title: Plasma exchange therapy for severe penicillamine-induced myasthenia gravis.
abstract: Two rheumatoid patients with typical D-penicillamine-induced myasthenia gravis, both resistant to anticholinesterase therapy, were treated with intensive plasma exchange. With this therapy, both patients quickly regained normal muscle power. Plasma exchange therapy may benefit penicillamine-induced myasthenic patients who develop life-threatening weakness despite withdrawal of D-penicillamine and the use of anticholinesterase medication.
mesh_terms: D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000378:metabolism; D000906:Antibodies; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic; D010396:Penicillamine; D000109:Acetylcholine