Clinical and polygraphic improvement of breathing abnormalities after valproate in a case of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome

J Child Neurol. 2012 Dec;27(12):1585-8. doi: 10.1177/0883073811435917. Epub 2012 Feb 28.

Abstract

Pitt-Hopkins syndrome is a rare genetic form of severe psychomotor delay, caused by mutations in transcription cell factor-4 gene and characterized by distinctive dysmorphic features and abnormal breathing pattern. The current report describes the polygraphic features of the syndrome's typical breathing pattern in a patient both in wakefulness and in sleep. The control of these breathing alterations is important to prevent the neurological sequelae linked to chronic cerebral hypoxemia in early ages. No data are available on effective treatment options for breathing abnormalities of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. The authors polygraphically documented a reduction of apneic and hypopneic phenomena, with a significant improvement in saturation values, after the introduction of sodium valproate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Electroencephalography
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Respiration Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Respiration Disorders / etiology
  • Sleep Stages
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome / complications

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Valproic Acid