Interpreting motor function outcomes in young males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract

CO MME NTA RY in the preventive nor the conservative treatment group had a developmental quotient below 50.Unfortunately, in the study by Lindsay et al., 2 the authors did not include data on autism-related traits and their relationship to neurodevelopment in individuals with TSC. In another study from the EPISTOP trial, Moavero et al. 4 prospectively evaluated 82 infants with TSC (aged 6-24 months) using a detailed neuropsychological assessment (Bayley Scales of Infant Development and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). Moavero et al. 4 aimed to identify the early clinical markers of ASD or developmental delay in infants with an early diagnosis of TSC. The tests were performed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of life. There was a clear differentiation of neurodevelopmental trajectories between those who developed ASD and those who did not in all three areas (cognitive, language, and motor) as assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Differences were evident already at 6 months of age both in cognitive and motor areas, and at 12 months in the language area. Despite different psychological tests, these data correlate with the results presented by Lindsay et al. 2 The results of these studies support the need for the early identification of infants at high risk of neurocognitive delay or ASD development to implement early intervention.