Treatment-refractory myasthenia gravis

J Clin Neuromuscul Dis. 2014 Jun;15(4):167-78. doi: 10.1097/CND.0000000000000034.

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common disorder of neuromuscular transmission and is a prototypical autoimmune disorder. Most patients with MG are successfully treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, and/or steroid sparing agents such as azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil. There is a small subset of patients, however, with treatment-refractory disease. In these cases, medications such as rituximab, high-dose cyclophosphamide, and eculizumab may be used. Thymectomy (in some cases repeat thymectomy) is another option in selected patients. Studies evaluating these and other forms of therapy in treatment-refractory MG are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow Transplantation
  • Drug Resistance
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy
  • Myasthenia Gravis / therapy*
  • Thymectomy

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents