Immunosuppressive drug therapy in myasthenia gravis

Arch Neurol. 1986 Feb;43(2):155-6. doi: 10.1001/archneur.1986.00520020049018.

Abstract

We reviewed the records of 37 patients with myasthenia gravis treated with azathioprine (n = 10) or cyclophosphamide (n = 27). All patients had received prednisone and anticholinesterase therapy, and most had undergone thymectomy prior to immunosuppressive therapy. Thirty patients (81%) responded to treatment. Both azathioprine and cyclophosphamide were found to be effective in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. The degree of improvement was more pronounced in patients with thymoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Azathioprine / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Azathioprine