INTRODUCTION Kleine-Levin syndrome is an extremely rare neurological entity characterized by recurrent episodes of hypersomnia which are sometimes associated with compulsive hyperphagia and behavioral changes. Autoimmunity has recently been proposed as a factor contributing to its pathogenesis. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura is a relatively common autoimmune disease showing a lot of complexity...

Investigators at Pitie-Salpetriere and Robert Debre Hospitals, and other centers in France, evaluated consecutive patients referred for suspected Kleine-Levin (KLS) syndrome, detailed differential diagnoses, and examined characteristics of patients with prolonged (>30 days) episodes.

Kleine-Levin Syndrome is an unusual sleep disorder occurring predominantly, but not exclusively, in late adolescent males. A case is described which illustrates some of the difficulties in diagnosis and management.

Diurnal EEGs of a 17 year old male with the Kleine-Levin syndrome revealed moderate diffuse abnormalities and stage REM at sleep onset during attacks. Overnight, stages 3, 4, and REM of sleep were decreased, but sleep onset REM stage was not seen. These records returned to normal between attacks.

Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA (M Ng PhD, E Gakidou PhD, A Levin-Rector MPH, Prof C J L Murray DPhil, Prof L Dandona MD); Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (M Ng); Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India (A Khera MD); and Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India (Prof ...