What's in the Literature?

Abstract

In this issue, we review studies of the genetic risk of developing polyneuropathy from the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel. Increased susceptibility was related to PRX and ARHGEF10 mutations and to genes associated with axonogenesis. Several articles regarding the use of subcutaneous administration of intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of neuropathies were also reviewed. We also comment on 2 recent studies that evaluated how intravenous immunoglobulin modulates the immune attack in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. On a somewhat related topic, a recent study from Taiwan also addressed whether childhood allergic disorders increase the risk of developing another autoimmune disease, namely myasthenia gravis (MG). An article regarding a potential new MG autoantigen, cortactin, was assessed. A study of outcome measures for MG and another regarding a new mutation—in SNAP25B—in congenital myasthenic syndrome were covered. Regarding myopathy, articles involving neuromuscular respiratory dysfunction and hereditary myopathy with early respiratory failure and interesting histopathologic features were analyzed. Results of a large study on congenital myopathy from the Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre were summarized, and a study of adult-onset centronuclear myopathy was covered. Results of a bimagrumab trial in inclusion body myositis are reported. Regarding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we reviewed studies regarding the category of ALS-Plus and associated features and in medical conditions that may be associated with risk of developing ALS.