2015 update on triple therapy for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Of patients with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) due to ATQ deficiency, 75% suffer intellectual disability despite adequate seizure control with high dose pyridoxine. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of two novel therapeutic strategies to reduce accumulation of toxic intermediates in this cerebral lysine degradation defect. Methods: In two open-label observational studies, seven children with confirmed ATQ deficiency were started on dietary lysine restriction with regular nutritional monitoring, and outcome evaluation pipecolic acid, AASA levels in body fluids; development/cognition via age-appropriate tests and parental observations; epilepsy). Subsequently additional arginine supplementation was initiated to reduce cerebral lysine flux (cation transporter competitive inhibition).. Results: Lysine-restriction was well tolerated and diet is safe, resulted in reduction of lysine intermediates in all body fluids in all patients (up to 80% reduction AASA in cerebrospinal fluid), with beneficial effects on seizure control and psychomotor development. Additional arginine fortification resulted in normalization of biomarkers and dramatic improvement of psychomotor development. Discussion: Triple therapy is effective, especially if implemented early; studies for PDE newborn screening have been initiated. For dissemination and evidence generation, our PDE Consortium published Recommendations, developed a Digital Diet App and established a RedCap study database (www.pdeonline.org).