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Spicer AR, Reyes CZA, Varade PM. Acute Respiratory Failure Resulting From Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e59516. [PMID: 38826943 PMCID: PMC11144040 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare neuromuscular junction disorder due to auto-antibodies against presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC). The typical manifestation of LEMS is proximal muscle weakness, autonomic dysfunction, and areflexia; however, an atypical manifestation of LEMS is weakness of respiratory muscles, leading to acute respiratory failure. Herein, we describe a case of acute respiratory failure resulting from LEMS. Our patient was a 63-year-old woman with a past medical history of metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who presented with ambulatory dysfunction, dysarthria, and progressive dyspnea. She was intubated because of hypoxia and developed acute respiratory failure without a clear pulmonary etiology, raising the suspicion of a neuromuscular junction disorder. She was diagnosed with LEMS with a positive paraneoplastic panel for VGCC antibodies, confirmed by electromyography and nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS), and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). The patient's hospital stay was complicated by pneumonia, and comfort care was ultimately pursued. Our case highlights the importance of considering LEMS in patients presenting with isolated respiratory muscle weakness without focal neurological deficits. To our knowledge, this is the first report to review all reported cases of LEMS with resultant respiratory failure. We aim to establish the association of LEMS with respiratory failure so that appropriate treatment is initiated as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Spicer
- Neurology, University of South Florida (USF) Health, Tampa, USA
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2
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Budhram A, Sechi E. Antibodies to neural cell surface and synaptic proteins in paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 200:347-364. [PMID: 38494289 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823912-4.00006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Among patients with paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS), emphasis has historically been placed on neural antibodies against intracellular proteins that have a strong association with malignancy. Because of the intracellular location of their antigenic targets, these antibodies are typically considered to be non-pathogenic surrogate markers of immune cell-mediated neural injury. Unfortunately, patients with these antibodies often have suboptimal response to immunotherapy and poor prognosis. Over the last two decades, however, dramatic advancements have been made in the discovery and clinical characterization of neural antibodies against extracellular targets. These antibodies are generally considered to be pathogenic, given their potential to directly alter antigen structure or function, and patients with these antibodies often respond favorably to prompt immunotherapy. These antibodies also associate with tumors and may thus occur as PNS, albeit more variably than neural antibodies against intracellular targets. The updated 2021 PNS diagnostic criteria, which classifies antibodies as high-risk, intermediate-risk, or lower-risk for an associated cancer, better clarifies how neural antibodies against extracellular targets relate to PNS. Using this recently created framework, the clinical presentations, ancillary test findings, oncologic associations, and treatment responses of syndromes associated with these antibodies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Budhram
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Elia Sechi
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Lipka AF, Verschuuren JJGM. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 200:307-325. [PMID: 38494285 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823912-4.00012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by proximal muscle weakness, loss of tendon reflexes, and autonomic dysfunction. Muscle weakness usually starts in the upper legs and can progress to oculobulbar and in severe cases respiratory muscles. P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) localized in the presynaptic motor nerve terminal and in the autonomic nervous system are targeted by antibodies in LEMS patients. These antibodies can be detected in about 90% of patients, and the presence of decrement and increment upon repetitive nerve stimulation is also a highly sensitive diagnostic test. Rapid diagnosis is important because of the association with SCLC in 50%-60% of patients, which stresses the need for vigorous tumor screening after diagnosis. Clinical parameters can predict tumor probability and guide frequency of tumor screening. Treatment of the tumor as well as symptomatic treatment and immunosuppression can effectively control symptoms in the majority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F Lipka
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, The Netherlands.
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Viveiros L, Martins SR, Pires SX, Neves J. Paraneoplastic Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: a diagnostic challenge. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e250947. [PMID: 36707096 PMCID: PMC9884852 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare neuromuscular junction disorder. Underlying small cell lung cancer is found in more than half of patients. Proximal muscle weakness, autonomic features and areflexia are typical manifestations. However, LEMS is often misdiagnosed. We report a rare case of paraneoplastic LEMS, identified amid admission due to a different diagnosis. Our patient was initially admitted due to aspiration pneumonia. Further investigation revealed clinical and electrophysiological manifestations of LEMS. High clinical suspicion and early diagnostic workup were paramount in the patient outcome. Nevertheless, paraneoplastic aetiology was difficult to confirm and revealed itself a difficult challenge. Clinical awareness is crucial to diagnose LEMS and urge cancer screening and early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Viveiros
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Raquel Martins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Xavier Pires
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, EPE, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Neves
- Department of Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, EPE, Porto, Portugal
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Younger DS. Critical illness-associated weakness and related motor disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 195:707-777. [PMID: 37562893 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98818-6.00031-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Weakness of limb and respiratory muscles that occurs in the course of critical illness has become an increasingly common and serious complication of adult and pediatric intensive care unit patients and a cause of prolonged ventilatory support, morbidity, and prolonged hospitalization. Two motor disorders that occur singly or together, namely critical illness polyneuropathy and critical illness myopathy, cause weakness of limb and of breathing muscles, making it difficult to be weaned from ventilatory support, commencing rehabilitation, and extending the length of stay in the intensive care unit, with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Recovery can take weeks or months and in severe cases, and may be incomplete or absent. Recent findings suggest an improved prognosis of critical illness myopathy compared to polyneuropathy. Prevention and treatment are therefore very important. Its management requires an integrated team approach commencing with neurologic consultation, creatine kinase (CK) measurement, detailed electrodiagnostic, respiratory and neuroimaging studies, and potentially muscle biopsy to elucidate the etiopathogenesis of the weakness in the peripheral and/or central nervous system, for which there may be a variety of causes. These tenets of care are being applied to new cases and survivors of the coronavirus-2 disease pandemic of 2019. This chapter provides an update to the understanding and approach to critical illness motor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
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Yoshikawa H, Adachi Y, Nakamura Y, Kuriyama N, Murai H, Nomura Y, Sakai Y, Iwasa K, Furukawa Y, Kuwabara S, Matsui M. Nationwide survey of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in Japan. BMJ Neurol Open 2022; 4:e000291. [PMID: 36110924 PMCID: PMC9445827 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2022-000291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There was no nationwide epidemiological study of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in Japan; therefore, we conducted a nationwide survey. Methods For the first survey, we sent survey sheets to randomly selected medical departments (n=7545) to obtain the number of LEMS who visited medical departments between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2017. For the second survey, we sent survey sheets to the corresponding medical departments to obtain clinical information on LEMS. Results We received 2708 responses (recovery rate: 35.9%) to the first survey. We estimated the number of LEMS as 348 (95% CI 247 to 449). The prevalence was 2.7 (95% CI 1.9 to 3.5) in 1 000 000 population. As a result of the second survey, we obtained 30 case records of 16 men and 14 women. Fourteen patients (46.7%) had a tumour, and 10 out of 14 tumours were small-cell lung carcinoma (71.4%). There was a predominance of men in the LEMS with tumour (paraneoplastic LEMS, P-LEMS) (n=11, 78.6%) and women in the LEMS without tumour (a primary autoimmune form of LEMS, AI-LEMS) (n=11, 68.8%) (p=0.0136). The onset age (mean (SD)) for the P-LEMS was 67.1 (9.0), and that for AI-LEMS was 57.8 (11.2) years old (p=0.0103). The disease duration (median) for P-LEMS was 2 years, and for AI-LEMS was 7.5 years (p=0.0134). Conclusions The prevalence of LEMS in Japan is similar to that in other countries. There are predominances of men in P-LEMS and women in AI-LEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Yoshikawa
- Health Service Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yumi Adachi
- Health Service Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | | | - Nagato Kuriyama
- Department of Social Health Medicine, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology for Community Health and Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Murai
- Neurology, International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Nomura
- Pediatric Neurology, Yoshiko Nomura Neurological Clinic for Children, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunari Sakai
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuo Iwasa
- Health Science, Ishikawa Prefectural Nursing University, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yutaka Furukawa
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology of Aging, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsui
- Neurology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa, Japan
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Zhang J, Huang X, Shi Q. Autonomic dysfunction detected by skin sympathetic response in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: a case report. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:106. [PMID: 35305594 PMCID: PMC8933941 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02625-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a type of paraneoplastic syndrome that may initially manifest itself with proximal weakness and gait abnormalities. Approximately up to 50% of LEMS patients have a primary autonomic dysfunction. Case presentation We present here a case of a 75-year-old male with symmetric proximal muscle weakness, dry mouth and constipation. The cutaneous response to scratch and upright tilt-table testing were positive. A repetitive nerve stimulation test showed that there was a decremental response of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude at 3 Hz while an incremental response at 20 Hz. The presence of antibodies against voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) confirmed the diagnosis. Because of the prominent symptom of autonomic disorder, the patient further underwent the test of skin sympathetic response (SSR). Lower amplitude and longer response duration were found in palms, while it evoked no response in soles. Conclusions In this case, we present the detailed results of SSR test on a patient suffering LEMS with autonomic disorder. Since autonomic dysfunction has a significant impact on clinical management and SSR test is an effective detection method, we recommend that SSR test be performed on patients with LEMS regularly.
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Hernandez-Arriaga P, Gonzalez-Urquijo M, López Altamirano DF, Vaca-Cartagena B, Vergil-Vargas A, Rios-Pascual S, Perez-Saucedo JE, Sepúlveda-Malec R. Pulmonary Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Associated With Lambert-Eaton Syndrome. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY 2021; 14:2632010X211051741. [PMID: 34661104 PMCID: PMC8512258 DOI: 10.1177/2632010x211051741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lambert-Eaton syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic disorder of the neuromuscular
junction, characterized by impaired release of acetylcholine, which causes
proximal muscle weakness, depressed tendon reflexes, and autonomic changes. Most
cases of Lambert-Eaton syndrome present in small-cell lung carcinoma, and only a
few cases have been reported in other lung subtypes. Herein, we report a case of
69 years old male patient with Lambert-Eaton syndrome as a rare association with
a pulmonary large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, which presented 5 months before
neoplasm diagnosis. A lobectomy was auspiciously performed. A review of the
literature is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bryan Vaca-Cartagena
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, México
| | - Andres Vergil-Vargas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, México
| | - Silviano Rios-Pascual
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, México
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Kabiri EH, Hammoumi ME, Sbitti Y. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome revealed after surgery of lung adenocarcinoma. Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann 2021; 30:2184923211051796. [PMID: 34605270 DOI: 10.1177/02184923211051796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We report a very rare case of cT1N0M0 lung adenocarcinoma reveling Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). A 69-year-old nonsmoking woman, with several comorbidities consulted for cough and dyspnea. Chest radiograph and CT scanning detected a left lower lobe mass; Needle biopsy confirmed differentiated adenocarcinoma; 18FDG-PET scan and Brain MRI eliminated metastatic disease dissemination. Our patient underwent a left lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy (pT1N0M0), no adjuvant chemotherapy was administrated. One month later patient present a muscle weakness in both lower limbs and fatigability followed by an inability to walk. The diagnosis of LEMS was made from the distinctive electromyogram (EMG) findings and a treatment with Amifampridine (3, 4-diaminopyridine phosphate [3, 4-DAP]) was prescribed with evident efficacy for symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- El Hassane Kabiri
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical Oncology, 479569Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat Morocco
- Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 97980Université Mohammed V, Rabat Morocco
| | - Massine El Hammoumi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical Oncology, 479569Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat Morocco
| | - Yassir Sbitti
- Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, 97980Université Mohammed V, Rabat Morocco
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10
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Zhang N, Hong D, Ouyang T, Meng W, Huang J, Li M, Hong T. 3,4-diaminopyridine treatment for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:371. [PMID: 34563155 PMCID: PMC8464094 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02405-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular transmission. The objective was to examine the efficacy and safety of 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) in patients with LEMS. METHODS We searched several databases to identify relevant studies, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL). The primary outcome, quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score and the secondary outcome, compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) amplitude were pooled by meta-analysis. RESULTS Six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 115 patients with LEMS were included. QMG score showed a significant decrease (improvement) of 2.76 points (95 % CI, -4.08 to -1.45, p < 0.001) after treatment with 3, 4-DAP. Moreover, the overall mean CMAP amplitude improved significantly in LEMS patients with 3, 4-DAP treatment, compared with placebo treatment (mean difference 1.34 mV, 95 % CI, 0.98 to 1.70, p < 0.001). The overall assessment of all included trials showed a low risk of bias and low heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS The pooled results of RCTs demonsrated with moderate to high evidence that 3,4-DAP has a significant effect on LEMS treatment, with improvements in muscle strength score and CMAP amplitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Daojun Hong
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Taohui Ouyang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Jiangxi Province, 330006, Nanchang, China.
| | - Wei Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Jiangxi Province, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Jingwei Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meihua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Jiangxi Province, 330006, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Jiangxi Province, 330006, Nanchang, China
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Electrodiagnostic Evolution in a Case of Paraneoplastic Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome in the Intensive Care Unit. Can J Neurol Sci 2021; 49:294-296. [PMID: 33845932 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2021.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Rodríguez Cruz PM, Cossins J, Beeson D, Vincent A. The Neuromuscular Junction in Health and Disease: Molecular Mechanisms Governing Synaptic Formation and Homeostasis. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:610964. [PMID: 33343299 PMCID: PMC7744297 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.610964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a highly specialized synapse between a motor neuron nerve terminal and its muscle fiber that are responsible for converting electrical impulses generated by the motor neuron into electrical activity in the muscle fibers. On arrival of the motor nerve action potential, calcium enters the presynaptic terminal, which leads to the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). ACh crosses the synaptic gap and binds to ACh receptors (AChRs) tightly clustered on the surface of the muscle fiber; this leads to the endplate potential which initiates the muscle action potential that results in muscle contraction. This is a simplified version of the events in neuromuscular transmission that take place within milliseconds, and are dependent on a tiny but highly structured NMJ. Much of this review is devoted to describing in more detail the development, maturation, maintenance and regeneration of the NMJ, but first we describe briefly the most important molecules involved and the conditions that affect their numbers and function. Most important clinically worldwide, are myasthenia gravis (MG), the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) and congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS), each of which causes specific molecular defects. In addition, we mention the neurotoxins from bacteria, snakes and many other species that interfere with neuromuscular transmission and cause potentially fatal diseases, but have also provided useful probes for investigating neuromuscular transmission. There are also changes in NMJ structure and function in motor neuron disease, spinal muscle atrophy and sarcopenia that are likely to be secondary but might provide treatment targets. The NMJ is one of the best studied and most disease-prone synapses in the nervous system and it is amenable to in vivo and ex vivo investigation and to systemic therapies that can help restore normal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Rodríguez Cruz
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Cossins
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Beeson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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13
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Ipe TS, Meyer EK, Sanford KW, Joshi SK, Wong ECC, Raval JS. Use of therapeutic plasma exchange for pediatric neurological diseases. J Clin Apher 2020; 36:161-176. [PMID: 33063869 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic plasma exchange is used to treat neurological diseases in the pediatric population. Since its first use in pediatric patients with hepatic coma in the form of manual whole blood exchange, therapeutic plasma exchange has been increasingly used to treat these disorders of the nervous system. This expansion is a result of improved techniques and apheresis instruments suitable for small children, as well as the recognition of its applicability to many diseases in the pediatric population. This review provides a historical overview of the use of therapeutic apheresis in children and highlights the most common applications for therapeutic plasma exchange to treat neurological disorders in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina S Ipe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Erin K Meyer
- American Red Cross, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pathology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kimberly W Sanford
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Sarita K Joshi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Edward C C Wong
- Department of Pediatrics and Pathology, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jay S Raval
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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14
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Rinaldo A, Coca-Pelaz A, Silver CE, Ferlito A. Paraneoplastic Syndromes Associated with Laryngeal Cancer. Adv Ther 2020; 37:140-154. [PMID: 31802393 PMCID: PMC6979447 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-019-01160-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Paraneoplastic syndromes occur rarely in association with laryngeal cancer. When present, the syndrome may be the first sign of the malignancy. The aim of the present study was to review and report on all published cases in the international literature. METHODS A search of PubMed was conducted for "paraneoplastic syndromes in laryngeal cancer" without any restrictions on language or publication year. The full texts of all relevant articles were reviewed and all cases of paraneoplastic syndromes associated with any type of laryngeal cancer were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS We identified 59 cases of paraneoplastic syndromes related to laryngeal cancer in the literature published from 1963 until recently. There were 46 squamous cell carcinomas and 10 neuroendocrine carcinomas. Twenty-two of the paraneoplastic syndromes involved the endocrine system, 21 were dermatologic or cutaneous, 8 neurologic, 5 osteoarticular or rheumatologic, 1 ocular, 1 muscular, and 1 hematologic. Treatment strategies included surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and often multimodal therapy, depending on the histology and stage of the laryngeal cancer. CONCLUSIONS Because of their rarity, paraneoplastic syndromes associated with laryngeal cancer are difficult to diagnose. By presenting and systematically reviewing all published cases in the international literature, the present review may help clinicians to recognize them and to suspect the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer at an earlier stage than otherwise might be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrés Coca-Pelaz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carl E Silver
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy.
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Abstract
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is a paraneoplastic or primary autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder characterized by proximal weakness, autonomic dysfunction and ariflexia. The characteristic symptoms are thought to be caused by antibodies generated against the P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels present on presynaptic nerve terminals and by diminished release of acetylcholine. More than half of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome cases are associated with small cell lung carcinoma. Diagnosis is confirmed by serologic testing and electrophysiologic studies. 3,4-diaminopyridine is effective symptomatic treatment of LEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita G Kesner
- Neurology Department, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Shin J Oh
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Neurology, SC 350, 1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Mazen M Dimachkie
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Mail Stop 2012, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Richard J Barohn
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Mail Stop 2012, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Nguyen-Cao TM, Gelinas D, Griffin R, Mondou E. Myasthenia gravis: Historical achievements and the "golden age" of clinical trials. J Neurol Sci 2019; 406:116428. [PMID: 31574325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the death of Chief Opechankanough >350 years ago, the myasthenia gravis (MG) community has gained extensive knowledge about MG and how to treat it. This review highlights key milestones in the history of treatment and discusses the current "golden age" of clinical trials. Although originally thought by many clinicians to be a disorder of hysteria and fluctuating weakness without observable cause, MG is one the most understood autoimmune neurologic disorders. However, studying it in clinical trials has been challenging due to the fluctuating nature of the medical condition which impacts MG clinical outcomes. Clinical trials must also account for the possibility of a placebo effect. Because MG is a rare incurable autoimmune disorder, it limits the number of potential patients available to participate in clinical trials. In the last 15 years, however, significant progress has been made with MG randomized clinical trials, resulting in a new drug (eculizumab) for physicians' treatment repertoire and an old technique (thymectomy) confirmed effective for MG. Some of the therapies (eg, thymectomy, corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIg]) have survived the test of time. Others (eg, eculizumab and neonatal Fc receptor inhibitor) are novel and hold promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tam M Nguyen-Cao
- Scientific and Medical Affairs, Grifols, 79 TW Alexander Drive 4101 Research Commons, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Deborah Gelinas
- Scientific and Medical Affairs, Grifols, 79 TW Alexander Drive 4101 Research Commons, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Rhonda Griffin
- Grifols Bioscience Research Group, Grifols, 79 TW Alexander Drive 4201 Research Commons, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Elsa Mondou
- Grifols Bioscience Research Group, Grifols, 79 TW Alexander Drive 4201 Research Commons, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Huang K, Luo YB, Yang H. Autoimmune Channelopathies at Neuromuscular Junction. Front Neurol 2019; 10:516. [PMID: 31156543 PMCID: PMC6533877 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuromuscular junction, also called myoneural junction, is a site of chemical communication between a nerve fiber and a muscle cell. There are many types of channels at neuromuscular junction that play indispensable roles in neuromuscular signal transmission, such as voltage-gated calcium channels and voltage-gated potassium channels on presynaptic membrane, and acetylcholine receptors on post-synaptic membrane. Over the last two decades, our understanding of the role that autoantibodies play in neuromuscular junction disorders has been greatly improved. Antibodies against these channels cause a heterogeneous group of diseases, such as Lambert-Eaton syndrome, Isaacs' syndrome and myasthenia gravis. Lambert-Eaton syndrome is characterized by late onset of fatigue, skeletal muscle weakness, and autonomic symptoms. Patients with Isaacs' syndrome demonstrate muscle cramps and fasciculation. Myasthenia gravis is the most common autoimmune neuromuscular junction channelopathy characterized by fluctuation of muscle weakness. All these disorders have a high risk of tumor. Although these channelopathies share some common features, they differ for clinical features, antibodies profile, neurophysiological features, and treatments. The purpose of this review is to give a comprehensive insight on recent advances in autoimmune channelopathies at the neuromuscular junction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Huang
- Neurology Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Division of Neurogenetics, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yue-Bei Luo
- Neurology Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Neurology Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Ivanovski T, Miralles F. Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic syndrome: early diagnosis is key. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2019; 9:27-37. [PMID: 31191084 PMCID: PMC6524763 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s192588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an uncommon disorder of neuromuscular transmission with distinctive pathophysiological, clinical, electrophysiological and laboratory features. There are two forms of LEMS. The paraneoplastic (P-LEMS) form is associated with a malignant tumor that is most frequently a small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), and the autoimmune (A-LEMS) form is often related to other dysimmune diseases. Approximately 90% of LEMS patients present antibodies against presynaptic membrane P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC). These antibodies are directly implicated in the pathophysiology of the disorder, provoke reduced acetylcholine (ACh) at the nerve terminal and consequently lead to muscle weakness. LEMS is clinically characterized by proximal muscle weakness, autonomic dysfunction and areflexia. In clinically suspected cases, diagnoses are confirmed by serological and electrodiagnostic tests. The detection of P/Q-type VGCC antibodies is supportive when there is clinical suspicion but should be carefully interpreted in the absence of characteristic clinical or electrodiagnostic features. Typical electrodiagnostic findings (ie, reduced compound motor action potentials (CMAPs), significant decrements in the responses to low frequency stimulation and incremental responses after brief exercise or high-frequency stimulation) reflect the existence of a presynaptic transmission defect and are key confirmatory criteria. Diagnosis requires a high level of awareness and necessitates the initiation of a prompt screening and surveillance process to detect and treat malignant tumors. In clinically affected patients without cancer and after cancer treatment, symptomatic treatment with 3,4-diaminopyridine or immunosuppressive agents can significantly improve neurologic symptoms and the quality of life. We present a detailed review of LEMS with special emphasis on the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestation and diagnostic procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trajche Ivanovski
- Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari Son Llatzer, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Francesc Miralles
- Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
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19
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[Congenital myasthenic syndromes in adulthood : Challenging, rare but treatable]. DER NERVENARZT 2018; 90:148-159. [PMID: 29974128 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-018-0562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) represent a heterogeneous group of diseases with a broad spectrum of phenotypes. The common characteristic is an inherited genetic defect of the neuromuscular junction. Although in some patients the specific gene defect remains to be detected, the increasing identification of causative genes in recent years has already provided unique insights into the functionality of structural proteins at the neuromuscular junction. Neonatal and early childhood onset is observed in most CMS subtypes; however, late onset in adolescence or adulthood also occurs and establishing the diagnosis at these stages imposes particular challenges. To enable appropriate therapeutic interventions for an at least in principle treatable condition, determining the genetic cause is warranted. In this overview, the critical clinical and diagnostic features of the different CMS subtypes are presented and illustrated using typical cases. Furthermore, specific diagnostic clues are outlined. Finally, the overlap between CMS and muscular dystrophies is discussed. Illustrating characteristic patient examples, the essential clinical and additional diagnostic findings of various CMS subtypes and special diagnostic indications are presented.
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Rodríguez Cruz PM, Palace J, Beeson D. The Neuromuscular Junction and Wide Heterogeneity of Congenital Myasthenic Syndromes. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061677. [PMID: 29874875 PMCID: PMC6032286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are genetic disorders characterised by impaired neuromuscular transmission. This review provides an overview on CMS and highlights recent advances in the field, including novel CMS causative genes and improved therapeutic strategies. CMS due to mutations in SLC5A7 and SLC18A3, impairing the synthesis and recycling of acetylcholine, have recently been described. In addition, a novel group of CMS due to mutations in SNAP25B, SYT2, VAMP1, and UNC13A1 encoding molecules implicated in synaptic vesicles exocytosis has been characterised. The increasing number of presynaptic CMS exhibiting CNS manifestations along with neuromuscular weakness demonstrate that the myasthenia can be only a small part of a much more extensive disease phenotype. Moreover, the spectrum of glycosylation abnormalities has been increased with the report that GMPPB mutations can cause CMS, thus bridging myasthenic disorders with dystroglycanopathies. Finally, the discovery of COL13A1 mutations and laminin α5 deficiency has helped to draw attention to the role of extracellular matrix proteins for the formation and maintenance of muscle endplates. The benefit of β2-adrenergic agonists alone or combined with pyridostigmine or 3,4-Dyaminopiridine is increasingly being reported for different subtypes of CMS including AChR-deficiency and glycosylation abnormalities, thus expanding the therapeutic repertoire available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Rodríguez Cruz
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
- Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.
| | - Jacqueline Palace
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| | - David Beeson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
- Neurosciences Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- P.C. Dau
- Paul M. Aggeler Memorial Laboratory of Children's Hospital of San Francisco
- Departments of Medicine University of California, San Francisco
| | - R.G. Miller
- Paul M. Aggeler Memorial Laboratory of Children's Hospital of San Francisco
- Neurology of the University of California, San Francisco
| | - E.H. Denys
- Paul M. Aggeler Memorial Laboratory of Children's Hospital of San Francisco
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco
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Lorenzoni PJ, Kay CSK, Werneck LC, Scola RH. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: the 60th anniversary of Eaton and Lambert's pioneering article. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2018; 76:124-126. [PMID: 29489969 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20170194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This historical review describes the contribution of Drs. Lee M. Eaton and Edward H. Lambert to the diagnosis of myasthenic syndrome on the 60th anniversary of their pioneering article (JAMA 1957) on the disease. There are important landmarks in their article on a disorder of the neuromuscular junction associated with thoracic neoplasm and the electrophysiological criteria for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). After 60 years, the main electrophysiological criteria described in Eaton and Lambert's pioneering article are still currently useful in the diagnosis of LEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo José Lorenzoni
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Neurologia, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brasil
| | - Cláudia Suemi Kamoi Kay
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Neurologia, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brasil
| | - Lineu Cesar Werneck
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Neurologia, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brasil
| | - Rosana Herminia Scola
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Hospital de Clínicas, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Serviço de Neurologia, Serviço de Doenças Neuromusculares, Curitiba PR, Brasil
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Zalewski N, Lennon VA, Pittock SJ, Mckeon A. Calcium channel autoimmunity: Cerebellar ataxia and lambert-eaton syndrome coexisting. Muscle Nerve 2017; 58:29-35. [PMID: 29272039 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26053] [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: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuronal calcium channel antibodies are a biomarker of Lambert-Eaton syndrome (LES) and cerebellar ataxia. We have encountered several patients with LES and cerebellar ataxia coexisting, and we sought to further define this association. METHODS We reviewed records of patients at our institution with a diagnosis of "Lambert-Eaton syndrome" and "cerebellar ataxia." RESULTS Seventeen patients were identified with LES and ataxia. Presenting symptoms were weakness (8), concurrent weakness and ataxia (4), ataxia (4), and other (1). Nine patients had small-cell lung carcinoma, 3 of whom had survival greater than 100 months. Immunotherapy responses were best among patients without cancer. Nine of 17 (53%) patients were alive at last follow-up (median survival 62 months; range, 8-240). DISCUSSION Calcium channel autoimmunity should be considered in patients with coexisting cerebellar ataxia and myasthenic weakness. Affected patients may survive small-cell carcinoma or have immunotherapy-responsive neurological symptoms. Muscle Nerve, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Zalewski
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA
| | - Vanda A Lennon
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Immunology College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sean J Pittock
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrew Mckeon
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Thakkar N, Guptill JT, Aleš K, Jacobus D, Jacobus L, Peloquin C, Cohen‐Wolkowiez M, Gonzalez D. Population Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics of 3,4-Diaminopyridine Free Base in Patients With Lambert-Eaton Myasthenia. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2017; 6:625-634. [PMID: 28623849 PMCID: PMC5613184 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lambert-Eaton myasthenia (LEM) is a rare autoimmune disorder associated with debilitating muscle weakness. There are limited treatment options and 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) free base is an investigational orphan drug used to treat LEM-related weakness. We performed a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis using 3,4-DAP and metabolite concentrations collected from a phase II study in patients with LEM. The Triple Timed Up & Go (3TUG) assessment, which measures lower extremity weakness, was the primary outcome measure. A total of 1,270 PK samples (49 patients) and 1,091 3TUG data points (32 randomized patients) were included in the PK/PD analysis. A two-compartment and one-compartment model for parent and metabolite, respectively, described the PK data well. Body weight and serum creatinine partially explained the variability in clearance for the final PK model. A fractional inhibitory maximum effect (Emax ) model characterized the exposure-response relationship well. The PK/PD model was applied to identify a suggested dosing approach for 3,4-DAP free base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilay Thakkar
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of PharmacyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Kathy Aleš
- Jacobus Pharmaceutical Company, Inc.PlainsboroNew JerseyUSA
| | - David Jacobus
- Jacobus Pharmaceutical Company, Inc.PlainsboroNew JerseyUSA
| | - Laura Jacobus
- Jacobus Pharmaceutical Company, Inc.PlainsboroNew JerseyUSA
| | - Charles Peloquin
- College of Pharmacy and Emerging Pathogens InstituteUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Daniel Gonzalez
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of PharmacyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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Kazamel M, Warren PP. History of electromyography and nerve conduction studies: A tribute to the founding fathers. J Clin Neurosci 2017. [PMID: 28629678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The early development of nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) was linked to the discovery of electricity. This relationship had been concluded by observing the effect of applying electricity to the body of an animal and discovering that nerves and muscles themselves could produce electricity. We attempt to review the historical evolution of NCS and EMG over the last three centuries by reviewing the landmark publications of Galvani, Adrian, Denny-Brown, Larrabee, and Lambert. In 1771, Galvani showed that electrical stimulation of animal muscle tissue produced contraction and, thereby, the concept of animal electricity was born. In 1929, Adrian devised a method to record a single motor unit potential by connecting concentric needle electrodes to an amplifier and a loud speaker. In 1938, Denny-Brown described the fasciculation potentials and separated them from fibrillations. Toward the end of World War II, Larrabee began measuring the compound muscle action potential in healthy and injured nerves of war victims. In 1957, Lambert and Eaton described the electrophysiologic features of a new myasthenic syndrome associated with lung carcinoma. Overall, research on this topic was previously undertaken by neurophysiologists and then later by neurologists, with Adrian most likely being the first neurologist to be involved. The field greatly benefited from the invention of equipment that was capable of amplifying small bioelectrical currents by the beginning of the 20th century. Significant scientific and technical advances were later made during and after World War II which provided a large patient population with nerve injuries to study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Kazamel
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Paula Province Warren
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Schoser B, Eymard B, Datt J, Mantegazza R. Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): a rare autoimmune presynaptic disorder often associated with cancer. J Neurol 2017; 264:1854-1863. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8541-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ferlito A, Rinaldo A. Paraneoplastic Syndromes in Patients with Cancer of the Larynx and Hypopharynx. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2016; 116:502-13. [PMID: 17727081 DOI: 10.1177/000348940711600705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Paraneoplastic syndromes may be the first sign of a malignancy. They are systemic, nonmetastatic manifestations associated with a variety of malignant neoplasms and occurring in a minority of cancer patients. These associations of symptoms and signs are not directly related to the site or local manifestations of a malignant tumor or its metastases, but their recognition may facilitate the detection of malignancies or recurrences. Paraneoplastic syndromes are categorized into 6 types: Dermatologic or cutaneous, endocrine, hematologic, neurologic, osteoarticular or rheumatologic, and ocular. Different oncotypes have rarely been associated with paraneoplastic syndromes in patients with cancer of the larynx and hypopharynx. The world literature has been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfio Ferlito
- Department of Surgical Sciences, ENT Clinic, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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29
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Ha JC, Richman DP. Myasthenia gravis and related disorders: Pathology and molecular pathogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:651-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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31
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Sanders D, Cao L, Massey J, Juel V, Hobson-Webb L, Guptill J. Is the decremental pattern in Lambert–Eaton syndrome different from that in myasthenia gravis? Clin Neurophysiol 2014; 125:1274-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 11/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gwathmey K, Balogun RA, Burns T. Neurologic indications for therapeutic plasma exchange: 2013 update. J Clin Apher 2014; 29:211-9. [DOI: 10.1002/jca.21331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Gwathmey
- Department of Neurology; The University of Virginia; Charlottesville Virginia
| | - Rasheed A. Balogun
- Division of Nephrology; Department of Medicine; University of Virginia Health System; Charlottesville Virginia
| | - Ted Burns
- Department of Neurology; The University of Virginia; Charlottesville Virginia
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Pond A, Marcante A, Zanato R, Martino L, Stramare R, Vindigni V, Zampieri S, Hofer C, Kern H, Masiero S, Piccione F. History, Mechanisms and Clinical Value of Fibrillation Analyses in Muscle Denervation and Reinnervation by Single Fiber Electromyography and Dynamic Echomyography. Eur J Transl Myol 2014; 24:3297. [PMID: 26913128 PMCID: PMC4749004 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2014.3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This work reviews history, current clinical relevance and future of fibrillation, a functional marker of skeletal muscle denervated fibers. Fibrillations, i.e., spontaneous contraction, in denervated muscle were first described during the nineteenth century. It is known that alterations in membrane potential are responsible for the phenomenon and that they are related to changes in electrophysiological factors, cellular metabolism, cell turnover and gene expression. They are known to inhibit muscle atrophy to some degree and are used to diagnose neural injury and reinnervation that are occurring in patients. Electromyography (EMG) is useful in determining progress, prognosis and efficacy of therapeutic interventions and their eventual change. For patients with peripheral nerve injury, and thus without the option of volitional contractions, electrical muscle stimulation may be helpful in preserving the contractility and extensibility of denervated muscle tissue and in retarding/counteracting muscle atrophy. It is obvious from the paucity of recent literature that research in this area has declined over the years. This is likely a consequence of the decrease in funding available for research and the fact that the fibrillations do not appear to cause serious health issues. Nonetheless, further exploration of them as diagnostic tools in long-term denervation is merited, in particular if Single Fiber EMG (SFEMG) is combined with Dynamic Echomyography (DyEM), an Ultra Sound muscle approach we recently designed and developed to explore denervated and reinnervating muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Pond
- Anatomy Department, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL USA
| | - Andrea Marcante
- CIR-Myo, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zanato
- CIR-Myo, Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Leonora Martino
- CIR-Myo, Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Stramare
- CIR-Myo, Radiology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vindigni
- CIR-Myo, Plastic Surgery, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Italy
| | | | - Christian Hofer
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Electrical Stimulation and Physical Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Stefano Masiero
- CIR-Myo, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Unit, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Piccione
- Clinical Neurophysiology, San Camillo Hospital I.R.C.C.S., Venezia-Lido, Italy
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Rigamonti A, Lauria G, Stanzani L, Mantero V, Andreetta F, Salmaggi A. Non-paraneoplastic voltage-gated calcium channels antibody-mediated cerebellar ataxia responsive to IVIG treatment. J Neurol Sci 2013; 336:169-70. [PMID: 24215945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Non-paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia associated with voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) antibodies is a rare entity with only few cases reported in literature. We describe a 60 year-old man with subacute cerebellar ataxia and subclinical Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in whom VGCC antibodies were detected at high titer in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Screening for underlying malignancies was negative. Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment led to the improvement of clinical picture and reduction of serum antibody titer over a 13-month follow-up period. We emphasize that VGCC antibodies should be included in the diagnostic work-up of patients with subacute cerebellar ataxia and that treatment with IVIG can improve the clinical picture and prevent disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rigamonti
- Department of Neurology, "Alessandro Manzoni" General Hospital, Via Dell'Eremo 9/11, 23900 Lecco, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Stanzani
- Department of Neurology, "Alessandro Manzoni" General Hospital, Via Dell'Eremo 9/11, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Vittorio Mantero
- Department of Neurology, "Alessandro Manzoni" General Hospital, Via Dell'Eremo 9/11, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | - Francesca Andreetta
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salmaggi
- Department of Neurology, "Alessandro Manzoni" General Hospital, Via Dell'Eremo 9/11, 23900 Lecco, Italy
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Briggs SE, Gozzard P, Talbot DC. The association between Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and small cell lung carcinoma. Immunotargets Ther 2013; 2:31-7. [PMID: 27471686 PMCID: PMC4928366 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s31971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune disorder mediated by autoantibodies to voltage-gated calcium channels. The disorder is diagnosed clinically on the basis of a triad of symptoms (proximal muscle weakness, hyporeflexia, and autonomic disturbance), supported by electrophysiological findings and the presence of autoantibodies. Between 40% and 62% of patients diagnosed with LEMS are found to have small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), almost all of whom develop neurological symptoms before their cancer is diagnosed. Prompt identification of LEMS and appropriate screening for SCLC is key to improving the outcome of both conditions. Here we review the pathophysiology and clinical management of LEMS, focusing particularly on the relationship with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ew Briggs
- Department of Oncology, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Gozzard
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford UK
| | - Denis C Talbot
- Department of Oncology, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in mixed small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of extrapulmonary origin. J Clin Neurosci 2013; 20:604-6. [PMID: 23298881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2012.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A patient with typical Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) has a clinical manifestation of proximal muscle weaknesses, a larger-than-100% incremental change in repetitive nerve stimulation on high-rate stimulation electrophysiological testing, and a paraneoplastic origin from small cell carcinoma of the lung. Here, we present a patient with an atypical myasthenic syndrome with an oculobulbar-predominant muscle involvement, a borderline incremental change in repetitive nerve stimulation at high frequencies, and a paraneoplastic origin from extrapulmonary mixed small cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this report is to emphasize the importance of painstaking scrutiny in the examination of a patient with a less-common presentation of LEMS.
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Willmott AD, White C, Dukelow SP. Fibrillation potential onset in peripheral nerve injury. Muscle Nerve 2012; 46:332-40. [PMID: 22907222 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibrillation potentials are an accepted electrical marker of muscle denervation that occur in axonal nerve injury. Clinically, they are used to determine the type of, and prognosis for nerve injuries. The time of occurrence after nerve injury plays a critical role in clinical decision making. This study explores the evolution of the generally accepted guideline that fibrillation potentials occur 1 to 4 weeks after axonal nerve injury. METHODS Pubmed, Ovid, and EMBASE, and current textbooks were reviewed. References were recursively followed back to the initial description of fibrillation potentials. RESULTS The majority of our understanding regarding the timing of onset of fibrillation potentials appears to arise from animal experiments in the mid-20th century. CONCLUSIONS Despite frequent use in human clinical care, published evidence for the 1 to 4 week guideline comes almost entirely from animal studies. An appreciation of this background and resulting limitations aids clinical application of this guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Willmott
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Kleopa KA. Autoimmune channelopathies of the nervous system. Curr Neuropharmacol 2012; 9:458-67. [PMID: 22379460 PMCID: PMC3151600 DOI: 10.2174/157015911796557966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Revised: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels are complex transmembrane proteins that orchestrate the electrical signals necessary for normal function of excitable tissues, including the central nervous system, peripheral nerve, and both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Progress in molecular biology has allowed cloning and expression of genes that encode channel proteins, while comparable advances in biophysics, including patch-clamp electrophysiology and related techniques, have made the functional assessment of expressed proteins at the level of single channel molecules possible. The role of ion channel defects in the pathogenesis of numerous disorders has become increasingly apparent over the last two decades. Neurological channelopathies are frequently genetically determined but may also be acquired through autoimmune mechanisms. All of these autoimmune conditions can arise as paraneoplastic syndromes or independent from malignancies. The pathogenicity of autoantibodies to ion channels has been demonstrated in most of these conditions, and patients may respond well to immunotherapies that reduce the levels of the pathogenic autoantibodies. Autoimmune channelopathies may have a good prognosis, especially if diagnosed and treated early, and if they are non-paraneoplastic. This review focuses on clinical, pathophysiologic and therapeutic aspects of autoimmune ion channel disorders of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleopas A Kleopa
- Neurology Clinics and Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Cyprus
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Gwathmey K, Balogun RA, Burns T. Neurologic indications for therapeutic plasma exchange: 2011 update. J Clin Apher 2012; 27:138-45. [DOI: 10.1002/jca.21219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Clarke GL, Chen J, Nishimune H. Presynaptic Active Zone Density during Development and Synaptic Plasticity. Front Mol Neurosci 2012; 5:12. [PMID: 22438837 PMCID: PMC3305919 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2012.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits transmit information through synapses, and the efficiency of synaptic transmission is closely related to the density of presynaptic active zones, where synaptic vesicles are released. The goal of this review is to highlight recent insights into the molecular mechanisms that control the number of active zones per presynaptic terminal (active zone density) during developmental and stimulus-dependent changes in synaptic efficacy. At the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), the active zone density is preserved across species, remains constant during development, and is the same between synapses with different activities. However, the NMJ active zones are not always stable, as exemplified by the change in active zone density during acute experimental manipulation or as a result of aging. Therefore, a mechanism must exist to maintain its density. In the central nervous system (CNS), active zones have restricted maximal size, exist in multiple numbers in larger presynaptic terminals, and maintain a constant density during development. These findings suggest that active zone density in the CNS is also controlled. However, in contrast to the NMJ, active zone density in the CNS can also be increased, as observed in hippocampal synapses in response to synaptic plasticity. Although the numbers of known active zone proteins and protein interactions have increased, less is known about the mechanism that controls the number or spacing of active zones. The following molecules are known to control active zone density and will be discussed herein: extracellular matrix laminins and voltage-dependent calcium channels, amyloid precursor proteins, the small GTPase Rab3, an endocytosis mechanism including synaptojanin, cytoskeleton protein spectrins and β-adducin, and a presynaptic web including spectrins. The molecular mechanisms that organize the active zone density are just beginning to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenaëlle L Clarke
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical School Kansas City, KS, USA
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Harms L, Sieb JP, Williams AE, Graham R, Shlaen R, Claus V, Pfiffner C. Long-term disease history, clinical symptoms, health status, and healthcare utilization in patients suffering from Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome: Results of a patient interview survey in Germany. J Med Econ 2012; 15:521-30. [PMID: 22352885 DOI: 10.3111/13696998.2012.660897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of disease in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) patients is unclear. This study focused on the patient's perspective to obtain patient-reported information on clinical symptoms, burden of illness, impact of LEMS on activities of daily living (ADL), and management of LEMS. METHODS Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with LEMS patients from two specialized centres in Germany between September and December 2010. RESULTS Twelve patients participated; mean age 66.7 ± 9.8 years. First symptoms occurred at age 52.5 ± 14.0 years. Mean time between first symptoms and diagnosis was 4.4 ± 6.2 years. Patients reported neuromuscular, cranial, and autonomic symptoms plus general fatigue. Two-thirds of patients reported 10 or more symptoms. The most frequent symptoms were leg weakness (91.7%) and general fatigue (83.3%). Restrictions in ADL were reported always or often in 75% of patients. Over half of the patients (n = 7) reported poor or very poor health status. Mean EQ-5D utility scores were 0.34 ± 0.35, with little day-to-day variation. Patients visited a number of different clinicians; most had been hospitalized at some point in the course of their disease. The most frequent drug treatments were 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) (83.3%) and pyridostigmine (41.5%). The study has several limitations, including small sample size and the potential influence of recall bias. CONCLUSION LEMS patients report long individual disease histories. Most patients suffer multiple symptoms which are frequently severe and troublesome, and almost all are restricted in ADL with poor health status. There is high utilization of healthcare resources from diagnosis to ongoing treatment. Physicians should be aware of this rare disease to ensure that patients receive an early diagnosis and prompt and appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Harms
- Klinik für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Clinic for Neurology, Berlin, Germany.
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Vincent A. John Newsom-Davis: clinician-scientist and so much more. Brain 2011; 134:3755-74. [PMID: 22171357 PMCID: PMC3235562 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
John Newsom-Davis was born in 1932 and died, aged 74, in 2007. After national service in the Royal Air Force, he read Natural Sciences at Cambridge. Following clinical studies at the Middlesex Hospital, he began research into respiratory neurophysiology with Tom Sears at the National Hospital, Queen Square, in London, and spent 1 year with Fred Plum at Cornell University in New York. After neurology specialist training at Queen Square, he became the director of the Batten Unit, continuing his interest in respiratory physiology. There he began to work on myasthenia gravis in collaboration with Ricardo Miledi at University College London and in 1978, after performing the first studies on plasma exchange in that disease, he established a myasthenia gravis research group at the Royal Free Hospital. There he investigated the role of the thymus in this disease and demonstrated an autoimmune basis for the Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome and 'seronegative' myasthenia. He was awarded the first Medical Research Council Clinical Research Professorship in 1979 but moved to Oxford in 1987 when he was elected Action Research Professor of Neurology. While at Oxford, he continued to run a very successful multidisciplinary group, researched further into the thymic abnormalities and cellular immunology of myasthenia, identified antibody-mediated mechanisms in acquired neuromyotonia, and began the molecular work that identified the genetic basis for many forms of congenital myasthenic syndrome. Meanwhile, he was also involved in university and college governance and contributed widely to the Medical Research Council, government committees, research charities and the Association of British Neurologists. Among many honours, he was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1991, appointed Commander of the British Empire in 1996 and made a Foreign Associate Member of the Institute of Medicine of the United States in 2001. Nearing and following retirement from Oxford, where he continued to see patients with myasthenia, he was the President of the Association of British Neurologists and Editor of Brain, and led a National Institutes of Health-funded international trial of thymectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Vincent
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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McKeon A, Pittock SJ. Paraneoplastic encephalomyelopathies: pathology and mechanisms. Acta Neuropathol 2011; 122:381-400. [PMID: 21938556 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-011-0876-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Revised: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The last three decades have seen major advances in the understanding of paraneoplastic and idiopathic autoimmune disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Neural-specific autoantibodies and their target antigens have been discovered, immunopathology and neuroimaging patterns recognized and pathogenic mechanisms elucidated. Disorders accompanied by autoantibody markers of neural peptide-specific cytotoxic effector T cells [such as anti-neuronal nuclear antibody type 1 (ANNA-1, aka anti-Hu), Purkinje cell antibody type 1 (PCA-1, aka anti-Yo) and CRMP-5 IgG] are generally poorly responsive to immunotherapy. Disorders accompanied by neural plasma membrane-reactive autoantibodies [the effectors of synaptic disorders, which include antibodies targeting voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex proteins, NMDA and GABA-B receptors] generally respond well to early immunotherapy. Here we describe in detail the neuropathological findings and pathophysiology of paraneoplastic CNS disorders with reference to antigen-specific serology and neurological and oncological contexts.
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Gwathmey K, Balogun RA, Burns T. Neurologic indications for therapeutic plasma exchange: An update. J Clin Apher 2011; 26:261-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jca.20298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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VGCC antibody-positive paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration presenting with positioning vertigo. Neurol Sci 2011; 32:1209-12. [PMID: 21678073 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-011-0648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A 70-year-old woman developed paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) due to P/Q-type and N-type voltage-gated calcium channel antibodies and small cell lung cancer, the main clinical manifestations of which were severe positioning vertigo and vomiting. Loss of the visual suppression of caloric nystagmus, spontaneous downbeat nystagmus, periodic alternating nystagmus, and positioning vertigo in our patient most probably corresponds to the cerebellar flocculus/paraflocculus lesion caused by PCD.
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Simon JI, Herbison GJ, Levy G. Case report: a case review of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and low back pain. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2011; 4:1-5. [PMID: 21475559 PMCID: PMC3070006 DOI: 10.1007/s12178-010-9068-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The following is a case report which reviews the essential aspects of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in a patient with long standing back pain and gait dysfunction. The patient was referred to our electrodiagnostics laboratory for a 9-month history of low back pain and difficulty walking following a charity breast cancer walk. A workup including magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, entire spine, and EMG/NCS at another institution were reportedly normal. A detailed history revealed symptoms of proximal weakness and autonomic dysfunction. Physical findings were consistent with proximal weakness, a bilateral gluteus medius gait, and diffusely absent reflexes obtainable in the biceps after 3 s of contraction. Electrical testing revealed an initial low compound muscle action potential amplitude in the deep peroneal nerve recording from the extensor digitorum brevis. Repetitive stimulation at 2 Hz revealed a decremental response of 42% from the 1st response to the 4th response. Following 3 s of exercise, the amplitude increased by 300%. After 30 s of exercise followed by 1 min of rest, there was a return of the decremental response. The history, physical examination, and electrical findings were illustrative of a presynaptic neuromuscular junction disorder, specifically LEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy I Simon
- Electrodiagnostics Laboratory, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital,Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Prospective Study into the Incidence of Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome in Small Cell Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol 2010; 5:34-8. [DOI: 10.1097/jto.0b013e3181c3f4f1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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49
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Pellkofer HL, Voltz R, Kuempfel T. Favorable response to rituximab in a patient with anti-VGCC-positive Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and cerebellar dysfunction. Muscle Nerve 2009; 40:305-8. [PMID: 19609921 DOI: 10.1002/mus.21315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by impaired transmission across the neuromuscular junction due to autoantibodies directed against the presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC-ab). Clinical symptoms are usually characterized by proximal muscle weakness and mild dysautonomia. In some patients there are signs of cerebellar dysfunction as well, usually associated with cancer. Here we report the long-term follow-up of a patient with VGCC-ab-positive LEMS and a severe cerebellar syndrome but without evidence of cancer over 5 years. While conventional immunosuppressive therapy (steroids, azathioprine) failed, he improved with plasma exchange and consecutive treatment with rituximab. Muscle Nerve 40: 305-308, 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Pellkofer
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, D-81377 Munich, Germany.
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Schady W. The Eye in End-plate Disorders. Semin Ophthalmol 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/08820538709068799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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