Klin Farmakol Farm. 2018;32(2):8-12 | DOI: 10.36290/far.2018.009

The role of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis

Jiří Piťha

Centrum myasthenia gravis při neurologické klinice 1. LF UK a VFN, Praha

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease with antibody production against certain proteins on the postsynaptic membraneof the neuromuscular disorder, particularly the acetylcholine receptor. As a result, there is a manifestation of muscle weaknessand fatigue. The treatment consists in the administration of symptomatic drugs, but influencing the immunopathogenesis ofthe disease, however, lies in the long-term administration of immunosuppressive agents or immunomodulators. This treatmentmay be nonspecific with the reduction of autoreactive B or T lymphocytes or specific by monoclonal antibodies that target cellsurface features. Treatment is chronic, with the aim of inducing clinical remission. Impaired urgent states (myasthenic crisis) arebeing treated acutely. Some drugs may adversely affect neuromuscular transmission and thereby manifest latent illness or worsenthe course of the disease.

Keywords: myasthenia gravis, treatment, cholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressants, biological therapy

Published: August 13, 2018  Show citation