Seronegative myasthenia gravis and human immunodeficiency virus infection: response to intravenous gamma globulin and prednisone.
BACKGROUND
There are only rare reports of myasthenia gravis complicating human immunodeficiency virus infection. The role of immunomodulatory therapy is unknown.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


RESULTS
The diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection followed that of myasthenia gravis in a 35-year-old man. Clinical and electrophysiological features were diagnostic of generalized myasthenia gravis but two edrophonium chloride tests and acetylcholine receptor antibodies were negative. Prednisone therapy and intravenous gamma globulin were associated with rapid clinical recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
Prednisone therapy and intravenous gamma globulin may be helpful in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis complicating HIV infection.
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
J
J
Strong
D W
DW
Zochodne
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004491:Edrophonium; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004594:Electrophysiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D010277:Parasympathomimetics; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010277:Parasympathomimetics; D005719:gamma-Globulins; D004491:Edrophonium; D011241:Prednisone