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Pediatrics49 papers

Autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (AR-HSP) is a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity of the lower limbs due to dysfunction of the corticospinal tracts. 24

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation of progressive lower limb spasticity and hyperreflexia
  • Genetic testing to identify mutations in specific genes associated with AR-HSP 24
  • Neuroimaging (MRI) to rule out other causes and assess spinal cord involvement 2
  • Management

  • No specific cure; management focuses on symptomatic relief and supportive care
  • Physical therapy to maintain mobility and prevent contractures 2
  • Orthopedic interventions such as bracing or surgery for severe deformities 2
  • Medications to manage spasticity (e.g., baclofen, tizanidine) 1
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Early intervention with physical therapy is crucial for motor development 2
  • Comorbidities: Consider polypharmacy risks and conduct regular medication reviews to identify and reduce medication-related problems 1
  • Key Recommendations

  • Implement regular physical therapy to support motor function and prevent complications (Evidence: Moderate 2)
  • Conduct systematic medication reviews to identify and mitigate medication-related problems, especially in patients with intellectual disabilities or polypharmacy 1 (Evidence: Weak)
  • Genetic counseling is recommended for families with a history of AR-HSP to assess risk and inform reproductive decisions 2 (Evidence: Expert opinion)
  • References

    1 Nabhanizadeh A, Oppewal A, Boot FH, Maes-Festen D. Effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing medication-related problems among people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review. Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID 2019. link 2 Yildirim MS, Ogun TC, Kamiş U. Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, macular degeneration syndrome: a further contribution. Genetic counseling (Geneva, Switzerland) 2006. link 3 Krunic AL, Vesic SA, Goldner B, Novak A, Clark RE. Ectrodactyly, soft-tissue syndactyly, and nodulocystic acne: coincidence or association?. Pediatric dermatology 1997. link 4 Van Den Ende JJ, Van Der Burgt CJ, Jansweijer MC, Hamel BC, Brunner HG. Ectrodactyly of lower limbs, congenital heart defect and characteristic facies in four unrelated Dutch patients: a new association. Clinical dysmorphology 1996. link 5 Beck RB, Brudno DS, Rosenbaum KN. Bilateral absence of the ulna in twins as a manifestation of the split hand--split foot deformity. American journal of perinatology 1989. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Effectiveness of medication reviews in identifying and reducing medication-related problems among people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review.Nabhanizadeh A, Oppewal A, Boot FH, Maes-Festen D Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID (2019)
    2. [2]
      Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, macular degeneration syndrome: a further contribution.Yildirim MS, Ogun TC, Kamiş U Genetic counseling (Geneva, Switzerland) (2006)
    3. [3]
      Ectrodactyly, soft-tissue syndactyly, and nodulocystic acne: coincidence or association?Krunic AL, Vesic SA, Goldner B, Novak A, Clark RE Pediatric dermatology (1997)
    4. [4]
      Ectrodactyly of lower limbs, congenital heart defect and characteristic facies in four unrelated Dutch patients: a new association.Van Den Ende JJ, Van Der Burgt CJ, Jansweijer MC, Hamel BC, Brunner HG Clinical dysmorphology (1996)
    5. [5]
      Bilateral absence of the ulna in twins as a manifestation of the split hand--split foot deformity.Beck RB, Brudno DS, Rosenbaum KN American journal of perinatology (1989)

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