title: [Respiratory insufficiency in patients with myasthenia gravis].
abstract: We evaluated 20 patients who required prolonged mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure associated with myasthenia gravis. All 20 patients survived and were weaned from the ventilator after 3 to 14 days (mean 6.5 days) of respiratory support. Progressing bulbar symptoms and respiratory infection were the most frequent causes of the myasthenic crisis. During a period of assisted mechanical ventilation, anticholinesterase medication was interrupted and the patients were treated with steroids and antibiotics. Plasmapheresis may be considered in the management of myasthenic crisis.
authors.affiliation: Kliniki Neurologicznej.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kwieciński
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Witkowski
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010277:Parasympathomimetics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D010277:Parasympathomimetics
vernacular_title: Niewydolność oddechowa u chorych na miastenie.