Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with refractory seropositive myasthenia gravis: A case report

Abstract

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular autoimmune disease characterized by fatigable weakness of skeletal muscles that results from an antibody-mediated immunological attack directed at acetylcholine postsynaptic receptors. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is considered as a treatment option in refractory cases of myasthenia gravis. A 56-year-old Colombian male presented with six months of progressive hoarseness and dysphagia, with a positive repetitive stimulation test suggestive of end plate neuromuscular disease. Myasthenia gravis was confirmed with serology testing that reported presence of circulating acetylcholine postsynaptic receptors antibodies. The patient received several lines of pharmacological treatment and thymectomy without control of symptoms, requiring admission to the intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation in two occasions. Patient underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and has been in complete clinical remission for 65 months. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a well-tolerated treatment that should be considered over conventional therapy in selected patients with refractory myasthenia gravis.

Keywords: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Miastenia gravis; Refractory; Treatment.