title: Treatment of Lambert-Eaton syndrome: 3,4-diaminopyridine and pyridostigmine.
abstract: We used a new drug, 3,4-diaminopyridine, to treat five patients with the Lambert-Eaton syndrome, one with a carcinoma and four cryptogenic. The effects of intravenous, oral, and rectal administration were evaluated clinically and electrophysiologically after single doses and during continuous treatment for up to 21 months. 3,4-Diaminopyridine effectively ameliorated the neuromuscular and autonomic nervous system disorders without severe side effects. Anticholinesterase drugs strongly potentiated the benefit of 3,4-diaminopyridine.
mesh_terms: D015761:4-Aminopyridine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000368:Aged; D000077770:Amifampridine; D000631:Aminopyridines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011729:Pyridostigmine Bromide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D000631:Aminopyridines; D015761:4-Aminopyridine; D011729:Pyridostigmine Bromide; D000077770:Amifampridine