Experience with intravenous immunoglobulin in myasthenia gravis

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular transmission associated with a deficiency of acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction. Current therapeutic strategies are aimed at increasing the amount of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction or at addressing the abnormal immune response. Therapies influencing the immune response include thymectomy, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal immunosuppression, and plasmapheresis. Unfortunately, whether used alone or in combination the toxicities of these agents can be quite significant; thus, an agent with a distinct and more favorable side effect profile might be useful in MG. Intravenous immunoglobulin has such potential.