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Published on: November 23, 2013
Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Antibodies in Slow-Progression Motor Neuron Disease
Massimiliano Godani1, Marco Zoccarato, Alessandro Beronio
1Neurology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy.
Background:
The spectrum of autoimmune neurological diseases associated with voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antibodies (Abs) ranges from peripheral nerve disorders to limbic encephalitis. Recently, low titers of VGKC-complex Abs have also been reported in neurodegenerative disorders, but their clinical relevance is unknown.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to explore the prevalence of VGKC-complex Abs in slow-progression motor neuron disease (MND).
Methods:
We compared 11 patients affected by slow-progression MND with 9 patients presenting typical progression illness. Sera were tested for VGKC-complex Abs by radioimmunoassay. The distribution of VGKC-complex Abs was analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test.
Results:
The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the mean values in the study and control groups. A case with long-survival MND harboring VGKC-complex Abs and treated with intravenous immunoglobulins is described.
Conclusion:
Although VGKC-complex Abs are not likely to be pathogenic, these results could reflect the coexistence of an immunological activation in patients with slow disease progression.
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