Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
2009-2-12
pubmed:abstractText
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) varies from mild to severe, but if untreated it can be progressive and disabling. Although progress has been made in understanding and treating SPS, the disease remains underdiagnosed, delaying treatment. Antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase provide an excellent diagnostic marker, but their role in disease pathogenesis is uncertain. Research focused on identifying new autoantigens has provided evidence that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptor-associated protein (GABARAP), a 14-kD protein localized at the postsynaptic regions of GABAergic synapses, is an antigenic target. Circulating anti-GABARAP antibodies that inhibit GABA(A) receptor expression on GABAergic neurons have been found in up to 65% of SPS patients. The impairment of GABAergic pathways and reduction of brain GABA results in clinical manifestations of stiffness, spasms, and phobias. Increased awareness of SPS among practicing physicians is necessary to recognize the disease early and prevent permanent disability. Most patients with SPS respond to GABA-enhancing drugs, but the high doses required cause unacceptable adverse effects. The disease clearly responds to intravenous immunoglobulin, but repeated infusions are needed to maintain response. New immunomodulating agents are being explored to treat difficult cases and to induce long-lasting remissions.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:status
PubMed-not-MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Mar
pubmed:issn
1092-8480
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
11
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
102-10
pubmed:year
2009
pubmed:articleTitle
Stiff person syndrome: advances in pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.
pubmed:affiliation
Marinos C. Dalakas, MD Imperial College, London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Burlington Danes Building, Office E412, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom. m.dalakas@imperial.ac.uk.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article