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Hehir MK, Li Y. Diagnosis and Management of Myasthenia Gravis. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2022; 28:1615-1642. [PMID: 36537972 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews updated diagnostic procedures and currently available treatment modalities for myasthenia gravis (MG). RECENT FINDINGS Patients with MG can be classified based on antibody status and their clinical presentation; treatment responses may differ based on disease subtypes. Improved diagnostic methods and recognition of new antigenic targets such as lipoprotein-related protein 4 have led to improved diagnostic efficiencies. Corticosteroids remain the first-line immunotherapy, but there is a trend toward minimizing their use at high doses and for long durations. Oral immunosuppressants such as mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and tacrolimus remain useful. An international, multicenter randomized trial comparing thymectomy plus prednisone with prednisone alone demonstrated that thymectomy improves clinical outcomes in selected patients with nonthymomatous MG. Eculizumab, efgartigimod, and ravulizumab have recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult patients with generalized MG who are acetylcholine receptor-antibody positive. These drugs take advantage of novel mechanisms of action and expand treatment options for patients with MG. Data on rituximab suggest that it can be a good option, especially for patients with MG who are positive for antibodies against muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). The number of clinical trials and drugs in development for MG is steadily increasing. SUMMARY The diagnosis of MG can generally be made from the patient's history, a neurologic examination, and laboratory and electrodiagnostic testing. Carefully selected treatment improves outcomes in MG. Additional treatment options for MG will likely be available in the near future.
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Alhaidar MK, Abumurad S, Soliven B, Rezania K. Current Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061597. [PMID: 35329925 PMCID: PMC8950430 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most extensively studied antibody-mediated disease in humans. Substantial progress has been made in the treatment of MG in the last century, resulting in a change of its natural course from a disease with poor prognosis with a high mortality rate in the early 20th century to a treatable condition with a large proportion of patients attaining very good disease control. This review summarizes the current treatment options for MG, including non-immunosuppressive and immunosuppressive treatments, as well as thymectomy and targeted immunomodulatory drugs.
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Dalakas MC. Progress in the therapy of myasthenia gravis: getting closer to effective targeted immunotherapies. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 33:545-552. [PMID: 32833750 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an update on immunomodulating and immunosuppressive therapies in myasthenia gravis and highlight newly approved, or pending approval, therapies with new biologics. RECENT FINDINGS Preoperative IVIg is not needed to prevent myasthenic crisis in stable myasthenia gravis patients scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia, based on controlled data. Rituximab, if initiated early in new-onset myasthenia gravis, can lead to faster and more sustained remission even without immunotherapies in 35% of patients at 2 years. Biomarkers determining the timing for follow-up infusions in Rituximab-responding AChR-positive patients are discussed. Most patients with MuSK-positive myasthenia gravis treated with Rituximab have sustained long-term remission with persistent reduction of IgG4 anti-MuSK antibodies. Eculizumb in the extension REGAIN study showed sustained long-term pharmacological remissions and reduced exacerbations. Three new biologic agents showed promising results in phase-II controlled myasthenia gravis trials: Zilucoplan, a subcutaneous macrocyclic peptide inhibiting complement C5; Efgartigimod, an IgG1-derived Fc fragment binding to neonatal FcRn receptor; and Rozanolixizumab, a high-affinity anti-FcRn monoclonal antibody. Finally, the safety of ongoing myasthenia gravis immunotherapies during COVID19 pandemic is discussed. SUMMARY New biologics against B cells, complement and FcRn receptor, are bringing us closer to successful targeted immunotherapies in the chronic management of myasthenia gravis promising an exciting future for antibody-mediated neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinos C Dalakas
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Neuroimmunology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Sanders DB, Raja SM, Guptill JT, Hobson‐Webb LD, Juel VC, Massey JM. The
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uke myasthenia gravis clinic registry:
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escription and demographics. Muscle Nerve 2020; 63:209-216. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.27120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Donald B. Sanders
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Shruti M. Raja
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Jeffrey T. Guptill
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Lisa D. Hobson‐Webb
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Vern C. Juel
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Janice M. Massey
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology Duke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
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Farrugia ME, Goodfellow JA. A Practical Approach to Managing Patients With Myasthenia Gravis-Opinions and a Review of the Literature. Front Neurol 2020; 11:604. [PMID: 32733360 PMCID: PMC7358547 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
When the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) has been secured, the aim of management should be prompt symptom control and the induction of remission or minimal manifestations. Symptom control, with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as pyridostigmine, is commonly employed. This may be sufficient in mild disease. There is no single universally accepted treatment regimen. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of immunosuppressive treatment in patients with more than mild MG to induce remission. Immunosuppressive therapies, such as azathioprine are prescribed in addition to but sometimes instead of corticosteroids when background comorbidities preclude or restrict the use of steroids. Rituximab has a role in refractory MG, while plasmapheresis and immunoglobulin therapy are commonly prescribed to treat MG crisis and in some cases of refractory MG. Data from the MGTX trial showed clear evidence that thymectomy is beneficial in patients with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive generalized MG, up to the age of 65 years. Minimally invasive thymectomy surgery including robotic-assisted thymectomy surgery has further revolutionized thymectomy and the management of MG. Ocular MG is not life-threatening but can be significantly disabling when diplopia is persistent. There is evidence to support early treatment with corticosteroids when ocular motility is abnormal and fails to respond to symptomatic treatment. Treatment needs to be individualized in the older age-group depending on specific comorbidities. In the younger age-groups, particularly in women, consideration must be given to the potential teratogenicity of certain therapies. Novel therapies are being developed and trialed, including ones that inhibit complement-induced immunological pathways or interfere with antibody-recycling pathways. Fatigue is common in MG and should be duly identified from fatigable weakness and managed with a combination of physical therapy with or without psychological support. MG patients may also develop dysfunctional breathing and the necessary respiratory physiotherapy techniques need to be implemented to alleviate the patient's symptoms of dyspnoea. In this review, we discuss various facets of myasthenia management in adults with ocular and generalized disease, including some practical approaches and our personal opinions based on our experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Farrugia
- Neurology Department, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John A Goodfellow
- Neurology Department, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Neuroimmunology Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine and Facilities Building, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Hehir MK, Punga AR, Ciafaloni E. Myasthenia gravis patient and physician opinions about immunosuppressant reduction. Muscle Nerve 2020; 61:767-772. [PMID: 32129892 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To reduce myasthenia gravis (MG) patient risk of immunosuppressant (IS) exposure adverse events (AEs), such as infections and malignancies, and to reduce treatment burden, international guidelines recommend decreasing IS dose in stable MG patients. METHODS Online surveys were conducted of self-identified MG patients and MG physician experts about the importance of IS dose reduction for MG patients who achieve prolonged periods of disease stability. RESULTS Eighty-four percent of MG patients (n = 283) and 100% of physicians (n = 45) were concerned about long-term IS-associated AEs. Although both groups favored attempting IS reduction, they raised concerns including MG relapse, hospitalization, and uncertainty about the future. Presented with an estimated 12% significant relapse rate with IS dose reduction, 76% of patients would be willing to enroll in a randomized IS dose reduction trial. DISCUSSION Patients and physicians favor considering IS dose reduction but are also concerned about potential negative sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Hehir
- The Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | | | - Emma Ciafaloni
- University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA
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Abstract
No consensus has been reached on the ideal therapeutic algorithm for myasthenia gravis (MG). Most patients with MG require induction therapy with high doses of corticosteroids and maintenance with an immunosuppressant. Severe cases and acute worsening require intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis before oral immunosuppressants start having an effect. However, biologics are emerging as important therapeutic tools that promise to provide better corticosteroid sparing effects than standard treatments and can even induce remission. In particular, eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody against complement C5, has been approved by the FDA for refractory MG on the basis of a phase III trial. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that depletes peripheral B cells, has also been effective in many large uncontrolled series, although was not in a small phase III trial. Whether the newer anti-CD20 agents ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, obinutuzumab, ublituximab or inebilizumab will be more effective remains unclear. Belimumab, an antibody against the B cell trophic factor BAFF, was ineffective in phase III trials, and efgartigimod, which depletes antibodies, was effective in a phase II study. Some anti-cytokine agents relevant to MG immunopathogenesis also seem promising. Checkpoint inhibitors can trigger MG in some patients, necessitating early intervention. Increased availability of new biologics provides targeted immunotherapies and the opportunities to develop more specific therapies.
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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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Nishida Y, Takahashi YK, Kanai T, Nose Y, Ishibashi S, Sanjo N, Uzawa A, Oda F, Ozawa Y, Kuwabara S, Noguchi E, Suzuki S, Nakahara J, Suzuki N, Ogawa T, Yokoyama K, Hattori N, Konno S, Fujioka T, Kawaguchi N, Hatanaka Y, Sonoo M, Kaneko J, Ogino M, Nishiyama K, Nomura K, Yokota T. Safety of tapering tacrolimus dose in patients with well-controlled anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis. Eur J Neurol 2019; 27:100-104. [PMID: 31309642 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Tapering immunosuppressants is desirable in patients with well-controlled myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the association between tapering of calcineurin inhibitor dosage and reduction-associated exacerbation is not known. The aim of this study was to clarify the frequency of reduction-associated exacerbation when tacrolimus is tapered in stable patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG, and to determine the factors that predict exacerbations. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 115 patients in whom tacrolimus dosage was tapered. The reduction-associated exacerbation was defined as the appearance or worsening of one or more MG symptoms <3 months after the reduction. RESULTS Tacrolimus dosage was successfully tapered in 110 patients (96%) without any exacerbation. Five patients (4%) experienced an exacerbation, but symptoms were reversed in all patients when the tacrolimus dose was increased to the previous maintenance level. No patient developed an MG crisis. The age at onset was significantly earlier (30 vs. 56 years, P = 0.025) and the reduction in dosage was significantly larger (2.0 vs. 1.0 mg/day, P = 0.002) in patients with reduction-associated exacerbation than in those without exacerbation. The cut-off values determined in a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis were 52 years (sensitivity, 57%; specificity, 100%) for the age at onset and 1.5 mg (sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 100%) for the dose reduction. CONCLUSION Tapering of tacrolimus was possible in most patients with well-controlled anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive MG. Early age at onset and a large reduction from maintenance dosage were associated with exacerbation. Reductions ≤1.5 mg/day from the maintenance dosage should be considered for patients with late-onset disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Nishida
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y K Takahashi
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Kanai
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Y Nose
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Ishibashi
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - N Sanjo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - A Uzawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - F Oda
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Y Ozawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - S Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - E Noguchi
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - J Nakahara
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - N Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Ogawa
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Yokoyama
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - N Hattori
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Konno
- Department of Neurology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Fujioka
- Department of Neurology, Toho University Ohashi Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Y Hatanaka
- Department of Neurology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Sonoo
- Department of Neurology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - J Kaneko
- Department of Neurology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - M Ogino
- School of Medicine, Center for Medical Education, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan
| | - K Nishiyama
- Department of Neurology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - K Nomura
- Department of Neurology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - T Yokota
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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Roda RH, Doherty L, Corse AM. Stopping oral steroid-sparing agents at initiation of rituximab in myasthenia gravis. Neuromuscul Disord 2019; 29:554-561. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Edmundson C, Guidon AC. Eculizumab: A Complementary addition to existing long-term therapies for myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2019; 60:7-9. [PMID: 31074870 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christyn Edmundson
- Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amanda C Guidon
- Division of Neuromuscular Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 820, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
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Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) or other AChR-related proteins in the postsynaptic muscle membrane. Localized or general muscle weakness is the predominant symptom and is induced by the antibodies. Patients are grouped according to the presence of antibodies, symptoms, age at onset and thymus pathology. Diagnosis is straightforward in most patients with typical symptoms and a positive antibody test, although a detailed clinical and neurophysiological examination is important in antibody-negative patients. MG therapy should be ambitious and aim for clinical remission or only mild symptoms with near-normal function and quality of life. Treatment should be based on MG subgroup and includes symptomatic treatment using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, thymectomy and immunotherapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are fast-acting treatments used for disease exacerbations, and intensive care is necessary during exacerbations with respiratory failure. Comorbidity is frequent, particularly in elderly patients. Active physical training should be encouraged.
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Silvestri NJ, Wolfe GI. Start high, then go low: An effective strategy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Muscle Nerve 2017; 55:773-774. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.25654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Silvestri
- Department of NeurologyUniversity at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York100 High StreetBuffalo New York14203 USA
| | - Gil I. Wolfe
- Department of NeurologyUniversity at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York100 High StreetBuffalo New York14203 USA
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Lee JI, Jander S. Myasthenia gravis: recent advances in immunopathology and therapy. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 17:287-299. [PMID: 27690672 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1241144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John-Ih Lee
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Jander
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
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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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Manning E, Goldstein JM. Myasthenia Gravis in the Elderly: Differential Diagnosis and Management. CURRENT GERIATRICS REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s13670-016-0170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Oskarsson B, Rocke DM, Dengel K, Richman DP. Myasthenia gravis exacerbation after discontinuing mycophenolate: A single-center cohort study. Neurology 2016; 86:1159-63. [PMID: 26850977 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether discontinuation or marked reduction of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) causes MG exacerbations. METHODS We identified 88 patients with MG who took MMF during the 5-year period 2007-2011 at our MG clinic. We then performed detailed chart reviews and recorded all MG exacerbations and their relationship to MMF and other treatment changes. We also recorded demographic data and disease characteristics (including antibody status and Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America status). RESULTS There were 14 patients who had an MG exacerbation during the study period. Of these, 13 had discontinued MMF therapy, with a median time until exacerbation of 16 weeks after discontinuation (9 patients) or marked dose reduction (4 patients) of MMF therapy (exacerbation in the absence of change in any other component of the immunosuppressive regimen). Using the cluster option in a Cox regression analysis, the MMF coefficient was -5.32, with a standard error of 1.05 and a p value of 0.0002, corresponding to an estimated hazard ratio of 204. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective cohort study suggests that discontinuation/marked reduction of MMF therapy may increase the risk of MG exacerbation many fold, supporting the hypothesis that MMF plays a role in the maintenance of MG remission/minimal manifestation status. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class IV evidence that in patients with MG taking MMF, discontinuation or marked reduction of MMF causes MG exacerbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Oskarsson
- From University of California, Davis (B.O., D.M.R., D.P.R.); and Mercy Neurological Institute (K.D.), Sacramento, CA.
| | - David M Rocke
- From University of California, Davis (B.O., D.M.R., D.P.R.); and Mercy Neurological Institute (K.D.), Sacramento, CA
| | - Karsten Dengel
- From University of California, Davis (B.O., D.M.R., D.P.R.); and Mercy Neurological Institute (K.D.), Sacramento, CA
| | - David P Richman
- From University of California, Davis (B.O., D.M.R., D.P.R.); and Mercy Neurological Institute (K.D.), Sacramento, CA
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