Clinical Spectrum of Dopa-Responsive Dystonia and Related Disorders

Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) has a classic presentation of childhood or adolescent-onset dystonia, mild parkinsonism, marked diurnal fluctuations, improvement with sleep or rest, and a dramatic and sustained response to low doses of L-dopa without motor fluctuations or dyskinesias. However, there have been many papers on patients with a wide range of features, which report them as DRD mainly because they had dystonic syndromes with L-dopa responsiveness. Many mutations in the dopaminergic system have been found as molecular genetic defects. Therefore, the clinical and genetic spectra of DRD are unclear, which lead to difficulties in diagnostic work-ups and planning treatments. We propose the concept of DRD and DRD-plus to clarify the confusion in this area and to help understand the pathophysiology and clinical features, which will help in guiding diagnostic investigations and planning treatments. We critically reviewed the literature on atypical cases and discussed the limitations of the gene study.     

肌张力障碍

肌张力障碍（dystonia）为一组临床综合征，系指主动肌与拮抗肌间歇性不协调收缩或过度的持续性收缩所引起的肢体重复性不自主运动和姿势异常，可伴有疼痛。其分类可按病因、发病年龄、受累部位等进行划分；传统的治疗方法主要包括药物治疗、外科手术及支持治疗，20世纪80年代后期，肉毒杆菌毒素开始用于多种肌张力障碍的治疗。最近的研究显示，外科手术尤其是脑深部电刺激术对全身性和局限性肌张力障碍的治疗有效。[第一段]     

基于登记/注册研究的随机对照试验

基于登记/注册研究的随机对照试验是一种利用现有的高质量登记/注册平台进行病例记录、数据收集、随机化应用以及随访的临床试验。本文简要介绍基于登记/注册研究的随机对照试验的基本概念、历史渊源、设计思路与传统随机对照试验的比较、适用场景、案例解读、统计方法及报告规范等内容,以期帮助临床研究者认识了解、掌握此类研究设计。     

Dystonia

Dystonia, a hyperkinetic movement disorder, is characterized by involuntary muscle spasms leading to abnormal postures. Dystonic syndromes are classified by etiology (primary vs. secondary), age of onset (early vs. late onset) or spread of symptoms (focal, segmental, generalized). Clinically, young-onset dystonia is rare, often inherited and tends to spread to become generalized. In contrast, adult-onset dystonia is frequent, typically sporadic and remains focal. In recent years, 15 genes associated with dystonia have been identified and classified as DYT loci. Of these, DYT1 is the most frequent, causing early-onset generalized dystonia. Pathophysiology remains ill understood but basal ganglia dysfunction is thought to play an important role. Treatment remains symptom-oriented. A trial of levodopa is recommended in young-onset cases. In focal forms, botulinum toxin injections are helpful. Anticholinergics may be beneficial. In severe cases deep brain stimulation may be considered.     

Inherited Isolated Dystonia: Clinical Genetics and Gene Function

Isolated inherited dystonia—formerly referred to as primary dystonia—is characterized by abnormal motor functioning of a grossly normal appearing brain. The disease manifests as abnormal involuntary twisting movements. The absence of overt neuropathological lesions, while intriguing, has made it particularly difficult to unravel the pathogenesis of isolated inherited dystonia. The explosion of genetic techology enabling the identification of the causative gene mutations is transforming our understanding of dystonia pathogenesis, as the molecular, cellular and circuit level consequences of these mutations are identified in experimental systems. Here, I review the clinical genetics and cell biology of three forms of inherited dystonia for which the causative mutation is known: DYT1 (TOR1A), DYT6 (THAP1), DYT25 (GNAL).     

Update on Treatments for Dystonia

Oral medication, botulinum toxin injections, and deep brain stimulation are the current mainstays of treatment for dystonia. In addition, physical and other supportive therapies may help prevent further complications (eg, contractures) and improve function. This review discusses evidence-based medical treatment of dystonia with an emphasis on recent advances in treatment. We will also review the current treatment approaches and suggest ways in which these therapies can be applied to individuals with dystonia.