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Multisite Study of Evoked Potentials in Rett Syndrome
Author(s) -
Saby Joni N.,
Benke Timothy A.,
Peters Sarika U.,
Standridge Shan M.,
Matsuzaki Junko,
CutriFrench Clare,
Swanson Lindsay C.,
Lieberman David N.,
Key Alexandra P.,
Percy Alan K.,
Neul Jeffrey L.,
Nelson Charles A.,
Roberts Timothy P.L.,
Marsh Eric D.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.26029
Subject(s) - rett syndrome , evoked potential , audiology , repeatability , psychology , biomarker , medicine , visual evoked potentials , disease , biochemistry , chemistry , chromatography , gene
Objective The aim of the current study was to evaluate the utility of evoked potentials as a biomarker of cortical function in Rett syndrome (RTT). As a number of disease‐modifying therapeutics are currently under development, there is a pressing need for biomarkers to objectively and precisely assess the effectiveness of these treatments. Method Yearly visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) were acquired from individuals with RTT, aged 2 to 37 years, and control participants across 5 sites as part of the Rett Syndrome and Related Disorders Natural History Study. Baseline and year 1 data, when available, were analyzed and the repeatability of the results was tested. Two syndrome‐specific measures from the Natural History Study were used for evaluating the clinical relevance of the VEP and AEP parameters. Results At the baseline study, group level comparisons revealed reduced VEP and AEP amplitude in RTT compared to control participants. Further analyses within the RTT group indicated that this reduction was associated with RTT‐related symptoms, with greater severity associated with lower VEP and AEP amplitude. In participants with RTT, VEP and AEP amplitude was also negatively associated with age. Year 1 follow‐up data analyses yielded similar findings and evidence of repeatability of EPs at the individual level. Interpretation The present findings indicate the promise of evoked potentials (EPs) as an objective measure of disease severity in individuals with RTT. Our multisite approach demonstrates potential research and clinical applications to provide unbiased assessment of disease staging, prognosis, and response to therapy. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:790–802