Review article

Mutation of the SCN1A gene – genetic cause of epilepsy

Jelena Radić Nišević ; Referentni centar Ministarstva zdravstva za epilepsiju i konvulzivne bolesti razvojne dobi, Zavod za dječju neurologiju i psihijatriju, Klinika za pedijatriju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Igor Prpić ; Referentni centar Ministarstva zdravstva za epilepsiju i konvulzivne bolesti razvojne dobi, Zavod za dječju neurologiju i psihijatriju, Klinika za pedijatriju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Antun Sasso ; Referentni centar Ministarstva zdravstva za epilepsiju i konvulzivne bolesti razvojne dobi, Zavod za dječju neurologiju i psihijatriju, Klinika za pedijatriju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka

Abstract

Voltage-gated sodium channels are involved in the excitability of neurons, and are critical for the initiation and propagation of action potentials in neurons. Mutation of the gene encoding α1 subunit of voltage-gated sodium channel, SCN1A gene (sodium channel,
voltage gated, type I alpha subunit) is associated with several epileptic syndromes, ranging from relatively mild phenotype found in families with genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) to severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (known as Dravet syndrome). Dravet
syndrome is one of the most severe epileptic syndromes characterized by frequent seizures and severe cognitive impairement in previously normal child. Approximately 80 % of patients with Dravet syndrome carry an SCN1A mutation. This review presents recent scientific information on the syndrome as an example of genetic epilepsy caused by mutation of SCN1A gene. We present two patients with Dravet syndrome in whom the diagnoses were based on clinical features and genetic testing.

Keywords

Dravet syndrome; epilepsy; genetic testing; SCN1A

Hrčak ID:

139471

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/139471

Publication date:

1.6.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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