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Tawil R, Wagner KR, Hamel JI, Leung DG, Statland JM, Wang LH, Genge A, Sacconi S, Lochmüller H, Reyes-Leiva D, Diaz-Manera J, Alonso-Perez J, Muelas N, Vilchez JJ, Pestronk A, Gibson S, Goyal NA, Hayward LJ, Johnson N, LoRusso S, Freimer M, Shieh PB, Subramony SH, van Engelen B, Kools J, Leinhard OD, Widholm P, Morabito C, Moxham CM, Cadavid D, Mellion ML, Odueyungbo A, Tracewell WG, Accorsi A, Ronco L, Gould RJ, Shoskes J, Rojas LA, Jiang JG. Safety and efficacy of losmapimod in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (ReDUX4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:477-486. [PMID: 38631764 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy is a hereditary progressive myopathy caused by aberrant expression of the transcription factor DUX4 in skeletal muscle. No approved disease-modifying treatments are available for this disorder. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of losmapimod (a small molecule that inhibits p38α MAPK, a regulator of DUX4 expression, and p38β MAPK) for the treatment of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. METHODS We did a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial at 17 neurology centres in Canada, France, Spain, and the USA. We included adults aged 18-65 years with type 1 facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (ie, with loss of repression of DUX4 expression, as ascertained by genotyping), a Ricci clinical severity score of 2-4, and at least one skeletal muscle judged using MRI to be suitable for biopsy. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to either oral losmapimod (15 mg twice a day) or matching placebo for 48 weeks, via an interactive response technology system. The investigator, study staff, participants, sponsor, primary outcome assessors, and study monitor were masked to the treatment allocation until study closure. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to either week 16 or 36 in DUX4-driven gene expression in skeletal muscle biopsy samples, as measured by quantitative RT-PCR. The primary efficacy analysis was done in all participants who were randomly assigned and who had available data for assessment, according to the modified intention-to-treat principle. Safety and tolerability were assessed as secondary endpoints. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04003974. The phase 2b trial is complete; an open-label extension is ongoing. FINDINGS Between Aug 27, 2019, and Feb 27, 2020, 80 people were enrolled. 40 were randomly allocated to losmapimod and 40 to placebo. 54 (68%) participants were male and 26 (33%) were female, 70 (88%) were White, and mean age was 45·7 (SD 12·5) years. Least squares mean changes from baseline in DUX4-driven gene expression did not differ significantly between the losmapimod (0·83 [SE 0·61]) and placebo (0·40 [0·65]) groups (difference 0·43 [SE 0·56; 95% CI -1·04 to 1·89]; p=0·56). Losmapimod was well tolerated. 29 treatment-emergent adverse events (nine drug-related) were reported in the losmapimod group compared with 23 (two drug-related) in the placebo group. Two participants in the losmapimod group had serious adverse events that were deemed unrelated to losmapimod by the investigators (alcohol poisoning and suicide attempt; postoperative wound infection) compared with none in the placebo group. No treatment discontinuations due to adverse events occurred and no participants died during the study. INTERPRETATION Although losmapimod did not significantly change DUX4-driven gene expression, it was associated with potential improvements in prespecified structural outcomes (muscle fat infiltration), functional outcomes (reachable workspace, a measure of shoulder girdle function), and patient-reported global impression of change compared with placebo. These findings have informed the design and choice of efficacy endpoints for a phase 3 study of losmapimod in adults with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. FUNDING Fulcrum Therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabi Tawil
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn R Wagner
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Johanna I Hamel
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Doris G Leung
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Leo H Wang
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sabrina Sacconi
- Peripheral Nervous System and Muscle Department, Nice University Hospital and University of Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David Reyes-Leiva
- Institut de Recerca IIB Sant Pau, Hospital Universitari Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Diaz-Manera
- Institut de Recerca IIB Sant Pau, Hospital Universitari Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Jorge Alonso-Perez
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Fundación Canaria Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain; Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Muelas
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe and Neuromuscular Reference Centre, Valencia, Spain; Neuromuscular and Ataxias Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan J Vilchez
- Neuromuscular and Ataxias Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alan Pestronk
- Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Miriam Freimer
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Perry B Shieh
- University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S H Subramony
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Baziel van Engelen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joost Kools
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Olof Dahlqvist Leinhard
- AMRA Medical, Linköping, Sweden; Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Widholm
- AMRA Medical, Linköping, Sweden; Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Radiology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Weiss MD, Freimer M, Leite MI, Maniaol A, Utsugisawa K, Bloemers J, Boroojerdi B, Howard E, Savic N, Howard JF. Improvement of fatigue in generalised myasthenia gravis with zilucoplan. J Neurol 2024; 271:2758-2767. [PMID: 38400914 PMCID: PMC11055786 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is a debilitating symptom of myasthenia gravis (MG). The impact of fatigue on MG can be assessed by Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) Short Form Fatigue scale. Transformation of raw Neuro-QoL fatigue scores to T-scores is a known approach for facilitating clinical interpretation of clinically meaningful and fatigue severity thresholds. METHODS In the Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled RAISE study (NCT04115293), adults with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive generalised MG (MG Foundation of America Disease Class II-IV) were randomised 1:1 to daily subcutaneous zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg or placebo for 12 weeks. Patients completing RAISE could opt to receive zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg in an ongoing, open-label extension study, RAISE-XT (NCT04225871). In this post-hoc analysis, we evaluated the long-term effect of zilucoplan on fatigue in RAISE patients who entered RAISE-XT. We report change in Neuro-QoL Short Form Fatigue T-scores and fatigue severity levels from RAISE baseline to Week 60. RESULTS Mean Neuro-QoL Short Form Fatigue T-scores improved from baseline to Week 12 in the zilucoplan group (n = 86) with a clinically meaningful difference versus placebo (n = 88; least squares mean difference: - 3.61 (nominal p-value = 0.0060]), and these improvements continued further to Week 60. At Week 12, more patients on zilucoplan (n = 34, 47.2%) experienced improvements in ≥ 1 fatigue severity level from baseline versus placebo (n = 23, 28.4%; p = 0.017). At Week 60, most (n = 55, 65.5%) patients had mild fatigue or none. CONCLUSION Treatment with zilucoplan demonstrated statistical and clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue scores and severity versus placebo during RAISE, which were sustained to Week 60 in RAISE-XT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - M Isabel Leite
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Emily Howard
- UCB Pharma, Slough, UK
- Cogent Skills, Warrington, UK
- University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Howard JF, Bresch S, Farmakidis C, Freimer M, Genge A, Hewamadduma C, Hinton J, Hussain Y, Juntas-Morales R, Kaminski HJ, Maniaol A, Mantegazza R, Masuda M, Nowak RJ, Sivakumar K, Śmiłowski M, Utsugisawa K, Vu T, Weiss MD, Zajda M, Bloemers J, Boroojerdi B, Brock M, de la Borderie G, Duda PW, Vanderkelen M, Leite MI. Long-term safety and efficacy of zilucoplan in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis: interim analysis of the RAISE-XT open-label extension study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241243186. [PMID: 38638673 PMCID: PMC11025429 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241243186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a chronic, unpredictable disease associated with high treatment and disease burdens, with a need for more effective and well-tolerated treatments. Objectives To evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of zilucoplan in a mild-to-severe, acetylcholine receptor autoantibody-positive (AChR+) gMG population. Design Ongoing, multicenter, phase III open-label extension (OLE) study. Methods Eligible patients had completed a qualifying randomized, placebo-controlled phase II or phase III zilucoplan study and received daily, self-administered subcutaneous 0.3 mg/kg zilucoplan. The primary endpoint was incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary efficacy endpoints included change from baseline in Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score. Results In total, 200 patients enrolled. At the cut-off date (8 September 2022), median (range) exposure to zilucoplan in RAISE-XT was 1.2 (0.11-4.45) years. Mean age at OLE baseline was 53.3 years. A total of 188 (94%) patients experienced a TEAE, with the most common being MG worsening (n = 52, 26%) and COVID-19 (n = 49, 25%). In patients who received zilucoplan 0.3 mg/kg in the parent study, further improvements in MG-ADL score continued through to Week 24 (least squares mean change [95% confidence interval] from double-blind baseline -6.06 [-7.09, -5.03]) and were sustained through to Week 60 (-6.04 [-7.21, -4.87]). In patients who switched from placebo in the parent study, rapid improvements in MG-ADL score were observed at the first week after switching to zilucoplan; further improvements were observed at Week 24, 12 weeks after switching (-6.46 [-8.19, -4.72]), and were sustained through to Week 60 (-6.51 [-8.37, -4.65]). Consistent results were observed in other efficacy endpoints. Conclusion Zilucoplan demonstrated a favorable long-term safety profile, good tolerability, and sustained efficacy through to Week 60 with consistent benefits in a broad AChR+ gMG population. Additional long-term data will be available in future analyses. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04225871 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04225871).
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Affiliation(s)
- James F. Howard
- Department of Neurology, UNC School of Medicine, The University College of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2200 Houpt Building, CB#7025, 170 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7025, USA
| | - Saskia Bresch
- Service de Neurologie, Hospital Pasteur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - Constantine Farmakidis
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Clinical Research Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Channa Hewamadduma
- Academic Neuroscience Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences (SITRAN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - John Hinton
- Department of Neurology, Frederick P. Whiddon School of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Yessar Hussain
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Raul Juntas-Morales
- Department of Neurology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Henry J. Kaminski
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Renato Mantegazza
- Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Masayuki Masuda
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Richard J. Nowak
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Marek Śmiłowski
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Tuan Vu
- Department of Neurology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael D. Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Małgorzata Zajda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - M. Isabel Leite
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Anderson B, Snider MJ, Hansen M, Parks C, Bagnola A, Li J, Freimer M, Segal B. Benefit of clinical pharmacists in neurology clinics at an academic medical center. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2024; 64:492-498.e1. [PMID: 38246272 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with neurologic diseases have complex medical needs and may benefit from the addition of clinical pharmacists in their care. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe integration and benefit of clinical pharmacists in neuroimmunology and neuromuscular clinics at an academic medical center. METHODS This retrospective chart review evaluated patients initiated on a neurology medication for a neuroimmunology or neuromuscular disease state before and after pharmacist integration in neurology clinics. The primary outcome measured access to an initially prescribed neuroimmunology or neuromuscular medication within 90 days of prescription. Secondary outcomes included access to an initially prescribed or alternative neurology medication owing to insurance requirements within 90 days, time from initial prescription to start, and description of pharmacist involvement. RESULTS There were 101 patients in the pregroup and 101 patients in the postgroup. The percentage of patients with confirmed initially prescribed medication access at 90 days increased in the postgroup compared with the pregroup (87.1% vs. 72.5%, respectively, P = 0.014). For secondary outcomes, the percentage of patients who started on an initially prescribed or alternative neuroimmunology or neuromuscular medication within 90 days also increased in the postgroup compared with the pregroup (90.0% vs. 73.3%, respectively, P = 0.004). Additional pharmacist involvement occurred in 64 patients (63.4%) in the postgroup and included prior authorization approval assistance, drug information support, and medication liaison interventions, with an average of 4.7 pharmacist interventions at each pharmacy-led encounter. CONCLUSION The addition of pharmacists into neuroimmunology and neuromuscular clinics improved operational access to medications for neuroimmunology and neuromuscular conditions. In addition, pharmacists were able to assist with multiple areas of patient care including medication education, monitoring, and serving as a medication liaison. This study supports continuing to offer clinical pharmacy services in neuroimmunology and neuromuscular departments and may support the addition of clinical pharmacists into neurology services at other institutions.
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Machado PM, McDermott MP, Blaettler T, Sundgreen C, Amato AA, Ciafaloni E, Freimer M, Gibson SB, Jones SM, Levine TD, Lloyd TE, Mozaffar T, Shaibani AI, Wicklund M, Rosholm A, Carstensen TD, Bonefeld K, Jørgensen AN, Phonekeo K, Heim AJ, Herbelin L, Barohn RJ, Hanna MG, Dimachkie MM. Safety and efficacy of arimoclomol for inclusion body myositis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:900-911. [PMID: 37739573 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(23)00275-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inclusion body myositis is the most common progressive muscle wasting disease in people older than 50 years, with no effective drug treatment. Arimoclomol is an oral co-inducer of the cellular heat shock response that was safe and well-tolerated in a pilot study of inclusion body myositis, reduced key pathological markers of inclusion body myositis in two in-vitro models representing degenerative and inflammatory components of this disease, and improved disease pathology and muscle function in mutant valosin-containing protein mice. In the current study, we aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of arimoclomol in people with inclusion body myositis. METHODS This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled adults in specialist neuromuscular centres in the USA (11 centres) and UK (one centre). Eligible participants had a diagnosis of inclusion body myositis fulfilling the European Neuromuscular Centre research diagnostic criteria 2011. Participants were randomised (1:1) to receive either oral arimoclomol 400 mg or matching placebo three times daily (1200 mg/day) for 20 months. The randomisation sequence was computer generated centrally using a permuted block algorithm with randomisation numbers masked to participants and trial staff, including those assessing outcomes. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline to month 20 in the Inclusion Body Myositis Functional Rating Scale (IBMFRS) total score, assessed in all randomly assigned participants, except for those who were randomised in error and did not receive any study medication, and those who did not meet inclusion criteria. Safety analyses included all randomly assigned participants who received at least one dose of study medication. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02753530, and is completed. FINDINGS Between Aug 16, 2017 and May 22, 2019, 152 participants with inclusion body myositis were randomly assigned to arimoclomol (n=74) or placebo (n=78). One participant was randomised in error (to arimoclomol) but not treated, and another (assigned to placebo) did not meet inclusion criteria. 150 participants (114 [76%] male and 36 [24%] female) were included in the efficacy analyses, 73 in the arimoclomol group and 77 in the placebo group. 126 completed the trial on treatment (56 [77%] and 70 [90%], respectively) and the most common reason for treatment discontinuation was adverse events. At month 20, mean IBMFRS change from baseline was not statistically significantly different between arimoclomol and placebo (-3·26, 95% CI -4·15 to -2·36 in the arimoclomol group vs -2·26, -3·11 to -1·41 in the placebo group; mean difference -0·99 [95% CI -2·23 to 0·24]; p=0·12). Adverse events leading to discontinuation occurred in 13 (18%) of 73 participants in the arimoclomol group and four (5%) of 78 participants in the placebo group. Serious adverse events occurred in 11 (15%) participants in the arimoclomol group and 18 (23%) in the placebo group. Elevated transaminases three times or more of the upper limit of normal occurred in five (7%) participants in the arimoclomol group and one (1%) in the placebo group. Tubulointerstitial nephritis was observed in one (1%) participant in the arimoclomol group and none in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION Arimoclomol did not improve efficacy outcomes, relative to placebo, but had an acceptable safety profile in individuals with inclusion body myositis. This is one of the largest trials done in people with inclusion body myositis, providing data on disease progression that might be used for subsequent clinical trial design. FUNDING US Food and Drug Administration Office of Orphan Products Development and Orphazyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Machado
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Michael P McDermott
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Anthony A Amato
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emma Ciafaloni
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Summer B Gibson
- Neuromuscular Division, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sarah M Jones
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Todd D Levine
- Department of Neurology, HonorHealth, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Thomas E Lloyd
- Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tahseen Mozaffar
- Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Aziz I Shaibani
- Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew Wicklund
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew J Heim
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Laura Herbelin
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Richard J Barohn
- Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Michael G Hanna
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mazen M Dimachkie
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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Roy B, Peck A, Evangelista T, Pfeffer G, Wang L, Diaz‐Manera J, Korb M, Wicklund MP, Milone M, Freimer M, Kushlaf H, Villar‐Quiles R, Stojkovic T, Needham M, Palmio J, Lloyd TE, Keung B, Mozaffar T, Weihl CC, Kimonis V. Provisional practice recommendation for the management of myopathy in VCP-associated multisystem proteinopathy. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:686-695. [PMID: 37026610 PMCID: PMC10187720 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Valosin-containing protein (VCP)-associated multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) is a rare genetic disorder with abnormalities in the autophagy pathway leading to various combinations of myopathy, bone diseases, and neurodegeneration. Ninety percent of patients with VCP-associated MSP have myopathy, but there is no consensus-based guideline. The goal of this working group was to develop a best practice set of provisional recommendations for VCP myopathy which can be easily implemented across the globe. As an initiative by Cure VCP Disease Inc., a patient advocacy organization, an online survey was initially conducted to identify the practice gaps in VCP myopathy. All prior published literature on VCP myopathy was reviewed to better understand the different aspects of management of VCP myopathy, and several working group sessions were conducted involving international experts to develop this provisional recommendation. VCP myopathy has a heterogeneous clinical phenotype and should be considered in patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy phenotype, or any myopathy with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Genetic testing is the only definitive way to diagnose VCP myopathy, and single-variant testing in the case of a known familial VCP variant, or multi-gene panel sequencing in undifferentiated cases can be considered. Muscle biopsy is important in cases of diagnostic uncertainty or lack of a definitive pathogenic genetic variant since rimmed vacuoles (present in ~40% cases) are considered a hallmark of VCP myopathy. Electrodiagnostic studies and magnetic resonance imaging can also help rule out disease mimics. Standardized management of VCP myopathy will optimize patient care and help future research initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Roy
- Department of NeurologyYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | | | - Teresinha Evangelista
- GH Pitié‐Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université‐Inserm UMRS97, Institut de MyologieParisFrance
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of Calgary Cumming School of MedicineCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Leo Wang
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Jordi Diaz‐Manera
- John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research CentreNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Manisha Korb
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California—Irvine School of MedicineOrangeCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of NeurologyOhio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Hani Kushlaf
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation MedicineUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Rocio‐Nur Villar‐Quiles
- APHP, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center of Research in MyologySorbonne Université‐Inserm UMRS974, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalParisFrance
| | - Tanya Stojkovic
- APHP, Reference Center for Neuromuscular Disorders, Center of Research in MyologySorbonne Université‐Inserm UMRS974, Pitié‐Salpêtrière HospitalParisFrance
| | - Merrilee Needham
- University of Notre Dame, Murdoch University and Fiona Stanley HospitalPerthAustralia
| | - Johanna Palmio
- Neuromuscular Research CenterTampere University HospitalTampereFinland
| | - Thomas E. Lloyd
- Department of NeurologyJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Neuroscience and PathologyJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMassachusettsUSA
| | - Benison Keung
- Department of NeurologyYale School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Tahseen Mozaffar
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California—Irvine School of MedicineOrangeCaliforniaUSA
| | - Conrad Chris Weihl
- Department of NeurologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Virginia Kimonis
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of California—Irvine School of MedicineOrangeCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of California—Irvine School of MedicineOrangeCaliforniaUSA
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Bumma N, Kahwash R, Parikh SV, Isfort M, Freimer M, Vallakati A, Redder E, Campbell CM, Sharma N, Efebera Y, Stino A. Multidisciplinary amyloidosis care in the era of personalized medicine. Front Neurol 2022; 13:935936. [PMID: 36341129 PMCID: PMC9630033 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.935936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloidosis refers to a group of conditions where abnormal protein-or amyloid-deposits in tissues or organs, often leading to organ malfunction. Amyloidosis affects nearly any organ system, but especially the heart, kidneys, liver, peripheral nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Neuromuscular deficits comprise some of its ubiquitous manifestations. Amyloidosis can be quite challenging to diagnose given its clinical heterogeneity and multi-system nature. Early diagnosis with accurate genetic and serologic subtyping is key for effective management and prevention of organ decline. In this review, we highlight the value of a multidisciplinary comprehensive amyloidosis clinic. While such a model exists at numerous clinical and research centers across the globe, the lack of more widespread adoption of such a model remains a major hindrance to the timely diagnosis of amyloidosis. Such a multidisciplinary care model allows for the timely and effective diagnosis of amyloidosis, be it acquired amyloid light amyloidosis (AL), hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR), or wild type amyloidosis (TTR-wt), especially in the current era of personalized genomic medicine. A multidisciplinary clinic optimizes the delivery of singular or combinatorial drug therapies, depending on amyloid type, fibril deposition location, and disease progression. Such an arrangement also helps advance research in the field. We present our experience at The Ohio State University, as one example out of many, to highlight the centrality of a multi-disciplinary clinic in amyloidosis care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Bumma
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Rami Kahwash
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Samir V. Parikh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Michael Isfort
- Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ajay Vallakati
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Elyse Redder
- Oncology Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Courtney M. Campbell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Cardiovascular Division, Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yvonne Efebera
- Ohio Health, Department of Hematology/Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Amro Stino
- Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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8
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Ramsell S, Arias Bermudez C, Takem Baiyee CAM, Rodgers B, Parikh S, Almaani S, Sharma N, LoRusso S, Freimer M, Redder E, Bumma N, Vallkati A, Efebera Y, Kahwash R, Campbell CM. Beta-Adrenergic Antagonist Tolerance in Amyloid Cardiomyopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:907597. [PMID: 35898273 PMCID: PMC9309481 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.907597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Beta-adrenergic antagonists or blockers (BB) are a cornerstone of cardiac therapy for multiple indications. However, BB are considered relatively contraindicated in amyloid cardiomyopathy due to poor tolerance. This intolerance is hypothesized to be due to concomitant neuropathy and significant restrictive cardiomyopathy. This study analyzes the incidence and characteristics of BB tolerance in patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy. Methods Through a single-center retrospective chart review, patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy, confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy or technetium-99 pyrophosphate scan, were identified and clinical data was collected. Statistical methods included Chi-square test and two sample t-tests. Results Of 135 cardiac amyloidosis patients, 27 patients (20.0%) had no BB use, 56 patients (41.5%) were current BB users, and 52 patients (38.5%) were prior BB users. The most frequent indications for BB use were heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia. The most common reason for stopping BB therapy was hypotension (62.8%) followed by fatigue, bradycardia, and orthostasis. Neurologic symptoms at the initial BB prescription or most recent evaluation were not significantly different between current and prior BB users. Their cardiovascular profiles were similar by ejection fraction, wall thickness, troponin I, and brain natriuretic peptide. There was no association for BB discontinuation based on amyloid subtype, sex, or race. Conclusion The majority of patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy were prescribed BB, and over half of these patients still tolerated BB therapy. Current and prior BB users had similar profiles from a cardiovascular and neurologic perspective, with no association identified to predict BB discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Ramsell
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | | | - Brandon Rodgers
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Samir Parikh
- Division of Nephrology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Salem Almaani
- Division of Nephrology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Samantha LoRusso
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Elyse Redder
- Department of Oncology Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Naresh Bumma
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ajay Vallkati
- Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Yvonne Efebera
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, OhioHealth, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Rami Kahwash
- Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Courtney M. Campbell
- Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
- Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Courtney M. Campbell
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9
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Korb M, Peck A, Alfano LN, Berger KI, James MK, Ghoshal N, Healzer E, Henchcliffe C, Khan S, Mammen PPA, Patel S, Pfeffer G, Ralston SH, Roy B, Seeley WW, Swenson A, Mozaffar T, Weihl C, Kimonis V, Fanganiello R, Lee G, Mahoney RP, Diaz-Manera J, Evangelista T, Freimer M, Lloyd TE, Keung B, Kushlaf H, Milone M, Needham M, Palmio J, Stojkovic T, Villar-Quiles RN, Wang LH, Wicklund MP, Singer FR, Jones M, Miller BL, Ahmad Sajjadi S, Obenaus A, Geschwind MD, Al-Chalabi A, Wymer J, Chen N, Kompoliti K, Wang SC, Boissoneault CA, Cruz-Coble B, Garand KL, Rinholen AJ, Tabor-Gray L, Rosenfeld J, Guo M, Peck N. Development of a standard of care for patients with valosin-containing protein associated multisystem proteinopathy. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:23. [PMID: 35093159 PMCID: PMC8800193 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02172-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Valosin-containing protein (VCP) associated multisystem proteinopathy (MSP) is a rare inherited disorder that may result in multisystem involvement of varying phenotypes including inclusion body myopathy, Paget’s disease of bone (PDB), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), parkinsonism, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), among others. An international multidisciplinary consortium of 40+ experts in neuromuscular disease, dementia, movement disorders, psychology, cardiology, pulmonology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, nutrition, genetics, integrative medicine, and endocrinology were convened by the patient advocacy organization, Cure VCP Disease, in December 2020 to develop a standard of care for this heterogeneous and under-diagnosed disease. To achieve this goal, working groups collaborated to generate expert consensus recommendations in 10 key areas: genetic diagnosis, myopathy, FTD, PDB, ALS, Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT), parkinsonism, cardiomyopathy, pulmonology, supportive therapies, nutrition and supplements, and mental health. In April 2021, facilitated discussion of each working group’s conclusions with consensus building techniques enabled final agreement on the proposed standard of care for VCP patients. Timely referral to a specialty neuromuscular center is recommended to aid in efficient diagnosis of VCP MSP via single-gene testing in the case of a known familial VCP variant, or multi-gene panel sequencing in undifferentiated cases. Additionally, regular and ongoing multidisciplinary team follow up is essential for proactive screening and management of secondary complications. The goal of our consortium is to raise awareness of VCP MSP, expedite the time to accurate diagnosis, define gaps and inequities in patient care, initiate appropriate pharmacotherapies and supportive therapies for optimal management, and elevate the recommended best practices guidelines for multidisciplinary care internationally.
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10
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Shaver K, Humeidan M, Ayuk C, Baiyee M, Rogers B, Parikh S, Almaani S, Bittengle J, Pfund K, LoRusso S, Freimer M, Redder E, Bumma N, Vallakati A, Efebera Y, Kahwash R. OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS UNDERGOING ANESTHESIA. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(21)02139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Howard JF, Nowak RJ, Wolfe GI, Freimer ML, Vu TH, Hinton JL, Benatar M, Duda PW, MacDougall JE, Farzaneh-Far R, Kaminski HJ, Barohn R, Dimachkie M, Pasnoor M, Farmakidis C, Liu T, Colgan S, Benatar MG, Bertorini T, Pillai R, Henegar R, Bromberg M, Gibson S, Janecki T, Freimer M, Elsheikh B, Matisak P, Genge A, Guidon A, David W, Habib AA, Mathew V, Mozaffar T, Hinton JL, Hewitt W, Barnett D, Sullivan P, Ho D, Howard JF, Traub RE, Chopra M, Kaminski HJ, Aly R, Bayat E, Abu-Rub M, Khan S, Lange D, Holzberg S, Khatri B, Lindman E, Olapo T, Sershon LM, Lisak RP, Bernitsas E, Jia K, Malik R, Lewis-Collins TD, Nicolle M, Nowak RJ, Sharma A, Roy B, Nye J, Pulley M, Berger A, Shabbir Y, Sachdev A, Patterson K, Siddiqi Z, Sivak M, Bratton J, Small G, Kohli A, Fetter M, Vu T, Lam L, Harvey B, Wolfe GI, Silvestri N, Patrick K, Zakalik K, Duda PW, MacDougall J, Farzaneh-Far R, Pontius A, Hoarty M. Clinical Effects of the Self-administered Subcutaneous Complement Inhibitor Zilucoplan in Patients With Moderate to Severe Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Results of a Phase 2 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol 2021; 77:582-592. [PMID: 32065623 PMCID: PMC7042797 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.5125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Question What are the clinical effects of zilucoplan, a subcutaneously self-administered macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of complement component 5, in a broad population of patients with moderate to severe acetylcholine receptor autoantibody–positive generalized myasthenia gravis? Findings In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 2 trial, zilucoplan yielded rapid, clinically meaningful, statistically significant, and sustained improvements in the primary and key secondary end points. Near-complete complement inhibition was associated with a faster onset and greater magnitude of benefit than submaximal complement inhibition, and favorable safety and tolerability were observed. Meaning The findings support a potential therapeutic role for zilucoplan in generalized myasthenia gravis and further evaluation in a phase 3 study. Importance Many patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) have substantial clinical disability, persistent disease burden, and adverse effects attributable to chronic immunosuppression. Therefore, there is a significant need for targeted, well-tolerated therapies with the potential to improve disease control and enhance quality of life. Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of zilucoplan, a subcutaneously (SC) self-administered macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of complement component 5, in a broad population of patients with moderate to severe gMG. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial at 25 study sites across North America recruited participants between December 2017 and August 2018. Fifty-seven patients were screened, of whom 12 did not meet inclusion criteria and 1 was lost to follow-up after randomization but before receiving study drug, resulting in a total of 44 acetylcholine receptor autoantibody (AChR-Ab)–positive patients with gMG with baseline Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) scores of at least 12, regardless of treatment history. Interventions Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to a daily SC self-injection of placebo, 0.1-mg/kg zilucoplan, or 0.3-mg/kg zilucoplan for 12 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary and key secondary end points were the change from baseline to week 12 in QMG and MG Activities of Daily Living scores, respectively. Significance testing was prespecified at a 1-sided α of .10. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. Results The study of 44 patients was well balanced across the 3 treatment arms with respect to key demographic and disease-specific variables. The mean age of patients across all 3 treatment groups ranged from 45.5 to 54.6 years and most patients were white (average proportions across 3 treatment groups: 78.6%-86.7%). Clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in primary and key secondary efficacy end points were observed. Zilucoplan at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg SC daily resulted in a mean reduction from baseline of 6.0 points in the QMG score (placebo-corrected change, –2.8; P = .05) and 3.4 points in the MG Activities of Daily Living score (placebo-corrected change, –2.3; P = .04). Clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements were also observed in other secondary end points, the MG Composite and MG Quality-of-Life scores. Outcomes for the 0.1-mg/kg SC daily dose were also statistically significant but slower in onset and less pronounced than with the 0.3-mg/kg dose. Rescue therapy (intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange) was required in 3 of 15, 1 of 15, and 0 of 14 participants in the placebo, 0.1-mg/kg zilucoplan, and 0.3-mg/kg zilucoplan arms, respectively. Zilucoplan was observed to have a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Conclusions and Relevance Zilucoplan yielded rapid, meaningful, and sustained improvements over 12 weeks in a broad population of patients with moderate to severe AChR-Ab–positive gMG. Near-complete complement inhibition appeared superior to submaximal inhibition. The observed safety and tolerability profile of zilucoplan was favorable. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03315130.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Petra W Duda
- Ra Pharmaceuticals Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Angela Genge
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Doreen Ho
- Lahey Hospital, Burlington, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Radwa Aly
- George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Elham Bayat
- George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | | | - Shaida Khan
- University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Irving
| | - Dale Lange
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | | | - Bhupendra Khatri
- Center for Neurological Disorders, St Francis Hospital at Ascension, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Emily Lindman
- Center for Neurological Disorders, St Francis Hospital at Ascension, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Tayo Olapo
- Center for Neurological Disorders, St Francis Hospital at Ascension, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Lisa M Sershon
- Center for Neurological Disorders, St Francis Hospital at Ascension, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | | | | | - Kelly Jia
- Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bhaskar Roy
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joan Nye
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark Sivak
- Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | | | - George Small
- Allegheny Neurological Associates, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anem Kohli
- Allegheny Neurological Associates, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary Fetter
- Allegheny Neurological Associates, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tuan Vu
- University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Lucy Lam
- University of South Florida, Tampa
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Petra W Duda
- Ra Pharmaceuticals Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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12
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Ozga M, Zhao Q, Benson D, Elder P, Williams N, Bumma N, Rosko A, Chaudhry M, Khan A, Devarakonda S, Kahwash R, Vallakati A, Campbell C, Parikh SV, Almaani S, Prosek J, Bittengle J, Pfund K, LoRusso S, Freimer M, Redder E, Efebera Y, Sharma N. AL amyloidosis: The effect of fluorescent in situ hybridization abnormalities on organ involvement and survival. Cancer Med 2020; 10:965-973. [PMID: 33347707 PMCID: PMC7897960 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a clonal plasma‐cell neoplasm that carries a poor prognosis. Although AL amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma (MM) can co‐exist and share various cytogenetic chromosomal abnormalities, little is known about Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and its prognostic relevance in AL amyloidosis. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the most prevalent FISH cytogenetic abnormalities in AL patients as independent prognostic factors, and assess the impact of cytogenetics on the survival of high‐risk cardiac AL patients. Materials & Methods This retrospective study reviewed 113 consecutive AL patients treated at The Ohio State University (OSU). Patients were divided into subgroups based on FISH data obtained within 90 days of diagnosis. Hyperdiploidy was defined as trisomies of at least 2 chromosomal loci. Primary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan Meier curves were used to calculate PFS and OS. The log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard models were used to test the equality of survival functions and further evaluate the differences between groups. Results FISH abnormalities were detected in 76% of patients. Patients with abnormal FISH trended toward lower overall survival (OS) (p=0.06) and progression free survival (PFS) (p=0.06). The two most prevalent aberrations were translocation t(11;14) (39%) and hyperdiploidy‐overall (38%). Hyperdiploidy‐overall was associated with worsening PFS (p=0.018) and OS (p=0.03), confirmed in multivariable analysis. Patients with del 13q most frequently had cardiac involvement (p=0.006) and was associated with increased bone marrow plasmacytosis (p=0.02). Cardiac AL patients with no FISH abnormalities had much improved OS (p=0.012) and PFS (p=0.018) Conclusions Our findings ultimately reveal the association of hyperdiploidy on survival in AL amyloidosis patients, including the high‐risk cardiac AL population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ozga
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Qiuhong Zhao
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Don Benson
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Patrick Elder
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nita Williams
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Naresh Bumma
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashley Rosko
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maria Chaudhry
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Abdullah Khan
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Srinivas Devarakonda
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rami Kahwash
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ajay Vallakati
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Courtney Campbell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samir V Parikh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Salem Almaani
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jason Prosek
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jordan Bittengle
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Katherine Pfund
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samantha LoRusso
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Elyse Redder
- Department of Oncology Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yvonne Efebera
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Division of Hematology, Department. of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus, OH, USA
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13
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Ozga M, Zhao Q, Benson D, Elder P, Williams N, Bumma N, Rosko A, Chaudhry M, Khan A, Devarakonda S, Kahwash R, Vallakati A, Campbell C, Parikh SV, Almaani S, Prosek J, Bittengle J, Pfund K, LoRusso S, Freimer M, Redder E, Efebera Y, Sharma N. AL Amyloidosis: The Effect of Maintenance Therapy on Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Outcomes. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3778. [PMID: 33238501 PMCID: PMC7700492 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains an effective treatment option for many patients with systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis. While maintenance post ASCT in multiple myeloma is now standard, the decision to utilize maintenance in AL amyloidosis remains largely unexplored. The present study aims to determine the prognostic significance of utilizing maintenance therapy following ASCT and assess the impact of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) abnormalities, bone marrow plasma cell burden (BMPC), and degree of organ involvement on this decision. METHODS AND RESULTS This is a retrospective analysis of fifty AL amyloidosis patients who underwent ASCT at The Ohio State University. Twenty-eight patients received maintenance and twenty-two did not. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare the effect of maintenance therapy with no significant difference in PFS (p = 0.66) and OS (p = 0.32) between the two groups. There was no difference in survival based on maintenance when further categorized by FISH, PFS (p = 0.15), and OS (p = 0.65); BMPC ≥ 10%, PFS (p = 0.49), and OS (p = 0.32); or with 2 or more organs involved, PFS (p = 0.34) and OS (p = 0.80). CONCLUSION Maintenance therapy post ASCT did not impact PFS or OS when categorized by FISH abnormalities, increasing BMPC, or ≥2 organs involved in AL amyloidosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ozga
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Qiuhong Zhao
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Don Benson
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Patrick Elder
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Nita Williams
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Naresh Bumma
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Ashley Rosko
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Maria Chaudhry
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Abdullah Khan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Srinivas Devarakonda
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Rami Kahwash
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (R.K.); (A.V.); (C.C.)
| | - Ajay Vallakati
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (R.K.); (A.V.); (C.C.)
| | - Courtney Campbell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (R.K.); (A.V.); (C.C.)
| | - Samir V. Parikh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (S.V.P.); (S.A.); (J.P.)
| | - Salem Almaani
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (S.V.P.); (S.A.); (J.P.)
| | - Jason Prosek
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (S.V.P.); (S.A.); (J.P.)
| | - Jordan Bittengle
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Katherine Pfund
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Samantha LoRusso
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (S.L.); (M.F.)
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (S.L.); (M.F.)
| | - Elyse Redder
- Department of Oncology Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Yvonne Efebera
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.O.); (Q.Z.); (D.B.); (P.E.); (N.W.); (N.B.); (A.R.); (M.C.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (J.B.); (K.P.); (Y.E.)
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14
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Green JD, Barohn RJ, Bartoccion E, Benatar M, Blackmore D, Chaudhry V, Chopra M, Corse A, Dimachkie MM, Evoli A, Florence J, Freimer M, Howard JF, Jiwa T, Kaminski HJ, Kissel JT, Koopman WJ, Lipscomb B, Maestri M, Marino M, Massey JM, McVey A, Mezei MM, Muppidi S, Nicolle MW, Oger J, Pascuzzi RM, Pasnoor M, Pestronk A, Provenzano C, Ricciardi R, Richman DP, Rowin J, Sanders DB, Siddiqi Z, Soloway A, Wolfe GI, Wulf C, Drachman DB, Traynor BJ. Epidemiological evidence for a hereditary contribution to myasthenia gravis: a retrospective cohort study of patients from North America. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e037909. [PMID: 32948566 PMCID: PMC7511637 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To approximate the rate of familial myasthenia gravis and the coexistence of other autoimmune disorders in the patients and their families. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Clinics across North America. PARTICIPANTS The study included 1032 patients diagnosed with acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR)-positive myasthenia gravis. METHODS Phenotype information of 1032 patients diagnosed with AChR-positive myasthenia gravis was obtained from clinics at 14 centres across North America between January 2010 and January 2011. A critical review of the epidemiological literature on the familial rate of myasthenia gravis was also performed. RESULTS Among 1032 patients, 58 (5.6%) reported a family history of myasthenia gravis. A history of autoimmune diseases was present in 26.6% of patients and in 28.4% of their family members. DISCUSSION The familial rate of myasthenia gravis was higher than would be expected for a sporadic disease. Furthermore, a high proportion of patients had a personal or family history of autoimmune disease. Taken together, these findings suggest a genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Green
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard J Barohn
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Emanuela Bartoccion
- Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"-I.R.C.C.S, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Derrick Blackmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vinay Chaudhry
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Manisha Chopra
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrea Corse
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mazen M Dimachkie
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Amelia Evoli
- Istituto di Neurologia, Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCSS, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Julaine Florence
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Theresa Jiwa
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Henry J Kaminski
- Department of Neurology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John T Kissel
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Wilma J Koopman
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernadette Lipscomb
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Mariapaola Marino
- Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"-I.R.C.C.S, Rome, Italy
| | - Janice M Massey
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - April McVey
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Michelle M Mezei
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Srikanth Muppidi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Michael W Nicolle
- Division of Neurology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joel Oger
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert M Pascuzzi
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Mamatha Pasnoor
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Alan Pestronk
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carlo Provenzano
- Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"-I.R.C.C.S, Rome, Italy
| | | | - David P Richman
- Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Julie Rowin
- APAC Centers for Pain Management Wellness and Integrative Neurology, Westchester, Illinois, USA
| | - Donald B Sanders
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zaeem Siddiqi
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aimee Soloway
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gil I Wolfe
- Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Charlie Wulf
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel B Drachman
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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15
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Machado P, Barohn R, McDermott M, Blaetter T, Lloyd T, Shaibani A, Freimer M, Amato A, Ciafaloni E, Burns T, Mozaffar T, Gibson S, Wicklund M, Saperstein D, Levine T, Sundgreen C, Aaes-Jørgensen A, Liu T, Herbelin L, Hanna M, Dimachkie M. P.02Phase 2/3 study of Arimoclomol in sporadic inclusion body myositis: study design. Neuromuscul Disord 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2019.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Howard JF, Bril V, Burns TM, Mantegazza R, Bilinska M, Szczudlik A, Beydoun S, Garrido FJRDR, Piehl F, Rottoli M, Van Damme P, Vu T, Evoli A, Freimer M, Mozaffar T, Ward ES, Dreier T, Ulrichts P, Verschueren K, Guglietta A, de Haard H, Leupin N, Verschuuren JJGM. Randomized phase 2 study of FcRn antagonist efgartigimod in generalized myasthenia gravis. Neurology 2019; 92:e2661-e2673. [PMID: 31118245 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate safety and explore efficacy of efgartigimod (ARGX-113), an anti-neonatal Fc receptor immunoglobulin G1 Fc fragment, in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) with a history of anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibodies, who were on stable standard-of-care myasthenia gravis (MG) treatment. METHODS A phase 2, exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 15-center study is described. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 4 doses over a 3-week period of either 10 mg/kg IV efgartigimod or matched placebo combined with their standard-of-care therapy. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints included efficacy (change from baseline to week 11 of Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living, Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis, and Myasthenia Gravis Composite disease severity scores, and of the revised 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life scale), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity. RESULTS Of the 35 screened patients, 24 were enrolled and randomized: 12 received efgartigimod and 12 placebo. Efgartigimod was well-tolerated in all patients, with no serious or severe adverse events reported, no relevant changes in vital signs or ECG findings observed, and no difference in adverse events between efgartigimod and placebo treatment. All patients treated with efgartigimod showed a rapid decrease in total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-AChR autoantibody levels, and assessment using all 4 efficacy scales consistently demonstrated that 75% showed a rapid and long-lasting disease improvement. CONCLUSIONS Efgartigimod was safe and well-tolerated. The correlation between reduction of levels of pathogenic IgG autoantibodies and disease improvement suggests that reducing pathogenic autoantibodies with efgartigimod may offer an innovative approach to treat MG. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class I evidence that efgartigimod is safe and well-tolerated in patients with gMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Howard
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Vera Bril
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Ted M Burns
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Renato Mantegazza
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Malgorzata Bilinska
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Andrzej Szczudlik
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Said Beydoun
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Francisco Javier Rodriguez De Rivera Garrido
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Mariarosa Rottoli
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Philip Van Damme
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Tuan Vu
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Amelia Evoli
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Miriam Freimer
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Tahseen Mozaffar
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - E Sally Ward
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Torsten Dreier
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Peter Ulrichts
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Katrien Verschueren
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Antonio Guglietta
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Hans de Haard
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
| | - Nicolas Leupin
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands.
| | - Jan J G M Verschuuren
- From the Department of Neurology (J.F.H.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Krembil Neuroscience Centre (V.B.), University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Neurology (T.M.B.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases (R.M.), Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurology (B.M.), Wroclaw Medical University; Department of Neurology (A.S.), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland; Department of Neurology (S.B.), University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles County Medical Center; Department of Neurology (F.J.R.D.R.G.), La Paz University Hospital, Neuroscience Area of IdiPAZ Health Research Institute, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain; Neuroimmunology Unit, Department Clinical Neuroscience (F.P.), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital (Solna), Stockholm, Sweden; USC Neurologia (M.R.), USS Malattie Autoimmuni-Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Neurology Department (P.V.D.), University Hospitals Leuven; Laboratory of Neurobiology (P.V.D.), Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven and Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology (T.V.), University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa; Institute of Neurology (A.E.), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Neurology Department (M.F.), The Ohio State University, Columbus; Department of Neurology (T.M.), University of California, Irvine; Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine (E.S.W.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station; argenx BVBA (T.D., P.U., K.V., A.G., H.d.H., N.L.), Zwijnaarde, Belgium; and Department of Neurology (J.J.G.M.V.), Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands
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Lorusso S, Kline D, Bartlett A, Freimer M, Agriesti J, Hawash AA, Rich MM, Kissel JT, David Arnold W. Open-label trial of ranolazine for the treatment of paramyotonia congenita. Muscle Nerve 2018; 59:240-243. [PMID: 30390395 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Paramyotonia congenita (PMC) is a nondystrophic myotonic disorder that is believed to be caused by a defect in Nav 1.4 sodium channel inactivation. Ranolazine, which acts by enhancing slow inactivation of sodium channels, has been proposed as a therapeutic option, but in vivo studies are lacking. METHODS We conducted an open-label, single-center trial of ranolazine to evaluate efficacy and tolerability in patients with PMC. Subjective symptoms of stiffness, weakness, and pain as well as clinical and electrical myotonia were evaluated. Baseline measures were compared with those after 4 weeks of treatment with ranolazine. RESULTS Ranolazine was tolerated well without any serious adverse events. Both subjective symptoms and clinical myotonia were significantly improved. Duration of myotonia was reduced according to electromyography, but this change was not statistically significant in all tested muscles. DISCUSSION Our findings support the use of ranolazine as a treatment for myotonia in PMC and suggest that a randomized, placebo-controlled trial is warranted. Muscle Nerve 59:240-243, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lorusso
- Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - David Kline
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amy Bartlett
- Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Julie Agriesti
- Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - Ahmed A Hawash
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Mark M Rich
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - John T Kissel
- Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 395 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
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Abstract
Autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular junction disorder marked clinically by fatigable muscle weakness and serologically by the presence of autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), or lipoprotein-related protein 4 (LPR4). Over the past few decades, the mortality of patients with MG has seen a dramatic decline secondary to evolving interventions in critical care and medical management. In the past 2 to 3 years, there have been several changes in standard of care for the treatment of MG. These changes include confirmation of the benefit of thymectomy versus medical management alone in AChR patients and a new US Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for refractory MG. There are also several exciting new prospective drugs in the pipeline, which are in different stages of clinical trial testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Jordan
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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19
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van Schaik IN, Mielke O, Sabet A, George K, Roberts L, Carne R, Blum S, Henderson R, Van Damme P, Demeestere J, Larue S, Pinard D'Amour CA, Bril V, Breiner A, Kunc P, Valis M, Sussova J, Kalous T, Talab R, Bednar M, Toomsoo T, Rubanovits I, Gross-Paju K, Sorro U, Saarela M, Auranen M, Pouget J, Attarian S, Le Masson G, Wielanek-Bachelet AC, Desnuelle C, Delmont E, Clavelou P, Aufauvre D, Schmidt J, Zschuentssch J, Sommer C, Kramer D, Hoffmann O, Goerlitz C, Haas J, Chatzopoulos M, Yoon MS, Gold R, Berlit P, Jaspert-Grehl A, Liebetanz D, Kutschenko A, Stangel M, Trebst C, Baum P, Then Bergh F, Klehmet J, Meisel A, Klostermann F, Oechtering J, Lehmann H, Schroeter M, Hagenacker T, Mueller D, Sperfeld AD, Bethke F, Hartung HP, Drory V, Algom A, Yarnitsky D, Murinson BB, Di Muzio A, Ciccocioppo F, Sorbi S, Mata S, Schenone A, Grandis M, Lauria G, Cazzato D, Antonini G, Morino S, Cocito D, Zibetti M, Yokota T, Ohkubo T, Kanda T, Kawai M, Kaida K, Onoue H, Kuwabara S, Mori M, Iijima M, Ohyama K, Sobue G, Baba M, Tomiyama M, Nishiyama K, Akutsu T, Yokoyama K, Kanai K, van Schaik IN, Eftimov F, Notermans NC, Visser NA, Faber C, Hoeijmakers JG, Merkies IS, van Geloven N, Rejdak K, Chyrchel-Paszkiewicz U, Casanovas Pons C, Alberti Aguiló MA, Gamez J, Figueras M, Marquez Infante C, Benitez Rivero S, Lunn M, Morrow J, Gosal D, Lavin TM, Melamed I, Testori A, Ajroud-Driss S, Menichella D, Simpson E, Chi-Ho Lai E, Dimachkie M, Barohn RJ, Beydoun S, Johl H, Lange D, Shtilbans A, Muley S, Ladha S, Freimer M, Kissel J, Latov N, Chin R, Ubogu E, Mumfrey S, Rao THP, MacDonald P, Sharma K, Gonzalez G, Allen J, Walk D, Hobson-Webb L, Gable K, Lewis RA, Cornblath DR, Lawo JP, Praus M, Durn BL, Mielke O. Intravenous versus subcutaneous immunoglobulin – Authors' reply. Lancet Neurol 2018; 17:393-394. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30109-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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van Schaik IN, Bril V, van Geloven N, Hartung HP, Lewis RA, Sobue G, Lawo JP, Praus M, Mielke O, Durn BL, Cornblath DR, Merkies ISJ, Sabet A, George K, Roberts L, Carne R, Blum S, Henderson R, Van Damme P, Demeestere J, Larue S, D'Amour C, Bril V, Breiner A, Kunc P, Valis M, Sussova J, Kalous T, Talab R, Bednar M, Toomsoo T, Rubanovits I, Gross-Paju K, Sorro U, Saarela M, Auranen M, Pouget J, Attarian S, Le Masson G, Wielanek-Bachelet A, Desnuelle C, Delmont E, Clavelou P, Aufauvre D, Schmidt J, Zschuentssch J, Sommer C, Kramer D, Hoffmann O, Goerlitz C, Haas J, Chatzopoulos M, Yoon R, Gold R, Berlit P, Jaspert-Grehl A, Liebetanz D, Kutschenko A, Stangel M, Trebst C, Baum P, Bergh F, Klehmet J, Meisel A, Klostermann F, Oechtering J, Lehmann H, Schroeter M, Hagenacker T, Mueller D, Sperfeld A, Bethke F, Drory V, Algom A, Yarnitsky D, Murinson B, Di Muzio A, Ciccocioppo F, Sorbi S, Mata S, Schenone A, Grandis M, Lauria G, Cazzato D, Antonini G, Morino S, Cocito D, Zibetti M, Yokota T, Ohkubo T, Kanda T, Kawai M, Kaida K, Onoue H, Kuwabara S, Mori M, Iijima M, Ohyama K, Baba M, Tomiyama M, Nishiyama K, Akutsu T, Yokoyama K, Kanai K, van Schaik I, Eftimov F, Notermans N, Visser N, Faber C, Hoeijmakers J, Rejdak K, Chyrchel-Paszkiewicz U, Casanovas Pons C, Alberti Aguiló M, Gamez J, Figueras M, Marquez Infante C, Benitez Rivero S, Lunn M, Morrow J, Gosal D, Lavin T, Melamed I, Testori A, Ajroud-Driss S, Menichella D, Simpson E, Chi-Ho Lai E, Dimachkie M, Barohn R, Beydoun S, Johl H, Lange D, Shtilbans A, Muley S, Ladha S, Freimer M, Kissel J, Latov N, Chin R, Ubogu E, Mumfrey S, Rao T, MacDonald P, Sharma K, Gonzalez G, Allen J, Walk D, Hobson-Webb L, Gable K. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin for maintenance treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (PATH): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Neurol 2018; 17:35-46. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(17)30378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Volz KR, Evans KD, Kanner CD, Buford JA, Freimer M, Sommerich CM, Basso DM. Molecular Ultrasound Imaging for the Detection of Neural Inflammation: A Longitudinal Dosing Pilot Study. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479317736250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Molecular ultrasound imaging provides the ability to detect physiologic processes noninvasively by targeting a variety of biomarkers in vivo. The current study was performed by exploiting an inflammatory biomarker, P-selectin, known to be present following spinal cord injury. Using a murine model (n = 6), molecular ultrasound imaging was performed using contrast microbubbles modified to target and adhere to P-selectin, prior to spinal cord injury (0D), acute stage postinjury (7D), and chronic stage (42D). Additionally, two imaging sessions were performed on each subject at specific time points, using doses of 30 μL and 100 μL. Upon analysis, targeted contrast analysis parameters were appreciably increased during the 7D scan compared with the 42D scan, without statistical significance. When examining the dose levels, the 30-μL dose demonstrated greater values than the 100-μL dose but lacked statistical significance. These findings provide additional preclinical evidence for the use of molecular ultrasound imaging for the possible detection of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Volz
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kevin D. Evans
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - John A. Buford
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - D. Michele Basso
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Volz KR, Evans KD, Kanner CD, Buford JA, Freimer M, Sommerich CM. Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of the Spinal Cord for the Detection of Acute Inflammation. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479317729671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Molecular ultrasound imaging provides the ability to detect physiologic processes non-invasively by targeting a wide variety of biological markers in vivo. The current study investigates the novel application of molecular ultrasound imaging for the detection of neural inflammation. Using a murine model with acutely injured spinal cords (n=31), subjects were divided into four groups, each being administered ultrasound contrast microbubbles bearing antibodies against various known inflammatory molecules (P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion protein 1 [VCAM-1], intercellular adhesion molecule 1 [ICAM-1], and isotype control) during molecular ultrasound imaging. Upon administration of the targeted contrast agent, ultrasound imaging of the injured spinal cord was performed at 40MHz for seven minutes, followed by a bursting pulse. We observed significantly enhanced signals from contrast targeted to P-selectin and VCAM-1, using a variety of outcome measures. These findings provide preclinical evidence that molecular ultrasound imaging could be a useful tool in the detection of neural inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Volz
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kevin D. Evans
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - John A. Buford
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Howard JF, Freimer M, O'Brien F, Wang JJ, Collins SR, Kissel JT. QMG and MG-ADL correlations: Study of eculizumab treatment of myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:328-330. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.25529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James F. Howard
- Department of Neurology; University of North Carolina; 2200 Physicians Office Building, CB 7025, 170 Manning Drive Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology; Ohio State University; Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Fanny O'Brien
- Medical Science and Development Operations, Alexion Pharmaceuticals; New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Jing Jing Wang
- Medical Science and Development Operations, Alexion Pharmaceuticals; New Haven Connecticut USA
| | | | - John T. Kissel
- Department of Neurology; Ohio State University; Columbus Ohio USA
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Volz KR, Evans KD, Kanner CD, Buford JA, Freimer M, Sommerich CM. Targeted Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Inflammation Detection. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479316678616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Molecular imaging is a form of nanotechnology that enables the noninvasive examination of biological processes in vivo. Radiopharmaceutical agents are used to target biochemical markers, permitting their detection and evaluation. Early visualization of molecular variations indicative of pathophysiological processes can aid in patient diagnoses and management decisions. Molecular imaging is performed by introducing into the body molecular probes, which are often contrast agents that have been nanoengineered to target and tether to molecules, thus enabling their radiologic identification. Through a nanoengineering process, ultrasound contrast agents can be targeted to specific molecules, extending ultrasound’s capabilities from the tissue to molecular level. Molecular ultrasound, or targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound (TCEUS), has recently emerged as a popular molecular imaging technique due to its ability to provide real-time anatomic and functional information without ionizing radiation. However, molecular ultrasound represents a novel form of molecular imaging and consequently remains largely preclinical. This review explores the commonalities of TCEUS across several molecular targets and points to the need for standardization of kinetic behavior analysis. The literature underscores evidence gaps and the need for additional research. The application of TCEUS is unlimited but needs further standardization to ensure that future research studies are comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Volz
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kevin D. Evans
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christopher D. Kanner
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John A. Buford
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of selected chemotherapeutic agents. Previous work has suggested that patients often under report the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and physicians fail to recognize the presence of such symptoms in a timely fashion. The precise pathophysiology that underlies chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, in both the acute and the chronic phase, remains complex and appears to be medication specific. Recent work has begun to demonstrate and further clarify potential pathophysiological processes that predispose and, ultimately, lead to the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. There is increasing evidence that the pathway to neuropathy varies with each agent. With a clearer understanding of how these agents affect the peripheral nervous system, more targeted treatments can be developed in order to optimize treatment and prevent long-term side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Addington
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Elsheikh B, Arnold WD, Gharibshahi S, Reynolds J, Freimer M, Kissel JT. Correlation of single-breath count test and neck flexor muscle strength with spirometry in myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2016; 53:134-6. [PMID: 26437790 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although formal spirometry is the gold standard for monitoring respiratory function in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), such testing is often delayed or unavailable. There is a need for a simple bedside test that can accurately measure respiratory function. METHODS We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional, single-blind study in adults with acetylcholine receptor antibody positive MG. Participants performed the single breath count test (SBCT) and underwent manual muscle strength testing, and a respiratory therapist performed spirometry blinded to SBCT and strength results. RESULTS Thirty-one patients, aged 57 ± 19 years participated. SBCT showed significant correlations with forced vital capacity (FVC), negative inspiratory force, and neck flexor strength (P < 0.01). FVC showed significant correlation with neck flexor strength (P = 0.02) but no correlation with shoulder abductor strength. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the SBCT and neck flexor strength testing are valuable tools for bedside assessment of respiratory function in MG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bakri Elsheikh
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Saudi Aramco, P.O. Box 2614, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 31311
| | - W David Arnold
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Jerold Reynolds
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - John T Kissel
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Burns TM, Smith GA, Allen JA, Amato AA, Arnold WD, Barohn R, Benatar M, Bird SJ, Bromberg M, Chahin N, Ciafaloni E, Cohen JA, Corse A, Crum BA, David WS, Dimberg E, Sousa EAD, Donofrio PD, Dyck PJB, Engel AG, Ensrud ER, Ferrante M, Freimer M, Gable KL, Gibson S, Gilchrist JM, Goldstein JM, Gooch CL, Goodman BP, Gorelov D, Gospe SM, Goyal NA, Guidon AC, Guptill JT, Gutmann L, Gutmann L, Gwathmey K, Harati Y, Harper CM, Hehir MK, Hobson-Webb LD, Howard JF, Jackson CE, Johnson N, Jones SM, Juel VC, Kaminski HJ, Karam C, Kennelly KD, Khella S, Khoury J, Kincaid JC, Kissel JT, Kolb N, Lacomis D, Ladha S, Larriviere D, Lewis RA, Li Y, Litchy WJ, Logigian E, Lou JS, MacGowen DJ, Maselli R, Massey JM, Mauermann ML, Mathews KD, Meriggioli MN, Miller RG, Moon JS, Mozaffar T, Nations SP, Nowak RJ, Ostrow LW, Pascuzzi RM, Peltier A, Ruzhansky K, Richman DP, Ross MA, Rubin DEVONI, Russell JA, Sachs GM, Salajegheh MK, Saperstein DS, Scelsa S, Selcen D, Shaibani A, Shieh PB, Silvestri NJ, Singleton JR, Smith BE, So YT, Solorzano G, Sorenson EJ, Srinivasen J, Tavee J, Tawil R, Thaisetthawatkul P, Thornton C, Trivedi J, Vernino S, Wang AK, Webb TA, Weiss MD, Windebank AJ, Wolfe GI. Editorial by concerned physicians: Unintended effect of the orphan drug act on the potential cost of 3,4-diaminopyridine. Muscle Nerve 2015; 53:165-8. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.25009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Iyadurai S, Roggenbuck J, Freimer M. Novel histopathological features in a patient with a novel mutation in DNAJB6 gene (LGMD 1D locus). Neuromuscul Disord 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2015.06.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Schwarz HB, Fritz JV, Govindarajan R, Penfold Murray R, Boyle KB, Getchius TSD, Freimer M. Neurology advanced practice providers: A position paper of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurol Clin Pract 2015; 5:333-337. [PMID: 29443200 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There are many factors driving health care reform, including unsustainable costs, poor outcomes, an aging populace, and physician shortages. These issues are particularly relevant to neurology. New reimbursement models are based on value and facilitated by the use of multidisciplinary teams. Integration of advanced practice providers (APPs) into neurology practice offers many advantages with new models of care. Conversely, there are many and varied challenges financially and logistically with these practice models. The American Academy of Neurology has formed a Work Group to address the needs of both neurologists and neurologic APPs and monitor the effect of APPs on quality and cost of neurologic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi B Schwarz
- Department of Neurology (HBS), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Dent Neurologic Institute (JVF), Amherst, NY; Department of Neurology (RG), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Center for Health Policy (RPM, KBB, TSDG), American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (MF), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Joseph V Fritz
- Department of Neurology (HBS), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Dent Neurologic Institute (JVF), Amherst, NY; Department of Neurology (RG), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Center for Health Policy (RPM, KBB, TSDG), American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (MF), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Raghav Govindarajan
- Department of Neurology (HBS), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Dent Neurologic Institute (JVF), Amherst, NY; Department of Neurology (RG), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Center for Health Policy (RPM, KBB, TSDG), American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (MF), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Rebecca Penfold Murray
- Department of Neurology (HBS), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Dent Neurologic Institute (JVF), Amherst, NY; Department of Neurology (RG), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Center for Health Policy (RPM, KBB, TSDG), American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (MF), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Kathryn B Boyle
- Department of Neurology (HBS), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Dent Neurologic Institute (JVF), Amherst, NY; Department of Neurology (RG), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Center for Health Policy (RPM, KBB, TSDG), American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (MF), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Thomas S D Getchius
- Department of Neurology (HBS), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Dent Neurologic Institute (JVF), Amherst, NY; Department of Neurology (RG), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Center for Health Policy (RPM, KBB, TSDG), American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (MF), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology (HBS), University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Dent Neurologic Institute (JVF), Amherst, NY; Department of Neurology (RG), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Center for Health Policy (RPM, KBB, TSDG), American Academy of Neurology, Minneapolis, MN; and Department of Neurology (MF), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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Renton AE, Pliner HA, Provenzano C, Evoli A, Ricciardi R, Nalls MA, Marangi G, Abramzon Y, Arepalli S, Chong S, Hernandez DG, Johnson JO, Bartoccioni E, Scuderi F, Maestri M, Gibbs JR, Errichiello E, Chiò A, Restagno G, Sabatelli M, Macek M, Scholz SW, Corse A, Chaudhry V, Benatar M, Barohn RJ, McVey A, Pasnoor M, Dimachkie MM, Rowin J, Kissel J, Freimer M, Kaminski HJ, Sanders DB, Lipscomb B, Massey JM, Chopra M, Howard JF, Koopman WJ, Nicolle MW, Pascuzzi RM, Pestronk A, Wulf C, Florence J, Blackmore D, Soloway A, Siddiqi Z, Muppidi S, Wolfe G, Richman D, Mezei MM, Jiwa T, Oger J, Drachman DB, Traynor BJ. A genome-wide association study of myasthenia gravis. JAMA Neurol 2015; 72:396-404. [PMID: 25643325 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2014.4103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Myasthenia gravis is a chronic, autoimmune, neuromuscular disease characterized by fluctuating weakness of voluntary muscle groups. Although genetic factors are known to play a role in this neuroimmunological condition, the genetic etiology underlying myasthenia gravis is not well understood. OBJECTIVE To identify genetic variants that alter susceptibility to myasthenia gravis, we performed a genome-wide association study. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS DNA was obtained from 1032 white individuals from North America diagnosed as having acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis and 1998 race/ethnicity-matched control individuals from January 2010 to January 2011. These samples were genotyped on Illumina OmniExpress single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays. An independent cohort of 423 Italian cases and 467 Italian control individuals were used for replication. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We calculated P values for association between 8,114,394 genotyped and imputed variants across the genome and risk for developing myasthenia gravis using logistic regression modeling. A threshold P value of 5.0×10(-8) was set for genome-wide significance after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. RESULTS In the overall case-control cohort, we identified association signals at CTLA4 (rs231770; P=3.98×10(-8); odds ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.25-1.49), HLA-DQA1 (rs9271871; P=1.08×10(-8); odds ratio, 2.31; 95% CI, 2.02-2.60), and TNFRSF11A (rs4263037; P=1.60×10(-9); odds ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.29-1.53). These findings replicated for CTLA4 and HLA-DQA1 in an independent cohort of Italian cases and control individuals. Further analysis revealed distinct, but overlapping, disease-associated loci for early- and late-onset forms of myasthenia gravis. In the late-onset cases, we identified 2 association peaks: one was located in TNFRSF11A (rs4263037; P=1.32×10(-12); odds ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.44-1.68) and the other was detected in the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6p21 (HLA-DQA1; rs9271871; P=7.02×10(-18); odds ratio, 4.27; 95% CI, 3.92-4.62). Association within the major histocompatibility complex region was also observed in early-onset cases (HLA-DQA1; rs601006; P=2.52×10(-11); odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 3.57-4.43), although the set of single-nucleotide polymorphisms was different from that implicated among late-onset cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Our genetic data provide insights into aberrant cellular mechanisms responsible for this prototypical autoimmune disorder. They also suggest that clinical trials of immunomodulatory drugs related to CTLA4 and that are already Food and Drug Administration approved as therapies for other autoimmune diseases could be considered for patients with refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan E Renton
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hannah A Pliner
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Carlo Provenzano
- Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Amelia Evoli
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Ricciardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Cisanello Hospital, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michael A Nalls
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Giuseppe Marangi
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland6Institute of Medical Genetics, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Yevgeniya Abramzon
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sampath Arepalli
- Genomics Technology Group, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sean Chong
- Genomics Technology Group, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dena G Hernandez
- Genomics Technology Group, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Janel O Johnson
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Flavia Scuderi
- Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - J Raphael Gibbs
- Computational Biology Core, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Edoardo Errichiello
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland9Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Tu
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gabriella Restagno
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, ASO OIRM-S Anna, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Mark Macek
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sonja W Scholz
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrea Corse
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vinay Chaudhry
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Richard J Barohn
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
| | - April McVey
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
| | - Mamatha Pasnoor
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
| | - Mazen M Dimachkie
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
| | - Julie Rowin
- Department of Neurology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago
| | - John Kissel
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Miriam Freimer
- Department of Neurology, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus
| | - Henry J Kaminski
- Department of Neurology, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Donald B Sanders
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Bernadette Lipscomb
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Janice M Massey
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Manisha Chopra
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Wilma J Koopman
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael W Nicolle
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert M Pascuzzi
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis
| | - Alan Pestronk
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Charlie Wulf
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Julaine Florence
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Derrick Blackmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aimee Soloway
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zaeem Siddiqi
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Srikanth Muppidi
- Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo SMBS, State University of New York, Buffalo
| | - Gil Wolfe
- Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo SMBS, State University of New York, Buffalo
| | - David Richman
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis Medical Center
| | - Michelle M Mezei
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Theresa Jiwa
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joel Oger
- Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel B Drachman
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bryan J Traynor
- Neuromuscular Diseases Research Unit, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, Bethesda, Maryland11Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, M
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Kissel JT, Elsheikh B, King WM, Freimer M, Scott CB, Kolb SJ, Reyna SP, Crawford TO, Simard LR, Krosschell KJ, Acsadi G, Schroth MK, D'Anjou G, LaSalle B, Prior TW, Sorenson S, Maczulski JA, Swoboda KJ. SMA valiant trial: a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of valproic acid in ambulatory adults with spinal muscular atrophy. Muscle Nerve 2014; 49:187-92. [PMID: 23681940 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An open-label trial suggested that valproic acid (VPA) improved strength in adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We report a 12-month, double-blind, cross-over study of VPA in ambulatory SMA adults. METHODS There were 33 subjects, aged 20–55 years, included in this investigation. After baseline assessment, subjects were randomized to receive VPA (10–20 mg/kg/day) or placebo. At 6 months, patients were switched to the other group. Assessments were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome was the 6-month change in maximum voluntary isometric contraction testing with pulmonary, electrophysiological, and functional secondary outcomes. RESULTS Thirty subjects completed the study. VPA was well tolerated, and compliance was good. There was no change in primary or secondary outcomes at 6 or 12 months. CONCLUSIONS VPA did not improve strength or function in SMA adults. The outcomes used are feasible and reliable and can be employed in future trials in SMA adults.
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Howard JF, Barohn RJ, Cutter GR, Freimer M, Juel VC, Mozaffar T, Mellion ML, Benatar MG, Farrugia ME, Wang JJ, Malhotra SS, Kissel JT. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study of eculizumab in patients with refractory generalized myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2013; 48:76-84. [PMID: 23512355 DOI: 10.1002/mus.23839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Complement activation at the neuromuscular junction is a primary cause of acetylcholine receptor loss and failure of neuromuscular transmission in myasthenia gravis (MG). Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, blocks the formation of terminal complement complex by specifically preventing the enzymatic cleavage of complement 5 (C5). METHODS This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial involving 14 patients with severe, refractory generalized MG (gMG). RESULTS Six of 7 patients treated with eculizumab for 16 weeks (86%) achieved the primary endpoint of a 3-point reduction in the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score. Examining both treatment periods, the overall change in mean QMG total score was significantly different between eculizumab and placebo (P = 0.0144). After assessing data obtained from all visits, the overall change in mean QMG total score from baseline was found to be significantly different between eculizumab and placebo (P < 0.0001). Eculizumab was well tolerated. CONCLUSION The data suggest that eculizumab may have a role in treating severe, refractory MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Howard
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina, 2200 Physicians Office Building, CB 7025, 170 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7025, USA.
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Evans KD, Roll SC, Volz KR, Freimer M. Reply: To PMID 22535720. J Ultrasound Med 2013; 32:188-189. [PMID: 23269726 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2013.32.1.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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Evans KD, Roll SC, Volz KR, Freimer M. Relationship between intraneural vascular flow measured with sonography and carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis based on electrodiagnostic testing. J Ultrasound Med 2012; 31:729-36. [PMID: 22535720 PMCID: PMC3673781 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2012.31.5.729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to document and analyze intraneural vascular flow within the median nerve using power and spectral Doppler sonography and to determine the relationship of this vascular flow with diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome based on electrodiagnostic testing. METHODS Power and spectral Doppler sonograms in the median nerve were prospectively collected in 47 symptomatic and 44 asymptomatic subjects. Doppler studies were conducted with a 12-MHz linear transducer. Strict inclusion criteria were established for postexamination assessment of waveforms; routine quality assurance was completed; electrodiagnostic tests were conducted on the same day as sonographic measurements; and the skin temperature was controlled. Included waveforms were categorized by location and averaged by individual for comparative analysis to electrodiagnostic testing. RESULTS A total of 416 waveforms were collected, and 245 were retained for statistical analysis based on strict inclusion criteria. The mean spectral peak velocity among all waveforms was 4.42 (SD, 2.15) cm/s. At the level of the pisiform, the most consistent data point, mean peak systole, was 3.75 cm/s in symptomatic patients versus 4.26 cm/s in asymptomatic controls. Statistical trending showed an initial increase in the mean spectral peak velocity in symptomatic but diagnostically negative cases, with decreasing velocity as diagnostic categories progressed from mild to severe. CONCLUSIONS An inverse relationship may exist between intraneural vascular flow in the median nerve and an increasing severity of carpal tunnel syndrome based on nerve conduction results. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether spectral Doppler sonography can provide an additive benefit for diagnosing the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Evans
- School of Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Howard J, Barohn R, Freimer M, Juel V, Mozaffar T, Mellion M, Benatar M, Farrugia M, Kissel J, The MG Study Group. Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover, Multicenter, Phase II Study of Eculizumab in Patients with Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) (S35.004). Neurology 2012. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.78.1_meetingabstracts.s35.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Arnold WD, Mongiovi P, Hoyle JC, Freimer M, Elsheikh B. Electrodiagnostic Findings Heralding Neoplastic Brachial Plexopathy. PM R 2012; 4:238-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 10/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The use of sonography in musculoskeletal research and clinical applications is increasing; however, measurement techniques for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome with sonography continue to be inconsistent. Novel methods of measurement using internal comparisons to identify swelling of the median nerve require investigation and comparison to currently used techniques. METHODS The flattening ratio of the median nerve, bowing of the flexor retinaculum, and cross-sectional area of the median nerve were collected in the forearm, at the radiocarpal joint, and at the level of the pisiform in both symptomatic patients and asymptomatic control participants. Electrodiagnostic testing was completed in symptomatic patients as a diagnostic standard. RESULTS Median nerve measurements were collected from 166 wrists of symptomatic and asymptomatic participants. The flattening ratio did not show any correlation to electrodiagnostic testing and was identical between both symptomatic and asymptomatic participants. Moderate to strong correlations were noted between electrodiagnostic testing results and sonographic measurements of the cross-sectional area at the pisiform, retinacular bowing, and both the ratio and change of the cross-sectional area between the forearm and pisiform. The area under the curve was large for all receiver operating characteristic curves for each measurement (0.759-0.899), and sensitivity was high (80.4%-82.4%). CONCLUSIONS Measurement of swelling through a ratio or absolute change had similar diagnostic accuracy as individual measurement of the cross-sectional area within the carpal tunnel. These measures may be useful for improving accuracy in more diverse clinical populations. Further refinement of protocols to identify the largest cross-sectional area within the carpal tunnel region and statistical methods to analyze clustered, multilevel outcome data are recommended to improve diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn C Roll
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Freimer M, Kranzler H, Satel S, Lacobelle J, Skipsey K, Charney D, Gelernter J. No association between D3 dopamine receptor (DRD3) alleles and cocaine dependence. Addict Biol 2003; 1:281-7. [PMID: 12893467 DOI: 10.1080/1355621961000124896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine is thought to act in the brain primarily by blocking dopamine re-uptake. The dopamine D3 receptor (genetic locus DRD3) is localized to brain regions that have been implicated in the reinforcing effects of a number of substances of abuse, including cocaine. The DRD3 coding region contains a polymorphism identifiable as a polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). This polymorphism leads to an amino acid substitution at position 9 in the extracellular N-terminus of the D3 dopamine receptor. We examined alleles of the DRD3 gene in cocaine dependence using a genetic association strategy in samples of 62 white and 62 black cocaine-dependent individuals. Comparisons were made with local (Connecticut) control subjects for both groups, and with a larger sample of literature controls (for the white subjects) and a contrast group of schizophrenic patients (for the black subjects). No association was found between cocaine dependence and DRD3 alleles in either group (Bonferroni corrected). There was a significant difference in allele frequency between whites and blacks. These results are consistent with no role for genetic variation of the D3 dopamine receptor in susceptibility to cocaine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Freimer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine and West Haven VA Medical Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Thalidomide is effective for the treatment of some refractory dermatologic and oncologic diseases. Toxic neuropathy limits its use, as embryopathy can be avoided by contraceptive measures. OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical, electrophysiologic, and pathologic features of thalidomide-induced peripheral neuropathy. METHODS Clinical and electrophysiologic examinations were performed in seven patients with thalidomide-induced peripheral neuropathy. Thalidomide was used for graft-vs-host disease, pyoderma gangrenosum, and discoid lupus with dosages ranging from 100 to 1,200 mg/day for 5 to 16 months (cumulative dosages of 24 to 384 g). RESULTS All seven patients had clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of a sensory more than motor, axonal, length-dependent polyneuropathy that presented as painful paresthesias or numbness. Sural nerve biopsies, done in three patients, showed evidence of Wallerian degeneration and loss of myelinated fibers. The symptoms, signs, and electrophysiologic data correlated with total cumulative dose of thalidomide. CONCLUSIONS Thalidomide induces a dose-dependent sensorimotor length-dependent axonal neuropathy; it should be judiciously used with close neurologic monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Chaudhry
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) in most cases is caused by a deletion in chromosome 17p11.2-12 or, rarely, mutations resulting in a functional loss of one copy of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene. Point mutations that lie deep within transmembrane (TM) domains causing major structural changes in PMP22 are associated with severe neuropathy. METHODS A 25-year-old asymptomatic woman with a normal neurologic examination volunteered as a control subject. Electrophysiologic studies showed multiple entrapment neuropathies, prompting a search for a genetic defect. In addition, sural nerve fascicles from the subject were grafted into the cut ends of the sciatic nerve of nude mice and studied at 2, 6, and 8 weeks and compared with controls. RESULTS Direct sequencing of the PMP22 gene revealed a G-->A transition at position 202 in axon 3 of the PMP22 gene. To determine if this was a causative mutation rather than a polymorphism, 102 DNA samples from controls were studied; none showed a similar base pair change. In the nerve xenografts, there was a marked delay at the onset of myelination and an impairment in the regenerative capacity of the nude mice axons engulfed by the mutant human Schwann cells. The axon tips were enlarged and demonstrated neurofilament density increase. Neurofilament density distribution histograms were bimodal in xenografts as well as in the subject's sural nerve. CONCLUSION This study provides unequivocal evidence that a base pair change causing a Val30Met substitution at the junction of the first TM domain and the extracellular loop of PMP22 results in the HNPP phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Sahenk
- The Ohio State University, Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Disease Center, Columbus 43210, USA
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Abstract
A 62-year-old woman developed profound weakness secondary to a progressive myopathy associated with primary systemic amyloidosis. The characteristic apple-green birefringent amyloid deposits were demonstrated surrounding individual muscle fibers in Congo red stained sections. Electron microscopy demonstrated amyloid filaments in close apposition to muscle fibers exhibiting excessive corrugations of the sarcolemmal membrane. The pathological features of progressive amyloid myopathy associated with primary systemic amyloidosis are distinct from the intracellular amyloid deposits characteristic of sporadic inclusion body myositis and inherited inclusion body myopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Nadkarni
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gelernter
- Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT
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Gupta S, Freimer M, Popli A. Paradoxical sedation with sertraline. Am J Psychiatry 1993; 150:1427-8. [PMID: 8352358 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.150.9.1427b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Abstract
The allelic association of the human dopamine D2 receptor gene and alcoholism was evaluated in 20 male alcoholics and 20 controls (sex, race, and geographic place of birth matched). This study further examines the issue of alcoholism severity and A1 allele frequency. No difference in A1 allele frequency was observed between these two groups. Similarly, no relationship between alcoholism severity and A1 frequency within the alcoholics was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Cook
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa 52246-2208
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Freimer M, Mudholkar GS. An Analogue of the Chernoff–Borovkov–Utev Inequality and Related Characterization. Theory Probab Appl 1992. [DOI: 10.1137/1136069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
Symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. Sensory and motor evoked amplitudes and conduction velocities are reduced. Both demyelination and axon loss have been reported in pathologic studies. Conduction block (CB), a manifestation of segmental demyelination, has not been previously studied in diabetic neuropathy. We determined the prevalence of conduction block in patients with diabetes by analyzing electrodiagnostic data from 24 diabetics. Conduction block was defined as a greater than 20% drop in peak-to-peak amplitude, and a less than 15% change in negative-peak duration between proximal and distal stimulation sites. A total of 76 nerve segments were studied. The criteria for conduction block were met in only 6 segments in 6 patients. The mean decrease in peak-to-peak amplitude between stimulation sites was 28% (range 21% to 40%). We conclude that conduction block over long nerve segments is uncommon in diabetic neuropathy, and, if present, suggests that other causes for neuropathy in diabetic patients should be sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Abu-Shakra
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
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Waldron I, Nowotarski M, Freimer M, Henry JP, Post N, Witten C. Cross-cultural variation in blood pressure: a quantitative analysis of the relationships of blood pressure to cultural characteristics, salt consumption and body weight. Soc Sci Med 1982; 16:419-30. [PMID: 7079796 DOI: 10.1016/0277-9536(82)90050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
This study has analyzed the relationships of cross-cultural variation in blood pressure to cultural characteristics, salt consumption and body weight. The data used were blood pressures for adults in 84 groups, ratings of cultural characteristics (based on anthropological data and made by raters who had no knowledge of the blood pressure data) and, where available, salt consumption and body mass index (weight/height2). Blood pressures were higher and the slopes of blood pressure with age were greater in groups which had greater involvement in a money economy, more economic competition, more contact with people of different culture or beliefs, and more unfulfilled aspirations for a return to traditional beliefs and values. Blood pressures were also higher in groups for which the predominant family type was a nuclear or father-absent family, as opposed to an extended family. For Negroes, groups who were descended from slaves had higher blood pressures than other groups. The correlations between blood pressures and involvement in a money economy were substantial and significant even after controlling for level of salt consumption and, for men, also after controlling for body mass index. For men there were also significant partial correlations between blood pressure and salt consumption, controlling for type of economy. For women there were significant partial correlations between blood pressure and body mass index, controlling for type of economy. In conclusion, cross-cultural variation in blood pressure appears to be due to multiple factors. One contributory factor appears to be psychosocial stress due to cultural disruption, including the disruption of cooperative relationships and traditional cultural patterns which frequently occurs during economic modernization. In addition, both the protective effects of very low salt consumption in some groups and differences in body weight appear to contribute to cross-cultural variation in blood pressure.
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