Information on Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

Oct 1
07:18

2008

Juliet Cohen

Juliet Cohen

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Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome develops slowly. They include weakness of the upper legs and upper arms that gets inferior over time dry mouth, eyes, or skin and eyelid drooping or double vision.

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Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare condition. It is a disorder of neuromuscular transmission caused by impaired presynaptic release of acetylcholine (Ach). LEMS is an autoimmune condition; in such disorders the immune system,Information on Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome Articles which normally protects the body from foreign organisms, wrongly attacks the body's own tissues. The disruption of electrical impulses is associated with antibodies produced as a consequence of this autoimmunity. Symptoms of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is primarily a illness of middle-aged and older people.

Individuals with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome who are long-term smokers are at elevate risk for cancer, especially little cell lung cancer. Individuals who grow the syndrome at an older age also have a greater risk of cancer. A cancerous tumor may enlarge the amount of muscle weakness, as well as cause fatigue and weight loss. Approximately 60 percent of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome cases are associated with a small cell lung cancer, and the onset of LEMS symptoms frequently precedes the detection of the cancer.

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is directly linked with cancer, in particular small cell lung cancer. There is no cure for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Therapy is best coordinated with the primary care physician and appropriate consultants. Treatment is directed at decreasing the autoimmune response or improving the transmission of the disrupted electrical impulses. Corticosteroids and 3, 4-diaminopyridine are used in treatment of LEMS with limited success.

Other possible treatments such as plasma replace, steroids and immunosuppressive agents have not been tested in randomized controlled trials. If cancer is present, treatment should focus on cancer therapy. In some cases, the muscle weakness of Lambert-Eaton will improve as the cancer treatment progresses. In individuals with the syndrome but without cancer, immunosuppressive drugs such as prednisone and azathioprine can be used to reduce the autoimmune response and lessen symptoms. Muscle weakness may increase with hot weather, use of hot tubs or hot showers, fever, or illness.