Effect of Potassium and Acetazolamide on People With Andersen-Tawil Syndrome

Therapeutic Trial of Potassium and Acetazolamide in Andersen-Tawil Syndrome

Andersen-Tawil Syndrome (ATS) is a rare genetic disorder that causes episodes of muscle weakness, potentially life-threatening changes in heart rhythm, and skeletal developmental abnormalities. The cause of some ATS cases remains unknown, and no specific treatments have been established. The purpose of this study is to determine whether potassium supplements and/or the medication acetazolamide affect the duration of muscle weakness and heart rhythm abnormalities in people with ATS.

ATS is an ion channel disorder that causes episodes of muscle weakness and potentially life-threatening heart arrhythmias. The majority of ATS cases are caused by a mutation in the KCNJ2 gene, which is linked to potassium channels in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle; other cases are presumed to be caused by an as yet undetermined gene lesion. To date, the treatment for ATS has been largely anecdotal, and no treatments have been formally assessed in a controlled clinical trial. This study will determine whether potassium supplements and/or acetazolamide, which is a diuretic medication, affect the duration of muscle weakness and heart rhythm abnormalities in people with ATS.

Participation in this study will last about 11 months. Participants will first attend a 3-day inpatient visit that will include a medical history, physical examination, blood work, heart rhythm testing by an electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitor, strength testing, a health questionnaire, and daily potassium supplementation. Participants will also track the number and length of weakness episodes that they experience while in the hospital. On the last day of the inpatient visit, participants will be provided with multiple bottles containing either potassium or placebo. Participants will then return home for an 18-week treatment period that will consist of six 3-week-long treatments of either potassium or placebo, with the treatment schedule being randomly determined. Upon completing the first 18-week treatment period, participants will attend a second 3-day inpatient visit that will include the same tests and procedures as the first. The only difference will be that participants will receive acetazolamide along with potassium. This will be followed by a second 18-week treatment period that will consist of six 3-week-long treatments of either acetazolamide or placebo. At the end of the second treatment period, participants will fill out another health questionnaire. Throughout both 18-week treatment periods, participants will phone in daily to track any muscle or heart problems. They will also provide blood samples on a weekly basis. At Weeks 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 of both treatment periods, participants will wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours and then mail it in. A final outpatient visit will occur 8 weeks after the end of the second treatment period and will include heart rhythm testing, muscle strength testing, and blood work.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically confirmed diagnosis of Andersen-Tawil Syndrome, as defined by at least two of the following three features:

  1. Neuromuscular Feature

     • Presence of clear-cut episodes of transient muscle weakness with or without a fixed deficit that is typical with rest after exertion or prolonged rest, OR
     • An atypical history with specific exam findings (absent reflexes with normal sensation ictally), OR
     • Unexplained intraictal hypokalemia, OR
     • An abnormal nerve conduction exercise test

  2. Cardiac Feature

     • Prolonged QTc interval on 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), according to standard criteria, AND/OR
     • Ventricular ectopy, including uniform or multifocal PVCs, polymorphic VT, or bidirectional VT

  3. Physical Feature (at least two of the below five features)

     • Low set ears
     • Hypertelorism
     • Small mandible
     • Clinodactyly
     • Syndactyly
     • Micromelia of hands or feet

-OR-

• One of the three above criteria, with at leat one other family member meeting two criteria

-OR-

• Not meeting clinical criteria but possessing the KCNJ2 mutation
• An average frequency of at least one neuromuscular symptom (attack of weakness) per week

Exclusion Criteria:

• Sulfa allergy
• Renal impairment, as defined by serum creatine greater than 1.5 mg/dl
• History of renal calculi
• Cardiac disease or other disease that would make potassium supplementation or acetazolamide treatment inadvisable
• Diabetes mellitus
• Currently taking quinidine
• Pregnant