Two New Publications Strengthen Clinical Guidance for VWM
The VWM Consortium is pleased to share two important new publications that advance the clinical management and scientific understanding of Vanishing White Matter (VWM).
- In Neurology, the paper “Consensus-Based Expert Recommendations for Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Vanishing White Matter” presents the first international, structured guidance for VWM care. Developed by leading experts (both researchers/ clinicians and patient representatives), the recommendations address genetic diagnosis, MRI criteria, acute and long-term management, and medication considerations related to the integrated stress response pathway central to VWM. The publication is accompanied by a practical patient management card to help translate these recommendations into everyday clinical practice.
- In Pediatric Neurology, the study “Effects of Propofol and Sevoflurane on the Integrated Stress Response in Vanishing White Matter” examines how commonly used anesthetic agents influence molecular stress pathways in experimental VWM models. The findings provide new biological insight that may inform perioperative considerations in VWM. Based on the available evidence, the anesthetic Propofol is preferable over Sevoflurane for patients with VWM.
Together, these publications represent meaningful progress toward more consistent clinical care and a stronger scientific foundation for future advances.