Prognosis

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) prognosis is determined by the presence and type of underlying cancer, the presence and severity of associated autoimmune disease, and the severity and distribution of weakness.

In association with cancer (CA-LEMS)

Long-term prognosis is determined by the prognosis and recurrence rate of the underlying cancer. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a better prognosis when associated with LEMS (one study reported 15- to 17-month survival in patients with SCLC and CA-LEMS, compared with 9- to 10-month survival in patients without CA-LEMS); this may be due to earlier tumour detection.[7][50][51][52]​ Weakness typically improves with effective cancer treatment.[53]

Not associated with cancer but as part of more general autoimmune state (NCA-LEMS)

Initial degree of proximal muscle strength has been shown to correlate with long-term outcome, although neither electrophysiological findings nor anti-voltage-gated calcium-channel antibody levels correlate.[44] Up to half of patients may achieve sustained clinical remission with substantial doses of immunosuppressive medications.[44] Most will continue to have long-term disability despite therapeutic measures. NCA-LEMS does not seem to reduce life expectancy.[52]

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