Neurológia pre prax 2/2010

Pharmacotherapy of myastenia gravis

Therapy of myasthenia gravis is based on two parts: symptomatic and disease modifying procedures. Among cholinestrase inhibitors (symptomatic therapy) pyridostigmine is widely used. This medication is administered in patients with the ocular or very mild form of myasthenia. In other patients immunosuppressive medication should be introduced. The key role plays prednisone and/or other steroid sparing drugs as azathioprine, cyclosporine, or mycophenolate mophetil. Plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin is indicated in patients with myasthenic crisis or other severe resistant symptoms.

Keywords: myasthenia, therapy, immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis.