Azathioprine in the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
Twenty-four patients with myasthenia gravis were treated with azathioprine. Eighteen of the patients tolerated the drug. Six discontinued azathioprine therapy because of toxicity. Of the 18 patients, 15 (83%) improved while receiving azathioprine; in 8 (44%) improvement was felt to result solely from azathioprine. Initial response was seen after 4 to 10 months of treatment, with a mean of 6.4 months. Patients continued to improve for up to 24 months, with the mean time of peak improvement being 14 months. Relapse occurred within one year in all 6 patients in whom azathioprine administration was discontinued. Azathioprine is a reasonable alternative to corticosteroids in selected myasthenic patients requiring immunosuppression.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence
D001379:Azathioprine; D011241:Prednisone