Efficacy of 3,4-diaminopyridine and pyridostigmine in the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Abstract

3,4-Diaminopyridine and pyridostigmine are widely used to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), either alone or in combination. 3,4-Diaminopyridine enhances the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular synapse, and pyridostigmine inhibits the degradation of this neurotransmitter. Although this could lead to a synergistic effect on neuromuscular transmission, no studies have compared the effects of these drugs in patients with LEMS. Therefore, we performed a placebo-controlled, double-dummy, double-blind, randomized, crossover study in nine patients with LEMS.

• Authors: P W Wirtz, J J Verschuuren, J G van Dijk, M L de Kam, R C Schoemaker, J G C van Hasselt, M J Titulaer, U R Tjaden, J den Hartigh, J M A van Gerven
• Journal: Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (Clin Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 86 Issue 1 Pg. 44-8 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1532-6535 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19357643 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• 4-Aminopyridine
• Pyridostigmine Bromide
• Amifampridine

Topics

• 4-Aminopyridine (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Adult
• Aged
• Amifampridine
• Cross-Over Studies
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Humans
• Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Middle Aged
• Muscle Strength (drug effects, physiology)
• Pyridostigmine Bromide (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome