Management of myasthenia gravis.
Although once a severe and often fatal illness, myasthenia gravis can now be well managed with several relatively safe and effective therapies. Management involves a graded approach, beginning with cholinesterase inhibitors for mild symptoms and advancing to immunomodulating medications for more severe weakness. There are several immunomodulating agents from which to choose; selection is based largely on time to clinical effect and adverse effects. This review will discuss the selection and use of therapies for patients with myasthenia gravis.
Saperstein
David S
DS
Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA.
Barohn
Richard J
RJ
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000628:therapy*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D013934:Thymectomy
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents