genetics*
  • Diazepam / therapeutic use*
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use*
  • Infant
  • Mutation, Missense
  • Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital / diagnosis
  • Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital / drug therapy*
  • Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital / genetics
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / drug therapy*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Choline O-Acetyltransferase
  • Diazepam