Objective: Verify the presence of respiratory complaints and dysfunction in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2).SCA2 is characterized by cerebellar ataxia, accompanied by dysarthria, trembling, hyporeflexia, peripheral neuropathy, fasciculations of the facial and limb muscles. To date, respiratory dysfunction in SCA 2 has been evaluated in small samples and in few studies.

Background: .SCA2 is characterized by cerebellar ataxia, accompanied by dysarthria, trembling, hyporeflexia, peripheral neuropathy, fasciculations of the facial and limb muscles. To date, respiratory dysfunction in SCA 2 has been evaluated in small samples and in few studies.

Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluating individuals with genetically confirmed or confirmed direct familial SCA2 , symptomatic and assisted by the Clinical Hospital Complex-Federal University of Paraná in the Movement Disorders outpatient clinic, from June 2017 to January 2018. The time of disease, ataxia severity (SARA scale), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) with Peak Flow Meter.

Results: Data from 30 individuals with SCA2 with a mean age of 18 to 70 years (mean of 29.5 ± 2.12) were considered, both sexes being 53.33% male. The mean SARA score was 8.5 and the mean time to disease progression was 7.66 years. Respiratory complaints (medium-effort dyspnea, dry cough and sleep apnea) were reported by 40% of the subjects and the PEF measure was unsatisfactory in 66.67% of the study population.

Conclusions: Respiratory dysfunction is frequent in individuals with SCA 2 , although it is not the main complaint. A percentage of the individuals presented an unsatisfactory examination, but did not present complaints. Routine respiratory evaluation in this population may be useful for early referral to respiratory rehabilitation.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/respiratory-complaints-in-individuals-with-spinocerebelar-ataxia-type-2/