Voltage gated potassium channel antibodies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Although overlap exists between the clinical manifestations in patients with acquired peripheral nerve hyperexcitibility and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the presence of VGKC antibodies has not been associated with the development or clinical manifestations of motor neuron disease. We present the finding of elevated potassium channel antibodies in a cohort of patients with ALS and demonstrate a higher number of abnormal titer levels and higher mean titer levels in ALS patients compared to a cohort of patients with peripheral nervous system disorders. These results suggest the possibility of a subset of ALS patients where autoimmunity could play a role in disease development and progression.