Human type A botulism and treatment with 3,4-diaminopyridine.

Abstract

3,4-diaminopyridine was evaluated for its ability to improve muscle strength, respiratory function and electromyographic compound muscle action potentials in human botulism. In a double blind, placebo controlled study, 3,4-diaminopyridine failed to improve these parameters in a 31-year old patient with severe food-borne type A botulism. The addition of an anti-cholinesterase medication to the 3,4-diaminopyridine did not add any benefit. Lack of clinical improvement from 3,4-diaminopyridine in this patient differed from some reports of benefit in animals experimentally poisoned with type A botulinum toxin.

• Authors: L E Davis, J K Johnson, J M Bicknell, H Levy, K M McEvoy
• Journal: Electromyography and clinical neurophysiology (Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol) 1992 Jul-Aug Vol. 32 Issue 7-8 Pg. 379-83 ISSN: 0301-150X [Print] Belgium
• PMID: 1526219 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• 4-Aminopyridine
• Amifampridine

Topics

• 4-Aminopyridine (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Action Potentials (physiology)
• Adult
• Amifampridine
• Botulism (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Double-Blind Method
• Electromyography
• Humans
• Male
• Muscles (physiopathology)
• Neuromuscular Junction (drug effects)