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?