Lambert-Eaton Syndrome Flashcards
What type of condition is Lambert-Eaton syndrome?
Autoimmune condition
What is Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
characterised by?
Antibodies against the pre-synaptic voltage-gated calcium channels.
What are the antibodies in Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
directed against?
Presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channel in the peripheral nervous system
What do most people with Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
have?
Underlying malignancy
What underlting malignancy do most poeple with Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
have?
Small cell lung cancer
How can Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
present?
repeated muscle contractions lead to increased muscle strength
limb-girdle weakness (affects lower limbs first)
hyporeflexia
autonomic symptoms
What autonomic symptoms can Lambert-Eaton Syndrome
present with?
Dry mouth
Impotence
Difficulty micturating
What investigations can be done for Lambert-Eaton Syndrome?
Bloods
Nerve conduction studies
What might you find in bloods of someone with Lambert-Eaton Syndrome?
Anti-voltage-gated calcium channels
What would nerve condution studies show in someone with Lambert-Eaton Syndrome?
Doubling of muscle action potential amplitude with exercise.
What is the management of Lambert-Eaton syndrome?
Sort underlying cause
Amifampridine
How does amifampridine work?
Blocks pre-synaptic potassium channels in the nerve terminals
