The hereditary neuropathies, collectively referred as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) and related disorders, are heterogeneous genetic peripheral nerve disorders that collectively comprise the commonest inherited neurological disease with an estimated prevalence of 1:2500 individuals. The field of hereditary neuropathies has made significant progress in recent years with respect to both gene discovery and treatment as a result of next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach. These investigations which have identified over 100 causative genes and new mutations have made the classification of CMT even more challenging. Despite so many different mutated genes, the majority of CMT forms share a similar clinical phenotype, and due to this phenotypic homogeneity, genetic testing in CMT is increasingly being performed through the use of NGS panels. The majority of patients still have a mutation in one the four most common genes (PMP22 duplication—CMT1A, MPZ—CMT1B, GJB1—CMTX1, and MFN2—CMT2A). This chapter focuses primarily on these four forms and their potential therapeutic approaches. 

Hereditary neuropathy.

Sleep abnormalities have been reported in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), but data are scanty. We investigated their presence and correlation in a large CMT patients' series.Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered to CMT patients of the Italian registry and controls. ESS score > 10 indicated abnormal daytime somnolence, PSQI score > 5 bad sleep quality. We analyzed correlation with disease severity and characteristics, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Body Mass Index, drug use.ESS and PSQI questionnaires were filled by 257 and 253 CMT patients, respectively, and 58 controls. Median PSQI score was higher in CMT patients than controls (6 vs 4, p = 0.006), with no difference for ESS score. Abnormal somnolence and poor sleep quality occurred in 23% and 56% of patients; such patients had more frequently anxiety/depression, abnormal fatigue, and positive sensory symptoms than those with normal ESS/PSQI. Moreover, patients with PSQI score > 5 had more severe disease (median CMT Examination Score, CMTES, 8 vs 6, p = 0.006) and more frequent use of anxiolytic/antidepressant drugs (29% vs 7%, p < 0.001).Bad sleep quality and daytime sleepiness are frequent in CMT and correlated with anxiety, depression and fatigue, confirming that different components affect sleep. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, not specifically investigated here, are other factors known to impact on sleep quality and somnolence. CMT patients' management must include sleep behavior assessment and evaluation of its correlated factors, including general distress and fatigue. 

Daytime sleepiness and sleep quality in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is classified considering the neurophysiological and histological findings, the inheritance pattern and the underlying genetic defect. In recent years, with the advent of next generation sequencing, genetic complexity has increased exponentially, expanding the knowledge about disease pathways, and having an impact in clinical management. The aim of this guide is to offer recommendations for the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and treatment of this disease in Spain. This consensus guideline has been developed by a multidisciplinary panel encompassing a broad group of professionals including neurologists, neuropediatricians, geneticists, rehabilitators, and orthopedic surgeons. The diagnosis is based in the clinical characterization, usually presenting with a common phenotype. It should be followed by an appropriate neurophysiological study that allows for a correct classification, specific recommendations are established for the parameters that should be included. Genetic diagnosis must be approached in sequentially, once the PMP22 duplication has been ruled out if appropriate, a next generation sequencing should be considered taking into account the limitations of the available techniques. To date, there is no pharmacological treatment that modifies the course of the disease, but symptomatic management is important, as are the rehabilitation and orthopedic considerations. The latter should be initiated early to identify and improve the patient's functional impairments, including individualized exercise guidelines, orthotic adaptation, and assessment of conservative surgeries such as tendon transpositions. The follow-up of patients with CMT is exclusively clinical, ancillary testing are not necessary in routine clinical practice. La enfermedad de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) se clasifica según las características neurofisiológicas e histológicas, el patrón de herencia y el defecto genético subyacente. El objetivo de esta guía es establecer recomendaciones prácticas para el diagnóstico, pronóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de esta enfermedad en España. Se trata de un proyecto colaborativo y multidisciplinar contando con un grupo amplio de profesionales expertos en la materia e incluyendo neurólogos, neuropediatras, neurofisiólogos, genetistas, rehabilitadores y cirujanos ortopédicos. El diagnóstico de sospecha en CMT es clínico, habitualmente detectando un fenotipo común o clásico. La evaluación clínica se debe seguir de un estudio neurofisiológico adecuado y se establecen recomendaciones concretas sobre los parámetros que deben ser recogidos. El diagnóstico genético debe abordarse secuencialmente; una vez descartada la duplicación del gen PMP22 si corresponde, se recomienda realizar un estudio de secuenciación masiva teniendo en cuenta las limitaciones de las técnicas. No existe tratamiento farmacológico modificador del curso de la enfermedad, si bien es importante el manejo sintomático guiado por un equipo multidisciplinar, así como el adecuado abordaje rehabilitador y ortopédico. Éste debe iniciarse precozmente para identificar y mejorar los déficits funcionales del paciente e incluye pautas individualizadas de ejercicio, adaptación ortésica y valoración de cirugías conservadoras como la transposición de tendones. El seguimiento de los pacientes es clínico, no siendo necesario la realización de pruebas complementarias en la práctica clínica habitual. 

Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Sleep-disordered breathing has been reported in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) type 1A in association with diaphragmatic weakness and sleep apnea syndrome, mainly of the obstructive type (OSA). Improvement has been observed not only in sleep quality but also in neuropathy symptoms in CMT1A patients with OSA following the initiation of continuous positive airway pressure. We report the cases of two siblings affected by CMT1A associated with hemidiaphragm relaxatio necessitating nocturnal non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Two twins, now 42 years old, with a family history of CMT1A, received a genetic diagnosis of CMT1A at the age of 16. Over the years, they developed a slowly worsening gait disorder and a decline in fine motor hand movements, currently presenting with moderate disability (CMTES:13). At the age of 40, they both started complaining of daytime sleepiness, orthopnea, and exertional dyspnea. They received a diagnosis of relaxatio of the right hemidiaphragm associated with impairment of nocturnal ventilation and they both have benefited from nocturnal NIV. Disorders of breathing during sleep may be underestimated in CMT1A since routine investigations of sleep quality are rarely performed. Our two clinical cases and a literature review suggest the importance of inquiring about symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness and respiratory disturbances in individuals with CMT1A, even in the absence of severe neuropathy. In the presence of compatible symptoms, a pneumological assessment, along with an overnight polysomnogram and lung function tests, should be performed. Recognizing sleep-related symptoms is essential for providing accurate treatment and improving the quality of life for patients with CMT1A.

Respiratory involvement and sleep-related disorders in CMT1A: case report and review of the literature

Background Shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are important devices in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) management, but data about use, benefits and tolerance are scanty. Methods We administered to Italian CMT Registry patients an online ad hoc questionnaire investigating use, complications and perceived benefit/tolerability/emotional distress of shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes, AFOs and other orthoses/aids. Patients were also asked to fill in the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology questionnaire, rating satisfaction with currently used AFO and related services. Results We analysed answers from 266 CMT patients. Seventy per cent of subjects were prescribed lower limb orthoses, but 19% did not used them. Overall, 39% of subjects wore shoe inserts, 18% orthopaedic shoes and 23% AFOs. Frequency of abandonment was high: 24% for shoe inserts, 28% for orthopaedic shoes and 31% for AFOs. Complications were reported by 59% of patients and were more frequently related to AFOs (69%). AFO users experienced greater emotional distress and reduced tolerability as compared with shoe inserts (p<0.001) and orthopaedic shoes (p=0.003 and p=0.045, respectively). Disease severity, degree of foot weakness, customisation and timing for customisation were determinant factors in AFOs’ tolerability. Quality of professional and follow-up services were perceived issues. Conclusions The majority of CMT patients is prescribed shoe inserts, orthopaedic shoes and/or AFOs. Although perceived benefits and tolerability are rather good, there is a high rate of complications, potentially inappropriate prescriptions and considerable emotional distress, which reduce the use of AFOs. A rational, patient-oriented and multidisciplinary approach to orthoses prescription must be encouraged.

pdf/use-tolerability-benefits-and-side-effects-of-orthotic-69wl6l9vz5.pdf

Use, tolerability, benefits and side effects of orthotic devices in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Abstract Background There is little information about neuropsychiatric comorbidities in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). We assessed frequency of anxiety, depression, and general distress in CMT. Methods We administered online the Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS) to CMT patients of the Italian registry and controls. HADS-A and HADS-D scores ≥ 11 defined the presence of anxiety/depression and HADS total score (HADS-T) ≥ 22 of general distress. We analysed correlation with disease severity and clinical characteristics, use of anxiolytics/antidepressants and analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs. Results We collected data from 252 CMT patients (137 females) and 56 controls. CMT patient scores for anxiety (mean ± standard deviation, 6.7 ± 4.8), depression (4.5 ± 4.0), and general distress (11.5 ± 8.1) did not differ from controls and the Italian population. However, compared to controls, the percentages of subjects with depression (10% vs 2%) and general distress (14% vs 4%) were significantly higher in CMT patients. We found no association between HADS scores and disease duration or CMT type. Patients with general distress showed more severe disease and higher rate of positive sensory symptoms. Depressed patients also had more severe disease. Nineteen percent of CMT patients took antidepressants/anxiolytics (12% daily) and 70% analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients with anxiety, depression, and distress reported higher consumption of anxiolytics/antidepressants. About 50% of patients with depression and/or general distress did not receive any specific pharmacological treatment. Conclusions An appreciable proportion of CMT patients shows general distress and depression. Both correlated with disease severity and consumption of antidepressants/anxiolytics, suggesting that the disease itself is contributing to general distress and depression. 

/pdf/anxiety-and-depression-in-charcot-marie-tooth-disease-data-1lih26zh.pdf

Anxiety and depression in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: data from the Italian CMT national registry

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Anxiety and depression in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: data from the Italian CMT national registry

Daytime sleepiness and sleep quality in Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease