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Mantegazza R, Saccà F, Antonini G, Bonifati DM, Evoli A, Habetswallner F, Liguori R, Pegoraro E, Rodolico C, Schenone A, Sgarzi M, Pappagallo G. Therapeutic challenges and unmet needs in the management of myasthenia gravis: an Italian expert opinion. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07577-7. [PMID: 38967883 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07577-7] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, autoimmune, neurological disorder. Most MG patients have autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Some have autoantibodies against muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) or lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), and some are seronegative. Standard of care, which includes anti-cholinesterase drugs, thymectomy, corticosteroids (CS), and off-label use of non-steroidal immunosuppressive drugs (NSISTs), is bounded by potential side effects and limited efficacy in refractory generalized MG (gMG) patients. This highlights the need for new therapeutic approaches for MG. Eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the complement system, has been recently approved in Italy for refractory gMG. A panel of 11 experts met to discuss unmet therapeutic needs in the acute and chronic phases of the disease, as well as the standard of care for refractory patients. Survival was emphasized as an acute phase outcome. In the chronic phase, persistent remission and early recognition of exacerbations to prevent myasthenic crisis and respiratory failure were considered crucial. Refractory patients require treatments with fast onset of action, improved tolerability, and the ability to slow disease progression and increase life expectancy. The Panel agreed that eculizumab would presumably meet the therapeutic needs of many refractory gMG patients. The panel concluded that the unmet needs of current standard of care treatments for gMG are significant. Evaluating new therapeutic options accurately is essential to find the best balance between efficacy and tolerability for each patient. Collecting real-world data on novel molecules in routine clinical practice is necessary to address unmet needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Mantegazza
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesco Saccà
- NSRO Department, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Marco Bonifati
- Neurology Unit, Cerebro-Cardiovascular Department, Ca' Foncello Hospital Treviso, Piazzale Ospedale 1, 31100, Treviso, Italy
| | - Amelia Evoli
- Neuroscience Department, Facolta Di Medicina E Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Neurology Institute, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche Di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Carmelo Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Schenone
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetic and Maternal and Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University and IRCCS San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Manlio Sgarzi
- Department of Neurology, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Piazza OMS 1, 24127, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pappagallo
- School of Clinical Methodology, IRCCS "Sacred Heart - Don Calabria", Negrar Di Valpolicella, Italy
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Gwathmey KG, Ding H, Hehir M, Silvestri N. How should newer therapeutic agents be incorporated into the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis? Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:389-396. [PMID: 38308492 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a postsynaptic neuromuscular junction disorder that results in fatigable muscle weakness. The traditional treatment approach includes the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, and steroid-sparing immunosuppressant therapies (ISTs) for chronic management, whereas exacerbations and crises are managed with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PLEX). Over the past 6 years, four new therapeutic agents with novel immunological mechanisms of action-complement and neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibition-were approved as a result of clinically significant improvement in gMG symptoms of those treated with these newer agents in Phase 3 clinical trials. At present, it is unclear when and in whom to initiate these therapeutic agents and how to integrate them into the current treatment paradigm. When selecting a newer therapeutic agent, we use a simple equation: Value = Clinical Improvement/(Cost + Side Effects + Treatment Burden), which guides our decision-making. We consider using these novel therapeutic agents in two specific clinical situations. Firstly, the newer agents are fast-acting, suggesting they can be used in clinically unstable patients as "bridge therapy," and secondly, they provide additional options for those patients considered treatment-refractory. There are downsides, however, including treatment cost, unique side effect profiles, and intravenous and subcutaneous drug administration (though for some, this may be an advantage). As additional drugs enter the marketplace with unique mechanisms of action, routes of administration, and dosing schedules, the placement of the novel therapeutic agents in the gMG treatment algorithm will likely evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly G Gwathmey
- Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Huanghe Ding
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Hehir
- Department of Neurology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
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Zhang KY, Duan WW, Luo YB, Li Y, Hu J, Yang H. Comparative effectiveness and safety of intravenous methylprednisolone and tacrolimus monotherapy in ocular myasthenia gravis with unsatisfactory prednisone responses: a retrospective study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:19. [PMID: 38243274 PMCID: PMC10799357 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral prednisone has been recognized as the first-line therapy for the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG). However, its long-term use is complicated by numerous adverse effects and is ineffective for some OMG patients in reaching remission. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) and tacrolimus monotherapy for OMG patients with unsatisfactory responses to conventional prednisone therapy. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 57 OMG patients who had not achieved satisfactory improvement after prednisone therapy and thereby received IVMP or tacrolimus monotherapy for at least 6 months. Ocular symptoms were evaluated by the ocular-quantitative MG (QMG) score at each time point. A ≥ 2-point fall in ocular QMG score was defined as the cut-off point to indicate clinical improvement. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the efficacy of IVMP at discharge. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS Both IVMP and tacrolimus monotherapy demonstrated significant clinical efficacy, with no statistical differences observed at the study endpoint. The proportions of patients who reached the cut-off point for efficacy evaluation were higher in the IVMP group than in the tacrolimus group (1, 3, and 6 months: 51.7% (15/29) vs 12.0% (3/25), p = 0.002; 69.0% (20/29) vs 40.0% (10/25), p = 0.033; 69.0% (20/29) vs 46.4% (13/28), p = 0.085, respectively). Multivariate logistics analysis showed that high ocular QMG scores at baseline indicated favourable responses to IVMP treatment (OR = 1.781; 95% CI 1.066-2.975; p = 0.028). All the adverse events were transient and tolerable. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that both IVMP and tacrolimus monotherapy hold promise as viable treatment options for OMG patients with unsatisfactory responses to oral prednisone. The study supports the safety and effectiveness of both therapies, with IVMP exhibiting faster improvement and favourable efficacy in patients with high ocular QMG scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Yue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wei-Wei Duan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yue-Bei Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jue Hu
- Department of Neurology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.
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Chen D, Yao Q, Chen W, Yin J, Hou S, Tian X, Zhao M, Zhang H, Yang L, Zhou T, Jin P. Population PK/PD model of tacrolimus for exploring the relationship between accumulated exposure and quantitative scores in myasthenia gravis patients. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2023; 12:963-976. [PMID: 37060188 PMCID: PMC10349186 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tacrolimus is an important immunosuppressant used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the population pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics together with the exposure-response of tacrolimus in the treatment of MG remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to develop a population PK/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model of tacrolimus in patients with MG, in order to explore the relationships among tacrolimus dose, exposure, and its therapeutic efficacy. The genotype of CYP3A5, Osserman's classification, and status of thymus, as well as demographic characteristics and other biomarkers from laboratory testing were tested as covariate, and simulations were performed based on the final model. The population PK model was described using a one-compartment model with first-order elimination and fixed absorption parameters. CYP3A5 genotype significantly influenced the apparent clearance, and total protein (TP) influenced the apparent volume of distribution as covariates. The quantitative MG scores were characterized by the cumulated area under curve of tacrolimus in a maximum effect function. Osserman's classification was a significant covariate on the initial score of patients with MG. The simulations demonstrated that tacrolimus showed an unsatisfying effect possibly due to insufficient exposure in some patients with MG. A starting dose of 2 mg/d and even higher dose for patients with CYP3A5 *1/*1 and *1/*3 and lower TP level were required for the rapid action of tacrolimus. The population PK/PD model quantitatively described the relationships among tacrolimus dose, exposure, and therapeutic efficacy in patients with MG, which could provide reference for the optimization of tacrolimus dosing regimen at the individual patient level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Chen
- Department of PharmacyBeijing HospitalNational Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical ScienceBeijing Key Laboratory of Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application (Beijing Hospital)BeijingChina
| | - Qingyu Yao
- Department of PharmaceuticsSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wenjun Chen
- Department of PharmaceuticsSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jian Yin
- Department of NeurologyBeijing HospitalNational Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shifang Hou
- Department of NeurologyBeijing HospitalNational Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoxin Tian
- Department of PharmacyBeijing HospitalNational Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical ScienceBeijing Key Laboratory of Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application (Beijing Hospital)BeijingChina
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of PharmacyBeijing HospitalNational Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical ScienceBeijing Key Laboratory of Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application (Beijing Hospital)BeijingChina
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of NeurologyBeijing HospitalNational Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of PharmacyBeijing HospitalNational Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical ScienceBeijing Key Laboratory of Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application (Beijing Hospital)BeijingChina
| | - Tianyan Zhou
- Department of PharmaceuticsSchool of Pharmaceutical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Pengfei Jin
- Department of PharmacyBeijing HospitalNational Center of GerontologyInstitute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical ScienceBeijing Key Laboratory of Assessment of Clinical Drugs Risk and Individual Application (Beijing Hospital)BeijingChina
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Fan Z, Lei L, Su S, Zhang S, Xie N, Li L, Lu Y, Di L, Wang M, Xu M, Shen X, Da Y. Comparison between mono-tacrolimus and mono-glucocorticoid in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:589-598. [PMID: 36808840 PMCID: PMC10109324 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Use of tacrolimus in mild to moderate myasthenia gravis (MG) is generally limited to glucocorticoid-refractory cases; the advantage of mono-tacrolimus over mono-glucocorticoids is unknown. METHODS We included mild to moderate MG patients treated with mono-tacrolimus (mono-TAC) or mono-glucocorticoids (mono-GC). The correlation between the immunotherapy options and the treatment efficacy and side effects were examined in 1:1 propensity-score matching. The main outcome was time to minimal manifestations status or better (MMS or better). Secondary outcomes include time to relapse, the mean changes in Myasthenia Gravis-specific Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) scores and the rate of adverse events. RESULTS Baseline characteristics showed no difference between matched groups (49 matched pairs). There were no differences in median time to MMS or better between the mono-TAC group and mono-GC group (5.1 vs. 2.8 months: unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.46-1.16; p = 0.180), as well as in median time to relapse (data unavailable for the mono-TAC group since 44 of 49 [89.8%] participants remained in MMS or better; 39.7 months in mono-GC group: unadjusted HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.23-1.97; p = 0.464). Changes in MG-ADL scores between the two groups were similar (mean differences, 0.3; 95% CI, -0.4 to 1.0; p = 0.462). The rate of adverse events was lower in the mono-TAC group compared to the mono-GC group (24.5% vs. 55.1%, p = 0.002). INTERPRETATION Mono-tacrolimus performs superior tolerability with non-inferior efficacy compared to mono-glucocorticoids in mild to moderate myasthenia gravis patients who refuse or have a contraindication to glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Fan
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of NeurologyXijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Lin Lei
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of NeurologyBeijing Jishuitan HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Shengyao Su
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Nairong Xie
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of NeurologyTianjin 4th Centre HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Li Di
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xin‐Ming Shen
- Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Research LaboratoryMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Yuwei Da
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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Zhong H, Ruan Z, Yan C, Lv Z, Zheng X, Goh LY, Xi J, Song J, Luo L, Chu L, Tan S, Zhang C, Bu B, Da Y, Duan R, Yang H, Luo S, Chang T, Zhao C. Short-term outcome prediction for myasthenia gravis: an explainable machine learning model. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231154976. [PMID: 36860354 PMCID: PMC9969443 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231154976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and fatigability. The fluctuating nature of the disease course impedes the clinical management. Objective The purpose of the study was to establish and validate a machine learning (ML)-based model for predicting the short-term clinical outcome in MG patients with different antibody types. Methods We studied 890 MG patients who had regular follow-ups at 11 tertiary centers in China from 1 January 2015 to 31 July 2021 (653 patients for derivation and 237 for validation). The short-term outcome was the modified post-intervention status (PIS) at a 6-month visit. A two-step variable screening was used to determine the factors for model construction and 14 ML algorithms were used for model optimisation. Results The derivation cohort included 653 patients from Huashan hospital [age 44.24 (17.22) years, female 57.6%, generalized MG 73.5%], and the validation cohort included 237 patients from 10 independent centers [age 44.24 (17.22) years, female 55.0%, generalized MG 81.2%]. The ML model identified patients who were improved with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.91 [0.89-0.93], 'Unchanged' 0.89 [0.87-0.91], and 'Worse' 0.89 [0.85-0.92] in the derivation cohort, whereas identified patients who were improved with an AUC of 0.84 [0.79-0.89], 'Unchanged' 0.74 [0.67-0.82], and 'Worse' 0.79 [0.70-0.88] in the validation cohort. Both datasets presented a good calibration ability by fitting the expectation slopes. The model is finally explained by 25 simple predictors and transferred to a feasible web tool for an initial assessment. Conclusion The explainable, ML-based predictive model can aid in forecasting the short-term outcome for MG with good accuracy in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhiguo Lv
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated
Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Xueying Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public
Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Fudan University,
Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Ying Goh
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University,
Shanghai, China
| | - Jianying Xi
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Department of
Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders,
Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Song
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Department of
Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders,
Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Luo
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan No.1 Hospital,
Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Chu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated
Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Song Tan
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Provincial
People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China,
Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Tianjin
Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital,
Tianjin, China
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital,
Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology,
Wuhan, China
| | - Yuwei Da
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital,
Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruisheng Duan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated
Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital,
Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The
Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710000, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Department of
Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China,National Center for Neurological Disorders,
Shanghai, China
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Mei H, Wen W, Fang K, Xiong Y, Liu W, Wang J, Wan R. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis and myositis in liver cancer patients: A case report and literature review. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1088659. [PMID: 36713559 PMCID: PMC9876740 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1088659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in clinical oncology and have achieved good results. ICIs could induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in cancer treatment, which warrant sufficient attention. Among them, immune myositis can manifest severe symptoms affecting the whole body, and immune myocarditis occurs with a low incidence but high fatality rate. Here we report a case of grade 3/4 adverse reactions in a patient with partial hepatectomy for malignancy after using ICIs and describe the clinical presentation, laboratory results, treatment, and prognosis. It emphasizes that clinicians should focus on being alert to irAEs in liver cancer patients who have received ICI therapy. The case we present is a 56-year-old male diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. Right hepatic lobectomy was performed in April 2019. Postoperative follow-up showed that transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sorafenib (400 mg twice daily) failed to stop the recurrence of the tumor. In December 2020, the patient started to use Camrelizumab injections (200mg/injection every 21 days as a cycle). After 3 cycles, the patient had decreased muscle strength in both lower extremities with chest tightness, dyspnea, and expectoration (whitish sputum). The diagnosis was ICIs injection-induced immune myocarditis and myositis accompanied. The patient's condition improved considerably by steroid pulse therapy timely. The case emphasizes that clinicians should focus on being alert to irAEs in liver cancer patients who have received ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Mei
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wu Wen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kang Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuanpeng Xiong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Weiqi Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Renhua Wan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Renhua Wan,
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Tan Y, Shi J, Huang Y, Li K, Yan J, Zhu L, Guan Y, Cui L. Long-Term Efficacy of Non-steroid Immunosuppressive Agents in Anti-Muscle-Specific Kinase Positive Myasthenia Gravis Patients: A Prospective Study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:877895. [PMID: 35775051 PMCID: PMC9237788 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.877895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Anti-muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) positive myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by a high relapsing rate, thus, choosing the appropriate oral drug regimen is a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral immunosuppressants (IS) in preventing relapse in MuSK-MG. Methods This prospective cohort observational study included patients with MuSK-MG at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1, 2018, and November 15, 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with (IS+) or without (IS-) non-steroid immunosuppressive agents. The primary outcome was relapsed at follow-up, and the log-rank test was used to compare the proportion of maintenance-free relapse between the groups; hazard ratio (HR) was calculated using the Cox proportional hazards models. Results Fifty-three of 59 patients with MuSK-MG were included in the cohort, 14 were in the IS+ group, and 39 were in the IS- group. Twenty-four cases in the cohort experienced relapse at least once; the relapse rate was 2/14 (14.3%) in the IS+ group and 22/39 (56.4%) in the IS- group. At the end of follow-up, the proportion of maintenance-free relapse was significantly different between the two groups (log-rank χ2 = 4.94, P = 0.02). Of all the potential confounders, only the use of IS was associated with a reduced risk of relapse. The HR for relapse among patients in the IS+ group was 0.21 (95%CI 0.05-0.58) and was 0.23 (95%CI 0.05-0.93) in a model adjusted for age, sex, relapse history, highest Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), and accumulated time of steroid therapy. Conclusions This study provides evidence that oral non-steroid immunosuppressive agents may be beneficial in reducing relapse in patients with MuSK-MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tan
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Shi
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyu Huang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Yan
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhou Guan
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Chen Y, Tao X, Wang Y, Xu S, Yang Y, Han J, Qiu F. Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Anti-AChR Positive Myasthenia Gravis Combined With Anti-LRP4 or Anti-Titin Antibody. Front Neurol 2022; 13:873599. [PMID: 35614931 PMCID: PMC9124862 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.873599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with anti- acetylcholine receptor (AChR) positive myasthenia gravis (MG) with a combination of anti-LRP4 or Titin antibodies. Methods A total of 188 patients with generalized MG before immunotherapy were retrospectively collected and then divided into three groups: single anti-AChR positive-MG (AChR-MG, 101 cases), anti-AChR combined with anti-low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein four-positive MG (AChR+LRP4-MG, 29 cases), and anti-AChR combined with anti-Titin-positive MG (AChR+Titin-MG, 58 cases). Clinical manifestations, therapeutic responses to immunotherapy, and follow-up information were analyzed. Results Of the 188 seropositive MG patients, 29 (15.4%) were positive for both AChR and LRP4 antibodies, and 58 (30.9%) were positive for both AChR and Titin antibodies. The mean disease onset ages in the three groups were 47.41 ± 7.0, 49.81 ± 9.2, and 48.11 ± 6.5 years, respectively. AChR+LRP4-MG showed female predominance (27.6% were males and 72.4% were females), with mild overall clinical symptoms. The AChR+Titin-MG group showed shorter times for conversion to generalized MG (5.14 ± 0.0 months) than the AChR-MG group (11.69 ± 0.0 months) and the AChR+LRP4-MG group (13.08 ± 0.5 months; P < 0.001 in both cases). Furthermore, AChR+Titin-MG group had increased bulbar dysfunction, higher incidences of thymoma (32.8 vs. 19.8% and 3.4%, P=0.035), more severe quantitative MG scores, as assessed by both QMG scores [15.5 (11.75–22.5) vs. 13 (8–19), P = 0.005; and 9 (6–14) P < 0.001], and MG-ADL scores [10 (8–13) vs. 8 (5–13), P = 0.018; and 6 (4–8), P < 0.001]. Treatment for AChR+Titin-MG was largely dependent on corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents (56.7 vs. 19.2% and 16.7%, p = 0.028). The rates of achieving s(MMS) or better within 2 years following immunotherapy in the three groups were 51.5, 62.1, and 51.7%, respectively (P = 0.581). Conclusion Clinical symptoms of anti-AChR positive MG combined with Titin antibody were more severe and progressed faster than those in the AChR + LRP4 and AChR groups. Regardless of antibody status, all patients responded well to immunotherapy and had relatively good prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Chen
- Senior Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyong Tao
- Senior Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Senior Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shengjie Xu
- Senior Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhua Yang
- Senior Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinming Han
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Jinming Han
| | - Feng Qiu
- Senior Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Qiu
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10
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Teng F, Zhang W, Wang W, Chen J, Liu S, Li M, Li L, Guo W, Wei H. Population pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in Chinese adult liver transplant patients. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2022; 43:76-85. [PMID: 35220592 DOI: 10.1002/bdd.2311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Tacrolimus is widely used in organ transplantation to prevent rejection. However, the narrow therapeutic window and the large inter-and intra-individual variability in the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tacrolimus make it difficult for individualization of dosing. This study aimed at developing a population pharmacokinetic model for estimating the oral clearance of tacrolimus in Chinese liver transplant patients, and identifying factors that contribute to the PK variability of tacrolimus. Data of 151 liver transplant patients who received tacrolimus were analyzed in this study. The population PK model was analyzed and the covariates including population demographic and biochemical characteristics, drug combination, and genetic polymorphism were explored using non-linear mixed-effects modeling approach. A single-compartment population PK model was developed, and the final model was CL/F = (14.6-2.38 × cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5-3.72 × WZC+1.04 × (POD/9)+2.48 × COR) × Exp(ηi ), where CYP3A5 was 1 for CYP3A5*3/*3, Wuzhi Capsule (WZC) was 1 when patients took tacrolimus combined with WZC, otherwise it was 0, corticosteroids (COR) was 1 when patients take tacrolimus combined with COR, otherwise, it was 0, POD was the post-operative day. Visual inspection and bootstrap indicated that the final model was stable and robust. In this study, we developed the first tacrolimus population PK model in Chinese adult liver transplant patients. We first determined the influence of WZC on tacrolimus in these people, which could provide useful PK information for the drug combination of tacrolimus and WZC. We also revealed the influence of genetic polymorphism of CYP3A5, POD, and a combination of COR on tacrolimus PK. Therefore, these significant factors should be taken into consideration in optimizing dosage regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Teng
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyue Zhang
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiani Chen
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyi Liu
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingming Li
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lujin Li
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyuan Guo
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Medical Guarantee Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Zheng Y, Yuan X, Zhang C, Liu R, Jin H, Hao H, Li F, Zhao Y, Yuan Y, Wang Z, Gao F. Efficacy and Safety of Tacrolimus Therapy for a Single Chinese Cohort With Very-Late-Onset Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:843523. [PMID: 35432159 PMCID: PMC9007732 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.843523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Previous studies have found tacrolimus to be a favorable drug for treating different types of myasthenia gravis (MG), but few have focused on very-late-onset MG (VLOMG). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus for VLOMG therapy. Methods This was a retrospective single-center cohort study of 70 patients with VLOMG (onset ≥65 years) who visited Peking University First Hospital in 2019. Participants were divided into the tacrolimus (Tac) group and the control group based on tacrolimus usage. We further divided the Tac group into patients treated without corticosteroids and with corticosteroids. Sociodemographic features, clinical profiles, and outcomes were compared between different therapies and further analyzed by multivariate regression. Details of tacrolimus treatment, comorbidities, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were described. Results Among 70 patients, the median (interquartile range) age at onset was 71 (68–77) years, and the follow-up duration was 27 (27-29) months. Most patients were types I (28%) and III (40%) according to the MG Foundation of America (MGFA) classification. In the Tac group, tacrolimus treatment was maintained for 36 (27-38) months. The dosage at the final evaluation was 1.0 (1.0–1.75) mg/day, and the last blood concentration test was 4.25 (2.85–5.7) ng/ml. A total of 43% reached remission, and 37% improved based on MGFA postintervention status (MGFA-PIS). For the 9 patients, newly diagnosed at enrollment within this group, MG activities of daily living (MG-ADL) decreased significantly from 3 (2-5) to 2 (1-2) (p = 0.041). Regarding the 13 patients, coadministering Wuzhi capsules the tacrolimus concentration increased from 2.75 (1.4–3.8) ng/ml to 5.95 (5.1–7.0) ng/ml (p = 0.012). No significant differences in outcomes were observed between tacrolimus treatment without and with corticosteroids or between the Tac group and the control group. A total of 93% had at least one comorbidity. ADRs related to tacrolimus emerged in 25% (9/36) of patients, most of which were not serious and reversible. Conclusions Tacrolimus is effective and safe in treating VLOMG. Tacrolimus monotherapy without corticosteroids can be used as an initial and maintenance treatment for VLOMG. Wuzhi capsules work well in elevating tacrolimus concentrations in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Caifeng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqiang Jin
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Hao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yawen Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Gao
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12
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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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Bi Z, Cao Y, Lin J, Zhang Q, Liu C, Gui M, Bu B. Long-Term Improvement in a Chinese Cohort of Glucocorticoid-Resistant Childhood-Onset Myasthenia Gravis Patients Treated With Tacrolimus. Front Neurol 2022; 13:820205. [PMID: 35211085 PMCID: PMC8860838 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.820205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the long-term outcome of tacrolimus for childhood-onset myasthenia gravis (CMG) with an inadequate response to glucocorticoids, and investigate factors associated with favorable outcomes following tacrolimus treatment. Methods A retrospective, observational cohort study was performed for CMG patients who had not improved satisfactorily after sufficient prednisone therapy for at least 8 weeks. All patients were given tacrolimus in doses of 2–3 mg for more than 6 months. The primary efficacy outcome was assessed using the prednisone dose, quantitative MG (QMG), and MG-activity of daily living (ADL) scores. The participants were divided into improved and unimproved groups based on changes in QMG scores to investigate the risk factors that affected tacrolimus efficacy. Results A total of 149 glucocorticoid resistant CMG patients were finally enrolled in our study, with 113 (75.8%) responding well to tacrolimus (defined as minimal manifestation status or better). One month after initiating tacrolimus, there was a noticeable improvement in prednisone dose, QMG, and ADL scores, which continued to improve throughout the study. More importantly, the prednisone was eventually stopped in 89 of the patients (78.8%). Thymus type [odds ratio (OR) = 3.156, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.427–6.978; P = 0.005] and pre-intervention status (OR = 0.284, 95%CI 0.109–0.741; P = 0.010) were independent predictors of tacrolimus efficacy after controlling for confounding factors in multiple logistic regression. Conclusion The majority of glucocorticoid-resistant CMG patients have a good long-term prognosis after adding tacrolimus. Thymus type and pre-intervention status can serve as potential predictors affecting the efficacy of tacrolimus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuajin Bi
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yayun Cao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengcui Gui
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhao S, Zhang K, Ren K, Lu J, Ma C, Zhao C, Li Z, Guo J. Clinical features, treatment and prognosis of MuSK antibody-associated myasthenia gravis in Northwest China: a single-centre retrospective cohort study. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:428. [PMID: 34732168 PMCID: PMC8567678 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with muscle-specific kinase antibody-associated myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG) and to evaluate the therapeutic responses to different treatment regimes. METHODS Eighteen MuSK-MG patients admitted in our department between October 2017 and September 2020 were included. Clinical parameters were collected and the responses to different immunosuppressive drugs were assessed by MGFA Postintervention Status (MGFA-PIS). Meanwhile, the correlation between QMG scores and MuSK antibody titers were analyzed and MuSK antibody (MuSK-ab) titers were compared before and after therapy based on different immunosuppressive treatment regimes. RESULTS Female predominance (ratio of females to males, 15:3) was evident in the study population, with the average onset age of (40.28 ± 18.57) years and the median disease course of 30.50 months (interquartile range [IQR], 17.50-44.75 months). Ocular manifestation was the most common onset symptom (11/18; 61.11%), and mild symmetrical ptosis was most frequent. Bulbar symptoms had the highest incidence of 88.89% over the entire disease course. Abnormal responses to RNS test were recorded most frequently on the musculus deltoideus (83.33%). All patients were treated with prednisone (Pred) alone or plus azathioprine (AZA), tacrolimus (TAC) or low-dose rituximab (RTX), and 17 (94.44%) of them achieved a favorable outcome defined as minimal manifestation (MM) or better. In general, an obvious positive correlation between QMG score and MuSK-ab titer (r = 0.710, P < 0.001) were found in all patients. A more significant reduction of MuSK-ab titers was observed in patients receiving TAC or RTX plus Pred than those receiving AZA plus Pred. CONCLUSIONS The prominent clinical manifestations of ocular and bulbar muscles involvements, together with abnormal RNS response mostly recorded on the musculus deltoideus and better efficacy associated with TAC or low-dose RTX plus Pred, provide a more exhaustive picture of MuSK-MG, particularly in Northwest China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, Xi'an, 710018, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kaixi Ren
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiarui Lu
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Air Force Medical Center of PLA, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Zhuyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
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15
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Peng Y, Jiang F, Zhou R, Jin W, Li Y, Duan W, Xu L, Yang H. Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Co-Administration of Wuzhi Capsule and Tacrolimus in Adult Chinese Patients with Myasthenia Gravis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:2281-2289. [PMID: 34285488 PMCID: PMC8286075 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s319500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tacrolimus has been recommended as an effective immunosuppressant for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), while the high price, variable bioavailability, and narrow therapeutic window restrict its clinical application. Wuzhi capsule (WZC) could improve tacrolimus blood concentration by inhibiting the metabolism of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). There are few studies focused on the coadministration of WZC and tacrolimus in autoimmune diseases. This study was aimed at quantifying the efficacy and safety of coadministration of WZC and tacrolimus in adult Chinese patients with MG. METHODS In this retrospective study, 122 patients with MG on tacrolimus were enrolled. The initial tacrolimus dose was 2 mg/d. Patients with standard initial tacrolimus concentration were classified into group A (standard-dose group). Those failed to reach target concentration were divided into group B (high-dose group) and group C (co-administering WZC group), according to treatment adjustment of increasing tacrolimus dose and co-administration of WZC, respectively. A logistic analysis was used to identify factors associated with clinical outcome. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were recorded for safety analysis. RESULTS The tacrolimus concentration after coadministration of WZC was remarkably increased. It was higher compared with simply increasing the tacrolimus dose (p<0.001). The multivariate logistic analysis indicated that the baseline quantitative MG score was a predictive factor for clinical outcomes (OR=0.189; 95% CI 0.082-0.436; p<0.001). Fourteen patients (11.5%) reported ADRs after tacrolimus therapy. ADRs incidence was not related to WZC coadministration. CONCLUSION The coadministration of WZC and tacrolimus can substantially elevate the tacrolimus concentration. It is a safe and economic treatment for adult Chinese patients with MG. Patients with a worse disease condition tend to present a better clinical outcome after tacrolimus therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyao Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanlin Jin
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Duan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
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