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Wiendl H, Abicht A, Chan A, Della Marina A, Hagenacker T, Hekmat K, Hoffmann S, Hoffmann HS, Jander S, Keller C, Marx A, Melms A, Melzer N, Müller-Felber W, Pawlitzki M, Rückert JC, Schneider-Gold C, Schoser B, Schreiner B, Schroeter M, Schubert B, Sieb JP, Zimprich F, Meisel A. Guideline for the management of myasthenic syndromes. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231213240. [PMID: 38152089 PMCID: PMC10752078 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231213240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG), Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), and congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) represent an etiologically heterogeneous group of (very) rare chronic diseases. MG and LEMS have an autoimmune-mediated etiology, while CMS are genetic disorders. A (strain dependent) muscle weakness due to neuromuscular transmission disorder is a common feature. Generalized MG requires increasingly differentiated therapeutic strategies that consider the enormous therapeutic developments of recent years. To include the newest therapy recommendations, a comprehensive update of the available German-language guideline 'Diagnostics and therapy of myasthenic syndromes' has been published by the German Neurological society with the aid of an interdisciplinary expert panel. This paper is an adapted translation of the updated and partly newly developed treatment guideline. It defines the rapid achievement of complete disease control in myasthenic patients as a central treatment goal. The use of standard therapies, as well as modern immunotherapeutics, is subject to a staged regimen that takes into account autoantibody status and disease activity. With the advent of modern, fast-acting immunomodulators, disease activity assessment has become pivotal and requires evaluation of the clinical course, including severity and required therapies. Applying MG-specific scores and classifications such as Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living, Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis, and Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America allows differentiation between mild/moderate and (highly) active (including refractory) disease. Therapy decisions must consider age, thymic pathology, antibody status, and disease activity. Glucocorticosteroids and the classical immunosuppressants (primarily azathioprine) are the basic immunotherapeutics to treat mild/moderate to (highly) active generalized MG/young MG and ocular MG. Thymectomy is indicated as a treatment for thymoma-associated MG and generalized MG with acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab)-positive status. In (highly) active generalized MG, complement inhibitors (currently eculizumab and ravulizumab) or neonatal Fc receptor modulators (currently efgartigimod) are recommended for AChR-Ab-positive status and rituximab for muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK)-Ab-positive status. Specific treatment for myasthenic crises requires plasmapheresis, immunoadsorption, or IVIG. Specific aspects of ocular, juvenile, and congenital myasthenia are highlighted. The guideline will be further developed based on new study results for other immunomodulators and biomarkers that aid the accurate measurement of disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Angela Abicht
- Friedrich-Baur-Institut an der Neurologischen Klinik und Poliklinik, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew Chan
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adela Della Marina
- Klinik für Kinderheilkunde I, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Sarah Hoffmann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Jander
- Klinik für Neurologie, Marien Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Keller
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Arthur Melms
- Facharztpraxis für Neurologie und Psychiatrie, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nico Melzer
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik im Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Pawlitzki
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Benedikt Schoser
- Friedrich-Baur-Institut an der Neurologischen Klinik und Poliklinik, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bettina Schreiner
- Klinik für Neurologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Schroeter
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Uniklinik Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Fritz Zimprich
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, AKH-Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Andreas Meisel
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Klinik für Neurologie mit Experimenteller Neurologie, Berlin, Germany
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Real-world utilization patterns of intravenous immunoglobulin in adults with generalized myasthenia gravis in the United States. J Neurol Sci 2022; 443:120480. [PMID: 36347174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate real-world utilization patterns of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) among patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) over 3 years post-IVIg initiation. METHODS Patients with gMG who initiated IVIg treatment were identified from a United States claims database (Symphony Health's Integrated Dataverse [IDV]®, January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2019). The frequency of subsequent IVIg treatment and associated cost during the year post-IVIg initiation were analyzed. Usage patterns of IVIg and concomitant gMG treatments during the year preceding and 3 years post-IVIg initiation were compared. RESULTS Among 1225 patients with gMG who initiated IVIg treatment, 706 patients (57.6%) received 1 to 5 IVIg treatment courses (intermittent IVIg users), and 519 patients (42.4%) received ≥6 IVIg treatment courses (chronic IVIg users) within the subsequent year. Mean annual medical cost per patient was nearly 2.5-fold higher for chronic vs. intermittent IVIg users ($161,478 vs. $64,888, p < 0.001). The proportion of patients using corticosteroids and nonsteroidal immunosuppressive treatments (NSISTs) was not reduced over the 3-year follow-up period following IVIg initiation, even for patients who continued annual chronic IVIg for 3 consecutive years post-initiation. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of patients with gMG received chronic and multiple IVIg treatment courses within the first year once initiating IVIg treatment, indicating higher usage than expected. For all IVIg initiators, the proportion of patients using corticosteroids and NSISTs did not decrease over 3 years despite IVIg initiation.
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Alcantara M, Barnett C, Katzberg H, Bril V. An update on the use of immunoglobulins as treatment for myasthenia gravis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:703-715. [PMID: 35639497 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2084074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody mediated disease where pathogenic antibodies interact with the acetylcholine receptor or other proteins at the post-synaptic neuromuscular junction. There is growing evidence that immunoglobulin infusions are beneficial for clinical exacerbations and chronic refractory disease and may be an option for patients unresponsive to conventional immunosuppressive therapies. AREAS COVERED We performed an extensive literature review, looking for evidence on the use of immunoglobulins for the treatment of MG, by conducting a search in MEDLINE (1946 to present), EMBASE (1947 to present) and Clinicaltrials.gov. We have included studies on the use of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and subcutaneous immunoglobulins (SCIG) for acute deterioration and chronic disease. EXPERT OPINION The use of IVIG in MG provides an option for rapid improvement in critical deterioration, being preferred over more invasive and less available therapies such as plasmapheresis. For refractory MG, the addition of IVIG can improve a patient's status and reduce the dosage of immunosuppressive medications. The alternative of SCIG is also effective and has advantages of infusion time flexibility, fewer side-effects, and patient independence. The safety and efficacy of both interventions, patient preferences and quality of life may direct therapeutic choices in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Alcantara
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carolina Barnett
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
| | - Hans Katzberg
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vera Bril
- Ellen & Martin Prosserman Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Treatment and Management of Disorders of the Neuromuscular Junction. Neuromuscul Disord 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-71317-7.00019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Tichy EM, Prosser B, Doyle D. Expanding the Role of the Pharmacist: Immunoglobulin Therapy and Disease Management in Neuromuscular Disorders. J Pharm Pract 2020; 35:106-119. [PMID: 32677504 PMCID: PMC8822190 DOI: 10.1177/0897190020938212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a commonly used treatment for chronic neuromuscular
disorders (NMDs), such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and
multifocal motor neuropathy. IgG therapy has also shown promise in treating
other NMDs including myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis. IgG
is administered as either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or subcutaneous
immunoglobulin (SCIg), with SCIg use becoming more popular due to the treatment
burden associated with IVIg. IVIg requires regular venous access; long infusions
(typically 4-6 hours); and can result in systemic adverse events (AEs) for some
patients. In contrast, SCIg can be self-administered at home with shorter
infusions (approximately 1 hour) and fewer systemic AEs. As patient care shifts
toward home-based settings, the role of the pharmacist is paramount in providing
a continuation of care and acting as the bridge between patient and clinic.
Pharmacists with a good understanding of current recommendations, dosing
strategies, and administration routes for IgG therapy are best placed to support
patients. The aims of this review are to highlight the evidence supporting IgG
therapy in the treatment of NMDs and provide practical information on patient
management and IVIg/SCIg dosing in order to guide pharmacists on optimizing
clinical outcomes and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Tichy
- Pharmacy Supply Solutions, Supply Chain Management, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Maintenance immunosuppression in myasthenia gravis, an update. J Neurol Sci 2019; 410:116648. [PMID: 31901719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Therapies for myasthenia gravis (MG) include symptomatic and immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory treatment. Options for immunosuppression include corticosteroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, methotrexate, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, eculizumab, intravenous immunoglobulin, subcutaneous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and thymectomy. The practical aspects of long-term immunosuppressive therapy in MG are critically reviewed in this article. Application of one or more of these specific therapies is guided based on known efficacy, adverse effect profile, particular disease subtype and severity, and patient co-morbidities.
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A Neurologist's Perspective on Understanding Myasthenia Gravis: Clinical Perspectives of Etiologic Factors, Diagnosis, and Preoperative Treatment. Thorac Surg Clin 2019; 29:133-141. [PMID: 30927994 DOI: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease of neuromuscular transmission caused by antibodies directed toward proteins concentrated at the neuromuscular junction. Mild to life-threatening weakness varies in severity over time and with level of activity. Therefore, clinical diagnosis is often challenging. MG may be categorized by autoantibody type, thymic pathologic condition, and age of onset. Treatments are tailored for each group. A key management concern is severe exacerbation of weakness resulting from infections or exposure to certain medications, including antibiotics, which may be severe enough to produce respiratory decompensation. The article reviews key diagnostic issues and treatment options.
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Prabhakar H, Ali Z. Intensive Care Management of the Neuromuscular Patient. TEXTBOOK OF NEUROANESTHESIA AND NEUROCRITICAL CARE 2019. [PMCID: PMC7120052 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3390-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuromuscular emergencies are a distinct group of acute neurological diseases with distinct characteristic presentations. Patients who suffer from this group of diseases are at immediate risk of losing protection of their native airway as well as aspirating orogastric contents. This is secondary to weakness of the muscles of the oropharynx and respiratory muscles. Although some neuromuscular emergencies such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome are well understood, others such as critical illness myopathy and neuropathy are less well characterized. In this chapter, we have discussed the pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and management options in patients who are admitted to the intensive care unit. We have also emphasized the importance of a thorough understanding of the use of pharmacological anesthetic agents in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanshu Prabhakar
- Department of Neuroanaesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Zulfiqar Ali
- Division of Neuroanesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir India
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Gamez J, Salvado M, Casellas M, Manrique S, Castillo F. Intravenous immunoglobulin as monotherapy for myasthenia gravis during pregnancy. J Neurol Sci 2017; 383:118-122. [PMID: 29246598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women with myasthenia gravis (MG) are at increased risk of complications and adverse outcomes, including the teratogenic effects of many drugs used to treat MG women of childbearing age. The effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) on other autoimmune mediated diseases has been extensively reported in recent years, although little is known about the role of IVIg in the treatment of MG during pregnancy. We designed this study to determine the effectiveness of IVIg as monotherapy during pregnancy for women with MG. MATERIAL AND METHODS Five pregnant MG patients (mean age at delivery 36.4years, SD 5.8, range 29.4-45.2) were studied in 2013-14. Their treatment was switched to monthly IVIg cycles 2months before the pregnancy. Follow-up included monthly neurological QMG throughout the pregnancy and postpartum, obstetrical monitoring during monthly visits in the first two trimesters of the pregnancy, fortnightly visits between week 32 and week 36, and weekly visits after 36weeks, and neonatal follow-up after delivery. RESULTS We observed no exacerbations during pregnancy, delivery or post-partum. The mean QMG score at baseline (before pregnancy) was 7.4 points in five women with generalized forms of MG. The maximum mean value reached during pregnancy was 8.6 points. The mean pregnancy duration was 38 w+5 d. No infant with transient neonatal myasthenia gravis. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that monotherapy with IVIg during pregnancy in MG patients could be promising, although confirmation is required in studies with larger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Gamez
- Myasthenia Gravis Unit, Neurology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, VHIR, European Reference Network on Rare Neuromuscular Diseases (ERN EURO-NMD), Department of Medicine, UAB, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Salvado
- Myasthenia Gravis Unit, Neurology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, VHIR, European Reference Network on Rare Neuromuscular Diseases (ERN EURO-NMD), Department of Medicine, UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Casellas
- Myasthenia Gravis Unit, Obstetrics Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Manrique
- Myasthenia Gravis Unit, Anesthetics Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felix Castillo
- Myasthenia Gravis Unit, Neonatology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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Maintenance immunosuppression in myasthenia gravis. J Neurol Sci 2016; 369:294-302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Bourque PR, Pringle CE, Cameron W, Cowan J, Chardon JW. Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Therapy in the Chronic Management of Myasthenia Gravis: A Retrospective Cohort Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159993. [PMID: 27490101 PMCID: PMC4973986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin therapy has become a major treatment option in several autoimmune neuromuscular disorders. For patients with Myasthenia Gravis (MG), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been used for both crisis and chronic management. Subcutaneous Immunoglobulins (SCIg), which offer the advantage of home administration, may be a practical and effective option in chronic management of MG. We analyzed clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in nine cases of chronic disabling MG who were either transitioned to, or started de novo on SCIg. METHODS AND FINDINGS This was a retrospective cohort study for the period of 2015-2016, with a mean follow-up period of 6.8 months after initiation of SCIg. All patients with MG treated with SCIg at the Ottawa Hospital, a large Canadian tertiary hospital with subspecialty expertise in neuromuscular disorders were included, regardless of MG severity, clinical subtype and antibody status. The primary outcome was MG disease activity after SCIg initiation. This outcome was measured by 1) the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) clinical classification, and 2) subjective scales of disease activity including the Myasthenia Gravis activities of daily living profile (MG-ADL), Myasthenia Gravis Quality-of-life (MG-QOL 15), Visual Analog (VA) satisfaction scale. We also assessed any requirement for emergency department visits or hospitalizations. Safety outcomes included any SCIg related complication. All patients were stable or improved for MGFA class after SCIg initiation. Statistically significant improvements were documented in the MG-ADL, MG-QOL and VAS scales. There were no exacerbations after switching therapy and no severe SCIg related complications. CONCLUSIONS SCIg may be a beneficial therapy in the chronic management of MG, with favorable clinical outcome and patient satisfaction results.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. R. Bourque
- The Ottawa Hospital, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - C. E. Pringle
- The Ottawa Hospital, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Canada
| | - W. Cameron
- University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - J. Cowan
- University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa, Canada
| | - J. Warman Chardon
- The Ottawa Hospital, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Division of Genetics, Ottawa, Canada
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Melzer N, Ruck T, Fuhr P, Gold R, Hohlfeld R, Marx A, Melms A, Tackenberg B, Schalke B, Schneider-Gold C, Zimprich F, Meuth SG, Wiendl H. Clinical features, pathogenesis, and treatment of myasthenia gravis: a supplement to the Guidelines of the German Neurological Society. J Neurol 2016; 263:1473-94. [PMID: 26886206 PMCID: PMC4971048 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8045-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune antibody-mediated disorder of neuromuscular synaptic transmission. The clinical hallmark of MG consists of fluctuating fatigability and weakness affecting ocular, bulbar and (proximal) limb skeletal muscle groups. MG may either occur as an autoimmune disease with distinct immunogenetic characteristics or as a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with tumors of the thymus. Impairment of central thymic and peripheral self-tolerance mechanisms in both cases is thought to favor an autoimmune CD4(+) T cell-mediated B cell activation and synthesis of pathogenic high-affinity autoantibodies of either the IgG1 and 3 or IgG4 subclass. These autoantibodies bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AchR) itself, or muscle-specific tyrosine-kinase (MuSK), lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) and agrin involved in clustering of AchRs within the postsynaptic membrane and structural maintenance of the neuromuscular synapse. This results in disturbance of neuromuscular transmission and thus clinical manifestation of the disease. Emphasizing evidence from clinical trials, we provide an updated overview on immunopathogenesis, and derived current and future treatment strategies for MG divided into: (a) symptomatic treatments facilitating neuromuscular transmission, (b) antibody-depleting treatments, and
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Melzer
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Peter Fuhr
- Department of Neurology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Reinhard Hohlfeld
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Arthur Melms
- Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Björn Tackenberg
- Department of Neurology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Berthold Schalke
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Fritz Zimprich
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Bembeeva RT, Zavadenko NN. [Intravenous immunoglobulin in treatment of autoimmune neurological diseases in children]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2015; 115:83-93. [PMID: 26356621 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20151156183-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Though the mechanisms of action of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) are not completely understood, these drugs are widely used in treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we have analyzed the literature on the use of IVIG in the treatment of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system in children and discuss the management of patients basing on the recommendation of the European Federation of Neurological Societies. The efficacy of IVIG in children has been shown as first line treatment in Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, dermatomyositis as a second-line drug in the combination with prednisolone or immunosuppressors in patients refractory to treatment with corticosteroids and cytostatics, myasthenic crisis in myasthenia gravis, exacerbations and short-term treatment of severe forms, non-responsiveness to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, multiple sclerosis as second or third line of treatment in patients with relapsing-remitting course with intolerance to standard immunomodulatory therapy, acute multiple encephalomyelitis with no response to the treatment with high doses of corticosteroids, paraneoplastic syndromes, pharmacoresistant epilepsy and autoimmune encephalitis. Because the right choice of the drug plays a key role, in particular, in children, that determines the efficacy and safety of the treatment, we present the main approaches to the choice of the drug and schemes of treatment of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ts Bembeeva
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow
| | - N N Zavadenko
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow
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