Stiff-Person/PERM Evaluation: Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D.

(0:32):
Before we get started, Dr. McKeon, could you please tell our listeners a little bit about yourself and your background?
 
(01:13)
 How long have you been with the lab? 

(01:37)
 Could you describe which patients should have this testing and when should it be performed? 

(01:50)
 Can you tell us a little bit about this unique assay that has not only glycine receptor but also other antibody tests? 

(03:12)
 We offer this evaluation in both serum and CSF. Can you offer any guidance about when one is more appropriate than the other?

(04:37)
 Four different antibodies are included in the stiff-person assay. Why is it most appropriate to evaluate all four? And why is this assay separate from our movement disorder evaluation that includes 20 different antibodies?

(06:19)
 Is it important to include all relevant antibodies — but not those would lead physicians down a confusing path?

(07:50)
 Can you give our listeners a couple examples of patient presentations that might lead a physician to order this evaluation, and a couple examples where it wouldn't be appropriate?

(09:59)
 Can you give a couple examples of when a broader movement disorder evaluation would be appropriate?

(11:11)
 How does this new stiff-person evaluation improve upon previous approaches? What will this new test offer to physicians?

(12:35)
 What does a positive or negative stiff-person evaluation result mean for a patient's care?

(13:25)
 How do alanine receptor positivity and immune responsiveness affect a patient's prognosis?

(13:58)
 Can tests other than this offering from Mayo Clinic Laboratories give physicians the same answers?

(14:44)
What is the key takeaway about this test?