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

Muscle Nerve. 1997 Jun;20(6):674-8. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(199706)20:6<674::aid-mus3>3.0.co;2-5.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

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

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous