Angelman Syndrome

Genetic testing will be performed on all Angelman Syndrome patients seen in our center of expertise to determine the genetic cause and to be able to support and advise the parents. If genetic testing has already been done elsewhere, it will not be repeated. This genetic knowledge also helps us to better understand the effect of the genetic change ("mutation") on the severity of symptoms. We can then also investigate which treatment works best for a particular mutation. In rare cases, the genetic analysis is inconclusive. In these cases, the genetic change will be further investigated in the laboratory.

The Angelman expertise center is the largest Angelman Syndrome expertise center in the world. We recently published our clinical findings of 100 children and 100 adults with Angelman Syndrome (De Heus, 2019; Besten, 2020).

Detailed knowledge about the course of Angelman Syndrome (which symptoms are present, and when exactly do they arise) is of great importance in order to be able to recognize complaints early and to treat them optimally. We also want to determine how to measure the effectiveness of treatments (‘outcome measures’ research). This is of great importance for drug research (trials). After all, only if we can demonstrate that a new drug is effective, the drug will actually be approved and reimbursed.

Behavioral Treatment for Sleep Problems
Many children with Angelman syndrome have problems falling asleep, staying asleep and wake up early. In our study, we looked whether a behavioral therapy has an effect on the duration of sleep and sleep behavior. Interventions focused on a clear sleep ritual, a fixed sleep rhythm and the minimization of parental visits to the child at night. In addition, we followed a control group for 6 months without giving them any therapy. The results are currently being analyzed and are expected early next year. Experiences and results of the study are currently already being implemented in the outpatient clinic.

Augmentative and alternative communication
In recent years, together with the Dutch AS parent association (vASN), we have worked hard to stimulate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in children and adults with Angelman Syndrome. Information from the literature and experiences from practice show that children and adults with AS can learn to communicate through gestures, pictograms and speech computers, but that it is crucial that the environment also communicates with this. In our study, we coach parents and caregivers of people to create a language-rich environment so that children and adults with AS can imitate this language, just as normal children learn to speak by being spoken to. The study has been delayed due to the corona measures, but is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. More information about AAC can be found at www.isaac-nf.nl. To download the Guidance on Supported Communication to which ENCORE has contributed, clicking here.

The validity and reliability of cognitive tests (‘outcome measures’)
In order to improve treatments for Angelman Syndrome, it is essential that we can determine objectively whether the treatment is effective. Only then can the medicine or treatment be registered and / or reimbursed. Such objective tests are called ‘outcome measures’. Together with the Angelman Syndrome Clinic of Boston and North Carolina (USA), we investigated the validity and reliability of the Bayley III test for use in clinical trials. The Bayley-III is a commonly used developmental test in children with intellectual disabilities. In this study, we analyzed data from more than 100 children, with about half of the children taking the test several times. We investigated whether certain items are relatively easy or difficult for children with AS and whether the test provides a reliable and stable readout over several measurements. This research is relevant for clinical practice and for the upcoming clinical trials. The analysis has now been completed and will be published soon.

3dMD scan
To gain more insight into the effect of the different Angelman Syndrome mutations on brain volume (size of the skull) and facial characteristics, we use a 3dMD scanner. This is a face scanner that uses two pairs of cameras on a large tripod. The cameras create a 180 degree 3D image of the face with real looking skin texture and skin color. During registration, two projectors project random light patterns on the face. The device uses them as a guide for making the image. The process is usually very short, with a maximum of 20 seconds per registration. This means that taking a 3D photo together only takes a few minutes. After scanning, the system automatically generates a 3D image.

The ROSA Study (Rotterdam Outcome Study for children with Angelman syndrome)

For children with Angelman syndrome, there is a lack of suitable measuring instruments (outcome measures). A measuring instrument is a questionnaire, test, or device. What it measures varies by instrument. Standard measuring instruments are often less suitable for children with Angelman syndrome. Problems talking, moving, or concentrating interfere with the results on such a test. Unfortunately, little is known about what are suitable and feasible measuring instruments for children with Angelman syndrome.

Therefore, the aim of this research is to find suitable and feasible measuring instruments for children with Angelman syndrome. These can be used for (medicine) research, and in the future perhaps also in healthcare. A second aim of this research is to collect information about the natural course of Angelman syndrome. This will contribute to our knowledge of this rare and complex disease. Topics we focus on in this study are: brain activity, social functions, nutrition and metabolism, sleep, exercise and walking, and hormone balance.

The ROSA study has now been completed. You can read the results in our publication, clicking here to open the publication.

Clinical Trials for New Treatments for Angelman Syndrome

Gaboxadol

We have participated in the NEPTUNE study from OVID. In a previous open label study (the STARS trial) a positive effect was seen of gaboxadol on daily functioning in patients with Angelman syndrome (clicking here for more information). In the ENCORE lab, a positive effect on motor skills in mice with Angelman syndrome was observed. The NEPTUNE studie was an international phase 3 double blind, placebo controlled study. From the Netherlands 4 children participated. Unfortunately, the results showed a similar improvement in children taking gaboxadol and those taking placebo. Click here for more information about the results. The study was recently stopped. These results shows the importance of a placebo controlled trial to ensure good evidence of clinical effectiveness. We thank all the participating families for their help in this study.

Tangelo study

We are currently participating in the Tangelo studie from Roche. This is a large international phase 1/2 study for children between ages 1 and 12 yrs that will receive treatment with an oligonucleotide designed to turn on the paternal allele so that the UBE3A gene is accessible for reading again. Click here for more information about the study. For more information please send an email to angelman@erasmusmc.nl

 

Together with the vASN We keep parents informed of the latest developments with frequent newsletters and via the website of the parent association. Furthermore, an international AS center partnership has been established to optimize clinical care and to collaborate in scientific research: https://www.angelman.org/angelman-syndrome-clinics/

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Do you have questions about research at ENCORE? Or do you want to participate? Please contact us via encore@erasmusmc.nl or angelman@erasmusmc.nl