Glut1 Deficiency (Glut1D) is caused by impaired glucose transport into brain. The resulting epileptic encephalopathy and movement disorders can be treated effectively by high-fat carbohydrate-restricted ketogenic diet therapies (KDT) mimicking fasting and providing ketones as an alternative cerebral fuel. Recently 6-24 months follow-ups of epileptic patients reported elevated blood lipids and intima thickening of the carotid artery raising concerns about potential cardiovascular risks by KDT. To clarify potential cardiovascular risks we performed a prospective 10 year follow up of 10 Glut1D patients. Between August 2001 and January 2016 we enrolled Glut1D patients on KDT at two hospitals in Germany in this prospective, multicenter case series. The minimal follow up was 10 years. Standard deviation scores (SDS) of body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-/LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) before initiation of KDT were compared with respective values at 6 months, 2, 5 years, and 10 years after initiation. After 10 years on KDT cardiovascular risk, assessed by BMI, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement, and blood pressure, was compared to a healthy reference population (n = 550). Baseline and 10 year follow-up investigations were available for 10 individuals with Glut1D on KDT. After two years on KDT BMI increased significantly, while total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol decreased. Within 3-5 years on KDT these differences disappeared, and after 10 years blood lipid parameters reflected the situation at initiation of KDT. Prior to KDT one child had dyslipidaemia, but no child after 10 years on KDT. No significant differences were observed with respect to BMI SDS (p = 0.26), CIMT (p = 0.63) or systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SDS p = 0.11 and p = 0.37, respectively) in Glut1D children treated with KDT for at least 10 years compared to healthy controls. In contrast to previous short-term reports on adverse effects of KDT, 10-year follow-up did not identify cardiovascular risks of dietary treatment for Glut1D.

Gastrointestinally-mediated food allergy (GMA) incidentally may cause non-erosive oligoarthritis.

Background/Purpose: Optic neuritis (ON) is a rare disease that may remain a single episode or transform into MS. OCBs and spinal MRI lesions have already been identified as prognostic factors. Aim: Our aim was to evaluate if the presence of more than one elevated antibody index of measles, rubella, and/or varicella-zoster (MRZ) is an indicator of risk of conversion. Methods: In total, 228 patients diagnosed with ON between 1990 and 2013 were included in this retrospective study. All children had a data set consisting of age, sex, ON type, MRI, and detailed CSF studies, including the presence of OCBs and MRZ reactions and a follow-up of at least 1.5 years. Children were then divided into two groups: those who developed MS according to the McDonald criteria 2010 (n = 92) and those who did not (n = 136). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the different prognostic factors and conversion to MS. Positive (PPV) and negative predictive values were calculated. Results: Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that an MS-like MRI (p < 0.001), positive OCBs (p = 0.002), and a positive MRZ reaction (p < 0.001) were significant prognostic factors for conversion to MS after ON. Calculated PPVs showed a positive MRZ reaction alone to already be a good predictor (PPV 0.90 (95%CI: 0.82 to 0.95), p < 0.001). The best prediction was possible with a combination of cMRI, the presence of OCBs, and a positive MRZ reaction (PPV 1.00 (0.93 to 1.00), p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings show that a positive MRZ reaction alone already has a high predictive value for future conversion to MS and should be included in the workup of a child with an initial demyelinating event.