Treatment of myasthenia gravis with methylprednisolone pulse: a double blind study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of one single intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) pulse therapy in myasthenia gravis.


METHODS
We performed a double blind placebo controlled study (2+2 g IVMP vs placebo) in patients with moderate MG.


RESULTS
A mean increase in muscle function of 27 points was found in the treatment group after one IVMP pulse as compared with a 0.7 point increase in the placebo group (P<0.01). In the IVMP group 8 of 10 patients showed a positive treatment response. The mean duration of improvement after IVMP was 8 weeks (range 4-14 weeks). No severe side effects were found. Acetylcholine receptor antibody concentrations were unchanged in spite of the positive treatment response.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that a single IVMP treatment is efficacious and safe in the treatment of moderate MG.
Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
C
C
Lindberg
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O
Andersen
A K
AK
Lefvert
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010277:Parasympathomimetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D010277:Parasympathomimetics; D008775:Methylprednisolone