Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS)
Overview
Occurs when the immune system attacks the areas where the nerves and muscles of the body connect (neuromuscular junctions). As a result, patients experience muscular weakness.
There are two types of LEMS:
Common Symptoms
Muscle weakness and fatigue, dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, erectile dysfunction, decreased sweating, diminished tendon reflexes, significant weight loss, eyelid drooping, trouble speaking and swallowing, and tingling sensations in the hands and feet. Symptoms usually have a gradual onset, but progress more quickly if LEMS is associated with cancer.
Coexisting Diseases and Conditions
About 60% of LEMS cases are associated with having small cell lung cancer. Other malignancies such as prostate cancer and thymoma have also been associated with the LEMS.
Risk Factors and Prevalence
Recent Research
- Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in a patient with lung cancer under treatment with pembrolizumab: a case study (2023)
- Nationwide survey of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in Japan (2022)
- Guidance for the management of myasthenia gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020)
- Amifampridine for the management of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: A new take on an old drug (2019)
Sources
- Article Sources
Jayarangaiah, A., & Theetha Kariyanna, P. (2021). Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507891/
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome. (n.d.). NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). Retrieved July 12, 2021, from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/lambert-eaton-myasthenic-syndrome/
Maddison, P., Lipka, A. F., Gozzard, P., Sadalage, G., Ambrose, P. A., Lang, B., & Verschuuren, J. J. (2020). Lung cancer prediction in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in a prospective cohort. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 10546. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67571-9
Wirtz, P. W., Willcox, N., van der Slik, A. R., Lang, B., Maddison, P., Koeleman, B. P. C., Giphart, M. J., Wintzen, A. R., Roep, B. O., & Verschuuren, J. J. G. M. (2005). HLA and smoking in prediction and prognosis of small cell lung cancer in autoimmune Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 159(1–2), 230–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneuroim.2004.10.018