The outcome in myasthenia gravis patients--an eight-year follow-up after finishing immunoabsorption therapy

Transfus Apher Sci. 2001 Feb;24(1):95-8. doi: 10.1016/s0955-3886(00)00125-9.

Abstract

Eight years ago four patients suffering from myasthenia gravis (MG) type C and E according to Compston with failed drug therapy were treated three times (one patient 11 times) by protein A immunoabsorption (Immunosorba, Excorim, Fresenius Hemocare GmbH, StWendel, Germany). No further immunoabsorption treatments have been carried out. In addition, three patients were given a thymectomy. The present status of the patients was checked six and eight years thereafter. We could see a beneficial effect in all MG patients. The patients are fit for work; all have an improved Besinger index. The patients were used as their own controls. A higher anti-AChR-ab level six years after protein A immunoabsorption than at the beginning was seen in all patients combined with a less serious MG. In addition, their immunomodulation could be induced as seen in lymphocyte and inflammatory protein changes during the first 36 days after beginning immunoabsorption treatment. A larger population has to be investigated to verify these results.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Blood Component Removal / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunosorbent Techniques
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / immunology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / therapy*
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology
  • Salvage Therapy
  • Staphylococcal Protein A / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Staphylococcal Protein A