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ABN abstracts 2015 ABN Annual Meeting, 10 September 2015, Institute of Education, London
Thur 21, Parallel session 5: Therapeutics
069
A CLINICAL AUDIT OF ACUTE MANAGEMENT OF STROKE-LIKE EPISODES FROM A NATIONAL MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE CENTRE
  1. Sarah Shaw1,
  2. Yi Shiau Ng2,3,
  3. Roger Whittaker3,4,
  4. Robert McFarland2,
  5. Doug Turnbull2,3,
  6. Grainne Gorman2,3,
  7. Andrew Schaefer2,3
  1. 1Medical School, Newcastle University
  2. 2Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University
  3. 3Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne
  4. 4Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University

Abstract

Background Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome is an acute and severe neurological presentation most commonly associated with a point mutation in the mitochondrial tRNA Leu (UUR)gene, m.3243A>G. The onset of stroke-like episodes (SLE) is often subtle and the diagnosis is not considered until progressive encephalopathy and refractory focal seizures ensue.

Objective To review the acute management of SLE in patients with m.3243A>G related MELAS syndrome and implement revision of current centre guidelines.

Method The medical records of adult patients (over 16 years) with m.3243A>G-related MELAS syndrome were reviewed over a 20 year period (1995 to 2014). Clinical presentation, brain imaging, EEG findings and seizure management were evaluated.

Results We identified 47 SLEs occurring in 22 m.3243A>G MELAS patients (mean age 33 years). Seizures of occipital origin were most common. Time to hospital admission and investigation was highly variable. Recognition and treatment of seizure activity was often delayed.

Conclusion This audit is the first to highlight the need for early recognition and prompt management of SLE in MELAS and the role of seizure control to improve clinical outcome.

https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2015-312379.69

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