Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus: an autosomal dominant form not allelic to KCNQ2 or KCNQ3

J Child Neurol. 2012 Oct;27(10):1260-3. doi: 10.1177/0883073811433460. Epub 2012 Mar 23.

Abstract

Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is an uncommon, nonepileptic disorder characterized by myoclonic jerks appearing in the neonatal period that occur predominantly during sleep. Although self-limiting, the disorder is frequently confused with epileptic neonatal seizures. A few familial cases have been reported; however the genetics has not been studied. We ascertained 3 families with 2 or more affected individuals and analyzed the pedigrees. We used microsatellite markers to determine if the disorder was possibly linked to KCNQ2 or KCNQ3, the 2 genes that cause most cases of benign familial neonatal seizures, a disorder that it could be easily confused with. The 3 pedigrees, including one with 4 affected individuals, were suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance. The loci for KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 were excluded in the 2 larger families. We conclude that benign neonatal sleep myoclonus can show autosomal dominant inheritance and is not allelic with benign familial neonatal seizures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Child
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Family Health*
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Israel
  • KCNQ2 Potassium Channel / genetics*
  • KCNQ3 Potassium Channel / genetics*
  • Male
  • Microsatellite Repeats / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Parasomnias / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • KCNQ2 Potassium Channel
  • KCNQ2 protein, human
  • KCNQ3 Potassium Channel