Long-term follow-up of Lambert-Eaton syndrome treated with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Abstract

Recent reports have shown that patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) improve transiently after high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration. Information about the usefulness of IVIG for long-term treatment is rather scanty. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of monthly IVIG courses at a dose of 0.4 g/kg/day for 5 days, in a 41-year-old patient with LEMS without detectable malignancy. Improvement in limb strength, peak expiratory flow rate, and electrophysiological parameters, as well as clinical signs following IVIG, was evident as early as 7 days after the first course and is still maintained at 24-months follow-up.

• Authors: S Muchnik, A S Losavio, A Vidal, L Cura, C Mazia
• Journal: Muscle & nerve (Muscle Nerve) Vol. 20 Issue 6 Pg. 674-8 (Jun 1997) ISSN: 0148-639X [Print] United States
• PMID: 9149073 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Immunoglobulins, Intravenous (therapeutic use)
• Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (therapy)
• Time Factors