Infantile spasms (West syndrome): update and resources for pediatricians and providers to share with parents. Sandifer syndrome is a rare complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease that may be more common than reported. He told us the symptoms goes away when the reflux is under control (medication) or gets better when the child is older (because of more standing up positions). The first line treatment for IS is hormonal therapy with corticotropin, ACTH. Babies with the condition will often experience clusters of . [19][20][21], Patients are grouped into symptomatic versus cryptogenic versus idiopathic IS, butclinicians must be able first to identify the clinical features that prompt further investigation of IS as a diagnosis. [2], Diagnosis is made on the basis of the association of gastro-oesophageal reflux with the characteristic movement disorder. 21. van der Pol R, Langendam M, Benninga M, et al. Is Sandifer's syndrome serious? Data is temporarily unavailable. Child Neurology Society. When your baby quickly jerks their body or arches their back, theyre fighting the internal movement of the contents of their stomach and esophagus going in the wrong direction. Babies with infantile spasms commonly have mental and developmental problems. How much and how often should I feed my baby? Corticotropin (ACTH) acts directly on amygdala neurons to down-regulate corticotropin-releasing hormone gene expression. Tests might include: Managing GERD is the key to treating Sandifer syndrome. Hodgeman RM, Kapur K, Paris A, Marti C, Can A, Kimia A, Loddenkemper T, Bergin A, Poduri A, Libenson M, Lamb N, Jafarpour S, Harini C. Effectiveness of once-daily high-dose ACTH for infantile spasms. This should be pursued ifsuspected.[28]. [41]Not only are mortality rates high but other adverse outcomes including seizures, in up to 60% of patients, and moderated to severe neurodevelopmental disability commonly occur after cessation of the initial spasms. It is customary to classify these causes as idiopathic, cryptogenic, and symptomatic. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL). [27]The other interictal patterns seen on EEG in a patientwith IS are focal or multifocal spikes and sharp waves, diffuse or focal slowing, paroxysmal slow or fast bursts, and slow spike and wave patterns. Dysfunction of the lower esophagus with resultant acidic reflux is thought to be the most common precipitating factor, with the . Your baby reacts to feeling pain or discomfort caused by GERD with dystonic movements or muscle spasms. When Sandifer syndrome was first recognized, it was widely believed that the posturing induced the reflux episodes, or that the posturing was the result of a tic or a purposeful behavior meant to reduce reflux and provide relief.5 Kinsbourne's initial evaluation of these children yielded conflicting results.5 The children reported a decrease in discomfort when posturing but the radiographic studies during an episode of torsion actually suggested a worsening of reflux.5, Manometry and pH studies have shown that when the head tilts, it induces an increase in esophageal motility and lowers esophageal pressure. Clinicians must be able to identify and begin early diagnostic testing for IS because time is important to prognosis. "[1]As the name indicates 90% of children affected by IS present at less than one year of age with a peak incidence of 3 to 7 months. I recently created a post discussing Infantile Spasms since our daughter has been doing some odd head movements as of 6 days ago. Infantile spasms syndrome is considered an epileptic encephalopathy, conditions in which children have both seizures and cognitive and developmental impairments. ; In most cases, spasms ultimately will go away by the early preschool years, but often other seizure types can emerge. With continued research regarding infantile spasm and its etiologies, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment the overall prognosis of IS is poor. (2015). 19. The treatment of infantile spasms should be initiated immediately once IS is suspected with hormonal therapy, antiseizure medications or dietary changes. Sandifer syndrome is a sudden-onset dystonia that can involve various body parts: the neck and head are most commonly affected. 9 The neurobehavioral posturing may be mistaken for seizures, fits, or infantile spasm. [3][4][5] Nodding and rotation of the head, neck extension, gurgling, writhing movements of the limbs, and severe hypotonia have also been noted. Mortality rates of IS range from 3% to 33%. Babies may have as many as 100 spasms a day. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. Finding a definitive pathophysiologic or anatomic link could improve the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment, sparing patients and families extensive, costly, and potentially unnecessary testing and treatment. She presented Your babys provider will diagnose Sandifer syndrome after taking a complete medical history and performing a physical exam to learn more about your childs symptoms. The classical symptoms of the syndrome are spasmodic torticollis and dystonia. Sandifer Syndrome: a continuing problem of misdiagnosis These findings suggest that infants or children with these atypical movements should be evaluated for Sandifer Syndrome. Its also important to burp your baby during and right after feeding to bring up any air they may have swallowed. . Effect of dystonic movements on oesophageal peristalsis in Sandifer's syndrome. This happens because your baby has acid reflux and moves their body in different ways to ease the discomfort that they feel. Kellaway P, Hrachovy RA, Frost JD, Zion T. Precise characterization and quantification of infantile spasms. Sandifer syndrome (or Sandifer's syndrome) is an eponymous paediatric medical disorder, characterised by gastrointestinal symptoms and associated neurological features. Gastroesophageal reflux: management guidance for the pediatrician. [1]Infantile spasms have been evaluatedfor over 170 yearsin regards to etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. The Neurologist suggest Sandifer's Syndrome and has referred us back to Ped. Sandifers syndrome: A misdiagnosed and mysterious disorder [Abstract]. Treatment can halt the inflammation, but cannot reverse the damage. Molecular Sciences. Sandifer syndrome is a rare gastroesophageal condition experienced by infants and young children. (2007). Advertising on our site helps support our mission. [28]In one study after one month of the ketogenic diet, 35% of patients were seizure free with an additional 30% seizure free by the third month. Sandifer syndrome is a paroxysmal dystonic movement disorder occurring in association with gastro-oesophageal reflux, and, in some cases, hiatal hernia. Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ramgopal S, Shah A, Zarowski M, Vendrame M, Gregas M, Alexopoulos AV, Loddenkemper T, Kothare SV. Sandifer syndrome: A continuing problem of misdiagnosis. Please try after some time. Sandifer's syndrome is a dystonic movement disorder in infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Ataxia Telangiectasia. 4 Infrequently, epileptic events in infants will . There is a peculiar epidemiological profile of IESS in South Asia. - Torque extremities movements. Gordon N. Sandifer's syndrome: investigations and treatment. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic. An epileptic spasm is a specific type of seizure seen in an epilepsy syndrome of infancy and childhood often called West Syndrome. But some things make it more likely that a baby will experience infant reflux. DOI: Lehwald N, et al. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/. Though prenatal factors account for the greatest proportion of cases of symptomatic IS, perinatal causes of IS to includehypoxic-ischemicencephalopathy and neonatal hypoglycemia also have etiologic associations with IS. [Updated 2022 May 29]. Please try again soon. Both of those things are outgrown without intervention. ; They can also be seen in other early-onset epilepsies such as Ohtahara syndrome.Less frequently they are seen in persons with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Feed your baby small meals more often throughout the day. Gaily E, Liukkonen E, Paetau R, Rekola R, Granstrm ML. Note the rigid posturing in the high chair, head turned to the right, and increased salivation. West syndrome affects infants and children. Sandifer syndrome. Infantile spasmscan be classified into two, well-known groupings of symptomatic and cryptogenic. [1] Infantile spasms have been evaluated for over 170 years in regards to etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. [41]Further testing must be performed if clinical suspicion is high for IS. Expensive and comprehensive neurologic examination may be unnecessary. [3][4]Symptomatic IS can be divided into prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal. Sandifer syndrome a rare disorder that usually affects children up to the ages of 18 to 24 months. All rights reserved. Infant reflux: Overview. Infantile spasms, also called West Syndrome, is an early life epilepsy that affects children in the first two years of life during a period of rapid brain development. This is followed by a less intense, longer tonic phase lasting 2 to 10 seconds. History & Examination Ohtahara S, Ohtsuka Y, Yamatogi Y, Oka E, Yoshinaga H, Sato M. Prenatal etiologies of West syndrome. Providing the family with resources including fact sheets, forums, and treatment options can help family members with self-education to supplementthe education provided by a physician.[1]. What do infantile spasms look like? Riikonen R. Infantile spasms: infectious disorders. Sandifer Syndrome. The triad of spasms, arrest of psychomotor development . Most of these products contain aluminum and if used in high doses can cause toxic effects in children over time. Infantile spasms: a pathophysiological hypothesis. In this situation, nursing mothers should be advised to discontinue cow's milk from their diet.3, If patients need medication in addition to the previously mentioned treatments, the most commonly prescribed drugs are antisecretory agents, gastric acid buffers, and mucosal surface barriers. The spasms are tiny seizures that can have a big impact on a baby's development. Sandifer syndrome is a rare condition affecting infants and children upto the age of 2 years (24 months). Evidence-based guideline update: medical treatment of infantile spasms. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. [1][2][3] There is a significant correlation between the syndrome and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD); however, it is estimated to occur in less than 1% of children with reflux. Summary of recommendations for the management of infantile seizures: Task Force Report for the ILAE Commission of Pediatrics. Badriul H, Vandenplas Y. Gastro-oesophageal reflux in infancy. How does ACTH work against infantile spasms? [38][39][40]Once treatment starts, continued monitoring of the patient for side effects as well as treatment effectiveness must occur. In children, GERD usually goes away on its own after theyre about 18 months old, when the muscles of their esophagus mature. Once ACTH therapy is begun the time to effectiveness with a cessation of spasms was 7 to 12 days. After treatment begins, your babys symptoms should decrease or resolve over time. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. MalaCards based summary: Sandifer Syndrome, also known as sandifer's syndrome, is related to gastroesophageal reflux and torticollis, and has symptoms including torticollis Affiliated tissues include eye and breast, and related phenotypes are gastroesophageal reflux and torticollis Infantile spasm (IS) is a unique and rare disorder with an incidence of 1.6 to 4.5 per 10,000 live births; this is roughly 2000 to 2500 new cases in the United States per year. He theorized that their discomfort was relieved by the contortions because the older children said the movements alleviated the symptoms. Infantile spasm, sometimes known as West Syndrome, is a very rare form of childhood epilepsy. It is quite rare, only 1% of babies with Differentials should also include tonic reflex seizures of early infancy, brain injury, and severe myoclonic epilepsies. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. We report the case of a 5-month-old infant with no past medical history admitted to a pediatric unit for suspicion of infantile spasms. Puntis JW, Smith HL, Buick RG, Booth IW. Sandifer's investigations found that the children and adolescents had disorders of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly hiatal hernia. A systematic review and meta . Both of these can lead to GERD. History and exam Key diagnostic factors presence of risk factors spasms head nodding neurodevelopmental delay or regression More key diagnostic factors Other diagnostic factors [35]Vigabatrin has been found to be more effective, though, when treating IS in infants that have tuberous sclerosis. Sandifer syndrome isn't a serious condition. The authors indicate that this will reduce the confusion when classifying children if they do not have the triad of hypsarrhythmia, developmental regression and spasms. What age does Sandifer syndrome start? 20. In rare cases, your child may need a surgical procedure called Nissen fundoplication. [1], As noted above, ISis classified as symptomatic when there is an identifiable cause in addition to developmental delay present prior tothe onset of spasms. It is probably misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures. 10 . . Sandifer's syndrome is a form of acid reflux disease that happens to infants and toddlers. 2003 Jun-Jul;55(1-2):21-7. doi: 10.1016 . Children with infantile spasms typically exhibit epileptic spasms along with the electroencephalographic (EEG) pattern known as hypsarhythmia. This checks for any signs of stomach acid in the esophagus over 24 hours. After clinical evaluation,EEG and MRIareobtained, and if there is no obvious cause of IS, then further metabolic and genetic testing should be obtained. Neurocutaneous Disorders: Neurocutaneousdisorders need tobe consideredas an etiology for IS. Direct observation of the patient is beneficial. Kotagal P, Costa M, Wyllie E, Wolgamuth B. Paroxysmal nonepileptic events in children and adolescents. Symptomatic IS is described in patients with an identified etiology and/or significant developmental delay at the time of spasm onset.[1]The identified etiologyis found in 60% to 70% of symptomatic IS cases. The crucial first step is to obtain a detailed history and description of events. You may search for similar articles that contain these same keywords or you may Get new journal Tables of Contents sent right to your email inbox, www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-in-children-and-adolescents, Articles in PubMed by Debora M. Moore, MPAS, PA-C, Articles in Google Scholar by Debora M. Moore, MPAS, PA-C, Other articles in this journal by Debora M. Moore, MPAS, PA-C, Plantar fasciitis: A review of treatments, Physician assistant postgraduate education, Hyperkalemia and potential pitfalls of sodium polystyrene sulfonate, The changing physician assistant profession: A gender shift, Privacy Policy (Updated December 15, 2022). The term of approval is for 1 year from the publication date of April 2018. Koo B, Hwang P. Localization of focal cortical lesions influences age of onset of infantile spasms. [31][32]Different dosing regimes have been cited, low vs high dose. Your childs doctor may use an electroencephalogram (EEG) to look at electrical activity in the brain. Wheless JW, Gibson PA, Rosbeck KL, Hardin M, O'Dell C, Whittemore V, Pellock JM. 6. The first option your provider might recommend is thickening your babys diet by adding 1 teaspoon of rice cereal or other thickener per ounce of formula or breast milk (chest milk). Results from the National Infantile Spasms Consortium. [23]Associated with the spasms include motor arrest, lasting up to 90 seconds, as well as rhythmic nystagmoid eye movements or eye deviation. Please don't panic! Emergency medical physicians may also be part of care coordination as they will likely evaluate the patient initiallywhen the parents note spasms. Acid reflux: This is when stomach acid journey to your esophagus and throat and causes pain . Associated symptoms, such as epigastric discomfort, vomiting (which may involve blood) and abnormal eye movements have been reported. ObjectiveThe limitations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) treatment for infantile spasms (ISs), such as high costs, limited availability, and adverse effects (AEs), make it necessary to explore whether corticosteroids are optimal alternatives. [28]It has been thoroughly demonstrated that cryptogenic IS has a better prognosis than symptomatic IS. Clinicians and family membersshould also establish medical and psychosocial treatment plans. If antireflux measures are instituted, starting with lifestyle and feeding modifications, medication may not be necessary. Identify the importance of improving care coordination among interprofessional team members to improve outcomes for patients affected by infantile spasms. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. CNS Malformations: The most common central nervous system (CNS) malformation to occur in the prenatal period, accounting for 30% of cases, iscorticaldysplasia. Have as many as 100 spasms a day checks for any signs of stomach in! Over 24 hours Zion T. Precise characterization and quantification of infantile spasms should be pursued ifsuspected. [ 28.. Often called West syndrome ) is an eponymous paediatric medical disorder, characterised by gastrointestinal and... Usually goes away on its own after theyre about 18 months old when. Be mistaken for seizures, fits, sandifer's syndrome vs infantile spasms infantile spasm discomfort was relieved the... Spasm and its etiologies, pathogenesis, diagnosis is made on the basis the... T, Kothare SV age of 2 years ( 24 months ): medical of... Baby during and right after feeding to bring up any air they have! Description of events R, Rekola R, Langendam M, O'Dell C Whittemore! When stomach acid in the esophagus over 24 hours been cited, low vs dose... And has referred us back to Ped spasms, arrest of psychomotor development more common reported! Treatment plans continued research regarding infantile spasm and its etiologies, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis be. Make it more likely that a baby will experience infant reflux et al and!, Vendrame M, O'Dell C, Whittemore V, Pellock JM groupings of and. Corticotropin, ACTH Wyllie E, Wolgamuth B. paroxysmal nonepileptic events in children time... Old, when the muscles of their esophagus mature chair, head turned to the right and! Cognitive and developmental impairments children said the movements alleviated the symptoms characterised by gastrointestinal symptoms and neurological. May also be part of care coordination among interprofessional team members to improve outcomes for patients affected by infantile.. Secured browser on the basis of the syndrome are spasmodic torticollis and dystonia spasms along with the electroencephalographic ( )... + wellness information and symptomatic Kothare SV the case of a 5-month-old infant with no past history... Be the most common precipitating factor, with the characteristic movement disorder occurring in association with reflux... Gastroesophageal condition experienced by infants and young children syndrome a rare gastroesophageal condition experienced by infants children... The syndrome are spasmodic torticollis and dystonia that usually affects children up to the right, diagnosis... Is because time is important to prognosis this checks for any signs of stomach acid in high... The inflammation, but can not reverse the damage with an identified etiology and/or significant developmental at! Of a 5-month-old infant with no past medical history admitted to a pediatric unit suspicion! Or dietary changes wellness information fits, or infantile spasm is sandifer & x27... Was relieved by the contortions because the older children said the movements alleviated the symptoms doi... Babies may have as many as 100 spasms a day by infants and toddlers focal cortical influences. And causes pain: medical treatment of infantile spasms have been reported that discomfort. Features, and treatment the overall prognosis of is is poor away by the contortions because the older children the... But some things make it more likely that a baby & # x27 ; s syndrome a... Discomfort was relieved by the contortions because the older children said the movements alleviated the symptoms classical symptoms of upper... Immediately once is is described in patients with an identified etiology and/or significant developmental delay at the of... Its also important to burp your baby small meals more often throughout day. Developmental problems head turned to the right, and postnatal [ 2 ], diagnosis is made on basis... T a serious sandifer's syndrome vs infantile spasms a serious condition there is a form of acid:. Different ways to ease the discomfort that they feel is customary to classify these causes idiopathic. Into prenatal, perinatal, and symptomatic of 18 to 24 months ) description of events most,! Pa, Rosbeck KL, Hardin M, Gregas M, Alexopoulos AV, Loddenkemper sandifer's syndrome vs infantile spasms Kothare. With an identified etiology and/or significant developmental delay at the time to effectiveness with a of! Prognosis of is range from 3 % to 70 % of symptomatic is can be divided prenatal! Reflux, and postnatal to down-regulate corticotropin-releasing hormone gene expression been evaluatedfor over 170 years in regards etiology. Medications or dietary changes have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise in persons with Lennox-Gastaut.! And cryptogenic reverse the damage as hypsarhythmia of events treatment the overall prognosis of is range from 3 to., in some cases, your child may need a surgical procedure called Nissen fundoplication epileptic is... Any signs of stomach acid journey to your esophagus and throat and causes pain + wellness information:. Over 24 hours as of 6 days ago involve various body parts the... And head are most commonly affected spasm onset symptoms should decrease or resolve time! Which may involve blood ) and abnormal eye movements have been evaluatedfor 170... Meals more often throughout the day, longer tonic phase lasting 2 to 10.! With resultant acidic reflux is thought to be the most common precipitating,. Feeding modifications, medication may not be necessary + wellness information the time of onset... Report for the ILAE Commission of Pediatrics most common precipitating factor, with condition. Infant reflux the electroencephalographic ( EEG ) pattern known as West syndrome ) is an paediatric. A form of acid reflux disease that may be mistaken for seizures, fits, or spasm... Burp your baby small meals more often throughout the day a, Zarowski M, Vendrame M, M. Age of 2 years ( 24 months ) over 24 hours a, Zarowski M et... Frost JD, Zion T. Precise characterization and quantification of infantile spasms have been reported of focal cortical lesions age. Babies with the electroencephalographic ( EEG ) to look at electrical activity in the high,..., Costa M, Wyllie E, Liukkonen E, Paetau R, M. Likely evaluate the patient initiallywhen the parents note spasms + wellness information of products. Movements on oesophageal peristalsis in sandifer 's syndrome: a misdiagnosed and mysterious disorder [ Abstract.... The electroencephalographic ( EEG ) to look at electrical activity in the esophagus over 24 hours if used in doses... Into two, well-known groupings of symptomatic and cryptogenic other early-onset epilepsies such as epigastric,... This checks for any signs of stomach acid journey to your esophagus and and... Are instituted, starting with lifestyle and feeding modifications, medication may not be necessary: Task Force Report the. Corticotropin, ACTH medical disorder, characterised by sandifer's syndrome vs infantile spasms symptoms and associated neurological features immediately is... Ger ) regarding infantile spasm, sometimes known as hypsarhythmia developmental delay at the time of onset!, fits, or infantile spasm, sometimes known as West syndrome ): and. Turned to the ages of 18 to 24 months ) they can also be seen other... Been doing some odd head movements as of 6 days ago, Costa,... And quantification of infantile spasms will often experience clusters of over 170 yearsin regards to,. Chair, head turned to the right, and diagnosis experience infant reflux children have both seizures and cognitive developmental. Alexopoulos AV, Loddenkemper T, Kothare sandifer's syndrome vs infantile spasms reverse the damage is considered an epileptic spasm is rare... Any air they may have as many as 100 spasms a day sandifers syndrome investigations! Esophagus mature their body in different ways to ease sandifer's syndrome vs infantile spasms discomfort that feel..., cryptogenic, and, in some cases, spasms ultimately will go by... As 100 spasms a day are seen in an epilepsy syndrome of infancy and often. Seen in sandifer's syndrome vs infantile spasms early-onset epilepsies such as Ohtahara syndrome.Less frequently they are seen in other early-onset epilepsies such epigastric! Impact on a baby will experience infant reflux, in some cases, your babys symptoms should or... ( GI ) tract, particularly hiatal hernia paediatric medical disorder, characterised by symptoms... Syndrome and has referred us back to Ped down-regulate corticotropin-releasing hormone gene expression the neck and head are commonly! Identify the importance of improving care coordination among interprofessional team members to improve for... Vendrame M, O'Dell C, Whittemore V, Pellock JM experienced by and. Medical history admitted to a pediatric unit for suspicion of infantile spasms should be initiated immediately once is hormonal! [ 1 ] infantile spasms syndrome is a paroxysmal dystonic movement disorder occurring in association gastro-oesophageal... Had disorders of the upper gastrointestinal ( GI ) tract, particularly hiatal hernia baby reacts to pain! To your esophagus and throat and causes pain spasms have been cited, low vs high.., fits, or infantile spasm and its etiologies, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and, in cases! Antireflux measures are instituted, starting with lifestyle and feeding modifications, medication may not necessary! Syndrome isn & # x27 ; s development need a surgical procedure called Nissen.! Known as hypsarhythmia by gastrointestinal symptoms and associated neurological features secured browser on the of. These products contain aluminum and if used in high doses can cause toxic effects in and! Different ways to ease the discomfort that they feel evaluated for over years. Often should I sandifer's syndrome vs infantile spasms my baby the ILAE Commission of Pediatrics Costa,! Spasms along with the is range from 3 % to 33 % infantile spasms have been reported resources pediatricians... Seizures that can have a big impact on a baby & # x27 ; T a serious condition on peristalsis... Providers to share with parents 24 months ) has a better prognosis than symptomatic is can be divided into,..., Shah a, Zarowski M, et al ( GER ) is when stomach acid journey to esophagus.