Kcnq3-Related Disorders

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2021-01-18
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Summary

Clinical characteristics.

KCNQ3-related disorders include benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE) and benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), seizure disorders that occur in children who typically have normal psychomotor development. An additional KCNQ3-related disorder involves developmental disability.

  • In BFNE seizures begin in an otherwise healthy infant between days two and eight of life and spontaneously disappear between the first and the sixth to 12th month of life. Seizures are generally brief, lasting one to two minutes. Seizure types include tonic or apneic episodes, focal clonic activity, and autonomic changes. Motor activity may be confined to one body part, migrate to other regions, or generalize. Infants are well between seizures and feed normally.
  • In BFIE seizures start in the first year of life, beyond the neonatal period, and disappear after age one to two years. Seizures are generally brief, lasting two minutes; they appear as daily repeated clusters. Seizure type is usually focal, but can be also generalized, causing diffuse hypertonia with jerks of the limbs, head deviation, or motor arrest with unconsciousness and cyanosis. Infants are normal between seizures and psychomotor development is usually normal.
  • In the KCNQ3-related developmental disability phenotype, individuals present with intellectual disability with or without seizures and/or cortical visual impairment. As little clinical information on these individuals is available, the clinical presentation of KCNQ3-related developmental disability remains to be defined.

Diagnosis/testing.

The diagnosis of a KCNQ3-related disorder is established in an individual with typical clinical findings and the presence of a heterozygous pathogenic variant in KCNQ3.

Management.

Treatment of manifestations: The seizures of BFNE are generally controlled with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) including phenobarbital and phenytoin or carbamazepine, which are usually withdrawn at age three to six months. The seizures of BFIE are usually completely controlled with adequate doses of phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or valproate. In the rare instance of seizure recurrence, the starting dose of AED is often low. AEDs are usually withdrawn after one to three years. KCNQ3-related developmental disability is managed using standard evaluations, therapies, and educational support tailored to the individual’s needs.

Surveillance: In children with BFNE, EEGs at age three, 12, and 24 months are recommended; the EEG at 24 months should be normal. In children with BFIE, EEGs at onset, 12, 24 and 36 months are recommended; the EEG at 36 months should be normal.

Pregnancy management: The management of a pregnant woman with a KCNQ3 pathogenic variant is the same as that for any other pregnant woman with a seizure disorder or at increased risk for a seizure disorder: (a) no AEDs are required if the woman has been seizure-free or if the woman has no history of seizures; and (b) AEDs may be continued for epilepsy that is active during pregnancy.

Genetic counseling.

The KCNQ3-related disorders BFNE and BFIE are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and most individuals diagnosed with KCNQ3-related BFNE and KCNQ3-related BFIE have an affected parent or a parent known to have been symptomatic in infancy. In contrast, all individuals with KCNQ3-related developmental disability reported to date have the disorder as the result of a de novo KCNQ3 pathogenic variant. Each child of an individual with BFNE or BFIE has a 50% chance of inheriting the pathogenic variant. If the KCNQ3 pathogenic variant has been identified in an affected family member, prenatal testing for a pregnancy at increased risk is possible.

Diagnosis

KCNQ3-related benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE) and benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE) are epilepsy syndromes associated with a structurally normal brain and mostly normal neurologic findings and psychomotor development. Additionally, pathogenic variants in KCNQ3 have been described in individuals with nonfamilial disabilities, including epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability apparently without epilepsy, and intellectual disability with seizures and cortical visual impairment.

Suggestive Findings

KCNQ3-related benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE) and benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE) should be suspected in individuals with the following findings.

Benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE)

  • Seizures starting in an otherwise healthy infant between days two and eight of life and spontaneously disappearing between the first and the sixth to12th month of life
  • Normal physical examination and laboratory tests prior to onset of seizures, between seizure episodes, and following cessation of seizures
  • No specific EEG criteria, but EEG background is normal or near normal for age
  • Family history of the same findings usually present

Seizure features include the following [ILAE 1989, Ronen et al 1993, Engel 2001]:

  • A wide spectrum of seizure types, encompassing tonic or apneic episodes, focal tonic (stiffening) or clonic (rhythmic shaking) activity, or autonomic changes
  • Motor activity that may be confined to one body part, migrate to other body regions, or generalize
  • Seizures that are usually brief, lasting one to two minutes
  • Infants who are well between seizures and feed normally
  • Interictal EEG that may be normal
  • Ictal EEG showing focal onset with possible secondary generalization

The diagnosis of KCNQ3-related BFNE is suspected in individuals with clinical findings consistent with BFNE and normal results on testing of KCNQ2, the main locus for BFNE (see KCNQ2-Related Disorders).

Benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE)

  • Brief, repeated, focal, and secondarily generalized seizures occur in otherwise healthy infants; seizures occur in a rather wide time frame in the first year of life beyond the neonatal period.
  • Seizures spontaneously disappear after age 1-2 years without neurologic sequelae in adulthood.
  • Family history of the same findings is usually present.

The diagnosis of KCNQ3-related BFIE is suspected in individuals with clinical findings consistent with BFIE and normal results on testing of PRRT2, the main locus for BFIE (see PRRT2-Associated Paroxysmal Movement Disorders).

Developmental disability, which can present as one or more of the following:

  • Epileptic encephalopathy, in which aggressive epileptogenic activity during brain maturation triggers progressive cognitive and neuropsychological deterioration or regression
  • Intellectual disability apparently without epilepsy
  • Intellectual disability with seizures and cortical visual impairment

Note: A few individuals presenting with the developmental disability phenotypes and a de novo pathogenic variant in KCNQ3 have been described in the literature. So far, very little clinical information on these individuals is available; thus, the clinical presentation of KCNQ3-related developmental disability remains to be defined.

Establishing the Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a KCNQ3-related disorder is established in a proband with typical clinical findings and the identification of a heterozygous pathogenic variant in KCNQ3 by molecular genetic testing (see Table 1).

Molecular genetic testing approaches can include a combination of gene-targeted testing (single-gene testing or a multigene panel) and genomic testing (comprehensive genomic sequencing) depending on the phenotype.

Gene-targeted testing requires that the clinician determine which gene(s) are likely involved, whereas genomic testing does not. Individuals with the distinctive findings of benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE) or benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE) as described in Suggestive Findings are likely to be diagnosed using gene-targeted testing (see Option 1). Because the phenotypic range of the KCNQ3-related developmental disorders is, at present, broad and somewhat nonspecific, this is more likely to be diagnosed using genomic testing (see Option 2).

Option 1

When the phenotypic and laboratory findings suggest the diagnosis of KCNQ3-related BFNE or BFIE, molecular genetic testing approaches can include single-gene testing or use of a multigene panel.

Single-gene testing. This approach could be used for individuals who present with the BFNE or BFIE phenotype and have previously tested negative for pathogenic variants in KCNQ2 or PRRT2, respectively. Sequence analysis of KCNQ3 is performed first, and followed by gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis if no pathogenic variant is found.

  • Note: KCNQ3-related disorders have to date been associated in nearly all cases with missense variants. A large intragenic deletion has been reported in only one family with BFNE [Sands et al 2016] ; therefore, testing for intragenic deletions or duplication is unlikely to identify a disease-causing variant.

For those who have had no previous molecular genetic testing, the authors recommend using a multigene panel or more comprehensive testing whenever possible, given the lack of features to distinguish between the different gene-related forms of BFNE and BFIE.

For an individual with developmental delay, there are no features to distinguish KCNQ3-related developmental disability from the same findings associated with any one of numerous other genes; thus, single-gene testing is not recommended.

A multigene panel that includes KCNQ3 and other genes of interest (see Differential Diagnosis) may be considered. Note: (1) The genes included in the panel and the diagnostic sensitivity of the testing used for each gene vary by laboratory and over time. (2) Some multigene panels may include genes not associated with the condition discussed in this GeneReview; thus, clinicians need to determine which multigene panel is most likely to identify the genetic cause of the condition at the most reasonable cost while limiting identification of variants of uncertain significance and pathogenic variants in genes that do not explain the underlying phenotype. (3) In some laboratories, panel options may include a custom laboratory-designed panel and/or custom phenotype-focused exome analysis that includes genes specified by the clinician. (4) Methods used in a panel may include sequence analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, and/or other non-sequencing-based tests.

For an introduction to multigene panels click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genetic tests can be found here.

Option 2

When the phenotype is indistinguishable from many other inherited disorders with developmental disability, molecular genetic testing approaches can include genomic testing (comprehensive genomic sequencing; recommended) and/or gene-targeted testing (multigene panel; to consider).

  • Comprehensive genomic testing (when clinically available) includes exome sequencing and genome sequencing.
    For an introduction to comprehensive genomic testing click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genomic testing can be found here.
  • A multigene panel for disorders associated with developmental disability that includes KCNQ3 and other genes of interest (see Differential Diagnosis) may be considered; however, given the rarity of KCNQ3-related disorder, many panels for developmental disability may not include this gene.

Table 1.

Molecular Genetic Testing Used in KCNQ3-Related Disorders

Gene 1MethodProportion of Probands with a Pathogenic Variant 2 Detectable by Method
KCNQ3Sequence analysis 322/23 4
Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis 51/23 6
1.

See Table A. Genes and Databases for chromosome locus and protein.

2.

See Molecular Genetics for information on allelic variants detected in this gene.

3.

Sequence analysis detects variants that are benign, likely benign, of uncertain significance, likely pathogenic, or pathogenic. Variants may include small intragenic deletions/insertions and missense, nonsense, and splice site variants; typically, exon or whole-gene deletions/duplications are not detected. For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here.

4.

Charlier et al [1998], Hirose et al [2000], Singh et al [2003], Li et al [2006], Li et al [2008], Neubauer et al [2008], Fister et al [2013], Zara et al [2013], Soldovieri et al [2014], Allen et al [2014], Fusco et al [2015], Grinton et al [2015], Miceli et al [2015b], Maljevic et al [2016], Millichap et al [2016], Sands et al [2016], Olson et al [2017]

5.

Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis detects intragenic deletions or duplications. Methods used may include quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and a gene-targeted microarray designed to detect single-exon deletions or duplications.

6.

Sands et al [2016] reported an individual with BFNE who had a deletion of exons 1-15 in KCNQ3.

Clinical Characteristics

Clinical Description

The KCNQ3-related disorders include benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE) and benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), seizure disorders that occur in children who have structurally normal brains, normal interictal neurologic examinations, and normal psychomotor development. A more recently reported KCNQ3-related disorder is associated with a developmental disability phenotype.

KCNQ3-related benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE) is characterized by seizures that start in an otherwise healthy infant between days two and eight of life and spontaneously disappear between age one month and age six to 12 months. Seizures are generally brief, lasting one to two minutes. Seizure types include tonic or apneic episodes, focal clonic activity, and autonomic changes. Motor activity may be confined to one body part, migrate to other regions, or generalize.

Infants are well between seizures and feed normally. Psychomotor development is usually normal. However, two individuals within the family with KCNQ3-related BFNE described by Soldovieri et al [2014] and three individuals in the family described by Miceli et al [2015b] showed (in addition to seizures) intellectual disability. Notably, although intellectual and/or language developmental delay has not been thought characteristic of BFNE, some recent reports highlight evidence for such variable expressivity in KCNQ2-related BFNE pedigrees as well [Millichap et al 2016, Al Yazidi et al 2017, Hewson et al 2017].

KCNQ3-related benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE) is characterized by seizures that start in the first year of life, beyond the neonatal period, and disappear after age one to two years. Seizures are generally brief, lasting about two minutes; they appear as daily repeated clusters. Seizure type is usually focal, but can be also generalized, causing diffuse hypertonia with jerks of the limbs, head deviation, or motor arrest with unconsciousness and cyanosis. Infants are normal between seizures and psychomotor development is usually normal.

KCNQ3-related developmental disability. Recent efforts to identify genetic contributions in a diversity of neurodevelopmental disorders using exome sequencing have identified a small number of individuals with de novo pathogenic missense variants in KCNQ3 [Allen et al 2013, McRae et al 2017]. Very little clinical information on these individuals is provided in these reports, but presentations include epileptic encephalopathy with progressive cognitive and neuropsychological deterioration or regression, intellectual disability without epilpesy, and intellectual disability with seizures and cortical visual impairment.

Note: During the same recent period, more than 100 individuals with developmental disability and missense variants in the close homolog, KCNQ2, have been described [Millichap et al 2016, Olson et al 2017]. Owing to very low numbers and incomplete phenotypic descriptions available to date, it may be suspected that pathogenic variants in KCNQ3 are very rare causes of developmental disability, but more detailed reporting of additional affected individuals is needed to clarify this.

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

Because relatively few families heterozygous for a KCNQ3 variant have been reported to date, genotype-phenotype correlations are difficult to establish. In fact, no obvious phenotypic difference is seen between those families with variants that cause a 20%-40% reduction in KCNQ3 function and those that cause a more than 60% reduction in KCNQ3 function (see Molecular Pathogenesis).

Notably, four different studies have identified the p.Arg230Cys variant in children with developmental disability, apparently both with and without epilepsy [Rauch et al 2012, Allen et al 2013, Bosch et al 2016, McRae et al 2017].

See Table 2 for available genotype-phenotype information.

Penetrance

In KCNQ3-related BFNE, penetrance is incomplete (0.8-0.85): BFNE is found in 47 of 54 individuals with a KCNQ3 pathogenic variant [Charlier et al 1998, Hirose et al 2000, Singh et al 2003, Li et al 2006, Li et al 2008, Neubauer et al 2008, Fister et al 2013, Allen et al 2014, Soldovieri et al 2014, Grinton et al 2015, Miceli et al 2015b, Maljevic et al 2016, Sands et al 2016].

The finding of incomplete penetrance in KCNQ3-related BFNE and BFIE may result from failure to recognize the seizures (which can be brief and disappear spontaneously very soon after onset) in some individuals.

Penetrance has not been studied in KCNQ3-related developmental disability as few individuals have been reported, and those reported have had a de novo pathogenic variant. As in other severe developmental disorders, including KCNQ2-related epileptic encephalopathy, pathogenic variants are judged likely to be fully penetrant. Evidence for this comes by analogy from KCNQ2 pedigrees where parents who have postzygotic mosaicism for a pathogenic variant are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms similar to BFNE, but their heterozygous offspring have epileptic encephalopathy [Weckhuysen et al 2012, Milh et al 2015].

Nomenclature

Rett & Teubel [1964] were the first to report familial occurrence of neonatal seizures of presumed genetic (rather than acquired) origin. To highlight the mostly favorable outcome of the syndrome, the term "benign" was added to "familial neonatal convulsions" four years later by Bjerre & Corelius [1968]. Terminology was further revised to benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE) to reflect the fact that the seizures were often focal and for consistency with naming of other epilepsy syndromes [Berg et al 2010].

Prevalence

Fewer than twenty families with BFNE (54 individuals) with a heterozygous KCNQ3 pathogenic variant have been reported to date [Charlier et al 1998, Hirose et al 2000, Singh et al 2003, Li et al 2006, Li et al 2008, Neubauer et al 2008, Fister et al 2013, Allen et al 2014, Soldovieri et al 2014, Grinton et al 2015, Miceli et al 2015b, Maljevic et al 2016, Sands et al 2016].

Only three families with BFIE (7 individuals) with a heterozygous KCNQ3 pathogenic variant have been reported to date [Singh et al 2003, Zara et al 2013, Fusco et al 2015].

The percentage of families with BFNE who have pathogenic variants in KCNQ3 is likely less than 5%, as KCNQ2 is the main locus for BFNE, accounting for more than 70% of cases (see KCNQ2-Related Disorders). No data on the prevalence of KCNQ3 pathogenic variants in BFIE are available; nevertheless, this figure is likely to be small given that another gene (PRRT2) is the main locus for BFIE.

Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of KCNQ3-related neurologic disorders includes the differential diagnosis for benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE), benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), and developmental disability.

Benign Familial Neonatal Epilepsy (BFNE)

The diagnosis of BFNE requires the absence of any other explanation for the seizures. No specific EEG trait characterizes BFNE during neonatal seizures; the interictal EEG is most commonly normal (50%-70% of infants).

Laboratory tests and imaging studies are important to exclude other possible causes for the seizures including those without a genetic etiology. It is important not to miss a diagnosis of a treatable meningoencephalitis in the early stages or of intracranial hemorrhage – for either, neonates do not exhibit the typical findings observed in older infants and children, and seizures may be the only early manifestation.

The following laboratory, imaging, and instrumental studies may be helpful for the differential diagnosis.

To detect infection or bleeding disorder:

  • Basic hematologic labs. CBC, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time
  • Lumbar puncture. Cerebrospinal fluid examination to exclude neonatal meningoencephalitis or occult blood
  • MRI or CT scan of the brain. One or both of these tests should be performed in every individual with neonatal seizures to exclude structural lesions and intracranial hemorrhage.

To detect a biochemical disorder:

  • Basic metabolic panel plus serum concentration of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus
  • Evaluation of alpha-AASA levels in serum and urine as a biomarker of pyridoxine (vitamin B6)-dependent seizures, a rare genetic disorder of vitamin B6 metabolism caused by pathogenic variants in ALDH7A1 and characterized by neonatal-onset seizures that are resistant to common anticonvulsants, but controlled by daily treatment with vitamin B6
  • Thyroid function tests, as neonatal hyperthyroid state and thyrotoxicosis may be associated with excessive tremor and jitteriness ‒ clinical conditions which should be differentiated from seizures

Genetic testing. The most common cause of BFNE is a heterozygous pathogenic variant in KCNQ2 which – like KCNQ3 – encodes voltage-gated potassium channel subunits (see KCNQ2-Related Disorders). The frequency of KCNQ2 pathogenic variants as a cause of BFNE is more than tenfold that of KCNQ3 pathogenic variants.

Because the clinical characteristics of BFNE caused by a heterozygous pathogenic variant of KCNQ2 or KCNQ3 do not appear to differ, molecular genetic testing of both genes is commonly performed when BFNE is suspected.

Benign Familial Infantile Epilepsy (BFIE)

BFIE is genetically distinct from BFNE, with at least three loci additional to KCNQ3 being involved.

  • In the largest fraction of affected families, the associated gene is PRRT2, a presynaptic protein interacting with SNAP-25 [Heron et al 2012, Zara et al 2013] (see PRRT2-Associated Paroxysmal Movement Disorders). Whereas some patients with pathogenic variants in PRRT2 develop paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia later in life, clinical characteristics early in life do not differ from BFIE caused by pathogenic variants in KCNQ3.
  • Less commonly, the associated gene is SCN2A, encoding one of the main pore-forming subunits of neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels [Striano et al 2006] (OMIM 607745). The clinical characteristics do not differ from those of KCNQ3-related BFIE.
  • Additional families with a comparable phenotype show linkage to 19q12-q13.1 [Guipponi et al 1997]. The responsible gene is as yet unknown.

Developmental Disability

Phenotypic features associated with KCNQ3 pathogenic variants are so far not sufficiently defined to diagnose a KCNQ3-related disorder with a developmental disability phenotype. Therefore, all genes known to be associated with developmental disability (>180 have been identified) should be included in the differential diagnosis of KCNQ3-related disorders. Since the pathogenic variants associated with this specific KCNQ3-related phenotype are de novo (and thus have a negative family history), all inheritance patterns of developmental disability could be possible. See OMIM Phenotypic Series:

  • Intellectual disability, autosomal dominant
  • Intellectual disability, autosomal recessive
  • Intellectual disability, nonsyndromic, X-linked

Management

Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with a KCNQ3-related disorder, the following evaluations are recommended:

  • In-depth neurologic examination
  • Developmental evaluation
  • Consultation with a clinical geneticist and/or genetic counselor

Treatment of Manifestations

Benign familial neonatal epilepsy (BFNE). The seizures of BFNE are generally controlled with conventional antiepileptic treatment. Phenobarbital and phenytoin (loading doses of 15-20 mg/kg; maintenance doses of 3-4 mg/kg for both agents) [Painter et al 1981] are the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) most commonly used to treat neonatal seizures.

Because of concerns over the suboptimal effectiveness and safety of phenytoin and phenobarbital, other anticonvulsants (e.g., levetiracetam and topiramate) are often used in neonates with refractory seizures, despite limited data and off-label use [Tulloch et al 2012]. However, refractory seizures are uncommon in KCNQ3-related BFNE.

A recent study has been performed to evaluate treatment responses in a small cohort of 19 individuals presenting with clinical features suggestive of BFNE. All but three had family histories of neonatal seizures. Of the 19 individuals, pathogenic variants in KCNQ2 were found in 14; pathogenic variants in KCNQ3 were present in two. Seventeen (88%) of 19 individuals were seizure free within hours of receiving oral carbamazepine (CBZ) or oxcarbazepine (OXC). Earlier initiation of CBZ was associated with shorter hospitalization. No side effects of CBZ were reported. All individuals had normal development and remain seizure free at a mean follow-up period of six months to 16 years (mean: 7.8 years). The authors concluded that CBZ is safe and rapidly effective in neonates with BFNE, even in status epilepticus, and that CBZ should be the drug of choice in benign familial neonatal seizures [Sands et al 2016].

Interictal EEG is generally normal and does not influence treatment duration.

Antiepileptic drugs are usually withdrawn at age three to six months.

Benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE). The seizures of BFIE are usually completely controlled with the AEDs phenobarbital, carbamazepine, or valproate. If adequately treated, very few individuals show recurrent seizures; seizure recurrence is often caused by a low starting dose of AEDs.

Antiepileptic medication is usually withdrawn after one to three years with no relapses.

Developmental Delay / Intellectual Disability Management Issues

The following information represents typical management recommendations for individuals with developmental delay / intellectual disability in the United States; standard recommendations may vary from country to country.

Ages 0-3 years. Referral to an early intervention program is recommended for access to occupational, physical, speech, and feeding therapy. In the US, early intervention is a federally funded program available in all states.

Ages 3-5 years. In the US, developmental preschool through the local public school district is recommended. Before placement, an evaluation is made to determine needed services and therapies and an individualized education plan (IEP) is developed.

Ages 5-21 years

  • In the US, an IEP based on the individual’s level of function should be developed by the local public school district. Affected children are permitted to remain in the public school district until age 21.
  • Discussion about transition plans including financial, vocation/employment, and medical arrangements should begin at age 12 years. Developmental pediatricians can provide assistance with transition to adulthood.

All ages. Consultation with a developmental pediatrician is recommended to ensure the involvement of appropriate community, state, and educational agencies and to support parents in maximizing quality of life.

Consideration of private supportive therapies based on the affected individual's needs is recommended. Specific recommendations regarding type of therapy can be made by a developmental pediatrician.

In the US:

  • Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) enrollment is recommended. DDA is a public agency that provides services and support to qualified individuals. Eligibility differs by state but is typically determined by diagnosis and/or associated cognitive/adaptive disabilities.
  • Families with limited income and resources may also qualify for supplemental security income (SSI) for their child with a disability.

Motor Dysfunction

Gross motor dysfunction

  • Physical therapy is recommended to maximize mobility and to reduce the risk for later-onset orthopedic complications (e.g., contractures, scoliosis, hip dislocation).
  • Consider use of durable medical equipment as needed (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, bath chairs, orthotics, adaptive strollers).
  • For muscle tone abnormalities including hypertonia or dystonia, consider involving appropriate specialists to aid in management of baclofen, Botox®, anti-parkinsonian medications, or orthopedic procedures.

Fine motor dysfunction. Occupational therapy is recommended for difficulty with fine motor skills that affect adaptive function such as feeding, grooming, dressing, and writing.

Oral motor dysfunction. Assuming that the individual is safe to eat by mouth, feeding therapy – typically from an occupational or speech therapist – is recommended for affected individuals who have difficulty feeding due to poor oral motor control.

Communication issues. Consider evaluation for alternative means of communication (e.g., Augmentative and Alternative Communication) for individuals who have expressive language difficulties.

Social/Behavioral Concerns

Children may qualify for and benefit from interventions used in treatment of autism spectrum disorder, including applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA therapy is targeted to the individual child’s behavioral, social, and adaptive strengths and weaknesses and is typically performed one on one with a board-certified behavior analyst.

Consultation with a developmental pediatrician may be helpful in guiding parents through appropriate behavior management strategies or providing prescription medications when necessary.

Concerns about serious aggressive or destructive behavior can be addressed by a pediatric psychiatrist.

Prevention of Secondary Complications

The potential complications of the disease treatment are those related to AED use.

Surveillance

BFNE. EEG at onset, age three, 12, and 24 months is recommended. The EEG at 24 months should be normal.

BFIE. EEG at onset, 12, 24, and 36 months is recommended. The EEG at 36 months should be normal.

Evaluation of Relatives at Risk

See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.

Pregnancy Management

The management of a pregnant woman with a KCNQ3 pathogenic variant is the same as that of any other pregnant woman with a history of (or at risk for) epilepsy:

  • No medication is indicated if (a) the woman has been seizure free and is not taking medication or (b) the woman has no history of seizures.
  • Antiepileptic drug treatment may be continued for active epilepsy during pregnancy.
  • In general, women with epilepsy or a seizure disorder from any cause are at greater risk for mortality during pregnancy than pregnant women without a seizure disorder; use of antiepileptic medication during pregnancy reduces this risk. However, exposure to antiepileptic medication may increase the risk for adverse fetal outcome (depending on the drug used, the dose, and the stage of pregnancy at which medication is taken). Nevertheless, the risk of an adverse outcome to the fetus from antiepileptic medication exposure is often less than that associated with exposure to an untreated maternal seizure disorder. Therefore, use of antiepileptic medication to treat a maternal seizure disorder during pregnancy is typically recommended. Discussion of the risks and benefits of using a given antiepileptic drug during pregnancy should ideally take place prior to conception. Transitioning to a lower-risk medication prior to pregnancy may be possible [Sarma et al 2016].
  • See MotherToBaby for more information on medication use during pregnancy.

Therapies Under Investigation

The selective neuronal KCNQ potassium channel opener ezogabine (US-approved name; retigabine in the EU and Canada), an AED introduced in 2013 as adjunctive treatment of partial epilepsy in adults [Porter et al 2012], may represent a targeted therapy for KCNQ3-related seizures arising from variants that reduce channel activity. However, the discovery of additional side effects in the early post-marketing studies (blue discoloration of skin and retina) raised concerns about its use in children. Ezogabine has been commercially withdrawn as of June 2017.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions.