Researchers from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and numerous international collaborators report a comprehensive overview of the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of Syntaxin-binding protein 1 (STXBP1) encephalopathy.
COMMENTARY. This paper provides a comprehensive phenotypic and genetic analysis of individuals with STXBP1 pathogenic variants. Although most patients with STXBP1-related disease present with epilepsy, others may have primarily movement disorders such as an ataxia-tremor-retardation syndrome. In some selected patients with drug resistant epilepsy, surgical intervention has been reported to successfully reduce seizure frequency. Although profound intellectual disability is highly associated with STXBP1 variants, autism spectrum disorder is rarely seen. Management typically includes anticonvulsants for seizure control and early intervention with physiotherapy, occupational, speech and or behavioral therapy to treat the complex neurodevelopmental aspects of the disorder.