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Article
Open-Label Trial of Ranolazine for the Treatment of Paramyotonia Congenita
Muscle and Nerve
  • Samantha Lorusso
  • David Kline
  • Amy Bartlett
  • Miriam Freimer
  • Julie Agriesti
  • Ahmed A. Hawash, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Mark M. Rich, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • John T. Kissel
  • W. David Arnold
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2019
Abstract

Introduction: Paramyotonia congenita (PMC) is a nondystrophic myotonic disorder that is believed to be caused by a defect in Na v 1.4 sodium channel inactivation. Ranolazine, which acts by enhancing slow inactivation of sodium channels, has been proposed as a therapeutic option, but in vivo studies are lacking. Methods: We conducted an open-label, single-center trial of ranolazine to evaluate efficacy and tolerability in patients with PMC. Subjective symptoms of stiffness, weakness, and pain as well as clinical and electrical myotonia were evaluated. Baseline measures were compared with those after 4 weeks of treatment with ranolazine. Results: Ranolazine was tolerated well without any serious adverse events. Both subjective symptoms and clinical myotonia were significantly improved. Duration of myotonia was reduced according to electromyography, but this change was not statistically significant in all tested muscles. Discussion: Our findings support the use of ranolazine as a treatment for myotonia in PMC and suggest that a randomized, placebo-controlled trial is warranted. Muscle Nerve 59:240–243, 2019.

DOI
10.1002/mus.26372
Citation Information
Samantha Lorusso, David Kline, Amy Bartlett, Miriam Freimer, et al.. "Open-Label Trial of Ranolazine for the Treatment of Paramyotonia Congenita" Muscle and Nerve Vol. 59 Iss. 2 (2019) p. 240 - 243 ISSN: 0148639X
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mark_rich/91/