101
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Hassan AY, Sarg MT, Bayoumi AH, Kalaf FGA. Design, Synthesis, and Anticancer Activity of Novel Fused Purine Analogues. J Heterocycl Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.2969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Y. Hassan
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science (Girls); Al-Azhar University; Cairo Egypt
| | - M. T. Sarg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls); Al-Azhar University; Cairo Egypt
| | - A. H. Bayoumi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys); Al-Azhar University; Cairo Egypt
| | - F. G. A. Kalaf
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls); Al-Azhar University; Cairo Egypt
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102
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Russell A, Yaraskavitch M, Fok D, Chhibber S, Street L, Korngut L. Obinutuzumab Plus Chlorambucil in a Patient with Severe Myasthenia Gravis and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. J Neuromuscul Dis 2017; 4:251-257. [DOI: 10.3233/jnd-170211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Russell
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Megan Yaraskavitch
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel Fok
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sameer Chhibber
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lesley Street
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lawrence Korngut
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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103
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Romi F, Hong Y, Gilhus NE. Pathophysiology and immunological profile of myasthenia gravis and its subgroups. Curr Opin Immunol 2017; 49:9-13. [PMID: 28780294 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune antibody-mediated disease characterized by muscle weakness and fatigability. It is believed that the initial steps triggering humoral immunity in MG take place inside thymic tissue and thymoma. The immune response against one or several epitopes expressed on thymic tissue cells spills over to neuromuscular junction components sharing the same epitope causing humoral autoimmunity and antibody production. The main cause of MG is acetylcholine receptor antibodies. However, many other neuromuscular junction membrane protein targets, intracellular and extracellular proteins are suggested to participate in MG pathophysiology. MG should be divided into subgroups based on clinical presentation and immunology. This includes onset age, clinical characteristics, thymic pathology and antibody profile. The immunological profile of these subgroups is determined by the antibodies present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Romi
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway.
| | - Yu Hong
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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104
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Gungor-Tuncer O, Yilmaz V, Toker A, Saruhan-Direskeneli G, Gulsen-Parman Y, Oflazer-Serdaroglu P, Deymeer F. Prompt Response to Prednisone Predicts Benign Course in MuSK-MG. Eur Neurol 2017; 78:137-142. [DOI: 10.1159/000479228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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105
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Kovács E, Dankó K, Nagy-Vince M, Csiba L, Boczán J. Long-term treatment of refractory myasthenia gravis with subcutaneous immunoglobulin. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2017; 10:363-366. [PMID: 29090020 PMCID: PMC5642010 DOI: 10.1177/1756285617722437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edina Kovács
- Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, Clinical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Katalin Dankó
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, University of Debrecen, Clinical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Melinda Nagy-Vince
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, University of Debrecen, Clinical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Csiba
- Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, Clinical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit Boczán
- Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, Clinical Center, Faculty of Medicine, 4032 Debrecen, Móricz Zs. krt. 22, Hungary
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106
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Zhou L, Liu W, Li W, Li H, Zhang X, Shang H, Zhang X, Bu B, Deng H, Fang Q, Li J, Zhang H, Song Z, Ou C, Yan C, Liu T, Zhou H, Bao J, Lu J, Shi H, Zhao C. Tacrolimus in the treatment of myasthenia gravis in patients with an inadequate response to glucocorticoid therapy: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in China. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2017; 10:315-325. [PMID: 28861121 PMCID: PMC5557184 DOI: 10.1177/1756285617721092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To determine the efficacy of low-dose, immediate-release tacrolimus in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) with inadequate response to glucocorticoid therapy in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Methods Eligible patients had inadequate response to glucocorticoids (GCs) after ⩾6 weeks of treatment with prednisone ⩾0.75 mg/kg/day or 60–100 mg/day. Patients were randomized to receive 3 mg tacrolimus or placebo daily (orally) for 24 weeks. Concomitant glucocorticoids and pyridostigmine were allowed. Patients continued GC therapy from weeks 1–4; from week 5, the dose was decreased at the discretion of the investigator. The primary efficacy outcome measure was a reduction, relative to baseline, in quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score assessed using a generalized linear model; supportive analyses used alternative models. Results Of 138 patients screened, 83 [tacrolimus (n = 45); placebo (n = 38)] were enrolled and treated. The change in adjusted mean QMG score from baseline to week 24 was −4.9 for tacrolimus and −3.3 for placebo (least squares mean difference: –1.7, 95% confidence interval: −3.5, −0.1; p = 0.067). A post-hoc analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference for QMG score reduction of ⩾4 points in the tacrolimus group (68.2%) versus the placebo group (44.7%; p = 0.044). Adverse event profiles were similar between treatment groups. Conclusions Tacrolimus 3 mg treatment for patients with MG and inadequate response to GCs did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in the primary endpoint versus placebo over 24 weeks; however, a post-hoc analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference for QMG score reduction of ⩾4 points in the tacrolimus group versus the placebo group. This study was limited by the low number of patients, the absence of testing for acetylcholine receptor antibody and the absence of stratification by disease duration (which led to a disparity between the two groups). ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01325571
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weibin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huifang Shang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi Fang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jimei Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Song
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Changyi Ou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanzhu Yan
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianhong Bao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiahong Lu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huawei Shi
- Astellas Pharma China, Inc., Beijing, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Middle Rd, Shanghai, 200040, China
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107
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Jing Y, Liu X, Yu L, Li R. Outcomes of Preoperative and Postoperative Corticosteroid Therapies in Myasthenia Gravis. Eur Neurol 2017; 78:86-92. [PMID: 28738395 DOI: 10.1159/000478905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To compare the long-term outcomes of non-thymomatous myasthenia gravis (MG) patients receiving pre-thymectomy (Pre-CS) or post-thymectomy corticosteroid (Post-CS) therapy. METHODS In a retrospective cohort study, 41 patients with MG were treated with Pre-CS therapy, and 110 were treated with Post-CS therapy. RESULTS In the MG cohorts, 9 of 40 patients (22.5%) in the Pre-CS group vs. 28 of 105 patients (26.7%) in the Post-CS group achieved a complete remission (CR) at 1 year, 29.7% (11/37) vs. 38.6% (32/83) at 2 years and 36.4% (8/22) in the Pre-CS group vs. 50.0% (28/56) in the Post-CS group achieved a CR at 5 years. For the entire population, Post-CS therapy (hazard rate [HR] 3.042, p = 0.020) was a positive predictor for remission, and a long preoperative interval (HR 0.936, p = 0.030) was a negative predictor. In 98 original ocular MG patients, Post-CS therapy (HR 2.663, p = 0.014) and an age at onset ≥15 years (HR 4.865, p = 0.001) were positive predictors for remission. DISCUSSION Post-CS therapy with a shorter preoperative interval increases the likelihood of CR in postpubertal and adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jing
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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108
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Mazzoli M, Ariatti A, Valzania F, Kaleci S, Tondelli M, Nichelli PF, Galassi G. Factors affecting outcome in ocular myasthenia gravis. Int J Neurosci 2017. [PMID: 28625092 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2017.1344237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY 50%-60% of patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) progress to generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) within two years. The aim of our study was to explore factors affecting prognosis of OMG and to test the predictive role of several independent clinical variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed a cohort of 168 Caucasian patients followed from September 2000 to January 2016. Several independent variables were considered as prognostic factors: gender, age of onset, results on electrophysiological tests, presence and level of antibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChR Abs), treatments, thymic abnormalities. The primary outcome was the progression to GMG and/or the presence of bulbar symptoms. Secondary outcomes were either achievement of sustained minimal manifestation status or worsening in ocular quantitative MG subscore (O-QMGS) or worsening in total QMG score (T-QMGS), assessed by Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) quantitative scores. Changes in mental and physical subscores of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed with SF-36 questionnaire. Variance analysis was used to interpret the differences between AChR Ab titers at different times of follow up among the generalized and non-generalized patients. RESULTS Conversion to GMG occurred in 18.4% of patients; it was significantly associated with sex, later onset of disease and anti-AChR Ab positivity. Antibody titer above the mean value of 25.8 pmol/mL showed no significant effect on generalization. Sex and late onset of disease significantly affected T-QMGS worsening. None of the other independent variables significantly affected O-QMGS and HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS Sex, later onset and anti-AChR Ab positivity were significantly associated with clinical worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mazzoli
- a Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University Hospital , Modena , Italy
| | - Alessandra Ariatti
- a Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University Hospital , Modena , Italy
| | - Franco Valzania
- a Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University Hospital , Modena , Italy
| | - Shaniko Kaleci
- b Department of Diagnostic Clinical Medicine and Public Health , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy
| | - Manuela Tondelli
- a Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University Hospital , Modena , Italy
| | - Paolo F Nichelli
- a Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University Hospital , Modena , Italy
| | - Giuliana Galassi
- a Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences , University Hospital , Modena , Italy
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109
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Acetylator Status Impacts Amifampridine Phosphate (Firdapse™) Pharmacokinetics and Exposure to a Greater Extent Than Renal Function. Clin Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.05.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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110
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Outcomes after major surgery in patients with myasthenia gravis: A nationwide matched cohort study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180433. [PMID: 28666024 PMCID: PMC5493398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To validate the comprehensive features of adverse outcomes after surgery for patients with myasthenia gravis. Methods Using reimbursement claims from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, we analyzed 2290 patients who received major surgery between 2004 and 2010 and were diagnosed with myasthenia gravis preoperatively. Surgical patients without myasthenia gravis (n = 22,900) were randomly selected by matching procedure with propensity score for comparison. The adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of postoperative adverse events associated with preoperative myasthenia gravis were calculated under the multiple logistic regressions. Results Compared with surgical patients without myasthenia gravis, surgical patients with myasthenia gravis had higher risks of postoperative pneumonia (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.65–2.65), septicemia (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.05–1.64), postoperative bleeding (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.07–2.72), and overall complications (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.44–2.00). The ORs of postoperative adverse events for patients with myasthenia gravis who had symptomatic therapy, chronic immunotherapy, and short-term immunotherapy were 1.76 (95% CI 1.50–2.08), 1.70 (95% CI 1.36–2.11), and 4.36 (95% CI 2.11–9.04), respectively. Conclusions Patients with myasthenia gravis had increased risks of postoperative adverse events, particularly those experiencing emergency care, hospitalization, and thymectomy for care of myasthenia gravis. Our findings suggest the urgency of revising protocols for perioperative care for these populations.
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111
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Abstract
Perioperative care of the patients with neurological diseases can be challenging. Most important consideration is the management and understanding of pathophysiology of these disorders and evaluation of new neurological changes that occur perioperatively. Perioperative generally refers to 3 phases of surgery: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. We have tried to address few commonly encountered neurological conditions in clinical practice, such as delirium, stroke, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, and Parkinson disease. In this article, we emphasize on early diagnosis and management strategies of neurological disorders in the perioperative period to minimize morbidity and mortality of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjeet Singh Dhallu
- Department of Medicine, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed Baiomi
- Department of Medicine, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Madhavi Biyyam
- Department of Medicine, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sridhar Chilimuri
- Department of Medicine, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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112
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Xie Y, Li HF, Sun L, Kusner LL, Wang S, Meng Y, Zhang X, Hong Y, Gao X, Li Y, Kaminski HJ. The Role of Osteopontin and Its Gene on Glucocorticoid Response in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol 2017; 8:230. [PMID: 28620344 PMCID: PMC5450020 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers that assess treatment response for patients with the autoimmune disorder, myasthenia gravis (MG), have not been evaluated to a significant extent. We hypothesized the pro-inflammatory cytokine, osteopontin (OPN), may be associated with variability of response to glucocorticoids (GCs) in patients with MG. A cohort of 250 MG patients treated with standardized protocol of GCs was recruited, and plasma OPN and polymorphisms of its gene, secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), were evaluated. Mean OPN levels were higher in patients compared to healthy controls. Carriers of rs11728697*T allele (allele definition: one of two or more alternative forms of a gene) were more frequent in the poorly GC responsive group compared to the GC responsive group indicating an association of rs11728697*T allele with GC non-responsiveness. One risk haplotype (AGTACT) was identified associated with GC non-responsiveness compared with GC responsive MG group. Genetic variations of SPP1 were found associated with the response to GC among MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchen Xie
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Feng Li
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liang Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Ministry of Health, Beijing, China
| | - Linda L Kusner
- Department of Pharmacology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Shuhui Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxiao Meng
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yu Hong
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Henry J Kaminski
- Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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113
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A multicenter prospective observational study on the safety and efficacy of tacrolimus in patients with myasthenia gravis. J Neurol Sci 2017; 379:271-275. [PMID: 28716258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several clinical studies using tacrolimus revealed reasonable therapeutic mechanisms and efficacy in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). However, long-period studies in a large number of patients with MG are limited; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacies and safety of tacrolimus in patients with MG during a 12-month follow-up period. METHODS Tacrolimus was administered to 150 patients with MG who were recruited based on the inclusion criteria. Fifteen medical centers in Korea participated in this study. The efficacy of tacrolimus was assessed using MG composite scales (MGCS) and the prednisolone-sparing effect. And the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of tacrolimus were monitored in each patient from the beginning of tacrolimus treatment to the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS After starting tacrolimus, the 32 patients were affected by ADRs, and consequentially 134 patients of the enrolled patients were followed up for 12months. They showed that the mean prednisolone dosage significantly decreased (6.1±7.6mg/day), compared to that in the baseline (11.3±9.5mg/day), and MGCS significantly improved after 12months of tacrolimus treatment, compared to that at the baseline. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that tacrolimus would be an effective immunosuppressant as an initial therapeutic agent in patients with MG; in addition, it showed tolerable safety profiles during the 12-month follow-up evaluation.
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114
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Weinreich SS, Vrinten C, Kuijpers MR, Lipka AF, Schimmel KJM, van Zwet EW, Gispen-de Wied C, Hekster YA, Verschuuren JJGM, Cornel MC. Aggregated N-of-1 trials for unlicensed medicines for small populations: an assessment of a trial with ephedrine for myasthenia gravis. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2017; 12:88. [PMID: 28494776 PMCID: PMC5427624 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-017-0636-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inexpensive medicines with a long history of use may currently be prescribed off-label for rare indications. Reimbursement is at the discretion of health insurance companies, and may be unpredictable. The example addressed was ephedrine as add-on treatment for myasthenia gravis. Stakeholders from academia, a patient organization, the Dutch National Health Care Institute (NHCI) and Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB) advised on the trial design. The NHCI and MEB agreed to provide scientific advice on the suitability of the evidence generated by the trial, for regulatory decisions. This paper describes the feasibility of the trial and the utility of its aggregated results. Results The trialists experienced the trial as feasible. Retrospective interviews showed that the trial as performed was acceptable to patients. The treatment effect in the primary outcome measure, muscle strength, was statistically significant when inferred to the population level, though the effect size was modest. Secondary outcomes were statistically significant in a preplanned, fixed effects analysis within the four patients. The NHCI advised that it could potentially make reimbursement decisions based on the Fitting Evidence framework, should the trialists decide to apply for reimbursement. The MEB advised that for a licensing decision, the N-of-1 design is a last-resort option for demonstrating treatment benefit in a rare disease. N-of-1 trials alone do not provide enough evidence on potential risk. The MEB found the current trial inconclusive. It suggested doing a 2-armed trial of longer duration, possibly with a different outcome measure (postponement of corticosteroid use). It suggested engaging a consultancy or commercial sponsor, should the trialists decide to seek market authorization of the drug. Conclusions In theory, evidence from aggregated N-of-1 trials is suitable for use in licensing and reimbursement decisions. The current example illustrates differences in interpretation of N-of-1 results by health authorities. In the era of personalized medicine, consensus is required on the interpretation of data from study designs geared to small groups. Demonstrating effectiveness of inexpensive medicines in small populations may require involvement of non-commercial parties, to preserve affordability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-017-0636-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie S Weinreich
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Care, National Health Care Institute, Diemen, The Netherlands.
| | - Charlotte Vrinten
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marja R Kuijpers
- Department of Care, National Health Care Institute, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F Lipka
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten J M Schimmel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Erik W van Zwet
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Martina C Cornel
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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115
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Sabre L, Westerberg E, Liik M, Punga AR. Diversity in mental fatigue and social profile of patients with myasthenia gravis in two different Northern European countries. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00653. [PMID: 28413704 PMCID: PMC5390836 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Self-estimated health can be used for comparison of different diseases between countries. It is important to elaborate on whether disparities in self-estimated health are due to disease-specific parameters or socioeconomic differences. In this study, we aimed at evaluating clinical and social similarities and differences in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients between comparable regions in two Baltic Sea countries, Estonia and Sweden. METHODS This cross-sectional study included southern counties in Sweden and Estonia of comparable size. All patients with a confirmed MG diagnosis were asked to answer two questionnaires including demographic and disease-specific data, lifestyle issues, and mental fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS]). Clinical fatigue was assessed objectively through the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMG). RESULTS Thirty-six of 92 identified patients in Estonia and 40 of 70 identified MG patients in Sweden chose to participate in the study. The demographic characteristics and symptoms reported by the patients were similar. QMG score did not differ; however, the Estonian patients scored their current subjective disease severity significantly higher (5.6 ± 2.8) compared to the Swedish patients (3.4 ± 2.3, p = .0005). Estonian patients also had significantly higher FSS scores (5.0 ± 1.7) than Swedish patients (3.5 ± 1.6; p = .001). Swedish patients were more active and performed physical activity more regularly (29.1% in Estonia and 74.2% in Sweden, p = .004). CONCLUSIONS Although, the patients had comparable clinical fatigue, Estonian patients evaluated their health state as being more severe and reported more mental fatigue than Swedish patients. These data indicate large regional differences in disease perception of MG, which is important to consider in international studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liis Sabre
- Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology Uppsala University and Uppsala University Hospital Uppsala Sweden.,Department of Neurology Tartu University Hospital Tartu Estonia
| | - Elisabet Westerberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology Uppsala University and Uppsala University Hospital Uppsala Sweden
| | - Maarika Liik
- Department of Neurology Tartu University Hospital Tartu Estonia
| | - Anna R Punga
- Department of Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology Uppsala University and Uppsala University Hospital Uppsala Sweden
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116
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Abstract
In recent years, thymectomy has become a widespread procedure in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). Likelihood of remission was highest in preoperative mild disease classification (Osserman classification 1, 2A). In absence of thymoma or hyperplasia, there was no relationship between age and gender in remission with thymectomy. In MG treatment, randomized trials that compare conservative treatment with thymectomy have started, recently. As with non-randomized trials, remission with thymectomy in MG treatment was better than conservative treatment with only medication. There are four major methods for the surgical approach: transcervical, minimally invasive, transsternal, and combined transcervical transsternal thymectomy. Transsternal approach with thymectomy is the accepted standard surgical approach for many years. In recent years, the incidence of thymectomy has been increasing with minimally invasive techniques using thoracoscopic and robotic methods. There are not any randomized, controlled studies which are comparing surgical techniques. However, when comparing non-randomized trials, it is seen that minimally invasive thymectomy approaches give similar results to more aggressive approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yener Aydin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ali Bilal Ulas
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kırklareli State Hospital, Kırklareli, Turkey
| | - Vahit Mutlu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Abdurrahim Colak
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Atilla Eroglu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
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117
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Abstract
The association between thymoma and autoimmunity is well known. Besides myasthenia gravis, which is found in 15 to 20% of patients with thymoma, other autoimmune diseases have been reported: erythroblastopenia, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory myopathies, thyroid disorders, Isaac's syndrome or Good's syndrome. More anecdotally, Morvan's syndrome, limbic encephalitis, other autoimmune cytopenias, autoimmune hepatitis, and bullous skin diseases (pemphigus, lichen) have been reported. Autoimmune diseases occur most often before thymectomy, but they can be discovered at the time of surgery or later. Two situations require the systematic investigation of a thymoma: the occurrence of myasthenia gravis or autoimmune erythroblastopenia. Nevertheless, the late onset of systemic lupus erythematosus or the association of several autoimmune manifestations should lead to look for a thymoma. Neither the characteristics of the patients nor the pathological data can predict the occurrence of an autoimmune disease after thymectomy. Thus, thymectomy usefulness in the course of the autoimmune disease, except myasthenia gravis, has not been demonstrated. This seems to indicate the preponderant role of self-reactive T lymphocytes distributed in the peripheral immune system prior to surgery. Given the high infectious morbidity in patients with thymoma, immunoglobulin replacement therapy should be considered in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia who receive immunosuppressive therapy, even in the absence of prior infection.
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118
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Neurologic complications in critically ill pregnant patients. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2017. [PMID: 28190440 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63599-0.00035-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurologic complications in a critically ill pregnant woman are uncommon but some of the complications (such as eclampsia) are unique to pregnancy and the puerperal period. Other neurologic complications (such as seizures in the setting of epilepsy) may worsen during pregnancy. Clinical signs and symptoms such as seizure, headache, weakness, focal neurologic deficits, and decreased level of consciousness require careful consideration of potential causes to ensure prompt treatment measures are instituted to prevent ongoing neurologic injury. Clinicians should be familiar with syndromes such as pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, stroke, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Necessary imaging studies can usually be performed safely in pregnancy. Scoring systems for predicting maternal mortality are inadequate, as are recommendations for neurorehabilitation. Tensions can arise when there is conflict between the interests of the mother and the interests of the fetus, but in general maternal health is prioritized. The complexity of care requires a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional approach to achieve best outcome in an often unexpected situation.
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119
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Schwartz J, Padmanabhan A, Aqui N, Balogun RA, Connelly-Smith L, Delaney M, Dunbar NM, Witt V, Wu Y, Shaz BH. Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice-Evidence-Based Approach from the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis: The Seventh Special Issue. J Clin Apher 2017; 31:149-62. [PMID: 27322218 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Journal of Clinical Apheresis (JCA) Special Issue Writing Committee is charged with reviewing, updating, and categorizing indications for the evidence-based use of therapeutic apheresis in human disease. Since the 2007 JCA Special Issue (Fourth Edition), the Committee has incorporated systematic review and evidence-based approaches in the grading and categorization of apheresis indications. This Seventh Edition of the JCA Special Issue continues to maintain this methodology and rigor to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases/conditions. The JCA Seventh Edition, like its predecessor, has consistently applied the category and grading system definitions in the fact sheets. The general layout and concept of a fact sheet that was used since the fourth edition has largely been maintained in this edition. Each fact sheet succinctly summarizes the evidence for the use of therapeutic apheresis in a specific disease entity. The Seventh Edition discusses 87 fact sheets (14 new fact sheets since the Sixth Edition) for therapeutic apheresis diseases and medical conditions, with 179 indications, which are separately graded and categorized within the listed fact sheets. Several diseases that are Category IV which have been described in detail in previous editions and do not have significant new evidence since the last publication are summarized in a separate table. The Seventh Edition of the JCA Special Issue serves as a key resource that guides the utilization of therapeutic apheresis in the treatment of human disease. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:149-162, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Schwartz
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Anand Padmanabhan
- Blood Center of Wisconsin, Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Nicole Aqui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rasheed A Balogun
- Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Laura Connelly-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Meghan Delaney
- Bloodworks Northwest, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nancy M Dunbar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Volker Witt
- Department for Pediatrics, St. Anna Kinderspital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yanyun Wu
- Bloodworks Northwest, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Beth H Shaz
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.,New York Blood Center, Department of Pathology.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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120
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Lipka AF, Vrinten C, van Zwet EW, Schimmel KJ, Cornel MC, Kuijpers MR, Hekster YA, Weinreich SS, Verschuuren JJ. Ephedrine treatment for autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Neuromuscul Disord 2017; 27:259-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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121
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Verschuuren J, Strijbos E, Vincent A. Neuromuscular junction disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2017; 133:447-66. [PMID: 27112691 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63432-0.00024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the neuromuscular junction comprise a wide range of disorders. Antibodies, genetic mutations, specific drugs or toxins interfere with the number or function of one of the essential proteins that control signaling between the presynaptic nerve ending and the postsynaptic muscle membrane. Acquired autoimmune disorders of the neuromuscular junction are the most common and are described here. In myasthenia gravis, antibodies to acetylcholine receptors or to proteins involved in receptor clustering, particularly muscle-specific kinase, cause direct loss of acetylcholine receptors or interfere with the agrin-induced acetylcholine receptor clustering necessary for efficient neurotransmission. In the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), loss of the presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels results in reduced release of the acetylcholine transmitter. The conditions are generally recognizable clinically and the diagnosis confirmed by serologic testing and electromyography. Screening for thymomas in myasthenia or small cell cancer in LEMS is important. Fortunately, a wide range of symptomatic treatments, immunosuppressive drugs, or other immunomodulating therapies is available. Future research is directed to understanding the pathogenesis, discovering new antigens, and trying to develop disease-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Verschuuren
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Ellen Strijbos
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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122
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils E Gilhus
- From the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, and the Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital - both in Bergen, Norway
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123
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Perez EE, Orange JS, Bonilla F, Chinen J, Chinn IK, Dorsey M, El-Gamal Y, Harville TO, Hossny E, Mazer B, Nelson R, Secord E, Jordan SC, Stiehm ER, Vo AA, Ballow M. Update on the use of immunoglobulin in human disease: A review of evidence. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 139:S1-S46. [PMID: 28041678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 371] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human immunoglobulin preparations for intravenous or subcutaneous administration are the cornerstone of treatment in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases affecting the humoral immune system. Intravenous preparations have a number of important uses in the treatment of other diseases in humans as well, some for which acceptable treatment alternatives do not exist. We provide an update of the evidence-based guideline on immunoglobulin therapy, last published in 2006. Given the potential risks and inherent scarcity of human immunoglobulin, careful consideration of its indications and administration is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena E Perez
- Allergy Associates of the Palm Beaches, North Palm Beach, Fla.
| | - Jordan S Orange
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Immunology Allergy and Rheumatology, Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Francisco Bonilla
- Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Immunology Program, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Javier Chinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Immunology Allergy and Rheumatology, Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Ivan K Chinn
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Immunology Allergy and Rheumatology, Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Morna Dorsey
- Department of Pediatrics, Allergy, Immunology and BMT Division, Benioff Children's Hospital and University of California, San Francisco, Calif
| | - Yehia El-Gamal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Unit, Children's Hospital and Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Terry O Harville
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Services and Pediatrics, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, Ark
| | - Elham Hossny
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Unit, Children's Hospital and Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Bruce Mazer
- Department of Pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology, Montreal Children's Hospital and McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert Nelson
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Riley Hospital, Indiana University School of Medicine and the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Ind
| | - Elizabeth Secord
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Mich
| | - Stanley C Jordan
- Nephrology & Transplant Immunology, Kidney Transplant Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - E Richard Stiehm
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Ashley A Vo
- Transplant Immunotherapy Program, Comprehensive Transplant Center, Kidney Transplant Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Mark Ballow
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy & Immunology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, Fla
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124
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Andersen JB, Gilhus NE, Sanders DB. Factors affecting outcome in myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2016; 54:1041-1049. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.25205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jintana B. Andersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine; University of Bergen; Jonas Lies vei 87 5021 Bergen Norway
| | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine; University of Bergen; Jonas Lies vei 87 5021 Bergen Norway
- Department of Neurology; Haukeland University Hospital; Bergen Norway
| | - Donald B. Sanders
- Department of Neurology; Duke University Medical Center; Durham North Carolina USA
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125
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The Effect of Immunonutrition on the Postoperative Complications in Thymoma with Myasthenia Gravis. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:8781740. [PMID: 27956763 PMCID: PMC5121463 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8781740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Object. To test whether preoperative immunonutrition is efficacious in reducing postoperative complications in patients of thymoma with myasthenia gravis (MG). Material and Methods. A total of 244 patients operated on for thymoma with myasthenia gravis were prospectively assigned to two groups, each receiving seven-day preoperative and seven-day postoperative nutrition. The patients in immunonutrition group were given oral immunonutrition (IN). The patients in control group received oral standard nutrition. Immunonutritional and inflammatory biomarkers (IgA, IgG, IgM, CD3t, CD4t, CD8t, CD4t/CD8t ratio, NK-cell, prealbumin, albumin, white blood cells counts, and C-reactive protein) and clinical variables (age, gender, BMI, performance status, type of thymoma, type of MG, operative time, pathology, operative approach, postoperative complications, quantity of drainage, hospital stays) were examined. Results. A significant reduction in the length of hospital stay, quantity of drainage, and postoperative complications was observed in the IN group (p < 0.05). An increase in the level of IgA, IgG, IgM, CD3+T, CD4+T, CD4+T/CD8+T, WBC, CRP, and NK-cell in the IN group was observed after thymectomy, while a decrease was seen with regard to prealbumin and albumin (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Preoperative immunonutrition support is effective in reducing postoperative complications in patients of thymoma with MG. It helps to lower the risk of postoperative infectious complications and hospital stays.
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126
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Lee JI, Jander S. Myasthenia gravis: recent advances in immunopathology and therapy. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 17:287-299. [PMID: 27690672 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1241144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John-Ih Lee
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Jander
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
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127
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Totzeck A, Mummel P, Kastrup O, Hagenacker T. Clinical Features of Neuromuscular Disorders in Patients with N-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Antibodies. Eur J Transl Myol 2016; 26:5962. [PMID: 28078065 PMCID: PMC5220212 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2016.5962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular junction disorders affect the pre- or postsynaptic nerve to muscle transmission due to autoimmune antibodies. Members of the group like myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton syndrome have pathophysiologically distinct characteristics. However, in practice, distinction may be difficult. We present a series of three patients with a myasthenic syndrome, dropped-head syndrome, bulbar and respiratory muscle weakness and positive testing for anti-N-type voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies. In two cases anti-acetylcholin receptor antibodies were elevated, anti-P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies were negative. All patients initially responded to pyridostigmine with a non-response in the course of the disease. While one patient recovered well after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins, 3,4-diaminopyridine, steroids and later on immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil, a second died after restriction of treatment due to unfavorable cancer diagnosis, the third patient declined treatment. Although new antibodies causing neuromuscular disorders were discovered, clinical distinction has not yet been made. Our patients showed features of pre- and postsynaptic myasthenic syndrome as well as severe dropped-head syndrome and bulbar and axial muscle weakness, but only anti-N-type voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies were positive. When administered, one patient benefited from 3,4-diaminopyridine. We suggest that this overlap-syndrome should be considered especially in patients with assumed seronegative myasthenia gravis and lack of improvement under standard therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Totzeck
- Department of Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen , Germany
| | - Petra Mummel
- Department of Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen , Germany
| | - Oliver Kastrup
- Department of Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen , Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen , Germany
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128
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Hong Y, Li HF, Skeie GO, Romi F, Hao HJ, Zhang X, Gao X, Owe JF, Gilhus NE. Autoantibody profile and clinical characteristics in a cohort of Chinese adult myasthenia gravis patients. J Neuroimmunol 2016; 298:51-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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129
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Melzer N, Ruck T, Fuhr P, Gold R, Hohlfeld R, Marx A, Melms A, Tackenberg B, Schalke B, Schneider-Gold C, Zimprich F, Meuth SG, Wiendl H. Clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment of myasthenia gravis: a supplement to the Guidelines of the German Neurological Society. J Neurol 2016; 263:1473-94. [PMID: 26886206 PMCID: PMC4971048 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8045-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune antibody-mediated disorder of neuromuscular synaptic transmission. The clinical hallmark of MG consists of fluctuating fatigability and weakness affecting ocular, bulbar and (proximal) limb skeletal muscle groups. MG may either occur as an autoimmune disease with distinct immunogenetic characteristics or as a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with tumors of the thymus. Impairment of central thymic and peripheral self-tolerance mechanisms in both cases is thought to favor an autoimmune CD4(+) T cell-mediated B cell activation and synthesis of pathogenic high-affinity autoantibodies of either the IgG1 and 3 or IgG4 subclass. These autoantibodies bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AchR) itself, or muscle-specific tyrosine-kinase (MuSK), lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) and agrin involved in clustering of AchRs within the postsynaptic membrane and structural maintenance of the neuromuscular synapse. This results in disturbance of neuromuscular transmission and thus clinical manifestation of the disease. Emphasizing evidence from clinical trials, we provide an updated overview on immunopathogenesis, and derived current and future treatment strategies for MG divided into: (a) symptomatic treatments facilitating neuromuscular transmission, (b) antibody-depleting treatments, and
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Melzer
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Peter Fuhr
- Department of Neurology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Reinhard Hohlfeld
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Arthur Melms
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Björn Tackenberg
- Department of Neurology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Berthold Schalke
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Fritz Zimprich
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
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130
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neurologists working in the hospital are often called to evaluate patients with severe muscle weakness. Some of these patients can develop ventilatory compromise and require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). This article reviews the general evaluation of neuromuscular respiratory failure, discusses its differential diagnosis, and provides practical advice on the management of its most common causes. RECENT FINDINGS Determining the cause of acute neuromuscular respiratory failure is crucial because functional prognosis is poor in patients for whom the cause cannot be defined. The differential diagnosis is extensive, but the first step is to discriminate between cases related to a primary neurologic disease (primary neuromuscular respiratory failure) and those provoked by systemic disease, most often critical illness from sepsis and multiorgan failure (secondary neuromuscular respiratory failure). Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and myasthenic crisis are the two most frequent causes of primary neuromuscular respiratory failure. Although they are both autoimmune conditions that benefit from the administration of plasma exchange or IV immunoglobulin (IVIg), they are otherwise very different disorders with unique features and distinct complications. Optimal strategies for mechanical ventilation also differ between these two conditions; while myasthenic crisis is ideally managed with noninvasive bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation, GBS demands early intubation. SUMMARY Prompt recognition of neuromuscular respiratory failure can be lifesaving, and identification of its cause has substantial prognostic implications. Adequate management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary team with the neurologist at its center, not only to guide the diagnostic evaluation but often also to prescribe the optimal management.
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131
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Sanders DB, Wolfe GI, Benatar M, Evoli A, Gilhus NE, Illa I, Kuntz N, Massey JM, Melms A, Murai H, Nicolle M, Palace J, Richman DP, Verschuuren J, Narayanaswami P. International consensus guidance for management of myasthenia gravis: Executive summary. Neurology 2016; 87:419-25. [PMID: 27358333 PMCID: PMC4977114 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 597] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To develop formal consensus-based guidance for the management of myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: In October 2013, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America appointed a Task Force to develop treatment guidance for MG, and a panel of 15 international experts was convened. The RAND/UCLA appropriateness methodology was used to develop consensus guidance statements. Definitions were developed for goals of treatment, minimal manifestations, remission, ocular MG, impending crisis, crisis, and refractory MG. An in-person panel meeting then determined 7 treatment topics to be addressed. Initial guidance statements were developed from literature summaries. Three rounds of anonymous e-mail votes were used to attain consensus on guidance statements modified on the basis of panel input. Results: Guidance statements were developed for symptomatic and immunosuppressive treatments, IV immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, management of impending and manifest myasthenic crisis, thymectomy, juvenile MG, MG associated with antibodies to muscle-specific tyrosine kinase, and MG in pregnancy. Conclusion: This is an international formal consensus of MG experts intended to be a guide for clinicians caring for patients with MG worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Sanders
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA.
| | - Gil I Wolfe
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Michael Benatar
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Amelia Evoli
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Nils E Gilhus
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Isabel Illa
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Nancy Kuntz
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Janice M Massey
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Arthur Melms
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Hiroyuki Murai
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Michael Nicolle
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Jacqueline Palace
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - David P Richman
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Jan Verschuuren
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
| | - Pushpa Narayanaswami
- From the Department of Neurology (D.B.S., J.M.M.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC; Department of Neurology (G.I.W.), University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York; Department of Neurology (M.B.), University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, FL; Department of Neurology (A.E.), Catholic University, Rome, Italy; Department of Clinical Medicine (N.E.G.), University of Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology (I.I.), Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERER U762 (I.I.), Barcelona, Spain; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology (N.K.), Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL; Neurologische Klinik (A.M.), Universitätsklinikum Erlangen; Hertie Institute for Clinical Research (A.M.), University of Tübingen, Germany; Department of Neurological Therapeutics (H.M.), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences (M.N.), Western University, London, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurology (J.P.), John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Neurology (D.P.R.), University of California, Davis, CA; Department of Neurology (J.V.), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School (P.N.), Boston, MA
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Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. J Clin Apher 2016; 31:163-202. [PMID: 27322219 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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133
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Xie Y, Meng Y, Li HF, Hong Y, Sun L, Zhu X, Yue YX, Gao X, Wang S, Li Y, Kusner LL, Kaminski HJ. GRgene polymorphism is associated with inter-subject variability in response to glucocorticoids in patients with myasthenia gravis. Eur J Neurol 2016; 23:1372-9. [PMID: 27185333 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Xie
- Department of Neurology; Beijing Friendship Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing China
- Department of Neurology; George Washington University; Washington DC USA
| | - Y. Meng
- Department of Pathology; Peking Union Medical College Hospital; Chinese Academy of Medical Science; Beijing China
| | - H.-F. Li
- Department of Neurology; Qilu Hospital of Shandong University; Jinan China
| | - Y. Hong
- Department of Neurology; Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University; Qingdao China
| | - L. Sun
- Key Laboratory of Geriatrics; Beijing Hospital and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Ministry of Health; Beijing China
| | - X. Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Geriatrics; Beijing Hospital and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Ministry of Health; Beijing China
| | - Y.-X. Yue
- Department of Neurology; Qilu Hospital of Shandong University; Jinan China
| | - X. Gao
- Department of Neurology; Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University; Qingdao China
| | - S. Wang
- Department of Neurology; Beijing Friendship Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing China
| | - Y. Li
- Department of Neurology; Beijing Friendship Hospital; Capital Medical University; Beijing China
| | - L. L. Kusner
- Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology; George Washington University; Washington DC USA
| | - H. J. Kaminski
- Department of Neurology; George Washington University; Washington DC USA
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Li HF, Hong Y, Xie Y, Hao HJ, Sun RC. Precision medicine in myasthenia graves: begin from the data precision. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 4:106. [PMID: 27127759 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2016.02.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypic autoimmune disease with overt clinical and immunological heterogeneity. The data of MG is far from individually precise now, partially due to the rarity and heterogeneity of this disease. In this review, we provide the basic insights of MG data precision, including onset age, presenting symptoms, generalization, thymus status, pathogenic autoantibodies, muscle involvement, severity and response to treatment based on references and our previous studies. Subgroups and quantitative traits of MG are discussed in the sense of data precision. The role of disease registries and scientific bases of precise analysis are also discussed to ensure better collection and analysis of MG data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Feng Li
- 1 Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 2 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ; 3 Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA ; 4 Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China ; 5 College of Information and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yu Hong
- 1 Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 2 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ; 3 Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA ; 4 Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China ; 5 College of Information and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yanchen Xie
- 1 Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 2 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ; 3 Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA ; 4 Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China ; 5 College of Information and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hong-Jun Hao
- 1 Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 2 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ; 3 Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA ; 4 Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China ; 5 College of Information and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Ren-Cheng Sun
- 1 Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China ; 2 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ; 3 Department of Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA ; 4 Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China ; 5 College of Information and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
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135
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Myasthenia gravis — autoantibody characteristics and their implications for therapy. Nat Rev Neurol 2016; 12:259-68. [DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Gotaas HT, Skeie GO, Gilhus NE. Myasthenia gravis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A pathogenic overlap. Neuromuscul Disord 2016; 26:337-41. [PMID: 27102003 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to examine potential joint disease mechanisms for myasthenia gravis (MG) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through the examination of long-term patient cohorts for comorbidity. Recent studies support early involvement of the neuromuscular junction in ALS patients with subsequent degeneration of motor neurons. Medical records at Haukeland University Hospital from 1987 to 2012 were examined for International Classification of Diseases diagnostic codes for MG and ALS. Sera were re-tested for antibodies to acetylcholine receptor, titin, MuSK and GM1. We report one patient with both MG and ALS, and another 3 patients with suggestive evidence of both conditions. This is far more than expected from prevalence and incidence figures in this area if the disorders were unrelated. Our data suggest that immunological mechanisms in the neuromuscular junction are relevant in ALS pathogenesis. Attention should be given to possible therapeutic targets in the neuromuscular junction and muscle in ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Håvard Torvik Gotaas
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Geir Olve Skeie
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Oh SJ, Shcherbakova N, Kostera-Pruszczyk A, Alsharabati M, Dimachkie M, Blanco JM, Brannagan T, Lavrnić D, Shieh PB, Vial C, Meisel A, Komoly S, Schoser B, Sivakumar K, So Y. Amifampridine phosphate (Firdapse®) is effective and safe in a phase 3 clinical trial in LEMS. Muscle Nerve 2016; 53:717-25. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.25070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shin J Oh
- Department of Neurology; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham Alabama USA
| | | | | | - Mohammad Alsharabati
- Department of Neurology; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham Alabama USA
| | | | | | | | - Dragana Lavrnić
- Clinical Center of Serbia, Clinic of Neurology; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Perry B Shieh
- Department of Neurology, University of California; Los Angeles California USA
| | - Christophe Vial
- Hospital of Lyon, ENMG Service and Neuromuscular Pathology Hospital; Lyon France
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Charite Universitatsmedizin Berlin-NeuroCure Clinical Research Center; Berlin Germany
| | - Samuel Komoly
- University of Pécs, Department of Neurology; Pécs Hungary
| | - Benedikt Schoser
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Friedrich-Baur-Institute; Munich Germany
| | | | - Yuen So
- Stanford University; Stanford California USA
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Comparison of CT and chemical-shift MRI for differentiating thymoma from non-thymomatous conditions in myasthenia gravis: value of qualitative and quantitative assessment. Clin Radiol 2016; 71:e157-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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139
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Živković S. Intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of neurologic disorders. Acta Neurol Scand 2016; 133:84-96. [PMID: 25997034 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are often used in the treatment of autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiencies, and it has been estimated that neurologic indications can account for up to 43% of IVIG used in clinical practice. In neurologic clinical practice, IVIG is used for acute therapy of newly diagnosed autoimmune disorders or exacerbations of pre-existing conditions, or as long-term maintenance treatment for chronic disorders. IVIG exerts its effects on humoral and cell-based immunity through multiple pathways, without a single dominant mechanism. Clinical use of IVIG has been supported by guidelines from American Academy of Neurology and European Federation of Neurologic Societies. IVIG is generally recommended for the treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in adults, multifocal motor neuropathy and myasthenia gravis, and should be considered as a treatment option for dermatomyositis in adults and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Additional potential indications include stiff person syndrome, multiple sclerosis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, refractory autoimmune epilepsy, and paraneoplastic disorders. Clinical use of IVIG is mostly safe but few adverse effects may still occur with potentially severe complications, including aseptic meningitis and thromboembolism. In addition to intravenous route (IVIG), subcutaneous immunoglobulins have been used as an alternative treatment option, especially in patients with limited intravenous access. Treatment with IVIG is effective in various autoimmune diseases, but its broader use is constrained by limited supply. This review evaluates the use of immunoglobulins in treatment of neurologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Živković
- Department of Neurology; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Pittsburgh PA USA
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Lee HE, Kim YH, Kim SM, Shin HY. Clinical Significance of Repetitive Compound Muscle Action Potentials in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Predictor for Cholinergic Side Effects of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. J Clin Neurol 2016; 12:482-488. [PMID: 27819419 PMCID: PMC5063876 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2016.12.4.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are widely used to treat myasthenia gravis (MG). Although AChEIs are usually tolerated well, some MG patients suffer from side effects. Furthermore, a small proportion of MG patients show cholinergic hypersensitivity and cannot tolerate AChEIs. Because repetitive compound muscle action potentials (R-CMAPs) are an electrophysiologic feature of cholinergic neuromuscular hyperactivity, we investigated the clinical characteristics of MG patients with R-CMAPs to identify their clinical usefulness in therapeutic decision-making. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and electrodiagnostic findings of MG patients who underwent electrodiagnostic studies and diagnostic neostigmine testing (NT). Results Among 71 MG patients, 9 could not tolerate oral pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and 17 experienced side effects of PB. R-CMAPs developed in 24 patients after NT. The highest daily dose of PB was lower in the patients with R-CMAPs (240 mg/day vs. 480 mg/day, p<0.001). The frequencies of PB intolerance and side effects were higher in the patients with R-CMAPs than in those without R-CMAPs [37.5% vs. 0% (p<0.001) and 45.8% vs. 12.8% (p=0.002), respectively]. The MG Foundation of America postintervention status did not differ significantly between MG patients with and without R-CMAPs, and the response to immunotherapy was also good in both groups. Conclusions Side effects of and intolerance to AChEIs are more common in MG patients with R-CMAPs than in those without R-CMAPs. AChEIs should be used carefully in MG patients with R-CMAPs. The presence of R-CMAPs after NT may be a good indicator of the risks of PB side effects and intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Eun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Keimyung University Kyungju Dongsan Hospital, Gyeongju, Korea
| | - Yool-hee Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Min Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha Young Shin
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Hu MY, Stathopoulos P, O'connor KC, Pittock SJ, Nowak RJ. Current and future immunotherapy targets in autoimmune neurology. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2016; 133:511-36. [PMID: 27112694 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63432-0.00027-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Randomized controlled treatment trials of autoimmune neurologic disorders are generally lacking and data pertaining to treatment are mostly derived from expert opinion, large case series, and anecdotal reports. The treatment of autoimmune neurologic disorders comprises oncologic therapy (where appropriate) and immunotherapy. In this chapter, we first describe the standard acute and chronic immunotherapies and provide a practical overview of their use in the clinic (mechanisms of action, dosing, monitoring, and side effects). Novel approaches to treatment of autoimmune neurologic disorders, through new drug discovery or repurposing, are dependent on improved mechanistic understanding of immunopathology. Such approaches, with emphasis on monoclonal antibodies, are discussed using the paradigm of three autoimmune neurologic disorders whose immunopathogenesis is better understood, specifically myasthenia gravis, neuromyelitis optica, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. It is important to realize that the treatment strategy and management plan must be individualized for each patient. In general these are influenced by the following: clinical severity, antibody type, presence or absence of cancer, and prior treatment response, if known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Y Hu
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Kevin C O'connor
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Sean J Pittock
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine/Pathology and Neurology, Mayo Clinic, College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Richard J Nowak
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Gilhus NE, Kerty E, Løseth S, Mygland Å, Tallaksen C. Myasthenia gravis – diagnostikk og behandling. TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2016; 136:1089-94. [DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.15.1259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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144
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Schneider I, Kornhuber ME, Hanisch F. Long-term observation of incremental response and antibodies to voltage-gated calcium channels in patients with Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome: two case reports. J Med Case Rep 2015; 9:59. [PMID: 25885033 PMCID: PMC4376498 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-015-0524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular transmission due to the presence of antibodies to presynaptic P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels. The gold standard of therapy is the potassium channel blocker 3,4-diaminopyridine. To the best of our knowledge, no clinical reports have been published to date about long-term follow-up outcomes in patients who discontinued 3,4-diaminopyridine therapy. In addition, we know of no recent articles in which the natural history in patients with autoimmune-mediated Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome has been addressed. In this report, we describe the cases of two such patients. Case presentation Patient 1 was a Caucasian man who had been diagnosed at age 15 years with Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome with symptoms of fluctuating muscle weakness and easy fatigability. These symptoms stabilized, and his electrophysiological parameters normalized, during treatment with a maintenance dose of 50mg/day of 3,4-diaminopyridine. After 5.5 years, however, he wished to discontinue the treatment. After that point, his electrophysiological parameters and presynaptic P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium-channel antibody titer remained stable. During the 15-year follow-up period, patient 1 reported mild exertion-induced complaints but did not feel restricted in his occupation and most daily activities. Patient 2 was a Caucasian man diagnosed at 32 years of age with a moderate limb girdle syndrome. He was treated with up to 80mg/day of 3,4-diaminopyridine. Because of the drug’s very short-lasting effect (<1 hour), however, he took it mostly irregularly (≤1×20mg/day). During the 14- year period of observation, his repetitive nerve stimulation responses and presynaptic P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium-channel antibody titer remained stable, his compound muscle action potential amplitudes were decreasing and his clinical symptoms did not deteriorate. At his last follow-up examination, patient 2 was independent in all of his daily activities. Conclusion Some patients with autoimmune-mediated Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome show a stable clinical long-term course without treatment. The benefit of each long-term therapy should be critically assessed during follow-up, and possible side effects should be balanced against the quality of life in these patients.
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Abstract
Introduction Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction, clinically characterized by proximal muscle weakness and autonomic changes. LEMS is often associated with an underlying tumor (paraneoplastic form) but also occurs in the absence of cancer (idiopathic form). Treatment consists of immunomodulation (immunosuppression), anticancer treatment when carcinoma is present, and symptomatic treatment [acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and potassium channel blockers, e.g., amifampridine (3,4-diaminopyridine, i.e., 3,4-DAP), to improve neurotransmission]. Although there has long been information from case reports, several randomized controlled trials, and treatment guidelines, population data are still scarce. Methods The LEMS patient registry was launched in the European community in mid-2010 as a voluntary, multinational, observational, non-interventional program to collect structured empirical data on clinical course, treatment utilization, and safety and efficacy from the use of LEMS-specific treatments. Results Sixty-nine patients have been enrolled [36 males, 32 females, 1 gender not reported; mean age 61.5 (27–84) years]. Eighteen patients (26%) were diagnosed with an associated carcinoma. At the time of enrollment, the majority of patients (65%) were receiving amifampridine [either compounded 3,4-DAP (22%) or 3,4-DAP phosphate, Firdapse® (43%)]. At enrollment, most patients demonstrate a profile of mild-to-moderate deficits in daily functioning but generally have good muscle strength, albeit with reduced deep tendon reflexes, frequent ataxia during walking, and signs of autonomic dysfunction including dry mouth, bladder dysfunction, and constipation. Conclusion The LEMS European Union registry will continue to enroll patients and periodically report the accrued longitudinal data obtained on clinical assessments and laboratory findings, treatment practices, the safety and efficacy of treatment approaches, and long-term clinical outcomes. Funding BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Novato, CA, USA. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40120-015-0034-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Chen P, Feng H, Deng J, Luo Y, Qiu L, Ou C, Liu W. Leflunomide treatment in corticosteroid-dependent myasthenia gravis: an open-label pilot study. J Neurol 2015; 263:83-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-015-7944-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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147
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McGurgan IJ, McGuigan C. Nonmelanoma skin cancer risk awareness in azathioprine-treated myasthenia gravis patients. Brain Behav 2015; 5:e00396. [PMID: 26516615 PMCID: PMC4614050 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increased rates of NMSC (nonmelanoma skin cancer) have recently been reported in people with MG (myasthenia gravis) receiving azathioprine treatment. Guidelines on azathioprine for patients with dermatological and gastrointestinal disorders stress the importance of NMSC risk awareness and prevention. The aim of this study is to assess whether MG patients are being informed of this risk. METHODS Clinical records of patients with MG attending a university hospital neurology clinic were reviewed. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, azathioprine treatment, development of NMSC, and counseling regarding NMSC risk were recorded. RESULTS Sixty-nine MG cases were identified, median age 58 years (range 20-90). Forty-two (60.9%) had received azathioprine at some point with a mean cumulative dose of 235.5 g (range 9.1-972.8 g). Skin cancer risk and prevention advice provision was documented in 3 (7.1%) azathioprine-treated patients. Five patients developed histologically confirmed NMSC of whom all were treated with azathioprine (incidence rate of 24.9 per 1000, 16 times higher than expected). Documented advice on other safety issues such as regular blood test monitoring was found in 33 (78.8%) azathioprine-treated cases. CONCLUSIONS Preventative measures such as daily sunscreen use have been shown to reduce the incidence of NMSC in the general population. The results of this study demonstrate a very low rate of advice provision about NMSC risk in azathioprine-treated MG patients and the need for increased awareness among treating neurologists and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain J McGurgan
- Department of Neurology St. Vincent's University Hospital Elm Park Dublin 4 Ireland
| | - Christopher McGuigan
- Department of Neurology St. Vincent's University Hospital Elm Park Dublin 4 Ireland
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Generali JA, Cada DJ. Immune Globulin Intravenous: Myasthenia Gravis (Acute Exacerbation). Hosp Pharm 2015; 50:773-5. [DOI: 10.1310/hpj5009-773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce A. Generali
- Hospital Pharmacy, Emeritus, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Kansas, School of Pharmacy, Kansas City/Lawrence, Kansas
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149
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Myasthenia gravis: subgroup classification and therapeutic strategies. Lancet Neurol 2015; 14:1023-36. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(15)00145-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 563] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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150
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Bembeeva RT, Zavadenko NN. [Intravenous immunoglobulin in treatment of autoimmune neurological diseases in children]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2015; 115:83-93. [PMID: 26356621 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20151156183-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Though the mechanisms of action of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are not completely understood, these drugs are widely used in treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we have analyzed the literature on the use of IVIG in the treatment of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system in children and discuss the management of patients basing on the recommendation of the European Federation of Neurological Societies. The efficacy of IVIG in children has been shown as first line treatment in Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, dermatomyositis as a second-line drug in the combination with prednisolone or immunosuppressors in patients refractory to treatment with corticosteroids and cytostatics, myasthenic crisis in myasthenia gravis, exacerbations and short-term treatment of severe forms, non-responsiveness to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, multiple sclerosis as second or third line of treatment in patients with relapsing-remitting course with intolerance to standard immunomodulatory therapy, acute multiple encephalomyelitis with no response to the treatment with high doses of corticosteroids, paraneoplastic syndromes, pharmacoresistant epilepsy and autoimmune encephalitis. Because the right choice of the drug plays a key role, in particular, in children, that determines the efficacy and safety of the treatment, we present the main approaches to the choice of the drug and schemes of treatment of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ts Bembeeva
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow
| | - N N Zavadenko
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow
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