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Neuromuscular Disorders : NMD Feb 2023Although mexiletine effectively treats myotonia, supply disruptions affected Europe between 2008-2018. MyoPath was a mixed-methods, cross-sectional, market research...
Although mexiletine effectively treats myotonia, supply disruptions affected Europe between 2008-2018. MyoPath was a mixed-methods, cross-sectional, market research survey conducted January-June 2018 to evaluate consequences of limited access to/awareness of mexiletine in people with myotonia. Part A: qualitative structured interviews (clinicians; advocates for adult patients); Part B: quantitative online questionnaire completed by people with self-reported history of myotonia. Part A: Interviews (clinicians, n=12; patient advocates, n=5; 12 countries) indicated poor mexiletine awareness among general neurologists. Patients chose between living with myotonia (other treatments were generally unsatisfactory) or importing mexiletine. Part B: Questionnaire respondents, myotonic dystrophy (DM)1, n=213; DM2, n=128; non-dystrophic myotonia (NDM), n=41; other n=8; (11 countries). Of the respondents, 76/390 (20%) people with awareness of/access to mexiletine described profound improvements in myotonia and health-related quality of life following treatment. Respondents with NDM had greatest mexiletine experience (n=28/41). Mexiletine was associated with fewer falls, less muscle stiffness, increased mobility. Treatment interruptions worsened myotonia and were associated with fatigue, pain, dysphagia, breathing difficulty, impaired digestion, poor sleep. However, 36/54 (67%) of currently treated people expressed anxiety about mexiletine's availability: this finding was expected (MyoPath was undertaken before mexiletine's approval in NDM). MyoPath provides the largest European exploration of patients' views regarding impact of mexiletine on myotonia. Anticipated effects of mexiletine differ between people with different myotonic disorders: myotonia is the main symptom in NDM but one of many potential symptoms affecting those with DM. Nevertheless, findings indicate substantial harm caused to people with myotonia when mexiletine awareness/access is limited.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Mexiletine; Myotonia; Quality of Life; Cross-Sectional Studies; Myotonic Dystrophy; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36706619
DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2022.12.008 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2020Re-entry is a basic mechanism of ventricular fibrillation, which can be elicited by extrasystolic activity, but the timing of an extrasystole can be critical. The action...
INTRODUCTION
Re-entry is a basic mechanism of ventricular fibrillation, which can be elicited by extrasystolic activity, but the timing of an extrasystole can be critical. The action potential duration (APD) of an extrasystole depends on the proximity of the preceding beat, and the relation between its timing and its APD is called electrical restitution. The aim of the present work was to study and compare the effect of several antiarrhythmic drugs on restitution in preparations from undiseased human ventricular muscle, and other mammalian species.
METHODS
Action potentials were recorded in preparations obtained from rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and dog hearts; and from undiseased human donor hearts using the conventional microelectrode technique. Preparations were stimulated with different basic cycle lengths (BCLs) ranging from 300 to 5,000 ms. To study restitution, single test pulses were applied at every 20th beat while the preparation was driven at 1,000 ms BCL.
RESULTS
Marked differences were found between the animal and human preparations regarding restitution and steady-state frequency dependent curves. In human ventricular muscle, restitution kinetics were slower in preparations with large phase 1 repolarization with shorter APDs at 1000 ms BCL compared to preparations with small phase 1. Preparations having APD longer than 300 ms at 1000 ms BCL had slower restitution kinetics than those having APD shorter than 250 ms. The selective I inhibitors E-4031 and sotalol increased overall APD and slowed the restitution kinetics, while I inhibition did not influence APD and electrical restitution. Mexiletine and nisoldipine shortened APD, but only mexiletine slowed restitution kinetics.
DISCUSSION
Frequency dependent APD changes, including electrical restitution, were partly determined by the APD at the BCL. Small phase 1 associated with slower restitution suggests a role of I in restitution. APD prolonging drugs slowed restitution, while mexiletine, a known inhibitor of I, shortened basic APD but also slowed restitution. These results indicate that although basic APD has an important role in restitution, other transmembrane currents, such as I or I, can also affect restitution kinetics. This raises the possibility that ion channel modifier drugs slowing restitution kinetics may have antiarrhythmic properties by altering restitution.
PubMed: 32425771
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00479 -
Cureus Jun 2022Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (BVT) is a rare and unusual ventricular dysrhythmia that is characterized by a beat-to-beat alternation of the QRS axis. This can...
Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (BVT) is a rare and unusual ventricular dysrhythmia that is characterized by a beat-to-beat alternation of the QRS axis. This can sometimes manifest as alternating left and right bundle branch blocks. To the best of our knowledge, there are two previous cases of BVT in the setting of type I myocardial infarction. Our case would be the third and showed a subtle change in the anterior-posterior axis that can be seen in lead V2. The coronary angiography of our patient demonstrated severe multivessel coronary artery disease with complete total occlusion of the proximal dominant right coronary artery, 100% in-stent restenosis of the ostial left circumflex, 40% stenosis of left main, and 90% stenosis of mid left anterior descending artery (LAD). The BVT resolved after two amiodarone boluses followed by a drip. We attempted to transition to oral mexiletine, however, the patient was unable to tolerate the medication due to intractable nausea and vomiting. The patient subsequently underwent high risk coronary artery bypass graft surgery with no further episodes of BVT following revascularization and was discharged after six weeks of hospitalization. Although rare, type I myocardial infarction is an important differential diagnosis of BVT.
PubMed: 35832750
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25845 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2023Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited disease with an abnormal electrical conduction system in the heart that can cause sudden death as a result of QT prolongation....
INTRODUCTION
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited disease with an abnormal electrical conduction system in the heart that can cause sudden death as a result of QT prolongation. LQT2 is the second most common subtype of LQTS caused by loss of function mutations in the potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) gene. Although more than 900 mutations are associated with the LQTS, many of these mutations are not validated or characterized.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Sequencing analyses of genomic DNA of a family with LQT2 identified a putative mutation. i.e., KCNH2(NM_000238.3): c.3099_3112del, in KCNH2 gene which appeared to be a definite pathogenic mutation. The family pedigree information showed a gender difference in clinical features and T-wave morphology between male and female patients. The female with mutation exhibited recurring ventricular arrhythmia and syncope, while two male carriers did not show any symptoms. In addition, T-wave in females was much flatter than in males. The female proband showed a positive reaction to the lidocaine test. Lidocaine injection almost completely blocked ventricular arrhythmia and shortened the QT interval by ≥30 ms. Treatment with propranolol, mexiletine, and implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators prevented the sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and syncope, as assessed by a 3-year follow-up evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS
A putative mutation c.3099_3112del in the KCNH2 gene causes LQT2 syndrome, and the pathogenic mutation mainly causes symptoms in female progeny.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels; ERG1 Potassium Channel; Sex Factors; Mutation; Long QT Syndrome; Syncope; Lidocaine
PubMed: 37783170
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100285 -
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Dec 2017Thromboelastography (TEG) in venous air embolism (VAE) has been poorly studied. We induced coagulation abnormalities by VAE in a rat model, assessed by TEG with and...
BACKGROUND
Thromboelastography (TEG) in venous air embolism (VAE) has been poorly studied. We induced coagulation abnormalities by VAE in a rat model, assessed by TEG with and without mexiletine, a lidocaine analogue local anesthetic.
METHODS
Twenty-three Sprague Dawley rats instrumented under isoflurane anesthesia and allowed to recover five days prior to the experiments were randomized into three experimental groups: 1) VAE (n = 6); 2) VAE and mexiletine (n = 9); and 3) normal saline (NS) alone (control group, n = 8). Blood samples were collected at baseline, one hour (h) and 24 h in all groups and analyzed by TEG to record the R, K, angle α and MA parameters.
RESULTS
In Group 1, VAE decreased significantly R at 1 h (31%), K at 1 h (59%) and 24 h (34%); α increased significantly at 1 h (30%) and 24 h (22%). While R returned to baseline values within 24 h, K, MA and α did not. In group-2 (Mexiletine + VAE), K and R decreased at 1 h (48% and 29%, respectively) and at 24 h the changes were non-significant. Angle α increased at 1 h (28%) and remained increased for 24 h (25%). In group 3 (NS), only R was temporarily affected. MA increased significantly at 24 h only in the VAE alone group.
CONCLUSION
As expected, VAE produced a consistent and significant hypercoagulable response diagnosed/confirmed by TEG. Mexiletine prevented the MA elevation seen with VAE and corrected R and K time at 24 h, whereas angle α remained unchanged. Mexiletine seemed to attenuate the hypercoagulability associated with VAE in this experiment. These results may have potential clinical applications and deserve further investigation.
Topics: Analysis of Variance; Anesthetics, Local; Animals; Blood Coagulation Disorders; Embolism, Air; Mexiletine; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Sodium Chloride; Thrombelastography
PubMed: 29241232
DOI: 10.28920/dhm47.4.228-232 -
Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases 2023Myotonia congenita is the most common form of nondystrophic myotonia and is caused by Mendelian inherited mutations in the CLCN1 gene encoding the voltage-gated chloride...
BACKGROUND
Myotonia congenita is the most common form of nondystrophic myotonia and is caused by Mendelian inherited mutations in the CLCN1 gene encoding the voltage-gated chloride channel of skeletal muscle.
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to describe the clinical and genetic spectrum of Myotonia congenita in a large pediatric cohort.
METHODS
Demographic, genetic, and clinical data of the patients aged under 18 years at time of first clinical attendance from 11 centers in different geographical regions of Türkiye were retrospectively investigated.
RESULTS
Fifty-four patients (mean age:15.2 years (±5.5), 76% males, with 85% Becker, 15% Thomsen form) from 40 families were included. Consanguineous marriage rate was 67%. 70.5% of patients had a family member with Myotonia congenita. The mean age of disease onset was 5.7 (±4.9) years. Overall 23 different mutations (2/23 were novel) were detected in 52 patients, and large exon deletions were identified in two siblings. Thomsen and Becker forms were observed concomitantly in one family. Carbamazepine (46.3%), mexiletine (27.8%), phenytoin (9.3%) were preferred for treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical and genetic heterogeneity, as well as the limited response to current treatment options, constitutes an ongoing challenge. In our cohort, recessive Myotonia congenita was more frequent and novel mutations will contribute to the literature.
Topics: Male; Humans; Child; Adolescent; Aged; Infant; Child, Preschool; Female; Myotonia Congenita; Retrospective Studies; Chloride Channels; Mutation; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 37355912
DOI: 10.3233/JND-230046 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2022Non-dystrophic myotonias (NDM) encompass chloride and sodium channelopathy. Mutations in lead to either the autosomal dominant form or the recessive form of myotonia...
Non-dystrophic myotonias (NDM) encompass chloride and sodium channelopathy. Mutations in lead to either the autosomal dominant form or the recessive form of myotonia congenita (MC). The main symptom is stiffness worsening after rest and improving by physical exercise. Patients with recessive mutations often show muscle hypertrophy, and transient weakness mostly in their lower limbs. Mutations in can lead to Hyper-, Hypo- or Normo-kalemic Periodic Paralysis or to different forms of myotonia (Paramyotonia Congenita-PMC and Sodium Channel Myotonia-SCM and severe neonatal episodic laryngospasm-SNEL). SCM often presents facial muscle stiffness, cold sensitivity, and muscle pain, whereas myotonia worsens in PMC patients with the repetition of the muscle activity and cold. Patients affected by chloride or sodium channelopathies may show similar phenotypes and symptoms, making the diagnosis more difficult to reach. Herein we present a woman in whom sodium and chloride channelopathies coexist yielding a complex phenotype with features typical of both MC and PMC. Disease onset was in the second decade with asthenia, weakness, warm up and limb stiffness, and her symptoms had been worsening through the years leading to frequent heavy retrosternal compression, tachycardia, stiffness, and symmetrical pain in her lower limbs. She presented severe lid lag myotonia, a hypertrophic appearance at four limbs and myotonic discharges at EMG. Her symptoms have been triggered by exposure to cold and her daily life was impaired. All together, clinical signs and instrumental data led to the hypothesis of PMC and to the administration of mexiletine, then replaced by acetazolamide because of gastrointestinal side effects. Analysis of revealed a new variant, p.Glu1607del. Nonetheless the severity of myotonia in the lower limbs and her general stiffness led to hypothesize that the impairment of sodium channel, Nav1.4, alone could not satisfactorily explain the phenotype and a second genetic "factor" was hypothesized. was targeted, and p.Met485Val was detected in homozygosity. This case highlights that proper identification of signs and symptoms by an expert neurologist is crucial to target a successful genetic diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
PubMed: 36081873
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.845383 -
BMC Neurology Dec 2021Non-dystrophic myotonias (NDMs) comprise muscle chloride and sodium channelopathies due to genetic defects of the CLCN1- and SCN4A-channels. No licensed antimyotonic...
Improving the understanding of how patients with non-dystrophic myotonia are selected for myotonia treatment with mexiletine (NaMuscla): outcomes of treatment impact using a European Delphi panel.
BACKGROUND
Non-dystrophic myotonias (NDMs) comprise muscle chloride and sodium channelopathies due to genetic defects of the CLCN1- and SCN4A-channels. No licensed antimyotonic treatment has been available until approval of mexiletine (NaMuscla®) for adult patients by the EMA in December 2018. This Delphi panel aimed to understand how outcomes of the pivotal phase III Mexiletine study (MYOMEX) translate to real world practice and investigate health resource use, quality of life and the natural history of NDM to support economic modelling and facilitate patient access.
METHODS
Nine clinical experts in treating NDM took part in a two-round Delphi panel. Their knowledge of NDM and previous use of mexiletine as an off-label treatment prior to NaMuscla's approval ensured they could provide both qualitative context and quantitative estimates to support economic modelling comparing mexiletine (NaMuscla) to best supportive care. Consensus in four key areas was sought: healthcare resource utilization (HRU), treatment with mexiletine (NaMuscla), patient quality of life (QoL), and the natural history of disease. Concept questions were also asked, considering perceptions on the feasibility of mapping the validated Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life (INQoL) instrument to the generic EQ-5D™, and the potential impact on caregiver QoL.
RESULTS
Consensus was achieved for key questions including the average long-term dosage of mexiletine (NaMuscla) in practice, the criteria for eligibility of myotonia treatment, the clinical importance of QoL outcomes in MYOMEX, the higher proportion of patients with increased QoL, and the reduction in the need for mental health resources for patients receiving mexiletine (NaMuscla). While consensus was not achieved for other questions, the results demonstrated that most experts felt mexiletine (NaMuscla) reduced the need for HRU and was expected to improve QoL. The QoL mapping exercise suggested that it is feasible to map domains of INQoL to EQ-5D. Points of interest for future research were identified, including that mexiletine (NaMuscla) may slow the annual decrease in QoL of patients over their lifetime, and a significant negative impact on QoL for some caregivers.
CONCLUSIONS
This project successfully provided data from an informed group of clinical experts, complementing the currently available clinical trial data for mexiletine (NaMuscla) to support patient access decisions.
Topics: Adult; Channelopathies; Humans; Mexiletine; Myotonia; NAV1.4 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34852780
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02491-3 -
Clinical Medicine Insights.... 2019Mexiletine is an anti-arrhythmic agent also used for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. In this study, the effect of mexiletine on body weight was evaluated...
OBJECTIVE
Mexiletine is an anti-arrhythmic agent also used for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. In this study, the effect of mexiletine on body weight was evaluated in type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic neuropathy exhibiting visceral obesity.
METHODS
Type 2 diabetes patients with neuropathy exhibiting visceral obesity (n = 21) treated by mexiletine (300 mg/day) and a control group of type 2 diabetes patients with the same condition who received vitamin B (n = 12) were retrospectively evaluated. Body weight, waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, liver function, serum lipids, and serum uric acid were assessed before and 6 months after the treatment.
RESULTS
Mexiletine significantly decreased body weight and waist circumference. The changes in body weight and waist circumference in 6 months in the mexiletine group were greater than in the control group. In metabolic parameters, there were significant decreases in triglyceride (TG) and serum uric acid. There were positive relationships between the change in body weight and the changes in TG, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and HbA1c.
CONCLUSIONS
Mexiletine may affect body weight regulation. It ameliorated the metabolic parameters possibly by decreasing visceral fat. Further study should be performed to clarify the mechanism of the effect.
PubMed: 30733634
DOI: 10.1177/1179551418825049 -
Case Reports in Medicine 2021Advanced heart failure patients commonly suffer from ventricular arrhythmias which can be managed by antiarrhythmic drugs like mexiletine. These ventricular arrhythmias...
Advanced heart failure patients commonly suffer from ventricular arrhythmias which can be managed by antiarrhythmic drugs like mexiletine. These ventricular arrhythmias can be complicated by illicit drug use which alter outcomes and can potentially impact the patient-physician relationship through countertransference. However, mexiletine can lead to false positive urine drug screen testing for amphetamine, and these false-positive urine drug screen test results can affect the decision-making process. Health care providers should be aware of this fact and should either use confirmatory testing or look for confounding compounds in patients who deny using illicit substances and have a positive urine drug screen. Our patient is 64 years old who arrived at the emergency department after experiencing a shock by his intracardiac defibrillator. The patient tested positive for amphetamine on his urine drug screen and was later ruled out by confirmatory quantitative testing.
PubMed: 34887926
DOI: 10.1155/2021/7134394