Intrathecal magnesium delivery for Mg++-insensitive NMDA receptor activity due to GRIN1 mutation

Abstract

Abstract Background Mutations in the NMDA receptor are known to disrupt glutamatergic signaling crucial for early neurodevelopment, often leading to severe global developmental delay/intellectual disability, epileptic encephalopathy, and cerebral palsy phenotypes. Both seizures and movement disorders can be highly treatment-refractory. Results We describe a targeted ABA n = 1 patient trial with intrathecal MgSO4, rationally designed based on the electrophysiologic properties of this gain of function mutation in the GRIN1 NMDA subunit. Conclusion Although the invasive nature of the trial necessitated a short-term, non-randomized, unblinded intervention, multimodal neurophysiologic monitoring indicated benefit, providing class II evidence in support of intrathecal MgSO4 for select forms of GRIN disorders.