title: The treatment of severe forms of myasthenia gravis.
abstract: In this study we introduced and tested the clinical efficacy of a combined treatment based on the association of plasma exchange (PE) with high daily doses of prednisone in 18 patients with severe forms of myasthenia gravis (MG). A myasthenic score based on strength and resistance was evaluated in each patient in basal condition and during the treatment. The study design included 5 sessions of PE, performed within a period of 15 days, 1 session every 3 days, associated with administration of oral prednisone (1 mg/kg of body weight), which began at the same time as the first session and was continued following a daily schedule for at least three months. A significant improvement was obtained from the start of the therapy, with a reduction of the myasthenic score from 26.56 to 11.44 by day 10 and with further reduction after PE interruption. An early improvement, recorded within 24-48 hours of the beginning of the study design, was observed in 11/18. The administration of steroid therapy was never followed by a worsening of myasthenic symptoms (as reported when it is administered in the absence of concomitant PE). No recurrence of symptoms was reported after 29 months' follow-up. This type of therapeutic association was generally well tolerated and no unwanted side effects were observed. According to our results we can conclude that medium-high doses of oral prednisone in simultaneous association with PE lead to a successful control of severe forms of MG and may be considered a valid therapeutic strategy.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Neurology, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Iani
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Caramia
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morosetti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Loberti
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Palmieri
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Meloni
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Gallucci
authors.forename: C U
authors.initials: CU
authors.lastname: Casciani
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bernardi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000145:classification* / Q000628:therapy*; D010699:Phonation; D010951:Plasma Exchange / Q000379:methods*; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011241:Prednisone