Mexiletine and Non Dystrophic Myotonias

Treatment strategies in non-dystrophic myotonias are based on selective case reports, clinical experience and theoretical benefit. Presently, the most promising antimyotonic medication is mexiletine (MEX) but its manufacturing was stopped. The proposed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial is designed to:

1. study the safety and efficacy of mexiletine for the treatment of non-dystrophic myotonias
2. validate electromyographic tests as a standardized outcome measure of myotonia
3. assess the reliability and validity of a new clinical rating scale for myotonia

A. Specific aims

Treatment strategies in non-dystrophic myotonias are based on selective case reports, clinical experience and theoretical benefit. Presently, the most promising antimyotonic medication is mexiletine (MEX) but its manufacturing was stopped. The proposed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover with wash-out trial is designed to:

* study the safety and efficacy of mexiletine for the treatment of non-dystrophic myotonias
* validate electromyographic tests as a standardized outcome measure of myotonia
* assess the reliability and validity of a new clinical rating scale for myotonia

B. Research design Because of their differing phenotypes, 12 Paramyotonia Congenita and 12 Myotonia Congenita subjects will be enrolled in a stratified trial

C. Outcome variables

1. primary outcome variable: the score of stiffness severity on a self-assessment scale (100 mm VAS) measured at baseline, at the end of phase I and phase II.
2. secondary outcome measures:

   * of efficacy:

     * standardized EMG measures after repetitive short exercise test at cold and long exercise test
     * chair test: time needed to stand up from a chair, walk around it and sit down again
     * severity and disability scale of myotonia to be validated)
     * quality of life scale (INQOL)
     * rate of drop-outs
   * of safety:

     * adverse event frequency and severity
     * EKG

D. Perspectives

It is anticipated that the trial will:

1. provide data that justify recommendations for treatment strategies for myotonic patients
2. provide data to justify AFSAPPS regulatory approval of mexiletine for treatment of myotonia in order to guarantee the availability of the drug for patients
3. develop standardized diagnostic and treatment assessment for non-dystrophic myotonias

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion criteria :

* Genetically definite MC and PC.
* Male and female participants, age between 18 and 65 who are able to comply with the study conditions.
* Participants who experience myotonic symptoms severe enough to justify treatment.

The severity will be evaluated on:

* Clinical criteria: myotonia is considered as severe if it involves at least two segments (upper limb, lower limb or face)
* Disabling criteria: myotonia is considered severe if patients notice impacts on at least 3 of the 7 daily activities listed in the disabling section of the clinical myotonia scale (Annex 2).

Thus, patients who experience myotonic symptoms severe enough to justify treatment are those with myotonia that involves at least two segments and that have an impact on at least 3 daily activities.

* Participants who are drug naive or those who receiving mexiletine at Effective dosage and agreeing to stop treatment at least four days before inclusion .
* Pregnancy: Women: non-childbearing potential (i.e., postmenopausal or Surgically sterile) or must use a medically accepted contraceptive regimen; a pregnancy test will ensure that they are not pregnant.
* Normal cardiac exam performed by a cardiologist including EKG, and Cardiac ultrasound (if not done within 3 months before trial).

Exclusion criteria :

* Intercurrent event which could interfere with the muscle function (infection,trauma, fracture, ...)
* Coincidental renal, hepatic, respiratory, thyroid, other neuromuscular disease or heart disease that will contraindicate mexiletine or interfere with clinical evaluation.
* Use of any of the following medications that can interfere with muscle function :diuretics, anti epileptics (sodium channel blockers), antiarrhythmics, corticosteroids, beta-blockers,
* Allergy to mexiletine