{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Expert Insights from a Delphi-driven Neurologists' Panel: Real-world Mexiletine use in Patients with Myotonic Disorders in Italy.
{Author}: Lidonnici D;Brambilla P;Ravasio R;Zozulya-Weidenfeller A;Beiderbeck A;van Aswegen M;Oliveira R;Sansone VA;
{Journal}: J Neuromuscul Dis
{Volume}: 11
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 2024 Feb 1
暂无{DOI}: 10.3233/JND-230115
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Myotonic disorders, such as non-dystrophic myotonias (NDMs) and myotonic dystrophies (DMs) are characterized by a delay in muscle relaxation after a contraction stimulus. There is general consensus that protocols to treat myotonia need to be implemented.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Mexiletine is the only pharmacological agent approved for the symptomatic treatment of myotonia in adult patients with NDM and is considered to be the first-line treatment for DMs; however, its production in Italy was halted in 2022 making its availability to patients problematic.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>A panel of 8 Italian neurologists took part in a two-round Delphi panel between June and October 2022, analyzing the current use of mexiletine in Italian clinical practice.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The panelists assist 1126 patients (69% DM type1, 18% NDM and 13% DM type2). Adult NDM patients receive, on average, 400-600 mg of mexiletine hydrochloride (HCl) while adult DM patients receive 100-600 mg, per day in the long-term. The severity of symptoms is considered the main reason to start mexiletine treatment for both NDM and DM patients. Mexiletine is reckoned to have a clinical impact for both NDM and DM patients, but currently drug access is problematic.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Mexiletine treatment is recognized to have a role in the reduction of the symptomatic burden for NDM and DM patients. Patient management could be improved by facilitating access to therapy and developing new drug formulations.