You are in: eMedicine Specialties > Neurology > Neuromuscular Diseases Schwartz-Jampel SyndromeArticle Last Updated: Feb 2, 2007AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATIONAuthor: Stephen A Berman, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Neurology, Dartmouth Medical School; Chief, Neurology Service, White River Junction Veterans Medical Center Stephen A Berman is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Neurology, and Phi Beta Kappa Coauthor(s): Eric Dinnerstein, MD, Consulting Staff Neurologist, Maine Neurology Editors: Daniel H Jacobs, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Florida; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Agapito S Lorenzo, MD, Laboratory Director, Associate Professor, Departments of Neurology, Creighton University and University of Nebraska Medical Center; Matthew J Baker, MD, Consulting Staff, Collier Neurologic Specialists, Naples Community Hospital; Nicholas Y Lorenzo, MD, Chief Editor, eMedicine Neurology; Consulting Staff, Neurology Specialists and Consultants Author and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: Schwartz Jampel syndrome, chondrodystrophic myotonia, myotonic myopathy, dwarfism, chondrodystrophy, ocular and facial anomalies, Schwartz-Jampel-Aberfeld syndrome, SJA syndrome, SJS INTRODUCTIONBackgroundSchwartz-Jampel syndrome (SJS) is a term now applied to 2 different autosomal recessive inherited conditions, sometimes termed SJS type I and SJS type II. Both are very rare. SJS type I has 2 recognized subtypes, IA and IB, which are similar except that type IB manifests earlier and with greater severity. The most commonly recognized and described type is IA, which exhibits muscle stiffness, mild (and largely nonprogressive) muscle weakness, and a number of minor morphological abnormalities. In affected patients, problems with motor development frequently become evident during the first year of life. Usually, the characteristic dysmorphic features lead to an early diagnosis, no later than age 3 years. Types IB and type II (now known to be a separate disease more commonly referred to as Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome) are discussed in further detail later. The first described cases of SJS were reported in 1962 by Oscar Schwartz and Robert S. Jampel in the Archives of Ophthalmology in an article titled "Congenital blepharophimosis associated with a unique generalized myopathy." In this paper, the authors present the case of 2 siblings, a 6-year-old boy and a 3-and-a-half-year-old girl, who had the following clinical characteristics:
Electromyography (EMG) was not performed. The authors opined that the disease might represent a generalized problem with muscle and tendon development during infancy. As mentioned above, certain subtypes of SJS are now recognized. Type IA is the classic type described by Schwartz and Jampel. Types IB and a type II have also been delineated. Type IA becomes apparent later in childhood and is less severe. Type IB is apparent immediately at birth and is more severe clinically, although typically compatible with life and even long-term survival. Types IA and IB derive from mutations of the same gene, the HSPG2 gene, which codes for perlecan, a heparin sulfate proteoglycan. Type II, like type IB, is apparent immediately at birth. The patients look similar to those with type IB. However, it was known for many years that type II does not map to the same chromosome as types IA and IB. It is now known that type II relates to a mutation in a different gene, the gene for the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR). This is the same disease as Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome, which has been known separately, mainly in the rheumatologic and orthopedic literature, rather than the neurologic literature. The cardinal features of type II are joint contractures, bone dysplasia, and small stature. Infants with type II have severe respiratory difficulties and feeding problems. Hypotonia (rather than stiffness) is prominent. Frequent bouts of hyperthermia have been described (possibly related to mitochondrial dysfunction). A high infant mortality rate is associated with this condition. Long-term survivors are rare. However, 2 long-term survivors, ages 3 and 12 years, have recently been reported (Di Rocco, 2003). In addition to problems with bone dysplasia, these children also manifested dysautonomic and neuropathic features, including reduced patellar reflexes, lack of corneal reflexes, and paradoxical perspiration at low temperatures. Their tongues lacked fungiform papillae (in addition to showing ulcerations). Considerable justification can be made for dropping the term SJS type II and simply referring to the condition as Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome. The disease is not technically that which Schwartz and Jampel described. Nevertheless, the term SJS type II is included in this discussion. Because so few patients with Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome have survived long term, most of the clinical information provided below pertains to SJS types IA and IB. Information pertinent to Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome will be identified as such. More genetic details of both diseases are provided in Causes. PathophysiologyThe clinical features of muscle stiffness in SJS type I somewhat resemble those seen in myotonic disorders, stiff person syndrome, or Isaacs syndrome. The stiffness does not disappear with sleep or benzodiazepine treatment (as in stiff person syndrome), and it is not abolished reliably with curare (as in Isaacs syndrome). Neurophysiologic examination typically shows continuous electrical activity (similar to myotonic discharges). However, the electrical activity often lacks the waxing and waning quality of true electrical myotonia and might be better described as complex, repetitive discharges. At other times, the pattern resembles neuromyotonia (ie, extremely rapid repetitive discharges that wane from an initially high amplitude). In other cases, a combination of these and other electrical patterns are seen. Perhaps a unique Schwartz-Jampel pattern exists that has not yet been fully defined. Prior to the discovery of the specific gene defect, the similarity to myotonic disorders provoked speculation that a muscle ion channel abnormality or a muscle enzyme defect might underlie this condition. The fact that a defect exists in the gene for perlecan, a heparin sulfate proteoglycan that is the major proteoglycan of basement membranes and is present in cartilage, supports the general concept of a membrane abnormality and the presence of dysmorphic features. However, precise knowledge of why abnormal electrical discharges occur is still lacking. Perhaps the perlecan abnormality produces secondary membrane channel abnormalities. In addition, how this basement membrane defect actually causes the skeletal and other morphological problems is not understood. No evidence indicates that the muscle pathology in Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome is similar, although the muscles are probably not normal. Abnormal accumulations of lipid droplets have been found in the muscles of persons with Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome (Di Rocco, 2003), although what this means remains unclear. FrequencyUnited StatesSJS types IA and IB are very rare, but the frequency is not actually known. Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome is probably even rarer. InternationalAlthough SJS was initially described in the United States, it has also been reported internationally. Both SJS type I and Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome are rare throughout the world Mortality/Morbidity
RaceNo significant information is available on racial distribution. SexSJS syndrome has been described in both males and females. However, data are insufficient to indicate any sexual predilection. AgeSJS is an inherited disease and, thus, it is genetically present from conception. It is usually noticeable by the first year of life and frequently can be diagnosed at or soon after birth. CLINICALHistory
Physical
Causes
DIFFERENTIALSCharcot-Marie-Tooth and Other Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathies Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Congenital Myopathies Myasthenia Gravis Myokymia Periodic Paralyses Stiff Person Syndrome
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| Drug Name | Phenytoin (Dilantin) |
|---|---|
| Description | As an anticonvulsant, phenytoin reduces the rate at which neurons fire by stabilizing the inactive form of neuronal sodium channels and by blocking L-type neuronal calcium channels. May affect similar channels in muscle to reduce muscle contraction. |
| Adult Dose | Seizures: 300 mg/d PO typically recommended; some authorities give maximum of 5 mg/kg/d PO If muscle contractions trouble patient at night, 100 mg hs may be sufficient; sometimes as much as 300 mg can be given as single dose hs; in other cases, must be given bid/tid |
| Pediatric Dose | Seizures: 5 mg/kg/d PO bid/tid Muscle irritability: 30 mg PO either hs or during day when child is most troubled by muscle contractions; gradually increase to 4-8 mg/kg/d divided bid/tid; if effective at low dose, do not increase dosage |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; Stokes-Adams syndrome; significant cardiac rhythm disturbances (eg, sinus bradycardia, sinoatrial block, second- or third-degree AV block) |
| Interactions | Amiodarone, benzodiazepines, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, fluconazole, isoniazid, metronidazole, miconazole, phenylbutazone, succinimides, sulfonamides, omeprazole, phenacemide, disulfiram, ethanol (acute ingestion), trimethoprim, and valproic acid may increase toxicity Barbiturates, diazoxide, ethanol (chronic ingestion), rifampin, antacids, charcoal, carbamazepine, theophylline, and sucralfate may decrease effects May decrease effects of acetaminophen, corticosteroids, dicumarol, disopyramide, doxycycline, estrogens, haloperidol, amiodarone, carbamazepine, cardiac glycosides, quinidine, theophylline, methadone, metyrapone, mexiletine, oral contraceptives, and valproic acid |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Death from cardiac arrest after too-rapid IV administration may occur (sometimes preceded by marked QRS widening) Caution in acute intermittent porphyria and diabetes; discontinue drug if hepatic dysfunction occurs Can provoke reactions in several specific systems or organs, including CNS (eg, nystagmus, ataxia, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness), cardiovascular (eg, cardiac collapse, hypotension), GI (various disturbances), gingival hyperplasia, connective-tissue abnormalities, hepatitis and other liver damage, skin (rashes, other problems), endocrine (eg, increase in blood glucose, diabetes insipidus), genitourinary, hematological, respiratory, special senses, and musculoskeletal (including osteoporosis) Perform CBC counts and urinalyses when therapy is begun and at monthly intervals for several months thereafter to monitor for blood dyscrasias Discontinue use if rash appears; if rash is exfoliative, bullous, or purpuric, do not resume use |
| Drug Name | Carbamazepine (Tegretol) |
|---|---|
| Description | Chemical analogue of TCAs and was first developed for depression. Was found to be useful for relief of pain in depression. Used for trigeminal neuralgia. Because trigeminal neuralgia is caused by rapid firing of nerves, it was next tried for rapid neuronal firing seen in seizures and proved very effective. Like phenytoin, probably works by inhibiting neuronal sodium channels and may have direct effects on neurotransmitter systems. May inhibit sodium channels or other ion channels in muscle. Adult dose similar to that used in pain syndromes. |
| Adult Dose | 100 mg PO bid initially; increase gradually to 200 mg PO tid/qid if tolerated |
| Pediatric Dose | <6 years: 10-20 mg/kg/d PO 6-12 years: 10 mg/kg/d PO initially; increase to 20-30 mg/kg/d PO divided bid/qid If susp (liquid) form used, smaller, more frequent doses are better tolerated (ie, tid/qid) |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; history of bone marrow depression; MAOIs within last 14 d |
| Interactions | Danazol within last 30 d may significantly increase serum levels (avoid whenever possible); do not coadminister with MAOIs; cimetidine may increase toxicity, especially if taken in first 4 wk of therapy; may decrease primidone and phenobarbital levels (coadministration may increase carbamazepine levels) |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Do not use to relieve minor aches or pains; caution with increased intraocular pressure; obtain CBC counts and serum iron at baseline prior to treatment, during first 2 mo, and yearly or every other year thereafter; can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision; caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness |
Cardiac antiarrhythmics reduce or regulate the firing rate of cardiac cells by a number of mechanisms, the most precisely understood of which are effects on ion channels. That a similar effect may occur in the skeletal muscle should not be surprising. Of the antiarrhythmics, mexiletine is probably the most commonly used for this condition. Procainamide and quinidine also have been listed for completeness and because they are used by many neurologists to treat muscle stiffness and muscle spasm. Quinine also can be useful occasionally. Quinine should be classified as an antiarrhythmic because of its similarity to quinidine. However, the most recent classifications list it under "antimalarials, antiprotozoals, skeletal muscle hyperactivity." It is therefore discussed under that category.
| Drug Name | Mexiletine (Mexitil) |
|---|---|
| Description | As class IB antiarrhythmic, preferentially binds to open or inactivated calcium channels with rapid association rate. Binding to open channels effectively shortens action potential (particularly third phase) and binding to inactivated channels maintains inactivated (refractory) state. This slows firing of cells. Presumably, similar effect may occur in skeletal muscle. |
| Adult Dose | 200 mg PO tid initially; increase dose by 50 or 100 mg q2-3d until 300 mg tid reached; sometimes as much as 400 mg tid used Muscle stiffness and spasm: 150 mg PO tid initially; not advisable to increase dose to >300 mg tid |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; cardiogenic shock; second- or third-degree AV block (without pacemaker) |
| Interactions | Aluminum-magnesium hydroxide compounds, atropine, narcotics, hydantoins, rifampin, and urinary acidifiers may decrease levels; metoclopramide and urinary alkalinizers may increase levels; cimetidine can either increase or decrease levels; may increase levels of caffeine and theophylline |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Second- or third-degree AV block (without pacemaker) is contraindication; can be used cautiously in patients with second- or third-degree AV block with pacemaker, first-degree AV block, sinus node dysfunction, intraventricular conduction abnormalities, hypotension, or congestive heart failure (consultation with cardiologist recommended before using this medication in any of these medical conditions) Liver injury reported, particularly in conjunction with congestive heart failure or cardiac ischemia—monitor liver enzymes; leukopenia or agranulocytosis occur rarely—CBC count should be monitored; convulsions have occurred in approximately 0.2% of patients, thus, caution indicated if patient has history of seizures; avoid other drugs that significantly modify urine pH |
| Drug Name | Procainamide (Procanbid, Pronestyl) |
|---|---|
| Description | As class IA antiarrhythmic, blocks open or inactivated sodium channels with slower association rate than class IB drugs (eg, mexiletine). This slows depolarization phase (phase 0) of action potential and prolongs overall action potential, thus decreasing firing rate. Presumably similar effect may occur in skeletal muscle. Has been listed because included in discussions of muscle stiffness or muscle spasm. Has never been prescribed by authors for this condition. If used for muscle stiffness, then cardiac dosing regimen should be used, starting with short-acting form. This is replaced with equivalent amount of long-acting form once medication has proven effective and is well tolerated. |
| Adult Dose | Cardiac arrhythmia: 50 mg/kg/d IV q3-6h, with total dose and interval adjusted according to patient response; 250 mg IV q3h of standard form is equivalent to 500 mg q6h of SR form Muscle stiffness: 250-500 mg IV qid |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; second- or third-degree heart block, if pacemaker not in place; torsade de pointes; systemic lupus erythematosus |
| Interactions | Cimetidine, ranitidine, beta-blockers, amiodarone, trimethoprim, and quinidine increase levels of procainamide metabolite NAPA; may increase effect of skeletal muscle relaxants quinidine and lidocaine and neuromuscular blockers; ofloxacin inhibits tubular secretion and may increase bioavailability; sparfloxacin may increase risk of cardiotoxicity |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Monitor for hypotension; plasma concentrations of procainamide and active metabolite, NAPA, may increase in renal failure; high or toxic concentrations may induce AV block or abnormal automaticity; caution in complete AV block, digitalis intoxication, organic heart disease, renal disease, and hepatic insufficiency |
| Drug Name | Quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinora) |
|---|---|
| Description | As class IA antiarrhythmic, blocks open or inactivated sodium channels with slower association rate than class IB drugs (eg, mexiletine). This slows depolarization phase (phase 0) of action potential and prolongs overall action potential, thus decreasing firing rate. Presumably similar effect may occur in skeletal muscle. For SJS, only PO administration known to be used. Use of any other mode of administration is not advised. |
| Adult Dose | 200 mg PO test dose administered with observation for idiosyncratic reactions Premature atrial and ventricular contractions: 200-300 mg PO tid/qid |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; complete AV block or intraventricular conduction defects; concurrent ritonavir or sparfloxacin |
| Interactions | Phenytoin, rifampin, and phenobarbital may decrease concentrations; ritonavir, sparfloxacin, beta-blockers, amiodarone, verapamil, cimetidine, alkalinizing agents, or nondepolarizing and depolarizing muscle relaxants may increase toxicity; may enhance effect of anticoagulants |
| Pregnancy | X - Contraindicated in pregnancy |
| Precautions | Caution in G-6-PD deficiency and those with tendency to develop granulocytopenia; avoid use in myocardial depression, hepatic or renal insufficiency, and myasthenia gravis |
The only drug in this category generally used to relieve muscle stiffness is quinine. Quinine appears to increase the refractory period for muscle discharge, exerts a curarelike action on the motor endplate, and alters the intracellular calcium distribution in a way that makes the muscle less excitable.
| Drug Name | Quinine sulfate (Formula Q) |
|---|---|
| Description | Actually an optical isomer of quinidine and, like quinidine, belongs to cinchona alkaloid group of drugs. Also has effects on heart similar to those of quinidine and, thus, is subject to similar cautions. Available in 260-, 300-, and 325-mg cap. Any of these can be given as hs dose for nocturnal muscle stiffness. |
| Adult Dose | Administer up to 650 mg PO tid; authors have not prescribed >300 mg tid for off-label use in muscle stiffness |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; optic neuritis; tinnitus; G-6-PD deficiency; history of black water fever |
| Interactions | Aluminum-containing antacids may delay or decrease bioavailability; cimetidine increases blood levels and creates potential for toxicity; rifamycins decrease concentrations by increasing hepatic clearance (effect can persist for several days after discontinuing rifamycins); acetazolamide or sodium bicarbonate may increase toxicity by increasing blood levels; may enhance action of warfarin and other oral anticoagulants by decreasing synthesis of vitamin K–dependent clotting factors; may increase digoxin serum concentrations—important to monitor digoxin levels periodically; may decrease plasma cholinesterase activity, causing decrease in metabolism of succinylcholine |
| Pregnancy | X - Contraindicated in pregnancy |
| Precautions | Caution in G-6-PD deficiency and tendency to develop granulocytopenia; prolonged treatment or overdosing may cause cinchonism; quinine has quinidinelike activity and thus can cause cardiac arrhythmias |
Indicated for blepharospasms associated with SJS.
| Drug Name | Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX®) |
|---|---|
| Description | One of several toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Blocks neuromuscular transmission through a 3-step process, as follows: (1) blockade of neuromuscular transmission; BTA binds to motor nerve terminal. The binding domain of the type A molecule appears to be the heavy chain, which is selective for cholinergic nerve terminals. (2) BTA is internalized via receptor-mediated endocytosis, a process in which the plasma membrane of the nerve cell invaginates around the toxin-receptor complex, forming a toxin-containing vesicle inside nerve terminal. After internalization, the light chain of the toxin molecule, which has been demonstrated to contain the transmission-blocking domain, is released into the cytoplasm of the nerve terminal. (3) BTA blocks acetylcholine release by cleaving SNAP-25, a cytoplasmic protein that is located on the cell membrane and that is required for the release of this transmitter. The affected terminals are inhibited from stimulating muscle contraction. Toxin does not affect synthesis or storage of acetylcholine or conduction of electrical signals along the nerve fiber. Typically, a 24-72 h delay occurs between administration of toxin and onset of clinical effects, which terminate in 2-6 mo. This purified neurotoxin complex is a vacuum-dried form of purified BTA, which contains 5 ng of neurotoxin complex protein per 100 U. Treats excessive, abnormal contractions associated with blepharospasm. BTA must be reconstituted with 2 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride diluent. With this solution, each 0.1 mL results in 5 U dose. Patient should receive 5-10 injections per visit. Must be reconstituted from vacuum-dried toxin into 0.9% sterile saline without preservative using manufacturer's instructions to provide injection volume of 0.1 mL; must be used within 4 h of storage in refrigerator at 2-8°C. Preconstituted dry powder must be stored in freezer at <5°C. Reexamine patients 7-14 d after initial dose to assess for response. Increase doses 2-fold over previous one for patients experiencing incomplete paralysis of target muscle. Do not exceed 25 U when giving it as single injection or 200 U as cumulative dose in 30-day period. |
| Adult Dose | 25 U per eye divided into 4-6 periocular injection sites (2.5-10 U/site) may avoid adverse effects; lower volumes (higher concentrations) suggested to avoid risk of spread to adjacent areas; adjust subsequent treatments depending on response to initial doses (eg, Vargel et al increased to 50 U per eye 6 mo later when 25 U did not work); note that the 6-mo waiting period between treatment is important to reduce chances that patient develops antibodies to BTA |
| Pediatric Dose | <12 years: Not established >12 years: Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; infection present at injection site |
| Interactions | Aminoglycosides or drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission may potentiate effects of BTA |
| Pregnancy | |
| Precautions | Do not exceed recommended dosages and frequencies of administration; presence of antibodies to BTA may reduce effects of therapy; when used for cervical dystonia may cause dysphagia, upper respiratory tract infection, neck pain, or headache; ptosis may occur when used for blepharism or strabismus; weakness of hand muscles and blepharoptosis may occur when used for palmar or facial hyperhidrosis, respectively When used cosmetically for glabellar lines, may cause headache, respiratory tract infection, flulike syndrome, blepharoptosis, or nausea |
Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome excerpt
Article Last Updated: Feb 2, 2007