werner@aecom.UUCP (Craig Werner) (10/29/86)
Asura EL, et al. Arch Int Med 146:1365 (1986)
Intravenous immunoglobulin, 400 mg/kg was administered daily for
five days to 12 patients with exacerbation of generalized myasthenia gravis.
Degree of weakness, duration of illness, use of prednisone, and history
of thymectomy did not affect the response to IV Immunoglobulin (Ig).
Eleven of the twelve patients improved, beginning 3.6 +- 2.7 (S.D.) days
after the start of treatment and becoming maximal in 8.6 +- 4.6 days,
with sustained improvement lasting 52 +- 37 days. Vital capacity
increased from 1.7 +- 0.5 to 2.7 +- 0.6 liters at peak effect. Decreases
in strength occurred in four patients beginning on day 3.2 +- 2.5, lasted
1.5 +- 0.6 days, and were mild in three patients. Other effects were
minimal. There was no significant change in acetylcholine receptor
antibody titers, which were elevated in all patients.
Immunoglobulin seemed to produce a more rapid improvement than
corticosteroids and is recommended as an adjunct in the management of
myasthenia gravis exacerbations.
--
Craig Werner (MD/PhD '91)
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(1935-14E Eastchester Rd., Bronx NY 10461, 212-931-2517)
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