IV immunoglobulin in patients with myasthenia gravis: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to determine the effectiveness of IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and worsening weakness in a randomized, placebo-controlled, masked study.


METHODS
Fifty-one patients with worsening weakness due to MG were randomized to infusion with 2 g/kg of IVIG or an equivalent volume of IV dextrose 5% in water. The Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) Score for Disease Severity, a validated clinical composite scale, was calculated by a masked observer at baseline and days 14 and 28.


RESULTS
In IVIG-treated patients, a clinically meaningful improvement in QMG Score for Disease Severity was observed at day 14 and persisted at day 28. The greatest improvement occurred in patients with more severe disease as defined by a QMG Score for Disease Severity greater than 10.5.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides level 1 evidence for the effectiveness of IV immunoglobulin in patients with worsening weakness due to myasthenia gravis.
Zinman
Lorne
L
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Ng
Eduardo
E
Bril
Vera
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous