Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: electrodiagnostic findings and response to treatment

Neurology. 2000 Jun 13;54(11):2176-8. doi: 10.1212/wnl.54.11.2176.

Abstract

The authors reviewed the incidence of cancer, repetitive nerve stimulation findings, and response to treatment in 73 patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Thirty-one patients (42%) had lung cancer, 29 small cell. Doubling of the compound motor action potential amplitude in three tested distal muscles was seen in only 41% of patients. Treatment with 3, 4-diaminopyridine produced moderate to marked self-reported functional improvement in 79% of the 53 treated patients.

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminopyridine / analogs & derivatives
  • 4-Aminopyridine / therapeutic use
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amifampridine
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Electrodiagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Potassium Channels / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Potassium Channels
  • 4-Aminopyridine
  • Amifampridine