Immunosuppressive treatment in lower motor neuron syndrome with autoantibodies against GM1 ganglioside

Eur Neurol. 1993;33(6):446-9. doi: 10.1159/000116991.

Abstract

We report the results of immunosuppressive treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide in 12 patients with lower motor neuron syndrome and elevated titers of serum autoantibodies to GM1 ganglioside. All patients had lower motor neuron dysfunction including proximal or distal weakness, fasciculation and muscle atrophy, but no upper motor neuron dysfunction such as hyperreflexia, spasticity or Babinski's sign. Electrophysiological studies revealed no evidence of conduction block, but EMG findings of acute or chronic denervation in the limbs were present. Serum biochemistry and immunological studies were negative for M protein. After a 6-month follow-up, despite a fall in antibody titer, there was no significant clinical improvement in any of the patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Autoantibodies / analysis*
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Electromyography / drug effects
  • Female
  • G(M1) Ganglioside / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / analysis
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neuron Disease / drug therapy*
  • Motor Neuron Disease / immunology
  • Motor Neurons / drug effects
  • Motor Neurons / immunology
  • Muscular Atrophy / drug therapy*
  • Muscular Atrophy / immunology
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • G(M1) Ganglioside
  • Cyclophosphamide