Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Myasthenic syndrome; Eaton-Lambert syndrome; Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; LEMS


Treatment

The main goals of treatment are to:

  • Identify and treat any underlying disorders, such as lung cancer
  • Give treatment to help with the weakness

A treatment called plasma exchange usually improves symptoms. Plasma exchange involves removing blood plasma from the body and replacing it with donated plasma. This helps to make sure that any harmful proteins (antibodies) that are interfering with nerve function are removed from the body.

Plasmapheresis may also be effective. During this treatment, the blood is removed from the body. The plasma is separated, the antibodies are removed, and the plasma is returned to the body.

Medications that suppress the immune response, such as prednisone, may improve symptoms in some cases. Medications may also include:

  • Anticholinesterase medications such as neostigmine or pyridostigmine (although these are not very effective when given alone)
  • 3, 4-diaminopyridine, which increase the release of acetylcholine from nerve cells

Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

The symptoms of Lambert-Eaton syndrome may improve by treating the underlying disease, suppressing the immune system, or removing the antibodies. However, not everyone responds well to treatment.


Complications
  • Difficulty breathing, including respiratory failure
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Infections, such as pneumonia
  • Injuries from falls and problems with coordination

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of this condition develop.


Review Date: 08/27/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)