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Kumawat V, Tripathi PP, M N, Mahadevan A, Vittal AV. Therapeutic role of plasma exchange in the management of stiff person syndrome: experience from a tertiary care centre. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2024:S2531-1379(24)00008-7. [PMID: 38614933 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare and disabling neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness, painful spasms and rigidity involving the proximal and axial limb muscles, with an estimated incidence of 1 case per million per year. The first line of treatment for symptomatic management includes gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic agonists, benzodiazepines and baclofen. The therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), alone or as an adjuvant to other forms of immunomodulation, has been used as a therapeutic option, particularly in refractory cases. METHODS An observational study was performed to review SPS patient symptoms, comorbidities, electromyography (EMG) studies and treatment, identifying autoantibodies, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) procedural details and clinical response. MAIN RESULTS Five patients (4 male and one female) were treated with TPE during the study period as adjuvant therapy. The average age was 47 years (range 34 - 61 years), and anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-kilodalton isoform (anti-GAD65) antibodies were positive in 80 % (4/5) of the patient population. All patients received immunosuppressive drugs along with TPE. Four patients received TPE during the first admission and one received it during the third hospital admission. All patients showed good improvement immediately after TPE, but it was not a sustainable effect. CONCLUSION TPE may be helpful as adjuvant therapy for SPS patients to provide relief from clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumawat
- Transfusion Medicine and Haematology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Parmatma Prasad Tripathi
- Transfusion Medicine and Haematology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Netravathi M
- Transfusion Medicine and Haematology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Anita Mahadevan
- Transfusion Medicine and Haematology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Anchan Vidyashree Vittal
- Transfusion Medicine and Haematology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
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Peng Y, Yang H, Xue YH, Chen Q, Jin H, Liu S, Yao SY, Du MQ. An update on malignant tumor-related stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders: clinical mechanism, treatment, and outcomes. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1209302. [PMID: 37859648 PMCID: PMC10582361 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1209302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare central nervous system disorder associated with malignancies. In this review, we retrieved information from PubMed, up until August 2023, using various search terms and their combinations, including SPS, stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders (SPSSDs), paraneoplastic, cancer, and malignant tumor. Data from peer-reviewed journals printed in English were organized to explain the possible relationships between different carcinomas and SPSSD subtypes, as well as related autoantigens. From literature searching, it was revealed that breast cancer was the most prevalent carcinoma linked to SPSSDs, followed by lung cancer and lymphoma. Furthermore, classic SPS was the most common SPSSD subtype, followed by stiff limb syndrome and progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus. GAD65 was the most common autoantigen in patients with cancer and SPSSDs, followed by amphiphysin and GlyR. Patients with cancer subtypes might have multiple SPSSD subtypes, and conversely, patients with SPSSD subtypes might have multiple carcinoma subtypes. The first aim of this review was to highlight the complex nature of the relationships among cancers, autoantigens, and SPSSDs as new information in this field continues to be generated globally. The adoption of an open-minded approach to updating information on new cancer subtypes, autoantigens, and SPSSDs is recommended to renew our database. The second aim of this review was to discuss SPS animal models, which will help us to understand the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of SPS. In future, elucidating the relationship among cancers, autoantigens, and SPSSDs is critical for the early prediction of cancer and discovery of new therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Peng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated First Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ya-hui Xue
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated First Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Quan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated First Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Jin
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated First Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated First Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Shun-yu Yao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated First Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Miao-qiao Du
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated First Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
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Mercure-Corriveau N, Roy S, Hu C, Crowe EP, Zhu X, Obando D, Patel EU, Tobian AAR, Wang Y, Bloch EM, Newsome SD. Therapeutic plasma exchange in the management of stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders: a case series and review of the literature. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231180736. [PMID: 37529719 PMCID: PMC10387686 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231180736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stiff person syndrome spectrum disorders (SPSD) are a rare group of disabling neuroimmunological disorders. SPSD often requires immune therapies, especially in the setting of inadequate response to symptomatic treatments. The safety and efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in SPSD remains uncertain. Objectives To describe the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of TPE in patients with SPSD. Design A retrospective observational study. Methods A retrospective review of SPSD patients seen at Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) from 1997 to 2021 was performed. Patient demographics/history, examination/diagnostic findings, treatment response, and TPE-related complications were recorded. Assessment for any associations between clinical characteristics, including age, sex, clinical phenotype, and time on immunotherapy, and response to TPE 3 months after treatment was performed. A subgroup of 18 patients treated with TPE at JHH and 6 patients treated with TPE at outside institutions were evaluated for any change in usage of symptomatic medications 3 months after the TPE treatment. Literature review of SPSD and TPE was also conducted. Results Thirty-nine SPSD patients were treated with TPE (21 at JHH and 18 at outside institutions); median age 48 years, 77% female, median modified Rankin Scale 3; mean initial anti-GAD65 antibody titer was 23,508 U/mL. Twenty-four patients (62%) had classic SPS, 10 (26%) had SPS-plus, 2 (5%) had progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus, and 3 (8%) had pure cerebellar ataxia. All patients were on symptomatic treatments, 30 (77%) previously received IVIg, and 3 (8%) previously received rituximab. Four patients (10%) had a TPE-related adverse event. One developed asymptomatic hypotension, another had both line thrombosis and infection, and two had non-life-threatening bleeding events. Twenty-three (59%) patients reported improvement in symptoms after TPE. Of the subgroup of 24 patients evaluated for any change in usage of symptomatic medications 3 months after the TPE treatment, 14 (58%) required fewer GABAergic symptomatic medications. Literature review identified 57 additional patients with SPSD; 43 (75%) reported temporary improvement after TPE. Conclusion The majority of patients treated with TPE had improvement. Moreover, most patients evaluated for any change in usage of symptomatic medications after the TPE treatment no longer required as much symptomatic medications months after TPE. TPE appears safe and well-tolerated in SPSD. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy of TPE in SPSD and identify which patients may benefit the most from TPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Mercure-Corriveau
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shuvro Roy
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chen Hu
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth P. Crowe
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xianming Zhu
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danielle Obando
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eshan U. Patel
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aaron A. R. Tobian
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yujie Wang
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Evan M. Bloch
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Scott D. Newsome
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neurological Infections, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Pathology 627, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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A Simple and Efficient Method for the Substrate Identification of Amino Acid Decarboxylases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314551. [PMID: 36498879 PMCID: PMC9737665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314551] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid decarboxylases convert amino acids into different biogenic amines which regulate diverse biological processes. Therefore, identifying the substrates of amino acid decarboxylases is critical for investigating the function of the decarboxylases, especially for the new genes predicted to be amino acid decarboxylases. In the present work, we have established a simple and efficient method to identify the substrates and enzymatic activity of amino acid decarboxylases based on LC-MS methods. We chose GAD65 and AADC as models to validate our method. GAD65 and AADC were expressed in HEK 293T cells and purified through immunoprecipitation. The purified amino acid decarboxylases were subjected to enzymatic reaction with different substrate mixtures in vitro. LC-MS analysis of the reaction mixture identified depleted or accumulated metabolites, which corresponded to candidate enzyme substrates and products, respectively. Our method successfully identified the substrates and products of known amino acid decarboxylases. In summary, our method can efficiently identify the substrates and products of amino acid decarboxylases, which will facilitate future amino acid decarboxylase studies.
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Czempik PF, Gawryluk J, Wiórek A, Krzystanek E, Krzych ŁJ. Efficacy and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange in stiff person syndrome. Open Med (Wars) 2021; 16:526-531. [PMID: 33821220 PMCID: PMC8010154 DOI: 10.1515/med-2021-0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The stiff person syndrome (SPS) is an extremely rare neurological disorder with primarily immune-mediated etiology. The cardinal symptoms are progressive, fluctuating axial/proximal limb muscle stiffness and spasms. The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, electromyography examination and detection of antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD). Adverse effects of medications might preclude its use or increase in dosing, therefore symptomatic and/or immunomodulatory medical therapy might be ineffective in acute exacerbation of the disease. We present a case of a 49-year-old female with exacerbation of SPS, in whom some standard pharmacotherapy could not be introduced (clonazepam, baclofen used in the past) and doses of existing standard medications could not be increased (diazepam, gabapentin, and levetiracetam) due to adverse effects. Moreover, a newly introduced medication (methylprednisolone) also led to a serious adverse effect (severe hyperglycemia). The patient underwent therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with good effect and no complications. We review the literature regarding the efficacy and safety profile of TPE in exacerbation of SPS unresponsive to medical therapy. The procedure seems to have a good safety profile as an adjunct therapy for exacerbation of SPS not responding to standard medical therapy in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr F Czempik
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 14, Katowice, 40-752, Poland
| | - Justyna Gawryluk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 14, Katowice, 40-752, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wiórek
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 14, Katowice, 40-752, Poland
| | - Ewa Krzystanek
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 14, Katowice, 40-752, Poland
| | - Łukasz J Krzych
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 14, Katowice, 40-752, Poland
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Ortiz JF, Ghani MR, Morillo Cox Á, Tambo W, Bashir F, Wirth M, Moya G. Stiff-Person Syndrome: A Treatment Update and New Directions. Cureus 2020; 12:e11995. [PMID: 33437550 PMCID: PMC7793517 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare and disabling central nervous system disorder with no satisfactory treatment. Muscle rigidity, sporadic muscle spasms, and chronic muscle pain characterize SPS. SPS is strongly correlated with autoimmune diseases, and it is usual to find high titers of antibodies against acid decarboxylase (GAD65). Due to its highly disabling nature and complicated treatment, we aim to create a treatment protocol through a narrative review of currently available treatments that show efficacy. We expect to facilitate management based on treatment responses ranging from first-line medication to refractory medication. We conducted a medical subject heading (MeSH) strategy. We used the term SPS with the subheading treatment: "Stiff-Person Syndrome/Therapy" [MeSH]. An initial data gathering of 270 papers came out with the initial research. After using the inclusion criteria, we had 159 articles. We excluded 31 papers for being either systematic reviews, literature reviews, or meta-analysis. From the 128 remaining articles, we excluded another 104 papers because the extraction of the data was not possible or the study outcome did not meet our demands. There are two main treatments for SPS: GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acid) therapy and immunotherapy. For treatment, we suggest starting with benzodiazepines as first-line treatment. We recommend adding levetiracetam or pregabalin if symptoms persist. As second-line therapy, we recommend oral baclofen over rituximab and tacrolimus. We also suggest rituximab over tacrolimus. For patients with refractory treatment, we can use intrathecal baclofen, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), or plasmapheresis. We conclude that intrathecal baclofen and IVIG are more effective than plasmapheresis in patients with refractory symptoms. Propofol may be used as a bridge - temporary therapy before initiating a permanent treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Fernando Ortiz
- Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Mohammad R Ghani
- Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | | | - Willians Tambo
- Neurology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, ECU
| | - Farah Bashir
- Internal Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, PAK
| | - Martín Wirth
- Neurology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, ECU
| | - Gustavo Moya
- Medicine, Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital, Quito, ECU
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Padmanabhan A, Connelly-Smith L, Aqui N, Balogun RA, Klingel R, Meyer E, Pham HP, Schneiderman J, Witt V, Wu Y, Zantek ND, Dunbar NM, Schwartz GEJ. Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice - Evidence-Based Approach from the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis: The Eighth Special Issue. J Clin Apher 2019; 34:171-354. [PMID: 31180581 DOI: 10.1002/jca.21705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 775] [Impact Index Per Article: 155.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [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 (TA) 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 Eighth Edition of the JCA Special Issue continues to maintain this methodology and rigor in order to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases/conditions. The JCA Eighth Edition, like its predecessor, continues to apply the category and grading system definitions in fact sheets. The general layout and concept of a fact sheet that was introduced in the Fourth Edition, has largely been maintained in this edition. Each fact sheet succinctly summarizes the evidence for the use of TA in a specific disease entity or medical condition. The Eighth Edition comprises 84 fact sheets for relevant diseases and medical conditions, with 157 graded and categorized indications and/or TA modalities. The Eighth Edition of the JCA Special Issue seeks to continue to serve as a key resource that guides the utilization of TA in the treatment of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Padmanabhan
- Medical Sciences Institute & Blood Research Institute, Versiti & Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Laura Connelly-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance & University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nicole Aqui
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rasheed A Balogun
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Reinhard Klingel
- Apheresis Research Institute, Cologne, Germany & First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Erin Meyer
- Department of Hematology/Oncology/BMT/Pathology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Huy P Pham
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer Schneiderman
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Neuro-oncology/Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Volker Witt
- Department for Pediatrics, St. Anna Kinderspital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yanyun Wu
- Bloodworks NW & Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Nicole D Zantek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Nancy M Dunbar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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Lee YY, Chen IW, Chen ST, Wang CC. Association of stiff-person syndrome with autoimmune endocrine diseases. World J Clin Cases 2019; 7:2942-2952. [PMID: 31624742 PMCID: PMC6795735 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i19.2942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) and its subtype, stiff limb syndrome (SLS), are rare neurological disorders characterized by progressive muscular rigidity and spasms. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is the enzyme that catalyzes the production of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. SPS is an autoimmune disease triggered by anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (anti-GAD Ab). Clinically, anti-GAD Ab is associated with SPS, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and other autoimmune diseases.
AIM To investigate the link of autoimmune endocrine disorders with anti-GAD Ab in SPS subjects.
METHODS This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. We collected the patients with SPS from January 2001 to June 2018. By reviewing 14 patients from medical records, we analyzed the clinical findings with coexisting autoimmune diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease, which are associated with anti-GAD antibody titers or other immunological test results (anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-nuclear antibodies). We also evaluated malignancies, major complications, and reported treatment to improve symptoms. Anti-GAD antibodies were measured using radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cut-off values of these tests are < 1 U/mL and < 5 U/mL, respectively.
RESULTS The median age of all patients was 39.3 (range, 28.0-54.0) years with a median follow-up period of 6.0 (2.7-13.3) years. Five (35.7%) patients were female; twelve (85.7%) were diagnosed with classic SPS and two (14.3%) with SLS. The median age of onset of symptoms was 35.0 (26.0-56.0) years with a median follow-up duration of 9.0 (2.1-14.9) years in the classic SPS group; the SLS group had a median age of onset of 46.7 years and a shorter follow-up duration of 4.3 years. Among nine classic SPS patients who underwent the anti-GAD Ab test, three were anti-GAD Ab seropositive and each of these three patients also had T1DM, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, and autoimmune thyroid disease, respectively. In contrast, other rare autoimmune diseases co-existed in six anti-GAD Ab seronegative SPS patients. None of the SLS patients had additional autoimmune diseases.
CONCLUSION While typical clinical symptoms are crucial for the diagnosis of SPS, the presence of anti-GAD autoantibody may consolidate the diagnosis and predict the association with other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - I-Wen Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Tah Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City 333, Taiwan
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El-Abassi R, Soliman MY, Villemarette-Pittman N, England JD. SPS: Understanding the complexity. J Neurol Sci 2019; 404:137-149. [PMID: 31377632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stiff-person syndrome (SPS), first described in 1956 by Moersch and Woltman, is a progressive autoimmune disorder with core features of chronic fluctuating progressive truncal and limb rigidity and painful muscle spasms leading to gait difficulties, falls and an appearance that resembles tin soldiers. The syndrome is a rare, highly disabling disorder of the central nervous and frequently results in significant disability. Understanding of the etiology, clinical spectrum, diagnostic workup and therapeutic modalities for this painful and disabling disorder has vastly evolved over the past few years with more confidence in classifying and treating the patients. The purpose of this review is to increase the awareness, early detection, and treatment of this disabling disease. METHOD PubMed was searched, all date inclusive, using the following phrases: stiff person syndrome,anti-Glutamic acid decarboxylase (Anti-GAD) antibody syndrome, Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM), and Paraneoplastic Stiff Person syndrome. No filters or restrictions were used. A total of 888 articles were identified. RESULTS The results were narrowed to 190 citations after excluding non-English and duplicate reports. Clinical presentation, laboratory testing, treatment, and prognosis were categorized and summarized. DISCUSSION In this article we will discuss the epidemiology, presentation and classification. Explain the pathophysiology of SPS and the autoimmune mechanisms involved. Discuss the diagnostic approach and treatments available, as well as, the prognosis and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima El-Abassi
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University School of medicine, New Orleans, USA.
| | - Michael Y Soliman
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University School of medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | | | - John D England
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University School of medicine, New Orleans, USA
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Baizabal-Carvallo JF. The neurological syndromes associated with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. J Autoimmun 2019; 101:35-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Abstract
We herein report the case of stiff-person syndrome in a 73-year-old woman. She experienced episodes of painful muscle spasms and was admitted to another hospital. She was diagnosed with Waldenström macroglobulinemia. She showed improvement in muscle spasms post-chemotherapy, which was discontinued due to pancytopenia. Six months later, she was admitted to our hospital for repeated whole-body muscle spasms, at which point she was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome. An anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody text was negative. Her muscle spasms disappeared after the administration of corticosteroids and rituximab. Stiff-person syndrome may develop with Waldenström macroglobulinemia. In the present case, corticosteroids and rituximab provided effective treatment.
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Popławska-Domaszewicz K, Florczak-Wyspiańska J, Kozubski W, Michalak S. Paraneoplastic movement disorders. Rev Neurosci 2018; 29:745-755. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Paraneoplastic movement disorders are rare, autoimmune-mediated, nonmetastatic complications of malignant neoplasms. Common paraneoplastic movement disorders include paraneoplastic chorea, dystonia, cerebellar degeneration, different types of encephalitis, opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, stiff person syndrome, and neuromyotonia. Syndromes usually develop before tumor diagnosis, have subacute onset, and are associated with serum or cerebrospinal fluid antibodies. Two types of antibodies can be distinguished: antibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic neuronal antigens (anti-Hu, anti-Ri, anti-Yo, anti-Ma, anti-CV2/CRMP5, anti-Gephrin, and anti-GABATRAP) and antibodies recently identified against cell surface and synaptic proteins (anti-NMDAR, anti-LGI1, and anti-Caspr2). These two types differ from each other in a few important aspects. Antibodies against cell surface and synaptic protein disrupt cell-surface antigens. Clinical symptoms are related to the disruption of antigens and potentially can be reversed by immunotherapy. The association between these antibodies and malignancy is much less consistent. On the other hand, antibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic neuronal antigens seem to be not pathogenic; however, they most likely indicate a T-cell-mediated immune response against neurons. Due to T-cell-mediated neuronal loss, response to immunotherapy is generally disappointing. Early recognition of all these diseases is crucial because it may lead to the disclosure of occult cancer. This review is focused on paraneoplastic movement disorders with emphasis on clinical presentations, investigational findings, and therapeutic results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jolanta Florczak-Wyspiańska
- Department of Neurology , Poznan University of Medical Sciences , 49, Przybyszewskiego Str. , 60355 Poznan , Poland
| | - Wojciech Kozubski
- Department of Neurology , Poznan University of Medical Sciences , 49, Przybyszewskiego Str. , 60355 Poznan , Poland
| | - Sławomir Michalak
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropathology , Poznan University of Medical Sciences , 49, Przybyszewskiego Str. , 60355 Poznan , Poland
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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Sarva H, Deik A, Ullah A, Severt WL. Clinical Spectrum of Stiff Person Syndrome: A Review of Recent Reports. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2016; 6:340. [PMID: 26989571 PMCID: PMC4790195 DOI: 10.7916/d85m65gd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background “Classic” stiff person syndrome (SPS) features stiffness, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies, and other findings. Anti-GAD antibodies are also detected in some neurological syndromes (such as ataxia) in which stiffness is inconsistently present. Patients with otherwise “classic” SPS may either lack anti-GAD antibodies or be seropositive for others. Hence, SPS cases appear to fall within a clinical spectrum that includes conditions such as progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM), which exhibits brainstem and autonomic features. We have compiled herein SPS-spectrum cases reported since 2010, and have segregated them on the basis of likely disease mechanism (autoimmune, paraneoplastic, or cryptogenic) for analysis. Methods The phrases “stiff person syndrome”, “PERM”, “anti-GAD antibody syndrome”, and “glycine receptor antibody neurological disorders” were searched for in PubMed in January 2015. The results were narrowed to 72 citations after excluding non-English and duplicate reports. Clinical descriptions, laboratory data, management, and outcomes were categorized, tabulated, and analyzed. Results Sixty-nine autoimmune, 19 paraneoplastic, and 13 cryptogenic SPS-spectrum cases were identified. SPS was the predominant diagnosis among the groups. Roughly two-thirds of autoimmune and paraneoplastic cases were female. Anti-GAD antibodies were most frequently identified, followed by anti-amphiphysin among paraneoplastic cases and by anti-glycine receptor antibodies among autoimmune cases. Benzodiazepines were the most commonly used medications. Prognosis seemed best for cryptogenic cases; malignancy worsened that of paraneoplastic cases. Discussion Grouping SPS-spectrum cases by pathophysiology provided insights into work-up, treatment, and prognosis. Ample phenotypic and serologic variations are present within the categories. Ruling out malignancy and autoimmunity is appropriate for suspected SPS-spectrum cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harini Sarva
- Department of Neurology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Andres Deik
- Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Aman Ullah
- Department of Neurology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - William L Severt
- Department of Neurology, Division of Movement Disorders, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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16
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Baizabal-Carvallo JF, Jankovic J. Stiff-person syndrome: insights into a complex autoimmune disorder. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:840-8. [PMID: 25511790 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is characterised by progressive rigidity and muscle spasms affecting the axial and limb muscles. Since its initial description in 1956, marked progress has been made in the clinical characterisation, understanding of pathogenesis and therapy of this disorder. SPS can be classified according to the clinical presentation into classic SPS and SPS variants: focal or segmental-SPS, jerking-SPS and progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus. Most patients with SPS have antibodies directed against the glutamic acid decarboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for the production of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Antibodies directed against GABA(A) receptor-associated protein, and the glycine-α1 receptor can also be observed. Paraneoplastic SPS is commonly associated with antiamphiphysin antibodies and breast cancer. Treatment of SPS with drugs that increase the GABAergic tone combined with immunotherapy can improve the neurological manifestations of these patients. The prognosis, however, is unpredictable and spontaneous remissions are unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Fidel Baizabal-Carvallo
- Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Department of Neurology, Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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