Characterization of the Natural History of Leukoencephalopathy With Brainstem and Spinal Cord Involvement and Lactate Elevation
Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc.
Summary
In this study, we will conduct retrospective chart and imaging reviews and prospective longitudinal virtual assessments of individuals with LBSL.
Description
LBSL (leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia and spasticity with dorsal column dysfunction (decreased position and vibration sense) in most patients. Manual dexterity becomes impaired to a variable degree. Associated problems include dysarthria, mild cognitive decline and learning problems, and epilepsy. LBSL is diagnosed by identification of biallelic pathogenic variants in DARS2, encoding mitochondrial aspartyl tRNA synthetase and characteristic abnormalities observ…
Eligibility
- Age range
- Not specified
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Confirmed DARS2 mutation through genetic analysis 2. Ability of the caregiver or participant to speak and understand English at an 8th-grade level Exclusion Criteria: * The vulnerable populations of prisoners, non-viable neonates, pregnant women, adults lacking the capacity to consent, non-English speakers or children who are in foster care or wards of the state.
Location
- Hugo Moser Center for LeukodystrophiesBaltimore, Maryland