{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Effectiveness and safety of mexiletine versus placebo in patients with myotonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
{Author}: Elettreby AM;Elnaga AAA;Alsaied MA;Ewis DK;Sharkawy AM;Fareed R;Alderbi GM;
{Journal}: Neurol Sci
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Feb 26
{Factor}: 3.83
{DOI}: 10.1007/s10072-024-07412-z
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The rare nature of dystrophic and non-dystrophic myotonia has limited the available evidence on the efficacy of mexiletine as a potential treatment. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of mexiletine for both dystrophic and non-dystrophic myotonic patients.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The search was conducted on various electronic databases up to March 2023, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing mexiletine versus placebo in myotonic patients. A risk of bias assessment was carried out, and relevant data was extracted manually into an online sheet. RevMan software (version 5.4) was employed for analysis.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of five studies, comprising 186 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Our findings showed that mexiletine was significantly more effective than placebo in improving stiffness score (SMD =  - 1.19, 95% CI [- 1.53, - 0.85]), as well as in reducing hand grip myotonia (MD =  - 1.36 s, 95% CI [- 1.83, - 0.89]). Mexiletine also significantly improved SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Score in patients with non-dystrophic myotonia only. Regarding safety, mexiletine did not significantly alter ECG parameters but was associated with greater gastrointestinal symptoms (GIT) compared to placebo (RR 3.7, 95% CI [1.79, 7.64]). Other adverse events showed no significant differences.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The results support that mexiletine is effective and safe in myotonic patients; however, it is associated with a higher risk of GIT symptoms. Due to the scarcity of published RCTs and the prevalence of GIT symptoms, we recommend further well-designed RCTs testing various drug combinations to reduce GIT symptoms.