Myasthenia gravis: prolonged treatment with steroids.
We have evaluated chronic corticosteroid treatment in 60 myasthenic patients; 92% were followed for more than 3 years and 82% longer than 4 years. Improvement was noted in 72% of the patients. The best results were seen in those whose symptoms started after the age of 40 years. There was a correlation between the starting dose of prednisone and the rate of improvement. Complete withdrawal of steroids was possible only for 3 patients.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003422:Critical Care; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011241:Prednisone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013934:Thymectomy; D013997:Time Factors
D003907:Dexamethasone; D011241:Prednisone