Management of myasthenia gravis.
Myasthenia gravis (MS) is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by fluctuating weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles. The muscular disorder is generalized in 85% and confined to extraocular muscles in 15% of patients. Pathophysiology of MG involves generation of antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies, which leads to a reduction of the number of acetylcholine receptors at the muscular motor endplate. This in turn results in fewer acetylcholine receptors available for stimulation, lower amplitude stimulations, less muscle fiber activation, and the eventual development of weakness in the affected muscles. The diagnostic workup for MS consists of administration of anticholinesterase agents (Tensilon test), repetitive nerve stimulation, Ach-R antibody assay, and single-fiber electromyography. Management of patients with MG includes cholinesterase inhibitors, corticosteroids, thymectomy, immunosuppressants, plasma exchange, and IVIg.
Schwendimann
Robert N
RN
Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA.
Burton
Eric
E
Minagar
Alireza
A
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D013934:Thymectomy
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents