About spielmeyer-vogt-batten syndrome

What is spielmeyer-vogt-batten syndrome?

Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder, belongs to a group of progressive degenerative neurometabolic disorders known as the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. These disorders share certain similar symptoms and are distinguished in part by the age at which such symptoms appear. Batten disease is sometimes considered the juvenile form of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). The NCLs are characterized by abnormal accumulation of certain fatty, granular substances (i.e., pigmented lipids [lipopigments] ceroid and lipofuscin) within nerve cells (neurons) of the brain as well as other tissues of the body that may result in progressive deterioration (atrophy) of certain areas of the brain, neurological impairment, and other characteristic symptoms and physical findings.

The symptoms of Batten disease usually become apparent between 5 and 15 years of age when progressive loss of vision, seizures, and progressive neurological degeneration develop. In some cases, initial symptoms may be more vague and include clumsiness, balance problems and behavioral or personality changes. Batten disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and occurs most in families of Northern European or Scandinavian ancestry and is found worldwide.

For years, the term Batten disease was used to describe the chronic juvenile form of NCL (JNCL). Recently, some researchers have begun using the term Batten disease to encompass all types of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses.

What are the symptoms for spielmeyer-vogt-batten syndrome?

Over time, Batten disease damages the brain and nervous system. There are four main types of this condition. These are their common symptoms:

There are four major types of Batten disease. The type will determine the age when symptoms occur and how fast they develop. There is no cure for these disorders but a treatment for one of the forms (CLN2 disease) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017 (See below).  

What are the causes for spielmeyer-vogt-batten syndrome?

CLN3 disease is caused by mutations in the CLN3 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein that is found in tissues throughout the body. The CLN3 protein is part of many compartments within cells, including lysosomes, which are cellular compartments that digest and recycle different types of molecules. However, the exact function of the CLN3 protein is unclear. Research has shown that this protein is involved in many cellular processes, but it is uncertain which of them is the primary role of the protein, or if these processes instead represent downstream effects.

It is unclear how mutations in the CLN3 gene lead to the characteristic features of CLN3 disease. One CLN3 gene mutation, found in the vast majority of cases, leads to the production of an abnormally short protein. As a result, the abnormal CLN3 protein is broken down or may interfere with normal cellular processes. Other mutations reduce the amount of normal protein or impair its function. It is not known how loss of this protein causes the signs and symptoms of CLN3 disease.

CLN3 disease, like other NCLs, is characterized by the accumulation of proteins and other substances in lysosomes. These accumulations occur in cells throughout the body; however, nerve cells seem to be particularly vulnerable to their effects. The accumulations can cause cell damage leading to cell death. The progressive death of nerve cells in the brain and other tissues leads to the neurological signs and symptoms of CLN3 disease. However, it is unclear how mutations in the CLN3 gene are involved in the buildup of substances in lysosomes.

What are the treatments for spielmeyer-vogt-batten syndrome?

There’s currently no known cure for any form of Batten disease, but the FDA approved an enzyme replacement therapy for CLN2 disease (TTP1 deficiency) called cerliponase alfa (Brineura) for one of the forms (CLN2 disease) in 2017. Symptoms like seizures can be improved with certain medications. Other symptoms and issues can be treated too. Some people with Batten disease get physical or occupational therapy to help them function. Scientists continue to research possible treatments and therapies.

What are the risk factors for spielmeyer-vogt-batten syndrome?

Batten disease also known as spielmeyer-vogt-batten syndrome, is a hereditary genetic illness that appears to disrupt the function of lysosomes, which are small structures within cells. Lysosomes are the cell's "recycle bin," regularly breaking down trash, proteins, and naturally occurring fatty molecules called lipids into smaller parts that can be discarded or recycled. Fatty acids, oils, waxes, and sterols are examples of lipids.

1. Mutated genes in Batten disease/NCLs do not produce adequate levels of proteins required for lysosomal function. Each gene (representing a type of disease) encodes data for a particular protein, which is, therefore, faulty and not produced.
2. These proteins are required for brain cells (neurons) and other cells to function properly. The absence of a functioning protein results in the aberrant accumulation of "junk" material in the lysosomes, as well as the abnormal accumulation of lipofuscin, a residue that happens normally as part of the lysosomal breakdown of lipids.
3. It is unknown whether the lipofuscin itself is harmful or whether the buildup is a sign of lysosomal dysfunction.
4. Children with any form of the disease have a significantly reduced life expectancy. In general, the increased risk of death depends on the type of disease and the age of the child at disease onset.
5. Kids with infantile Batten disease die young, often in infancy, although those with later-onset variants may live into their teens or thirties.
6. If the condition develops in maturity, the symptoms are usually milder and have no bearing on life expectancy.

Symptoms
Loss of vision,Epilepsy (seizures),Cognitive issues,Speaking difficulties ,Clumsiness and coordination problems
Conditions
Tremors, tics, muscle spasms, and myoclonus,Mood, behavior, or personality changes,Dementia,Psychotic episodes and hallucinations,Disruptions in sleep,Spasticity and stiffness of the muscles,Weakness in the limbs, progressing to paralysis,Arrhythmia
Drugs
Brineura

Is there a cure/medications for spielmeyer-vogt-batten syndrome?

Spielmeyer-vogt-batten syndrome is also known as Batten disease which is a set of hereditary illnesses that are deadly. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is another name for this group of illnesses (NCL). Batten disease is classified into 13 kinds. Many of the symptoms are shared by all types. Seizures, visual loss, and cognitive (thinking and reasoning) issues are among them. Babies, children, and teenagers can all develop symptoms.

Batten disease is a metabolic illness that is hereditary. It is handed down through families and is caused by a genetic mutation (gene change). The condition impairs the ability of cells to break down and eliminate cellular waste. Proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids (fats) cannot be eliminated by the body, therefore they accumulate. This buildup causes neurological system disorders, which eventually lead to death.

Treatment
1. There is presently no curative therapy for any type of Batten disease, however, the FDA approved cerliponase alfa (Brineura) as an enzyme replacement therapy for CLN2 disease (TTP1 deficiency) in 2017. Certain drugs can help with symptoms such as seizures.
2. Other symptoms and problems can also be treated.
3. Some Batten disease patients receive physical or occupational therapy to enable them to function.
4. Scientists are still looking into potential treatments and remedies.

Symptoms
Loss of vision,Epilepsy (seizures),Cognitive issues,Speaking difficulties ,Clumsiness and coordination problems
Conditions
Tremors, tics, muscle spasms, and myoclonus,Mood, behavior, or personality changes,Dementia,Psychotic episodes and hallucinations,Disruptions in sleep,Spasticity and stiffness of the muscles,Weakness in the limbs, progressing to paralysis,Arrhythmia
Drugs
Brineura

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