Chenchen Liu1, Suqiong Ji1, Zhuajin Bi1, Ke Shang1, Huajie Gao1, Bitao Bu2. 1. Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. 2. Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. Electronic address: bobitao123@163.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients diagnosed with acquired neuromyotonia and who were treated with tacrolimus. METHODS: A single center, retrospective study was performed on patients with acquired meuromyotonia whose treatment included tacrolimus. The clinical information, antibody tests, and electromyography results were reviewed. The Numeric Rating Scale for pain and modified Rankin scale were used to quantify outcomes. RESULTS: This study included four patients who presented with fasciculation or myokymia in their limbs. Electromyography suggested peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. Autoantibodies including contactin-associated protein 2 (CASPR2), leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGl1) or IgLON5 antibody were detected in three patients, and another patient had Sjogren's syndrome. Initial treatment included membrane-stabilizing drugs and/or corticosteroids. Tacrolimus was administered at a dose of 3 mg once daily to all patients. All patients showed clinical improvement after the treatment. No recurrence was observed after gradual tapering or discontinuation of therapy during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus may be a therapeutic option for acquired neuromyotonia. Further studies on tacrolimus in larger patient cohort should be performed.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients diagnosed with acquired neuromyotonia and who were treated with tacrolimus. METHODS: A single center, retrospective study was performed on patients with acquired meuromyotonia whose treatment included tacrolimus. The clinical information, antibody tests, and electromyography results were reviewed. The Numeric Rating Scale for pain and modified Rankin scale were used to quantify outcomes. RESULTS: This study included four patients who presented with fasciculation or myokymia in their limbs. Electromyography suggested peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. Autoantibodies including contactin-associated protein 2 (CASPR2), leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGl1) or IgLON5 antibody were detected in three patients, and another patient had Sjogren's syndrome. Initial treatment included membrane-stabilizing drugs and/or corticosteroids. Tacrolimus was administered at a dose of 3 mg once daily to all patients. All patients showed clinical improvement after the treatment. No recurrence was observed after gradual tapering or discontinuation of therapy during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:Tacrolimus may be a therapeutic option for acquired neuromyotonia. Further studies on tacrolimus in larger patient cohort should be performed.