Iron status in children with recurrent episodes of tumefactive cerebral demyelination
Date
2010
Authors
Van Toorn R.
Schoeman J.F.
Solomons R.
Rensburg M.A.
Van Rensburg S.J.
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Abstract
Iron is a vital element in the multifactorial initiation of myelination. It is required for cholesterol and lipid biosynthesis, both key components of myelin. Iron also plays an important role in energy production by mitochondrial oxidative metabolism which occurs in myelin-producing oligodentrocytes at a higher rate than in any other cell. Iron deficiency can, therefore, result in decreased oligodendrocyte survival and defective myelination. This led us to investigate iron status in 2 consecutive children with multiple sclerosis who presented with recurrent episodes of tumefactive demyelination. Testing revealed nonanemic iron deficiency in both patients. Discontinuation of iron supplementation in both children resulted in recurrent decreased iron parameters which can indicate mutations in proteins responsible for regulation of iron uptake. Further studies are warranted to explore the association of low iron in children presenting with recurrent episodes of tumefactive demyelination. © The Author(s) 2010.
Description
Keywords
iron, methylprednisolone, prednisone, anthropometry, article, case report, child, demyelinating disease, disease association, drug dose reduction, drug withdrawal, human, iron deficiency, iron therapy, iron transport, lumbar puncture, male, motor performance, multiple sclerosis, neuroimaging, neurologic examination, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, optic neuritis, preschool child, priority journal, thorax radiography, tumefactive demyelination, Cerebral Cortex, Child, Preschool, Demyelinating Diseases, Hemoglobins, Humans, Infant, Iron, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Male, Recurrence
Citation
Journal of Child Neurology
25
11
25
11